29 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 exam.

Fire Clouds (Pyrocumulonimbus)

Why in News?

As France and Spain face severe wildfire episodes, scientists have highlighted formation of pyrocumulonimbus (PyroCb) clouds, popularly known as “fire clouds”, which can intensify and rapidly spread wildfires.

What are Fire Clouds?

• Pyrocumulonimbus clouds are powerful, thunderstorm-like clouds generated by the extreme heat and intense convection associated with large wildfires.
• NASA has described them metaphorically as “fire-breathing dragons of clouds” because of their ability to generate extreme atmospheric conditions around a wildfire.

How Do Fire Clouds Form?

The formation typically occurs through the following sequence:

• Intense wildfire → Massive heat release → Rapid upward movement of hot air → Smoke, ash, water vapour and burning particles carried upward → Cooling and condensation → Towering cloud formation → Pyrocumulonimbus development

Formation Process

• Extreme Heat: A very intense wildfire releases enormous quantities of heat.
• Rapid Convection: Heated air rises rapidly, carrying smoke, ash, moisture and burning debris upwards.
• Condensation: As the moist, rising air reaches cooler atmospheric layers, water vapour condenses and forms a towering cloud.
• PyroCb Development: When the cloud grows sufficiently high—often reaching around 10–15 km—it can develop into a thunderstorm-like pyrocumulonimbus cloud.

Why are Fire Clouds Dangerous?

• Larger – by creating conditions that support further fire development;
• Faster-spreading – through powerful winds and atmospheric convection;
• More unpredictable – by generating their own weather conditions;
• More intense – through the interaction between fire-generated heat and atmospheric processes.

They are therefore regarded as among the most hazardous weather phenomena associated with extreme wildfires.

Why are PyroCb Events Becoming More Frequent?

• Scientists associate their increasing occurrence with conditions linked to climate change, including Rising temperatures; Hotter and drier weather; Prolonged droughts; More frequent or intense heatwaves; Longer wildfire seasons; Increased availability of dry vegetation and other combustible biomass.

Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026

Why in News?

• The Union Government has introduced the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026 to strengthen the legal framework created by the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024.
• The proposed amendments seek to make public examinations more transparent, fair and credible, while ensuring swift investigation and prosecution of examination-related malpractice.

Background

• The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024 was enacted to prevent organised malpractice and unfair practices in major public examinations and to safeguard the credibility of the examination system.
• The 2026 Bill proposes stronger enforcement mechanisms, stricter penalties and dedicated judicial arrangements for speedy disposal of cases.

Examinations Covered

• Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
• Staff Selection Commission (SSC)
• Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs)
• National Testing Agency (NTA)
• Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS)

It can also cover other public examinations specifically notified by the Central Government.

Major Provisions of the 2026 Amendment Bill

1. Special Task Forces

The Bill empowers the Central Government to establish Special Task Forces (STFs) for investigating offences connected with public examinations.

Purpose

• Facilitate specialised investigation;
• Improve coordination among investigative agencies;
• Address organised examination malpractice more effectively.

2. Time-Bound Investigation

• Investigations undertaken by Local police; Central investigating agencies; or Special Task Forces must be completed within 60 days.
• This provision seeks to prevent prolonged investigations and ensure timely prosecution.

3. Special Fast Track Courts

State Governments and Union Territories will designate Special Fast Track Courts for offences under the legislation.

Trial Mechanism

• Trials will be conducted on a day-to-day basis.
• Proceedings must ordinarily be completed within three months from the filing of the chargesheet.
• Cases already registered under the 2024 Act will be transferred to these designated courts and are also required to be disposed of within three months.

4. Restrictions on Adjournments

• Courts will generally not permit adjournments beyond the next working day.
• An exception may be granted only when an exceptional reason is recorded, thereby discouraging unnecessary delays in proceedings.

5. Special Public Prosecutors

• State Governments and Union Territory Administrations may appoint one or more Special Public Prosecutors to conduct cases arising under the Act.
• This is intended to facilitate specialised and effective prosecution.

6. Time-Limit for Appeals

• The proposed framework introduces a defined timeline for appeals against Bail; Conviction; or Sentence.

Key Provision

• Appeals must ordinarily be filed within 30 days.
• Extension may be granted up to a maximum of 90 days.
• Appeals will be heard by a Division Bench of the High Court.
• Disposal is envisaged within three months.

High-Powered Task Force on Examination Reforms

• Alongside the legislative measures, the Centre has announced a high-powered task force on examination reforms.
• Chairperson: Nandan Nilekani, technology expert
• Other Members: Tapan Deka, S. Somnath, V. Kamakoti, Anita Karwal, Amrit Lal Meena
• The task force is expected to examine systemic issues and suggest reforms aimed at making public examinations more secure, technology-enabled and reliable.

India’s Sporting Journey: Building a Stronger Sports Ecosystem

Why in News?

• India’s participation in the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow marks another milestone in the country’s evolving sporting journey.
• With increasing investments in athlete development, sports infrastructure, talent identification and sports science, India is seeking to transform itself into a leading global sporting power.

India at the Commonwealth Games 2026

1. 19th Commonwealth Games:

• Appearance for India.

2. First participation:

• 1934.

3. Indian contingent:

• 124 athletes (78 male athletes, 46 female athletes)

4. India’s Medal Tally So Far

• Gold: Mirabai Chanu – Weightlifting
• Silver: Rishikanta Singh – Weightlifting
• Silver: Muthupandi Raja – Weightlifting
• Bronze: Jhandu Kumar – Para Powerlifting

The performance reflects India's growing strength in both conventional and para-sports.

Government Initiatives to Strengthen Indian Sports

1. Rising Budgetary Support

• The Union Budget 2026–27 allocated a record ₹4,479.88 crore to the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.
• This represents a substantial increase from the ₹1,219 crore allocation in 2013–14, reflecting greater policy emphasis on sports development.

2. Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS)

• TOPS was introduced in 2014 and revamped in 2018 to improve India's medal prospects at the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
• The scheme facilitates elite athletes through measures such as Foreign training; International exposure; Training camps; Competition support; Other specialised assistance required for high-level performance.

3. Khelo India Rising Talent Identification (KIRTI)

• KIRTI focuses on identifying and developing sporting talent among children aged 9–18 years.
• Long-Term Vision
• The programme aims to establish a sustainable talent pipeline to help India become a Top-10 sporting nation by 2036; and a Top-5 sporting nation by 2047.
• The emphasis is on detecting sporting potential at an early age and providing structured opportunities for development.

4. Sports Goods Manufacturing

• Union Budget 2026–27 announced ₹500 crore for strengthening India's sports goods manufacturing ecosystem.
• The initiative seeks to position India as a global hub for producing high-quality and affordable sports goods, while promoting domestic manufacturing and employment.

Khelo India Scheme

The Khelo India Scheme was launched in 2017 by integrating three earlier programmes:

• Rajiv Gandhi Khel Abhiyan
• Urban Sports Infrastructure Scheme
• National Sports Talent Search Scheme

This created a unified framework for grassroots sports development.

Khelo India Games Ecosystem

• Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG): Provides competitive opportunities for young athletes and helps identify emerging talent.
• Khelo India University Games (KIUG): Creates a national-level competitive platform for university athletes.
• Khelo India Winter Games (KIWG): Promotes winter sports and provides competitive exposure to athletes participating in snow and ice disciplines.

United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL)

Why in News?

• India hosted the inaugural session of an international conference in New Delhi to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL).
• The event highlights India's longstanding engagement with efforts to create a more predictable, harmonised and efficient framework for international commercial transactions.

What is UNCITRAL?

• The United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) is a subsidiary body of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) established in 1966.
• Headquarters: Vienna, Austria
• Core Objective: UNCITRAL works towards the progressive harmonisation and unification of international trade law.
• Its broader purpose is to reduce legal differences and uncertainties that can complicate cross-border trade and commercial transactions.

Why was UNCITRAL Established?

• International commercial transactions often involve parties operating under different national legal systems.
• Differences in Commercial laws; Contractual rules; Dispute-resolution mechanisms; Insolvency frameworks; and Enforcement procedures can create legal uncertainty and increase the cost and complexity of cross-border commerce.
• UNCITRAL seeks to address these challenges by developing modern, equitable and internationally harmonised legal frameworks.

1. Composition

• UNCITRAL consists of 70 Member States.

2. Election

• Members are elected by the United Nations General Assembly.
• Each member serves a six-year term.

3. Regional Representation

• African States, Asia-Pacific States, Eastern European States, Latin American and Caribbean States,
• Western European and Other States

4. India and UNCITRAL

• India is among only eight countries that have maintained continuous membership in UNCITRAL since its establishment in 1966.
• India's participation reflects its engagement with international efforts to strengthen the legal architecture governing global commerce.

Legal Instruments Developed by UNCITRAL

1. Conventions

• International legal instruments negotiated among States.
• Become binding on countries that ratify or accede to them, subject to their terms.

2. Model Laws

• Designed as templates that countries can adapt to their domestic legal systems.
• Not legally binding by themselves.
• Acquire domestic legal effect when incorporated or enacted through national legislation.

3. Legislative Guides

• Provide recommendations and guidance to lawmakers.
• Help countries design or reform domestic legislation.
• Do not have binding legal force unless voluntarily implemented through domestic law.

BitChat Repository Restrictions: Cybersecurity vs Digital Rights

Why in News?

• The Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C) reportedly directed GitHub to remove repositories associated with BitChat, citing concerns related to national security.
• The development has sparked debate over the balance between cybersecurity, lawful access to digital evidence, open-source technology and constitutional safeguards.

What is BitChat?

sBitChat is an open-source messaging application designed to facilitate communication without depending on conventional internet infrastructure.

1. Key Features

• Uses Bluetooth mesh networking for communication.
• Supports end-to-end encrypted messaging.
• Can function without conventional internet connectivity.
• Does not depend on cellular networks for communication.
• Operates without a centralised server architecture.

2. Simplified Architecture

• Device A → Bluetooth → Nearby Devices → Mesh Network → Device B

This decentralised architecture allows messages to move between nearby participating devices without necessarily passing through conventional internet or cellular infrastructure.

Why Did Authorities Raise Concerns?

• The technology's decentralised architecture creates challenges for conventional mechanisms of user identification, monitoring and evidence collection.
• Limited User Attribution: The absence of conventional registration and phone-number verification can make it difficult to establish the identity of users.
• Reduced Metadata Availability: The lack of centralised metadata logging may limit the availability of information that investigators commonly rely upon during criminal investigations.
• Potential Misuse: Authorities have raised concerns that such features could potentially be exploited for unlawful activities, particularly in situations involving restrictions on conventional communication networks.
• Investigative Challenges: The decentralised and encrypted architecture may complicate efforts to obtain digital evidence and trace communication pathways.

Legal Basis for the Removal Notice

• Section 79(3)(b), IT Act, 2000: This provision concerns circumstances in which the intermediary's exemption from liability may not apply, including where an intermediary fails to comply with prescribed conditions after receiving relevant knowledge or notification concerning unlawful content.
• Rule 3(1)(d), IT Rules, 2021: sThe provision forms part of the framework governing the due diligence obligations of intermediaries, including requirements concerning unlawful information and directions issued under applicable law.

Sri City Dry Port Proposal: Strengthening Inland Trade Connectivity

Why in News?

• An Inter-Ministerial Committee is examining a proposal to designate Sri City, located in Tirupati district, Andhra Pradesh, as a dry port.
• The proposed status is expected to strengthen logistics infrastructure, facilitate customs procedures and reduce transportation costs for industries operating in the region.

What is Sri City?

• Sri City is a large, integrated, multi-product industrial and business hub in Andhra Pradesh.
• It incorporates multiple industrial and trade-oriented zones, including Special Economic Zone (SEZ), Domestic Tariff Zone (DTZ), Free Trade Warehousing Zone (FTWZ), Electronics Manufacturing Cluster (EMC)
• Its diverse industrial ecosystem makes it an important centre for manufacturing, warehousing and international trade.

What is a Dry Port?

• A dry port, commonly associated with an Inland Container Depot (ICD), is an inland intermodal logistics terminal connected to a seaport through road or rail networks.
• It enables several activities normally associated with port logistics, including Cargo handling; Container movement; Temporary storage; Customs clearance; and Facilitation of international trade.

1. Simplified Logistics Chain

• Factory/Exporter → Dry Port/ICD → Road/Rail Connectivity → Seaport → International Market
• Under the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) guidelines, establishment of new dry ports is generally subject to location-related restrictions.

2. General Norms

• New dry ports are generally restricted within 200 km of seaports.
• They are also generally restricted within 100 km of existing Inland Container Depots (ICDs).

These restrictions are intended to avoid unnecessary duplication of logistics infrastructure and promote efficient utilisation of existing facilities.

Viral Hepatitis: India’s Road to Elimination by 2030

Why in News?

On the occasion of World Hepatitis Day (28 July), the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare highlighted India’s efforts to eliminate viral hepatitis as a public-health threat by 2030.

The focus is on expanding early detection, decentralising diagnosis and treatment, strengthening vaccination and integrating hepatitis services with existing national health programmes.

What is Hepatitis?

• Hepatitis refers to inflammation of the liver. Viral infections are a major cause, although the condition may also result from Excessive alcohol consumption; Certain medicines or toxic substances; and Autoimmune disorders.
• Acute hepatitis may sometimes occur without noticeable symptoms. When symptoms develop, they may include Jaundice; Dark-coloured urine; Extreme tiredness; Nausea and vomiting; and Abdominal discomfort or pain.

India’s Viral Hepatitis Burden

• India carries a substantial share of the global viral hepatitis burden.
• According to the figures highlighted by the government, Chronic Hepatitis B: Around 29.8 million cases and Hepatitis C: Around 5.5 million cases. Together, these account for approximately 11.6% of global cases.
• The scale of the burden makes early diagnosis, vaccination, safe medical practices and access to treatment crucial for achieving the 2030 elimination target.

National Viral Hepatitis Control Programme (NVHCP)

• The National Viral Hepatitis Control Programme was launched in 2018 to accelerate India's response to viral hepatitis and contribute to SDG Target 3.3, which seeks to combat major communicable diseases, including viral hepatitis, by 2030.

India’s First Indigenous Expendable Turbojet Engine

Why in News?

• India has developed its first indigenous expendable turbojet engine in the 350-kg thrust class, designed by the Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
• The development marks an important step towards strengthening India's indigenous capability in aero-engine technology and reducing dependence on foreign propulsion systems.

About the Turbojet Engine

• The engine is an expendable turbojet designed to provide propulsion for platforms where a relatively compact and reliable jet-power system is required.
• Thrust Class: 350 kg thrust
• Developer: Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE), DRDO
• The engine has been designed for use in Cruise missiles, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), Drones, Other platforms requiring turbojet propulsion

What is a Turbojet Engine?

• A turbojet is an air-breathing jet engine that generates thrust by compressing atmospheric air, mixing it with fuel, combusting the mixture and expelling the resulting high-energy gases through a nozzle at high velocity.
• Unlike rocket engines, jet engines generally obtain the working air from the atmosphere, while carrying fuel onboard for combustion.
• Basic Working: Atmospheric air intake → Compression → Fuel injection → Combustion → Expansion through turbine/nozzle → High-speed exhaust → Thrust

What Does “Expendable” Mean?

• An expendable engine is intended for use in a platform that itself is not designed for recovery and repeated operation.
• Such propulsion systems are particularly relevant to applications such as cruise missiles and one-way unmanned platforms, where long-term engine reusability is not the primary requirement.

PRAXIS Mission: Exploring Planetary Rings Through In-Situ Sampling

Why in News?

• NASA has selected PRAXIS (Planetary Rings Autonomous EXploration with In-situ Sampling) for funding under its 2026 NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) programme.
• The proposed mission could represent a major advance in planetary science by enabling a spacecraft to directly encounter, collect and analyse particles within planetary ring systems rather than relying solely on remote observations.

What is the PRAXIS Mission?

PRAXIS is a conceptual deep-space mission designed to investigate planetary rings through direct in-situ interaction with ring particles.

If realised, it would seek to:

• Physically interact with particles in planetary rings;
• Collect samples during the spacecraft's passage through the ring environment;
• Analyse particles onboard;
• Study the physical and chemical characteristics of ring material without returning samples to Earth.

The mission concept combines Artificial Intelligence (AI) with bio-inspired robotic systems to enable autonomous operations in complex deep-space environments.

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