Daily GK Update- 2nd July, 2026

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Go East Initiative: Odisha Launches Investment Acceleration Programme: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi launched the “Go East” initiative to boost industrial investment in Odisha and eastern India through a dedicated investment facilitation mechanism. The initiative establishes a high-level Special Task Force, a “Go East Cell” within IPICOL, and a digital “Go Swift” platform for real-time monitoring of investment approvals and project implementation. The proposed amendments to the Industrial Policy Resolution (IPR)-2022 classify 15 economically backward districts as Thrust Sector areas for non-mineral-based industries, providing them with priority incentives and faster industrial approvals.

 

2. Haryana–Rajasthan Sign Yamuna Water Project Agreement: In the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the Governments of Haryana and Rajasthan signed the Yamuna Water Project Agreement in New Delhi, resolving a nearly 30-year-old inter-state water dispute through mutual dialogue. Under the agreement, around 580 Million Cubic Meters (MCM) of Yamuna water will be supplied to Rajasthan through three underground pipelines from the Hathnikund Barrage via the Western Yamuna Canal system during the monsoon season. The project will provide long-term drinking water security to water-scarce districts of Rajasthan, including Churu, Sikar, and Jhunjhunu, while also benefiting people in Haryana.

 

3. Gujarat Police Signs MoU with Bharat Taxi to Enhance Public Safety and Urban Mobility: Gujarat Police signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bharat Taxi (Sahakar Taxi Cooperative Limited) to strengthen public safety, traffic management, and urban mobility across the state. The MoU was signed during the launch of Bharat Taxi in Gandhinagar in the presence of Amit Shah, highlighting collaboration between law enforcement and the cooperative transport sector.

 

4. IIT Delhi and Sorbonne University Launch Joint Master’s & PhD Programmes: Indian Institute of Technology Delhi and Sorbonne University have launched a joint Master’s programme in Biological Science and a joint PhD programme to strengthen academic collaboration, advanced research, innovation, and student mobility. A high-level IIT Delhi delegation led by Director Prof. Banerjee visited Sorbonne University to deepen bilateral cooperation and explore collaborations in Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science, Robotics, Material Science, Informatics, and other interdisciplinary fields. The partnership is anchored by the France-Indian Integrated Health Campus, which promotes interdisciplinary research by bringing together experts in engineering, medicine, life sciences, social sciences, and digital technologies to develop innovative solutions for modern healthcare challenges.

 

5. Union Cabinet Approves ₹30,000 Crore Additional Investment in NIIF: The Union Cabinet, chaired by Narendra Modi, approved an additional ₹30,000 crore investment in the National Investment and Infrastructure Fund, increasing the Government of India’s total commitment to ₹60,000 crore. The additional investment will support the launch of NIIF Infrastructure Fund II, a successor to its flagship infrastructure fund, with a target corpus of around ₹30,000 crore for investments in transportation, energy, digital infrastructure, urban infrastructure, and e-mobility. The fresh capital infusion will enable NIIF to raise larger funds, attract global investors, and expand new bilateral and strategic fund initiatives, strengthening long-term infrastructure financing and economic growth in India.

 

6. State Bank of India Celebrates 71st Foundation Day: State Bank of India celebrated its 71st Foundation Day on 1 July, marking over seven decades of service as India’s largest public sector bank. Established on 1 July 1955, SBI was formed through the nationalisation of the Imperial Bank of India under the State Bank of India Act, 1955. SBI plays a vital role in India’s banking sector by providing retail banking, corporate banking, digital banking, financial inclusion, and international banking services across an extensive domestic and global network.

 

7. 2 July – National Anisette Day: National Anisette Day is observed annually on 2 July to celebrate Anisette, a sweet, anise-flavoured liqueur traditionally enjoyed in several European and Mediterranean countries. Anisette is made by infusing anise seeds or star anise with alcohol and sugar, giving it a distinctive liquorice-like flavour. It is commonly served as an after-dinner digestif or used in cocktails and desserts.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. 2 July – World UFO Day: World UFO Day is observed annually on 2 July to raise awareness about Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs), encourage scientific inquiry into unexplained aerial phenomena, and promote discussions on the possibility of extraterrestrial life. The date commemorates the Roswell incident of 2 July 1947, when an alleged unidentified flying object reportedly crashed near Roswell, making it one of the most famous UFO incidents in history.

 

2. India-Japan Deepen AI, Defence and Economic Security Ties: India and Japan expanded their strategic partnership at the 16th India-Japan Annual Summit in New Delhi on 2-3 July 2026. The two sides signed agreements on artificial intelligence, defence co-development, and economic security cooperation. The Japan-India AI Cooperation Initiative, also called JAI, was launched to build a safe, secure, trustworthy, and human-centric AI ecosystem. The initiative covers AI governance, safety, cybersecurity, digital infrastructure, semiconductors, and multilingual large language models. Artificial intelligence is a branch of computer science that enables machines to perform tasks linked with learning, reasoning, and language processing. Multilingual large language models are AI systems trained to process and generate text in multiple languages.

 

3. What is the India, Malaysia and Singapore Submarine Cable Project?: I-2SEA is a new submarine cable system unveiled on 2 July 2026 for connectivity between Singapore, India and Malaysia. The consortium includes Lightstorm, Microsoft, Singtel and Tata Communications, and the system supplier is NEC Corporation. The I-2SEA system is estimated to span 3,600 kilometres from Singapore to Machilipatnam in India. It will also have a second landing at South Chennai, giving the project two Indian landing points. Machilipatnam is planned as the landing point with the shortest subsea access to Hyderabad. South Chennai is a major coastal landing location for several undersea communication systems in India. NEC Corporation has been appointed as the system supplier for the cable project. ASEAN Cableship, based in Singapore, will serve as the marine installation partner for the I-2SEA system. Lightstorm is the majority owner of I-2SEA. The companies involved have not disclosed the investment size for the project.

 

4. Mount Erebus Gold Crystals: Mount Erebus is an active volcano on Ross Island in East Antarctica, about 1,350 kilometres from the South Pole. It is the southernmost active volcano on Earth and has been continuously erupting since 1972. The volcano releases microscopic crystals of elemental gold into the atmosphere, and the crystals can travel up to 1,000 kilometres from the volcano. The gold-crystal phenomenon was first documented in a 1991 paper in Geophysical Research Letters. The study included geochemist Kimberly Meeker of the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology. Scientists have not established a single confirmed mechanism for the formation of these crystals. The volcano is reported to emit about 80 grams of gold each day. This quantity is valued at about 6,000 US dollars per day and about 2.19 million US dollars per year. The gold occurs as microscopic crystals that can measure up to about 60 micrometres across.

 

5. White-rumped Vulture Conservation Challenges: The white-rumped vulture is a Critically Endangered scavenger bird listed under the IUCN Red List. It occurs in South and South-East Asia, and its conservation involves poisoning control, carcass management, captive breeding, and protection from power line hazards. The white-rumped vulture is scientifically known as Gyps bengalensis. It is one of the three South Asian vulture species that suffered steep population declines after exposure to diclofenac and other toxic veterinary non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Vultures feed on animal carcasses and help remove carrion from the environment. Their decline has been linked to carcass poisoning, habitat change, and electrocution from overhead power infrastructure.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

DEFENCE

 

1. Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit Takes Charge as Vice Chief of the Air Staff: Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit assumed charge as the Vice Chief of the Air Staff (VCAS) of the Indian Air Force on 1 July 2026. He was commissioned into the fighter stream of the IAF on 6 December 1986. During his nearly four-decade-long career, he has participated in major operations such as Operation Safed Sagar, Operation Rakshak, Cope India, and Operation Sindoor, and has been honoured with the Param Vishisht Seva Medal (2026), Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (2023), Vishisht Seva Medal (2011), and Vayu Sena Medal (2006) for his distinguished service.

 

2. India Approves First PinS Helicopter Approach: India approved its first Private Point-in-Space (PinS) Instrument Approach Procedure for helicopter operations on 1 July 2026. The procedure was approved for Undavalli Heliport in Andhra Pradesh and was developed by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) before clearance by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). A PinS Instrument Approach Procedure is a satellite-based helicopter approach procedure used for operations at heliports that do not have conventional instrument landing systems. It uses instrument flight rules and navigation data to guide helicopters to a defined point near the heliport. The procedure is designed for helicopter operations in low-visibility conditions and in locations where ground-based navigation aids are unavailable. It is part of modern aviation navigation systems that use global navigation satellite system technology.

 

SPORTS 

 

1. Indian Women’s Cricket Team Qualifies for LA 2028 Olympics: The Indian women’s cricket team has secured qualification for the 2028 Summer Olympics, becoming one of the first teams to book a place in the women’s T20 cricket competition alongside Australia, Great Britain, and South Africa. The women’s qualification was decided through the ongoing Women’s T20 World Cup, where the best-performing eligible team from each continent earned a direct Olympic berth, unlike the men’s event, which is based on ICC T20 rankings. For the men’s event, India must finish as Asia’s highest-ranked eligible team in the ICC Men’s T20 rankings by the end of the year to secure direct qualification. Cricket will return to the Olympic Games at Los Angeles 2028 after a 128-year gap, with six teams each competing in the men’s and women’s T20 tournaments.

 

2. 135th Durand Cup to Begin on 25 July 2026: The Durand Cup will be held from 25 July to 23 August 2026 across Kolkata, Ranchi, Imphal, Shillong, and Guwahati, with Kolkata serving as the tournament’s main hub. For the first time, Ranchi will host Durand Cup matches, with the Birsa Munda Stadium staging league matches and one quarter-final, marking the city’s debut as a tournament venue. The teams include Indian Super League clubs, I-League sides, Services teams, emerging domestic outfits and overseas teams. Defenders FC of the Sri Lankan Armed Forces and Meghalaya Premier League champions Nongkseh Sports, Social and Cultural Club are among the debutants.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Mission ShakthiSAT: World’s First All-Girls International Lunar Mission: Gautam Buddha University, the Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority (GNIDA), Space Kidz India, and Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre have partnered to support Mission ShakthiSAT, the world’s first all-girls international lunar mission. Mission ShakthiSAT aims to promote space technology, STEM education, and women-led leadership by encouraging greater participation of girls in the global space sector. The mission seeks to empower 12,000 girls from 108 countries through hands-on training in satellite development, space technology, and scientific research, fostering the next generation of women space leaders.

 

2. Odisha Approves Deep Sea Fishing Mission: Odisha Cabinet approved the Deep Sea Fishing Mission on 1 July 2026. The mission is a flagship initiative of the Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Department under the administrative control of the Odisha government. The mission will run for 10 years, from 2026 to 2036. The estimated investment is ₹2,295.45 crore to ₹2,295.46 crore, and some references describe it as over ₹2,000 crore. The mission will be implemented in phases through central and state funding, beneficiary participation, institutional finance, and Public-Private Partnerships. A dedicated Blue Economy Hub, or B-Hub, will function as the knowledge, innovation, and coordination centre for the mission. The term blue economy refers to the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic activity, fisheries, transport, and marine-based livelihoods.

 

3. GAGAN Satellite-Based Augmentation System: GAGAN stands for GPS Aided GEO Augmented Navigation. It is India’s indigenous Satellite-Based Augmentation System (SBAS) developed jointly by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Airports Authority of India (AAI). The system has been operational since 2015 and supports satellite navigation for aircraft operations in Indian airspace. A Satellite-Based Augmentation System is a regional navigation system that improves the accuracy, reliability, and integrity of Global Positioning System signals. SBAS uses ground reference stations, master control centres, uplink stations, and geostationary satellites to correct navigation errors and provide precision approach services.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Cabinet Approves ₹14,115 Crore for Delhi Tunnel, Kanpur-Kabrai Highway: On 1 July 2026, the Union Cabinet approved two highway infrastructure projects with a combined cost of ₹14,114.81 crore. The projects include an 8.1-km six-lane road tunnel in Delhi and a 117.7-km access-controlled highway in Uttar Pradesh. The Delhi project covers an 8.1-km six-lane road tunnel on NH-148AE. It will connect Dwarka Expressway with Nelson Mandela Marg in Vasant Kunj and has an estimated cost of ₹6,969.67 crore. The project will be implemented under the Hybrid Annuity Mode, or HAM, and has a completion period of about five years. The tunnel includes a 3.14-km twin-tube section beneath the Southern Ridge Forest, and Tunnel Boring Machine technology will be used in that section.

 

2. eSARAS Digital SHG Marketplace: eSARAS is the official online marketplace of the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana–National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) for products made by women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and their federations. The platform was launched on 28 October 2022 by Union Minister of State for Rural Development Faggan Singh Kulaste and was developed by the Digital India Corporation under the National Rural Livelihoods Mission. DAY-NRLM is a flagship rural livelihoods programme of the Ministry of Rural Development. eSARAS provides marketing, branding, and logistics support for SHG products and connects rural producers with national markets. The platform is linked to the Ministry of Rural Development’s network, and 85% of its users were directly linked to that network as of February 2024.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Parveen Shaikh and Barkha Subba Win Prestigious ‘Green Oscar’ (Whitley Award) for Wildlife Conservation: Indian conservationists Parveen Shaikh and Barkha Subba were among six global winners of the prestigious Whitley Award, popularly known as the “Green Oscar“, for their outstanding community-based wildlife conservation efforts. Parveen Shaikh received the award for protecting the endangered Indian Skimmer through the “Guardians of the Skimmer” initiative, launched with the Bombay Natural History Society along the Chambal River, where local volunteers safeguard bird nesting sites. The initiative has delivered significant conservation results, increasing the local Indian Skimmer population from around 400 birds in 2017 to nearly 1,000 birds, while substantially improving nest survival rates by reducing threats such as sand mining, pollution, predators, and human disturbance. Other Winners are Moreangels Mbizah (Zimbabwe); Issah Seidu (Ghana); Marina Kameni (Cameroon); Paola Sangolqui (Ecuador) and Farwiza Farhan (Whitely Gold Award).

 

Daily GK Update- 1st July, 2026

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Centre Unveils Model Cinema Regulations, Forms Prasoon Joshi Panel to Boost Film Infrastructure: The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has prepared Model State Cinema Regulations and shared them with all State Governments to promote uniform rules and accelerate the development of cinema infrastructure across India. The Ministry has constituted a study group chaired by Prasoon Joshi to examine the challenges and opportunities facing the Indian film industry and submit its report within three months. The model regulations were drafted after consultations with stakeholders and aim to reduce regulatory differences among states, while the Centre has offered assistance to states for their effective implementation.

 

2. MoSPI Signs Fellowship Agreement with GRAAM to Strengthen Policy Research: The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) signed a Statement of Intent (SoI) with the Grassroots Research and Advocacy Movement to engage two fellows under the Embark India Development Fellowship. The fellowship aims to strengthen policy research, governance innovation, data governance, and capacity-building initiatives, while providing research-driven support for MoSPI’s developmental programmes. Under the programme, the selected fellows will work on public policy, programme implementation, and governance-related projects, gaining hands-on experience in government functioning and contributing evidence-based recommendations.

 

3. Herbalife India & IIT Madras Launch India’s First Plant Cell Fermentation Centre: Herbalife International India Pvt. Ltd. and Indian Institute of Technology Madras have jointly launched India’s first Centre of Excellence (CoE) for Plant Cell Fermentation Technology to promote research in sustainable biomanufacturing and plant-based health solutions. The Centre will support the development of herbal biomass, enriched herbal extracts, and high-value plant compounds, while bringing together researchers, students, entrepreneurs, and industry experts to translate scientific innovations into commercial applications. The initiative aligns with the Government of India’s BioE3 and Atmanirbhar Bharat programmes by promoting innovation, reducing import dependence, and encouraging environmentally sustainable manufacturing practices.

 

4. IIT Bombay Signs LoI with SUNY Old Westbury: Indian Institute of Technology Bombay and State University of New York at Old Westbury signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) in New York to enhance academic and research collaboration. The partnership aims to promote joint research and educational cooperation in engineering, Artificial Intelligence (AI), multidisciplinary research, and higher education, strengthening academic ties between India and the United States.

 

5. Foundation Stone Laid for Amber–Ascent-K Circuits Manufacturing Plant in Jewar: Union Ministers Ashwini Vaishnaw and Bhupender Yadav, along with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, laid the foundation stone for the Amber–Ascent-K Circuits manufacturing plant in Jewar, Uttar Pradesh. The new manufacturing facility is expected to strengthen India’s electronics manufacturing ecosystem and support the Make in India initiative by boosting domestic production. Speaking at the event, Bhupender Yadav said that India has emerged as a trusted global manufacturing hub, driven by political stability, transparent policies, skilled youth, and world-class infrastructure.

 

6. Rajiv Kumar Appointed Part-Time Chairman of HDFC Bank: The Board of Directors of HDFC Bank has approved the appointment of Rajiv Kumar as an Additional Director (Independent Director) and Part-Time Chairman, succeeding Atanu Chakraborty. Rajiv Kumar served as Finance Secretary of India until his retirement in 2020 and later became the 25th Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) of India, overseeing the country’s electoral process.

 

7. 1 July – National Doctors’ Day: National Doctors’ Day is observed every year on 1 July in India to honour the dedication, service, and invaluable contributions of doctors and healthcare professionals to society. Theme 2026 – Behind the Mask: Who Heals the Healers The day commemorates the birth and death anniversaries of Bidhan Chandra Roy (1 July 1882 –  1 July 1962), a renowned physician, freedom fighter, and the second Chief Minister of West Bengal, who was awarded the Bharat Ratna. Instituted by the Government of India in 1991, the day highlights the vital role of doctors in safeguarding public health and expresses gratitude for their selfless service, compassion, and commitment to saving lives.

 

8. 1 July – National Postal Workers’ Day: National Postal Workers’ Day is observed every year on 1 July to recognise and appreciate the dedication and hard work of postal employees who ensure the timely delivery of letters, parcels, and essential services, even under challenging conditions.

The observance was first established in 1997 by postal carriers in Seattle, Washington (USA) to honour the invaluable contribution of postal workers and encourage public appreciation for their service.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. 1 July – Chartered Accountants’ Day: Chartered Accountants’ Day (78^th CA Day) is observed every year on 1 July to commemorate the establishment of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India under the Chartered Accountants Act, 1949. Institute of Chartered Accountants of India was established on 1 July 1949 as the statutory body responsible for regulating the Chartered Accountancy profession in India and is one of the world’s largest professional accounting bodies.

 

2. 29th National Conference on e-Governance 2026: The 29th National Conference on e-Governance (NCeG) 2026 will be held on 1 and 2 July 2026 at the Rajasthan International Centre in Jaipur, Rajasthan. The conference is jointly organised by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, and the Government of Rajasthan. The National Conference on e-Governance is an annual forum in India for discussions on digital public administration, service delivery, and administrative reforms. The 29th edition will include six plenary sessions and six breakout sessions on Artificial Intelligence, Deep Tech, Quantum Computing, Voice-First Solutions, and Secure Digital Infrastructure.

 

3. FCRA 2.0 Portal and e-OCI Card Launched: Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched the FCRA 2.0 Portal and the e-Overseas Citizen of India (e-OCI) Card initiative in New Delhi on 30 June 2026. The FCRA 2.0 Portal is linked with the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010, and the e-OCI Card is linked with the Citizenship (Amendment) Rules, 2026. The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010 regulates the acceptance and utilisation of foreign contributions by individuals, associations, and companies in India. The FCRA 2.0 Portal is designed for online registration, renewal, and monitoring of foreign fund inflows under the Act. The portal uses process re-engineering, an integrated dashboard, Aadhaar-based authentication, e-Sign facility, and OCR-based document analysis. The system is hosted on the National Government Cloud, also known as MeghRaj.

 

4. What are the Academic Bank of Credits and APAAR?: The Academic Bank of Credits (ABC) and the Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry (APAAR) are digital systems linked to India’s higher education framework under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The ABC is a Ministry of Education platform regulated by the University Grants Commission (UGC), while APAAR is a 12-digit student identification number under the “One Nation, One Student ID” initiative. The Academic Bank of Credits is a digital repository for academic credits earned by students from recognised higher education institutions. It allows students to store, transfer, and redeem credits across institutions within the ABC framework. The system supports academic mobility and credit portability in higher education. The UGC has required Higher Education Institutions to upload students’ academic credit data to the ABC portal for the academic year 2025 by June 30, 2026. Earlier deadlines included December 31, 2024, for academic years 2021 to 2023 and June 2025 for examinations conducted in 2024.

 

5. White-rumped Vulture Conservation Challenges : The white-rumped vulture is a Critically Endangered scavenger bird listed under the IUCN Red List. It occurs in South and South-East Asia, and its conservation involves poisoning control, carcass management, captive breeding, and protection from power line hazards. The white-rumped vulture is scientifically known as Gyps bengalensis. It is one of the three South Asian vulture species that suffered steep population declines after exposure to diclofenac and other toxic veterinary non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Vultures feed on animal carcasses and help remove carrion from the environment. Their decline has been linked to carcass poisoning, habitat change, and electrocution from overhead power infrastructure.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

DEFENCE

 

1. Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit Becomes IAF Vice Chief: Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit assumed charge as the 51st Vice Chief of the Air Staff on 1 July 2026. He succeeded Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor, who superannuated on 30 June 2026 after nearly four decades of service in the Indian Air Force. Before becoming Vice Chief of the Air Staff, he served as the Chief of Integrated Defence Staff from 1 May 2025 to 30 June 2026. The Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff is the tri-service organisation that supports coordination among the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force. During his tenure, he was associated with joint doctrines, RanSamwad 2025 and 2026, Combined and Joint Commanders’ Conferences, and the Defence Forces Vision 2047 roadmap.

 

2. Army to Raise Baaz Battalions for Drone Warfare: The Indian Army has decided to raise specialised units called Baaz Battalions for drone warfare. These units will operate under the Army Aviation Corps and will focus on long-range drones for surveillance and attack roles. Baaz Battalions are planned as dedicated formations for military drone operations. Their role includes intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, which is commonly abbreviated as ISR in military usage. The units are intended to support aerial surveillance, battlefield awareness, and rapid response. The proposed battalions will create a specialist cadre trained in the full drone ecosystem. This ecosystem includes deployment, maintenance, data exploitation, and integration with ground forces. The battalions are distinct from the existing Ashini drone platoons and Divyastra batteries.

 

3. India’s Nuclear Warheads See First Operational Deployment: India’s nuclear arsenal was estimated at 190 warheads in January 2026, and 12 of these warheads were reported as operationally deployed as of 30 June 2026. The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute 2026 Yearbook recorded this as the first known operational deployment of Indian nuclear warheads. India follows a declared no first use policy, under which nuclear weapons are used only in retaliation to a nuclear attack. India’s nuclear doctrine also places emphasis on credible minimum deterrence and civilian control of nuclear forces. India’s sea-based deterrent includes nuclear ballistic missile submarines of the Arihant class. Sea-based platforms support second-strike capability because submarines can remain hidden at sea and can survive a first attack more effectively than fixed land-based systems.

 

SPORTS 

 

1. MS Dhoni Becomes National Brand Ambassador of DRiV: DRiV, the dedicated aftermarket business division of Tenneco and a leading global automotive parts manufacturer, has appointed Mahendra Singh Dhoni (MS Dhoni) as its National Brand Ambassador. This is DRiV’s first-ever association with a celebrity brand ambassador, highlighting the company’s strategic focus on strengthening its presence in the Indian automotive aftermarket.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Agnikul and ICEYE Sign SAR Satellite MoU: Agnikul Cosmos, an Indian private space transportation company, and ICEYE, a Finnish Synthetic Aperture Radar satellite company, signed a Memorandum of Understanding on 30 June 2026 and 1 July 2026 to explore building, launching and operating SAR earth observation systems from India. The MoU was signed at Bharat Innovates in Nice, France. Synthetic Aperture Radar is an active remote-sensing technology that uses microwave signals to create images of the Earth’s surface. SAR can collect data in day and night conditions and can operate through cloud cover, which makes it useful for continuous observation. Agnikul Cosmos develops the Agnibaan small satellite launch vehicle, which is part of its full-stack responsive launch capability. Responsive launch systems are designed for shorter launch timelines and flexible mission planning for small satellites.

 

2. LMO Contactless Load Measurement System: India’s Technology Development Board (TDB), under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), provided financial assistance to Puretronics India Private Limited on 30 June 2026 for the commercialisation of its Load Magnetic Overload (LMO) Sensor. The company describes the LMO Sensor as India’s first fully contactless programmable load measurement system. The LMO system measures load through a non-contact magnetic sensing principle. Conventional load cells use mechanical strain gauges, while the LMO system uses magnetic sensors, digital signal processing, and programmable embedded electronics. The system is designed to measure load without direct mechanical contact with the sensing element.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Central Bank of India Opens IFSC Banking Unit at GIFT City: Central Bank of India has inaugurated its International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) Banking Unit (IBU) at GIFT City to strengthen its international banking operations. The new IBU will cater to the foreign currency funding requirements of corporate clients by offering services such as foreign currency loans, trade finance, treasury operations, and risk management solutions. The initiative is aimed at expanding the bank’s global financial services portfolio and providing comprehensive international banking solutions to meet the evolving needs of businesses and corporate customers.

 

2. India’s Industrial Output Grows 5.1% in May 2026: According to the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), India’s Index of Industrial Production (IIP) grew 5.1% year-on-year in May 2026, up from 4.9% in April 2026, driven mainly by improved manufacturing activity. The strongest growth was recorded in the electricity and gas supply sector (9.9%), while manufacturing and water supply, sewerage & waste management each expanded by 5.5%. However, the mining and quarrying sector contracted by 1.6%. The Quick Estimate of IIP stood at 122.7 in May 2026, compared to 116.7 in May 2025, indicating continued growth in India’s industrial production and overall economic activity.

 

3. JUMPP Receives NPCI Approval as UPI TPAP: JUMPP, an AI-powered fintech platform, has received approval from the National Payments Corporation of India to operate as a Third Party Application Provider (TPAP), enabling users to access UPI payment services directly through the JUMPP app. Founded in 2025 by Sarvjeet Singh Virk, JUMPP offers digital investment solutions, including Digital Gold, Mutual Funds (MFs), and Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs).

 

4. SBI Raises $300 Million Through 3-Year Floating Rate Notes: State Bank of India (SBI) has successfully raised $300 million by issuing 3-year senior unsecured floating rate notes to attract foreign currency investments. The notes carry a coupon rate of SOFR + 100 basis points (bps) per annum, with interest payable quarterly in arrears, and have been issued under Regulation-S. The bonds will be issued through SBI’s London branch on July 6, supporting higher-interest Foreign Currency Non-Resident (Bank) [FCNR(B)] deposits from Non-Resident Indians (NRIs).

 

Daily GK Update- 30th June, 2026

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Health Ministry to Launch e-Sushrut@Clinic for Small Healthcare Facilities: The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare will launch e-Sushrut@Clinic, a lightweight Hospital Management Information System (HMIS) designed specifically for small healthcare facilities across India. The e-Sushrut@Clinic software has been developed by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) to improve digital hospital management and streamline healthcare services.

 

2. Sarbananda Sonowal Highlights ₹5,028 Crore Development Plan on Mumbai Port’s 154th Foundation Day: Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal announced a ₹5,028.17 crore development pipeline comprising 63 projects during the 154th Foundation Day of the Mumbai Port Authority. The projects include 7 inaugurated projects (₹132.29 crore), 34 foundation stone-laying projects (₹1,354.59 crore), and 22 newly announced projects (₹3,541.29 crore), focusing on port infrastructure, logistics, waterfront development, and operational efficiency. Two major agreements—the Indira Dock Operations and Maintenance Agreement and the Viksit Bharat Mumbai Marina Agreement—were dedicated to improve port operations, waterfront development, and optimal utilization of Mumbai Port’s assets. Celebrated under the theme “Together We Can,” the event honoured employees, stakeholders, and sports achievers, while showcasing the journey of Mumbai Port Authority and commemorating 100 years of the Mumbai Port Sports Club.

 

3. U.P. Rajeev Appointed Director of Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre: P. Rajeev has been appointed as the Director of the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, Thiruvananthapuram, one of the leading centres of Indian Space Research Organisation. Previously serving as Associate Director (Research and Development) at VSSC, Dr. Rajeev has extensive expertise in rocket guidance and control systems and has led mission design and simulation for several major ISRO launch vehicles. Rajeev belongs to Pathanapuram and is an alumnus of the College of Engineering, Thiruvananthapuram, National Institute of Technology Calicut, and Indian Institute of Science.

 

4. SUMAN Roadmap 2030 for Maternal Health: The SUMAN Roadmap 2030 for Maternal Health was launched on 29 June 2026 by Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda at the 16th Conference of the Central Council of Health and Family Welfare in New Delhi. The roadmap is a strategic framework for maternal and newborn healthcare in India and is linked to the Sustainable Development Goal targets for 2030. The roadmap sets targets for zero maternal deaths, zero infant deaths, universal antenatal care, institutional deliveries, and full immunisation. It also seeks to reduce the Maternal Mortality Ratio to below 70 per 100,000 live births by 2030 and to lower the Neonatal Mortality Rate and Infant Mortality Rate. The framework uses a life-cycle approach that covers pre-pregnancy, antenatal, intrapartum, and postnatal care. It also uses a four-stage system for identifying, tracking, and managing high-risk pregnancies across the maternal care continuum.

 

5. Legal Metrology Act Gets Improvement Notice Mechanism: The Department of Consumer Affairs introduced an Improvement Notice mechanism under the Legal Metrology Act, 2009, on 29 June 2026. The mechanism applies to first-time procedural and regulatory non-compliances by regulated entities, including manufacturers, importers, packers, dealers, repairers, traders, and MSMEs. A Legal Metrology Officer may issue an Improvement Notice that identifies a deficiency and provides a reasonable time for correction. If the entity rectifies the lapse within the prescribed period, penal proceedings can be avoided under the new mechanism. The reform was introduced through the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2026. Repeated violations, failure to comply with the notice, fraud, tampering, and deliberate acts that affect consumer interests remain liable for action under the Legal Metrology Act.

 

6. Sujalam Sufalam Jal Abhiyan Expands Water Storage in Gujarat: The Sujalam Sufalam Jal Abhiyan is a water conservation campaign in Gujarat linked with pond deepening, check dam desilting, check dam repair, and groundwater recharge. The initiative has been implemented through state government departments and public participation under the broader water conservation framework associated with the Catch the Rain programme. In 2026, the campaign increased Gujarat’s water storage capacity by 20,789 lakh cubic feet. Over the past eight years, the cumulative increase in water storage capacity reached 1,38,039 lakh cubic feet across the state. Between 2018 and 2024, the state carried out 1,07,608 works, including 36,979 new lakes and desilting of 24,086 check dams. As of May 2026, 13,315 water conservation works were completed across Gujarat. The 2026 campaign included 2,450 pond deepening projects, 3,661 check dam desilting works, and 1,160 check dam repair projects. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel launched the 2026 campaign from Gandhinagar on 23 February 2026.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. APEDA Facilitates First Commercial Export of GI-Tagged Rewa Sundarja Mangoes to UAE: APEDA facilitated the first commercial export of GI-tagged Rewa Sundarja Mangoes from Madhya Pradesh to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), promoting India’s unique agricultural products in global markets. The inaugural export consignment consisted of 1 metric tonne of premium-quality Rewa Sundarja Mangoes, marking an important milestone for the international recognition of this Geographical Indication (GI)-tagged fruit.

 

2. Government Launches Air Suvidha 2.0 for International Arrivals: The Ministry of Civil Aviation, in collaboration with Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), has launched Air Suvidha 2.0, a fully contactless passenger health self-declaration portal to strengthen public health surveillance at international entry points. The upgraded Air Suvidha 2.0 has been made mandatory for all international passengers arriving in India, enhancing health screening and facilitating quicker digital processing at airports. The platform was introduced following the World Health Organization declaration of an Ebola virus disease/Bundibugyo virus disease outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda.

 

3. MAHE Achieves Top Global Rankings in THE Impact Rankings 2026: Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), an Institution of Eminence Deemed-to-be University, retained its overall global band of 101–200 in the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings 2026. MAHE achieved a landmark World No. 1 ranking for SDG 5 (Gender Equality), improving dramatically from Rank 11 in the previous edition. The university also secured Rank 5 globally for SDG 3 (Good Health & Well-being), rising significantly from Rank 74 in 2025. MAHE improved in other key SDGs as well, reaching Rank 23 for SDG 4 (Quality Education) and Rank 93 for SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), showcasing its growing global impact in research, teaching, outreach, and institutional stewardship.

 

4. 27 June – World MSME Day: World MSME Day (Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Day) is observed every year on 27 June to recognise the vital contribution of MSMEs to economic growth, innovation, employment, and sustainable development. Theme 2026 – Empowering MSMEs through Innovation and Sustainable Industrial Development. The day was designated by the United Nations General Assembly in 2017 through Resolution A/RES/71/279 to raise awareness about the role of MSMEs in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Globally, MSMEs account for about 90% of businesses, provide 60–70% of employment, and contribute nearly 50% of global GDP, making them the backbone of economies worldwide.

 

5. 30 June – International Asteroid Day: International Asteroid Day is observed every year on 30 June to raise public awareness about asteroid impact hazards, planetary defence, and the importance of studying near-Earth objects. The day was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 2016 through Resolution A/RES/71/90, marking the anniversary of the 1908 Tunguska impact in Siberia, the largest recorded asteroid impact event on Earth.

 

6. 30 June – International Day of Parliamentarism: International Day of Parliamentarism is observed every year on 30 June to recognise the vital role of parliaments in promoting democracy, accountability, transparency, and good governance worldwide. The day was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2018 through Resolution A/RES/72/278 and marks the anniversary of the founding of the Inter-Parliamentary Union on 30 June 1889.

 

7. India and Saudi Arabia Sign Water Management Pact: India and Saudi Arabia signed a Memorandum of Understanding on 29 June 2026 for cooperation in water resource management. The pact was formalised during the inaugural Saudi Water Week conference in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Water resource management is the planning, development, distribution, and protection of water resources. It includes surface water, groundwater, irrigation systems, and water-use efficiency measures. Dr Suhel Khan, India’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, and Eng Abdulrahman Abdulmohsen AlFadley, Saudi Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture, signed the MoU. Fahad Suri, the Consul General of India in Jeddah, was present at the ceremony on 29 June 2026.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

DEFENCE

 

1. INS Ikshak and INS Tarkash Participate in Seychelles’ 50th National Day Celebrations: The Indian Navy’s indigenously built Survey Vessel Large (SVL) INS Ikshak arrived at Port Victoria, Seychelles, to participate in the country’s 50th National Day (Golden Jubilee of Independence) celebrations. The frontline stealth frigate INS Tarkash also took part in the celebrations, highlighting the strong maritime partnership and defence cooperation between India and Seychelles.

 

2. Indian Naval Ships Udaygiri, Kavaratti & Shakti Reach Thailand to Strengthen Maritime Cooperation: Indian Naval Ships Udaygiri, Kavaratti, and Shakti of the Eastern Fleet arrived at Sattahip, Thailand, as part of their operational deployment to the South-East Asia region. The port call aims to strengthen bilateral maritime ties, mutual cooperation, and naval camaraderie between India and Thailand, reflecting the two countries’ long-standing maritime partnership.

 

3. INS Sudarshini Reaches Baltimore, USA Under Lokayan 26 Transoceanic Expedition: The Indian Navy’s Sail Training Ship INS Sudarshini arrived at Port of Baltimore, Maryland (USA) as part of the Lokayan 26 transoceanic expedition, showcasing India’s rich maritime heritage and strengthening India–US naval cooperation. During its visit, INS Sudarshini will participate in maritime engagement and community outreach programmes ahead of the Sail250 Maryland celebrations, marking the 250th anniversary of the United States. Before reaching Baltimore, the ship participated in the Sail250 Virginia celebrations at Norfolk and has sailed over 13,000 nautical miles in five months from Kochi, symbolizing India’s seafaring traditions and the spirit of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”

 

4. IAF Concludes Fifth Warfare and Aerospace Strategy Programme: The Indian Air Force concluded the fifth Warfare & Aerospace Strategy Programme (WASP) with a Capstone Seminar on 29 June 2026 in New Delhi. The seminar marked the end of a six-month Professional Military Education programme conducted by the Centre for Aerospace Power and Strategic Studies (CAPSS) in New Delhi and the College of Air Warfare (CAW) in Hyderabad. WASP was initiated in 2022 as a Professional Military Education programme for mid-ranking officers of the Indian Air Force. The programme is also open to personnel from the Indian Army, the Indian Navy, and civilians from the Ministry of Defence. Participants presented analyses on two themes: “Evolution of Aerospace Power: From Classical Strategy to Contemporary Limited Conflict” and “Future-proofing Aerospace Power: Innovation, Integration and Force Design.” The inaugural WASP CAW Journal was released on 29 June 2026 during the seminar.

SPORTS 

 

1. Indian soldiers win first World Rowing Cup gold: Indian soldiers Havildars Lakshay and Ujjwal Kumar Singh won India’s first gold medal at a World Rowing Cup on 27 June 2026. The medal came at World Rowing Cup Stage 3 in Lucerne, Switzerland, in the Lightweight Men’s Double Sculls (LM2x) event. The World Rowing Cup is an annual international rowing series organised by World Rowing, the international federation for the sport. The series includes multiple stages held at different venues, and athletes compete in boat classes such as single sculls, double sculls, and coxless fours. Lightweight Men’s Double Sculls, abbreviated as LM2x, is a rowing event in which two rowers compete in a sculling boat. In sculling, each rower uses two oars, and lightweight categories apply body-mass limits fixed by World Rowing regulations.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Six Startups Win Youth Co-Lab National Innovation Challenge 2026: Six youth-led startups from across the country won the 8th edition of the Youth Co-Lab National Innovation Challenge 2026. The initiative is jointly led by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) India and Citi Foundation in partnership with the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog, and implemented by the T-Hub Foundation. Niti Aayog informed that this year’s challenge received more than 350 applications from startups across 28 states. Following a rigorous selection process, 50 high-potential startups were shortlisted for the National Springboard Programme, a three-month virtual capacity-building initiative supported by 16 industry mentors and domain experts. Following the final evaluation, six startups were selected for their scalable and high-impact solutions. The winning startups received seed grants of three lakh fifty thousand rupees each, while the runners-up were awarded two lakh twenty thousand rupees each.

 

2. Ayushman Sarathi PM-JAY Chatbot Launched: Ayushman Sarathi PM-JAY Chatbot was launched on 29 June 2026 in New Delhi by Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda. It is a WhatsApp-based chatbot developed by the National Health Authority under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare for access to Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana services. The chatbot provides eligibility checks under PM-JAY, Ayushman Card application and download, eKYC, Aadhaar linking, and lock or unlock functions for PM-JAY cards. It also allows users to view wallet balance, check treatment history, find nearby empanelled hospitals, and register, track, or withdraw grievances. Beneficiaries can access Ayushman Sarathi by sending “Hi” to +91 72908 23838 on WhatsApp or by scanning an official QR code. The chatbot provides 24×7 access to scheme-related services through a conversational interface.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. SBM Bank India & Paisabazaar Launch FD-Backed Credit Card: Paisabazaar and SBM Bank India have launched the SBM Paisabazaar Paisa+ Credit Card, a Fixed Deposit (FD)-backed credit card designed to help individuals build or improve their credit history while earning cashback on everyday spending. The card offers FD returns of up to 7% per annum along with cashback on online, offline, and UPI transactions, making it especially beneficial for first-time credit users and those looking to improve their credit score through responsible usage.

 

2. NIIF Gets Additional ₹30,000 Crore Government Investment: The Union Cabinet approved an additional ₹30,000 crore investment by the Government of India into the National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF) on 29 June 2026. The fresh allocation raises the government’s total commitment to NIIF to ₹60,000 crore and supports the creation of NIIF Infrastructure Fund II, which has a target corpus of about ₹30,000 crore. The National Investment and Infrastructure Fund is India’s sovereign-anchored investment platform. The Government of India holds a 49% stake in NIIF, and the platform manages capital commitments of about ₹40,000 crore across its existing funds and investment strategies. NIIF Infrastructure Fund II is the second infrastructure-focused fund under NIIF. The fund is planned to invest in transportation, energy, digital infrastructure, urban infrastructure, and e-mobility.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Florence Rabier Receives WMO’s Highest Honour – IMO Prize: Florence Rabier of France has been awarded the IMO Prize, the highest honour of the World Meteorological Organization, for her outstanding contributions to numerical weather prediction and advancing meteorological services. A former Director of the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (2016–2025) and current Non-Executive Director of the Met Office, Dr. Rabier played a key role in integrating artificial intelligence, satellite data, and open-data systems into weather forecasting.

Named after the International Meteorological Organization, the IMO Prize is regarded as the “Nobel Prize of meteorology”, recognizing exceptional contributions to meteorology, hydrology, and international scientific cooperation.

 

2. Global Skills Challenge 2026 India Wins Five Medals: India won five medals at the Global Skills Challenge Australia 2026, which was held from 23 June to 29 June 2026. The medal tally included three gold, one silver, and one bronze, and the event served as a preparatory competition for the 48th WorldSkills Competition in Shanghai later in 2026. Pavan Bhadravati Suresha from Karnataka won gold in Additive Manufacturing on 29 June 2026. Mausam Kumar Giri from Bihar won gold in Cloud Computing, and Vishnupriya Sunil from Delhi won gold in Health and Social Care. Harsh Ramesh Pawar from Maharashtra won silver in 3D Digital Game Art. Muskan from Haryana won bronze in Painting and Decorating.