Daily filter — 10 July 2026
6 exam-worthy stories from the day's PIB releases · interactive view
🚢 Economy · LAW track
GIFT City Units Exempt from Coastal Shipping Licensing
Units in **GIFT City IFSC** are now exempt from Section 11 of the Coastal Shipping Act, 2025 for chartering foreign vessels.
- Exemption applies to IFSC, GIFT City, Gandhinagar units.
- Removes licensing under Section 11 of the Coastal Shipping Act, 2025.
- Applies to chartering foreign vessels for EXIM and international trade.
- Aims to strengthen GIFT City as a global maritime leasing hub.
- The prevailing cabotage regime for coastal trade remains unchanged.
💡 Remember, GIFT City IFSC units are exempt from Coastal Shipping Act, 2025 licensing for international trade only.
Source: Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways · PIB PRID 2283401
💊 Law & Judiciary · LAW track
Drugs Rules, 1945 Amended for High Alcohol Drug Formulations
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare amended the Drugs Rules, 1945, to strengthen regulation of high alcohol-containing medicinal products.
- Formulations with over 12% v/v ethyl alcohol in quantities exceeding 30 mL are no longer exempt.
- These products are now removed from Schedule K exemption under the Drugs Rules, 1945.
- Such formulations now require licenses under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.
- They are also shifted to Schedule H1, requiring a prescription for sale.
💡 For the exam: Remember Schedule K exemption removed for >12% v/v ethyl alcohol in >30mL, shifted to Schedule H1 requiring prescription.
Source: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare · PIB PRID 2283196
⚖️ Law & Judiciary · LAW track
NHRC hears 86 alleged bonded labour cases in Haryana brick kilns
The **NHRC** heard **86** online cases of alleged bonded labour from brick kilns across Haryana, with state authorities assuring compliance.
- NHRC, India heard 86 online cases of alleged bonded labour in Haryana brick kilns.
- Chairperson Justice V. Ramasubramanian presided over the hearing on 10 JUL 2026.
- He emphasized a helpline for labourers and proper employment records.
- Authorities assured compliance with Supreme Court directives and laws.
- They committed to submitting reports for all 86 cases.
💡 Remember: NHRC heard 86 bonded labour cases in Haryana on 10 JUL 2026, urging helplines and compliance.
Source: National Human Rights Commission · PIB PRID 2283226
🚢 Defence & Security · UPSC track
Indian Navy Inducts Indigenous Stealth Frigate Mahendragiri
The Indian Navy is inducting **Mahendragiri**, the sixth Project 17A stealth frigate, into its Eastern Fleet.
- Mahendragiri (F38) is the sixth Project 17A indigenous stealth frigate.
- It will be inducted into the Eastern Fleet at Visakhapatnam on 11 Jul 2026.
- Designed by Warship Design Bureau and built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited.
- The warship has over 75 percent indigenous content.
💡 Remember Mahendragiri as the 6th Project 17A stealth frigate, built in India with over 75% indigenous content.
Source: Ministry of Defence · PIB PRID 2283430
💰 Economy · UPSC track
TReDS Mandatory for CPSE-MSME Transactions to Ensure Faster Payments
Government mandates the use of TReDS platforms for all **Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs)** to settle invoices from MSMEs.
- Notification on 30 June 2026 implements Union Budget 2026–27 commitment.
- All operating CPSEs must use RBI-authorised TReDS platforms for MSME invoices.
- CPSEs must disclose TReDS details and obtain an auditor’s certificate.
- TReDS, operational since 2017, provides collateral-free working capital to MSMEs.
💡 For the exam: TReDS is now mandatory for CPSEs settling MSME invoices, as per a 30 June 2026 notification.
Source: Ministry of Micro,Small & Medium Enterprises · PIB PRID 2283195
📚 Science & Tech · UPSC track
India and Australia bolster traditional knowledge protection
India and Australia signed an agreement for **IP Australia** to access India's **Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL)**, enhancing intellectual property protection.
- The agreement was signed on July 9, 2026, during the 3rd India–Australia Annual Summit.
- It allows IP Australia to use TKDL to examine patent applications under Australian law.
- The TKDL, established in 2001, is the first database for defensive traditional knowledge protection.
- It contains 5.2 lakh formulations from Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, Sowa Rigpa and Yoga.
- The CSIR-TKDL has led to 375+ patent applications worldwide being revoked or amended.
💡 For the exam: India-Australia TKDL pact grants IP Australia access to prevent misappropriation of 5.2 lakh traditional knowledge formulations.
Source: Ministry of Science & Technology · PIB PRID 2283119