Daily Current Affairs 06 August 2026 – IAS Current Affairs

Current Affairs 06 August 2026 focuses on the Prelims-Mains perspective. Major events are :

Kerala Floods: Impact Of Urbanization And River Siltation

Source: Indian Express
GS III: Climate Change, Disaster and Disaster Management

Why in the News?

Kerala has witnessed another spell of devastating floods during the 2026 southwest monsoon, eight years after the catastrophic 2018 floods.

News in Brief

• While disaster response and early warning systems have improved, recurring floods have highlighted the growing role of ecological degradation and unsustainable land use.
• Experts note that Kerala’s flood dynamics have fundamentally changed due to rapid urbanisation, loss of wetlands, degradation of the Western Ghats, and altered rainfall patterns.
• The crisis underscores the need for integrated river basin management, ecological restoration, and scientific land-use planning.

Causes and Impact Behind Kerala’s Flood

Natural and Physical Causes

• Siltation of Rivers
  • Landslides and past floods wash mud and sand into riverbeds. Rivers hold less water now.
  • Sand bars block the flow, causing quick overflows.
• Sedimentation of Reservoirs
  • Continuous sediment deposition has reduced the storage capacity of reservoirs, limiting their ability to absorb excess monsoon runoff and increasing the risk of downstream flooding.
• Loss of Natural Flood Buffers
  • Large-scale conversion of wetlands, paddy fields, and floodplains has reduced the landscape’s capacity to temporarily store excess rainwater.
  • Greater volumes of water now enter rivers simultaneously, resulting in higher flood peaks.
• Degradation of the Western Ghats
  • Deforestation, quarrying, road construction, and hill cutting have weakened the Western Ghats’ natural ability to absorb rainfall.
  • Reduced infiltration increases surface runoff and slope instability, triggering frequent landslides.
• Rapid Urbanisation
  • Expansion of concrete surfaces, roads, and buildings has reduced groundwater recharge and increased surface runoff.
  • Encroachment of natural drainage channels has intensified urban flooding in cities such as Kochi, Kozhikode, and Thiruvananthapuram.
• Drainage System Degradation
  • Poor maintenance of drainage infrastructure slows the discharge of floodwaters into the Arabian Sea, prolonging inundation.
• Climate Change
  • Storms drop more rain in fewer hours.
  • Intense downpours increase the risk of floods and landslides.

Major Impacts of the Kerala Floods

• Immediate Impact
  • The immediate impact is the loss of life caused by drowning, landslides, electrocution, building collapse and accidents.
  • Floods also displace families and force them to stay in temporary relief camps.
• Damages
  • Urban flooding damages houses, shops, schools, hospitals, roads, bridges, electricity systems and drinking-water infrastructure.
  • Small businesses, daily-wage workers, farmers and fishers face income losses.
• Disease and Contamination
  • Floodwater can contaminate wells and public water sources with sewage, chemicals and solid waste.
  • This increases the risk of diarrhoeal diseases, leptospirosis, skin infections and mosquito-borne illnesses.
• Impact on Agriculture
  • Agricultural areas suffer from crop destruction, soil erosion, sediment deposition and livestock losses.
  • Repeated flooding can also reduce land values and increase household indebtedness.

Socially and economically vulnerable groups often suffer disproportionately because they are more likely to live in low-lying or environmentally fragile locations and possess fewer resources for recovery.

Government Measures

• Desilting– Cleaning mud and sand out of rivers, lakes, and dams to improve water flow.
• Waterbody Register– Making a complete list of all public rivers and water sources to track them.
• Land Audits– Checking land use to prevent encroachment near water channels.
• Ecological Restorations– Rebuilding damaged watersheds, restoring and protecting wetlands.
• Basin Management- Using scientific plans to manage entire river areas safely.

Role of River Siltation

• Rivers naturally transport sediment from the Western Ghats towards the plains and coast.
• However, soil erosion, quarrying, deforestation, landslides and construction activities can increase the quantity of sediment entering rivers.
• Accumulated silt reduces the depth and water-carrying capacity of river channels.
• A river with a reduced carrying capacity overflows more quickly during heavy rainfall.
• The Pamba basin illustrates this challenge.
• Concerns have been raised about silt-choked river channels, encroachments and degraded wetlands continuing to increase flood vulnerability even after the catastrophic 2018 floods.
• Experts argue that isolated dredging is insufficient and that comprehensive river rejuvenation is required.
• At the same time, indiscriminate dredging can disturb river ecology.
• Desiltation must therefore be based on scientific sediment studies and integrated river-basin planning.

Way Forward & Conclusion

Kerala must shift from a response-centric approach to a prevention-based strategy by protecting the Western Ghats, restoring wetlands, paddy fields, rivers, and canals, and adopting integrated river basin management.

Scientific land-use planning, regulation of construction in ecologically fragile areas, improved drainage infrastructure, and nature-based solutions should be prioritised to reduce flood risks. Building climate-resilient ecosystems alongside robust disaster preparedness will be essential for ensuring sustainable development and mitigating the impacts of increasingly intense monsoon events.

Key Takeaways

UPSC Prelims and Mains Practice Question

Consider the following statements regarding the factors behind Kerala’s worsening floods:

1. Sedimentation in rivers and reservoirs reduces their capacity to carry and store floodwaters.
2. Wetlands and paddy fields help moderate floods by absorbing excess rainwater.
3. Expansion of paved surfaces and urban infrastructure increases surface runoff during heavy rainfall.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2, and 3 only
C. 1, and 3 only
D. 1, 2, and 3

Answer: D

Mains Practice Question

Q. “Urbanisation and environmental degradation have increased the frequency and intensity of urban floods in India.” Discuss. Suggest measures for building flood-resilient cities. (250 words)

Major Tribal Welfare Schemes In India

Source: PIB
GS II: Welfare Schemes for Vulnerable Sections

Why in the News?

The Ministry of Tribal Affairs informed the Rajya Sabha about the implementation status of major schemes for the socio-economic development of Scheduled Tribes (STs).

News in Brief

• The government presented scheme-wise achievements, funds released, and beneficiaries over the last five financial years.
• The statement highlighted progress under PM-JANMAN, Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS), scholarships, Van Dhan initiatives, and Tribal Research Institutes.
• The Ministry also explained its monitoring mechanism for Tribal Sub-Plan (DAPST) funds and flagship tribal welfare programmes.

Education and Scholarships

Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS)

• Provide quality residential education up to Class XII to Scheduled Tribe (ST) students, comparable to that offered by Navodaya Vidyalayas.
• One EMRS is envisaged in every eligible tribal-majority block.
• Nearly 499 are functional with over 1.38 lakh students enrolled.

Scholarship Schemes

Pre-Matric Scholarship- Supports ST students of Classes IX and X to reduce dropouts.
Post-Matric Scholarship- Provides financial assistance for higher education after Class X.

Livelihood and Regional Development

• PM-JANMAN- Launched in November 2023 to saturate basic facilities, set up Multi-Purpose Centres and Van Dhan Vikas Kendras for 75 PVTG communities through convergence of multiple Ministries.
• Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Vikas Mission (PMJVM)- Promotes value addition and marketing of Minor Forest Produce (MFP) through thousands of Van Dhan Vikas Kendras, helping over 12.48 lakh members.
• Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan (DAJGUA)- Launched in 2024 to cover over 63,000 tribal villages through 17 cooperating ministries.

Monitoring and Support

• Grants under Article 275(1)– Constitutional funds given to states for tribal welfare and improving administration in Scheduled Areas.
• NSTFDC– Offers concessional loans for income generating activities among Scheduled Tribes.
• Monitoring– Online monitoring of DAPST(Development Action Plan for Scheduled Tribes) funds through integration with the Public Finance Management System (PFMS), district-wise digital dashboard for PM-JANMAN, periodic review meetings and third-party evaluations ensure transparency and effective implementation.

Significance and Challenges

• Promotes inclusive and equitable development by addressing the educational, economic and social needs of Scheduled Tribes.
• Reduces regional disparities through targeted interventions in tribal-majority and remote areas.
• Helps to strengthen human capital through education, scholarships and skill development.
• It will enhance the livelihood opportunities by promoting Minor Forest Produce (MFP) value chains and entrepreneurship.
• Preserves tribal culture and traditional knowledge through Tribal Research Institutes and documentation initiatives.

Challenges

• Low awareness among eligible beneficiaries leading to under-utilisation of schemes is the major challenge.
• Delays in fund utilisation and implementation across States.
• Difficult geographical terrain and inadequate connectivity in tribal areas, limits government programmes reaching wider targeted beneficiaries.
• Persistent gaps in health, nutrition, literacy and digital access lowers the effectiveness of initiatives.
• Weak market linkages affecting income from forest produce poses a major challenge.
• Need for better convergence among implementing Ministries and State governments for wider output.

Conclusion

A comprehensive and well-monitored approach to tribal welfare, supported by targeted education, livelihood, financial inclusion, and infrastructure initiatives, is essential for achieving inclusive development and improving the socio-economic status of Scheduled Tribes in India.

Key Takeaways

UPSC Prelims and Mains Practice Question

Consider the following statements:

1. PM-JANMAN focuses on the development of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs).
2. Eklavya Model Residential Schools provide residential education up to Class XII for Scheduled Tribe students.
3. Grants under Article 275(1) are constitutional grants for tribal welfare.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1, 2 and 3
D. 1 only

Answer: C

Mains Practice Question

Q.“Discuss the major government initiatives for the socio-economic development of Scheduled Tribes in India. Evaluate their role in promoting inclusive growth and tribal empowerment.” (250 Words)

Mission Mausam Explained: Objectives, Features And Significance

Source: PIB
GS I: Geography, GS III: Climate Change, Disaster and Management, Science and Technology

Why in the News?

The Ministry of Earth Sciences informed Parliament about measures to strengthen monsoon science, climate research, and weather forecasting in India.

News in Brief

• Studies indicate an increase in extreme rainfall events, deep convective clouds, and changes in monsoon behaviour over the Indian subcontinent.
• The government highlighted the role of Mission Mausam in improving climate modelling, weather prediction, and disaster preparedness.
• Parliament was informed about the expansion of observation networks, AI-based forecasting, and satellite data integration.
• The reply also outlined collaborations with national and international institutions to improve monsoon prediction and climate resilience.

About Mission Mausam

• Mission Mausam is a flagship initiative of the Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India , launched in September 2024.
• The ₹2,000 crore mission aims to make India a weather-ready and climate-smart nation, thereby reducing socio-economic losses caused by extreme weather events.
• Aims to strengthen India’s weather and climate forecasting capabilities through advanced science, modern infrastructure, and technology-driven forecasting systems.

Objectives

• Improve long-range, seasonal, and localized monsoon prediction skills using dynamic models.
• Enhance early warnings for high-impact events like cyclones, heavy floods, cloudbursts, and heatwaves.
• Build community resilience and safeguard infrastructure through proactive disaster preparedness.
• Foster self-reliance by building indigenous forecasting tools, supercomputing applications, and decision systems.

Major Features & Technical Framework

Advanced Climate Modelling

• Multi-Model Ensemble (MME)- Coupled dynamical atmosphere-ocean models to test multiple simulation paths simultaneously.
• NWP Improvements- Upgrades Numerical Weather Prediction systems with fine spatial grids and improved data assimilation.

Modern Observation Network

• Hardware Expansion- Deploys next-generation Doppler Weather Radars, wind profilers, and upper-air networks.
• Automated Units- Scales up Automatic Weather Stations (AWS) and Automatic Rain Gauges (ARG) alongside real-time lightning detection grids.

Satellite and Global Integration

• Multi-Agency Data- Ingests observation streams from domestic and global space agencies including ISRO, IMD, NASA, NOAA, ESA, CMA, KMA, and JMA.
• Nowcasting Platforms (real-time weather forecasting systems)- Utilizes systems like IMD NOVA for rapid-fire thunderstorm tracking and real-time data integration.

Academic and Institutional Collaboration

• Grants and projects are awarded to Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), universities, and premier domestic or international research bodies to spearhead monsoon and atmospheric studies.
• Primary technical execution is shared tightly between the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), and the National Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasting (NCMRWF).

Technology and AI

• AI/ML Applications- Applies machine learning models to historical climate patterns for pattern recognition and corrections.
• High-Performance Computing- Leverages powerful supercomputers to process high-resolution reanalysis datasets (NGFS and IMDAA).

Last-Mile Dissemination

• Digital Portals- Connects rural planning via the Panchayat Mausam Seva Portal, e-GramSwaraj, and Mausamgram.
• Direct Outreach- Uses WhatsApp alerts and grassroots networks like Krishi Sakhi and Pashu Sakhi to deliver localized farm and safety advisories.

International Cooperation and Global Partnerships

• WMO Alignment- Active partnerships with global bodies like the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) align India’s forecasting practices with international meteorological standards.
• Scientific Exchanges- Promotes cross-border data sharing, joint technical workshops, and global scientific exchanges to tackle broader South Asian and global climate resilience hurdles.

Significance and Challenges

• Enhances early warning lead times and accuracy for extreme events like cyclones, floods, and heatwaves to minimize loss of life and property.
• Delivers critical, actionable data for agriculture, aviation, energy, water resources, and disaster management.
• Upgrades atmospheric and ocean observations using advanced AI/ML models and high-performance supercomputing.
• Aims to decentralize forecasts to granular regional and panchayat levels.

Challenges

• India’s complex topography requires intricate, customized micro-models for precise prediction.
• Rapid, erratic shifts in global climate patterns complicate long-term modeling.
• Expanding high-tech observational networks like Doppler radars and automated stations into remote terrain remains logistically demanding.
• Ensuring that rural communities and smallholder farmers effectively interpret and act on digital advisories is an ongoing hurdle.

Way Forward and Conclusion

Mission Mausam marks a significant step towards building a resilient and climate-ready India by strengthening weather forecasting, advancing monsoon science, and improving early warning systems.

By integrating cutting-edge technologies, enhanced observations, and collaborative research, it aims to reduce disaster risks, support climate-sensitive sectors, and enable informed decision-making in the face of increasing weather extremes.

Key Takeaways

UPSC Prelims and Mains Practice Question

Consider the following statements regarding Mission Mausam:

1. It is implemented by the Ministry of Earth Sciences.
2. It promotes AI/ML-based weather forecasting and high-performance computing.
3. It includes strengthening of Doppler Weather Radar and satellite observation networks.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1, 2 and 3
D. 1 only

Answer: C

Mains Practice Question

Q. “Accurate monsoon forecasting is critical for India’s agriculture, economy, and disaster resilience.” Discuss the role of modern weather forecasting systems in reducing disaster risks and enhancing climate resilience.” (250 words)

The Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026

Source: PRS
GS II: Structure, Organization and Functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary

Why in the News?

Parliament has passed the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026, increasing the sanctioned strength of Supreme Court judges to address the growing backlog of cases.

News in Brief

• The Bill amends the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Act, 1956.
• It replaces the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Ordinance, 2026, which had temporarily increased the sanctioned strength of the Court.
• The legislation was introduced to enhance the Supreme Court’s capacity to deal with the growing caseload and reduce delays in the disposal of cases.

Key Highlights

• Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026 provides for increasing the number of Judges of the Supreme Court by 04 i.e. from 33 to 37 (excluding the Chief Justice of India).
• According to the Bill, the volume of litigation in the Supreme Court has constantly been on the rise due to a persistent gap between institution and final disposal of cases in the court.
• The increase in the number of Judges will allow Supreme Court to function more efficiently and effectively ensuring speedy justice.
• The expenditure on salary of Judges and supporting staff and other facilities will be met from the Consolidated Fund of India.

Significance and Challenges

• Lowers the heavy case backlog carried by individual judges.
• Improves judicial efficiency and timely disposal of cases.
• Supports economic growth by improving contract enforcement and gives clear legal certainty for businesses.
• Better implementation of the constitutional provision of speedy justice under Article 21.

Challenges

• Increasing the number of judges alone may not eliminate pendency.
• Vacancies in High Courts and subordinate courts also require attention.
• Judicial infrastructure, digital courts and adequate staff must be strengthened.
• Judicial reforms should be accompanied by procedural efficiency and technology adoption.

Way Forward and Conclusion

The Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026 is a significant step towards strengthening India’s justice delivery system by enhancing the Court’s adjudicatory capacity.

However, reducing judicial delays will also require timely appointments, improved court infrastructure, greater use of technology and comprehensive judicial reforms across all levels of the judiciary.

Key Takeaways

Click image to enlarge for better readability

UPSC Prelims and Mains Practice Question

Consider the following statements:

1. Article 124 of the Constitution empowers Parliament to determine the number of judges in the Supreme Court.
2. The Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026 increases the sanctioned strength of the Supreme Court from 34 to 38 judges, including the Chief Justice of India.
3. The increase in the sanctioned strength of the Supreme Court requires a constitutional amendment.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (a)

Mains Practice Question

Q. Examine the significance of increasing the sanctioned strength of the Supreme Court in improving access to justice. What complementary reforms are required to address judicial delays in India? (15 Marks, 250 Words)

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Source: The Hindu
GS III: Science and Technology

Overview

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