Daily filter — 10 August 2026
12 exam-worthy stories from the day's PIB releases · interactive view
📚 Polity & Governance · LAW track
NCERT granted Deemed University status under UGC Act
The Ministry of Education has declared **NCERT** a Deemed University, strengthening its role in educational research and innovation.
- NCERT application examined by UGC Expert Committee.
- Ministry of Education issued notification on 30.03.2026.
- Status granted under Section 3 of the UGC Act, 1956.
- Condition: NCERT must start research, doctoral programs.
- Announced by Minister of State, Dr. Sukanta Majumdar.
💡 Remember: NCERT is now a Deemed University under UGC Act, 1956, as of 30.03.2026.
Source: Ministry of Education · PIB PRID 2297126
🔗 Economy · UPSC track
DGFT removes physical challans for export obligation discharge
The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has eliminated physical challan submission for export obligation discharge applications, enhancing ease of doing business.
- DGFT removed physical challans for Export Obligation Discharge Certificates (EODC) under Advance Authorisation and EPCG Schemes.
- This applies to voluntary duty payments made on or after 1 August 2026.
- An API-based data exchange between DGFT and ICEGATE integrates payment records.
- The move aims to reduce transaction costs and compliance burden for exporters.
💡 Remember, DGFT digitalized EODC applications post August 1, 2026, for AA and EPCG Schemes, linking via ICEGATE.
Source: Ministry of Commerce & Industry · PIB PRID 2297013
📞 Science & Tech · LAW track
TRAI Extends Trusted Call Series for Non-BFSI Sectors
TRAI initiates the phase-wise implementation of the 1601-series for service and transactional calls by specific sectors.
- TRAI introduced the 1601-series for service/transactional calls.
- This series is for sectors other than BFSI and Government entities.
- Phase-I covers Utilities, Courier, and Logistics sectors.
- Numbers are allocated directly to eligible entities after TSP verification.
- The 1601-series aims to combat impersonation and build trust.
- TSPs must complete onboarding of Phase-I entities within 90 days.
💡 Remember TRAI's 1601 series is for non-BFSI service calls (Utilities, Courier, Logistics) to ensure trusted communication.
Source: Ministry of Communications · PIB PRID 2297141
📚 Schemes & Welfare · UPSC track
NEP 2020 Initiatives Enhance School and Higher Education
The Ministry of Education highlights key initiatives under **NEP 2020** to transform school and higher education in India.
- PM SHRI upgrades schools, while Samagra Shiksha provides quality, inclusive education.
- NIPUN Bharat ensures foundational literacy and numeracy by Grade 3.
- NDEAR creates a unifying national digital infrastructure for education.
- APAAR ID tracks student educational journeys from pre-primary to higher education.
- SWAYAM Plus portal enhances skill, upskilling, and reskilling of manpower.
- BharatNet provides broadband to rural government secondary schools by Budget 2025.
💡 Remember NEP 2020 has PM SHRI for schools, APAAR ID for students, and BharatNet for rural connectivity.
Source: Ministry of Education · PIB PRID 2297131
📚 Schemes & Welfare · UPSC track
NCERT syllabus aligned with National Education Policy 2020
NCERT has aligned its syllabus and developed new materials based on the recommendations of the National Education Policy 2020.
- NCERT released the NCF-FS 2022 and NCF-SE 2023 based on NEP 2020 recommendations.
- Over 13 lakh citizens provided inputs through a mobile app survey nationally.
- New syllabus and textbooks for Grades 1-9 have been released by NCERT.
- Learning resources Jaadui Pitara and e Jaadui Pitara for Balvatika 1, 2, and 3 also released.
💡 For the exam: Remember NCF-FS 2022, NCF-SE 2023, and Jaadui Pitara for NEP 2020 alignment.
Source: Ministry of Education · PIB PRID 2297094
📝 Schemes & Welfare · UPSC track
National Credit Framework Driving Education System Mobility and Growth
The National Credit Framework (NCrF) aims to integrate diverse learning paths, align with **NEP 2020**, and enhance mobility within India's education system.
- The NCrF provides for creditisation of all learning from elementary to skill education.
- More than 700 Universities and over 7,500 affiliated colleges adopted NCrF by 2023-24.
- UGC's SOP allows up to 50% of program credits from skill-based courses.
- AICTE norms allow 10th + 2-year ITI students to Second Year Diploma.
- GER in higher education rose from 23.7 in 2014–15 to 30 in 2023–24.
💡 Remember NCrF allows credit transfer for all learning, boosts vocational pathways, and aligns with NEP 2020 to increase GER in higher education.
Source: Ministry of Education · PIB PRID 2297090
🌿 Environment · UPSC track
Government Efforts Against Invasive Plant Species in Forests
Government agencies are actively identifying and managing invasive alien plant species in reserved and other forest areas.
- Forest Survey of India (FSI) prepared an album of 45 major invasive species.
- Botanical Survey of India (BSI) submitted an inventory to the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA).
- State Governments/UT Administrations manage removal in Reserved Forests.
- National Forest Policy, 1988 promotes native species and ecological balance.
- National Working Plan Code, 2023 prioritises indigenous species in regeneration.
💡 Remember: FSI album, BSI inventory to NBA, 1988 Policy & 2023 Code for native species.
Source: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change · PIB PRID 2297280
🌳 Environment · UPSC track
Green India Mission Progress: Restoration and Funding Details
The **Green India Mission (GIM)**, implemented since 2015-16, focuses on restoring degraded forest and non-forest landscapes.
- GIM has brought 1,84,467 hectares under eco-restoration in 17 States and one Union Territory since 2015-16.
- In FY 2026-27, Rs. 57.08 crore has been allocated to seven States for GIM activities.
- The Nagar Van Yojana (NVY) aims to develop 600 Nagar Vans and 400 Nagar Vatikas from 2020-21 to 2026-27.
- Monitoring of GIM plantations uses geo-tagging, GIS, and periodic field inspections.
💡 Remember GIM's hectares, FY26-27 allocation, and NVY's targets for urban greening and monitoring methods.
Source: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change · PIB PRID 2297279
🦁 Environment · UPSC track
Asiatic Lion Population Soars, Project Lion Expands Range
India celebrates significant growth in its **Asiatic Lion** population and the expanded range of 'Project Lion' on World Lion Day 2026.
- Asiatic Lion population increased from 523 in 2015 to 891 in 2025.
- 'Project Lion' was announced on 15th August, 2020, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
- The lion range expanded from 30,000 sq. km. in 2020 to nearly 35,000 sq. km.
- The project adopts a holistic approach including habitat enhancement and community involvement.
💡 Remember the Asiatic Lion population growth (523 to 891) and 'Project Lion' (2020, 30k to 35k sq. km. range).
Source: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change · PIB PRID 2296978
💊 Defence & Security · LAW track
DRI busts clandestine drug manufacturing unit in Maharashtra
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) seized 2 lakh tablets and arrested three accused in a week-long operation.
- DRI seized 1 lakh Tramadol Hydrochloride and 1 lakh Tapentadol tablets.
- The drugs were manufactured in Ambernath, Maharashtra, for export to Nigeria.
- Three key accused, including the exporter and manufacturer, were arrested.
- Tramadol is a psychotropic substance under the NDPS Act, 1985.
💡 Remember DRI's Maharashtra bust involved Tramadol (NDPS) and Tapentadol for Nigeria.
Source: Ministry of Finance · PIB PRID 2297182
🛂 International Relations · LAW track
India Expands E-Visa Entry to 88 International Ports
India has added 11 new international ports, including 9 land ports and 2 airports, for E-visa holders' entry.
- The Government of India notified 11 more International Ports for E-visa holders.
- This increases the total to 88 International Ports for E-visa entry.
- The new additions include 9 land ports and 2 airports.
- India processes approximately 95% E-visa applications in less than 72 hours.
- The E-visa facility is available to nationals of 172 countries.
💡 For the exam: Remember, India's E-visa entry points are now 88 total, with 11 recent additions, processed quickly.
Source: Ministry of Home Affairs · PIB PRID 2297227
🤝 Schemes & Welfare · UPSC track
PM SVANidhi Scheme: Expanding Financial Inclusion for Urban Vendors
The **PM SVANidhi Scheme**, launched in June 2020, has significantly boosted financial inclusion and credit access for urban street vendors.
- Over 76.95 lakh street vendors availed more than 1.15 crore collateral-free loans.
- ISB studies (2023, 2025) found 95% beneficiaries received their first bank loan.
- Average annualized business income grew by 20% between 2023 and 2025.
- Over 875 crore digital transactions completed by May 2026.
- 'SVANidhi se Samriddhi' links beneficiaries to eight welfare schemes.
💡 Remember PM SVANidhi provides collateral-free loans, increased income, promoted digital payments, and links to 8 social welfare schemes.
Source: Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs · PIB PRID 2297255