UPSC Current Affairs 01th August 2026

Contents

1. Samudra Manthan (National Offshore Exploration Scheme)
2. Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT)
3. Kh-101 Missile
4. Moken People
5. NAKSHA Project
6. International Labour Organization (ILO)
7. e-Zero FIR System

  Why in News?

The Union Cabinet approved the Samudra Manthan (National Offshore Exploration Scheme) with an outlay of ₹84,084 crore to accelerate offshore oil and gas exploration and strengthen India's energy security.
 
Background

• India imports around 85% of its crude oil requirement, making energy security a strategic priority.
• Offshore sedimentary basins have significant untapped hydrocarbon reserves, especially in deepwater and ultra-deepwater regions.

 About the Scheme

• Samudra Manthan is a Central Sector Scheme launched by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG).
• The scheme aims to promote exploration in frontier offshore basins through financial support and advanced technologies.
• It focuses on increasing domestic production of crude oil and natural gas while reducing import dependence.

 Key Features

• The scheme has a total financial outlay of ₹84,084 crore.
• The programme supports deepwater and ultra-deepwater exploration where commercial risks are high.
• It encourages modern seismic surveys, exploratory drilling and digital exploration technologies.
• The scheme aims to attract both public and private sector investment in offshore exploration.

 Significance

• The scheme will improve India's energy security by enhancing domestic hydrocarbon production.
• It will reduce the oil import bill and improve the country's external sector.
• The initiative will promote technological advancement and employment in the upstream petroleum sector.
• It supports the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and long-term energy resilience.

 Challenges

• Offshore exploration involves high capital investment and technological complexity.
• Environmental concerns and lengthy exploration timelines may delay commercial production.
• Global crude oil price fluctuations can affect project viability.

 Latest Developments

• The Cabinet approved the scheme in 2026 to unlock India's offshore hydrocarbon potential.
• The initiative complements reforms such as HELP, OALP, and the National Data Repository (NDR).

 Way Forward

• India should expand exploration in frontier basins using advanced technology and global expertise.
• Stable policy support and environmental safeguards should be ensured for sustainable offshore development.
• Offshore exploration should complement India's clean energy transition to achieve long-term energy security.

Why in News?

Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) was recently in the news after researchers reported that elevated ALT levels may serve as an early biomarker for detecting liver damage and assessing the progression of metabolic disorders, including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

Background

• Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) is an enzyme primarily found in liver cells and plays an important role in amino acid metabolism.
• Damage or inflammation of liver cells causes ALT to leak into the bloodstream, making it a key indicator of liver health.

About

• ALT catalyses the conversion of alanine into pyruvate, which is essential for energy production.
• The enzyme is present mainly in the liver, but small amounts are also found in the kidneys, heart and muscles.
• An ALT blood test is commonly used to detect liver injury and monitor the effectiveness of treatment for liver diseases.

Key Features

• Elevated ALT levels often indicate liver conditions such as hepatitis, fatty liver disease, cirrhosis or drug-induced liver injury.
• ALT is considered more liver-specific than Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) for assessing liver damage.
• The test is simple, cost-effective and widely used as part of routine liver function tests (LFTs).

Significance

• Early detection of abnormal ALT levels helps in the timely diagnosis and management of liver diseases.
• Regular monitoring of ALT is important for patients receiving medications that may affect liver function.
• ALT testing supports public health efforts to address the growing burden of metabolic and lifestyle-related liver diseases.

Challenges

• Elevated ALT levels alone cannot confirm a specific liver disease and require further diagnostic evaluation.
• Some individuals with chronic liver disease may have normal ALT levels despite significant liver damage.

Latest Developments

• Recent studies have highlighted ALT as a valuable biomarker for the early detection of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and related complications.
• Researchers are exploring the combined use of ALT with other biomarkers to improve the accuracy of liver disease diagnosis.

Way Forward

• Greater awareness and routine liver screening should be promoted among high-risk populations.
• Early diagnosis through ALT testing, combined with lifestyle modifications and timely treatment, can reduce the burden of chronic liver diseases.
• Continued research should focus on improving diagnostic accuracy by integrating ALT with advanced biomarkers and imaging techniques.

Why in News?

The Kh-101 cruise missile was recently in the news after a Russian Kh-101 missile reportedly entered Polish territory during a large-scale missile attack on Ukraine, raising security concerns among NATO members.

Background

• The Kh-101 is a Russian long-range, air-launched cruise missile developed for precision strikes against strategic targets.
• It has been extensively used by Russia during the Russia–Ukraine conflict to target military infrastructure, energy facilities and other strategic locations.

About

• The Kh-101 is launched primarily from Tu-95MS and Tu-160 strategic bombers.
• It is designed to fly at low altitudes to evade enemy radar and air defence systems.
• The missile uses satellite navigation, inertial guidance and terrain-following technology for high-precision strikes.

Key Features

• The missile has an operational range of approximately 2,500–4,500 km, depending on its configuration.
• It is capable of carrying conventional and nuclear warheads.
• Recent variants have been upgraded with decoy flares and improved countermeasures to increase survivability against air defence systems.

Significance

• The Kh-101 strengthens Russia's long-range strategic strike capability.
• Its long range enables attacks without aircraft entering heavily defended airspace.
• The missile has become a major challenge for modern air defence systems deployed by Ukraine and NATO.

Challenges

• The missile remains vulnerable to advanced air defence systems such as Patriot, IRIS-T and Skynex.
• Continuous upgrades in air defence technologies have reduced its operational effectiveness in several engagements.

Latest Developments

• Russia has reportedly introduced multiple upgrades to the Kh-101, including enhanced warheads and electronic countermeasures to improve its effectiveness.
• The recent incident involving a Kh-101 entering Polish territory has intensified NATO's concerns over the spillover of the Russia–Ukraine conflict.

Way Forward

• Strengthening integrated air defence networks and early warning systems is essential to counter advanced cruise missile threats.
• Greater international cooperation on missile defence and strategic stability is necessary to reduce risks arising from long-range missile deployments.

Why in News?
The Moken people were recently in the news after marine researchers highlighted their traditional ecological knowledge and exceptional free-diving abilities, which contribute to marine conservation and climate resilience in the Andaman Sea region.
 
Background

• The Moken, also known as Sea Nomads, are an indigenous maritime community that has lived in the Andaman Sea for centuries.
• They traditionally depend on fishing, shellfish collection and marine resources for their livelihood while leading a semi-nomadic lifestyle.

About

• The Moken mainly inhabit the coastal waters and islands of Myanmar and Thailand, particularly the Mergui (Myeik) Archipelago and nearby islands.
• They spend much of the year living on traditional wooden boats known as Kabang.
• The community possesses remarkable free-diving abilities and extensive knowledge of tides, coral reefs and marine ecosystems.

Key Features

• The Moken are renowned for their ability to free dive to significant depths without modern diving equipment.
• Their traditional knowledge helps in the sustainable use and conservation of marine biodiversity.
• Children of the community are known to have exceptional underwater vision, enabling them to locate food efficiently.
• Their culture, language and lifestyle are closely linked to the sea and coastal ecosystems.

Significance

• The Moken represent an important example of indigenous knowledge in sustainable marine resource management.
• Their traditional practices contribute to the conservation of coral reefs and coastal biodiversity.
• The community is often studied for its adaptation to marine environments and resilience to natural disasters such as tsunamis.

Challenges

• Climate change, rising sea levels and degradation of marine ecosystems threaten their traditional way of life.
• Tourism, coastal development and legal restrictions on fishing have reduced their access to traditional resources.
• Many Moken communities face challenges related to education, healthcare and legal recognition.

Latest Developments

• Recent studies have emphasized integrating the Moken's traditional ecological knowledge into marine conservation and climate adaptation strategies.
• International organizations continue to advocate for greater protection of the cultural and livelihood rights of indigenous coastal communities.

Way Forward

• Governments should protect the cultural identity and traditional livelihood of the Moken through inclusive policies.
• Indigenous knowledge should be integrated into marine conservation and coastal resource management programmes.
• Sustainable development initiatives should balance biodiversity conservation with the rights and welfare of indigenous communities.

Why in News?

The NAKSHA pilot project is actively conducting formal field inquiries and public document verifications in Goa, while the central government clarifies that existing land titles remain fully protected.
 
Background

• The NAKSHA Project was launched under the Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme (DILRMP) to modernize urban land records using geospatial technologies.
• The initiative aims to create accurate and digital urban land records for better governance, urban planning and property management.

About

• NAKSHA stands for National Geospatial Knowledge-based Land Survey of Urban Habitations.
• The project is implemented by the Department of Land Resources (DoLR), Ministry of Rural Development, with technical support from the Survey of India, NICSI and other partner agencies.
• It uses drone surveys, GIS mapping and field verification to prepare accurate digital maps of urban land parcels.

Key Features

• The pilot project covers 157 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) across 27 States and 3 Union Territories.
• The project creates a GIS-integrated database of urban land parcels to improve land administration and infrastructure planning.
• The initiative supports transparent property records, efficient municipal governance and better public utility planning.
• The mapping exercise does not affect ownership rights, land titles or ongoing property disputes.

Significance

• The project will reduce property disputes by creating accurate and updated urban land records.
• It will improve urban planning, infrastructure development and municipal service delivery.
• The initiative supports Digital India, PM Gati Shakti, and evidence-based urban governance.

Challenges

• Integrating legacy land records with modern digital databases remains a major challenge.
• Successful implementation requires coordination among multiple agencies and public awareness to counter misinformation.
• Data privacy and regular updating of land records are essential for long-term success.

Latest Developments

• The Government clarified that NAKSHA is only a land mapping exercise and does not involve land acquisition or changes in ownership rights.
• The second phase of the project has begun in several pilot areas with verification of land records and title documents.

Way Forward

• The project should be expanded across all urban local bodies with regular updating of digital land records.
• Public awareness campaigns should address misconceptions and build trust in the survey process.
• Integration with other Digital India initiatives can strengthen transparent and technology-driven urban governance.

 
Why in News?

The International Labour Organization (ILO) was recently in the news after India abstained from voting on the ILO Convention on Decent Work in the Platform Economy, prompting debate over India's position on global labour standards for gig and platform workers.

Background

• The International Labour Organization (ILO) was established in 1919 under the Treaty of Versailles following the First World War.
• In 1946, it became the first specialized agency of the United Nations (UN) dedicated to promoting labour rights and social justice.

About

• The ILO promotes decent work, social justice and internationally recognized labour standards.
• It is the only UN agency with a tripartite structure, where governments, employers and workers participate equally in decision-making.
• The headquarters of the ILO is located in Geneva, Switzerland.

Key Features

• The ILO adopts Conventions (legally binding upon ratification) and Recommendations to improve labour conditions.
• It monitors compliance with international labour standards through supervisory mechanisms.
• The organization works on employment generation, social protection, occupational safety and elimination of child and forced labour.
• The ILO was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1969 for advancing social justice.

Significance

• The ILO plays a crucial role in protecting workers' rights in both the formal and informal sectors.
• It supports countries in framing labour laws that balance economic growth with social justice.
• The organization contributes directly to SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).

Challenges

• Balancing labour protection with the rapid expansion of the digital and gig economy remains a major challenge.
• Many developing countries continue to face difficulties in implementing international labour standards effectively.

Latest Developments

• The ILO adopted Convention No. 193 on Decent Work in the Platform Economy, the first international labour convention specifically aimed at protecting gig and platform workers.
• India was among 36 countries that abstained during the voting, although Indian employer and worker representatives reportedly supported the Convention, leading to political criticism within the country.

Way Forward

• India should continue engaging with the ILO while strengthening domestic social security and labour protections for gig and platform workers.
• Future labour reforms should balance innovation in the platform economy with fair wages, social protection and safe working conditions in line with international best practices.

Why in News?

The e-Zero FIR System was recently in the news after the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) informed Parliament that the system has been operationalised in 18 States and Union Territories, with over 12,000 e-Zero FIRs registered to facilitate faster action against cyber financial frauds.
 
Background

• The rapid rise in cyber financial frauds highlighted the need for immediate registration of complaints without jurisdictional delays.
• The e-Zero FIR System has been introduced under the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) to enable quick legal action and improve recovery of defrauded money.

About

• The e-Zero FIR System allows cyber financial fraud complaints to be automatically converted into a Zero FIR, irrespective of the police station's territorial jurisdiction.
• Complaints lodged through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP) or Cyber Helpline 1930 are electronically transmitted to the concerned police station through the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network & Systems (CCTNS).
• The complainant must complete the necessary verification at the jurisdictional police station within the prescribed period to convert the e-Zero FIR into a regular FIR.

Key Features

• The system eliminates jurisdictional barriers by enabling immediate registration of cyber financial fraud cases.
• It facilitates the instant freezing of fraudulent bank accounts, improving the chances of recovering stolen funds.
• The mechanism integrates I4C, NCRP, CCTNS and the 1930 Helpline for faster investigation and coordination.
• It is currently operational in 18 States and Union Territories.

Significance

• The system enables quicker police intervention during the critical "golden hours" after a cyber fraud.
• It improves coordination among law enforcement agencies, banks and financial institutions.
• The initiative strengthens India's cybercrime response framework under the Digital India initiative.

Challenges

• Successful implementation requires seamless coordination between States, banks and investigating agencies.
• Public awareness regarding prompt reporting through the 1930 Helpline remains limited.
• Adequate cyber forensic infrastructure and trained personnel are essential for effective implementation.

Latest Developments

• The MHA informed Parliament that more than 12,000 e-Zero FIRs have already been registered under the system.
• Several States, including Punjab and Gujarat, have recently expanded the implementation of the e-Zero FIR mechanism for cyber financial fraud cases.

Way Forward

• The e-Zero FIR mechanism should be expanded nationwide with greater integration of banks and cyber investigation agencies.
• Public awareness campaigns should encourage victims to report cyber fraud immediately through the 1930 Helpline and NCRP.
• Strengthening cyber forensic capabilities and interstate coordination will improve conviction rates and enhance public trust in digital policing.

 

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