📰 PIB Notes for UPSC – 23 July 2026
Daily PIB Current Affairs | UPSC & SSC Exam Preparation
Today's PIB Notes for UPSC covers 13 key topics —
PM Pays Tribute to Lokmanya Tilak, Aditya-L1 Mission Achievements,
India's Nuclear Power Programme, Culture & Heritage Promotion, ASI Monuments in South India,
DRDO's Kusha Long-Range Missile Test, Mission Mausam Implementation, NCAP Progress,
PM SVANidhi Scheme Impact, Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs), Mission Karmayogi Progress,
INSPIRE Programme Update, BioE3 Policy Implementation, and MY Bharat + PMIS Collaboration.
✅ Tap any option to instantly see the answer! Facts verified from PIB sources.
✅ Tap any option to instantly see the answer! Facts verified from PIB sources.
Prime Minister's Office
🇮🇳 PM Pays Tributes to Lokmanya Tilak on His Birth Anniversary (23 July)
📝 Key Notes
⭐ Prelims Extra Points
❓ MCQ Practice
- PM Narendra Modi paid tributes to Lokmanya Tilak on his birth anniversary (23 July 2026).
- Called him "towering figure of India's freedom struggle".
- Highlighted his role in awakening spirit of nationalism.
- Noted his efforts to make Indian culture popular and further brotherhood.
- Said his writings gave people renewed confidence and pride.
⭐ Prelims Extra Points
- Bal Gangadhar Tilak (1856-1920):
- Born 23 July 1856 in Ratnagiri, Maharashtra.
- Died 1 August 1920 in Bombay.
- Titled "Lokmanya" ("Accepted by the people as their leader").
- First called the "Father of Indian Unrest" by Valentine Chirol.
- Famous slogan: "Swaraj is my birthright, and I shall have it!".
- Part of the "Lal-Bal-Pal" trio of extremist leaders (with Lala Lajpat Rai and Bipin Chandra Pal).
- Founded newspapers: Kesari (Marathi) and Mahratta (English).
- Started Ganesh Utsav (1893) and Shivaji Jayanti to unite people.
- Books authored: Gita Rahasya, Arctic Home in the Vedas, Orion.
- Founded Home Rule League in April 1916 (Poona).
- Deccan Education Society founded with Agarkar in 1884.
❓ MCQ Practice
Q. Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak's famous slogan "Swaraj is my birthright" was given during which period?
Lokmanya Tilak's famous slogan "Swaraj is my birthright, and I shall have it!" was given during the Home Rule Movement (1916). Born 23 July 1856 in Ratnagiri, Maharashtra. Founded Kesari (Marathi) and Mahratta (English) newspapers. Started Ganesh Utsav (1893) and Shivaji Jayanti to unite people. Part of "Lal-Bal-Pal" extremist trio.
Department of Space
☀️ Aditya-L1 Mission Achievements Detailed in Parliament
📝 Key Notes
⭐ Prelims Extra Points
❓ MCQ Practice
- Aditya-L1: India's first dedicated solar physics mission.
- Positioned around Sun-Earth L1 Lagrange Point.
- Response by Union MoS Dr. Jitendra Singh in Rajya Sabha.
- Scientific Objectives:
- Study solar wind particles.
- Study Solar Corona.
- Near UV signatures on solar disc.
- Study solar magnetic fields (Interplanetary Magnetic Field – IMF).
- Major Achievements:
- First-ever spectroscopic signatures of onset phase of Coronal Mass Ejection (CME).
- Insights into intense geomagnetic storms of May and October 2024.
- First comprehensive analysis of photospheric iron fluorescence.
- Captured 47 massive X-class solar flares during peak of Solar Cycle 25 in 2024.
- High-resolution details of powerful solar flares in near-ultraviolet (NUV) wavelengths.
- First-of-its-kind detailed view of a rare solar plasma ejection in UV light.
- Chandrayaan-3 Achievements Also Highlighted:
- Only successful mission to lunar polar region.
- ChaSTE probe: Recorded first-ever high-latitude temperature profile (up to 10 cm deep).
- APXS on Pragyan rover: Found elevated magnesium-rich minerals; supports Lunar Magma Ocean (LMO) hypothesis.
- RAMBHA-LP Langmuir probe: First high-latitude near-surface plasma measurements.
- ILSA seismometer: Recorded 250+ vibration events at Shiv Shakti point.
- Contributes to space weather prediction capability.
- Feeds into upcoming missions: Venus Orbiter Mission, Chandrayaan-4, Chandrayaan-5/LUPEX.
⭐ Prelims Extra Points
- Aditya-L1: Launched 2 September 2023; reached L1 on 6 January 2024.
- Position: ~1.5 million km from Earth.
- India = only country with SBAS certified for equatorial region (GAGAN).
- 7 payloads onboard Aditya-L1: VELC, SUIT, ASPEX, PAPA, SoLEXS, HEL1OS, MAG.
- Lagrange Points: 5 points where gravitational forces of Sun-Earth balance; L1 provides continuous view of Sun.
- Chandrayaan-3: Landed 23 August 2023 at Shiv Shakti Point near Moon's South Pole.
- India = 4th country to soft-land on Moon; 1st on lunar South Pole.
- Solar Cycle: ~11 years; Solar Cycle 25 peaked in 2024-2025.
- Chandrayaan-5/LUPEX: Joint mission with JAXA; planned 2027-28.
❓ MCQ Practice
Q. Aditya-L1, India's first dedicated solar mission, is positioned around which Lagrange Point?
Aditya-L1 is positioned around the Sun-Earth L1 Lagrange Point — approximately 1.5 million km from Earth. Launched 2 September 2023; reached L1 on 6 January 2024. Has 7 payloads (VELC, SUIT, ASPEX, PAPA, SoLEXS, HEL1OS, MAG). L1 provides continuous view of Sun, making it a dedicated solar observatory.
Department of Atomic Energy
⚛️ India's Nuclear Power Programme & PFBR Achievements
📝 Key Notes
⭐ Prelims Extra Points
❓ MCQ Practice
- Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) pursues three-stage nuclear power programme developed by Dr. Homi Bhabha.
- Three Stages:
- Stage 1: Natural uranium in Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs).
- Stage 2: Plutonium in Fast Breeder Reactors (FBRs).
- Stage 3: Thorium — U-233 bred from Th-232.
- Stage 1 successfully achieved; India entered Stage 2 with PFBR first criticality on 6 April 2026.
- PFBR (Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor):
- 500 MWe indigenous reactor at Kalpakkam.
- Designed by IGCAR (Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research).
- ~90% domestic manufacturing.
- Attained first criticality at 08:20 PM on 6 April 2026.
- Global First (26 June 2026): IGCAR demonstrated Clean Hydrogen Production using nuclear heat at FBTR (Fast Breeder Test Reactor).
- Uses Copper-Chlorine (Cu-Cl) thermochemical cycle developed by BARC.
- Thorium Utilisation:
- India has vast thorium reserves in coastal sands of Kerala, TN, AP, Odisha.
- Thoria pellets used in initial cores of operating PHWRs.
- KAMINI reactor at IGCAR uses U-233 fabricated fuel.
- Molten Salt Reactor (MSR) being developed at BARC for thorium utilisation.
- DAE working on FBTR-2 planned at Kalpakkam.
- Aligned with National Green Hydrogen Mission and Net Zero targets.
⭐ Prelims Extra Points
- Dr. Homi J. Bhabha (1909-1966): Father of Indian Nuclear Programme; founded BARC (1954) and TIFR (1945).
- DAE: Established 3 August 1954; under direct control of PM.
- BARC: Bhabha Atomic Research Centre; Trombay, Mumbai; est. 1954.
- IGCAR: Est. 1971; Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu.
- NPCIL: Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited; operates all commercial nuclear plants.
- India currently operates 24 nuclear power reactors; installed capacity 8.78 GW.
- Nuclear Energy Mission target: 100 GW by 2047.
- India signed India-Australia Nuclear Cooperation Arrangement on 9 July 2026.
❓ MCQ Practice
Q. India's Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam is designed by which organization?
The PFBR (500 MWe) at Kalpakkam is designed by IGCAR (Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research). Attained first criticality on 6 April 2026 (8:20 PM) — marking India's entry into Stage 2 of Dr. Homi Bhabha's 3-stage nuclear programme. IGCAR is located in Kalpakkam, TN, est. 1971. ~90% domestic manufacturing.
Ministry of Culture
🏛️ Promotion of Heritage – DESH Scheme & Museum Grant
📝 Key Notes
⭐ Prelims Extra Points
❓ MCQ Practice
- Ministry of Culture administers schemes for tangible and intangible cultural heritage.
- Tangible Cultural Heritage:
- Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) protects Centrally Protected Monuments.
- DESH Scheme = Development of Excavation Sites and Heritage Complexes.
- Centrally Sponsored Sub-Scheme; announced in Union Budget 2026.
- Covers 15 selected tangible cultural heritage sites.
- Museum Grant Scheme: For development, modernization, digitization of museums.
- Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH):
- Scheme for Safeguarding ICH supports identification, documentation.
- Cultural Functions and Production Grant (CFPG) Scheme: For cultural programmes.
- Guru-Shishya Parampara (Repertory Grant) Scheme: Financial assistance for classical performing arts.
- All schemes under Kala Sanskriti Vikas Yojana (KSVY) umbrella.
- Union Minister of Culture and Tourism: Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat.
⭐ Prelims Extra Points
- Ministry of Culture: Formed 2006 (bifurcated from Tourism & Culture).
- ASI: Est. 1861 by Alexander Cunningham; India's oldest surveying department.
- India has 43 UNESCO World Heritage Sites (35 cultural + 7 natural + 1 mixed) as of 2024.
- UNESCO's Convention for Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage (2003).
- India's key ICH inscribed by UNESCO: Vedic chanting, Ramlila, Kutiyattam, Yoga, Kumbh Mela, Durga Puja.
- 7 Zonal Cultural Centres (ZCCs): Patiala, Nagpur, Udaipur, Prayagraj, Kolkata, Dimapur, Thanjavur.
- Ancient Monuments Preservation Act, 1904.
❓ MCQ Practice
Q. The DESH Scheme announced in Union Budget 2026 focuses on:
The DESH Scheme = Development of Excavation Sites and Heritage Complexes. Announced in Union Budget 2026; covers 15 selected tangible cultural heritage sites. Implemented by Ministry of Culture. Other schemes under Kala Sanskriti Vikas Yojana (KSVY) include Museum Grant, Guru-Shishya Parampara, and ICH Safeguarding.
Ministry of Culture
🏰 ASI Monuments in South India – 1100 Sites Protected
📝 Key Notes
⭐ Prelims Extra Points
❓ MCQ Practice
- 1,100 monuments and sites declared as of national importance in South India.
- Under care of Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
- State-wise breakdown:
- Karnataka: 506 (highest).
- Tamil Nadu: 412.
- Andhra Pradesh: 136.
- Kerala: 30.
- Telangana: 9.
- Puducherry (UT): 7.
- Conservation as per National Conservation Policy, 2014.
- Fund Allocation for South India (last 5 years):
- 2021-22: ₹56.64 Cr allocated, ₹56.44 Cr utilised.
- 2023-24: ₹97.83 Cr allocated, ₹97.83 Cr utilised.
- 2025-26: ₹79.89 Cr allocated, ₹79.89 Cr utilised.
- Visitor Amenities: Braille signage, QR codes, sound & light shows, souvenir shops.
- Community outreach: heritage walks, lectures, competitions on World Heritage Day/Week.
⭐ Prelims Extra Points
- ASI: Founded 1861 by Alexander Cunningham ("Father of Indian Archaeology").
- Under Ministry of Culture; HQ New Delhi; has 37 Circles + 5 Mini Circles.
- Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act (AMASR) 1958: Legal framework for ASI protection.
- ASI's DG: Reports to Culture Ministry.
- India has ~3,700 centrally protected monuments.
- UNESCO World Heritage Sites in South India:
- Group of Monuments at Hampi, Karnataka.
- Group of Monuments at Pattadakal, Karnataka.
- Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas, Karnataka.
- Great Living Chola Temples, Tamil Nadu.
- Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu.
❓ MCQ Practice
Q. Among South Indian states, which has the highest number of ASI-protected monuments?
Among South Indian states, Karnataka has the highest number of ASI-protected monuments (506), followed by Tamil Nadu (412), Andhra Pradesh (136), Kerala (30), Telangana (9), and Puducherry UT (7). Total South India: 1,100. ASI established 1861 by Alexander Cunningham.
Ministry of Defence
🚀 DRDO Successfully Test-Fires 'Kusha' Long-Range Surface-to-Air Missile
📝 Key Notes
⭐ Prelims Extra Points
❓ MCQ Practice
- DRDO conducted successful maiden flight-test of 'Kusha' Long-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (LR-SAM).
- Location: APJ Abdul Kalam Island, off Odisha coast.
- Date: 23 July 2026.
- Successfully intercepted electronic target simulating high-speed and high-altitude aerial threat.
- Capabilities of 'Kusha' Missile System:
- Neutralises fighter jets, missiles.
- Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs).
- Large enemy aircraft.
- Wide range and altitude envelope.
- All elements — missiles, radars, C&C centre — developed by DRDO labs + Industry partners.
- Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh called it a "giant leap in India's air defence capability".
- Chairman DRDO: Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh (also Defence Secretary).
- Places India among "a handful of nations" possessing long-range SAM systems.
⭐ Prelims Extra Points
- Project Kusha: Indigenous long-range air defence missile system; comparable to S-400.
- Range: ~150-350 km (estimated).
- DRDO: Defence Research and Development Organisation; est. 1958; HQ New Delhi.
- APJ Abdul Kalam Island: Formerly Wheeler Island; renamed 2015; located off Odisha coast; DRDO's missile testing range.
- Other Indian SAM systems: Akash (medium-range), Barak-8 (with Israel), QRSAM, MRSAM.
- India's S-400: Purchased from Russia; 5 squadrons ordered (2018 deal).
- Recent DRDO missile tests: Pinaka LRGR (8 July 2026).
- Other missile systems: BrahMos, Agni series, Astra, Prithvi, NAG.
❓ MCQ Practice
Q. The 'Kusha' Long-Range Surface-to-Air Missile was test-fired from:
The 'Kusha' LR-SAM was test-fired from APJ Abdul Kalam Island, off Odisha coast on 23 July 2026 by DRDO. Kalam Island (formerly Wheeler Island) is DRDO's key missile testing range. Places India among select nations with indigenous long-range SAM capability, comparable to Russia's S-400.
Ministry of Earth Sciences
🌦️ Mission Mausam – Progress Update on Weather-Ready India
📝 Key Notes
⭐ Prelims Extra Points
❓ MCQ Practice
- Mission Mausam launched by PM Modi on 14 January 2025.
- Goal: Make India a "Weather-ready and Climate-smart" nation.
- Response by MoS Dr. Jitendra Singh in Rajya Sabha.
- Key Objectives:
- Cutting-edge weather surveillance technologies.
- Higher-resolution atmospheric observations.
- Next-generation radars, wind profilers, satellites.
- Advanced HPC (High-Performance Computing) systems.
- Better Earth system models with AI/ML.
- State-of-the-art Decision Support System (DSS).
- Observational Network Expansion:
- Presently 50 Doppler Weather Radars (DWRs).
- Adding: 29 C-Band + 45 X-Band + 12 S-Band DWRs.
- 19 Wind Profiler Systems (WPSs).
- 25 Microwave Radiometers (MWRs).
- 60 new GPS Radiosonde Stations.
- Advanced Modelling Systems:
- IMD's Global Forecast System (GFS) & NCMRWF's Mithuna — 12 km resolution.
- New Bharat Forecasting System (BharatFS) at 6 km resolution.
- Supercomputers: "Arunika" and "Arka".
- 40% improvement in forecast accuracy for severe weather events in recent decade.
- Citizen-Focused Initiatives:
- "Mausamgram": Har Har Mausam, Har Ghar Mausam — hyperlocal village-level forecasts.
- MAUSAM App, MEGHDOOT App (agro), DAMINI App (lightning).
- Panchayat Mausam Seva Portal with Ministry of Panchayati Raj.
- CAP alerts via SMS, SACHET app, APPLE, GOOGLE, GMAS.
- 7,300+ Farmers' Awareness Programs conducted across 373 districts (83 Aspirational Districts).
- Under Mission Mausam: KALP (Krishi Advisory) and Mausam SANKALP developed.
⭐ Prelims Extra Points
- Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES): Est. 2006 (renamed from DoOD).
- IMD (India Meteorological Department): Est. 1875; HQ New Delhi; under MoES.
- NCMRWF: National Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasting; Noida.
- Doppler Weather Radar: Uses Doppler effect to detect wind and precipitation.
- CAP = Common Alerting Protocol; standardised emergency alerting.
- SACHET App: Developed by NDMA for disaster alerts.
- Mission Mausam total outlay: ₹2,000 crore for 2 years.
- India was one of first countries to establish national weather service (1875).
❓ MCQ Practice
Q. Mission Mausam was launched by PM Narendra Modi on:
Mission Mausam was launched by PM Modi on 14 January 2025 to make India "Weather-ready and Climate-smart". Under Ministry of Earth Sciences. Involves expanding DWRs, Wind Profilers, Radiometers; New "Bharat Forecasting System (BharatFS)" at 6 km resolution. Supercomputers: "Arunika" & "Arka".
Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change
🌫️ NCAP Progress – 108 Cities See PM10 Reduction
📝 Key Notes
⭐ Prelims Extra Points
❓ MCQ Practice
- NCAP = National Clean Air Programme; launched in 2019.
- Covers 130 cities across India.
- Includes Pune, Surat, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Delhi.
- Multi-sectoral initiative under MoEF&CC.
- Key Achievements:
- 108 cities recorded reductions in annual PM10 (vs 2017-18).
- 72 cities achieved reductions of >20%.
- 26 cities achieved reductions of >40%.
- 14 cities met National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) in 2025-26 (vs 6 in 2017-18).
- 65 cities met PM2.5 NAAQS (Standard ≤40 μg/m³) in 2025-26.
- Funding: ₹16,423.56 crore released to targeted cities under NCAP performance-based grants.
- Air Quality Index (AQI): Launched by Government in 2015.
- National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) notified for 12 air pollutants including PM10 and PM2.5.
- PM2.5 levels (2025-26):
- Pune: 41 μg/m³.
- Hyderabad: 34 μg/m³.
- Surat: 32 μg/m³.
- Delhi: 102 μg/m³ (highest among sample).
- Mumbai: 33 μg/m³.
- CAQM = Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas; est. 2021.
⭐ Prelims Extra Points
- NCAP: Target — reduce PM2.5 & PM10 by 40% by 2026 (vs 2017 levels); revised from original 20-30%.
- NAAQS: Standard for PM2.5 is 40 μg/m³ (annual) and 60 μg/m³ (24-hr).
- PM (Particulate Matter): PM10 (≤10 microns), PM2.5 (≤2.5 microns) — smaller = more harmful.
- CPCB: Central Pollution Control Board; est. 1974 under Water Act.
- AQI Categories: Good (0-50), Satisfactory (51-100), Moderate (101-200), Poor (201-300), Very Poor (301-400), Severe (401-500).
- WHO Guidelines: Annual PM2.5 = 5 μg/m³ (stricter than NAAQS).
- India's 2015 AQI covers 8 pollutants.
❓ MCQ Practice
Q. The National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) covers how many cities across India?
NCAP (National Clean Air Programme) launched in 2019 covers 130 cities across India. Under MoEF&CC. 108 cities recorded PM10 reductions vs 2017-18. ₹16,423.56 crore released under performance-based grants. 65 cities met PM2.5 NAAQS in 2025-26.
Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs
🛒 PM SVANidhi Scheme – Impact Study & UPI Credit Card
📝 Key Notes
⭐ Prelims Extra Points
❓ MCQ Practice
- PM SVANidhi = PM Street Vendor's AtmaNirbhar Nidhi; scheme for street vendors.
- Now expanded to census towns, peri-urban areas beyond statutory urban areas.
- Response by MoS Tokhan Sahu in Lok Sabha.
- Impact Studies by Indian School of Business (ISB), Hyderabad:
- 2023 study: 95% of beneficiaries got their first bank loan through PM SVANidhi.
- 2025 study: Average annualized business income grew by ~20% between 2023-2025.
- ~30% borrowers now hold other loans (building credit histories).
- Loan Structure: 3 tranches (₹10,000, ₹20,000, ₹50,000).
- UPI-linked RuPay Credit Card:
- For beneficiaries who repaid 2nd loan tranche.
- Launched on 23 January 2026.
- As of 12 July 2026: Katni 14, Panna 2, Khajuraho 1 cards issued.
- Special Campaigns Conducted:
- Lok Kalyan Melas (17 Sept - 15 Oct 2025).
- Special campaign (3 Nov - 2 Dec 2025) to clear pendency.
- Nationwide Special Campaign (1-30 June 2026): SVANidhi Mahotsav + Lok Kalyan Melas.
- Restructured PM SVANidhi Scheme approved on 27 August 2025.
- Guidelines for Street Food Hubs issued.
- Average loan sanction time: 23 days.
⭐ Prelims Extra Points
- PM SVANidhi: Launched 1 June 2020 during COVID-19; by Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs.
- Target beneficiaries: Street Vendors.
- Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014: Legal framework.
- Loan interest subsidy: 7% on regular repayment.
- Cashback for digital transactions: Up to ₹100/month.
- RuPay: India's indigenous card payment network by NPCI.
- UPI: Unified Payments Interface; launched by NPCI 2016.
- India has ~1 crore street vendors; contribute ~14% of urban informal employment.
❓ MCQ Practice
Q. The PM SVANidhi Scheme was launched primarily for whose benefit?
PM SVANidhi (PM Street Vendor's AtmaNirbhar Nidhi) was launched on 1 June 2020 during COVID-19 for street vendors. Provides collateral-free loans in 3 tranches (₹10K, ₹20K, ₹50K). Under Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs. UPI-linked RuPay Credit Card launched 23 January 2026 for beneficiaries who repaid 2nd tranche.
Ministry of Law and Justice
⚖️ Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs) – 775 Functional Across India
📝 Key Notes
⭐ Prelims Extra Points
❓ MCQ Practice
- Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs) launched as Centrally Sponsored Scheme in October 2019.
- For expeditious trial of pending cases related to rape and POCSO Act.
- Scheme extended temporarily till 30 September 2026.
- Response by Union MoS Law & Justice Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal in Rajya Sabha.
- Current Status (as of 30 April 2026):
- 775 FTSCs functional in 29 States/UTs (target: 790).
- Includes 398 exclusive POCSO (e-POCSO) Courts.
- Uttar Pradesh has most FTSCs: 218 (74 e-POCSO).
- Bihar: 54 FTSCs (48 e-POCSO).
- Jharkhand exited the scheme (July 2025).
- Case Statistics:
- 2023: 81,471 cases registered; 76,319 disposed; 2,02,175 pending.
- 2024: 88,902 registered; 85,595 disposed; 2,04,122 pending.
- 2025: 1,43,936 registered; 66,500 disposed; 2,45,579 pending.
- Funding Pattern: 60:40 (Centre:State); 90:10 for NE & Himalayan states.
- Total Central share released since inception: ₹1,259.51 crore.
- Central assistance for Judicial Officer salary + 7 support staff per FTSC + Flexi Grant.
- Judicial Infrastructure Scheme: ₹4,519.47 crore released to States/UTs during XV Finance Commission cycle.
⭐ Prelims Extra Points
- POCSO Act, 2012: Protection of Children from Sexual Offences.
- POCSO Act amended in 2019 to include death penalty.
- Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023: Replaced CrPC 1973; effective 1 July 2024.
- India has 25 High Courts and Supreme Court (1 Chief Justice + 33 judges max).
- Article 233: Appointment of District Judges by Governor.
- Article 217: Appointment of HC Judges by President.
- Judiciary appointments through Collegium system.
- India's pendency: ~5 crore cases in courts.
❓ MCQ Practice
Q. Which state has the highest number of Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs) in India?
Uttar Pradesh has the highest number of Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs) — 218 FTSCs (74 e-POCSO). Total in India: 775 FTSCs in 29 States/UTs (target 790). Scheme launched October 2019 for expeditious trial of rape and POCSO Act cases. Central assistance: 60:40 (Centre:State); 90:10 for NE & Himalayan states.
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions
👨💼 Mission Karmayogi – 1.69 Crore Users on iGOT Platform
📝 Key Notes
⭐ Prelims Extra Points
❓ MCQ Practice
- Mission Karmayogi = National Programme for Civil Services Capacity Building (NPCSCB).
- Approved in September 2020.
- Aim: Transition from 'rule-based' to 'role-based' HR system.
- Create civil servants with global outlook, rooted in Indian ethos.
- Response by MoS Dr. Jitendra Singh in Rajya Sabha.
- Current Progress:
- 1.69+ crore users onboarded on iGOT Karmayogi platform.
- 5,500+ courses available.
- Covers domain, functional and behavioural competencies.
- 14.08 crore+ course completions.
- Courses in 23 languages (incl. Hindi and other Indian languages).
- Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) Framework:
- Monitors stakeholders' performance on Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
- APAR Linkage: From reporting year 2025-26 onwards, mandatory course/assessment completion on iGOT captured in Annual Performance Appraisal Reports (APAR) of Central Government employees + AIS officers.
⭐ Prelims Extra Points
- iGOT Karmayogi: Integrated Government Online Training platform.
- Mission Karmayogi under Ministry of Personnel, PG & Pensions.
- Vision: "Vishwa Guru Bharat" — civil servants with global outlook.
- Karmayogi Bharat: Special purpose vehicle (SPV); Section 8 company set up 2022.
- Capacity Building Commission (CBC): Est. 2021 to drive Mission Karmayogi.
- All India Services (AIS): IAS, IPS, IFS.
- APAR: Annual Performance Appraisal Report.
- India has ~48 lakh Central Government employees.
❓ MCQ Practice
Q. Mission Karmayogi, the National Programme for Civil Services Capacity Building, was approved in:
Mission Karmayogi (National Programme for Civil Services Capacity Building) was approved in September 2020. Aims to transition from 'rule-based' to 'role-based' HR system. 1.69+ crore users on iGOT platform; 5,500+ courses in 23 languages; 14.08+ crore course completions. From 2025-26, iGOT completion linked to APAR of Central Govt employees.
Ministry of Science & Technology
🔬 INSPIRE Programme – Progress Update
📝 Key Notes
⭐ Prelims Extra Points
❓ MCQ Practice
- INSPIRE = Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research.
- Under Department of Science and Technology (DST).
- Response by MoS Dr. Jitendra Singh in Rajya Sabha.
- Four Major Components:
- INSPIRE MANAK (Million Minds Augmenting National Aspiration and Knowledge): Ages 10-17 (Classes VI-XII).
- INSPIRE SHE (Scholarship for Higher Education): 12,000 scholarships/year @ ₹80,000/year; ages 17-22.
- INSPIRE Fellowship: For PhD; JRF ₹37,000/month + SRF ₹42,000/month + HRA + ₹20,000 contingency.
- INSPIRE Faculty Fellowship: 27-32 age; ₹1,25,000/month + ₹35 lakh research grant over 5 years.
- Activities in 2025-26:
- INSPIRE-MANAK: 49,805 students.
- INSPIRE-SHE: 24,276 scholarships.
- INSPIRE Fellowship: 3,364 fellowships.
- INSPIRE Faculty Fellowship: 477.
- Outreach Efforts:
- State Education Departments, District Education Officers coordination.
- Awareness campaigns, orientation programmes, webinars.
- DLEPCs (District Level Exhibition and Project Competitions).
- SLEPCs (State Level) and NLEPCs (National Level).
- Mentorship with IITs, NITs, IISERs.
- Special focus on rural, remote and aspirational districts.
⭐ Prelims Extra Points
- DST: Department of Science and Technology; est. 3 May 1971; HQ New Delhi.
- INSPIRE launched: 2008; flagship scholarship scheme for science.
- Aims to promote science at school and college level.
- JRF = Junior Research Fellow; SRF = Senior Research Fellow.
- Other key DST scholarships: SERB (now under ANRF), National Postdoctoral Fellowship.
- ANRF = Anusandhan National Research Foundation; est. 2024.
- India's Gross Expenditure on R&D (GERD): ~0.65% of GDP (needs to increase).
- India ranks 38th in Global Innovation Index (GII) 2025.
❓ MCQ Practice
Q. Under INSPIRE Programme, the "MANAK" component targets students in which age group?
INSPIRE MANAK (Million Minds Augmenting National Aspiration and Knowledge) targets students aged 10-17 years (Classes VI-XII). Other components: INSPIRE SHE (17-22 years, 12,000 scholarships/year), INSPIRE Fellowship (for PhD), INSPIRE Faculty Fellowship (27-32 years). Programme under Department of Science and Technology (DST).
Ministry of Science & Technology
🧬 BioE3 Policy Implementation Update
📝 Key Notes
⭐ Prelims Extra Points
❓ MCQ Practice
- BioE3 = Biotechnology for Economy, Environment, & Employment Policy.
- Approved by Union Cabinet in August 2024.
- For "Fostering High-Performance Biomanufacturing".
- Response by MoS Dr. Jitendra Singh in Rajya Sabha.
- 6 Thematic Sectors Identified:
- Bio-based chemicals, biopolymers, APIs and enzymes.
- Smart proteins and functional foods.
- Precision biotherapeutics.
- Climate-resilient agriculture.
- Carbon capture and utilization.
- Futuristic marine and space research.
- Progress Made:
- 11 calls for proposals announced.
- Over 2,000 proposals received.
- 270+ projects recommended for funding.
- 17 facilities supported under first call on BioEnablers.
- 15 Bio-AI Hubs recommended for support (from 284 LoIs).
- BioEnablers Being Set Up:
- Bio-AI Hubs.
- Biofoundries.
- Biomanufacturing Hubs.
- MoU signed with MeitY for access to national AI infrastructure.
- MoU with ISRO for Space Biotechnology; 3 DBT-BRIC investigators participated in Axiom-4 mission.
- BioE3-Strain Resource Centre (SRC) at BRIC-NCCS, Pune.
- Centre-State BioE3 Cells: Notified in Assam, Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh.
- "Design for BioE3" contest: 4,914 entries received.
⭐ Prelims Extra Points
- DBT: Department of Biotechnology; est. 1986; under Ministry of Science & Technology.
- BRIC: Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council; formed 2023 (merging 14 DBT autonomous institutions).
- BIRAC: Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council; PSU under DBT; 2012.
- India's biotech sector: ~$190 billion (2024); target $300 billion by 2030.
- India has 4,000+ biotech companies.
- DBT-NCCS: National Centre for Cell Science, Pune.
- India is 3rd largest biotech destination in Asia-Pacific.
❓ MCQ Practice
Q. The BioE3 Policy stands for Biotechnology for:
The BioE3 Policy stands for Biotechnology for Economy, Environment, and Employment. Approved by Union Cabinet in August 2024. Covers 6 thematic sectors including bio-based chemicals, smart proteins, precision biotherapeutics, climate-resilient agriculture, carbon capture, and space research. 270+ projects recommended; 15 Bio-AI Hubs supported.
Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports
🎯 MY Bharat + PMIS – Nearly 1 Lakh Youth Directed to Internships
📝 Key Notes
⭐ Prelims Extra Points
❓ MCQ Practice
- MY Bharat (Mera Yuva Bharat) in collaboration with Ministry of Corporate Affairs facilitates Prime Minister Internship Scheme (PMIS).
- Dedicated PMIS Volunteer Opportunity published on MY Bharat Portal.
- Key Achievement (as of 16 July 2026):
- 98,632 youth redirected through PMIS Volunteer Opportunity from MY Bharat to PMIS Portal.
- Uttar Pradesh: 10,838 (highest).
- Maharashtra: 10,213.
- Andhra Pradesh: 8,475.
- Tamil Nadu: 7,125.
- 3 Outreach and Internship Camps Organized:
- Chennai, Tamil Nadu: 600+ youth.
- Pune, Maharashtra: 90 youth.
- Dantewada, Chhattisgarh: 800+ youth (highest).
- Aligned with Viksit Bharat @ 2047 vision.
- Supports Skilled and Employable Bharat.
⭐ Prelims Extra Points
- MY Bharat: Launched October 2023; under Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports.
- PMIS (Prime Minister Internship Scheme): Announced in Union Budget 2024-25.
- PMIS Target: 1 crore internships in top 500 companies over 5 years.
- PMIS Benefits: ₹5,000/month + ₹6,000 one-time grant.
- Duration: 12 months.
- Eligibility: Age 21-24; not employed full-time; family income <₹8 lakh.
- Implementing agency: Ministry of Corporate Affairs.
- India's youth (15-29 years): ~35% of population.
❓ MCQ Practice
Q. The Prime Minister Internship Scheme (PMIS) targets to provide internships in top 500 companies over 5 years for how many candidates?
The Prime Minister Internship Scheme (PMIS) targets 1 crore internships in top 500 companies over 5 years. Announced in Union Budget 2024-25. Provides ₹5,000/month + ₹6,000 one-time grant. Duration: 12 months. MY Bharat directed 98,632 youth to PMIS Portal (as of 16 July 2026). Implemented by Ministry of Corporate Affairs.
PIB Notes – 23 July 2026
PIB Notes 23 July 2026 provides concise and exam-oriented coverage of important Press Information Bureau (PIB) updates. These notes simplify official government announcements into easy-to-understand points for quick revision and competitive exam preparation.
Today's PIB Notes cover PM Narendra Modi's tribute to Lokmanya Tilak, Aditya-L1 Mission achievements, India's Nuclear Power Programme, Culture and Heritage initiatives, ASI monuments in South India, DRDO Kusha Missile Test, Mission Mausam, National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), PM SVANidhi, Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs), Mission Karmayogi, INSPIRE Programme, BioE3 Policy and MY Bharat–PMIS collaboration.
Key Topics Covered
- Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak
- Aditya-L1 Solar Mission
- India's Nuclear Power Programme
- Mission Mausam
- National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)
- PM SVANidhi Scheme
- Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs)
- Mission Karmayogi
- INSPIRE Programme
- BioE3 Policy
- MY Bharat–PMIS Collaboration
Useful For
These PIB Notes are useful for UPSC Civil Services, State PSC, SSC CGL, SSC CHSL, Banking (IBPS, SBI, RBI), Railway (RRB), Defence (NDA, CDS, AFCAT, CAPF), Insurance, Police, Teaching and all other government competitive examinations.
Why Read PIB Notes Daily?
- Based on official Government of India sources.
- Important schemes, policies and programmes in one place.
- Useful for both Prelims and descriptive examinations.
- Quick revision with key facts and exam pointers.
- Strengthens current affairs and governance preparation.
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