News of The Day –  21 July 2026

The Hindu, Indian Express, Live Mint, Business Standard, Economic Times, PIB and AIR, etc

(with Syllabus Relevance)

(GS-2: Polity & Governance)

• Right to Protest in India
• Article 19(1)(a): Freedom of speech and expression.
• Article 19(1)(b): Right to assemble peacefully without arms.
• Subject to reasonable restrictions in the interest of sovereignty, security and public order.
• Authorities can regulate the place, timing and manner of protests.

(GS-2: Polity & Governance)

• Relates to the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005.
• Courts can consider educational needs while granting financial relief.
• Emphasises women’s economic security and right to dignity.
• Expands the understanding of financial support under domestic violence law.

(GS-2: Polity & Governance)

• Support for Marginalized Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise (SMILE) Scheme
• Implemented by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
• Focuses on rehabilitation and social integration of persons engaged in begging.
• Provides support through shelter, healthcare, education, skilling and livelihood opportunities.

(GS-2: International Relations)

• About WTO Fisheries Subsidies Agreement 
• Prohibits government support for illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, fishing of overfished stocks, and fishing in unregulated high seas. 
• Addresses IUU fishing, overfishing and overcapacity.
• India seeks protection of small-scale and traditional fishers.

(GS-3: Economy)

• Introduces digital local pass services for highway users.
• MargMitra Help Centre provides assistance through the RajmargYatra platform.
• Promotes technology-enabled highway management.
• Enhances citizen-centric digital service delivery.

(GS-3: Economy)

• Cotton is a major commercial fibre crop in India.
• Provides raw material to the textile industry.
  • It accounts for around 23 percent of global fibre production
• Global production
• India ranks first globally in acreage and second in production and consumption.

(GS-3: Economy)

• About SNFA: Specified Non-financial Assets (SNFAs) 
• Strengthens monitoring of stressed financial assets.
• Prevents banks from transferring assets back to defaulting borrowers.
• Aims to improve asset recovery and financial discipline.

(GS-3: Internal Security)

• About Operation Vajra
• Security operation aimed at strengthening operational preparedness.
• Involves intelligence-based and coordinated action.
• Highlights inter-agency coordination in internal security.
• Enhances preparedness to respond to security threats.

(GS-3: Science & Technology)

• About International Biology Olympiad 2026
• India won 1 Gold and 3 Silver medals.
• Highlights India’s talent in biological sciences.
• Promotes scientific education and research among young students.

(GS-3: Science & Technology)

• About Dyslipidemia: Abnormal levels of cholesterol and triglycerides.
• High LDL cholesterol increases cardiovascular disease risk.
• Lifestyle factors include unhealthy diet and physical inactivity.
• Key Findings of ICMR Study.

(GS-3: Science & Technology)

• Alternatives include organ-on-chip, organoids and computer-based modelling.
• Reduces ethical concerns associated with animal experimentation.
• Can improve the efficiency and relevance of drug testing.
• Offers India an opportunity to build leadership in alternative biomedical research.

• CDSCO Approves India’s First Dengue Vaccine
• Dengue is caused by the dengue virus.
  • Primarily transmitted by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes.
• Indigenous vaccine development can strengthen public health preparedness.

• Kylian Mbappé is among the leading FIFA World Cup scorers.
• Highlights major milestones in international football.
• FIFA World Cup is the premier global football tournament.
• Different Categories and Awards at FIFA.