31st JULY 2026 ENGLISH TNPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS PDF TNPSC SHOUTERS

31st JULY 2026 ENGLISH TNPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS PDF TNPSC SHOUTERS

Commonwealth Games 2026 – Day 8

• On July 30, the eighth day of the 2026 Commonwealth Games, India impressed by winning two additional medals. With this, India's total medal tally has risen to 17 (3 gold, 10 silver, and 4 bronze).
• India's Lovepreet Singh excelled by winning the silver medal in the men's +110 kg weightlifting final. He set a new Commonwealth record by lifting 176 kg in the snatch category.
• Subsequently, in the women's discus throw final, experienced Indian athlete Seema won the bronze medal. She secured the medal with a throw of 58.65 meters on her third attempt.

Birth and Death (Amendment) Bill 2026 Passed in Lok Sabha

• The 'Birth and Death (Amendment) Bill 2026', introduced in the Lok Sabha by Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai, was passed via a voice vote without debate amidst a massive uproar by the opposition parties.
• This amendment to the existing 1969 Act aims to encourage the timely registration of births and deaths and to tighten the procedures for delayed registrations.
• Delay of 1 to 2 years: If an application is made more than one year but within two years of the birth or death event, the registration certificate will be issued only after the approval of the District Collector, Deputy Collector, or an authorized Executive Magistrate.
• Delay of more than 2 years: If the delay exceeds two years from the time of the event, registration can only be done based on a court order from a Judicial Magistrate. It is noteworthy that the certificates issued under this Act will serve as a crucial legal identity for citizens.

Union Cabinet approves revamped Khelo India scheme and enhanced financial assistance for National Sports Federations

• In a Union Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today (July 31, 2026), approval was granted for the expanded Khelo India scheme and enhanced assistance schemes for National Sports Federations, with a consolidated financial outlay of ₹36,441 crore for the period from 2026-27 to 2030-31. This underscores the government's commitment to youth and sports development.
• This is the country's most ambitious sports development initiative since independence. Together, these entities will provide world-class training, sports science support, and modern infrastructure across the nation.

Union Cabinet approves National Offshore Exploration Programme with an outlay of ₹84,084 crore

• In a Union Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, approval was given for the National Offshore Exploration Programme, known as 'Samudra Manthan', to be implemented under the Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. 
• A financial outlay of ₹84,084 crore has been allocated for this scheme to be implemented with full central government funding covering the period up to the 2030-31 financial year.
• The 'Samudra Manthan' scheme is expected to increase energy reserves by an amount equivalent to 600 million metric tonnes of oil. The initiative will not only boost offshore exploration activities but also pave the way for increased domestic oil and gas production. 
• It will generate significant employment opportunities and strengthen domestic manufacturing under the 'Make in India' and 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' (Self-Reliant India) initiatives. It will create an ecosystem for globally competitive maritime technologies and services.

PM-Kisan Scheme Extended for Another 5 Years: Union Cabinet Approves Rs 3.15 Lakh Crore Allocation

• The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved the continuation of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-Kisan) scheme for the next five years (from 2026-27 to 2030-31).
• A total outlay of Rs 3.15 lakh crore has been allocated for the scheme over the next five years. This move reaffirms the government's steadfast commitment to the principle that the prosperity of farmers is the foundation of the nation's prosperity.
• Under this scheme, financial assistance is provided to eligible farming families through a transparent, direct cash transfer mechanism at regular intervals.
• In the 23rd installment alone, an amount exceeding Rs 18,984 crore was released, benefiting more than 9.49 crore farmers.
• During the COVID-19 period, financial assistance amounting to over Rs 1.71 lakh crore was provided to farmers. Notably, more than Rs 1.06 lakh crore has been disbursed to women farmers under this scheme, and one in every four beneficiaries is a woman farmer.