Thursday, 13 August 2026 Current Affairs, GK Notes & MCQ Quiz

Today's daily edition covers the proposed MDR reforms for UPI as it completes 10 years, draft amendments to the National Food Security Act, the constitutional bill renaming Kerala to Keralam, and key developments across governance, species, and culture.

Topics in this edition

  1. Draft National Food Security (Amendment) Bill, 2026 Proposes Reset to AAY Entitlements (own page)
  2. Ministry of Textiles Organises 'Srijan: Voices from the Loom' (own page)
  3. Parliament Passes Bill Renaming Kerala to Keralam (own page)
  4. Chester Zoo Announces Birth of Rare Indonesian Babirusa (own page)
  5. Indian Railways Introduces First Privately Branded 'Sprite Tejas Express' (own page)
  6. Understanding Cess Taxation and Article 270 Devolution Rules (own page)

Current affairs

Draft National Food Security (Amendment) Bill, 2026 Proposes Reset to AAY Entitlements

Public health experts have drawn attention to the draft National Food Security (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which proposes shifting Antyodaya Anna Yojana allocations from a flat 35 kg per household to a 7 kg per person monthly entitlement. The amendment seeks to address per-capita intra-category disparities while capping maximum household quotas at 35 kg.

Quick highlights

  • Amends Section 3(1) of the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013.
  • Entitles each member of an AAY household to 7 kg of foodgrains per month.
  • Maintains a strict upper ceiling of 35 kg per month per AAY household.
  • Seeks to correct per-capita disparities where small AAY families received disproportionately higher grain per member.
  • Raises concerns for small elderly/widow households reliant on the fixed 35 kg baseline.

Context

Leading public health experts highlighted the socio-economic implications of the draft National Food Security (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which restructures foodgrain distribution under the NFSA.

Key Facts

Currently, Priority Households (PHH) receive 5 kg/person/month while AAY households receive a flat 35 kg/household/month. The draft bill transitions AAY to 7 kg/person while preserving the 35 kg ceiling. NFSA beneficiary limits remain anchored to the 2011 Census (81.35 crore ceiling), covering only 55.6% of the current population compared to statutory targets of 75% rural and 50% urban.

Significance

While resolving per-capita inequities among large families, capping rations at 7 kg per person severely impacts small AAY units (e.g. single elderly or disabled individuals). Experts advocate expanding PDS baskets to pulses and millets to combat carbohydrate over-reliance.

Challenges / Way Forward

To prevent distress, policies should enforce a no-loss safeguard preserving the 35 kg baseline for small AAY units, update coverage ceilings using 2027 Census projections, and promote dietary diversification.

Exam Angle

Directly relevant for GS Paper II (Social Justice - Food Security & Poverty) and GS Paper III (Public Distribution System & Nutrition).

Remember this

  • NFSA Enactment: 2013.
  • Current Statutory Targets: 75% Rural and 50% Urban population.
  • AAY Proposed Allocation: 7 kg per person per month (capped at 35 kg/household).
  • PHH Allocation: 5 kg per person per month.
  • Core Concern: Exclusion errors due to beneficiary ceilings frozen at 2011 Census figures.

Ministry of Textiles Organises 'Srijan: Voices from the Loom'

The Ministry of Textiles is hosting 'Srijan: Voices from the Loom' in New Delhi to honor the contribution of women weavers to India's handloom heritage. Over 100 artisans from six clusters assembled to document their experiences and preserve traditional weaving skills.

Quick highlights

  • Organized by the Ministry of Textiles in New Delhi.
  • Brings together over 100 women weavers from six major handloom clusters across India.
  • Focuses on first-person narratives of resilience, economic empowerment, and skill transmission.
  • Features the publication of an anthology capturing artisan journeys and oral histories.
  • Supports rural livelihoods and handloom heritage conservation.

Context

The Ministry of Textiles inaugurated 'Srijan: Voices from the Loom' to celebrate and document the role of women artisans in India's handloom industry.

Key Facts

The event provides a national platform for women weavers to share personal narratives of sustaining traditional textile arts. An anthology was released documenting artisan techniques, cultural heritage preservation, and socio-economic contributions.

Significance

Handlooms represent one of India's largest unorganized employment sectors, where female empowerment and cultural heritage preservation directly intersect.

Challenges / Way Forward

Promoting direct market access, credit linkage, and protection against powerloom imitations remain essential for handloom sustainability.

Exam Angle

GS Paper I (Art & Culture - Traditional Crafts) and GS Paper II (Social Justice - Women Empowerment).

Remember this

  • Organizing Body: Ministry of Textiles.
  • Event Name: Srijan: Voices from the Loom.
  • Key Output: Anthology documenting oral histories of women weavers.
  • Syllabus Link: Traditional handicrafts, rural employment, women empowerment.

Parliament Passes Bill Renaming Kerala to Keralam

Parliament has passed the Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026, officially changing the official name of the state from Kerala to Keralam. The law amends Entry 15 of the First Schedule of the Constitution under Article 3 powers.

Quick highlights

  • Passed as the Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026 following a unanimous State Assembly resolution.
  • Enacted under Article 3 of the Constitution of India.
  • Amends Entry 15 of the First Schedule to change 'Kerala' to 'Keralam'.
  • Aligns official state nomenclature with Malayalam cultural identity and heritage.
  • Requires simple majority in Parliament following Presidential reference to State Legislature.

Context

Parliament passed the Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026, implementing the unanimous resolution submitted by the Kerala State Legislative Assembly.

Key Facts

Article 3 empowers Parliament to form new States, alter boundaries, or change the name of any existing State. The legislation alters Entry 15 in the First Schedule of the Constitution, changing the official legal spelling to 'Keralam'.

Significance

Reflects cultural federalism by respecting local linguistic identity and historical nomenclature within the constitutional framework.

Challenges / Way Forward

Following parliamentary enactment, administrative records, official seals, and central gazette notifications will be updated systematically.

Exam Angle

GS Paper II (Polity - Article 3 procedure, Constitutional Amendments, First Schedule).

Remember this

  • Constitutional Power: Article 3 of the Constitution.
  • Schedule Amended: Entry 15, First Schedule.
  • Parliamentary Procedure: Simple majority under Article 3 (not deemed Article 368 amendment).
  • Key Objective: Aligning state legal name with native Malayalam pronunciation.

Chester Zoo Announces Birth of Rare Indonesian Babirusa

Chester Zoo announced the birth of a babirusa piglet named Rana, drawing global focus to the endangered wild pig species endemic to Indonesia. The babirusa is threatened by African swine fever, hunting, and tropical forest habitat loss.

Quick highlights

  • Scientific Name: Genus Babyrousa (commonly called 'pig-deer').
  • Endemic exclusively to four Indonesian islands: Sulawesi, Togian, Sula, and Buru.
  • IUCN Red List Status: Vulnerable.
  • Males feature upper canine tusks that grow through the snout skin and curve toward the forehead.
  • Females give birth to small litters (1-2 piglets) without protective body camouflage stripes.

Context

The birth of a rare babirusa piglet at Chester Zoo highlighted international captive breeding programs protecting vulnerable Indonesian wildlife.

Key Facts

The babirusa (genus Babyrousa) is an ancient wild pig species endemic to Sulawesi and neighboring Indonesian islands. Males possess dramatic upper tusks penetrating the snout skin. It is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List and faces severe population declines from African swine fever outbreaks and deforestation.

Significance

Babirusas act as ecological indicators and seed dispersers in rainforests, holding significant cultural value represented in ancient Indonesian cave art.

Challenges / Way Forward

Protecting pristine rainforest corridors in Sulawesi and enforcing strict biosecurity against African swine fever are vital for species survival.

Exam Angle

Prelims Focus: IUCN status, endemic habitat (Sulawesi, Indonesia), and distinct physiological characteristics.

Remember this

  • Genus: Babyrousa.
  • Native Location: Sulawesi, Togian, Sula, and Buru islands (Indonesia).
  • IUCN Status: Vulnerable.
  • Key Trait: Males possess upper tusks that pierce through the top of the snout.
  • Threats: African swine fever, hunting, and tropical habitat loss.

Indian Railways Introduces First Privately Branded 'Sprite Tejas Express'

IRCTC and Indian Railways awarded full commercial train-branding rights for the Lucknow-Delhi Tejas Express to beverage brand Sprite. The initiative marks the first instance of integrating corporate branding into train announcements and aesthetics to boost non-fare revenue.

Quick highlights

  • Operated by IRCTC between Lucknow Junction (LJN) and New Delhi (NDLS).
  • Marks the first train in Indian Railways history with commercial brand integration in announcements.
  • Aims to maximize non-fare revenue models for rail passenger infrastructure.
  • Operates on North Eastern Railway (NER) zone infrastructure using modern LHB coaches.
  • Features corporate block booking options for full AC Chair Car coaches.

Context

IRCTC monetized passenger operations by awarding commercial branding rights for the Lucknow-Delhi-Lucknow Tejas Express to Sprite for a six-month period.

Key Facts

The Tejas Express is a premium corporate superfast train operated by IRCTC. The branding contract includes external vinyl wrapping, interior displays, and audio/visual passenger announcements. It covers ~512 km in 6 hours 15 minutes.

Significance

Demonstrates innovative asset monetization strategies to reduce operational subsidies and boost non-fare revenue for public transit systems.

Challenges / Way Forward

Balancing commercial advertising with passenger comfort and maintaining operational punctuality will govern expanding corporate rail branding.

Exam Angle

GS Paper III (Infrastructure - Railways & Non-Fare Asset Monetization).

Remember this

  • Route: Lucknow Junction (LJN) to New Delhi (NDLS).
  • Operator: IRCTC (North Eastern Railway zone).
  • Key Innovation: First train with corporate brand name in official station/onboard announcements.
  • Economic Objective: Non-fare revenue generation.

General knowledge

Understanding Cess Taxation and Article 270 Devolution Rules

A cess is a purpose-bound tax levied over basic taxes to generate dedicated funds for specific welfare or infrastructure objectives. Under Article 270 of the Constitution, central cesses are excluded from the divisible tax pool shared with States.

Quick highlights

  • Governed by Article 270 of the Constitution of India.
  • Levied over and above basic tax rates for a specific, earmarked purpose.
  • Excluded from the divisible pool of central taxes shared with States.
  • Must be discontinued once the earmarked statutory objective is fulfilled.
  • State governments hold independent powers under List II/III to levy specific local cesses.

Context

The Himachal Pradesh government introduced a 60 paise/litre widow and orphan cess on fuel, highlighting the constitutional framework governing cess levies.

Key Facts

A cess is a special-purpose tax (e.g. Health & Education Cess). Unlike general taxes whose proceeds enter the Consolidated Fund of India for general expenditure, cesses are non-lapsable, purpose-bound receipts. Under Article 270, central cesses do not form part of the divisible pool shared via Finance Commission recommendations.

Significance

Understanding the legal nature of cesses is central to analyzing fiscal federalism, state revenue autonomy, and vertical tax imbalance in India.

Challenges / Way Forward

States frequently express concern over the rising share of cesses in total central collections, as it shrinks the relative size of the divisible tax pool.

Exam Angle

GS Paper II (Polity - Fiscal Federalism) and GS Paper III (Public Finance & Taxation under Article 270).

Remember this

  • Constitutional Article: Article 270.
  • Divisible Pool Inclusion: Excluded (Centre retains 100%).
  • Fund Nature: Non-lapsable, ring-fenced for specific objective.
  • Difference from General Tax: General tax has no predetermined purpose; cess is strictly purpose-bound.
  • Difference from Surcharge: Surcharge is a tax on tax for general revenue; cess is earmarked for a specific cause.

All editions · UPSC current affairs · SSC current affairs · Banking current affairs · Railway current affairs · State PSC current affairs · Defence current affairs · Teaching current affairs