NATIONAL UPDATES:
1. Maruti Suzuki Inaugurates Mega Vehicle Manufacturing Plant at IMT Kharkhoda, Haryana: Maruti Suzuki India Ltd. inaugurated its state-of-the-art vehicle manufacturing facility at IMT Kharkhoda, Haryana, marking one of India’s largest automobile production investments. The facility was jointly dedicated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, highlighting the strong India–Japan industrial partnership. The plant has an initial annual production capacity of 5 lakh vehicles, expandable to 10 lakh vehicles, with a planned investment of ₹35,000 crore.
2. 3 July – National Fried Clam Day: National Fried Clam Day is observed every year on 3 July to celebrate one of the most popular seafood delicacies, fried clams. The day recognizes the popularity of crispy, deep-fried clams, a traditional coastal dish that is especially famous in the United States, particularly in New England.
3. UIDAI Enables Aadhaar Email Update Through App: The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) enabled residents to add or update email IDs in Aadhaar through the Aadhaar mobile application on 1 July 2026. The facility is free of cost for six months, up to 31 December 2026, and it removes the need to visit Aadhaar enrolment or update centres for email changes. Aadhaar is a 12-digit unique identity number issued under the Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act, 2016. Email ID is one of the demographic details linked with Aadhaar, along with name, address, date of birth, gender, and mobile number. The Aadhaar mobile application is available on Android through the Google Play Store and on Apple iOS through the App Store. The app also supports other update-related services, including mobile number and address updates, subject to UIDAI rules and verification requirements.
4. CCRAS Launches Three Research Initiatives: The Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) launched three research initiatives on 3 July 2026 during its 5th Executive Committee meeting in New Delhi. The meeting was chaired by Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, and the initiatives relate to evidence-based Ayurveda research, scientific writing, and digital access to research resources. One initiative was the release of a Research Methodology textbook under the Ayurved Prabodhini Granthamala series. The textbook was prepared by 50 research scientists and faculty members. It aligns with the Outcome-Based Dynamic Curriculum prescribed by the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine for postgraduate and doctoral Ayurveda education.
5. Delhi Launches Delhi Next Civic-Tech Innovation Programme: Delhi launched the ‘Delhi Next – Code, Create and Change’ programme on 2 July 2026 as a civic-tech innovation initiative for government departments in the National Capital Territory of Delhi. The programme plans to pilot 60 projects for urban problem-solving through technology-based solutions. The initiative brings together students, start-ups, researchers, educational institutions, and innovators for technology-led solutions to civic issues. More than 2.5 lakh participants registered for the programme, and the outreach campaign reached over one crore young people across the country. An expert committee examined more than 5,000 technical proposals and shortlisted 1,000 participants for the next stage. The final 60 teams presented live demonstrations before the Chief Minister.
6. Government Orders Removal of BAT-BMS App: The BAT-BMS app is a mobile application linked to Battery Management Systems for lithium-ion batteries. On 2 July 2026, the Delhi Transport Minister directed the Transport Department to verify claims about the app after videos showed its use in disabling e-rickshaws through Bluetooth access. The BAT-BMS app was developed by Shenzhen Grenergy Technology, a Chinese company. A Battery Management System, or BMS, monitors battery functions such as charge level, voltage, and temperature in lithium-ion batteries. Bluetooth-enabled BMS units can connect to mobile devices within a short range. In the reported case, the range mentioned was about 15 metres, and the discharge function of some e-rickshaw batteries was switched off remotely. As of 3 July 2026, the BAT-BMS app had been removed from Apple’s App Store and remained available on Google Play. The app was originally designed as a monitoring tool for battery data rather than for vehicle immobilisation.
7. Gujarat Sets Up Semiconductor Training Hub at IIT Gandhinagar: Project SAMARTH, or the Silicon and Advanced Semiconductor Manufacturing Research and Training Hub, is being established at IIT Gandhinagar in Gujarat with a total budget of ₹190 crore. Work on the training facility began on 2 March 2026, and the centre is linked to semiconductor manufacturing, research, and skill development. The centre is designed to train technicians, operators, and engineers for semiconductor manufacturing plants. It also aims to support indigenous research and development, develop niche devices and processes, and create process tools. The facility is intended to make engineering students fab-ready through practical exposure to semiconductor manufacturing systems. IIT Gandhinagar has begun procuring advanced equipment and appointing consultants for the centre.
INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:
1. India Represents at Funeral of Former Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei: Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita and Bihar Governor Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Syed Ata Hasnain represented India at the funeral ceremony of former Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Tehran. They paid their respects on behalf of the Government and the people of India after Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in US-Israeli strikes on February 28, was laid to rest.
2. 2 July – World Sports Journalists Day: World Sports Journalists Day is observed every year on 2 July to recognize the contribution of sports journalists in promoting sports and delivering accurate sports coverage. Theme 2026 – Championing Fair Play: Reporting with Integrity and Impact The day commemorates the establishment of the International Sports Press Association (AIPS) on 2 July 1924 during the Paris Olympics.
3. Global Biofuel Alliance Selects 15 Researcher Fellows: The Global Biofuels Alliance inducted 15 early-career researchers as the first cohort of Global Biofuel Champion Fellows on 30 June 2026 at the India Habitat Centre in New Delhi. Each fellow will receive a research grant of up to US$15,000 and will serve as a GBA Ambassador for two years. The fellows were selected through a multi-stage international evaluation process from applicants across 32 countries. The selected researchers are associated with institutions such as the University of Michigan, University of Manchester, Monash University, Polytechnique Montréal, the University of Sheffield, Imperial College London, and IIT Madras. The Global Biofuel Champion Fellowship is a programme for early-career researchers in biofuels. It aims to support biofuel innovation, research-driven solutions, and leadership development in the biofuels sector.
4. What is username issue around Whatsapp, Telegram and Signal apps?: On 2 July 2026, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology issued notices to Telegram and Signal over their username features. The action followed a notice issued to WhatsApp on 1 July 2026 on its proposed username feature. Username features allow users to connect on messaging platforms without sharing their phone numbers. Such features are used in Telegram, Signal and other internet-based messaging applications that support account discovery through public handles. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has asked both platforms to explain their existing username systems and the safeguards used against fraud and impersonation. The government has linked anonymous contact features with online fraud, phishing, digital arrest scams and impersonation attacks.
5. UNESCO Warns Pakistan Over Taxila Restoration Work : Pakistan faced a UNESCO warning on 2 July 2026 over restoration work at two sites in the Taxila World Heritage complex, Mohra Moradu and Sirkap. UNESCO asked Pakistan to reverse the reported reconstructions and sought documentation on the conservation work at the ancient Buddhist and urban archaeological sites. Taxila is an archaeological site in Punjab, Pakistan, and it was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1980. The complex includes remains from the Gandhara civilisation, which flourished between the 6th century BCE and the 5th century CE in parts of present-day Pakistan and Afghanistan. Mohra Moradu is a Buddhist monastic site within Taxila, and Sirkap is an ancient city site associated with Indo-Greek and later Kushan phases. Both sites contain stone structures, walls, stupas, and settlement remains that are studied for ancient urban planning and Buddhist architecture.
6. India Unveils First Made-in-India EXIM Shipping Container: India unveiled its first EXIM-grade shipping container on 3 July 2026 at the Maersk-CONCOR Inland Container Depot in Dadri, Uttar Pradesh. Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal unveiled the container, which was manufactured by DCM Shriram Group. EXIM stands for export-import, and EXIM containers are used for international cargo movement by sea, rail, and road. Shipping containers are standardised metal boxes designed for intermodal transport, and common sizes are measured in twenty-foot equivalent units, or TEUs. The India-made container complies with ISO specifications and the International Convention for Safe Containers, known as CSC. ISO standards for containers cover dimensions, strength, handling, and stacking requirements, while CSC is an international treaty that sets safety rules for container use in global transport.
OTHER UPDATES:
DEFENCE
1. Indian Navy’s Eastern Fleet Ships Arrive in Singapore to Strengthen Maritime Cooperation: Indian Navy’s Eastern Fleet ships Udaygiri, Kavaratti, and Shakti arrived at Changi Naval Base, Singapore as part of the Navy’s ongoing operational deployment in the South East Asia Region. The visit highlights the strong and long-standing ties between the Indian Navy and the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN).
2. Indian Navy Deploys P-8I for RIMPAC 2026: The Indian Navy has deployed a P-8I long-range maritime reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare aircraft to Hawaii for the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2026 exercise. RIMPAC 2026 is the 30th edition of the biennial naval exercise and is being held at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam from June 24, 2026, to July 31, 2026. RIMPAC stands for Rim of the Pacific and is a multinational naval exercise hosted by the US Pacific Fleet. The 2026 edition involves about 30 to 31 nations, around 30 to 40 surface ships, five submarines, over 140 to 206 aircraft, and about 25,000 to 30,000 personnel. The P-8I is a maritime patrol aircraft built by Boeing for the Indian Navy. It is used for maritime surveillance, anti-submarine warfare, and coordinated operations with partner navies. The aircraft is part of the P-8 Poseidon family, which is used by several navies for long-range sea patrol missions.
3. Defence Acquisition Council Clears ₹52,000 Crore Purchases: The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) granted Acceptance of Necessity for capital acquisition proposals worth about ₹52,000 crore on 3 July 2026. The DAC is the highest decision-making body of the Ministry of Defence for capital procurement and is chaired by the Defence Minister. The Indian Army received approval for AKASH TARANG anti-Unmanned Aerial Vehicle electronic warfare systems, Man Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile systems, Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile weapon systems, Very Short Range Air Defence System units, Active Protection Systems for tanks, and jet-based kamikaze drone systems. These systems belong to categories used for air defence, anti-armour warfare, and unmanned strike operations. The Indian Navy received approval for Multi Influence Ground Mines, Naval Shipborne Unmanned Aerial Systems, and a Land Based Testing Facility for electric propulsion systems. The Indian Air Force received approval for Fixed-Wing High Altitude Pseudo Satellites and related systems for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, telecommunications, and remote sensing.
SPORTS
1. Harshavardhan G.B. Becomes India’s 97th Grandmaster: Harshavardhan G.B. from Chennai became India’s 97th Grandmaster (GM) after achieving his final GM norm at the 2nd Chola Chess GM Norm Round Robin Tournament in Chennai. He also crossed the 2500 FIDE Elo Rating, fulfilling the final requirement to earn the prestigious Grandmaster title.
2. Ancy Sojan Breaks 22-Year-Old National Record in Women’s Long Jump: Ancy Sojan created history by breaking Anju Bobby George’s 22-year-old National Record in the women’s long jump at the 2026 National Inter-State Athletics Championships. Ancy recorded a 6.88-metre jump, surpassing the previous National Record of 6.83 metres set by Anju Bobby George. The earlier record was set by Anju Bobby George at the 2004 Athens Olympics, while the 2026 National Inter-State Athletics Championships were held at Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar, Odisha.
3. Stan Wawrinka Announces Retirement After Illustrious Tennis Career: Swiss tennis legend Stan Wawrinka has announced that he will retire from professional tennis after a remarkable career spanning more than 20 years on the ATP Tour. Wawrinka won three Grand Slam singles titles—the Australian Open, French Open, and US Open—cementing his place among tennis greats. He also won the Olympic Gold Medal in Men’s Doubles alongside Roger Federer at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
1. Digital India Programme Completes 11 Years with Focus on AI and Semiconductor Manufacturing: The Digital India Programme, launced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 1 July 2015, completed 11 years on 1 July 2026 and is implemented by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). The programme aims to transform India into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy, with an increased focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and semiconductor manufacturing. Digital India is built on three key visions: accessible and secure digital infrastructure for every citizen, on-demand digital government services, and promotion of digital literacy and universal digital access.
2. Ministry of Tourism Partners with Google India to Boost Tourism Through AI and Digital Technology: The Ministry of Tourism signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Google India to strengthen the digital promotion of India’s tourism destinations. The MoU was signed in the presence of Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, marking a significant step towards technology-driven tourism promotion. The partnership will leverage Artificial Intelligence (AI), data-driven insights, analytics, and Google’s digital platforms to enhance the global visibility of India’s tourism sector.
3. Skyroot Aerospace Unveils Vikram-1, India’s First Privately Developed Orbital Rocket: Skyroot Aerospace has unveiled Vikram-1, India’s first privately developed orbital rocket, named in honour of Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, the father of India’s space programme. The rocket’s maiden launch mission, named “Aagaman” (a Sanskrit word meaning “Arrival”), is scheduled to be launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC), Sriharikota. Vikram-1 is capable of placing satellites weighing up to 350 kg into Low Earth Orbit (LEO), marking a major milestone for India’s private space sector.
BANKING AND FINANCE
1. SEBI Constitutes Expert Group to Review Debenture Trustees Regulations: The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has constituted an Expert Working Group to review and strengthen the regulatory framework governing debenture trustees under the SEBI (Debenture Trustees) Regulations, 1993. The Expert Working Group is chaired by Ananta Barua, former Whole-Time Member of SEBI, and co-chaired by Rajnish Kumar, former Chairman of the State Bank of India (SBI).
2. PayGlocal Launches Google Pay Card Payments for International Transactions: PayGlocal, India’s leading cross-border payments platform, has launched Google Pay Card Payments on its International Payment Gateway, becoming one of the first payment platforms in India to enable Google Pay for international transactions. With Apple Pay already available on its gateway, PayGlocal now enables Indian merchants to reach over one billion customers across key global markets, including the US, UK, Australia, Canada, UAE, Singapore, and Western Europe. Google Pay supports transactions in 86+ countries and 60+ currencies, allowing global customers to make single-tap payments in their local currency, thereby simplifying international checkout for Indian merchants.
3. Bank of Baroda and Mizuho Bank Forge Strategic Partnership for M&A Financing: Bank of Baroda (BoB) and Mizuho Bank, the banking arm of Mizuho Financial Group (Japan), have entered into a strategic partnership to strengthen collaboration in mergers and acquisitions (M&A) financing and related financial services. The partnership combines Mizuho’s global network and structured finance expertise with Bank of Baroda’s strong domestic presence, enabling joint origination, structuring, co-underwriting, syndication, and M&A advisory for cross-border transactions.
4. Kotak Mahindra Bank to Acquire Deutsche Bank India’s Retail and Wealth Business: Kotak Mahindra Bank (KMBL) has announced the acquisition of Deutsche Bank India’s retail banking, private banking, and wealth management business for ₹281.7 crore. The acquisition is expected to be completed by September 2027, strengthening Kotak Mahindra Bank’s presence in the retail and wealth management segments.
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