Daily GK Update- 30th July, 2026

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Government Approves RBI Proposal for Field Trials of ₹10 and ₹20 Polymer Banknotes: The Government of India approved the RBI’s proposal to conduct field trials of 1 billion polymer banknotes each in the ₹10 and ₹20 denominations. The proposal was approved under Section 25 of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934, following a recommendation from the RBI Central Board.

Polymer banknotes are printed on a plastic-based substrate, making them more durable, moisture-resistant, dirt-resistant, and longer-lasting than conventional paper notes. After successful field trials, the polymer ₹10 and ₹20 notes will be issued for regular circulation, joining India’s Mahatma Gandhi Series banknotes used widely in everyday transactions. Australia is the first country in the world to introduce and use plastic notes. It released a special 10-dollar plastic note in 1988.

 

2. India’s Industrial Output Surges 7.3% in June, Highest Growth in 23 Months: India’s Index of Industrial Production (IIP) grew by 3% in June 2026, marking the highest industrial growth in 23 months, according to government data. All four major sectors recorded positive growth, led by manufacturing (7.8%) and Electricity & Gas Supply (10.6%), while Water Supply, Sewerage & Waste Management expanded by 6.1%. The Mining & Quarrying sector registered comparatively slower growth of 1% during the month.

 

3. Himachal Pradesh Launches ‘Mukhyamantri Machhuara Samman Nidhi Yojana’ for Fishermen: Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu launched the ‘Mukhyamantri Machhuara Samman Nidhi Yojana’ to provide financial assistance and social security to fishermen engaged in reservoir fisheries. Under the scheme, each eligible fisherman will receive a lump-sum financial assistance of ₹3,500 during the fishing ban period.

 

4. Delhi Government Approves ‘Delhi Lakshmi Yojana’ with ₹2,500 Monthly Assistance for Women: The Delhi Government approved the Delhi Lakshmi Yojana to promote the economic empowerment and social security of women, under which eligible beneficiaries will receive ₹2,500 per month. The scheme, approved by the Cabinet chaired by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, has been allocated ₹5,110 crore in the 2026–27 Delhi Budget, with the registration portal opening on 1 August 2026. Women aged 21–60 years with an annual family income of up to ₹2.5 lakh will be eligible, and the scheme is expected to benefit over 17 lakh women by supporting education, healthcare, skill development, savings, and financial independence.

 

5. Government Allocates Record ₹95,692 Crore for VB-G RAM G Rural Employment Scheme in FY 2026–27: The Government has allocated a record ₹95,692 crore for FY 2026–27 under the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Aajeevika Mission (Gramin) [VB-G RAM G] Act, 2025, the highest-ever Budget Estimate allocation for any rural employment programme in India. The VB-G RAM G Act, 2025 guarantees 125 days of wage employment per financial year to every willing rural household demanding work, increasing the entitlement from 100 days under MGNREGS. The Act expands the scope of permissible works with a focus on water security, rural infrastructure, livelihood creation, and climate resilience, while promoting convergence with other Central and State Government schemes.

 

6. First Telecom Manufacturing Zone will be established in Gwalior: India’s first dedicated Telecom Manufacturing Zone (TMZ) will be established in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh. The Department of Telecommunications and the Government of Madhya Pradesh signed a Memorandum of Understanding for Phase I of the project on 30 July 2026 at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi. The project is designed on a plug-and-play system, which is an industrial model that provides ready infrastructure for manufacturing units. The Central Government has approved ₹493 crore for the first phase, while the State Government will provide land for the project. The project is expected to attract investment of about ₹12,000 crore to ₹15,000 crore and create around 5,000 direct jobs. The zone is linked with indigenous design and domestic production in the telecommunications sector.

 

7. Maharashtra Bans Junk Food Sales Near Schools: The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration issued a compliance order on 28 July 2026 to regulate the sale, advertisement, and free distribution of High Fat, Sugar, and Salt food items near schools. The order applies within 50 metres of school premises and covers children from 22 months of age up to Class 12 students in Maharashtra. All school canteens must obtain a valid licence or registration from the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration to operate. School managements are responsible for implementation, and inspections across the state are scheduled to begin for compliance checks. The prohibited items include vada pav, samosas, ice creams, chips, sugary drinks, chocolates, and caffeinated beverages. The order also covers the advertisement and free distribution of such items within the notified school zone.

 

8. India Targets 100 Crore 5G Users by 2030: India has set a target of connecting 100 crore people to 5G technology by 2030. The country launched 5G services on 1 October 2022 and has expanded the network across almost all districts in a short period. 5G is the fifth generation of mobile communication technology. It offers higher data speeds, lower latency, and greater network capacity than 4G. In India, 5G services reached nearly 50 crore users within about two-and-a-half years of launch. The 5G rollout in India involved an investment of about ₹4.5 lakh crore and the installation of nearly five lakh telecom towers. By 28 February 2025, 5G services were available in 99.6% of districts, and 4.69 lakh 5G Base Transceiver Stations were operational.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Amritsar Becomes India’s Second Hub-and-Spoke Airport for International Flight Operation: The Ministry of Civil Aviation inaugurated Hub-and-Spoke international flight operations from Amritsar, making it the second airport after Varanasi to join India’s international Hub-and-Spoke framework. Under the new system, passengers can complete check-in, immigration, and customs at Amritsar Airport, with through-checked baggage and seamless transfers via Delhi, providing access to 20+ international destinations. The Hub-and-Spoke model is a key part of India’s International Aviation Hub Strategy, aimed at strengthening Indian airports as global transit hubs, generating 0.4 million jobs and contributing USD 30 billion to the economy by 2030.

 

2. 29 July – International Tiger Day: International Tiger Day (Global Tiger Day) is observed every year on 29 July to raise awareness about tiger conservation and the need to protect their natural habitats. The day was established in 2010 during the Saint Petersburg Tiger Summit in Russia, with the objective of reversing the global decline in tiger populations.

 

3. 28 July – World Hepatitis Day: World Hepatitis Day is observed every year on 28 July to raise awareness about viral hepatitis, promote prevention, early diagnosis, and access to treatment.

The day marks the birth anniversary of Dr. Baruch Samuel Blumberg, who discovered the Hepatitis B virus and developed the first Hepatitis B vaccine. Led by the World Health Organization, the observance supports global efforts to eliminate viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030.

 

4. Ngulkham Jathom Gangte Appointed India’s Next Ambassador to Mexico: Ngulkham Jathom Gangte was appointed India’s next Ambassador to Mexico on 29 July 2026. He is an Indian Foreign Service officer of the 1994 batch and was serving as Special Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs before this appointment. The Indian Foreign Service is one of the All India Services and handles India’s external relations, consular work, and diplomatic representation. IFS officers are recruited through the Civil Services Examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission. Gangte served as India’s Ambassador to Tunisia from 2021 and held concurrent accreditation to Libya. He was High Commissioner of India to Zambia from 2017 to 2021 and also served in Indian missions in Egypt, Morocco, Ireland, and Tanzania.

 

5. India, Nepal Restore Lalitpur Heritage Sites: India and Nepal jointly inaugurated the restored Shree Gusthal Mahavihar and Agam of Prathamshree Mahavihar at Guita Tole in Patan, Lalitpur, on 28 July 2026. The project was funded by a Government of India grant of about NPR 12 crores and was executed by Nepal’s Central Level Project Implementation Unit under the Department of Urban Development and Building Construction. The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage provided design and project management consultancy for the restoration work. The inauguration was attended by Indian Ambassador to Nepal Naveen Srivastava, Lalitpur Metropolitan City Mayor Chiribabu Maharjan, and Member of Parliament Jagdish Kharel. Shree Gusthal Mahavihar and Agam of Prathamshree Mahavihar are Buddhist heritage structures located in Lalitpur Metropolitan City in the Kathmandu Valley. The sites suffered severe damage in the 2015 earthquake in Nepal, which affected many monuments, temples, and traditional settlements across the country.

 

6. India Approves 111 Road Projects Under Vibrant Villages Programme: The Government of India approved 111 road projects on 29 July 2026 for all-weather connectivity to 134 previously unconnected villages along the India-China border. The projects were sanctioned under the Vibrant Villages Programme and carry an estimated cost of ₹2,481.93 crore. The Vibrant Villages Programme is a Central Sector scheme for developing villages in border areas of India. The Ministry of Home Affairs implements the programme for villages along the northern border, including areas near the India-China frontier. Road projects in border villages are linked with year-round access, movement of goods, and delivery of public services. All-weather roads are designed for use during rain, snow, and other seasonal conditions that affect remote Himalayan terrain.

 

7. India Introduces Liability Rules for Spacecraft Re-entry: India issued the Norms, Guidelines and Procedures for Authorisation for Undertaking Planned Re-entry of Space Objects on 23 July 2026. The framework was made public on 29–30 July 2026 and applies to planned re-entry of space objects into Earth’s atmosphere by Indian and foreign operators. The guidelines were issued by the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre, or IN-SPACe, under the Department of Space. Prior authorisation from IN-SPACe is mandatory for any planned re-entry undertaken by an Indian entity, whether the activity takes place within India or outside Indian territory. Foreign entities that intend to conduct a planned re-entry within Indian territory must route applications through an Indian-incorporated entity. That entity is responsible for compliance with Indian laws and national security requirements.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

DEFENCE

 

1. Cochin Shipyard Launches Seventh ASW SWC Vessel: Cochin Shipyard Limited launched the seventh Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft, INS Machilipatnam (BY 529), for the Indian Navy on 29 July 2026 in Kochi. The vessel belongs to the eight-ship Mahe-class ASW SWC project and is designed for coastal anti-submarine operations, low-intensity maritime operations, mine-laying, and subsurface surveillance. The Mahe-class ASW SWC project is an eight-vessel contract between Cochin Shipyard Limited and the Indian Navy. The project has over 80 per cent indigenous content and is linked to the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative in defence manufacturing. The first vessel of the series, Mahe, was delivered on 23 October 2025, and the second vessel, INS Malvan, was delivered on 31 March 2026.

 

2. China Establishes High-Altitude Drone R&D Centre in Tibet: China established high-altitude drone testing and research facilities in Tibet in 2025 and 2026, including a testing base in Ngari and a Plateau Drone R&D Application Centre at Xizang University near Mount Everest. These facilities are located on the Tibetan Plateau, where low oxygen levels, cold temperatures, rugged terrain, and rapidly changing weather create conditions for unmanned aerial vehicle testing. The high-altitude unmanned equipment testing base was inaugurated in Ngari, western Tibet, on 28 September 2025. The site lies at elevations above 4,500 metres and is used to test unmanned aerial vehicles under thin air and cold turbulence. Satellite imagery dated 29 October 2025 showed a 720-metre runway and multiple hangars at the facility.

 

SPORTS 

 

1. Sharmila Dhankar Creates History with Commonwealth Games Gold in Women’s Shot Put F57: India’s Sharmila Dhankar won the gold medal in the women’s shot put F57 event at the 2026 Commonwealth Games with a season-best throw of 9.81 metres. With this victory, Sharmila Dhankar became India’s first para-athlete to win a Commonwealth Games gold medal in athletics.

Shilpa Shyla secured the bronze medal with a throw of 7.26 metres, giving India a double podium finish in the women’s shot put F57 event.

 

2. Raja Muthupandi Wins Silver in Men’s 65 kg Weightlifting at Glasgow Commonwealth Games 2026: India’s Raja Muthupandi won the silver medal in the men’s 65 kg weightlifting event at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games 2026, with a combined lift of 286 kg. The medal marked Raja Muthupandi’s third consecutive Commonwealth Games podium finish, following his gold medals at Gold Coast 2018 and Birmingham 2022.

 

3. Esha Singh Wins Gold, Manu Bhaker Bags Bronze at ISSF World Cup in Hangzhou: India’s Esha Singh won the gold medal in the women’s 25 metre pistol event at the ISSF World Cup (Rifle/Pistol/Shotgun) held in Hangzhou, China. Manu Bhaker claimed the bronze medal, giving India a double podium finish in the women’s 25 metre pistol

 

4. Gulveer Singh Creates History, Harjinder Kaur Wins Silver as India Shines at Commonwealth Games 2026: Gulveer Singh created history by winning the silver medal in the men’s 10,000 metres at the Commonwealth Games 2026, becoming the first Indian athlete to win a medal in the event with a timing of 27:49.78. Harjinder Kaur won the silver medal in the women’s 69 kg weightlifting event with a combined lift of 227 kg, earning her second consecutive Commonwealth Games medal after winning bronze at Birmingham 2022.

 

5. Dilip Gavit Leads India’s 1-2 Finish in 100m T47: India recorded a 1-2 finish in the men’s 100m T47 para athletics final at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow on 29 and 30 July 2026. Dilip Mahadu Gavit won gold with a Games record and season-best time of 10.71 seconds, while Mohammed Basil Morssinganakath won silver in 10.83 seconds. The T47 class in para athletics is used for athletes with unilateral upper limb impairment. The men’s 100m T47 is a sprint event conducted on a standard 100-metre track under World Para Athletics rules. India’s 1-2 finish gave the country its third gold medal at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games. India’s overall medal tally reached 15, with three gold, nine silver, and three bronze medals.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Electronics Development Fund Investments: The Electronics Development Fund (EDF) is a Fund of Funds set up by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) to support venture capital funds that invest in electronics and information technology enterprises. As of 30 June 2026, the EDF had invested Rs 257.77 crore in eight SEBI-registered venture capital funds, called Daughter Funds. The EDF operates as a Fund of Funds, which means it invests in venture capital funds rather than directly in startups. MeitY is the anchor investor in the fund, and Canbank Venture Capital Funds Ltd. serves as the fund manager. The EDF was created to support the Electronics System Design and Manufacturing (ESDM) sector and the Information Technology (IT) sector in India. The eight Daughter Funds supported by the EDF had invested Rs 1,335.77 crore in 128 startups and companies. Of these, 77 companies belonged to the ESDM sector and 51 companies belonged to the IT sector. The supported companies had also created or acquired 373 intellectual properties.

 

2. DAANVEER Gram Panchayat Digital Infrastructure: The Ministry of Panchayati Raj launched DAANVEER on 29 July 2026 in New Delhi as a citizen participation initiative for strengthening digital infrastructure in Gram Panchayats. The platform works through the Meri Panchayat mobile application and enables contributions of standardised, quality-verified computer bundles for eligible Gram Panchayats across India. DAANVEER is an end-to-end digital platform for citizen and organisational contributions to local governance institutions. It aims to support the digital equipment needs of nearly 2.5 lakh Gram Panchayats, which function as the basic tier of rural local self-government under the Panchayati Raj system. The initiative integrates the Meri Panchayat app with the DigiHaat marketplace. Donors can select from pre-approved computer bundles mapped to state-specific technical specifications, and the platform routes contributions to eligible Gram Panchayats through a transparent digital process.

 

3. Rajasthan Issues First Rare Earth Exploration Licence: Rajasthan became the first state in India to execute an exploration licence for rare earth elements on 29 July 2026. The licence covers 207.63 square kilometres in the Navatala-Devigarh (Pachpadra) region of Balotra district and Shergarh tehsil of Jodhpur district. Rare earth elements are a group of 17 chemically similar metallic elements that include the 15 lanthanides, scandium, and yttrium. Lanthanum, cerium, praseodymium, and neodymium are among the REE minerals identified in the Rajasthan block. An exploration licence is a legal permission for prospecting and geological investigation before mineral extraction. The licence in Rajasthan was granted to the Central Mine Planning and Design Institute Limited, and the agreement was executed by the Department of Mines and Geology of Rajasthan.

 

 

 

 

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Private Banks Collect ₹4,948.71 Crore in Minimum Balance Penalties During FY 2025–26: Private sector banks collected ₹4,948.71 crore as penalties for non-maintenance of Minimum Average Balance (MAB) in savings and current accounts during FY 2025–26. Public sector banks collected ₹2,137.92 crore as MAB penalties during the same financial year, significantly lower than private sector banks. Minimum Average Balance (MAB) is the minimum amount that customers are required to maintain in their bank account over a specified period, usually a month or a quarter.

 

2. Axis Finance Launches ‘Drishti’ to Strengthen Digital Credit Decision-Making: Axis Finance Limited (AFL) has launched ‘Axis Finance Drishti’, an in-house Business Rules Engine (BRE) to enable faster, automated, and data-driven credit decision-making across retail and MSME lending. Drishti aims to enhance risk monitoring, improve credit underwriting efficiency, ensure consistent lending decisions, and strengthen the company’s digital lending capabilities.

 

3. Vizag Port Handles 50.87% of Marine Exports in 2025: Visakhapatnam Port, also known as Vizag Port, handled 50.87% of India’s total marine product exports in FY 2024-25. The port accounted for 48.89% of India’s marine product exports in FY 2025-26, after a share of 29.67% in FY 2023-24. Visakhapatnam Port is one of India’s major ports on the eastern coast in Andhra Pradesh. It functions as a key gateway for cargo movement on the Bay of Bengal coast and handles bulk, container, and export cargo. Marine product exports include frozen shrimp, frozen fish, cuttlefish, squid, crab, and other seafood items. India’s marine product exports reached ₹72,325.82 crore, or $8.28 billion, in FY 2025-26, with a volume of 1.93 million tonnes.

 

Daily GK Update- 29th July, 2026

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Keshav Chandra Assumes Charge as Mines Secretary: Keshav Chandra has assumed charge as the Secretary, Ministry of Mines, succeeding Piyush Goyal, who has been appointed as the Secretary General of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC). Chandra is a 1995-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the AGMUT cadre and previously served as the Chairperson of the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC).

 

2. AstraZeneca India to Sets Up Genomic Solutions Centre in Amaravati: AstraZeneca India announced an Integrated Genomic Solutions Centre in Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh, on 28 July 2026. The centre is part of India’s first Integrated Precision Oncology programme and focuses on genetic research for cancer diagnosis and therapy. Precision oncology is a cancer treatment approach that uses genetic and molecular information to match diagnosis and therapy with a patient’s disease profile. Integrated genomic centres use next-generation genetic testing, bioinformatics, and clinical data for cancer screening and treatment planning. The centre will primarily target lung cancer and breast cancer. These two cancers are among the most commonly diagnosed malignancies in India and are major areas of screening, early detection, and treatment research.

 

3. GMR Aero Technic signs Honeywell MRO licence agreement: GMR Aero Technic signed a licence agreement with Honeywell Aerospace on 28 July 2026 for Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul services in Hyderabad, India. The agreement covers seven Honeywell Aerospace Line Replaceable Units installed on LEAP engines used in commercial aviation. Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul, or MRO, is an aviation support activity that includes inspection, repair, overhaul, and restoration of aircraft components and systems. In aviation, depot-level maintenance refers to deeper repair work carried out at specialised facilities rather than at the aircraft line station. LEAP is a family of turbofan engines developed by CFM International for narrow-body aircraft. The engine powers the Airbus A320neo and Boeing 737 MAX, which are among the most widely used single-aisle aircraft in global airline fleets. Line Replaceable Units are modular aircraft components that can be removed and replaced quickly during maintenance.

 

4. India Becomes World’s Second-Largest Supplier of Seafarers: India became the world’s second-largest supplier of seafarers as of 28 July 2026, with 311,936 maritime professionals in the global workforce. India accounted for 12.16% of the world’s seafaring workforce and ranked behind the Philippines in the BIMCO-ICS Seafarer Workforce Report 2026. Seafarers are maritime professionals who work on merchant ships, cargo vessels, tankers, and other commercial ships. India ranked fifth globally in 2015 with 5.2% of the global seafaring workforce and rose to 6% in 2021 before reaching 12.16% in 2026. India supplied 140,718 ship officers, which formed 13.41% of the global officer workforce. India also supplied 171,218 ratings, which formed 11.29% of the global ratings workforce.

5. President Murmu marks four years in office with new initiatives at Rashtrapati Bhavan: President Droupadi Murmu launched multiple public-centric and green initiatives at Rashtrapati Bhavan on 28 July 2026 to mark four years in office. The initiatives included an e-Audio Guide, the third edition of e-Upahaar, Bachpan Bal Parisar, the Rashtrapati Bhavan Access and Heritage Interconnector, and a new service block under the Net Zero Energy Strategy. The application-based e-Audio Guide for Rashtrapati Bhavan is available in Hindi, English, and 14 other Indian languages. It also includes a sign-language module, which is used for accessibility for visitors with hearing-related needs. The Rashtrapati Bhavan Access and Heritage Interconnector, or RAAHI, is a fare-free electric bus service for staff and residents. It is operated by women drivers and conductors and connects the estate with the nearest Metro station.

 

6. Maharashtra Cabinet Approves New NDPS and SC-ST Courts: The Maharashtra Cabinet approved new courts on 28 July 2026 under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The decision was taken in a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. The package also included two additional courts in Karjat and Kurduwadi. A special court under the NDPS Act was approved for Pune district. Around 1,425 NDPS cases were pending in Pune at the time of the decision. The Cabinet sanctioned Rs 1.26 crore for the court, one district and additional sessions judge, and seven support staff. Five exclusive special courts were approved for cases under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. These courts will function in Ahilyanagar, Parbhani, Solapur, Nanded, and Yavatmal. The Cabinet sanctioned Rs 4.51 crore for these courts, and each court will have one judge.

 

7. Centre Notifies Seventh Draft of Western Ghats ESA: The Union Environment Ministry reissued the seventh draft notification for an Ecologically Sensitive Area across the Western Ghats on 27 July 2026. The proposed Ecologically Sensitive Area covers 56,825.7 sq. km across six states: Karnataka, Maharashtra, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Goa and Gujarat. The Western Ghats is a mountain chain along the western edge of India and is recognised as one of the world’s major biodiversity hotspots. The range extends through six states and includes forests, grasslands, rivers and hill ecosystems. An Ecologically Sensitive Area is a notified region under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, where activities are restricted to protect fragile ecosystems. In the finalised ESA, mining, quarrying, sand mining, new thermal power plants, certain industries and large construction projects are prohibited, while hydel power generation is regulated.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India, Romania Sign Three Agreements; Target to Double Bilateral Trade in Three Years: India and Romania signed three agreements to strengthen cooperation in Science & Technology, Education, and Sports during delegation-level talks between President Droupadi Murmu and Romanian President Nicușor Dan in Bucharest. Both countries reaffirmed their 70+ years of friendship and agreed to deepen collaboration across key sectors, including manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, renewable energy, green hydrogen, agriculture, digital public infrastructure (DPI), and artificial intelligence (AI). India and Romania have set a target to double bilateral trade within the next three years, with both leaders highlighting the potential benefits of the India–EU Free Trade Agreement for industries and skilled professionals.

 

2. Ministry of Tourism Signs MoU with Air India to Boost Global Promotion of Incredible India: The Ministry of Tourism signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Air India to promote India as a preferred global tourism destination under the ‘Incredible India’ brand. The partnership will leverage Air India’s extensive domestic and international network along with the Ministry’s tourism promotion initiatives through joint destination campaigns, co-branded marketing, stopover tourism promotion, and the proposed ‘Visit India Pass’. The MoU aims to enhance India’s global tourism visibility, attract more international travellers, and showcase the country’s diverse cultural, heritage, and tourism offerings through integrated digital and offline promotional campaigns.

 

3. Venezuela Announces Withdrawal from the International Criminal Court (ICC): Venezuela formally notified the United Nations on 24 July 2026 of its decision to withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC). Under Article 127 of the Rome Statute, a country’s withdrawal from the ICC becomes effective one year after the UN receives the formal notification. Acting President Delcy Rodríguez alleged that the ICC is politically influenced and disproportionately targets countries of the Global South, particularly those in Africa and Latin America.

 

4. 25 July – International Day for Women and Girls of African Descent: International Day for Women and Girls of African Descent is observed every year on 25 July to recognise the achievements, leadership, and contributions of women and girls of African descent worldwide. The day aims to promote gender equality, combat racism and discrimination, and advance the rights, empowerment, and inclusion of women and girls of African descent. The observance was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 2024, following the recommendation of the Permanent Forum on People of African Descent.

 

5. 25 July – International Day on Judicial Well-being: International Day on Judicial Well-being is observed every year on 25 July to promote the mental health, well-being, and resilience of judges and judicial officers worldwide. The day highlights the importance of a healthy, independent, and efficient judiciary, recognizing that judicial well-being is essential for ensuring fair and effective justice delivery. The observance was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in 2024, acknowledging the need to support the well-being of judicial professionals and strengthen the rule of law.

 

6. 28 July – World Hepatitis Day: World Hepatitis Day is observed every year on 28 July to raise awareness about viral hepatitis, promote prevention, early diagnosis, and improve access to treatment and care. The day marks the birth anniversary of Dr. Baruch Samuel Blumberg, Nobel Prize-winning scientist who discovered the Hepatitis B virus and developed the first Hepatitis B vaccine. Theme 2026 – Hepatitis: Let’s Break It Down

 

7. China Completes Testing of World’s Largest Fusion Magnet: China completed expert acceptance and full-parameter testing of two domestically developed superconducting magnets on 27 June 2026 at the Institute of Plasma Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, in Hefei, Anhui Province. The tested systems were a toroidal field superconducting magnet and a high-temperature superconducting central solenoid coil for fusion research. The toroidal field superconducting magnet is a D-shaped structure that measures 21 metres in length, 12 metres in width, and 582 tonnes in weight. It is described as the largest fusion reactor superconducting magnet built so far. The toroidal field magnet is used to confine plasma inside a vacuum chamber with a strong magnetic field. In fusion devices, plasma is heated to about 100 million degrees Celsius and must remain stable for controlled operation.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

DEFENCE

 

1. Iran to Receive Chinese Shoulder-Launched Missile Systems: Iran is expected to receive a first shipment of Chinese-made shoulder-fired air-defence missile launchers within weeks in 2026. The reported deal covers 300 to 400 man-portable air defence systems (MANPADS), including QW-12 and FN-16 missiles, and is valued at about US60 million to US70 million. MANPADS are short-range, shoulder-launched surface-to-air missile systems used against low-flying aircraft, helicopters, and unmanned aerial vehicles. These systems are designed for portability and are operated by small teams or a single soldier. QW-12 and FN-16 are Chinese-made MANPADS associated with short-range air defence. Such systems generally use infrared or other seeker technologies to track airborne targets at low altitude.

 

SPORTS 

 

1. U Mumba TT Defends Ultimate Table Tennis Season 7 Title with Thrilling Comeback Victory: U Mumba TT successfully defended their Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT) Season 7 title by defeating Dempo Goa Challengers 8–5 in a thrilling final, ending Goa’s unbeaten run in the tournament. Trailing 4–2 after the first two matches, U Mumba TT staged a remarkable comeback, led by captain Manush Shah and Anna Hursey, whose mixed doubles victory and Manush’s singles win over Alvaro Robles proved decisive.

 

2. Hockey India Junior Men Championship Begins in Coimbatore: The 16th Hockey India Junior Men National Championship 2026 began on 28 July 2026 in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. The tournament features 30 teams and is organised across three divisions, namely Division A, Division B, and Division C. The Hockey India Junior Men National Championship is an annual national-level field hockey competition for junior men’s teams in India. The event uses a divisional format, which places teams in different competitive groups based on performance and ranking. Division A, Division B, and Division C are the three competitive tiers in the championship. Division A generally includes the stronger teams, while Division B and Division C provide promotion and relegation pathways within the tournament structure.

 

3. Ladakh Lieutenant Governor’s Cup Polo Tournament: The 6th LG Cup Horse Polo Championship concluded on 27 July 2026 in Drass, Ladakh. Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh Vinai Kumar Saxena attended the final, and the Ladakh Scouts Regimental Centre won the title by defeating the Animal Husbandry Department, Leh. The LG Cup Horse Polo Championship is a regional equestrian tournament held in Ladakh. Horse polo is played on horseback with a ball and mallets, and it remains associated with high-altitude regions where equestrian traditions are part of local sports culture. Vinai Kumar Saxena announced an increase in the prize fund for the LG Horse Polo Cup on 27 July 2026. The winners received Rs one lakh and the runners-up received Rs 50,000 in 2026, compared with Rs 50,000 and Rs 25,000 in the previous edition. The winner’s purse is scheduled to rise further to Rs two lakh in the next season.

 

4. Harjinder, Gulveer Win Silver at Commonwealth Games 2026: India won two silver medals at the Commonwealth Games 2026 in Glasgow on 29 July 2026. Gulveer Singh finished second in the men’s 10,000m race with a timing of 27:49.78, and Harjinder Kaur won silver in the women’s 69kg weightlifting event with a combined lift of 227kg. Gulveer Singh became the first Indian man to win a Commonwealth Games medal in the 10,000m event. The 10,000m race is a long-distance track event in athletics and is held over 25 laps of a standard 400m track. Harjinder Kaur recorded a career-best total of 227kg in the women’s 69kg category. In weightlifting, the total score is the sum of the best snatch and clean and jerk lifts, and Commonwealth Games records can be set separately in both lifts.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. India Develops First Indigenous 350 kg Thrust Expendable Turbo Jet Engine: India has successfully developed its first indigenous Expendable Turbo Jet Engine in the 350 kg thrust class, designed by DRDO’s Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE), marking a major milestone in indigenous aerospace propulsion technology. The engine was manufactured and assembled by Hyderabad-based Azad Engineering, GTRE’s industry partner, and was successfully delivered on 22 July 2026, showcasing strong collaboration between India’s scientific and industrial sectors.

 

2. Cabinet Approves DISHA 2.0 Scheme to Expand Technology-Driven Access to Justice: Designing Innovative Solutions for Holistic Access to Justice (DISHA) 2.0 is a Central Sector Scheme with an approved outlay of ₹255 crore for 2026–31, aimed at improving access to justice across India through technology-driven legal services. DISHA 2.0 comprises four key components: Tele-Law: Reaching the Unreached, Nyaya Bandhu (Pro Bono Legal Services) Programme, Legal Literacy and Legal Awareness Programme (LLLAP), and VIDHI (Vision for Integrated Delivery of Harmonised Legal Initiatives)-Sanjeevani. Under Tele-Law, citizens can receive free pre-litigation legal advice through the Tele-Law mobile app, toll-free number 14454, and video/teleconferencing facilities at Common Service Centres (CSCs), with Nyaya Sahayaks assisting service delivery in Aspirational Blocks. The Nyaya Bandhu programme encourages advocates to provide free legal assistance to marginalized and disadvantaged groups. Pro Bono panels have been established in 23 High Courts, while Pro Bono Clubs are functioning in law schools and colleges across the country.

 

3. China Launches Gravity-1 Y4 Rocket, Successfully Places Nine Satellites into Orbit: China successfully launched the Gravity-1 Y4 commercial rocket from the East China Sea, placing nine satellites into orbit and conducting one payload experiment, marking the first far-sea launch by a privately developed commercial rocket. Developed by ORIENSPACE, the 30-metre, 405-tonne Gravity-1 rocket lifted off from a launch vessel operated by the Oriental Aerospace Port under the direction of the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center. The mission deployed nine satellites for remote sensing, AI-powered Earth observation, environmental monitoring, disaster response, agriculture, and urban planning, while Lilac-3 tested next-generation satellite platform and attitude-control technologies.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. DBS Becomes First Southeast Asian Bank Named ‘World’s Best Corporate Bank’ by Global Finance: DBS became the first Southeast Asian bank to be named “World’s Best Corporate Bank” at the 2026 Global Bank Awards by Global Finance, marking the first time a bank from the region has won the award since the category was introduced in 2005. At the 2026 Global Bank Awards, DBS also received the titles of “Asia’s Best Bank” and “Singapore’s Best Bank”, reflecting its strong performance, management excellence, and leadership in corporate banking. Headquartered in Singapore and operating across 19 markets, DBS offers comprehensive corporate banking services to SMEs and multinational companies through its AI-enabled capabilities, global network, and expertise in financing, trade finance, cash management, and advisory services.

 

2. Kerala Cabinet Clears Five Governance Reforms: The Kerala Cabinet approved five governance reforms on 29 July 2026 to strengthen public administration, improve transparency, and reduce revenue leakages linked to project delays. The reforms include a digital asset platform, a GIS-based project registry, a registry of government institutions, legal review measures, and a process re-engineering programme. The Special Asset Management Platform for Administration, Tracking and Harmonisation (SAMPATH) is a centralised digital platform for records of government-owned assets. The platform covers land, buildings, and infrastructure under state ownership. PlanSpace 2.0 is an expanded GIS-enabled project registry for capital projects of government departments. The system records the location, implementing agency, funding, and construction stage of each project.

 

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.