NATIONAL UPDATES:
1. Government Adds Navi Mumbai Airport for Medicine Imports: The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare notified Navi Mumbai Airport in Maharashtra as an authorised port for the import of drugs on 8 July 2026. The notification amended Rule 43A of the Drugs Rules, 1945, and increased the total number of notified ports of entry for drug imports in India to 42. The gazette notification was issued after consultation with the Drugs Technical Advisory Board, which functions as the highest technical body on drug regulation in India. The board operates under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, and advises on technical matters related to drugs and cosmetics. The Drugs Rules, 1945, are framed under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940. Rule 43A deals with ports of entry for imported drugs and pharmaceutical products, including air, sea, rail, and road routes.
2. New Cancer Drug Vepdegestrant Gets FDA Approval: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved vepdegestrant, sold under the brand name Veppanu, on 1 May 2026 for adults with estrogen receptor-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative, ESR1-mutated advanced or metastatic breast cancer. The drug was developed by Arvinas Operations, Inc. and Pfizer Inc., and it is the first FDA-approved Proteolysis Targeting Chimera drug. The FDA also approved Guardant360 CDx on 1 May 2026 as a companion diagnostic device for identifying patients with breast cancer who have ESR1 mutations. Companion diagnostics are laboratory tests used to select patients for a specific medicine or treatment. Vepdegestrant is an oral therapy for patients whose disease has progressed after at least one line of endocrine therapy. The approval applies to patients identified by an FDA-authorised test for ESR1 mutations.
3. Tripura Makes Vande Mataram and Jana Gana Mana Mandatory: Tripura made the full version of the National Song Vande Mataram and the National Anthem Jana Gana Mana compulsory in all schools across the state on 7 July 2026. The order applies to government schools, government-aided schools, private schools, and recognised madrassas in Tripura. The daily academic routine in Tripura schools will begin with the singing of the full version of Vande Mataram and then the National Anthem Jana Gana Mana. Students, teachers, and school employees are required to stand at attention during the singing or playing of these national symbols. The School Education Department issued the directive in line with guidelines of the Ministry of Home Affairs dated 28 January 2026 on respect, protocol, and rendition of the National Song. The Tripura Council of Ministers approved the decision in a meeting held on 25 June 2026, and the policy came into effect on 3 July 2026.
4. PM-SETU Gets Nationwide Rollout for ITI Upgrade: The Indian government approved the nationwide rollout of the Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs (PM-SETU) scheme on 7 July 2026. The approval was taken at the 4th National Steering Committee meeting chaired by Debashree Mukherjee, Secretary, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. PM-SETU aims to upgrade 1,000 Government Industrial Training Institutes. It also provides for the establishment of five National Centres of Excellence for skilling under a hub-and-spoke model. Industrial Training Institutes are vocational training institutions in India that provide trade-based skill training in sectors such as manufacturing, services, and construction. The upgraded model places industry participation at the centre of curriculum design, infrastructure support, and training delivery.
5. TribeX Digital Platform for Tribal Knowledge: The TribeX digital learning platform was launched on 7 July 2026 by Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram during the National Workshop on Strengthening Tribal Research Institutes in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. The platform is designed to preserve, promote, and disseminate India’s tribal arts, languages, culture, and traditional knowledge through digital learning resources. The platform has been created to connect learners with tribal knowledge holders and master artisans. It is structured to support online access to tribal knowledge across geographical locations. TribeX includes a heritage archive with more than 5,000 multimedia resources. The archive contains audio recordings, videos, and literature, and the platform plans to expand the course count to over 100 and the resource base to over 10,000 items.
6. Natural History Museum in Aizawl Becomes India’s 21st Repository: The Natural History Museum at Mizoram University in Aizawl was designated as a repository under the Biological Diversity Act on 19 June 2026. The Union Environment Ministry announced the designation on 7 July 2026 after a recommendation from the National Biodiversity Authority. The museum became India’s 21st designated repository for biological material. The Natural History Museum will maintain voucher specimens of flora and fauna from Mizoram and the North-Eastern region. The listed flora includes pteridophytes and macrofungi, while the fauna includes reptiles, amphibians, fishes, moths, beetles, and butterflies. The museum will also function as a depository for type specimens of newly discovered species from the region.
7. Delhi Launches 70-Lakh Tree Plantation Drive: On 7 July 2026, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta launched the Mission 70 Lakh Tree Plantation Campaign and the Delhi Ridge Rejuvenation Campaign in New Delhi. The plantation drive is part of the Green Action Plan 2026-27, and the Ridge plan covers scientific restoration of forest land in the National Capital Territory of Delhi. The Ridge is a part of the Aravalli hill system in Delhi and functions as a green belt in the city. The revival plan includes phased removal of invasive species such as Vilayati Keekar and replacement with native species such as peepal, banyan, neem, and jamun. The plan also covers legal protection for the Ridge, with over 4,700 hectares already notified as Reserved Forests.
8. Four States Sign Narmada Project Payment Pact: Four Indian states, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan and Maharashtra, signed an agreement in New Delhi on 7 July 2026 to settle a long-running payment dispute linked to the Narmada project. The pact covers cost-sharing issues for the Sardar Sarovar Project and the Indira Sagar Project, both associated with the Narmada Water Disputes Tribunal Award. The Narmada Water Disputes Tribunal was constituted under the Inter-State Water Disputes Act, 1956, to adjudicate disputes over the Narmada river system. The tribunal’s award covered water allocation, project construction, and related obligations among the basin states. The agreement addresses dues related to Resettlement and Rehabilitation expenditure, compensation for submerged land, and interest on construction borrowings. Maharashtra’s Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated that claims of ₹2,000-₹3,000 crore against the state were waived and that Maharashtra will pay ₹27 crore.
INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:
1. PM Modi Visits Prambanan Temple in Indonesia: Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Prambanan Temple complex in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, on 8 July 2026 during a three-day state visit from 6 to 8 July 2026. He visited the site with President Prabowo Subianto and offered prayers at the Hindu temple dedicated to the Trimurti, namely Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Brahma. India and Indonesia agreed to support the conservation and restoration of the Prambanan Temple complex, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Archaeological Survey of India is working with Indonesian authorities, including the Ministry of Culture and the Indonesian Heritage Institute, on restoration of several smaller temples within the complex.
2. Hampi, Mysuru and Lakkundi Selected for Global Destination Development: On 7 July 2026, the Karnataka government decided to recommend Hampi, Mysuru and Lakkundi to the Union Tourism Ministry for the Global Destination Development project. The proposal was finalised after a state-level consultation meeting held in Hampi on 6-7 July 2026. The selected destinations are expected to receive central assistance of ₹800 crore in two phases. The first phase has an allocation of ₹500 crore, and the second phase has an allocation of ₹300 crore. The development plan includes world-class infrastructure, improved connectivity, enhanced tourist facilities, heritage conservation, sustainable development and private investment. These components are part of tourism planning for heritage and cultural destinations in India.
3. IIM Bangalore to Open First Overseas Campus in Indonesia: Indian Institute of Management Bangalore will establish its first overseas campus in Indonesia at the Singhasari Special Economic Zone in Malang, East Java. The announcement was made on 7 July 2026 during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official visit to Jakarta after talks with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto. Indian Institute of Management Bangalore is one of the Indian Institutes of Management, which are autonomous public business schools in India. The Indonesia campus will be the institute’s first international campus and will be developed through a Memorandum of Understanding with PT Intelegensia Grahatama, the managing and development entity of the Singhasari SEZ. The Singhasari Special Economic Zone is located in Malang in East Java, Indonesia. Special Economic Zones are designated areas that receive policy support for industrial, commercial, or educational activity under specific national frameworks.
4. India Hosts BRICS Women Working Group Meeting in Kochi: India hosts the BRICS Women Working Group (WWG) Meeting in Kochi under its BRICS Chairship 2026, bringing together senior officials from BRICS member countries to promote women-led development. The meeting is guided by India’s BRICS Chairship theme, “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability,” with discussions focusing on women in governance, digital & financial inclusion, entrepreneurship & skill development, and climate action, food security & nutrition. BRICS currently comprises 11 member countries, contributing around 40% of global GDP and representing about 49.5% of the world’s population, highlighting the strategic importance of the BRICS Women Track.
5. Keiko Fujimori Wins Peru Presidential Runoff, Set to Become Country’s Next President: Peru has elected conservative leader Keiko Fujimori as President after she won the presidential runoff election, securing victory in her fourth attempt. The 51-year-old daughter of former President Alberto Fujimori will become Peru’s 9th President in the last 10 years, highlighting the country’s prolonged political instability.
6. 7 July – Global Forgiveness Day: Global Forgiveness Day is observed every year on 7 July to encourage people to forgive others, let go of resentment, and promote emotional healing. The day highlights the importance of compassion, reconciliation, and peaceful relationships in families, communities, and society
OTHER UPDATES:
DEFENCE
1. India, Rwanda Expand Bilateral Defence Partnership: India and Rwanda held the second Joint Defence Cooperation Committee (JDCC) meeting in New Delhi on 6-7 July 2026. The two countries agreed to expand cooperation in military training, military exercises, medical cooperation, and defence industries. The JDCC is a bilateral mechanism for defence cooperation between India and Rwanda. The 2026 meeting was co-chaired by Shri Amitabh Prasad, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Defence, and Brigadier General Louis Kanobayier, Chief for Joint Force Development, Training and Doctrine of the Rwanda Defence Force. The original Memorandum of Understanding on defence cooperation between India and Rwanda was signed in July 2018 during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Rwanda. The Rwandan delegation interacted with the Indian defence industry to study indigenous capabilities and technological advancements.
2. Ugram Indigenous Assault Rifle Clears Army Trials: The Ugram is an indigenous 7.62×51mm assault rifle developed in India by the Armament Research and Development Establishment, a laboratory of the Defence Research and Development Organisation, and Dvipa Defence India Private Limited. It cleared the Indian Army’s General Staff Qualitative Requirement trials and the Ministry of Home Affairs Board trials in July 2026. The rifle was designed and manufactured in 100 days by ARDE and Dvipa Defence. Dvipa Defence received its manufacturing licence in 2021 and established a production facility on a 13-acre plot near Hyderabad allotted by the Telangana state government. The rifle is expected to be procured by Central Armed Police Forces in India. These include the Central Reserve Police Force, Indo-Tibetan Border Police, Sashastra Seema Bal, and National Security Guard.
3. India, Indonesia Sign Defence and Strategic Agreements: The high-level talks held between India and Indonesia in Jakarta on 7 July 2026 elevated the strategic partnership between the two countries to a new level. During the meeting between the Prime Minister of India and the President of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, nearly a dozen significant agreements were signed. These agreements cover several key areas, including defence, maritime infrastructure, critical minerals, digital payments, space cooperation, education, and cultural preservation. This collaboration further strengthens the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership established in 2018. The most significant outcome of the meeting was in the defence sector. Indonesia signed a commercial contract with BrahMos Aerospace, the India–Russia joint venture, to procure the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile system. India will supply Indonesia with two BrahMos batteries, mobile launchers, radar systems, and guidance systems. This agreement will further strengthen India's defence exports in Southeast Asia. In addition, Bharat Dynamics Limited and Indonesia's Republikorp signed an agreement for the export of the indigenously developed Astra Beyond Visual Range (BVR) air-to-air missile. This is the first formal export order for the Astra missile. Developed by DRDO, the Astra missile is capable of engaging enemy aircraft at ranges exceeding 100 kilometres using active radar homing technology.
SPORTS
1. Australia Clinches Record 7th ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 Title: Australia clinched the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 title, defeating hosts England by 7 wickets in the final at Lord’s Cricket Ground, London, to claim a record-extending seventh championship. Beth Mooney starred with 64 runs off 49 balls and was named Player of the Match as Australia successfully chased 151, finishing at 153/3 with 17 balls to spare. Beth Mooney was also named Player of the Tournament, capping a dominant campaign as Australia reaffirmed their status as the most successful team in Women’s T20 World Cup history.
Charles Leclerc Wins 2026 British Grand Prix, Secures Ferrari’s Historic 250th Formula One Victory: Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) won the 2026 British Grand Prix held at Silverstone Circuit, United Kingdom. The victory marked Ferrari’s historic 250th Formula One Grand Prix win, making it the first team to achieve this milestone. Charles Leclerc, who hails from Monaco, secured the 9th Formula One race victory of his career.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
1. DeepSeek Develops Custom AI Chip: DeepSeek is a Chinese artificial intelligence startup based in Hangzhou. In July 2026, it was linked to the development of a custom AI chip designed for inference workloads and for reducing dependence on foreign semiconductor technology. AI inference is the stage in which a trained model processes inputs and generates outputs such as text, images, or predictions. AI training is the process of building a model by using large datasets and high computational power, and it generally requires more advanced hardware than inference. The chip project began around July 2025 and remained in an early stage in 2026. DeepSeek has been recruiting chip-design engineers and discussing production with semiconductor foundries and memory companies. Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation, or SMIC, is China’s largest foundry. SMIC has been operating with a 7-nanometre process node, which is the most advanced node publicly linked to its production under current US and Dutch export controls.
2. Mukesh Ambani, Lakshmi Mittal & Sunil Bharti Mittal Join AI for Good Global Commission: Mukesh Ambani, Lakshmi Mittal, and Sunil Bharti Mittal are the three Indian members of the AI for Good Global Commission, a global initiative promoting responsible and inclusive use of Artificial Intelligence. The Commission comprises over 40 founding members, including heads of state, government leaders, CEOs, senior executives, and UN agency heads, to develop practical pathways for trustworthy AI, wider access, and AI-driven solutions to global challenges. The Commission will hold its inaugural meeting during the AI for Good Global Summit 2026 in Geneva, held as part of Digital Week (6–10 July 2026), alongside the UN Global Dialogue on AI Governance and the WSIS Forum.
BANKING AND FINANCE
1. ₹2,500 Crore Defence Manufacturing Plant to Be Set Up in Shivpuri, Madhya Pradesh: Jyotiraditya Scindia and Mohan Yadav laid the foundation stone for a ₹2,500 crore defence manufacturing plant in Shivpuri, to be developed by Adani Group. The facility, to be established at Pali village on National Highway 27, will manufacture ammunition, high-tech weapons, and mission-ready missiles, strengthening India’s defence production and the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat. At the event, Jeet Adani announced that the Adani Group aims to create 1.20 lakh jobs in Madhya Pradesh by 2030, boosting employment and industrial development in the state.
2. PM Narendra Modi Launches Viksit UDAN Scheme, Inaugurates New Terminal at Jodhpur Airport: Narendra Modi launched the Viksit UDAN Scheme, the next phase of India’s regional air connectivity initiative, to improve affordable air travel in Tier-2, Tier-3 cities and remote regions.
The scheme has an outlay of over ₹28,840 crore and aims to develop 100+ new aerodromes and 200 helipads, significantly expanding regional aviation infrastructure across the country. Prime Minister Modi also inaugurated the new terminal building at Jodhpur Airport, enhancing connectivity and supporting tourism, trade, and economic growth in the Marwar region.
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