Topics at a Glance — Top 10 Exam-Relevant
- June GST Revenue: Import-Driven Growth
- VB-G RAM G: ₹300 Wage & Fiscal Burden
- Army’s Strategic Roadmap 'VIJAY'
- New Telecom Rules 2023 Operationalised
- High-Level Committee on Demographic Changes
- UN Panel Warning on Catastrophic AI Risks
- Strait of Hormuz: Iran's 'Red Lines'
- Midday Meals: West Bengal Egg Controversy
- PPP 2.0: Redesigning Risk & Capital
- Arunachal Community: Ray-finned Fish Conservation
01
June GST Collections Hit ₹1.95 Lakh Crore; Import-Driven Surge
GS-III | Indian Economy, Taxation, Public Finance
NEWS
- India's GST revenue rose 13.9% year-on-year to ₹1.95 lakh crore in June 2026, the highest growth in 13 months.
- The surge was primarily driven by GST on imports (up 35%), whereas GST from domestic transactions grew by only 6.5%.
- Imports contributed 69% of the total GST growth, highlighting weak domestic consumption and continued reliance on foreign raw materials.
PRELIMS
- GST: Destination-based indirect tax introduced via the 101st Constitutional Amendment.
- Input Tax Credit (ITC): Allows businesses to set off GST paid on inputs against output tax to prevent cascading.
- Import GST: Levied as Integrated GST (IGST) on goods and services imported into India.
MAINS
- The gap between import-led growth (35%) and domestic growth (6.5%) indicates a K-shaped recovery in domestic demand.
- While high import GST reflects industrial activity, it exposes the lack of deep domestic value addition.
- Way Forward: Simplify compliance for MSMEs, curb ITC fraud through AI/data analytics, and rationalise rates to boost domestic demand.
02
VB-G RAM G: Centre Notifies ₹300 Daily Wage; States Raise Fiscal Concerns
GS-II | Welfare Schemes | GS-III | Rural Development, Fiscal Federalism
NEWS
- The Union Government fixed ₹300 per day as the national wage floor under VB-G RAM G, which replaces MGNREGA.
- Under the new scheme, States must bear 40% of the total expenditure (wage + material), up from ~10% in the previous regime.
- Several states (Bihar, Punjab, MP) seek a review, fearing a six-fold increase in their fiscal burden.
PRELIMS
- VB-G RAM G: Visit Bharat Gram Ajeevika Rozgar Mission — supply-driven model replacing the demand-driven MGNREGA.
- Wage Floor: Minimum amount to be paid; states already paying more can continue their rates.
MAINS
- The shift from demand-driven to budget-capped (supply-driven) employment may weaken the safety net for the rural poor.
- Increased financial obligations (40% share) risk implementation failure in states with limited fiscal space.
- Way Forward: Balance fiscal sustainability with the constitutional Right to Work (Article 41) and standardise digital attendance systems to prevent wage leakages.
03
Army Unveils Roadmap 'VIJAY' for a Future-Ready, Tech-Enabled Force
GS-III | Internal Security, Defence Reforms & Modernisation
NEWS
- Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi unveiled strategic roadmap 'VIJAY' to transform the Indian Army into a technologically advanced force.
- Focus areas: Vigilance, Innovation, Jointness (integration with Navy/IAF), Technological advancement, and Self-reliance.
- Emphasis on Artificial Intelligence (AI), Network-Centric Warfare, and indigenous cyber capabilities.
PRELIMS
- Aatmanirbhar Bharat in Defence: Focus on reducing imports through Indigenisation Lists.
- Network-Centric Warfare: Linking sensors, decision-makers, and shooters to improve situational awareness and response speed.
MAINS
- Modern warfare is transitioning from kinetic force to Hybrid Warfare (Cyber, Space, Electronic). Roadmap VIJAY addresses this shift.
- Strategic Importance: Enhances interoperability and reduces "OODA loop" time (Observe-Orient-Decide-Act) against threats on the LAC/LoC.
04
New Telecom Rules 2023 Notified; Authorisation-Based Regime Begins
GS-II | Governance, Digital Infrastructure, Regulatory Frameworks
NEWS
- Central Government notified operational rules under the Telecommunications Act, 2023, replacing the colonial Indian Telegraph Act, 1885.
- The new regime shifts from "Licensing" to "Authorisation," simplifying compliance for operators and ISPs.
- Grants government broader powers for interception during national emergencies and spectrum management.
PRELIMS
- Telecommunications Act, 2023: Consolidated law for telecom services and infrastructure.
- Authorisation Regime: Permission to operate based on meeting standards rather than complex multi-level licensing.
- Digital Bharat Nidhi: Universal service obligation fund to promote rural connectivity.
MAINS
- The shift modernises a 138-year-old framework, but concerns remain over surveillance powers and user privacy.
- Strategic benefit: Faster rollout of 5G/6G and satellite communication services like Starlink/OneWeb.
05
High-Level Committee on Demographic Changes Initiates State Consultations
GS-II | Population Issues, Governance, Federalism
NEWS
- The HLCDC (Demography Panel) issued questionnaires to States to assess population shifts, migration, and urbanisation since the 2011 Census.
- The committee is comparing current data with 2011 figures to support the upcoming Population Census.
- Focus on Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and illegal migration concerns.
PRELIMS
- HLCDC: Formed to study impacts of population dynamics on security and resource allocation.
- Population Census: Conducted under the Census Act, 1948. The 2021 Census is significantly delayed.
MAINS
- Demographic shifts have direct implications for Delimitation (redrawing of seats) and fiscal devolution under the Finance Commission.
- Security Angle: Understanding settlement patterns in border states is crucial for internal security planning.
06
UN Panel Warns of Catastrophic AI Risks; Calls for Global Governance
GS-III | Science & Tech, Artificial Intelligence, Ethics
NEWS
- The UN's Independent International Scientific Panel on AI warned that rapid AI progress poses catastrophic risks if regulation lags.
- Issues identified: Deceptive AI behaviour, job displacement, misinformation, and lack of human control over highly capable systems.
- Recommended: Independent safety evaluations and evidence-based policymaking before deploying powerful models.
PRELIMS
- Generative AI: AI that can create content (text/images/code) based on training data.
- Bletchley Declaration: First global agreement on AI safety (UK, 2023).
MAINS
- The debate is between Innovation vs. Precaution. AI can solve climate/medical crises but also facilitate bioweapons or mass surveillance.
- Sovereign AI: India must build domestic compute infrastructure and datasets to ensure technological autonomy (Bharat rate of growth).
07
Strait of Hormuz: Iran Asserts Control; Maritime Stability at Risk
GS-II | International Relations, West Asia
NEWS
- Following the Iran–US ceasefire, Iran asserted greater control over Hormuz, insisting vessels use Tehran-approved routes.
- Iran and Oman initiated a Joint Hormuz Committee for maritime safety, but disputes over transit tolls persist.
- The Strait carries nearly 1/5th of global oil trade, making it a strategic chokepoint.
PRELIMS
- Strait of Hormuz: Connects Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman/Arabian Sea.
- Maritime Chokepoint: Strategic narrow route where disruption can spike global energy prices.
MAINS
- India's Energy Security is highly vulnerable; ~40% of India's crude imports transit through Hormuz.
- Strategic Response: Diversify energy imports (Russian oil, US/Africa) and strengthen the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR).
08
Midday Meal Controversy: Removal of Eggs in West Bengal & Child Nutrition
GS-II | Health & Nutrition, Welfare Schemes
NEWS
- West Bengal's decision to remove eggs from school meals has sparked a debate on protein-energy malnutrition.
- Nutritionists argue eggs are a "complete food" with high bioavailability of protein and essential micronutrients like Choline and B12.
- Tamil Nadu remains the pioneer in institutionalising eggs and diversified menus in school meals.
PRELIMS
- PM POSHAN: New name for the national Mid-Day Meal Scheme.
- Protein Bioavailability: The efficiency with which the body absorbs and uses protein from a specific food source.
MAINS
- School meals are not just about ending hunger; they are instruments of Social Equity and Human Capital development.
- Malnutrition leads to stunting and cognitive deficits. Policy decisions should be evidence-based rather than driven by fiscal or political compulsions.
09
PPP 2.0: Redesigning Infrastructure Financing & Risk Allocation
GS-III | Infrastructure, Public-Private Partnership, Investment
NEWS
- Experts call for PPP 2.0 to match capital with the type of risk (Construction vs. Operational).
- Previous PPPs failed due to optimistic revenue projections and inappropriate risk allocation between government and private players.
- Proposal to use InvITs (Infrastructure Investment Trusts) for recycling capital from mature assets.
PRELIMS
- InvIT: Collective investment vehicle that allows individual and institutional investors to invest in infrastructure.
- VGF (Viability Gap Funding): Grant provided to support infrastructure projects that are economically justified but not commercially viable.
MAINS
- Infrastructure is the engine for Viksit Bharat 2047. Redesigning PPP is crucial for long-term asset creation without bloating the fiscal deficit.
10
Arunachal Community: Conservation of Endangered Ray-finned Fish
GS-III | Environment, Biodiversity, Community-Based Conservation
NEWS
- The Sangno clan in Arunachal Pradesh launched an initiative to protect the endangered Himalayan fish Schizothorax pelzami.
- Community translocated juvenile fish to protected stretches of the Richaso river.
- Combines traditional practices with modern conservation to prevent overfishing.
PRELIMS
- Ray-finned Fish: Class Actinopterygii; make up 95% of all fish species.
- Community-Based Conservation: Local stewardship of natural resources.
01
जून में GST संग्रह ₹1.95 लाख करोड़ पहुंचा; आयात-संचालित वृद्धि
GS-III | भारतीय अर्थव्यवस्था, कराधान
NEWS
- जून 2026 में भारत का GST राजस्व साल-दर-साल 13.9% बढ़कर ₹1.95 लाख करोड़ हो गया।
- यह वृद्धि मुख्य रूप से आयात पर लगने वाले GST (35% की वृद्धि) से संचालित थी, जबकि घरेलू लेनदेन केवल 6.5% बढ़े।
- आयात ने कुल GST वृद्धि में 69% का योगदान दिया, जो कमजोर घरेलू मांग को दर्शाता है।
MAINS
- आयात-संचालित वृद्धि (35%) और घरेलू वृद्धि (6.5%) के बीच का अंतर घरेलू मांग में K-आकार की रिकवरी (K-shaped recovery) का संकेत देता है।
02
VB-G RAM G: केंद्र ने ₹300 दैनिक मजदूरी अधिसूचित की; राज्यों को आर्थिक चिंता
GS-II | कल्याणकारी योजनाएं | GS-III | ग्रामीण विकास
NEWS
- सरकार ने विकसित भारत ग्रामीण रोजगार और आजीविका मिशन (VB-G RAM G) के तहत ₹300 दैनिक मजदूरी तय की है, जो मनरेगा की जगह लेगा।
- नई योजना में राज्यों को कुल खर्च का 40% वहन करना होगा (पहले यह ~10% था)।
- बिहार, पंजाब जैसे राज्यों ने इसे आर्थिक बोझ बताते हुए समीक्षा की मांग की है।
PRELIMS
- VB-G RAM G: मांग-संचालित (MGNREGA) के बजाय आपूर्ति-संचालित (Supply-driven) मॉडल।
03
सेना ने भविष्य की जरूरतों के लिए रोडमैप 'VIJAY' पेश किया
GS-III | आंतरिक सुरक्षा, रक्षा सुधार
NEWS
- थल सेनाध्यक्ष ने 'VIJAY' रोडमैप पेश किया, जिसका उद्देश्य सेना को तकनीकी रूप से सक्षम और भविष्य के लिए तैयार करना है।
- इसके स्तंभ हैं: सतर्कता (Vigilance), नवाचार (Innovation), एकीकरण (Jointness), और आत्मनिर्भरता (Self-reliance)।
- आर्टिफिशियल इंटेलिजेंस (AI) और साइबर क्षमताओं पर विशेष जोर दिया गया है।
01
ஜூன் மாத GST வசூல் ₹1.95 லட்சம் கோடி; இறக்குமதி சார்ந்த வளர்ச்சி
GS-III | இந்தியப் பொருளாதாரம், வரிவிதிப்பு
NEWS
- ஜூன் 2026-ல் இந்தியாவின் GST வசூல் 13.9% உயர்ந்து ₹1.95 லட்சம் கோடியை எட்டியுள்ளது.
- இந்த வளர்ச்சி முக்கியமாக இறக்குமதி GST (35% உயர்வு) மூலம் கிடைத்துள்ளது; உள்நாட்டு வணிக வளர்ச்சி 6.5% மட்டுமே.
- மொத்த வளர்ச்சியில் 69% இறக்குமதியால் கிடைத்துள்ளது, இது உள்நாட்டு நுகர்வு குறைவாக இருப்பதைக் காட்டுகிறது.
02
VB-G RAM G: மத்திய அரசு ₹300 தினசரி ஊதியம் நிர்ணயம்
GS-II | நலத்திட்டங்கள் | GS-III | கிராமப்புற வளர்ச்சி
NEWS
- மகாத்மா காந்தி ஊரக வேலைவாய்ப்பு திட்டத்திற்கு (MGNREGA) பதிலாக கொண்டுவரப்பட்ட VB-G RAM G திட்டத்தின் கீழ் தினசரி ஊதியம் ₹300 ஆக நிர்ணயிக்கப்பட்டுள்ளது.
- புதிய திட்டத்தின்படி, மாநிலங்கள் 40% நிதிச் சுமையை ஏற்க வேண்டும், இது மாநில அரசுகளுக்கு கடும் நிதி நெருக்கடியை ஏற்படுத்தும் என அஞ்சப்படுகிறது.
PRELIMS
- VB-G RAM G: விக்சித் பாரத் கிராம ரோஜ்கார் மற்றும் ஆஜீவிகா மிஷன்.
03
ராணுவத்தின் எதிர்கால மாற்றத்திற்கான 'VIJAY' செயல்திட்டம்
GS-III | உள்நாட்டுப் பாதுகாப்பு, ராணுவ சீர்திருத்தங்கள்
NEWS
- இந்திய ராணுவத்தை தொழில்நுட்ப ரீதியாக மேம்படுத்த 'VIJAY' என்ற புதிய செயல்திட்டத்தை ராணுவ தளபதி அறிமுகப்படுத்தியுள்ளார்.
- செயற்கை நுண்ணறிவு (AI), சைபர் பாதுகாப்பு மற்றும் உள்நாட்டுத் தயாரிப்புகளுக்கு இதில் முன்னுரிமை அளிக்கப்பட்டுள்ளது.
Sources:
The Hindu |
The Indian Express
Daily Current Affairs – 02 July 2026
Daily Current Affairs for 02 July 2026 covers ten important topics for UPSC Prelims and Mains. Today's notes include June GST revenue growth, the VB-G RAM wage revision, Army's Strategic Roadmap 'VIJAY', Telecom Rules 2023, demographic policy, AI catastrophic risks, Strait of Hormuz developments, the West Bengal midday meal controversy, PPP 2.0 reforms and biodiversity conservation initiatives.
Major Topics Covered
June GST Revenue
Analysis of June GST collections, import-led revenue growth, indirect taxation, fiscal trends and implications for the Indian economy.
VB-G RAM Wage Revision
The revised ₹300 daily wage under the VB-G RAM G scheme, rural employment, fiscal implications and Centre-State financial responsibilities.
Army Strategic Roadmap 'VIJAY'
Modernisation of the Indian Army, defence preparedness, force restructuring and future military capability development.
Telecom Rules 2023
Implementation of the new Telecom Rules, digital governance, licensing reforms, telecom regulation and consumer protection.
High-Level Committee on Demographic Changes
Population trends, ageing, fertility, labour force participation and policy recommendations for India's demographic future.
UN Warning on AI Risks
Global governance of Artificial Intelligence, catastrophic AI risks, ethical AI, international cooperation and regulatory frameworks.
Strait of Hormuz
Strategic developments in the Strait of Hormuz, maritime security, energy trade, geopolitical tensions and global shipping routes.
West Bengal Midday Meal Issue
School nutrition, public welfare schemes, governance challenges, food security and education policy.
PPP 2.0 Framework
Public-Private Partnership reforms, infrastructure financing, risk-sharing models and capital investment strategies.
Ray-finned Fish Conservation
Biodiversity conservation, freshwater ecosystems, community participation and species protection initiatives.
UPSC Relevance
These current affairs are important for UPSC CSE Prelims, GS Paper II, GS Paper III, TNPSC, SSC, Banking, Railways and other competitive examinations. Every topic includes important facts, reports, government initiatives and exam-oriented analysis.
Important Keywords
- Daily Current Affairs 02 July 2026
- GST Revenue
- Indirect Taxation
- VB-G RAM
- Rural Employment
- Army Roadmap VIJAY
- Telecom Rules 2023
- Demographic Committee
- Population Policy
- Artificial Intelligence
- AI Catastrophic Risks
- Strait of Hormuz
- Midday Meal Scheme
- PPP 2.0
- Infrastructure Development
- Ray-finned Fish
- Biodiversity Conservation
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Daily Current Affairs 02 July 2026 important for UPSC?
It covers economy, governance, defence, international relations, science & technology and environment topics that are highly relevant for UPSC Prelims and Mains.
Which GS Papers are covered?
The topics are mainly relevant for GS Paper II and GS Paper III, with supporting relevance for GS Paper I.
Who can use these notes?
These notes are useful for UPSC, TNPSC, SSC, Banking, Railways and all major competitive examinations.
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