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.
No comments:
Post a Comment