UPSC Daily Current Affairs for 28 July 2026

Sarnath Added To UNESCO World Heritage List

Context

India's ancient Buddhist site of Sarnath in Uttar Pradesh has been inscribed on the UNESCO world heritage list.

About

The decision was taken during the ongoing meeting of the UNESCO's World Heritage Committee's 48th session in Busan, South Korea.

With 45 sites in the List, India ranks 6th globally and 2nd in Asia Pacific Region for the most number of World Heritage Sites.

Supreme Court to Frame Guidelines for Police Handling of Public Protests

Context

The Supreme Court of India decided to lay down pan-India guidelines on the police’s handling of public protests, acknowledging the constitutional right to peaceful protest but also emphasising the value of a law-enforcer’s life.

Background

The order was passed on petitions alleging police excesses during the nationwide protests by students after the NEET exam paper leak.

The petitioners sought national norms to regulate the police response to demonstrations and to avoid the arbitrary use of force.

India’s Sports Ecosystem

In Context

The sporting landscape in India is witnessing a major transformation with policy reforms, infrastructure development, promotion of grassroots talent, and increased investment.

Evolution of Sports in India

India has a glorious sporting history and mentions of archery, wrestling (Malla-Yuddha), horse riding, swimming, hunting and chess (Chaturanga) can be found in the ancient texts such as Mahabharata, Ramayana, Manasollasa and Mallapurana.

The Mughal rulers in the medieval period were fond of Chaugan (Polo), Chess, Chaupar (Ludo) and hunting. Wrestling also remained popular.

Drone-Based Transportation of Tea Leaves in Kerala

Context

A tea company has begun using drone-based transport to move freshly harvested green leaves from tea fields to weighment centres and processing factories in Kerala’s Idukki.

About

Drones can transport tea leaves over 5–10 km from plantations to weighment centres and factories.

Aims to reduce fuel costs, minimise manual handling, address labour shortages, and speed up processing, thereby improving tea quality.

Urban Co-operative Banks: RBI Reopens Licensing Window

Context

The Reserve Bank of India looks set to allow fresh licences for Urban Co-operative Banks (UCBs) after the pause began in 2004.

What the Proposal Involves?

Minimum Capital Requirement: RBI has suggested a minimum capital requirement of Rs 300 crore for new entrants, a bar considerably higher than what earlier UCBs were expected to meet.

Eligibility Route: Rather than allowing entirely new banks to be set up from scratch, the preferred route is conversion, where large and well run cooperative credit societies graduate into full UCBs.

National Investment Policy for Urea (NIPU)-2026

Context

Recently, the Union Cabinet has approved the National Investment Policy for Urea (NIPU)-2026 to promote investment in domestic urea production amid concerns over fertiliser availability during the ongoing kharif season.

Fertilisers

Fertilisers are natural or man-made compounds that offer critical nutrients to plants for their healthy growth, better crop productivity and maintenance of soil fertility.

The three major plant nutrients are Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P) and Potassium (K), collectively known as NPK.

News In Short 28-07-2026

In News

India is systematically strengthening its efforts to combat hepatitis, with the National Viral Hepatitis Control Programme aiming to eliminate the disease as a public health threat by 2030.

What is Hepatitis?

Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver, caused by hepatitis viruses or even other infections, toxic substances such as alcohol and drugs, and autoimmune diseases.

There are five major types of hepatitis viruses — Hepatitis A, B, C, D and E. Among these, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C are the most serious public health concerns as they can become chronic infections and may lead to liver cirrhosis and liver cancer.