Daily Current Affairs - Week 30, 2026 (20 Jul 2026 - 26 Jul 2026)

• The Centre for Trade and Investment Law and CII launched a guidebook titled ‘Going Global’ to help Indian MSMEs navigate export opportunities, FTAs and international standards.
• The Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill 2026 will be introduced in Lok Sabha to extend legal protection to Vande Mataram similar to the national anthem.
• An ICMR drone study in Telangana showed that transporting TB sputum samples by drone reduced diagnosis time from 15 days to 5 days and drastically cut patient costs.
• Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh announced India’s first Engineering Biology graduation course and roadmap to make the country a leading bioeconomy by 2035.
• The Union Cabinet approved the ₹62,500 crore Mobile Phone Manufacturing Scheme (MPMS) to boost production, exports, and employment.
• Delhi approved the PARIVARTAN scheme for scrapping old commercial vehicles to reduce air pollution.
• The Udmaroo Bridge over Shayok River in Ladakh’s Nubra district was inaugurated on July 21, 2026, at a cost of ₹27.18 crore, improving connectivity in remote border areas.
• ICMR transferred three indigenous biomedical technologies including SHetA2 anti-HPV therapeutic and next-generation enteric vaccines to private firms on July 21, 2026.
• Scientists discovered five new lichen species of the genus Allographa in the Western Ghats using traditional and molecular methods.
• India’s first immersive language museum Shabdalok was inaugurated on July 19, 2026, at Kolkata’s National Library campus.
• NHAI launched the digital Local Pass facility on RajmargYatra app in July 2026 for residents near toll plazas to avail monthly unlimited travel.
• Indian Railways has achieved 99.6% electrification of its broad gauge network as of July 22, 2026, with massive progress after 2014 and sharp reduction in diesel consumption.
• Jharkhand signed an MoU with Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute on July 22, 2026, to establish the Jharkhand Film and Television Institute in Ranchi.
• The 3rd Digital India RISC-V (DIR-V) Symposium 2026 will be held on 1-2 August 2026 at IIT Madras to advance India’s indigenous semiconductor and processor ecosystem.
• President Droupadi Murmu unveiled a bust of Mahatma Gandhi at the Museum of the City of Skopje, strengthening India–North Macedonia cultural ties.

• Andy Burnham has been elected Labour Party leader and is set to become the new Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
• Ukraine's parliament approved Serhii Koretskyi as the country's new Prime Minister.
• India joined the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies becoming the 123rd member.
• France became the first EU country to ban social media access for children under 15, with the law approved on July 21, 2026.
• India hosted the BRICS Network University International Governing Board meeting virtually on July 21, 2026, during its BRICS Presidency to review the 2025-2028 Action Plan.
• Indian-American doctor Amish Shah won the Democratic nomination for Arizona’s 1st Congressional District in the United States.

• The European Union imposed a €550 million fine on AliExpress under the Digital Services Act (DSA).
• MRF was recognised as India's Most Valuable and Strongest Tyre Brand in the Brand Finance India 100–2026 report.
• The Ministry of Coal will sign a technical cooperation agreement with Germany’s GIZ on July 22, 2026, for sustainable coal mine closure and land reclamation.
• Andhra Pradesh signed an MoU with UAE Food Cluster on July 21, 2026, for a food processing hub with ₹100 crore investment announced for an export unit in Chittoor.

• The 135th IndianOil Durand Cup Trophy Tour began in Guwahati on 16 July 2026 with Group F matches scheduled from 1 to 13 August at Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium.
• PV Sindhu became the first Indian badminton player to win the Japan Open title.
• Spain defeated Argentina 1–0 in extra time to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup title.
• Rohit Sharma scored a historic ODI century at Lord’s on 19 July 2026 becoming the oldest Indian to do so and helping India chase 387.
• Pakistan will host the 14th South Asian Games 2027 in Lahore, Islamabad, and Faisalabad.
• Lovlina Borgohain secured India’s first medal at the Commonwealth Games 2026 by winning bronze in women’s 75kg boxing.

• The Indian Navy is set to commission INS Malvan, the second Mahe-class Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft built by Cochin Shipyard with over 80% indigenous content, on 22 July 2026.
• INS Malvan, the second Mahe-class Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft, was launched at Karwar Naval Base on 22 July 2026.
• Defence Minister Rajnath Singh welcomed nine women officers after they completed a 314-day global circumnavigation aboard IASV Triveni.

• Dr. Srinivasa Kumar Tummala, renowned oceanographer and former Director of INCOIS, has been appointed Secretary of the Ministry of Earth Sciences for two years.
• Policybazaar appointed Amitabh Bachchan as its new brand ambassador and launched the "Parivaar Sabse Pehle" campaign.
• Andy Burnham was sworn in as the new Prime Minister of the United Kingdom by King Charles III on 20 July 2026 succeeding Keir Starmer.
• Kanishka Narayan was appointed as the UK’s first Cabinet-level Minister for Artificial Intelligence on 21 July 2026.
• Khalil al-Hayya was elected as the new head of Hamas’s Political Bureau after Yahya Sinwar.
• Senior IAS officer Anurag Jain was appointed as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NITI Aayog for a two-year term.

• India won 4 gold medals at the 58th International Chemistry Olympiad 2026 in Tashkent with all participants securing gold, ranking joint first.
• American filmmaker James Gray will receive the Honorary Career Pardo at the 79th Locarno Film Festival.
• National Security Advisor Ajit Doval was selected for the Lokmanya Tilak National Award 2026 for his contribution to national security.

• Union Minister Pralhad Joshi inaugurated the White Rabbit Technology-based Indian Standard Time distribution demonstration network in Bengaluru under the ‘One Nation, One Time’ initiative.
• Indian Railways will flag off the country’s first indigenous hydrogen-powered train on 17 July 2026 on the Jind-Sonipat section.
• Skyroot Aerospace successfully launched Vikram-1 under Mission Aagaman, becoming India's first privately developed orbital-class rocket to reach Low Earth Orbit (LEO).
• ATREE scientists discovered two new species of solitary bees in Arunachal Pradesh.
• China successfully launched the Gravity-1 solid-fuel carrier rocket from a maritime platform in the East China Sea.

• World Day for International Justice is observed on 17 July to commemorate the adoption of the Rome Statute that established the International Criminal Court.
• World Brain Day is observed on July 22, 2026, with the theme “Brain Health: Access For All” to promote equitable access to neurological care globally.
• National Flag Day is celebrated on July 22 to mark the adoption of the Indian National Flag by the Constituent Assembly in 1947.
• India celebrates Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak’s 170th birth anniversary on July 23, 2026, honoring the freedom fighter who popularized “Swaraj is my birthright” and brought the independence movement to the masses.
• National Broadcasting Day is observed on July 23 to mark India’s first official radio broadcast on July 23, 1927, by the Indian Broadcasting Company in Bombay.

• Kerala launched the Snakebite Prevention Action Plan aiming for zero snakebite deaths and disabilities by 2030.
• Rajasthan launched the Mukhyamantri Yuva Suyog platform in July 2026 to promote youth participation in sports, skills, employment and community activities through local to state-level competitions.
• Killai in Tamil Nadu’s Cuddalore district became the state’s first fully operational Climate Resilient Village on July 22, 2026, with mangrove plantation, canal restoration and solar infrastructure.
• Chhattisgarh approved 10% reservation for Agniveers in direct recruitment to selected Class-III state government posts including police constables on July 22, 2026.
• Andhra Pradesh launched the Mee Bhoomi–Blockchain pilot project on July 23, 2026, for tamper-proof digital land records covering multiple villages across seven districts.
• Tamil Nadu renamed the Chief Minister’s Breakfast Scheme as the Perunthalaivar Kamarajar Breakfast Scheme.
• Gujarat launched the Samras Vidyasetu campaign to re-enrol over 80,000 school dropout students across the state.

• On 22 July 2026, President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated Mahatma Gandhi’s bust at the Museum of the City of Skopje.
• The event, attended by North Macedonia President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova, highlights strengthening India-North Macedonia ties.
• Murmu described Gandhi’s ideals of truth and non-violence as globally relevant for peace and dialogue.
• The bust symbolizes friendship, mutual respect, and cultural diplomacy.
• Earlier, Murmu visited Mother Teresa’s Memorial House in Skopje, underscoring historical-cultural links.

• Indian-American doctor Amish Shah won Democratic nomination for Arizona’s 1st Congressional District on 21 July 2026.
• Three-term Arizona House member and emergency physician will face Republican Jay Feely in the November 2026 election.
• Highly competitive toss-up district; Shah previously won 2024 primary but lost general.
• Shah served as NFL physician; district key for U.S. House control.

• Indian boxer Lovlina Borgohain secured the bronze medal in women’s 75kg at Commonwealth Games 2026 in Glasgow.
• Received bye into semifinals before opening ceremony on 23 July 2026.
• The Olympic medallist will compete in the semifinals on 31 July.
• India sent a 124-member contingent across 10 sports.
• The boxing format awards bronze to both losing semifinalists.

• On 22 July 2026, INS Malvan, the second Mahe-class Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft, was launched at Karwar Naval Base.
• Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh presided over the event; built by Cochin Shipyard with over 80% indigenous content.
• Designed for anti-submarine warfare, mine warfare, underwater surveillance, and coastal security operations.
• Named after Malvan town, honouring Chhatrapati Shivaji’s naval legacy.
• Boosts Aatmanirbhar Bharat in shipbuilding and defence manufacturing.

• On 22 July 2026, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh welcomed nine women officers from Army, Navy, and Air Force after 314-day circumnavigation on IASV Triveni.
• The team covered 25,500 nautical miles across four oceans, crossing the equator twice, International Date Line, and rounding Cape Horn, Cape Leeuwin, and Cape of Good Hope.
• Showcases Nari Shakti, tri-service collaboration, and Aatmanirbhar Bharat in indigenous sailing technology.

• Senior IAS officer Anurag Jain (1989-batch, Madhya Pradesh cadre) appointed CEO of NITI Aayog by Appointments Committee of Cabinet.
• With nearly 40 years of experience in governance, industrial policy, and infrastructure, he assumes charge for two years.
• Recent NITI Aayog changes include a new Vice Chairperson and members to strengthen policy execution.
• Supports Viksit Bharat@2047 vision through initiatives like Investment Friendliness Index.

• National Security Advisor Ajit Doval was selected for the Lokmanya Tilak National Award by Tilak Smarak Trust on 21 July 2026.
• The award recognises his contributions to national security, intelligence, counter-terrorism, and strategic policy.
• Ceremony on 1 August 2026 in Pune; to be presented by Home Minister Amit Shah.
• Doval, a 1968-batch IPS officer, served in key states and abroad.
• Honour celebrates nation-building and defence excellence.

• On 22 July 2026, China successfully launched Gravity-1 solid-fuel rocket from a maritime platform in East China Sea.
• Private firm Orienspace’s rocket placed nine satellites (Dongpo series, Xiguang-2, Tianyi-49, Lilac-3) into orbit.
• Third successful flight; world’s most powerful solid-fuel rocket.
• First far-sea commercial launch in Yangtze River Delta region.
• Supports Earth observation and future internet satellite missions.

• On 22 July 2026, Gujarat launched Samras Vidyasetu campaign from Ahmedabad to re-enrol over 80,000 school dropouts in Classes 1-12.
• Aims for “Zero Dropout” via identification, home visits, mentoring, and bridge courses.
• Uses AI-based Early Warning System and Child Tracking System at Vidya Samiksha Kendra.
• Builds on Shala Praveshotsav enrolment drive; focuses on retention and academic support.

• On 22 July 2026, Tamil Nadu renamed the Chief Minister’s Breakfast Scheme as Perunthalaivar Kamarajar Breakfast Scheme.
• Launched in 2022 for Classes 1-5; now extended to Classes 6-8 from 17 September 2026.
• Will cover over 34 lakh students with ₹343.55 crore annual cost.
• Renaming on Kamaraj’s birth anniversary; aligns with social reform legacy of Periyar and Kamaraj.

• IIT Madras will host the 3rd DIR-V Symposium on 1-2 August 2026 at IIT Madras Research Park, Chennai, in collaboration with MeitY and RISC-V International.
• Theme: “Empowering Bharat’s Semiconductor Future”.
• Focuses on secure computing, AI, and RISC-V ecosystem development.
• Includes policymakers, experts, startups, and a Grand Challenge Hackathon.
• Supports India’s indigenous processor and semiconductor ambitions under Digital India.

• Jharkhand Film Development Corporation signed an MoU with Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute on 22 July 2026 to establish the Jharkhand Film and Television Institute in Ranchi.
• SRFTI will handle academics including curriculum, faculty, and certification.
• Initial short-term certificate courses in sound design, editing, animation, scriptwriting, cinematography, direction, and production.
• Aims to become a major film training hub alongside FTII Pune and SRFTI Kolkata.
• Will support Jharkhand’s creative economy and indigenous cultural representation in media.

• As of 22 July 2026, Indian Railways achieved 99.6% electrification of its broad gauge network, second only to Switzerland (100%).
• Post-2014, 48,072 route km were electrified compared to 21,801 km in the previous six decades.
• Diesel consumption dropped sharply from 293 crore litres (2015-16) to 108 crore litres (2024-25).
• Over 1,260 MW renewable energy capacity (mostly solar) commissioned by June 2026.
• All new lines and multi-tracking projects include electrification from the planning stage.

• India hosted the International Governing Board meeting of BRICS Network University virtually on 21 July 2026 during its BRICS Presidency.
• Reviewed Action Plan 2025–2028, discussed new website, and institutional cooperation.
• Proposed Traditional and Indigenous Knowledge Systems as a new thematic group.
• BRICS NU expanded with new members (Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, UAE, Indonesia) and themes including Health Sciences and Sustainable Agriculture.
• Related events include BRICS Postgraduate Forum and Rectors’ Forum.

• National Broadcasting Day is observed on July 23 to commemorate India’s first official radio broadcast on July 23, 1927, by Indian Broadcasting Company in Bombay.
• Key milestones: Radio Club trials (1923-24), ISBS (1930), All India Radio (1936), Akashvani (1957), and FM launch (1977).
• AIR remains one of the world’s largest public broadcasters, reaching millions in 23 languages.
• Broadcasting evolved from radio to FM, podcasts, and digital streaming, serving news, education, culture, and disaster management.
• Highlights Amitabh Bachchan’s failed AIR audition and restrictions on harmonious music in early years.

• India celebrates Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak’s birth anniversary on July 23, marking 170 years since his birth in 2026.
• Known as ‘Father of Indian Unrest’ and ‘Lokmanya’, he popularized “Swaraj is my birthright, and I shall have it.”
• Tilak shifted the freedom struggle to the masses through education, journalism, and extremist politics in Congress (Lal-Bal-Pal).
• Founded New English School, Deccan Education Society, and Fergusson College; started Kesari and Mahratta newspapers.
• Pioneered public Ganeshotsav and Shivaji Mahotsav for social unity and patriotism. Wrote Gita Rahasya in Mandalay prison.

• Andhra Pradesh launched the Mee Bhoomi–Blockchain pilot project on 23 July 2026 for tamper-proof digital land records.
• Uses Hyperledger Fabric for integration of revenue, survey, and registration departments.
• Covers seven mandals across seven districts, 89 villages, and 1,37,763 land parcels.
• Offers services like auto-mutation, subdivision, and extent correction with secure departmental access.
• Aims to reduce disputes and enable verified land data for citizens and institutions.

• Chhattisgarh approved 10% reservation for Agniveers in direct recruitment to selected Class-III state government posts on 22 July 2026.
• Applies to police constables, forest guards, and jail warders.
• Eligible Agniveers must be from Chhattisgarh and hold a valid discharge certificate after four years of service.
• Decision taken in cabinet meeting chaired by CM Vishnu Deo Sai under the new 2026 rules.
• Aims to provide opportunities to ex-Agniveers in state services.

• Killai in Cuddalore district became Tamil Nadu’s first fully operational Climate Resilient Village on 22 July 2026.
• Implemented under Tamil Nadu Climate Change Mission with ₹230.15 lakh investment.
• Key works: Restoration of 3-km Buckingham Canal, removal of invasive Prosopis juliflora, planting 3,000+ mangroves.
• Includes solar panels, street lights, solar driers, and cold storage for sustainable fishing livelihoods.
• Addresses cyclones, erosion, salinity, and biodiversity loss in coastal areas.

• Rajasthan launched the Mukhyamantri Yuva Suyog platform in July 2026 from Jaipur to boost youth participation in sports, skills, employment, and community activities.
• Started on pilot basis in Bagru and Baran; uses Yuva Suyog portal for registration and competitions.
• Focuses on team sports like cricket, volleyball, kabaddi, and football with progression from local to assembly level.
• Plans to map sports infrastructure and establish Yuva Suyog Clubs at district, panchayat, and ward levels.
• Linked with the Central Government’s MY Bharat initiative.

• The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) launched the digital Local Pass facility on the RajmargYatra mobile app in July 2026.
• Residents within 20 km of eligible toll plazas can purchase a monthly pass for unlimited travel.
• The system uses DigiLocker, VAHAN, and GIS-based validation for seamless address and vehicle verification.
• It was first implemented at the Mundka–Bakkarwala Toll Plaza on Delhi’s Urban Extension Road-II.
• Users can apply entirely through the app without visiting the toll plaza. NHAI also introduced the AI-enabled MargMitra Help Centre.

• Shabdalok (Museum of Word), India’s first immersive language museum, was inaugurated on July 19, 2026, at Belvedere House, National Library campus, Kolkata.
• It showcases India’s linguistic heritage, covering nearly 380 languages and the 121 languages from the 2011 Census.
• The museum features nine galleries with interactive touchscreens, holograms, AI, AR, VR, and audio-visual installations.
• It operates under the Union Ministry of Culture and aims to educate visitors about language evolution and cultural significance.
• Entry is free until August 15, 2026 (closed on Mondays).

• Scientists from MACS Agharkar Research Institute (ARI), Pune, discovered five new species of lichen-forming fungi of the genus Allographa in the Western Ghats.
• The new species are Allographa keralensis, Allographa nayakae, Allographa paraconsanguinea, Allographa persistinspersa, and Allographa semicarbonisata.
• Identification combined traditional taxonomy with multi-locus DNA sequencing using mtSSU, nrLSU, and RPB2 markers.
• This is the first comprehensive molecular phylogenetic study of Allographa from the Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot.
• Lichens serve as important bioindicators of air quality and ecosystem health.

• On July 21, 2026, ICMR licensed three indigenous biomedical technologies under the Medical Innovations Patent Mitra initiative.
• SHetA2, an anti-HPV therapeutic for Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia (CIN), was transferred to Emcure Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
• Two next-generation enteric bacterial vaccine technologies (typhoid and broader Salmonella-Shigella protection) were licensed to Biological E Ltd.
• The technologies originated from ICMR institutes and aim to address cervical cancer precursors and bacterial infections.
• This supports commercialization of publicly funded research for public health benefits in India.

• The Udmaroo Bridge over the Shayok River in Nubra district, Ladakh, was inaugurated on July 21, 2026, at a cost of ₹27.18 crore.
• Built under the Special Development Package, the three-span Truss System Bridge improves connectivity in remote border areas.
• It reduces travel distance by 35 km between key villages and includes 230 meters of approach roads.
• The bridge enhances all-weather access, benefits around 1,000 residents, and improves reach to the Buddhist pilgrimage site Sham Gombo.
• It strengthens strategic infrastructure in high-altitude terrain.

• On July 21, 2026, France’s parliament approved a law banning social media access for children under 15 years.
• France became the first EU country to implement such a nationwide restriction.
• The phased rollout starts September 1, 2026, for new accounts and January 2027 for existing accounts.
• Platforms must use age verification tools; exceptions apply to educational and scientific sites.
• The law addresses mental health concerns like depression, self-harm, and suicides, building on 2023 parental consent rules.

• On July 21, 2026, the Andhra Pradesh Economic Development Board signed an MoU with the UAE Food Cluster in Amaravati.
• The agreement aims to establish a food processing cluster focusing on horticulture, aquaculture, and cold-chain infrastructure.
• Dubai-based Floor Masters International announced a ₹100 crore investment for an export-oriented unit in Chittoor district.
• The cluster will process mangoes, bananas, cocoa, seafood, dairy, and other products for export to nearly 25 countries.
• It strengthens Andhra Pradesh’s position in agri-exports with integrated value chain development.

• The Ministry of Coal will sign a technical cooperation agreement with Germany’s GIZ on July 22, 2026, in New Delhi.
• The pact focuses on scientific closure of coal mines, institutional capacity building, knowledge sharing, and post-mining land development.
• It promotes sustainable practices including land reclamation and alternative land use in mining regions.
• The Ministry will release its first AAROH Annual Report on Mine Closure, documenting 42 scientifically closed mines since independence.
• Union Ministers G. Kishan Reddy, Bhupender Yadav, and Jitendra Singh are expected to attend.

• National Flag Day is celebrated on July 22 to commemorate the adoption of the Indian National Flag (Tiranga) by the Constituent Assembly in 1947.
• It honors the sacrifices of freedom fighters and symbolizes India’s sovereignty, unity, and constitutional values.
• The tricolor features saffron (bravery), white (peace), green (prosperity), and the Ashoka Chakra (24 spokes).
• The Flag Code of India governs its proper use, including ratio, display rules, and recent amendments allowing 24x7 hoisting.
• Educational activities are organized to instill respect for the flag among youth.

• World Brain Day is observed annually on July 22 to raise awareness about neurological disorders and promote brain health.
• Organized by the World Federation of Neurology (WFN), the 2026 theme is “Brain Health: Access For All”.
• It emphasizes equitable access to timely diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation for neurological conditions globally.
• Key objectives include early detection of neurodegenerative diseases, affordable treatment, healthcare system improvement, and public education.
• The day highlights the growing burden of neurological disorders, especially in underdeveloped regions, and positions brain health as a fundamental human right.

• India created history at the 58th IChO 2026 in Tashkent, Uzbekistan (10-19 July), winning 4 Gold medals — the first country to have all participants achieve this.
• Students: Debadatta Priyadarshi (Odisha), Harshit Singla (Punjab), Kabeer Chillar (Delhi), Sandeep Kuchi (Telangana).
• 363 students from 93 countries participated; India ranked 1st jointly with China, Vietnam, and Russia Group B.
• The competition tested advanced topics including COFs, uranium chemistry, and nitrogen fixation.
• India’s 27th participation was supported by Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education.

• On 20 July 2026, Kerala unveiled SAPSE aiming for zero snakebite deaths and disabilities by 2030.
• Aligns with WHO targets; snakebite envenoming declared notifiable disease in 2025.
• Uses One Health approach involving multiple departments (health, forestry, education, etc.).
• Focuses on surveillance via apps and platforms, hospital mapping, species-specific protocols (Hump-nosed & Malabar Pit Viper), and awareness in schools.
• 18 deaths recorded in 2025 (down from 123 in 2018-19); anti-venom available in 301 hospitals.

• Delhi Government approved PARIVARTAN on 20 July 2026 for scrapping old commercial vehicles in Delhi-NCR.
• Centre-backed scheme (total outlay ₹9,585 crore) targets BS-IV or older Light, Medium & Heavy Goods Vehicles and buses.
• Incentives: 100% motor vehicle tax exemption for 10 years, registration fee waiver, 5% interest subsidy, 8% OEM discount.
• Aims to reduce air pollution through fleet renewal with cleaner BS-VI/electric vehicles.
• Expected to benefit ~2.07 lakh truck and bus owners.

• India deposited its Instrument of Acceptance on 20 July 2026, becoming the 123rd WTO member to join the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies.
• Adopted in 2022, the agreement prohibits subsidies for illegal, unreported, unregulated fishing and curbs overfishing/overcapacity in marine wild capture.
• India seeks 25-year transition for developing countries and protections for small-scale fishers in Phase II.
• India’s subsidies are among the lowest globally (~$15 per fisher family).
• Agreement entered into force in September 2025.

• Pakistan will host the 14th South Asian Games (23-31 March 2027) in Lahore, Islamabad, and Faisalabad.
• Over 3,500 athletes from 8 South Asian countries will compete in 27 sports.
• Third time hosting after 1989 and 2004; first time outside Islamabad only.
• Originally planned for 2023, postponed multiple times.
• Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif approved ₹11 billion for preparations.

• Rohit Sharma became the first Indian to score an ODI century at Lord’s on 19 July 2026, silencing retirement rumours.
• At 39 years and 80 days, he broke Sachin Tendulkar’s record as the oldest Indian to score an international century.
• Rohit’s 34th ODI century helped him surpass Tendulkar with 8 ODI centuries in England (most by a visiting batter in a single country).
• He shared a 113-run 400th international partnership with Virat Kohli — their 21st ODI century stand.
• India chased England’s 387/3.

• Khalil al-Hayya (born 1960) was elected head of Hamas’s Political Bureau after Yahya Sinwar’s death in 2025.
• A founding member since 1987, he has been a key external political figure and lead negotiator in ceasefire/hostage talks mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the US.
• He survived multiple Israeli strikes, including in Gaza and Qatar.
• Hamas, rooted in the Muslim Brotherhood, operates its external leadership mainly from Qatar with Iranian backing.
• The election occurred secretly under a temporary five-member council.

• On 21 July 2026, Kanishka Narayan (Labour MP from Vale of Glamorgan, Wales) was appointed as the UK’s first Cabinet-level Minister for Artificial Intelligence.
• Born in Muzaffarpur, Bihar, India, he moved to Cardiff at age 12 and previously served as Parliamentary Under-Secretary for AI and Online Safety.
• The new role integrates AI policy, online safety, and digital regulation at the highest level.
• The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) was dissolved; its functions merged into Business & Trade and Culture departments.
• The UK aims to strengthen its position as a global AI hub.

• Andy Burnham was sworn in as the new Prime Minister of the United Kingdom by King Charles III on 20 July 2026.
• He succeeds Keir Starmer, who resigned amid internal Labour Party pressure following poor local election results and slow reforms.
• Burnham, former Mayor of Greater Manchester, was invited by the King to form a government after securing confidence of the House of Commons.
• In his inaugural speech outside 10 Downing Street, he positioned his government as Britain’s “circuit breaker” and promised a 10-year national plan for stability and economic revival.
• This marks the 7th Prime Minister in the last 10 years, highlighting UK political turbulence.

• American filmmaker James Gray will receive the Pardo alla Carriera (Honorary Career Pardo) at the 79th Locarno Film Festival on 9 August 2026.
• Recognised for his character-driven dramas like We Own the Night, Two Lovers, The Immigrant, and Ad Astra.
• His latest film Paper Tiger (starring Adam Driver, Scarlett Johansson, Miles Teller) premiered at Cannes 2026.
• Festival (5-15 August) will screen tribute films in Piazza Grande.
• Giona A. Nazzaro is artistic director.

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the Mobile Phone Manufacturing Scheme (MPMS) with a total budgetary allocation of ₹62,500 crore. During the scheme period, India's cumulative mobile phone production is projected to reach approximately ₹39,00,000 crore, along with a significant rise in mobile phone exports. The initiative is also expected to create nearly 60,000 direct employment opportunities, strengthen economic growth, and further establish India as a global hub for electronics manufacturing.

Ukraine's parliament approved Serhii Koretskyi as the country's new Prime Minister during a major government reshuffle. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy nominated Koretskyi, citing his strong experience in the energy sector and his ability to prepare Ukraine for another wartime winter. Koretskyi had served as the CEO of Naftogaz, Ukraine's national oil and gas company, since May 2025. His appointment came as protesters gathered outside parliament to oppose the dismissal of Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, warning that the decision could affect ongoing military reforms during the war.

In the United Kingdom, Andy Burnham was elected as the new Labour Party leader and is scheduled to be officially appointed as the Prime Minister on July 20. Burnham previously served for nine years as the mayor of one of Britain's fastest-growing regions. He will become the seventh UK leader in the past decade, highlighting the political instability that has followed the Brexit referendum in 2016.

Chennai-based MRF Tyres has been ranked as India's Most Valuable and Strongest Tyre Brand and is also among the top three strongest tyre brands globally. Founded in 1946, MRF has additionally secured a place among the Top 50 Most Valuable Brands in India in the Brand Finance India 100–2026 report. Released under the theme "Powering India's Global Ascent," the report covers industries including automobiles, hospitality, banking, food, oil, and gas. The combined brand value of India's top 100 brands has crossed US$236.5 billion this year.

The European Commission imposed a €550 million penalty on e-commerce platform AliExpress under the Digital Services Act (DSA). The fine was issued after the platform was found to have failed in properly assessing and reducing the risks associated with the sale of illegal and unsafe products through its marketplace.

Spain won the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating Argentina 1-0 in extra time. Substitute Ferran Torres scored the match-winning goal in the 106th minute. The triumph secured Spain's second FIFA World Cup title, completing an unbeaten tournament in which the team conceded only one goal. Captain Rodri received the Golden Ball Award for his outstanding midfield performances, while coach Luis de la Fuente praised the team's dedication and exceptional talent.

PV Sindhu created history by becoming the first Indian badminton player to win the Japan Open. She defeated Japan's Akane Yamaguchi in the women's singles final in Tokyo with a convincing 21-17, 21-17 victory. The achievement also marked Sindhu's first Japan Open championship.

Policybazaar has appointed Amitabh Bachchan as its new brand ambassador and introduced the campaign "Parivaar Sabse Pehle" to promote awareness about health insurance and term insurance. The campaign includes a series of films in which Bachchan portrays an elderly family member encouraging people to make timely decisions regarding financial protection. The advertisements will be released across television, digital platforms, OTT services, and social media.

Researchers from the Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE) have identified two new species of solitary bees in Arunachal Pradesh. The newly discovered species belong to the genera Elaphropoda and Habropoda, and have been named Elaphropoda triangulata, after the triangular markings on its abdomen, and Habropoda adi, in honour of the Adi indigenous community of Arunachal Pradesh. According to researchers Femi Ezhuthupallickal Benny and Priyadarsanan Dharma Rajan, both species belong to the Anthophorinae subfamily, which mainly consists of ground-nesting solitary bees. They emphasized the growing importance of solitary bees as essential pollinators and their increasing significance in research and conservation efforts.

Skyroot Aerospace successfully launched the Vikram-1 rocket under Mission Aagaman from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, marking India's first privately developed orbital-class rocket launch. The mission successfully placed multiple technology payloads into a 450-km Low Earth Orbit (LEO), making India the third country in the world to achieve a private orbital launch. Built using lightweight carbon composites and powered by 3D-printed engines, Vikram-1 is capable of carrying payloads of up to 350 kg into Low Earth Orbit, representing a major milestone for India's private space industry.

• Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh announced India’s first Engineering Biology graduation course and launched the roadmap for positioning India as a leading bioeconomy powerhouse by 2035. The initiative aims to build a sovereign biotechnology ecosystem through talent development, AI-driven biology, and bio-manufacturing.
• India’s bioeconomy has grown from USD 10 billion in 2014 to USD 95 billion, with projections of USD 300 billion by 2030 and USD 700 billion by 2035. The course will prepare professionals at the intersection of engineering, biology, and healthcare. Emphasis is placed on industry partnerships, innovation, and policies like BioE3 for sustainable growth.

• An ICMR study under the i-DRONE initiative in Telangana’s Yadadri-Bhuvanagiri district has shown that drone transport of TB sputum samples can significantly reduce diagnosis time and patient costs. The study found median turnaround time dropped from 15 days to 5 days, while mean out-of-pocket expenditure fell from ₹9,451 to ₹91 (median zero in drone phase).
• Samples were collected at nearby Primary Health Centres and transported via drones to TB units. The hub-and-spoke model improves access in remote areas, supports faster treatment under the National TB Elimination Programme, and demonstrates technology’s potential in public healthcare delivery.

• The Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, is scheduled for introduction in the Lok Sabha during the Monsoon Session starting 20 July 2026. It seeks to extend statutory protection to Vande Mataram, similar to the national anthem Jana Gana Mana, under the 1971 Act.
• Vande Mataram, from Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay’s 1882 novel Anandamath, will receive legal safeguards against insults. On 9 July 2026, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs directed that all six stanzas be played before Jana Gana Mana at official events. Violations may attract up to three years' imprisonment or fine.

• On 16 July 2026, the Centre for Trade and Investment Law at the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade, in collaboration with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), launched the guidebook Going Global: A Practical Guide for Indian MSMEs in New Delhi. The resource helps Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises navigate export opportunities, market access, trade intelligence tools, international standards, and sustainability norms.
• It addresses challenges like buyer identification, certifications, and competitiveness. The launch featured discussions on Free Trade Agreements, Rules of Origin, and trade remedies to support MSMEs in global markets.

• The 135th IndianOil Durand Cup Trophy Tour began in Guwahati on 16 July 2026 with the unveiling of the Durand Cup, President’s Cup, and Simla Trophy at Hotel Taj Vivanta. Guwahati will host six Group F matches at Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, Sarusajai, from 1 to 13 August 2026.
• Group F includes NorthEast United FC, Bodoland FC, Karbi Anglong Morning Star FC, and FC 1 Club. The tournament, Asia’s oldest, started in 1888, will be held across five cities: Kolkata, Guwahati, Shillong, Imphal, and Ranchi from 25 July to 23 August. Assam is hosting for the fifth consecutive year.

• The Indian Navy is set to commission INS Malvan, the second Mahe-class Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC), on 22 July 2026. Built by Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), Kochi, the vessel boasts over 80% indigenous content under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
• Designed for anti-submarine operations, coastal defence, surveillance, and harbour protection, it will strengthen India's capabilities in shallow waters and replace ageing Abhay-class corvettes. The commissioning ceremony will be attended by senior officials including Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh and Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan. This induction marks a significant boost to indigenous naval self-reliance.

• Dr. Srinivasa Kumar Tummala, an internationally renowned oceanographer, has been appointed as Secretary of the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) for two years. Currently heading the Indian Ocean Tsunami Warning and Mitigation System (IOTWMS) Secretariat at UNESCO-IOC in Perth, he previously served as Director of INCOIS, Hyderabad.
• He played a key role in establishing India’s Tsunami Early Warning System after the 2004 disaster. Recipient of the National Geoscience Award (2010) and Indian National Geospatial Award (2008), his appointment will boost deep-ocean exploration, climate modelling, and disaster warning capabilities under the Deep Ocean Mission and blue economy initiatives.

• Indian Railways will inaugurate the country’s first indigenous hydrogen-powered train on 17 July 2026 on the Jind-Sonipat section of Northern Railway. The 10-car trainset features a 1200 kW hydrogen fuel cell propulsion system, with a maximum operating speed of 75 kmph (design speed 110 kmph) and capacity for around 2,600 passengers.
• Developed under Atmanirbhar Bharat with RDSO specifications, it includes dedicated hydrogen storage and refuelling infrastructure. The pilot project will serve stations between Jind and Sonipat, marking India’s entry into green rail mobility alongside countries like Germany, Japan, and China.

• Union Minister Pralhad Joshi inaugurated the 'White Rabbit Technology'-based Indian Standard Time (IST) Distribution Demonstration Network on 16 July 2026 at the Regional Reference Standards Laboratory in Jakkur, Bengaluru. The project under 'One Nation, One Time' aims to establish a secure, indigenous high-precision time standard, reducing reliance on foreign sources like GPS.
• It will enhance security for banking, defence, telecom, power grids, and financial markets against cyber threats. Implemented by the Legal Metrology Division with NPL, ISRO, BSNL, and SEBI, the system aligns with global UTC protocols while strengthening national digital sovereignty.

• World Day for International Justice is observed annually on 17 July to commemorate the adoption of the Rome Statute in 1998, which established the International Criminal Court (ICC). The 2026 observance on Friday, 17 July, highlights global commitment to ending impunity for war crimes, genocide, crimes against humanity, and aggression.
• The ICC, headquartered in The Hague, prosecutes individuals when national courts fail. The day promotes human rights, rule of law, and international cooperation. Celebrations include awareness campaigns, forums, and conferences aimed at strengthening justice and peace worldwide.