National Current Affairs - 2026-07-01

Background: The Indian Penal Code (IPC) of 1860 was the primary criminal code of India. Current Context: Effective from July 1, 2026, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) replaces the IPC, marking a historic shift in India's legal framework. The new code emphasizes justice over punishment, introduces community service as a penalty, and streamlines trial procedures. Impact: This reform aims to modernize the judicial system, reduce pendency of cases, and ensure faster delivery of justice to citizens, aligning the legal structure with contemporary societal needs and technological advancements in evidence collection.

Background: The 'Nagar Van' (City Forest) scheme was launched to create forests in urban areas to combat pollution. Current Context: As of July 2026, the Ministry of Environment has announced the second phase of the 'Nagar Van' project, targeting 500 new cities across India. The initiative focuses on creating 'green lungs' in concrete jungles to improve air quality and urban biodiversity. Impact: This expansion will significantly increase urban green cover, mitigate the urban heat island effect, and provide recreational spaces for citizens, contributing to India's climate resilience goals and sustainable urban development.