DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 24th July 2026

Environment & Ecology

Why in News?

A recent Nature Food study has identified India’s irrigated rice fields among the world’s largest methane emission hotspots. The study highlighted that greenhouse gas emissions from global paddy cultivation have nearly doubled since the 1960s, raising concerns over balancing food security with climate commitments. 

Key Facts

• Methane (CH₄) is the second most important anthropogenic greenhouse gas after carbon dioxide. 
• It has a Global Warming Potential (GWP) about 28 times greater than CO₂ over a 100-year period. 
• In flooded paddy fields, anaerobic (oxygen-deficient) conditions promote methanogenic microbes that release methane. 
• India’s irrigated paddy fields emit around 3.9 million tonnes of methane annually, making them among the world’s largest methane sources. 
• Major anthropogenic methane sources include: 
  • Rice cultivation 
  • Livestock (enteric fermentation) 
  • Landfills 
  • Fossil fuel extraction and transport 
  • Wastewater treatment 

UPSC Prelims Focus

• Differentiate greenhouse gases and compare their warming potential. 
• Understand why flooded paddy fields generate methane. 
• Link climate change with agricultural practices and sustainable irrigation methods such as Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD), which can reduce methane emissions without significantly affecting yields. 

Source/Reference:

https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/india-irrigated-rice-fields-world-top-methane-sources/article71241002.ece

Polity & Governance / Social Justice

Why in News?

The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment recently highlighted the progress of the PM-YASASVI Scheme in expanding educational opportunities for students belonging to Other Backward Classes (OBCs), Economically Backward Classes (EBCs), and Denotified, Nomadic & Semi-Nomadic Tribes (DNTs) through scholarships and hostel assistance.

Key Features of PM-YASASVI

• PM-YASASVI stands for PM Young Achievers Scholarship Award Scheme for Vibrant India. 
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. 
• Objective: Promote quality education and reduce school/college dropout among socially and educationally disadvantaged groups. 
• Target Beneficiaries: 
  • Other Backward Classes (OBCs) 
  • Economically Backward Classes (EBCs) 
  • Denotified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes (DNTs) 
• The scheme integrates earlier scholarship components, including: 
  • Pre-Matric Scholarship for OBC, EBC & DNT students. 
  • Post-Matric Scholarship for OBC, EBC & DNT students. 
  • Top Class School Education for OBC, EBC & DNT students. 
  • Hostel facilities for OBC students. 
• Scholarships are provided through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to ensure transparency and timely disbursal. 

UPSC Prelims Focus

• Distinguish OBC, EBC, and DNT categories and their welfare measures. 
• Remember the nodal ministry, target beneficiaries, and components of PM-YASASVI. 
• Link the scheme with constitutional provisions such as Articles 15(4), 15(5), 46, and 340, which empower the State to promote educational and economic interests of socially and educationally backward classes. Questions may also test knowledge of scholarship delivery through DBT and scheme consolidation. 

Source/Reference:

https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2287626&reg=48&lang=1

Defence & Security / Science & Technology

Why in News?

The Raksha Mantri flagged in the Samudra Pradakshina expedition after its successful completion, marking the culmination of the world’s first Tri-Service all-women circumnavigation sailing expedition. The mission showcased India’s maritime capabilities, women’s empowerment, and indigenous defence manufacturing. 

Key Features

• Samudra Pradakshina is the first-ever Tri-Service all-women global circumnavigation sailing expedition. 
• Organised by: Ministry of Defence. 
• Vessel: Indian Army Sailing Vessel (IASV) Triveni, an indigenously built sailing vessel. 
• Crew: Women officers from the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force. 
• Duration: Around 9 months (2025–26). 
• Distance Covered: Approximately 25,500–26,000 nautical miles. 
• Route Highlights: 
  • Started and concluded at Mumbai (Gateway of India). 
  • Crossed the Equator twice. 
  • Rounded the Three Great Capes: 
    • Cape Leeuwin (Australia) 
    • Cape Horn (South America) 
    • Cape of Good Hope (South Africa) 
  • Navigated the Southern Ocean and Drake Passage, among the world’s most challenging sea routes. 

UPSC Prelims Focus

• Differentiate Samudra Pradakshina from the Indian Navy’s Navika Sagar Parikrama missions. 
• Remember the indigenous vessel (IASV Triveni), Tri-Service participation, and the Three Great Capes crossed during the voyage. 
• Link the expedition with maritime security, women’s role in defence, Aatmanirbhar Bharat, and India’s growing emphasis on blue-water maritime capability—all important areas for UPSC Prelims. 

Source/Reference:

https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2287716&reg=48&lang=2

Maritime Claims 

Polity & Governance / Social Justice

Why in News?

The Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD) recently highlighted the progress of Mission Vatsalya, emphasizing the strengthening of Child Care Institutions (CCIs), family-based care, rehabilitation services, and digital governance for children in need of care and protection. 

About Mission Vatsalya

• Launched: 2021-22. 
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD). 
• Type: Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS). 
• It subsumes the Integrated Child Protection Scheme (ICPS)/Child Protection Services (CPS). 
• Vision: Ensure every child enjoys a safe, secure, healthy, and happy childhood through a rights-based approach. 

Key Features

• Promotes family-based, non-institutional care, with institutionalization as the last resort. 
• Covers: 
  • Child Care Institutions (CCIs) 
  • Adoption services 
  • Foster care 
  • Sponsorship and aftercare 
  • Child Welfare Committees (CWCs) 
  • Juvenile Justice Boards (JJBs) 
  • District Child Protection Units (DCPUs) 
• Focuses on children in need of care and protection (CNCP) and children in conflict with law (CCL) under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015. 

UPSC Prelims Focus

• Remember the nodal ministry, CSS status, and that Mission Vatsalya replaced ICPS. 
• Differentiate CNCP and CCL, and relate the scheme to the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015, CARA, and family-based child protection. UPSC frequently asks about child welfare institutions, statutory bodies, and the implementation framework of flagship social-sector schemes. 

Source/Reference:

https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2287687&reg=48&lang=1

Science & Technology

Why in News?

Scientists at the Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology (IASST), Guwahati, an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), have demonstrated for the first time that borophene can serve as a high-performance additive in castor oil, creating an eco-friendly lubricant that significantly reduces friction and energy loss. The findings were published in ACS Applied Engineering Materials. 

About Borophene

• Borophene is a two-dimensional (2D) allotrope of boron, consisting of a single-atom-thick sheet of boron atoms. 
• Unlike graphene, borophene is highly polymorphic, meaning its atomic arrangement varies with synthesis conditions. 
• It exhibits: 
  • High electrical conductivity 
  • Exceptional mechanical strength 
  • Lightweight and flexibility 
  • High surface area and chemical reactivity. 

Key Findings

• Addition of only 0.1 wt.% borophene to castor oil reduced friction by nearly 42%. 
• It forms a protective tribofilm (low-friction surface layer) comprising iron oxides, carbonaceous compounds, and boron-based compounds. 
• Applications include: 
  • Green lubrication technologies 
  • Renewable energy systems 
  • Marine equipment 
  • Sustainable manufacturing 
  • Industrial machinery. 

UPSC Prelims Focus

• Differentiate graphene (carbon) from borophene (boron) and remember that both are 2D nanomaterials. 
• Understand the concept of tribology (study of friction, wear and lubrication) and tribofilm. 
• Link borophene with emerging applications in energy storage, supercapacitors, hydrogen storage, sensors, catalysis, and green manufacturing, making it a potential UPSC Science & Technology topic. 

Source/Reference:

https://dst.gov.in/borophene-based-green-lubricant-can-help-save-energy

GS II – Governance / GS II – International Relations
Civil Society Regulation, Foreign Funding, and Comparative Frameworks

Introduction

The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) regulates foreign funding to Indian associations, requiring registration, disclosure, and transparent utilisation of funds. With around 16,200 active associations receiving ₹22,963 crore in 2024–25, the law has evolved through amendments, including those in 2026. Its framework broadly mirrors global efforts to regulate foreign influence, while the latest changes seek to enhance transparency, accountability, and judicial safeguards.

Understanding FCRA: Core Principles and Evolution

Core Objectives

• Transparency: Registration, verifiable banking channel, disclosure of amounts, donors, and purposes
• Accountability: Annual audited online returns (Form FC-4) on fcraonline.nic.in
• Sovereignty: Regulating contributions that could affect sovereignty, security, or public order
• Enabling Genuine Work: Education, healthcare, disaster relief, research continue unimpeded
• Public Confidence: Disclosure builds trust in the voluntary sector

Evolution of the Law (1976–2026)

• 1976: FCRA enacted
• 1984: Mandatory registration with MHA; broadened definitions
• 2010: Replaced with stronger compliance architecture; mandatory renewal every 5 years; vesting of assets (Section 15)
• 2020: Aadhaar/passport for office-bearers; single SBI account; sub-granting prohibited; admin expenses capped at 20%
• 2022: Limit on relatives’ contributions raised from ₹1 lakh to ₹10 lakh
• 2024-25: Unspent admin expenses can be carried forward
• 2026 (Proposed Bill & Notified Rules): Activity/state-specific registration; minimum utilisation (₹10 lakh); enhanced reporting; rationalised penalties; designated authority with judicial appeal

Ineligible Recipients (Section 3)

• Fixed List: Election candidates, MPs/MLAs, judges, public servants, political parties, media persons
• Rationale: These roles carry constitutional responsibilities making foreign funds sensitive
• Unchanged: List remains essentially the same since 1976

Key 2026 Amendments: Bill and Rules

FCRA Amendment Bill, 2026 (Pending in Parliament)

• Designated Authority: Provisional vesting of assets (restored if registration renewed); permanent vesting only if not restored within prescribed period
• Religious Sites: Designated Authority must preserve religious character; cannot convert or secularise
• Judicial Oversight: Revision within 90 days; appeal to District Judge
• Automatic Cessation: Clarity that registration ceases if not renewed before expiry
• Rationalised Punishment: Maximum imprisonment reduced from 5 years to 1 year
• Coordinated Investigations: State agencies need Central approval before FCRA probes (prevents parallel proceedings)

FCRA Amendment Rules, 2026 (Notified, in Force)

• Activity & State-Specific Registration: Exact purpose(s) and State(s)/UT(s) on certificate (existing associations have 1 year to intimate)
• Faith-Based Activities: Permissible purposes explicitly listed; proselytisation restricted uniformly across all faiths
• Minimum Utilisation: ₹10 lakh over prior two years for renewal (ensures active organisations)
• Enhanced Reporting: Project-wise/activity-wise utilisation; website/social media disclosure; identification of ultimate foreign donor even via intermediaries

Global Trend

• Direction: More regulation, not less (UK 2025, Canada 2024, EU under negotiation)
• Rationale: 81% of Europeans call covert foreign interference a serious problem (Eurobarometer)
• US Enforcement: FARA enforced more assertively in 2025
• Common Design: Registration/disclosure for foreign influence; public records; penalties for non-compliance

Myth vs. Fact

• Myth: FCRA bans NGOs from receiving foreign donations
• Fact: It conditions receipt on registration/disclosure (same as FARA, FITS, FIRS, FITAA)
• Myth: FCRA targets specific religions/communities
• Fact: Applies uniformly; faith-based welfare of all communities eligible; proselytisation restriction applies equally

Challenges and Concerns

• Compliance Burden: Multiple registrations, activity/state-specific, and enhanced reporting increase administrative load
• Implementation Gaps: Opaque cancellations and non-renewals (22,000 cancelled, 15,000 ceased over last decade)
• Asset Vesting Concerns: Permanent vesting provisions (even with safeguards) raise ownership questions
• Minimum Utilisation: ₹10 lakh threshold may affect smaller organisations
• Central Approval for Investigations: May delay state-level enforcement
• Chilling Effect: Perception of restriction may deter legitimate foreign partnerships

Balancing Act

• Legitimate Regulation: National security and transparency are valid
• Civil Society Space: Must avoid stifling legitimate advocacy and welfare work
• Implementation: Need for transparent, efficient, and predictable processes
• Proportionality: Ensure restrictions match genuine concerns

Way Forward

• Implementation Reforms: Ensure transparent, time-bound decisions, reasoned orders, grievance redressal, and NGO compliance support. 
• Transparency: Create searchable FCRA databases, strengthen donor traceability, and mandate activity-wise utilisation reporting. 
• Balanced Regulation: Adopt risk-based scrutiny, consult civil society, narrowly define political activities, and promote domestic funding. 
• Global Best Practices: Draw lessons from FARA, FITS and FIRS, enhance international cooperation, and align with global commitments.

Conclusion

The FCRA balances foreign funding for legitimate development activities with safeguards for India’s sovereignty and democratic institutions. The 2026 amendments strengthen transparency, reporting, and oversight, broadly aligning with global practices. However, concerns over compliance burdens and opaque cancellations remain. The way forward is a proportionate, predictable, and transparent framework that protects national interests while preserving civil society space.

Practice Question

1. The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act provides a framework for transparency and accountability in foreign funding, but concerns about compliance burden and civil society space persist. Critically examine. (250 words, 15 marks)

https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2287845&reg=3&lang=1

https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2287897&reg=3&lang=1

GS III – Agriculture / GS III – Environment
Soil Health, Sustainable Farming, and Digital Agriculture

Introduction

Soil is a strategic national resource, vital for agricultural productivity, food security, and rural livelihoods. The Soil Health Card Scheme has issued over 25.89 crore cards, while the National Mission on Natural Farming covers 8.80 lakh hectares. Digital tools, AI, geospatial mapping, and carbon farming are strengthening soil management and climate resilience, advancing SDG 2 and SDG 13.

Soil Diversity and National Significance

India’s Soil Types and Distribution

• Alluvial Soils: Indo-Gangetic plains, deltas (Punjab, UP, Bihar, West Bengal) – fertile, widely distributed
• Black Soils: Maharashtra, MP, Gujarat – clayey, moisture-retentive, rich in lime/calcium
• Red Soils: Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan – porous, low in nutrients
• Laterite Soils: Kerala, Karnataka, Odisha, Assam – high rainfall, intense leaching
• Desert Soils: Rajasthan, Gujarat, Ladakh – sandy, low moisture
• Saline/Alkaline Soils: Arid/semi-arid regions, coastal areas – salt accumulation affects productivity
• Forest/Hill Soils: Himalayan and North-Eastern regions – vary with altitude

Soil’s Role in Climate Action

• Carbon Sink: Soils absorb and store atmospheric CO2 as soil organic carbon (SOC)
• Benefits of Higher SOC: Improves soil structure, moisture retention, nutrient availability, and climate resilience
• Carbon Farming: Practices that remove atmospheric carbon and store it in soils through sustainable land management
• National Progress: Additional carbon sink of 2.29 billion tonnes CO2 equivalent created between 2005 and 2021 (India State of Forest Report 2023)

Key Government Initiatives

• Soil Health Card Scheme: 25.89 crore cards issued; promotes balanced fertiliser use through demonstrations and advisories.
• National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF): 18,786 clusters covering 8.80 lakh hectares and 18.19 lakh farmers.
• Fertiliser Reforms: Nutrient Based Subsidy, 100% neem-coated urea, and DBT for transparent subsidy delivery.
• Sustainable Agriculture: NMSA promotes integrated farming, while the Green India Mission targets a 2.5–3 billion tonne CO₂-equivalent carbon sink by 2030.
• Khet Bachao Abhiyan (2026): Promotes soil-test-based nutrient management and reduced chemical fertiliser dependence.
• Carbon Credit Trading: Enables farmers to earn additional income through verified emission-reduction practices.

Digital and Technological Advancements

• Geospatial Mapping: SLUSI has mapped 29 million hectares to support scientific soil management.
• Digital Agriculture & AgriStack: Over 7.63 crore Farmer IDs and 23.5 crore crop plots surveyed, enabling location-specific advisories.
• AI & Precision Farming: KDSS integrates soil, weather, and crop data, while AI, satellites, and remote sensing enable targeted nutrient and water management.
• Agri-Robotics: ICAR-IARI is developing robots for automated soil sampling and crop monitoring.

Challenges

• Awareness Gap: Many farmers still unaware of Soil Health Card recommendations
• Digital Divide: Access to AI/digital platforms limited in remote areas
• Implementation: Varied adoption across states; quality of soil testing
• Fertiliser Subsidy: High subsidy outlay (₹6.77 lakh crore) may encourage overuse
• Carbon Markets: Complex verification processes; limited farmer participation
• Soil Degradation: Salinity, alkalinity, erosion persist in many regions

Way Forward

• Strengthen Infrastructure: Expand soil-testing labs, mobile testing facilities, and quality assurance.
• Leverage Technology: Use AI-based advisories, multilingual apps, and integrate soil data with AgriStack and DigiLocker.
• Promote Balanced Nutrition: Encourage soil-test-based fertilisers, bio-fertilisers, and greater awareness.
• Scale Natural & Carbon Farming: Expand NMNF, simplify carbon-credit access, and provide financial support.
• Improve Governance: Link soil health with farmer welfare schemes, empower states, and ensure independent monitoring.

Conclusion

India has made significant progress in soil health through 25.89 crore Soil Health Cards, NMNF clusters, and AI-enabled agriculture. However, awareness gaps, digital divides, and implementation challenges persist. Strengthening soil infrastructure, scaling natural farming, promoting balanced nutrient use, and leveraging technology are essential for sustainable agriculture, resilient livelihoods, and climate action.

Practice Question

1. India’s soil health strategy, combining scientific assessment, digital platforms, and natural farming, is critical for agricultural sustainability and climate resilience. Critically examine. (250 words, 15 marks)

https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2288740&reg=3&lang=1