UniFocus IAS ( UNIFOCUS UNIVERSAL )

CHIEF OF THE ARMY STAFF LAUNCHES INDIGENOUS XTREME WEATHER GRADE DIESEL Cabinet approves 'Pradhan Mantri Surya Sarovar Yojana (PM-SSY)' Cabinet approves 'Samudra Manthan' (National Offshore Exploration Scheme) with an outlay of Rs.84,084 crore ‘ Nipun’ the second Diving Support Vessel (DSV) delivered to the Indian Navy APEDA Facilitates First-Ever Sea Shipment of Value-Added Flavoured Makhana from Bihar to Canada National Advisory Board on Management of Genetic Resources ( NABMGR ) The Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026

General Dhiraj Seth, Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), today launched the indigenously developed Xtreme Weather Grade (XWG) Diesel in New Delhi. Developed jointly by the Indian Army and Oil Marketing Companies, the specialised fuel will enhance the mobility, safety and operational availability of combat and logistics vehicles in extreme climatic conditions. The technology also has wider civilian use in high-altitude and severe winter regions and represents a significant step towards Atmanirbhar Bharat. Conventional diesel can thicken and clog fuel filters at very low temperatures, affecting the operation of vehicles in high-altitude and snow-bound areas. XWG Diesel overcomes this challenge and remains effective at temperatures as low as minus 42 degrees Celsius. Compliant with BS-VI standards and IS 1460:2025 specifications, it can be used in the Indian Army’s existing vehicle fleet without any engine modification or re-homologation. Speaking on the occasion, the COAS described XWG Diese...

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today approved the 'Pradhan Mantri Surya Sarovar Yojana (PM-SSY)’, a Scheme for the development of Floating Solar Photovoltaic (FSPV) Projects with Energy Storage Systems (ESS) with a total outlay of Rs.5,070 crore. The scheme envisages the development of 5,000 MW of Floating Solar Photovoltaic projects with co-located Energy Storage Systems having a minimum storage capacity of two hours i.e.,10,000 MWh. The projects will be sanctioned during FY 2026-27 to FY 2030-31, with disbursement of financial support continuing up to FY 2032-33. The approval follows the recent assessment undertaken by the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE), which has estimated a floating solar potential of approximately 102.18 GWp across reservoirs and other suitable inland water bodies in the country. Under the scheme, Central Financial Assistance (CFA) of Rs. One crore per MW will be provided for eligible Floating Solar Photovoltaic p...

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved 'Samudra Manthan' – the National Offshore Exploration Scheme, a Central Sector Scheme of the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas with an approved outlay of Rs.84,084 crore for implementation up to FY 2030–31. The Scheme translates the  Prime Minister's vision, articulated from the Red Fort on Independence Day 2025, of a modern-day Samudra Manthan to unlock India's vast offshore energy potential. It marks a landmark step towards strengthening India's energy security, accelerating domestic exploration and production, promoting technological leadership, and advancing the vision of Viksit Bharat. The Scheme encompasses a comprehensive set of interventions across the offshore exploration value chain. It provides for large-scale acquisition, processing and interpretation of high-quality seismic data, accelerated deepwater and ultra-deepwater exploratory drilling, scientific drilling in fr...

‘ Nipun ’ the second Diving Support Vessel (DSV), built by Hindustan Shipyard Limited was delivered to the Indian Navy on 30 Jul 2026 at Visakhapatnam . The vessel has been designed and constructed in accordance with Classification Rules of the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS). ‘Nipun’ draws her name from Sanskrit signifying ‘one who is adept, capable, and well versed in a particular discipline’ . True to the name, the ship is highly specialised and is capable of undertaking deep sea dive operations and rescue operations at sea. The ship is installed with state-of-the-art Dive Equipment and has capability to undertake Deep Sea Saturation Diving. A side diving stage has also been provided for undertaking Diving Operations. The Remotely Operated Vehicles further enhance the ship’s operational capabilities by facilitating diver monitoring and salvage operations. In addition, the ship would also serve as the Mother Ship for the Deep Submergence Rescue Vessel (DSRV) , to evacuate ...

The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India, facilitated the flag-off of the first-ever sea shipment of value-added flavoured Makhana (fox nuts) from Darbhanga, Bihar, to Canada on 29 July 2026.   The consignment, comprising 7 metric tonnes packed in two containers, was dispatched through Mundra Port to ZKV Foods, Canada. The flavoured Makhana was processed and packaged by Nutrivin Agro Private Limited in accordance with international quality and food safety standards, reflecting Bihar's growing capabilities in food processing, value addition and export-oriented manufacturing. Makhana, popularly known as fox nuts, is one of Bihar's flagship agricultural products, with the state accounting for the largest share of India's production. Renowned for its nutritional value and premium quality, Bihar's Makhana has witnessed growing demand in international markets owing to ...

National Advisory Board on Management of Genetic Resources ( NABMGR ) is a high level committee constituted by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), New Delhi, in 2010. The NABMGR has been constituted to advise on issues related to efficient management of all genetic resources (GR) including plants, animals, fishes, insects and agriculturally important microbes. It is mandated to recommend national policies on conservation, management and sustainable use of GR, to provide guidance for related issues emerging at international fora and to assess and guide on actions related to GR management. MBMGR is an advisory body on development of protocols for sharing germplasm. PIB ICAR-National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources

The Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026 amends Section 3 of the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971 . It extends the same legal protection to the National Song, Vande Mataram that is currently afforded to the National Anthem, Jana Gana Mana . The amendment makes it an offence to intentionally prevent the singing of the National Song or to cause a disturbance to an assembly engaged in its singing. Why Was the Amendment Proposed? According to the Statement of Objects and Reasons, the 1971 Act safeguards the National Anthem by making it a criminal offense to deliberately stop its singing or to cause disruptions to any group engaged in singing it. It recalls the Constituent Assembly meeting held on 24 th January 1950. At the meeting, its then President, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, highlighted the historic role of Vande Mataram in India’s freedom struggle. He stated that it should be honoured equally with Jana Gana Mana and accorded equal st...

  SHetA2 for Treatment of Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia Second Batch of Master Trainers trained under the Nirbhay Netri Initiative in New Delhi DAANVEER Initiative Launched; To Boost Digital Infrastructure Across India's Gram Panchayats LAUNCH OF MACHILIPATNAM, THE SEVENTH OF THE MAHE-CLASS ANTI-SUBMARINE WARFARE SHALLOW WATER CRAFT DoT & Government of Madhya Pradesh to Sign MoU for the Establishment of India's First Telecom Manufacturing Zone (TMZ) at Gwalior Assam Exports First International Consignment of Purabi Ice Cream to Bhutan

SHetA2 therapy is an investigational oral small-molecule drug designed to treat HPV-related precancerous cervical lesions and advanced solid tumors by targeting heat shock proteins without high toxicity . It was co-developed by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) National Institute of Cancer Prevention and Research and the University of Oklahoma.  About the Technology:   SHetA2 selectively targets HPV-driven oncogenesis, with the potency to kill cancer cells while sparing normal cells. It targets mortalin, Hsc70, and Grp78 to disrupt HSP70/E7 complexes, reduce p16 expression, and inhibit tumor growth. SHetA2 has shown strong safety, tolerability, and improved bioavailability in preclinical and Phase 1 studies. Delivered orally or as a vaginal suppository, it offers a cost-effective, non-invasive, take-home therapy, well-suited for global use, including LMICs. Need and utility of the Technology from Public health perspective: SHetA2 inhibits HPV induced tumor growth ...

The Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR), in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA) and the Piramal Foundation, today concluded the second batch of the three-day Training of Trainers (ToT) program on “Nirbhay Netri – Freedom from Violence: Capacity Building of Elected Women Representatives on Legal Provisions for Safety and Security of Women” in New Delhi. This three-day session underscored the importance of the Nirbhay Raho Initiative that seeks to drive both behavioral and institutional change by equipping Elected Women Representatives with knowledge, skills and confidence to address issues of violence against women and strengthen community-level support systems. About Nirbhay Raho Campaign The Ministry of Panchayati Raj launched the Nirbhay Raho campaign under the Nirbhaya Fund on 11 th March 2026 to strengthen women's safety, security and empowerment through Panchayati Raj Institutions. The campaign promotes gender-responsive governance by buildi...

DAANVEER, a citizen participation initiative to strengthen the digital infrastructure of Gram Panchayats across the country was launched today by Shri Vivek Bharadwaj, Secretary, Ministry of Panchayati Raj in New Delhi. DAANVEER is a platform designed  not just to close the immediate computer gap in the Gram Panchayats but to evolve into a long-term, citizen-powered ecosystem for strengthening local institutions. It is a transparent, end-to-end digital and verifiable platform that enables citizens and organisations to contribute towards the identified technology and infrastructure needs of Gram Panchayats in India. The initiative institutionalises the spirit of voluntarism in the society by providing a structured, accountable and seamless mechanism for supporting grassroots digital infrastructure. An initiative of the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, it has been developed in collaboration with the National Informatics Centre (NIC) and DigiHaat. About DaanVeer DAANVEER builds upon India’...

Machilipatnam (BY 529), the seventh of eight Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC), being built by Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) for the Indian Navy, was launched on 29 Jul 2026 by Mrs Goolrukh Anand in the presence of Vice Admiral Atul Anand, Additional Secretary of Department of Military Affairs. The ceremony was attended by senior officials of the Indian Navy, Cochin Shipyard Limited, and other distinguished guests. Machilipatnam carries deep historical and cultural significance as it derives its name from the historic port city of Machilipatnam , in Krishna district of Andhra Pradesh, known for its rich maritime legacy and flourishing trade along India's eastern seaboard. The ship proudly embodies the spirit and legacy of Machilipatnam while reinforcing the Indian Navy's commitment to safeguarding the nation's maritime interests. The ship is equipped for Underwater Surveillance, Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) operations, and Low Intensity Maritime Op...

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Ministry of Communications, Government of India, and the Government of Madhya Pradesh will sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 30 July 2026 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, for the establishment of India’s first Telecom Manufacturing Zone (TMZ), Phase-I, at Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh. The establishment of India’s first Telecom Manufacturing Zone at Gwalior marks a significant milestone in strengthening the country’s domestic telecommunications manufacturing ecosystem and advancing the vision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat. The initiative seeks to create a world-class manufacturing ecosystem for telecom equipment and allied technologies by attracting investments, fostering innovation, encouraging indigenous design and manufacturing, and accelerating the development of next-generation telecom products and solutions. The Telecom Manufacturing Zone is expected to serve as a catalyst for the growth of telecom equipment...

Marking a significant milestone for Assam's dairy sector and the North Eastern Region's processed food exports, the first international consignment of 5,627 litres of Purabi Ice Cream was exported from Assam to Bhutan, opening new avenues for value-added dairy exports from the region. The export consignment was flagged off by  Chief Minister of Assam, Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma, in Guwahati on 28 July 2026. Exported by North East Dairy and Foods Limited (NEDFL), the shipment will supply Purabi Ice Cream to key markets across Bhutan, including Thimphu, Paro, Phuentsholing and Wangdue, strengthening the presence of dairy products from Assam and the North Eastern Region in neighbouring international markets. Manufactured by the West Assam Milk Producers' Cooperative Union Limited (WAMUL) and marketed by North East Dairy and Foods Limited (NEDFL), Purabi Ice Cream is produced using milk procured through Purabi Dairy's extensive cooperative network of dairy farmers across Assam....

The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026 Qantas plane completes record breaking 24 hours non stop journey India's First Direct Commercial Container Freight Train Reaches Nepal India Emerges as World's Second-Largest Supplier of Seafarers

  The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026 was introduced in Lok Sabha on July 27, 2026.  The Bill seeks to amend the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024.   The Act aims to prevent unfair means in public examinations conducted by specified public examination authorities.  These include: (i) Union Public Service Commission, (ii) Staff Selection Commission, (iii) Railway Recruitment Boards, (iv) Institute of Banking Personnel Selection, (v) National Testing Agency, (vi) Ministries of the central government and their attached offices, and (vii) other authorities notified by the central government.  In May 2026, NEET 2026 was cancelled, and re-conducted in the following month.  NEET is the entrance examination for undergraduate medical education programs.  The cancellation was following an alleged paper leak.  The Statement of Objects and Reasons to the Bill noted that it aims to strengthen fairn...