Daily filter — 13 July 2026
11 exam-worthy stories from the day's PIB releases · interactive view
⚖️ Law & Judiciary · LAW track
CCI penalises HP India and resellers for anti-competitive practices
The **CCI** has imposed penalties on **HP India** and sixteen resellers for cartelisation in the supply of printer-related products.
- CCI imposed a penalty of INR 11.98 crores on HP India.
- Sixteen resellers received a combined penalty of INR 2.30 crores.
- The entities engaged in cartelisation in the sale of toner, cartridges, and consumables.
- This conduct violated Sections 3(3)(d) read with 3(1) of the Competition Act, 2002.
- The order was issued on 13.07.2026 in Suo Moto Case No. 08 of 2020.
💡 For the exam: Remember CCI fined HP India and resellers for price-fixing printer supplies, violating Competition Act, 2002 sections.
Source: Competition Commission of India · PIB PRID 2284275
⚖️ Law & Judiciary · LAW track
CCI penalizes HP India, resellers for anti-competitive practices
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) imposed penalties on HP India and its resellers for cartelisation in personal system product supply.
- CCI imposed a penalty of INR 126.87 crores on HP India.
- Combined penalty of INR 1.22 crores on five resellers.
- Violations were of Sections 3(3)(d) read with Section 3(1) of Competition Act, 2002.
- HP India dictated bid prices and manipulated GeM tenders.
- Resellers Delphi Infosolutions, Digitech Computers, Orbit Techsol, Hind Technocare, Krishna Computers colluded.
- Order was dated 13.07.2026.
💡 For the exam: Remember CCI penalized HP India and five resellers under Competition Act, 2002 for bid manipulation and cartelisation.
Source: Competition Commission of India · PIB PRID 2284274
⚖️ Law & Judiciary · LAW track
NHRC takes cognizance of sewer worker's death in Ujjain
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognizance of a worker's death and two injuries in Ujjain.
- On 7th July 2026, one worker died and two were injured in Ujjain.
- They inhaled toxic gases cleaning a sewer chamber near Pipli Naka.
- The NHRC issued notices to Madhya Pradesh Chief Secretary and Ujjain SSP.
- A detailed report on the incident is due within two weeks.
💡 NHRC acts on worker's death and injuries during Ujjain sewer cleaning.
Source: National Human Rights Commission · PIB PRID 2284048
⚖️ Law & Judiciary · LAW track
NHRC takes suo motu cognizance of Raipur factory explosion
The NHRC, India initiated action on 13 July 2026, regarding a fatal factory explosion in Raipur, Chhattisgarh.
- Three workers died and several were injured in a Raipur factory explosion on 7th June 2026.
- The explosion was allegedly caused by a bursting oxygen cylinder.
- NHRC, India issued notices to Chhattisgarh's Chief Secretary and DGP.
- A detailed report is sought within two weeks, including compensation status.
💡 NHRC acts suo motu for victims of the 7th June 2026 Raipur factory explosion; seeks report within two weeks.
Source: National Human Rights Commission · PIB PRID 2284047
⚖️ Law & Judiciary · LAW track
NHRC takes suo motu cognizance of student snakebite incident
The **NHRC** took suo motu cognizance of four students bitten by a snake, resulting in one death, at a Jharkhand school.
- NHRC, India took suo motu cognizance of a snakebite incident.
- Four students were bitten at a residential school hostel in Lohardaga district, Jharkhand.
- The incident occurred on 7th July 2026, leading to the death of one student.
- The NHRC issued notice to the Chief Secretary, Jharkhand.
- A detailed report, including health status, is due within two weeks.
💡 NHRC's suo motu action for student safety in Jharkhand, seeking a report within two weeks.
Source: National Human Rights Commission · PIB PRID 2284046
⚖️ Law & Judiciary · LAW track
Dhanbad CLC(C) resolves three industrial disputes, secures ₹55 lakh relief
The **Chief Labour Commissioner (Central)** machinery in **Dhanbad** successfully resolved three long-pending industrial disputes.
- Monetary relief exceeding ₹55 lakh was secured for workers and families.
- Settlements involved BCCL, FCIL, and ECL employees.
- One settlement provides monthly compensation until age 60.
- Another secured 6% simple interest on delayed retirement benefits.
- Memoranda of Settlement were signed on 1 July 2026, 7 July 2026, and 3 July 2026.
💡 For the exam: Remember Dhanbad CLC(C), ₹55 lakh, and specific PSU's (BCCL, FCIL, ECL) for dispute resolution and worker welfare.
Source: Ministry of Labour & Employment · PIB PRID 2284140
🧠 Science & Tech · UPSC track
NIDAR 2.0 Challenge Focuses on Indigenous Drone Chips
MeitY and DFI launched NIDAR 2.0, challenging students to build smarter drones powered by Indian-made chips under the SwaYaan initiative.
- NIDAR 2.0 (2026-27) aims to promote indigenous drone development.
- It focuses on autonomous systems, avionics, and core drone components.
- Track 2 challenges teams to design flight controllers around the VEGA processor.
- VEGA processor is developed by C-DAC under the DIR-V programme.
- The challenge offers a prize pool of over Rs 65 lakh.
💡 For the exam: NIDAR 2.0 uses the VEGA processor (from DIR-V & C-DAC) for indigenous drone components.
Source: Ministry of Electronics & IT · PIB PRID 2284236
🦣 Defence & Security · LAW track
DRI Busts Major Wildlife Trafficking Rings, Seizes Ivory
The **DRI** conducted pan-India operations, seizing over 440 animals and 15 kg of ivory, leading to 33 arrests.
- DRI seized 440 endangered animals and 15 kg of ivory/articles.
- 33 persons were arrested across various locations in India.
- In Rajasthan, 11 kg of elephant ivory was seized on July 10, 2026.
- Indian elephant is listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
💡 For the exam: Remember DRI for wildlife busts, 440 animals, 15 kg ivory, 33 arrests, and the Indian elephant under Schedule I.
Source: Ministry of Finance · PIB PRID 2284262
💧 Schemes & Welfare · UPSC track
Catch the Rain: Urban Water Conservation Under AMRUT 2.0 Accelerates
The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs is accelerating the 'Catch the Rain' campaign under AMRUT 2.0 to enhance water security in urban India.
- Over 900 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) in 27 States and UTs participated in 'Catch the Rain'.
- Under Jal Shakti Abhiyan–Jan Bhagidari (JSJB) 2.0, 1,99,278 recharge structures were taken up by 79 Municipal Corporations.
- Nearly 1.21 lakh acres of water bodies are being rejuvenated under AMRUT 2.0.
- Parks and green spaces over 18,00 acres are being developed across urban India.
💡 For the exam: Remember AMRUT 2.0 drives 'Catch the Rain' with participation across 900 ULBs and large-scale water body/green space rejuvenation.
Source: Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs · PIB PRID 2284244
💧 Schemes & Welfare · UPSC track
Water Budgeting Training for Gram Panchayats Begins
The Ministry of Panchayati Raj launched a nationwide training program for master trainers on water budgeting and security planning for Gram Panchayats.
- The National Master Trainers' Program is a four-day residential program from 13th to 16th July 2026.
- The Water Sufficient Panchayats Training Manual (Phase 1 and 2) was released.
- Phase I will cover 10 States, 100 Districts, and 1,000 Gram Panchayats.
💡 The MoPR's 2026 'Water Budgeting' training program aims to empower Gram Panchayats to create Water Security Plans using the 'Water Sufficient Panchayats Training Manual'.
Source: Ministry of Panchayati Raj · PIB PRID 2284209
🧠 Polity & Governance · UPSC track
AI-driven Administrative Reforms Usher in Next-Gen Governance
Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh inaugurated a conference in Shillong, emphasizing AI and digital infrastructure for India's administrative reforms.
- India is entering the next phase of governance transformation through Next Generation Administrative and e-Governance Reforms.
- The reforms will integrate Artificial Intelligence, cybersecurity, and digital public infrastructure.
- The Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) organized the conference with Meghalaya.
- The conference aims to culminate in a "Shillong Declaration 2.0" for future reform agenda.
- The CPGRAMS platform now uses AI through multilingual chatbot services.
💡 For the exam: Remember Shillong Declaration 2.0 focuses on AI-enabled e-governance reforms via DARPG for Viksit Bharat@2047.
Source: Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions · PIB PRID 2284179