Daily filter — 7 August 2026
12 exam-worthy stories from the day's PIB releases · interactive view
⚖️ Law & Judiciary · LAW track
IT Rules, 2021: Mandate Content Classification for OTT Platforms
The **IT Rules, 2021** (notified on **25.02.2021**) mandate a **Code of Ethics** and content classification for digital media.
- IT Rules, 2021 govern news publishers and online curated content (OTT platforms) under the IT Act, 2000.
- Part-III of the Rules outlines a Code of Ethics for digital news and OTT content.
- The Code of Ethics requires OTT platforms to classify content by 7 themes, including 'Psychotropic substances, liquor, smoking and tobacco'.
- A three-tier grievance redressal mechanism addresses Code of Ethics violations.
- An advisory was issued on 26.11.2024 to OTT platforms regarding content related to narcotic drugs.
- This information was provided by Dr. L. Murugan in Rajya Sabha on 07 AUG 2026.
💡 Remember: IT Rules, 2021 mandate OTT classification for themes like 'liquor and tobacco' and establish a three-tier grievance mechanism.
Source: Ministry of Information & Broadcasting · PIB PRID 2295969
⚖️ Law & Judiciary · LAW track
e-Courts Project: Digitally Transforming Indian Justice System
The **e-Courts Mission Mode Project** has significantly digitised the Indian judiciary, making justice faster, more transparent, and accessible.
- Launched in 2007, the project aims to digitise court proceedings and documents.
- Phase III (2023–2027) focuses on paperless courts, virtual hearings, and AI/analytics adoption.
- Over 753 crore pages of court records have been digitised.
- The National Judicial Data Grid (NJDG) provides real-time case data for transparency.
- More than 1.25 crore cases filed via e-filing platform since inception till June 30, 2026.
- Over 4.18 crore remote hearings conducted, and 31 Virtual Courts established.
💡 For the exam: Remember the e-Courts Project phases, key initiatives like NJDG, e-filing, virtual courts, and the significant digitisation and remote hearing numbers.
Source: PIB Backgrounder · PIB PRID 2295880
⚖️ Law & Judiciary · LAW track
NHRC Acts on Students' Risky River Crossing for School
The NHRC has taken suo motu cognizance of students risking their lives crossing the Betwa River for school in Madhya Pradesh's Vidisha district.
- NHRC, India took suo motu cognizance of a media report from 4th August 2026.
- Students from Kakraua village cross the Betwa River on check dam pillars.
- This dangerous route reduces travel distance from 13 km to just 1.5 km.
- The Commission cited violations of Article 21A and the RTE Act, 2009.
- It also referenced Avinash Mehrotra v. Union of India (2009) case.
- A notice was issued to the Madhya Pradesh Chief Secretary for a report within two weeks.
💡 NHRC's suo motu cognizance regarding students' risky river crossing highlights the right to safe education under Article 21A, RTE Act, and the Avinash Mehrotra case.
Source: National Human Rights Commission · PIB PRID 2295841
🗺️ Polity & Governance · UPSC track
27 Arunachal Pradesh Places Formalized on Survey of India Map
The Government of India has formally identified 27 places/features in Arunachal Pradesh on official maps.
- Government of India consulted with Arunachal Pradesh government.
- 27 places/features identified on Survey of India (SoI) maps.
- Examples include Longju, Dzo La, Sambho Sarovar, and Jaswant Garh.
- Aims to facilitate accurate recognition and public awareness.
💡 Remember: 27 places in Arunachal Pradesh identified by Survey of India for formal recognition.
Source: Ministry of Home Affairs · PIB PRID 2296151
📱 Defence & Security · LAW track
I4C cautions corporates against 'Boss Scam' via WhatsApp
The **Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C)** warns of a rising 'Boss Scam' using malicious files to hijack WhatsApp accounts.
- Malicious .zip files (e.g., 'Statement of Account.zip', 'RBI.zip') spread via WhatsApp, SMS, e-mail.
- Files install Trojans on Windows devices, hijacking WhatsApp Web sessions.
- Compromised accounts issue fake fund transfer instructions, targeting finance teams.
- Over 58000 potential victims intimated via SMS header 'I4CMHA-G' in 30 days.
- Over 10,000 Indians protected by geo-blocking C2 Servers via Sahyog Portal.
💡 For the exam: Remember I4C and the 'Boss Scam' via malicious files targeting WhatsApp Web users for financial fraud.
Source: Ministry of Home Affairs · PIB PRID 2295889
🍽️ Schemes & Welfare · LAW track
Railways Enhances Food Safety, Penalizes Violators
Indian Railways has taken steps to improve food quality and hygiene, implementing fines and modernizing kitchen operations.
- Indian Railways imposed ₹5.13 crore in fines during the last three years.
- 54 show-cause notices were issued for food quality violations.
- 06 contracts were terminated and licensees debarred for hygiene issues.
- Modern Base Kitchens with CCTV Cameras are being commissioned.
- QR codes on meal packets provide FSSAI details and packing date.
- FSSAI certification is mandatory for food safety compliance.
💡 For the exam: Remember the ₹5.13 crore fine, 54 notices, 6 terminations, and QR codes for FSSAI compliance.
Source: Ministry of Railways · PIB PRID 2295949
🗳️ Polity & Governance · UPSC track
SC Representation in Central Services, No New Survey Planned
The government provided details on Scheduled Caste population data and their representation in central services, while dismissing a new national survey.
- Census 2011 provides caste-wise Scheduled Caste population data.
- Reservation of 15 per cent is for Scheduled Castes in Central Government services.
- As on 1 January 2026, SC representation in Central Government services was 17.14 per cent.
- No proposal for a national survey on caste-wise representation of SC is under consideration.
💡 Remember: 2011 Census data exists, 15% reservation is exceeded at 17.14%, and no new survey is planned.
Source: Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment · PIB PRID 2296291
👶 Schemes & Welfare · UPSC track
Mission Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0: Infrastructure Support
This scheme, implemented by States/UTs, supports improved infrastructure facilities at Anganwadi Centres (AWCs).
- Mission Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 is a Centrally Sponsored scheme.
- States and UTs receive ₹17,000 for drinking water facilities.
- States and UTs receive ₹36,000 for toilet construction.
- Information was provided by MoS Smt. Savitri Thakur in Lok Sabha on 2026-08-07.
💡 Mission Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0, a Centrally Sponsored Scheme, provides ₹17,000 for water and ₹36,000 for toilets to States/UTs for AWC infrastructure.
Source: Ministry of Women and Child Development · PIB PRID 2296045
♀️ Schemes & Welfare · UPSC track
One Stop Centres: Support for Women Affected by Violence
The **One Stop Centre (OSC)** scheme provides integrated support to women affected by violence and distress.
- Since inception on April 1, 2015, 1033 One Stop Centres have been approved.
- As of June 30, 2026, 991 OSCs are operational nationwide, assisting over 15.20 lakh women.
- Mission Shakti Dashboard enables real-time tracking of scheme functioning at various levels.
- OSCs offer counselling, temporary shelter, medical and legal support.
- Mission Shakti is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme; states and UTs implement it.
💡 Remember OSCs are a Centrally Sponsored Scheme under Mission Shakti, providing integrated support to women, tracked via the Mission Shakti Dashboard.
Source: Ministry of Women and Child Development · PIB PRID 2296046
💊 Schemes & Welfare · UPSC track
PLI Schemes for Pharmaceuticals: Progress and Challenges Update
An update on the PLI Schemes for Pharmaceuticals, Bulk Drugs, and Medical Devices details disbursed incentives and challenges.
- Incentives of ₹6,659 crore disbursed for PLI Scheme for Pharmaceuticals till March 2026.
- PLI Scheme for Bulk Drugs disbursed ₹87.70 crore incentives till March 2026.
- No plan to reform the Medical Devices PLI scheme; ₹266.64 crore disbursed.
- Bulk Drugs PLI faced delays due to land acquisition and environmental clearances.
💡 Remember the three PLI schemes: Pharmaceuticals had the highest disbursement, Bulk Drugs faced commissioning issues, and Medical Devices PLI remains unchanged.
Source: Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers - Department of Pharmaceuticals · PIB PRID 2295938
💊 Law & Judiciary · UPSC track
New Code Regulates Pharmaceutical Marketing Practices to Doctors
The Department of Pharmaceuticals issued new guidelines on 12.3.2024 to curb unethical marketing practices by pharma companies.
- The Uniform Code of Pharmaceuticals Marketing Practices 2024 regulates interactions between pharma companies and doctors/RMPs.
- The code prohibits gifts, monetary benefits, and hospitality to doctors and their families.
- Companies must self-declare adherence and disclose expenses for medical education events.
- A two-layer complaint adjudication process is established, with appeals to the Department of Pharmaceuticals.
💡 The UCPMP 2024 by DoP regulates pharma marketing to doctors, preventing gifts and mandating disclosure, with a two-layer adjudication.
Source: Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers - Department of Pharmaceuticals · PIB PRID 2295930
💊 Schemes & Welfare · UPSC track
PLI Scheme for Bulk Drugs Boosts Domestic API Manufacturing
The **Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Bulk Drugs** aims to promote domestic manufacturing of critical pharmaceutical ingredients.
- 48 projects have been approved under the PLI Scheme for Bulk Drugs as of August 2026.
- The scheme has an approved outlay of ₹6,940 crore, with ₹87.70 crore disbursed by March 2026.
- Production for 18 APIs has commenced, reducing import dependency, including Penicillin G and Dexamethasone.
- A cumulative investment of ₹5,070.45 crore has been achieved against ₹4,329.95 crore committed.
💡 For the exam: Remember the PLI Scheme for Bulk Drugs has 48 approved projects, ₹6,940 crore outlay, and 18 APIs in production.
Source: Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers - Department of Pharmaceuticals · PIB PRID 2295928