Daily GK Update- 20th July, 2026

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Virendra Kumar Inaugurates 31st Divya Kala Mela in Kolkata to Promote Divyang Entrepreneurs: Union Minister Virendra Kumar inaugurated the 31st Divya Kala Mela at Ravindra Sadan, Kolkata (West Bengal). The mela aims to promote and market products, handicrafts, and craftsmanship created by Divyang (persons with disabilities) entrepreneurs, encouraging their economic empowerment. This is the first edition of Divya Kala Mela jointly organised by the Central Government and the Government of West Bengal, strengthening support for inclusive entrepreneurship.

 

2. NITI Aayog Releases Investment Friendliness Index; Gujarat Tops Rankings with Four Other States: NITI Aayog has launched the Investment Friendliness Index (IFI) to rank States and Union Territories based on the quality of their investment ecosystem. The IFI evaluates regions on key parameters including infrastructure, business climate, financial health, regulatory environment, and government policies. States and UTs are classified into four categories: Top Performers (above 50), Frontrunners (45–50), Emerging Performers (40–<45), and Aspiring States (below 40).

Gujarat, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Goa, and Odisha have emerged as the Top Performers in the Investment Friendliness Index.

 

3. GAIL Signs MoU with KABIL to Strengthen India’s Critical Minerals Security: GAIL (India) Limited has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Khanij Bidesh India Limited (KABIL) to enhance cooperation in the critical minerals sector. The partnership aims to strengthen India’s long-term resource security by ensuring access to critical and strategic minerals essential for economic growth and clean energy technologies.

 

4. Harjit Singh Grewal Appointed Chairperson of National Commission for Minorities: Harjit Singh Grewal was appointed as the Chairperson of the National Commission for Minorities (NCM) by the Ministry of Minority Affairs, filling the vacancy left after Iqbal Singh Lalpura’s tenure ended in April 2025. The National Commission for Minorities (NCM) is a statutory body established under the National Commission for Minorities Act, 1992, to safeguard the rights and interests of minority communities in India. Harjit Singh Grewal will serve a three-year term from the date of assuming office. Munawari Begum has been appointed as Vice-Chairperson, while Glenn E. Souza Ticlo has been appointed as a Member of the Commission.

 

5. Omicron RF.5 Sub-Variant Detected in Andhra Pradesh: The Omicron RF.5 sub-variant of SARS-CoV-2 was detected in Andhra Pradesh in mid-July 2026. Genome sequencing at the National Institute of Virology, Pune, confirmed the RF.5 sub-lineage in samples from Kadapa district. SARS-CoV-2 is the virus that causes COVID-19, and Omicron is one of its major variants first identified in 2021. RF.5 is a sub-lineage of Omicron and belongs to the JN.1 evolutionary branch through LF.7 and PY.1.1.1. Symptoms linked with RF.5 include sore throat, cough, fever, headache, runny or blocked nose, fatigue, and body aches. Health officials in Andhra Pradesh stated that there was no scientific evidence that RF.5 was more severe than earlier Omicron sub-variants. The Andhra Pradesh Health Department issued an alert across all districts on 20 July 2026. Hospitals were kept ready with isolation wards, testing kits, and related infrastructure for disease surveillance and case management.

 

6. ICAR Works on Genome-Edited 40 Crop Varieties: The Indian Council of Agricultural Research is working on genome-editing of about 40 crop varieties across 34 research institutes in India. The initiative covers field crops and horticultural crops, including pulses, wheat, banana, tomato, cotton, soybean and rice. The Indian Council of Agricultural Research is an autonomous organisation under the Department of Agricultural Research and Education, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. It coordinates agricultural research, education and extension through a network of national institutes, research centres and agricultural universities. Genome editing is a technique that makes targeted changes in a plant’s own DNA. The SDN-1 and SDN-2 categories are used for such edits, and these methods do not introduce foreign genes into the plant genome. The Department of Biotechnology issued Standard Operating Procedures in 2022 for the regulatory review of genome-edited plants under SDN-1 and SDN-2 categories. Transgene-free edited crops are exempted under this framework.

 

7. Madhya Pradesh Archaeology Department Collects Rare 1857 Mutiny Records: The Madhya Pradesh archaeology department collected a set of historical documents in July 2026 that includes a rare record of the 1857 mutiny against British rule. The collection also contains a document linked to rebel leader Tatya Tope and an original portrait of the Queen of Jhansi, commissioned in 1853. The Revolt of 1857 is also called the First War of Indian Independence in Indian historiography. Tatya Tope was one of the prominent rebel leaders associated with the uprising, and Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi became a major figure in the resistance against the East India Company. The newly collected document bearing Tatya Tope’s signature was earlier given to the government by the princely state of Shivpuri after India’s Independence. Such records are used in the study of colonial administration, rebellion networks, and princely-state archives.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. FATF Updates Global Watchlists; Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iraq Added to Grey List: FATF updated its monitored jurisdictions list after the June 17–19, 2026 Plenary, removing Algeria and Namibia from the increased monitoring (Grey List) while adding Bosnia and Herzegovina and Iraq. Myanmar continues on the High-Risk Jurisdictions subject to a Call for Action (Black List), while the status of Iran and North Korea (DPRK) also remains unchanged. FATF urged countries to apply enhanced due diligence for high-risk jurisdictions but clarified that humanitarian aid, remittances, legitimate NGO activities, and lawful trade and business transactions should not be disrupted.

 

2. Ukraine Parliament Approves Serhii Koretskyi as New Prime Minister: Ukraine’s Parliament approved Serhii Koretskyi as the new Prime Minister following a nomination by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a major government reshuffle. Koretskyi previously served as CEO of Naftogaz, Ukraine’s state-owned oil and gas company, since May 2025 and was chosen for his expertise in strengthening the country’s energy sector ahead of another wartime winter.

 

3. 20 July – International Chess Day: International Chess Day is observed every year on 20 July to celebrate the game of chess and promote its role in education, culture, and international cooperation. The day commemorates the establishment of the International Chess Federation (FIDE) on 20 July 1924 in Paris, France. The United Nations officially proclaimed 20 July as International Chess Day in 2019, recognising chess as a game that promotes fairness, inclusion, critical thinking, and peace.

 

4. India, Spain Advance UPI-Bizum Payment Talks: India and Spain agreed on 19 and 20 July 2026 to advance technical discussions on interoperability between the Unified Payments Interface and Bizum. The talks took place during Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal’s visit to Spain in July 2026. The Unified Payments Interface, or UPI, is India’s real-time digital payment system developed by the National Payments Corporation of India. It enables instant bank-to-bank transfers through mobile applications and supports merchant payments, peer-to-peer transfers, and QR-based transactions. Bizum is a mobile-payment service in Spain that enables instant account-to-account transfers through participating banks. The proposed UPI-Bizum linkage is intended to support cross-border digital transactions for travellers and businesses and to improve financial connectivity between India and Spain.

 

5. OpenAI Appoints Uday Ruddaraju as CTO of Compute: OpenAI appointed Indian-origin technology executive Uday Ruddaraju as Chief Technology Officer, Compute, on 19 July 2026. He joined OpenAI in July 2025 as Head of Compute and Infrastructure and later moved to the CTO, Compute role after one year. The Chief Technology Officer, or CTO, is a senior executive responsible for technology strategy, engineering direction, and infrastructure planning in a company. In large artificial intelligence firms, the CTO role can cover compute systems, hardware, data centres, and large-scale software platforms. Compute infrastructure refers to the hardware and software systems used to train and run artificial intelligence models. It includes distributed systems, servers, networking equipment, storage, accelerators, and data centre facilities. Large language models require high-performance compute resources for training and inference.

 

6. National Conference Holds Statehood Protests in Jammu and Delhi : The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference organised protests in New Delhi and at district headquarters across Jammu and Kashmir on 20 July 2026, demanding the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. The Delhi protest began from Prithviraj Road after permission was denied for a gathering at Jantar Mantar. Jammu and Kashmir became a Union Territory on 31 October 2019 after the reorganisation of the former State of Jammu and Kashmir. The Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir has a legislative assembly, while the Union Territory of Ladakh does not have one. Article 370 of the Constitution of India granted special status to the former State of Jammu and Kashmir. In December 2023, the Supreme Court upheld the constitutional validity of the Centre’s decision on Article 370 and stated that statehood should be restored at the earliest.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

DEFENCE

 

1. Indian Navy to Host Operation Southern Readiness 26-2 Maritime Exercise in Kochi: Operation Southern Readiness 26-2, a multinational maritime security training exercise, will be held at the Southern Naval Command, Kochi, from 20–23 July 2026. The Indian Navy will conduct the four-day exercise in collaboration with the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) under Combined Task Force (CTF) 154. CTF 154, the CMF’s dedicated training task force, focuses on maritime security training, professional development, and operational coordination among partner navies.

 

2. Indian Navy to Commission Indigenous Mahe-Class ASW Craft INS Malvan: The Indian Navy will commission INS Malvan on 22 July 2026, the second Mahe-class Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC), built by Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), Kochi. INS Malvan has over 80% indigenous content, showcasing India’s growing self-reliance in naval shipbuilding under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative. Designed for coastal and shallow-water operations, the Mahe-class ASW-SWC enhances the Indian Navy’s anti-submarine warfare and maritime security capabilities with advanced indigenous technology.

 

3. Bangladesh and United States Launch Tiger Lightning 2026: Bangladesh and the United States began the annual bilateral military exercise Tiger Lightning 2026 on 19 July 2026. The exercise involves more than 160 service members from both countries and runs for 13 days until 31 July 2026. Tiger Lightning is a bilateral military exercise between the Bangladesh Army and the United States Army Pacific Command (USARPAC). The exercise began in 2017 and resumed after a pause during the COVID-19 pandemic. The opening ceremony took place at the Para Commando Brigade in Jalalabad Cantonment, Sylhet, Bangladesh. U.S. Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen and Chief of General Staff of the Bangladesh Army Lieutenant General Md Mainur Rahman attended the ceremony on 19 July 2026.

 

SPORTS 

 

1. Odisha’s Debadatta Wins Gold at International Chemistry Olympiad: Debadatta Priyadarshi of Bhubaneswar, Odisha, won a gold medal at the 58th International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO) 2026. The competition was held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, from 10 July to 19 July 2026, and India finished with four gold medals in the event. India secured four gold medals at the 58th IChO 2026, which was the country’s best-ever performance in the competition. The other Indian gold medallists were Harshit Singla of Punjab, Kabeer Chhillar of Delhi, and Sandeep Kuchi of Telangana. India finished first in the country-wise medals tally jointly with China, Vietnam, and Individual Participants Group B from Russia. The 2026 edition had 363 students from 93 countries, which made it the largest IChO held so far.

 

2. Spain Wins FIFA World Cup 2026 Final: Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final on 19 July 2026. Ferran Torres scored the only goal in the 106th minute of extra time at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, near New York. The FIFA World Cup final is the last match of the tournament and is decided by extra time and penalties if the score remains level after 90 minutes. The 2026 FIFA World Cup used a 48-team format, which was the largest field in the history of the competition. Argentina played with 10 men for the whole of extra time after Enzo Fernández received a second yellow card in second-half stoppage time. Emiliano Martínez made 12 saves in the final, and Ferran Torres received the Man of the Match award.

 

3. Pakistan to Host 2027 South Asian Games: Pakistan will host the 14th South Asian Federation Games, officially called the XIV South Asian Games, from 23 March to 31 March 2027. The multi-sport event will be held in Lahore, Islamabad, and Faisalabad, and more than 3,500 athletes from eight South Asian nations are expected to compete in 27 sports. The South Asian Games are a regional multi-sport event for countries of South Asia. The event is organised under the South Asian Olympic Council, which is the governing body for the Games. The participating countries are members of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation sporting framework. The South Asian Olympic Council announced Pakistan as the host in December 2019. Pakistan Olympic Association President Arif Hassan received the Games flag at that time. The Games were first planned for March 2023 and were later postponed to March 2024, January 2026, and then March 2027.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. MAHE and Dhruva Space Partner to Establish ASCENT Space Technology Centre in Manipa: Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) and Dhruva Space signed an MoU to establish the ASCENT (Advanced Space Capability, Engineering and New-space Technologies) Centre at the MAHE Manipal campus, Karnataka. The ASCENT Centre will promote space systems engineering, applied research, mission development, and technology validation, with dedicated facilities for spacecraft development, integration, testing, and qualification. Expected to be inaugurated in late 2026, the centre will support student-led satellite and hosted payload missions, offering hands-on experience from spacecraft design to launch and on-orbit operations.

 

2. Kerala-Based HEX20 Launches Second Satellite ‘KOYO’ Aboard SpaceX Transporter-17 Mission: Kerala-based private spacetech startup HEX20 successfully launched its second satellite, KOYO (Kinetic Optical Yaw Observer), aboard SpaceX’s Transporter-17 mission. The launch took place from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, USA, marking another milestone for India’s private space sector. KOYO was developed for National Central University (NCU), Taiwan, and is designed as a multi-payload technology demonstration and space qualification satellite.

 

3. TNSDA Uncovers Over 1,000 Artefacts at Vellalore: The Tamil Nadu State Department of Archaeology (TNSDA) has unearthed more than 1,000 artefacts from the Noyyal river bed at Vellalore in Coimbatore. The finds date to the early historical and historical periods, with some artefacts placed between the 1st century BC and the 3rd century AD. Vellalore is located on the southern bank of the Noyyal river in Coimbatore district of Tamil Nadu. The first season of excavation at Vellalore has identified evidence of an ancient settlement spread over about 100 acres. The work is being carried out at four locations across three sites near the Theneeswarar Temple. The excavated material includes Roman copper coins, household items, ornaments, stone structures, water channels, floor materials, and a round pit with lime plaster. The assemblage also includes evidence of bead-making, iron and steel making, weaving tools, shell ornament making, and pottery production.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. IndusInd Bank Integrates with EPFO to Enable Seamless Digital PF Contributions: IndusInd Bank has integrated with the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), enabling organisations to make Provident Fund (PF) contributions directly through the EPFO portal. Employers can now select IndusInd Bank as the payment option on the EPFO portal and complete transactions using the Bank’s Corporate Internet Banking and Mobile Banking platforms. The integration simplifies digital statutory payments, allowing IndusInd Bank customers to remit EPFO contributions seamlessly through the EPFO portal.

 

2. RBI Grants NBFC Registration to Delhivery Financial Services: Delhivery Financial Services Private Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Delhivery Limited, has received approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for a Certificate of Registration (CoR). The approval allows the company to operate as a Type-II Non-Banking Financial Company – Non-Deposit Taking (NBFC-ND), enabling it to provide financial services without accepting public deposits.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Indian Chess Stars Nominated for Inaugural FIDE Excellence Awards: The inaugural FIDE Excellence Awards will be held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, alongside the 46th Chess Olympiad in September to honour outstanding chess players. World Champion D. Gukesh, R. Praggnanandhaa, and Arjun Erigaisi have been shortlisted among the 10 nominees for the Best Male Chess Player award, along with World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen. Divya Deshmukh, Koneru Humpy, and R. Vaishali have been nominated for the Best Female Chess Player award, recognising their exceptional performances in international chess.

 

Daily GK Update- 19th July, 2026

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Bharat Tex 2026 Showcases India’s Textile Strength with Global Participation: Bharat Tex 2026, India’s largest global textile event, was held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, marking its third edition. International exhibitors from 14 countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan, Portugal, Spain, New Zealand, South Korea, South Africa, and Nepal, participated in the event. The event aims to promote India’s textile and apparel industry, boost textile exports, attract global investment, and encourage innovation and sustainability.

 

2. Mangaluru International Airport Receives ACI Level 5 Customer Experience Accreditation: Mangaluru International Airport has received Level 5 Accreditation under the Airports Council International (ACI) Airport Customer Experience Accreditation Programme, the highest global recognition for airport customer experience management. It has become the third airport in the Adani Airport Holdings Ltd. (AAHL) network, after Mumbai and Ahmedabad, to achieve this accreditation. The airport is the second in Karnataka, after Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru, and only the fourth airport in India to receive this prestigious global accreditation. The ACI Airport Customer Experience Accreditation Programme is the aviation industry’s only global framework that evaluates how airports integrate customer experience into their strategy, culture, governance, operations, and service delivery.

 

3. PM Modi Flags Off India’s First Hydrogen-Powered Train, Setting a Global Benchmark: Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off India’s first hydrogen-powered train between Jind and Sonipat at Jind railway station. The hydrogen-powered train, developed using indigenous technology, marks a major step towards clean, sustainable, and zero-emission rail mobility, with water vapour as its only by-product. With this launch, India joins Germany, Japan, China, and the United States as countries operating hydrogen-powered trains. While countries like Germany and China typically operate 2–3 coach hydrogen trains, India has also set a global benchmark by developing a 10-coach hydrogen train with a 3,200-horsepower propulsion system, capable of carrying around 2,600 passengers. The train is equipped with advanced multi-layer safety systems to detect hydrogen leaks, heat, flames, and smoke, while a dedicated hydrogen facility at Jind has been established to support safe and reliable operations.

 

4. NITI Aayog Proposes ₹50,000 Crore Biotech Fund: NITI Aayog released a roadmap on 16 July 2026 titled Roadmap for Building India as a Leading BioEconomy Powerhouse by 2035. The roadmap proposes a ₹50,000 crore BioEconomy Growth Fund for the 2026-2035 period and sets targets for India’s biotechnology sector, bioeconomy expansion, and industrial scale-up. The proposed fund is designed to address the “valley of death” between proof-of-concept research and commercial-scale manufacturing. It is intended to use blended finance, catalytic equity, viability-gap funding, and infrastructure support for biotechnology enterprises. The fund covers biomanufacturing, advanced therapeutics, synthetic biology, fermentation technologies, and diagnostics. These areas fall within industrial biotechnology and health biotechnology, which are major segments of the global bioeconomy.

 

5. 135th IndianOil Durand Cup Trophy Tour Reaches Guwahati: The 135th IndianOil Durand Cup Trophy Tour began in Guwahati on 16 July 2026 with the unveiling of three historic trophies at Hotel Taj Vivanta. The trophies are the Durand Cup, the President’s Cup, and the Simla Trophy. Guwahati is scheduled to host six Group F matches of the 135th IndianOil Durand Cup at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, Sarusajai, from 1 August to 13 August 2026. The two-day trophy tour in Guwahati includes public displays at the New Assam Legislative Assembly Building, the Lachit Borphukan Statue, IIT Guwahati, and City Centre Mall. Such trophy tours are organised before major football tournaments in India to present the competition’s silverware in public spaces.

 

6. Goa bird count crosses 500 species: Goa’s bird checklist reached 502 species in its eighth edition on 16 July 2026. The updated list was published as a scientifically peer-reviewed paper in the Indian BIRDS Journal and added five new species to the state record. The Goa Bird Checklist 8.0 includes the Greylag Goose, Red-crested Pochard, Wedge-tailed Shearwater, and Indian Courser among the new additions. Stephen Menezes recorded the Greylag Goose in Santa Cruz, while forest official Paresh Porob recorded the Red-crested Pochard. Goa became the second Indian state to publish a comprehensive state-level bird atlas in February 2026. The atlas was unveiled during the ninth Bird Festival of Goa, and the 2026 Campus Bird Count in Goa recorded 110 bird species across 12 participating institutions.

 

7. Bill on Vande Mataram Scheduled for Lok Sabha: The Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026 is scheduled for introduction in the Lok Sabha during the Monsoon Session beginning on 20 July 2026. The proposed amendment seeks to extend statutory protection to Vande Mataram under the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971. The Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971 is a central law that deals with insults to the national flag, the Constitution, and the national anthem. The national anthem of India is Jana Gana Mana, which was adopted by the Constituent Assembly on 24 January 1950. Vande Mataram is a patriotic song from Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay’s novel Anandamath, published in 1882. The proposed bill seeks to place Vande Mataram in a legal position similar to Jana Gana Mana for the purpose of punishment for insult or obstruction during singing.

 

8. Amrit Bharat Station Scheme: 75 Stations Inaugurated: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to virtually inaugurate 75 redeveloped railway stations across 20 states on July 17, 2026, under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. The main ceremony is anchored from Jalandhar Cantt station in Punjab, which has been redeveloped at a cost of ₹125 crore. The Amrit Bharat Station Scheme was launched in December 2022 by the Ministry of Railways. It provides for long-term master planning of more than 1,338 stations across India and includes multimodal connectivity, improved accessibility, and station redevelopment in phases. The scheme follows the principle of “Virasat Bhi, Vikas Bhi”, which combines local heritage with modern infrastructure. The redeveloped stations include wider circulation areas, improved entry and exit points, lifts, escalators, modern waiting halls, executive lounges, CCTV surveillance, free Wi-Fi, and facilities for persons with disabilities.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Navi Mumbai International Airport Launches First International Flight to Abu Dhabi: Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) launched its first scheduled international flight with Air India Express’ inaugural service to Abu Dhabi, marking the start of its international operations. The Abu Dhabi route will operate three times a week, making NMIA the Mumbai Metropolitan Region’s second international gateway and enhancing connectivity between India and the UAE. Navi Mumbai International Airport is a joint venture between the Adani Group and CIDCO (City and Industrial Development Corporation, Maharashtra). It currently handles around 150 daily air traffic movements and connects 46 domestic destinations.

 

2. 18 July – Nelson Mandela International Day: Nelson Mandela International Day is observed every year on 18 July to honour the birth anniversary of Nelson Mandela, the former President of South Africa and Nobel Peace Prize laureate. The day was declared by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in 2009 and was first observed in 2010. It encourages people to dedicate 67 minutes of community service, symbolising Mandela’s 67 years of public service in promoting peace, justice, equality, and human rights.

 

3. Centre Launches Global Trade Guidebook for MSMEs: On 16 July 2026, the Centre for Trade and Investment Law at the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade, in collaboration with the Confederation of Indian Industry, launched a guidebook titled Going Global: A Practical Guide for Indian MSMEs in New Delhi. The guidebook is a practical resource for Indian Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises that covers export opportunities, market access requirements, trade intelligence tools, international standards, and sustainability norms. The guidebook provides guidance on market analysis, buyer identification, and the use of freely available tools for reducing market research costs. It also addresses common constraints faced by MSMEs, including limited access to market information, weak knowledge of overseas buyers, compliance with international certifications, and price competitiveness.

 

4. India Flags Off First Hydrogen-Powered Train: Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off India’s first hydrogen-powered train on 17 July 2026 from Jind in Haryana. The indigenous train runs on the 89-km Jind-Sonipat route, has 12 intermediate stops, and uses hydrogen fuel cell technology that emits water vapour as the only by-product. Hydrogen fuel cell trains use hydrogen and oxygen in an electrochemical process to generate electricity. The process produces no direct carbon dioxide emissions at the point of use, and the only exhaust from the fuel cell is water vapour. The train launched in Haryana has a 10-coach configuration and a passenger capacity of about 2,600. It has a maximum approved speed of 75 kmph and a design speed of 110 kmph. Hydrogen-powered trains are rail vehicles that use hydrogen as an energy source instead of diesel or overhead electric supply. Germany, Japan, China, and the United States are among the countries that already have operational hydrogen-powered trains.

 

5. UK Launches Storm Fighter Loyal Wingman Programme: The United Kingdom launched the Royal Air Force’s new collaborative combat aircraft programme, named Storm Fighter, on 16 July 2026. The programme seeks to develop autonomous loyal wingman drones for operations with crewed combat aircraft such as Typhoon, F-35 and the future Tempest fighter. Storm Fighter is funded through a £300 million allocation under the United Kingdom’s Defence Investment Plan, published on 2 July 2026. The programme was announced by Luke Pollard, Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry, at the Air & Space Power Association Global Air and Space Chiefs’ Conference in London. The programme includes early concepts such as Storm Chrome for electronic attack and Storm Fire as a one-way attack drone with a range of up to 1,000 miles. These designs build on StormShroud, an autonomous drone that entered service in May 2025, and follow the cancellation of Project Mosquito in 2022.

 

6. IFSCA Revises Credit Rating Rules for GIFT City: The International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) revised the credit rating framework for the International Financial Services Centre in GIFT City, Gujarat, through Circular No. IFSCA-CMIR/1/2026-CMIR dated 16 July 2026. The circular amended the Master Circular for Credit Rating Agencies in the IFSC dated 5 August 2025 and became effective immediately. An International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) is a designated financial zone that provides services to residents and non-residents under a separate regulatory framework. GIFT City, or Gujarat International Finance Tec-City, is India’s first operational IFSC and functions under the regulatory jurisdiction of the IFSCA.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

DEFENCE

 

1. INS Malvan to Join Indian Navy on 22 July 2026: INS Malvan is the second vessel of the Mahe-class Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC) built for the Indian Navy. The ship was designed and constructed by Cochin Shipyard Limited in Kochi and was delivered to the Navy on 31 March 2026. The Mahe-class belongs to the ASW-SWC category, which is meant for operations in shallow coastal waters. These vessels are designed for anti-submarine warfare, mine warfare, and Low Intensity Maritime Operations (LIMO). INS Malvan is about 80 metres long and has a displacement of 1,100 tonnes. The craft uses waterjets for propulsion and carries advanced sensors, torpedoes, and multifunctional anti-submarine rockets.

 

2. Another MH-60R Seahawk Delivered to Indian Navy: The Indian Navy received another MH-60R Seahawk helicopter in Kochi in July 2026, taking the number inducted to 21 out of 24 ordered from the United States. The remaining helicopters are expected to be delivered by the end of 2026 under the original procurement programme. The MH-60R Seahawk is a multi-role maritime helicopter developed by Lockheed Martin for naval operations. It is used for anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, search and rescue, and special operations support. India signed a contract for 24 MH-60R helicopters in February 2020 under the United States Foreign Military Sales programme. The contract value was about USD 2.6 billion, and the helicopters were ordered to strengthen the Navy’s shipborne aviation capability.

 

3. IAF Rafale Jets Reach Australia for Pitch Black 2026: The Indian Air Force contingent reached Australia on 17 July 2026 for Exercise Pitch Black 2026. The deployment includes four Rafale fighter jets, two C-17 Globemaster III transport aircraft, and more than 120 Air Warriors. Exercise Pitch Black is a multinational air combat exercise hosted by the Royal Australian Air Force. The 2026 edition is scheduled from 20 July to 7 August 2026 at RAAF Bases Darwin, Tindal, and Amberley in northern Australia. Exercise Pitch Black 2026 involves around 20 nations, up to 100 jet aircraft, and more than 2,500 personnel. The exercise includes complex air combat training, interoperability drills, and operations with fifth-generation F-35 stealth fighters.

SPORTS

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. ICMR Deploys Drones for TB Diagnosis: The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has tested drone-assisted transport of tuberculosis sputum samples under its i-DRONE initiative in Yadadri-Bhuvanagiri district of Telangana. The programme used a hub-and-spoke model to move samples from nearby health facilities to diagnostic centres and reduced the median turnaround time for TB diagnosis from 15 days to 5 days in a study involving 840 participants. Drone logistics is the use of unmanned aerial vehicles for transport of medical samples, medicines, and diagnostic materials. In this case, drones carried TB sputum samples from peripheral facilities to laboratories, which reduced dependence on long road travel in remote areas. The i-DRONE initiative linked 11 Primary Health Centres, 60 sub-centres, and four TB Units in a single sample-collection and transport network. Patients could submit sputum samples at nearby health facilities, which reduced travel distance for diagnostic access.

 

2. CDSCO Approves Wegovy for MASH Treatment: India’s drug regulator, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO), approved Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy (semaglutide injection 2.4 mg) on 17 July 2026 for the treatment of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) in adults. The approval covers noncirrhotic MASH in adults with moderate to advanced liver fibrosis, along with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. MASH is a progressive liver disease linked to metabolic dysfunction and fat accumulation in the liver. It is part of the broader spectrum of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), which includes fatty liver conditions associated with obesity, type 2 diabetes, and dyslipidaemia.

 

3. NASA Webb Telescope Finds New Exoplanet in Beta Pictoris: Scientists announced the discovery of Beta Pictoris d, a new exoplanet in the Beta Pictoris star system, on 15 July 2026. The planet was identified through observations made with NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope and the European Southern Observatory’s Very Large Telescope in Chile. Beta Pictoris is a young star system located about 63 light-years from Earth. The system is about 23 million years old and already contains the giant exoplanets Beta Pictoris b and Beta Pictoris c. Beta Pictoris d is the third known giant planet in the system. Beta Pictoris d was detected through the chemical fingerprint of carbon monoxide in its atmosphere. The James Webb Space Telescope used the Near-Infrared Spectrograph Integral Field Unit for this observation. This method differs from direct imaging based only on brightness and position.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. India Post Achieves Record ₹4,009 Crore Q1 Revenue in FY 2026–27: India Post recorded its highest-ever first-quarter revenue of ₹4,009 crore in Q1 of FY 2026–27, registering a 22% year-on-year growth, as announced by Union Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia. India Post achieved 81% of its Q1 revenue target (₹4,009 crore against ₹4,951 crore) and has set an annual revenue target of ₹19,803 crore for FY 2026–27, reflecting its focus on modernisation, business transformation, and customer-centric services.

 

2. ICAR Outlines Viksit Krishi Vision for 2047: The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) marked its 98th Foundation Day in New Delhi on 16 July 2026 with the release of a roadmap for Viksit Krishi and Samruddh Kisan under the broader framework of Viksit Bharat 2047. The roadmap sets targets for climate-resilient agriculture, technology adoption, and wider farmer outreach by 2047. The roadmap includes the development of 100 Climate Smart Villages, extension of ICAR technologies to 100 million farmers, and the launch of the One Institute-One Grand Innovation initiative. ICAR also plans an Open Digital Knowledge Platform, stronger action against counterfeit seeds and pesticides, and internal resource generation of ₹10,000 crore by 2029 through technology commercialisation.

 

3. PM Launches ₹4,700 Crore Projects in Chandigarh: Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched multiple development projects in Chandigarh on 17 July 2026 across healthcare, education, and road infrastructure. The package included hospital facilities at the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) and highway works linked to the Tricity Ring Road network. The development package included three National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) road projects worth ₹5,278 crore. These projects form the final links of the 244-km Tricity Ring Road, which is planned at an estimated cost of ₹12,000 crore. The 31.23-km IT City–Kurali Greenfield Corridor was formally inaugurated on 17 July 2026. The corridor is a six-lane road built at a cost of ₹1,936 crore. Foundation stones were laid for the 19.2-km Zirakpur–Panchkula bypass and the 10.3-km PR-7 Spur. The Zirakpur–Panchkula bypass has a reported letter of acceptance value of ₹1,878 crore, while the PR-7 Spur has a reported value of ₹1,464 crore.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. National Film Awards 2026 Announced: The 72nd National Film Awards were announced on 18 July 2026 in New Delhi. The awards covered films certified by the Central Board of Film Certification in 2024, and the winners were selected by an 11-member jury led by filmmaker Jayaraj. The National Film Awards are among India’s highest official honours for cinema. They are presented by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and cover feature films, non-feature films, and writing on cinema. Sanjeev Srivastava received the Best Film Critic award. K. Pradeep Kumar Shetty won Best Writing on Cinema for the Kannada book Naaniruvude Nimagaagi Naadiruvude Nanagaagi Kannada Cinemaada Thathva matthu Rajakeeya. The National Film Awards are administered under the Directorate of Film Festivals, which functions under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. The awards are generally announced annually and recognise films in multiple Indian languages.

 

Daily GK Update- 18th July, 2026

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India Post Achieves Record ₹4,009 Crore Q1 Revenue in FY 2026–27: India Post recorded its highest-ever first-quarter revenue of ₹4,009 crore in Q1 of FY 2026–27, registering a 22% year-on-year growth, as announced by Union Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia. India Post achieved 81% of its Q1 revenue target (₹4,009 crore against ₹4,951 crore) and has set an annual revenue target of ₹19,803 crore for FY 2026–27, reflecting its focus on modernisation, business transformation, and customer-centric services.

 

2. MoHUA Approves Operational Guidelines for ₹9,585 Crore Parivartan Scheme to Replace Polluting Vehicles in NCR: The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) has approved the operational guidelines for the Programme for Accelerated Renewal and Incentivization of Vehicle Assets for Reducing Transport Air Pollution and Network Emissions (PARIVARTAN) Scheme to replace old, polluting trucks and buses in the National Capital Region (NCR) with BS-VI-compliant or electric vehicles. The scheme has a total outlay of ₹9,585 crore, including ₹5,041 crore as Central Government support, and will be implemented by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) through the National Capital Region Planning Board (NCRPB). The scheme offers multiple incentives, including motor vehicle tax concessions, registration fee waivers, 5% interest subvention on vehicle loans, and a minimum 8% OEM discount on eligible new vehicles.

Additional benefits include monthly fuel voucher support for eligible diesel/CNG replacement vehicles, one-time financial assistance for electric replacement vehicles, and Certificate of Deposit (CoD) trading to encourage vehicle scrappage and reduce transport emissions.

 

3. The book ‘The Voice of Justice: Justice Gavai Speaks’ has been released: Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan released the book “The Voice of Justice: Justice Gavai Speaks” at Uprashtrapati Bhavan. Edited by Prof. (Dr.) S. Sivakumar and published by Thomson Reuters in association with the Commonwealth Legal Education Association (C.L.E.A.), the book compiles the speeches, lectures, and reflections of former Chief Justice of India Justice B.R. Gavai.

 

4. Jharkhand Gets GI Tags for Four Handloom Products: Jharkhand received Geographical Indication tags for four traditional products in June 2026: Bhagaiya Silk, Kuchai Silk, Munda Jewellery, and Jharkhand Bamboo Craft. A Geographical Indication tag is a form of intellectual property protection used for goods that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities, reputation, or characteristics linked to that place. Bhagaiya Silk is a premium wild Tasar silk associated with the Bhagaiya belt in Godda district. Godda is often called the Silk City of Jharkhand, and Tasar silk is a type of wild silk produced by silkworms that feed on forest trees. Kuchai Silk is a forest-based Tasar silk from Seraikela-Kharsawan. It is linked with tribal weaving traditions, natural golden sheen, and organic production methods used by local artisans.

 

5. Centre Approves Two Railway Multitracking Projects in Odisha, Jharkhand: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved two Ministry of Railways multi-tracking projects on 15 July 2026 for Odisha and Jharkhand. The projects cover the doubling of the Paradeep–Haridaspur railway line and the construction of a fourth line on the Rajkharsawan–Dangoaposi route. The combined estimated cost of the two projects is about ₹3,907 crore. The sanctioned works will add around 145 kilometres to the Indian Railways network across four districts in Odisha and Jharkhand. The capacity augmentation is expected to support an additional 44 Million Tonnes Per Annum of freight traffic. The freight basket on these routes includes coal, iron ore, dolomite, limestone, and gypsum, which are major bulk commodities carried by Indian Railways.

 

6. Government offers 20 critical mineral blocks in eighth auction tranche: The Centre launched the eighth tranche of auctions for 20 critical and strategic mineral blocks in India on 15 July 2026. The blocks are spread across nine states: Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Telangana and West Bengal. Critical minerals are minerals that are essential for sectors such as clean energy, electric mobility, defence and advanced manufacturing. The current tranche includes rare earth elements, lithium, graphite, tungsten and vanadium, which are used in batteries, magnets, alloys and industrial applications. The eighth tranche includes 13 newly identified mineral blocks and seven blocks re-offered from earlier auctions. The sale of tender documents began on 15 July 2026 and closes on 14 September 2026, while technical bids are due by 21 September 2026. The Ministry of Mines has auctioned 56 of the 88 critical mineral blocks offered so far. This gives a success rate of more than 63 per cent in the auction of critical mineral blocks.

 

7. Cabinet Clears Major Road Projects for Varanasi: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved two highway projects for Varanasi on 15 July 2026. The projects involve an investment of over ₹25,400 crore and form part of the Varanasi Decongestion Plan. The works are designed to improve road connectivity between major highways, the Varanasi Ring Road, railway access points, and key religious sites in the city. The second project costs ₹14,447.64 crore and covers 46.039 kilometres. It is a six-lane elevated corridor linking National Highway-19 with the Varanasi Ring Road along the Ganga River. The project includes a 910-metre cable-stayed bridge across the Ganga and a 1.32-kilometre extradosed foot overbridge with travelators for pedestrian movement towards the Kashi Vishwanath Temple.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Bharat Tex 2026 Showcases India’s Textile Strength with Global Participation: Bharat Tex 2026, India’s largest global textile event, was held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, marking its third edition. International exhibitors from 14 countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan, Portugal, Spain, New Zealand, South Korea, South Africa, and Nepal, participated in the event. The event aims to promote India’s textile and apparel industry, boost textile exports, attract global investment, and encourage innovation and sustainability.

 

2. Mangaluru International Airport Receives ACI Level 5 Customer Experience Accreditation: Mangaluru International Airport has received Level 5 Accreditation under the Airports Council International (ACI) Airport Customer Experience Accreditation Programme, the highest global recognition for airport customer experience management. It has become the third airport in the Adani Airport Holdings Ltd. (AAHL) network, after Mumbai and Ahmedabad, to achieve this accreditation. The airport is the second in Karnataka, after Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru, and only the fourth airport in India to receive this prestigious global accreditation. The ACI Airport Customer Experience Accreditation Programme is the aviation industry’s only global framework that evaluates how airports integrate customer experience into their strategy, culture, governance, operations, and service delivery.

 

3. PM Modi Flags Off India’s First Hydrogen-Powered Train, Setting a Global Benchmark: Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off India’s first hydrogen-powered train between Jind and Sonipat at Jind railway station. The hydrogen-powered train, developed using indigenous technology, marks a major step towards clean, sustainable, and zero-emission rail mobility, with water vapour as its only by-product. With this launch, India joins Germany, Japan, China, and the United States as countries operating hydrogen-powered trains. While countries like Germany and China typically operate 2–3 coach hydrogen trains, India has also set a global benchmark by developing a 10-coach hydrogen train with a 3,200-horsepower propulsion system, capable of carrying around 2,600 passengers. The train is equipped with advanced multi-layer safety systems to detect hydrogen leaks, heat, flames, and smoke, while a dedicated hydrogen facility at Jind has been established to support safe and reliable operations.

 

4. Centre to Invest ₹200 Crore in Ather Energy Through India-Japan Fund: The Central Government will invest ₹200 crore in Ather Energy through the India-Japan Fund (IJF) as part of the company’s proposed ₹1,200-crore preferential fundraising. The India-Japan Fund (IJF) is a $600 million (around ₹4,900 crore) bilateral investment fund jointly established by the Government of India and the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC), and is managed by National Investment and Infrastructure Fund Ltd. (NIIFL). Under the preferential issue, the India-Japan Fund will subscribe to ₹200 crore worth of equity shares, while Hero MotoCorp will invest ₹960 crore through convertible warrants, alongside fresh capital from Ather Energy’s founders.

 

5. Navi Mumbai International Airport Launches First International Flight to Abu Dhabi: Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) launched its first scheduled international flight with Air India Express’ inaugural service to Abu Dhabi, marking the start of its international operations. The Abu Dhabi route will operate three times a week, making NMIA the Mumbai Metropolitan Region’s second international gateway and enhancing connectivity between India and the UAE. Navi Mumbai International Airport is a joint venture between the Adani Group and CIDCO (City and Industrial Development Corporation, Maharashtra). It currently handles around 150 daily air traffic movements and connects 46 domestic destinations.

 

6. 17 July – World Day for International Justice: World Day for International Justice is observed every year on 17 July to promote international criminal justice and strengthen the fight against genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and the crime of aggression. Theme 2026 – Promoting Justice, Accountability, and Human Rights Worldwide The day commemorates the adoption of the Rome Statute on 17 July 1998, the treaty that established the International Criminal Court (ICC).

 

7. 17 July – World Emoji Day: World Emoji Day is observed every year on 17 July to celebrate the role of emojis in digital communication and their impact on modern online conversations. The date 17 July was chosen because it appears on the calendar emoji used on many digital platforms. The day encourages creativity, highlights the evolution of digital expression, and recognizes emojis as a universal language connecting people across cultures.

 

8. 18 July – Nelson Mandela International Day: Nelson Mandela International Day is observed every year on 18 July to honour the birth anniversary of Nelson Mandela, the former President of South Africa and Nobel Peace Prize laureate. The day was declared by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in 2009 and was first observed in 2010. It encourages people to dedicate 67 minutes of community service, symbolising Mandela’s 67 years of public service in promoting peace, justice, equality, and human rights.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

DEFENCE

 

1. Indian Navy to organise Operation Southern Readiness 26-2 in Kochi: The Indian Navy will host Operation Southern Readiness 26-2 at the Southern Naval Command, Kochi, from 20–23 July 2026, in partnership with the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) under the Indian Navy-led Combined Task Force 154 (CTF 154). The four-day multinational training programme will include classroom sessions, simulator-based training, and practical exercises covering Maritime Law, Maritime Domain Awareness, Counter-Narcotics, Force Protection, Asymmetric Threats, maritime uncrewed systems, Damage Control, Firefighting, Survival at Sea, and Boarding procedures.

 

2. Indian Navy to Host Operation Southern Readiness 26-2 in Kochi: Operation Southern Readiness 26-2 is a multinational maritime security training engagement scheduled at the Southern Naval Command in Kochi from 20 to 23 July 2026. The Indian Navy will conduct the four-day exercise with the Combined Maritime Forces under Combined Task Force 154, which functions as the CMF’s dedicated training task force. The Combined Maritime Forces is a multinational naval partnership that works on maritime security in key sea lanes. Combined Task Force 154 is one of its task forces and focuses on training, professional development, and operational coordination among partner navies. The exercise will involve personnel from about 25 to 47 CMF partner nations, including Australia, Canada, Japan, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Djibouti, Seychelles, the United States, and the United Kingdom. The training programme will include classroom instruction, simulator-based modules, and practical exercises aboard an Indian Naval ship.

 

3. 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. Animesh Kujur Clocks Fastest-Ever 100m by an Indian on Foreign Soil: Indian sprinter Animesh Kujur recorded the fastest-ever 100m time by an Indian on foreign soil at the Fast Arms Fast Legs Meet, a World Athletics Continental Tour Challenger event. He finished second in the men’s 100m final with a personal best timing of 10.14 seconds. Animesh Kujur’s 10.14-second run is the second-fastest 100m time by an Indian, behind the national record of 10.09 seconds held by Gurindervir Singh, set at the Federation Cup 2026 in Ranchi.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Dr. Srinivasa Kumar Tummala Appointed Secretary of Ministry of Earth Sciences : The Centre has appointed internationally renowned oceanographer Srinivasa Kumar Tummala as the Secretary of the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) to strengthen India’s capabilities in deep-ocean exploration, climate science, oceanography, and disaster early warning systems. Currently serving as the Head of the Indian Ocean Tsunami Warning and Mitigation System (IOTWMS) Secretariat under UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) in Perth, Australia, Dr Tummala has been appointed for a two-year tenure, as approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC).

 

2. Cabinet Approves Semicon Mission 2.0, Mobile Manufacturing Scheme: The Union Cabinet approved Semicon Mission 2.0 and the Mobile Phone Manufacturing Scheme on 15 July 2026. Semicon Mission 2.0 has an outlay of ₹1.27 lakh crore, while the Mobile Phone Manufacturing Scheme has a budgetary outlay of ₹62,500 crore. Semicon Mission 2.0 aims to attract investments of around ₹4 lakh crore and support semiconductor production worth ₹2 lakh crore during the scheme period. The first new fab under the programme is scheduled to be commissioned by 2028. The Mobile Phone Manufacturing Scheme is expected to generate cumulative mobile phone production worth around ₹39 lakh crore and create about 60,000 direct jobs during its tenure. The Mobile Phone Manufacturing Scheme succeeds the Production Linked Incentive Scheme for Large Scale Electronics Manufacturing, also known as PLI-LSEM. The scheme will run for five years from FY2026-27 to FY2030-31.

 

3. 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 tender documents for the 10 GWh round were made available on 15 July 2026. The pre-bid conference is scheduled for 29 July 2026, the deadline for bid submission is 13 October 2026, and technical bids are to be opened on 14 October 2026. Out of the 50 GWh target, 40 GWh had already been awarded in earlier rounds. 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. National Investment Policy for Urea-2026: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved the National Investment Policy for Urea-2026 (NIPU-2026) on 15 July 2026 to expand domestic manufacturing, scale up indigenous production, and phase out dependency on fertilizer imports. The policy, administered by the Department of Fertilizers, establishes a structured framework to attract fresh capital into gas-based greenfield and brownfield urea manufacturing units across the country. India operates as the second-largest global consumer of fertilizers and the single largest importer of urea. Annual domestic urea demand stands at approximately 40 million tonnes (mt) and rises at a steady clip of 5% each year. Domestic units generate roughly 30 mt, leaving a systemic supply deficit of 10 mt that relies on international trade. Geopolitical conflicts in West Asia, volatile international natural gas prices, and shipping logistics bottlenecks pose distinct vulnerabilities to national food security.

 

2. Centre Approves Safety Equipment Support Under NAMASTE Scheme: The National Action for Mechanized Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE) is a Central Sector Scheme launched in July 2023 by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. The scheme covers sewer and septic tank workers, Personal Protective Equipment kits, safety devices, and mechanised sanitation operations. NAMASTE is designed for sanitation workers engaged in sewer and septic tank cleaning and related hazardous sanitation tasks. The scheme seeks to replace direct manual contact with faecal matter with mechanised equipment and safety devices. It also provides support for Emergency Response Sanitation Units in municipal corporations and districts. In July 2025, 45,871 PPE kits for Sewer and Septic Tank Workers and 354 Safety Devices Kits for Emergency Response Sanitation Units were issued to States and Union Territories. By 10 September 2025, 83,901 PPE kits for Sewer and Septic Tank Workers and 555 Safety Devices Kits for Emergency Response Sanitation Units had been issued to States and Union Territories.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. India’s Samriddh Gram Initiative Wins WSIS Prizes 2026 for Advancing Rural Digital Transformation: India’s Samriddh Gram Initiative, launched by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) under the BharatNet Project, won the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) Prizes 2026 in the Enabling Environment category. The initiative delivers integrated phygital services through Samriddhi Kendras, providing healthcare, education, agriculture support, governance, financial inclusion, e-commerce, telemedicine, digital classrooms, and high-speed broadband connectivity in rural areas. Union Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia inaugurated the first Samriddhi Kendra at Umri village, Guna district (Madhya Pradesh). The initiative is currently being implemented in Ari and Umri (Madhya Pradesh), Chaurawala (Uttar Pradesh), and Narakoduru (Andhra Pradesh).