📰 Daily Current Affairs Notes — Thursday, July 30, 2026

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

---

Supreme Court Stays Delhi High Court Order Declaring NSEI a ‘Public Authority’ Under RTI Act — [Polity & Governance: GS Paper II]

#### 1. The Core News Report

The Supreme Court of India has issued a stay on a judgment delivered by the Division Bench of the Delhi High Court which had declared the National Stock Exchange of India (NSEI) a “public authority” under Section 2(h) of the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005. The High Court had previously ruled that if an institution is substantially controlled, owned, or financed directly or indirectly by the appropriate government, it falls squarely within the statutory definition of a public authority, thereby subjecting its operational transparency to citizen disclosures under the RTI framework.

The Supreme Court bench agreed to examine the appeal challenging the High Court’s interpretation, which argued that stock exchanges operate as market infrastructure institutions governed by regulatory oversight rather than state ownership or public financing. The stay effectively freezes the enforcement of RTI disclosures against the stock exchange while the apex court conducts a detailed legal scrutiny of the threshold required for private or quasi-regulatory bodies to be classified as public authorities.

This judicial intervention highlights the continuing debate over the ambit of Section 2(h) of the RTI Act regarding market infrastructure institutions, public-private partnerships, and statutory regulators versus corporate market entities.

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

• Why it is Important: Clarifies the judicial boundaries defining what constitutes a “public authority” under the RTI Act, balancing market governance confidentiality with public interest transparency.

• UPSC Relevance:

* Prelims: Definition of ‘Public Authority’ under Section 2(h) of RTI Act 2005; role and statutory status of SEBI vs. stock exchanges (NSE/BSE).

* GS Paper II: Statutory Bodies, RTI Act Implementation, Transparency & Accountability in Governance, Citizen Centric Initiatives.

* Essay: Transparency in Public Governance vs. Corporate Autonomy in Financial Institutions.

* Interview: Perspectives on expanding RTI coverage to private bodies performing public functions or market regulation.

• CGPSC Relevance:

* Prelims: Provisions of the Right to Information Act, 2005, and key judicial interpretations.

* Mains Paper: Paper 3 (Public Administration & Governance) — Measures for promoting transparency and legal definitions under the RTI Act.

* Chhattisgarh Special (if applicable): Relevance of RTI applicability to state-supported autonomous bodies, industrial development corporations, and public-private partnership entities in Chhattisgarh.

• Key Facts to Remember:

* Important figures / Constitutional Articles / Committees: Section 2(h) of the Right to Information Act, 2005 (Definition of Public Authority).

* Reports / Organizations / Schemes / Acts / Locations / Dates: Supreme Court of India, High Court of Delhi, National Stock Exchange of India (NSEI), SEBI Act 1992.

• Possible Prelims MCQs:

1. Under Section 2(h) of the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005, which of the following criteria qualify an body as a ‘public authority’?

1. Any body established or constituted by or under the Constitution.

2. Any body established by any law made by Parliament or State Legislature.

3. Non-Government Organisations substantially financed, directly or indirectly, by funds provided by the appropriate Government.

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)

Explanation: Section 2(h) defines ‘public authority’ to include bodies established under the Constitution, Parliamentary laws, State legislation, notifications by governments, and substantially financed non-government organisations.

2. Consider the following statements regarding the National Stock Exchange of India (NSEI):

1. It is a statutory body created directly by an Act of Parliament.

2. It is regulated by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI).

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: (B)

Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect because NSE is a demutualised corporate entity incorporated under the Companies Act, not a statutory body. Statement 2 is correct as it is regulated by SEBI.

• Possible Mains Questions:

1. “Determining the scope of ‘Public Authority’ under the Right to Information Act, 2005 remains a subject of judicial deliberation.” Discuss this statement in light of recent judicial pronouncements regarding financial market infrastructure institutions. (150 words / 10 marks)

• Keywords / Tags: `RTI Act 2005` `Public Authority` `Supreme Court` `NSEI` `Governance`

• Related Topics for Revision:

* Statutory definition of Public Authority under Section 2(h) of RTI Act

* Judicial rulings on bringing political parties and sports bodies under RTI

---

IN-SPACe Formulates Re-entry Guidelines for Spacecraft and Rocket Bodies — [Science & Technology: GS Paper III]

#### 1. The Core News Report

The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe) has formally published detailed regulatory guidelines governing the re-entry of spacecraft and rocket bodies into Earth’s atmosphere. The regulatory framework addresses both controlled and uncontrolled re-entries, requiring space operators operating out of India to implement rigorous safety protocols and orbit-degrading maneuvers to mitigate atmospheric and terrestrial risk.

According to the guidelines, a planned re-entry is defined as a deliberate and controlled process wherein space operators utilize targeted propulsion engines or specialized aerodynamic maneuvers to precisely determine the descent trajectory, timing, and atmospheric destruction point of space objects. The primary objective is to direct non-burnable space debris safely into remote oceanic impact zones, such as the South Pacific Ocean Uninhabited Area.

The release of these guidelines aligns India’s commercial and government space endeavors with global space sustainability principles, directly addressing the growing threat posed by orbital debris, upper-stage rocket bodies, and end-of-life satellite management.

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

• Why it is Important: Establishes a formal regulatory governance structure for space debris management and space safety, ensuring compliance with international space sustainability norms.

• UPSC Relevance:

* Prelims: Role and functions of IN-SPACe; concepts of Controlled vs. Uncontrolled Space Re-entry; Space Debris mitigation measures; Outer Space Treaty guidelines.

* GS Paper III: Science and Technology — Indigenisation of technology, Space technology, Orbital sustainability, Kessler Syndrome.

* Essay: Responsible Space Exploration: Balancing Commercial Innovation with Global Commons Protection.

* Interview: India’s leadership in sustainable space operations and non-weaponisation of space.

• CGPSC Relevance:

* Prelims: Mandate of IN-SPACe (autonomous single-window node under Department of Space).

* Mains Paper: Paper 5 (Science, Technology & Environment) — Indian Space Programme, satellite technology, and technological safety regulations.

* Chhattisgarh Special (if applicable): Opportunities for high-tech manufacturing and MSME supply chain integration in Chhattisgarh for aerospace components under IN-SPACe framework.

• Key Facts to Remember:

* Important figures / Constitutional Articles / Committees: IN-SPACe established in 2020 as an autonomous agency under the Department of Space (DOS).

* Reports / Organizations / Schemes / Acts / Locations / Dates: IN-SPACe Re-entry Guidelines, Inter-Agency Space Debris Coordination Committee (IADC) guidelines.

• Possible Prelims MCQs:

1. With reference to the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe), consider the following statements:

1. It functions as an autonomous single-window nodal agency under the Department of Space.

2. It is responsible for regulating and authorizing private sector space activities in India.

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)

Explanation: Both statements are correct. IN-SPACe was established as an autonomous single-window agency under the Department of Space to promote, enable, authorize, and supervise private space activities.

2. In the context of space debris and orbital safety, the term “Kessler Syndrome” refers to:

(A) The gravitational pull exerted by space debris on low-Earth orbit satellites.

(B) A cascade scenario where space debris collisions create an exponential increase in secondary debris.

(C) The atmospheric heating rate during spacecraft re-entry.

(D) The loss of satellite signal caused by solar flare radiation.

Correct Answer: (B)

Explanation: Kessler Syndrome describes a self-sustaining cascading collision scenario in low Earth orbit where density of objects causes domino-effect collisions, generating more debris.

• Possible Mains Questions:

1. Highlight the significance of the re-entry guidelines issued by IN-SPACe. How do such regulatory frameworks enhance space sustainability and strengthen India’s global space governance credentials? (150 words / 10 marks)

• Keywords / Tags: `IN-SPACe` `Space Re-entry` `Space Debris` `Space Technology` `Department of Space`

• Related Topics for Revision:

* Indian Space Policy 2023

* Project NETRA by ISRO for space object tracking

---

SC-NBWL Recommends Pygmy Hog for Targeted Critically Endangered Conservation Listing — [Environment & Ecology: GS Paper III]

#### 1. The Core News Report

The Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife (SC-NBWL) has formally recommended adding the Pygmy Hog (Porcula salvania) to the prioritized list of critically endangered species receiving specialized recovery funding and habitat protection measures. The recommendation comes after assessing environmental pressures on wet alluvial grasslands, which constitute the primary ecological niche of this suid species.

The Pygmy Hog is recognised as the world’s smallest and rarest wild pig species. Historically distributed across a contiguous belt of tall wet grasslands in the southern Himalayan foothills (Terai belt) spanning India, Nepal, and Bhutan, its wild population became severely fragmented due to habitat destruction, livestock grazing, commercial forestry, and controlled burning of grasslands. Currently, wild populations are largely restricted to protected pockets in Assam, notably the Manas National Park.

By elevating its priority under national conservation schemes, the SC-NBWL aims to allocate institutional resources toward habitat restoration, captive breeding and rewilding programs, and continuous surveillance against disease threats like African Swine Fever.

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

• Why it is Important: Highlights species-specific conservation priorities for indicator species that signify the ecological health of wet tall-grassland ecosystems.

• UPSC Relevance:

Prelims: Pygmy Hog (Porcula salvania*) facts; IUCN Red List status (Critically Endangered); Habitat preferences; Wildlife Protection Act 1972 Schedule listing; Structure of NBWL vs SC-NBWL.

* GS Paper III: Environment and Biodiversity — Conservation, Ecosystem Degradation, Species Recovery Programmes.

* Essay: Wildlife Conservation: Moving beyond Flagship Species like Tigers and Elephants.

* Interview: Role of statutory wildlife boards in balancing developmental pressures with biodiversity conservation.

• CGPSC Relevance:

* Prelims: National Board for Wildlife structure; Endangered species classification under Wildlife Protection Act.

* Mains Paper: Paper 5 (Science, Technology & Environment) — Biodiversity conservation, national parks, and statutory environmental organizations.

* Chhattisgarh Special (if applicable): Comparative analysis of wildlife conservation efforts in Chhattisgarh reserves (e.g., Wild Water Buffalo conservation in Udanti-Sitanadi and Indravati National Park).

• Key Facts to Remember:

* Important figures / Constitutional Articles / Committees: National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) chaired by the Prime Minister; Standing Committee chaired by Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (under WPA 1972).

Reports / Organizations / Schemes / Acts / Locations / Dates: Pygmy Hog (Porcula salvania*); IUCN Status: Critically Endangered; Primary Habitat: Manas National Park, Assam.

• Possible Prelims MCQs:

1. With reference to the Pygmy Hog (Porcula salvania), consider the following statements:

1. It is the smallest and rarest wild pig species in the world.

2. It is an indicator species for tall, wet alluvial grassland habitats.

3. It is listed as ‘Vulnerable’ on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(A) 1 and 2 only

(B) 2 and 3 only

(C) 1 and 3 only

(D) 1, 2, and 3

Correct Answer: (A)

Explanation: Statements 1 and 2 are correct. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Pygmy Hog is classified as ‘Critically Endangered’ (CR) on the IUCN Red List, not Vulnerable.

2. Who among the following chairs the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) established under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972?

(A) The Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change

(B) The Prime Minister of India

(C) The Director General of Forests

(D) The Chairman of the National Green Tribunal

Correct Answer: (B)

Explanation: The NBWL is a statutory board constituted under Section 5A of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and is chaired ex-officio by the Prime Minister of India.

• Possible Mains Questions:

1. Grassland ecosystems in India are often overlooked in mainstream conservation policy compared to dense forest biomes. Discuss the ecological significance of grassland indicator species like the Pygmy Hog and evaluate measures required for grassland ecosystem restoration. (250 words / 15 marks)

• Keywords / Tags: `Pygmy Hog` `SC-NBWL` `Critically Endangered` `Manas National Park` `Biodiversity Conservation`

• Related Topics for Revision:

* Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats (IDWH) scheme

* Statutory powers of NBWL under Wildlife Protection Act 1972

---

Supreme Court Emphasises Strict Limits on Post-Facto Environmental Clearances — [Environment & Governance: GS Paper III]

#### 1. The Core News Report

The Supreme Court of India has reiterated that the grant of post-facto (ex-post facto) environmental clearances to industrial and infrastructure projects must be treated as an extraordinary exception rather than a routine administrative remedy. The Court cautioned that granting retroactive clearances under environmental regulations undermines the “Precautionary Principle” and the foundational objectives of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) framework.

The observations came during the examination of regulatory approvals issued to projects that initiated construction or operational expansion prior to obtaining prior mandatory clearances under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, and the EIA Notification 2006. The Court emphasized that ex-post facto approvals cannot function as blanket amnesty schemes for illegal industrial activities, as doing so removes the incentive for project proponents to seek mandatory prior environmental scrutiny.

The judicial ruling underscores that while economic considerations and capital investments are relevant factors, they cannot override ecological damage or statutory mandates that require prior assessment of cumulative environmental impacts.

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

• Why it is Important: Reaffirms the primacy of environmental jurisprudence, emphasizing that retroactive clearances violate sustainable development principles.

• UPSC Relevance:

* Prelims: EIA Notification 2006 framework; Environment (Protection) Act 1986; Precautionary Principle; Public Consultation process.

* GS Paper III: Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), Environmental Governance, Sustainable Development, Environmental Ethics.

* Essay: Economic Growth vs. Environmental Protection: The Legal Imperative of Sustainable Governance.

* Interview: Balancing industrial development with environmental compliance in natural resource-rich states.

• CGPSC Relevance:

* Prelims: Environment (Protection) Act 1986 provisions; Environmental Impact Assessment process in Chhattisgarh.

* Mains Paper: Paper 5 (Environment & Ecology) — Environmental clearances, role of State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA), and sustainable development principles.

* Chhattisgarh Special (if applicable): Direct impact on industrial, coal mining, and power plant projects in Korba, Raigarh, and Hasdeo regions requiring prior environmental clearance.

• Key Facts to Remember:

* Important figures / Constitutional Articles / Committees: Article 21 (Right to a Clean Environment); Article 48A (Directive Principles on Protection of Environment); Article 51A(g) (Fundamental Duty).

* Reports / Organizations / Schemes / Acts / Locations / Dates: Environment (Protection) Act 1986; EIA Notification 2006; Precautionary Principle; Polluter Pays Principle.

• Possible Prelims MCQs:

1. Consider the following environmental jurisprudence principles:

1. Precautionary Principle

2. Polluter Pays Principle

3. Inter-generational Equity

Which of the above principles have been recognized by the Supreme Court of India as integral components of Article 21 (Right to Life)?

(A) 1 and 2 only

(B) 2 and 3 only

(C) 1 and 3 only

(D) 1, 2, and 3

Correct Answer: (D)

Explanation: The Supreme Court of India (notably in the Vellore Citizens’ Welfare Forum case and subsequent judgments) held that the Precautionary Principle, Polluter Pays Principle, and Inter-generational Equity are essential features of Sustainable Development derived from Article 21.

2. Under the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification 20