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.

 

Daily GK Update- 15th July, 2026

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Delhi Makes Pink Saheli Smart Card Mandatory for Free Bus Travel from August 1, 2026: Pink Saheli Smart Card is a digital travel card for women and transgender residents of Delhi (12 years and above), launched on 2 March 2026, and integrated with the One Nation, One Card (National Common Mobility Card – NCMC) framework. From 1 August 2026, the card will become mandatory for availing free travel on Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) and cluster buses, while pink paper tickets will remain valid only until 31 July 2026. The card enables digital validation of free bus journeys and requires a Delhi Aadhaar card along with an Aadhaar-linked mobile number for registration, replacing the existing paper ticket system.

 

2. ONGC to Build 1.75 MMT Strategic Petroleum Reserve in Mangalore to Strengthen India’s Energy Security: ONGC will build a new 1.75 million metric tonne (MMT) Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) in Mangalore, Karnataka, to strengthen India’s energy security and emergency crude oil storage capacity. India currently has 5.33 MMT of strategic crude oil storage at Mangalore, Padur, and Visakhapatnam (Vizag), managed by Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserves Ltd. (ISPRL), with part of the capacity commercially leased. India is expanding its strategic petroleum reserves through international cooperation, including with the UAE (ADNOC) and Japan, while also planning 4 MMT storage at Chandikhol (Odisha) and an additional 2.5 MMT facility at Padur.

 

3. Harela Festival Celebrated in Uttarakhand to Mark the Beginning of the Holy Month of Sawan: Harela, one of the most significant traditional festivals of Uttarakhand’s Kumaon region, is celebrated to mark the beginning of the holy month of Sawan (Shravan). The festival is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati and symbolizes prosperity, greenery, environmental conservation, and the arrival of the monsoon season.

 

4. ICMR to Establish High-Altitude Medicine and Public Health Research Centre in Himachal Pradesh: 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, to strengthen climate-resilient healthcare and biomedical research in the Himalayan region. The new ICMR centre will upgrade the existing Keylong field station into a multidisciplinary research hub, focusing on high-altitude physiology, acclimatisation, maternal and child health, disaster medicine, and public health research. The centre will integrate telemedicine, digital health platforms, drone-enabled healthcare logistics, and real-time public health surveillance, while collaborating with AFMS, DRDO, the Himachal Pradesh Government, and leading research institutions to support Atmanirbhar Bharat and climate-resilient healthcare.

 

5. Grey Hornbill returns to Gujarat’s Gir forests after six decades: The Indian Grey Hornbill, also known as Chilotro, has been reintroduced into the Gir forests of Gujarat after an absence of more than six decades. A scientific study in the peer-reviewed journal Birds records that the reintroduced birds are surviving and breeding in the wild. The Gir landscape in Gujarat is known for the Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary, which is the only natural habitat of the Asiatic lion in India. The reintroduction programme released 40 hornbills in two phases, with 28 birds in 2021-2022 and 12 birds in 2023. Eleven male hornbills were fitted with satellite transmitters to track movement, habitat use, and breeding behaviour. Two tagged males were named LK and RSD in memory of ornithologists Lavkumar Khachar and R.S. Dharmakumarsinhji.

 

6. Assam Manohari Gold Tea Craftsmanship: Manohari Gold Tea is a rare speciality tea from the Manohari Tea Estate in Assam. It is made from tender tea buds of the P126 tea clone and is processed through hand-plucking, hand-rolling, and natural sun-drying during the second flush season in June. Manohari Gold Tea comes from Assam, which is India’s largest tea-producing state. The tea uses only tender buds, and its daily production is about 25 grams. The second flush season in Assam usually falls between May and June and is known for tea leaves with a stronger flavour profile. Manohari Gold Tea has set multiple auction records in India. In December 2022, it sold for Rs 1.15 lakh per kg on the Tea Inntech private auction portal, and R.K. Tea Sales bought it for Café Nilofer of Hyderabad. In December 2021, 1 kg of Manohari Gold tea sold for Rs 99,999 per kg at the Gauhati Tea Auction Centre. In January 2024, Manohari Gold Speciality Tea sold for Rs 75,000 per kg at the Guwahati Tea Auction Centre.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Rajasthan Becomes First Indian State to Sign Clean Energy Framework with International Solar Alliance: Rajasthan became the first Indian state to sign the Framework for Action – Advanced Clean Energy, Driven Sustainable Development with the International Solar Alliance (ISA) to accelerate clean energy expansion and modernise its power sector. The partnership supports Rajasthan’s target of 125 GW of clean energy capacity, focusing on renewable energy expansion, transmission upgrades, battery storage, smart grids, digitalisation, energy efficiency, and policy reforms during 2030–35. Rajasthan currently has over 42 GW of installed solar capacity and a total clean energy portfolio of nearly 48 GW. The framework also includes an AI-enabled digital twin pilot at Ajmer Vidyut Vitran Nigam to improve demand forecasting and renewable energy integration. The initiative will also promote decentralised solar power, provide training and technical assistance through ISA, strengthen implementation of the PM KUSUM Scheme and PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, and ensure affordable and reliable electricity across the state.

 

2. New Delhi Ranks 120th in EIU Global Liveability Index 2026; Copenhagen Tops Global List: New Delhi ranked 120th out of 173 cities in the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) Global Liveability Index 2026, followed by Mumbai (121st), Chennai (123rd), and Bengaluru (127th). Copenhagen (Denmark) retained its position as the world’s most liveable city for the second consecutive year, ahead of Vienna (Austria) and Melbourne (Australia). The EIU Global Liveability Index 2026 assessed 173 cities across 30 indicators grouped into five categories: stability, healthcare, culture & environment, education, and infrastructure. New Delhi scored 48.1 overall, with 66.7 in education, 58.9 in infrastructure, 41.7 in healthcare, and 35.4 in culture & environment, highlighting areas requiring improvement in urban liveability.

 

3. Former Qatar Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani Dies: Former Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, passed away. He served as the Emir of Qatar from 1995 to 2013, overseeing a period of significant economic growth and modernization. Sheikh Hamad played a pivotal role in transforming Qatar into a major global energy and diplomatic hub, driven by the expansion of its natural gas industry and an active foreign policy.

 

4. India Launches SHANTI Campaign for UNSC Bid: India launched its official campaign on 13 July 2026 for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the 2028-29 term. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar unveiled the campaign and India’s SHANTI vision at the United Nations headquarters in New York. The United Nations Security Council has 15 members, including 5 permanent members and 10 non-permanent members elected by the United Nations General Assembly. Non-permanent members serve two-year terms, and elections are held by regional group allocation. The Asia-Pacific Group has one seat in the 2028-29 election cycle, and India will contest that seat against Tajikistan in elections scheduled for June 2027. India has served eight terms as a non-permanent member of the Security Council, including the 2021-22 term.

 

5. India Chairs BRICS Labour Ministers’ Meeting on AI and Jobs: The BRICS Labour and Employment Ministers’ Meeting was held in Hyderabad, India, on 15 July 2026 under India’s BRICS Chairship 2026. Union Labour and Employment Minister Mansukh Mandaviya chaired the ministerial session with labour ministers and delegates from all BRICS member states. BRICS is an intergovernmental grouping of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, and it holds ministerial meetings on labour and employment issues. The 2026 meeting used the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability”. The ministers adopted the Labour and Employment Ministers’ Declaration at the Hyderabad meeting. The declaration covered resilient, inclusive and future-ready labour markets, social security, formalisation of work, women’s workforce participation, employability, skills development, and digital technologies for workers in the gig and platform economy.

 

6. Nine European Countries and Ukraine Form Missile Defence Coalition: On 13 July 2026, nine European countries and Ukraine formed an Integrated Anti-Ballistic Missile Coalition in Paris, France. The founding members are Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Ukraine and the United Kingdom. The coalition has been set up to develop anti-ballistic capabilities and a shared missile defence architecture for Europe. Anti-ballistic missile defence refers to systems designed to detect, track, intercept and destroy incoming ballistic missiles. Ballistic missiles follow a high-arc trajectory after launch, and missile defence systems use sensors, command networks and interceptors to counter them. The Patriot system of the United States is one of the best-known air and missile defence systems in service.

OTHER UPDATES:

 

DEFENCE

 

1. Aero India 2027 to Showcase India’s Defence Strength at Bengaluru’s Yelahanka Air Force Station: Aero India 2027 will be the 16th edition of Asia’s largest airshow, to be held at Yelahanka Air Force Station, Bengaluru, Karnataka. It is a biennial event organised under the Ministry of Defence, with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) as the nodal agency. The Government aims to achieve ₹3 lakh crore in defence manufacturing and ₹50,000 crore in defence exports by 2029–30, with Aero India playing a key role in strengthening India’s indigenous defence and aerospace ecosystem.

 

2. Indian Army Seeks 450 Indigenous Carl Gustaf M4 Rocket Launchers to Boost Infantry Firepower: The Indian Army has issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) for 450 Carl Gustaf Mark-IV (M4) 84mm lightweight rocket launchers, a shoulder-fired, multi-role recoilless weapon system designed for anti-armour and infantry operations. Developed by Sweden’s Saab, the Carl Gustaf M4 weighs less than 7 kg, making it significantly lighter than the earlier M2 (14 kg) and M3 (10 kg) variants, which have been in service with the Indian Army since the 1970s. The Carl Gustaf M4 will be manufactured in India at Saab’s facility in Reliance MET City, Jhajjar (Haryana), India’s first 100% foreign-owned defence manufacturing unit, with the system designed to operate in temperatures ranging from -20°C to +50°C.

 

3. INS Sudarshini Joins Sail Boston 2026 Parade: INS Sudarshini, the Indian Naval Sail Training Ship, arrived in Boston on 12 July 2026 for the Grand Parade of Sails at Sail Boston 2026. The vessel joined an international fleet of more than 60 tall ships from over 20 nations and was open to visitors in Boston from 12 July to 15 July 2026. INS Sudarshini is a sail training ship of the Indian Navy. Sail training ships are used for seamanship training, navigation practice, and ceremonial naval participation. The ship flew the Indian Tricolour during its Parade of Sail in New York on 4 July 2026. INS Sudarshini is part of the Indian Navy’s 10-month transoceanic expedition named Lokayan 2026. The expedition began on 20 January 2026 from Kochi and includes port calls in the United States and other maritime engagements.

 

4. Indigenous Surveillance Airships to Strengthen India’s Border Monitoring: India has initiated the Airship-based High Altitude Pseudo Satellite (AS-HAPS) programme for indigenous stratospheric airships designed for long-endurance surveillance missions. The programme has an estimated outlay of ₹15,000 crore and is linked to border monitoring, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), and long-range communications. High Altitude Pseudo Satellites (HAPS) are lighter-than-air or fixed-wing platforms that operate in the stratosphere, usually at altitudes of 20 km to 30 km. These platforms remain below low-Earth orbit satellites, which generally operate between 500 km and 2,000 km, and above many high-altitude drones that fly at around 12 km. The Directorate of Operations (Remote) of the Indian Air Force is steering the project under the Make-I procurement framework. Under this framework, the government can fund up to 70% of development costs for selected private partners, and the programme seeks indigenous development of airship systems and payload integration.

 

SPORTS 

 

1. India Wins Five Gold Medals, Secures Joint Top Rank at International Physics Olympiad 2026: India won five gold medals at the 56th International Physics Olympiad (IPhO) 2026, held in Bucaramanga, Colombia. The gold medal winners are Kanishk Jain (Pune), Riddhesh Anant Bendale (Indore), Rishit Garg (New Delhi), Shresth Suraiya (Mumbai), and Svarit Joshi (Ahmedabad). India secured the joint first position along with Russia, China, Kazakhstan, South Korea, and Taiwan, in the competition featuring 381 students from 87 countries. The achievement highlights the success of India’s Olympiad programme led by the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE), a National Centre of Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), and was congratulated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Dr. Ajit Kumar Mohanty, Secretary, Department of Atomic Energy.

 

2. Sourav Ganguly, Anjum Chopra and Kevin Pietersen Inducted into ICC Hall of Fame: The International Cricket Council (ICC) inducted Sourav Ganguly (India), Anjum Chopra (India), and Kevin Pietersen (England) into the ICC Hall of Fame during a ceremony held in Edinburgh, Scotland. Sourav Ganguly became the 10th Indian men’s cricketer to be inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame, joining legends such as Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev, Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Anil Kumble, Virender Sehwag, Vinoo Mankad, Bishan Singh Bedi, and MS Dhoni. Anjum Chopra became only the third Indian woman to receive the honour, after Diana Edulji and Neetu David, recognising her outstanding contribution to Indian women’s cricket.

 

3. Delhi unveils Mayur mascot for Commonwealth Table Tennis Championships: Delhi unveiled Mayur as the mascot for the Commonwealth Table Tennis Championships 2026 on 14 July 2026. The 22nd edition of the championship will be held at Thyagaraj Stadium in Delhi from 27 July to 2 August 2026. The Commonwealth Table Tennis Championships is an international table tennis competition for Commonwealth nations. The 2026 edition is the 22nd edition of the event and is scheduled in Delhi under joint organisation by the Delhi government and the Table Tennis Federation of India. Mayur is inspired by the peacock, which is India’s national bird. The mascot is linked with themes of energy, hospitality, and unity, which are commonly used in sporting event branding.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Assam to Develop India’s First State-Owned Earth Observation Satellite System ‘AssamSAT’: Assam will develop AssamSAT, India’s first State-owned Earth Observation Satellite System, to provide real-time satellite-based data for governance and development. AssamSAT will support disaster management, flood monitoring, agriculture, and natural resource monitoring, enhancing data-driven planning and emergency response across the state.

 

2. JAXA Successfully Conducts First Test Flight of Reusable RV-X Rocket: The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) successfully conducted the first test flight of its experimental reusable rocket, Reusable Vehicle eXperiment (RV-X), at the Noshiro Testing Center, Akita Prefecture, where the rocket lifted off, hovered, moved horizontally, and landed safely. The RV-X is a 7.3-metre-long, 1.8-metre-diameter reusable rocket equipped with a high-durability engine and four shock-absorbing landing legs, developed jointly by JAXA and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries to demonstrate reusable launch technology. Development of RV-X began in 2016, with its engine completing over 160 combustion tests. JAXA aims to deploy cost-effective reusable rockets by the early 2030s, eventually replacing the H3 rocket as Japan’s primary launch vehicle.

 

3. Dhruva Space Gets ₹60 Crore from Antariksh Fund: Hyderabad-based spacetech company Dhruva Space secured ₹60 crore from the Antariksh Venture Capital Fund on 13 July 2026. The company became the first recipient of investment from the fund, which is India’s sovereign space-tech fund with a corpus of ₹1,600 crore. The Antariksh Venture Capital Fund is anchored by the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre, known as IN-SPACe. SIDBI Venture Capital Ltd manages the fund, which was created to provide institutional capital to private space-technology companies at different stages of growth. The ₹60 crore investment forms part of Dhruva Space’s ongoing pre-Series B round. The round now totals ₹275 crore, including ₹150 crore in equity and ₹125 crore in debt financing. Dhruva Space is a full-stack space engineering solutions provider based in Hyderabad. Its business areas include satellite platforms, space infrastructure, mission services, and strategic national programmes.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. India’s Retail Inflation Rises to 4.4% in June: India’s retail inflation, measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), rose to 4% in June 2026, up from 3.93% in May 2026, crossing the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) 4% inflation target for the first time since January 2025. The rise in inflation was primarily driven by higher food and fuel prices, influenced by the West Asia crisis and a weaker-than-normal monsoon, making it the highest retail inflation level in 18 months.

 

2. What is PMFME Scheme?: The Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) Scheme is a Central Sector scheme launched in June 2020 under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan. By 11 July 2026, the scheme had sanctioned loans to over two lakh micro food processing enterprises across India. The PMFME Scheme is implemented by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries for the formalisation and support of micro food processing units. The scheme provides credit-linked support, seed capital, training, and assistance for common infrastructure in the food processing sector. The scheme has leveraged project investments of more than Rs 20,300 crore. It has generated nearly 11 lakh direct and indirect employment opportunities, which include jobs in production, processing, packaging, and allied activities.

 

3. Government Releases First Services Production Index: The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) released India’s first trial Index of Services Production (ISP) for April 2026 on 14 July 2026. The trial index covers 19 formal services sub-sectors and uses 2024-25 as the base year. The Index of Services Production is a monthly indicator for measuring short-term changes in the output of the formal services sector. The index is designed to complement the Index of Industrial Production (IIP), which measures changes in industrial output in India. The inaugural ISP covers 19 formal services sub-sectors, which together represent about 60% of India’s formal services economy. The base year 2024-25 provides the reference period for comparing monthly movements in the index.

 

Daily GK Update- 14th July, 2026

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. CSIR celebrates women researchers through ASPIRE-SHAKTI initiative: The Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) organised ASPIRE-SHAKTI, titled “Celebrating Women in STEM & Initiating Project Review Sessions”, on 13 July 2026 at CSIR Headquarters, Anusandhan Bhawan, New Delhi. The event was held through the CSIR Human Resource Development Group (CSIR-HRDG), and Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, Secretary of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR) and Director General of CSIR, presided over the function. The CSIR-ASPIRE Research Scheme is a dedicated programme for women researchers under CSIR-HRDG. It was envisioned by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of Science & Technology, and launched on International Women’s Day in 2023. The scheme provides competitive funding to women scientists as independent Principal Investigators. It is linked with project review sessions and a compendium of research outcomes under the ASPIRE-SHAKTI initiative.

 

2. All India Water Secretaries’ Conference Held in New Delhi: The All India Water Secretaries’ Conference was held in New Delhi on 13 and 14 July 2026 under the Ministry of Jal Shakti. The conference brought together around 200 senior officials, including Secretaries from States and Union Territories, for discussions on water governance and resource management. The conference was chaired by Union Minister for Jal Shakti C. R. Patil. Minister of State Raj Bhushan Choudhary and Secretary, Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, V. L. Kantha Rao, also co-chaired the event. The Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation functions under the Ministry of Jal Shakti.

 

3. Grey Hornbill returns to Gujarat’s Gir forests after six decades: The Indian Grey Hornbill, also known as Chilotro, has been reintroduced into the Gir forests of Gujarat after an absence of more than six decades. A scientific study in the peer-reviewed journal Birds records that the reintroduced birds are surviving and breeding in the wild. The Gir landscape in Gujarat is known for the Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary, which is the only natural habitat of the Asiatic lion in India. The reintroduction programme released 40 hornbills in two phases, with 28 birds in 2021-2022 and 12 birds in 2023. Eleven male hornbills were fitted with satellite transmitters to track movement, habitat use, and breeding behaviour. Two tagged males were named LK and RSD in memory of ornithologists Lavkumar Khachar and R.S. Dharmakumarsinhji.

 

4. DoT Disconnects Over Five Crore Fake Mobile Connections: The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) disconnected over five crore fake mobile connections in a two-year period up to July 2026. The action formed part of telecom fraud control measures linked to cybercrime prevention, recovery of lost or stolen phones, and verification of mobile subscriber records. Fake mobile connections are SIM cards issued using forged, incomplete, or misused identity documents. In August 2025, the government blacklisted nearly 40 lakh SIM cards, flagged 68 lakh mobile numbers for re-verification, and blacklisted 52,000 Point of Sale agents for facilitating fake registrations.

5. Dhruva Space Gets ₹60 Crore from Antariksh Fund: Hyderabad-based spacetech company Dhruva Space secured ₹60 crore from the Antariksh Venture Capital Fund on 13 July 2026. The company became the first recipient of investment from the fund, which is India’s sovereign space-tech fund with a corpus of ₹1,600 crore. The ₹60 crore investment forms part of Dhruva Space’s ongoing pre-Series B round. The round now totals ₹275 crore, including ₹150 crore in equity and ₹125 crore in debt financing. Dhruva Space is a full-stack space engineering solutions provider based in Hyderabad. Its business areas include satellite platforms, space infrastructure, mission services, and strategic national programmes. The company plans to use the new capital for satellite manufacturing, space infrastructure development, and critical technology development. It also serves domestic and international customers in the space sector. Dhruva Space has an order book of more than ₹500 crore across satellite platforms, space infrastructure, mission services, and strategic national programmes.

 

6. Uttarakhand Opens First GI Products Gallery: Uttarakhand opened its first Geographical Indications (GI) Products Gallery at the Uttarakhand Forest Training Academy in Haldwani on 13 July 2026. The gallery displays more than 30 GI-tagged products from the state, including agricultural produce, handicrafts, and cultural items. A Geographical Indication is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities, reputation, or characteristics linked to that place. In India, GI registration is governed by the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999, and the registration is administered by the Geographical Indications Registry under the Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks. The gallery includes items such as Bedu, Ramnagar litchi, Ramgarh peach, Tejpat, Munsiyari white rajma, Kumaon chyura oil, and Almora Lakhori chilli. It also features Aipan art, Chamoli wooden Ramman masks, and Uttarakhand Tamta copperware, which represent the state’s artisanal traditions.

 

7. Rare Laudankia Vine Snake Documented in Udaipur: The Laudankia Vine Snake, scientifically named Ahaetulla laudankia, was photographed in the Ubeshwar wildlife area of Udaipur on 12 July 2026. The record was made by wildlife photographer Rohit Dwivedi with guidance from Sharad Agrawal and Deepal Kalra. Ahaetulla laudankia was scientifically described in 2019 and is endemic to India. The species belongs to the vine snake group and is known for a slender, elongated body adapted to arboreal life. The Laudankia Vine Snake has a chestnut-brown body with fine black speckles and pale white patches on the lower part of the head. It usually measures between 80 cm and 1.5 metres in length. The species is diurnal, which means it is active during the day.

 

8. Gujarat’s Unjha Cumin and Fennel Get GI Tags: Unjha Cumin (Jeera) and Unjha Fennel (Variyali) from North Gujarat received Geographical Indication (GI) tags from the Geographical Indications Registry of India. The certificates were issued on 28 March 2026, and the registration was made in the name of the Unjha Agriculture Produce Market Committee (APMC), Unjha, under Class 30 for spices. A Geographical Indication is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities, reputation, or characteristics linked to that origin. In India, GI registration is governed by the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999, and the registry functions under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India Launches SHANTI Campaign for UNSC Bid: India launched its official campaign on 13 July 2026 for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the 2028-29 term. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar unveiled the campaign and India’s SHANTI vision at the United Nations headquarters in New York. The United Nations Security Council has 15 members, including 5 permanent members and 10 non-permanent members elected by the United Nations General Assembly. Non-permanent members serve two-year terms, and elections are held by regional group allocation. The Asia-Pacific Group has one seat in the 2028-29 election cycle, and India will contest that seat against Tajikistan in elections scheduled for June 2027. India has served eight terms as a non-permanent member of the Security Council, including the 2021-22 term.

 

2. India to Host BRICS Labour Ministers’ Meeting: India will host the BRICS Labour and Employment Ministers’ Meeting in Hyderabad on 15 and 16 July 2026 under its BRICS presidency. The meeting is linked to BRICS cooperation on labour markets, workforce skilling, social protection, and employment policies. BRICS is a grouping of major emerging economies that conducts ministerial meetings on sector-specific issues, including labour and employment. The labour ministers’ meeting is one of the formal mechanisms used by BRICS members to coordinate policy positions on employment and social security. The 2026 meeting in Hyderabad is expected to bring together representatives from member countries and international organisations. The agenda includes labour market formalisation, employability, skills development, and women’s participation in the workforce.

 

3. Ladakh to Form Hill Councils in Seven Districts: Ladakh administration decided on 13 July 2026 to constitute Autonomous Hill Development Councils for all seven districts of the Union Territory. The decision covers Leh, Kargil, Nubra, Changthang, Sham, Zanskar, and Drass, after the creation of five new districts in April 2026. Autonomous Hill Development Councils are district-level elected bodies in Ladakh that function under the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council Act. Leh has had such a council since 1995, and Kargil has had one since 2003. Each council will have powers over land ownership and allotment, recruitment and promotions for district cadre posts, and levy of taxes and fees. The councils will also handle health, education, tourism, local infrastructure, and social welfare schemes, with each district maintaining its own revenue base and development plans.

 

4. UN Releases First Scientific Report on AI: The United Nations released its first scientific assessment of artificial intelligence in July 2026 under the title Preliminary Report of the Independent International Scientific Panel on AI. The panel has 40 members and is co-chaired by Turing Award laureate Yoshua Bengio and Nobel laureate Maria Ressa. Artificial intelligence is a branch of computer science that enables machines to perform tasks linked to learning, reasoning, pattern recognition, and language processing. The report covers seven themes, including AI science, healthcare, education, agriculture, economic effects, security, environmental impacts, human rights, democracy, cultural well-being, individual well-being, governance, and reliability. The Independent International Scientific Panel on AI was created to assess scientific evidence on AI and not to prescribe policy. The United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres stated that governments need independent scientific evidence before making policy choices, and the report was prepared for use in the Global Dialogue on AI Governance.

 

5. ICAI Inaugurates Global Orbit Summit 2026 in New Delhi: The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) inaugurated the first edition of the ICAI Global Orbit Summit 2026 in New Delhi on 11 July 2026. The summit series is linked to Global Capability Centres (GCCs), which are also called captive centres or global in-house centres in corporate and professional usage. Global Capability Centres are offshore units set up by multinational companies to provide services such as finance, information technology, research and development, analytics, human resources, and customer support. India has more than 2,100 GCCs, which employ nearly 2.36 million professionals and generate close to USD 100 billion in annual revenue.

 

6. India Declares One-Day National Mourning for Former Qatar Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani: India declared one-day national mourning on 13 July 2026 for Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, the former Emir of Qatar and the Father Amir of the State of Qatar. The National Flag was flown at half-mast on all buildings where it is regularly displayed, and no official entertainment was held in India on the day of mourning. National mourning in India is declared by the Union Government on occasions of death of prominent national or foreign dignitaries. During such mourning, the National Flag is flown at half-mast under the Flag Code of India and official entertainment is suspended for the notified period. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the death of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani on 12 July 2026. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju was expected to travel to Qatar to convey India’s condolences on behalf of the Government of India.

OTHER UPDATES:

 

DEFENCE

 

1. INS Sudarshini Joins Sail Boston 2026 Parade: INS Sudarshini, the Indian Naval Sail Training Ship, arrived in Boston on 12 July 2026 for the Grand Parade of Sails at Sail Boston 2026. The vessel joined an international fleet of more than 60 tall ships from over 20 nations and was open to visitors in Boston from 12 July to 15 July 2026. INS Sudarshini is a sail training ship of the Indian Navy. Sail training ships are used for seamanship training, navigation practice, and ceremonial naval participation. The ship flew the Indian Tricolour during its Parade of Sail in New York on 4 July 2026. Before reaching Boston, INS Sudarshini took part in the International Naval Review 250 and Sail4th 250 celebrations in New York, and its port call there ended on 8 July 2026. The ship also made port calls at Norfolk from 19 June to 23 June 2026 and at Baltimore on 26 June 2026.

 

2. What is Defence, Security and Resilience Bank (DSRB)?: The Defence, Security and Resilience Bank (DSRB) is a proposed multilateral financial institution for military, security, and supply chain projects across allied nations. It is planned to have its headquarters in Canada and a European hub in Luxembourg, with a target to raise up to £100 billion, or about $134 billion. The DSRB is designed to provide low-cost, long-term financing for defence-related procurement and industrial capacity. It uses the creditworthiness of sovereign shareholders to issue triple-A-rated bonds, which is a high credit rating used in international finance for low-risk debt instruments. The founding and supporting nations include Albania, Belgium, Canada, Greece, Latvia, Luxembourg, Romania, Türkiye, and Ukraine. Private financial backers include JPMorgan Chase, Deutsche Bank, ING, Commerzbank, RBC, BMO, CIBC, Scotiabank, TD Bank, and National Bank of Canada.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Indigenous Surveillance Airships to Strengthen India’s Border Monitoring: India has initiated the Airship-based High Altitude Pseudo Satellite (AS-HAPS) programme for indigenous stratospheric airships designed for long-endurance surveillance missions. The programme has an estimated outlay of ₹15,000 crore and is linked to border monitoring, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), and long-range communications. High Altitude Pseudo Satellites (HAPS) are lighter-than-air or fixed-wing platforms that operate in the stratosphere, usually at altitudes of 20 km to 30 km. These platforms remain below low-Earth orbit satellites, which generally operate between 500 km and 2,000 km, and above many high-altitude drones that fly at around 12 km.

 

2. Karnataka Announces India’s First Government-Driven AI University: Karnataka announced a plan to establish India’s first government-driven Artificial Intelligence University on 14 July 2026. The announcement was made in Bengaluru during the inauguration of Google I/O Connect India 2026, and the proposed institution is linked with an AI Hub for startups, researchers, and companies. Artificial Intelligence is a branch of computer science that develops systems capable of tasks such as learning, pattern recognition, language processing, and decision support. An AI university can offer undergraduate, postgraduate, and research programmes in AI, Machine Learning, Robotics, Data Science, and related digital technologies. Karnataka has a large information technology base, and Bengaluru is one of India’s major technology centres. The state contributes nearly 40% of India’s software exports, and Bengaluru has more than 17,000 startups.

 

3. Two New Solitary Bee Species Discovered in Arunachal Pradesh: Two new solitary bee species, Elaphropoda triangulata and Habropoda adi, were identified in Arunachal Pradesh on 11 July 2026. The discovery was made by researchers from the Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE), Bengaluru, during the Siang Expedition, and the findings were published in the European Journal of Taxonomy. Solitary bees are bees that do not form large colonies with a queen, workers, and drones. Many solitary bees are ground-nesting insects, and the two newly identified species belong to the Anthophorinae subfamily of ground-nesting bees. Wild bees are part of pollinator diversity in forest, grassland, and agricultural ecosystems. Pollination by bees supports the reproduction of many flowering plants and crop species.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Bihar Launches Subsidised Heli-Tourism Service: Bihar launched the Mukhyamantri Bihar Heli-Tourism and Air Tourism Service Scheme 2026 in Patna on 12 July 2026. The scheme is a joint initiative of the tourism department and the civil aviation department, and it provides subsidised helicopter and air tourism services to selected destinations in the state. The state government will provide a subsidy of up to ₹15,422 per ticket under the scheme. Online booking began on 13 July 2026, and operations are scheduled to start on 18 July 2026. The service will run initially on Saturdays and Sundays. In the first phase, the service connects Patna with Valmikinagar, Maa Mundeshwari Temple in Kaimur, and Rajgir. The fare for a 10-minute Patna joy ride is ₹2,100, while the Patna-Rajgir fare is ₹4,000, the Patna-Valmikinagar fare is ₹5,000, and the Patna-Kaimur fare is ₹6,000.

 

2. What is PMFME Scheme?: The Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) Scheme is a Central Sector scheme launched in June 2020 under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan. By 11 July 2026, the scheme had sanctioned loans to over two lakh micro food processing enterprises across India. The PMFME Scheme is implemented by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries for the formalisation and support of micro food processing units. The scheme provides credit-linked support, seed capital, training, and assistance for common infrastructure in the food processing sector. About 90% of the beneficiaries are first-generation entrepreneurs, and 44% are women entrepreneurs. More than 75,000 supported enterprises have entered the formal economy through registrations such as Udyam Aadhaar, Udyam Assist, FSSAI, and GST.

 

3. Centre Approves Rs 14,300 Crore Puducherry Budget: The Union Home Ministry approved Puducherry’s Rs 14,300 crore budget for the financial year 2026-2027 on 12 July 2026. The draft budget was examined with the Finance Ministry and received presidential approval before presentation in the Puducherry Legislative Assembly. The approved budget estimates revenue receipts of Rs 11,965.07 crore for 2026-2027. This includes Rs 7,890.41 crore from Puducherry’s own tax and non-tax revenues and Rs 4,074.66 crore as grants-in-aid from the Government of India. Central grants in the budget include Rs 3,512.86 crore under Normal Central Assistance, Rs 531.80 crore for Centrally Sponsored Schemes and flagship programmes, Rs 25 crore for the Central Road Fund, and Rs 5 crore for the Union Territory Disaster Response Fund. The Central Road Fund is used for road development and maintenance, while the Union Territory Disaster Response Fund is used for disaster response and relief.