NATIONAL UPDATES:
1. Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu Launches ‘Pillale Sampada’ Initiative: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu launched the ‘Pillale Sampada’ (Children are Wealth) initiative on World Population Day, advocating a shift from population control to population conservation. The initiative aims to encourage balanced population growth to address declining fertility rates and an ageing population, recognising human resources as the foundation of sustainable development. The Andhra Pradesh Government announced measures to support families, including ₹15,000 per child under the Talliki Vandanam scheme, strengthened nutrition through Anganwadi centres, and improved maternal and child healthcare.
2. Madhya Pradesh Declares 2027 as the ‘Year of Youth’: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav announced that 2027 will be celebrated as the “Year of Youth” during the ‘My Youth, My Pride’ Conclave. The initiative aims to engage more than 2 crore youth in the state’s policymaking and development process. The state government will also institute Digital Content Awards to recognise young creators producing positive and socially relevant digital content
3. Draft National Health Research Policy 2026: The Department of Health Research under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare unveiled the Draft National Health Research Policy 2026 on 13-15 July 2026. The draft is India’s first comprehensive national framework for health research across biomedical science, clinical medicine, public health, epidemiology, digital health, and artificial intelligence. The draft outlines a three-tier governance structure for health research in India. The National Health Research Stewardship Committee will provide strategic coordination, the Department of Health Research will act as the nodal implementing agency, and the Indian Council of Medical Research will serve as the scientific and technical lead. The draft states that India allocates 0.024% of GDP to health research, while the average in high-income countries is 0.27% of GDP. It proposes raising health research spending to 0.072% of GDP by 2037 and 0.15% of GDP by 2047.
4. Delhi Approves Time-Bound Public Service Delivery Bill: On July 14, 2026, the Delhi Cabinet approved the Delhi (Right of Citizen to Time Bound and Ease of Delivery of Services) Bill, 2026. The Bill seeks to make time-bound delivery of public services a legal entitlement in Delhi and to replace the Delhi Right of Citizens to Time-Bound Delivery of Services Act, 2011. The 2026 Bill proposes an end-to-end digital service delivery system for public services in the National Capital Territory of Delhi. It also provides for an automatic escalation mechanism for delayed services and an independent grievance redressal system. The Bill provides for the creation of a Delhi Right to Service Commission. It also includes penalty provisions for delays and non-compliance in service delivery. The Bill is expected to be introduced in the monsoon session of the Delhi Assembly for approval.
5. Navi Mumbai International Airport Starts International Operations: Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) commenced scheduled international operations on 15 July 2026. Air India Express launched the first international service from NMIA with a direct flight to Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates. NMIA is an airport in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region and functions as the second international gateway for the region after Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. The airport began domestic operations on 25 December 2025, less than 200 days before the start of international services. Adani Airport Holdings Ltd. manages NMIA in a joint venture with CIDCO. Adani Airport Holdings Ltd. is India’s largest private airport operator, and with NMIA’s international launch, all airports in its portfolio are internationally connected. Since the start of domestic operations, NMIA has connected 46 domestic destinations, handled more than 2.3 million passengers, and managed about 150 air traffic movements daily as of July 2026.
6. CAC49 Adopts Seven Codex Standards Under India’s Leadership: The 49th Session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC49) was held in Geneva, Switzerland, from 6 July to 10 July 2026. India led the adoption of seven Codex standards and guidelines at the session, and the Indian delegation was headed by Rajit Punhani, Chief Executive Officer of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). Two adopted standards covered Dried Coriander Seeds and Fresh Curry Leaves, and both were developed under India’s direct chairmanship. Five other Codex texts were adopted under India’s co-chairmanship and covered Vanilla, Large Cardamom, safe water use in food processing, control measures for Campylobacter and Salmonella in chicken meat, and prepackaged food labelling.
7. Indian Railways launches Reform Express freight reforms: Indian Railways announced eight structural freight reforms under the “Reform Express” initiative on 14 July 2026. The reforms raised the total number of implemented measures to 17 out of a target of 52 reforms in 52 weeks. Freight transport in Indian Railways covers the movement of goods by rail wagons, containers, and specialised rolling stock. The new measures promote containerisation, which is the movement of cargo in standardised containers for easier handling, storage, and transfer. Containerised transport of fly ash in closed containers has replaced the open wagon method. Containerised movement of fertilisers, foodgrains, flour, and pulses is also permitted, and individual containers can be stored at rake points for demand-based distribution.
INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:
1. India, New Zealand Elevate Ties to Strategic Partnership: India and New Zealand elevated their relationship to a Strategic Partnership and set a target to double bilateral trade to ₹35,000 crore by 2030, following talks between PM Narendra Modi and PM Christopher Luxon. Both countries signed key agreements, including a reciprocal logistics support pact, a maritime security dialogue, and a roadmap to strengthen cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region. The leaders welcomed the signing of the India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and agreed to ensure its early implementation to boost trade and economic ties.
2. India, Poland Hold Bilateral Talks to Strengthen MSME Cooperation: India and Poland held bilateral talks in New Delhi to strengthen cooperation in the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector, with discussions on technology, innovation, digital transformation, and enterprise development. India highlighted the strength of its MSME sector, which has over 86 million registered enterprises, contributes nearly 30% to GDP, and supports the livelihoods of around 330 million people. Both countries agreed to enhance institutional and business-to-business cooperation, while expressing confidence that the India–EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) will further boost bilateral trade and investment.
3. World-Famous Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra Begins in Puri, Odisha: The world-famous Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra began in Puri, Odisha, marking one of India’s most significant religious festivals. During the festival, the three deities travel nearly 3 km from the Shree Jagannath Temple to the Shree Gundicha Temple, where they stay for nine days before returning during the Bahuda Yatra. The Puri Shree Jagannath Temple Administration has made extensive multi-layered security arrangements, expecting lakhs of devotees to participate in the annual Rath Yatra.
4. Thailand Reduces Visa-Free Stay for Indian Travellers from 60 to 30 Days: Thailand will continue its visa-free entry policy for Indian passport holders, allowing travel without obtaining a visa in advance. The maximum visa-free stay has been reduced from 60 days to 30 days for Indian travellers.
5. PM Modi Gifts Dhokra Tree of Life Sculpture and Uttarakhandi Cap to New Zealand PM Christopher Luxon: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his visit to New Zealand, gifted a Dhokra Tree of Life sculpture from Bastar (Chhattisgarh) and an Uttarakhandi (Traditional Pahari) Cap to New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon. The Uttarakhandi Cap, handcrafted from high-quality wool, symbolises Uttarakhand’s cultural heritage, pride, dignity, hospitality, and Himalayan identity, and is commonly worn during festivals and ceremonies. The Dhokra Tree of Life sculpture represents the ancient Dhokra metal craft of Bastar, created using the lost-wax casting technique, one of the world’s oldest metal-casting methods.
6. India and Australia Finalise Administrative Arrangement for Civil Nuclear Cooperation: India and Australia finalised an Administrative Arrangement under their Civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreement during the Third India–Australia Annual Summit in Melbourne. The Arrangement operationalises the Civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreement, which was signed in 2014 and came into force in 2015. It enables long-term exports of Australian uranium to India for peaceful nuclear purposes under International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safeguards. Australia has the world’s largest uranium reserves, accounting for more than one-third of global uranium resources.
7. 16 July – World Snake Day: World Snake Day is observed every year on 16 July to raise awareness about the ecological importance of snakes, promote their conservation, and dispel myths and misconceptions associated with them. Theme 2026 – Respect, Don’t Fear: Protecting Nature’s Silent Guardians Snakes play a vital role in maintaining ecological balance by controlling rodent populations and serving as both predators and prey in food chains.
OTHER UPDATES:
DEFENCE
1. India Announces Seafarer-First Maritime Safety Plan: India announced the “Seafarer-First” emergency maritime safety plan on 15 July 2026 in New Delhi after attacks on the merchant vessels MT Al Bahiyah and MT Mombasa in the Strait of Hormuz. The plan covers Indian seafarers operating in the Persian Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz, and the Gulf of Oman, and it includes operational tracking, family liaison, and emergency coordination measures. The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow sea passage between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. It is one of the world’s most important oil and shipping routes, and merchant vessels passing through it often face security advisories during periods of regional tension. The attacks on MT Al Bahiyah and MT Mombasa caused the death of one Indian seafarer, Rohan Kumar. Nine crew members on MT Mombasa were injured, including two in critical condition, and one crew member on MT Al Bahiyah was injured.
SPORTS
1. Delhi Unveils ‘Mayur’ as Official Mascot for Commonwealth Table Tennis Championships 2026: Delhi unveiled ‘Mayur’, inspired by India’s national bird (the peacock), as the official mascot of the 22nd Commonwealth Table Tennis Championships 2026. The championship will be held at Thyagaraj Stadium, Delhi, from 27 July to 2 August 2026, under the joint organisation of the Delhi Government and the Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI). The event is expected to witness participation from over 35 countries, with Mayur symbolising energy, hospitality, and unity.
2. India Scripts History with 270-Run Victory over England in First-Ever Women’s Test at Lord’s: India created history by defeating England by 270 runs in the first-ever women’s Test match at Lord’s Cricket Ground, after bowling England out for 186 while defending a target of 457. Sneh Rana starred with figures of 4/42, while Deepti Sharma claimed two crucial wickets as India’s spinners dismantled the England batting line-up. Kranti Gaud and Yastika Bhatia achieved historic milestones, becoming the first women to take a five-wicket haul and score a century, respectively, in a women’s Test at Lord’s.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
1. Indian-Origin NASA Astronaut Anil Menon Begins First ISS Mission Aboard Soyuz MS-29: Indian-origin NASA astronaut Anil Menon launched to the International Space Station (ISS) aboard Russia’s Soyuz MS-29 spacecraft, marking his first spaceflight on an eight-month mission. The Soyuz MS-29 spacecraft lifted off from the Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan, carrying Anil Menon (USA), Pyotr Dubrov (Russia), and Anna Kikina (Russia), and successfully docked with the ISS’s Prichal module after a three-hour, two-orbit journey. The crew will conduct scientific research and technology demonstrations aboard the ISS for about eight months, with their return to Earth scheduled for April 2027
2. TEC and BECIL Sign MoU to Boost Research and Innovation in Broadcasting Technologies: The Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC), the technical arm of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Broadcast Engineering Consultants India Limited (BECIL). The MoU aims to promote joint technical research, standardisation activities, innovation, and collaborative studies in broadcasting technologies.
3. Wearable Ammonia Gas Sensor Developed by Indian Scientists: Indian scientists developed a portable, self-powered and wearable ammonia sensing device on 14 July 2026. The device was developed at the Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS), Bengaluru, an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), and it detects ammonia at concentrations as low as 319 parts per billion (ppb). The sensor uses a hybrid vanadium oxide-vanadium sulfide (VOx/VS2) heterostructure. A heterostructure is a material system formed by joining two different semiconducting or functional layers, and such combinations are used in sensors, electronics and optoelectronic devices. The device operates at room temperature, which is a standard laboratory and ambient condition of about 20 to 25 degrees Celsius. Many conventional gas sensors require elevated temperatures and higher energy input for operation.
BANKING AND FINANCE
1. Bank of Maharashtra Launches ‘FinSpark’26 National Cybersecurity Hackathon: Bank of Maharashtra launched ‘FinSpark’26, a national-level cybersecurity hackathon for students and dropouts to develop innovative solutions for banking security challenges. The hackathon offers a prize pool of over ₹10 lakh and focuses on cyber risk, fraud prevention, AI-driven anomaly detection, and insider threat detection in digital banking. The top 20 teams will qualify for the grand finale in Pune, where they will present their ideas and prototypes before a panel of cybersecurity and banking experts.
2. Index of Services Production: The Government of India has introduced the Index of Services Production (ISP). This new macroeconomic indicator tracks the performance of the services sector. It is the first high-frequency indicator dedicated to measuring the output volume of the formal services sector relative to a base year. Services constitute the largest share of India’s economy. The ISP aims to strengthen economic monitoring, improve national accounts estimation, and support data-driven policy choices. The first sub-sectoral trial index was released for April 2026. The trial index for April 2026 covers 19 sub-sectors, representing roughly 60% of the services economy. Out of these 19 sub-sectors, 14 achieved double-digit growth in April 2026 compared to April 2025. Specific segments are excluded because they are non-market activities, informal, or tied to core government operations.
3. ASHVINI to Float ₹28,000 Crore Mahi Banswara EPC Tender: Anushakti Vidhyut Nigam Limited (ASHVINI) is set to invite bids for a ₹28,000 crore Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) tender for the Mahi Banswara Rajasthan Atomic Power Project in Banswara district, Rajasthan. The package is named the Nuclear Island Mega EPC Package (NIMEP) and covers four 700 MWe Pressurised Heavy Water Reactor units with a combined capacity of 2,800 MWe. The EPC package includes engineering, manufacturing, supply of equipment, civil construction, installation of systems, testing, and commissioning support for the nuclear island. The tender is described as the largest Nuclear Island EPC package issued for India’s indigenous 700 MW PHWR programme.
AWARDS AND HONOURS
1. Sahitya Akademi Award-Winning Tamil Writer Poomani Dies: Sahitya Akademi Award-winning Tamil writer Poomani passed away in Chennai. He was widely known for portraying the karisal bhoomi (rain-fed black-soil region) of southern Tamil Nadu. Poomani received the Sahitya Akademi Award in 2014 for his acclaimed novel ‘Agnaadi’, which depicts the Kazhugumalai (1895) and Sivakasi (1899) communal riots. His novel ‘Vekkai’ was adapted into the National Award-winning film ‘Asuran’, directed by Vetrimaaran and starring Dhanush. He also directed the NFDC film ‘Karuvelam Pookal’ and worked on television serials.
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