Current Affairs of 9 August 2026 by Vajiram & Ravi IAS Institute

Exercise Pitch Black

August 9, 2026

Exercise Pitch Black Latest News

The Indian Air Force (IAF) recently said its contingent at the multi-nation exercise ‘Pitch Black’ in Australia had “accomplished the mission” and “mastered” the skies, while several partnerships were “strengthened”.

About Exercise Pitch Black

It is a biennial and multinational exercise hosted by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF).
It is the RAAF’s flagship international flying exercise.
The name ‘Pitch Black’ was derived from the emphasis on nighttime flying over large unpopulated areas.
2026 Edition:
- It was based out of RAAF Bases Darwin and Tindal in the Northern Territory, as well as RAAF Base Amberley in Queensland.
- It featured a massive assembly of global air forces, providing an unparalleled platform for interoperability. 19 nations, including India, with 100+ aircraft and 4,400+ personnel are participating in the exercise.
- The exercise focused on highly complex aerial manoeuvres, including offensive counter-air operations, air defence tracking, and tactical coordination between completely different styles of aircraft and communication systems.
- The IAF contingent consisted of 145 air warriors including the IAF Commandos team, Garuds, four Su-30 MKI, one C-130, and one C-17 for logistic support for induction and de-induction.
- For the IAF, training alongside advanced air assets from nations like the US, UK, Australia, France, and regional partners offers crucial exposure to contemporary air warfare tactics, electronic warfare defence, and modern network-centric operations.
- Previous participation of India: The IAF has previously participated in the 2018, 2022, and 2024 editions of this exercise.

News: TRIB

Exercise Pitch Black

Q1: What is Exercise Pitch Black?

Ans: It is a biennial multinational air exercise hosted by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF).

Q2: Where was Exercise Pitch Black 2026 based?

Ans: RAAF Bases Darwin and Tindal in the Northern Territory and RAAF Base Amberley in Queensland.

Q3: How many nations participated in Exercise Pitch Black 2026?

Ans: 19 nations, including India.

Mount Bromo

August 9, 2026

Mount Bromo Latest News

Indonesia recently deployed aircraft and hundreds of firefighters to control a major wildfire in Mount Bromo National Park.

About Mount Bromo

It is a small but active volcanic cinder cone located on the Indonesian island of Java.
It is located in the center of the Sandsea Caldera, itself only a portion of the larger Tengger Caldera.
- The Sandsea caldera formed around 8,000 years ago, in what must have been a massive eruption.
- Subsequent volcanic activity formed the cluster of cinder cones in the caldera’s center, including Bromo.
The historical record indicates eruptions of Bromo every few years since 1804, and geologic evidence indicates eruptions at least several hundred years earlier.
The most recent eruption occured in 2004 and tragically killed two tourists.
There are 1,025 reported species of flora, of which 226 species are orchids and 260 are medicinal and ornamental plants.

News: IT

Mount Bromo FAQs

Q1: Where is Mount Bromo located?

Ans: On the Indonesian island of Java.

Q2: In which caldera is Mount Bromo located?

Ans: The Sandsea Caldera.

Q3: Since which year have eruptions of Mount Bromo been historically recorded every few years?

Ans: Since 1804.

Qadr-F Missile

August 9, 2026

Qadr-F Missile Latest News

The Qadr-F Missile has reportedly been used in Iran’s conflicts with Israel, highlighting Tehran’s ability to deploy long-range ballistic missiles in live combat.

About Qadr-F Missile

It is a ballistic missile developed by Iran.
The missile was developed by the Islamic Republic of Iran under its national missile program based upon the Shahab-3 missile.
Its existence was disclosed by the Iranian Armed Forces during a military parade in September 2007.

Qadr-F Missile Features

It has an overall length of 17 meters, a weight between 15 and 17.5 tons.
It features a dual-stage propulsion system using both liquid and solid fuel and follows a ballistic flight path.
It has a maximum range of 2,000-2,500 kilometers.
It features a radar-evading warhead to allow it to penetrate areas protected by missile defenses.
It can carry a single blast fragmentation warhead or multiple reentry vehicles depending on the target profile.

News: TOI

Qadr-F Missile FAQs

Q1: What is the Qadr-F missile?

Ans: It is a ballistic missile developed by Iran.

Q2: The Qadr-F missile is based upon which missile?

Ans: The Shahab-3 missile.

Q3: What is the maximum range of the Qadr-F missile?

Ans: Approximately 2,000–2,500 kilometres.

Sonai Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary

August 9, 2026

Sonai Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary Latest News

The Assam Finance Minister recently inaugurated the newly constructed Kalamati Wildlife Range Office at Sonai Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary in Sonitpur.

About Sonai Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary

It is a protected area located in the northwestern area of the Sonitpur district of Assam.
Spread over an area of 220 sq.km., the core area covers 175 sq.km., extending over the foothills of the Himalayan range.
Climate: The sanctuary experiences a subtropical type of climate with hot and humid summers, with heavy summer rains often causing floods and river overflows.
The Burhidihing River traces its course through the sanctuary.
The Namchang River, flowing from the state of Arunachal Pradesh, enters this region and joins the Burhidihing River.
Flora: It mostly comprises evergreen forest. However, grasslands are also common in this region.
Fauna:
- The main attractions of the sanctuary are Elephant and Indian bison.
- The other animals found in the sanctuary are deer, one-horned rhinoceros, leopard, tiger and some rare species of cats.
- Avifauna includes endangered species like White Winged Wood Duck. Other birds commonly found here are Woodpecker, Hill Myna, Indian Roller, Nightjar, Horned Owl, etc.

News: IT

Sonai Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary FAQs

Q1: Where is Sonai Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary located?

Ans: It is located in the northwestern part of Sonitpur district in Assam.

Q2: What type of climate does Sonai Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary experience?

Ans: A subtropical climate.

Q3: Which river flows through Sonai Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary?

Ans: The Burhidihing River.

Q4: From which state does the Namchang River flow into the sanctuary?

Ans: Arunachal Pradesh.

Palau

August 9, 2026

Palau Latest News

Seabirds have returned to Palau’s Ulong Island, helping nearby coral reefs recover just one year after invasive rats were removed.

About Palau

It is an island nation located in the western Pacific Ocean.
It consists of a tightly clustered archipelago of approximately 300 islands with a total land area of 458 sq.km.
It is geographically positioned in both the Northern and Eastern hemispheres of the Earth.
Palau shares maritime borders with the Federated States of Micronesia to the east, with Indonesia to the south, with the Philippines to the west, and with the international waters to the north.
A huge barrier reef system, continuous on the west and broken on the east, encircles most of the archipelago.
Its major populated islands are Babeldaob, Koror, Malakal, Arakabesan, and Peleliu.
Located on Babeldaob (the largest island of Palau) is Ngerulmud, the capital of Palau. It is the world’s least populous capital city.
Koror is the largest and the most populous city of Palau. It acts as the main commercial center of Palau.
Languages: Palauan, English, plus Japanese, Sonsorolese, and Tobian.
Palau became independent in 1994, after being part of a United Nations trust territory administered by the US.
It relies on financial aid from the US, provided under a Compact of Free Association, which gives the US responsibility for Palau’s defence and the right to maintain military bases there.

News: TOI

Palau FAQs

Q1: Where is Palau located?

Ans: Palau is an island nation located in the western Pacific Ocean.

Q2: What major geographical feature encircles most of Palau’s archipelago?

Ans: A huge barrier reef system.

Q3: Which is the largest island of Palau?

Ans: Babeldaob

Q4: What is the capital of Palau?

Ans: Ngerulmud

Microbacterium pollutisoli

August 9, 2026

Microbacterium pollutisoli Latest News

Recently, researchers have discovered a new species of bacteria thriving in the harsh, toxic soil of a banned pesticide dumpsite and named Microbacterium pollutisoli.

About Microbacterium pollutisoli

It is a new species of bacteria discovered in toxic soil of a banned pesticide Hexachlorocyclohexane in Uttar Pradesh.
It is named by combining the Latin words pollutus, meaning "contaminated," and solum, meaning "soil." Together, the name literally translates to "the Microbacterium of polluted soil."
Characteristics
- It forms shiny, yellow circular colonies and is shaped like a short rod.
- It is capable of growing in temperatures ranging from 12°C to 46°C and surviving in highly alkaline conditions.
- Its genome revealed biosynthetic gene clusters.
- These are sets of instructions in their DNA that allow the bacteria to produce valuable compounds like carotenoids (natural pigments used in vitamins), ectoine (a substance that protects cells from stress), and beta-lactones (chemicals often studied for their ability to fight bacteria or even cancer cells.

Source: RM

Microbacterium pollutisoli FAQs

Q1: What is Microbacterium pollutisoli?

Ans: New bacterial species

Q2: Microbacterium pollutisoli was discovered by scientists from?

Ans: India

Centralised Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS)

August 9, 2026

Centralised Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS) Latest News

The Centralised Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAM) over the last decade has emerged as one of the world's largest digital public grievance redressal platforms.

About Centralised Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS)

It is the Government’s flagship digital grievance redressal platform.
It functions as a comprehensive digital ecosystem that combines technology, accountability, and citizen participation to ensure effective and accessible grievance redressal.
It was developed and monitored by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG), Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances, and Pensions.

Features of CPGRAM System

It is available to citizens 24x7, CPGRAMS provides a single portal connected to all Central Ministries, Departments, State Governments, and Union Territories.
Language Inclusivity: To make grievance redressal more accessible, CPGRAMS supports submissions in 22 scheduled languages, in addition to English.
One Nation–One Portal: Integration of State grievance portals and other Government platforms with CPGRAMS has created a unified and streamlined grievance redressal ecosystem across the country.
The status of the grievance filed in CPGRAMS can be tracked with the unique registration ID provided at the time of registration of the complainant.
Resolve within 21 Days: The grievances received on the CPGRAMS shall be resolved promptly as soon as they are received but within a maximum period of 21 days.
Appealing Facility: CPGRAMS also provides an appeal facility to the citizens if they are not satisfied with the resolution by the Grievance Officer.
- After closure of grievance, if the complainant is not satisfied with the resolution, he/she can provide feedback.
- If the rating is ‘Poor’ the option to file an appeal is enabled.
- The status of the appeal can also be tracked by the petitioner with the grievance registration number.

Source: PIB

Centralised Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS) FAQs

Q1: Which ministry launched CPGRAMS?

Ans: Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions

Q2: Grievances can be lodged on CPGRAMS in how many languages?

Ans: 22 Scheduled Languages and english

Nyishi Tribe

August 9, 2026

Nyishi Tribe Latest News

Researchers named Begonia neelamorum after the Neelam clan of the Nyishi tribe, whose members helped them navigate rugged terrain and locate the plant during a difficult expedition.

About Nyishi Tribe

The Nyishi are the largest ethnic group in Arunachal Pradesh.
In Nishi, their traditional language, Nyi refers to “a man” and the word shi denotes “a being”, which combined together refers to a civilized human being.
Geographical Distribution: They are concentrated in eight districts of Arunachal Pradesh, East Kameng, Pakke Kesang, Papum Pare, Lower Subansiri, Kamle, Kra Daadi, Kurung Kumey, and Upper Subansiri.
Occupation: The Nyishi support themselves with slash-and-burn agriculture and hunting and fishing.
- Along with agriculture and allied activities, the Nyishis are experts in handicrafts such as weaving, cane and bamboo works, pottery, blacksmith, wood carving, carpentry, etc.
Festivals: The Nyishi celebrates three major festivals, namely, Boori-Boot (February), Nyokum (February), and Longte (April).
Society
- Polygymy is prevalent among the Nyishi.
- They trace their descent patrilineally and are divided into several clans.
- One striking feature of Nyishi society is that it is neither based on a caste system nor stratified into classes, except for a loose type of social distinction which is not determined by birth or occupation.
- Nyishis consider women the source of peace, progress and prosperity.

Source: TOI

Nyishi Tribe FAQs

Q1: Nyishi tribe is mainly found in which state?

Ans: Arunachal Pradesh

Q2: Boori Boot Yullo is celebrated in which month?

Ans: February

Roselle Crop

August 9, 2026

Roselle Crop Latest News

In Odisha’s Malkangiri district, the indigenous crop Roselle is helping tribal communities adapt to climate change.

About Roselle Crop

Roselle's scientific name is Hibiscus sabdariffa belongs to the Malvaceae family.
It is locally known as Bhenda Dal and has long been cultivated by tribal communities in Odisha’s Malkangiri district.
It thrives on rainfed uplands with minimal inputs and can grow on marginal land with relatively little water.
It is being cultivated in warm countries particularly in the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, India, Cuba, Central America, California, Florida, Egypt.
It is valued as both food and medicine.
Nutritional Value: The tender leaves are cooked as saag or combined with pulses and vegetables, lending a distinctive sour flavour to everyday meals.
Health Benefits: It contains vitamin C, anthocyanins, flavonoids, polyphenols, iron, calcium and dietary fibre. The deep red colour of the flower cups comes from anthocyanins, powerful antioxidants that help protect the body against oxidative stress.

Source: DTE

Roselle Crop FAQs

Q1: Roselle belongs to which plant family?

Ans: Malvaceae

Q2: What is the Botanical name of Roselle ?

Ans: Hibiscus sabdariffa

Yemen

August 9, 2026

Yemen Latest News

Recent Houthi rebels’ attacks on gov’t forces hint that a major battle in Yemen is brewing.

About Yemen

Location: It is situated at the south-western corner of the Arabian Peninsula in Western Asia.
Borders: It shares its border with Saudi Arabia (North) and Oman (East).
Coastline & Strategic Importance
- Red Sea (West), Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea, and Guardafui Channel (South).
- Yemen is strategically located at the entrance of the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait. The strait links the Indian Ocean to the Red Sea via the Gulf of Aden.
Capital City: Sanaa

Geographical Features of Yemen

Climate: It lies in the border zone between two main weather patterns: the regular northerly winds (from the Mediterranean basin) and the southwest monsoon winds.
Highest Point: Yemen’s highest point is Jabal an Nabi Shu’ayb at 3,760 m.
Desert: Rub’ Al Khali Desert.
There are no perennial lakes and rivers

Source: TH

Yemen FAQs

Q1: Yemen is bordered by which sea to the west?

Ans: Red Sea

Q2: Yemen shares land border with which countries?

Ans: Saudi Arabia and Oman

Review of India’s Model Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT)

August 9, 2026

Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) Latest News

The Union Finance Ministry is reviewing India's 2015 Model Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) to make it more investor-friendly while safeguarding India's sovereign interests.
The revised Model BIT is expected to be placed before the Union Cabinet soon.
The review gains significance amid rising Overseas Direct Investment (ODI) by Indian firms, changing global investment patterns, and declining net Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into India.

Why the Model BIT is Being Reviewed

The government is reassessing the 2015 Model BIT based on the -
- Experience from past investment treaty negotiations.
- Global best practices in investment protection.
- Increasing outward investments by Indian companies.
- Need to attract higher-quality FDI without compromising regulatory autonomy.
Unlike earlier years when India primarily sought to protect foreign investors, negotiations must now also safeguard Indian companies investing abroad.

A New Dimension - Protecting Indian Investors Overseas

According to the Economic Affairs Secretary, rising Overseas Direct Investment (ODI) has fundamentally changed India's negotiating priorities.
Key implications:
- Indian companies are increasingly investing in foreign markets.
- Future BITs must provide investment protection for Indian enterprises abroad.
- Certain investor-protection clauses, earlier viewed cautiously, may now be retained to secure Indian investments overseas.
This marks India's transition from being primarily a capital-importing economy to one that is also a significant capital exporter.

What is a Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT)?

A BIT is an agreement between two countries to -
- Promote and protect investments made by investors of each country.
- Guarantee fair and equitable treatment.
- Protect against unlawful expropriation.
- Enable Investor-State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) through international arbitration when disputes arise.
BIT vs trade agreement:
- Under BIT, an investor can directly sue the host government through arbitration. However, disputes under trade agreements are settled between governments (State-to-State).
- BITs focuses on investment protection, while trade agreements focuses on trade in goods and services.
- BITs involve greater legal exposure for sovereign governments, while trade agreements provide greater diplomatic flexibility.

Key Issues in the Existing 2015 Model BIT

One of the most debated provisions is the Local Remedies Clause, which requires foreign investors to exhaust domestic legal remedies for five years before approaching international arbitration.
Concerns:
- Considered restrictive by several developed countries and foreign investors.
- Has slowed India's ability to conclude new BITs.
- Many countries have been reluctant to accept the existing Model BIT.
The government is now reviewing not only this provision but several other clauses and is considering a negative-list approach.
- Under this, only critical sovereign concerns would remain non-negotiable while greater flexibility is offered elsewhere.

FDI and ODI Trends

Gross FDI: Increased from $82 billion (2020-21) to a record $95 billion (2025-26).
Net FDI: Declined sharply to nearly $44 billion (2020-21), and less than $1 billion (2024-25), while recovering to about $7 billion (2025-26).
ODI: Indian companies' overseas investments increased substantially. For example, from $11 billion (2020-21) to $28 billion (2024-25), and further to $34 billion (2025-26).
The fall in net FDI has also been driven by large-scale repatriation of foreign investments, exceeding $105 billion during 2024-25 and 2025-26.

Reasons Behind Declining Net FDI

According to Chief Economic Adviser V. Anantha Nageswaran,
- Global supply-chain localisation has intensified.
- Developed countries are promoting onshoring of manufacturing.
- Indian firms increasingly invest abroad to establish a local presence rather than export alone.
- Rising ODI reflects the growing competitiveness and global expansion of Indian businesses.
Government's stand on enforcement agencies:
- Responding to concerns that agencies such as the Enforcement Directorate (ED) discourage investment, the government stated -
  - Gross FDI has continued to reach record levels.
  - Enforcement actions are becoming more transparent and procedure-driven.
  - Frivolous or excessive actions are being curtailed.
  - Investors primarily seek stable policies, predictable regulation and attractive returns, all of which India aims to provide.
- The government also emphasised the need for greater investor outreach to address any remaining concerns.

Significance and Challenges for India

Significance of revision:
- Helps modernise India's investment treaty framework.
- Improves India's attractiveness as an investment destination.
- Protects growing overseas investments by Indian companies.
- Supports India's long-term Balance of Payments (BoP) stability.
- Balances investor confidence with regulatory sovereignty.
- Strengthens India's integration into global investment and production networks.
Challenges ahead:
- Balancing investor protection with sovereign regulatory powers.
- Making BITs acceptable to developed countries while safeguarding national interests.
- Preventing excessive investor litigation under ISDS.
- Reversing the decline in net FDI amid changing global investment patterns.
- Ensuring policy certainty without compromising public-interest regulation.

Source: IE

Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) FAQs

Q1: Why is India reviewing its 2015 Model Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT)?

Ans: To make it more investor-friendly while balancing regulatory sovereignty and protecting the growing overseas investments.

Q2: How has rising ODI changed India's approach to BIT negotiations?

Ans: India now seeks to secure investment protection not only for foreign investors in India but also for Indian companies investing abroad

Q3: Why has India's net FDI declined despite record gross FDI inflows?

Ans: Due to increased repatriation of foreign investments and a sharp rise in overseas investments by Indian firms.

Q4: Why is the five-year Local Remedies Clause in India's 2015 Model BIT considered contentious?

Ans: It requires foreign investors to exhaust domestic legal remedies before international arbitration.

Q5: What reforms can enhance the effectiveness of India's BIT framework?

Ans: Adopting globally aligned, balanced BIT provisions, ensuring faster dispute resolution, etc.

UPI Fee Debate: What Is Changing, Who Pays MDR and Will UPI Remain Free?

August 9, 2026

UPI Fee Debate Latest News

The Lok Sabha passed the Taxation and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026 recently, opening the door for banks and payment system providers to charge fees on UPI and RuPay debit card transactions.
This sparked fears that merchants would pass the cost on to consumers. Responding to the controversy, the Finance Ministry "categorically" clarified that UPI will remain free for citizens, with only a nominal fee possibly applying to certain merchants.

About Merchant Discount Rate (MDR)

Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) is a fee merchants pay banks and payment processors for using their networks.
It has four components:
- Interchange fee — paid to the card-issuing bank
- Processing charges — paid to payment gateways (RazorPay, PayU, CCAvenue, etc.)
- Network fee — paid to payment networks (Visa, Mastercard, NPCI)
- Tax — GST paid to the government
Since 2020, the government has mandated zero MDR on UPI and RuPay debit card transactions.
Other payment modes, however, do attract MDR:
- 0.4-0.9% on non-RuPay debit cards,
- 1.5-2.2% on domestic credit cards,
- 1-1.5% on netbanking, and
- 3-4.5% on international credit cards.

Who Pays for UPI Today?

Currently:
- Banks and payment processors absorb part of the cost.
- Taxpayers bear the rest through government subsidy.
Under the 'Incentive Scheme for Promotion of Low-Value BHIM-UPI Transactions (P2M)', launched in December 2021, the government subsidises UPI transactions below ₹2,000.
This subsidy is capped at 0.15% of transaction value and shared among banks, payment service providers, and third-party apps.
The government paid ₹1,389 crore in 2021-22, rising to ₹3,631 crore by 2023-24, but this has since fallen, with only ₹2,000 crore budgeted for 2026-27.
Notably, from 2021-22 to 2024-25, the total subsidy of ₹8,730 crore covered just 11% of the actual cost incurred by the payments industry, as per the Standing Committee on Finance.

What the New Bill Changes

The Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007 currently bars banks from charging for payments made via modes listed under Section 269SU of the Income Tax Act, 1961 — which includes RuPay debit cards, UPI, and BHIM-UPI (including QR code payments).
The 2026 Amendment Bill modifies this provision, empowering the government to notify which transactions can attract an MDR charge in future.
Section 269SU — the provision being amended — currently applies to businesses with an annual turnover above ₹50 crore.
However, this is not the threshold likely to be used for the new MDR charge. Government sources indicate the actual MDR would apply to a much smaller category of merchants — those with turnover above roughly ₹1-1.5 crore — and only on individual transactions above ₹2,000.
- In other words, the fee is expected to target a narrower, lower-turnover set of merchants than what Section 269SU currently covers, not a wider one.
A possible MDR of 0.25-0.4% (industry sources) or "nominal, far lower than card MDRs" (Finance Ministry) is being discussed — this would exclude roughly 95% of current UPI transactions.
Notably, though only 4% of person-to-merchant (P2M) UPI transactions in 2025-26 exceeded ₹2,000 in value, these accounted for around two-thirds of total UPI payment value — meaning the fee, if applied, would target high-value transactions disproportionately.

Government's Reassurance

The Finance Ministry stated:
- All person-to-person UPI transactions will remain free, with no charges on ordinary consumers.
- Small merchants (kirana stores) will not face MDR.
- Any MDR, if introduced, will be threshold-based, not blanket, and far lower than debit/credit card MDR rates.
- The Payments Council of India (PCI) also clarified that consumers won't pay extra even for UPI transactions to large merchants.
Experts note that while the Bill technically gives the government power to levy MDR on any UPI transaction, it is unlikely to impose broad charges.
Digital and financial inclusion remain central to government policy, and UPI's biggest appeal has been that it is free — making a broad rollback risky, as it could push users back toward cash.

Why the Government Wants a Change

UPI has grown explosively — from its 2016 launch to over 24,000 crore transactions worth ₹314 lakh crore in 2025-26 (up 30% and 21% respectively from the previous year), making it the world's largest real-time payment system.
The Finance Ministry argues that subsidies alone cannot sustain the next phase of growth, especially expansion into rural and semi-urban areas, and that a "balanced framework" is needed to keep UPI "robust, inclusive, and future-ready."

Conclusion

While the Amendment Bill legally enables UPI charges, the government's assurances and India's digital inclusion priorities suggest ordinary users and small merchants will stay protected.
The real question going forward is how a "self-sustainable" UPI can be built without undermining the very affordability that made it a global success story.

Source: IE | TH

UPI Fee Debate FAQs

Q1: What is the UPI Fee Debate about?

Ans: The UPI Fee Debate centres on whether Merchant Discount Rate charges should be introduced for selected transactions while keeping ordinary UPI payments free.

Q2: Who could pay fees under the proposed UPI changes?

Ans: The UPI Fee Debate indicates that certain larger merchants may pay MDR on transactions above ₹2,000, while consumers and small merchants remain protected.

Q3: Will consumers have to pay for UPI transactions?

Ans: According to the UPI Fee Debate, person-to-person transactions will remain free, while the government says consumers will not face additional charges.

Q4: Why does the government want to change the UPI fee framework?

Ans: The UPI Fee Debate reflects concerns that rising transaction volumes and infrastructure costs make the existing subsidy-based model difficult to sustain.

Q5: How much of UPI transactions could potentially attract MDR?

Ans: The UPI Fee Debate suggests roughly 95% of current UPI transactions could remain outside MDR, with charges potentially targeting higher-value merchant transactions.

DPDP Act and RTI: Supreme Court Examines Impact on Transparency and Journalism

August 9, 2026

DPDP Act and RTI Latest News

The Supreme Court has agreed to examine whether the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023 can be used to weaken the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005, by classifying all data as "personal," and whether it separately curtails investigative journalism.
The Court is hearing multiple petitions challenging DPDP Act provisions, primarily Section 44(3).

The Core Legal Question

The Court noted that both the DPDP Act and the RTI Act are central legislations, and there is a need to harmonise them.
It observed that while the RTI Act granted access to information with certain conditions, the DPDP Act imposes an "en bloc embargo" — a blanket restriction.
The Court will examine whether this later law is repugnant to the earlier RTI law, treating the matter with "extreme circumspection" since both are central statutes.

Different Scope of the Two Laws

The apex court pointed out that the RTI Act operates in a much larger domain, covering all forms of data — physical and digital.
The DPDP Act, by contrast, is concerned only with data in digital form.
The Court acknowledged that most data today is overwhelmingly digital, but this distinction remains legally significant.
The Court will examine whether the DPDP Act's restrictive "cautionary approach" to sharing data effectively repeals earlier transparency legislation like the RTI Act.

Section 44(3) of the DPDP Act: What It Changes in the RTI Act

Section 44(3) of the DPDP Act directly amended Section 8(1)(j) of the RTI Act 2005 - — expanding the scope for denying information on grounds of protecting personal data.
Original RTI provision: Authorities could deny personal information only if it had no relation to public activity or if disclosure amounted to unwarranted invasion of privacy — but even then, information had to be disclosed if public interest outweighed privacy.
- This balancing was done by a Public Information Officer or First Appellate Authority, weighing both privacy and transparency.
After the amendment: The "larger public interest" clause has been removed. All personal information is now broadly exempt from RTI disclosure, regardless of whether disclosure would serve the public interest.

How This Affects RTI Requests

Experts contend that this inverts the right to privacy — a right meant to protect citizens from State overreach — into a shield that instead protects the State and public functionaries from RTI disclosures.

By removing the public-interest override, the amendment shifts the RTI framework from a case-by-case balancing test to a blanket, one-size-fits-all exemption.
This means information that was previously accessible — such as details relevant to exposing corruption or misconduct by public officials — can now be denied simply by labelling it "personal data," without any assessment of whether disclosure would actually serve the public good.

Impact on Investigative Journalism

As per the experts, the DPDP Act poses a grave threat to investigative journalism:
- The Act grants no exemption to journalists.
- Journalists reporting on individuals would need to seek the consent of the "data principal" (the person the data belongs to).
- If the data principal demands erasure of data, they can do so — directly undermining investigative reporting that relies on retaining and using such information.

No Special Category for Journalists

The Court clarified that journalists cannot be treated as a "special category" with unrestricted access to data.
It noted that neither the landmark Subhash Chandra Agarwal case (on public transparency) nor the Indian Express Bombay Pvt Ltd case (on press freedom), nor the RTI Act itself, had ever granted journalists such special status.
Even so, the Court agreed to examine the broader impact of the DPDP Act on journalistic activity.

Conclusion

This case sets up a crucial test of how India balances two constitutional values — the right to privacy and the right to information.
The Court's eventual ruling will determine whether data protection safeguards meant for citizens can be used by the State to shield itself from public scrutiny and accountability.

Source: TH

DPDP Act and RTI FAQs

Q1: What is the Supreme Court examining about the DPDP Act and RTI?

Ans: The Supreme Court is examining whether the DPDP Act and RTI can be harmonised or whether data protection provisions weaken existing transparency rights.

Q2: How does the DPDP Act affect RTI disclosures?

Ans: The DPDP Act and RTI conflict centres on Section 44(3), which removes the larger public-interest override for disclosure of personal information.

Q3: What changed in the RTI Act after the DPDP Act amendment?

Ans: The DPDP Act and RTI amendment broadly exempts personal information from disclosure, replacing the earlier case-by-case balance between privacy and larger public interest.

Q4: How could the DPDP Act affect investigative journalism?

Ans: The DPDP Act and RTI debate includes concerns that journalists may need consent to use personal data, while erasure rights could undermine investigations.

Q5: Why is the DPDP Act and RTI case significant?

Ans: The DPDP Act and RTI case will test how India balances privacy, transparency, public accountability, and investigative journalism within its legal framework.

Dharmendra Pradhan Resigns as Education Minister Amid Nationwide Protests

August 9, 2026

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned from the Union Cabinet on July 25, 2026, amid mounting pressure from nationwide student protests over alleged examination paper leaks and demands for accountability in the country's examination system. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has received his resignation, bringing a major political development after weeks of unrest across several states.

Why Did Dharmendra Pradhan Resign?

The resignation follows sustained protests led by student groups demanding accountability for repeated examination paper leaks, including the NEET Exam, particularly those linked to national-level entrance examinations. Demonstrations were held in several cities, with protestors accusing the Education Ministry and the National Testing Agency (NTA) of failing to ensure transparent and secure examinations.

Also Read: How Are Ministers Removed from Office in India?

Government's Response

Before the resignation, the Union Government held multiple rounds of discussions with representatives of protesting student groups. Officials initially maintained that the government's focus was on reforming the examination system rather than replacing the Education Minister. However, with protests intensifying and political pressure mounting, Dharmendra Pradhan submitted his resignation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on July 25.

Also Read: Education Ministers of India

Article 75 of Indian Constitution

Article 75 of the Indian Constitution provides the constitutional framework governing the appointment, tenure, resignation, and removal of Union Ministers, including the Education Minister.

Article 75(1) Appointment of Ministers

The President appoints the Prime Minister.
Other Union Ministers are appointed by the President on the advice of the Prime Minister.
Since ministers are appointed on the Prime Minister's advice, their resignation is also submitted to the Prime Minister, who advises the President to accept it.

Article 75(2) Ministers Hold Office During the Pleasure of the President

Article 75(2) states that "The Ministers shall hold office during the pleasure of the President."
In practice, the President acts on the aid and advice of the Prime Minister.
A Union Minister may:
- Resign voluntarily, or
- Be asked to resign by the Prime Minister, or
- Be removed by the President on the advice of the Prime Minister.

Article 75(3) Collective Responsibility

The Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha.
Every minister is expected to support Cabinet decisions.
If the Council of Ministers loses the confidence of the Lok Sabha, the entire Council, including all ministers, must resign.

Article 75(4) Oath of Office and Secrecy

Every Union Minister takes the Oath of Office and Oath of Secrecy before entering office.
Once a minister resigns and the resignation is accepted, they cease to hold the office and its constitutional responsibilities.

Impact on the Education Sector

The resignation is expected to accelerate discussions on reforming India's examination framework. The Centre is likely to announce measures aimed at improving examination security, strengthening oversight of the National Testing Agency, and restoring public confidence in competitive examinations. Until a new Education Minister is appointed, the government may assign the portfolio as an additional charge to another Cabinet Minister.

Dharmendra Pradhan’s Resignation FAQs

Q1: Why did Dharmendra Pradhan resign as Union Education Minister?

Ans: Dharmendra Pradhan resigned on 25 July 2026 following nationwide student protests over alleged examination paper leaks and growing demands for accountability and reforms in India's examination system.

Q2: When did Dharmendra Pradhan submit his resignation?

Ans: He submitted his resignation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 25 July 2026.

Q3: What were the main reasons behind the protests?

Ans: Students protested against alleged paper leaks, irregularities in competitive examinations, lack of transparency, and demanded reforms in the examination process and the National Testing Agency (NTA).

Q4: Who is Dharmendra Pradhan?

Ans: Dharmendra Pradhan is a senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader who served as the Union Minister of Education and has previously held portfolios such as Petroleum and Natural Gas and Skill Development and Entrepreneurship.

Q5: What happens after the resignation of a Union Minister?

Ans: The Prime Minister may recommend another minister to hold the portfolio temporarily or appoint a new Cabinet Minister. The President formally accepts the resignation and approves the new ministerial assignment.

Jantar Mantar – Astronomical Heritage and the Debate Over Its Role as Delhi’s Protest Site

August 9, 2026

Jantar Mantar Latest News

The Delhi High Court has questioned the continued use of Jantar Mantar Road as Delhi's designated protest venue, reviving the debate over balancing the right to protest with public order.

Jantar Mantar: An Architectural and Scientific Heritage

Jantar Mantar is an 18th century astronomical observatory built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II of Jaipur, one of medieval India's foremost astronomers and patrons of science.
It reflects India's rich tradition of astronomy, mathematics, and scientific observation.
Historical Background
- Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II constructed five astronomical observatories between 1724 and 1735 at Delhi, Jaipur , Ujjain, Varanasi and Mathura (now demolished).
- The observatory at Delhi was the first Jantar Mantar to be built and later served as the model for the larger observatory at Jaipur.
The term "Jantar Mantar" is believed to be derived from the Sanskrit words:
- Yantra: Instrument
- Mantra: Formula or calculation
Together, the name refers to instruments used for astronomical observations and calculations.

Architectural Features

Unlike modern observatories that rely on optical instruments, Jantar Mantar consists of large masonry structures designed for naked-eye astronomical observations.
These instruments were constructed with remarkable geometric precision to measure celestial movements and improve the accuracy of astronomical calculations.
Some important instruments include:
- Samrat Yantra: A giant sundial used to measure time and the Sun's declination
- Jai Prakash Yantra: Used to determine the position of celestial bodies
- Ram Yantra: Measures the altitude and azimuth of celestial objects
- Misra Yantra: Used to determine the shortest and longest days of the year and compare local time with other locations

Cultural and Scientific Significance

Jantar Mantar represents the fusion of:
- Indian astronomical traditions
- European scientific developments available during the 18th century
The observatories demonstrate India's advanced understanding of astronomy before the widespread use of telescopes in the subcontinent.
Among the five observatories, the Jantar Mantar at Jaipur has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site (2010) due to its outstanding scientific and architectural significance.
The Delhi Jantar Mantar is protected by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) as a monument of national importance.

News Summary

On 7th August, while hearing a petition seeking permission for a protest at Jantar Mantar, the Delhi High Court expressed concern over the continued use of the site for demonstrations.
The Court observed that Delhi should not be "put to ransom unnecessarily" through repeated protests.
The hearing followed a recent Supreme Court direction asking the Centre to consider a plea seeking the removal of Jantar Mantar as Delhi's designated protest site and to instead make Ramlila Maidan the principal venue for demonstrations.
It is important to note that protests are not held inside the historic Jantar Mantar monument.
The designated protest site is located on the road opposite the monument, at the intersection of Jantar Mantar Road and Sansad Marg, allowing demonstrators to remain close to Parliament while staying outside the high-security zone.

Evolution of Jantar Mantar as Delhi's Protest Site

During the first few decades after Independence, Boat Club lawns (now along Kartavya Path) served as Delhi's principal venue for political rallies.
A turning point came in 1988, when a massive farmers' rally led by Mahendra Singh Tikait attracted lakhs of protesters. Along with heightened security concerns during the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid movement, this prompted the Delhi administration to discontinue large demonstrations at the Boat Club.
By 1993, Delhi Police had begun directing protests towards Jantar Mantar, primarily to improve traffic management and crowd control.
Initially, there was no statutory notification declaring Jantar Mantar the official protest site. Instead, it gradually acquired this status through administrative practice before being formally recognised through Delhi Police Standing Orders.

Regulatory Framework for Protests

The protest site was formally regulated through Delhi Police Standing Order 309 (2003).
The order prescribed different venues based on the expected size of the gathering:
- Up to 5,000 participants: Jantar Mantar
- 5,000 to 50,000 participants: Ramlila Maidan
- Above 50,000 participants: Burari Grounds
- Larger gatherings: Narela
Following the National Green Tribunal (NGT) order in 2017 and the Supreme Court judgment in 2018, Delhi Police issued Standing Order 10 (2018).
Under the revised framework:
- Jantar Mantar can accommodate protests of up to 1,000 people.
- Larger demonstrations are permitted only at Ramlila Maidan.
- Organisers must comply with conditions relating to crowd size, duration, loudspeakers, and security arrangements.

Why Has the Site Become Contentious?

Jantar Mantar has become synonymous with several major public movements, including:
- Anna Hazare's anti-corruption movement
- Nirbhaya protests
- One Rank One Pension (OROP) protests
- Demonstrations by farmers, students, women, persons with disabilities, and civil society organisations
However, its central location has also generated concerns regarding Traffic congestion, Noise pollution, Security near key government institutions and Inconvenience to nearby residents.
In 2017, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) directed that protests be stopped at Jantar Mantar, citing three reasons:
- No executive order formally declaring it a protest site.
- The area is being designated as residential under the Delhi Master Plan.
- Noise pollution caused by prolonged demonstrations.
The order was criticised by activists, who argued that it curtailed the constitutional right to peaceful protest.
In 2018, the Supreme Court held that protests could not be completely prohibited at either Jantar Mantar or Boat Club.
Instead, it directed authorities to frame guidelines that balance the right to peaceful protest with the rights of local residents and the need to maintain public order.
Today, Jantar Mantar remains Delhi's primary protest venue, while Ramlila Maidan continues to serve as the preferred location for larger demonstrations.
Unlike Jantar Mantar, however, Ramlila Maidan is a paid venue, with charges of approximately Rs. 50,000 per day.

Source: TH

Jantar Mantar FAQs

Q1: Who built the Jantar Mantar in Delhi?

Ans: It was built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II in the 18th century.

Q2: Is the protest site located inside the Jantar Mantar monument?

Ans: No. The designated protest site is located on the road opposite the monument, at the intersection of Jantar Mantar Road and Sansad Marg.

Q3: Which court held that protests cannot be completely banned at Jantar Mantar?

Ans: The Supreme Court, in 2018, held that public protests cannot be completely prohibited and directed authorities to frame appropriate guidelines.

Q4: Which organisation protects the Delhi Jantar Mantar monument?

Ans: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) protects it as a monument of national importance.

Q5: Which Jantar Mantar has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site?

Ans: The Jantar Mantar at Jaipur was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2010.