Daily GK Update- 19th July, 2026

 NATIONAL 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. NITI Aayog Proposes ₹50,000 Crore Biotech Fund: NITI Aayog released a roadmap on 16 July 2026 titled Roadmap for Building India as a Leading BioEconomy Powerhouse by 2035. The roadmap proposes a ₹50,000 crore BioEconomy Growth Fund for the 2026-2035 period and sets targets for India’s biotechnology sector, bioeconomy expansion, and industrial scale-up. The proposed fund is designed to address the “valley of death” between proof-of-concept research and commercial-scale manufacturing. It is intended to use blended finance, catalytic equity, viability-gap funding, and infrastructure support for biotechnology enterprises. The fund covers biomanufacturing, advanced therapeutics, synthetic biology, fermentation technologies, and diagnostics. These areas fall within industrial biotechnology and health biotechnology, which are major segments of the global bioeconomy.

 

5. 135th IndianOil Durand Cup Trophy Tour Reaches Guwahati: The 135th IndianOil Durand Cup Trophy Tour began in Guwahati on 16 July 2026 with the unveiling of three historic trophies at Hotel Taj Vivanta. The trophies are the Durand Cup, the President’s Cup, and the Simla Trophy. Guwahati is scheduled to host six Group F matches of the 135th IndianOil Durand Cup at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, Sarusajai, from 1 August to 13 August 2026. The two-day trophy tour in Guwahati includes public displays at the New Assam Legislative Assembly Building, the Lachit Borphukan Statue, IIT Guwahati, and City Centre Mall. Such trophy tours are organised before major football tournaments in India to present the competition’s silverware in public spaces.

 

6. Goa bird count crosses 500 species: Goa’s bird checklist reached 502 species in its eighth edition on 16 July 2026. The updated list was published as a scientifically peer-reviewed paper in the Indian BIRDS Journal and added five new species to the state record. The Goa Bird Checklist 8.0 includes the Greylag Goose, Red-crested Pochard, Wedge-tailed Shearwater, and Indian Courser among the new additions. Stephen Menezes recorded the Greylag Goose in Santa Cruz, while forest official Paresh Porob recorded the Red-crested Pochard. Goa became the second Indian state to publish a comprehensive state-level bird atlas in February 2026. The atlas was unveiled during the ninth Bird Festival of Goa, and the 2026 Campus Bird Count in Goa recorded 110 bird species across 12 participating institutions.

 

7. Bill on Vande Mataram Scheduled for Lok Sabha: The Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026 is scheduled for introduction in the Lok Sabha during the Monsoon Session beginning on 20 July 2026. The proposed amendment seeks to extend statutory protection to Vande Mataram under the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971. The Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971 is a central law that deals with insults to the national flag, the Constitution, and the national anthem. The national anthem of India is Jana Gana Mana, which was adopted by the Constituent Assembly on 24 January 1950. Vande Mataram is a patriotic song from Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay’s novel Anandamath, published in 1882. The proposed bill seeks to place Vande Mataram in a legal position similar to Jana Gana Mana for the purpose of punishment for insult or obstruction during singing.

 

8. Amrit Bharat Station Scheme: 75 Stations Inaugurated: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to virtually inaugurate 75 redeveloped railway stations across 20 states on July 17, 2026, under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. The main ceremony is anchored from Jalandhar Cantt station in Punjab, which has been redeveloped at a cost of ₹125 crore. The Amrit Bharat Station Scheme was launched in December 2022 by the Ministry of Railways. It provides for long-term master planning of more than 1,338 stations across India and includes multimodal connectivity, improved accessibility, and station redevelopment in phases. The scheme follows the principle of “Virasat Bhi, Vikas Bhi”, which combines local heritage with modern infrastructure. The redeveloped stations include wider circulation areas, improved entry and exit points, lifts, escalators, modern waiting halls, executive lounges, CCTV surveillance, free Wi-Fi, and facilities for persons with disabilities.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. 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.

 

2. 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.

 

3. Centre Launches Global Trade Guidebook for MSMEs: On 16 July 2026, the Centre for Trade and Investment Law at the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade, in collaboration with the Confederation of Indian Industry, launched a guidebook titled Going Global: A Practical Guide for Indian MSMEs in New Delhi. The guidebook is a practical resource for Indian Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises that covers export opportunities, market access requirements, trade intelligence tools, international standards, and sustainability norms. The guidebook provides guidance on market analysis, buyer identification, and the use of freely available tools for reducing market research costs. It also addresses common constraints faced by MSMEs, including limited access to market information, weak knowledge of overseas buyers, compliance with international certifications, and price competitiveness.

 

4. India Flags Off First Hydrogen-Powered Train: Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off India’s first hydrogen-powered train on 17 July 2026 from Jind in Haryana. The indigenous train runs on the 89-km Jind-Sonipat route, has 12 intermediate stops, and uses hydrogen fuel cell technology that emits water vapour as the only by-product. Hydrogen fuel cell trains use hydrogen and oxygen in an electrochemical process to generate electricity. The process produces no direct carbon dioxide emissions at the point of use, and the only exhaust from the fuel cell is water vapour. The train launched in Haryana has a 10-coach configuration and a passenger capacity of about 2,600. It has a maximum approved speed of 75 kmph and a design speed of 110 kmph. Hydrogen-powered trains are rail vehicles that use hydrogen as an energy source instead of diesel or overhead electric supply. Germany, Japan, China, and the United States are among the countries that already have operational hydrogen-powered trains.

 

5. UK Launches Storm Fighter Loyal Wingman Programme: The United Kingdom launched the Royal Air Force’s new collaborative combat aircraft programme, named Storm Fighter, on 16 July 2026. The programme seeks to develop autonomous loyal wingman drones for operations with crewed combat aircraft such as Typhoon, F-35 and the future Tempest fighter. Storm Fighter is funded through a £300 million allocation under the United Kingdom’s Defence Investment Plan, published on 2 July 2026. The programme was announced by Luke Pollard, Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry, at the Air & Space Power Association Global Air and Space Chiefs’ Conference in London. The programme includes early concepts such as Storm Chrome for electronic attack and Storm Fire as a one-way attack drone with a range of up to 1,000 miles. These designs build on StormShroud, an autonomous drone that entered service in May 2025, and follow the cancellation of Project Mosquito in 2022.

 

6. IFSCA Revises Credit Rating Rules for GIFT City: The International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) revised the credit rating framework for the International Financial Services Centre in GIFT City, Gujarat, through Circular No. IFSCA-CMIR/1/2026-CMIR dated 16 July 2026. The circular amended the Master Circular for Credit Rating Agencies in the IFSC dated 5 August 2025 and became effective immediately. An International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) is a designated financial zone that provides services to residents and non-residents under a separate regulatory framework. GIFT City, or Gujarat International Finance Tec-City, is India’s first operational IFSC and functions under the regulatory jurisdiction of the IFSCA.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

DEFENCE

 

1. INS Malvan to Join Indian Navy on 22 July 2026: INS Malvan is the second vessel of the Mahe-class Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC) built for the Indian Navy. The ship was designed and constructed by Cochin Shipyard Limited in Kochi and was delivered to the Navy on 31 March 2026. The Mahe-class belongs to the ASW-SWC category, which is meant for operations in shallow coastal waters. These vessels are designed for anti-submarine warfare, mine warfare, and Low Intensity Maritime Operations (LIMO). INS Malvan is about 80 metres long and has a displacement of 1,100 tonnes. The craft uses waterjets for propulsion and carries advanced sensors, torpedoes, and multifunctional anti-submarine rockets.

 

2. Another MH-60R Seahawk Delivered to Indian Navy: The Indian Navy received another MH-60R Seahawk helicopter in Kochi in July 2026, taking the number inducted to 21 out of 24 ordered from the United States. The remaining helicopters are expected to be delivered by the end of 2026 under the original procurement programme. The MH-60R Seahawk is a multi-role maritime helicopter developed by Lockheed Martin for naval operations. It is used for anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, search and rescue, and special operations support. India signed a contract for 24 MH-60R helicopters in February 2020 under the United States Foreign Military Sales programme. The contract value was about USD 2.6 billion, and the helicopters were ordered to strengthen the Navy’s shipborne aviation capability.

 

3. IAF Rafale Jets Reach Australia for Pitch Black 2026: The Indian Air Force contingent reached Australia on 17 July 2026 for Exercise Pitch Black 2026. The deployment includes four Rafale fighter jets, two C-17 Globemaster III transport aircraft, and more than 120 Air Warriors. Exercise Pitch Black is a multinational air combat exercise hosted by the Royal Australian Air Force. The 2026 edition is scheduled from 20 July to 7 August 2026 at RAAF Bases Darwin, Tindal, and Amberley in northern Australia. Exercise Pitch Black 2026 involves around 20 nations, up to 100 jet aircraft, and more than 2,500 personnel. The exercise includes complex air combat training, interoperability drills, and operations with fifth-generation F-35 stealth fighters.

SPORTS

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. ICMR Deploys Drones for TB Diagnosis: The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has tested drone-assisted transport of tuberculosis sputum samples under its i-DRONE initiative in Yadadri-Bhuvanagiri district of Telangana. The programme used a hub-and-spoke model to move samples from nearby health facilities to diagnostic centres and reduced the median turnaround time for TB diagnosis from 15 days to 5 days in a study involving 840 participants. Drone logistics is the use of unmanned aerial vehicles for transport of medical samples, medicines, and diagnostic materials. In this case, drones carried TB sputum samples from peripheral facilities to laboratories, which reduced dependence on long road travel in remote areas. The i-DRONE initiative linked 11 Primary Health Centres, 60 sub-centres, and four TB Units in a single sample-collection and transport network. Patients could submit sputum samples at nearby health facilities, which reduced travel distance for diagnostic access.

 

2. CDSCO Approves Wegovy for MASH Treatment: India’s drug regulator, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO), approved Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy (semaglutide injection 2.4 mg) on 17 July 2026 for the treatment of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) in adults. The approval covers noncirrhotic MASH in adults with moderate to advanced liver fibrosis, along with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. MASH is a progressive liver disease linked to metabolic dysfunction and fat accumulation in the liver. It is part of the broader spectrum of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), which includes fatty liver conditions associated with obesity, type 2 diabetes, and dyslipidaemia.

 

3. NASA Webb Telescope Finds New Exoplanet in Beta Pictoris: Scientists announced the discovery of Beta Pictoris d, a new exoplanet in the Beta Pictoris star system, on 15 July 2026. The planet was identified through observations made with NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope and the European Southern Observatory’s Very Large Telescope in Chile. Beta Pictoris is a young star system located about 63 light-years from Earth. The system is about 23 million years old and already contains the giant exoplanets Beta Pictoris b and Beta Pictoris c. Beta Pictoris d is the third known giant planet in the system. Beta Pictoris d was detected through the chemical fingerprint of carbon monoxide in its atmosphere. The James Webb Space Telescope used the Near-Infrared Spectrograph Integral Field Unit for this observation. This method differs from direct imaging based only on brightness and position.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

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. ICAR Outlines Viksit Krishi Vision for 2047: The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) marked its 98th Foundation Day in New Delhi on 16 July 2026 with the release of a roadmap for Viksit Krishi and Samruddh Kisan under the broader framework of Viksit Bharat 2047. The roadmap sets targets for climate-resilient agriculture, technology adoption, and wider farmer outreach by 2047. The roadmap includes the development of 100 Climate Smart Villages, extension of ICAR technologies to 100 million farmers, and the launch of the One Institute-One Grand Innovation initiative. ICAR also plans an Open Digital Knowledge Platform, stronger action against counterfeit seeds and pesticides, and internal resource generation of ₹10,000 crore by 2029 through technology commercialisation.

 

3. PM Launches ₹4,700 Crore Projects in Chandigarh: Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched multiple development projects in Chandigarh on 17 July 2026 across healthcare, education, and road infrastructure. The package included hospital facilities at the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) and highway works linked to the Tricity Ring Road network. The development package included three National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) road projects worth ₹5,278 crore. These projects form the final links of the 244-km Tricity Ring Road, which is planned at an estimated cost of ₹12,000 crore. The 31.23-km IT City–Kurali Greenfield Corridor was formally inaugurated on 17 July 2026. The corridor is a six-lane road built at a cost of ₹1,936 crore. Foundation stones were laid for the 19.2-km Zirakpur–Panchkula bypass and the 10.3-km PR-7 Spur. The Zirakpur–Panchkula bypass has a reported letter of acceptance value of ₹1,878 crore, while the PR-7 Spur has a reported value of ₹1,464 crore.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. National Film Awards 2026 Announced: The 72nd National Film Awards were announced on 18 July 2026 in New Delhi. The awards covered films certified by the Central Board of Film Certification in 2024, and the winners were selected by an 11-member jury led by filmmaker Jayaraj. The National Film Awards are among India’s highest official honours for cinema. They are presented by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and cover feature films, non-feature films, and writing on cinema. Sanjeev Srivastava received the Best Film Critic award. K. Pradeep Kumar Shetty won Best Writing on Cinema for the Kannada book Naaniruvude Nimagaagi Naadiruvude Nanagaagi Kannada Cinemaada Thathva matthu Rajakeeya. The National Film Awards are administered under the Directorate of Film Festivals, which functions under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. The awards are generally announced annually and recognise films in multiple Indian languages.

 

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.