Daily Current Affairs — 31 July 2026

📅 Published 31 July 2026 · Current affairs compiled for 31 July 2026

Daily Current Affairs · 31 July 2026

10 fully-analysed topics · 30 bilingual MCQs · 3 embedded videos · built for UPSC Prelims & Mains

📚 10 Topics
🎯 30 MCQs
🎬 3 Videos
🇮🇳 Hindi + English
Environment: 5 · History: 4 · Polity: 1

▶ Start Here — UPSC-Standard Quiz

UPSC Current Affairs MCQ — 31 July 2026

10 UPSC-standard bilingual MCQs covering today's top stories · 10-sec timer per question

Score yourself as you go. Get a feel for how UPSC-level questions are framed around the day's news.

📰 Today’s Top 5 Current Affairs
#01
History

Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026

📰 Why in News

Parliament has passed the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which seeks to extend legal protection to Vande Mataram by prescribing penalties for obstructing or disrespecting its singing.

✅ Quick Facts
  • Amendment to 1971 Act: The Bill amends the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971 to include Vande Mataram within its scope
  • It seeks to bridge the legal gap, as the National Song currently lacks statutory protection comparable to that provided to the National Anthem (Jana…
  • Section 2 – National Flag & Constitution: Prohibits insults to the National Flag and the Constitution of India (e.g.
  • Composition: Vande Mataram (meaning "Mother, I Bow to Thee") was composed by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay in Sanskritised Bengali
Show 6 more facts
  • Musical Adaptation: It was set to music by Rabindranath Tagore and emerged as a powerful symbol of nationalism
  • National Song: The first two stanzas were adopted as India's National Song by the Congress Working Committee in 1937. On 24th January 1950, Dr
  • Article 51A(a) of the Indian Constitution makes it a Fundamental Duty to abide by the Constitution and respect its ideals and institutions
  • Symbol of Nationalism: Vande Mataram became the rallying cry of the Swadeshi Movement and India's anti-colonial struggle
  • British Suppression: Owing to its mobilising power, the British frequently banned its public singing and arrested those who chanted it.
  • Congress Adoption: Rabindranath Tagore first sang Vande Mataram at the 1896 Calcutta Session of the Indian National Congress
🏛️ Key Stakeholders
ParliamentMinistry of Home Affairs
📝 Quick Check

Which statement correctly describes Prevention of Insults to National Honour…?

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#02
History

150th Anniversary of India’s National Song "Vande Mataram”

📰 Why in News

The Prime Minister inaugurated year-long celebrations marking 150 years of Vande Mataram on 7th November 2025.

✅ Quick Facts
  • Vande Mataram: Also pronounced "Bande Mataram," It is composed by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee
  • On 24th January 1950, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, the first President of India, announced that while Jana Gana Mana would be the National Anthem, Vande…
  • India's Constitution does not explicitly mention a national song
  • Vande Mataram became the battle cry of resurgent nationalism, symbolising devotion to the motherland and resistance against colonial rule
Show 6 more facts
  • It was also sung during the proclamation of the Provisional Government of Azad Hind.
  • At the Varanasi session of the Indian National Congress (1905), the song 'Vande Mataram' was adopted for all-India occasions.
  • Members held Prabhat Pheris every Sunday, singing Vande Mataram and collecting voluntary donations.
  • Thinkers like Sri Aurobindo believed Vande Mataram carried spiritual force and awakened collective consciousness
  • In 1905, during the anti-partition movement in Bengal, nearly 40,000 people gathered at Calcutta Town Hall and sang Vande Mataram in protest.
  • Its influence was so strong that Lord Curzon ordered police to arrest anyone who sang it, highlighting its political impact.
🏛️ Key Stakeholders
President of IndiaPrime Minister
📝 Quick Check

Which statement correctly describes 150th Anniversary of India’s National Song…?

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#03
History

New MHA Protocol on Vande Mataram and Jana Gana Mana

📰 Why in News

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has issued a fresh set of instructions to States and government bodies mandating that the National Song

✅ Quick Facts
  • Sequence of Play: When both the National Song and the National Anthem are played at the same event
  • If the National Song is played as part of a newsreel, documentary, or film, the audience is not expected to stand
  • Presidential/Gubernatorial Events: On the arrival and departure of the President or Governor/Lieutenant Governor at formal State functions.
  • Broadcasts: Immediately before and after the President addresses the nation on All India Radio or TV.
Show 6 more facts
  • Flag Ceremonies: When the National Flag is brought on parade.
  • Cultural Events: On the unfurling of the National Flag at cultural or ceremonial functions (other than parades).
  • School authorities are directed to make adequate provisions to popularize the singing of the National Song and Anthem to foster respect for national…
  • The new protocol connects with constitutional values under Article 51A(a) (Fundamental Duty to respect national symbols).
  • Origin & Composition: Vande Mataram (also pronounced Bande Mataram)
  • India's Constitution does not explicitly mention a national song
🏛️ Key Stakeholders
Supreme CourtPresident of IndiaMinistry of Home Affairs
📝 Quick Check

Which statement correctly describes New MHA Protocol on Vande Mataram and Jana…?

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#04
History

SC Verdict on Ex Post Facto Environmental Clearances

📰 Why in News

The Supreme Court has quashed the Centre's 2021 Office Memorandum on ex post facto Environmental Clearances (ECs)

✅ Quick Facts
  • The Court held that retrospective environmental regularisation must be granted only through a statutory notification under the Environment…
  • Prior, ECs already granted under the 2017 Notification and 2021 OM remain valid unless individually challenged
🎯 UPSC Relevance

The Supreme Court has quashed the Centre's 2021 Office Memorandum on ex post facto Environmental Clearances (ECs)

📝 Quick Check

Which statement correctly describes SC Verdict on Ex Post Facto Environmental…?

✅ Correct! That fact belongs to this topic.

❌ Not quite — that fact is from another headline. The green option is right.

#05
Polity

SC Recalls Verdict Blocking Retrospective Environmental Clearances

📰 Why in News

In a 2:1 ruling, the Supreme Court of India struck down the 2025 Vanashakti judgment banning ex post facto or retrospective Environmental Clearances…

✅ Quick Facts
  • This ruling was based on the idea that it allowed violators of environmental laws to circumvent legal requirements
  • Meaning: Approvals granted after a project has already begun construction
  • Purpose: Intended for rare, exceptional cases but often used to regularise violations by allowing developers to "legalise" work already carried out…
  • Legal Framework: The Environment (Protection) Act
Show 6 more facts
  • SC's Vanashakti Judgment, 2025 on Ex Post Facto ECs: The Vanashakti judgment struck down the 2017 notification and 2021 office memorandum (OM) issued…
  • Need for a Larger Bench Review: The CJI held that the Vanashakti ruling was per incuriam (through lack of care) because it overlooked earlier…
  • Heavy penalties and compliance mechanisms already exist to deter violations without requiring demolition.
  • Retrospective ECs, used only in rare cases, help bring ongoing projects into compliance without unnecessary reconstruction
  • Constitutional Provision: A review petition in the Supreme Court can be filed under Article 137
  • Curative Petition: Introduced in Rupa Ashok Hurra (2002), it is the last judicial remedy available only after a review petition is dismissed
🏛️ Key Stakeholders
MoEFCCSupreme CourtHigh CourtPresident of India
📝 Quick Check

Which statement correctly describes SC Recalls Verdict Blocking Retrospective…?

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📚 ⚖️ Core Subject Drill — Indian Polity

⚖️ Indian Polity MCQ Quiz · भारतीय राजव्यवस्था

10 bilingual MCQs · Indian Polity · Members Only on YouTube

Today's rotation: Indian Polity. Take this break between news topics to sharpen the core concept.

📖 More Current Affairs Coverage
#06
Environment

Environment Protection Act,1986

📰 Why in News

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change proposed amendments in the Environment Protection Act, 1986.

✅ Quick Facts
  • Incidentally, the Environment Protection Act provisions will be in force for penal provisions of the single use plastic ban which has come into force…
  • The Ministry has proposed the decriminalisation of the existing provisions of the EPA
  • The Central Government may prescribe the manner in which the Protection Fund shall be administered.
  • About: The EPA, 1986 establishes the framework for studying, planning, and implementing long-term requirements of environmental safety and laying…
Show 6 more facts
  • The roots of the enactment of the EPA lies in the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment held at Stockholm in June,1972 (Stockholm…
  • The Act implements the decisions made at the Stockholm Conference.
  • The EPA Act was enacted under Article 253 of the Indian Constitution which provides for the enactment of legislation for giving effect to…
  • Article 48A of the Constitution specifies that the State shall endeavour to protect and improve the environment and to safeguard the forests and…
  • Article 51A further provides that every citizen shall protect the environment.
  • EPA empowers the Central Government to establish authorities charged with the mandate of preventing environmental pollution in all its forms and to…
📝 Quick Check

Which statement correctly describes Environment Protection Act,1986?

✅ Correct! That fact belongs to this topic.

❌ Not quite — that fact is from another headline. The green option is right.

#07
Environment

Right to a Clean and Healthy Environment

📰 Why in News

The persistent environmental crisis has reignited debates about constitutional provisions for environmental protection and the need for explicit recognition of the right to a clean and healthy environment.

✅ Quick Facts
  • The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has recently amended the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)
  • India faces multi-dimensional environmental crises affecting health, ecology, and economic sustainability.
  • Judicial interpretation has expanded environmental rights under Article 21, supported by DPSPs and Fundamental Duties.
  • The urgent need is explicit constitutional recognition, stronger institutions, and integrated, technology-driven environmental governance.
Show 6 more facts
  • Severe Air Pollution: India's severe air pollution
  • Central Ground Water Board assessments show elevated nitrate, fluoride, and arsenic levels in West Bengal, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh.
  • This crisis is worsened by groundwater depletion in major cities
  • Some 83.69 million ha (mha) underwent desertification in 2018-19. This was greater than the 81.48 mha in 2003-2005 and 82.64 mha in 2011-13.
  • Soil Organic Carbon in intensively farmed areas is falling to 0.3% from historical levels of around 1%.
  • About: The GRAP is a pre-emptive and emergency framework created to control and reduce air pollution in Delhi-NCR
🏛️ Key Stakeholders
ISROMoEFCCWHOSupreme CourtParliament
🎯 UPSC Relevance

3. Has climate change been recognised as a constitutional issue? Yes, in M.K. Ranjitsinh v

📝 Quick Check

Which statement correctly describes Right to a Clean and Healthy Environment?

✅ Correct! That fact belongs to this topic.

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#08
Environment

Global Tiger Day

📰 Why in News

On Global Tiger Day (29th July 2026), India reaffirmed its commitment to tiger conservation through scientific management, responsible eco-tourism…

✅ Quick Facts
  • Global Tiger Day: Established at the 2010 St. Petersburg Tiger Summit (Russia)
  • IUCN has adopted "Coexistence in Action: Scaling Solutions for People and Tigers" as the theme for Global Tiger Day 2026
  • IUCN Initiative: The Integrated Tiger Habitat Conservation Programme (ITHCP) supports habitat restoration
  • NTCA Eco-tourism Webpage (2026): National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) launched an Integrated platform for authentic safari and accommodation…
Show 1 more facts
  • Project Tiger (1973): Flagship programme launched to ensure the protection and recovery of wild tiger populations and their habitats
📝 Quick Check

Which statement correctly describes Global Tiger Day?

✅ Correct! That fact belongs to this topic.

❌ Not quite — that fact is from another headline. The green option is right.

#09
Environment

International Tiger Day 2025

📰 Why in News

International Tiger Day (also known as Global Tiger Day) on 29th July raises awareness about tiger (Panthera tigris) conservation and also highlights…

✅ Quick Facts
  • Global Tiger Day was instituted at the 2010 Saint Petersburg Tiger Summit
  • Need for Conservation: In the early 1900s, India had around 1 lakh tigers. By 1972, the number had dropped sharply to just 1,827
  • About: It is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme, provides 60% Central Assistance to most states for non-recurring expenses and 50% for recurring costs…
  • Primary Aim: Ensure a viable population of Bengal tigers in natural habitats.
Show 6 more facts
  • Key Steps Taken: Establishment of tiger reserves with a core-buffer strategy to protect habitats in core zones while allowing sustainable human…
  • Tiger numbers rose from 1,827 in 1973 to an estimated 3,682 (avg) with an upper limit of 3,925 as per 2022 data
  • Reserves with the highest tiger numbers are Corbett (Uttarakhand), Bandipur (Karnataka), Nagarhole (Karnataka), and Bandhavgarh (Madhya Pradesh).
  • Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve (Andhra Pradesh) is the largest tiger reserve in India
  • Machhli (T-16) a famous tigress from Ranthambore
  • Kailash Sankhala, known as the Tiger Man of India, was the first director of Project Tiger.
📝 Quick Check

Which statement correctly describes International Tiger Day 2025?

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❌ Not quite — that fact is from another headline. The green option is right.

#10
Environment

National ‘Red List’ Assessment Initiative

📰 Why in News

India launched the five-year National Red List Assessment Initiative (2025-2030) to evaluate the conservation status of its flora and fauna, announced at the IUCN World Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi.

✅ Quick Facts
  • About: It aims to systematically identify and protect India's most vulnerable species
  • As a signatory to the Convention of Biological Diversity (CBD)
  • India exhibits high endemism, with 79% of amphibians and 54.9% of reptiles found nowhere else in the wild.
  • About: The IUCN is a membership union uniquely comprising both government and civil society organizations
Show 3 more facts
  • The Red List Categories reflect a species' risk of extinction. The nine categories are outlined below:
  • IUCN World Conservation Congress: The IUCN World Conservation Congress
  • It aims to conserve the environment, address global sustainability challenges, and improve natural resource management for human, social, and…
📝 Quick Check

Which statement correctly describes National ‘Red List’ Assessment Initiative?

✅ Correct! That fact belongs to this topic.

❌ Not quite — that fact is from another headline. The green option is right.

🗞️ Wrap Up — Simple CA Quiz

Simple Current Affairs MCQ — 31 July 2026

10 accessible MCQs covering the same topics · great for quick revision

End your study session with these simpler MCQs to lock in recall of today's current affairs.

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