UPSC Current Affairs
SC Overturns 1978 'Industry' Precedent for New Labour Code
8 stories · about 4 min read · quiz and Mains question at the end
SC Overturns 1978 'Industry' Precedent for New Labour Code
The Supreme Court ruled that the definition of 'industry' under the new Industrial Relations Code will be interpreted based on its own statutory text and context. This judgment marks a departure from the landmark 1978 Bangalore Water Supply verdict, which expansively interpreted 'industry' to cover non-traditional workplaces, educational institutes, and non-profit organizations. The new ruling aligns judicial interpretation with the updated statutory frameworks established under recent labor reforms.
CAG Audit Highlights Flaws in National Mission for a Green India
A Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) audit of the National Mission for a Green India (GIM) revealed that execution has heavily prioritized tree plantation counts over holistic ecosystem restoration. The audit noted significant deficiencies in seed quality verification, seedling survival tracking, and functional involvement of Joint Forest Management Committees. The findings emphasize that effective climate mitigation requires ecological forest restoration rather than superficial afforestation drives.
Centre Permits Duty-Free Raw Sugar Imports to Stabilize Prices
The Union Government has allowed duty-free imports of up to 10 lakh tonnes of raw sugar until October 31 to stabilize domestic retail prices and prevent supply shortfalls. Additionally, the government imposed strict stockholding limits on industrial bulk consumers utilizing more than 10 tonnes per month. This twin approach seeks to curb speculative hoarding while maintaining adequate processing inventory for domestic markets.
Judicial Scrutiny Increases Over Forest Relocation and Encroachments
The Odisha government formed an inquiry committee following directives from the Odisha Human Rights Commission to investigate allegations of non-consensual tribal relocation from critical tiger habitats. Simultaneously, the Supreme Court reprimanded state authorities in Tamil Nadu over unchecked illegal encroachments in the sensitive Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve. Both developments reflect growing judicial and human rights intervention in balancing biodiversity conservation with constitutional rights.
Harnessing India's Genetic Diversity for Precision Medicine
Scientists emphasize that India's vast genetic mosaic, comprising over 5,000 distinct ethnic groups shaped by historical endogamy, offers a transformative opportunity for precision medicine. High genetic variation allows researchers to identify population-specific disease predispositions, optimize newborn screening, and develop targeted therapies. However, experts stress that ethical regulations and strong genomic data privacy laws are essential to prevent discrimination.
Shigellosis Outbreak Prompts Public Health Advisories in Kerala
Cases of Shigellosis, a highly contagious bacterial intestinal infection, have resurfaced in Kerala, prompting state health officials to issue urgent public sanitation warnings. The infection spreads primarily through contaminated drinking water and unhygienic food, causing severe dysentery, fever, and dehydration. Health experts have urged local administration to intensify water quality testing and enforce strict hygiene standards across food establishments.
Revival of Corporate Investment Needed as Core Sector Growth Moderates
Growth across India's eight core infrastructure sectors moderated to 5.4% in July 2026, while wider economic data indicates persistent sluggishness in private corporate capital expenditure. Analysts observe that while smaller enterprises face elevated borrowing costs, larger firms remain constrained by weak consumer demand despite low baseline interest rates. Reviving sustained private investment will require proactive public capital expenditure to crowd in private capital and boost demand.
West Asian Volatility Escalates India's Crude Import Bill
India's crude oil import bill surged by 41% year on year in July 2026, driven by volatile global prices amid heightened geopolitical friction in West Asia. Total import volumes also expanded by 13%, reflecting strong domestic energy demand despite macroeconomic headwinds. The escalation underscores India's vulnerability to external price shocks and highlights the urgency of diversifying energy sources and accelerating green transitions.
Daily News Quiz
Test your knowledge about today's current affairs with 7 questions.