📰 PIB Notes for UPSC – 03 August 2026
Daily PIB Current Affairs | UPSC & SSC Exam Preparation
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📮 Commemorative Stamp Released on Centenary of Satish Gujral
- Department of Posts released Commemorative Postage Stamp on Centenary of Satish Gujral.
- Ceremony at Bikaner House, New Delhi.
- Released by Union Communications Minister Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia.
- Satish Gujral (1925-2020): Renowned painter, sculptor, architect, muralist and writer.
- Recipient of Padma Vibhushan.
- Career spanned over 7 decades.
- Earlier stamp designs by Gujral: VSNL 125th Anniversary stamp, Financial Inclusion stamp.
- Stamp features portrait with paintbrush; purple-blue backdrop inspired by his style.
- Designed by Shri Anuj Kumar on proposal of Ms. Raseel Gujral Ansal.
- Also attended by Padma Bhushan Shri Jatin Das (painter/sculptor) and Dr. Rajeev Lochan (former DG, National Gallery of Modern Art).
- Minister's quote: "Postage stamps carry the soul of our country… carrying India's history, culture and collective memories across generations."
⭐ Prelims Extra Points
- Department of Posts: Under Ministry of Communications; India Post = world's largest postal network (~1.56 lakh post offices).
- Commemorative Stamps: Issued on special occasions; limited print; become collectibles.
- National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA): Est. 1954; New Delhi (also at Mumbai and Bengaluru).
- Padma Vibhushan: 2nd highest civilian award after Bharat Ratna.
- India Post Day: 10 October.
❓ MCQ Practice
Q. The commemorative stamp on the centenary of Satish Gujral was released by the Department of Posts. Satish Gujral was a recipient of which award?
- ABharat Ratna✗
- BPadma Bhushan✗
- CPadma Vibhushan✓
- DPadma Shri✗
📜 Gyan Bharatam Mission – Manuscript Preservation | ₹491.66 Cr Sanctioned
- Gyan Bharatam Mission (GBM): Announced in Union Budget 2025-26; initiative of Ministry of Culture.
- Response by Culture Minister Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in Lok Sabha.
- SFC sanctioned ₹491.66 crore for 2025-2031.
- National Manuscript Survey launched March 2026 across all States/UTs.
- 1.19 crore+ manuscripts reported during survey.
- Over 8 lakh manuscripts digitized nationwide.
- 4.40 lakh+ manuscripts available on Gyan Bharatam portal for public access.
- National Digital Repository (NDR) being built.
- Institutional mechanism via Cluster Centres and Independent Centres.
- States/UTs engaged as Nodal Coordinating Authority.
- Bihar Institutions Onboarded: Nava Nalanda Mahavihar, Khuda Bakhsh Oriental Public Library (Patna), Shri Bodh Gaya Math.
- Pan-India initiative — irrespective of script, language, knowledge tradition or region.
⭐ Prelims Extra Points
- National Mission for Manuscripts (NMM): Launched 2003; now subsumed into GBM.
- India has one of world's largest collections of manuscripts — estimated 10 crore+.
- Khuda Bakhsh Oriental Public Library, Patna: Est. 1891; institution of national importance; rare Arabic/Persian manuscripts.
- Nava Nalanda Mahavihar: Deemed University in Nalanda; under Ministry of Culture.
- Key manuscript repositories: Saraswati Mahal Library (Thanjavur), Oriental Research Institute (Mysore).
❓ MCQ Practice
Q. Gyan Bharatam Mission was announced in which Union Budget?
- AUnion Budget 2024-25✗
- BUnion Budget 2025-26✓
- CUnion Budget 2026-27✗
- DUnion Budget 2023-24✗
🌊 Glaw Lake – Arunachal Pradesh's First Ramsar Site | India's 101st
- Glaw Lake in Arunachal Pradesh designated as India's 101st Ramsar Site.
- Arunachal Pradesh's first-ever Ramsar Site.
- Announced by Union Environment Minister Shri Bhupender Yadav.
- Located within Kamlang Tiger Reserve and Wildlife Sanctuary.
- Pristine freshwater lake in Eastern Himalayas — a biodiversity hotspot.
- Fed by perennial mountain streams.
- Over 150 tree species and 49 orchid species recorded.
- Ramsar Sites growth: 26 (2014) → 101 (August 2026).
- Important for biodiversity conservation, water/climate security, and sustainable livelihoods.
⭐ Prelims Extra Points
- Ramsar Convention: Treaty on Wetlands; adopted in Ramsar, Iran in 1971; effective 1975.
- India signed the Convention on 1 February 1982.
- World Wetlands Day: 2 February.
- India's first Ramsar Sites (1982): Chilika Lake (Odisha) and Keoladeo National Park (Rajasthan).
- State with most Ramsar Sites: Tamil Nadu (18), followed by UP.
- Kamlang Tiger Reserve: Located in Lohit district, Arunachal Pradesh; named after Kamlang River.
- Arunachal Pradesh is part of Indo-Burma Biodiversity Hotspot.
- Wetlands International estimates India has ~7.4 lakh hectares of wetlands.
❓ MCQ Practice
Q. Glaw Lake, designated as India's 101st Ramsar Site, is located within which Tiger Reserve?
- ANamdapha Tiger Reserve✗
- BPakke Tiger Reserve✗
- CKamlang Tiger Reserve✓
- DManas Tiger Reserve✗
🌱 Green Credit Programme – Incentivising Environmental Actions
- Green Credit Programme: Innovative mechanism to incentivise environmentally positive actions.
- Promotes Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) objectives.
- Response by MoS Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh in Lok Sabha.
- Green Credit Rules, 2023 notified on 12 October 2023 under Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
- Portal: moefccgcp.in.
- Administrator: Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE), Dehradun.
- 5-year establishment period before Green Credits can be claimed.
- Requires minimum 40% canopy density (moderately dense forest).
- Aims: Increase green cover, enhance carbon sequestration, restore degraded lands, reduce carbon footprint.
- Degraded forest land parcels selected by State Forest Departments.
- Open to public and private sector entities.
- Benefits communities via timber, non-timber forest produce, fodder, water, ecosystem services.
⭐ Prelims Extra Points
- Environment (Protection) Act, 1986: Umbrella legislation for environmental protection; enacted post Bhopal Gas Tragedy.
- Mission LiFE: Launched 20 October 2022 at Kevadia by PM Modi + UN Secretary General.
- ICFRE: Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education; est. 1906; HQ Dehradun.
- Carbon Credit Trading Scheme: Adopted 2023; separate from Green Credit Programme.
- India's forest cover: 8,27,356.95 sq km (25.17% of geographical area) per ISFR 2023.
- CAMPA: Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority.
❓ MCQ Practice
Q. The Administrator of the Green Credit Programme is:
- ACentral Pollution Control Board✗
- BIndian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE)✓
- CNational Biodiversity Authority✗
- DForest Survey of India✗
🌊 Samudra Manthan – National Offshore Exploration Scheme | ₹84,084 Cr
- Samudra Manthan = National Offshore Exploration Scheme; approved 31 July 2026.
- Phase-I outlay: ₹84,084 crore up to FY 2030-31.
- India = world's 3rd largest crude oil consumer; annual import bill ~USD 144 billion (~₹13 lakh crore).
- Offshore basins estimated to hold 5,600+ MMTOE hydrocarbon potential.
- 4 Components:
- Seismic Data Acquisition: ₹28,534 crore (2D/3D surveys + AI processing).
- Accelerated Offshore Exploration: ₹43,200 crore (60 deepwater wells; up to 50% cost share or ₹675 crore/well).
- Common Offshore Infrastructure: ₹10,000 crore (shared production facilities).
- Oil & Gas Manufacturing Zone: ₹2,000 crore (Make in India).
- Monitoring & support: ₹350 crore.
- Expected Outcomes:
- Add 600+ MMTOE of hydrocarbon reserves.
- Annual production: 62 MMTOE → 80 MMTOE.
- Cut crude imports by ~₹1 lakh crore/year.
- Mahanadi Basin: First appraisal well drilling commenced 25 July 2026.
- Open to both public and private E&P operators.
- Reforms Context: HELP (2016), OALP, Revenue Sharing Contracts, Oilfields Amendment Act 2025.
- Under OALP: 172 blocks awarded (~3.8 lakh sq km); USD 4.3 billion committed.
⭐ Prelims Extra Points
- MMTOE = Million Metric Tonnes of Oil Equivalent.
- ONGC: Oil and Natural Gas Corporation; Maharatna PSU; est. 1956.
- HELP: Hydrocarbon Exploration and Licensing Policy (2016); replaced NELP.
- OALP: Open Acreage Licensing Programme; under HELP.
- Revenue Sharing Contracts (RSC) replaced Production Sharing Contracts (PSC) in 2016.
- India's EEZ (Exclusive Economic Zone): ~2.37 million sq km.
- National Data Repository (NDR): Repository of India's geological and geophysical data.
- India imports ~88.5% of crude oil consumed.
❓ MCQ Practice
Q. Samudra Manthan – National Offshore Exploration Scheme has a Phase-I outlay of:
- A₹43,200 crore✗
- B₹62,500 crore✗
- C₹84,084 crore✓
- D₹1,27,500 crore✗
🏅 Revamped Khelo India Scheme – ₹36,441 Cr for 2026-31
- Union Cabinet approved revamped Khelo India Scheme with enhanced Assistance to NSFs.
- Combined outlay: ₹36,441 crore (2026-27 to 2030-31).
- Launched in 2017; merged 3 schemes: Rajiv Gandhi Khel Abhiyan, Urban Sports Infrastructure, National Sports Talent Search.
- Union Budget 2026-27 allocated record ₹4,479.88 crore to MYAS (vs ₹1,219 crore in 2013-14).
- 5 Key Pillars: Training centres, Coach development, Sports science/technology, Competitions/leagues, Sports infrastructure.
- Key Achievements (July 2026):
- 349 sports infrastructure projects (₹3,176 crore investment).
- 1,067 Khelo India Centres (KICs).
- 267 academies supported.
- 2,745 Khelo India Athletes (KIAs) supported.
- 63,000+ athletes participated in KI Games since 2018.
- New Initiatives: Khelo India Feeder Schools, Utkrishta Vidyalayas, Emerging KIA category (10x athlete pool), National Coach Accreditation Board.
- CWG 2026 Glasgow: India 4th place with 39 medals (13G, 17S, 9B).
- Key CWG performers: Mirabai Chanu (3rd consecutive CWG gold), 7 boxing golds, Asmita Dey (India's first CWG judo gold).
- Targets: Top 10 sporting nation by 2036; Top 5 by 2047.
- TOPS (Sept 2014): Currently supports 51 Core + 52 Para Core + 130 Development Athletes.
- KIRTI: 174 Talent Assessment Centres; 1,87,921 assessments completed.
- Sports goods manufacturing initiative: ₹500 crore (Budget 2026-27).
⭐ Prelims Extra Points
- Khelo India: Launched 2017; flagship for grassroots sports development.
- KI Games: KIYG (2018), KIUG (2020), KIWG (2020), KIPG (2023), KIBG (2025), KITG (2026).
- TOPS: Target Olympic Podium Scheme; launched September 2014.
- KIRTI: Khelo India Rising Talent Identification; for ages 9-18.
- SAI: Sports Authority of India; est. 1984.
- CWG 2026: Glasgow; 74 countries; 10 sports; 6 Para Sports.
- India's CWG 2030: To be hosted by Ahmedabad.
- India bidding for 2036 Olympic Games.
- Mirabai Chanu: Weightlifter; Tokyo 2020 silver; 3 CWG golds (2018, 2022, 2026).
❓ MCQ Practice
Q. India finished in which position at the Commonwealth Games 2026 in Glasgow?
- A3rd✗
- B4th✓
- C5th✗
- D6th✗
👷 PM Shram Yogi Maandhan (PM-SYM) – 54 Lakh+ Beneficiaries
- PM-SYM: Voluntary, contributory pension scheme for unorganised sector workers.
- Launched in February 2019.
- Monthly pension: ₹3,000 after age 60.
- Eligibility: Age 18-40; monthly income ≤₹15,000; not EPFO/ESIC/NPS member; not income tax assessee.
- Monthly contribution: ₹55 to ₹200 (age-dependent).
- 50% matching contribution by Central Government.
- Enrolment via ~4 lakh Common Service Centres (CSCs) or self-enrolment at maandhan.in.
- As of 29 July 2026: 54 lakh+ beneficiaries enrolled.
- Women participation: 53.1%.
- Government matching contribution: ₹2,011.01 crore.
- First pension disbursement: Not before February 2039 (earliest eligible cohort).
- Integrated with eShram portal (two-way).
⭐ Prelims Extra Points
- PM-SYM: Part of social security measures for unorganised sector.
- India's unorganised sector: ~93% of workforce.
- EPFO: Employees' Provident Fund Organisation; est. 1952.
- ESIC: Employees' State Insurance Corporation; est. 1948.
- Other pension schemes: Atal Pension Yojana (APY) launched 2015; NPS launched 2004.
- CSC (Common Service Centre): Largest digital delivery network; ~4 lakh centres.
- Unorganised Workers' Social Security Act, 2008.
❓ MCQ Practice
Q. Under PM-SYM, the monthly pension assured to unorganised workers after age 60 is:
- A₹1,000✗
- B₹3,000✓
- C₹5,000✗
- D₹10,000✗
📱 eShram Portal – 31.82 Crore Unorganised Workers Registered
- eShram Portal (eshram.gov.in): Launched 26 August 2021.
- For National Database of Unorganised Workers (NDUW).
- Covers gig workers, platform workers, migrant workers.
- Provides Universal Account Number (UAN) on self-declaration basis.
- As of date: 31.82 crore+ unorganised workers registered.
- eShram "One-Stop-Solution": Launched 21 October 2024 — integrates social security schemes.
- 15 Central schemes integrated: Including PMSVANidhi, PMSBY, PMJJBY, VB-G RAM G, PMAY-G, AB-PMJAY, PM-KISAN, ONORC, PMMVY.
- Linkages with NCS (jobs), SIDH (skills), PM-SYM (pension).
- Aadhaar-based eKYC authentication for registration.
- Key fields fetched from UIDAI: Name, Gender, DOB, Address, Photo.
- Registration modes: Web portal, mobile app, CSCs, State Sewa Kendras, UMANG.
⭐ Prelims Extra Points
- eShram: Under Ministry of Labour & Employment.
- India's unorganised sector: ~93% of total workforce; ~40 crore workers.
- Code on Social Security, 2020: One of 4 Labour Codes; covers gig & platform workers for first time.
- NDUW: National Database of Unorganised Workers.
- UAN: Universal Account Number; 12-digit unique number.
- UMANG: Unified Mobile Application for New-age Governance; launched 2017.
- ONORC: One Nation One Ration Card; enables ration portability.
❓ MCQ Practice
Q. The eShram portal, launched in 2021, has registered over how many unorganised workers?
- A10 crore✗
- B20 crore✗
- C31.82 crore✓
- D50 crore✗
🌐 India Hosts 2nd BRICS Anti-Corruption Working Group Meeting in Hyderabad
- DoPT hosting 2nd BRICS Anti-Corruption Working Group (ACWG) Meeting.
- Also hosting 2nd BRICS Expert Network on Asset Recovery.
- Dates: 4-5 August 2026.
- Location: Hyderabad, Telangana.
- Under India's BRICS Presidency 2026.
- Theme: "Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability".
- Inaugurated by Ms. Rachna Shah, Secretary DoPT.
- Builds on 1st ACWG meeting (virtual, 2-3 June 2026).
- Focus Areas:
- Tracing fugitive offenders in corruption cases.
- Information-sharing for asset recovery.
- Corruption risks from FinTech, digital assets, digital financial instruments.
- Side Event: "Ethical Governance through Innovation and Tech-Driven Systems" on 5 August.
- Final ACWG meeting under India's BRICS Presidency.
⭐ Prelims Extra Points
- BRICS 2026: 11 members; India's Presidency theme = "Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability".
- DoPT: Department of Personnel and Training; under Ministry of Personnel, PG & Pensions.
- UNCAC: United Nations Convention Against Corruption; adopted 2003; India ratified 2011.
- CVC: Central Vigilance Commission; est. 1964; statutory status from 2003 Act.
- Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013: Anti-corruption ombudsman framework.
- Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988: Main anti-corruption law; amended 2018.
❓ MCQ Practice
Q. The 2nd BRICS Anti-Corruption Working Group Meeting under India's BRICS Presidency is being held at:
- ANew Delhi✗
- BMumbai✗
- CHyderabad✓
- DKochi✗
🍱 PM POSHAN Scheme – Nutritional Norms for School Meals
- PM POSHAN Scheme (formerly Mid-Day Meal Scheme; renamed 2021).
- Response by MoS Education Shri Jayant Chaudhary in Lok Sabha.
- Provides one hot cooked meal on all school working days.
- Covers: Bal Vatika (pre-Class 1) + Classes I to VIII in Government/Government-aided schools.
- Implemented in partnership with State Govts/UT Administrations.
- Per the National Food Security Act, 2013.
- Nutritional Norms (per child per day):
- Primary: 450 calories + 12g protein.
- Upper Primary: 700 calories + 20g protein.
- Food Norms (per child per day):
- Primary: Foodgrains 100g, Pulses 20g, Vegetables 50g, Oil 5g.
- Upper Primary: Foodgrains 150g, Pulses 30g, Vegetables 75g, Oil 7.5g.
- 5% Flexi Component of recurring budget for School Nutrition Gardens (SNGs) + supplementary nutrition.
- States encouraged to use locally grown millets, vegetables, condiments.
⭐ Prelims Extra Points
- Mid-Day Meal Scheme: Started 1995 under National Programme of Nutritional Support to Primary Education; renamed PM POSHAN (PM Poshan Shakti Nirman) in September 2021.
- Under Ministry of Education, Department of School Education & Literacy.
- National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013: Provides food security as legal right.
- NFSA covers ~81.35 crore beneficiaries.
- Education on Concurrent List (7th Schedule, List III).
- PM POSHAN is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme.
- Covers ~11.8 crore students in ~11.2 lakh schools.
❓ MCQ Practice
Q. Under PM POSHAN, the calorie norm prescribed per child per day for Upper Primary level is:
- A300 calories✗
- B450 calories✗
- C700 calories✓
- D1000 calories✗
🌲 Forest Conservation Schemes – 1,134 Protected Areas; 25.17% Forest Cover
- Response by MoS Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh in Lok Sabha.
- Communities participate via JFMCs (Joint Forest Management Committees) and EDCs (Eco-Development Committees).
- Forest Rights Act, 2006: Recognises rights of forest-dwelling communities; empowers Gram Sabhas.
- Key Schemes/Programmes:
- National Mission for a Green India (GIM).
- CAMPA (Compensatory Afforestation Fund).
- Nagar Van Yojana.
- MISHTI (Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats & Tangible Incomes).
- Forest Fire Prevention and Management Scheme.
- ISFR 2023 Data:
- Forest & tree cover: 8,27,356.95 sq km (25.17% of geographical area).
- Increased by 1,445.81 sq km over ISFR 2021.
- Protected Areas: 1,134 (National Parks + Sanctuaries + Conservation/Community Reserves).
- 58 Tiger Reserves and 33 Elephant Reserves.
- 32 tiger corridors + 150 elephant corridors identified.
- Forest land diversion regulated under Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam, 1980 (formerly Forest Conservation Act).
⭐ Prelims Extra Points
- Forest Conservation Act (FCA) 1980: Renamed Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam, 1980 via 2023 Amendment.
- Forest Rights Act (FRA) 2006: Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act.
- ISFR: India State of Forest Report; published by Forest Survey of India (FSI), Dehradun; biennial.
- Forest cover target: 33% of geographical area (National Forest Policy 1988).
- Forests on Concurrent List (7th Schedule; moved from State List by 42nd Amendment 1976).
- MISHTI: Launched in Union Budget 2023-24; mangrove conservation.
- Nagar Van Yojana: Urban forest scheme launched 2020.
❓ MCQ Practice
Q. As per ISFR 2023, India's total forest and tree cover is what percentage of geographical area?
- A21.71%✗
- B25.17%✓
- C33%✗
- D30.5%✗
📌 PIB Notes for UPSC – 03 August 2026 | Source: PIB, Govt. of India
Curated for UPSC Prelims, Mains & SSC CGL | Not for commercial use
PIB Notes for UPSC 22 June 2026
PIB Notes for UPSC 22 June 2026 covers nine important government initiatives, policy developments and institutional updates relevant for UPSC Prelims and Mains preparation. Key topics include the Index of Industrial Production (IIP) and core industries performance, TRAI telecom indicators, Arjan Singh Memorial Hockey Tournament, BHASHINI-AISF Assam MoU, new CISF Headquarters Foundation, DISHA 2.0 scheme, India's leadership in ship recycling, emerging technology ecosystem initiatives and NHRC intervention in the Tiruvallur ammonia gas leak case.
These topics are important for Governance, Internal Security, Economy, Social Justice, Science & Technology and Disaster Management. Aspirants should focus on both factual developments and policy significance.
Important Topics Covered in Today's PIB Notes
- Index of Industrial Production (IIP) and Core Industries Performance
- TRAI Telecom Indicators Report Q4 FY26
- Arjan Singh Memorial Hockey Tournament
- BHASHINI-AISF Assam Memorandum of Understanding
- Foundation Stone of New CISF Headquarters
- DISHA 2.0 Justice Delivery Initiative
- India's Global Leadership in Ship Recycling
- Emerging Technology Ecosystem Development
- NHRC Action on Tiruvallur Ammonia Gas Leak
Why Are These PIB Notes Important for UPSC?
PIB releases remain one of the most important official sources for UPSC preparation. Topics such as industrial production, telecom sector performance, internal security infrastructure, technology initiatives and social justice programmes frequently appear in both UPSC Prelims and Mains examinations.
The NHRC intervention in the ammonia leak case is particularly relevant from the perspective of industrial safety, environmental governance and human rights protection. Similarly, DISHA 2.0 and BHASHINI initiatives are important examples of governance and digital public infrastructure reforms.
Exam Relevance
- GS Paper II – Governance and Social Justice
- GS Paper III – Economy, Internal Security and Technology
- Disaster Management and Industrial Safety
- Current Affairs for UPSC Prelims
- Essay Preparation
- UPSC Interview and Personality Test
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are PIB Notes important for UPSC preparation?
PIB provides authentic government information frequently used in UPSC Prelims and Mains examinations.
What is DISHA 2.0?
DISHA 2.0 is a government initiative aimed at strengthening justice delivery and improving citizen access to legal services.
What is the significance of BHASHINI?
BHASHINI promotes multilingual digital access and language technology solutions across India.
Why is India's ship recycling sector important?
India is a global leader in sustainable ship recycling, contributing to the circular economy and green industrial practices.
What is the role of NHRC in industrial disaster cases?
NHRC monitors human rights implications and seeks accountability in incidents affecting public health and safety.
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