Daily GK Update- 17th July, 2026

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu Launches ‘Pillale Sampada’ Initiative: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu launched the ‘Pillale Sampada’ (Children are Wealth) initiative on World Population Day, advocating a shift from population control to population conservation. The initiative aims to encourage balanced population growth to address declining fertility rates and an ageing population, recognising human resources as the foundation of sustainable development. The Andhra Pradesh Government announced measures to support families, including ₹15,000 per child under the Talliki Vandanam scheme, strengthened nutrition through Anganwadi centres, and improved maternal and child healthcare.

 

2. Madhya Pradesh Declares 2027 as the ‘Year of Youth’: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav announced that 2027 will be celebrated as the “Year of Youth” during the ‘My Youth, My Pride’ Conclave. The initiative aims to engage more than 2 crore youth in the state’s policymaking and development process. The state government will also institute Digital Content Awards to recognise young creators producing positive and socially relevant digital content

 

3. Draft National Health Research Policy 2026: The Department of Health Research under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare unveiled the Draft National Health Research Policy 2026 on 13-15 July 2026. The draft is India’s first comprehensive national framework for health research across biomedical science, clinical medicine, public health, epidemiology, digital health, and artificial intelligence. The draft outlines a three-tier governance structure for health research in India. The National Health Research Stewardship Committee will provide strategic coordination, the Department of Health Research will act as the nodal implementing agency, and the Indian Council of Medical Research will serve as the scientific and technical lead. The draft states that India allocates 0.024% of GDP to health research, while the average in high-income countries is 0.27% of GDP. It proposes raising health research spending to 0.072% of GDP by 2037 and 0.15% of GDP by 2047.

 

4. Delhi Approves Time-Bound Public Service Delivery Bill: On July 14, 2026, the Delhi Cabinet approved the Delhi (Right of Citizen to Time Bound and Ease of Delivery of Services) Bill, 2026. The Bill seeks to make time-bound delivery of public services a legal entitlement in Delhi and to replace the Delhi Right of Citizens to Time-Bound Delivery of Services Act, 2011. The 2026 Bill proposes an end-to-end digital service delivery system for public services in the National Capital Territory of Delhi. It also provides for an automatic escalation mechanism for delayed services and an independent grievance redressal system. The Bill provides for the creation of a Delhi Right to Service Commission. It also includes penalty provisions for delays and non-compliance in service delivery. The Bill is expected to be introduced in the monsoon session of the Delhi Assembly for approval.

 

5. Navi Mumbai International Airport Starts International Operations: Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) commenced scheduled international operations on 15 July 2026. Air India Express launched the first international service from NMIA with a direct flight to Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates. NMIA is an airport in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region and functions as the second international gateway for the region after Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. The airport began domestic operations on 25 December 2025, less than 200 days before the start of international services. Adani Airport Holdings Ltd. manages NMIA in a joint venture with CIDCO. Adani Airport Holdings Ltd. is India’s largest private airport operator, and with NMIA’s international launch, all airports in its portfolio are internationally connected. Since the start of domestic operations, NMIA has connected 46 domestic destinations, handled more than 2.3 million passengers, and managed about 150 air traffic movements daily as of July 2026.

 

6. CAC49 Adopts Seven Codex Standards Under India’s Leadership: The 49th Session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC49) was held in Geneva, Switzerland, from 6 July to 10 July 2026. India led the adoption of seven Codex standards and guidelines at the session, and the Indian delegation was headed by Rajit Punhani, Chief Executive Officer of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). Two adopted standards covered Dried Coriander Seeds and Fresh Curry Leaves, and both were developed under India’s direct chairmanship. Five other Codex texts were adopted under India’s co-chairmanship and covered Vanilla, Large Cardamom, safe water use in food processing, control measures for Campylobacter and Salmonella in chicken meat, and prepackaged food labelling.

 

7. Indian Railways launches Reform Express freight reforms: Indian Railways announced eight structural freight reforms under the “Reform Express” initiative on 14 July 2026. The reforms raised the total number of implemented measures to 17 out of a target of 52 reforms in 52 weeks. Freight transport in Indian Railways covers the movement of goods by rail wagons, containers, and specialised rolling stock. The new measures promote containerisation, which is the movement of cargo in standardised containers for easier handling, storage, and transfer. Containerised transport of fly ash in closed containers has replaced the open wagon method. Containerised movement of fertilisers, foodgrains, flour, and pulses is also permitted, and individual containers can be stored at rake points for demand-based distribution.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India, New Zealand Elevate Ties to Strategic Partnership: India and New Zealand elevated their relationship to a Strategic Partnership and set a target to double bilateral trade to ₹35,000 crore by 2030, following talks between PM Narendra Modi and PM Christopher Luxon. Both countries signed key agreements, including a reciprocal logistics support pact, a maritime security dialogue, and a roadmap to strengthen cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region. The leaders welcomed the signing of the India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and agreed to ensure its early implementation to boost trade and economic ties.

 

2. India, Poland Hold Bilateral Talks to Strengthen MSME Cooperation: India and Poland held bilateral talks in New Delhi to strengthen cooperation in the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector, with discussions on technology, innovation, digital transformation, and enterprise development. India highlighted the strength of its MSME sector, which has over 86 million registered enterprises, contributes nearly 30% to GDP, and supports the livelihoods of around 330 million people. Both countries agreed to enhance institutional and business-to-business cooperation, while expressing confidence that the India–EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) will further boost bilateral trade and investment.

 

3. World-Famous Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra Begins in Puri, Odisha: The world-famous Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra began in Puri, Odisha, marking one of India’s most significant religious festivals. During the festival, the three deities travel nearly 3 km from the Shree Jagannath Temple to the Shree Gundicha Temple, where they stay for nine days before returning during the Bahuda Yatra. The Puri Shree Jagannath Temple Administration has made extensive multi-layered security arrangements, expecting lakhs of devotees to participate in the annual Rath Yatra.

 

4. Thailand Reduces Visa-Free Stay for Indian Travellers from 60 to 30 Days: Thailand will continue its visa-free entry policy for Indian passport holders, allowing travel without obtaining a visa in advance. The maximum visa-free stay has been reduced from 60 days to 30 days for Indian travellers.

 

5. PM Modi Gifts Dhokra Tree of Life Sculpture and Uttarakhandi Cap to New Zealand PM Christopher Luxon: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his visit to New Zealand, gifted a Dhokra Tree of Life sculpture from Bastar (Chhattisgarh) and an Uttarakhandi (Traditional Pahari) Cap to New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon. The Uttarakhandi Cap, handcrafted from high-quality wool, symbolises Uttarakhand’s cultural heritage, pride, dignity, hospitality, and Himalayan identity, and is commonly worn during festivals and ceremonies. The Dhokra Tree of Life sculpture represents the ancient Dhokra metal craft of Bastar, created using the lost-wax casting technique, one of the world’s oldest metal-casting methods.

 

6. India and Australia Finalise Administrative Arrangement for Civil Nuclear Cooperation: India and Australia finalised an Administrative Arrangement under their Civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreement during the Third India–Australia Annual Summit in Melbourne. The Arrangement operationalises the Civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreement, which was signed in 2014 and came into force in 2015. It enables long-term exports of Australian uranium to India for peaceful nuclear purposes under International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safeguards. Australia has the world’s largest uranium reserves, accounting for more than one-third of global uranium resources.

7. 16 July – World Snake Day: World Snake Day is observed every year on 16 July to raise awareness about the ecological importance of snakes, promote their conservation, and dispel myths and misconceptions associated with them. Theme 2026 – Respect, Don’t Fear: Protecting Nature’s Silent Guardians Snakes play a vital role in maintaining ecological balance by controlling rodent populations and serving as both predators and prey in food chains.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

DEFENCE

 

1. India Announces Seafarer-First Maritime Safety Plan: India announced the “Seafarer-First” emergency maritime safety plan on 15 July 2026 in New Delhi after attacks on the merchant vessels MT Al Bahiyah and MT Mombasa in the Strait of Hormuz. The plan covers Indian seafarers operating in the Persian Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz, and the Gulf of Oman, and it includes operational tracking, family liaison, and emergency coordination measures. The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow sea passage between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. It is one of the world’s most important oil and shipping routes, and merchant vessels passing through it often face security advisories during periods of regional tension. The attacks on MT Al Bahiyah and MT Mombasa caused the death of one Indian seafarer, Rohan Kumar. Nine crew members on MT Mombasa were injured, including two in critical condition, and one crew member on MT Al Bahiyah was injured.

 

SPORTS 

 

1. Delhi Unveils ‘Mayur’ as Official Mascot for Commonwealth Table Tennis Championships 2026: Delhi unveiled ‘Mayur’, inspired by India’s national bird (the peacock), as the official mascot of the 22nd Commonwealth Table Tennis Championships 2026. The championship will be held at Thyagaraj Stadium, Delhi, from 27 July to 2 August 2026, under the joint organisation of the Delhi Government and the Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI). The event is expected to witness participation from over 35 countries, with Mayur symbolising energy, hospitality, and unity.

 

2. India Scripts History with 270-Run Victory over England in First-Ever Women’s Test at Lord’s: India created history by defeating England by 270 runs in the first-ever women’s Test match at Lord’s Cricket Ground, after bowling England out for 186 while defending a target of 457. Sneh Rana starred with figures of 4/42, while Deepti Sharma claimed two crucial wickets as India’s spinners dismantled the England batting line-up. Kranti Gaud and Yastika Bhatia achieved historic milestones, becoming the first women to take a five-wicket haul and score a century, respectively, in a women’s Test at Lord’s.

 

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Indian-Origin NASA Astronaut Anil Menon Begins First ISS Mission Aboard Soyuz MS-29: Indian-origin NASA astronaut Anil Menon launched to the International Space Station (ISS) aboard Russia’s Soyuz MS-29 spacecraft, marking his first spaceflight on an eight-month mission. The Soyuz MS-29 spacecraft lifted off from the Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan, carrying Anil Menon (USA), Pyotr Dubrov (Russia), and Anna Kikina (Russia), and successfully docked with the ISS’s Prichal module after a three-hour, two-orbit journey. The crew will conduct scientific research and technology demonstrations aboard the ISS for about eight months, with their return to Earth scheduled for April 2027

 

2. TEC and BECIL Sign MoU to Boost Research and Innovation in Broadcasting Technologies: The Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC), the technical arm of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Broadcast Engineering Consultants India Limited (BECIL). The MoU aims to promote joint technical research, standardisation activities, innovation, and collaborative studies in broadcasting technologies.

 

3. Wearable Ammonia Gas Sensor Developed by Indian Scientists: Indian scientists developed a portable, self-powered and wearable ammonia sensing device on 14 July 2026. The device was developed at the Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS), Bengaluru, an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), and it detects ammonia at concentrations as low as 319 parts per billion (ppb). The sensor uses a hybrid vanadium oxide-vanadium sulfide (VOx/VS2) heterostructure. A heterostructure is a material system formed by joining two different semiconducting or functional layers, and such combinations are used in sensors, electronics and optoelectronic devices. The device operates at room temperature, which is a standard laboratory and ambient condition of about 20 to 25 degrees Celsius. Many conventional gas sensors require elevated temperatures and higher energy input for operation.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Bank of Maharashtra Launches ‘FinSpark’26 National Cybersecurity Hackathon: Bank of Maharashtra launched ‘FinSpark’26, a national-level cybersecurity hackathon for students and dropouts to develop innovative solutions for banking security challenges. The hackathon offers a prize pool of over ₹10 lakh and focuses on cyber risk, fraud prevention, AI-driven anomaly detection, and insider threat detection in digital banking. The top 20 teams will qualify for the grand finale in Pune, where they will present their ideas and prototypes before a panel of cybersecurity and banking experts.

 

2. Index of Services Production: The Government of India has introduced the Index of Services Production (ISP). This new macroeconomic indicator tracks the performance of the services sector. It is the first high-frequency indicator dedicated to measuring the output volume of the formal services sector relative to a base year. Services constitute the largest share of India’s economy. The ISP aims to strengthen economic monitoring, improve national accounts estimation, and support data-driven policy choices. The first sub-sectoral trial index was released for April 2026. The trial index for April 2026 covers 19 sub-sectors, representing roughly 60% of the services economy. Out of these 19 sub-sectors, 14 achieved double-digit growth in April 2026 compared to April 2025. Specific segments are excluded because they are non-market activities, informal, or tied to core government operations.

 

3. ASHVINI to Float ₹28,000 Crore Mahi Banswara EPC Tender: Anushakti Vidhyut Nigam Limited (ASHVINI) is set to invite bids for a ₹28,000 crore Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) tender for the Mahi Banswara Rajasthan Atomic Power Project in Banswara district, Rajasthan. The package is named the Nuclear Island Mega EPC Package (NIMEP) and covers four 700 MWe Pressurised Heavy Water Reactor units with a combined capacity of 2,800 MWe. The EPC package includes engineering, manufacturing, supply of equipment, civil construction, installation of systems, testing, and commissioning support for the nuclear island. The tender is described as the largest Nuclear Island EPC package issued for India’s indigenous 700 MW PHWR programme.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Sahitya Akademi Award-Winning Tamil Writer Poomani Dies: Sahitya Akademi Award-winning Tamil writer Poomani passed away in Chennai. He was widely known for portraying the karisal bhoomi (rain-fed black-soil region) of southern Tamil Nadu. Poomani received the Sahitya Akademi Award in 2014 for his acclaimed novel ‘Agnaadi’, which depicts the Kazhugumalai (1895) and Sivakasi (1899) communal riots. His novel ‘Vekkai’ was adapted into the National Award-winning film ‘Asuran’, directed by Vetrimaaran and starring Dhanush. He also directed the NFDC film ‘Karuvelam Pookal’ and worked on television serials.

 

Daily GK Update- 16th July, 2026

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. ICMR to Establish High-Altitude Medicine Research Centre in Himachal Pradesh’s Keylong : Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda will lay the foundation stone of the ICMR Centre for High Altitude Medicine and Public Health Research at Keylong, Himachal Pradesh. The existing ICMR field station at Keylong will be upgraded into a multidisciplinary research hub to strengthen climate-resilient healthcare, biomedical research, and innovation in India’s Himalayan region. The centre will conduct research on high-altitude physiology, acclimatisation, maternal & child health, disaster medicine, and use telemedicine, digital health, drones, and real-time public health surveillance to improve healthcare delivery in remote areas. The centre will collaborate with AFMS, DRDO, Himachal Pradesh Government, and national & international research institutions, supporting Atmanirbhar Bharat, tribal health, disaster preparedness, and climate-resilient health systems.

 

2. Union Cabinet Approves Additional ₹30,000 Crore Investment in NIIF: The Union Cabinet has approved an additional ₹30,000 crore investment in the National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF), increasing the Government of India’s total commitment from ₹30,000 crore to ₹60,000 crore. The additional funding will support NIIF Infrastructure Fund II, with a target corpus of around ₹30,000 crore, to invest in transportation, energy, digital infrastructure, urban infrastructure, electric mobility, and other strategic sectors. NIIF is India’s sovereign-anchored investment platform, managed by National Investment and Infrastructure Fund Limited (NIIFL), with the Government of India holding a 49% equity stake. It has attracted investments from major global sovereign wealth funds, pension funds, and multilateral institutions.

 

3. Lakhanpur in Jammu and Kashmir Selected for PM SVANidhi Street Food Hub Initiative: Lakhanpur in Kathua district, Jammu & Kashmir, has been selected among the first towns in India for the development of a Street Food Hub under the PM SVANidhi initiative. Led by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), the initiative aims to develop organised, hygienic, and modern vending spaces, while promoting local cuisine and supporting street vendors. Under the scheme, up to 50 Street Food Hubs will be developed across India with ₹4 crore financial assistance for each project. The Lakhanpur hub will be developed in two clusters and will showcase Dogra cuisine, benefiting pilgrims, tourists, and local vendors.

 

4. Department of Posts and TRAI Sign MoU for India’s Largest Village-Level Telecom Network Survey: The Department of Posts (Ministry of Communications) and the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to conduct India’s largest village-level telecom network performance survey. The one-year survey will assess the mobile network performance of Bharti Airtel, Reliance Jio, Vodafone Idea (Vi), and Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) across more than 5.68 lakh villages across India.

 

5. Gujarat’s Unjha Cumin and Unjha Fennel Receive Geographical Indication Tags : Unjha Cumin (Jeera) and Unjha Fennel (Variyali) from North Gujarat have been granted Geographical Indication (GI) tags by the Geographical Indications Registry of India. The registration has been made in the name of the Unjha Agriculture Produce Market Committee (APMC) under Class 30 (Spices). A Geographical Indication (GI) identifies products whose quality, reputation, or characteristics are linked to a specific geographical origin. In India, GI registration is governed by the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999. Unjha, located in North Gujarat, is one of India’s major spice trading hubs, particularly known for cumin and fennel. The GI tags are expected to enhance the products’ market identity, authenticity, and value.

 

6. Jio Platforms Appoints Pankaj Pawar as New Chief Executive Officer: Jio Platforms Ltd. (JPL) has appointed Pankaj Pawar as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Pankaj Pawar succeeds Kiran Thomas, who previously served as the CEO of Jio Platforms Ltd. (JPL).

 

7. Indian Railways launches Reform Express freight reforms: Indian Railways announced eight structural freight reforms under the “Reform Express” initiative on 14 July 2026. The reforms raised the total number of implemented measures to 17 out of a target of 52 reforms in 52 weeks. Freight transport in Indian Railways covers the movement of goods by rail wagons, containers, and specialised rolling stock. The new measures promote containerisation, which is the movement of cargo in standardised containers for easier handling, storage, and transfer. Containerised transport of fly ash in closed containers has replaced the open wagon method. Containerised movement of fertilisers, foodgrains, flour, and pulses is also permitted, and individual containers can be stored at rake points for demand-based distribution.

 

8. 31st Divya Kala Mela Inaugurated in Kolkata: The 31st Divya Kala Mela was inaugurated on 14 July 2026 at Ravindra Sadan in Kolkata. Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Virendra Kumar inaugurated the eight-day event, which will continue till 22 July 2026. Divya Kala Mela is an initiative linked with the promotion of products made by persons with disabilities, also called Divyang entrepreneurs. The initiative was conceived in December 2022 and has been organised in several Indian cities, including Srinagar, Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Guwahati, Ahmedabad and Patna. This edition is the first Divya Kala Mela jointly organised by the Centre and the West Bengal government. Around 40 stalls have been set up at the venue, with a large share of participants from West Bengal.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. AustralianSuper Commits AU$500 Million to India’s NIIF, Boosting Infrastructure Investment: Australia’s largest pension fund manager, AustralianSuper, has announced an investment of AU$500 million (over ₹3,300 crore) in India’s National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF). With this latest investment, AustralianSuper’s total exposure in India across all asset classes has increased to AU$3.3 billion, reflecting strong confidence in India’s growth potential.

As of 31 December 2025, AustralianSuper managed over AU$410 billion in retirement savings for more than 3.6 million members across 485,000+ businesses, making it Australia’s largest pension fund manager.

 

2. 15 July – World Youth Skills Day: World Youth Skills Day is observed every year on 15 July to highlight the importance of equipping young people with skills for employment, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development. Theme 2026 – Skills for a shared future. The day was designated by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in 2014 and was first observed in 2015.

 

3. India to Host 5th BIMSTEC Security Summit: India will host the 5th BIMSTEC National Security Advisers’ Meeting in New Delhi on 16 July 2026. BIMSTEC is the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation, a regional grouping of seven member states in South and South-East Asia. BIMSTEC was established in 1997 as the BIST-EC grouping and later renamed BIMSTEC. Its member states are Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. The organisation connects the Bay of Bengal littoral and adjoining countries through cooperation in security, trade, transport, energy, and people-to-people links. The BIMSTEC National Security Advisers’ Meeting is a security dialogue mechanism among member states. Such meetings generally cover cyber security, terrorism, trafficking, transnational crime, and satellite cooperation. Bangladesh, the current BIMSTEC chair, has confirmed participation in the 2026 meeting. Its delegation will be led by Prime Minister’s Defence Adviser Brig. Gen. (Retd.) Dr. A.K.M. Shamsul Islam.

 

4. India Bans Import of Forced Labour Goods: India issued a notification on 13 July 2026 through the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) to prohibit the import of goods manufactured wholly or in part through forced labour. The measure was inserted into the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP), 2023, through Paragraph 2.20B and became the first Indian import restriction linked specifically to forced labour. The notification uses the definition of forced labour aligned with the International Labour Organization’s Forced Labour Convention, 1930 (No. 29). The convention defines forced or compulsory labour as work exacted from a person under the menace of any penalty and for which the person has not offered himself or herself voluntarily.

 

5. Bharat Tex 2026 opens with record global participation in Delhi: Bharat Tex 2026 is a textile trade exhibition scheduled from 14 July to 17 July 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, also known as Pragati Maidan, and the India International Convention and Expo Center, also called Yashobhoomi, in New Delhi. The event is organised by the Bharat Tex Trade Federation with support from the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India. Bharat Tex 2026 is the third edition of the textile and apparel trade platform. The exhibition is planned across more than 1.6 million square feet and is expected to feature over 20,000 textile products. The event is projected to draw more than 7,000 buyers and 130,000 trade visitors from over 20 countries.

6. India Announces Seafarer-First Maritime Safety Plan: India announced the “Seafarer-First” emergency maritime safety plan on 15 July 2026 in New Delhi after attacks on the merchant vessels MT Al Bahiyah and MT Mombasa in the Strait of Hormuz. The plan covers Indian seafarers operating in the Persian Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz, and the Gulf of Oman, and it includes operational tracking, family liaison, and emergency coordination measures. The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow sea passage between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. It is one of the world’s most important oil and shipping routes, and merchant vessels passing through it often face security advisories during periods of regional tension. The attacks on MT Al Bahiyah and MT Mombasa caused the death of one Indian seafarer, Rohan Kumar. Nine crew members on MT Mombasa were injured, including two in critical condition, and one crew member on MT Al Bahiyah was injured.

 

7. Navi Mumbai International Airport Starts International Operations: Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) commenced scheduled international operations on 15 July 2026. Air India Express launched the first international service from NMIA with a direct flight to Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates. NMIA is an airport in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region and functions as the second international gateway for the region after Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. The airport began domestic operations on 25 December 2025, less than 200 days before the start of international services. The Air India Express service between NMIA and Abu Dhabi operates three times a week. The inaugural international flight also carried the airport’s first global perishable export shipment, which is part of cargo handling at the airport.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

DEFENCE

 

1. Border infrastructure remains critical in warfare: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh addressed the Border Roads Organisation Strategic Infrastructure Conclave in New Delhi on 16 July 2026. He stated that border infrastructure, including roads, tunnels, airfields and ports, will remain central to military operations in technology-driven warfare. The Border Roads Organisation, or BRO, was established in 1960 for road construction in border areas and other strategic regions. It functions under the Ministry of Defence and builds roads, bridges, tunnels and related infrastructure in difficult terrain. Strategic infrastructure refers to transport and support assets that assist defence movement, logistics and connectivity. Roads and tunnels are used for troop mobilisation, supply chains and access to forward areas, while airfields and ports support air and sea transport.

 

 

 

 

SPORTS 

 

1. England Women’s Cricket Legend Heather Knight Announces Retirement from International Cricket: Former England Women’s captain Heather Knight has announced her retirement from international cricket, ending a distinguished 16-year international career. She retires as England Women’s most-capped player, having represented the country in 320 international matches. Her final international appearance came in the Test against India at Lord’s Cricket Ground, London.

Heather Knight became the first England cricketer (male or female) to score centuries in all three international formats—Tests, One-Day Internationals (ODIs), and Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is).

 

2. Jannik Sinner Retains Wimbledon Title, Becomes First Italian to Win Back-to-Back Championships : World No. 1 Jannik Sinner defeated Alexander Zverev in the Wimbledon 2026 men’s singles final to successfully defend his Wimbledon title. Sinner became the first Italian and only the ninth player in the Open Era (since 1968) to win the Wimbledon men’s singles title in consecutive years. After becoming the first Italian man to win the Wimbledon men’s singles title in 2025, Sinner retained the championship in 2026, joining the elite list of back-to-back Wimbledon champions.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Dhruva Space Becomes First Recipient of ₹60 Crore Investment from Antariksh Venture Capital Fund: Hyderabad-based Dhruva Space became the first company to receive investment from the ₹1,600 crore Antariksh Venture Capital Fund, securing ₹60 crore. The Antariksh Venture Capital Fund is India’s sovereign space-tech fund, anchored by IN-SPACe (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre) and managed by SIDBI Venture Capital Ltd to support private space startups. The ₹60 crore investment is part of Dhruva Space’s ₹275 crore pre-Series B funding round and will be used to expand satellite manufacturing, space infrastructure, and critical technology development. The company currently has an order book exceeding ₹500 crore.

 

2. China Successfully Tests Reusable Rocket Retrieval System with Long March 10B: China successfully tested an experimental rocket-retrieval system, recovering the Long March 10B booster with a net mounted on an offshore platform, marking a major step toward reusable rocket technology. The test marked China’s first successful retrieval of an orbital-class rocket. The Long March 10B also successfully placed a satellite into its preset orbit before the booster was recovered. Developed by the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology (CALT), the Long March 10B is comparable to SpaceX’s Falcon 9 and is designed to carry at least 16 metric tonnes to low-Earth orbit, supporting China’s efforts to advance reusable launch systems.

 

3. Pichavaram Mangroves Valued at ₹2,485 Crore : The Pichavaram mangrove forest in Cuddalore district, Tamil Nadu, has been assessed for ecosystem services at ₹2,485.38 crore, or about US$289 million. The valuation placed the total economic value at ₹1.83 crore per hectare and included carbon storage, fisheries support, tourism, coastal protection, biodiversity conservation, and local livelihoods. Pichavaram is one of India’s largest mangrove ecosystems and is listed as a Ramsar site. Mangroves are salt-tolerant coastal forests that grow in intertidal zones and are adapted to tidal inundation, saline water, and muddy substrates. In India, mangroves occur mainly along the coasts of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and West Bengal, as well as in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Mangrove ecosystems are classified as coastal wetlands under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, 1971.

 

4. Cabinet Approves 10 GWh ACC Battery Manufacturing: The Ministry of Heavy Industries invited global bids on 15 July 2026 for giga-scale Advanced Chemistry Cell battery manufacturing facilities with a cumulative capacity of 10 GWh in India. The capacity is reserved for Grid-Scale Stationary Storage applications under the National Programme on Advanced Chemistry Cell Battery Storage, which is a Production Linked Incentive scheme for domestic battery manufacturing. The National Programme on Advanced Chemistry Cell Battery Storage was approved by the Union Cabinet in May 2021 with a budgetary outlay of ₹18,100 crore. The scheme targets 50 GWh of ACC manufacturing capacity in India and is designed to support local production of battery cells used in electric mobility and stationary storage.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Wholesale inflation in June surged to 9.9%: India’s Wholesale Price Index (WPI)-based inflation increased to 9% in June, up from 9.7% in May, mainly due to higher fuel and food prices.

The Producer Price Index (PPI) inflation rose to 9.6% in June, compared to 9.4% in May, reflecting higher production costs across industries. Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry released the All India Wholesale Price Index (Base Year 2022-23). The major contributors to the rise in WPI inflation were mineral oils (petroleum products), food articles, manufacture of basic metals, and chemicals & chemical products. The June data is the second release under the new WPI series with base year 2022–23.

 

2. NABARD Launches ‘Gramodyam’ Programme to Promote Rural Entrepreneurship: The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) launched ‘Gramodyam’, a rural entrepreneurship development programme, on the occasion of its 45th Foundation Day. The programme was launched by NABARD Chairman Shaji K.V. and is being implemented in collaboration with the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) through the Institute for Industrial Development (IID). Gramodyam aims to identify, nurture, mentor, and empower aspiring rural entrepreneurs by providing industry-relevant skills, entrepreneurial training, and access to essential support systems.

 

3. India’s Social Security Coverage Crosses 100 Crore: India’s social security coverage crossed 100 crore beneficiaries by July 2026, with official estimates placing coverage at more than 64% of the population in 2025. The expansion was linked to labour welfare, digital registration systems, and formal sector protection measures across multiple central schemes. Social security refers to state-backed protection against risks such as old age, sickness, unemployment, maternity, disability, and workplace injury. In India, major institutions for this framework include the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation and the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation. The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation had over eight crore active members and 80 lakh pensioners as of 14 July 2026. The Employees’ State Insurance Corporation covered more than 15 crore insured persons and their dependants on the same date. The e-Shram portal had registered over 31.7 crore unorganised workers by 14 July 2026. The portal is a national database for unorganised workers and is used to connect workers with social security benefits.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Nita Ambani Receives Fortune India Most Powerful Women Honour: Nita Ambani, Founder and Chairperson of the Reliance Foundation, received the Fortune India Most Powerful Women Honour at the Fortune India Most Powerful Women event held in Mumbai, Maharashtra. Top Women Leaders: The Top Five Most Powerful Women in India include Nita Ambani (1st), Roshni Nadar (2nd), the Reddy Sisters of Apollo Hospitals (3rd), Savitri Jindal (4th), and Dr. Priti Adani (5th). Recognition of Leadership: The Fortune India honour recognises outstanding leadership, business excellence, and contributions to social impact, highlighting the achievements of India’s most influential women leaders.

 

Daily GK Update- 15th July, 2026

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Delhi Makes Pink Saheli Smart Card Mandatory for Free Bus Travel from August 1, 2026: Pink Saheli Smart Card is a digital travel card for women and transgender residents of Delhi (12 years and above), launched on 2 March 2026, and integrated with the One Nation, One Card (National Common Mobility Card – NCMC) framework. From 1 August 2026, the card will become mandatory for availing free travel on Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) and cluster buses, while pink paper tickets will remain valid only until 31 July 2026. The card enables digital validation of free bus journeys and requires a Delhi Aadhaar card along with an Aadhaar-linked mobile number for registration, replacing the existing paper ticket system.

 

2. ONGC to Build 1.75 MMT Strategic Petroleum Reserve in Mangalore to Strengthen India’s Energy Security: ONGC will build a new 1.75 million metric tonne (MMT) Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) in Mangalore, Karnataka, to strengthen India’s energy security and emergency crude oil storage capacity. India currently has 5.33 MMT of strategic crude oil storage at Mangalore, Padur, and Visakhapatnam (Vizag), managed by Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserves Ltd. (ISPRL), with part of the capacity commercially leased. India is expanding its strategic petroleum reserves through international cooperation, including with the UAE (ADNOC) and Japan, while also planning 4 MMT storage at Chandikhol (Odisha) and an additional 2.5 MMT facility at Padur.

 

3. Harela Festival Celebrated in Uttarakhand to Mark the Beginning of the Holy Month of Sawan: Harela, one of the most significant traditional festivals of Uttarakhand’s Kumaon region, is celebrated to mark the beginning of the holy month of Sawan (Shravan). The festival is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati and symbolizes prosperity, greenery, environmental conservation, and the arrival of the monsoon season.

 

4. ICMR to Establish High-Altitude Medicine and Public Health Research Centre in Himachal Pradesh: Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda will lay the foundation stone of the ICMR Centre for High Altitude Medicine and Public Health Research at Keylong, Himachal Pradesh, to strengthen climate-resilient healthcare and biomedical research in the Himalayan region. The new ICMR centre will upgrade the existing Keylong field station into a multidisciplinary research hub, focusing on high-altitude physiology, acclimatisation, maternal and child health, disaster medicine, and public health research. The centre will integrate telemedicine, digital health platforms, drone-enabled healthcare logistics, and real-time public health surveillance, while collaborating with AFMS, DRDO, the Himachal Pradesh Government, and leading research institutions to support Atmanirbhar Bharat and climate-resilient healthcare.

 

5. Grey Hornbill returns to Gujarat’s Gir forests after six decades: The Indian Grey Hornbill, also known as Chilotro, has been reintroduced into the Gir forests of Gujarat after an absence of more than six decades. A scientific study in the peer-reviewed journal Birds records that the reintroduced birds are surviving and breeding in the wild. The Gir landscape in Gujarat is known for the Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary, which is the only natural habitat of the Asiatic lion in India. The reintroduction programme released 40 hornbills in two phases, with 28 birds in 2021-2022 and 12 birds in 2023. Eleven male hornbills were fitted with satellite transmitters to track movement, habitat use, and breeding behaviour. Two tagged males were named LK and RSD in memory of ornithologists Lavkumar Khachar and R.S. Dharmakumarsinhji.

 

6. Assam Manohari Gold Tea Craftsmanship: Manohari Gold Tea is a rare speciality tea from the Manohari Tea Estate in Assam. It is made from tender tea buds of the P126 tea clone and is processed through hand-plucking, hand-rolling, and natural sun-drying during the second flush season in June. Manohari Gold Tea comes from Assam, which is India’s largest tea-producing state. The tea uses only tender buds, and its daily production is about 25 grams. The second flush season in Assam usually falls between May and June and is known for tea leaves with a stronger flavour profile. Manohari Gold Tea has set multiple auction records in India. In December 2022, it sold for Rs 1.15 lakh per kg on the Tea Inntech private auction portal, and R.K. Tea Sales bought it for Café Nilofer of Hyderabad. In December 2021, 1 kg of Manohari Gold tea sold for Rs 99,999 per kg at the Gauhati Tea Auction Centre. In January 2024, Manohari Gold Speciality Tea sold for Rs 75,000 per kg at the Guwahati Tea Auction Centre.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Rajasthan Becomes First Indian State to Sign Clean Energy Framework with International Solar Alliance: Rajasthan became the first Indian state to sign the Framework for Action – Advanced Clean Energy, Driven Sustainable Development with the International Solar Alliance (ISA) to accelerate clean energy expansion and modernise its power sector. The partnership supports Rajasthan’s target of 125 GW of clean energy capacity, focusing on renewable energy expansion, transmission upgrades, battery storage, smart grids, digitalisation, energy efficiency, and policy reforms during 2030–35. Rajasthan currently has over 42 GW of installed solar capacity and a total clean energy portfolio of nearly 48 GW. The framework also includes an AI-enabled digital twin pilot at Ajmer Vidyut Vitran Nigam to improve demand forecasting and renewable energy integration. The initiative will also promote decentralised solar power, provide training and technical assistance through ISA, strengthen implementation of the PM KUSUM Scheme and PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, and ensure affordable and reliable electricity across the state.

 

2. New Delhi Ranks 120th in EIU Global Liveability Index 2026; Copenhagen Tops Global List: New Delhi ranked 120th out of 173 cities in the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) Global Liveability Index 2026, followed by Mumbai (121st), Chennai (123rd), and Bengaluru (127th). Copenhagen (Denmark) retained its position as the world’s most liveable city for the second consecutive year, ahead of Vienna (Austria) and Melbourne (Australia). The EIU Global Liveability Index 2026 assessed 173 cities across 30 indicators grouped into five categories: stability, healthcare, culture & environment, education, and infrastructure. New Delhi scored 48.1 overall, with 66.7 in education, 58.9 in infrastructure, 41.7 in healthcare, and 35.4 in culture & environment, highlighting areas requiring improvement in urban liveability.

 

3. Former Qatar Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani Dies: Former Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, passed away. He served as the Emir of Qatar from 1995 to 2013, overseeing a period of significant economic growth and modernization. Sheikh Hamad played a pivotal role in transforming Qatar into a major global energy and diplomatic hub, driven by the expansion of its natural gas industry and an active foreign policy.

 

4. India Launches SHANTI Campaign for UNSC Bid: India launched its official campaign on 13 July 2026 for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the 2028-29 term. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar unveiled the campaign and India’s SHANTI vision at the United Nations headquarters in New York. The United Nations Security Council has 15 members, including 5 permanent members and 10 non-permanent members elected by the United Nations General Assembly. Non-permanent members serve two-year terms, and elections are held by regional group allocation. The Asia-Pacific Group has one seat in the 2028-29 election cycle, and India will contest that seat against Tajikistan in elections scheduled for June 2027. India has served eight terms as a non-permanent member of the Security Council, including the 2021-22 term.

 

5. India Chairs BRICS Labour Ministers’ Meeting on AI and Jobs: The BRICS Labour and Employment Ministers’ Meeting was held in Hyderabad, India, on 15 July 2026 under India’s BRICS Chairship 2026. Union Labour and Employment Minister Mansukh Mandaviya chaired the ministerial session with labour ministers and delegates from all BRICS member states. BRICS is an intergovernmental grouping of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, and it holds ministerial meetings on labour and employment issues. The 2026 meeting used the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability”. The ministers adopted the Labour and Employment Ministers’ Declaration at the Hyderabad meeting. The declaration covered resilient, inclusive and future-ready labour markets, social security, formalisation of work, women’s workforce participation, employability, skills development, and digital technologies for workers in the gig and platform economy.

 

6. Nine European Countries and Ukraine Form Missile Defence Coalition: On 13 July 2026, nine European countries and Ukraine formed an Integrated Anti-Ballistic Missile Coalition in Paris, France. The founding members are Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Ukraine and the United Kingdom. The coalition has been set up to develop anti-ballistic capabilities and a shared missile defence architecture for Europe. Anti-ballistic missile defence refers to systems designed to detect, track, intercept and destroy incoming ballistic missiles. Ballistic missiles follow a high-arc trajectory after launch, and missile defence systems use sensors, command networks and interceptors to counter them. The Patriot system of the United States is one of the best-known air and missile defence systems in service.

OTHER UPDATES:

 

DEFENCE

 

1. Aero India 2027 to Showcase India’s Defence Strength at Bengaluru’s Yelahanka Air Force Station: Aero India 2027 will be the 16th edition of Asia’s largest airshow, to be held at Yelahanka Air Force Station, Bengaluru, Karnataka. It is a biennial event organised under the Ministry of Defence, with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) as the nodal agency. The Government aims to achieve ₹3 lakh crore in defence manufacturing and ₹50,000 crore in defence exports by 2029–30, with Aero India playing a key role in strengthening India’s indigenous defence and aerospace ecosystem.

 

2. Indian Army Seeks 450 Indigenous Carl Gustaf M4 Rocket Launchers to Boost Infantry Firepower: The Indian Army has issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) for 450 Carl Gustaf Mark-IV (M4) 84mm lightweight rocket launchers, a shoulder-fired, multi-role recoilless weapon system designed for anti-armour and infantry operations. Developed by Sweden’s Saab, the Carl Gustaf M4 weighs less than 7 kg, making it significantly lighter than the earlier M2 (14 kg) and M3 (10 kg) variants, which have been in service with the Indian Army since the 1970s. The Carl Gustaf M4 will be manufactured in India at Saab’s facility in Reliance MET City, Jhajjar (Haryana), India’s first 100% foreign-owned defence manufacturing unit, with the system designed to operate in temperatures ranging from -20°C to +50°C.

 

3. INS Sudarshini Joins Sail Boston 2026 Parade: INS Sudarshini, the Indian Naval Sail Training Ship, arrived in Boston on 12 July 2026 for the Grand Parade of Sails at Sail Boston 2026. The vessel joined an international fleet of more than 60 tall ships from over 20 nations and was open to visitors in Boston from 12 July to 15 July 2026. INS Sudarshini is a sail training ship of the Indian Navy. Sail training ships are used for seamanship training, navigation practice, and ceremonial naval participation. The ship flew the Indian Tricolour during its Parade of Sail in New York on 4 July 2026. INS Sudarshini is part of the Indian Navy’s 10-month transoceanic expedition named Lokayan 2026. The expedition began on 20 January 2026 from Kochi and includes port calls in the United States and other maritime engagements.

 

4. Indigenous Surveillance Airships to Strengthen India’s Border Monitoring: India has initiated the Airship-based High Altitude Pseudo Satellite (AS-HAPS) programme for indigenous stratospheric airships designed for long-endurance surveillance missions. The programme has an estimated outlay of ₹15,000 crore and is linked to border monitoring, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), and long-range communications. High Altitude Pseudo Satellites (HAPS) are lighter-than-air or fixed-wing platforms that operate in the stratosphere, usually at altitudes of 20 km to 30 km. These platforms remain below low-Earth orbit satellites, which generally operate between 500 km and 2,000 km, and above many high-altitude drones that fly at around 12 km. The Directorate of Operations (Remote) of the Indian Air Force is steering the project under the Make-I procurement framework. Under this framework, the government can fund up to 70% of development costs for selected private partners, and the programme seeks indigenous development of airship systems and payload integration.

 

SPORTS 

 

1. India Wins Five Gold Medals, Secures Joint Top Rank at International Physics Olympiad 2026: India won five gold medals at the 56th International Physics Olympiad (IPhO) 2026, held in Bucaramanga, Colombia. The gold medal winners are Kanishk Jain (Pune), Riddhesh Anant Bendale (Indore), Rishit Garg (New Delhi), Shresth Suraiya (Mumbai), and Svarit Joshi (Ahmedabad). India secured the joint first position along with Russia, China, Kazakhstan, South Korea, and Taiwan, in the competition featuring 381 students from 87 countries. The achievement highlights the success of India’s Olympiad programme led by the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE), a National Centre of Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), and was congratulated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Dr. Ajit Kumar Mohanty, Secretary, Department of Atomic Energy.

 

2. Sourav Ganguly, Anjum Chopra and Kevin Pietersen Inducted into ICC Hall of Fame: The International Cricket Council (ICC) inducted Sourav Ganguly (India), Anjum Chopra (India), and Kevin Pietersen (England) into the ICC Hall of Fame during a ceremony held in Edinburgh, Scotland. Sourav Ganguly became the 10th Indian men’s cricketer to be inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame, joining legends such as Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev, Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Anil Kumble, Virender Sehwag, Vinoo Mankad, Bishan Singh Bedi, and MS Dhoni. Anjum Chopra became only the third Indian woman to receive the honour, after Diana Edulji and Neetu David, recognising her outstanding contribution to Indian women’s cricket.

 

3. Delhi unveils Mayur mascot for Commonwealth Table Tennis Championships: Delhi unveiled Mayur as the mascot for the Commonwealth Table Tennis Championships 2026 on 14 July 2026. The 22nd edition of the championship will be held at Thyagaraj Stadium in Delhi from 27 July to 2 August 2026. The Commonwealth Table Tennis Championships is an international table tennis competition for Commonwealth nations. The 2026 edition is the 22nd edition of the event and is scheduled in Delhi under joint organisation by the Delhi government and the Table Tennis Federation of India. Mayur is inspired by the peacock, which is India’s national bird. The mascot is linked with themes of energy, hospitality, and unity, which are commonly used in sporting event branding.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Assam to Develop India’s First State-Owned Earth Observation Satellite System ‘AssamSAT’: Assam will develop AssamSAT, India’s first State-owned Earth Observation Satellite System, to provide real-time satellite-based data for governance and development. AssamSAT will support disaster management, flood monitoring, agriculture, and natural resource monitoring, enhancing data-driven planning and emergency response across the state.

 

2. JAXA Successfully Conducts First Test Flight of Reusable RV-X Rocket: The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) successfully conducted the first test flight of its experimental reusable rocket, Reusable Vehicle eXperiment (RV-X), at the Noshiro Testing Center, Akita Prefecture, where the rocket lifted off, hovered, moved horizontally, and landed safely. The RV-X is a 7.3-metre-long, 1.8-metre-diameter reusable rocket equipped with a high-durability engine and four shock-absorbing landing legs, developed jointly by JAXA and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries to demonstrate reusable launch technology. Development of RV-X began in 2016, with its engine completing over 160 combustion tests. JAXA aims to deploy cost-effective reusable rockets by the early 2030s, eventually replacing the H3 rocket as Japan’s primary launch vehicle.

 

3. Dhruva Space Gets ₹60 Crore from Antariksh Fund: Hyderabad-based spacetech company Dhruva Space secured ₹60 crore from the Antariksh Venture Capital Fund on 13 July 2026. The company became the first recipient of investment from the fund, which is India’s sovereign space-tech fund with a corpus of ₹1,600 crore. The Antariksh Venture Capital Fund is anchored by the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre, known as IN-SPACe. SIDBI Venture Capital Ltd manages the fund, which was created to provide institutional capital to private space-technology companies at different stages of growth. The ₹60 crore investment forms part of Dhruva Space’s ongoing pre-Series B round. The round now totals ₹275 crore, including ₹150 crore in equity and ₹125 crore in debt financing. Dhruva Space is a full-stack space engineering solutions provider based in Hyderabad. Its business areas include satellite platforms, space infrastructure, mission services, and strategic national programmes.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. India’s Retail Inflation Rises to 4.4% in June: India’s retail inflation, measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), rose to 4% in June 2026, up from 3.93% in May 2026, crossing the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) 4% inflation target for the first time since January 2025. The rise in inflation was primarily driven by higher food and fuel prices, influenced by the West Asia crisis and a weaker-than-normal monsoon, making it the highest retail inflation level in 18 months.

 

2. What is PMFME Scheme?: The Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) Scheme is a Central Sector scheme launched in June 2020 under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan. By 11 July 2026, the scheme had sanctioned loans to over two lakh micro food processing enterprises across India. The PMFME Scheme is implemented by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries for the formalisation and support of micro food processing units. The scheme provides credit-linked support, seed capital, training, and assistance for common infrastructure in the food processing sector. The scheme has leveraged project investments of more than Rs 20,300 crore. It has generated nearly 11 lakh direct and indirect employment opportunities, which include jobs in production, processing, packaging, and allied activities.

 

3. Government Releases First Services Production Index: The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) released India’s first trial Index of Services Production (ISP) for April 2026 on 14 July 2026. The trial index covers 19 formal services sub-sectors and uses 2024-25 as the base year. The Index of Services Production is a monthly indicator for measuring short-term changes in the output of the formal services sector. The index is designed to complement the Index of Industrial Production (IIP), which measures changes in industrial output in India. The inaugural ISP covers 19 formal services sub-sectors, which together represent about 60% of India’s formal services economy. The base year 2024-25 provides the reference period for comparing monthly movements in the index.