15 July 2026 Current Affairs (With PDF)

We bring you the most relevant and important news updates from around the world and India, specially curated for competitive exams and different entrance exams. Today's Current Affairs cover all significant national and international headlines, legal updates, economic news, and environmental highlights to boost your preparation. With our crisp, to-the-point coverage, you can confidently tackle current affairs questions in your exams

Supreme Court Upholds Mineral Royalty Calculation Framework

Why in News?

The Supreme Court of India upheld the Union Government’s mineral royalty calculation framework under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) (MMDR) Act, 1957, affirming the existing methodology for computing royalties on mineral production.

Key Highlights

• Judicial Endorsement: The Court upheld the validity of the royalty calculation framework prescribed under the MMDR Act and related rules.
• Revenue Protection: The decision is expected to prevent an estimated 15–17% decline in mining revenues for State Governments.
• Support for Anti-Evasion Measures: The framework strengthens measures to prevent under-reporting of mineral prices, revenue leakage, and tax avoidance by mining leaseholders.
• Reaffirmation of 2024 MADA v. SAIL Judgment: Reiterated that mineral royalty is not a tax, thereby allowing States to impose separate taxes on mineral-bearing lands, subject to constitutional provisions.

Royalty Calculation under the MMDR Act, 1957

• Ad Valorem Royalty: The MMDR Act, 1957 requires mining leaseholders to pay royalty to State Governments based on the Average Sale Price (ASP) of minerals.
• Inclusive Average Sale Price: Under the Minerals (Other than Atomic and Hydro Carbons Energy Minerals) Concession Rules, 2016, the ASP includes Royalty, District Mineral Foundation (DMF) contributions, and National Mineral Exploration Trust (NMET) contributions.
• Purpose of the Framework: Prevents Under-invoicing of mineral sales, Artificial price manipulation, Revenue leakage from mining operations. Ensures greater transparency and accountability in mineral revenue collection.

District Mineral Foundation

• Legal Basis: Established under Section 9B of the MMDR (Amendment) Act, 2015.
• Nature: Non-profit statutory trust established in mining-affected districts.
• Funding: Mandatory contributions from mining leaseholders.
• Objective: Welfare and socio-economic development of mining-affected communities.
• Ecological restoration through the Pradhan Mantri Khanij Kshetra Kalyan Yojana

National Mineral Exploration Trust (NMET)

• Established under: MMDR (Amendment) Act, 2015.
• Nature: Non-profit autonomous body.
• Funding: Receives 2% of royalty payments from mining leaseholders.
• Objective: Finance and coordinate mineral exploration.
• Promote exploration of strategic and critical minerals to strengthen mineral security.

Key Challenges

• Cascading Levy: Inclusion of royalty, DMF, and NMET within the ASP results in a "royalty-on-royalty" effect, increasing the overall levy.
• Reduced Global Competitiveness: India's effective mining tax burden rises to nearly 60–65%, making it less competitive than major mining economies such as Australia and Chile.
• Higher Industrial Costs: Increased mineral extraction costs raise input prices for industries such as Steel, Aluminium, Cement, Power generation, and Other mineral-dependent sectors.
• Pressure on Small Mining Operators: Higher compliance costs and financial obligations can strain the profitability of smaller mining leaseholders, potentially affecting production and employment.

Gendered Wealth Inequality in India

Why in News?

A recent analysis highlights that assessing gender inequality solely through income overlooks the much wider wealth and asset ownership gap, resulting in women's persistent economic dependence and an incomplete understanding of gender disparities in India.

Status of Gendered Wealth Inequality in India

1. Limited Asset Ownership

• Despite constituting over 42% of the agricultural workforce (PLFS 2024), women own land in only 12–16% of rural landholding households, reflecting a significant asset ownership gap.

2. Persistent Income Gap

• Women earn approximately 76% of men's wages in salaried employment.
• Among self-employed workers, women's earnings are only about 36% of those of men.

3. High Informal Employment

• More than 86% of female workers are employed in the informal sector, where access to written contracts, paid leave, and social security remains limited (PLFS 2023–24).

4. Unequal Care Responsibilities

• Women spend nearly eight times more time on unpaid domestic and caregiving work than men, considerably higher than the global average.

5. Quality of Employment

• Although the Female Labour Force Participation Rate (FLFPR) increased to 41.7% (PLFS 2023–24), much of this growth has occurred in unpaid family work and low-productivity occupations rather than regular salaried employment.

Factors Driving Gendered Wealth Inequality

• Inheritance and Succession Bias: Traditional patrilineal inheritance practices continue to favour male ownership of agricultural land despite equal inheritance rights provided under the Hindu Succession Act.
• Limited Access to Credit: Since institutional credit often requires immovable property as collateral, women lacking property ownership face difficulties accessing formal finance and business loans.
• Unpaid Care Burden: Excessive unpaid domestic responsibilities restrict women's ability to participate in stable employment, accumulate savings, and invest in productive assets.
• Asset Vulnerability: During economic distress, household assets such as gold—often owned or controlled by women—are frequently liquidated, reducing long-term wealth accumulation.
• Digital Exclusion: Limited ownership of mobile phones and digital devices among women constrains access to digital banking, investment platforms, and financial services.

Implications of Gendered Wealth Inequality

• Lower Agricultural Productivity: Restricted access to land ownership and productive agricultural resources reduces overall farm productivity and national agricultural output.
• Economic Growth Constraints: Limited participation of women in entrepreneurship, investment, and capital markets reduces the country's long-term economic growth potential.
• Greater Economic Vulnerability: Women without independent assets are more financially dependent, reducing their bargaining power and increasing vulnerability to economic and social risks.
• Reduced Climate Resilience: Women lacking formal land ownership often remain excluded from crop insurance, agricultural subsidies, and climate adaptation schemes.
• Impact on Human Development: Greater asset ownership among women is associated with improved child nutrition, education, healthcare, and overall household welfare.
• Old-Age Economic Insecurity: Limited lifetime asset accumulation and pension coverage leave many elderly women financially dependent on family members during retirement.

OTT Regulation in India: Balancing Creative Freedom and Digital Accountability

Why in News?

The removal of the film 'Satluj' from an OTT platform has revived the debate over digital content regulation, censorship, and the adequacy of the regulatory framework governing Over-The-Top (OTT) platforms in India.

Regulatory Framework for OTT Platforms

1. Governance under the IT Rules, 2021

• OTT platforms are regulated under the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021.
• Unlike theatrical films, OTT content does not require prior certification from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) before release.

2. Three-Tier Grievance Redressal Mechanism

• Level I: Self-Regulation by OTT Platforms – Platforms must comply with a prescribed Code of Ethics and establish internal grievance redressal systems.
• Level II: Self-Regulatory Body – Independent industry bodies review unresolved complaints and monitor compliance with the Code of Ethics.
• Level III: Government Oversight - The Central Government exercises oversight to ensure adherence to the Rules and may issue appropriate directions where necessary.

3. Content Blocking Mechanism

• Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000 empowers the Union Government to block digital content on grounds such as Sovereignty and integrity of India, National security, Defence, Public order, and Friendly relations with foreign States.
• Under the Information Technology (Procedure and Safeguards for Blocking for Access of Information) Rules, 2009: Blocking orders must ordinarily record written reasons.
• Pre-decisional hearings may be dispensed with only in emergency situations.

4. Judicial Validation

• In Shreya Singhal v. Union of India (2015), the Supreme Court upheld the constitutional validity of Section 69A, holding that the statutory safeguards adequately protect against arbitrary censorship.

5. Institutional Responsibilities

• Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY): Oversees intermediary compliance and implementation of the IT Rules.
• Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB): Supervises ethical standards and content-related compliance for digital media platforms.

6. Criminal Liability

• OTT content remains subject to provisions of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) relating to obscenity and other offences.
• Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act concerning unlawful sexual content involving children.

Key Challenges

• Balancing Free Speech and Regulation: Broad and subjective content removal standards may result in executive overreach, raising concerns regarding freedom of speech and expression under Article 19(1)(a).
• Regulatory Uncertainty: The coexistence of the IT Rules with proposed broadcasting legislation creates ambiguity regarding jurisdiction, regulatory authority, and compliance obligations.
• Piracy and the Streisand Effect: Removal or restriction of controversial content may unintentionally increase its unauthorised circulation through piracy, mirror websites, and illegal distribution channels.
• Limited Appellate Mechanism: Following the abolition of the Film Certification Appellate Tribunal (FCAT), content-related disputes are now adjudicated by High Courts, increasing litigation costs and reducing access to specialised appellate expertise.
• Algorithmic Content Moderation: Automated moderation systems used by OTT platforms often struggle to distinguish between legitimate artistic expression and genuinely unlawful content, resulting in inaccurate content classification and enforcement decisions.

UN Releases First Scientific Report on Artificial Intelligence

Why in News?

The United Nations unveiled the Preliminary Report of the Independent International Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence (AI) during the Global Dialogue on AI Governance in Geneva. The report provides the first UN-backed scientific assessment of AI and highlights the urgent need for coordinated global governance.

About the Report

• Prepared by the Independent International Scientific Panel on AI, constituted under the United Nations.
• Released at the Global Dialogue on AI Governance, the UN’s first dedicated multistakeholder platform on AI.
• The dialogue brings together UN member states, technology companies, academic institutions, and civil society organisations to shape principles and governance frameworks for responsible AI development.

Key Findings

1. AI Advancing Faster than Governance

• AI technologies are evolving at a pace much faster than scientific understanding, regulatory systems, and public oversight.
• Delaying regulation until complete scientific certainty emerges could result in irreversible social, economic, and security risks.

2. Fragmented Global Regulatory Landscape

• Several countries have introduced AI ethics principles and governance mechanisms.
• However, regulatory approaches remain inconsistent, creating fragmented global standards and uneven implementation.

3. Emergence of Frontier AI

• Advanced frontier AI models and autonomous AI agents are becoming capable of executing complex tasks with minimal human intervention.
• These developments raise new concerns relating to safety, accountability, transparency, and human oversight.

4. Global Compute Divide

• AI computing infrastructure is highly concentrated: United States (~75%), China: ~15%, Rest of the World: ~10%
• Limited access to computing resources restricts many countries from Developing sovereign AI capabilities, Building models tailored to local languages and needs, Influencing international AI governance standards.

5. Risks to Human Rights and Democracy

• Concentration of AI capabilities may enable Mass surveillance, Spread of misinformation and deepfakes, Algorithmic discrimination and bias, Authoritarian misuse of AI technologies, Weakening of democratic institutions and public accountability.

Significance of the Report

• Establishes the first UN-led scientific foundation for global AI governance.
• Highlights the importance of responsible, inclusive, and human-centric AI development.
• Emphasises the need for international cooperation to ensure AI supports sustainable development while safeguarding human rights, democratic values, and global equity.

NIDAR 2.0 (National Innovation Challenge for Drone Application and Research)

Why in News?

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), in collaboration with the Drone Federation India (DFI), launched the second edition of NIDAR 2.0 under the SwaYaan initiative to promote innovation and indigenous capabilities in drone technologies.

Key Highlights

1. Launch of NIDAR 2.0

• Introduced as the second edition of the National Innovation Challenge for Drone Application and Research (NIDAR).
• Organised under the SwaYaan initiative to encourage research, innovation, and practical drone-based solutions.
• Seeks to foster collaboration among students, academia, startups, and industry for developing autonomous drone technologies.

2. About NIDAR

• The inaugural NIDAR 2025–26 was launched in March 2025.
• Provides a national platform for college graduates to design and develop collaborative autonomous drones for predefined real-world problem statements.
• Encourages indigenous technological innovation and strengthens India's drone ecosystem through competitive research and development.

About SwaYaan Initiative

1. SwaYaan

• This is a flagship initiative of MeitY, launched in 2022.

2. Aims to

• Build a skilled workforce and accelerate the growth of India's Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) ecosystem.

3. Supports the

• National objective of transforming India into a global drone hub by 2030.

4. Implementation Framework

• Operates through a Hub-and-Spoke Model.
• Involves around 30 premier institutions, including IISc, IITs, IIITs, NITs, C-DAC, NIELIT

5. Major Focus Areas

• Drone Electronics; Guidance, Navigation and Control (GNC) Algorithms & Simulation; Aeromechanics; Drone Applications; Allied Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Technologies

6. Significance

• Strengthens indigenous drone research and innovation.
• Enhances industry-academia collaboration in advanced drone technologies.
• Develops skilled human resources for the emerging UAS sector.
• Supports the Make in India and Digital India initiatives while boosting India's competitiveness in the global drone industry.

Earendil-1 Satellite

Why in News?

The United States has authorised a startup to launch and operate Earendil-1, an experimental satellite designed to reflect sunlight onto selected locations on Earth during nighttime.

About Earendil-1

• Earendil-1 is an experimental non-geostationary satellite intended to provide controlled nighttime illumination by reflecting sunlight onto designated areas on Earth.
• It is designed to test the feasibility of space-based reflective lighting technology for civilian applications.
• Equipped with a large deployable thin-film mirror capable of reflecting sunlight.
• The mirror can be precisely oriented to direct sunlight toward selected locations.
• Operates in a non-geostationary orbit, allowing illumination of different regions during successive passes.

Objectives

1. Energy Support

• Seeks to extend usable daylight hours for solar power infrastructure by providing additional illumination after sunset.
• May improve the productivity of solar energy systems in specific applications.

2. Emergency and Humanitarian Assistance

• Can provide temporary nighttime lighting during Natural disasters, Search and rescue operations, Humanitarian relief missions, Emergency response activities
• Aims to improve visibility where conventional lighting infrastructure is unavailable or damaged.

3. Potential Significance

• Demonstrates the feasibility of space-based illumination technologies.
• Supports innovation in disaster management and emergency preparedness.
• Could contribute to future applications in renewable energy, infrastructure resilience, and humanitarian operations.

Challenges and Concerns

• Light Pollution: Artificial nighttime illumination may disrupt astronomical observations and natural dark skies.
• Ecological Impact: Excessive lighting could affect wildlife, migratory species, and ecosystems dependent on natural day-night cycles.
• Regulatory Issues: Raises questions regarding international norms for the peaceful and responsible use of outer space.
• Technical Complexity: Accurate mirror orientation, orbital control, and long-term operational safety remain significant engineering challenges.

Nemawashi

Why in News?

Nemawashi, a traditional Japanese tree-transplantation technique, has gained attention for its role in preserving mature trees during infrastructure projects while symbolising consensus-building in governance and business.

What is Nemawashi?

• Nemawashi literally translates to “going around the roots.”
• It is a traditional Japanese horticultural technique used to safely transplant mature trees by preparing their root systems well before relocation.

How the Technique Works

• Roots are carefully pruned over an extended period to stimulate the growth of compact feeder roots.
• The tree is gradually conditioned to minimise transplantation shock.
• Modern engineering methods are often combined with this traditional practice to improve survival rates during relocation.

Significance of Nemawashi

1. Environmental Conservation

• Facilitates the relocation of heritage, culturally important, and ecologically valuable trees instead of cutting them down.
• Helps strike a balance between development projects and environmental protection.
• Preserves biodiversity and urban green cover during infrastructure expansion.

2. Management and Governance Concept

• Beyond horticulture, Nemawashi has evolved into a widely used concept in Japanese business, administration, and politics.
• It refers to informal consultation and consensus-building among stakeholders before taking major decisions.
• The approach helps reduce conflicts, build trust, and ensure smoother implementation of policies or projects.

Bastille Day (French National Day)

Why in News?

France celebrated Bastille Day (French National Day) on 14 July 2026, commemorating the historic Storming of the Bastille that marked the beginning of the French Revolution.

About Bastille Day

• Bastille Day is the National Day of France, observed annually on 14 July.
• It commemorates the Storming of the Bastille prison on 14 July 1789, a defining event that triggered the French Revolution.
• France officially declared 14 July as its National Day in 1880.

Historical Significance

1. Storming of the Bastille

• The Bastille was a medieval fortress and prison in Paris.
• It housed political prisoners and individuals awaiting trial.
• Its capture by revolutionaries became a powerful symbol of resistance against absolute monarchy and royal oppression.

2. French Revolution (1789–1799)

• A decade-long movement that transformed France’s political, social, and economic order.
• Led to Abolition of absolute monarchy, Establishment of a republic, Assertion of the ideals of Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity, Rise of Napoleon Bonaparte in the later phase of the Revolution.

Significance of Bastille Day

1. Democratic Values

• Symbolises the triumph of freedom, democracy, and popular sovereignty over authoritarian rule.
• Celebrates the principles of liberty, equality, and fraternity, which continue to shape modern democratic governance.

2. National Celebrations

• Observed across France with Military parades, Cultural programmes, Fireworks displays, Public ceremonies
• The Bastille Day Military Parade on the Champs-Élysées in Paris is among the world's oldest and most prominent national military parades.

One-Liners

Long March 10B

Why in News?

China successfully landed its Long March 10B reusable rocket for the first time.

• Long March 10B is China's first successfully recovered reusable launch vehicle.
• It can carry up to 16 metric tonnes of payload to Low Earth Orbit (LEO).
• A reusable rocket is capable of returning safely to Earth after launch, allowing repeated use and reducing launch costs.
• Prior to China, only SpaceX and Blue Origin had demonstrated successful launch-and-landing capabilities for reusable rockets.

Nagpur Ministerial Declaration

Why in News?

The Nagpur Ministerial Declaration was adopted during the 3rd BRICS Transport Ministers' Meeting under India's BRICS Chairship (2026).

• Establishes a collaborative framework to strengthen transport and logistics cooperation among BRICS nations.
• Focuses on Decarbonisation of transport systems, Integration of the circular economy into transport infrastructure, Building resilient and diversified supply chains, Advancing the BRICS Railway Research Network, Promoting Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and Urban Mobility Hubs.

56th International Physics Olympiad (IPhO) 2026

Why in News?

India jointly secured the top position at the 56th International Physics Olympiad (IPhO) 2026.

• India shared first place with China, Kazakhstan, Russia, South Korea, and Taiwan.
• All five Indian participants won gold medals.
• IPhO is an annual international competition for secondary-school students in physics.
• The 56th edition was hosted by Bucaramanga, Colombia.

Jodhpuri Mojari

Why in News?

The Jodhpuri Mojari has been granted a Geographical Indication (GI) tag.

• It is a traditional handcrafted leather footwear (Jooti) originating from Jodhpur, Rajasthan.
• Primarily crafted by the Jinagar (Jingar) community.
• The Jinagar community historically produced royal saddles (Jeen) and sword scabbards before transitioning to shoemaking.
• The craft has a history spanning nearly 200 years and reflects Rajasthan's rich artisanal heritage.

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