Daily GK Update- 8th July, 2026

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Government Adds Navi Mumbai Airport for Medicine Imports: The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare notified Navi Mumbai Airport in Maharashtra as an authorised port for the import of drugs on 8 July 2026. The notification amended Rule 43A of the Drugs Rules, 1945, and increased the total number of notified ports of entry for drug imports in India to 42. The gazette notification was issued after consultation with the Drugs Technical Advisory Board, which functions as the highest technical body on drug regulation in India. The board operates under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, and advises on technical matters related to drugs and cosmetics. The Drugs Rules, 1945, are framed under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940. Rule 43A deals with ports of entry for imported drugs and pharmaceutical products, including air, sea, rail, and road routes.

 

2. New Cancer Drug Vepdegestrant Gets FDA Approval: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved vepdegestrant, sold under the brand name Veppanu, on 1 May 2026 for adults with estrogen receptor-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative, ESR1-mutated advanced or metastatic breast cancer. The drug was developed by Arvinas Operations, Inc. and Pfizer Inc., and it is the first FDA-approved Proteolysis Targeting Chimera drug. The FDA also approved Guardant360 CDx on 1 May 2026 as a companion diagnostic device for identifying patients with breast cancer who have ESR1 mutations. Companion diagnostics are laboratory tests used to select patients for a specific medicine or treatment. Vepdegestrant is an oral therapy for patients whose disease has progressed after at least one line of endocrine therapy. The approval applies to patients identified by an FDA-authorised test for ESR1 mutations.

 

3. Tripura Makes Vande Mataram and Jana Gana Mana Mandatory: Tripura made the full version of the National Song Vande Mataram and the National Anthem Jana Gana Mana compulsory in all schools across the state on 7 July 2026. The order applies to government schools, government-aided schools, private schools, and recognised madrassas in Tripura. The daily academic routine in Tripura schools will begin with the singing of the full version of Vande Mataram and then the National Anthem Jana Gana Mana. Students, teachers, and school employees are required to stand at attention during the singing or playing of these national symbols. The School Education Department issued the directive in line with guidelines of the Ministry of Home Affairs dated 28 January 2026 on respect, protocol, and rendition of the National Song. The Tripura Council of Ministers approved the decision in a meeting held on 25 June 2026, and the policy came into effect on 3 July 2026.

 

4. PM-SETU Gets Nationwide Rollout for ITI Upgrade: The Indian government approved the nationwide rollout of the Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs (PM-SETU) scheme on 7 July 2026. The approval was taken at the 4th National Steering Committee meeting chaired by Debashree Mukherjee, Secretary, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. PM-SETU aims to upgrade 1,000 Government Industrial Training Institutes. It also provides for the establishment of five National Centres of Excellence for skilling under a hub-and-spoke model. Industrial Training Institutes are vocational training institutions in India that provide trade-based skill training in sectors such as manufacturing, services, and construction. The upgraded model places industry participation at the centre of curriculum design, infrastructure support, and training delivery.

 

5. TribeX Digital Platform for Tribal Knowledge: The TribeX digital learning platform was launched on 7 July 2026 by Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram during the National Workshop on Strengthening Tribal Research Institutes in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. The platform is designed to preserve, promote, and disseminate India’s tribal arts, languages, culture, and traditional knowledge through digital learning resources. The platform has been created to connect learners with tribal knowledge holders and master artisans. It is structured to support online access to tribal knowledge across geographical locations. TribeX includes a heritage archive with more than 5,000 multimedia resources. The archive contains audio recordings, videos, and literature, and the platform plans to expand the course count to over 100 and the resource base to over 10,000 items.

 

6. Natural History Museum in Aizawl Becomes India’s 21st Repository: The Natural History Museum at Mizoram University in Aizawl was designated as a repository under the Biological Diversity Act on 19 June 2026. The Union Environment Ministry announced the designation on 7 July 2026 after a recommendation from the National Biodiversity Authority. The museum became India’s 21st designated repository for biological material. The Natural History Museum will maintain voucher specimens of flora and fauna from Mizoram and the North-Eastern region. The listed flora includes pteridophytes and macrofungi, while the fauna includes reptiles, amphibians, fishes, moths, beetles, and butterflies. The museum will also function as a depository for type specimens of newly discovered species from the region.

 

7. Delhi Launches 70-Lakh Tree Plantation Drive: On 7 July 2026, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta launched the Mission 70 Lakh Tree Plantation Campaign and the Delhi Ridge Rejuvenation Campaign in New Delhi. The plantation drive is part of the Green Action Plan 2026-27, and the Ridge plan covers scientific restoration of forest land in the National Capital Territory of Delhi. The Ridge is a part of the Aravalli hill system in Delhi and functions as a green belt in the city. The revival plan includes phased removal of invasive species such as Vilayati Keekar and replacement with native species such as peepal, banyan, neem, and jamun. The plan also covers legal protection for the Ridge, with over 4,700 hectares already notified as Reserved Forests.

 

8. Four States Sign Narmada Project Payment Pact: Four Indian states, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan and Maharashtra, signed an agreement in New Delhi on 7 July 2026 to settle a long-running payment dispute linked to the Narmada project. The pact covers cost-sharing issues for the Sardar Sarovar Project and the Indira Sagar Project, both associated with the Narmada Water Disputes Tribunal Award. The Narmada Water Disputes Tribunal was constituted under the Inter-State Water Disputes Act, 1956, to adjudicate disputes over the Narmada river system. The tribunal’s award covered water allocation, project construction, and related obligations among the basin states. The agreement addresses dues related to Resettlement and Rehabilitation expenditure, compensation for submerged land, and interest on construction borrowings. Maharashtra’s Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated that claims of ₹2,000-₹3,000 crore against the state were waived and that Maharashtra will pay ₹27 crore.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. PM Modi Visits Prambanan Temple in Indonesia: Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Prambanan Temple complex in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, on 8 July 2026 during a three-day state visit from 6 to 8 July 2026. He visited the site with President Prabowo Subianto and offered prayers at the Hindu temple dedicated to the Trimurti, namely Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Brahma. India and Indonesia agreed to support the conservation and restoration of the Prambanan Temple complex, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Archaeological Survey of India is working with Indonesian authorities, including the Ministry of Culture and the Indonesian Heritage Institute, on restoration of several smaller temples within the complex.

 

2. Hampi, Mysuru and Lakkundi Selected for Global Destination Development: On 7 July 2026, the Karnataka government decided to recommend Hampi, Mysuru and Lakkundi to the Union Tourism Ministry for the Global Destination Development project. The proposal was finalised after a state-level consultation meeting held in Hampi on 6-7 July 2026. The selected destinations are expected to receive central assistance of ₹800 crore in two phases. The first phase has an allocation of ₹500 crore, and the second phase has an allocation of ₹300 crore. The development plan includes world-class infrastructure, improved connectivity, enhanced tourist facilities, heritage conservation, sustainable development and private investment. These components are part of tourism planning for heritage and cultural destinations in India.

 

3. IIM Bangalore to Open First Overseas Campus in Indonesia: Indian Institute of Management Bangalore will establish its first overseas campus in Indonesia at the Singhasari Special Economic Zone in Malang, East Java. The announcement was made on 7 July 2026 during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official visit to Jakarta after talks with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto. Indian Institute of Management Bangalore is one of the Indian Institutes of Management, which are autonomous public business schools in India. The Indonesia campus will be the institute’s first international campus and will be developed through a Memorandum of Understanding with PT Intelegensia Grahatama, the managing and development entity of the Singhasari SEZ. The Singhasari Special Economic Zone is located in Malang in East Java, Indonesia. Special Economic Zones are designated areas that receive policy support for industrial, commercial, or educational activity under specific national frameworks.

4. India Hosts BRICS Women Working Group Meeting in Kochi: India hosts the BRICS Women Working Group (WWG) Meeting in Kochi under its BRICS Chairship 2026, bringing together senior officials from BRICS member countries to promote women-led development. The meeting is guided by India’s BRICS Chairship theme, “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability,” with discussions focusing on women in governance, digital & financial inclusion, entrepreneurship & skill development, and climate action, food security & nutrition. BRICS currently comprises 11 member countries, contributing around 40% of global GDP and representing about 49.5% of the world’s population, highlighting the strategic importance of the BRICS Women Track.

 

5. Keiko Fujimori Wins Peru Presidential Runoff, Set to Become Country’s Next President: Peru has elected conservative leader Keiko Fujimori as President after she won the presidential runoff election, securing victory in her fourth attempt. The 51-year-old daughter of former President Alberto Fujimori will become Peru’s 9th President in the last 10 years, highlighting the country’s prolonged political instability.

 

6. 7 July – Global Forgiveness Day: Global Forgiveness Day is observed every year on 7 July to encourage people to forgive others, let go of resentment, and promote emotional healing. The day highlights the importance of compassion, reconciliation, and peaceful relationships in families, communities, and society

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

DEFENCE

 

1. India, Rwanda Expand Bilateral Defence Partnership: India and Rwanda held the second Joint Defence Cooperation Committee (JDCC) meeting in New Delhi on 6-7 July 2026. The two countries agreed to expand cooperation in military training, military exercises, medical cooperation, and defence industries. The JDCC is a bilateral mechanism for defence cooperation between India and Rwanda. The 2026 meeting was co-chaired by Shri Amitabh Prasad, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Defence, and Brigadier General Louis Kanobayier, Chief for Joint Force Development, Training and Doctrine of the Rwanda Defence Force. The original Memorandum of Understanding on defence cooperation between India and Rwanda was signed in July 2018 during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Rwanda. The Rwandan delegation interacted with the Indian defence industry to study indigenous capabilities and technological advancements.

 

2. Ugram Indigenous Assault Rifle Clears Army Trials: The Ugram is an indigenous 7.62×51mm assault rifle developed in India by the Armament Research and Development Establishment, a laboratory of the Defence Research and Development Organisation, and Dvipa Defence India Private Limited. It cleared the Indian Army’s General Staff Qualitative Requirement trials and the Ministry of Home Affairs Board trials in July 2026. The rifle was designed and manufactured in 100 days by ARDE and Dvipa Defence. Dvipa Defence received its manufacturing licence in 2021 and established a production facility on a 13-acre plot near Hyderabad allotted by the Telangana state government. The rifle is expected to be procured by Central Armed Police Forces in India. These include the Central Reserve Police Force, Indo-Tibetan Border Police, Sashastra Seema Bal, and National Security Guard.

 

3. India, Indonesia Sign Defence and Strategic Agreements: The high-level talks held between India and Indonesia in Jakarta on 7 July 2026 elevated the strategic partnership between the two countries to a new level. During the meeting between the Prime Minister of India and the President of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, nearly a dozen significant agreements were signed. These agreements cover several key areas, including defence, maritime infrastructure, critical minerals, digital payments, space cooperation, education, and cultural preservation. This collaboration further strengthens the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership established in 2018. The most significant outcome of the meeting was in the defence sector. Indonesia signed a commercial contract with BrahMos Aerospace, the India–Russia joint venture, to procure the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile system. India will supply Indonesia with two BrahMos batteries, mobile launchers, radar systems, and guidance systems. This agreement will further strengthen India's defence exports in Southeast Asia. In addition, Bharat Dynamics Limited and Indonesia's Republikorp signed an agreement for the export of the indigenously developed Astra Beyond Visual Range (BVR) air-to-air missile. This is the first formal export order for the Astra missile. Developed by DRDO, the Astra missile is capable of engaging enemy aircraft at ranges exceeding 100 kilometres using active radar homing technology.

 

SPORTS 

 

1. Australia Clinches Record 7th ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 Title: Australia clinched the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 title, defeating hosts England by 7 wickets in the final at Lord’s Cricket Ground, London, to claim a record-extending seventh championship. Beth Mooney starred with 64 runs off 49 balls and was named Player of the Match as Australia successfully chased 151, finishing at 153/3 with 17 balls to spare. Beth Mooney was also named Player of the Tournament, capping a dominant campaign as Australia reaffirmed their status as the most successful team in Women’s T20 World Cup history.

 

Charles Leclerc Wins 2026 British Grand Prix, Secures Ferrari’s Historic 250th Formula One Victory: Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) won the 2026 British Grand Prix held at Silverstone Circuit, United Kingdom. The victory marked Ferrari’s historic 250th Formula One Grand Prix win, making it the first team to achieve this milestone. Charles Leclerc, who hails from Monaco, secured the 9th Formula One race victory of his career.

 

 

 

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. DeepSeek Develops Custom AI Chip: DeepSeek is a Chinese artificial intelligence startup based in Hangzhou. In July 2026, it was linked to the development of a custom AI chip designed for inference workloads and for reducing dependence on foreign semiconductor technology. AI inference is the stage in which a trained model processes inputs and generates outputs such as text, images, or predictions. AI training is the process of building a model by using large datasets and high computational power, and it generally requires more advanced hardware than inference. The chip project began around July 2025 and remained in an early stage in 2026. DeepSeek has been recruiting chip-design engineers and discussing production with semiconductor foundries and memory companies. Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation, or SMIC, is China’s largest foundry. SMIC has been operating with a 7-nanometre process node, which is the most advanced node publicly linked to its production under current US and Dutch export controls.

 

2. Mukesh Ambani, Lakshmi Mittal & Sunil Bharti Mittal Join AI for Good Global Commission: Mukesh Ambani, Lakshmi Mittal, and Sunil Bharti Mittal are the three Indian members of the AI for Good Global Commission, a global initiative promoting responsible and inclusive use of Artificial Intelligence. The Commission comprises over 40 founding members, including heads of state, government leaders, CEOs, senior executives, and UN agency heads, to develop practical pathways for trustworthy AI, wider access, and AI-driven solutions to global challenges. The Commission will hold its inaugural meeting during the AI for Good Global Summit 2026 in Geneva, held as part of Digital Week (6–10 July 2026), alongside the UN Global Dialogue on AI Governance and the WSIS Forum.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. ₹2,500 Crore Defence Manufacturing Plant to Be Set Up in Shivpuri, Madhya Pradesh: Jyotiraditya Scindia and Mohan Yadav laid the foundation stone for a ₹2,500 crore defence manufacturing plant in Shivpuri, to be developed by Adani Group. The facility, to be established at Pali village on National Highway 27, will manufacture ammunition, high-tech weapons, and mission-ready missiles, strengthening India’s defence production and the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat. At the event, Jeet Adani announced that the Adani Group aims to create 1.20 lakh jobs in Madhya Pradesh by 2030, boosting employment and industrial development in the state.

 

2. PM Narendra Modi Launches Viksit UDAN Scheme, Inaugurates New Terminal at Jodhpur Airport: Narendra Modi launched the Viksit UDAN Scheme, the next phase of India’s regional air connectivity initiative, to improve affordable air travel in Tier-2, Tier-3 cities and remote regions.

The scheme has an outlay of over ₹28,840 crore and aims to develop 100+ new aerodromes and 200 helipads, significantly expanding regional aviation infrastructure across the country. Prime Minister Modi also inaugurated the new terminal building at Jodhpur Airport, enhancing connectivity and supporting tourism, trade, and economic growth in the Marwar region.

 

Daily GK Update- 7th July, 2026

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Girish Bharadwaj, Bridge Man of India, Dies: Girish Bharadwaj, a Padma Shri awardee known as the “Bridge Man of India”, died at the age of 76 on 7 July 2026 in a private hospital in Sullia in Dakshina Kannada district, Karnataka. He was a mechanical engineering graduate from PES College of Engineering in Mandya and had been receiving treatment for a heart-related ailment at KVG Hospital. Girish Bharadwaj spent more than three decades building low-cost suspension bridges in India. He constructed more than 140 bridges, mainly in remote villages of Karnataka, Kerala, Telangana and Odisha. His bridge designs connected rural settlements with schools, hospitals, markets and government services. He built his first bridge in 1989 across the Payaswini river at Arambur in Dakshina Kannada. 

 

2. Gujarat Builds First Air-Filled Rubber Dams: Gujarat is constructing its first two air-filled rubber dams across the Heran River in Chhota Udepur district and the Ambika River in Tapi district. The projects use South Korean technology and are designed for water storage, irrigation, and flood management. The Rajvasana Rubber Dam is 75% complete as of 6 July 2026 and is expected to be commissioned by September 2027. It is designed to irrigate 3,420 hectares of farmland across 25 villages. The Pathakwadi Rubber Dam is about 90% complete and is designed to provide assured irrigation to about 650 hectares of agricultural land in Pathakwadi and nearby villages. An air-filled rubber dam is a flexible hydraulic structure made of a rubber bladder anchored across a river or canal. The bladder is inflated with air or water to raise the water level and deflated during high flows to allow water and silt to pass.

 

3. Uttar Pradesh Cabinet Approves Renaming of Jalalabad to Parshurampuri: The Uttar Pradesh Cabinet approved the renaming of Jalalabad town in Shahjahanpur district as Parshurampuri on 6 July 2026. The decision also applies to the municipal body, which will be known as Parshurampuri Nagar Palika Parishad. Renaming of towns and cities in India is processed through the State Government, the Union Government, and the Ministry of Home Affairs. The change of a place name often requires administrative approval for records, maps, postal use, and municipal notifications. The local municipal council passed resolutions supporting the name change in 2018 and 2023. The Uttar Pradesh government received the proposal on 24 April 2025 and sought the Centre’s permission on 27 June 2025. The Ministry of Home Affairs issued a no objection on 19 August 2025.

 

4. FSSAI Issues Notices Over Misleading Paneer and Labelling Claims: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) issued notices on 6 July 2026 to Heritage Foods Limited, Dia Foods, and Cipzer Nutraceuticals for alleged misleading claims and labelling violations. The authority functions under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and regulates food safety, advertising claims, and product labelling in India. Heritage Foods Limited received a notice for its product “Heritage Fresh Paneer”. The claim “Fresh Paneer” was found to be inconsistent with the conditions prescribed under Schedule V for the use of the term “Fresh”. The authority also objected to the use of the term “Healthy” in the trademark or name “Healthy Happiness” under Regulation 8(3) of the Food Safety and Standards (Advertising and Claims) Regulations, 2018.

 

5. Centre Appoints New Chiefs of BPR&D, NCRB and SVPNPA: The Central government appointed new heads for the Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPR&D), the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), and the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy (SVPNPA) on 6 July 2026. The appointments were approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC), which is chaired by the Prime Minister of India. Amit Garg, a 1993-batch Indian Police Service officer of the Andhra Pradesh cadre, has been appointed Director of the NCRB. The post of Director at NCRB has been temporarily upgraded to the rank of Director General on a personal basis for this appointment. He will serve until 31 October 2027, or until further orders. Alok Kumar Mittal, a 1993-batch Indian Police Service officer of the Haryana cadre, has been appointed Director General of BPR&D. His tenure will continue from the date of assuming charge until 30 June 2029, or until further orders.

 

6. Punjab Launches Post-Matric Scholarship for SC Students: Punjab launched the Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme for Scheduled Caste students for the 2026-27 academic session. The application process began on 1 July 2026 through the National Scholarship Portal, and eligible students can apply until 15 November 2026. The Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme is a centrally assisted scholarship programme for students from Scheduled Caste communities. It covers post-matric and post-secondary studies in recognised institutions and uses the National Scholarship Portal for online submission. An applicant must be a domicile of Punjab, belong to the Scheduled Caste category, study in a recognised post-matric course, and have an annual family income below ₹2,50,000. The scheme provides full tuition fee reimbursement and a monthly maintenance allowance of up to ₹1,200 for hostellers.

 

7. Lt Gen (Retd.) Madan Mohan Lakhera Dies: Lt Gen (Retd.) Madan Mohan Lakhera, PVSM, AVSM, VSM, ADC, former Governor of Mizoram and Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry, passed away at the age of 88 in Dehradun. For his exceptional service to the nation, he was honoured with the Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM), Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM), and Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM). He also played key roles during Operation Blue Star (1984) and in restoring peace during the 1984 anti-Sikh riots in Kanpur. After retiring from the Army, he served as Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry (2004), held additional charge as Lieutenant Governor of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, and served as Governor of Mizoram from July 2006 to September 2011.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. PM Modi Receives Indonesia’s Bintang Adipurna: Prime Minister Narendra Modi received Indonesia’s highest civilian honour, Bintang Adipurna, on 7 July 2026 at Istana Merdeka, the Presidential Palace in Jakarta. Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto presented the award during Modi’s official state visit to Indonesia from 6 to 8 July 2026. Bintang Adipurna is also known as the Star of the Republic of Indonesia, First Class. Indonesia instituted the order in 1959, and it is the country’s highest order of merit. The honour is awarded to individuals for extraordinary service to the unity, continuity, and prosperity of Indonesia. It belongs to the Indonesian system of state decorations and ranks above other civilian awards in the national order structure. A state visit is the highest form of official foreign visit by a head of government or head of state. It usually includes ceremonial reception, bilateral meetings, and formal exchanges of honours. 

 

2. Two-Thousand-Year-Old Indian Gold Rings Found in Thailand: Thailand’s Fine Arts Department announced the discovery of two Indian gold rings, each about 2,000 years old, at the Don Yai Thong archaeological site in Phetchaburi province in western Thailand. One ring carries an inscription in ancient Brahmi script, and the other ring is plain. Don Yai Thong is located about 130 kilometres south-west of Bangkok. The site was identified in 2026 after local residents found fragments of ancient bronze drums in a rice field. Excavations at the site are continuing, and the work is linked to human skeletal remains found with the rings. The inscription on the ring reads “pusarakhitasa”, which is translated as “the one protected by Pushya”. Brahmi is one of the earliest writing systems used in the Indian subcontinent, and it is associated with inscriptions from the Mauryan and post-Mauryan periods. Pushya is an auspicious nakshatra, or lunar mansion, in Indian astronomy.

 

3. Arunachal Pradesh Launches Emergency Helicopter Flood Relief: Arunachal Pradesh launched emergency helicopter operations on 4 July 2026 to airlift food and medical supplies to flood-hit villages in Lower Siang district. The operation used a state-owned Skyone Airways Mi-172 helicopter to move relief materials from Pasighat Advanced Landing Ground in East Siang district to Koyu helipad in Lower Siang district. The helicopter departed Naharlagun at 8 AM on 4 July 2026 and reached Koyu helipad within an hour. A total of 11.5 metric tonnes of Public Distribution System rice was airlifted to villages in Koyu Circle, and four patients were evacuated from Koyu to Pasighat on the same day. Villages such as Rotte, Rame, Loglu, Lipin, Mane, Tene, Sipu, Kakki, Kadu, Rina, Sido, and Korang in Lower Siang district were cut off by flash floods and landslides. Collapsed bridges and road blockades disrupted surface transport in the district.

 

4. CWGC Recognises 9,909 Indian World War I Soldiers: On 6 July 2026, the Commonwealth War Graves Commission recognised 9,909 previously uncommemorated British Indian Army servicemen from World War I. The revision is the largest change to the CWGC casualty database in more than 80 years. The Commonwealth War Graves Commission is an intergovernmental organisation that maintains war graves and memorials for Commonwealth war dead. It was established in 1917 as the Imperial War Graves Commission and later adopted its present name. The British Indian Army recruited men from the Indian subcontinent during World War I, and about 1.4 million men served in its ranks. Many of the newly recognised names belonged to Punjabis from undivided Punjab, which was a major recruiting region for the army. Volunteers from the UK-based Punjab Heritage Association identified the names after digitising and analysing handwritten village registers preserved at the Lahore Museum in present-day Pakistan. The registers contained local records that linked individual soldiers to their villages and family names.

 

5. 6 July – World Zoonoses Day: World Zoonoses Day is observed every year on 6 July to raise awareness about zoonotic diseases—diseases that are transmitted from animals to humans. The day commemorates Louis Pasteur’s successful administration of the first rabies vaccine on 6 July 1885, marking a milestone in medical science. The observance promotes disease surveillance, vaccination, hygiene, and the One Health approach to prevent and control zoonotic diseases such as rabies, avian influenza, and COVID-19.

 

6. 6 July – World Rural Development Day: World Rural Development Day is observed every year on 6 July to highlight the importance of rural development in achieving sustainable economic growth and improving the quality of life in rural communities. The day promotes inclusive development, focusing on better agriculture, education, healthcare, infrastructure, employment, and poverty reduction in rural areas.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

DEFENCE

 

1. Indonesia to Import Indian Astra Missiles : Indonesia decided on 7 July 2026 to import India’s indigenous Astra Beyond-Visual-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (BVRAAM). The decision was taken during bilateral talks in Jakarta between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto. Astra is an Indian BVRAAM developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and manufactured by Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL). BVRAAMs are air-to-air missiles designed to engage aerial targets beyond visual range, and they are used by fighter aircraft for long-range interception. The Astra Mk1 is the first operational variant of the missile family, and the Astra Mk2 has a validated range of 160 km. The missile family is part of India’s indigenous guided weapons programme, and it is designed for integration with Indian combat aircraft.

 

2. INS Mahendragiri to Join Indian Navy on July 11: INS Mahendragiri (F38) is the sixth indigenous stealth frigate of the Indian Navy and is scheduled for commissioning on 11 July 2026 at Visakhapatnam. The warship will join the Eastern Fleet under the Eastern Naval Command after delivery to the Navy on 30 April 2026. INS Mahendragiri belongs to Project 17A, also called the Nilgiri-class programme, which covers advanced stealth frigates for the Indian Navy. The class follows the earlier Project 17 Shivalik-class frigates and includes improved stealth, automation, and combat systems. The Warship Design Bureau of the Indian Navy designed the frigate, and Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited in Mumbai built it. The ship has more than 75% indigenous content, which includes major systems, equipment, and platform integration developed in India.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Uttar Pradesh Approves Startup Policy 2026: Uttar Pradesh cabinet approved the Startup Policy 2026 on 6 July 2026. The policy provides seed funding support, incubator assistance, prototype grants, cloud service reimbursement, and special provisions for selected social groups and regions. Eligible startups can receive seed funding of up to Rs 15 lakh. Projects of strategic importance can receive support of up to Rs 50 lakh. The policy creates a Rs 1,000-crore Startup Fund for early-stage capital support. Selected startups can receive a monthly sustenance allowance of Rs 20,000 for two years. The policy also doubles prototype grants to Rs 10 lakh and provides annual cloud service reimbursement of up to Rs 2 lakh. The policy aims to expand the startup ecosystem in Uttar Pradesh and to support innovation-led economic activity. It sets a target linked to the State’s contribution to a $1 trillion economy by 2030.

 

2. Uttar Pradesh Approves Data Centre Policy 2026: The Uttar Pradesh Cabinet approved the Data Centre Policy, 2026, on 6 July 2026 in Lucknow. The meeting was chaired by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. The policy replaces the Data Centre Policy, 2021, which expired on 27 January 2026. Data centres are facilities that store, process, and distribute digital data through servers, storage systems, and network equipment. The 2026 policy focuses on AI-ready and green data centres, with emphasis on GPU-based infrastructure, energy efficiency, and sustainable operations. It targets more than 2 gigawatts of additional data centre capacity in the state. The policy targets investments of over Rs 2 lakh crore. It includes capital subsidies, interest subsidies, concessions on land, stamp duty, electricity charges, and infrastructure support. It also provides special incentives for Tier-3 and Tier-4 data centres, AI Compute Booster incentives, and Green and Sustainable Operations incentives.

 

3. Scientists Discover Earth-Like Exoplanet GJ 3378b: GJ 3378b is an exoplanet orbiting the red dwarf star Gliese 3378, which lies about 25 light-years from the Solar System in the northern constellation Camelopardalis. The planet was first identified in 2024 and later re-analysed by astronomers at the University of California, Irvine, with revised measurements published on 1 July 2026. The revised mass of GJ 3378b is about 2.3 times the mass of Earth, compared with an earlier estimate of about 5.26 to 5.3 Earth masses. Its orbital period is 21.45 days, compared with an earlier estimate of 25 days, and this orbit places it within the star’s habitable zone. The habitable zone is the region around a star where liquid water can exist on a planet’s surface if the planet has a suitable atmosphere. GJ 3378b receives about 90% of the radiation that Earth receives from the Sun, which places it near the inner part of the star’s habitable zone.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. IIT Bombay & SBI Life Establish ‘Bharat AI & Cyber Innovation Hub for Insurance’: IIT Bombay and SBI Life Insurance have partnered to establish the ‘Bharat AI & Cyber Innovation Hub for Insurance’ to develop indigenous Artificial Intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity solutions for India’s insurance sector. The hub aims to build AI-powered cyber defence systems that are designed, developed, and owned in India, supporting the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative and strengthening digital security in insurance.

 

2. RBI Imposes ₹66 Lakh Penalty on Bank of Baroda and GIC Housing Finance for KYC Violations: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) imposed a ₹63.6 lakh penalty on Bank of Baroda (BoB) for non-compliance with certain provisions of the Fair Practices Code for Lenders and Know Your Customer (KYC) norms. The RBI also levied a ₹3.1 lakh penalty on GIC Housing Finance Ltd for non-compliance with certain provisions of the KYC guidelines.

 

Daily GK Update- 6th July, 2026

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Madhya Pradesh Missile Manufacturing Plant Launched in Shivpuri: Adani Defence & Aerospace laid the foundation stone for a ₹2,500 crore missile manufacturing facility in Pali, Shivpuri district, Madhya Pradesh, on 5 July 2026. The project is planned as a private-sector missile ecosystem for medium and long-range missile systems. The facility is designed to integrate the missile manufacturing value chain. It will produce composite propellants, TNT, and explosive-grade materials, which are critical inputs in missile production. The project is described as South Asia’s largest private-sector missile ecosystem. The project is expected to generate about 5,000 direct and indirect skilled jobs over three years. It is also planned to integrate more than 50 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises into its supply chain. The facility is expected to be completed within three years.

 

2. West Bengal Implements PMCSPY for Tea Garden Workers: West Bengal approved the implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Cha Shramik Protsahan Yojana (PMCSPY) on 5 July 2026 for tea garden workers in North Bengal. The state sanctioned ₹313.30 crore for education, healthcare, and welfare infrastructure under the scheme. The PMCSPY includes three major components for tea garden labour welfare. The Cha Shramik Shiksha Yojana (CSSY) has an allocation of ₹177 crore for educational infrastructure and learning facilities. The Cha Shramik Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (CSSSY) has ₹72 crore for healthcare facilities and medical services. The State Level Committee finalised the implementation plan on 4 July 2026. The North Bengal Development Department will act as the nodal implementing agency and will coordinate with the Health Department, Paschim Banga Samagra Siksha Mission, and district administrations.

 

3. Railway Minister Flags Off New Express Train Services: Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw flagged off two new express train services on 6 July 2026. The services are the Nanded-Mumbai Express and the Tanakpur-Nanded Express. He also inaugurated the extension of the Tanakpur-Pilibhit train service up to Shahjahanpur through video conferencing from Rail Sadan in Bhubaneswar. The Nanded-Mumbai Express is linked with rail connectivity for passengers in Vidarbha and Marathwada in Maharashtra. Washim, Hingoli and Basmat are among the places connected by this service. The Tanakpur-Nanded Express connects Uttarakhand with Maharashtra and provides direct rail access to Hazur Sahib Nanded. The Tanakpur-Pilibhit train service was extended up to Shahjahanpur on 6 July 2026. The Tanakpur-Agra train, which earlier ran as a special service, was converted into a regular train on the same day. These changes add to the network of passenger services in northern India.

 

4. Union Home Minister Launches Cooperative Insurance Initiative: Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah announced a plan to establish a cooperative life insurance company on 6 July 2026 in New Delhi during the 5th Foundation Day celebration of the Ministry of Cooperation. The initiative is linked to the cooperative sector, insurance distribution, and the expansion of cooperative institutions in India. Cooperative insurance refers to insurance services organised through cooperative institutions, which are member-owned and member-controlled entities under the cooperative movement. The proposed model includes life insurance, while earlier plans for “Sahkari Insurance Services” covered health, life, agriculture, and accident insurance on a cooperative basis.

 

5. Andhra Pradesh Introduces Millet Chikki in Schools: Andhra Pradesh introduced peanut millet jaggery chikki in government schools under the Dokka Seethamma Mid-Day Meal Scheme on 6 July 2026. The new snack replaces conventional peanut chikki and is prepared with peanuts, blended millets and jaggery syrup. The Dokka Seethamma Mid-Day Meal Scheme is the school nutrition programme of Andhra Pradesh for students in government schools. The scheme covers food distribution in schools and junior colleges through procurement and supply arrangements for the academic year 2026-27. The Akshaya Patra Foundation supplied millet chikkis to students three days a week alongside the government menu as of 31 March 2026. The foundation launched a Morning Nutrition programme in Visakhapatnam on 3 December 2025 and provided millet-based snacks to 49,000 children in 321 government schools on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

 

6. AICTE Closes 58 Engineering Colleges: The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) closed 58 engineering and technical colleges during the 2025-26 academic year through a progressive closure process. Under this process, existing students can complete their degrees, while no new first-year admissions are permitted in the affected institutions. Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra recorded 12 closures each as of 5-6 July 2026. Madhya Pradesh recorded eight closures, while Telangana and Punjab recorded four closures each during the same academic year. Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthan recorded three closures each. Gujarat, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu recorded two closures each, while Haryana, Odisha, Uttarakhand, West Bengal, and Puducherry recorded one closure each.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India Joins UN Global Dialogue on AI Governance: India is participating in the inaugural United Nations Global Dialogue on AI Governance in Geneva, Switzerland, on 6-7 July 2026. The Indian delegation is led by Minister of State for External Affairs and Environment, Forest and Climate Change Kirti Vardhan Singh. The dialogue is the first universal, multi-stakeholder forum on AI governance under the United Nations system. The Global Dialogue on AI Governance was established under United Nations General Assembly Resolution 79/325. The framework follows the Global Digital Compact adopted in September 2024. The dialogue is designed to support international cooperation on AI governance alongside national, regional, and multilateral efforts. The Geneva meeting covers four clusters of issues related to artificial intelligence. These clusters are AI’s social and economic implications, bridging the global AI divide, promoting safe and trustworthy AI, and safeguarding human rights in the context of AI.

2. India Restores Hindu Temples Across Southeast Asia: India, through the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), is involved in heritage conservation projects at several ancient temple and monastery sites in Southeast Asia. These sites include Hindu, Buddhist, and mixed religious monuments in Laos, Indonesia, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Myanmar. Wat Phou is a 5th-century Hindu temple complex in southern Laos and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The ASI is continuing its restoration work there, and the second phase of the project is scheduled to conclude in 2028 at an estimated cost of Rs 24 crore. Wat Phou is associated with pre-Angkorian Khmer architecture and with Shaivite religious traditions. The site lies near the Mekong River and forms part of the Champasak cultural landscape. The Archaeological Survey of India is the central agency under the Ministry of Culture for archaeological research and conservation in India. The ASI also undertakes international heritage conservation projects through technical assistance, documentation, structural repair, and site management support.

 

3. India Hosts BRICS Anti-Drugs Meeting in Guwahati: India is hosting the two-day BRICS Heads of Anti-Drug Agencies Meeting in Guwahati, Assam, on 6-7 July 2026. The meeting is organised by the Narcotics Control Bureau under the Union Home Ministry and brings together anti-drug agencies from the expanded BRICS grouping. BRICS is an intergovernmental grouping that originally comprised Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. The expanded BRICS grouping includes Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates. The BRICS Heads of Anti-Drug Agencies Meeting is a platform for cooperation among national drug-control institutions. The agenda includes intelligence sharing, operational coordination, capacity building and institutional cooperation among member states.

 

4. OPEC+ Approves 188,000 Bpd Oil Output Hike: OPEC+ agreed on 5 July 2026 to raise its collective oil production ceiling by 188,000 barrels per day for August. The decision was taken by seven core members of the alliance during an online ministerial meeting. OPEC+ is a grouping of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and allied producers that coordinates oil output policy. The seven core members involved in the August decision were Saudi Arabia, Russia, Iraq, Kuwait, Kazakhstan, Algeria, and Oman. The August increase forms part of a phased rollback of a 1.65 million barrels per day supply cut agreed in 2023. After the August hike, about 379,000 barrels per day of the original 2023 cuts will still remain to be restored to the market. Crude oil traded near 72 US dollars per barrel on 3 July 2026. The next OPEC+ ministerial review is fixed for 2 August 2026.

 

5. INS Sudarshini Reaches New York for Sail4th 250: INS Sudarshini, the Indian Naval Sail Training Ship, arrived in New York Harbor on 4 July 2026 for the United States International Naval Review 250 and Sail4th 250 celebrations. The three-masted barque is berthed at Brooklyn and is part of a 10-month transoceanic expedition named Lokayan 2026. INS Sudarshini is a sail training ship of the Indian Navy. A barque is a sailing vessel with three or more masts, with square sails on the foremast and mainmast and fore-and-aft sails on the mizzenmast. Sail4th 250 marks the 250th anniversary of the United States’ independence. The events in New York are scheduled from 4 July to 8 July 2026, and public viewing of tall ships is planned from 5 July to 8 July 2026. INS Sudarshini participated in SAIL 250 events in Norfolk and Baltimore before reaching New York. The ship sailed along the Hudson River during the Parade of Sail and flew the Indian Tricolour.

 

6. Bihar Banyan Tree Named World’s Oldest Accurately Dated: A banyan tree (Ficus benghalensis) in Munger, Bihar, has been identified as the world’s oldest accurately dated banyan tree. Scientists estimated its age at about 700 years through high-precision radiocarbon dating of alpha-cellulose from wood samples. The tree stands on the Indian Tobacco Company campus in Munger and has been linked to the historic Burra Bunglow area. The study used radiocarbon dating, a method that measures the decay of carbon-14 in organic material and is used in archaeology, geology, and palaeosciences. Tropical broadleaf trees such as banyans usually do not form distinct annual growth rings, which makes conventional dendrochronology difficult. The use of alpha-cellulose from wood samples provides a more precise material for radiocarbon analysis in long-lived trees.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

DEFENCE

 

1. CWGC Recognises 9,909 Indian World War I Soldiers: On 6 July 2026, the Commonwealth War Graves Commission recognised 9,909 previously uncommemorated British Indian Army servicemen from World War I. The revision is the largest change to the CWGC casualty database in more than 80 years. The Commonwealth War Graves Commission is an intergovernmental organisation that maintains war graves and memorials for Commonwealth war dead. It was established in 1917 as the Imperial War Graves Commission and later adopted its present name. The British Indian Army recruited men from the Indian subcontinent during World War I, and about 1.4 million men served in its ranks. Many of the newly recognised names belonged to Punjabis from undivided Punjab, which was a major recruiting region for the army.

 

2. China Conducts Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missile Test: China conducted a submarine-launched ballistic missile test in the South Pacific on Monday, 6 July 2026. The missile carried a dummy warhead and was launched at 12:01 p.m. local time, or 0401 GMT, from one of China’s nuclear-powered submarines. A submarine-launched ballistic missile is a ballistic missile fired from a submarine platform. Such missiles are part of sea-based nuclear deterrence systems and are associated with strategic forces in several nuclear-armed states. The South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone was established under the Treaty of Rarotonga in 1985. It covers the South Pacific region and restricts the stationing, testing, and acquisition of nuclear explosive devices in the zone. This was China’s second strategic missile test in the Pacific since September 2024, when it fired an intercontinental ballistic missile. It was also the first known submarine-based missile test from a nuclear-powered submarine since 1982.

 

3. Armed Forces Review Higher Agniveer Retention: The Department of Military Affairs, headed by Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, is reviewing a proposal to raise the retention rate of Agniveers under the Agnipath scheme. The scheme was launched in June 2022 and allows 25% of Agniveer recruits to enter permanent service after a four-year tenure. Agnipath is a recruitment scheme for the Indian Armed Forces that inducts personnel as Agniveers for four years. Under the existing framework, 75% of each batch is released after the tenure, while 25% is retained for regular service. The Indian Navy is seeking retention of about 75% of its Agniveers, especially in technical branches where training costs are high. The Indian Army and the Indian Air Force are expected to seek retention of about 50% each.

 

SPORTS 

 

1. International Day of Cooperatives 2026 Observed on 5 July - First Saturday of July: The UN International Day of Cooperatives (IDoC) was observed globally on 5 July 2026 (first Saturday of July) under the 2026 theme "Cooperatives Serve People: Building a Sustainable Future for All." Exam importance: IDoC was established in 1923 by the International Co-operative Alliance (ICA) and was officially proclaimed by UNGA through Resolution A/RES/47/90 in December 1992; first UN-recognised observance: July 1993; ICA was established in 1895, HQ: Brussels, Belgium; India has the world's largest cooperative movement with over 8.5 lakh cooperatives and 29 crore members; AMUL (Anand Milk Union Limited) is India's iconic dairy cooperative; Union Ministry of Cooperation was established in 2021 under Amit Shah; India's Multi-State Cooperative Societies (Amendment) Act, 2023 reformed the governance of cooperatives.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Scientists Discover Earth-Like Exoplanet GJ 3378b: GJ 3378b is an exoplanet orbiting the red dwarf star Gliese 3378, which lies about 25 light-years from the Solar System in the northern constellation Camelopardalis. The planet was first identified in 2024 and later re-analysed by astronomers at the University of California, Irvine, with revised measurements published on 1 July 2026. The revised mass of GJ 3378b is about 2.3 times the mass of Earth, compared with an earlier estimate of about 5.26 to 5.3 Earth masses. Its orbital period is 21.45 days, compared with an earlier estimate of 25 days, and this orbit places it within the star’s habitable zone. The habitable zone is the region around a star where liquid water can exist on a planet’s surface if the planet has a suitable atmosphere. GJ 3378b receives about 90% of the radiation that Earth receives from the Sun, which places it near the inner part of the star’s habitable zone.

 

2. Hayabusa2 Performs Torifune Asteroid Flyby: Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency’s Hayabusa2 spacecraft performed a high-speed flyby of asteroid Torifune, also called 2001 CC21, on 5 July 2026. The spacecraft passed at about 800 metres from the asteroid’s centre and moved at around 5 kilometres per second relative to the asteroid. Hayabusa2 is a Japanese sample-return spacecraft developed by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency. The probe completed its primary mission in 2020 by returning samples from asteroid Ryugu to Earth. It is now operating on an extended mission with additional asteroid encounters. Asteroid Torifune has the designation 2001 CC21. Its estimated diameter is about 450 to 500 metres. The flyby enabled observations of the asteroid’s surface, structure, and temperature. JAXA confirmed that the spacecraft remained in normal condition at 6:35 p.m. Japan Standard Time on 5 July 2026.

 

3. ISRO Conducts First SOLVE Ground Test for Gaganyaan: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) conducted the first ground test of the solid motor for the Sub-Orbital Launch Vehicle for Experiments (SOLVE) on 3 July 2026 at the Static Test Facility, Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota. SOLVE is a compact test vehicle developed for integrated parachute tests for the deceleration system of the Gaganyaan Crew Module. SOLVE stands for Sub-Orbital Launch Vehicle for Experiments. It is designed to carry the crew module to an altitude of 10 to 17 km, after which the module separates and a sequence of 10 parachutes deploys for descent before splashdown in the sea. The solid stage of SOLVE is derived from the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle Strap-on Motor. The modified configuration includes a slow burn-rate propellant and a straight nozzle with secondary injection thrust vector control.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Uttar Pradesh Expands Free Residential Education Under JPNSV Scheme: Jai Prakash Narayan Sarvodaya Vidyalaya (JPNSV) schools are a network of free residential schools in Uttar Pradesh managed by the Uttar Pradesh Social Welfare Department. The scheme provides hostel accommodation, meals, uniforms, books, stationery, and residential schooling for eligible students from economically weaker and socially disadvantaged families. Seat allocation in JPNSV schools follows a fixed reservation pattern. Scheduled Castes receive 60% of seats, Other Backward Classes receive 25% of seats, and 15% of seats are reserved for General Category students from economically weaker families. Students in Classes 11 and 12 also receive free coaching for NEET, JEE, and CUET.

 

2. VB-GRAM G Scheme Gets First Instalment of ₹25,863 Crore: The Union Ministry of Rural Development released the first instalment of ₹25,863 crore for the rural employment programme under the Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025. The release took place on 5 July 2026 through video conferencing from Bhopal, and the Act came into effect across rural India on 1 July 2026. The revised wage structure under VB-GRAM G fixed an interim base wage rate of ₹300 per day from 1 July 2026. The national average daily wage increased by ₹28.6 to ₹327.4 per day, compared with ₹298.8 under MGNREGA. The funding pattern under the scheme follows a 60:40 Centre-State ratio for most States and a 90:10 ratio for North-Eastern and Himalayan States. An interim allocation of ₹95,692.31 crore has been made for States and Union Territories for wage payments and works under the new framework.