Current Affairs 11 July 2026

Gujarat Launches Data Centre Policy 2026–29

The Gujarat government launched its first-ever Data Centre Policy 2026–29 in Gandhinagar. Under the policy, Gujarat aims to attract investments worth ₹6 lakh crore and create 7.5 gigawatts (GW) of data centre capacity during the policy period. It provides incentives such as capital and interest subsidies, power tariff assistance, reimbursement of State GST, and exemptions from stamp duty and registration charges.

Srikakulam District to Get Airport under UDAN Scheme

Srikakulam district in Andhra Pradesh is set to get a full-fledged airport under the Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik (UDAN) scheme. The proposed airport will be developed in Mandasa mandal of the Uddanam region. The project forms part of the Union government’s plan to develop 100 new airports between 2026 and 2036 under the UDAN scheme.

Draft National Food Security (Amendment) Bill, 2026

The Union Department of Food and Public Distribution has released the draft National Food Security (Amendment) Bill, 2026, proposing changes to foodgrain entitlements under the Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY), which covers households identified as the “poorest of the poor.”

At present, every AAY household receives 35 kg of foodgrains per month, irrespective of family size. Under the proposed amendment, each member would receive 7 kg per month, subject to a maximum limit of 35 kg per household.

The Centre stated that the existing household-based system creates unequal per-capita distribution. Smaller households receive more foodgrain per person, while larger households receive less. The proposed per-capita system aims to rationalise allocation and align it with household size and nutritional requirements.

However, Tamil Nadu and Kerala have opposed the amendment, arguing that States with a high proportion of nuclear and small families would lose foodgrain allocation. For example, a three-member AAY household that currently receives 35 kg would receive only 21 kg under the proposed system.

Critics have warned that the amendment could create a North–South disparity in foodgrain allocation, as northern States generally have larger average family sizes, while southern States have more small and nuclear households.

Key Points for Exams:

• Proposed law: Draft National Food Security (Amendment) Bill, 2026
• Scheme affected: Antyodaya Anna Yojana
• Current entitlement: 35 kg per household per month
• Proposed entitlement: 7 kg per person, subject to a maximum of 35 kg per household
• Opposing States: Tamil Nadu and Kerala
• Main concern: Reduced allocation for households with fewer than five members

Q1. Which State recently announced the Data Centre Policy 2026–29 to attract investments worth ₹6 lakh crore and create 7.5 gigawatts (GW) of data centre capacity?
A. Maharashtra
B. Telangana
C. Gujarat
D. Tamil Nadu

Q2. What change has been proposed in the foodgrain entitlement of Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) households under the draft National Food Security (Amendment) Bill, 2026?
A. Five kg of foodgrains per person without any household ceiling
B. Seven kg of foodgrains per person, subject to a maximum of 35 kg per household
C. A fixed entitlement of 40 kg of foodgrains per household
D. Ten kg of foodgrains per person, subject to a maximum of 50 kg per household

Q3. Which district in Andhra Pradesh is set to get its first full-fledged airport under the Viksit UDAN scheme?
A. Vizianagaram
B. Srikakulam
C. Anakapalli
D. Parvathipuram Manyam