Mangalore IAS - Current Affairs 2026
1. Right to Protest in India
In India, the right to protest has its origin in the Fundamental Rights mentioned in Article 19 of the Constitution.
Article 19(1)(a): Right to Freedom of Speech and Expression
The article provides the right to all citizens to express their thoughts, feelings, opinions, and thoughts.
Moreover, peaceful protests, slogans, speeches, and campaigns fall into the ambit of the right provided by Article 19(1)(a).
Article 19(1)(b): Right to Assemble Peacefully
Citizens have the right to assemble peacefully and unarmed.
This constitutional provision forms the basis for the conduct of protests.
2. Exam Reform Task Force Led by Nandan Nilekani
Honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made an announcement regarding to establishing a new Exam Reform Task Force which will be chaired by Nandan Nilekani who is also a co-founder of the Infosys. This announcement was made as part of the government’s efforts to overcome the issues of paper leakage related to exams and to regain the people’s confidence in competitive exams.
The committee was announced before the introduction of the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026. The main objective of the task force is to make recommendations regarding the new generation of the reform process aimed at enhancing the reliability, transparency, and tech adaptation of the examination system in the country.
3. Sarnath Inscribed on UNESCO World Heritage List
Sarnath, an ancient Buddhist site located in Uttar Pradesh, made it to the UNESCO World Heritage List on July 25th, 2026, at the 48th Session of the World Heritage Committee which took place in Busan, South Korea. With this Sarnath is the 45th UNESCO World Heritage Site from India while also emphasizing its significance in terms of history, religion, and culture.
It is widely known as the place where Gautama Buddha gave his first sermon after attaining enlightenment, Sarnath has been symbolic of peace, wisdom, and spirituality for a span of 2500 years. This inscription adds to the rich heritage of India and adds even more significance to worldwide efforts to protect one of the holiest pilgrimage sites of Buddhism.
4. Spain Declares National Emergency
For the first time in the history, Spain has declared a national emergency due to wildfires, as France has called for the assistance from the European Union in dealing with its rapidly spreading forest fires. The wildfires in France have forced tens of thousands of people to evacuate their homes and have led to incidents of destruction and of emergency services being utilized across many regions.
This crisis indicates the urgent need for a coordinated response to natural disasters due to climate change.
5. Rajya Sabha Passes Anti-Paper Leak Amendment Bill 2026
he Public Examinations (Prevention of Malpractice) Amendment Bill, 2026 amends the existing law to enhance the measures against paper leakages, and organized examination rackets, along with the technological abuses related to the public examinations.
The aim of the legislation is to regulate the recruitment and entrance examinations in a fair and unbiased manner to secure the interests of the students and preserve the credibility of the examination system of India.
Having received the approval from both the Houses of Parliament, the Bill is now awaiting the Presidential assent to become an Act.
Why Was the Amendment Introduced?
Paper leaks and examination malpractices have caused the disruption of many prominent recruitment and entrance exams in the recent past and created uncertainties for many aspirants.
The Amendment was introduced by the government to,
Strengthen deterrence against organized cheating.
Ensure quicker investigation and prosecution.
Enhance transparency in public examination.
Protect deserving candidates from unfair means.
Increase public confidence in the conduct of recruitment and entrance exams.
6. Lok Sabha Passes Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026
The Lok Sabha on 30 July 2026 passed the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, aimed at strengthening India’s anti-paper leak framework. The amendment introduces stricter punishments, faster investigations, and special fast-track courts to tackle paper leaks and examination-related fraud more effectively.
The Bill was introduced by Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh on 27 July 2026 during the Monsoon Session of Parliament. It was passed amid protests by Opposition members over the NEET paper leak issue and disruptions in the House.
Why Was the Amendment Bill Introduced?
The amendment was proposed to strengthen the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, which was enacted following several high-profile paper leak incidents across the country.
According to the government, the amendment reflects lessons learned from the implementation of the 2024 Act and aims to ensure quicker investigations, stricter punishments, and speedy trials to deter organized examination fraud.
7. Seafarer Workforce Report 2026
India has achieved a significant milestone in the maritime sector by becoming the world’s second-largest supplier of seafarers, according to the BIMCO-ICS Seafarer Workforce Report 2026.
India now contributes 311,936 maritime professionals, accounting for 12.16% of the global seafaring workforce, placing it behind only the Philippines and ahead of China, the Russian Federation, and Indonesia.
8. Ajinkya Rahane Announces Retirement from International Cricket
Former India captain Ajinkya Rahane has announced his retirement from international cricket, bringing the curtains down on an illustrious career. Popularly known as “Jinx”, the veteran batter made the announcement through a heartfelt video message on his Instagram account, stating that the time had come to move forward after serving Indian cricket with dedication and honesty.
9. 29th July, 2026 International Tiger Day
International Tiger Day is an annual global event observed on July 29 to raise awareness about tiger conservation, protect natural habitats, and address threats like poaching. Established in 2010 at the Saint Petersburg Tiger Summit, it unites countries to secure the future of big cats
The official theme for the International Tiger Day 2026 is,
“Securing the Future of Tigers with Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities at the Heart.”
10. Commonwealth Games 2026
Indian weightlifter Rishikanta Singh Chanambam made history by becoming India’s first silver medallist at Glasgow Commonwealth Games 2026. He was competing in the men’s 60 kg weightlifting category, Rishikanta from Manipur not only won the silver medal but also set a snatch Commonwealth Games record of 121 kg, making him one of the best performers of the event.
11. Mirabai Chanu Wins Third Consecutive Commonwealth Games Gold
India’s star weightlifter Mirabai Chanu has won the gold medal in the women’s 48kg category at the Commonwealth Games 2026 in Birmingham. Chanu lifted a total of 190kg to retain her title and emerged champion for the third time in the consecutive Commonwealth Games. With this win, India also got its first medal in the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham and thus raised the tally of medals for the country to three.
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