Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA) and Reserve Bank of India (RBI) operationalize Favara-UPI cross-border payment corridor
Key Updates:
- The Favara-UPI cross-border payment corridor was operationalized on July 30, 2026, enabling real-time transfers from Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR) to Indian Rupees (INR).
- The service is initially available through Bank of Maldives Plc and Maldives Islamic Bank Plc for person-to-person (P2P) transfers to UPI-enabled bank accounts in India.
- Permitted remittance categories include family maintenance and gift-related remittances under Foreign Inward and Foreign Outward Remittance regulations.
- The implementation involved collaboration between the MMA, RBI, NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL), and participating financial institutions.
- The formal agreement for the Favara-UPI integration was executed between NIPL and MMA in July 2025.
- Subsequent phases will introduce QR-based merchant payments and other innovative digital payment services.
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The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) transferred four indigenous technologies to industry and commercially launched an IoT-enabled rural water monitoring system. The technologies licensed to Pump…
The Odisha government has transferred more than ₹20,648 crore directly into the bank accounts of over one crore women through four instalments under the Subhadra Yojana. The scheme provides eligible women between the…
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) licensed three indigenous biomedical technologies to pharmaceutical companies for commercialisation. SHetA2, a novel anti-HPV therapeutic candidate for Cervical…
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has proposed that all securitisation notes issued by commercial banks be in dematerialised form. The RBI has retained the minimum investment size of ₹1 crore for issuance and subsequent…
Key Updates:
- Global investment firm Brookfield has launched Lumara, a renewable energy platform investing about $600 million in India.
- Lumara's initial portfolio will be more than 6 GW, covering solar, wind, and battery energy storage systems (BESS).
- Lumara will target structural bottlenecks such as delays in power purchase agreement (PPA) contracting, grid connectivity, and land acquisition.
- The platform will support projects with advanced land and grid interconnection positions, allowing construction to start before PPAs are secured.
- Lumara will provide structured credit solutions to developers to fast-track project development and execution.
- Brookfield is investing through its Catalytic Transition Fund (CTF), a strategy focused on clean energy and transition assets in emerging markets.
- Brookfield has around 45 GW of wind and solar assets in operation and under development in India.
- Brookfield has invested more than $32 billion in India across infrastructure, energy, real estate, and private equity.
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British International Investment (BII) and Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP) have launched a $300 million renewable energy platform named North Star in India. BII and CIP will each commit up to $150 million to the…
The Bharat Renewable Energy Summit & Expo 2026 will be held from 2nd to 5th November 2026 at Bharat Mandapam. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the summit.
The World Bank (WB) has approved a financing package of $890 million for India’s rooftop solar programme. The package comprises an $820 million loan from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD)…
Union Minister of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) Pralhad Joshi announced that India aims to achieve 100 GW of installed wind energy capacity by 2030 and 155 GW by 2035. India launched its first dedicated digital…
SBI Card and Google Pay launch co-branded credit card with UPI-linked RuPay option
Key Updates:
- SBI Card and Google Pay have launched a co-branded credit card named Google Pay Flex SBI Card.
- The card is available on both RuPay and Visa payment networks, with the RuPay variant supporting UPI linkage.
- Cardholders earn Stars on eligible spends, with 1 Star equivalent to ₹1, and can earn up to 8 Stars per cumulative ₹500 spent after meeting monthly spending milestones.
- The card offers up to 18,000 Stars annually on everyday spends including groceries, bill payments, travel, utilities, and shopping.
- The joining and annual renewal fee is ₹499 plus applicable taxes, reversible on achieving annual spends of ₹1 lakh in the previous year.
- The card allows conversion of the latest outstanding credit card bill into EMIs through the Google Pay app.
- SBI Card had over 22.6 million cards-in-force as per the company.
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AU Small Finance Bank (AU SFB) has partnered with Zaggle Prepaid Ocean Services to launch a co-branded retail credit card available on both Visa and RuPay payment networks. The Visa variant offers up to 8% Zagg Coins on…
PayGlocal has launched Google Pay Card Payments on its International Payment Gateway, becoming one of the first Indian payment platforms to enable Google Pay for international transactions. Indian merchants can now reach…
Paisabazaar, a part of PB Fintech, and SBM Bank India have launched the SBM Paisabazaar Paisa+ Credit Card, a Fixed Deposit (FD)-backed credit card. The credit card requires a minimum FD starting from ₹2,000 and provides…
Punjab National Bank (PNB) has partnered with Zaggle Prepaid Ocean Services Ltd (Zaggle) to launch biodegradable co-branded twin credit cards to target the Gen Z and Millennial segments. The PNB-Zaggle Co-branded Twin…
Indian Railways Launches Online Personal Luggage Booking for Confirmed Ticket Passengers
Key Updates:
- Indian Railways launched online booking of personal luggage for passengers holding confirmed train tickets from July 31, 2026.
- The facility allows passengers to book personal luggage up to the prescribed weight limit to be carried inside reserved compartments.
- The Railway Board directed all zonal railways to implement the facility and requested CRIS to develop and test the online booking application.
- The free luggage allowance is 70 kg in First AC, 50 kg in First Class and Second AC, 40 kg in Third AC, AC Chair Car and Sleeper Class, and 35 kg in Second Class.
- Passengers can book excess luggage up to the maximum permissible limit by paying charges at 1.5 times the applicable luggage rate.
- In AC 3 Tier, AC 3 Economy and AC Chair Car, excess luggage booking is not permitted, except where the free luggage allowance itself is chargeable.
- Trunks, suitcases and boxes with outside measurement up to 100 cm × 60 cm × 25 cm are permitted as personal luggage inside passenger compartments.
- Articles exceeding these dimensions must be booked and carried in the brakevan, and merchandise items cannot be booked as personal luggage in compartments.
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Indian Railways unveiled eight new structural reforms under the Reform Express initiative to modernise freight operations. Containerised transportation of fly ash using ISO-standard containers was introduced to enable…
Indian Railways has launched a pilot project using automated AI-camera stain detection technology in laundries to assess the quality of washed linen. The pilot is being conducted in Pune Division under Central Railway…
Indian Railways has approved a ₹163 crore project to upgrade the electric traction system on the Parbhani-Mudkhed double line section in the Nanded Division of South Central Railway. The project involves replacing the…
The Ministry of Railways has notified the South Coast Railway (SCoR) as the 18th railway zone of India, which will become operational from June 1, 2026. The South Coast Railway (SCoR) is headquartered in Visakhapatnam…
Chhattisgarh Launches DWEEPTI Yojana for Women-Led Solar Entrepreneurship
Key Updates:
- The Chhattisgarh government launched the DWEEPTI Yojana (Decentralised Women Empowerment on Energy and Policy for Transformative Inclusion) to enable rural women's self-help groups to become vendors, technicians, managers, and entrepreneurs in the solar power sector.
- The scheme was developed by the state's Panchayat and Rural Development Department in collaboration with Transform Rural India under the Green Economy Transition Mission.
- Chhattisgarh is the first state in India to adopt a women-led distributed renewable energy policy under this initiative.
- Under the scheme, 13 Cluster Level Federations across 12 districts have been registered as authorised vendors under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana in partnership with the Chhattisgarh State Power Distribution Company Limited (CSPDCL).
- Self-help group members are offered flexible loans for rooftop solar installations, aligning with the Prime Minister's Lakhpati Didi vision.
- Kabirdham district is the flagship site, where the Vande Mataram Cluster Level Federation was registered as an authorised solar vendor with support from the Zila Panchayat.
- Nearly 35 women from local SHGs underwent hands-on technical training in rooftop solar installation, forming the first cadre of 'Solar Didis'.
- The state's first rooftop solar system under the initiative was installed in Samnapur village in Kabirdham.
- The state government plans to expand the DWEEPTI Yojana framework to the remaining districts to establish a replicable model for clean energy adoption driven by women's leadership.
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A 1 MW solar power plant set up by the Chaitanya Self Help Group (SHG) was inaugurated at Venkatapuram in Errupalem mandal of Khammam district, Telangana. The solar power plant was constructed at a cost of ₹2.84 crore…
The PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana is a flagship rooftop solar scheme aimed at enhancing energy self-reliance and supporting the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat 2047. The government has set a target to…
The World Bank (WB) has approved a financing package of $890 million for India’s rooftop solar programme. The package comprises an $820 million loan from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD)…
India’s Chandrayaan-3 lunar mission has been honoured with the 2026 Goddard Astronautics Award by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA). The Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) has linked over…
Lok Sabha Passes Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026
Key Updates:
- The Lok Sabha passed the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026 by voice vote.
- The amendment enhances punishment for unfair means from three to five years to five to ten years of imprisonment.
- The maximum fine for individuals is increased from ₹10 lakh to ₹50 lakh.
- For service providers, the maximum fine is raised from ₹1 crore to ₹5 crore and the debarment period from four to eight years.
- Punishment for organised crime is enhanced from five to ten years to seven to ten years, with the maximum fine increased from ₹1 crore to ₹10 crore.
- The Bill provides for Special Fast Track Courts, completion of investigation within two months, and trial within three months.
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The Rajya Sabha passed the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026 on July 30, 2026. The bill prescribes imprisonment of five to ten years and a fine of up to ₹50 lakh for individuals…
Dharmendra Pradhan resigned as Union Education Minister on 25 July 2026, taking moral responsibility for the NEET-UG paper leak. The resignation was a core demand of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which led student…
The Rajya Sabha passed the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026 on July 30, 2026. The bill criminalises deliberate obstruction or insult to the national song Vande Mataram.
The Union Cabinet approved amendments to the Prevention of Paper Leak law, proposing a maximum jail term of 10 years and a fine of up to Rs 10 crore. The proposed amendments also seek to increase the minimum imprisonment…
Key Updates:
- The Mission Shakti App consolidates multiple essential helpline services onto a single platform for women and child safety.
- The app provides access to helplines including Women Helpline 181, Emergency Response Support System 112, Poshan and PMMVY Helpline 1515, National Cyber Crime Helpline 1930, Legal Aid (NALSA) 15100, Tele-MANAS 14416, and Child Helpline 1098.
- Union Minister for Women and Child Development Annapurna Devi urged citizens to download the app and share information about its services to increase awareness and accessibility.
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The ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) launched the DeepDATA mobile application for digital documentation of deep-sea marine biodiversity. The app was developed under the Deep Ocean Mission with…
The Government of India launched the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF)–Ministry of Jal Shakti MAHA Water Mission with a projected outlay of ₹200 crore over five years. The mission is jointly funded by ANRF…
Haryana Labour Minister Anil Vij announced the launch of the 'ShramMitra' app to digitise and modernise the labour market. The app is designed to transform the traditional labour chowk into a digital platform.
The Mizoram government launched the 'Khuarel' mobile application on 29 April 2026. The app was unveiled by Disaster Management and Rehabilitation Minister Lalnilawma in Aizawl.
Assam Land and Revenue Regulation (Amendment) Bill, 2026 Restricts Land Purchase Near 250-Year-Old Heritage Sites
Key Updates:
- The Assam Assembly passed the Assam Land and Revenue Regulation (Amendment) Bill, 2026.
- The amendment restricts buying or holding land within a 5-km radius of iconic heritage institutions that are at least 250 years old.
- Only 'original inhabitants' and specified categories such as Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, indigenous ethnic communities, and disadvantaged groups can buy land in protected areas.
- The Bill defines an 'original inhabitant' as a person whose family has lived in the protected area for three generations up to January 1, 2006, counting one generation as 25 years.
- Existing land patta holders in protected areas can continue to stay, while unauthorised occupants may be evicted by the District Commissioner.
- The Bill identifies Moran, Matak, Chutia, Koch-Rajbongshi, and Ahom as indigenous ethnic communities, and includes tea, adivasi, and other notified communities as disadvantaged groups.
- Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the law is secular as it applies to 250-year-old religious institutions of all communities.
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The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) has officially notified the Borjuli Wetland, located in the Sonitpur district of Assam, as a Biodiversity Heritage site. The Borjuli Wetland is a 0.41-hectare island renowned for…
The Assam Assembly passed the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill, 2026, to establish a common legal framework for marriage, divorce, succession, and live-in relationships irrespective of religion. Assam is the third state in…
Four iconic cultural and artisan products from Assam have been granted Geographical Indication (GI) status by the Geographical Indications Registry of the Government of India. The newly GI-tagged products are Karbi…
The Assam Cabinet approved the draft Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill on May 13, 2026. The Bill will be tabled in the Assam Assembly on May 26, 2026.
Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP): Government Approves 111 Road Projects with ₹2,481.93 Crore Outlay
Key Updates:
- Under the Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP), the government approved 111 road projects to connect 134 unconnected villages along the India-China border.
- The approved road projects have a total cost of ₹2,481.93 crore.
- VVP has extended 4G connectivity to 528 villages, piped water supply to 625 villages, and electricity to 621 villages through on-grid or off-grid arrangements.
- Fresh funding has been provided under VVP for better schools, mobile medical units in Arunachal Pradesh, and new projects to strengthen power supply.
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Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan will launch the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana-IV (PMGSY-IV) road projects worth ₹1,698.04 crore in Rayagada, Odisha on May…
The Union Cabinet approved two elevated highway corridors in Varanasi at a total cost of Rs 25,446 crore. The Varuna river corridor (43 km) will connect NH-31 to Varanasi ring road and reduce travel time to Kashi railway…
The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) issued new guidelines for states to shift the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) base year to 2022-23 to align with national Gross Domestic Product (GDP)…
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved two highway projects with a combined investment of ₹14,114.81 crore. A six-lane road tunnel on NH-148AE connecting Shivmurti Interchange on Dwarka Expressway…
Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and Madhya Pradesh Sign MoU for India's First Telecom Manufacturing Zone at Gwalior with Rs 493 Crore Grant-in-Aid
Key Updates:
- On July 30, 2026, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and the Government of Madhya Pradesh signed an MoU to establish India's first Telecom Manufacturing Zone in Gwalior.
- The total grant-in-aid from DoT for the two industrial parks spanning 170 acres is Rs 493 crore, with Rs 270 crore earmarked as capital outlay for testing facilities and the laboratory ecosystem, including two laboratory centres covering eight testing domains.
- Industrial plots will be made available to telecom manufacturing and testing units at an annual lease of Re 1 per square metre for 30 years.
- Land will also be earmarked for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), plug-and-play facilities and logistics operations.
- The government announced a capital subsidy of 50 per cent on a minimum investment of Rs 200 crore, along with support of up to 25 per cent of standalone R&D investment or Rs 25 crore, whichever is lower.
- The project offers 100 per cent reimbursement of stamp duty and concessions on water and power supply.
- Employment assistance of Rs 5,000 per month for new employees and training support of Rs 13,000 each for the first 4,000 new employees were announced.
- The government intends to attract investments of around Rs 8,000-9,000 crore and create 9,000-10,000 jobs through the project.
- A special purpose vehicle (SPV) will be constituted, with the Telecom Secretary and a representative of the Madhya Pradesh government as co-chairs.
- At an investor roundtable, at least 15 companies, including Dixon Technologies, committed investments of nearly Rs 3,500 crore and proposed creating around 14,000 jobs.
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India aims to connect 100 crore people to 5G by 2030, having already connected nearly 50 crore users in two-and-a-half years. The first Telecom Manufacturing Zone (TMZ) will be established in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, as…
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Telecommunications Standards Development Society of India (TSDSI) to boost India's participation in global telecom standards…
The Andhra Pradesh government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to establish a UAE Food Cluster in the state. The MoU was signed between the Andhra Pradesh Economic…
Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) and the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the joint research, development, testing, deployment, and commercialisation of…
MoRD and PCI India Sign Non-Financial MoU to Strengthen Women-Led Enterprises through Public Procurement
Key Updates:
- The Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) signed a non-financial MoU with PCI India to strengthen women-led enterprises (WLEs) and SHG-led enterprises.
- The MoU was signed under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana–National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM).
- The MoU covers the period 2026–2029 and involves no transfer of funds between the parties.
- The collaboration builds on an initiative supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) started in 2022.
- The partnership aims to enhance participation of women-led enterprises in government and institutional procurement through capacity building and market linkages.
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The Quality Council of India (QCI) and the National Small Industries Corporation Limited (NSIC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a collaborative ecosystem for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises…
The Government e-Marketplace (GeM) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Common Service Centre e-Governance Services India Limited (CSC-SPV) in New Delhi. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry stated the…
The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Chamber India to strengthen the nation's startup ecosystem and promote innovation-led growth. Under…
The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India and the Supreme Audit Institution (SAI) of Israel signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance cooperation in public sector auditing. The agreement was signed…
India and Bhutan sign Rs 4,000-crore Line of Credit during fifth Development Cooperation Talks
Key Updates:
- India and Bhutan held the fifth India-Bhutan Development Cooperation Talks, co-chaired by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Bhutanese Foreign Secretary Dasho Pema Lektup Dorji.
- India and Bhutan exchanged a concessional line of credit agreement worth Rs 4,000 crore (Nu 40 billion) between the Export-Import Bank of India and Bhutan's Ministry of Finance.
- The talks reviewed the implementation of India-supported development projects under Bhutan's 13th Five-Year Plan.
- An MoU was exchanged for cooperation in health education and research between the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) and Bhutan's Khesar Gyalpo University of Medical Sciences.
- India handed over 45 electric vehicles to the Royal Government of Bhutan as part of support for Bhutan's green mobility initiatives.
- The two foreign secretaries virtually inaugurated the Thimphu Ecological Park and Olakha Park under India's 'Green Infrastructure and Open Spaces in Thimphu' project.
- India is Bhutan's largest development partner and has committed support for Bhutan's 13th Five-Year Plan.
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The Union Cabinet approved the fifth version of the Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme (ECLGS 5.0) to provide financial support to businesses facing liquidity pressures due to the West Asia crisis. The scheme aims to…
Lenders have cleared approximately 80,000 applications with loans amounting to ₹35,194 crore and issued guarantees worth ₹15,720 crore as of May 29. The Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme (ECLGS) 5.0, with an outlay…
The Union Cabinet approved the Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme (ECLGS) 5.0 with an outlay of Rs 18,100 crore to address short-term liquidity mismatches caused by the West Asia Crisis. Eligible borrowers include…
The Union Cabinet approved the Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme (ECLGS) 5.0 on May 5, 2026, to provide credit support amid liquidity pressures from the West Asia crisis. As of June 9, 2026, the Ministry of Finance…
Indian Navy Takes Delivery of Second Indigenous Diving Support Vessel Nipun
Key Updates:
- The Indian Navy took delivery of Nipun, its second indigenously built diving support vessel, from Hindustan Shipyard Limited in Visakhapatnam.
- Nipun is a 118-metre ship displacing more than 8,560 tonnes, with more than 80 per cent of its value sourced within India.
- The vessel features a dynamic positioning system, saturation diving systems, compression chambers, life-support equipment, a side diving stage, and remotely operated vehicles.
- Nipun will serve as a mother ship for a Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle, managing launch, recovery and communications during submarine rescue operations.
- The acceptance document was signed by Rear Admiral Arvind Rawal and Hindustan Shipyard Limited Chairman and Managing Director Rear Admiral Chandrasekharan Raghuram (retired).
- Nipun was delivered roughly a year after the lead ship INS Nistar was handed over and later commissioned in July 2025; both vessels were launched together in September 2022.
- Hindustan Shipyard Limited is a Miniratna defence public sector undertaking under India's Ministry of Defence, with a shipbuilding history of more than eight decades.
- The diving support vessel programme involved around 120 micro, small and medium enterprises.
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INS Malvan, the second ship in the Mahe-class Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft series, will be commissioned on July 22, 2026. The commissioning ceremony will be led by Air Chief Marshal A P Singh, Chief of the…
Another MH-60R Seahawk maritime helicopter was delivered to the Indian Navy at Kochi. Two more MH-60R helicopters are scheduled to arrive soon.
The Indian Navy is set to induct five indigenously built naval platforms in June 2026. The new additions comprise two Project 17A stealth frigates (INS Dunagiri and INS Mahendragiri), one large survey vessel, and two…
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will commission three indigenously built naval ships—Dunagiri, Sanshodhak, and Agray—at Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port in Kolkata. The vessels were designed by the Indian Navy's Warship Design…
India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Felicitates All-Women IASV Triveni Crew on July 30, 2026
Key Updates:
- Defence Minister Rajnath Singh honoured the tri-services all-women crew of the Indian Army Sailing Vessel (IASV) Triveni on July 30, 2026.
- The crew completed the Samudra Pradakshina Expedition, India's first-ever tri-service all-women circumnavigation sailing mission.
- The nine-member crew sailed for 314 days, covering nearly 25,500 nautical miles across four oceans after departing from Mumbai on September 11, 2025.
- The expedition crossed all meridians of longitude, crossed the Equator twice, crossed the International Date Line, and rounded Cape Leeuwin, Cape Horn, and the Cape of Good Hope.
- The crew navigated the Drake Passage and earned membership in the prestigious Cape Horners fraternity.
- The expedition showcased India's maritime traditions, military professionalism, and cultural heritage during port calls, strengthening military diplomacy and soft power.
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Defence Minister Rajnath Singh flagged in the first-ever tri-service all-women circumnavigation sailing expedition 'Samudra Pradakshina' on July 22, 2026. The expedition was conducted aboard the Indian Army Sailing…
The Indian Army Sailing Vessel (IASV) Triveni is completing Samudra Pradakshina, which is India’s first all-women tri-service global circumnavigation expedition. The crew comprises 10 women officers from the Indian Army…
Samudra Pradakshina, India's first Tri-Service all-women sailing expedition, completed a 314-day circumnavigation covering 25,500 nautical miles. The expedition was conducted by nine women officers from the Indian Army…
The book 'RSS @100: A Century of Service, Unity & Sacrifice' was released by Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan on July 17, 2026. The book is authored by Shyam Jaju and Anupam Trivedi.
Key Updates:
- The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) issued new norms for planned re-entry of space objects on July 23.
- The norms mandate that any object intentionally brought back to Earth must have no more than a 1-in-10,000 probability of causing a human casualty.
- Private companies will bear full liability for any damage caused by re-entering space objects anywhere in the world.
- Operators are strongly encouraged to obtain third-party liability insurance before undertaking re-entry missions.
- The rules apply to re-entry capsules, cargo return vehicles, experimental payload return missions, and future crewed spacecraft.
- Satellites that naturally burn up in the atmosphere do not require separate re-entry authorisation if their disposal plans are already declared.
- Foreign space companies must apply for authorisation through an Indian-incorporated entity.
- Operators must issue Notices to Air Missions (NOTAMs) and maritime warnings around 45 days before the scheduled re-entry.
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SpaceX launched its 13th Starship test flight from Starbase, Texas, deploying 20 next-generation Starlink V3 satellites. The 407-foot (124-metre) Starship V3 rocket lifted off after replacing six engines that failed to…
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has implemented the Foreign Exchange Management (Mode of Payment and Reporting of Non-Debt Instruments) (Amendment) Regulations, 2026, effective from 13 June 2026. Non-Resident Indians…
The Ministry of Finance (MoF) notified the Protocol amending the India-Sri Lanka Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) to include a Principal Purpose Test (PPT). The PPT allows authorities to deny treaty benefits if…
The draft Karnataka Apartment Ownership and Management (KAOM) Bill, 2025, recognizes every apartment owner's undivided proportionate right in the project land and common areas. Redevelopment proposals require written…
Ajinkya Rahane Announces Retirement from International Cricket
Key Updates:
- Ajinkya Rahane announced his retirement from international cricket and all formats with immediate effect.
- The 38-year-old played 85 Tests, 90 ODIs and 20 T20Is for India in a career that began in 2013.
- Rahane's last international match was in 2023 during India's West Indies tour.
- His last competitive match was in the 2026 Mumbai T20 league, where he captained North Mumbai Panthers.
- In Tests, Rahane scored 5,077 runs at an average of 38.46, including 12 centuries and 26 half-centuries.
- In ODIs, he made 2,962 runs with three centuries and 24 fifties.
- In T20Is, he scored 375 runs including one half-century.
- Rahane said in an Instagram video that he wants to help groom the next generation of cricketers.
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Ben Stokes announced his retirement from international cricket and his role as England Men's Test Captain. His final appearance for England will be the third Rothesay Test Match against New Zealand at Trent Bridge.
India wicketkeeper-batter Kona Srikar Bharat announced his retirement from international cricket at the age of 32. He represented India in seven Test matches between 2023 and 2024, scoring a total of 221 runs with a…
Indian all-rounder Vijay Shankar announced his retirement from domestic cricket and the Indian Premier League (IPL) at the age of 35 to pursue new opportunities. Shankar represented India in 12 One Day Internationals…
Neymar announced his retirement from the Brazil national football team on July 5, 2026, following the team's exit from the World Cup. The 34-year-old player made his final appearance during a 2-1 loss to Norway in the…
India Sweep Commonwealth Table Tennis Team Titles
Key Updates:
- India won both the men's and women's team titles at the 22nd Commonwealth Table Tennis Championships.
- The men's team defeated Malaysia 3-2 in the final.
- The women's team defeated Malaysia 3-0 in the final.
- The finals were held at Thyagaraj Stadium in New Delhi.
- Manush Shah won the decisive fifth rubber against Javen Choong to secure the men's title.
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Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta unveiled 'Mayur' as the official mascot of the 22nd Commonwealth Table Tennis Championship 2026. The mascot is inspired by India's national bird, the peacock, and its feathers represent…
Dilip Mahadu Gavit won gold in the men's 100m T47 final with a time of 10.71 seconds. Mohammed Basil Morssinganakath won silver in the men's 100m T47 final with a time of 10.83 seconds.
Rohit Rajpal has been appointed as India's Chef de Mission for the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, scheduled to be held from July 23 to August 2. Ravi Bengani is the Deputy Chef de Mission, while Vandana Rao and Rahul…
Commonwealth Games (CWG) Day will be celebrated nationwide on May 24, 2026, at more than 8,000 locations through Fit India Sundays on Cycle. The 75th edition of Fit India Sundays on Cycle will be organised in Ahmedabad…
Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) wins 11th All India Police Judo Cluster Championship 2026
Key Updates:
- Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) emerged as Overall Champions of the 11th All India Police Judo Cluster Championship 2026 with 24 gold, 20 silver and 23 bronze medals, scoring 203 points.
- Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) finished as Runners-up with 25 gold, 16 silver and 25 bronze medals, scoring 198 points, while Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) was third with 10 gold, 21 silver and 26 bronze medals, scoring 139 points.
- The championship was held from 23 to 30 July 2026 at the GMC Balayogi Indoor Stadium, Gachibowli, Hyderabad.
- The event was hosted by CISF under the aegis of the All-India Police Sports Control Board (AIPSCB).
- Around 1,600 athletes and officials from 36 Central and State Police organisations participated, and 28 organisations won at least one medal.
- A total of 470 medals, comprising 119 gold, 119 silver and 232 bronze medals, were awarded across five disciplines.
- Discipline-wise champions included SSB in Judo and Wushu, CISF in Men's Taekwondo and Pencak Silat, Uttar Pradesh Police in Women's Taekwondo, and Assam Rifles in Karate.
- The closing ceremony was attended by Telangana DGP C.V. Anand as Chief Guest, and it was announced that Telangana Police will host All India Police competitions in Hyderabad for the next two years.
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The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) granted conditional recognition to the interim body of the Judo Federation of India (JFI). The JFI has been under a court-appointed administrator since 2022 following a…
The 16th Hockey India Junior Men National Championship 2026 began on July 28 in Coimbatore and will run until August 8. A total of 30 teams are competing across three divisions: Division A, Division B, and Division C.
Team India will represent the country for the first time at the World Apnea Pool Championship starting June 2, 2026, in Budapest. The Freediving Association of India (FAI) is the official national body for freediving in…
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the first World Yogasana Championship 2026 in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. The championship features over 500 athletes from 78 nations, including Uganda, Zambia, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Kenya…
World Day Against Trafficking in Persons observed on July 30
Key Updates:
- World Day Against Trafficking in Persons is observed annually on July 30.
- The theme for 2026 is 'Trapped Behind the Scam'.
- The theme highlights trafficking for forced criminality in online scam operations.
- The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has assisted nearly 3,000 victims trafficked into online scam centres in Southeast Asia since 2022.
- Human trafficking linked to online scam operations is one of the fastest-growing forms of organized crime.
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The International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking (World Drug Day) is observed globally on June 26 every year. The day was established by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) through Resolution…
World Population Day is observed every year on 11 July to raise awareness about global population challenges. The theme for World Population Day 2026 is “Realizing the hopes and aspirations of young people – today and…
World Day Against Child Labour is observed on 12 June, and the theme for 2026 is Red card to child labour: Fair play for children, decent work for adults. The 6th Global Conference on the Elimination of Child Labour held…
World Nature Conservation Day is observed annually on 28 July, with the 2026 observance falling on a Tuesday. The day originated from grassroots efforts and global environmental networks, tracing back to the founding of…
Ladakh Declares 23 Heritage Sites as Protected Monuments on July 31, 2026
Key Updates:
- Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena approved the declaration of 23 heritage sites as protected monuments in Ladakh.
- The declaration was made under the Jammu and Kashmir Ancient Monuments Preservation Act.
- The protected monuments include petroglyph sites, ancient rock carvings, ancient caves, Gompas, forts, and palaces.
- Notable sites include the Petroglyph Site at Sharnos, Maitreya Buddha Rock Carving at Shey, and Tingmosgang Fort.
- The approval aims to preserve Ladakh's civilisational heritage and promote responsible cultural tourism.
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India introduced Biodiversity Heritage Sites (BHS) under Section 37 of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, with the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) reporting 54 such sites as of March 2026. Nallur Tamarind Grove in…
Italy has become the world's United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage capital with 61 protected sites. Italy currently holds the highest number of UNESCO-listed sites of…
The Delhi government approved the Monument Adoption Scheme and a grant-in-aid scheme to preserve 75 monuments under the banner 'Hamare Smarak, Hamara Gaurav'. The Monument Adoption Scheme allows private organisations…
Sarnath was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List on July 26, 2026. With this inscription, India now has 45 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
India's Tiger Population Rises to 3,682 in 2022 Census
Key Updates:
- India's tiger population rose from 1,411 in 2006 to 3,682 in 2022, surpassing the international target of doubling tiger numbers by that year.
- Project Tiger was launched in India in 1973, and the article notes that if it had not been launched then, no big spaces would have remained.
- The State of India's Environment report says close to 40 per cent of India's tiger territory overlaps with land where 60 million people live.
- Tigers are moving into weed-choked patches outside protected areas that offer cover but insufficient prey, pushing them toward livestock and sometimes people.
- In the Chandrapur belt of Maharashtra, well over a hundred human deaths from tiger attacks were reported in a single two-year stretch.
- Tiger reserves that produced population growth are now saturated, while space, prey base and corridors have not been scaled in proportion.
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Rajasthan's tiger population across five tiger reserves increased to 149 in 2026 from 135 in the previous year. The Ranthambore Tiger Reserve houses 72 of the 149 tigers in the state.
International Tiger Day is observed annually on July 29 to raise awareness about tiger conservation. The day was established in 2010 at the Saint Petersburg Tiger Summit, where the TX2 initiative was launched to double…
The rhino population in the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve (DTR) of Uttar Pradesh has increased to 53. The data was recorded during the fourth rhino census conducted between 25 and 27 June.
The Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) inaugurated the National Workshop on “Tiger Re-introduction: Opportunities & Challenges” in Alwar, Rajasthan, organised by the National Tiger Conservation…
Brigadier B.K. Ponwar, Jungle Warfare Pioneer, Dies at 77
Key Updates:
- Brigadier Basant Kumar Ponwar, a 1971 Indo-Pak War veteran and jungle warfare pioneer, died at the age of 77 in Mhow, Madhya Pradesh.
- He was born on March 3, 1949, in Indore and was commissioned into the 1st Battalion of the Maratha Light Infantry (MLI) in December 1969.
- During the 1971 war, he led raids in Kamalpur and Bakshiganj and served as a link officer during the Tangail paradrop.
- He served as Commandant of the Counter Insurgency and Jungle Warfare School (CIJWS) in Vairengte, Mizoram, and oversaw the inaugural Indo-US exercise 'Yudh Abhyas' in 2004.
- He was awarded the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) and Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM) for exceptional service.
- He founded the Counter Terrorism and Jungle Warfare College (CTJWC) in Kanker, Chhattisgarh, in August 2005, and trained over 37,000 security personnel over 18 years.
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The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) was originally established in 1939 as the Crown Representative's Police in Neemuch, Madhya Pradesh. After independence, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel guided its reorganization, and a…
IPS officer Sundarraj Pattilingam was appointed Inspector General (IG) of the National Investigation Agency (NIA). He spearheaded anti-Maoist operations in Chhattisgarh's Bastar region and served as the face of the…
Indian Navy launched 'Machilipatnam' (BY 529), the seventh of eight Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft, at Cochin Shipyard Limited on 29 July 2026. The vessel was launched by Goolrukh Anand in the presence of…
Actor Ishaan Khatter was conferred with an honorary membership of the 45 Cavalry of the Indian Armoured Corps. The honour was awarded for his portrayal of a 45 Cavalry officer in the film Pippa and his respect for the…
Key Updates:
- Jyotiraditya M. Scindia conferred the Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Telecom Excellence Awards-2025 to two organizations for outstanding contributions in telecom technology.
- The awardees were Amantya Technologies Pvt. Ltd. and Finaara.
- Dr. Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani, Union Minister of State for Communications and Rural Development, and Amit Agrawal, Secretary, Department of Telecommunications, attended the event.
- The awards have been instituted by the Department of Telecommunications, Ministry of Communications, to encourage innovations in the telecom sector and reward successful telecom skilled people and institutions annually.
- The selection process for the awards included nominations by Indian citizens and institutions registered in India through the Rashtriya Puraskar Portal managed by the Director General, Awards at the Ministry of Home Affairs.
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The India Mobile Congress 2026 will be held from October 7 to October 10 at the Yashobhoomi Convention Centre in New Delhi. Mobile data tariffs in India have decreased from ₹287 per GB to approximately ₹8 per GB over the…
Deendayal Port Authority (DPA), Kandla was honoured with the Sagar Aankalan Award for the financial year 2024–25. The award was granted under the category Handling of Container Cargo – Less than 0.5 Million TEUs.
India aims to connect 100 crore people to 5G by 2030, having already connected nearly 50 crore users in two-and-a-half years. The first Telecom Manufacturing Zone (TMZ) will be established in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, as…
Union Minister for Communications and Development of North Eastern Region, Jyotiraditya Scindia, launched the Cell Broadcast Alert System under the guidance of Union Home and Cooperation Minister, Amit Shah. The system…
