Daily filter — 24 July 2026
12 exam-worthy stories from the day's PIB releases · interactive view
⚖️ Law & Judiciary · LAW track
NHRC takes cognizance of sexual harassment in Moga school
The NHRC initiated action regarding alleged sexual harassment of girl students by a school principal in Punjab's Moga district.
- NHRC, India took suo motu cognizance of a media report.
- Principal of a government school in Moga district, Punjab sexually harassed girl students.
- Notices issued to Chief Secretary and Moga SSP for report within two weeks.
- Media report was carried on 23rd July 2026.
💡 NHRC's suo motu action against a Moga school principal involves notices to the Chief Secretary and SSP for a report within two weeks, stemming from a 23rd July 2026 media report.
Source: National Human Rights Commission · PIB PRID 2289029
⚖️ Law & Judiciary · LAW track
Government reiterates IT Rules, 2021 obligations for online platforms
The Government has reiterated legal obligations for OTT platforms and social media intermediaries under the **IT Rules, 2021**.
- IT Rules, 2021 were notified under the Information Technology Act, 2000.
- Part III of IT Rules, 2021 applies to OTT platforms (online curated content publishers).
- OTT platforms must not transmit content prohibited by law.
- Part II of IT Rules, 2021 details due diligence for social media intermediaries.
- Intermediaries must prevent users from publishing unlawful information.
- This information was provided on July 24, 2026.
💡 Remember: IT Rules, 2021 govern OTT (Part III) and social media (Part II) content obligations.
Source: Ministry of Information & Broadcasting · PIB PRID 2288881
⚖️ Law & Judiciary · LAW track
MSME ODR Portal Boosts Faster Commercial Dispute Resolution
The MSME Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) Portal offers a digital platform for micro and small enterprises to resolve commercial disputes quickly and efficiently.
- Zeedesign Engineering recovered ₹21.06 lakh in 24 hours.
- M/S Shiva Chemicals recovered ₹4,99,184 through mutual settlement.
- The portal offers pre-MSEFC negotiation and a Digital Guided Pathway.
- It supports Digital India and Ease of Doing Business initiatives.
- Accessible to all, with support for vernacular languages.
💡 For the exam: Remember the MSME ODR Portal for digital, faster payment and dispute resolution, supporting Ease of Doing Business and Digital India.
Source: Ministry of Micro,Small & Medium Enterprises · PIB PRID 2288889
🚫 Law & Judiciary · UPSC track
PM announces stricter actions against paper leaks
The Prime Minister indicated upcoming cabinet actions to combat paper leaks following a recent announcement.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced stricter actions.
- Announcement made via video message last night.
- More actions against paper leaks are expected in tomorrow’s Cabinet.
- Prime Minister also shared this update on X.
💡 Remember: PM Modi announced stricter cabinet actions against paper leaks.
Source: Prime Minister's Office · PIB PRID 2288691
🧪 Economy · UPSC track
BHAVYA Rasayan Scheme: Chemical Parks for Global Competitiveness
The Union Cabinet approved the **BHAVYA Rasayan Scheme** to establish three dedicated Chemical Parks, boosting the industry and exports.
- The BHAVYA Rasayan Scheme has a financial outlay of Rs.3,030 crore for 5 years.
- The Centre will provide a grant of up to Rs.1,000 crore per park.
- Each park will have a minimum contiguous area of 8 sq. km. (2,000 acres).
- Parks will feature shared infrastructure like Common Effluent Treatment Plants.
- The scheme aims to enhance cost competitiveness and attract investments.
💡 For the exam: BHAVYA Rasayan is a Rs. 3030 Cr scheme establishing 3 Chemical Parks over 5 years (2026-31) with Rs. 1000 Cr central grant per park (min. 8 sq. km. each).
Source: Cabinet · PIB PRID 2288863
🧪 Economy · UPSC track
Cabinet approves BHAVYA-Rasayan Scheme for Chemical Parks
The Union Cabinet has approved the **Bharat Audyogik Vikas Yojana Rasayan** (BHAVYA Rasayan) Scheme to establish three dedicated Chemical Parks.
- The scheme was announced in the Union Budget of FY 2026–27.
- It has a total financial outlay of Rs.3,030 crore for a period of 5 years.
- The Centre will grant up to Rs.1,000 crore per park.
- State Governments must contribute a minimum of Rs.500 crore.
- Each park will have a minimum contiguous area of 8 sq. km (2,000 acres).
- Parks will include Common Effluent Treatment Plants (CETP) and TSDF.
💡 For the exam: BHAVYA-Rasayan aims for three chemical parks by 2030-31 with a central grant of Rs.1000 crore per park.
Source: Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers · PIB PRID 2288866
📺 Polity & Governance · LAW track
New TV Rating Policy 2026 Boosts Transparency, Accountability
India's new **TV Rating Policy 2026** aims to enhance transparency and independence in television audience measurement.
- The TV Rating Policy 2026 replaces Guidelines from 16th January 2014.
- Net worth criteria for agencies reduced from Rs. 20 Crores to Rs. 5 Crores.
- Metered homes for sample size expanded from 50,000 to 80,000.
- Periodic establishment surveys will now be conducted every three years.
- Mandates annual independent audits and a graded penalty framework.
💡 Remember: TV Rating Policy 2026 reduces net worth, increases metered homes, and mandates regular audits for transparency.
Source: Ministry of Information & Broadcasting · PIB PRID 2288841
🧠 Science & Tech · UPSC track
BRICS Science Academies Forum focuses on AI for Sustainability
The **BRICS Science Academies Forum Meeting 2026** concluded at **IIT Hyderabad**, emphasizing AI for sustainable development and **Global South** cooperation.
- The 2-day forum was held from July 24, 2026, at Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Hyderabad.
- The theme was “Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Development and Strengthening Global South Cooperation”.
- It involved 08 BRICS member countries and 05 BRICS partner countries.
- Five priority verticals for AI interventions were identified: Advanced Materials, Healthcare, Climate Change, Agriculture, and Disaster Prediction.
- A Joint Statement will be presented at the BRICS Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Ministerial Meeting in August 2026.
💡 Remember: BRICS AI for Sustainability discussed at IIT Hyderabad in July 2026, with a Joint Statement to be released in August.
Source: Ministry of Science & Technology · PIB PRID 2289133
🏡 Schemes & Welfare · UPSC track
Model Guidelines for Retirement Homes Released
The Government has issued Model Guidelines for the development and regulation of retirement homes for senior citizens.
- The Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment formulated Model Guidelines for the Development and Regulation of Retirement Homes.
- The guidelines provide a framework for establishing and regulating retirement homes for senior citizens.
- They prescribe standards like wheelchair-accessible ramps, handrails, and panic alarm systems.
- Retirement homes are covered under the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016 (RERA).
💡 Remember: Model Guidelines for Retirement Homes cover RERA and accessibility, issued by MoSJE for senior citizens.
Source: Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment · PIB PRID 2288911
👶 Schemes & Welfare · UPSC track
Mission Saksham Anganwadi & Poshan 2.0: Services & Monitoring
Mission Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 provides six key services to eligible beneficiaries through Anganwadi Centres.
- Mission Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 provides six services, including Supplementary Nutrition.
- Poshan Tracker app enables real-time monitoring of Anganwadi Centres and beneficiaries.
- Beneficiary Aadhaar verification is 99.88% on Poshan Tracker, preventing leakages.
- Pankhudi Portal facilitates collaboration for Mission Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0, Mission Shakti, and Mission Vatsalya.
- Anganwadi Workers' honorarium was increased to Rs.4,500/- per month from October 1, 2018.
💡 For the exam: Remember Saksham Anganwadi & Poshan 2.0's 6 services, Poshan Tracker for monitoring, and Pankhudi Portal for collaboration.
Source: Ministry of Women and Child Development · PIB PRID 2288798
🤱 Schemes & Welfare · UPSC track
Mission Saksham Anganwadi & Poshan 2.0: Malnutrition Reduction Efforts
Mission Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 was launched to improve nutritional outcomes for children aged 0-6 years.
- Launched by Ministry of Women and Child Development on July 24, 2026.
- Subsumes Anganwadi services, Poshan Abhiyaan, and Scheme for Adolescent girls.
- Includes Poshan Tracker app for real-time monitoring, introduced in March 2021.
- Provides supplementary nutrition as per National Food Security Act, 2013 norms, revised in January 2023.
- Jointly released Protocol for Management of Malnutrition in Children with Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.
💡 Mission Poshan 2.0 uses Poshan Tracker and a joint Malnutrition Protocol to improve nutrition.
Source: Ministry of Women and Child Development · PIB PRID 2288797
🍎 Schemes & Welfare · UPSC track
**Mission Poshan 2.0** Combats Malnutrition Across India
**Mission Poshan 2.0** is a Centrally Sponsored mission addressing malnutrition by subsuming existing schemes and leveraging technology for monitoring.
- Mission Poshan 2.0 subsumes Anganwadi services, Poshan Abhiyaan, and Scheme for Adolescent girls.
- It is a Centrally Sponsored mission, implemented in all States and UTs.
- Rs. 21,960 crores were allocated under the Mission in FY 2025-26.
- The Poshan Tracker app monitors Anganwadi Centres, workers, and beneficiaries.
- Supplementary nutrition aligns with National Food Security Act, 2013 Schedule-II.
- The MoWCD and MoHFW released a protocol for managing child malnutrition.
- Poshan Vatikas are developed at AWCs to encourage diet-diversity.
💡 Poshan 2.0 is a Centrally Sponsored umbrella mission, monitored by Poshan Tracker, with Rs. 21,960 crores allocated for 2025-26.
Source: Ministry of Women and Child Development · PIB PRID 2288796