UPSC Current Affairs 8 July 2026 | Daily News Analysis

GS 2: International Relations GS 3: Internal Security GS 3: Economy GS 1: Art & CulturePrelimsGS1: Architecture GS1: Distribution of Key Natural Resources GS2: India and its Neighbourhood Relations GS2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements

Missiles, minerals and port: Delhi, Jakarta seal key deals, Pg1

Delhi and Jakarta ink landmark BrahMos missile, critical minerals, and strategic Sabang Port deals, boosting Indo-Pacific ties.

GS 2: International Relations GS 3: Internal Security GS 3: Economy GS 1: Art & CulturePrelimsGS1: Architecture GS1: Distribution of Key Natural Resources GS2: India and its Neighbourhood Relations GS2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements

Missiles, minerals and port: Delhi, Jakarta seal key deals, Pg1

Delhi and Jakarta ink landmark BrahMos missile, critical minerals, and strategic Sabang Port deals, boosting Indo-Pacific ties.

GS 3: Environment & Ecology GS 2: GovernancePrelimsGS2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors GS2: E Governance GS3: Conservation, Pollution and Degradation

Ridge set to be revived in 4 yrs, says Shah; launches campaign to plant 70 lakh trees, Pg4

Union Home Minister Amit Shah launches 'Mission 70 Lakh Plantation' and Delhi Ridge revival, targeting 6,300 hectares of green cover in four years.

GS 3: Environment & Ecology GS 2: GovernancePrelimsGS2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors GS2: E Governance GS3: Conservation, Pollution and Degradation

Ridge set to be revived in 4 yrs, says Shah; launches campaign to plant 70 lakh trees, Pg4

Union Home Minister Amit Shah launches 'Mission 70 Lakh Plantation' and Delhi Ridge revival, targeting 6,300 hectares of green cover in four years.

GS 2: Polity GS 2: GovernancePrelimsGS2: Statutory, Regulatory and Quasi Judicial Bodies GS2: Important Aspects of Governance, Transparency and Accountability

Audit performance of disciplinary mechanism for lawyers: SC to BCI, Pg5

Supreme Court orders Bar Council of India to audit lawyer disciplinary mechanisms, establish National Legal Academy for enhanced professional competence and public confidence.

GS 2: Polity GS 2: GovernancePrelimsGS2: Statutory, Regulatory and Quasi Judicial Bodies GS2: Important Aspects of Governance, Transparency and Accountability

Audit performance of disciplinary mechanism for lawyers: SC to BCI, Pg5

Supreme Court orders Bar Council of India to audit lawyer disciplinary mechanisms, establish National Legal Academy for enhanced professional competence and public confidence.

GS 3: Disaster Management GS 2: Governance GS 3: Environment & EcologyPrelimsGS2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors GS3: Environmental Impact Assessment GS3: Disaster and Disaster Management

Landslide hits Wayanad tunnel project days after Collector's warning on soil pile, 3 killed, Pg9

Wayanad tunnel project landslide kills three, seven missing, days after District Collector's ignored warning on hazardous soil accumulation.

GS 3: Disaster Management GS 2: Governance GS 3: Environment & EcologyPrelimsGS2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors GS3: Environmental Impact Assessment GS3: Disaster and Disaster Management

Landslide hits Wayanad tunnel project days after Collector's warning on soil pile, 3 killed, Pg9

Wayanad tunnel project landslide kills three, seven missing, days after District Collector's ignored warning on hazardous soil accumulation.

GS 2: Social Justice GS 2: Governance GS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS1: Women and Women's Organizations GS2: Vulnerable Sections GS3: Government Budgeting

The safety net and the trade-off, Pg12

States' burgeoning cash transfer schemes for women, totaling Rs 1.68 lakh crore, raise fiscal sustainability concerns amid rising debt and investment crowding out.

GS 2: Social Justice GS 2: Governance GS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS1: Women and Women's Organizations GS2: Vulnerable Sections GS3: Government Budgeting

The safety net and the trade-off, Pg12

States' burgeoning cash transfer schemes for women, totaling Rs 1.68 lakh crore, raise fiscal sustainability concerns amid rising debt and investment crowding out.

GS 2: Polity GS 2: Governance GS 1: Indian SocietyPrelimsGS1: Urbanization, Problems and Remedies GS2: Structure and Functioning of Executive and Judiciary GS2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors

Our right to walk is broken — just like our footpaths, Pg12

Supreme Court upholds safe footpaths as fundamental right amidst 36,000 annual pedestrian deaths, exposing critical urban governance failures and infrastructure neglect.

GS 2: Polity GS 2: Governance GS 1: Indian SocietyPrelimsGS1: Urbanization, Problems and Remedies GS2: Structure and Functioning of Executive and Judiciary GS2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors

Our right to walk is broken — just like our footpaths, Pg12

Supreme Court upholds safe footpaths as fundamental right amidst 36,000 annual pedestrian deaths, exposing critical urban governance failures and infrastructure neglect.

GS 2: International Relations GS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements GS2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests

For the Indo-Pacific, a ‘G Minus 2’ strategy, Pg12

India champions 'G Minus Two' strategy in Indo-Pacific, fostering regional cooperation with Japan, Australia, and others to navigate US-China dynamics.

GS 2: International Relations GS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements GS2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests

For the Indo-Pacific, a ‘G Minus 2’ strategy, Pg12

India champions 'G Minus Two' strategy in Indo-Pacific, fostering regional cooperation with Japan, Australia, and others to navigate US-China dynamics.

GS 3: Economy GS 3: Science & Technology GS 2: GovernancePrelimsGS2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors GS3: Major Crops, Cropping Patterns and Irrigation Systems GS3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.

On ethanol, make haste slowly, Pg12

Centre halts rapid ethanol blending beyond 20% in petrol, addressing motorist concerns over mileage and engine damage, urging a calibrated biofuel roadmap.

GS 3: Economy GS 3: Science & Technology GS 2: GovernancePrelimsGS2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors GS3: Major Crops, Cropping Patterns and Irrigation Systems GS3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.

On ethanol, make haste slowly, Pg12

Centre halts rapid ethanol blending beyond 20% in petrol, addressing motorist concerns over mileage and engine damage, urging a calibrated biofuel roadmap.

GS 1: Indian Society GS 2: Social Justice GS 2: Governance GS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS3: Inclusive Growth GS1: Women and Women's Organizations GS2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors GS2: Vulnerable Sections

To ensure a quality creche is the employer's job, Pg13

Capgemini creche abuse exposes India's childcare crisis; urgent call for robust regulation, professionalization, and treating childcare as essential public infrastructure for women's empowerment.

GS 1: Indian Society GS 2: Social Justice GS 2: Governance GS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS3: Inclusive Growth GS1: Women and Women's Organizations GS2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors GS2: Vulnerable Sections

To ensure a quality creche is the employer's job, Pg13

Capgemini creche abuse exposes India's childcare crisis; urgent call for robust regulation, professionalization, and treating childcare as essential public infrastructure for women's empowerment.

GS 2: International Relations GS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements GS2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests

NATO flaunts arms deals as Trump targets Europe allies, Pg14

NATO unveils multi-billion dollar arms deals as Trump renews pressure on European allies for defense spending, eyeing Greenland.

GS 2: International Relations GS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements GS2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests

NATO flaunts arms deals as Trump targets Europe allies, Pg14

NATO unveils multi-billion dollar arms deals as Trump renews pressure on European allies for defense spending, eyeing Greenland.

GS 3: Science & Technology GS 3: Environment & Ecology GS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements GS3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.GS3: Indigenization of Technology and New Technology Development

BHEL partners with German firm for green hydrogen project, Pg15

BHEL partners with German firm thyssenkrupp nucera for indigenous alkaline electrolyser manufacturing, boosting India's green hydrogen mission.

GS 3: Science & Technology GS 3: Environment & Ecology GS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements GS3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.GS3: Indigenization of Technology and New Technology Development

BHEL partners with German firm for green hydrogen project, Pg15

BHEL partners with German firm thyssenkrupp nucera for indigenous alkaline electrolyser manufacturing, boosting India's green hydrogen mission.

GS 2: International Relations GS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements GS2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests

India flags flaws in US' Section 301 tariff probe, Pg15

India flags serious flaws in US's Section 301 forced-labor tariff probe, challenging proposed 12.8% duties and seeking bilateral dialogue.

GS 2: International Relations GS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements GS2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests

India flags flaws in US' Section 301 tariff probe, Pg15

India flags serious flaws in US's Section 301 forced-labor tariff probe, challenging proposed 12.8% duties and seeking bilateral dialogue.

GS 3: Economy GS 2: GovernancePrelimsGS2: Important Aspects of Governance, Transparency and Accountability GS3: Indian Economy, Planning, Mobilization of Resources, Growth, Development and Employment

Release services production index within 60 days: Panel, Pg15

Expert panel urges monthly compilation and 60-day release of Index of Services Production, improving economic data timeliness.

GS 3: Economy GS 2: GovernancePrelimsGS2: Important Aspects of Governance, Transparency and Accountability GS3: Indian Economy, Planning, Mobilization of Resources, Growth, Development and Employment

Release services production index within 60 days: Panel, Pg15

Expert panel urges monthly compilation and 60-day release of Index of Services Production, improving economic data timeliness.

GS 2: Governance GS 2: Social Justice GS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors GS2: Development Processes and Role of NGOs, SHGs and Other Stakeholders GS2: Education Sector

Expression Of Interest (EOI) Under PM-SETU, Pg19

Jharkhand invites industry partners for PM-SETU scheme, upgrading ITIs with modern infrastructure and industry-aligned courses to boost youth employability.

GS 2: Governance GS 2: Social Justice GS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors GS2: Development Processes and Role of NGOs, SHGs and Other Stakeholders GS2: Education Sector

Expression Of Interest (EOI) Under PM-SETU, Pg19

Jharkhand invites industry partners for PM-SETU scheme, upgrading ITIs with modern infrastructure and industry-aligned courses to boost youth employability.

GS 2: International Relations GS 1: World Geography GS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests GS3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.

LNG tanker struck in Strait of Hormuz, says Britain, Pg1

UAV strikes Qatari LNG tanker Al Rekayyat in Strait of Hormuz, igniting fears of escalating Persian Gulf conflict and global energy supply disruptions.

GS 2: International Relations GS 1: World Geography GS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests GS3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.

LNG tanker struck in Strait of Hormuz, says Britain, Pg1

UAV strikes Qatari LNG tanker Al Rekayyat in Strait of Hormuz, igniting fears of escalating Persian Gulf conflict and global energy supply disruptions.

GS 2: International RelationsPrelimsGS2: India and its Neighbourhood Relations GS2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements GS3: Security Challenges and Management in Border Areas

Modi bats for 2-state solution to iron out Israel-Palestine issue, Pg1

PM Modi champions two-state solution for Israel-Palestine, secures BrahMos missile deal and 13 other pacts with Indonesia.

GS 2: International RelationsPrelimsGS2: India and its Neighbourhood Relations GS2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements GS3: Security Challenges and Management in Border Areas

Modi bats for 2-state solution to iron out Israel-Palestine issue, Pg1

PM Modi champions two-state solution for Israel-Palestine, secures BrahMos missile deal and 13 other pacts with Indonesia.

GS 2: International Relations GS 3: Economy GS 3: Science & TechnologyPrelimsGS2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements GS2: Indian Diaspora GS3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.

Beyond three Cs, the new lexicon of India-Australia ties, Pg8

India-Australia elevate strategic ties to 'T-20 mode', targeting $100 billion trade by 2030, boosting defence, energy, and tech cooperation for Indo-Pacific stability.

GS 2: International Relations GS 3: Economy GS 3: Science & TechnologyPrelimsGS2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements GS2: Indian Diaspora GS3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.

Beyond three Cs, the new lexicon of India-Australia ties, Pg8

India-Australia elevate strategic ties to 'T-20 mode', targeting $100 billion trade by 2030, boosting defence, energy, and tech cooperation for Indo-Pacific stability.

GS 2: Governance GS 3: Economy GS 2: Social JusticePrelimsGS3: Inclusive Growth GS2: Union State Relations and Federal Structure GS2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors

Grand ambitions, Pg8

Ministry of Cooperation completes five years, boldly expanding cooperative model beyond agriculture, offering a vital alternative to hypercompetitive business for social equity.

GS 2: Governance GS 3: Economy GS 2: Social JusticePrelimsGS3: Inclusive Growth GS2: Union State Relations and Federal Structure GS2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors

Grand ambitions, Pg8

Ministry of Cooperation completes five years, boldly expanding cooperative model beyond agriculture, offering a vital alternative to hypercompetitive business for social equity.

GS 3: Economy GS 2: International Relations GS 3: Environment & EcologyPrelimsGS2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests GS3: Indian Economy, Planning, Mobilization of Resources, Growth, Development and Employment GS3: Government Budgeting GS3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.

India’s economic prospects after the West Asian crisis, Pg8

India's 2026-27 GDP growth projected at 6.6%, navigating West Asia truce, El Niño, and 90% crude import dependence.

GS 3: Economy GS 2: International Relations GS 3: Environment & EcologyPrelimsGS2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests GS3: Indian Economy, Planning, Mobilization of Resources, Growth, Development and Employment GS3: Government Budgeting GS3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.

India’s economic prospects after the West Asian crisis, Pg8

India's 2026-27 GDP growth projected at 6.6%, navigating West Asia truce, El Niño, and 90% crude import dependence.

GS 3: Economy GS 2: Social Justice GS 1: Indian Society GS 2: GovernancePrelimsGS1: Women and Women's Organizations GS1: Poverty and Developmental Issues GS2: Health Sector

Linking women’s incomes and healthcare, Pg9

New research reveals women's increased income drives proactive health investments, reducing reactive healthcare spending and linking economic empowerment to public health outcomes.

GS 3: Economy GS 2: Social Justice GS 1: Indian Society GS 2: GovernancePrelimsGS1: Women and Women's Organizations GS1: Poverty and Developmental Issues GS2: Health Sector

Linking women’s incomes and healthcare, Pg9

New research reveals women's increased income drives proactive health investments, reducing reactive healthcare spending and linking economic empowerment to public health outcomes.

GS 3: Economy GS 3: Environment & Ecology GS 2: Governance GS 3: Science & TechnologyPrelimsGS2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors GS3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.GS3: Indigenization of Technology and New Technology Development GS3: Conservation, Pollution and Degradation

India’s EV transition cannot afford to ignore retrofitment, Pg9

India's EV transition must embrace retrofitting 30 crore ICE vehicles, offering a cost-effective path to energy security, decarbonization, and decentralized employment.

GS 3: Economy GS 3: Environment & Ecology GS 2: Governance GS 3: Science & TechnologyPrelimsGS2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors GS3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.GS3: Indigenization of Technology and New Technology Development GS3: Conservation, Pollution and Degradation

India’s EV transition cannot afford to ignore retrofitment, Pg9

India's EV transition must embrace retrofitting 30 crore ICE vehicles, offering a cost-effective path to energy security, decarbonization, and decentralized employment.

GS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS3: Effects of Liberalization on the Economy GS3: Investment Models

Rise in Foreign Direct Investment inflows to India in 2025, Pg10

UN report reveals India's FDI inflows soared 44% to $39 billion in 2025, solidifying its global investment destination status.

GS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS3: Effects of Liberalization on the Economy GS3: Investment Models

Rise in Foreign Direct Investment inflows to India in 2025, Pg10

UN report reveals India's FDI inflows soared 44% to $39 billion in 2025, solidifying its global investment destination status.

GS 2: Polity GS 1: Indian GeographyPrelimsGS2: Union State Relations and Federal Structure GS3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.

Four States reach a pact on Narmada project payments, Pg12

Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, and MP sign historic Narmada project payment pact, resolving long-standing Sardar Sarovar cost-sharing dispute.

GS 2: Polity GS 1: Indian GeographyPrelimsGS2: Union State Relations and Federal Structure GS3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.

Four States reach a pact on Narmada project payments, Pg12

Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, and MP sign historic Narmada project payment pact, resolving long-standing Sardar Sarovar cost-sharing dispute.

GS 2: International Relations GS 2: GovernancePrelimsGS2: Education Sector GS2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements

PM announces IIM-B campus in Indonesia, Pg12

PM Modi announces IIM-B's first international campus in Indonesia's Singhasari SEZ, boosting educational ties and ASEAN student opportunities.

GS 2: International Relations GS 2: GovernancePrelimsGS2: Education Sector GS2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements

PM announces IIM-B campus in Indonesia, Pg12

PM Modi announces IIM-B's first international campus in Indonesia's Singhasari SEZ, boosting educational ties and ASEAN student opportunities.

GS 2: Polity GS 2: Governance GS 3: Internal Security GS 3: Science & TechnologyPrelimsGS2: Indian Constitutional Evolution, Features, Amendments, Basic Structure Doctrine GS2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors GS3: Basics of Cyber Security

WhatsApp username debate brings informational privacy to the fore, Pg12

WhatsApp's optional username feature ignites privacy vs. cybercrime debate; MeitY raises concerns, citing Supreme Court's Article 21 rulings on informational privacy.

GS 2: Polity GS 2: Governance GS 3: Internal Security GS 3: Science & TechnologyPrelimsGS2: Indian Constitutional Evolution, Features, Amendments, Basic Structure Doctrine GS2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors GS3: Basics of Cyber Security

News Analysis

Missiles, minerals and port: Delhi, Jakarta seal key deals, Pg1

Missiles, minerals and port: Delhi, Jakarta seal key deals, Pg1

Ridge set to be revived in 4 yrs, says Shah; launches campaign to plant 70 lakh trees, Pg4

Ridge set to be revived in 4 yrs, says Shah; launches campaign to plant 70 lakh trees, Pg4

Audit performance of disciplinary mechanism for lawyers: SC to BCI, Pg5

Audit performance of disciplinary mechanism for lawyers: SC to BCI, Pg5

Landslide hits Wayanad tunnel project days after Collector's warning on soil pile, 3 killed, Pg9

Landslide hits Wayanad tunnel project days after Collector's warning on soil pile, 3 killed, Pg9

The safety net and the trade-off, Pg12

The safety net and the trade-off, Pg12

Our right to walk is broken — just like our footpaths, Pg12

Our right to walk is broken — just like our footpaths, Pg12

For the Indo-Pacific, a ‘G Minus 2’ strategy, Pg12

For the Indo-Pacific, a ‘G Minus 2’ strategy, Pg12

On ethanol, make haste slowly, Pg12

On ethanol, make haste slowly, Pg12

To ensure a quality creche is the employer's job, Pg13

To ensure a quality creche is the employer's job, Pg13

NATO flaunts arms deals as Trump targets Europe allies, Pg14

NATO flaunts arms deals as Trump targets Europe allies, Pg14

BHEL partners with German firm for green hydrogen project, Pg15

BHEL partners with German firm for green hydrogen project, Pg15

India flags flaws in US' Section 301 tariff probe, Pg15

India flags flaws in US' Section 301 tariff probe, Pg15

Release services production index within 60 days: Panel, Pg15

Release services production index within 60 days: Panel, Pg15

Expression Of Interest (EOI) Under PM-SETU, Pg19

Expression Of Interest (EOI) Under PM-SETU, Pg19

LNG tanker struck in Strait of Hormuz, says Britain, Pg1

LNG tanker struck in Strait of Hormuz, says Britain, Pg1

Modi bats for 2-state solution to iron out Israel-Palestine issue, Pg1

Modi bats for 2-state solution to iron out Israel-Palestine issue, Pg1

Beyond three Cs, the new lexicon of India-Australia ties, Pg8

Beyond three Cs, the new lexicon of India-Australia ties, Pg8

Grand ambitions, Pg8

Grand ambitions, Pg8

India’s economic prospects after the West Asian crisis, Pg8

India’s economic prospects after the West Asian crisis, Pg8

Linking women’s incomes and healthcare, Pg9

Linking women’s incomes and healthcare, Pg9

India’s EV transition cannot afford to ignore retrofitment, Pg9

India’s EV transition cannot afford to ignore retrofitment, Pg9

Rise in Foreign Direct Investment inflows to India in 2025, Pg10

Rise in Foreign Direct Investment inflows to India in 2025, Pg10

Four States reach a pact on Narmada project payments, Pg12

Four States reach a pact on Narmada project payments, Pg12

PM announces IIM-B campus in Indonesia, Pg12

PM announces IIM-B campus in Indonesia, Pg12

WhatsApp username debate brings informational privacy to the fore, Pg12

WhatsApp username debate brings informational privacy to the fore, Pg12

School dropout rate falls across key stages: report, Pg14

School dropout rate falls across key stages: report, Pg14

BRICS nations call for timely exchange of information on drugs, Pg14

BRICS nations call for timely exchange of information on drugs, Pg14

Contact lost with Drishti, world’s first OptoSAR satellite, Pg14

Contact lost with Drishti, world’s first OptoSAR satellite, Pg14

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