📰 Daily Current Affairs Notes — Sunday, July 26, 2026

Sources scanned: PIB India, The Hindu, Indian Express, PRS India, RBI, NITI Aayog, and Chhattisgarh State Government portals.

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Maritime Conflict Advisory Issued Following Black Sea Vessel Strikes — [Security & International Relations: GS Paper II & III]

#### 1. The Core News Report

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Government of India, has issued an urgent advisory urging Indian nationals, seafarers, and recruitment agencies to meticulously evaluate the prevailing security environment prior to taking up employment on commercial vessels operating in active maritime conflict zones. The advisory follows a series of lethal missile and drone strikes on merchant shipping in the Black Sea region.

Specifically, the incident involved the merchant vessel MV AGN Ragnar, which was struck at the Port of Odessa—a strategic Black Sea maritime hub in Ukraine. Official reports confirmed that four Indian crew members were aboard the vessel at the time of the strike; two were safely evacuated while the status of the remaining two continues to be closely monitored by the Indian Embassy in Ukraine.

This advisory comes in the wake of escalating casualties, with official records documenting that five Indian seafarers have lost their lives in attacks targeting commercial shipping across the Black Sea conflict zone within the past week alone. The Government of India has reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safety of Indian maritime workers and instructed crewing companies to mandate strict compliance with international maritime security protocols and conflict zone navigation warnings.

#### 2. Examination Analysis (Why it is Important & Exam Relevance)

• Why it is Important: The safety of Indian seafarers directly impacts India’s global maritime diaspora, foreign trade logistics, and diplomatic obligation under international law to safeguard sovereign citizens in active foreign conflict zones.

• UPSC Relevance:

* Prelims: Strategic geography of the Black Sea, key ports like Odessa, International Maritime Organization (IMO) security guidelines, and MEA diaspora advisories.

* GS Paper (I / II / III / IV): GS Paper II (Effect of policies and politics of developed/developing countries on India’s interests, Indian Diaspora) and GS Paper III (Maritime security, coastal and offshore asset protection).

* Essay: Use as an illustrative case study on global geopolitical instability affecting non-combatant civilian workers and supply chains.

* Interview: Questions on India’s diplomatic protocol for rescuing distressed citizens abroad (e.g., Operation Kaveri, Operation Ganga) and regulatory standards for maritime recruitment agencies.

• CGPSC Relevance:

* Prelims: Mapping questions related to international ports, Black Sea geography, and external security advisories.

* Mains Paper: Paper III (International Organizations & Global Issues) and Paper V (Economy and Geography).

* Chhattisgarh Special (if applicable): Direct connection to state diaspora welfare policy and migration monitoring for overseas employment.

• Key Facts to Remember:

* Important figures / Constitutional Articles / Committees: Article 21 (Protection of life and personal liberty, applicable contextually to sovereign citizens abroad through consular protection).

Reports / Organizations / Schemes / Acts / Locations / Dates: Port of Odessa (Black Sea, Ukraine), MV AGN Ragnar*, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), International Maritime Organization (IMO).

• Possible Prelims MCQs:

1. The Port of Odessa, frequently mentioned in international news, is located on the coast of which body of water?

(A) Sea of Azov

(B) Black Sea

(C) Caspian Sea

(D) Mediterranean Sea

Correct Answer: (B) Black Sea

Explanation: The Port of Odessa is a crucial deep-water seaport located on the northwestern shore of the Black Sea in southwestern Ukraine.

2. Consider the following statements regarding international maritime navigation safety advisories issued by India:

1. The Ministry of External Affairs issues safety advisories for Indian seafarers operating in high-risk areas.

2. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is the specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for regulating shipping.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(A) 1 only

(B) 2 only

(C) Both 1 and 2

(D) Neither 1 nor 2

Correct Answer: (C) Both 1 and 2

Explanation: Both statements are correct. MEA issues advisories for citizens abroad, and IMO is the UN specialized agency overseeing maritime safety and prevention of marine pollution.

• Possible Mains Questions:

1. Escalating geopolitical tensions in critical maritime corridors pose severe risks to global supply chains and civilian seafarers. Discuss the diplomatic, legal, and operational measures India must adopt to protect its maritime workforce operating in international conflict zones. (150 words / 10 marks)

• Keywords / Tags: `Black Sea` `Odessa Port` `Maritime Security` `MEA Advisory` `Seafarers Safety`

• Related Topics for Revision:

* Geography of the Black Sea, Bosporus Strait, and Dardanelles Strait.

* Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) recruitment regulations.

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Deepti Scheme: Rural Women Emerge as Solar Energy Entrepreneurs in Chhattisgarh — [Chhattisgarh Specific & Governance: GS Paper II & V]

#### 1. The Core News Report

Under the state-sponsored “Deepti Yojana” (Deepti Scheme) in Chhattisgarh, rural women across various districts are being transformed into sustainable solar energy entrepreneurs. The scheme focuses on decentralizing clean energy production, fostering livelihood diversification, and driving climate-resilient economic growth at the grassroots level.

Through specialized technical training provided under the initiative, women’s self-help groups (SHGs) are equipped with skills to operate, assemble, maintain, and commercialize solar-powered equipment and micro-grid systems. The initiative integrates clean energy access with micro-entrepreneurship, generating sustainable income streams for women in remote rural and tribal belts.

The State Government has highlighted the scheme as a key driver for rural economic self-reliance, aligning renewable energy adoption with state poverty alleviation programs. By enabling rural women to own and manage solar enterprises, the program simultaneously addresses energy poverty, carbon emission mitigation, and rural gender empowerment.

#### 2. Examination Analysis (Why it is Important & Exam Relevance)

• Why it is Important: Demonstrates a model convergence of gender empowerment, green transition, and rural livelihood diversification, crucial for sustainable development goals (SDG 5: Gender Equality and SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy).

• UPSC Relevance:

* Prelims: Key components of Deepti Yojana, National Solar Mission targets, rural electrification models.

* GS Paper (I / II / III / IV): GS Paper II (Government policies and interventions, welfare schemes for vulnerable sections) and GS Paper III (Renewable energy, inclusive growth, and rural development).

* Essay: Excellent case study on “Green Energy as a Catalyst for Women Empowerment and Grassroots Development.”

* Interview: Strategic benefits of decentralized solar power models vs. centralized grid infrastructure in tribal and hilly topographies.

• CGPSC Relevance:

* Prelims: Specific objectives of Deepti Scheme, target beneficiary groups, executing nodal departments in Chhattisgarh.

* Mains Paper: Paper V (Economy of Chhattisgarh, Rural Development & Welfare Schemes) and Paper VI (Sociological Aspects & Gender Welfare).

* Chhattisgarh Special (if applicable): Direct focus on rural women SHGs in Chhattisgarh transitioning into solar energy entrepreneurs, addressing regional electrification and livelihood goals.

• Key Facts to Remember:

* Important figures / Constitutional Articles / Committees: Article 39(a) & (b) (Directive Principles regarding equitable livelihood and resource distribution); SDG 5 & SDG 7.

* Reports / Organizations / Schemes / Acts / Locations / Dates: Deepti Yojana (Chhattisgarh), CREDA (Chhattisgarh Renewable Energy Development Agency), NRLM (National Rural Livelihood Mission).

• Possible Prelims MCQs:

1. With reference to the ‘Deepti Scheme’ recently highlighted in Chhattisgarh, what is its primary objective?

(A) Free distribution of agricultural seed kits to small farmers

(B) Training rural women to become solar energy entrepreneurs

(C) Digital literacy for secondary school students in tribal blocks

(D) Financial assistance for setting up traditional handloom units

Correct Answer: (B) Training rural women to become solar energy entrepreneurs

Explanation: Deepti Yojana in Chhattisgarh aims to empower rural women through technical training and entrepreneurship in solar energy adoption and maintenance.

2. Decentralized solar micro-grids offer which of the following advantages in rural and forest areas?

1. Reduction in transmission and distribution losses.

2. Enhanced energy resilience during extreme weather events.

3. Complete elimination of capital expenditure requirements.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(A) 1 and 2 only

(B) 2 and 3 only

(C) 1 and 3 only

(D) 1, 2, and 3

Correct Answer: (A) 1 and 2 only

Explanation: Decentralized micro-grids reduce T&D losses and increase resilience. However, they still require initial capital expenditure, though often subsidized.

• Possible Mains Questions:

1. “Integrating clean energy transitions with social empowerment schemes offers a double dividend for rural development.” Discuss this statement with special reference to Chhattisgarh’s Deepti Scheme. (211 words / 10 marks for CGPSC / 150 words / 10 marks for UPSC)

• Keywords / Tags: `Deepti Yojana` `Chhattisgarh Schemes` `Solar Entrepreneurship` `Women Empowerment` `CREDA`

• Related Topics for Revision:

* State Renewable Energy Policies of Chhattisgarh.

* DAY-NRLM micro-enterprise development models.

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ONGC Begins First Deepwater Drilling in Mahanadi Basin Under ‘Mission Samudra Manthan’ — [Economy & Energy Security: GS Paper III]

#### 1. The Core News Report

Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) has officially spudded its first deepwater exploratory well, designated as MN-DW18-1-H-D, located in the Mahanadi offshore basin along India’s eastern coast. This critical drilling operation has been initiated under the Union Government’s flagship hydrocarbon exploration initiative titled “Mission Samudra Manthan.”

The mission aims to unlock high-potential deepwater and ultra-deepwater oil and gas reserves within India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). The Mahanadi basin exploratory well marks a significant technical step forward in assessing the commercial viability of hydrocarbon accumulation in unexplored offshore frontiers. Advanced deepwater drillships equipped with dynamic positioning systems are deployed to handle challenging undersea geological formations.

This step aligns with India’s long-term national energy security roadmap, which seeks to reduce heavy import dependency for crude oil and natural gas. By systematically exploring deepwater blocks, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas aims to enhance domestic exploration and production (E&P) coverage under the Hydrocarbon Exploration and Licensing Policy (HELP) framework.

#### 2. Examination Analysis (Why it is Important & Exam Relevance)

• Why it is Important: Enhancing domestic deepwater energy production directly impacts India’s current account deficit (CAD), energy sovereignty, and transition strategy toward a gas-based economy.

• UPSC Relevance:

* Prelims: Locations of major sedimentary basins (Mahanadi, KG Basin, Cauvery Basin), Mission Samudra Manthan, HELP policy features, OALP (Open Acreage Licensing Policy).

* GS Paper (I / II / III / IV): GS Paper III (Indian Economy, infrastructure, energy security, industrial policy, deep-sea resources).

* Essay: Interplay between domestic resource extraction, technological self-reliance, and global energy vulnerabilities.

* Interview: Balancing aggressive offshore oil & gas exploration with marine biodiversity conservation and net-zero commitments by 2070.

• CGPSC Relevance:

* Prelims: Geographical proximity of Mahanadi basin to Chhattisgarh’s drainage system, national energy projects, ONGC milestones.

* Mains Paper: Paper V (Geography of India, Mineral and Energy Resources of Eastern India).

* Chhattisgarh Special (if applicable): Hydrogeological and mineral linkages of the Mahanadi basin spanning upper basin regions in Chhattisgarh to offshore discharge areas.

• Key Facts to Remember:

* Important figures / Constitutional Articles / Committees: HELP Framework (Revenue sharing model, single license for conventional and unconventional hydrocarbons); India imports over 85% of its crude oil requirements.

Reports / Organizations / Schemes / Acts / Locations / Dates: ONGC, Well MN-DW18-1-H-D*, Mahanadi Offshore Basin, Mission Samudra Manthan, Directorate General of Hydrocarbons (DGH).

• Possible Prelims MCQs:

1. The exploratory well ‘MN-DW18-1-H-D’, recently spudded by ONGC under ‘Mission Samudra Manthan’, is located in which of the following offshore basins?

(A) Krishna-Godavari Basin

(B) Mahanadi Basin

(C) Cambay Basin

(D) Cauvery Basin

Correct Answer: (B) Mahanadi Basin

Explanation: ONGC commenced drilling its first deepwater well MN-DW18-1-H-D in the Mahanadi offshore basin under Mission Samudra Manthan.

2. Which of the following features distinguish the Hydrocarbon Exploration and Licensing Policy (HELP) from the older NELP?

1. Uniform licensing for all forms of hydrocarbons.

2. Revenue sharing model instead of profit sharing.

3. Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP) for block selection.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(A) 1 and 2 only

(B) 2 and 3 only

(C) 1 and 3 only

(D) 1, 2, and 3

Correct Answer: (D) 1, 2, and 3

Explanation: All three features are primary hallmarks of the HELP framework introduced to streamline exploration and production in India.

• Possible Mains Questions:

1. Evaluate the strategic significance of ‘Mission Samudra Manthan’ in boosting India’s upstream energy sector. What technical and environmental challenges are associated with deepwater hydrocarbon exploration? (250 words / 15 marks)

• Keywords / Tags: `ONGC` `Samudra Manthan` `Mahanadi Basin` `Deepwater Exploration` `HELP Policy`

• Related Topics for Revision:

* Sedimentary basins of India (Category I, II, III basins).

* Deep Ocean Mission vs. Offshore Energy Missions.

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Wildlife Management Interventions: Radio-Collaring and Translocation Protocols for Problem Elephants — [Environment & Ecology: GS Paper III]

#### 1. The Core News Report

The Forest Department has officially issued capture and mitigation orders for a prominent wild bull elephant, designated as KM1, operating in the Aralam Farm region adjacent to protected forest tracks. The tusker has drawn persistent tracking due to repeated breaches of physical perimeter barriers, including solar fences and elephant-proof trenches, leading to frequent crop raids and human-animal conflict in inhabited border zones.

Under the sanctioned operational protocol, elephant KM1 will be safely tranquilized, captured, fitted with a high-frequency satellite-linked radio collar, and subsequently translocated deep into contiguous forest interiors. The radio collar will transmit real-time telemetry data to local tracking units, enabling early warning alerts for village border patrols whenever the animal approaches human habitations.

This intervention highlights the shift toward scientific wildlife management and technology-driven human-elephant conflict mitigation in fragmented forest corridors. Wildlife authorities emphasized that radio-collaring combined with spatial monitoring serves as a humane alternative to permanent captivity, balancing biodiversity preservation with community safety.

#### 2. Examination Analysis (Why it is Important & Exam Relevance)

• Why it is Important: Human-wildlife conflict (HWC) is a major ecological and public governance challenge in India, impacting rural livelihoods, safety, and Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) conservation.

• UPSC Relevance:

* Prelims: Project Elephant, Asian Elephant IUCN status, radio-telemetry applications, Wildlife Protection Act 1972 provisions (Section 11 regarding hunting/capture of wild animals).

* GS Paper (I / II / III / IV): GS Paper III (Conservation, environmental impact assessment, wildlife protection, human-wildlife conflict mitigation).

* Essay: “Coexistence vs. Conflict: Navigating Development and Ecological Boundaries.”

* Interview: Administrative responses to persistent human-wildlife conflict and legal thresholds for declaring wild animals as “problematic” or “dangerous.”

• CGPSC Relevance:

* Prelims: Wildlife corridors, elephant reserves in Chhattisgarh (Lemru Elephant Reserve), provisions of Wildlife Protection Act.

* Mains Paper: Paper IV (Environment & Forestry, Conservation Measures in Chhattisgarh and India).

* Chhattisgarh Special (if applicable): Highly relevant due to recurring human-elephant conflict in Northern Chhattisgarh (Surguja, Korba, Raigarh) and central corridors.

• Key Facts to Remember:

* Important figures / Constitutional Articles / Committees: Section 11(1)(a) of Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 (power of Chief Wildlife Warden to permit capture/mitigation); Asian Elephant status: Endangered (IUCN Red List), Schedule I (WPA 1972).

* Reports / Organizations / Schemes / Acts / Locations / Dates: Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary corridor, Project Elephant (launched in 1992), Wildlife Institute of India (WII).

• Possible Prelims MCQs:

1. Under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, who holds the statutory authority to permit the capture or tranquilization of a Schedule I wild animal that has become dangerous to human life?

(A) Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change

(B) Chief Wildlife Warden of the concerned State

(C) District Collector of the affected district

(D) Director General of Forests

Correct Answer: (B) Chief Wildlife Warden of the concerned State

Explanation: Section 11(1)(a) of the WPA 1972 empowers the Chief Wildlife Warden to authorize the capture, tranquilization, or translocation of Schedule I wild animals under specified conditions.

2. Which of the following technological tools are actively utilized in modern human-elephant conflict mitigation?

1. Satellite radio-collaring and telemetry tracking.

2. Early warning system (EWS) SMS and siren alerts.

3. Bio-fencing using bee hives and chilli-chaff fences.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(A) 1 and 2 only

(B) 2 and 3 only

(C) 1 and 3 only

(D) 1, 2, and 3

Correct Answer: (D) 1, 2, and 3

Explanation: All listed techniques are recognized modern technological and biological tools used to mitigate human-elephant conflict across Indian states.

• Possible Mains Questions:

1. Human-elephant conflict in fragmented forest landscapes requires a shift from reactive containment to proactive, landscape-level corridor management. Examine the role of spatial technology and community participation in mitigating such conflicts. (150 words / 10 marks)

• Keywords / Tags: `Human-Wildlife Conflict` `Radio Collaring` `Aralam` `Project Elephant` `Wildlife Protection Act`

• Related Topics for Revision:

* Lemru Elephant Reserve notification and regional habitat connectivity in Chhattisgarh.

* Gaj Yatra and Elephant Corridors of India Report (WTI / MoEFCC).

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Venezuela Formally Notifies UN of Withdrawal from International Criminal Court (ICC) — [International Relations: GS Paper II]

#### 1. The Core News Report

In a major international legal development, the Government of Venezuela has officially submitted a formal notification to the United Nations Secretary-General announcing its decision to withdraw from the Rome Statute, the founding treaty of the International Criminal Court (ICC). The official statement, delivered by senior diplomat Felix Plasencia, cited deep-seated institutional grievances, asserting that the ICC exhibits systemic “geographical and political bias.”

Caracas alleged that the Hague-based tribunal disproportionately targets sovereign nations of the Global South—specifically across Africa and Latin America—while exhibiting selective accountability toward Western nations and their allies. The move reflects growing geopolitical friction between hyper-sovereign regional blocs and multilateral judicial institutions.

Under Article 127 of the Rome Statute, a state party’s withdrawal takes effect officially one year after the receipt of notification by the UN Secretary-General. However, legal experts emphasize that withdrawal does not discharge a state from its financial obligations or affect ongoing preliminary examinations and investigations initiated prior to the date on which the withdrawal becomes effective.

#### 2. Examination Analysis (Why it is Important & Exam Relevance)

• Why it is Important: Highlights structural challenges facing global multilateralism, legitimacy crises in international judicial bodies, and the ongoing debate surrounding Western dominance in multilateral legal frameworks.

• UPSC Relevance:

* Prelims: Rome Statute 1998, structure and jurisdiction of ICC, difference between ICJ (International Court of Justice) and ICC, UN Secretary-General role as depositary.

* GS Paper (I / II / III / IV): GS Paper II (Important International institutions, agencies, and fora – their structure, mandate, and sovereign jurisdiction challenges).

* Essay: “The Global South and the Crisis of Multilateral Governance.”

* Interview: Why India is not a signatory to the Rome Statute (ICC) and India’s position on national legal sovereignty versus universal jurisdiction.

• CGPSC Relevance:

* Prelims: Headquarters and mandates of major international courts (ICC vs. ICJ).

* Mains Paper: Paper III (International Organizations and Global Treaties).

* Chhattisgarh Special (if applicable): Comparative awareness of international legal frameworks in CGPSC Paper III.

• Key Facts to Remember:

* Important figures / Constitutional Articles / Committees: Rome Statute (adopted 1998, entered into force 2002); Article 127 (Withdrawal process taking 1 year). India, USA, China, and Russia are NOT state parties to the ICC.

* Reports / Organizations / Schemes / Acts / Locations / Dates: International Criminal Court (The Hague, Netherlands), United Nations General Assembly.

• Possible Prelims MCQs:

1. With reference to the International Criminal Court (ICC), consider the following statements:

1. It was established by the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court.

2. It is an official organ of the United Nations, similar to the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

3. India is a founding state party to the Rome Statute.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(A) 1 only

(B) 1 and 2 only

(C) 2 and 3 only

(D) 1, 2, and 3

Correct Answer: (A) 1 only

Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect because ICC is an independent international judicial body, not a UN organ (unlike ICJ). Statement 3 is incorrect as India is not a signatory/party to the Rome Statute.

2. Under the provisions of the Rome Statute, what happens to ongoing investigations against a state party if that state formally withdraws from the ICC?

(A) Investigations are automatically terminated immediately upon notification.

(B) Withdrawal does not affect the continuation of investigations initiated prior to the effective date of withdrawal.

(C) The case is mandatory transferred to the UN Security Council.

(D) The court loses all geographical jurisdiction instantly.

Correct Answer: (B) Withdrawal does not affect the continuation of investigations initiated prior to the effective date of withdrawal.

Explanation: Article 127 of the Rome Statute stipulates that withdrawal does not discharge a state from obligations or ongoing investigations started before the withdrawal takes full effect.

• Possible Mains Questions:

1. “The withdrawal of sovereign states from multilateral mechanisms like the International Criminal Court reflects growing contestation over Western-centric global governance.” Critically analyze this statement in the context of Global South perspectives. (250 words / 15 marks)

• Keywords / Tags: `ICC` `Rome Statute` `Venezuela Withdrawal` `Global South` `International Law`

• Related Topics for Revision:

* ICJ vs. ICC structural and jurisdictional differences.

* Principle of Complementarity in international criminal justice.

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Targeted Expansion of Priority Ration Cards and Public Distribution Reforms — [Social Justice & Governance: GS Paper II]

#### 1. The Core News Report

In a substantial welfare governance expansion, the State Food and Civil Supplies Department of Kerala has formally sanctioned over 73,000 new priority ration cards (Pink Cards under the Targeted Public Distribution System – TPDS). Food and Civil Supplies Minister Anoop Jacob announced that all newly approved priority beneficiaries will begin receiving free essential foodgrains directly starting August 3, 2026.

This initiative follows a comprehensive digital re-categorization and door-to-door verification drive aimed at excluding non-eligible, higher-income cardholders (White/Blue card categories) and redirecting direct food security benefits to marginalized, low-income, and vulnerable households.

The state policy aligns with national mandates under the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013, ensuring statutory entitlement to subsidized foodgrains. By systematically converting non-priority applicants into priority categories following socio-economic audits, the government aims to combat urban and rural nutritional vulnerability while curbing inclusion and exclusion errors in public distribution databases.

#### 2. Examination Analysis (Why it is Important & Exam Relevance)

• Why it is Important: Targeted PDS reforms are central to food security, poverty alleviation, and eliminating exclusion errors in social welfare delivery across Indian states.

• UPSC Relevance:

* Prelims: National Food Security Act (NFSA) 2013 provisions, Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) vs. Priority Households (PHH), TPDS digitization reforms.

* GS Paper (I / II / III / IV): GS Paper II (Issues relating to poverty and hunger, public distribution system objectives, functioning, and limitations) and GS Paper III (Food security, buffer stocks).

* Essay: “Ensuring Food Security: Technology, Targeting, and Governance.”

* Interview: Administrative measures required to weed out fake/ghost ration cards without causing distress to genuinely destitute citizens.

• CGPSC Relevance:

* Prelims: Chhattisgarh Food Security Act 2012 (pioneering state act), coverage percentages, ration card categories in CG.

* Mains Paper: Paper V (Economy of CG, Public Distribution System in Chhattisgarh).

* Chhattisgarh Special (if applicable): Direct policy linkage to Chhattisgarh’s recognized PDS model (Core Banking System, Computerization of Fair Price Shops, and Mukhyamantri Khadyann Sahayata Yojana).

• Key Facts to Remember:

* Important figures / Constitutional Articles / Committees: Article 21 (Right to Food as part of Right to Life); NFSA 2013 covers up to 75% of rural and 50% of urban population; Shanta Kumar Committee recommendations on PDS restructuring.

* Reports / Organizations / Schemes / Acts / Locations / Dates: NFSA 2013, TPDS, Kerala Food and Civil Supplies Department, Smart Ration Cards.

• Possible Prelims MCQs:

1. Under the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013, which authority is primarily responsible for identifying eligible Priority Households (PHH) within a state?

(A) Union Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution