Daily filter — 25 April 2026
8 exam-worthy stories from the day's PIB releases · interactive view
🗳️ Law & Judiciary · LAW track
ECI Scrutiny of Post-Poll Documents in TN and WB
The Election Commission of India completed scrutiny of election documents in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal following recent polls.
- ECI scrutinizes Form 17A and other documents to enhance transparency.
- Scrutiny in West Bengal covered 152 ACs with 1,478 candidates.
- Scrutiny in Tamil Nadu covered 234 ACs with 4,023 candidates.
- No re-polls were recommended from 44,376 (WB) and 75,064 (TN) polling stations.
- The entire scrutiny process was videographed on April 24, 2026.
- EVM-VVPATs are in secure, sealed Strong Rooms since April 23, 2026.
- ROs must visit strong rooms twice daily, DEOs once daily or every 3-4 days.
💡 Post-poll scrutiny of Form 17A in TN and WB ensured no re-polls from over 100,000 polling stations, securing EVMs in strong rooms.
Source: Election Commission · PIB PRID 2255471
📊 Polity & Governance · UPSC track
Census 2027: India's First Digital and Caste Enumeration
India is gearing up for **Census 2027**, marking its first fully digital enumeration and including a comprehensive caste enumeration.
- Census 2027 will be India's 16th census overall and 8th since Independence.
- It will be India’s first digital enumeration using mobile-based data collection.
- The Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs decided to include caste enumeration on 30th April 2025.
- A financial outlay of ₹11,718.24 crore has been approved.
- The Census will be conducted in two phases: Houselisting (April-September 2026) and Population Enumeration (February 2027).
- The Reference Date for most areas is March 1, 2027 (00:00 hours).
💡 Remember: 2027 is the first digital census with caste enumeration for India, costing over ₹11,000 crore.
Source: PIB Backgrounder · PIB PRID 2255461
💰 Economy · UPSC track
Startup India FoF 2.0 Operational Guidelines Released
The **DPIIT** has issued operational guidelines for **Startup India Fund of Funds 2.0 (FoF 2.0)** to streamline capital deployment in the startup ecosystem.
- FoF 2.0 has a corpus of ₹10,000 crore to be deployed via SEBI-registered AIFs.
- SIDBI is the initial Implementation Agency; DPIIT will onboard an additional agency.
- Guidelines segment AIFs for deep tech, micro VC, manufacturing, and other sectors.
- A two-stage selection process for AIFs involves an initial screening and a Venture Capital Investment Committee.
- FoF 2.0 acts as a catalyst, mandating private capital mobilisation and co-investments.
💡 For the exam: Remember DPIIT's ₹10,000 Cr FoF 2.0 uses SIDBI and AIFs to boost startup funding.
Source: Ministry of Commerce & Industry · PIB PRID 2255545
📱 Schemes & Welfare · UPSC track
Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan 2.0 App Launched for Enhanced Monitoring
The **Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA) 2.0 App** was launched to strengthen monitoring and coordination of drug demand reduction efforts.
- The NMBA 2.0 App was launched on 24th April 2026 in Chandigarh.
- It is a centralized digital tool for real-time reporting and monitoring.
- New features include citizen access, Grant-in-Aid institution onboarding and Anudan status.
- The app offers a 'Nearest De-addiction Centre' feature and feedback mechanism.
- Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan began on 15th August 2020 in 272 districts.
💡 Remember NMBA 2.0 App's 2026 launch enhances drug demand reduction with citizen access and real-time monitoring.
Source: Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment · PIB PRID 2255464
🤝 Schemes & Welfare · UPSC track
Model Guidelines for Beggars'/Shelter Homes Released
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment unveiled new guidelines for the care and rehabilitation of individuals in shelter homes.
- Model Guidelines unveiled at a Chintan Shivir in Chandigarh.
- Held from 24th to 26th April, 2026, with States/UTs.
- Covers Preventive Healthcare, Vocational Training, and Legal Aid.
- Emphasizes convergence with Central and State Government schemes.
💡 Remember: 2026 Guidelines by Social Justice for Beggars' Homes cover Healthcare to Training.
Source: Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment · PIB PRID 2255462
🏙️ Polity & Governance · UPSC track
NITI Aayog Report: Framework for Million-Plus City Governance
NITI Aayog released a report on April 25, 2026, outlining reforms to strengthen urban governance in India's million-plus cities.
- The report 'Moving Towards Effective City Government' was released by NITI Aayog on 25 April 2026.
- It focuses on million-plus cities as key economic centers for Viksit Bharat by 2047.
- Recommendations include directly elected Mayors and integrating urban service delivery.
- The report also suggests enhancing municipal finances and institutional restructuring of parastatal agencies.
- States need to amend Municipal Acts for effective implementation of reforms.
💡 For the exam: NITI Aayog's 'Moving Towards Effective City Government' report (2026) recommends elected mayors and stronger city finances for million-plus cities.
Source: NITI Aayog · PIB PRID 2255581
🛡️ Defence & Security · UPSC track
DRDO Unveils Advanced Armoured Platforms for Defence Forces
DRDO unveiled new tracked and wheeled armoured platforms designed to meet the operational needs of the Indian Defence Forces.
- DRDO's Vehicles Research & Development Establishment designed the platforms.
- Unveiled on April 25, 2026, by Dr Samir V Kamat in Ahilyanagar, Maharashtra.
- Platforms feature a 30 mm Crewless Turret and 7.62 mm PKT gun, capable of launching Anti-Tank Guided Missiles.
- Boasts STANAG level 4 and 5 protection, high speed, and amphibious capabilities.
- Indigenous content is 65%, aiming to increase to 90%.
- Manufactured by TATA Advanced Systems Limited and Bharat Forge Limited.
💡 Remember: DRDO's Advanced Armoured Platforms (tracked/wheeled) have 65% indigenous content, a 30mm crewless turret, and are built by Tata and Bharat Forge.
Source: Ministry of Defence · PIB PRID 2255538
📱 Schemes & Welfare · UPSC track
SMILE Beggary Survey App Launched for Real-time Data
A new mobile application was launched under the **SMILE Beggary Sub-Scheme** to enhance data collection and monitoring.
- The SMILE–Beggary Survey Mobile Application was launched at a Chintan Shivir in Chandigarh.
- It was developed under the SMILE–Beggary Sub-Scheme (Comprehensive Rehabilitation of Persons Engaged in the Act of Begging).
- The app strengthens field-level implementation through real-time data collection and improved monitoring.
- It aims for a “Bhiksha Vritti Mukt Bharat” and improves performance tracking across cities.
💡 Remember: The SMILE–Beggary Survey Mobile Application facilitates real-time data for the SMILE Beggary Sub-Scheme.
Source: Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment · PIB PRID 2255463