Daily GK Update- 26th July, 2026

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Pralhad Joshi Takes Charge as Education Minister: Pralhad Joshi was appointed Union Education Minister on 25 July 2026 after the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan from the Union Council of Ministers. He took charge of the Ministry of Education at Kartavya Bhavan on 26 July 2026 and continued to hold the portfolios of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, and New and Renewable Energy. The Ministry of Education is a Union ministry under the Government of India and is responsible for school education, higher education, literacy, and related policy matters. The ministry functions through departments such as the Department of School Education and Literacy and the Department of Higher Education. Pralhad Joshi is a five-time Bharatiya Janata Party Member of Parliament from the Dharwad constituency in Karnataka. He served as Union Minister for Coal, Mines, and Parliamentary Affairs from 2019 to 2024.

 

2. Dharmendra Pradhan Resigns as Union Education Minister Amid Massive Student Protests: Dharmendra Pradhan resigned as Union Education Minister on 25 July 2026 amid nationwide student protests linked to alleged irregularities in competitive examinations. The resignation followed protests over the alleged paper leak in NEET-UG 2026 and demands for action on examination-related misconduct. The Union Council of Ministers is the executive body that assists the Prime Minister under Article 74 of the Constitution of India. It includes Cabinet Ministers, Ministers of State, and Ministers of State with independent charge. NEET-UG stands for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Undergraduate courses. It is a national-level entrance examination for admission to undergraduate medical and allied health courses in India.

 

3. SEBI Proposes Overhaul of Portfolio Management Services Norms: The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) released a consultation paper on 23 July 2026 for a comprehensive review of the SEBI (Portfolio Managers) Regulations, 2020. The proposal covers Portfolio Management Services (PMS), mutual fund schemes, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), Specialised Investment Funds (SIFs), and investment limits for portfolio managers. SEBI has proposed a dedicated mutual fund-only PMS framework. Under this category, portfolio managers may manage client funds only through direct plans of mutual fund schemes, including ETFs and SIFs. The minimum client investment requirement for this category is proposed to fall from ₹50 lakh to ₹25 lakh, and the minimum net worth for applicants is proposed to fall from ₹5 crore to ₹2 crore. The consultation paper also proposes wider investment flexibility for portfolio managers. 

 

4. 20% Local Content Rule for Private FM Radio: India has 386 operational private FM radio channels as of 24 July 2026. The Private FM Radio Policy requires each broadcaster to ensure that at least 20% of daily broadcast content is in the local language of the city. Private FM radio services in India operate under licences issued by the Union government. FM stands for frequency modulation, and private FM broadcasting is used for local entertainment, news-based programming, and community-oriented content. The 20% local content rule applies to daily broadcasts on private FM channels. The policy links local language programming with regional culture, traditions, folklore, and folk music. The rule also supports community engagement through city-specific content.

 

5. Rajasthan State Water Plan 2047 Launched: Rajasthan launched the Rajasthan State Water Plan 2047 on 24 July 2026 with a long-term framework for river-linking projects, groundwater conservation, and public participation. The state also listed major drinking water and irrigation works, including the Ramjal Setu Link Project, the Yamuna Water Agreement, and urban water supply projects under AMRUT 2.0. Rajasthan is a north-western Indian state with a large arid and semi-arid region, and water management in the state depends on canal systems, groundwater recharge, and rainwater harvesting. The Indira Gandhi Canal Project is one of the major irrigation and drinking water systems in the state, and it supplies water to districts in western Rajasthan.

 

6. Weaves of India Festival Showcases Handloom Heritage: The Weaves of India Festival is being held from 24 July to 7 August 2026 in New Delhi. The festival is organised by the Office of the Development Commissioner (Handlooms) under the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, at the Central Cottage Industries Emporium on Janpath. The festival displays 116 heritage weaves from different regions of India. The showcased textiles include Banarasi, Jamdani, Kanchipuram Silk, and Sambalpuri Ikat, which are among the best-known handloom traditions in the country. Handloom refers to cloth woven on a loom operated by hand, without the use of power-driven machinery. India has one of the largest handloom sectors in the world, and the sector is linked to rural employment, traditional skills, and regional textile identities.

 

7. Two Lakh Anganwadi Centres Approved for Saksham Upgradation: The Ministry of Women and Child Development has approved the upgradation of two lakh Anganwadi Centres across India into Saksham Anganwadis for improved nutrition and Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) activities. The upgradation is part of Mission Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0, which combines Anganwadi services, Poshan Abhiyaan, and the Scheme for Adolescent Girls. Mission Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 is a centrally sponsored scheme for nutrition support, ECCE, and service delivery through Anganwadi Centres. The scheme covers children under six years of age, pregnant women, lactating mothers, and adolescent girls aged 14-18 years in Aspirational Districts and the North-Eastern region.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India Becomes the World’s Second Most Electrified Major Railway Network with 99.6% Broad Gauge Electrification: India has electrified 99.6% of its broad gauge railway network, making it the second most electrified major railway system in the world after Switzerland (100%). The remaining routes are currently under electrification. Railway electrification has accelerated significantly since 2014, with 48,072 route km electrified between 2014–2026, compared to 21,801 route km electrified over nearly six decades before 2014. India now surpasses several major railway networks in electrification, including China (82%), Spain (67%), Japan (64%), France (60%), and the United Kingdom (39%). Railway electrification has promoted sustainable transport, as rail emits only 11.5 grams of CO₂ per tonne-km, nearly 89% lower than road transport (101 grams). Diesel consumption has also declined from 293 crore litres (2015–16) to 108 crore litres (2024–25). Indian Railways is expanding renewable energy use, with 1,161 MW of solar power and 103 MW of wind power commissioned by June 2026, taking the total renewable energy capacity to over 1,260 MW.

 

2. Sarnath Gets UNESCO World Heritage Tag: Sarnath, an ancient Buddhist site in Uttar Pradesh, was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List on 25 July 2026 during the 48th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee in Busan, South Korea. The inscription makes Sarnath India’s 45th World Heritage Site and Uttar Pradesh’s fourth World Heritage Site. The UNESCO World Heritage List includes cultural, natural, and mixed properties of outstanding universal value. UNESCO adopted the World Heritage Convention in 1972, and the World Heritage Committee examines nominations for inscription each year. India has multiple sites on the list across categories such as monuments, archaeological sites, and natural landscapes.

 

3. Google Fined €890 Million Under EU Antitrust Rules: The European Commission fined Google €890 million on 23 July 2026 for breaches of European Union online competition rules. The penalty was imposed under the European Union’s 2022 Digital Markets Act, which regulates large digital platforms designated as gatekeepers. The fine was divided into two parts. Google was fined €460 million for self-preferencing its own services in search results, and €430 million for anti-steering restrictions in Google Play. Self-preferencing refers to the practice of giving a platform’s own products or services better placement than rival offerings. Anti-steering restrictions limit app developers from directing users to cheaper payment or purchase options outside the platform’s own store.

 

4. India Gets Lower US Tariff Rate Under Section 301: The United States imposed new Section 301 tariffs on 60 countries on 24 July 2026 under Section 301 of the US Trade Act of 1974. India was placed in the lower 10% additional tariff bracket instead of the initially proposed 12.5% rate, and the tariffs took effect on 25 July 2026. India’s lower tariff rate followed a policy change in June 2026, when the Directorate General of Foreign Trade amended the Foreign Trade Policy to prohibit imports of goods manufactured using forced labour. India is among 17 economies in the 10% bracket, along with Canada, the United Kingdom, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Indonesia, and Mexico. China, Vietnam, Thailand, Japan, and South Korea face the higher 12.5% tariff rate. The United States linked the action to investigations on whether trading partners were preventing the import of goods made using forced labour.

 

5. India Launches First Domestic Natural Gas Futures: India’s first domestic benchmark-based natural gas futures contract will launch on 27 July 2026 on the National Stock Exchange. The contract has received approval from the Securities and Exchange Board of India and will trade under the ticker symbol NATGASIND. Natural gas futures are exchange-traded derivative contracts that derive value from an underlying natural gas price benchmark. The new NSE contract is linked to the Indian Gas Exchange’s Gujarat (Dahej) hub price and is quoted in Indian Rupees per mmBtu, a standard unit used for gas pricing. The contract is cash-settled, which means no physical delivery of natural gas takes place at expiry. The trading unit is 250 mmBtu, and NSE Clearing will handle clearing, settlement, daily mark-to-market adjustments, and initial margin collection.

 

6. Wildfires Force Mass Evacuations in France and Spain: Wildfires in southwestern France and central Spain led to large-scale evacuations on 24 July 2026. More than 80,000 people left affected areas in both countries, and France and Spain sought assistance from the European Union. A wildfire is an uncontrolled fire that spreads through vegetation such as forests, grasslands, and scrubland. In France, authorities ordered the evacuation of the Cap Ferret peninsula in the Gironde prefecture, where the fire burned more than 12,500 hectares of forest. Cap Ferret lies on the Atlantic coast in south-western France, and evacuations were carried out village by village. More than 44,000 people were moved out in two days, including holidaymakers staying in the area.

 

7. Indian scientists develop low-cost zinc-air battery technology: Indian researchers have developed multiple zinc-air battery technologies in 2024 and 2025, including low-cost electrolytes, catalysts, and mechanically rechargeable systems. Zinc-air batteries use zinc as the anode and oxygen from air as the cathode reactant, and they are studied as alternatives to lithium-ion batteries for stationary storage and electric vehicles. A team led by Dr. S. Devaraj at SASTRA Deemed University developed a nanofluid electrolyte for rechargeable zinc-air batteries with support from the Department of Science and Technology. The electrolyte uses silica and zinc oxide nanoparticles and remained stable for more than three months in laboratory conditions. The same team developed a copper-doped manganese dioxide catalyst and converted discarded household water-filter carbon and surgical face masks into carbon materials for battery use.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

DEFENCE

 

1. Bhargavastra Counter-Drone System: Bhargavastra uses a dual-layer kill mechanism. The first layer uses unguided micro-rockets with a lethal radius of 20 metres, and the second layer uses precision-guided micro-missiles with an interception range of up to 2.5 kilometres. The system can detect larger UAVs up to 10 kilometres and smaller drones up to 6 kilometres. It integrates radar, Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) sensors, and passive radio-frequency detectors for target acquisition. During the demonstration, the sensors detected and tracked a drone swarm, and the C4I suite generated a real-time air picture and assigned targets to the launcher. Actual rocket firing was not carried out at the facility because of safety reasons. SDAL stated that internal trials for Bhargavastra would be completed within two to three months from 24 July 2026. The system is described by its developers as one of the first fully integrated, vehicle-mounted, multi-layer counter-swarm drone systems with dedicated swarm-neutralisation capability.

 

SPORTS 

 

1. The Oval to Host ICC World Test Championship Final 2027: The Oval, London, has been confirmed as the venue for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final 2027, which will be held from 9–13 June 2027. It will be the second time The Oval hosts the WTC Final after 2023. The ICC has designated England as the host of the 2027, 2029, and 2031 WTC Finals, with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) responsible for selecting the venue for each final. In the current 2025–27 WTC cycle, Australia leads the standings with 87.50% points percentage, followed by South Africa (75%) and New Zealand (72.22%), while India is placed fifth with 48.15%.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Indian Railways pilots AI-based linen stain detection: Indian Railways launched an AI-based stain detection pilot project on 24 July 2026 at mechanised laundries to inspect washed linen. The pilot is being implemented in the Pune Division of Central Railway and the Jaipur and Jodhpur divisions of North Western Railway. Mechanised laundries are railway facilities that wash and process linen used in passenger services. Indian Railways also uses Whito-Meters to assess linen whiteness and CCTV cameras to monitor laundry operations across mechanised laundries. The system uses automated camera technology, computer vision, and machine learning algorithms to detect stains on washed linen. It is designed to work with existing cleanliness checks in mechanised laundries.

 

2. SpaceX Starship Deploys 20 Starlink Satellites: SpaceX launched Starship from Starbase, Texas, on 24 July 2026 for Flight 13, its 13th test mission. The upper stage deployed 20 upgraded Starlink V3 satellites into suborbital space, and the mission included an in-space Raptor engine relight test. Starship is a fully reusable launch system developed by SpaceX for orbital missions, lunar missions, and deep-space transport. The system has two stages, namely the Starship upper stage and the Super Heavy booster, which provides the initial lift-off thrust. Starlink is SpaceX’s satellite internet constellation, and the V3 satellites are the next-generation version designed for higher bandwidth and faster internet speeds. Six of the deployed satellites carried cameras to transmit live views of Starship back to Earth during the test flight.

 

3. India Orders GitHub to Remove Bitchat App: The Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C) under the Ministry of Home Affairs ordered GitHub to remove the Bluetooth-based chat application Bitchat on 23 July 2026. The order was made public on 24 July 2026 by Jack Dorsey, the developer of Bitchat and former Chief Executive Officer of Twitter. The directive invoked Section 79(3)(b) of the Information Technology Act, 2000, and Rule 3(1)(d) of the Information Technology Rules, 2021. The order asked GitHub to disable access to three Bitchat repositories, including the Android version, within hours. Section 79 of the Information Technology Act, 2000, deals with intermediary liability in India. Rule 3(1)(d) of the IT Rules, 2021, relates to due diligence obligations for intermediaries and content-related compliance.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Centre Approves Two Electronics Manufacturing Clusters in Tamil Nadu Worth ₹1,012 Cr: The Centre has approved two Electronics Manufacturing Clusters (EMCs) in Tamil Nadu with a combined investment of over ₹1,012 crore to strengthen the state’s electronics manufacturing ecosystem and promote self-reliance. The Manallur EMC will be developed over 474.3 acres at a cost of ₹587.47 crore, while the Pillapaikkam EMC will cover 379.3 acres with an investment of ₹424.55 crore. India’s electronics manufacturing has grown significantly, with production increasing from ₹1.9 lakh crore (2014-15) to ₹13.11 lakh crore (2025-26) and exports rising from ₹38,000 crore to ₹4.24 lakh crore, supported by PLI schemes, liberalised FDI, tax reforms, and labour reforms. India now manufactures 99.2% of the mobile phones sold domestically, with mobile phone production reaching ₹6.27 lakh crore and exports ₹2.59 lakh crore. The sector provides employment to around 25 lakh people, while Tamil Nadu has emerged as a major electronics manufacturing hub.

 

2. Union Cabinet Approves ₹3,030 Crore BHAVYA Rasayan Scheme for Three Chemical Parks: The Union Cabinet approved the Bharat Audyogik Vikas Yojana Rasayan (BHAVYA Rasayan) scheme with an outlay of ₹3,030 crore to establish three dedicated chemical parks across India during FY 2026–27 to FY 2030–31. Under the scheme, ₹3,000 crore has been allocated for common infrastructure development within the chemical parks, while ₹30 crore has been earmarked for administrative expenses. The Centre will provide up to ₹1,000 crore assistance for each park. The chemical parks will be selected through a challenge-based process and developed by state governments. Each park must have at least 2,000 acres (8 sq. km.) of contiguous, encumbrance-free land, with the respective state contributing a minimum of ₹500 crore. The parks will adopt a plug-and-play industrial model and include facilities such as Common Effluent Treatment Plants (CETPs), Treatment, Storage and Disposal Facilities (TSDFs), water supply systems, and logistics infrastructure to promote sustainable chemical manufacturing.

 

3. NABARD and MAHAPREIT Sign MoU to Promote Green and Climate-Resilient Rural Infrastructure: NABARD and Mahatma Phule Renewable Energy and Infrastructure Technology (MAHAPREIT) signed an MoU to finance and promote green, climate-resilient, and sustainable infrastructure in rural India, with a special focus on Maharashtra. The partnership aims to identify, develop, structure, and finance sustainable projects that enhance rural prosperity, climate resilience, village infrastructure, and strengthen Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs).

 

Daily GK Update- 25th July, 2026

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Centre Approves Two Electronics Manufacturing Clusters in Tamil Nadu Worth ₹1,012 Cr: The Centre has approved two Electronics Manufacturing Clusters (EMCs) in Tamil Nadu with a combined investment of over ₹1,012 crore to strengthen the state’s electronics manufacturing ecosystem and promote self-reliance. The Manallur EMC will be developed over 474.3 acres at a cost of ₹587.47 crore, while the Pillapaikkam EMC will cover 379.3 acres with an investment of ₹424.55 crore. India’s electronics manufacturing has grown significantly, with production increasing from ₹1.9 lakh crore (2014-15) to ₹13.11 lakh crore (2025-26) and exports rising from ₹38,000 crore to ₹4.24 lakh crore, supported by PLI schemes, liberalised FDI, tax reforms, and labour reforms. India now manufactures 99.2% of the mobile phones sold domestically, with mobile phone production reaching ₹6.27 lakh crore and exports ₹2.59 lakh crore. The sector provides employment to around 25 lakh people, while Tamil Nadu has emerged as a major electronics manufacturing hub.

 

2. India Becomes the World’s Second Most Electrified Major Railway Network with 99.6% Broad Gauge Electrification: India has electrified 99.6% of its broad gauge railway network, making it the second most electrified major railway system in the world after Switzerland (100%). The remaining routes are currently under electrification. Railway electrification has accelerated significantly since 2014, with 48,072 route km electrified between 2014–2026, compared to 21,801 route km electrified over nearly six decades before 2014. India now surpasses several major railway networks in electrification, including China (82%), Spain (67%), Japan (64%), France (60%), and the United Kingdom (39%). Railway electrification has promoted sustainable transport, as rail emits only 11.5 grams of CO₂ per tonne-km, nearly 89% lower than road transport (101 grams). Diesel consumption has also declined from 293 crore litres (2015–16) to 108 crore litres (2024–25). Indian Railways is expanding renewable energy use, with 1,161 MW of solar power and 103 MW of wind power commissioned by June 2026, taking the total renewable energy capacity to over 1,260 MW.

 

3. Union Cabinet Approves ₹3,030 Crore BHAVYA Rasayan Scheme for Three Chemical Parks: The Union Cabinet approved the Bharat Audyogik Vikas Yojana Rasayan (BHAVYA Rasayan) scheme with an outlay of ₹3,030 crore to establish three dedicated chemical parks across India during FY 2026–27 to FY 2030–31. Under the scheme, ₹3,000 crore has been allocated for common infrastructure development within the chemical parks, while ₹30 crore has been earmarked for administrative expenses. The Centre will provide up to ₹1,000 crore assistance for each park. The chemical parks will be selected through a challenge-based process and developed by state governments. Each park must have at least 2,000 acres (8 sq. km.) of contiguous, encumbrance-free land, with the respective state contributing a minimum of ₹500 crore. The parks will adopt a plug-and-play industrial model and include facilities such as Common Effluent Treatment Plants (CETPs), Treatment, Storage and Disposal Facilities (TSDFs), water supply systems, and logistics infrastructure to promote sustainable chemical manufacturing.

4. Andhra Pradesh Approves State’s First Private Women’s University: The Andhra Pradesh Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, has approved the establishment of Vishnu Women’s University, the first private women’s university in the state. The Cabinet approved a proposal to promulgate an ordinance amending the Schedule to the Andhra Pradesh Private Universities (Establishment and Regulation) Act, 2016, to facilitate the university’s establishment. The initiative aims to expand higher education opportunities for women and strengthen the state’s private higher education ecosystem through the establishment of a dedicated women’s university.

 

5. 22 July – National Mango Day: National Mango Day is observed every year on 22 July to celebrate the mango, India’s national fruit, and to highlight its cultural, nutritional, and economic significance. India is the largest producer of mangoes in the world, contributing around 40% of global mango production, with major producing states including Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Telangana, Bihar, and Maharashtra.

 

6. Anti-Paper Leak Bill Approved by Union Cabinet: The Union Cabinet approved a new anti-paper leak bill on 24 July 2026. The bill is scheduled for introduction in Parliament on Monday, during the second week of the Monsoon session. The proposed law is linked to measures against paper leaks in public examinations, including cases related to the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test. Public examinations in India include recruitment tests, entrance examinations, and other tests conducted by public authorities. Paper leaks, impersonation, and unauthorised access to question papers are treated as forms of unfair means in examination law. The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, was enacted to address such offences in public examinations.

 

7. Supreme Court Seeks Amendment to National Highways Act: The Supreme Court of India on 23 July 2026 stated that it is prima facie unacceptable for bureaucrats to decide land compensation disputes under the National Highways Act, 1956. A three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and comprising Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana urged the Union government to amend the law so that judicially trained adjudicators handle such disputes. The National Highways Act, 1956 is a Central law that provides for the declaration, acquisition, and maintenance of national highways in India. It is one of the principal statutes used for land acquisition for highway projects, including widening, expansion, and construction of new road corridors.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Viswanathan Anand Takes Charge as Interim President of FIDE: Five-time World Chess Champion Viswanathan Anand has taken charge as the Interim President of FIDE (International Chess Federation) after FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich was placed on the European Union’s sanctions list. Anand will serve as Interim President for as long as Arkady Dvorkovich remains subject to the restrictive measures imposed under the applicable Swiss and European Union laws and regulations.

 

2. 25 July – World Embryologist Day: World Embryologist Day is observed every year on 25 July to recognise the contribution of embryologists in the field of reproductive medicine, assisted reproductive technologies (ART), and fertility treatments. Theme 2026 – Creating Hope, Advancing Fertility, Transforming Lives. The day commemorates the birth of the world’s first “test-tube baby”, Louise Brown, who was born on 25 July 1978 in the United Kingdom through In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) technology. Embryologists play a crucial role in IVF procedures, including the handling of eggs and sperm, embryo development, embryo selection, and improving success rates of fertility treatments.

 

3. Government Bars Telecom Data Sharing Abroad: On 24 July 2026, the Government of India barred communication infrastructure providers from sharing telecommunication data outside India. The Department of Telecommunications issued a notification dated 20 July 2026 and created an authorisation framework for telecom-related data storage and access within India. The directive requires telecommunication data, logs, and information linked to telecom networks to remain stored within India. The rule covers cloud-based telecom networks, mobile towers, and satellite gateways, which are part of the country’s communication infrastructure. The new rules form part of the shift from a licensing regime to a regulatory framework under the Telecommunications Act, 2023. The Act provides the legal basis for authorisation, compliance checks, and oversight of telecom entities operating in India.

 

4. CMFRI Launches DeepDATA App for Deep-Sea Fish Documentation: The ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) launched DeepDATA on 23 July 2026 as a mobile application for deep-sea fish documentation. The app provides scientifically verified information on deep-sea fish species and allows users to upload field observations for a national digital repository. DeepDATA is a mobile application available on the Google Play Store. It is designed as both a learning platform and a documentation tool for students, researchers, fishermen, and marine enthusiasts. The app includes species-level information on taxonomy, identifying features, distribution, and conservation status. It also supports the collection of photographs and observations from fishing operations, research cruises, and coastal visits.

 

5. India Concludes Eighth Trade Policy Review at WTO: India concluded its Eighth Trade Policy Review at the World Trade Organization in Geneva on 24 July 2026. The review sessions were held on 21 July and 23 July 2026, and the exercise covered India’s trade policies from 1 January 2021 to 31 December 2025. The Trade Policy Review Mechanism is one of the WTO’s three core functions, along with trade negotiations and dispute settlement. It examines the trade and related policies of WTO members on a regular basis. India is a founding member of the WTO, which came into force on 1 January 1995. Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal led the Indian delegation during the review. India received 1,094 written questions from 44 WTO members, and 68 members made interventions across the two sessions. WTO members also noted India’s acceptance of the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, which was adopted at the 12th WTO Ministerial Conference in June 2022.

 

6. India Hosts 16th BRICS Health Ministers’ Meeting: India hosted the 16th BRICS Health Ministers’ Meeting in Chandigarh from 22 to 24 July 2026 under its BRICS Chairship 2026. The meeting brought together health ministers, senior officials, and technical experts from the 11-member BRICS grouping, which includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Indonesia. Union Health Minister J. P. Nadda chaired the Health Ministers’ Meeting on 23 July 2026. The members unanimously adopted the 16th BRICS Health Ministerial Declaration, which refers to universal health coverage, pandemic preparedness, digital health, and equitable access to medicines. The meeting theme was “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability”. The discussions covered health security, digital health, pandemic preparedness, and equitable access to quality healthcare. The agenda also included collaborative research on tuberculosis, prevention and response to mass infectious diseases, and promotion of mental well-being.

 

7. India Sends 4.5 Tonnes Medical Aid to Kenya: India delivered 4.5 tonnes of medical assistance to Kenya on 22 July 2026 for Ebola preparedness and response to other infectious diseases. The first consignment was handed over at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi by Indian High Commissioner Adarsh Swaika to Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Health, Aden Duale. Ebola virus disease is a severe viral haemorrhagic fever caused by viruses of the genus Ebolavirus. It spreads through direct contact with blood, body fluids, contaminated objects, and infected animals, and it requires strict infection prevention and control measures in health facilities. The shipment contained 279 packages of medical supplies. The consignment included Personal Protective Equipment kits, sample transportation kits, infrared thermometers, face shields, and heavy-duty protective boots. These items are used in disease surveillance, safe sample handling, and frontline worker protection.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

DEFENCE

 

1. Rajnath Singh Hails First-Ever Tri-Services All-Women Global Circumnavigation Expedition ‘Samudra Pradakshina’: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh virtually flagged off the first-ever tri-services all-women circumnavigation expedition, ‘Samudra Pradakshina’, onboard IASV Triveni.

Led by Lieutenant Colonel Anuja Varudkar, with Squadron Leader Shraddha P. Raju as Deputy Expedition Leader, the expedition was flagged off from Gateway of India, Mumbai, on 11 September 2025 and successfully completed a 25,500+ nautical mile voyage around the globe.

The crew crossed the Equator twice, rounded the three Great Capes—Cape Leeuwin (Australia), Cape Horn (South America), and Cape of Good Hope (Africa)—and completed the journey via an open-ocean route without using the Panama or Suez Canals.

 

2. Bhargavastra Counter-Drone System: Bhargavastra is an indigenous, vehicle-mounted, multi-layered Counter-Swarm Drone System developed by Solar Defence and Aerospace Ltd. (SDAL) for the Indian Army. It was demonstrated in Nagpur on 24 July 2026 during a Make-II programme status review. Bhargavastra uses a dual-layer kill mechanism. The first layer uses unguided micro-rockets with a lethal radius of 20 metres, and the second layer uses precision-guided micro-missiles with an interception range of up to 2.5 kilometres. The system can detect larger UAVs up to 10 kilometres and smaller drones up to 6 kilometres. It integrates radar, Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) sensors, and passive radio-frequency detectors for target acquisition.

 

SPORTS 

 

1. V.S. Rathanvel Becomes India’s 99th Chess Grandmaster: S. Rathanvel from Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, became India’s 99th Grandmaster (GM) after crossing the 2500 Elo rating mark at the Guwahati Smart City International Open 2026. Although Rathanvel had completed his three Grandmaster norms in 2022, he achieved the GM title only after fulfilling the 2500 Elo rating requirement, overcoming years of perseverance and mental resilience.

 

2. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Becomes Youngest Player to Score a T20I Fifty: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi became the youngest player to score a T20I fifty, achieving the feat at the age of 15 years and 118 days against Zimbabwe in Harare on 23 July 2026. Playing only his fourth T20I for India, Sooryavanshi smashed a 19-ball half-century (officially reaching the milestone in 18 balls), hitting 4 fours and 4 sixes, surpassing the previous youngest-record holder. The previous record was held by Gibraltar’s Louis Bruce, who scored a T20I fifty at the age of 16 years and 56 days against Malta in August 2021. Sooryavanshi broke the record by more than 300 days.

 

3. The Oval to Host ICC World Test Championship Final 2027: The Oval, London, has been confirmed as the venue for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final 2027, which will be held from 9–13 June 2027. It will be the second time The Oval hosts the WTC Final after 2023. The ICC has designated England as the host of the 2027, 2029, and 2031 WTC Finals, with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) responsible for selecting the venue for each final. In the current 2025–27 WTC cycle, Australia leads the standings with 87.50% points percentage, followed by South Africa (75%) and New Zealand (72.22%), while India is placed fifth with 48.15%.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. HCLTech to Invest ₹14,257 Crore in Odisha AI Data Centre: HCLTech announced on 24 July 2026 that it will establish its first AI Data Centre in Odisha with a planned capital outlay of ₹14,257 crore. The project will come up at the upcoming Odisha Sovereign AI Park and will involve HCLTech, Indian AI startup Sarvam, and the Government of Odisha. An AI data centre is a computing facility designed to support artificial intelligence workloads, including model training, inference, storage, and networking. Such facilities usually require high-performance computing systems, large-scale power supply, cooling infrastructure, and low-latency connectivity.

 

2. Karnataka’s Semiconductor Park to Become Operational by December 2026: Karnataka has planned a 200-acre Semiconductor Park at KWIN City near Bengaluru, with operationalisation targeted for December 2026. The park is part of the Knowledge, Wellbeing and Innovation City project and is designed for chip manufacturing, packaging, testing, and electronics production. Semiconductors are materials with electrical conductivity between conductors and insulators, and they are used in integrated circuits, sensors, and electronic devices. Semiconductor parks usually provide shared infrastructure for fabrication, assembly, testing, and related industrial services. The Karnataka park is intended to support the full product cycle from design and development to prototyping, testing, certification, and export. Such industrial clusters are used in electronics manufacturing to reduce logistics costs and improve supply-chain coordination.

 

3. India’s Private Space Investment Crosses $618 Million: Private investment in India’s space sector crossed USD 618.5 million by 31 March 2026. The cumulative funding rose from USD 100.5 million in 2021-22 to USD 618.5 million by 31 March 2026, and USD 187 million was recorded in 2026 alone. The Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, informed the Rajya Sabha about these figures on 23 July 2026. India’s space sector includes non-governmental entities, space startups, and private firms engaged in satellite systems, launch services, and downstream applications. The number of active space startups in India increased from one in 2014 to more than 400 by 2026. This growth is linked to policy changes that opened more space activities to private participation.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. PNB Partners with Andhra Pradesh to Set Up India’s First Quantum Finance Innovation Hub: Punjab National Bank (PNB) signed an MoU with the Andhra Pradesh Quantum Mission to establish a Quantum Finance Innovation Hub at the Amaravati Quantum Computing Centre, becoming the first bank in India to partner with a state government for such an initiative. The proposed hub will develop quantum technology-based solutions for the banking sector, focusing on cybersecurity, fraud detection, secure digital banking, and promoting research in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies. The initiative supports the Andhra Pradesh Government’s vision of making Amaravati a global hub for quantum technology and deep-tech innovation, while fostering collaboration among banks, industries, startups, academic institutions, research organisations, and government agencies.

 

2. Kerala Bank Launches ‘Gen Z Tech Loan’ Scheme for Students at 6.99% Interest: Kerala State Cooperative Bank (Kerala Bank) will launch the ‘Gen Z Tech Loan’ scheme on 27 July to help undergraduate and higher-level students purchase laptops and tablets for educational purposes.

Under the scheme, students can avail of loans up to ₹1 lakh at an interest rate of 6.99%, with a 30-month repayment period, while the parent of the student must act as the guarantor. Borrowers under the Gen Z Tech Loan scheme will also receive a 0.5% concession on the interest rate of educational loans, making higher education financing more affordable.

 

3. NABARD and MAHAPREIT Sign MoU to Promote Green and Climate-Resilient Rural Infrastructure: NABARD and Mahatma Phule Renewable Energy and Infrastructure Technology (MAHAPREIT) signed an MoU to finance and promote green, climate-resilient, and sustainable infrastructure in rural India, with a special focus on Maharashtra. The partnership aims to identify, develop, structure, and finance sustainable projects that enhance rural prosperity, climate resilience, village infrastructure, and strengthen Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs).

 

Daily GK Update- 24th July, 2026

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Operation Jal Rahat: Indian Army Launches Flood Rescue Mission in Assam: Operation Jal Rahat has been launched by the Indian Army to support the Assam Government in rescue and relief operations amid severe floods affecting over 57,100 people across seven districts. Army and Assam Rifles teams have been deployed in the worst-hit districts of Charaideo, Sivasagar, and Jorhat, while the Indian Air Force (IAF) has been kept on standby for aerial assistance if required.

 

2. India Hosts 16th BRICS Health Ministers’ Meeting in Chandigarh: India is hosting the 16th BRICS Health Ministers’ Meeting in Chandigarh as a three-day event, bringing together Health Ministers and senior officials from BRICS countries to strengthen cooperation on global health issues. The meeting is being held under the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability”, highlighting India’s commitment to advancing collective action on global health priorities. Key discussion areas include health security, pandemic preparedness, digital health, affordable medicines, innovation, traditional medicine, tuberculosis, mental wellness, healthy lifestyles, and resilient health systems.

 

3. First Direct Freight Train Reaches Nepal Customs Yard: The first direct commercial freight train from Kolkata Port reached the Nepal Customs Yard in Biratnagar, eastern Nepal, on 20 July 2026. The train carried 40 forty-foot containers of canola grain and was operated by the Container Corporation of India Limited. The movement took place under the amended India-Nepal rail transit framework. The framework permits direct rail movement of containerised and bulk cargo to Biratnagar through the Jogbani-Biratnagar broad-gauge cross-border rail link. Before this movement, Birgunj was the only customs point in Nepal equipped to receive third-country rail cargo from Indian ports. The Jogbani-Biratnagar rail link was jointly inaugurated on 1 June 2023 with grant assistance from the Government of India.

 

4. India Launches Campus Biodiversity Register Initiative : India launched a nationwide Campus Biodiversity Register initiative for higher educational institutions on 21-22 July 2026. The exercise is being implemented by the Nature Conservation Foundation, a Mysuru-based wildlife research and conservation organisation, and the National Biodiversity Authority under India’s biodiversity documentation framework. The Campus Biodiversity Register, or CBR, is a record of flora, fauna, and other life forms found within a college or university campus. The initiative aims to prepare one CBR for each participating higher education institution during a year-long documentation exercise. Participants will use citizen science platforms such as iNaturalist, eBird, and SeasonWatch to record species observations. These platforms are used for biodiversity documentation, species identification, and public participation in biological recording.

 

5. Gujarat Approves De-Addiction Centres in District Hospitals: Gujarat has approved Rs 14.90 crore for setting up de-addiction centres in all 34 district hospitals in the state for the 2026-27 financial year. The project is part of the state’s Drug-Free Gujarat campaign and covers inpatient and outpatient addiction treatment services. Each de-addiction centre will have 15 beds and will provide scientific detoxification treatment, de-addiction therapy, counselling, mental healthcare, family counselling, and rehabilitation. The centres will function with multidisciplinary teams that include doctors, nurses, counsellors, and psychologists. District hospitals are secondary-level public health institutions in India that provide specialist care at the district level. Gujarat has 34 district hospitals, and the new centres are planned for all of them to expand access to addiction treatment within the public health system.

 

6. Kerala Targets 150 Global Capability Centres by 2031: Kerala has set a target of 150 Global Capability Centres by 2031 under the strategic roadmap titled Kerala GCC Outlook 2026. The plan also projects the creation of about 2 lakh jobs in the state by 2031. Global Capability Centres, or GCCs, are captive units set up by multinational companies to manage functions such as information technology, finance, research and development, analytics, human resources, and customer support. India has become a major GCC destination because of its engineering talent, digital infrastructure, and established services sector. The Kerala government’s roadmap seeks to raise the number of GCCs from 45 to 150 by 2031. The strategy was presented at the Kerala GCC Outlook 2026 conclave held at Technopark, Thiruvananthapuram. Industries Minister P.K. Kunhalikutty introduced the strategy and the feasibility report at the event.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India, North Macedonia Expand Trade, Technology Ties: India and North Macedonia agreed to expand cooperation in trade, technology, tourism, talent and healthcare during President Droupadi Murmu’s visit to North Macedonia on 21-22 July 2026. The visit was the first bilateral visit by an Indian President to North Macedonia since diplomatic relations were established in 1995. The discussions covered the “three Ts”, namely trade, technology and tourism, along with talent. The identified sectors included information technology, IT-enabled services, artificial intelligence, digital technology, agriculture, food processing, pharmaceuticals, textiles, biotechnology, tourism, hospitality and filmmaking.

 

2. India, Panama Expand Logistics and Digital Ties: India and Panama held bilateral discussions in July 2026 on trade, investment, logistics, maritime cooperation, and digital connectivity. The talks involved Union Minister for Commerce Piyush Goyal, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal, and Panama’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Javier Eduardo Martinez-Acha Vasquez. India and Panama established diplomatic engagement through trade, shipping, and port-related cooperation. Panama is located in Central America and controls the Panama Canal, a major maritime route linking the Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean. Panama serves as a logistics and trans-shipment hub in the Americas. India has expanded maritime and digital partnerships with several countries through port development, shipping links, and digital payment systems.

 

3. US-Saudi Nuclear Deal Approved: On 22 July 2026, the United States approved a 30-year civilian nuclear cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia. The agreement is a bilateral civil nuclear arrangement under Section 123 of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, which governs nuclear cooperation between the United States and foreign states. A 123 Agreement is a legal framework for peaceful nuclear cooperation between the United States and another country. Such agreements can cover nuclear reactors, fuel supply, nuclear technology transfer, and related safeguards for civilian use. The Saudi agreement is designed to give United States companies a central role in developing Saudi Arabia’s nuclear infrastructure. The deal may also include a uranium enrichment facility in Saudi Arabia if a joint study supports that option.

 

4. Startup Museum Planned in Bengaluru with Grand Egyptian Museum Architects: The Museum of Innovation, Startup & Technology (MIST) is a planned museum in Bengaluru, Karnataka, and it is legally registered as the Karnataka Technology Innovation Museum Foundation (KTIMF). The project is being developed as a public-private partnership between the UnboxingBLR Foundation and the Karnataka Department of Electronics, Information Technology and Biotechnology (ITBT). The Heneghan Peng Architects Consortium won the bid to design MIST on 21 July 2026. The consortium was selected through a two-stage global Quality and Cost-Based Selection process from six shortlisted consortia. The Dublin-based consortium is known for designing the Grand Egyptian Museum, and it includes Bengaluru-based Cadence Architects in its team.

 

5. Amish Shah Wins Arizona Democratic Congressional Primary: Indian-American doctor Amish Shah won the Democratic nomination for Arizona’s 1st Congressional District on 21 July 2026. He is an emergency physician and a three-term member of the Arizona House of Representatives. He will contest the November 2026 general election against Republican Jay Feely. Arizona’s 1st Congressional District is a United States House of Representatives constituency in Arizona. It is classified as a highly competitive toss-up district in federal elections. The district has been central to contests for control of the U.S. House. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee endorsed Marlene Galán-Woods in the primary. Galán-Woods is a former broadcast journalist and was the establishment-backed candidate in the contest. Shah won the Democratic primary for this district for the second consecutive time.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

DEFENCE

 

1. Paras Defence to Set Up $644 Million Semiconductor Packaging Facility: Paras Semiconductors Private Limited, a subsidiary of Paras Defence and Space Technologies Limited, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the MP State Electronics Development Corporation on 22 July 2026. The MoU covers a greenfield advanced integrated circuit packaging and Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly and Test facility in the Indore-Ujjain region of Madhya Pradesh. OSAT stands for Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly and Test, a segment of the semiconductor value chain that covers assembly, packaging, and testing of chips. The proposed facility includes 3D heterogeneous integration, 2.5D and 3D advanced packaging, hybrid bonding, ultra-high-density fan-out packaging, chiplet integration, wafer bumping, and flip-chip assembly.

 

2. DRDO Signs Contracts for AEW&C Mk-II Programme: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) signed two contracts on 22 July 2026 for the Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) Mk-II programme. The programme was approved by the Cabinet Committee on Security in July 2025 with an outlay of Rs 19,000 crore and is linked to the Indian Air Force’s airborne surveillance capability. One contract was awarded to AI Engineering Services Limited (AIESL) in New Delhi for converting six Airbus A321 aircraft from commercial passenger configuration into green platforms. These aircraft were earlier acquired from Air India and are currently operated by the Air Headquarters Communication Squadron. The second contract was signed with Adani Defence Systems and Technologies Limited (ADSTL) in Ahmedabad as the Development-cum-Production Partner for the mission systems of the AEW&C Mk-II. The Centre for Air Borne Systems (CABS), a DRDO laboratory, leads the programme and will integrate indigenous mission systems onto the modified A321 platforms.

 

SPORTS 

 

1. Lovlina Borgohain Assures India’s First CWG 2026 Medal: Indian boxer Lovlina Borgohain secured India’s first medal at the Commonwealth Games 2026 in Glasgow, Scotland, before the opening ceremony on 23 July 2026. She is assured of at least a bronze medal in the women’s 75 kg boxing category after receiving a bye into the semifinals. In Commonwealth Games boxing, both losing semifinalists receive bronze medals. This format guarantees a podium finish for any boxer who reaches the semifinals, even before the bout is contested. Lovlina Borgohain is an Olympic medallist from India and competes in the women’s 75 kg weight class. She is scheduled to begin her campaign on 31 July 2026 in the semifinals.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. I&B Ministry Launches ‘Gems of India Challenge’ to Promote Grassroots Digital Creators: Ministry of Information & Broadcasting launched the pilot phase of the “Gems of India Challenge” to identify, nurture, and promote grassroots digital creators across India. The challenge invites citizens to submit 1–3 minute videos showcasing the unique stories, culture, and heritage of their districts through the MyWAVES section on the WAVES OTT platform from 1–31 August. The pilot phase will be implemented in Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Arunachal Pradesh, Chandigarh, Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu, Goa, and Ladakh, with plans for nationwide expansion based on its success. The initiative offers ₹50,000 district-level awards (up to 20 creators per district), ₹2 lakh state-level awards, and ₹5 lakh national awards to encourage and recognize outstanding digital storytelling.

 

2. AI Solves Jacobian Conjecture Problem: The Jacobian Conjecture, proposed in 1939 by German mathematician Eduard Ott-Heinrich Keller, is a long-standing problem in algebraic geometry and polynomial mappings. On 20 July 2026, mathematician Levent Alpöge, associated with Harvard University and Anthropic, announced that the AI model Claude Fable 5 helped disprove the conjecture by finding a counterexample. The Jacobian Conjecture concerns polynomial maps and asks whether a map with a non-zero constant Jacobian determinant must always have a polynomial inverse. In mathematical terms, the conjecture deals with global invertibility of polynomial functions in several variables. The AI-assisted result produced a 216-character formula that met the required constant determinant condition but could not be reversed by a polynomial inverse. The counterexample included three distinct input coordinates, namely (0, 0, 1/4), (1, -3/2), and (-1, 3/2), which all mapped to the same output (1/4, 0, 0, 0).

 

3. Raghu Vamsi Aerospace to set up ₹600 crore superalloy manufacturing facility in Telangana: Raghu Vamsi Aerospace Group announced on 22 July 2026 a ₹600 crore integrated superalloy manufacturing facility in Telangana. The project is planned as one of India’s few integrated plants for nickel-based superalloys and is linked to aerospace and defence manufacturing. Commercial production at the Telangana facility is targeted for January 2028. The integrated manufacturing campus is planned at Hardware Park near Hyderabad International Airport, which is a major industrial location in Telangana. Dr. S.K. Jha, former Chairman and Managing Director of Mishra Dhatu Nigam Limited, will lead the project. On 20 July 2026, Raghu Vamsi Aerospace Group raised $40 million, or about ₹400 crore, in a funding round led by Norwest and Skegen Asset Management.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. PFRDA Opens Continuous ‘On-Tap’ Registration Window for New NPS Pension Fund Managers: The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) has opened an ‘on-tap’ registration window for prospective Pension Fund Managers (PFMs) to manage the corpus under the National Pension System (NPS). Under the new framework, applications for registration can now be submitted continuously, replacing the earlier system of accepting applications only during specified registration windows. The last ‘on-tap’ licensing window for Pension Fund Managers was opened by PFRDA in May 2022. The regulator stated that the continuous registration process will remain open until further notification, aiming to enhance competition and participation in the NPS ecosystem.

 

2. EnKash Launches India’s First UPI-Enabled Meal Card: EnKash, an Indian business payments and spend management platform, launched India’s first meal card with Unified Payments Interface-based payments on 22 July 2026. The card allows employees to pay from their meal card balance by scanning eligible UPI QR codes at food and grocery merchants across India. The meal card is accepted at more than 500,000 food and grocery outlets across India. It is also usable on online food delivery platforms such as Swiggy, Zomato, and Blinkit. For employers, EnKash provides instant card issuance, bulk reloading, real-time transaction visibility, and merchant category-based spending controls. EnKash also holds its own RBI PPI licence, which gives it control over issuance, limits, and usage policies.