Daily GK Update- 18th July, 2026

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India Post Achieves Record ₹4,009 Crore Q1 Revenue in FY 2026–27: India Post recorded its highest-ever first-quarter revenue of ₹4,009 crore in Q1 of FY 2026–27, registering a 22% year-on-year growth, as announced by Union Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia. India Post achieved 81% of its Q1 revenue target (₹4,009 crore against ₹4,951 crore) and has set an annual revenue target of ₹19,803 crore for FY 2026–27, reflecting its focus on modernisation, business transformation, and customer-centric services.

 

2. MoHUA Approves Operational Guidelines for ₹9,585 Crore Parivartan Scheme to Replace Polluting Vehicles in NCR: The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) has approved the operational guidelines for the Programme for Accelerated Renewal and Incentivization of Vehicle Assets for Reducing Transport Air Pollution and Network Emissions (PARIVARTAN) Scheme to replace old, polluting trucks and buses in the National Capital Region (NCR) with BS-VI-compliant or electric vehicles. The scheme has a total outlay of ₹9,585 crore, including ₹5,041 crore as Central Government support, and will be implemented by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) through the National Capital Region Planning Board (NCRPB). The scheme offers multiple incentives, including motor vehicle tax concessions, registration fee waivers, 5% interest subvention on vehicle loans, and a minimum 8% OEM discount on eligible new vehicles.

Additional benefits include monthly fuel voucher support for eligible diesel/CNG replacement vehicles, one-time financial assistance for electric replacement vehicles, and Certificate of Deposit (CoD) trading to encourage vehicle scrappage and reduce transport emissions.

 

3. The book ‘The Voice of Justice: Justice Gavai Speaks’ has been released: Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan released the book “The Voice of Justice: Justice Gavai Speaks” at Uprashtrapati Bhavan. Edited by Prof. (Dr.) S. Sivakumar and published by Thomson Reuters in association with the Commonwealth Legal Education Association (C.L.E.A.), the book compiles the speeches, lectures, and reflections of former Chief Justice of India Justice B.R. Gavai.

 

4. Jharkhand Gets GI Tags for Four Handloom Products: Jharkhand received Geographical Indication tags for four traditional products in June 2026: Bhagaiya Silk, Kuchai Silk, Munda Jewellery, and Jharkhand Bamboo Craft. A Geographical Indication tag is a form of intellectual property protection used for goods that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities, reputation, or characteristics linked to that place. Bhagaiya Silk is a premium wild Tasar silk associated with the Bhagaiya belt in Godda district. Godda is often called the Silk City of Jharkhand, and Tasar silk is a type of wild silk produced by silkworms that feed on forest trees. Kuchai Silk is a forest-based Tasar silk from Seraikela-Kharsawan. It is linked with tribal weaving traditions, natural golden sheen, and organic production methods used by local artisans.

 

5. Centre Approves Two Railway Multitracking Projects in Odisha, Jharkhand: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved two Ministry of Railways multi-tracking projects on 15 July 2026 for Odisha and Jharkhand. The projects cover the doubling of the Paradeep–Haridaspur railway line and the construction of a fourth line on the Rajkharsawan–Dangoaposi route. The combined estimated cost of the two projects is about ₹3,907 crore. The sanctioned works will add around 145 kilometres to the Indian Railways network across four districts in Odisha and Jharkhand. The capacity augmentation is expected to support an additional 44 Million Tonnes Per Annum of freight traffic. The freight basket on these routes includes coal, iron ore, dolomite, limestone, and gypsum, which are major bulk commodities carried by Indian Railways.

 

6. Government offers 20 critical mineral blocks in eighth auction tranche: The Centre launched the eighth tranche of auctions for 20 critical and strategic mineral blocks in India on 15 July 2026. The blocks are spread across nine states: Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Telangana and West Bengal. Critical minerals are minerals that are essential for sectors such as clean energy, electric mobility, defence and advanced manufacturing. The current tranche includes rare earth elements, lithium, graphite, tungsten and vanadium, which are used in batteries, magnets, alloys and industrial applications. The eighth tranche includes 13 newly identified mineral blocks and seven blocks re-offered from earlier auctions. The sale of tender documents began on 15 July 2026 and closes on 14 September 2026, while technical bids are due by 21 September 2026. The Ministry of Mines has auctioned 56 of the 88 critical mineral blocks offered so far. This gives a success rate of more than 63 per cent in the auction of critical mineral blocks.

 

7. Cabinet Clears Major Road Projects for Varanasi: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved two highway projects for Varanasi on 15 July 2026. The projects involve an investment of over ₹25,400 crore and form part of the Varanasi Decongestion Plan. The works are designed to improve road connectivity between major highways, the Varanasi Ring Road, railway access points, and key religious sites in the city. The second project costs ₹14,447.64 crore and covers 46.039 kilometres. It is a six-lane elevated corridor linking National Highway-19 with the Varanasi Ring Road along the Ganga River. The project includes a 910-metre cable-stayed bridge across the Ganga and a 1.32-kilometre extradosed foot overbridge with travelators for pedestrian movement towards the Kashi Vishwanath Temple.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Bharat Tex 2026 Showcases India’s Textile Strength with Global Participation: Bharat Tex 2026, India’s largest global textile event, was held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, marking its third edition. International exhibitors from 14 countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan, Portugal, Spain, New Zealand, South Korea, South Africa, and Nepal, participated in the event. The event aims to promote India’s textile and apparel industry, boost textile exports, attract global investment, and encourage innovation and sustainability.

 

2. Mangaluru International Airport Receives ACI Level 5 Customer Experience Accreditation: Mangaluru International Airport has received Level 5 Accreditation under the Airports Council International (ACI) Airport Customer Experience Accreditation Programme, the highest global recognition for airport customer experience management. It has become the third airport in the Adani Airport Holdings Ltd. (AAHL) network, after Mumbai and Ahmedabad, to achieve this accreditation. The airport is the second in Karnataka, after Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru, and only the fourth airport in India to receive this prestigious global accreditation. The ACI Airport Customer Experience Accreditation Programme is the aviation industry’s only global framework that evaluates how airports integrate customer experience into their strategy, culture, governance, operations, and service delivery.

 

3. PM Modi Flags Off India’s First Hydrogen-Powered Train, Setting a Global Benchmark: Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off India’s first hydrogen-powered train between Jind and Sonipat at Jind railway station. The hydrogen-powered train, developed using indigenous technology, marks a major step towards clean, sustainable, and zero-emission rail mobility, with water vapour as its only by-product. With this launch, India joins Germany, Japan, China, and the United States as countries operating hydrogen-powered trains. While countries like Germany and China typically operate 2–3 coach hydrogen trains, India has also set a global benchmark by developing a 10-coach hydrogen train with a 3,200-horsepower propulsion system, capable of carrying around 2,600 passengers. The train is equipped with advanced multi-layer safety systems to detect hydrogen leaks, heat, flames, and smoke, while a dedicated hydrogen facility at Jind has been established to support safe and reliable operations.

 

4. Centre to Invest ₹200 Crore in Ather Energy Through India-Japan Fund: The Central Government will invest ₹200 crore in Ather Energy through the India-Japan Fund (IJF) as part of the company’s proposed ₹1,200-crore preferential fundraising. The India-Japan Fund (IJF) is a $600 million (around ₹4,900 crore) bilateral investment fund jointly established by the Government of India and the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC), and is managed by National Investment and Infrastructure Fund Ltd. (NIIFL). Under the preferential issue, the India-Japan Fund will subscribe to ₹200 crore worth of equity shares, while Hero MotoCorp will invest ₹960 crore through convertible warrants, alongside fresh capital from Ather Energy’s founders.

 

5. Navi Mumbai International Airport Launches First International Flight to Abu Dhabi: Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) launched its first scheduled international flight with Air India Express’ inaugural service to Abu Dhabi, marking the start of its international operations. The Abu Dhabi route will operate three times a week, making NMIA the Mumbai Metropolitan Region’s second international gateway and enhancing connectivity between India and the UAE. Navi Mumbai International Airport is a joint venture between the Adani Group and CIDCO (City and Industrial Development Corporation, Maharashtra). It currently handles around 150 daily air traffic movements and connects 46 domestic destinations.

 

6. 17 July – World Day for International Justice: World Day for International Justice is observed every year on 17 July to promote international criminal justice and strengthen the fight against genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and the crime of aggression. Theme 2026 – Promoting Justice, Accountability, and Human Rights Worldwide The day commemorates the adoption of the Rome Statute on 17 July 1998, the treaty that established the International Criminal Court (ICC).

 

7. 17 July – World Emoji Day: World Emoji Day is observed every year on 17 July to celebrate the role of emojis in digital communication and their impact on modern online conversations. The date 17 July was chosen because it appears on the calendar emoji used on many digital platforms. The day encourages creativity, highlights the evolution of digital expression, and recognizes emojis as a universal language connecting people across cultures.

 

8. 18 July – Nelson Mandela International Day: Nelson Mandela International Day is observed every year on 18 July to honour the birth anniversary of Nelson Mandela, the former President of South Africa and Nobel Peace Prize laureate. The day was declared by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in 2009 and was first observed in 2010. It encourages people to dedicate 67 minutes of community service, symbolising Mandela’s 67 years of public service in promoting peace, justice, equality, and human rights.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

DEFENCE

 

1. Indian Navy to organise Operation Southern Readiness 26-2 in Kochi: The Indian Navy will host Operation Southern Readiness 26-2 at the Southern Naval Command, Kochi, from 20–23 July 2026, in partnership with the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) under the Indian Navy-led Combined Task Force 154 (CTF 154). The four-day multinational training programme will include classroom sessions, simulator-based training, and practical exercises covering Maritime Law, Maritime Domain Awareness, Counter-Narcotics, Force Protection, Asymmetric Threats, maritime uncrewed systems, Damage Control, Firefighting, Survival at Sea, and Boarding procedures.

 

2. Indian Navy to Host Operation Southern Readiness 26-2 in Kochi: Operation Southern Readiness 26-2 is a multinational maritime security training engagement scheduled at the Southern Naval Command in Kochi from 20 to 23 July 2026. The Indian Navy will conduct the four-day exercise with the Combined Maritime Forces under Combined Task Force 154, which functions as the CMF’s dedicated training task force. The Combined Maritime Forces is a multinational naval partnership that works on maritime security in key sea lanes. Combined Task Force 154 is one of its task forces and focuses on training, professional development, and operational coordination among partner navies. The exercise will involve personnel from about 25 to 47 CMF partner nations, including Australia, Canada, Japan, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Djibouti, Seychelles, the United States, and the United Kingdom. The training programme will include classroom instruction, simulator-based modules, and practical exercises aboard an Indian Naval ship.

 

3. Border infrastructure remains critical in warfare: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh addressed the Border Roads Organisation Strategic Infrastructure Conclave in New Delhi on 16 July 2026. He stated that border infrastructure, including roads, tunnels, airfields and ports, will remain central to military operations in technology-driven warfare. The Border Roads Organisation, or BRO, was established in 1960 for road construction in border areas and other strategic regions. It functions under the Ministry of Defence and builds roads, bridges, tunnels and related infrastructure in difficult terrain. Strategic infrastructure refers to transport and support assets that assist defence movement, logistics and connectivity. Roads and tunnels are used for troop mobilisation, supply chains and access to forward areas, while airfields and ports support air and sea transport.

 

SPORTS 

 

1. Animesh Kujur Clocks Fastest-Ever 100m by an Indian on Foreign Soil: Indian sprinter Animesh Kujur recorded the fastest-ever 100m time by an Indian on foreign soil at the Fast Arms Fast Legs Meet, a World Athletics Continental Tour Challenger event. He finished second in the men’s 100m final with a personal best timing of 10.14 seconds. Animesh Kujur’s 10.14-second run is the second-fastest 100m time by an Indian, behind the national record of 10.09 seconds held by Gurindervir Singh, set at the Federation Cup 2026 in Ranchi.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Dr. Srinivasa Kumar Tummala Appointed Secretary of Ministry of Earth Sciences : The Centre has appointed internationally renowned oceanographer Srinivasa Kumar Tummala as the Secretary of the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) to strengthen India’s capabilities in deep-ocean exploration, climate science, oceanography, and disaster early warning systems. Currently serving as the Head of the Indian Ocean Tsunami Warning and Mitigation System (IOTWMS) Secretariat under UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) in Perth, Australia, Dr Tummala has been appointed for a two-year tenure, as approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC).

 

2. Cabinet Approves Semicon Mission 2.0, Mobile Manufacturing Scheme: The Union Cabinet approved Semicon Mission 2.0 and the Mobile Phone Manufacturing Scheme on 15 July 2026. Semicon Mission 2.0 has an outlay of ₹1.27 lakh crore, while the Mobile Phone Manufacturing Scheme has a budgetary outlay of ₹62,500 crore. Semicon Mission 2.0 aims to attract investments of around ₹4 lakh crore and support semiconductor production worth ₹2 lakh crore during the scheme period. The first new fab under the programme is scheduled to be commissioned by 2028. The Mobile Phone Manufacturing Scheme is expected to generate cumulative mobile phone production worth around ₹39 lakh crore and create about 60,000 direct jobs during its tenure. The Mobile Phone Manufacturing Scheme succeeds the Production Linked Incentive Scheme for Large Scale Electronics Manufacturing, also known as PLI-LSEM. The scheme will run for five years from FY2026-27 to FY2030-31.

 

3. Cabinet Approves 10 GWh ACC Battery Manufacturing: The Ministry of Heavy Industries invited global bids on 15 July 2026 for giga-scale Advanced Chemistry Cell battery manufacturing facilities with a cumulative capacity of 10 GWh in India. The capacity is reserved for Grid-Scale Stationary Storage applications under the National Programme on Advanced Chemistry Cell Battery Storage, which is a Production Linked Incentive scheme for domestic battery manufacturing. The tender documents for the 10 GWh round were made available on 15 July 2026. The pre-bid conference is scheduled for 29 July 2026, the deadline for bid submission is 13 October 2026, and technical bids are to be opened on 14 October 2026. Out of the 50 GWh target, 40 GWh had already been awarded in earlier rounds. The National Programme on Advanced Chemistry Cell Battery Storage was approved by the Union Cabinet in May 2021 with a budgetary outlay of ₹18,100 crore. The scheme targets 50 GWh of ACC manufacturing capacity in India and is designed to support local production of battery cells used in electric mobility and stationary storage.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. National Investment Policy for Urea-2026: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved the National Investment Policy for Urea-2026 (NIPU-2026) on 15 July 2026 to expand domestic manufacturing, scale up indigenous production, and phase out dependency on fertilizer imports. The policy, administered by the Department of Fertilizers, establishes a structured framework to attract fresh capital into gas-based greenfield and brownfield urea manufacturing units across the country. India operates as the second-largest global consumer of fertilizers and the single largest importer of urea. Annual domestic urea demand stands at approximately 40 million tonnes (mt) and rises at a steady clip of 5% each year. Domestic units generate roughly 30 mt, leaving a systemic supply deficit of 10 mt that relies on international trade. Geopolitical conflicts in West Asia, volatile international natural gas prices, and shipping logistics bottlenecks pose distinct vulnerabilities to national food security.

 

2. Centre Approves Safety Equipment Support Under NAMASTE Scheme: The National Action for Mechanized Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE) is a Central Sector Scheme launched in July 2023 by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. The scheme covers sewer and septic tank workers, Personal Protective Equipment kits, safety devices, and mechanised sanitation operations. NAMASTE is designed for sanitation workers engaged in sewer and septic tank cleaning and related hazardous sanitation tasks. The scheme seeks to replace direct manual contact with faecal matter with mechanised equipment and safety devices. It also provides support for Emergency Response Sanitation Units in municipal corporations and districts. In July 2025, 45,871 PPE kits for Sewer and Septic Tank Workers and 354 Safety Devices Kits for Emergency Response Sanitation Units were issued to States and Union Territories. By 10 September 2025, 83,901 PPE kits for Sewer and Septic Tank Workers and 555 Safety Devices Kits for Emergency Response Sanitation Units had been issued to States and Union Territories.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. India’s Samriddh Gram Initiative Wins WSIS Prizes 2026 for Advancing Rural Digital Transformation: India’s Samriddh Gram Initiative, launched by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) under the BharatNet Project, won the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) Prizes 2026 in the Enabling Environment category. The initiative delivers integrated phygital services through Samriddhi Kendras, providing healthcare, education, agriculture support, governance, financial inclusion, e-commerce, telemedicine, digital classrooms, and high-speed broadband connectivity in rural areas. Union Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia inaugurated the first Samriddhi Kendra at Umri village, Guna district (Madhya Pradesh). The initiative is currently being implemented in Ari and Umri (Madhya Pradesh), Chaurawala (Uttar Pradesh), and Narakoduru (Andhra Pradesh).

 

Daily GK Update- 17th July, 2026

 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.

 

Daily GK Update- 16th July, 2026

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. ICMR to Establish High-Altitude Medicine Research Centre in Himachal Pradesh’s Keylong : Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda will lay the foundation stone of the ICMR Centre for High Altitude Medicine and Public Health Research at Keylong, Himachal Pradesh. The existing ICMR field station at Keylong will be upgraded into a multidisciplinary research hub to strengthen climate-resilient healthcare, biomedical research, and innovation in India’s Himalayan region. The centre will conduct research on high-altitude physiology, acclimatisation, maternal & child health, disaster medicine, and use telemedicine, digital health, drones, and real-time public health surveillance to improve healthcare delivery in remote areas. The centre will collaborate with AFMS, DRDO, Himachal Pradesh Government, and national & international research institutions, supporting Atmanirbhar Bharat, tribal health, disaster preparedness, and climate-resilient health systems.

 

2. Union Cabinet Approves Additional ₹30,000 Crore Investment in NIIF: The Union Cabinet has approved an additional ₹30,000 crore investment in the National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF), increasing the Government of India’s total commitment from ₹30,000 crore to ₹60,000 crore. The additional funding will support NIIF Infrastructure Fund II, with a target corpus of around ₹30,000 crore, to invest in transportation, energy, digital infrastructure, urban infrastructure, electric mobility, and other strategic sectors. NIIF is India’s sovereign-anchored investment platform, managed by National Investment and Infrastructure Fund Limited (NIIFL), with the Government of India holding a 49% equity stake. It has attracted investments from major global sovereign wealth funds, pension funds, and multilateral institutions.

 

3. Lakhanpur in Jammu and Kashmir Selected for PM SVANidhi Street Food Hub Initiative: Lakhanpur in Kathua district, Jammu & Kashmir, has been selected among the first towns in India for the development of a Street Food Hub under the PM SVANidhi initiative. Led by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), the initiative aims to develop organised, hygienic, and modern vending spaces, while promoting local cuisine and supporting street vendors. Under the scheme, up to 50 Street Food Hubs will be developed across India with ₹4 crore financial assistance for each project. The Lakhanpur hub will be developed in two clusters and will showcase Dogra cuisine, benefiting pilgrims, tourists, and local vendors.

 

4. Department of Posts and TRAI Sign MoU for India’s Largest Village-Level Telecom Network Survey: The Department of Posts (Ministry of Communications) and the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to conduct India’s largest village-level telecom network performance survey. The one-year survey will assess the mobile network performance of Bharti Airtel, Reliance Jio, Vodafone Idea (Vi), and Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) across more than 5.68 lakh villages across India.

 

5. Gujarat’s Unjha Cumin and Unjha Fennel Receive Geographical Indication Tags : Unjha Cumin (Jeera) and Unjha Fennel (Variyali) from North Gujarat have been granted Geographical Indication (GI) tags by the Geographical Indications Registry of India. The registration has been made in the name of the Unjha Agriculture Produce Market Committee (APMC) under Class 30 (Spices). A Geographical Indication (GI) identifies products whose quality, reputation, or characteristics are linked to a specific geographical origin. In India, GI registration is governed by the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999. Unjha, located in North Gujarat, is one of India’s major spice trading hubs, particularly known for cumin and fennel. The GI tags are expected to enhance the products’ market identity, authenticity, and value.

 

6. Jio Platforms Appoints Pankaj Pawar as New Chief Executive Officer: Jio Platforms Ltd. (JPL) has appointed Pankaj Pawar as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Pankaj Pawar succeeds Kiran Thomas, who previously served as the CEO of Jio Platforms Ltd. (JPL).

 

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.

 

8. 31st Divya Kala Mela Inaugurated in Kolkata: The 31st Divya Kala Mela was inaugurated on 14 July 2026 at Ravindra Sadan in Kolkata. Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Virendra Kumar inaugurated the eight-day event, which will continue till 22 July 2026. Divya Kala Mela is an initiative linked with the promotion of products made by persons with disabilities, also called Divyang entrepreneurs. The initiative was conceived in December 2022 and has been organised in several Indian cities, including Srinagar, Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Guwahati, Ahmedabad and Patna. This edition is the first Divya Kala Mela jointly organised by the Centre and the West Bengal government. Around 40 stalls have been set up at the venue, with a large share of participants from West Bengal.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. AustralianSuper Commits AU$500 Million to India’s NIIF, Boosting Infrastructure Investment: Australia’s largest pension fund manager, AustralianSuper, has announced an investment of AU$500 million (over ₹3,300 crore) in India’s National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF). With this latest investment, AustralianSuper’s total exposure in India across all asset classes has increased to AU$3.3 billion, reflecting strong confidence in India’s growth potential.

As of 31 December 2025, AustralianSuper managed over AU$410 billion in retirement savings for more than 3.6 million members across 485,000+ businesses, making it Australia’s largest pension fund manager.

 

2. 15 July – World Youth Skills Day: World Youth Skills Day is observed every year on 15 July to highlight the importance of equipping young people with skills for employment, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development. Theme 2026 – Skills for a shared future. The day was designated by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in 2014 and was first observed in 2015.

 

3. India to Host 5th BIMSTEC Security Summit: India will host the 5th BIMSTEC National Security Advisers’ Meeting in New Delhi on 16 July 2026. BIMSTEC is the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation, a regional grouping of seven member states in South and South-East Asia. BIMSTEC was established in 1997 as the BIST-EC grouping and later renamed BIMSTEC. Its member states are Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. The organisation connects the Bay of Bengal littoral and adjoining countries through cooperation in security, trade, transport, energy, and people-to-people links. The BIMSTEC National Security Advisers’ Meeting is a security dialogue mechanism among member states. Such meetings generally cover cyber security, terrorism, trafficking, transnational crime, and satellite cooperation. Bangladesh, the current BIMSTEC chair, has confirmed participation in the 2026 meeting. Its delegation will be led by Prime Minister’s Defence Adviser Brig. Gen. (Retd.) Dr. A.K.M. Shamsul Islam.

 

4. India Bans Import of Forced Labour Goods: India issued a notification on 13 July 2026 through the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) to prohibit the import of goods manufactured wholly or in part through forced labour. The measure was inserted into the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP), 2023, through Paragraph 2.20B and became the first Indian import restriction linked specifically to forced labour. The notification uses the definition of forced labour aligned with the International Labour Organization’s Forced Labour Convention, 1930 (No. 29). The convention defines forced or compulsory labour as work exacted from a person under the menace of any penalty and for which the person has not offered himself or herself voluntarily.

 

5. Bharat Tex 2026 opens with record global participation in Delhi: Bharat Tex 2026 is a textile trade exhibition scheduled from 14 July to 17 July 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, also known as Pragati Maidan, and the India International Convention and Expo Center, also called Yashobhoomi, in New Delhi. The event is organised by the Bharat Tex Trade Federation with support from the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India. Bharat Tex 2026 is the third edition of the textile and apparel trade platform. The exhibition is planned across more than 1.6 million square feet and is expected to feature over 20,000 textile products. The event is projected to draw more than 7,000 buyers and 130,000 trade visitors from over 20 countries.

6. 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.

 

7. 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. The Air India Express service between NMIA and Abu Dhabi operates three times a week. The inaugural international flight also carried the airport’s first global perishable export shipment, which is part of cargo handling at the airport.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

DEFENCE

 

1. Border infrastructure remains critical in warfare: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh addressed the Border Roads Organisation Strategic Infrastructure Conclave in New Delhi on 16 July 2026. He stated that border infrastructure, including roads, tunnels, airfields and ports, will remain central to military operations in technology-driven warfare. The Border Roads Organisation, or BRO, was established in 1960 for road construction in border areas and other strategic regions. It functions under the Ministry of Defence and builds roads, bridges, tunnels and related infrastructure in difficult terrain. Strategic infrastructure refers to transport and support assets that assist defence movement, logistics and connectivity. Roads and tunnels are used for troop mobilisation, supply chains and access to forward areas, while airfields and ports support air and sea transport.

 

 

 

 

SPORTS 

 

1. England Women’s Cricket Legend Heather Knight Announces Retirement from International Cricket: Former England Women’s captain Heather Knight has announced her retirement from international cricket, ending a distinguished 16-year international career. She retires as England Women’s most-capped player, having represented the country in 320 international matches. Her final international appearance came in the Test against India at Lord’s Cricket Ground, London.

Heather Knight became the first England cricketer (male or female) to score centuries in all three international formats—Tests, One-Day Internationals (ODIs), and Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is).

 

2. Jannik Sinner Retains Wimbledon Title, Becomes First Italian to Win Back-to-Back Championships : World No. 1 Jannik Sinner defeated Alexander Zverev in the Wimbledon 2026 men’s singles final to successfully defend his Wimbledon title. Sinner became the first Italian and only the ninth player in the Open Era (since 1968) to win the Wimbledon men’s singles title in consecutive years. After becoming the first Italian man to win the Wimbledon men’s singles title in 2025, Sinner retained the championship in 2026, joining the elite list of back-to-back Wimbledon champions.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Dhruva Space Becomes First Recipient of ₹60 Crore Investment from Antariksh Venture Capital Fund: Hyderabad-based Dhruva Space became the first company to receive investment from the ₹1,600 crore Antariksh Venture Capital Fund, securing ₹60 crore. The Antariksh Venture Capital Fund is India’s sovereign space-tech fund, anchored by IN-SPACe (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre) and managed by SIDBI Venture Capital Ltd to support private space startups. The ₹60 crore investment is part of Dhruva Space’s ₹275 crore pre-Series B funding round and will be used to expand satellite manufacturing, space infrastructure, and critical technology development. The company currently has an order book exceeding ₹500 crore.

 

2. China Successfully Tests Reusable Rocket Retrieval System with Long March 10B: China successfully tested an experimental rocket-retrieval system, recovering the Long March 10B booster with a net mounted on an offshore platform, marking a major step toward reusable rocket technology. The test marked China’s first successful retrieval of an orbital-class rocket. The Long March 10B also successfully placed a satellite into its preset orbit before the booster was recovered. Developed by the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology (CALT), the Long March 10B is comparable to SpaceX’s Falcon 9 and is designed to carry at least 16 metric tonnes to low-Earth orbit, supporting China’s efforts to advance reusable launch systems.

 

3. Pichavaram Mangroves Valued at ₹2,485 Crore : The Pichavaram mangrove forest in Cuddalore district, Tamil Nadu, has been assessed for ecosystem services at ₹2,485.38 crore, or about US$289 million. The valuation placed the total economic value at ₹1.83 crore per hectare and included carbon storage, fisheries support, tourism, coastal protection, biodiversity conservation, and local livelihoods. Pichavaram is one of India’s largest mangrove ecosystems and is listed as a Ramsar site. Mangroves are salt-tolerant coastal forests that grow in intertidal zones and are adapted to tidal inundation, saline water, and muddy substrates. In India, mangroves occur mainly along the coasts of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and West Bengal, as well as in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Mangrove ecosystems are classified as coastal wetlands under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, 1971.

 

4. Cabinet Approves 10 GWh ACC Battery Manufacturing: The Ministry of Heavy Industries invited global bids on 15 July 2026 for giga-scale Advanced Chemistry Cell battery manufacturing facilities with a cumulative capacity of 10 GWh in India. The capacity is reserved for Grid-Scale Stationary Storage applications under the National Programme on Advanced Chemistry Cell Battery Storage, which is a Production Linked Incentive scheme for domestic battery manufacturing. The National Programme on Advanced Chemistry Cell Battery Storage was approved by the Union Cabinet in May 2021 with a budgetary outlay of ₹18,100 crore. The scheme targets 50 GWh of ACC manufacturing capacity in India and is designed to support local production of battery cells used in electric mobility and stationary storage.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Wholesale inflation in June surged to 9.9%: India’s Wholesale Price Index (WPI)-based inflation increased to 9% in June, up from 9.7% in May, mainly due to higher fuel and food prices.

The Producer Price Index (PPI) inflation rose to 9.6% in June, compared to 9.4% in May, reflecting higher production costs across industries. Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry released the All India Wholesale Price Index (Base Year 2022-23). The major contributors to the rise in WPI inflation were mineral oils (petroleum products), food articles, manufacture of basic metals, and chemicals & chemical products. The June data is the second release under the new WPI series with base year 2022–23.

 

2. NABARD Launches ‘Gramodyam’ Programme to Promote Rural Entrepreneurship: The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) launched ‘Gramodyam’, a rural entrepreneurship development programme, on the occasion of its 45th Foundation Day. The programme was launched by NABARD Chairman Shaji K.V. and is being implemented in collaboration with the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) through the Institute for Industrial Development (IID). Gramodyam aims to identify, nurture, mentor, and empower aspiring rural entrepreneurs by providing industry-relevant skills, entrepreneurial training, and access to essential support systems.

 

3. India’s Social Security Coverage Crosses 100 Crore: India’s social security coverage crossed 100 crore beneficiaries by July 2026, with official estimates placing coverage at more than 64% of the population in 2025. The expansion was linked to labour welfare, digital registration systems, and formal sector protection measures across multiple central schemes. Social security refers to state-backed protection against risks such as old age, sickness, unemployment, maternity, disability, and workplace injury. In India, major institutions for this framework include the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation and the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation. The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation had over eight crore active members and 80 lakh pensioners as of 14 July 2026. The Employees’ State Insurance Corporation covered more than 15 crore insured persons and their dependants on the same date. The e-Shram portal had registered over 31.7 crore unorganised workers by 14 July 2026. The portal is a national database for unorganised workers and is used to connect workers with social security benefits.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Nita Ambani Receives Fortune India Most Powerful Women Honour: Nita Ambani, Founder and Chairperson of the Reliance Foundation, received the Fortune India Most Powerful Women Honour at the Fortune India Most Powerful Women event held in Mumbai, Maharashtra. Top Women Leaders: The Top Five Most Powerful Women in India include Nita Ambani (1st), Roshni Nadar (2nd), the Reddy Sisters of Apollo Hospitals (3rd), Savitri Jindal (4th), and Dr. Priti Adani (5th). Recognition of Leadership: The Fortune India honour recognises outstanding leadership, business excellence, and contributions to social impact, highlighting the achievements of India’s most influential women leaders.