Daily Current Affairs and GK Updates (3rd August, 2026)

National News

President Approves Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Act Before State Notification

• President Droupadi Murmu has given assent to the Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Act, 2026.
• The Act is popularly known as the Anti-Conversion Law.
• It will come into force only after the Maharashtra Government issues an official notification.
• The law prohibits religious conversions through force, fraud, coercion, misrepresentation, allurement, or promise of marriage.
• It allows voluntary religious conversions carried out as per the prescribed legal procedure.
• Individuals seeking conversion must submit a 60-day prior notice to the District Magistrate (DM).
• Parents, siblings, and close relatives are permitted to file complaints regarding unlawful conversions.
• The burden of proving that a conversion was voluntary lies on the person conducting the conversion.
• Key Fact: The Maharashtra Legislature passed the Act in March 2026, while Presidential assent completed the final constitutional requirement before implementation.

Centre Releases ₹1.09 Lakh Crore Advance Tax Devolution to States

• The Union Government released ₹1.09 lakh crore as advance tax devolution to states.
• The amount was released nine days before the scheduled transfer date of 10 August 2026.
• The objective is to strengthen state finances and accelerate developmental activities.
• States receive 41% of the Centre’s divisible tax pool as recommended by the Finance Commission.
• The funds will support infrastructure projects, welfare schemes, capital expenditure, and public services.
• The advance release will also improve liquidity and reduce states’ dependence on short-term borrowing.
• Uttar Pradesh received the highest allocation of ₹19,208 crore, followed by Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and West Bengal.
• The initiative is expected to boost public investment, economic growth, and cooperative federalism.
• Key Fact: States receive 41% of the Centre’s divisible tax pool under the current Finance Commission recommendations.

Lok Sabha Passes Bill Raising Supreme Court Judge Strength to 38

• The Lok Sabha passed the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026.
• The Bill increases the sanctioned strength of the Supreme Court from 34 to 38 judges, including the Chief Justice of India.
• It replaces an earlier ordinance issued by the government.
• The amendment enables the appointment of four additional Supreme Court judges.
• The move aims to reduce the growing pendency of cases and improve judicial efficiency.
• As of 1 January 2026, over 92,101 cases were pending before the Supreme Court.
• The amendment has been made under Article 124 of the Constitution.
• The Bill was introduced by Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal and passed without debate.
• Key Fact: This is the second increase in the Supreme Court’s sanctioned strength since the 2019 amendment.

Centre Reviews Nationwide Expansion of Project SARATHI in Hospitals

• Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda chaired a high-level meeting to review the expansion of Project SARATHI.
• Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya also attended the meeting.
• Project SARATHI deploys trained youth volunteers to assist patients in hospitals.
• The initiative was successfully implemented at PGIMER, Chandigarh.
• More than 2,500 volunteers have contributed over 1.5 lakh service hours under the project.
• The initiative reduced patient navigation time by 26% at PGIMER.
• Volunteers assist with hospital navigation, wheelchairs, stretchers, diagnostic guidance, and ABHA ID creation, without performing clinical duties.
• The project will be integrated with the MY Bharat initiative using structured training and digital monitoring.
• Key Fact: Project SARATHI aims to improve patient experience while allowing healthcare professionals to focus on clinical care.

India Approves ₹45,000 Crore Railway Upgrade Across Strategic Border Regions

• India has approved a ₹45,000 crore railway infrastructure upgrade across strategic border regions.
• The project covers border states adjoining China, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.
• It is expected to be completed within 18–24 months.
• The project includes new railway lines, station expansion, track modernization, and all-weather rail infrastructure.
• States covered include Punjab, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, West Bengal, Assam, and other Northeastern states.
• The upgraded network will serve both civilian transportation and military logistics through dual-use infrastructure.
• A major focus is strengthening connectivity around the Siliguri Corridor (Chicken’s Neck).
• The project will improve passenger movement, freight transport, defence mobilisation, and national security.
• Key Fact: The Siliguri Corridor, known as “Chicken’s Neck,” connects mainland India with the Northeastern states.

Indian Railways Emergency Quota Helps Cancer Patients Get Confirmed Tickets

• Indian Railways provides a special Emergency Quota (EQ) for eligible cancer patients requiring urgent travel.
• The facility is available through the Passenger Reservation System (PRS).
• Eligible attendants accompanying cancer patients can also avail the quota.
• Applicants must submit a concession certificate, medical records, and valid identity proof.
• Medical documents must be issued by a government-recognised hospital.
• Railway authorities verify documents before approving the reservation.
• Indian Railways has reserved 12 Emergency Quota berths across identified trains.
• The quota includes berths in First Class, AC 2 Tier, AC 3 Tier, AC Chair Car, and Sleeper Class.
• Key Fact: A total of 12 Emergency Quota berths/seats are earmarked specifically for cancer patients and their attendants on identified trains.