📰 Daily Current Affairs Notes — Friday, July 24, 2026

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

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India Plans Phase-2 of Strategic Petroleum Reserves Under Public-Private Partnership Model at Estimated Rs 14,527 Crore — [Economy: GS Paper III]

#### 1. The Core News Report

The Government of India has unveiled plans to implement Phase-2 of its Strategic Petroleum Reserves (SPR) program through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, with an estimated expenditure of ₹14,527 crore. This strategic initiative comes in the wake of mounting vulnerabilities in global crude oil supply routes, notably triggered by escalating geopolitical conflicts in West Asia that have pushed Brent crude prices past the psychological $100 per barrel mark.

Under the proposed framework, the expansion aims to significantly augment the country’s domestic crude oil holding capacity to cushion against severe external supply shocks. Phase-I of the strategic petroleum reserve program had earlier established a cumulative capacity of 5.33 Million Metric Tonnes (MMT) of crude storage located across three strategic underground caverns at Visakhapatnam (1.33 MMT) in Andhra Pradesh, and Mangaluru (1.5 MMT) and Padur (2.5 MMT) in Karnataka, managed by the Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserves Limited (ISPRL).

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

• Why it is Important: Energy security remains a cornerstone of India’s macroeconomic stability. With India importing over 85% of its crude oil requirements, expanding strategic reserves via a PPP model helps mitigate fiscal and supply chain shocks stemming from volatile geopolitical chokepoints like the Strait of Hormuz.

• UPSC Relevance:

* Prelims: Strategic Petroleum Reserves (SPR) locations (Visakhapatnam, Mangaluru, Padur), executing agency (ISPRL), capacities, and crude oil import dependencies.

* GS Paper (III): Indian Economy (Energy Security, Infrastructure, PPP models, Growth & Development).

* Essay: Energy geopolitics, sustainable development, and national security paradigms.

* Interview: Strategic policy options for managing external economic shocks and oil price volatility.

• CGPSC Relevance:

* Prelims: General knowledge of India’s strategic reserves and energy infrastructure agencies.

* Mains Paper: GS Paper III (Infrastructure and Energy Resources of India).

* Chhattisgarh Special (if applicable): Indirect relevance regarding national fuel pricing, energy transport corridors, and industrial logistics costs.

• Key Facts to Remember:

* Important figures: Phase-2 estimated cost is ₹14,527 crore. Phase-I total capacity is 5.33 MMT.

* Reports / Organizations / Schemes / Acts / Locations / Dates: Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserves Limited (ISPRL); Phase-1 locations: Visakhapatnam, Mangaluru, Padur.

• Possible Prelims MCQs:

1. Consider the following statements regarding the Strategic Petroleum Reserves (SPR) in India:

1. Phase-I of the SPR program created underground crude storage facilities at Visakhapatnam, Mangaluru, and Padur.

2. Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserves Limited (ISPRL) is responsible for maintaining the strategic crude oil reserves.

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 accurately describe India’s Phase-I SPR installations managed by ISPRL.

2. In the context of India’s energy infrastructure, Phase-2 of the Strategic Petroleum Reserves is planned to be executed under which of the following models?

(A) Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) model exclusively by PSU funding

(B) Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model

(C) 100% Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) route without government oversight

(D) Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) annuity model managed by foreign navies

Correct Answer: (B) Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. Explanation: The government plans Phase-2 of the strategic petroleum reserves under a PPP model at an estimated cost of ₹14,527 crore.

• Possible Mains Questions:

1. Discuss the strategic necessity of expanding India’s Strategic Petroleum Reserves (SPR) in the context of persistent geopolitical volatility in West Asia. Evaluate the role of the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model in executing Phase-2 of the program. (250 words / 15 marks)

• Keywords / Tags: `[Strategic Petroleum Reserves]` `[ISPRL]` `[Energy Security]` `[Crude Oil]` `[PPP Model]` `[GS Paper III]`

• Related Topics for Revision:

* International Crude Oil Benchmarks (Brent, WTI, Dubai Crude)

* India’s Import Dependency and Current Account Deficit (CAD)

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Government Eases Foreign Direct Investment Rules for E-Commerce Companies Aimed at Exports — [Economy: GS Paper III]

#### 1. The Core News Report

In a major policy relaxation, the Government of India has eased Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) regulations for e-commerce entities, specifically targeting export-oriented operations. This marks one of the most substantial regulatory overhauls in the e-commerce sector in recent years. The revised framework is designed to provide regulatory clarity and boost cross-border e-commerce trade from India, enabling global marketplaces to streamline operations geared towards global consumers.

While trade analysts have welcomed the move for offering much-needed clarity to foreign direct investments in digital retail logistics, domestic trade federations and small traders have expressed concerns. Critics point out that the relaxation primarily benefits major foreign-headquartered e-commerce giants such as Amazon and could potentially intensify market competition, putting traditional small traders and micro-retailers at a disadvantage if robust level-playing fields are not enforced.

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

• Why it is Important: E-commerce exports represent a vital frontier for expanding India’s manufacturing and handicraft export footprint. Balancing the inflow of foreign capital with the protection of domestic small-scale retail is a critical regulatory challenge for policymakers.

• UPSC Relevance:

* Prelims: FDI policy guidelines in retail and e-commerce (Press Note guidelines, FDI limits in B2B vs. B2C e-commerce).

* GS Paper (III): Indian Economy (Liberalisation, FDI, Exports, Inclusive Growth, MSMEs).

* Essay: Globalisation vs. Economic Nationalism; Digital trade and local entrepreneurship.

* Interview: Trade-offs between attracting foreign investment for exports and safeguarding domestic mom-and-pop stores.

• CGPSC Relevance:

* Prelims: General awareness of national industrial and trade policies.

* Mains Paper: GS Paper III (Indian Economy, Trade Policy, and Globalization).

* Chhattisgarh Special (if applicable): Impact of e-commerce export frameworks on state-level handicraft and handloom clusters (like Kosa silk, Bastar metal crafts) accessing global markets.

• Key Facts to Remember:

* Important figures / Policy Focus: First major FDI relaxation for e-commerce in years, explicitly targeted towards export-oriented digital commerce.

* Organizations / Acts: Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) regulations.

• Possible Prelims MCQs:

1. Which of the following government bodies is primarily responsible for formulating FDI policies in India, including those concerning e-commerce?

(A) Reserve Bank of India (RBI)

(B) Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT)

(C) Competition Commission of India (CCI)

(D) NITI Aayog

Correct Answer: (B) Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). Explanation: DPIIT, under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, is the nodal department for formulating FDI policy.

2. Consider the recent relaxation of FDI rules for e-commerce companies in India:

1. The primary focus of this relaxation is to promote export-oriented activities through digital platforms.

2. It represents the first major policy easing in the e-commerce sector in recent years.

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 factual as per the recent policy updates regarding export-focused e-commerce FDI relaxations.

• Possible Mains Questions:

1. Analyze the implications of easing FDI norms for export-oriented e-commerce companies in India. How can the government balance export competitiveness with the protection of domestic small retailers? (250 words / 15 marks)

• Keywords / Tags: `[FDI]` `[E-Commerce Exports]` `[DPIIT]` `[Retail Policy]` `[GS Paper III]`

• Related Topics for Revision:

* Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA)

* National Retail Trade Policy

* Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC)

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Banks’ Credit-Deposit Ratio Touches a 62-Year High of 82.6% in Q1FY27 — [Economy: GS Paper III]

#### 1. The Core News Report

The banking sector in India has witnessed a significant structural shift as the Credit-Deposit (CD) ratio touched a 62-year high of 82.6% during the first quarter of financial year 2026-27 (Q1FY27). Data indicates that credit growth has consistently outpaced deposit growth, with the variance between loan growth and deposit mobilization widening to 5 percentage points.

The surging CD ratio reflects robust credit demand across corporate and retail segments coupled with a comparatively sluggish pace of household savings entering traditional bank deposits. While high credit growth indicates buoyant economic activity and capital expenditure appetite, financial sector watchdogs maintain a close vigil on liquidity constraints, asset-liability management (ALM), and the potential pressure on banks’ funding costs as they compete more aggressively to attract deposits.

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

• Why it is Important: A high CD ratio signals that banks are deploying a major share of their mobilized funds into loans, which can tighten systemic liquidity and exert upward pressure on interest rates if deposit growth fails to catch up.

• UPSC Relevance:

* Prelims: Credit-Deposit Ratio, Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR), Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR), and banking sector health indicators.

* GS Paper (III): Indian Economy (Banking, Monetary Policy, Liquidity Management, Financial Inclusion).

* Essay: Financial stability and sustainable economic growth in developing economies.

* Interview: Challenges in banking liquidity and structural shifts in household savings patterns toward mutual funds and equities.

• CGPSC Relevance:

* Prelims: Basic banking terminology and macroeconomic indicators.

* Mains Paper: GS Paper III (Banking and Financial Sector in India).

* Chhattisgarh Special (if applicable): Credit-Deposit ratio trends in rural cooperative banks and regional rural banks (RRBs) operating within Chhattisgarh.

• Key Facts to Remember:

* Important figures: CD ratio reached 82.6% in Q1FY27, a 62-year high; variance between loan and deposit growth is 5 percentage points.

* Organizations: Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Commercial Banks.

• Possible Prelims MCQs:

1. What does a very high Credit-Deposit (CD) ratio in commercial banks typically indicate?

(A) Excessive liquidity and low demand for loans

(B) High loan demand relative to the deposits mobilized by banks

(C) Mandatory reduction of Statutory Liquidity Ratio by the Central Bank

(D) Shift of all bank capital into government securities

Correct Answer: (B) High loan demand relative to the deposits mobilized by banks. Explanation: A high CD ratio means banks are lending a larger proportion of their deposits, reflecting high credit demand.

2. Consider the following regarding the recent banking trends in India (Q1FY27):

1. The Credit-Deposit ratio touched a 62-year high.

2. Deposit growth has outpaced credit growth significantly during this period.

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: (A) 1 only. Explanation: Statement 2 is incorrect because credit growth outpaced deposit growth, with loan growth exceeding deposit growth by 5 percentage points.

• Possible Mains Questions:

1. Examine the implications of a rising Credit-Deposit ratio for India’s banking sector stability and monetary policy transmission. What measures can banks adopt to bridge the deposit-credit gap? (150 words / 10 marks)

• Keywords / Tags: `[Credit-Deposit Ratio]` `[Banking Sector]` `[RBI]` `[Liquidity]` `[GS Paper III]`

• Related Topics for Revision:

* Monetary Policy Committee (MPC)

* Priority Sector Lending (PSL)

* Asset Liability Management (ALM) in Banks

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Zoopharmacognosy — When Animals Medicate Themselves — [Environment & Ecology: GS Paper III]

#### 1. The Core News Report

Plant biologists and wildlife behaviorists have spotlighted the fascinating ecological concept of ‘zoopharmacognosy’ — a process by which wild animals deliberately select and ingest or apply specific plants, soils, or insects to prevent or treat illnesses and parasites. The term is etymologically derived from ‘zoo’ (animals), ‘pharmaco’ (medicines), and ‘gnosy’ (knowledge).

Extensive field studies across global ecosystems have documented diverse species, from great apes and elephants to birds and insects, utilizing specific phytochemicals, bitter leaves, medicinal barks, and therapeutic clays. This natural self-medication underscores the deep evolutionary interdependence between fauna and flora, revealing that wild animals possess sophisticated empirical knowledge of local pharmacopeias to combat pathogens, heal wounds, and maintain physiological health.

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

• Why it is Important: Understanding zoopharmacognosy offers crucial insights into animal behavior, evolutionary biology, and bioprospecting, highlighting the urgent need to preserve native forest ecosystems where wild animals source natural remedies.

• UPSC Relevance:

* Prelims: Basic definitions of ecological terms, wildlife behavior, and botanical interactions.

* GS Paper (III): Environment and Ecology (Biodiversity Conservation, Ecosystem Dynamics, Wildlife Adaptation).

* Essay: Human-nature relationships; what human society can learn from the instinctive intelligence of the natural world.

* Interview: Conservation ethics and the preservation of complex forest habitats.

• CGPSC Relevance:

* Prelims: General science and biodiversity concepts.

* Mains Paper: GS Paper III (Environment, Wildlife Conservation, and Biodiversity).

* Chhattisgarh Special (if applicable): Relevance to the rich biodiversity of Chhattisgarh’s forests (e.g., Kanger Valley, Achanakmar Tiger Reserve) where traditional ethno-veterinary and tribal medicinal practices often parallel animal self-medication.

• Key Facts to Remember:

* Terminology: Zoopharmacognosy (Animals + Medicines + Knowledge).

* Core Concept: Self-medication in wildlife using plants, minerals, and secondary metabolites.

• Possible Prelims MCQs:

1. The term ‘Zoopharmacognosy’, recently seen in science reports, refers to:

(A) The study of synthetic veterinary drugs used in livestock farming

(B) The phenomenon where wild animals self-medicate by consuming medicinal plants or minerals

(C) A laboratory method for extracting alkaloids from endangered plant species

(D) The genetic modification of medicinal herbs to resist animal herbivores

Correct Answer: (B) The phenomenon where wild animals self-medicate by consuming medicinal plants or minerals. Explanation: Zoopharmacognosy denotes the behavioral adaptation of animals using natural flora/fauna for healing and self-medication.

2. Consider the following statements regarding Zoopharmacognosy:

1. It is exclusively observed in domestic livestock managed by humans.

2. It highlights the evolutionary survival strategies of wild animals against parasites and illnesses.

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) 2 only. Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect because zoopharmacognosy is primarily documented in wild animals exhibiting instinctive self-medication.

• Possible Mains Questions:

1. What is zoopharmacognosy? Discuss its significance in understanding animal adaptation and the importance of preserving rich forest biodiversity. (150 words / 10 marks)

• Keywords / Tags: `[Zoopharmacognosy]` `[Wildlife Behavior]` `[Biodiversity]` `[Environment & Ecology]` `[GS Paper III]`

• Related Topics for Revision:

* Ethnobotany and Traditional Knowledge Systems

* Wildlife Sanctuaries and National Parks in India

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Digital Divide Threatens Tribal Communities in Kerala — [Social Issues: GS Paper II]

#### 1. The Core News Report

A persistent digital divide is severely impacting tribal communities in Kerala, cutting them off from essential government welfare services, digital health cards, and pension schemes. Field reports highlight that numerous tribal residents in remote forest settlements lack basic mobile phone connectivity, reliable network coverage, or affordable digital infrastructure.

Social activists and welfare organizations have warned that uniform, top-down digital governance policies often overlook the unique geographic and socio-economic challenges faced by marginalized tribal groups. Without localized interventions, offline alternatives, and dedicated digital literacy campaigns, technology-driven public service delivery risks excluding the most vulnerable populations from their rightful entitlements under constitutional welfare frameworks.

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

• Why it is Important: Inclusive governance requires that digital public infrastructure (DPI) reaches the last mile without marginalizing indigenous populations who face structural barriers to digital adoption.

• UPSC Relevance:

* Prelims: Government welfare schemes, Digital India initiatives, and constitutional protections for Scheduled Tribes (Articles 342, 15, 16).

* GS Paper (II): Governance, Social Justice (Vulnerable Sections, Welfare Schemes, Digital Divide, Issues relating to Development).

* Essay: Technology as an equalizer vs. technology as a driver of exclusion.

* Interview: Administrative empathy and strategies for bridging the digital gap in remote and tribal areas.

• CGPSC Relevance:

* Prelims: Tribal demographics and governance schemes in India and central India.

* Mains Paper: GS Paper II (Social Welfare, Tribal Development in Chhattisgarh).

* Chhattisgarh Special (if applicable): Direct relevance to digital connectivity challenges in remote tribal districts of Chhattisgarh such as Bastar, Dantewada, and Bijapur, and initiatives like Bastar Cyber Cafe or local e-governance outreach.

• Key Facts to Remember:

* Core Issue: Exclusion of tribal populations from welfare benefits due to lack of network coverage and digital devices.

* Relevant Governance Theme: Last-mile delivery, Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) inclusivity.

• Possible Prelims MCQs:

1. The term ‘Digital Divide’, in the context of public service delivery, primarily refers to:

(A) The gap between urban and rural internet bandwidth speeds only

(B) Disparities in access to, use of, or impact of information and communication technologies between different socioeconomic or geographic groups

(C) The technological superiority of quantum computers over classical computers

(D) The difference in taxation rates applied to digital goods versus physical commodities

Correct Answer: (B) Disparities in access to, use of, or impact of information and communication technologies between different socioeconomic or geographic groups. Explanation: The digital divide encompasses gaps in access to ICT tools affecting marginalized communities.

2. Which of the following constitutional provisions broadly empowers the State to make special provisions for the advancement of Scheduled Tribes in India?

(A) Article 14

(B) Article 15(4) and Article 46

(C) Article 21A

(D) Article 32

Correct Answer: (B) Article 15(4) and Article 46. Explanation: Article 15(4) permits special provisions for socially and educationally backward classes or STs, and Article 46 directs the State to promote the educational and economic interests of weaker sections.

• Possible Mains Questions:

1. Critically examine how the digital divide impacts the delivery of welfare schemes to tribal communities in India. Suggest measures to make digital public infrastructure truly inclusive. (250 words / 15 marks)

• Keywords / Tags: `[Digital Divide]` `[Tribal Welfare]` `[Social Justice]` `[Digital Public Infrastructure]` `[GS Paper II]`

• Related Topics for Revision:

* National e-Governance Plan (NeGP)

* Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (FRA) Act

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Maruti Suzuki’s New Brezza Receives 5-Star Bharat NCAP Safety Rating — [Science & Technology: GS Paper III]

#### 1. The Core News Report

In a significant milestone for domestic automobile safety standards, Maruti Suzuki’s New Brezza has been awarded a prestigious 5-star safety rating by the Bharat New Car Assessment Programme (Bharat NCAP). This certification highlights the growing emphasis on vehicle crash safety and structural integrity in vehicles manufactured for the Indian market.

With this addition, Maruti Suzuki’s 5-star Bharat NCAP-rated vehicle portfolio expands to include models such as the Dzire, VICTORIS, Invicto, and e VITARA. Bharat NCAP, modelled on global crash-testing standards, evaluates vehicles for adult occupant protection (AOP) and child occupant protection (COP), fostering healthy competition among automakers to enhance safety features as standard offerings.

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

• Why it is Important: Improving automobile safety standards is crucial for reducing fatalities on Indian roads, aligning national manufacturing standards with global benchmarks.

• UPSC Relevance:

* Prelims: Bharat NCAP guidelines, testing parameters, and nodal authorities.

* GS Paper (III): Science and Technology (Indigenization of Technology, Industrial Standards, Road Safety).

* Essay: Technological advancements and human safety in modern infrastructure.

* Interview: Automobile industry growth and regulatory mechanisms for consumer safety in India.

• CGPSC Relevance:

* Prelims: Transport safety initiatives and national standards agencies.

* Mains Paper: GS Paper III (Science, Technology, and Industrial Policy).

* Chhattisgarh Special (if applicable): Road safety measures and vehicle compliance enforcement across state transport corridors.

• Key Facts to Remember:

* Body/Standard: Bharat New Car Assessment Programme (Bharat NCAP).

* Achievement: New Brezza receives 5-star safety rating.

• Possible Prelims MCQs:

1. What is the primary objective of the Bharat New Car Assessment Programme (Bharat NCAP)?

(A) To regulate retail fuel prices of automobiles

(B) To evaluate and rate the crash safety performance of motor vehicles sold in India

(C) To mandate electric vehicle charging infrastructure standards across highways

(D) To provide insurance subsidies for commercial freight transport

Correct Answer: (B) To evaluate and rate the crash safety performance of motor vehicles sold in India. Explanation: Bharat NCAP is India’s independent crash-testing safety rating system for automobiles.

2. Consider the following statements regarding Bharat NCAP:

1. It assigns safety ratings ranging from 1 to 5 stars for adult and child occupant protection.

2. Testing is voluntary and aligns with global crash-test protocols.

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 correctly describe the functioning and star-rating mechanism of Bharat NCAP.

• Possible Mains Questions:

1. Discuss the significance of the Bharat New Car Assessment Programme (Bharat NCAP) in enhancing automobile safety and consumer awareness in India. (150 words / 10 marks)

• Keywords / Tags: `[Bharat NCAP]` `[Automobile Safety]` `[Maruti Suzuki]` `[Science & Technology]` `[GS Paper III]`

• RelatedTopics for Revision:

* Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) safety initiatives

* Global NCAP vs. Bharat NCAP protocols

---

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