Daily filter — 17 July 2026
12 exam-worthy stories from the day's PIB releases · interactive view
⚖️ Law & Judiciary · LAW track
CCPA Fines SpiceJet for Deceptive 'Dark Patterns'
The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) penalized SpiceJet for using deceptive design practices on its flight booking platform.
- CCPA imposed a ₹1,00,000 penalty on SpiceJet Limited for 'dark patterns'.
- Practices included automatic enrollment in Spice Club Loyalty Programme via pre-ticked checkboxes.
- Violations included Consumer Protection Act, 2019, and Dark Patterns Guidelines, 2023.
- The order reiterates that consumer consent must be explicit, informed, and freely given.
💡 For the exam: CCPA fined SpiceJet ₹1 lakh for 'dark patterns' violating Consumer Protection Act, 2019.
Source: Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution · PIB PRID 2285871
⚖️ Law & Judiciary · LAW track
POSH Act Awareness Programme Bolsters Workplace Safety
A two-day National Awareness Programme on the POSH Act, 2013, was organised to strengthen implementation and awareness.
- The National Awareness Programme on POSH Act began on July 17, 2026.
- It was organised by the National Commission for Women (NCW) at Vigyan Bhawan.
- Union Minister Smt. Annpurna Devi released a booklet on inquiry procedures.
- The SHe-Box portal promotes transparency and timely grievance redressal.
- The POSH Act is The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013.
💡 The NCW hosted a POSH Act awareness program and released an inquiry procedures booklet in 2026.
Source: Ministry of Women and Child Development · PIB PRID 2285668
⚖️ Law & Judiciary · LAW track
National Anti-Doping Acts Strengthen Clean Sport Framework
Government enforces anti-doping legislation to safeguard athletes and align with global anti-doping standards.
- The National Anti-Doping Act, 2022 commenced on July 17, 2026.
- The National Anti-Doping (Amendment) Act, 2025 also commenced on July 17, 2026.
- Acts align India's framework with the World Anti-Doping Code.
- Legislation fulfills obligations under UNESCO International Convention against Doping in Sport.
💡 The National Anti-Doping Act, 2022 and Amendment Act, 2025 align with the World Anti-Doping Code and UNESCO Convention.
Source: Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports · PIB PRID 2285647
📈 Economy · UPSC track
NITI Aayog Releases Investment Friendliness Index for States
NITI Aayog launched the Investment Friendliness Index (IFI) to assess and enhance state-level investment ecosystems across India.
- The IFI evaluates 28 states and 8 UTs across eight pillars like Infrastructure and Business Climate.
- The Index aims to foster competitive and cooperative federalism for Viksit Bharat @2047.
- Gujarat ranked first among Large States; Uttarakhand among Hilly/North-Eastern; Goa among City States/UTs.
- Gujarat, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Goa, and Odisha are 'Top Performers' overall.
💡 NITI Aayog's Investment Friendliness Index (IFI) benchmarks states on 8 pillars, with Gujarat leading overall, fostering competition for Viksit Bharat @2047.
Source: NITI Aayog · PIB PRID 2285847
⚖️ Law & Judiciary · LAW track
NHRC takes suo motu cognizance of sewage plant worker deaths
The **NHRC, India** acted on reports of a worker's death and injury in a Haryana sewage plant, raising human rights concerns.
- On 15th July 2026, one worker died, another injured in Hisar, Haryana.
- They inhaled toxic gases cleaning a sewage treatment plant tank at Gangwa village.
- The NHRC issued notices to Haryana Chief Secretary and Hisar SP.
- A detailed report is sought within two weeks on investigation and compensation.
💡 NHRC's suo motu cognizance for sewage worker deaths in Hisar underscores focus on hazardous work conditions.
Source: National Human Rights Commission · PIB PRID 2285840
📊 Economy · UPSC track
New Index of Core Industries Series Base Year 2022-23
The Office of Economic Adviser is releasing a revised Index of Core Industries series with an updated base year and components.
- The Index of Core Industries (ICI) base year changes from 2011–12 to 2022–23.
- The number of core industries increases from eight to nine with Iron Ore inclusion.
- The revised series uses gross production data for Steel Index, replacing net production.
- Only Raw Coal is retained in the Coal sector, excluding Coal Middlings and Washed Coal.
💡 Remember: ICI base year 2022-23, 9 industries (Iron Ore added), gross steel data, only raw coal.
Source: Ministry of Commerce & Industry · PIB PRID 2285729
📊 Polity & Governance · UPSC track
Census 2027 Phase I: Self-Enumeration Begins in Two States
Phase I of Census 2027 is underway, introducing digital tools and self-enumeration for the first time.
- Self-Enumeration began today, July 17, 2026, in Tamil Nadu and Tripura.
- Self-Enumeration is available until July 31, 2026, via se.census.gov.in.
- Census 2027 uses digital tools like a mobile app for the first time.
- Houselisting operations are ongoing in Kerala and Nagaland until July 30, 2026.
- First phase of Houselisting is complete in 29 States/UTs.
- Data collected under Census Act, 1948, is confidential and for statistics only.
💡 Census 2027: first digital census, with self-enumeration launched in TN & Tripura for Phase I ending July 31, 2026.
Source: Ministry of Home Affairs · PIB PRID 2285709
⚕️ Schemes & Welfare · UPSC track
NHA Review Meeting Charts Next Phase for Ayushman Bharat Schemes
A two-day National Review Meeting by **NHA** in **New Delhi** reviewed progress and future plans for **AB PM-JAY** and **ABDM**.
- AB PM-JAY has delivered cashless treatment worth over ₹1.91 lakh crore through 37,000+ empanelled hospitals.
- ABDM created over 94 crore ABHA numbers and linked more than 100 crore health records.
- NHA Annual Report and compendiums for DIU, BE, and HEM were released by Shri Prataprao Jadhav.
- New digital health initiatives include Aarogya Setu 2.0, Ayushman App, and NHCX.
💡 Remember AB PM-JAY's cashless treatment value and ABDM's ABHA numbers, and the NHA review for new digital initiatives.
Source: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare · PIB PRID 2285825
🤝 Schemes & Welfare · UPSC track
EPFO Launches VISHWAS, 2026 for Dispute Settlement
The **EPFO** has introduced **VISHWAS, 2026**, a one-time initiative for amicable resolution of penalty/damages disputes.
- VISHWAS, 2026 facilitates settling disputes under Section 14B of EPF & MP Act, 1952.
- It also covers Section 128 of the Code on Social Security, 2020.
- The scheme was notified on 29 June 2026 and will be operational for six months.
- Damages for defaults prior to 14 June 2024 are recalculated at reduced rates.
- Employers must fully remit interest under Section 7Q of the EPF & MP Act, 1952.
- Applications are submitted online via the EPFO Employer Portal using DSC or e-Sign.
💡 Remember VISHWAS, 2026 as EPFO's six-month online scheme to settle pre-June 2024 penalty disputes under EPF Act, 1952, with reduced rates.
Source: Ministry of Labour & Employment · PIB PRID 2285666
🏛️ Polity & Governance · UPSC track
Maharashtra Legislature Adopts National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA)
Maharashtra Legislature commits to implementing the National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA) for paperless legislative functioning under the Digital India Programme.
- Maharashtra Legislature will implement NeVA for paperless operations.
- Meeting held on 16.07.2026 to expedite MoU signing for NeVA.
- NeVA is a Mission Mode Project of the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs.
- Total outlay for NeVA is ₹673.94 crore for 37 Legislatures.
- Implementation in Maharashtra is estimated at approximately ₹48 crore.
- 33 State and UT Legislatures have signed MoUs for NeVA.
- 21 Legislatures are already fully digital using NeVA.
💡 Remember: Maharashtra joins NeVA for a paperless legislature, a Mission Mode Project under Digital India with a ₹673.94 crore outlay.
Source: Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs · PIB PRID 2285772
🏡 Schemes & Welfare · UPSC track
PM-AJAY Scheme Benefits Over 47.59 Lakh Citizens
The **PM-AJAY** scheme, addressing socio-economic disparities, has significantly empowered **Scheduled Caste** communities across India.
- Over 47.59 lakh citizens have benefited under the Adarsh Gram component.
- Total 16,759 villages declared as Adarsh Grams under the scheme.
- ₹ 22.50 Crore allocated for three hostel projects, including two for girls, for FY 2026-27.
- 750 students will receive accommodation through these new hostel projects.
- The scheme uses the PM-AJAY Portal and AJAY Mobile Application for implementation.
💡 Remember PM-AJAY's 3 components: Adarsh Gram (villages), Grants-in-Aid (livelihoods), and Hostel (education).
Source: Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment · PIB PRID 2285859
✈️ Schemes & Welfare · UPSC track
Modified UDAN Scheme: Expanding Regional Air Connectivity with ₹28,840 Crore Outlay
The Modified UDAN Scheme launched on 4th July 2026, aims to strengthen India's regional aviation network with a substantial financial outlay.
- The Modified UDAN Scheme is implemented from FY 2026–27 to FY 2035–36 over 10 years.
- It has a total outlay of ₹28,840 crore.
- The scheme plans to develop 100 airports and 200 modern helipads.
- It provides Viability Gap Funding (VGF) of ₹10,043 crore to airlines for up to five years.
- Operational and Maintenance support is provided for three years to approximately 441 aerodromes.
💡 Modified UDAN: 10 years (2026-36), ₹28,840 Cr, 100 new airports/200 helipads, VGF for 5 years.
Source: PIB Backgrounder · PIB PRID 2285671