Daily GK Update- 11th July, 2026

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. FSSAI Issues Nine Notices to Swiggy Instamart: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) issued nine notices to Swiggy Instamart on 11 July 2026 over consumer complaints linked to food safety and labelling issues. The complaints mentioned expired, spoiled, contaminated and unsafe food products sold through the quick-commerce platform. The complaints cited expired whey protein, rotten Akshayakalpa Organic Eggs with a foul smell, contaminated infant formula, spoiled milk products and damaged packaged food items. FSSAI also flagged alleged misleading licensing information, including NOICE Eggs being marketed under a brand category not covered by the existing licence.

 

2. NSE Launches Nifty500 Ahimsa Index: NSE Indices Limited, a subsidiary of the National Stock Exchange, launched the Nifty500 Ahimsa Index on 10 July 2026. The index tracks companies from the Nifty 500 universe that follow Ahimsa, or non-violence, in business practices and exclude firms involved in activities that harm animals. The Nifty500 Ahimsa Index has a base date of 1 April 2016 and a base value of 1000. It is a thematic index, which means it is designed around a specific investment theme rather than the broad market. The index uses free-float market capitalisation for stock weights. Free-float market capitalisation refers to the market value of shares available for public trading, excluding promoter and locked-in holdings.

 

3. Centre Clears ₹3,000-Crore Scheme to Save 15,000 Sacred Groves: The Union government approved a ₹3,000-crore scheme on 10 July 2026 to conserve and restore nearly 15,000 sacred groves across India. The five-year programme, named the Aastha Van Sanrakshan Yojana, will run from 2026-27 to 2030-31 and will use funds from the National CAMPA Fund. The scheme was approved during the 7th Governing Body meeting of the National Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management & Planning Authority (CAMPA) in Coimbatore. Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav chaired the meeting. The approved plan also includes a landscape restoration programme for land degradation and biodiversity loss. Sacred groves are forest patches protected by local communities for religious, spiritual, and cultural reasons. They are known as Aastha Vans under the new scheme. Such groves are found in several parts of India and are linked to traditional conservation practices.

 

4. Odisha Transfers Rs 20,648 Crore Under Subhadra Yojana: Odisha has transferred more than Rs 20,648 crore to over one crore women beneficiaries under the Subhadra Yojana in four instalments as of 10 July 2026. The fifth instalment of Rs 5,000 per beneficiary is scheduled for Rakhi Purnima in August 2026. The annual assistance under the scheme is credited in two instalments of Rs 5,000 each. The first instalment is linked to Rakhi Purnima, and the second instalment is linked to International Women’s Day on 8 March. About 1.15 crore applications have been registered under the scheme so far. Around 1.01 crore women have been identified as eligible beneficiaries for the fifth instalment after verification.

5. Jayaprakash Narayan Public Library Inaugurated in Delhi: Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the Jayaprakash Narayan Public Library in the NDMC area of Delhi on 11 July 2026. The library is a multimedia and digital knowledge centre developed by the New Delhi Municipal Council and is named after Jayaprakash Narayan, a prominent Indian freedom fighter and political leader. The library has about 32,000 physical books and one crore e-books and digital resources. It has a seating capacity of 200 people and includes a reading hall, a children’s section, and facilities for researchers and students. Public libraries in India function as community institutions that provide access to books, newspapers, reference material, and digital resources. They are used by students, researchers, and general readers for study, reading, and information access.

 

6. Delhi Government Signs MoU for Rainwater Harvesting in 75 Schools: The Delhi Government signed a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding on 10 July 2026 at the Delhi Secretariat for rainwater harvesting systems in 75 CM Shri Schools. The agreement involves the Directorate of Education, Indraprastha Gas Limited, and Ehsaas NGO under the national Catch the Rain campaign. Rainwater harvesting is the collection, storage, and filtration of rainwater for later use or groundwater recharge. The project includes technical audits, restoration of existing systems, installation of new rooftop rainwater harvesting units, and awareness programmes for students and teachers. The initiative is expected to enable groundwater recharge of about two lakh litres annually in each participating school. Across 75 schools, the estimated annual rainwater harvesting capacity is nearly 50 crore litres.

 

7. Indian Potash, Jain Irrigation Sign Drip Irrigation MoU: Indian Potash Limited and Jain Irrigation Systems Limited signed a Memorandum of Understanding on 8 July 2026 at Indian Potash Limited’s corporate office in New Delhi. The agreement covers drip irrigation systems for sugarcane cultivation in Gujarat and includes survey, design, supply, installation, training, and field demonstrations. Drip irrigation is a micro irrigation method that delivers water directly to the root zone of plants through emitters, drippers, or micro-tubes. It is used in crops such as sugarcane, orchards, vegetables, and plantation crops in water-stressed and irrigated regions. Fertigation is the application of fertilisers through an irrigation system, usually drip or sprinkler networks. Micro Irrigation Systems include drip irrigation and sprinkler irrigation, and they are designed to reduce water loss through evaporation, runoff, and deep percolation.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India, New Zealand Set ₹35,000 Crore Trade Target : India and New Zealand elevated their ties to a strategic partnership on 11 July 2026. The two countries set a target to double annual bilateral trade in goods and services to ₹35,000 crore, or NZ$7 billion, by 2030. The talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prime Minister Christopher Luxon produced 18 outcomes, including 10 agreements. India and New Zealand established diplomatic relations after the independence period, and both countries are members of the Commonwealth of Nations. Bilateral relations cover trade, agriculture, education, skills, innovation, clean energy, and sport. A Strategic Partnership Roadmap to 2030 was adopted for joint action over the next four years. The roadmap covers cooperation in trade, agriculture, skills, innovation, clean energy, and sport.

 

2. Centre of Excellence on Human-Wildlife Conflict Inaugurated at WII-SACON: The Centre of Excellence on Human-Wildlife Conflict was inaugurated on 10 July 2026 at the Wildlife Institute of India–Sálim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History campus in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. The inauguration was attended by the Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav, and the Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Kirti Vardhan Singh. The Centre of Excellence will work as a national hub for research, innovation, policy support, capacity building, and dissemination of best practices. Its mandate includes scientific and evidence-based management of human-wildlife conflict in India. The establishment of the Centre was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the 7th Meeting of the National Board for Wildlife on 3 March 2025. The National Board for Wildlife is a statutory advisory body under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

 

3. India Notifies UK Vehicle Import Rules: India has notified the procedures for quota-based duty concessions on passenger cars and goods vehicles imported from the United Kingdom under the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). The rules and the agreement are scheduled to come into effect on 15 July 2026, and the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) issued the public notice on 9 July 2026. In the first year, India will allow a quota of 20,000 UK-built internal combustion engine (ICE) passenger cars at concessional duty rates. The duty rate for these vehicles will range from 30% to 50%, depending on engine size. The quota for conventional-engine passenger cars will rise to 37,000 units in the fifth year, when the customs duty will settle at 10%.

 

4. Aero India 2027 to Be Held in Bengaluru: Aero India 2027 will be the 16th edition of Asia’s largest airshow and will be held at Yelahanka Air Force Station in Bengaluru, Karnataka. Aero India is a biennial exhibition organised under the Ministry of Defence framework, with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited as the nodal agency and Bharat Electronics Limited as a supporting organisation. Aero India is held once every two years and brings together aircraft manufacturers, defence firms, military delegations, and aerospace stakeholders. The 15th edition of Aero India was held from 10 February to 14 February 2025. The Government of India has set a target of defence manufacturing worth ₹3 lakh crore and defence exports worth ₹50,000 crore by 2029-30. Aero India is linked with India’s aerospace and defence industrial ecosystem, which includes public sector undertakings, private manufacturers, and foreign exhibitors.

 

5. World Bank Approves $890 Million for Rooftop Solar Programme: The World Bank Board of Executive Directors approved an $890 million financing package for India’s national rooftop solar programme on 9 and 10 July 2026. The package supports PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, a residential rooftop solar scheme for households in rural and urban India. PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana is India’s flagship residential rooftop solar programme. The scheme targets rooftop solar installations for 10 million households across the country. It is linked to household-level solar power generation and grid-connected electricity supply. The 890 million package includes an 820 million loan from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, a 60 million concessional loan from the Clean Technology Fund, and a 10 million grant from the Livable Planet Fund. The financing is designed to support residential solar deployment and related institutional capacity.

 

6. Scientists Decode Sperm Whale Communication: Scientists using artificial intelligence have identified structured communication patterns in sperm whales, including 156 distinct codas and repeated click sequences that function as a phonetic-like system. The research has been linked to Project CETI, a non-profit international initiative founded in 2020 with a base in Dominica. Sperm whales are toothed whales in the family Physeteridae and are known for producing codas, which are short sequences of clicks used in social communication. Researchers have recorded vocalisations from about 400 sperm whales in the Eastern Caribbean between 2005 and 2018, including data from at least 60 individual whales.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

DEFENCE

 

1. Army to Induct 450 Carl Gustaf M4 Rocket Launchers: The Indian Army issued a Request for Proposal in July 2026 for 450 Carl Gustaf Mark-IV 84mm lightweight rocket launchers. The Carl Gustaf M4 is a shoulder-fired, multi-role weapon system designed for infantry use, anti-armour roles, and other battlefield tasks. The Carl Gustaf is a recoilless rifle system developed by Saab of Sweden. The Indian Army has used earlier M2 and M3 variants since the 1970s, and the M4 is the latest version in the series. The M4 weighs under 7 kilograms, while the M2 weighs about 14 kilograms and the M3 weighs about 10 kilograms. The Carl Gustaf M4 will be manufactured in India at Saab’s facility in Reliance MET City, Jhajjar, Haryana. Saab received approval for 100% Foreign Direct Investment for this unit, and the facility is described as India’s first fully foreign-owned defence manufacturing unit. Construction of the plant began in March 2024, and production was planned to start in 2024.

 

2. Indian Navy to Induct Stealth Frigate Mahendragiri: INS Mahendragiri is an indigenous stealth frigate of the Indian Navy and is scheduled for commissioning on 11 July 2026 at the Naval Dockyard in Visakhapatnam. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will preside over the commissioning ceremony. The warship was built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited in Mumbai and designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau. Project 17A is a follow-on programme to the Shivalik-class frigates and includes Nilgiri-class stealth frigates for the Indian Navy. INS Mahendragiri is listed as the sixth warship of the Project 17A series in the provided facts, while some references describe it as the seventh and final frigate under the programme. The class is associated with reduced radar cross-section, modern sensors, and improved combat systems.

SPORTS

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. NPPA Fixes Retail Prices for 39 Drug Formulations: The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority fixed the retail prices of 39 new drug formulations on 8 July 2026 under the Drugs (Prices Control) Order, 2013. The order covered formulations used in hypertension, diabetes, HIV, heart disease, eye infections, cancer, cardiovascular disorders, epilepsy, pain management, and vitamin deficiencies. The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority is a regulatory body under the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers. It fixes and revises prices of scheduled medicines under the Drugs (Prices Control) Order, 2013, and monitors compliance with price control provisions.

 

2. JAXA Launches and Lands Reusable Rocket: Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) conducted the first test flight of its experimental reusable rocket, Reusable Vehicle eXperiment (RV-X), on 11 July 2026 at the Noshiro Testing Center in Noshiro, Akita Prefecture, Japan. The rocket lifted off, hovered, moved horizontally, and landed safely during a flight of less than one minute. Reusable rockets are launch vehicles designed to return to Earth and be used again after flight. The RV-X is 1.8 metres in diameter and 7.3 metres long, and it uses an engine built for enhanced durability. The vehicle also has four shock-absorption landing gear units for vertical landing tests. During the test, the RV-X reached an altitude of about 11 metres and moved horizontally for about 16 metres while remaining upright. The flight combined lift-off, hovering, lateral movement, and landing in a single test sequence. JAXA and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries co-developed the rocket for reusable launch demonstrations.

 

3. Health Ministry Tightens Rules for Alcohol-Based Drug Formulations: The Union Health Ministry amended the Drugs Rules, 1945, on 10 July 2026 to regulate medicinal products containing high levels of ethyl alcohol. The amendment removes the exemption under Schedule K for certain alcohol-based preparations and brings them under licensing and prescription control. The Drugs Rules, 1945, classify medicines into schedules that determine sale, prescription, and record-keeping requirements. Schedule H1 covers prescription medicines that can be dispensed only against a registered medical practitioner’s prescription, and pharmacies must maintain sale records for such drugs. Schedule K earlier contained exemptions for certain categories of drugs and medicinal preparations from some licensing requirements.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. NABARD Facilitates GI Registration for 28 Products: On 10 July 2026, the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development facilitated Geographical Indication registration for 28 new products from across India. With these additions, the number of GI products supported by NABARD reached 176. A Geographical Indication is a sign used on goods 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 registration is administered by the Geographical Indications Registry under the Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks.

 

2. Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission Crosses 93.95 Crore Health Accounts: The Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) is India’s national digital health initiative for creating interoperable health records and unique health identifiers. As of 10 July 2026, the mission has created more than 93.95 crore Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) numbers and linked over 105 crore digital health records. The Ayushman Bharat Health Account, or ABHA, is a unique digital health ID used to store and share health records through consent-based systems. The ABHA number is part of the National Digital Health Ecosystem and is designed to support patient-centric record management across healthcare providers.

 

Daily GK Update- 10th July, 2026

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Kamarajar Port Becomes India’s Second Major Port with 18-Metre Operational Draft: Kamarajar Port Limited (KPL), Tamil Nadu, has become India’s second major port, after Visakhapatnam Port, to achieve an operational draft of 18 metres, enabling it to handle fully laden Capesize vessels carrying up to 1,70,000 DWT. The milestone was achieved after the successful completion of the Capital Dredging Phase VI project, executed at a cost of approximately ₹440 crore, making Kamarajar Port a deep-water, Cape Compliant port. The project deepened the outer approach channel to 23 metres, the inner entrance channel to 22 metres, and increased the berth draft to 18 metres, enhancing the port’s capacity to accommodate some of the world’s largest bulk cargo vessels and strengthening India’s maritime competitiveness.

 

2. RBI Approves Mahesh Muralidhar Pai as MD & CEO of South Indian Bank: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved the appointment of Mahesh Muralidhar Pai as the Managing Director & CEO of South Indian Bank (SIB) for a three-year term, effective October 1, 2026. P R Seshadri, the present Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, has been at the helm at SIB since October 1, 2023.

 

3. Amit Garg Appointed NCRB Director: The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the appointment of three senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officers to head key police organisations: Amit Garg as Director of NCRB, Alok Kumar Mittal as Director General of BPR&D, and Sujeet Pandey as Director of SVPNPA. Amit Garg, a 1993-batch IPS officer of Andhra Pradesh cadre, has been appointed as the Director of the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), New Delhi. He will hold the post until October 31, 2027 or until further orders. Alok Kumar Mittal, a 1993-batch IPS officer of Haryana cadre, has been appointed as the Director General of the Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPR&D) and will continue in the role until his retirement on June 30, 2029. Sujeet Pandey, a 1994-batch IPS officer of Uttar Pradesh cadre, has been appointed as the Director of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy (SVPNPA), Hyderabad, and will serve until July 31, 2028.

 

4. 10 July – National Fish Farmers Day: National Fish Farmers Day is observed annually in India on 10 July to honour the contributions of fish farmers and promote the development of the fisheries and aquaculture sector. The day commemorates the successful induced breeding of Indian Major Carps by Dr. Hiralal Chaudhuri and Dr. K. H. Alikunhi on 10 July 1957, a landmark achievement in Indian aquaculture.

 

5. India Estimates 300 GW Peak Power Demand Next Year: India’s peak electricity demand is projected to reach 300 GW in the fiscal year 2027, after touching 271 GW in May 2026. The country’s available generation capacity has risen to 284 GW, while battery energy storage system capacity has increased to 8.7 GWh in the first half of 2026. India measures peak power demand as the highest electricity load recorded on the grid during a specific period, usually a day, month, or year. The 300 GW estimate for FY2027 places the figure above the 271 GW peak recorded by May 2026. Electricity demand in India is linked to industrial activity, household consumption, commercial use, and the expansion of digital infrastructure. Data centres, artificial intelligence infrastructure, and electric vehicles are among the major sectors associated with the latest demand projection.

 

6. Mee Bhoomi-Mee Hakku Pattadar Passbooks: Andhra Pradesh launched the latest phase of the Mee Bhoomi-Mee Hakku programme on 9 July 2026 in Banaganapalle in Nandyal district. The programme involves the distribution of digitally updated Pattadar Passbooks to farmers and landowners in villages where resurvey has been completed. A Pattadar Passbook is an official land record document issued to a landholder in Andhra Pradesh. It contains ownership-related details and is used in land administration, agricultural transactions, and record verification. The resurvey process is a cadastral exercise used to update land boundaries, survey numbers, and ownership records. In Andhra Pradesh, resurvey has been completed in 6,887 villages, and the government plans to distribute about 72.70 lakh error-free Pattadar Passbooks across 9,833 villages by March 2027.

 

7. Srikakulam to Get Airport Under UDAN Scheme: Srikakulam district in Andhra Pradesh will get a full-fledged airport under the UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagarik) scheme. The proposed airport is planned for Mandasa mandal in the Uddanam region, while Palasa has been earmarked for a domestic airport on 1,261 acres. UDAN is the regional connectivity scheme of the Union Government for improving air links to smaller cities and towns. The modified UDAN scheme has a financial outlay of ₹28,840 crore for 2026-27 to 2035-36, and it aims to develop 100 new airports between 2026 and 2036. The scheme operates through viability gap funding, route concessions, and support for regional air connectivity. It is implemented under the Ministry of Civil Aviation, with the Airports Authority of India playing a major role in airport development and route support.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. PM Modi and Indonesian President Prabowo Inaugurate India-Supported Restoration Project at Prambanan Temple: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto jointly inaugurated the India-supported restoration and conservation project at the Prambanan Temple Compounds, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Indonesia, highlighting the two countries’ shared civilisational heritage. The initiative reflects the commitment of India and Indonesia to strengthen their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership through cultural diplomacy, heritage conservation, and deeper people-to-people ties.

 

2. MEA Appoints Sanjeev Jain as India’s Next Ambassador to North Korea: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has appointed Sanjeev Jain as India’s next Ambassador to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), commonly known as North Korea. Sanjeev Jain, currently serving as India’s Ambassador to the Republic of Cabo Verde, will succeed Aliawati Longkumer as India’s envoy to North Korea.

 

3. IMF Appoints Silvana Tenreyro as New Chief Economist and Economic Counsellor: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has appointed Silvana Tenreyro as its new Chief Economist and Economic Counsellor, succeeding Pierre-Olivier Gourinchas. Silvana Tenreyro is currently a member of IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva’s External Advisory Group and will now lead the IMF’s economic research and policy analysis.

 

4. India, Kyrgyzstan Launch Manas–Mahabharata Studies Centre: An Indian delegation visited Kyrgyzstan from 4 July to 7 July 2026 for the inauguration of the International Centre for Civilizational Studies “Manas and Mahabharata” in Bishkek. The centre was established through cooperation between the Manas National Academy in Kyrgyzstan and the Centre for Studies of International Relations (CSIR) in New Delhi. The Manas National Academy is a Kyrgyz institution associated with the study of the national epic Manas. The Centre for Studies of International Relations is based in New Delhi and works on academic and policy-oriented international studies. The new centre has been set up as a joint platform for comparative civilisational studies.

 

5. Geneva to Host Global AI Summit in 2027: Switzerland will host a global AI summit in Geneva on June 21-22, 2027. The summit is linked to international discussions on artificial intelligence governance, trustworthy AI, and multilateral cooperation among governments, international organisations, scientists, businesses, and civil society. The Geneva summit is planned as a platform for stable and effective processes for global discussions on AI governance. Its stated themes include the responsible, safe, and human-centred use of artificial intelligence, along with broader questions on prosperity, progress, and public welfare. The host city announcement was made during the AI for Good Global Summit in Geneva on July 8, 2026. Federal Councillor Albert Rosti confirmed Switzerland’s role as host during the opening address of that event.

 

6. India Launches World’s First Once-Weekly Insulin Awiqli: India launched Awiqli, the world’s first once-weekly basal insulin, on 9 July 2026. The drug contains insulin icodec and is marketed by Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk. In India, Awiqli is approved for adults with Type 1 diabetes and Type 2 diabetes. Basal insulin is a long-acting insulin used to maintain blood glucose levels between meals and during sleep. Daily basal insulin regimens usually require 365 injections in a year, while once-weekly insulin reduces this number to 52 injections annually. Awiqli is designed for patients who need long-term insulin therapy and use injectable treatment for diabetes management.

 

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

DEFENCE

 

1. IAF Ranks Third in WDMMA Global Air Power List: The Indian Air Force (IAF) was ranked third among military aviation powers by country in the World Directory of Modern Military Aircraft (WDMMA) 2026 Global Air Powers Rankings, behind the United States and Russia. In the same ranking, the IAF was placed sixth when individual service branches were assessed. The World Directory of Modern Military Aircraft is a database that ranks air forces using its proprietary TruVal Rating (TVR) system. The TVR assesses overall strength, attack and defence capability, logistical support, modernisation, and the quality and quantity of aircraft inventory. The IAF’s fleet was listed at 1,716 aircraft, including 542 fighter jets, 498 helicopters, 282 transport aircraft, and 374 trainers. A balanced mix of combat, transport, rotary-wing, and training platforms is a standard feature of a modern air force structure.

 

2. Indian Navy to Induct Stealth Frigate Mahendragiri: INS Mahendragiri is an indigenous stealth frigate of the Indian Navy and is scheduled for commissioning on 11 July 2026 at the Naval Dockyard in Visakhapatnam. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will preside over the commissioning ceremony. The warship was built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited in Mumbai and designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau. Project 17A is a follow-on programme to the Shivalik-class frigates and includes Nilgiri-class stealth frigates for the Indian Navy. INS Mahendragiri is listed as the sixth warship of the Project 17A series in the provided facts, while some references describe it as the seventh and final frigate under the programme. The class is associated with reduced radar cross-section, modern sensors, and improved combat systems.

 

SPORTS 

 

1. Telangana to Host 8th Khelo India Youth Games 2026 in November: Telangana will host the 8th Khelo India Youth Games 2026, scheduled to be held in November 2026, as announced by Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Dr Mansukh Mandaviya. The multi-sport grassroots event is expected to witness the participation of over 8,000 athletes, coaches, support staff, and officials, making it one of India’s largest youth sporting events.

 

2. Aswath S Becomes India’s 98th Chess Grandmaster: 17-year-old Aswath S from Kanyakumari became India’s 98th Grandmaster (GM) after securing his final GM norm at the 2026 Pune International Grandmaster Round Robin. Aswath earned the title by defeating USA’s FM Kannan Vaidyanathan with the black pieces in the final round, finishing the tournament with 7 points from 9 rounds (6 wins, 2 draws, 1 loss) to secure second place. He had earlier achieved his first GM norm at the Grenke Open and his second GM norm at the First Saturday GM Round Robin in Budapest, where he also crossed the 2500 FIDE rating mark.

 

3. Tammy Beaumont Announces Retirement: England batter Tammy Beaumont has announced her retirement from international cricket, with her final match set to be the first-ever women’s Test at Lord’s against India. Beaumont ends her international career with 7,325 runs and 14 centuries, and is only the second woman to score a century in all three international formats (Tests, ODIs, and T20Is).

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. IIT Madras, C-DAC to Manage National Bridge Health Monitoring Software: The Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways plans to centralise the National Bridge Health Monitoring Software by involving the Indian Institute of Technology Madras and the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing. The system is linked to the Bridge Health Monitoring System, which uses sensors for real-time monitoring of bridges on the national highway network. The Bridge Health Monitoring System is a sensor-based framework used for continuous observation of structural conditions in bridges. It uses data from instruments fitted on bridge components to track movement, stress, vibration, and other measurable parameters. The ministry has decided that the supply, installation, and maintenance of sensors will be awarded separately through competitive bidding. A new Model Request for Proposal will be used for upcoming projects, and all Bridge Health Monitoring System components in highway contracts where physical work has not started will be removed and re-tendered.

 

2. Gujarat Unveils Data Centre Policy 2026-29: Gujarat launched its first Data Centre Policy 2026-29 on 9 July 2026 in Gandhinagar. The policy targets investment of ₹6 lakh crore and a data centre capacity of 7.5 GW. It covers hyperscale data centres, cloud infrastructure, and AI-powered digital services. The policy includes capital subsidy, interest subsidy, and a power tariff subsidy of ₹1 per unit for 20 years. It also provides 100% reimbursement of SGST and electricity duty for 20 years, stamp duty exemption, and assistance for desalination plants. Non-fiscal incentives include faster approvals, additional Floor Space Index, relaxed building regulations, open access to power, and assured electricity and water supply. These provisions apply to eligible data centre projects under the policy framework.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. New RBI Ombudsman Scheme 2026 Comes into Effect from July 1: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has introduced the Reserve Bank–Integrated Ombudsman Scheme (RB-IOS), 2026, effective July 1, 2026, with revised rules to strengthen customer grievance redressal. Under the new scheme, there is no upper limit on the value of disputes that customers can bring before the RBI Ombudsman against regulated financial entities. The RBI Ombudsman can award compensation of up to ₹30 lakh for consequential financial loss and up to ₹3 lakh for loss of time, expenses incurred, harassment, or mental anguish suffered by the complainant. The revised scheme applies to all banks, Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs), non-bank prepaid payment instrument (PPI) issuers, and Credit Information Companies (CICs). The RBI may appoint one or more Ombudsmen and Deputy Ombudsmen, with appointments generally made for a three-year term.

 

2. IFSCA Approves Punjab & Sind Bank’s IFSC Banking Unit at GIFT City: Punjab & Sind Bank has received a licence from the International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) to establish an International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) Banking Unit (IBU) at GIFT City, Gandhinagar. The IFSC Banking Unit (IBU) will provide foreign currency banking, trade finance, and other international financial services to corporates, financial institutions, importers, and global investors.

 

3. IMF Revises India’s FY2026–27 GDP Growth Forecast to 6.4%: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has revised India’s GDP growth forecast for FY 2026–27 downward by 0.1 percentage point (10 basis points) to 6.4%, according to its latest World Economic Outlook (WEO). The IMF has raised India’s GDP growth forecast for FY 2027–28 to 6.7%, indicating stronger medium-term economic growth prospects.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Nepal’s Jestha Varna Mahavihar Wins UNESCO Heritage Conservation Award: Jestha Varna Mahavihar, a 17th-century Buddhist monastery in Lalitpur, Nepal, has received the 2025 UNESCO Asia-Pacific Award for Cultural Heritage Conservation for its successful restoration. The monastery was damaged in the 2015 Nepal earthquake and later reconstructed with the assistance of the Government of India under its post-earthquake reconstruction programme in Nepal’s cultural heritage sector. India provided Nepalese Rupees (NPR) 13.78 crore for the reconstruction project, which was carried out in coordination with Nepali authorities and the local community.

 

Daily GK Update- 9th July, 2026

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Vice President Launches High Seas Fisheries Authorisation: On 9 July 2026, the Vice President of India, C. P. Radhakrishnan, launched the national programme for the issuance of Letters of Authorisation (LoAs) for Sustainable Harnessing of Fisheries in the High Seas in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. He also launched the Odisha Deep Sea Fishing Mission Document (2026-2036), and the event was organised by the Department of Fisheries, Government of India. The Letter of Authorisation is a mandatory provision under the Guidelines for Sustainable Harnessing of Fisheries in the High Seas by Indian-Flagged Fishing Vessels, 2025. The LoA is vessel-specific, non-transferable, and linked with the ReALCraft Fishing Vessel Registration Portal for regulated operations in high seas fisheries.

 

2. Gujarat Unveils Data Centre Policy 2026-29: Gujarat launched its first Data Centre Policy 2026-29 on 9 July 2026 in Gandhinagar. The policy targets investment of ₹6 lakh crore and a data centre capacity of 7.5 GW. It covers hyperscale data centres, cloud infrastructure, and AI-powered digital services. The policy includes capital subsidy, interest subsidy, and a power tariff subsidy of ₹1 per unit for 20 years. It also provides 100% reimbursement of SGST and electricity duty for 20 years, stamp duty exemption, and assistance for desalination plants. Non-fiscal incentives include faster approvals, additional Floor Space Index, relaxed building regulations, open access to power, and assured electricity and water supply. These provisions apply to eligible data centre projects under the policy framework.

 

3. Government Waives Customs Duty on Electronics Components: On 9 July 2026, the Indian government waived basic customs duty on goods used in the manufacture of display assemblies, lithium-ion cells, and inductor coil modules. The exemption applies to inputs used in electronics manufacturing and remains valid until 31 March 2029. Basic customs duty is a tariff levied under the Customs Act, 1962, on imported goods entering India. In this case, the waiver covers goods used in display module assemblies for smartphones, laptops, wearables, smart TVs, automotive systems, medical devices, and industrial applications. The exemption also includes components used in wireless charging modules for smartphones, including NFC coils and NdFeB magnets. The waiver extends to specified machinery, equipment, and components used in electronics and lithium-ion battery manufacturing until 31 March 2029.

 

4. Higher education enrolment reaches 4.5 crore: India’s higher education enrolment reached 4.5 crore in the academic year 2023-24. The figure marked a rise from 3.42 crore in 2014-15, and female enrolment stood at 2.24 crore in 2023-24. The data were placed in the All India Survey on Higher Education for 2022-23 and 2023-24, released by the Union Ministry of Education on 8 July 2026. The Gender Parity Index for 2023-24 stood at 1.08. A GPI above 1.0 means female enrolment is higher than male enrolment. Female participation in higher education remained higher than male participation for seven consecutive years. The female Gross Enrolment Ratio for the 18-23 age group was 31.2, compared with the male GER of 28.9 in 2023-24.

5. India Estimates 300 GW Peak Power Demand Next Year: India’s peak electricity demand is projected to reach 300 GW in the fiscal year 2027, after touching 271 GW in May 2026. The country’s available generation capacity has risen to 284 GW, while battery energy storage system capacity has increased to 8.7 GWh in the first half of 2026. India measures peak power demand as the highest electricity load recorded on the grid during a specific period, usually a day, month, or year. The 300 GW estimate for FY2027 places the figure above the 271 GW peak recorded by May 2026. Electricity demand in India is linked to industrial activity, household consumption, commercial use, and the expansion of digital infrastructure. Data centres, artificial intelligence infrastructure, and electric vehicles are among the major sectors associated with the latest demand projection.

 

6. CSIR-NAL Completes Design of Saras MkII Aircraft: CSIR-National Aerospace Laboratories (CSIR-NAL) in Bengaluru completed the design phase of the Saras MkII on 8 July 2026. The Saras MkII is an indigenous 19-seater light transport aircraft developed for smaller airports and regional air connectivity in India. The Saras MkII is a twin-turboprop light transport aircraft programme under CSIR-NAL. The aircraft is designed as a 19-seater platform for short-haul civil transport and operations at smaller airfields. The aircraft includes a pressurised cabin, digital avionics, a glass cockpit, autopilot, and command-by-wire flight controls. These systems place the aircraft in the category of modern light transport aircraft with advanced cockpit and flight-control architecture.

 

7. Uttarakhand Becomes India’s Sixth Fully Literate State: Uttarakhand was declared India’s sixth fully literate state on 8 July 2026. The declaration was made under the National Education Policy 2020 and the ULLAS programme, which stands for Understanding Lifelong Learning for All in Society. The Union Ministry of Education uses an adult literacy benchmark of 95% or above for persons above 15 years of age. Uttarakhand met the literacy criteria set by the Department of School Education and Literacy under the Union Ministry of Education. Uttarakhand’s literacy rate stood at over 98% in 2026, with 98.7% cited for 2025. The state’s literacy rate was 83.8% in 2023-24, which marked a rise of 14.9 percentage points in two years.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India, Australia and Canada Launch ACITI Partnership: India, Australia and Canada launched the Australia–Canada–India Technology and Innovation Partnership, or ACITI, on 9 July 2026. The trilateral framework covers artificial intelligence, green energy technologies, critical minerals, and resilient supply chains. ACITI is a trilateral technology and innovation partnership among India, Australia and Canada. The framework was announced after a meeting of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney at the G20 Summit in Johannesburg on 22 November 2025. The partnership covers critical and emerging technologies, clean energy, and secure sourcing of critical minerals. It also seeks cooperation in industrial projects linked to technology development and supply-chain resilience.

2. India, Kyrgyzstan Launch Manas–Mahabharata Studies Centre: An Indian delegation visited Kyrgyzstan from 4 July to 7 July 2026 for the inauguration of the International Centre for Civilizational Studies “Manas and Mahabharata” in Bishkek. The centre was established through cooperation between the Manas National Academy in Kyrgyzstan and the Centre for Studies of International Relations (CSIR) in New Delhi. The Manas National Academy is a Kyrgyz institution associated with the study of the national epic Manas. The Centre for Studies of International Relations is based in New Delhi and works on academic and policy-oriented international studies. The new centre has been set up as a joint platform for comparative civilisational studies.

 

3. India and Myanmar Hold Border Coordination Meeting: The 23rd National-Level Border Coordination Meeting between India and Myanmar was held on 7-8 July 2026 in New Delhi. The Indian delegation was led by Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, and the Myanmar delegation was led by Major General Min Thu, Deputy Minister for Home Affairs. The India-Myanmar border is an international land boundary that runs through Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, and Mizoram in India and Sagaing Region and Chin State in Myanmar. The border has a length of about 1,643 kilometres and includes the Free Movement Regime, which has been used for regulated cross-border movement by border residents. The meeting covered the security situation along the border and cooperation against terrorism, insurgency, narcotics trafficking, arms smuggling, human trafficking, wildlife trafficking, and cybercrime. Both sides agreed on intelligence sharing, operational coordination, and capacity-building measures for shared security concerns.

 

4. India, Australia Finalise Uranium, Defence and Investment Deals: India and Australia finalised an administrative arrangement on 9 July 2026 to operationalise the 2015 Australia-India Nuclear Cooperation Agreement. The arrangement allows Australia to export uranium to India for civilian nuclear energy programmes. The 2015 Australia-India Nuclear Cooperation Agreement provides a legal framework for uranium trade between the two countries. Uranium supplied under this arrangement is intended for peaceful uses in nuclear power generation and related civilian applications. India has set a target of 100 gigawatts of nuclear power generation capacity by 2047. Nuclear fuel supply is one component of India’s long-term energy planning, alongside solar, wind, and other low-carbon sources.

 

5. India’s Energy Storage Requirement May Reach 888 GWh by 2035-36: India’s energy storage requirement is projected to reach 888 GWh by 2035-36, against an installed base of about 1 GWh. The projection appears in the latest India BESS Market Review and matches the Central Electricity Authority estimate of 174 GW/888 GWh for the same period. Energy storage systems (ESS) store electricity for later use and include Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and Pumped Storage Projects (PSPs). The Central Electricity Authority projects 80 GW/321 GWh from BESS and 94 GW/567 GWh from PSPs in the 2035-36 requirement. India’s installed BESS capacity rose from 0.78 GWh in December 2025 to 8.7 GWh in the first half of 2026. The installed battery energy storage capacity is expected to cross 10 GWh by the end of 2026. During the first half of 2026, 47 GWh of energy storage system tenders were floated in India. The cumulative ESS tender pipeline has reached about 260 GWh, while lithium-ion battery cell manufacturing capacity is around 2 GWh.

 

6. India Leads Retail and FMCG GCC Hub: India has emerged as the world’s largest hub for retail and fast-moving consumer goods Global Capability Centers, with 180 centres and more than 272,000 professionals as of 8 July 2026. The retail GCC workforce in India is 34% larger than the combined total in Poland, the Philippines, Mexico, Germany, and Egypt. Global Capability Centres, also called GCCs, are captive units set up by multinational companies to manage business functions such as technology, analytics, finance, supply chains, and customer experience. Retail and FMCG GCCs in India include centres operated by Lowe’s, Tesco, H&M, Walmart Global Tech, Target, L’Oréal, and AB InBev. Bengaluru is the largest retail GCC hub in India with about 84,000 professionals. Delhi NCR has over 66,000 professionals, and Hyderabad has around 45,000 professionals as of 8 July 2026. These hubs are part of India’s wider GCC ecosystem, which also includes centres for banking, technology, engineering, and life sciences.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

DEFENCE

 

1. DRDO Tests 60-km Pinaka Long-Range Guided Rocket: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) conducted a flight test of the Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket (LRGR) on 8 July 2026 at the Integrated Test Range (ITR) in Chandipur, Odisha. The rocket was tested for a user-defined minimum strike range of 60 km and completed all planned in-flight manoeuvres before hitting the designated target. The Pinaka LRGR was designed by the Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE) in association with the High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL). The development effort also involved the Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL) and the Research Centre Imarat (RCI), which are DRDO laboratories associated with missile and propulsion technologies.

 

2. India and Japan Sign First-Ever Defence Co-Development Agreement for UNICORN Communication Mast: India and Japan have signed their first-ever Defence Co-Development Agreement, marking a major milestone in bilateral defence cooperation and indigenous defence manufacturing The first project under the agreement involves the joint development and licensed production of the UNICORN (Unified Complex Radio Antenna), an advanced shipborne integrated communication mast developed by Japan. Under the agreement, Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) will manufacture the UNICORN communication mast in India in collaboration with Japanese partners, strengthening the Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiatives in the defence sector.

 

SPORTS 

 

1. Tamil Nadu’s Aswath Becomes India’s 98th Grandmaster: S. Aswath, a 17-year-old chess player from Nagercoil in Tamil Nadu, became India’s 98th Grandmaster on 8 July 2026. He earned his third and final Grandmaster norm at the Pune International GM tournament in July 2026. The Grandmaster title is awarded by the International Chess Federation, also known as FIDE. A player must secure three Grandmaster norms and cross a FIDE rating of 2500 to receive the title. Aswath finished second in the Pune International Grandmaster Round Robin Tournament with 7 points from 9 rounds. He defeated USA’s FM Kannan Vaidyanathan with the black pieces in the final round to complete his final norm. Aswath earned his first Grandmaster norm at the Grenke Open in 2025. He secured his second norm at the First Saturday GM Round Robin in Budapest in December 2025, where he also crossed the 2500 FIDE rating mark.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Geneva to Host Global AI Summit in 2027: Switzerland will host a global AI summit in Geneva on June 21-22, 2027. The summit is linked to international discussions on artificial intelligence governance, trustworthy AI, and multilateral cooperation among governments, international organisations, scientists, businesses, and civil society. The Geneva summit is planned as a platform for stable and effective processes for global discussions on AI governance. Its stated themes include the responsible, safe, and human-centred use of artificial intelligence, along with broader questions on prosperity, progress, and public welfare. The host city announcement was made during the AI for Good Global Summit in Geneva on July 8, 2026. Federal Councillor Albert Rosti confirmed Switzerland’s role as host during the opening address of that event.

 

2. ISRO Tests Main Parachutes for Gaganyaan Crew Module: The Indian Space Research Organisation conducted the Integrated Main Parachute Airdrop Test-05 (IMAT-05) for the Gaganyaan Mission on 7 July 2026. The test took place at the Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment drop zone in Sheopur, Madhya Pradesh, and involved a simulated main parachute assembly with a dummy mass. IMAT-05 was the fifth test in the Integrated Main Parachute Airdrop Test series for the Gaganyaan Mission. The test used an Indian Air Force IL-76 transport aircraft to drop the payload from an altitude of 2.5 kilometres. The Gaganyaan Crew Module deceleration system includes 10 parachutes of four types. The system is designed for splashdown in the ocean after atmospheric re-entry.

 

3. Handloom Hackathon 2026 Launched as Weaving Innovation: The Handloom Hackathon 2026, titled “Weaving Innovation”, was launched on 8 July 2026 by the Office of the Development Commissioner (Handlooms) under the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India. The national innovation challenge is linked to the National Handloom Day 2026 celebrations and focuses on technology, design, entrepreneurship, and sustainable solutions for the handloom sector. The Development Commissioner (Handlooms) functions under the Ministry of Textiles and deals with policy and support measures for the handloom sector in India. Handloom weaving is a cottage-based and decentralised craft activity that uses manual looms and is associated with textile production in rural and semi-urban areas.

 

4. Neymar Jr Announces International Retirement After Ending Career as Brazil’s All-Time Top Scorer: Neymar Jr. announced his retirement from international football after Brazil’s 2–1 defeat against Norway in the Round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup 2026. Neymar concluded his international career as Brazil’s all-time leading goal scorer, scoring 80 goals in 130 appearances for the national team.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Government Keeps Interest Rates on Small Savings Schemes Unchanged for July–September 2026 Quarter: The Finance Ministry has kept interest rates unchanged on all government-backed small savings schemes for the July–September 2026 quarter (Q2 of FY2026–27), providing stability for millions of investors. This is the ninth consecutive quarter in which the government has not revised the interest rates, with the same rates continuing from the April–June 2026 quarter. The decision covers major small savings schemes, including the Public Provident Fund (PPF), National Savings Certificate (NSC), Senior Citizen Savings Scheme (SCSS), Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY), Kisan Vikas Patra (KVP), Post Office Monthly Income Scheme (POMIS), Post Office Time Deposits, and Post Office Recurring Deposit (RD). These government-backed schemes remain popular for offering safe, secure, and guaranteed returns, making them a preferred investment option for long-term and risk-averse investors.

 

2. ADB Approves USD 230 Million Loan to Modernise Chennai’s Water Supply and Sanitation System: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a USD 230 million loan to modernise and expand water supply and sanitation infrastructure in Chennai, benefiting approximately 4.5 million residents in the Greater Chennai area. The project aims to improve access to safe and reliable drinking water, strengthen sanitation services, enhance climate resilience, improve public health, and create a more efficient and financially sustainable urban water system. The initiative supports the Government of India’s urban development programmes, including Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) 2.0 and the Urban Challenge Fund, while building on ADB’s earlier investments in Chennai.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar Recognises Haveli Sangeet: The Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar-2025 was announced for the years 2024-25 by the Sangeet Natak Akademi under the Union Ministry of Culture. Acharya Shri Ranchhodlalji Goswami, a Haveli Sangeet scholar from Ahmedabad, received the honour for the Pushtimarg Haveli Sangeet tradition. Haveli Sangeet is a devotional music tradition linked with the Pushtimarg sect and the temple culture of Gujarat and Rajasthan. The tradition uses vocal compositions, hymns, and classical music forms in worship settings. Acharya Shri Ranchhodlalji Goswami is the 16th Acharya of the historic Goswami Haveli in Kalupur, Ahmedabad. He is 32 years old, has composed more than 22,000 devotional hymns, and has authored eight books.

 

2. ICMR-MINDS Wins Gold Award at National Awards for e-Governance 2026 for AI-Powered Mental Healthcare: ICMR-MINDS, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) flagship AI-powered digital mental healthcare initiative, received the Gold Award in the “Innovation by Use of AI and Other New Age Technologies for Providing Citizen-Centric Services” category at the National Awards for e-Governance 2026. The award, instituted by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG), was presented by Jitendra Singh during the 29th National Conference on e-Governance (NCeG) 2026 held in Jaipur. ICMR-MINDS uses an Artificial Intelligence-enabled Clinical Decision Support System (CDSS) to assist frontline healthcare workers in screening, assessing, and managing mental and substance use disorders, while integrating mental healthcare with the treatment of non-communicable diseases (NCDs).