UPSC Current Affairs
Unified Food Safety Reforms, WPI Base Year Updates, and Global Environmental Insights
10 stories · about 4 min read · quiz and Mains question at the end
Telangana Unveils TG SAFE for Food and Drug Safety
The Telangana government has officially integrated food safety and drugs control administrative departments under a unified administrative umbrella named 'TG SAFE'. Senior IPS officer Avinash Mohanty has been appointed as the first Commissioner of this newly formed authority to streamline regulatory enforcement and tackle adulteration.
WPI Inflation Eases Under New Base Year
India's Wholesale Price Index (WPI) based inflation eased marginally to 9.78% in July 2026, driven by cooling food, fuel, and power prices. This marks the first month-on-month drop under the government's newly implemented WPI data series, which now uses the revised 2022-2023 base year to better reflect current economic realities.
Growth in UPI Transactions Slows as Cash Demand Persists
A recent economic analysis reveals that the growth rate of Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transaction values has been consistently decelerating since fiscal year 2021-22. Meanwhile, the growth of currency in circulation with the public has begun to quicken, highlighting the enduring role of cash in the retail economy despite digital payment expansion.
Foreign Contribution Regulation Amendment Bill 2026 Under Scrutiny
Public and civil society debates have intensified surrounding the proposed Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026. Experts and legislative watchdogs are calling for a thorough review by a Joint Parliamentary Committee to address concerns that the amendments might excessively restrict the operational freedom of non-governmental organizations.
Tribunal Reforms Bill 2026 Sparks Constitutional Debate
The Tribunal Reforms Bill 2026 has drawn criticism from legal experts who argue that it grants excessive powers to the executive. Specifically, provisions allowing the government to remove tribunal members without robust judicial safeguards are being flagged as a threat to the separation of powers and the independence of quasi-judicial bodies.
Tectonic Vulnerabilities Highlighted by Indonesian Earthquake
A major earthquake followed by over 340 aftershocks struck Indonesia's Flores Island, killing at least 51 people and causing widespread damage. The disaster has forced thousands of residents to evacuate and has underscored the high seismic vulnerability of the region, which lies along the active Pacific Ring of Fire.
Kudankulam Nuclear Plant Sets Carbon Mitigation Milestone
The Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant in Tamil Nadu has achieved a cumulative generation of 130.63 billion units of power. The plant's site director announced that the high capacity factor of over 101.5% in Reactors 1 and 2 has successfully prevented 11.22 crore tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions, reinforcing nuclear energy's role in India's green transition.
Extreme Weather Acts as Evolutionary Driver in Species
A scientific study on wild lizard populations has shown that two severe hurricanes occurring just 14 days apart forced rapid genetic and skeletal adaptations. The extreme weather events acted as powerful agents of natural selection, demonstrating that climate change can significantly accelerate evolutionary biology in vulnerable island ecosystems.
Astronomers Track Impending Rocket Impact on the Moon
International astronomers are preparing to observe a unique space debris event as a spent SpaceX rocket stage is projected to impact the Moon near the Einstein crater. The collision provides a rare opportunity for scientists to study crater formation and lunar sub-surface soil composition through real-time observation.
Government Eliminates Export Duty on Petrol
In a bid to balance domestic supplies with international trade dynamics, the Indian government has reduced the export duty on petrol to nil. Additionally, export duties on diesel and Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) have been significantly reduced following a fortnightly review of global energy markets and domestic refining margins.
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