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UPSC current affairs — 20 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.

MMDR Amendment Act, 2026

The MMDR Amendment Act, 2026 amends the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 to create a more uniform and predictable fiscal framework for mining. It restricts State Governments from imposing fresh taxes on mineral rights/land except as prescribed by the Central Government.

EconomyGS-I: Land and natural resources—distribution of powers between Centre and StatesGS-II: Separation of powers and federalism—Centre-State relations in taxation and regulationGS-III: Regulation of industries—mining and minerals governance; economic implications of fiscal frameworksPIB India +1 sources

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SC’s 5:4 verdict refines 48-yr-old ‘industry’ test but protects pending disputes

The Supreme Court, in a closely split verdict, refined the 48-year-old “industry” test and also protected pending disputes by upholding the maintainability of a reference seeking reconsideration of the Bangalore Water Supply case.

GovernmentGS-II: Judiciary—Supreme Court decisions and their impact on governance and legal principlesGS-II: Rule of law; public administration principles connected to judicial reviewHindustan Times · India

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Tamil Nadu’s encroachment problem

The Supreme Court ordered a structured, time-bound framework to address long-pending encroachments in the Agasthyamalai ecologically sensitive landscape, including key tiger reserves and a wildlife sanctuary. It relied on CEC surveys under the Forest Conservation Act, 1980 and the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 for eviction planning and monitoring.

EnvironmentGS-II: Protection and improvement of environment; judiciary's role in environmental governanceGS-III: Conservation of forests and wildlife; Forest Conservation Act, 1980 and Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972The Hindu · Opinion

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Supreme Court turns to Gen Z, Gen Alpha to educate elders on solid waste management

The Supreme Court directed the Centre to empower District Collectors to enforce solid waste management rules, stressing society-wide responsibility rather than burdening sanitary workers alone. It warned that poor compliance could lead to pandemic/endemic-like situations and sought upgrades to waste infrastructure per the SWM Rules, 2026.

EnvironmentGS-II: Judicial interventions and directions; role of District Collectors in governanceGS-III: Solid waste management—principles, rules, implementation challengesThe Hindu · Sci-Tech

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Tamil Nadu’s encroachment problem in Agasthyamalai

The Supreme Court asked for a structured, time-bound eviction framework for long-pending encroachments in the Agasthyamalai ecologically sensitive landscape across multiple protected areas. The court referred to CEC survey recommendations under the Forest Conservation Act, 1980 and the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.

EnvironmentGS-II: Supreme Court directions/constitutional importance in governance and enforcement (environment-related litigation)GS-III: Conservation of forests and wildlife—Forest Conservation Act, 1980; Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972; protected areas and encroachment issuesThe Hindu · Environment

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CAQM approves Phased Shift towards Cleaner Light Goods Vehicles in Delhi-NCR; Strengthens Dust Control at Stone Crushing Units

CAQM (NCR) approved Direction No. 102 for phased registration restrictions to shift Delhi-NCR LGVs towards cleaner fuels. It also approved Direction No. 103 to strengthen dust control at stone crushing units to cut particulate pollution.

EnvironmentGS-II: Commissions/Regulatory bodies; enforcement and governance of air quality in NCRGS-III: Air pollution—sources, vehicular emissions, control measures; preventive measures for PM2.5PIB India

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Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Vikas Mission

PM Janjatiya Vikas Mission (PMJVM) supports Scheduled Tribe communities through Van Dhan Vikas Kendras to shift from selling Minor Forest Produce to value-addition and enterprise. It also involves MSP procurement and market linkages (fairs/e-commerce/exhibitions) to improve tribal incomes.

SocietyGS-I: Salient features of Indian Society, diversity of India; Role of tribal communities in IndiaGS-II: Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population; Government policies for welfare of Scheduled TribesGS-III: Inclusive growth and employment; Role of MSP and market linkages in raising incomePIB India

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Odisha forms inquiry committee to examine relocation of villages from tiger habitat

Odisha has formed a high-level inquiry committee to examine village relocation from the Satkosia Tiger Reserve amid allegations of wrongful eviction and non-compliance. The panel will check adherence to the Wildlife (Protection) Act, Forest Rights Act, and NTCA guidelines, including beneficiary identification and compensation/rehabilitation.

EnvironmentGS-II: Rights of forest dwellers/implementation of Forest Rights Act; mechanisms for grievance/redressalGS-III: Conservation of wildlife—Tiger conservation and compliance with Wildlife (Protection) Act/NTCA guidelinesThe Hindu · Sci-Tech

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G.O. issued on 33.33% quota for Backward Classes in ULB elections in Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh issued a Government Order enabling ordinary ULB elections and implementing 33.33% reservation for Backward Classes in municipal bodies. The move aligns municipal electoral scheduling with constitutional provisions (Article 243-U, 243-K, 243-ZA) and operational requirements for timely ULBs.

PolityGS-II: Local self-government—73rd/74th Constitutional Amendment, role of State Election Commission and Article provisionsGS-II: Reservation/representation in local bodies and administrative measures for conducting municipal electionsThe Hindu · National

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Tamil Nadu Assembly: State government to launch health insurance for the elderly

Tamil Nadu announced the Chief Minister’s Elderly Health Insurance Scheme for senior citizens (70+), covering major treatments at empanelled hospitals. The state also plans to replace the 1939 Public Health Act with a new, updated health law and expand free health check-ups and digital health initiatives.

SocietyGS-II: Welfare schemes for vulnerable groups (elderly) and their administrationGS-III: Health infrastructure and delivery; public health initiativesThe Hindu · Sci-Tech

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