UPSC Daily Current Affairs for 24 July 2026

Extension of Preventive Detention Powers under the National Security Act (NSA) in Delhi

Context

Recently, Delhi Government's Home Department authorized the Delhi Police Commissioner to exercise preventive detention powers under Section 3(2) of the National Security Act (NSA), 1980.

About National Security Act (NSA), 1980

It is a preventive detention law enacted to enable the Central and State Governments to detain individuals to safeguard national security, defence of India, public order, and maintenance of essential supplies and services.

It enables authorities to prevent expected threats, not punish past offences.

Fast-Track Courts (FTCs)

In News

Recently, the Prime Minister of India announced the setting up of Fast-Track Courts (FTCs) for speedy trial and stringent punishment of the culprits involved in paper leak cases.

Fast-Track Courts (FTCs)

They are special courts established to expedite the trial and disposal of long-pending cases, especially heinous crimes and crimes against vulnerable groups.

They are expected to help clear the massive backlog in the regular lower judiciary and ensure speedy delivery of justice.

Human trafficking in India

Context

The Odisha Government has proposed ‘Nutan Sakala’ (New Dawn), a comprehensive State policy to combat trafficking of women and girls in the state.

About

The framework is built on four pillars such as prevention, protection, prosecution, and partnership to ensure a comprehensive and coordinated response.

The policy proposes to prevent trafficking at the source, particularly in vulnerable communities, schools, panchayats, and digital spaces through life-skills education, demand-reduction initiatives and community-based tools such as village migration registers.

Govt. Eases FDI Rules for E-com Firms

Context

The government relaxed FDI rules for the e-commerce sector, allowing foreign-funded e-commerce entities to operate inventory-based models exclusively for exports of goods manufactured or produced in India.

Major Highlights

India has eased its foreign direct investment (FDI) rules to allow foreign-funded e-commerce companies to purchase products directly from Indian sellers and export them to overseas customers.

Earlier governments maintained a strict distinction between foreign-funded marketplace platforms and inventory-based online retailers to protect millions of small retailers and traders.

Need a Regulatory Framework for Virtual Digital Assets

Context

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance, in its report on the Securities Market Code (SMC), has called for an “appropriate regulatory framework” for Virtual Digital Assets (VDAs) such as cryptocurrencies.

Key Recommendations

The committee noted that VDAs and crypto-assets were presently unregulated in India, except for the limited purpose of taxation.

It recommended introducing an interim regulatory mechanism through recognised Self-Regulatory Organisations (SROs) operating under the oversight of the designated regulator.

State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World (SOFI) 2026

Context

The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World (SOFI) 2026 report, highlights progress in reducing hunger in India while underscoring persistent challenges in ensuring access to affordable and nutritious diets.

Key Findings of the Report

Global Scenario: An estimated 7.8 percent of the global population faced hunger in 2025, down from 8.1 percent in 2024 and 8.6 percent in 2022.

Indian Scenario:

News In Short 24-07-2026

Context

Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tributes to Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak on his birth anniversary.

Early Life

Born on 23 July 1856 in Ratnagiri, Maharashtra, Bal Gangadhar Tilak was a freedom fighter, social thinker, philosopher, teacher and one of the earliest and strongest advocates of Swaraj (self-rule).

He organised two important public festivals, Ganeshotsav (1893) and Shiv Jayanti (1895), to promote national consciousness and political mobilisation.