🏛️ 1. Supreme Court on Free Speech and Social Media
(Polity | GS Paper 2)
News Highlight: The Supreme Court, while hearing cases related to social media content, voiced concerns over the misuse of free speech online. It emphasized that citizens must practice self-restraint in digital spaces to avoid state-imposed regulations.
UPSC Relevance:
- Article 19(1)(a) – Right to Freedom of Speech
- Article 19(2) – Reasonable Restrictions
- Expected Mains Focus: Balance between free speech and public order, digital regulation challenges, and cyber jurisprudence.
🌏 2. Talisman Sabre 2025: Multinational Military Exercise
(International Relations | GS Paper 2)
News Highlight: Australia commenced its largest joint military exercise — Talisman Sabre 2025 — featuring 35,000 troops from 19 countries, including India. Conducted across Queensland and Papua New Guinea, this exercise strengthens interoperability in the Indo-Pacific.
UPSC Relevance:
- India’s defense diplomacy and military ties
- Importance of multilateral military cooperation
- Role of Quad and regional stability in the Indo-Pacific
🌳 3. Gola-Tiwai Complex: UNESCO World Heritage Tag for Sierra Leone
(Environment & Culture | GS Paper 3 & GS Paper 1)
News Highlight: The Gola-Tiwai Complex, a biodiversity hotspot in Sierra Leone, was declared its first UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2025. The site protects unique species including pygmy hippos and is a model for community-based conservation.
UPSC Relevance:
- Biodiversity and community-driven conservation
- UNESCO Natural Heritage Sites
- Comparison with India’s biosphere reserves and wildlife efforts
🏛️ 4. Lok Sabha Digitizes MP Attendance
(Polity | GS Paper 2)
News Highlight: A new biometric and app-based digital attendance system was launched in the Lok Sabha to replace manual records. This move aims to improve transparency and efficiency in parliamentary processes.
UPSC Relevance:
- Parliamentary reforms and e-Governance
- Transparency and accountability in the legislature
- Use of technology in Indian democracy
🚄 5. China’s 1,000 km/h Maglev Train Test
(Science & Tech | GS Paper 3)
News Highlight: China has successfully tested a high-speed Maglev train in a low-vacuum tube capable of reaching 1,000 km/h. The development has implications for global transport technology, including India’s bullet train project.
UPSC Relevance:
- Emerging technologies in transportation
- India’s infrastructure goals (e.g., Ahmedabad-Mumbai bullet train)
- Comparative global technological advancements
🎯 UPSC 2026 Preparation Tips: IPS Anjali Vishwakarma (AIR 158)
Inspiration for Aspirants:
- Cracked UPSC 2020 through self-study
- Relied on NCERTs, daily newspaper reading, and mock tests
- July 2025 Focus: Build foundation using NCERTs + daily Hindu/PIB current affairs
Preparation Strategy:
- Read The Hindu / Indian Express daily
- Link current events with static GS syllabus (e.g., Talisman Sabre with India’s IR)
- Start Prelims mock tests with institutes like Vision IAS and Drishti IAS
✅ Stay consistent, revise weekly, and align current affairs with your UPSC 2026 syllabus.
For daily updates and PDF downloads, bookmark this page or follow upsc4u.com.
Here are 5 UPSC Prelims 2026 MCQs based on 15 July 2025 Current Affairs — in English only, with detailed explanations:
1. With reference to the Supreme Court’s remarks on free speech (15 July 2025), consider the following statements:
- Freedom of Speech is guaranteed under Article 19(1)(a) of the Indian Constitution.
- Article 19(2) imposes reasonable restrictions on free speech in the interest of public order and sovereignty.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Correct answer: (c) Both 1 and 2
Explanation: Article 19(1)(a) guarantees the freedom of speech and expression, while Article 19(2) provides for reasonable restrictions in the interest of sovereignty, integrity, security, decency, and public order. The Supreme Court’s recent comments emphasized the responsible use of digital speech to avoid over-regulation.
2. Talisman Sabre 2025, recently in the news, is a multinational military exercise hosted by which country?
(a) United States
(b) Australia
(c) India
(d) Japan
Correct answer: (b) Australia
Explanation: Talisman Sabre is a biennial exercise co-hosted by Australia and the U.S., held in Queensland and other locations. The 2025 edition involved 35,000 troops from 19 countries, including India, to strengthen Indo-Pacific security cooperation.
3. The Gola-Tiwai Complex, declared Sierra Leone’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2025, is primarily known for:
(a) Historical monuments
(b) Biodiversity conservation
(c) Ancient trade routes
(d) Indigenous art
Correct answer: (b) Biodiversity conservation
Explanation: Located on the Moa River, the Gola-Tiwai Complex protects rich biodiversity, including pygmy hippos, forest elephants, and over 2 million trees. It is a model of community-led conservation.
4. The Lok Sabha’s new digital attendance system, introduced on 15 July 2025, aims to:
(a) Reduce parliamentary sessions
(b) Enhance transparency and efficiency
(c) Limit MPs’ privileges
(d) Increase public voting
Correct answer: (b) Enhance transparency and efficiency
Explanation: The new system replaces manual registers with biometric and app-based tracking, improving accuracy and transparency in parliamentary operations.
5. Which of the following best describes Maglev train technology, recently tested in China (15 July 2025)?
(a) A train powered by diesel engines
(b) A train using magnetic levitation for high-speed travel
(c) A train reliant on solar energy
(d) A train designed for underwater travel
Correct answer: (b) A train using magnetic levitation for high-speed travel
Explanation: Maglev (magnetic levitation) trains use magnetic forces to hover above the tracks, eliminating friction and enabling speeds up to 1,000 km/h. China’s recent test pushes the frontier of high-speed rail innovation.
