UPSC current affairs — 13 August 2026

The day's most exam-relevant stories, scored and mapped to the UPSC syllabus by ProjectsPilot's AI. Full Prelims/Mains/Interview analysis is inside the app.

Parliament passes Mines Bill 2026

Parliament has passed the Mines Bill 2026. The legislation is expected to reshape the legal/regulatory framework for mining activities in India.

PolityGS-I: Distribution of resources across states; role of regulation in resource governanceGS-II: Parliament—legislative process; regulatory bodies and federal considerationsGS-III: Regulation of mining and minerals; environmental implications of extractionEconomic Times · Top Stories

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A timely reset for the Food Security Act

The draft National Food Security (Amendment) Bill, 2026 proposes revising Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) entitlements by linking them to household size, aiming for a fairer distribution without cutting existing foodgrain access. It follows survey-based evidence of improved affordability of recommended diets, but persistent nutrition gaps.

GovernmentGS-II: Welfare schemes/food security and policy design; targeted delivery of benefitsGS-III: Food security, nutrition outcomes, and foodgrains entitlementsThe Hindu · Opinion

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Troubling bill: On the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026

The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026 has been referred to a Joint Parliamentary Committee after protests. The proposal further tightens FCRA rules by enabling government takeover/transfer of assets of organisations upon lapses or non-renewal of FCRA registration.

GovernmentGS-II: Separation of powers; role and regulation of NGOs/civil society through statutory lawGS-II: Government regulation and oversight mechanisms; legislative process (Bills, JPC)The Hindu · Opinion

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Mining Amendment law does not impinge upon States’ rights: Minister

The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026 was passed in Parliament. The minister stated it would not encroach on States’ rights, particularly for minor minerals, which remain under State control.

GovernmentGS-II: Federal relations—Centre-State legislative/administrative powers over resources (mines and minerals)GS-III: Regulation of mines and minerals; policy/legal framework for mining and mineral developmentThe Hindu · Business

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How sustainable is India’s E20 push? | Explained

India’s push for E20 (20% ethanol blending in petrol) is being debated over vehicle safety and policy coercion claims. The article explains production targets, distillery capacity expansion, and the rationale of reducing crude oil import dependence while channeling payments within India.

EnvironmentGS-II: None (mostly policy/economy coverage)GS-III: Biofuels/energy transition; ethanol blending programme; environmental and energy security implications; sustainable agriculture-energy linkagesThe Hindu · Business

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Building a Business-Ready India

PIB outlines reforms to make India business-ready by reducing compliance burden and improving transparency. Key focus areas include the National Single Window System (NSWS) for approvals and initiatives like Startup India to promote enterprise-led growth.

EconomyGS-III: Indian economy—growth, ease of doing business, regulatory reforms and reforms for entrepreneurshipGS-II: Governance—administrative reforms, e-governance and single-window systemsPIB India

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India has “reassuring” talks with U.S., including on Bill that proposes 100% tariffs

India says its recent talks with the US are “reassuring,” including discussions on a US Senate bill proposing up to 100% tariffs on countries importing large quantities of Russian oil. The bill awaits House consideration; meanwhile, India already faces US tariff pressures linked to forced-labour and potential excess-capacity investigations.

International RelationsGS-II: India–US relations; trade and sanctions diplomacyGS-III: International trade barriers/tariffs and their impactThe Hindu · Business

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Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) receives 20 bids under the Scheme to Promote Manufacturing of Sintered Rare Earth Permanent (REPM)

MHI received 20 bids via global tender for selecting manufacturers to set up integrated sintered NdFeB REPM (rare earth permanent magnet) facilities under the REPM promotion scheme. This supports indigenous REPM manufacturing and competitiveness in global markets.

Science & TechGS-III: Indigenisation of defence/strategic technologies; manufacturing ecosystemGS-III: Achievements of government schemes in science and technology/industrial promotionPIB India

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Central Government Reaffirms Measures to Protect Rights and Promote Inclusion of LGBTQAI+ Community

Government reiterates measures to protect rights and promote inclusion of the LGBTQAI+ community, including intersex persons, covering legal protection, identity documentation, food security, banking/financial services, healthcare, and safety. Reply in Rajya Sabha highlights the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019 (amended in 2026) as the key legal framework.

SocietyGS-II: Welfare schemes and inclusion related to vulnerable sections; Rights of socially marginalized groupsGS-II: Government policies and interventions for inclusion (LGBTQAI+ / transgender / intersex)PIB India

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Government Strengthens Welfare, Healthcare and Social Security Measures for Senior Citizens

Government measures announced to strengthen welfare, healthcare and social security for senior citizens. The Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana (AVYAY) is implemented as an umbrella scheme with multiple components including shelter/care, assistive devices and grievance redressal.

SocietyGS-II: Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population; senior citizensGS-I/GS-II: Demographic trends and policy implications (ageing population)PIB India

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