Daily GK Update- 28th July, 2026

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. PM Narendra Modi Constitutes High-Powered Task Force on Examination Reforms: Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the formation of a high-powered task force on examination reforms, to be chaired by Nandan Nilekani, with the aim of making examinations trustworthy, transparent, and technology-driven. The task force includes former IB Director Tapan Deka, former ISRO Chairman S. Somanath, IIT Madras Director V. Kamakoti, former Education Secretary Anita Karwal, and logistics expert Amrit Lal Meena. Based on the task force’s recommendations, the government will take steps to enhance the credibility and integrity of future examinations and strengthen the examination system.

 

2. AI Holobox of Atal Bihari Vajpayee Inaugurated at Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya: An AI Holobox of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee was inaugurated at Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya, offering visitors an immersive 3D AI-powered interactive experience showcasing his life, leadership, vision, and legacy. To mark Kargil Vijay Diwas, the Sangrahalaya is hosting a special exhibition featuring microfilms, archival videos, photographs, and personal letters highlighting the courage and sacrifices of the Indian Armed Forces during the 1999 Kargil War, fought under Vajpayee’s leadership. The AI Holobox enables visitors to interact with 3D AI avatars of Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, and Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, preserving and promoting the legacy of India’s visionary leaders.

 

3. J.P. Nadda Inaugurates Laghu Udyog Bharati Pharma Conclave 2026: Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilisers P. Nadda inaugurated the Laghu Udyog Bharati Pharma Conclave 2026 in New Delhi, highlighting the pharmaceutical sector’s role in innovation, employment generation, and affordable healthcare. He stated that India is the world’s largest supplier of generic medicines, a leading vaccine producer, and a trusted pharmaceutical exporter to over 200 countries.

 

4. President Droupadi Murmu Conferred Honorary Doctorate by Romania’s Bucharest University of Economic Studies: President Droupadi Murmu was conferred the honorary title of Doctor Honoris Causa by the Bucharest University of Economic Studies, Romania, in recognition of her distinguished public service, commitment to education, social inclusion, and efforts to strengthen India–Romania relations. Accepting the honour, President Murmu dedicated the award to the 1.4 billion people of India, described education as the greatest equaliser, and urged universities to ensure that advancements in artificial intelligence are guided by wisdom, ethics, and compassion.

 

5. Satya Pal Kumar Appointed Director of Financial Intelligence Unit in Major Bureaucratic Reshuffle: Satya Pal Kumar (2005-batch IRS, Income Tax cadre) has been appointed as Director of the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) during a major Joint Secretary-level reshuffle approved by the Union Government. The Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), under the Ministry of Finance, is responsible for receiving, analysing, and sharing information on suspicious financial transactions with enforcement agencies to combat financial crimes.

 

6. Government Approves Polymer ₹10 and ₹20 Banknotes: The Government of India approved a proposal of the Reserve Bank of India to introduce one billion polymer banknotes each in the ₹10 and ₹20 denominations on 27 July 2026. The approval covers field trials, and regular issuance will begin only after successful trials. The proposal was placed under Section 25 of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934, after a recommendation from the RBI Central Board. Polymer banknotes are currency notes printed on a plastic-based substrate instead of conventional paper pulp. Countries such as Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom have used polymer notes in different denominations. Polymer substrates are known for resistance to moisture, dirt, and tearing, and they generally have a longer circulation life than paper-substrate notes.

 

7. Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) Fund Utilisation: Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme for agriculture and allied sectors in India. Maharashtra became the first State to qualify for the second instalment under RKVY after utilising about Rs 260 crore out of the Rs 335 crore released in the first instalment, which is above the 75% utilisation benchmark. RKVY was launched to support agriculture and allied sector projects through State-level planning and flexible fund use. The scheme is implemented as Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (PM-RKVY) in the current financial framework, and Rs. 7553.00 crore was allocated for 2024-25, with Rs. 3075.26 crore disbursed by 25 November 2024.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. NFDC Invites Entries for the 57th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2026: The National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) has invited entries for the 57th International Film Festival of India (IFFI), which will be held in Goa from 20–28 November 2026. Asia’s oldest film festival, IFFI 2026 will feature the Indian Panorama section, showcasing 25 feature films and 20 non-feature films, along with awards for debut directors and digital web series. The festival has also opened global entries for international competitions, including the ICFT-UNESCO Gandhi Medal, with 31 August 2026 as the deadline for international submissions via FilmFreeway.

 

2. UNESCO Adds Ancient Buddhist Site of Sarnath to World Heritage List; India’s Total Rises to 45: UNESCO has inscribed the Ancient Buddhist Site of Sarnath (Uttar Pradesh) on the World Heritage List during the 48th Session of the World Heritage Committee held in Busan, South Korea. With the inclusion of Sarnath, India’s total UNESCO World Heritage Sites has increased to 45, while Uttar Pradesh now has four World Heritage Sites—Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri, and Sarnath. India currently has 69 properties on UNESCO’s Tentative List and now ranks 6th globally and 2nd in the Asia-Pacific region in terms of the number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Sarnath is one of Buddhism’s holiest sites, where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon, and it is also home to the Lion Capital of Ashoka (India’s National Emblem) and the Dharma Chakra, which inspired the Ashoka Chakra on the Indian National Flag.

 

3. NGT Seeks Centre and Bihar Government’s Response Over Deteriorating Condition of Kanwar Lake: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued notices to the Union Government and the Bihar Government over the deteriorating ecological condition of Kanwar Lake (Kabartal Wetland/Kabar Taal) in Begusarai district, Bihar. Kanwar Lake is widely regarded as Asia’s largest freshwater oxbow lake. An oxbow lake is a U-shaped water body formed when a meander of a river gets cut off from the main river channel. Kanwar Lake is Bihar’s first Ramsar Site, recognised as a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention.

 

4. 27 July – World Head and Neck Cancer Day: World Head and Neck Cancer Day is observed every year on 27 July to raise awareness about head and neck cancers and the importance of early detection and timely treatment. The day promotes prevention by encouraging people to avoid major risk factors such as tobacco use, excessive alcohol consumption, and HPV infection. It is supported by global cancer organisations, including the International Federation of Head and Neck Oncologic Societies (IFHNOS), to improve public awareness and patient outcomes worldwide.

 

5. India, China to Resume Nathu La Border Trade from August 1: India and China are set to resume border trade through the Nathu La Pass in East Sikkim from 1 August 2026. The trade route remained suspended from 2020 for six years because of the COVID-19 pandemic and border tensions. Nathu La Pass is a mountain pass in East Sikkim on the India-China border. It was reopened for border trade in 2006 after a long closure and is linked to the historic Silk Road. Border trade through Nathu La is usually permitted for about six months each year, from May to November. Nathu La is one of the two designated border trade points between India and China. The second route is Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand, which was also suspended in 2020. Both routes are used for limited cross-border trade under bilateral arrangements.

 

6. Government Plans 44 Airports Under Hub-and-Spoke Model: The Central Government has planned a network of 44 airports under the Hub-and-Spoke model, with 4 hub airports and 40 spoke airports. The model is designed to connect Tier-II and Tier-III cities with international destinations through major hub airports in India. The Hub-and-Spoke model is an air transport network in which passengers travel from smaller spoke airports to a larger hub airport before taking international or long-haul flights. Delhi has been identified as a central hub airport in the present plan, while Varanasi and Amritsar have been designated as initial spoke airports. In aviation, a hub airport usually handles higher passenger volumes, more flight connections, and transfer traffic than a spoke airport. The model is used by airlines to consolidate routes and improve connectivity across multiple destinations.

 

7. Indians, Nepalese Allowed to Carry ₹200 and ₹500 Notes Across Border: Nepal Rastra Bank has permitted Indian and Nepalese citizens to carry Indian currency notes of ₹200 and ₹500 denominations across the India-Nepal border. The permitted notes must have been issued on or after 9 November 2016, the date linked with India’s demonetisation exercise. The rule applies only to Indian currency notes of ₹200 and ₹500 denominations issued on or after 9 November 2016. The maximum limit for carrying these notes into or out of Nepal is ₹25,000 per person. Indian currency notes of ₹500 and ₹1,000 denominations issued before 9 November 2016 remain prohibited in Nepal. Nepalese citizens can carry Indian currency into Nepal only from India, and they cannot take such currency from Nepal to any third country other than India.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

DEFENCE

 

1. 27 July – CRPF Foundation Day: CRPF Foundation Day is observed every year on 27 July to commemorate the raising of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in 1939, originally as the Crown Representative’s Police. After Independence, the force was renamed the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) on 28 December 1949 under the CRPF Act, 1949. The day honours the courage, dedication, and sacrifices of CRPF personnel in maintaining internal security, counter-insurgency operations, anti-Naxal missions, election duties, and disaster response across India.

 

SPORTS 

 

1. Mirabai Chanu Wins India’s First Gold at Commonwealth Games 2026: Mirabai Chanu won India’s first gold medal at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, clinching the women’s 48kg weightlifting title with a Commonwealth Games record total lift of 190 kg (85 kg snatch + 105 kg clean & jerk). The victory marked Mirabai Chanu’s third consecutive Commonwealth Games gold medal, following her triumphs at the 2018 Gold Coast Games and the 2022 Birmingham Games. India added two silver medals in weightlifting through Chanambam Rishikanta Singh (men’s 60kg, total lift 264 kg) and Raja Muthupandi (men’s 65kg, total lift 286 kg).

 

2. Anahat Singh Creates History at World Squash Junior Championships 2026: India’s top-seed Anahat Singh became the first Indian squash player to win the World Squash Junior Championships title, defeating Egypt’s Ruqayya Salem 3-0 (11-3, 11-7, 11-9) in the girls’ singles final at Niagara-on-the-Lake, Canada. The 18-year-old ended Egypt’s 16-year dominance in the girls’ singles event by winning the championship without dropping a single game throughout the tournament. Currently ranked World No. 20 on the senior PSA Tour, Anahat’s historic victory comes ahead of squash’s Olympic debut at the Los Angeles 2028 Games, with several Union Ministers congratulating her on the landmark achievement.

 

3. Jhandu Kumar Wins Bronze, Opens India’s Medal Account at Glasgow Commonwealth Games 2026: Indian para powerlifter Jhandu Kumar won the bronze medal in the men’s heavyweight para powerlifting event at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games 2026. Jhandu Kumar’s bronze medal also opened India’s medal account at the 2026 Commonwealth Games.

 

4. Sarvesh Kushare Wins India’s First CWG High Jump Silver: Sarvesh Kushare won the silver medal in the men’s high jump at the Commonwealth Games 2026 on 27 July 2026 at Scotstoun Stadium in Glasgow. He cleared 2.25 metres and finished behind Jamaica’s Romaine Beckford, who won gold on countback after clearing the same height with fewer attempts. Sarvesh Kushare is a 31-year-old Naib Subedar in the Indian Army. He belongs to Deogoan village in Nashik district, Maharashtra, and trained in his early years using agricultural waste for landing practice. In July 2026, Kushare broke Tejaswin Shankar’s eight-year-old national record with a jump of 2.31 metres at the National Inter-State Senior Athletics Championships in Bhubaneswar. Earlier in the same month, he finished third in Monaco with a 2.26-metre jump and became only the fourth Indian athlete to podium at a Diamond League meeting.

 

5. Gyaneshwari Yadav Wins Silver in Commonwealth Games 2026: Indian weightlifter Gyaneshwari Yadav won the silver medal in the women’s 53kg weightlifting event at the Commonwealth Games 2026 in Glasgow, Scotland, on 27 July 2026. The 23-year-old from Chhattisgarh lifted a personal best total of 199kg, with 88kg in the snatch and 111kg in the clean and jerk. Weightlifting at the Commonwealth Games follows the standard Olympic-style format of two lifts, namely the snatch and the clean and jerk. The total score is the sum of the best successful lift in each discipline, and medals are awarded on the basis of the combined total. The women’s 53kg class is a bodyweight division in international weightlifting. Athletes in this category compete within a maximum bodyweight limit of 53 kilograms, and results are recorded separately for the snatch, clean and jerk, and total lift.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. India Allows Anhydrous Ammonia Use in Agriculture: India approved the manufacture and use of anhydrous ammonia as a fertiliser for a three-year period on 23 July 2026. Anhydrous ammonia contains 82% nitrogen and is used as a direct nitrogen source in agriculture. Anhydrous ammonia is a gaseous fertiliser that is stored under pressure and injected below the soil surface. It requires specialised applicators, sealed storage systems, and trained handling because it can cause burns and inhalation hazards. The Centre plans to procure 7.24 lakh metric tonnes of Green Ammonia annually under the National Green Hydrogen Mission for Green Urea production. The Department of Fertilizers issued an Expression of Interest for Green Urea plants and held a pre-EOI meeting with industry stakeholders in Noida.

 

2. NASA PRAXIS Mission to Study Planetary Rings: NASA proposed the PRAXIS mission on 26 July 2026 for direct study of planetary ring particles. PRAXIS stands for Planetary Rings Autonomous EXploration with In-situ Sampling and is designed to collect and analyse real particles from Saturn’s rings. PRAXIS uses an AI-powered, bio-inspired robotic system with a long deployable boom. The system is designed for touch-and-go sampling, which allows collection of ring particles without direct collision with the ring structure. The mission aims to sample millimetre to centimetre-scale particles, which are larger than dust grains and smaller than pebbles. Onboard instruments will examine particle size, porosity, and composition in space after collection. Planetary rings are disc-shaped collections of dust, ice, and rock that orbit planets within the planet’s Roche limit or near it. Saturn, Jupiter, Uranus, and Neptune have ring systems, and Saturn has the most extensive and visible rings in the Solar System.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Finance Minister Inaugurates ‘Aayakar Sindhu’ Income Tax Office in Mumbai: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman inaugurated the new Income Tax Department office complex, ‘Aayakar Sindhu’, at Nariman Point, Mumbai, stating that the nation’s treasury is strengthened by the taxes contributed by every taxpayer. The Finance Minister urged Income Tax Department officials to simplify administrative processes, reduce unnecessary hurdles for citizens while ensuring compliance with rules, and uphold integrity and public service as their guiding principles.

 

2. BNP Paribas Cardif to Acquire 26% Stake in IndiaFirst Life Insurance from Warburg Pincus: BNP Paribas Cardif has signed a definitive agreement to acquire a 25.96% (around 26%) stake in IndiaFirst Life Insurance Company from Warburg Pincus (Caramel Point Investments India Pvt. Ltd.), subject to regulatory approvals. After the transaction, IndiaFirst Life Insurance Company’s shareholding will be: Bank of Baroda – around 65%, BNP Paribas Cardif – around 26%, and Union Bank of India – around 9%. Bank of Baroda, the promoter of IndiaFirst Life Insurance, informed stock exchanges that the stake transfer was executed through a Share Purchase Agreement dated 24 July 2026, pending necessary regulatory approvals.

 

3. Gujarat Unveils Shipbuilding Policy 2026: Gujarat launched the Gujarat Shipbuilding and Ship Repair Policy 2026 on 27 July 2026 to expand shipbuilding, ship repair, and maritime manufacturing in the state. The policy targets investments of more than Rs 27,000 crore and aims to raise Gujarat’s shipbuilding capacity to over 5 million deadweight tonnage by 2047. The policy provides for two Integrated Mega Shipbuilding Parks. A greenfield shipbuilding cluster at Kuchdi in Porbandar district has already received central approval, and the Gujarat Maritime Board is preparing Detailed Project Reports for the projects. Each park is expected to accommodate two to three shipyards along with ancillary industries. The policy also includes common marine and onshore infrastructure worth about Rs 3,300 crore, including breakwaters, dredging, harbour basin development, and utility services.

 

Daily GK Update- 27th July, 2026

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. HCLTech to Set Up First AI Data Centre in Odisha: HCLTech will establish its first AI Data Centre in Odisha with a planned investment of ₹14,257 crore at the upcoming Odisha Sovereign AI Park.

The project will be developed through a collaboration between HCLTech, Indian AI startup Sarvam, and the Government of Odisha to strengthen India’s AI infrastructure. The Odisha Sovereign AI Park is envisioned as a state-level AI infrastructure hub, integrating high-performance computing, Indian AI models, and real-world AI applications to provide AI services as a public utility.

 

2. Killai Becomes Tamil Nadu’s First Fully Operational Climate-Resilient Village: Killai has become Tamil Nadu’s first fully operational Climate-Resilient Village (CRV) under the Tamil Nadu Climate Change Mission (TNCCM), serving as a model for sustainable coastal development. The project includes solar-powered e-boats, hybrid solar power systems, scientific beekeeping, and Buckingham Canal restoration, enhancing renewable energy use, biodiversity, and ecosystem health. Implemented at a cost of ₹230.15 lakh through the District Climate Change Mission (DCCM) and Corporate Environmental Responsibility (CER) funds, Killai is now a benchmark for coastal climate adaptation and resilience against cyclones, sea-level rise, coastal erosion, and saline intrusion.

 

3. Pralhad Joshi Takes Charge as Union Education Minister: Pralhad Joshi assumed charge as the Union Education Minister after the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan, while continuing to hold the portfolios of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, and New & Renewable Energy. He chaired a review meeting of the Education Ministry to assess the implementation of various schemes and key initiatives, attended by Minister of State for Education Jayant Chaudhary and senior officials.

 

4. 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.

 

5. 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.

 

6. Nandan Nilekani to Lead Exam Reforms Task Force: India has constituted a high-powered task force on examination reforms to review the National Testing Agency (NTA) examination system and recommend measures for reliability, transparency, and technology use. The task force is chaired by Nandan Nilekani, co-founder of Infosys and founding chairman of the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI). The National Testing Agency was established in 2017 as an autonomous testing organisation under the Ministry of Education. It conducts major entrance examinations in India, including the Joint Entrance Examination and the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test, which are centralised computer-based or pen-and-paper assessments for higher education admissions. 

 

7. INSAT-3DR Remains Crucial for Weather Forecasting: INSAT-3DR is an Indian meteorological satellite launched on 8 September 2016 aboard GSLV-F05. It operates in geostationary orbit and provides real-time data for weather forecasting, cyclone tracking, disaster management, and search and rescue services over India and adjoining regions. INSAT-3DR carries a 6-channel multi-spectral imager, a 19-channel atmospheric sounder, a Data Relay Transponder, and a Search and Rescue Transponder. The imager provides half-hourly multispectral images over the Indian region, while the sounder measures the vertical structure of the atmosphere. The satellite also measures ocean surface temperature and cloud characteristics. Its imaging system includes middle infrared capability for night-time low clouds and fog, along with thermal infrared bands for Sea Surface Temperature estimation.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin Resigns: Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin resigned, citing health reasons, nearly two years before the completion of his five-year term. His resignation was accepted by Parliament Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed, who will serve as Acting President until a new president is elected. Shahabuddin, a former judge and a veteran of Bangladesh’s 1971 Liberation War, assumed office as the President of Bangladesh in April 2023.

 

2. 26 July – International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem: The International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem is observed every year on 26 July to raise awareness about the importance of mangroves in protecting coastal ecosystems and supporting biodiversity. Theme 2026 – Healthy Mangroves for Sustainable Blue Economy and Climate Resilience The observance was adopted by UNESCO in 2015, recognising the vital role of mangrove forests in climate change mitigation, coastal protection, carbon sequestration, and disaster risk reduction.

 

3. 25 July – World Embryologist Day: World Embryologist Day is observed every year on 25 July to recognise the vital contributions of embryologists in the fields of reproductive medicine, in vitro fertilisation (IVF), and assisted reproductive technologies (ART). The day commemorates the birth of the world’s first “test-tube baby,” Louise Brown, who was born on 25 July 1978, marking a historic milestone in fertility treatment.

 

4. 25 July – World Drowning Prevention Day: World Drowning Prevention Day is observed every year on 25 July to raise awareness about drowning as a major but preventable cause of death and to promote life-saving water safety measures. The day was declared by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in 2021 and is led globally by the World Health Organisation (WHO) to encourage action on drowning prevention.

 

5. UNESCO Adds Mount Olympus, D-Day Beaches to World Heritage List: UNESCO added Mount Olympus in Greece and the D-Day Landing Beaches in northern France to the World Heritage List on 26 July 2026. The decision was taken at the 48th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee in Busan, South Korea. Mount Olympus is Greece’s highest mountain and rises to 2,918 metres. UNESCO inscribed it as a mixed cultural and natural heritage site, a category used for places with both natural and cultural value. The mountain is linked to ancient Greek mythology as the home of the Olympian gods and has rich biodiversity and a long historical association with Greek civilisation.

 

6. Indians, Nepalese Allowed to Carry ₹200 and ₹500 Notes Across Border: Nepal Rastra Bank has permitted Indian and Nepalese citizens to carry Indian currency notes of ₹200 and ₹500 denominations across the India-Nepal border. The permitted notes must have been issued on or after 9 November 2016, the date linked with India’s demonetisation exercise. Indian currency notes of ₹500 and ₹1,000 denominations issued before 9 November 2016 remain prohibited in Nepal. Nepalese citizens can carry Indian currency into Nepal only from India, and they cannot take such currency from Nepal to any third country other than India. Nepali citizens and foreign visitors can bring up to USD 5,000, or its equivalent in other foreign currencies, into Nepal without a customs declaration. Amounts above this limit must be declared on arrival under Nepal’s customs rules.

 

7. Great Indian Bustard Chicks Enter Rewilding Tunnel in Rajasthan: Three chicks of the Great Indian Bustard were released on 26 July 2026 into a specially designed rewilding tunnel at the Godawan Conservation Centre in Ramdevra, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. The birds, identified as R9, R10 and R11, are one month old and include two males and one female. The Great Indian Bustard is a critically endangered bird species found in arid and semi-arid grasslands of India. It is one of the heaviest flying birds in the world and is closely associated with the Thar Desert ecosystem. India’s Great Indian Bustard conservation programme includes captive breeding, habitat protection and planned release into natural landscapes. The current rewilding step marks a shift from captive breeding towards reintroduction into wild habitats.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

DEFENCE

 

1. DRDO Successfully Tests Indigenous Long-Range Surface-to-Air Missile ‘Kusha’: DRDO successfully conducted the maiden flight test of the indigenous Long-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (LRSAM) Kusha from APJ Abdul Kalam Island, Odisha, successfully intercepting a high-speed aerial target. Project Kusha is India’s indigenous air and missile defence programme, aimed at building a multi-layered national air defence shield by 2035 to counter aircraft, UAVs, cruise missiles, and other aerial threats. The Kusha missile system, along with its radars and command-and-control centre, has been developed by DRDO and Indian industry partners, strengthening India’s indigenous defence capabilities.

 

2. Indian Navy Inducts INS Malvan, Second Mahe-Class ASW Shallow Water Craft: The Indian Navy inducted INS Malvan, the second Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC) of the Mahe class, at Karwar, Karnataka, marking a major milestone in India’s indigenous warship-building programme. Built by Cochin Shipyard Limited under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, INS Malvan is equipped with over 80% indigenous equipment and technology, showcasing India’s self-reliance in defence manufacturing. Armed with RBU-6000 rockets, DRDO-developed torpedoes, and a German-Indian sonar suite, INS Malvan will strengthen India’s coastal maritime security and anti-submarine warfare capabilities.

 

3. 26 July – Kargil Vijay Diwas: Kargil Vijay Diwas is observed every year on 26 July to commemorate India’s victory in the Kargil War (1999) against Pakistan and to honour the bravery and supreme sacrifice of the Indian Armed Forces. The Kargil War was fought between May and July 1999 in the Kargil-Dras-Batalik sector of Ladakh, and concluded with Operation Vijay, through which India successfully recaptured all infiltrated positions. 26 July 2026 marks the 27th Kargil Vijay Diwas, with tributes paid to the martyrs at the Kargil War Memorial, Dras (Ladakh) and across the country.

 

4. INS Sudarshini Sails from Boston after SAIL 250: INS Sudarshini, an Indian Naval Ship and sail training ship, departed from Boston, United States, on 26 July 2026 for Ponta Delgada in the Azores, Portugal. The movement formed part of the transoceanic Lokayan 26 expedition, which began from Kochi on 20 January 2026. SAIL 250 and Sail Boston 2026 marked the 250th anniversary of the United States in 1776. The event included the International Naval Review 250 and the Grand Parade of Sails. Lokayan 26 is a 10-month transoceanic expedition of INS Sudarshini. The ship made port calls at Norfolk, Baltimore, New York, and Boston before sailing to the Azores.

 

SPORTS 

 

1. 23rd Commonwealth Games 2026 Begins in Glasgow: The 23rd Commonwealth Games commenced in Glasgow, Scotland, with a grand opening ceremony, featuring participation from 74 nations in a 10-day sporting event. India’s 125-member contingent, led by Mirabai Chanu (flag bearer) and Lovlina Borgohain (ceremonial baton bearer), received a warm welcome during the opening ceremony. The Games feature 10 sports across four venues, with India aiming to improve on its 61-medal haul from the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games despite a reduced sporting programme.

 

2. Mirabai Chanu, Rishikanta Singh Win CWG 2026 Medals: The Commonwealth Games 2026 are being held in Glasgow, Scotland, from 23 July to 2 August 2026. On 26 July 2026, Mirabai Chanu won gold in the women’s 48kg weightlifting event, and Rishikanta Singh won silver in the men’s 60kg category. Mirabai Chanu won her third consecutive Commonwealth Games gold medal and her fourth overall Commonwealth Games medal. She lifted 85kg in snatch, 105kg in clean and jerk, and 190kg in total, and each of these marks set a new Commonwealth Games record. Rishikanta Singh won India’s first silver medal at the ongoing Commonwealth Games 2026. He recorded a personal best total of 264kg and set a new Commonwealth Games snatch record with a lift of 121kg in the men’s 60kg weightlifting event.

 

3. Anahat Singh Wins World Junior Squash Title: Anahat Singh won the World Junior Squash Championships 2026 women’s singles title on 25 July 2026. She became the first Indian to win the World Junior Squash Championships title in any category. The 18-year-old Indian top seed defeated Egypt’s second seed Ruqayya Salem in the final at Niagara-on-the-Lake, Canada. The World Junior Squash Championships is the annual world championship for junior squash players. The event includes men’s and women’s individual events and is organised under the global squash framework for age-group competition. Anahat Singh won the women’s singles final by 3-0. She beat Ruqayya Salem with game scores of 11-3, 11-7, and 11-9. She dropped only two sets in six matches during the tournament.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Kerala Launches Digital Square Education Initiative: Kerala launched the Digital Square education initiative as part of its 100-day action plan for the education sector. The programme was inaugurated on 26 July 2026 by General Education Minister N. Samsudheen at a statewide orientation workshop in Malappuram, Kerala. The initiative is implemented by the Kerala Infrastructure and Technology for Education (KITE) for lower primary and upper primary classes in government schools. More than 4,000 headmasters and headmistresses from all 14 districts of Kerala participated in the inaugural workshop through interactive video conference. Other measures under the 100-day action plan include the Cyber Safety Protocol 2026, Tharapadham digital academic monitoring platform, and the School Wiki-thon campaign. The state also announced the ARISE project for high schools and the expansion of Little KITEs IT clubs to upper primary and high school levels.

 

2. AI Holobox of Atal Bihari Vajpayee: The AI Holobox of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee was inaugurated at the Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya in New Delhi on 26 July 2026. The installation uses a hyper-realistic 3D avatar and interactive dialogue features to present factual material on Vajpayee’s life, public career, and political legacy. The Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya is a museum dedicated to the Prime Ministers of India. It is located in New Delhi and includes digital and interactive exhibits on national leadership and governance. The AI Holobox allows visitors to ask questions and receive responses based on historical research and documented writings. Similar interactive AI avatars at the museum include Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, and Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Viyona Gets BBPS COU Approval: Viyona, a Hyderabad-based fintech infrastructure start-up, has received approval from the Bharat Bill Payment System (BBPS) to operate as a Customer Operating Unit (COU). The approval enables Viyona to provide BBPS-powered bill payment services for electricity, water, gas, broadband, mobile recharges, DTH, insurance premiums, loan EMIs, educational fees, and other approved bill payments. The certification strengthens Viyona’s ability to help banks, fintechs, enterprises, and billers deliver secure, reliable, and seamless digital bill payment solutions at scale.

 

2. NSE Launches Electronic Gold Receipts (EGRs) to Formalise Gold Market: The National Stock Exchange of India (NSE) has launched Electronic Gold Receipts (EGRs) to bring greater transparency, efficiency, and formalisation to India’s gold market by providing a regulated trading platform. EGRs are dematerialised securities representing ownership of physical gold stored in SEBI-accredited vaults, with each receipt fully backed by physical gold and tradable on the stock exchange. The new system enables investors to hold gold electronically, allows seamless conversion between physical and digital gold, and supports investment in smaller quantities, improving liquidity and accessibility.

 

3. Glomo Becomes India’s First Non-Bank Acquirer to Receive Visa Principal Membership: Glomo, a regulated payment service provider operating from GIFT IFSC, has become India’s first non-bank acquirer and the first GIFT IFSC-licensed payment service provider to receive Visa Principal Member status. The membership enables Glomo to directly process Visa-powered card payments for merchants, facilitating secure cross-border payment acceptance and settlement through GIFT City while reducing dependence on multiple intermediaries.

 

4. EnKash Launches India’s First UPI-Enabled Meal Card: EnKash has launched India’s first Meal Card with UPI payment capability, allowing employees to pay directly from their meal benefit balance by scanning eligible UPI QR codes at food and grocery merchants. With this launch, EnKash becomes the first provider in India to enable UPI payments directly from a meal benefit balance, expanding its prepaid payment infrastructure. Under the revised Income-tax rules, employees can receive tax-free meal benefits of up to ₹200 per meal, with an annual tax-free benefit of up to ₹1,05,600, making employee meal benefits more flexible and accessible.

 

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).