Daily filter — 21 July 2026
12 exam-worthy stories from the day's PIB releases · interactive view
📝 Law & Judiciary · UPSC track
UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist Main Exam 2026 Results Announced
UPSC has released the results for the written part of the Combined Geo-Scientist (Main) Examination, 2026.
- The Combined Geo-Scientist (Main) Examination, 2026 was held from 20th to 21st June 2026.
- Candidates qualified for Interview/Personality Test based on the written exam results.
- Candidature is provisional, requiring original certificates for age, qualification, community etc.
- A window will open on upsconline.nic.in for educational qualification updates.
- Exam rules were published in the Gazette of India, dated 03.09.2025.
💡 Remember: Combined Geo-Scientist Main 2026 was June 20-21, 2026, with provisional selection for interviews.
Source: UPSC · PIB PRID 2286904
💳 Economy · LAW track
Government, RBI Enhance Digital Lending Ecosystem with New Regulations
The government and RBI have implemented new measures to curb illegal loan apps and protect citizens from exploitation.
- RBI operationalized a 'Digital Lending Apps (DLAs)' directory on its website from July 1, 2025.
- MeitY has blocked 87 illegal loan apps under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act 2000.
- RBI issued 'Reserve Bank of India (Digital Lending) Directions, 2025' on May 8, 2025.
- The MHA launched the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal and helpline '1930'.
💡 Remember key dates: DLA directory July 1, 2025; RBI Directions May 8, 2025; 87 apps blocked.
Source: Ministry of Finance · PIB PRID 2287195
🤝 International Relations · UPSC track
India Hosts Sixteenth BRICS Health Ministers' Meeting in Chandigarh
India's BRICS Chairship 2026 convenes the Sixteenth BRICS Health Ministers' Meeting in Chandigarh to foster health cooperation among member nations.
- India chairs the Sixteenth BRICS Health Ministers' Meeting from 22–24 July 2026 in Chandigarh.
- This is India's fourth BRICS Chairship, with prior tenures in 2012, 2016, and 2021.
- The meeting theme is "Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability".
- It includes a Senior Officials' Meeting and a Dialogue on Digital Health & AI.
- India introduced two new priority areas: Healthy Lifestyle and Mental Wellness.
- The eleven BRICS member countries represent nearly half the world’s population.
💡 Remember: India hosted the 16th BRICS Health Ministers' Meeting in Chandigarh under its 2026 Chairship, focusing on resilience, innovation, cooperation, and sustainability, and adding healthy lifestyle and mental wellness to its agenda.
Source: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare · PIB PRID 2287325
💉 Science & Tech · UPSC track
India Approves First Dengue Vaccine: Qdenga for 4-60 years
The **CDSCO** has granted marketing authorization for **Qdenga**, India's first dengue vaccine, manufactured by **Takeda GmbH**.
- Qdenga is a live, attenuated tetravalent dengue vaccine using recombinant DNA technology.
- It is approved for individuals aged 4 to 60 years, administered in two doses over three months.
- The vaccine is approved in 42 countries and has WHO prequalification.
- Over 24 million doses have been distributed globally, showing a favorable safety profile.
💡 Remember: CDSCO approved Qdenga (Takeda) for 4-60 years, India's first dengue vaccine, already in 42 countries.
Source: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare · PIB PRID 2286883
🚗 Economy · UPSC track
PLI Schemes Boost Auto Sector Investment and Employment
Government's PLI schemes for Automobile/Auto Components and ACC Battery Storage show significant investment and job creation.
- PLI-Auto approved with ₹25,938 crore outlay on 23/09/2021 for Advanced Automotive Products.
- PLI-Auto attracted ₹44,326 crore investment and 67,820 jobs by 31.03.2026.
- 225 manufacturing units under PLI-Auto across states like Maharashtra (66) and Tamil Nadu (38).
- PLI ACC for battery storage (₹18,100 crore) approved in May 2021.
- PLI ACC attracted ₹5,180 crore investment and 1,277 jobs by 31.05.2026.
💡 Remember: PLI-Auto shows high investment & employment, PLI ACC also attracts investment though no incentives disbursed yet.
Source: Ministry of Heavy Industries · PIB PRID 2287137
🚗 Economy · UPSC track
PLI-Auto Scheme Boosts Manufacturing, Sales, and Jobs
The PLI Scheme for Automobile and Auto Component Industry (PLI-Auto) has shown significant progress in boosting domestic manufacturing and employment.
- PLI-Auto scheme approved on 23/09/2021 with Rs.25,938 crore outlay.
- Cumulative investment reached Rs.44,326 crore by 31.03.2026.
- Incremental sales hit Rs.52,414 crore (Base Year FY2019-20) by 31.03.2026.
- Scheme generated 67,820 jobs by 31.03.2026.
- Incentives disbursed totaled Rs.2,386.36 crore by 31.03.2026.
- Mandates 50% DVA; 18 applicants received certificates for 154 products by 16.07.2026.
💡 Remember PLI-Auto for its Rs.25,938 Cr outlay, Rs.44,326 Cr investment, Rs.52,414 Cr sales, and 67,820 jobs by March 2026.
Source: Ministry of Heavy Industries · PIB PRID 2287124
⚖️ Law & Judiciary · LAW track
New Criminal Laws Streamline Justice Process, Ensure Timely Resolution
New criminal laws – BNS, BNSS, BSA – replace older acts to provide citizen-centric, accessible, and affordable justice.
- The Indian Penal Code, 1860, Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, and Indian Evidence Act, 1872 are repealed.
- New laws are the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, Bharatiya Nagarika Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA), 2023.
- These laws streamline stages like preliminary enquiry (14 days) and judgment pronouncement (45 days).
- Investigations for offences against women and children must be completed within two months.
- Only a maximum of two adjournments are permitted in case hearings.
- Digital tools like e-Sakshya, e-Summon, and Nyaya-Shruti (VC) improve efficiency.
💡 Remember the three new criminal laws (BNS, BNSS, BSA) and their key provisions for time-bound processes (e.g., 14-day preliminary enquiry, 45-day judgment, 2-month investigation for women/children offences, 2 adjournments max).
Source: Ministry of Home Affairs · PIB PRID 2287042
⚖️ Law & Judiciary · LAW track
National Database on Sexual Offenders: Key Investigative Tool
The **National Database on Sexual Offenders (NDSO)** assists law enforcement agencies in preventing and investigating sexual offences.
- NDSO was established by NCRB in 2018 under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
- It is an investigative tool for identifying accused and repeat sexual offenders.
- Access to NDSO is restricted to authorized law enforcement agencies.
- NCRC portal and Cyber Crime Reporting Portal also aid crime checks and reporting.
💡 Remember NDSO (2018, NCRB) is an investigative tool for LEAs against sexual offenders.
Source: Ministry of Home Affairs · PIB PRID 2287035
🚢 Economy · UPSC track
Inland Water Transport Sees Significant Cargo Growth
Cargo movement on National Waterways has surged from 18 MMT in 2013-14 to 218 MMT in 2025-26, demonstrating substantial growth.
- Cargo movement on National Waterways increased from 18 Million Metric Tons (MMT) in 2013-14 to 218 MMT in 2025-26.
- Inland Water Transport (IWT) is the most economic mode, costing Rs 1.06/TKm compared to Railways (Rs 1.36) and Highways (Rs 2.50) in 2014.
- IWT has the lowest GHG emissions, 0.0006 Rs/TKm, comparable to Rail and significantly less than Road.
- Three operational NWs in Goa are NW-27 (Cumberjua canal), NW-111 (Zuari River), and NW-68 (Mandovi River).
- Government developed Maritime Single Window (MSW) Sagar Setu and CAR-D Portal for digital logistics.
💡 Remember: IWT is economic and eco-friendly, cargo movement grew over 10x by 2025-26, and Goa has 3 operational NWs.
Source: Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways · PIB PRID 2286975
🚢 Economy · UPSC track
Maritime India Vision 2030 boosts port capacity and cruise tourism
India's Maritime India Vision (MIV) 2030 aims to develop world-class ports and maritime infrastructure through various strategic initiatives.
- Port capacity target is 3,500 by 2030, up from 1,400 in 2013-14.
- Cargo throughput target is 2,200 million metric tonnes by 2030.
- PPP cargo handling at major ports aims for 85% by 2030, up from ~44%.
- Cruise calls target is 1,000 by 2030, significantly up from 102 in 2013-14.
- India ranks 1st globally in ship recycling.
💡 For the exam: MIV 2030 targets increased port capacity, cargo throughput, PPP in major ports, and cruise calls, with India already 1st in ship recycling.
Source: Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways · PIB PRID 2286971
👷 Schemes & Welfare · UPSC track
Manual Scavenging Deaths: Enforcement and Rehabilitation Efforts
Between January 2021 and June 2026, 332 sanitation worker deaths were reported, prompting reiteration of commitment to eradication.
- 332 sanitation worker deaths occurred in 18 States and UTs from Jan 2021 to June 2026.
- The MS Act, 2013 came into force on 6 December 2013, prohibiting manual scavenging.
- Violations of Section 8 carry up to two years imprisonment or a ₹1 lakh fine, or both.
- 193 FIRs were registered in the last five years against agencies for hazardous cleaning.
- No manual scavenging instances were reported in recent district surveys.
💡 The MS Act, 2013 aims for zero manual scavenging, despite 332 deaths and 193 FIRs.
Source: Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment · PIB PRID 2287317
🧵 Schemes & Welfare · UPSC track
PLI Scheme for Textiles: Investment Exceeds ₹8,117 Crores
As of March 31, 2026, the **Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme** for Textiles has seen significant investment and job creation.
- A total of 170 companies have been approved under the PLI scheme for Textiles.
- Total investment reached ₹8,117.64 crores by March 31, 2026.
- The scheme generated 33,427 new jobs by March 31, 2026.
- The information was provided by SHRI PABITRA MARGHERITA.
💡 Remember: 170 companies, over ₹8,000 crores invested, and 33,000+ jobs by March 2026 under Textiles PLI.
Source: Ministry of Textiles · PIB PRID 2286965