NATIONAL UPDATES:
1. HCLTech to Set Up First AI Data Centre in Odisha: HCLTech will establish its first AI Data Centre in Odisha with a planned investment of ₹14,257 crore at the upcoming Odisha Sovereign AI Park.
The project will be developed through a collaboration between HCLTech, Indian AI startup Sarvam, and the Government of Odisha to strengthen India’s AI infrastructure. The Odisha Sovereign AI Park is envisioned as a state-level AI infrastructure hub, integrating high-performance computing, Indian AI models, and real-world AI applications to provide AI services as a public utility.
2. Killai Becomes Tamil Nadu’s First Fully Operational Climate-Resilient Village: Killai has become Tamil Nadu’s first fully operational Climate-Resilient Village (CRV) under the Tamil Nadu Climate Change Mission (TNCCM), serving as a model for sustainable coastal development. The project includes solar-powered e-boats, hybrid solar power systems, scientific beekeeping, and Buckingham Canal restoration, enhancing renewable energy use, biodiversity, and ecosystem health. Implemented at a cost of ₹230.15 lakh through the District Climate Change Mission (DCCM) and Corporate Environmental Responsibility (CER) funds, Killai is now a benchmark for coastal climate adaptation and resilience against cyclones, sea-level rise, coastal erosion, and saline intrusion.
3. Pralhad Joshi Takes Charge as Union Education Minister: Pralhad Joshi assumed charge as the Union Education Minister after the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan, while continuing to hold the portfolios of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, and New & Renewable Energy. He chaired a review meeting of the Education Ministry to assess the implementation of various schemes and key initiatives, attended by Minister of State for Education Jayant Chaudhary and senior officials.
4. Sarnath Gets UNESCO World Heritage Tag: Sarnath, an ancient Buddhist site in Uttar Pradesh, was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List on 25 July 2026 during the 48th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee in Busan, South Korea. The inscription makes Sarnath India’s 45th World Heritage Site and Uttar Pradesh’s fourth World Heritage Site. The UNESCO World Heritage List includes cultural, natural, and mixed properties of outstanding universal value. UNESCO adopted the World Heritage Convention in 1972, and the World Heritage Committee examines nominations for inscription each year. India has multiple sites on the list across categories such as monuments, archaeological sites, and natural landscapes.
5. Pralhad Joshi Takes Charge as Education Minister: Pralhad Joshi was appointed Union Education Minister on 25 July 2026 after the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan from the Union Council of Ministers. He took charge of the Ministry of Education at Kartavya Bhavan on 26 July 2026 and continued to hold the portfolios of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, and New and Renewable Energy. The Ministry of Education is a Union ministry under the Government of India and is responsible for school education, higher education, literacy, and related policy matters. The ministry functions through departments such as the Department of School Education and Literacy and the Department of Higher Education. Pralhad Joshi is a five-time Bharatiya Janata Party Member of Parliament from the Dharwad constituency in Karnataka. He served as Union Minister for Coal, Mines, and Parliamentary Affairs from 2019 to 2024.
6. Nandan Nilekani to Lead Exam Reforms Task Force: India has constituted a high-powered task force on examination reforms to review the National Testing Agency (NTA) examination system and recommend measures for reliability, transparency, and technology use. The task force is chaired by Nandan Nilekani, co-founder of Infosys and founding chairman of the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI). The National Testing Agency was established in 2017 as an autonomous testing organisation under the Ministry of Education. It conducts major entrance examinations in India, including the Joint Entrance Examination and the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test, which are centralised computer-based or pen-and-paper assessments for higher education admissions.
7. INSAT-3DR Remains Crucial for Weather Forecasting: INSAT-3DR is an Indian meteorological satellite launched on 8 September 2016 aboard GSLV-F05. It operates in geostationary orbit and provides real-time data for weather forecasting, cyclone tracking, disaster management, and search and rescue services over India and adjoining regions. INSAT-3DR carries a 6-channel multi-spectral imager, a 19-channel atmospheric sounder, a Data Relay Transponder, and a Search and Rescue Transponder. The imager provides half-hourly multispectral images over the Indian region, while the sounder measures the vertical structure of the atmosphere. The satellite also measures ocean surface temperature and cloud characteristics. Its imaging system includes middle infrared capability for night-time low clouds and fog, along with thermal infrared bands for Sea Surface Temperature estimation.
INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:
1. Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin Resigns: Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin resigned, citing health reasons, nearly two years before the completion of his five-year term. His resignation was accepted by Parliament Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed, who will serve as Acting President until a new president is elected. Shahabuddin, a former judge and a veteran of Bangladesh’s 1971 Liberation War, assumed office as the President of Bangladesh in April 2023.
2. 26 July – International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem: The International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem is observed every year on 26 July to raise awareness about the importance of mangroves in protecting coastal ecosystems and supporting biodiversity. Theme 2026 – Healthy Mangroves for Sustainable Blue Economy and Climate Resilience The observance was adopted by UNESCO in 2015, recognising the vital role of mangrove forests in climate change mitigation, coastal protection, carbon sequestration, and disaster risk reduction.
3. 25 July – World Embryologist Day: World Embryologist Day is observed every year on 25 July to recognise the vital contributions of embryologists in the fields of reproductive medicine, in vitro fertilisation (IVF), and assisted reproductive technologies (ART). The day commemorates the birth of the world’s first “test-tube baby,” Louise Brown, who was born on 25 July 1978, marking a historic milestone in fertility treatment.
4. 25 July – World Drowning Prevention Day: World Drowning Prevention Day is observed every year on 25 July to raise awareness about drowning as a major but preventable cause of death and to promote life-saving water safety measures. The day was declared by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in 2021 and is led globally by the World Health Organisation (WHO) to encourage action on drowning prevention.
5. UNESCO Adds Mount Olympus, D-Day Beaches to World Heritage List: UNESCO added Mount Olympus in Greece and the D-Day Landing Beaches in northern France to the World Heritage List on 26 July 2026. The decision was taken at the 48th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee in Busan, South Korea. Mount Olympus is Greece’s highest mountain and rises to 2,918 metres. UNESCO inscribed it as a mixed cultural and natural heritage site, a category used for places with both natural and cultural value. The mountain is linked to ancient Greek mythology as the home of the Olympian gods and has rich biodiversity and a long historical association with Greek civilisation.
6. Indians, Nepalese Allowed to Carry ₹200 and ₹500 Notes Across Border: Nepal Rastra Bank has permitted Indian and Nepalese citizens to carry Indian currency notes of ₹200 and ₹500 denominations across the India-Nepal border. The permitted notes must have been issued on or after 9 November 2016, the date linked with India’s demonetisation exercise. Indian currency notes of ₹500 and ₹1,000 denominations issued before 9 November 2016 remain prohibited in Nepal. Nepalese citizens can carry Indian currency into Nepal only from India, and they cannot take such currency from Nepal to any third country other than India. Nepali citizens and foreign visitors can bring up to USD 5,000, or its equivalent in other foreign currencies, into Nepal without a customs declaration. Amounts above this limit must be declared on arrival under Nepal’s customs rules.
7. Great Indian Bustard Chicks Enter Rewilding Tunnel in Rajasthan: Three chicks of the Great Indian Bustard were released on 26 July 2026 into a specially designed rewilding tunnel at the Godawan Conservation Centre in Ramdevra, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. The birds, identified as R9, R10 and R11, are one month old and include two males and one female. The Great Indian Bustard is a critically endangered bird species found in arid and semi-arid grasslands of India. It is one of the heaviest flying birds in the world and is closely associated with the Thar Desert ecosystem. India’s Great Indian Bustard conservation programme includes captive breeding, habitat protection and planned release into natural landscapes. The current rewilding step marks a shift from captive breeding towards reintroduction into wild habitats.
OTHER UPDATES:
DEFENCE
1. DRDO Successfully Tests Indigenous Long-Range Surface-to-Air Missile ‘Kusha’: DRDO successfully conducted the maiden flight test of the indigenous Long-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (LRSAM) Kusha from APJ Abdul Kalam Island, Odisha, successfully intercepting a high-speed aerial target. Project Kusha is India’s indigenous air and missile defence programme, aimed at building a multi-layered national air defence shield by 2035 to counter aircraft, UAVs, cruise missiles, and other aerial threats. The Kusha missile system, along with its radars and command-and-control centre, has been developed by DRDO and Indian industry partners, strengthening India’s indigenous defence capabilities.
2. Indian Navy Inducts INS Malvan, Second Mahe-Class ASW Shallow Water Craft: The Indian Navy inducted INS Malvan, the second Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC) of the Mahe class, at Karwar, Karnataka, marking a major milestone in India’s indigenous warship-building programme. Built by Cochin Shipyard Limited under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, INS Malvan is equipped with over 80% indigenous equipment and technology, showcasing India’s self-reliance in defence manufacturing. Armed with RBU-6000 rockets, DRDO-developed torpedoes, and a German-Indian sonar suite, INS Malvan will strengthen India’s coastal maritime security and anti-submarine warfare capabilities.
3. 26 July – Kargil Vijay Diwas: Kargil Vijay Diwas is observed every year on 26 July to commemorate India’s victory in the Kargil War (1999) against Pakistan and to honour the bravery and supreme sacrifice of the Indian Armed Forces. The Kargil War was fought between May and July 1999 in the Kargil-Dras-Batalik sector of Ladakh, and concluded with Operation Vijay, through which India successfully recaptured all infiltrated positions. 26 July 2026 marks the 27th Kargil Vijay Diwas, with tributes paid to the martyrs at the Kargil War Memorial, Dras (Ladakh) and across the country.
4. INS Sudarshini Sails from Boston after SAIL 250: INS Sudarshini, an Indian Naval Ship and sail training ship, departed from Boston, United States, on 26 July 2026 for Ponta Delgada in the Azores, Portugal. The movement formed part of the transoceanic Lokayan 26 expedition, which began from Kochi on 20 January 2026. SAIL 250 and Sail Boston 2026 marked the 250th anniversary of the United States in 1776. The event included the International Naval Review 250 and the Grand Parade of Sails. Lokayan 26 is a 10-month transoceanic expedition of INS Sudarshini. The ship made port calls at Norfolk, Baltimore, New York, and Boston before sailing to the Azores.
SPORTS
1. 23rd Commonwealth Games 2026 Begins in Glasgow: The 23rd Commonwealth Games commenced in Glasgow, Scotland, with a grand opening ceremony, featuring participation from 74 nations in a 10-day sporting event. India’s 125-member contingent, led by Mirabai Chanu (flag bearer) and Lovlina Borgohain (ceremonial baton bearer), received a warm welcome during the opening ceremony. The Games feature 10 sports across four venues, with India aiming to improve on its 61-medal haul from the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games despite a reduced sporting programme.
2. Mirabai Chanu, Rishikanta Singh Win CWG 2026 Medals: The Commonwealth Games 2026 are being held in Glasgow, Scotland, from 23 July to 2 August 2026. On 26 July 2026, Mirabai Chanu won gold in the women’s 48kg weightlifting event, and Rishikanta Singh won silver in the men’s 60kg category. Mirabai Chanu won her third consecutive Commonwealth Games gold medal and her fourth overall Commonwealth Games medal. She lifted 85kg in snatch, 105kg in clean and jerk, and 190kg in total, and each of these marks set a new Commonwealth Games record. Rishikanta Singh won India’s first silver medal at the ongoing Commonwealth Games 2026. He recorded a personal best total of 264kg and set a new Commonwealth Games snatch record with a lift of 121kg in the men’s 60kg weightlifting event.
3. Anahat Singh Wins World Junior Squash Title: Anahat Singh won the World Junior Squash Championships 2026 women’s singles title on 25 July 2026. She became the first Indian to win the World Junior Squash Championships title in any category. The 18-year-old Indian top seed defeated Egypt’s second seed Ruqayya Salem in the final at Niagara-on-the-Lake, Canada. The World Junior Squash Championships is the annual world championship for junior squash players. The event includes men’s and women’s individual events and is organised under the global squash framework for age-group competition. Anahat Singh won the women’s singles final by 3-0. She beat Ruqayya Salem with game scores of 11-3, 11-7, and 11-9. She dropped only two sets in six matches during the tournament.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
1. Kerala Launches Digital Square Education Initiative: Kerala launched the Digital Square education initiative as part of its 100-day action plan for the education sector. The programme was inaugurated on 26 July 2026 by General Education Minister N. Samsudheen at a statewide orientation workshop in Malappuram, Kerala. The initiative is implemented by the Kerala Infrastructure and Technology for Education (KITE) for lower primary and upper primary classes in government schools. More than 4,000 headmasters and headmistresses from all 14 districts of Kerala participated in the inaugural workshop through interactive video conference. Other measures under the 100-day action plan include the Cyber Safety Protocol 2026, Tharapadham digital academic monitoring platform, and the School Wiki-thon campaign. The state also announced the ARISE project for high schools and the expansion of Little KITEs IT clubs to upper primary and high school levels.
2. AI Holobox of Atal Bihari Vajpayee: The AI Holobox of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee was inaugurated at the Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya in New Delhi on 26 July 2026. The installation uses a hyper-realistic 3D avatar and interactive dialogue features to present factual material on Vajpayee’s life, public career, and political legacy. The Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya is a museum dedicated to the Prime Ministers of India. It is located in New Delhi and includes digital and interactive exhibits on national leadership and governance. The AI Holobox allows visitors to ask questions and receive responses based on historical research and documented writings. Similar interactive AI avatars at the museum include Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, and Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.
BANKING AND FINANCE
1. Viyona Gets BBPS COU Approval: Viyona, a Hyderabad-based fintech infrastructure start-up, has received approval from the Bharat Bill Payment System (BBPS) to operate as a Customer Operating Unit (COU). The approval enables Viyona to provide BBPS-powered bill payment services for electricity, water, gas, broadband, mobile recharges, DTH, insurance premiums, loan EMIs, educational fees, and other approved bill payments. The certification strengthens Viyona’s ability to help banks, fintechs, enterprises, and billers deliver secure, reliable, and seamless digital bill payment solutions at scale.
2. NSE Launches Electronic Gold Receipts (EGRs) to Formalise Gold Market: The National Stock Exchange of India (NSE) has launched Electronic Gold Receipts (EGRs) to bring greater transparency, efficiency, and formalisation to India’s gold market by providing a regulated trading platform. EGRs are dematerialised securities representing ownership of physical gold stored in SEBI-accredited vaults, with each receipt fully backed by physical gold and tradable on the stock exchange. The new system enables investors to hold gold electronically, allows seamless conversion between physical and digital gold, and supports investment in smaller quantities, improving liquidity and accessibility.
3. Glomo Becomes India’s First Non-Bank Acquirer to Receive Visa Principal Membership: Glomo, a regulated payment service provider operating from GIFT IFSC, has become India’s first non-bank acquirer and the first GIFT IFSC-licensed payment service provider to receive Visa Principal Member status. The membership enables Glomo to directly process Visa-powered card payments for merchants, facilitating secure cross-border payment acceptance and settlement through GIFT City while reducing dependence on multiple intermediaries.
4. EnKash Launches India’s First UPI-Enabled Meal Card: EnKash has launched India’s first Meal Card with UPI payment capability, allowing employees to pay directly from their meal benefit balance by scanning eligible UPI QR codes at food and grocery merchants. With this launch, EnKash becomes the first provider in India to enable UPI payments directly from a meal benefit balance, expanding its prepaid payment infrastructure. Under the revised Income-tax rules, employees can receive tax-free meal benefits of up to ₹200 per meal, with an annual tax-free benefit of up to ₹1,05,600, making employee meal benefits more flexible and accessible.
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