July 2026

1. 31 Jul2026
   Polity

   Government tells Rajya Sabha of UPSC and SSC recruitment reforms¹

   Deccan Herald reported on 31 July 2026 that the government outlined recruitment reforms, putting the UPSC cycle at about 13 months and the SSC cycle at 6 to 8 months, with AI-based verification and face authentication at exam centres.

   • Reported 31 July 2026: UPSC recruitment cycle about 13 months; SSC 6 to 8 months
   • AI-based verification and face authentication to curb impersonation
   • UPSC announced on 11 January 2026 that facial authentication is mandatory for all its recruitment exams
2. 31 Jul2026
   Reports and indices

   Environmental Performance Index 2026: India ranks 176th of 177²³

   India ranked 176th of 177 countries with a score of 22.46, second from last; Estonia topped with 74.79 and Laos was last at 21.78.

   • India 176 of 177, score 22.46
   • Estonia first (74.79)
   • Laos last (177th, 21.78)
   • 47 indicators across 12 issue categories
   • India was 176th of 180 in 2024
3. 31 Jul2026
   Appointments

   Varsha Ashok Aglawe becomes first woman Director General of GSI⁴

   Varsha Ashok Aglawe took charge on 31 July 2026 as the 54th Director General of the Geological Survey of India and its first woman DG, succeeding Asit Saha. She is a palaeontologist and palynologist who joined GSI in 1992; her last post was Additional Director General, Eastern Region, Kolkata.

   • Varsha Ashok Aglawe took charge on 31 July 2026 as the 54th Director General of the Geological Survey of India and its first woman DG, succeeding Asit Saha
   • She is a palaeontologist and palynologist who joined GSI in 1992; her last post was Additional Director General, Eastern Region, Kolkata
4. 31 Jul2026
   Other

   Shaheed Udham Singh Martyrdom Day: executed 31 July 1940⁵⁶

   PM Modi, Amit Shah and Rajnath Singh paid tribute to Udham Singh on his martyrdom day, 31 July 2026. Udham Singh was hanged at Pentonville Prison, London, on 31 July 1940 for shooting Michael O'Dwyer at Caxton Hall on 13 March 1940, avenging the Jallianwala Bagh massacre of 13 April 1919.

   • PM Modi, Amit Shah and Rajnath Singh paid tribute to Udham Singh on his martyrdom day, 31 July 2026
   • Udham Singh was hanged at Pentonville Prison, London, on 31 July 1940 for shooting Michael O'Dwyer at Caxton Hall on 13 March 1940, avenging the Jallianwala Bagh massacre of 13 April 1919
5. 31 Jul2026
   Polity

   Parties rush to honour Guru Ravidas ahead of 650th Parkash Purab in 2027⁷⁸

   The 650th Parkash Purab of Guru Ravidas falls on 20 February 2027, per the Punjab CM, ahead of the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections. BJP launched a seven-month programme for the anniversary on 29 July 2026; Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann committed Rs 100 crore for the occasion.

   • The 650th Parkash Purab of Guru Ravidas falls on 20 February 2027, per the Punjab CM, ahead of the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections
   • BJP launched a seven-month programme for the anniversary on 29 July 2026; Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann committed Rs 100 crore for the occasion
6. 31 Jul2026
   Schemes

   Cabinet approves Samudra Manthan national offshore exploration scheme, Rs 84,084 crore⁹¹⁰¹¹

   The Union Cabinet approved the Samudra Manthan National Offshore Exploration Scheme with an outlay of Rs 84,084 crore to FY2030-31, a Central Sector Scheme of the Petroleum Ministry. It covers seismic surveys, deepwater and ultra-deepwater drilling, scientific drilling in frontier basins and shared production infrastructure; the government expects over 600 MMTOE of reserve additions. PM Modi first announced the mission in his 2025 Independence Day address.

   • The Union Cabinet approved the Samudra Manthan National Offshore Exploration Scheme with an outlay of Rs 84,084 crore to FY2030-31, a Central Sector Scheme of the Petroleum Ministry
   • It covers seismic surveys, deepwater and ultra-deepwater drilling, scientific drilling in frontier basins and shared production infrastructure; the government expects over 600 MMTOE of reserve additions
   • PM Modi first announced the mission in his 2025 Independence Day address
7. 31 Jul2026
   Schemes

   Cabinet approves revamped Khelo India and ANSF support, Rs 36,441 crore¹²¹³

   On 31 July 2026 the Cabinet approved the revamped Khelo India Scheme and enhanced assistance to National Sports Federations with a combined outlay of Rs 36,441 crore for 2026-27 to 2030-31 (Rs 29,054 crore for Khelo India itself). New elements include Emerging Khelo India Athletes (E-KIAs), Khelo India Feeder Schools, Utkrishta Vidyalayas and a National Coach Accreditation Board.

   • On 31 July 2026 the Cabinet approved the revamped Khelo India Scheme and enhanced assistance to National Sports Federations with a combined outlay of Rs 36,441 crore for 2026-27 to 2030-31 (Rs 29,054 crore for Khelo India itself)
   • New elements include Emerging Khelo India Athletes (E-KIAs), Khelo India Feeder Schools, Utkrishta Vidyalayas and a National Coach Accreditation Board
8. 31 Jul2026
   Legislation

   Registration of Births and Deaths Bill 2026 tightens delayed registration¹⁴¹⁵¹⁶

   The Lok Sabha passed the Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Bill, 2026 by voice vote on 31 July 2026; the Rajya Sabha later passed it. Registration delayed beyond two years now needs the approval of a Judicial Magistrate First Class; delays of one to two years go to a District/Sub-Divisional or executive magistrate. The Registrar General of India notified 1 October 2026 as the date the amendments come into force.

   • The Lok Sabha passed the Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Bill, 2026 by voice vote on 31 July 2026; the Rajya Sabha later passed it
   • Registration delayed beyond two years now needs the approval of a Judicial Magistrate First Class; delays of one to two years go to a District/Sub-Divisional or executive magistrate
   • The Registrar General of India notified 1 October 2026 as the date the amendments come into force
9. 30 Jul2026
   Defence

   Saudi Arabia unveils plans for multinational Red Sea maritime defence coalition¹⁷¹⁸¹⁹

   After a Riyadh security meeting of 43 countries and the EU (reported 30-31 July 2026), Saudi Arabia unveiled a planned multinational maritime defence coalition for the Red Sea, Bab el-Mandeb and Gulf of Aden; 14 countries backed it and it is not yet formally launched.

   • Riyadh meeting with officials from 43 countries and the EU; reported 30-31 July 2026
   • Saudi Arabia to be founding leader and host the headquarters
   • Fourteen countries including Turkey, Pakistan and Egypt issued a supporting statement
   • Prompted by Houthi attacks; charter and command arrangements still to be finalised
10. 30 Jul2026
    Obituaries

    Mountaineer Nirmal 'Nims' Purja dies in Broad Peak avalanche²⁰²¹²²

    Nepali-born mountaineer Nirmal 'Nims' Purja, 43, died in an avalanche on Broad Peak (about 8,047 m) in Gilgit-Baltistan on 30 July 2026 along with partners Pur Bahadur Gurung and Nima Sherpa; his company Elite Exped confirmed it on 1 August.

    • Avalanche on 30 July 2026; death confirmed 1 August 2026
    • Also dead: Pur Bahadur Gurung and Nima Sherpa; total deaths reported up to 10, with more missing at first
    • Purja climbed all 14 eight-thousanders in 6 months and 6 days in 2019 and led the first winter ascent of K2 (January 2021)
    • Broad Peak lies in Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan-administered
11. 30 Jul2026
    Reports and indices

    Candere Hurun India Women Leaders List 2026 names 117 women²³²⁴

    The 2026 Candere Hurun India Women Leaders List named 117 women, up from 97 in 2025, across 12 categories (up from nine). Honourees represent about Rs 39 lakh crore in value; Priya Nair leads the professional CEOs and Roshni Nadar Malhotra tops the wealth multipliers; 19-year-old para-archer Sheetal Devi is the youngest.

    • The 2026 Candere Hurun India Women Leaders List named 117 women, up from 97 in 2025, across 12 categories (up from nine)
    • Honourees represent about Rs 39 lakh crore in value; Priya Nair leads the professional CEOs and Roshni Nadar Malhotra tops the wealth multipliers; 19-year-old para-archer Sheetal Devi is the youngest
12. 30 Jul2026
    International

    Hamas reportedly accepts phased disarmament under Trump's Board of Peace roadmap²⁵²⁶²⁷

    On 30-31 July 2026 the Board of Peace and mediators from Egypt, Qatar, Turkiye and the US announced that Hamas had accepted a roadmap for the next ceasefire phases, including giving up its weapons in stages; a weapons inventory schedule was due within 14 days. Hamas tied weapons steps to Israeli withdrawal to the Yellow Line and deployment of the International Stabilization Force; Israel had not endorsed it, and Netanyahu rejected the sequencing in early August.

    • On 30-31 July 2026 the Board of Peace and mediators from Egypt, Qatar, Turkiye and the US announced that Hamas had accepted a roadmap for the next ceasefire phases, including giving up its weapons in stages; a weapons inventory schedule was due within 14 days
    • Hamas tied weapons steps to Israeli withdrawal to the Yellow Line and deployment of the International Stabilization Force; Israel had not endorsed it, and Netanyahu rejected the sequencing in early August
13. 30 Jul2026
    Polity

    Parliamentary panel recommends a Polar Ambassador for India²⁸

    The Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs, chaired by Shashi Tharoor, in its report 'India's Role and Presence in the Arctic and Antarctic Regions' recommended that the MEA appoint a dedicated polar ambassador and set up a polar desk. The panel also urged buying polar research vessels and pursuing full member status in the Arctic Council, including an India-Japan-Singapore-South Korea quadrilateral among observers.

    • The Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs, chaired by Shashi Tharoor, in its report 'India's Role and Presence in the Arctic and Antarctic Regions' recommended that the MEA appoint a dedicated polar ambassador and set up a polar desk
    • The panel also urged buying polar research vessels and pursuing full member status in the Arctic Council, including an India-Japan-Singapore-South Korea quadrilateral among observers
14. 30 Jul2026
    Legislation

    Parliament extends Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act to Vande Mataram²⁹³⁰³¹

    Parliament passed the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill 2026, extending legal protection to the national song Vande Mataram. Intentionally preventing its singing or disrupting an assembly singing it becomes punishable with up to three years' jail, a fine, or both.

    • Rajya Sabha passed the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026 on Wednesday 29 July 2026
    • Lok Sabha approved it by voice vote after a short discussion (reported 30 July)
    • Preventing the singing of Vande Mataram or disrupting an assembly singing it is punishable with up to three years' imprisonment, a fine, or both
    • Government says it gives Vande Mataram the same status as Jana Gana Mana
15. 30 Jul2026
    Legislation

    Parliament passes Public Examinations Amendment Bill with 5 to 10 year jail terms³²³³³⁴

    The Lok Sabha passed the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill 2026 on 29 July after a nearly seven-hour debate, and the Rajya Sabha cleared it by voice vote on 30 July amid an opposition walkout. Individuals face 5 to 10 years and a fine up to Rs 50 lakh; organised crime draws at least 7 years and a fine of at least Rs 10 crore.

    • Lok Sabha passed the Bill on Wednesday 29 July 2026 after a nearly seven-hour debate
    • Rajya Sabha passed it by voice vote on 30 July 2026 amid a walkout by India bloc parties
    • Individuals involved in paper leaks: jail of 5 to 10 years and fine up to Rs 50 lakh
    • Organised crime: minimum 7 years and fine of not less than Rs 10 crore
16. 30 Jul2026
    Defence

    Cochin Shipyard launches seventh ASW Shallow Water Craft 'Machilipatnam'³⁵

    Cochin Shipyard launched the seventh of eight Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft built for the Indian Navy, named Machilipatnam (yard no. BY 529), launched by Mrs Goolrukh Anand. The eight-ship contract between the Ministry of Defence and CSL was signed on 30 April 2019.

    • Cochin Shipyard launched the seventh of eight Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft built for the Indian Navy, named Machilipatnam (yard no. BY 529), launched by Mrs Goolrukh Anand
    • The eight-ship contract between the Ministry of Defence and CSL was signed on 30 April 2019
17. 29 Jul2026
    Schemes

    Panchayati Raj launches DAANVEER to donate computers to Gram Panchayats³⁶³⁷

    The Ministry of Panchayati Raj launched DAANVEER on 29 July 2026, letting citizens, the diaspora and CSR partners donate computers to Gram Panchayats via the Meri Panchayat app and the DigiHaat marketplace. Panchayati Raj Secretary Vivek Bharadwaj launched it; donors can track a donation from dispatch to installation and receive a digital certificate.

    • The Ministry of Panchayati Raj launched DAANVEER on 29 July 2026, letting citizens, the diaspora and CSR partners donate computers to Gram Panchayats via the Meri Panchayat app and the DigiHaat marketplace
    • Panchayati Raj Secretary Vivek Bharadwaj launched it; donors can track a donation from dispatch to installation and receive a digital certificate
18. 29 Jul2026
    Supreme Court

    Supreme Court quashes 2021 OM allowing post-facto environmental clearances³⁸³⁹⁴⁰

    A Supreme Court bench of CJI Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul Pancholi quashed the Centre's 2021 office memorandum allowing post-facto environmental clearances, but only prospectively. The Court held post-facto clearances can be allowed only through a valid statutory notification under Section 3 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, not an administrative order. The 2017 notification was upheld as a one-time measure and clearances already granted remain valid.

    • A Supreme Court bench of CJI Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul Pancholi quashed the Centre's 2021 office memorandum allowing post-facto environmental clearances, but only prospectively
    • The Court held post-facto clearances can be allowed only through a valid statutory notification under Section 3 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, not an administrative order
    • The 2017 notification was upheld as a one-time measure and clearances already granted remain valid
19. 29 Jul2026
    Defence

    Last active Maoist Politburo member Misir Besra arrested in Dhanbad⁴¹⁴²⁴³

    Jharkhand Police announced on 29 July 2026 the arrest of CPI (Maoist) politburo member Misir Besra in Dhanbad district. He was wanted in 175 cases with a bounty reported as Rs 2.2 crore and was described as the only active top-ranking Maoist politburo member.

    • Jharkhand Police announced the arrest of CPI (Maoist) politburo member Misir Besra from Dhanbad on Wednesday 29 July 2026
    • Described as the last active top-ranking Maoist politburo/central committee member
    • Wanted in 175 cases; bounty reported as Rs 2.2 crore (Outlook says over Rs 1 crore)
20. 29 Jul2026
    Environment

    Jal Shakti tells Rajya Sabha Kalpasar DPR is nearing finalisation with Indo-Dutch help⁴⁴

    In a written Rajya Sabha reply, Jal Shakti MoS Raj Bhushan Choudhary said the Kalpasar project's DPR is at an advanced stage of finalisation, per the Gujarat government; Indo-Dutch technical cooperation is under way to strengthen it. The project envisages about 2,470 MW of hybrid renewable energy capacity on reclaimed land.

    • In a written Rajya Sabha reply, Jal Shakti MoS Raj Bhushan Choudhary said the Kalpasar project's DPR is at an advanced stage of finalisation, per the Gujarat government; Indo-Dutch technical cooperation is under way to strengthen it
    • The project envisages about 2,470 MW of hybrid renewable energy capacity on reclaimed land
21. 28 Jul2026
    Reports and indices

    BIMCO-ICS report: India is world's second-largest seafarer supplier with 311,936⁴⁵⁴⁶⁴⁷

    The BIMCO-ICS Seafarer Workforce Report 2026 puts India's share of the global seafarer supply at 12.16% (311,936 seafarers), second only to the Philippines and ahead of China. India supplies 140,718 officers (13.41% of the world's officers) and 171,218 ratings (11.29%). Global seafarer supply is estimated at 2.57 million against demand of 2.55 million; India's share was 5.2% in 2015 when it ranked fifth.

    • The BIMCO-ICS Seafarer Workforce Report 2026 puts India's share of the global seafarer supply at 12.16% (311,936 seafarers), second only to the Philippines and ahead of China
    • India supplies 140,718 officers (13.41% of the world's officers) and 171,218 ratings (11.29%)
    • Global seafarer supply is estimated at 2.57 million against demand of 2.55 million; India's share was 5.2% in 2015 when it ranked fifth
22. 27 Jul2026
    Supreme Court

    Supreme Court: 15-day police custody under BNSS s 187 need not be within first 15⁴⁸⁴⁹

    In State of Andhra Pradesh v. Suda Suresh Veera Venkata Naga Raju (27 July 2026) the Supreme Court held that Section 187 BNSS lets police custody of up to 15 days in total be sought in parts, not only within the first 15 days of remand.

    • Judgment dated 27 July 2026, bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta (2026 INSC 744)
    • Aggregate police custody cap stays 15 days
    • Custody may be sought in whole or in parts within the first 40 days (60-day detention cases) or 60 days (90-day cases)
    • Set aside an Andhra Pradesh High Court condition barring police custody after the first 15 days
    • Advocate's presence during interrogation under BNSS s 38 need not be continuous
23. 27 Jul2026
    Economy

    Government approves RBI field trials of Rs 10 and Rs 20 polymer banknotes⁵⁰⁵¹⁵²

    In a written Lok Sabha reply on 27 July 2026 the government said it had approved RBI's proposal to field-trial 100 crore pieces each of Rs 10 and Rs 20 polymer notes; paper notes will continue.

    • Approval announced 27 July 2026 in a written Lok Sabha reply
    • Trial of 100 crore pieces of each denomination (200 crore notes, about Rs 3,000 crore)
    • Polymer notes to circulate alongside paper notes
    • Rollout reportedly expected around April-May 2027 (one report)
24. 27 Jul2026
    Environment

    MoEFCC issues seventh draft notification for 56,825 sq km Western Ghats ESA⁵³⁵⁴⁵⁵

    The Environment Ministry issued its seventh draft ESA notification for the Western Ghats on 27 July 2026, covering about 56,825.7 sq km across Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. The draft bars new mining, quarrying, sand mining, thermal power projects and red-category industries; objections were invited until 25 September 2026. Karnataka's legislature rejected the draft in its present form and sought a one-year deferral for ground surveys.

    • The Environment Ministry issued its seventh draft ESA notification for the Western Ghats on 27 July 2026, covering about 56,825.7 sq km across Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu
    • The draft bars new mining, quarrying, sand mining, thermal power projects and red-category industries; objections were invited until 25 September 2026
    • Karnataka's legislature rejected the draft in its present form and sought a one-year deferral for ground surveys
25. 27 Jul2026
    Supreme Court

    Supreme Court says mere existence of agitation cannot justify lathicharge on exam protesters⁵⁶⁵⁷⁵⁸

    While hearing petitions on police action against NEET protesters, the Supreme Court said the right to peaceful protest is absolutely guaranteed and 'merely because there is agitation cannot justify police excesses'. Orders on 28 July directed release of detained protesters who are minors or have no criminal record, barred coercive action against them, ordered CCTV/drone/body-camera footage preserved and indicated an SIT may probe the police excesses; next hearing was set for 3 August.

    • While hearing petitions on police action against NEET protesters, the Supreme Court said the right to peaceful protest is absolutely guaranteed and 'merely because there is agitation cannot justify police excesses'
    • Orders on 28 July directed release of detained protesters who are minors or have no criminal record, barred coercive action against them, ordered CCTV/drone/body-camera footage preserved and indicated an SIT may probe the police excesses; next hearing was set for 3 August
26. 27 Jul2026
    Defence

    CRPF marks 88th Raising Day⁵⁹⁶⁰

    The CRPF marked its 88th Raising Day on 27 July 2026; Home Minister Amit Shah and VP C. P. Radhakrishnan sent greetings. The CRPF Director General told personnel he would take complete responsibility for bona fide actions of officers and jawans amid the controversy over pellet use at a Delhi protest.

    • The CRPF marked its 88th Raising Day on 27 July 2026; Home Minister Amit Shah and VP C. P. Radhakrishnan sent greetings
    • The CRPF Director General told personnel he would take complete responsibility for bona fide actions of officers and jawans amid the controversy over pellet use at a Delhi protest
27. 26 Jul2026
    Appointments

    PM Modi announces exam reform task force led by Nandan Nilekani⁶¹⁶²

    PM Modi announced a high-powered task force on examination reforms led by Nandan Nilekani, a day after the agitation ended with Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation. Members include S. Somanath (former ISRO chief), Tapan Deka (former IB director), V. Kamakoti (IIT Madras director), Anita Karwal (former education secretary) and Amrit Lal Meena.

    • PM Modi announced a high-powered task force on examination reforms led by Nandan Nilekani, a day after the agitation ended with Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation
    • Members include S. Somanath (former ISRO chief), Tapan Deka (former IB director), V. Kamakoti (IIT Madras director), Anita Karwal (former education secretary) and Amrit Lal Meena
28. 26 Jul2026
    Sports

    India regain No. 1 in ICC men's T20I rankings after 2-0 lead in Zimbabwe⁶³⁶⁴

    India regained the No. 1 spot in the ICC men's T20I team rankings on 26 July 2026 after taking a 2-0 lead against Zimbabwe at Harare. India had slipped to No. 2 after a winless UK tour in which England won 4-0.

    • India regained the No. 1 spot in the ICC men's T20I team rankings on 26 July 2026 after taking a 2-0 lead against Zimbabwe at Harare
    • India had slipped to No. 2 after a winless UK tour in which England won 4-0
29. 25 Jul2026
    Economy

    Centre says 45% of India's exports escape new 10% US tariff⁶⁵⁶⁶

    India's Commerce Ministry said about 45% of India's exports to the US remain outside the scope of the additional 10% Section 301 tariff (implying about 55% are covered). Generic pharmaceuticals, smartphones and goods already under Section 232 tariffs are excluded.

    • India's Commerce Ministry said about 45% of India's exports to the US remain outside the scope of the additional 10% Section 301 tariff (implying about 55% are covered)
    • Generic pharmaceuticals, smartphones and goods already under Section 232 tariffs are excluded
30. 25 Jul2026
    Sports

    Anahat Singh becomes first Indian World Junior squash champion⁶⁷⁶⁸⁶⁹

    Anahat Singh, 18, beat Egypt's Ruqayya Salem 11-3, 11-7, 11-9 in the final at Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario on 25 July 2026 to become the first Indian World Junior squash champion. She was the first non-Egyptian winner since Amanda Sobhy in 2010, ending Egypt's run of titles since 2011.

    • Anahat Singh, 18, beat Egypt's Ruqayya Salem 11-3, 11-7, 11-9 in the final at Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario on 25 July 2026 to become the first Indian World Junior squash champion
    • She was the first non-Egyptian winner since Amanda Sobhy in 2010, ending Egypt's run of titles since 2011
31. 25 Jul2026
    Disasters

    Spain declares national emergency as wildfires sweep country⁷⁰⁷¹

    Spain declared a national emergency over wildfires around 25 July 2026, with communities near Madrid and in Avila province threatened and at least 63,000 people evacuated near Madrid. France sought EU help for its own fires and Italy battled blazes in Sicily.

    • Spain declared a national emergency over wildfires around 25 July 2026, with communities near Madrid and in Avila province threatened and at least 63,000 people evacuated near Madrid
    • France sought EU help for its own fires and Italy battled blazes in Sicily
32. 25 Jul2026
    Books and culture

    Ancient Buddhist Site of Sarnath inscribed on UNESCO World Heritage List⁷²

    The World Heritage Committee at Busan (19 to 29 July 2026) inscribed Sarnath under criteria (iii) and (vi), India's 45th property.

    • Ancient Buddhist Site of Sarnath was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List
    • Decision taken at the 48th session of the World Heritage Committee in Busan
33. 25 Jul2026
    Disasters

    Vessel MV AGN Ragnar hit at Odesa port with four Indians aboard⁷³⁷⁴⁷⁵

    The Palau-flagged cargo vessel MV AGN Ragnar was struck near the port of Odesa on the evening of 25 July 2026 with four Indian nationals aboard; two were confirmed safe. By 31 July the MEA said two Indians were missing and search operations were under way with Ukraine and Romania. India summoned Ukraine's ambassador and issued an advisory on Black Sea maritime jobs.

    • The Palau-flagged cargo vessel MV AGN Ragnar was struck near the port of Odesa on the evening of 25 July 2026 with four Indian nationals aboard; two were confirmed safe
    • By 31 July the MEA said two Indians were missing and search operations were under way with Ukraine and Romania
    • India summoned Ukraine's ambassador and issued an advisory on Black Sea maritime jobs
34. 25 Jul2026
    Polity

    Dharmendra Pradhan resigns as Education Minister over NEET row⁷⁶⁷⁷

    Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned on 25 July 2026 amid the NEET controversy, saying in a letter to the youth that he acted to protect students' future.

    • Dharmendra Pradhan resigned as Union Education Minister on 25 July 2026
    • Resignation came amid the NEET row and student protests
    • He sent a two-page letter to the youth and submitted his resignation to PM Modi
35. 24 Jul2026
    International

    Venezuela notifies UN of withdrawal from International Criminal Court⁷⁸⁷⁹

    Venezuela's Foreign Minister said on 24 July 2026 that Venezuela had notified the UN of its withdrawal from the Rome Statute; the ICC said it had not yet received formal notice through the UN treaty office. Under the Rome Statute a withdrawal takes effect one year after notification and does not affect investigations already under way; Venezuela's National Assembly had voted to begin withdrawal in December 2025. Chad, Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger have also moved to leave the ICC.

    • Venezuela's Foreign Minister said on 24 July 2026 that Venezuela had notified the UN of its withdrawal from the Rome Statute; the ICC said it had not yet received formal notice through the UN treaty office
    • Under the Rome Statute a withdrawal takes effect one year after notification and does not affect investigations already under way; Venezuela's National Assembly had voted to begin withdrawal in December 2025
    • Chad, Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger have also moved to leave the ICC
36. 24 Jul2026
    International

    India invites Bangladesh PM Tarique Rahman to BRICS summit as special guest⁸⁰⁸¹⁸²

    India invited Bangladesh PM Tarique Rahman to the BRICS Leaders' Summit outreach session in New Delhi as BIMSTEC chair; Bangladesh is an outreach guest, not a BRICS member. Most reports give the summit dates as 12-13 September 2026, though one Business Standard piece says 17-19 September.

    • India invited Bangladesh PM Tarique Rahman to the BRICS Leaders' Summit outreach session in New Delhi as BIMSTEC chair; Bangladesh is an outreach guest, not a BRICS member
    • Most reports give the summit dates as 12-13 September 2026, though one Business Standard piece says 17-19 September
37. 24 Jul2026
    Polity

    I4C orders GitHub to remove Jack Dorsey's Bitchat repositories⁸³⁸⁴⁸⁵

    The Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C) sent GitHub a notice, dated 23 July and made public by Jack Dorsey on 24 July 2026, to remove three Bitchat repository URLs within three hours, under Section 79(3)(b) of the IT Act read with Rule 3(1)(d) of the IT Rules, 2021. I4C said the Bluetooth mesh messaging tool, which works without internet, impedes lawful interception and could be misused during protests and shutdowns.

    • The Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C) sent GitHub a notice, dated 23 July and made public by Jack Dorsey on 24 July 2026, to remove three Bitchat repository URLs within three hours, under Section 79(3)(b) of the IT Act read with Rule 3(1)(d) of the IT Rules, 2021
    • I4C said the Bluetooth mesh messaging tool, which works without internet, impedes lawful interception and could be misused during protests and shutdowns
38. 24 Jul2026
    Legislation

    Cabinet clears tougher Anti-Paper Leak amendment: up to 10 years, Rs 10 crore fine⁸⁶⁸⁷⁸⁸

    The Union Cabinet approved the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026 on 24 July 2026. Organised-crime punishment rises from 5-10 to 7-10 years with a maximum fine of Rs 10 crore (from Rs 1 crore); individuals face 5-10 years and up to Rs 50 lakh; service providers face up to Rs 5 crore and 8 years' debarment. The bill provides Special Fast Track Courts, investigation within two months and trial within three months of charge sheet.

    • The Union Cabinet approved the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026 on 24 July 2026
    • Organised-crime punishment rises from 5-10 to 7-10 years with a maximum fine of Rs 10 crore (from Rs 1 crore); individuals face 5-10 years and up to Rs 50 lakh; service providers face up to Rs 5 crore and 8 years' debarment
    • The bill provides Special Fast Track Courts, investigation within two months and trial within three months of charge sheet
    • Lok Sabha passed it by voice vote on 29 July and Rajya Sabha on 30 July 2026
39. 24 Jul2026
    Economy

    US shifts to Section 301 tariffs after Supreme Court struck IEEPA duties; India in 10%⁸⁹⁹⁰⁹¹

    The US imposed a 10% Section 301 tariff on Indian goods effective 24 July 2026, in a forced-labour action covering about 60 economies, replacing the temporary 10% Section 122 surcharge that expired that day. India was first proposed for 12.5% in June but was placed in the lower 10% tier after amending its foreign trade policy on 14 July to ban imports made with forced labour. The sweeping IEEPA reciprocal tariffs had been struck down by the US Supreme Court in February 2026.

    • The US imposed a 10% Section 301 tariff on Indian goods effective 24 July 2026, in a forced-labour action covering about 60 economies, replacing the temporary 10% Section 122 surcharge that expired that day
    • India was first proposed for 12.5% in June but was placed in the lower 10% tier after amending its foreign trade policy on 14 July to ban imports made with forced labour
    • The sweeping IEEPA reciprocal tariffs had been struck down by the US Supreme Court in February 2026
40. 24 Jul2026
    Supreme Court

    Supreme Court restricts unauthorised sharing of court-proceeding recordings⁹²⁹³⁹⁴

    On 24 July 2026 a Supreme Court bench led by CJI Surya Kant passed an interim order barring extraction, reposting, monetisation or hosting of audio-video recordings of court proceedings without permission from the SC Secretary General or a High Court Registrar General. The Court said news reporting is not restricted (a later clarification said reporting cannot include audio or video clips); notices went to platforms including Meta, X, Google and YouTube. The case is Harshita Grover v. Union of India (W.P.(C) 751/2026).

    • On 24 July 2026 a Supreme Court bench led by CJI Surya Kant passed an interim order barring extraction, reposting, monetisation or hosting of audio-video recordings of court proceedings without permission from the SC Secretary General or a High Court Registrar General
    • The Court said news reporting is not restricted (a later clarification said reporting cannot include audio or video clips); notices went to platforms including Meta, X, Google and YouTube
    • The case is Harshita Grover v. Union of India (W.P.(C) 751/2026)
41. 24 Jul2026
    Environment

    Fire cloud forms over Gironde wildfire in France⁹⁵⁹⁶

    The Gironde wildfire that began at Saumos on about 22 July 2026 had burned about 42,000 hectares (420 sq km) by 27 July and forced around 220,000 evacuations at its peak, approaching to about 15 km of Bordeaux. A pyrocumulonimbus cloud formed over the fire, reported as the first recorded in France (ECMWF said it could not yet confirm this).

    • The Gironde wildfire that began at Saumos on about 22 July 2026 had burned about 42,000 hectares (420 sq km) by 27 July and forced around 220,000 evacuations at its peak, approaching to about 15 km of Bordeaux
    • A pyrocumulonimbus cloud formed over the fire, reported as the first recorded in France (ECMWF said it could not yet confirm this)
42. 24 Jul2026
    Schemes

    Cabinet approves BHAVYA-Rasayan scheme for three chemical parks, Rs 3,030 crore⁹⁷⁹⁸

    The Cabinet approved the BHAVYA-Rasayan scheme on 24 July 2026 with an outlay of Rs 3,030 crore (Rs 3,000 crore for common infrastructure and Rs 30 crore for administration) over FY2026-27 to FY2030-31. The Centre gives up to Rs 1,000 crore per chemical park, subject to the state contributing at least Rs 500 crore; three parks of at least 2,000 acres each will be developed by states through the Challenge Route.

    • The Cabinet approved the BHAVYA-Rasayan scheme on 24 July 2026 with an outlay of Rs 3,030 crore (Rs 3,000 crore for common infrastructure and Rs 30 crore for administration) over FY2026-27 to FY2030-31
    • The Centre gives up to Rs 1,000 crore per chemical park, subject to the state contributing at least Rs 500 crore; three parks of at least 2,000 acres each will be developed by states through the Challenge Route
43. 23 Jul2026
    Awards

    Fields Medals 2026: Hong Wang, Yu Deng, John Pardon, Jacob Tsimerman⁹⁹¹⁰⁰

    The 2026 Fields Medals were announced on 23 July at the International Congress of Mathematicians in Philadelphia. The winners are Yu Deng, John Pardon, Jacob Tsimerman and Hong Wang, the third woman to win the medal.

    • Fields Medals announced at the ICM opening in Philadelphia on 23 July 2026 (ICM runs 23-30 July)
    • Winners: Yu Deng (37, University of Chicago), John Pardon (37, Stony Brook), Jacob Tsimerman (38, University of Toronto) and Hong Wang (35, NYU and IHES)
    • Hong Wang is the third woman to win the medal
    • The medal goes to two to four mathematicians under 40, every four years
44. 23 Jul2026
    Sports

    Vaibhav Sooryavanshi becomes youngest T20I fifty-maker, 18 balls vs Zimbabwe^101102103

    Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, aged 15 years 118 days, became the youngest player to score a fifty in men's international cricket, reaching it in 18 balls in the first T20I against Zimbabwe at Harare on 23 July 2026. He broke the record of Gibraltar's Louis Bruce, who was 16 years 56 days when he scored a fifty against Malta in 2021; India won the match.

    • Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, aged 15 years 118 days, became the youngest player to score a fifty in men's international cricket, reaching it in 18 balls in the first T20I against Zimbabwe at Harare on 23 July 2026
    • He broke the record of Gibraltar's Louis Bruce, who was 16 years 56 days when he scored a fifty against Malta in 2021; India won the match
45. 23 Jul2026
    Polity

    Explainer: Rule 267 of Rajya Sabha after opposition notices on NEET^104105106

    Opposition MPs including Randeep Surjewala, Syed Naseer Hussain, Renuka Chowdhury and Sagarika Ghose gave Rule 267 notices in the Rajya Sabha seeking suspension of listed business for a discussion on the NEET-UG paper leak and police action against student protesters. Rule 267 allows a member, with the Chairman's consent, to move suspension of the rules for the day's listed business, so it needs the Chair's consent and is not an adjournment motion.

    • Opposition MPs including Randeep Surjewala, Syed Naseer Hussain, Renuka Chowdhury and Sagarika Ghose gave Rule 267 notices in the Rajya Sabha seeking suspension of listed business for a discussion on the NEET-UG paper leak and police action against student protesters
    • Rule 267 allows a member, with the Chairman's consent, to move suspension of the rules for the day's listed business, so it needs the Chair's consent and is not an adjournment motion
46. 23 Jul2026
    Appointments

    Naresh Pal Gangwar appointed Higher Education Secretary^107108109

    The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet appointed Naresh Pal Gangwar (1994-batch IAS, Rajasthan cadre) as Higher Education Secretary on 23 July 2026, replacing Vineet Joshi, who was moved to Panchayati Raj. Gangwar was himself replaced 17 days later by Deepti Gaur Mukherjee after controversy over his family's alleged subsidy receipts (ThePrint).

    • The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet appointed Naresh Pal Gangwar (1994-batch IAS, Rajasthan cadre) as Higher Education Secretary on 23 July 2026, replacing Vineet Joshi, who was moved to Panchayati Raj
    • Gangwar was himself replaced 17 days later by Deepti Gaur Mukherjee after controversy over his family's alleged subsidy receipts (ThePrint)
47. 23 Jul2026
    Polity

    Mobile internet suspended in parts of central Delhi during student protests^110111112

    The Union Home Ministry ordered suspension of mobile internet in parts of central Delhi around Jantar Mantar during the CJP student protests; The Week counts five such orders from 17 July to 23 July 2026. Orders cited Section 20(2)(b) of the Telecommunications Act, 2023 and the 2024 suspension rules, under which an order cannot run beyond 15 days. SFLC.in filed a PIL in the Delhi High Court challenging the MHA orders of 17, 20, 22 and 23 July.

    • The Union Home Ministry ordered suspension of mobile internet in parts of central Delhi around Jantar Mantar during the CJP student protests; The Week counts five such orders from 17 July to 23 July 2026
    • Orders cited Section 20(2)(b) of the Telecommunications Act, 2023 and the 2024 suspension rules, under which an order cannot run beyond 15 days
    • SFLC.in filed a PIL in the Delhi High Court challenging the MHA orders of 17, 20, 22 and 23 July
48. 23 Jul2026
    Sports

    Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games opened by King Charles III in an indoor ceremony^113114115

    King Charles III declared the scaled-down Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games open on 23 July 2026 at the OVO Hydro. It was the first time the opening ceremony was held indoors; the Games ran to 2 August and Ahmedabad was handed the 2030 baton at the close.

    • King Charles III declared the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games open on 23 July 2026 at the OVO Hydro, the first indoor opening ceremony
    • Mirabai Chanu and Lovlina Borgohain carried India's flag and baton; the Games ran 23 July to 2 August 2026
    • Glasgow stepped in after Australia's Victoria withdrew over costs; Ahmedabad received the baton as 2030 host at the closing ceremony
49. 23 Jul2026
    Legislation

    Modi announces fast-track courts for exam paper-leak cases^116117118

    PM Modi announced on 23 July 2026 that the government would set up fast-track courts for swift punishment in paper-leak cases, amid the NEET-UG protests. The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026 later provided for Special Fast Track Courts and was passed by Parliament by 30 July.

    • PM Modi announced on 23 July 2026 that the government would set up fast-track courts for swift punishment in paper-leak cases, amid the NEET-UG protests
    • The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026 later provided for Special Fast Track Courts and was passed by Parliament by 30 July
50. 23 Jul2026
    Defence

    DRDO flight-tests Kusha long-range surface-to-air missile for the first time^119120121

    DRDO conducted the maiden flight test of the Kusha long-range surface-to-air missile on 23 July 2026 from APJ Abdul Kalam Island, Odisha; it intercepted an electronic target simulating a high-speed, high-altitude threat. Project Kusha (an Extended Range Air Defence System for the IAF and Navy) was cleared for development by the CCS in May 2022; three variants are expected to be inducted between 2028 and 2030.

    • DRDO conducted the maiden flight test of the Kusha long-range surface-to-air missile on 23 July 2026 from APJ Abdul Kalam Island, Odisha; it intercepted an electronic target simulating a high-speed, high-altitude threat
    • Project Kusha (an Extended Range Air Defence System for the IAF and Navy) was cleared for development by the CCS in May 2022; three variants are expected to be inducted between 2028 and 2030
51. 23 Jul2026
    Science and tech

    Third planet Beta Pictoris d found around young star^122123124

    Astronomers announced a third planet, Beta Pictoris d, found by ESO's VLT (ERIS instrument) as a planet only about 2.4 times Jupiter's mass, the faintest planet imaged from the ground. An independent team led by Aidan Gibbs found the same planet in JWST NIRSpec IFU data (mass about 2-4 Jupiter masses, semi-major axis above 30 au); the two papers were released together.

    • Astronomers announced a third planet, Beta Pictoris d, found by ESO's VLT (ERIS instrument) as a planet only about 2.4 times Jupiter's mass, the faintest planet imaged from the ground
    • An independent team led by Aidan Gibbs found the same planet in JWST NIRSpec IFU data (mass about 2-4 Jupiter masses, semi-major axis above 30 au); the two papers were released together
52. 22 Jul2026
    Defence

    Tri-service women's sailing expedition Samudra Pradakshina completes circumnavigation¹²⁵¹²⁶

    Defence Minister Rajnath Singh flagged in the Samudra Pradakshina expedition, the first tri-service all-women circumnavigation, by video conference on 22 July 2026. Nine women officers aboard IASV Triveni, led by Lt Col Anuja Varudkar, sailed about 25,500 nautical miles in 314 days across four oceans, after being flagged off from the Gateway of India on 11 September 2025.

    • Defence Minister Rajnath Singh flagged in the Samudra Pradakshina expedition, the first tri-service all-women circumnavigation, by video conference on 22 July 2026
    • Nine women officers aboard IASV Triveni, led by Lt Col Anuja Varudkar, sailed about 25,500 nautical miles in 314 days across four oceans, after being flagged off from the Gateway of India on 11 September 2025
53. 21 Jul2026
    International

    India summons Russian charge d'affaires over killing of four Indian seafarers on MV Golden Leo^127128129

    India summoned Russia's chargé d'affaires on 21 July 2026 over a missile strike on the cargo ship MV Golden Leo as it left Odesa on 19 July, which killed four Indian crew members. Ukrainian authorities blamed Russian cruise missiles; the Kremlin said it was in touch with India; Jaishankar raised the matter with Lavrov on 22 July.

    • India summoned Russia's chargé d'affaires on 21 July 2026 over a missile strike on the cargo ship MV Golden Leo as it left Odesa on 19 July, which killed four Indian crew members
    • Ukrainian authorities blamed Russian cruise missiles; the Kremlin said it was in touch with India; Jaishankar raised the matter with Lavrov on 22 July
54. 21 Jul2026
    International

    France passes law banning social media for children under 15^130131132

    France's Parliament gave final approval on 21 July 2026 to a law banning social media for children under 15, making France the first EU country to do so; the National Assembly vote was 279 to 81. On 14 August 2026 France's Constitutional Council blocked the law as too broad, objecting to blanket age verification for all users; the government planned to rewrite it.

    • France's Parliament gave final approval on 21 July 2026 to a law banning social media for children under 15, making France the first EU country to do so; the National Assembly vote was 279 to 81
    • On 14 August 2026 France's Constitutional Council blocked the law as too broad, objecting to blanket age verification for all users; the government planned to rewrite it
55. 21 Jul2026
    Defence

    MHA announces 50% quota for ex-Agniveers in CAPF constable and Assam Rifles rifleman posts¹³³¹³⁴

    In a written Lok Sabha reply on 21 July 2026, MoS Home Nityanand Rai said 50% of Constable (GD)/Rifleman vacancies in CAPFs and Assam Rifles are reserved for ex-Agniveers. Ex-Agniveers get a 3-year upper age relaxation (5 years for the first batch) and exemption from the physical standard test, physical efficiency test and written exam. An Ex-Agniveer Wing has been set up in the Home Ministry; the first batch has not yet completed its term.

    • In a written Lok Sabha reply on 21 July 2026, MoS Home Nityanand Rai said 50% of Constable (GD)/Rifleman vacancies in CAPFs and Assam Rifles are reserved for ex-Agniveers
    • Ex-Agniveers get a 3-year upper age relaxation (5 years for the first batch) and exemption from the physical standard test, physical efficiency test and written exam
    • An Ex-Agniveer Wing has been set up in the Home Ministry; the first batch has not yet completed its term
56. 21 Jul2026
    International

    BRICS Network University meets in India, backs thematic group on indigenous knowledge¹³⁵¹³⁶

    India's Ministry of Education hosted the BRICS Network University conference on traditional and indigenous knowledge systems on 20 July 2026 and the virtual International Governing Board meeting on 21 July. Member countries broadly supported adding traditional and indigenous knowledge systems as a new International Thematic Group; the Board reviewed the 2025-2028 Action Plan.

    • India's Ministry of Education hosted the BRICS Network University conference on traditional and indigenous knowledge systems on 20 July 2026 and the virtual International Governing Board meeting on 21 July
    • Member countries broadly supported adding traditional and indigenous knowledge systems as a new International Thematic Group; the Board reviewed the 2025-2028 Action Plan
57. 21 Jul2026
    Appointments

    Harjit Singh Grewal named Chairperson of National Commission for Minorities¹³⁷¹³⁸

    Harjit Singh Grewal, a BJP Punjab core committee member, was appointed Chairperson of the National Commission for Minorities, succeeding Iqbal Singh Lalpura, and assumed charge on 21 July 2026. He is reported to be the third Sikh to hold the post.

    • Harjit Singh Grewal, a BJP Punjab core committee member, was appointed Chairperson of the National Commission for Minorities, succeeding Iqbal Singh Lalpura, and assumed charge on 21 July 2026
    • He is reported to be the third Sikh to hold the post
58. 20 Jul2026
    Disasters

    Methane explosion collapses Sikkim hydropower tunnel, killing 25 workers^139140141

    A methane gas explosion inside an under-construction headrace tunnel of NHPC's Teesta Stage-VI Hydropower Project at Samardung, Namchi district, Sikkim on 20 July 2026 killed 25 workers. NHPC later said all 25 trapped personnel had been recovered dead; Sikkim announced a high-level inquiry and ex gratia payments (Rs 4 lakh from the state, Rs 5 lakh from NHPC).

    • A methane gas explosion inside an under-construction headrace tunnel of NHPC's Teesta Stage-VI Hydropower Project at Samardung, Namchi district, Sikkim on 20 July 2026 killed 25 workers
    • NHPC later said all 25 trapped personnel had been recovered dead; Sikkim announced a high-level inquiry and ex gratia payments (Rs 4 lakh from the state, Rs 5 lakh from NHPC)
59. 20 Jul2026
    Polity

    Explainer: legality of protests after police stop Sansad Chalo march^142143144

    Delhi Police imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the BNSS across the New Delhi district on 20 July 2026 and declared the 'Sansad Chalo' march over NEET-UG irregularities illegal. The Delhi High Court issued notice on petitions alleging excessive force on student protesters and ordered preservation of CCTV and video records.

    • Delhi Police imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the BNSS across the New Delhi district on 20 July 2026 and declared the 'Sansad Chalo' march over NEET-UG irregularities illegal
    • The Delhi High Court issued notice on petitions alleging excessive force on student protesters and ordered preservation of CCTV and video records
60. 20 Jul2026
    International

    India accepts WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies^145146147

    India deposited its instrument of acceptance of the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies on 20 July 2026 in Geneva, becoming the 123rd Member to do so. The agreement was adopted at MC12 in June 2022 and entered into force on 15 September 2025; it prohibits subsidies for illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and for overfished stocks, and excludes aquaculture.

    • India deposited its instrument of acceptance of the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies on 20 July 2026 in Geneva, becoming the 123rd Member to do so
    • The agreement was adopted at MC12 in June 2022 and entered into force on 15 September 2025; it prohibits subsidies for illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and for overfished stocks, and excludes aquaculture
61. 20 Jul2026
    Economy

    Core industries index rebased to 2022-23; iron ore added as ninth industry¹⁴⁸

    The first release of the Index of Core Industries on the new base year 2022-23 showed 5.0% growth in June 2026 (provisional), up from 3.2% in May 2026 (final); April-June 2026 cumulative growth was 3.6%. Iron ore is included in the new series and, with electricity, was a major growth driver; the old 2011-12 series is being discontinued.

    • The first release of the Index of Core Industries on the new base year 2022-23 showed 5.0% growth in June 2026 (provisional), up from 3.2% in May 2026 (final); April-June 2026 cumulative growth was 3.6%
    • Iron ore is included in the new series and, with electricity, was a major growth driver; the old 2011-12 series is being discontinued
62. 19 Jul2026
    Books and culture

    Amit Shah inaugurates Shabdalok, India's first immersive language museum, in Kolkata¹⁴⁹¹⁵⁰

    Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the first phase of the 'Museum of Word' (Shabdalok), described as India's first language museum, at the National Library in Alipore, Kolkata on 19 July 2026. It displays inscriptions, copper plates, Bhojpatra and handwritten manuscripts and printed books.

    • Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the first phase of the 'Museum of Word' (Shabdalok), described as India's first language museum, at the National Library in Alipore, Kolkata on 19 July 2026
    • It displays inscriptions, copper plates, Bhojpatra and handwritten manuscripts and printed books
63. 19 Jul2026
    Sports

    Rohit Sharma scores 138 at Lord's, India lose ODI series 2-1 to England¹⁵¹¹⁵²

    Rohit Sharma scored 138 off 110 balls (17 fours, 5 sixes) in the third ODI at Lord's on 19 July 2026, the first ODI century by an Indian at Lord's. India, chasing 388, finished on 360/7 and lost by 27 runs, so England won the series 2-1.

    • Rohit Sharma scored 138 off 110 balls (17 fours, 5 sixes) in the third ODI at Lord's on 19 July 2026, the first ODI century by an Indian at Lord's
    • India, chasing 388, finished on 360/7 and lost by 27 runs, so England won the series 2-1
64. 19 Jul2026
    Legislation

    Madhya Pradesh Cabinet approves draft Uniform Civil Code Bill^153154155

    The Madhya Pradesh cabinet under CM Mohan Yadav approved the draft Uniform Civil Code Bill on 19 July 2026 at a special meeting in Jagdishpur near Bhopal. The draft was prepared on the recommendation of a seven-member committee headed by former Supreme Court Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai. The bill mandates monogamy, minimum marriage age 21 for men and 18 for women, compulsory registration of marriage and divorce, and registration of live-in relationships within a month; Scheduled Tribes are exempt.

    • The Madhya Pradesh cabinet under CM Mohan Yadav approved the draft Uniform Civil Code Bill on 19 July 2026 at a special meeting in Jagdishpur near Bhopal
    • The draft was prepared on the recommendation of a seven-member committee headed by former Supreme Court Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai
    • The bill mandates monogamy, minimum marriage age 21 for men and 18 for women, compulsory registration of marriage and divorce, and registration of live-in relationships within a month; Scheduled Tribes are exempt
    • The bill was tabled in the assembly on 20 July 2026
65. 19 Jul2026
    States

    Police clear 17-day tribal protest against Ken-Betwa link project in Chhatarpur^156157158

    Chhatarpur police cleared a protest against the Ken-Betwa link project on the Barana river banks near Kupi village on 19 July 2026; the protest had begun on 3 July. Police said about 150 protesters were detained and moved to Panna; activist Amit Bhatnagar ended an 18-day fast on 23 July. The Ken-Betwa project aims to irrigate about 10.62 lakh hectares and provide drinking water to about 62 lakh people in Bundelkhand.

    • Chhatarpur police cleared a protest against the Ken-Betwa link project on the Barana river banks near Kupi village on 19 July 2026; the protest had begun on 3 July
    • Police said about 150 protesters were detained and moved to Panna; activist Amit Bhatnagar ended an 18-day fast on 23 July
    • The Ken-Betwa project aims to irrigate about 10.62 lakh hectares and provide drinking water to about 62 lakh people in Bundelkhand
66. 19 Jul2026
    Sports

    2026 FIFA World Cup: Spain win; Mbappe Golden Boot with 10 goals^159160161

    Spain won the 2026 FIFA World Cup, beating Argentina 1-0 after extra time in the 19 July final. Awards: Golden Ball Rodri (Spain), Golden Boot Kylian Mbappe (10 goals, 4 assists), Golden Glove Unai Simon (Spain), Best Young Player Pau Cubarsi (Spain), Fair Play Award the Netherlands. Unai Simon conceded one goal in eight games; 308 goals were scored in the tournament.

    • Spain won the 2026 FIFA World Cup, beating Argentina 1-0 after extra time in the 19 July final
    • Awards: Golden Ball Rodri (Spain), Golden Boot Kylian Mbappe (10 goals, 4 assists), Golden Glove Unai Simon (Spain), Best Young Player Pau Cubarsi (Spain), Fair Play Award the Netherlands
    • Unai Simon conceded one goal in eight games; 308 goals were scored in the tournament
67. 19 Jul2026
    Sports

    Spain beat Argentina 1-0 in extra time to win 2026 FIFA World Cup^162163164

    Spain beat Argentina 1-0 after extra time in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final on 19 July 2026 at New York New Jersey Stadium; substitute Ferran Torres scored in the 106th minute. It is Spain's second World Cup title. Kylian Mbappe won the Golden Boot with 10 goals and 4 assists, becoming the first player to win it at two World Cups; Messi finished with 8 goals.

    • Spain beat Argentina 1-0 after extra time in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final on 19 July 2026 at New York New Jersey Stadium; substitute Ferran Torres scored in the 106th minute
    • It is Spain's second World Cup title
    • Kylian Mbappe won the Golden Boot with 10 goals and 4 assists, becoming the first player to win it at two World Cups; Messi finished with 8 goals
68. 18 Jul2026
    Polity

    Sonam Wangchuk moved to Safdarjung Hospital on 18 July; ends 26-day fast on 23 July^165166167

    Sonam Wangchuk began a fast on 28 June 2026 over the NEET-UG paper leak; he was moved from Jantar Mantar to Safdarjung Hospital on 18 July on doctors' advice, after a Delhi High Court-mandated check-up. He ended the fast after 26 days on the night of 23 July at Medanta Hospital, Gurugram, in the presence of Union ministers J. P. Nadda and Jitendra Singh; the Centre said no criminal cases would be registered against peaceful student protesters.

    • Sonam Wangchuk began a fast on 28 June 2026 over the NEET-UG paper leak; he was moved from Jantar Mantar to Safdarjung Hospital on 18 July on doctors' advice, after a Delhi High Court-mandated check-up
    • He ended the fast after 26 days on the night of 23 July at Medanta Hospital, Gurugram, in the presence of Union ministers J. P. Nadda and Jitendra Singh; the Centre said no criminal cases would be registered against peaceful student protesters
69. 18 Jul2026
    Science and tech

    Skyroot's Vikram-1 becomes India's first private orbital rocket to reach orbit^168169170

    Skyroot Aerospace's Vikram-1 reached orbit on its maiden launch from Sriharikota on 18 July 2026, making it India's first private orbital launch. It lifted off 35 minutes after the scheduled 11:30 am.

    • Vikram-1 launched from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, on Saturday 18 July 2026 (Mission Aagaman)
    • First private orbital launch from India; Skyroot is India's first private rocket launcher
    • Lift-off at 12:05 pm, 35 minutes after the scheduled 11:30 am
    • Vikram-1 is a four-stage rocket
70. 18 Jul2026
    Reports and indices

    Investment Friendliness Index scored 84 indicators across eight pillars¹⁷¹¹⁷²

    The NITI Aayog Investment Friendliness Index 2026 uses 84 indicators across eight pillars, combining secondary data with a survey of about 1,850 investors. Top performers were Gujarat, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Goa and Odisha, all above 50.

    • The NITI Aayog Investment Friendliness Index 2026 uses 84 indicators across eight pillars, combining secondary data with a survey of about 1,850 investors
    • Top performers were Gujarat, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Goa and Odisha, all above 50
71. 18 Jul2026
    Awards

    72nd National Film Awards: Article 370 best film; Mammootty and Kartik Aaryan best actor¹⁷³¹⁷⁴

    The 72nd National Film Awards, for films of 2024, were announced on 18 July 2026 by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. Article 370 was named best feature film, Kartik Aaryan and Mammootty shared best actor and Yami Gautam won best actress.

    • 72nd National Film Awards (for 2024 films) announced on 18 July 2026 by the I&B Ministry
    • Best Feature Film: Article 370 (per The Hollywood Reporter India)
    • Best Actor shared by Kartik Aaryan (Chandu Champion) and Mammootty (Bramayugam)
    • Best Actress: Yami Gautam (Article 370)
    • The jury of 11 was headed by filmmaker Jayaraj
72. 17 Jul2026
    Economy

    BRBNMPL invites global interest for polymer banknote substrate^175176177

    BRBNMPL, the RBI's currency printing subsidiary, invited bids from domestic and international manufacturers for opacified polymer substrate for banknotes, with bids due by 18 August 2026. The initial requirement is 68,000 reams, 34,000 each for Rs 10 and Rs 20 notes, for field trials.

    • BRBNMPL, the RBI's currency printing subsidiary, invited bids from domestic and international manufacturers for opacified polymer substrate for banknotes, with bids due by 18 August 2026
    • The initial requirement is 68,000 reams, 34,000 each for Rs 10 and Rs 20 notes, for field trials
73. 17 Jul2026
    Science and tech

    Skyroot readies Vikram-1 maiden orbital launch for 18 July¹⁷⁸¹⁷⁹

    Skyroot Aerospace scheduled the maiden Vikram-1 orbital launch (Mission Aagaman) for Saturday 18 July 2026 at 11:30 am from the First Launch Pad at Sriharikota. Skyroot's founders are Pawan Kumar Chandana and Naga Bharath Daka.

    • Skyroot Aerospace scheduled the maiden Vikram-1 orbital launch (Mission Aagaman) for Saturday 18 July 2026 at 11:30 am from the First Launch Pad at Sriharikota
    • Skyroot's founders are Pawan Kumar Chandana and Naga Bharath Daka
74. 17 Jul2026
    Reports and indices

    NITI Aayog Investment Friendliness Index 2026: Gujarat, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu lead^180181182

    NITI Aayog's first Investment Friendliness Index (2026) ranked Gujarat first (56.6), then Maharashtra (53.7) and Tamil Nadu (53.3), followed by Goa (53.1) and Odisha (52.4). The index covers 28 states and 8 UTs; no state crossed a score of 60.

    • NITI Aayog's first Investment Friendliness Index (2026) ranked Gujarat first (56.6), then Maharashtra (53.7) and Tamil Nadu (53.3), followed by Goa (53.1) and Odisha (52.4)
    • The index covers 28 states and 8 UTs; no state crossed a score of 60
75. 17 Jul2026
    International

    Andy Burnham confirmed Labour leader, to replace Keir Starmer as UK PM on 20 July^183184185

    Andy Burnham was confirmed as Labour leader on 17 July 2026 as the only nominee and was due to take over as UK PM from Keir Starmer on Monday 20 July. He won the Makerfield by-election on 18 June 2026 with about 55% of the vote against Reform UK's Robert Kenyon (about 35%); Starmer announced his resignation on 22 June.

    • Andy Burnham was confirmed as Labour leader on 17 July 2026 as the only nominee and was due to take over as UK PM from Keir Starmer on Monday 20 July
    • He won the Makerfield by-election on 18 June 2026 with about 55% of the vote against Reform UK's Robert Kenyon (about 35%); Starmer announced his resignation on 22 June
76. 16 Jul2026
    Supreme Court

    Supreme Court orders states to frame early-release policy for elderly and terminally ill prisoners^186187188

    On 16 July 2026 a Supreme Court bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta, in National Legal Services Authority v. Union of India, directed all states and UTs to frame a policy for early release of elderly and terminally ill prisoners within three months. The policy must be framed with State Legal Services Authorities, give a uniform definition of terminal illness, set up independent medical boards and use the e-Prisons portal; compliance affidavits are due in six months and the matter is listed on 19 January 2027.

    • On 16 July 2026 a Supreme Court bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta, in National Legal Services Authority v. Union of India, directed all states and UTs to frame a policy for early release of elderly and terminally ill prisoners within three months
    • The policy must be framed with State Legal Services Authorities, give a uniform definition of terminal illness, set up independent medical boards and use the e-Prisons portal; compliance affidavits are due in six months and the matter is listed on 19 January 2027
77. 16 Jul2026
    Economy

    Centre raises export duty on diesel to Rs 15.50 and ATF to Rs 14.50 per^189190191

    From 16 July 2026 the special additional excise duty on diesel exports rose from Rs 8.5 to Rs 15.5 per litre and on ATF from Rs 7.5 to Rs 14.5 per litre, while petrol was cut from Rs 4 to Rs 2.5 per litre. The revision followed a sharp rise in crude oil prices amid US-Iran hostilities.

    • From 16 July 2026 the special additional excise duty on diesel exports rose from Rs 8.5 to Rs 15.5 per litre and on ATF from Rs 7.5 to Rs 14.5 per litre, while petrol was cut from Rs 4 to Rs 2.5 per litre
    • The revision followed a sharp rise in crude oil prices amid US-Iran hostilities
78. 16 Jul2026
    Appointments

    Srinivasa Kumar Tummala appointed Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences¹⁹²

    The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet appointed Dr Srinivasa Kumar Tummala, head of the Indian Ocean Tsunami Warning and Mitigation System secretariat (UNESCO-IOC, Perth), as Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences, on a two-year term (PIB, 16 July 2026). He was earlier Director of INCOIS from August 2020 and managed the setting up of India's Tsunami Early Warning System after 2004; he succeeds M. Ravichandran.

    • The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet appointed Dr Srinivasa Kumar Tummala, head of the Indian Ocean Tsunami Warning and Mitigation System secretariat (UNESCO-IOC, Perth), as Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences, on a two-year term (PIB, 16 July 2026)
    • He was earlier Director of INCOIS from August 2020 and managed the setting up of India's Tsunami Early Warning System after 2004; he succeeds M. Ravichandran
79. 15 Jul2026
    Schemes

    CCEA approves National Investment Policy for Urea-2026 (NIPU-2026)^193194195

    The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved the National Investment Policy for Urea-2026 (NIPU-2026) on 15 July 2026, aiming to add about 10 million tonnes of new urea capacity through roughly 9 gas-based plants. NIPU-2026 sets a return-on-equity band of 12% to 16%, converts fixed costs to rupees after four years and is estimated to save over Rs 250 crore per plant compared with NIP-2012. India's urea production capacity is 269.42 lakh tonnes per annum.

    • The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved the National Investment Policy for Urea-2026 (NIPU-2026) on 15 July 2026, aiming to add about 10 million tonnes of new urea capacity through roughly 9 gas-based plants
    • NIPU-2026 sets a return-on-equity band of 12% to 16%, converts fixed costs to rupees after four years and is estimated to save over Rs 250 crore per plant compared with NIP-2012
    • India's urea production capacity is 269.42 lakh tonnes per annum
80. 15 Jul2026
    Supreme Court

    Supreme Court conditionally approves India's first night safari at Kukrail¹⁹⁶¹⁹⁷

    On 15 July 2026 the Supreme Court (CJI Surya Kant, Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana) allowed Uttar Pradesh to proceed with a night safari and zoo in the Kukrail Reserve Forest, Lucknow, subject to conditions set by the CEC, Central Zoo Authority and MoEFCC. A CEC member must visit the site periodically; the Court warned any breach would be viewed seriously (case: Ashok Kumar Sharma v. Union of India, WP(C) 1164/2023).

    • On 15 July 2026 the Supreme Court (CJI Surya Kant, Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana) allowed Uttar Pradesh to proceed with a night safari and zoo in the Kukrail Reserve Forest, Lucknow, subject to conditions set by the CEC, Central Zoo Authority and MoEFCC
    • A CEC member must visit the site periodically; the Court warned any breach would be viewed seriously (case: Ashok Kumar Sharma v. Union of India, WP(C) 1164/2023)
81. 15 Jul2026
    Other

    123rd birth anniversary of K. Kamaraj¹⁹⁸¹⁹⁹

    K. Kamaraj's birth anniversary (born 15 July 1903) was marked on 15 July 2026, with tributes from PM Modi, VP C. P. Radhakrishnan and Tamil Nadu leaders. Kamaraj was Madras Chief Minister from 1954 to 1963 and Congress President from 1964 to 1967; he was posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna in 1976.

    • K. Kamaraj's birth anniversary (born 15 July 1903) was marked on 15 July 2026, with tributes from PM Modi, VP C. P. Radhakrishnan and Tamil Nadu leaders
    • Kamaraj was Madras Chief Minister from 1954 to 1963 and Congress President from 1964 to 1967; he was posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna in 1976
82. 15 Jul2026
    Economy

    India-UK CETA set to come into force on 15 July 2026²⁰⁰

    The India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement was set to take effect on 15 July 2026 after rules were notified. It gives duty-free access for 99 per cent of India's exports to the UK.

    • India-UK CETA scheduled to come into force on 15 July 2026 (rules notified, reported 5 July)
    • Provides duty-free access for 99 per cent of India's exports to the UK, per IANS
83. 15 Jul2026
    Schemes

    Union Cabinet approves Semicon 2.0 with Rs 1,27,500 crore outlay^201202203

    The Union Cabinet approved Semicon 2.0 on 15 July 2026 with an outlay of Rs 1,27,500 crore, structured around six pillars (including chip design, equipment and materials, fabs, advanced packaging, R&D and talent). Silicon wafer fabs get fiscal support of 40% of eligible capital expenditure. The first phase of the Semicon India Programme (outlay Rs 76,000 crore) was approved in December 2021; Semicon 2.0 was formally notified on 31 August 2026.

    • The Union Cabinet approved Semicon 2.0 on 15 July 2026 with an outlay of Rs 1,27,500 crore, structured around six pillars (including chip design, equipment and materials, fabs, advanced packaging, R&D and talent)
    • Silicon wafer fabs get fiscal support of 40% of eligible capital expenditure
    • The first phase of the Semicon India Programme (outlay Rs 76,000 crore) was approved in December 2021; Semicon 2.0 was formally notified on 31 August 2026
84. 14 Jul2026
    Science and tech

    ISRO completes key Gaganyaan crew module and parachute qualification tests ahead of G1^204205206

    In July 2026 ISRO reported completing crew module uprighting, separation and apex cover tests, and ran the IMAT-05 main parachute air-drop on 7 July, in preparation for the first uncrewed Gaganyaan mission (G1).

    • IMAT-05 main parachute air-drop test on 7 July 2026 at Sheopur, from 2.5 km using an IAF IL-76
    • Crew module uprighting, CSU-2 separation and apex cover structural tests completed
    • Deceleration system has 10 parachutes of 4 types
    • G1 uncrewed mission targeted for 2026; no confirmed launch date found
85. 14 Jul2026
    Supreme Court

    Supreme Court approves gender-sensitivity guidelines for judges in sexual offence cases²⁰⁷²⁰⁸

    On 14 July 2026 the Supreme Court approved the National Judicial Academy expert committee report on judicial sensitivity in sexual offence cases and directed all courts to follow its expressions; coverage peaked in early August.

    • Order dated 14 July 2026 in Suo Motu Writ Petition (Crl) No. 1 of 2025
    • Bench: CJI Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi, Justice V. Mohana
    • Arose from an Allahabad High Court order of 17 March 2025
    • All courts directed to follow the handbook's expressions; to be uploaded on SC, High Court and district court sites
    • Police and prosecutors to follow it when recording FIRs and chargesheets
86. 14 Jul2026
    International

    Pickaxe Mountain, Iran's deep site near Natanz, draws Trump threat^209210211

    Pickaxe Mountain is an Iranian underground nuclear-related site about 2 km (a mile) south of the bombed Natanz complex, with main chambers thought to lie at least 100 m underground. President Trump threatened to strike it in mid-July 2026 and repeated the threat in September; the IAEA has no inspector access to bombed sites and Iran declared the site to the IAEA in 2020 as a future centrifuge-assembly facility.

    • Pickaxe Mountain is an Iranian underground nuclear-related site about 2 km (a mile) south of the bombed Natanz complex, with main chambers thought to lie at least 100 m underground
    • President Trump threatened to strike it in mid-July 2026 and repeated the threat in September; the IAEA has no inspector access to bombed sites and Iran declared the site to the IAEA in 2020 as a future centrifuge-assembly facility
87. 14 Jul2026
    International

    Trump withdraws proposed 20% fee on cargo through Strait of Hormuz^212213214

    On 14 July 2026 US President Trump dropped a proposed 20% 'United States Reimbursement Fee' on cargo transiting the Strait of Hormuz, about a day after announcing it, saying Gulf states' trade and investment deals with the US would replace it. The UN's International Maritime Organization opposed fees on straits used for international navigation.

    • On 14 July 2026 US President Trump dropped a proposed 20% 'United States Reimbursement Fee' on cargo transiting the Strait of Hormuz, about a day after announcing it, saying Gulf states' trade and investment deals with the US would replace it
    • The UN's International Maritime Organization opposed fees on straits used for international navigation
88. 14 Jul2026
    Polity

    Ladakh plans Autonomous Hill Development Councils in all seven districts²¹⁵²¹⁶

    The Centre/Ladakh administration proposed Autonomous Hill Development Councils, one for each of Ladakh's seven districts, alongside a UT-level body under a customised Article 371. Ladakh groups LAB and KDA objected that the plan was made unilaterally and could dilute the powers of a proposed UT-level representative body.

    • The Centre/Ladakh administration proposed Autonomous Hill Development Councils, one for each of Ladakh's seven districts, alongside a UT-level body under a customised Article 371
    • Ladakh groups LAB and KDA objected that the plan was made unilaterally and could dilute the powers of a proposed UT-level representative body
89. 14 Jul2026
    Sports

    Delhi unveils 'Mayur' mascot for 22nd Commonwealth Table Tennis Championships²¹⁷

    Delhi CM Rekha Gupta unveiled 'Mayur', a peacock mascot, for the 22nd Commonwealth Table Tennis Championships, held 27 July to 2 August 2026 at Thyagraj Stadium, New Delhi. The event was organised by the Delhi government and the Table Tennis Federation of India.

    • Delhi CM Rekha Gupta unveiled 'Mayur', a peacock mascot, for the 22nd Commonwealth Table Tennis Championships, held 27 July to 2 August 2026 at Thyagraj Stadium, New Delhi
    • The event was organised by the Delhi government and the Table Tennis Federation of India
90. 14 Jul2026
    Polity

    Central Vista precinct to be called Kartavya Bhawan Area²¹⁸

    Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal said the Central Vista precinct should be called 'Kartavya Bhawan Area' (Complex) and the name Central Vista should no longer be used, at the CPWD foundation day event. Three of the ten planned Common Central Secretariat buildings (Kartavya Bhavans) are complete; the PMO complex Seva Teerth was inaugurated on 13 February 2026.

    • Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal said the Central Vista precinct should be called 'Kartavya Bhawan Area' (Complex) and the name Central Vista should no longer be used, at the CPWD foundation day event
    • Three of the ten planned Common Central Secretariat buildings (Kartavya Bhavans) are complete; the PMO complex Seva Teerth was inaugurated on 13 February 2026
91. 13 Jul2026
    International

    India unveils SHANTI vision as it launches UNSC 2028-29 campaign²¹⁹²²⁰

    At the launch of India's UNSC 2028-29 campaign in New York on 13 July 2026, Jaishankar unveiled the SHANTI vision (Securing Holistic Advancement through Norms, Trust and Integrity), with maritime security among the priorities.

    • SHANTI (Securing Holistic Advancement through Norms, Trust and Integrity) was unveiled by EAM Jaishankar at the launch of India's UNSC 2028-29 campaign in New York
    • Reported priorities include maritime security and seafarers' safety, Global South voice, reformed multilateralism and counter-terror financing
92. 13 Jul2026
    Other

    Unjha Cumin and Unjha Fennel receive GI tags²²¹

    Unjha Cumin (jeera) and Unjha Fennel (saunf) received Geographical Indication tags, according to a report quoting Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel, who called it a milestone.

    • Unjha Cumin (jeera) and Unjha Fennel (saunf) received Geographical Indication tags, according to a report quoting Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel, who called it a milestone
93. 13 Jul2026
    Supreme Court

    CJI Surya Kant forms four special benches for oldest pending cases²²²

    The Supreme Court's new roster, effective 13 July 2026, created four dedicated benches to hear only its oldest cases: Justices P. K. Mishra and S. V. N. Bhatti (civil) and Justices Manoj Misra and Ujjal Bhuyan (criminal). The benches sit on non-miscellaneous days, Tuesday to Thursday. CJI Surya Kant said about 93,000 matters appear pending, of which nearly 10,000 are defective awaiting cure of objections.

    • The Supreme Court's new roster, effective 13 July 2026, created four dedicated benches to hear only its oldest cases: Justices P. K. Mishra and S. V. N. Bhatti (civil) and Justices Manoj Misra and Ujjal Bhuyan (criminal)
    • The benches sit on non-miscellaneous days, Tuesday to Thursday
    • CJI Surya Kant said about 93,000 matters appear pending, of which nearly 10,000 are defective awaiting cure of objections
94. 13 Jul2026
    Reports and indices

    MeitY releases second Digital Threat Report 2025-26 on BFSI cyber risks^223224225

    MeitY, with CERT-In, CSIRT-Fin and SISA, released the second edition of the Digital Threat Report 2025-26 for India's BFSI sector on 13 July 2026. The report says six of the seven predictions in last year's edition have come true, flags 'AI asymmetry' (machine-speed attacks by low-resourced actors) and offers an 18-month roadmap.

    • MeitY, with CERT-In, CSIRT-Fin and SISA, released the second edition of the Digital Threat Report 2025-26 for India's BFSI sector on 13 July 2026
    • The report says six of the seven predictions in last year's edition have come true, flags 'AI asymmetry' (machine-speed attacks by low-resourced actors) and offers an 18-month roadmap
95. 13 Jul2026
    Defence

    Nine European countries and Ukraine form anti-ballistic missile coalition in Paris²²⁶²²⁷

    On 13 July 2026, ten countries (Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, the UK and Ukraine) launched an Integrated Anti-Ballistic Missile Coalition at a Coalition of the Willing meeting in Paris. The declaration commits to common requirements, technical working groups and a roadmap to first operational capabilities but gives no timeframe; Zelensky separately pitched a low-cost mass-produced system within 12 months. Poland joined the coalition on 18 September 2026.

    • On 13 July 2026, ten countries (Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, the UK and Ukraine) launched an Integrated Anti-Ballistic Missile Coalition at a Coalition of the Willing meeting in Paris
    • The declaration commits to common requirements, technical working groups and a roadmap to first operational capabilities but gives no timeframe; Zelensky separately pitched a low-cost mass-produced system within 12 months
    • Poland joined the coalition on 18 September 2026
96. 13 Jul2026
    International

    India launches campaign for UNSC non-permanent seat 2028-29^228229230

    External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar launched India's campaign for a 2028-29 non-permanent UN Security Council seat at UN headquarters, New York, on 13 July 2026 (some datelines say 14 July). He unveiled the SHANTI vision (Securing Holistic Advancement through Norms, Trust and Integrity) and met UN Secretary-General Guterres the same day. India is reported to be competing with Tajikistan for the single Asia-Pacific seat; elections are due in June 2027; India's last term was 2021-22.

    • External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar launched India's campaign for a 2028-29 non-permanent UN Security Council seat at UN headquarters, New York, on 13 July 2026 (some datelines say 14 July)
    • He unveiled the SHANTI vision (Securing Holistic Advancement through Norms, Trust and Integrity) and met UN Secretary-General Guterres the same day
    • India is reported to be competing with Tajikistan for the single Asia-Pacific seat; elections are due in June 2027; India's last term was 2021-22
97. 12 Jul2026
    Environment

    Ahmedabad sets Guinness record with 3.61 lakh saplings planted in an hour²³¹²³²

    The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation planted 3.61 lakh saplings using the Miyawaki method in one hour at Bhadaj, Ahmedabad on 12 July 2026, with Union Home Minister Amit Shah present and over 25,000 volunteers. A Government of India magazine describes it as a Guinness World Record under the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam campaign in the Gandhinagar Lok Sabha constituency.

    • The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation planted 3.61 lakh saplings using the Miyawaki method in one hour at Bhadaj, Ahmedabad on 12 July 2026, with Union Home Minister Amit Shah present and over 25,000 volunteers
    • A Government of India magazine describes it as a Guinness World Record under the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam campaign in the Gandhinagar Lok Sabha constituency
98. 12 Jul2026
    Sports

    Sinner retains Wimbledon; Linda Noskova wins first major²³³²³⁴

    Jannik Sinner beat Alexander Zverev 6-7, 7-6, 6-3, 6-4 in the Wimbledon 2026 final to win his second straight Wimbledon title. Linda Noskova beat Karolina Muchova 6-2, 5-7, 6-3 for her first Grand Slam singles title.

    • Jannik Sinner beat Alexander Zverev 6-7, 7-6, 6-3, 6-4 in the Wimbledon 2026 final to win his second straight Wimbledon title
    • Linda Noskova beat Karolina Muchova 6-2, 5-7, 6-3 for her first Grand Slam singles title
99. 12 Jul2026
    International

    South China Sea arbitral award marks 10 years^235236237

    On 12 July 2026, the tenth anniversary of the 12 July 2016 arbitral award, 14 countries (including the US, UK, Japan, Australia and the Philippines) issued a joint statement calling the award final and legally binding; the EU issued a separate statement. China called the award 'waste paper' and summoned Japan's envoy; India said the award is a significant milestone and the basis for peaceful settlement under UNCLOS but did not sign the statement. The case was filed by the Philippines in 2013 under UNCLOS Annex VII; the tribunal's registry was the Permanent Court of Arbitration.

    • On 12 July 2026, the tenth anniversary of the 12 July 2016 arbitral award, 14 countries (including the US, UK, Japan, Australia and the Philippines) issued a joint statement calling the award final and legally binding; the EU issued a separate statement
    • China called the award 'waste paper' and summoned Japan's envoy; India said the award is a significant milestone and the basis for peaceful settlement under UNCLOS but did not sign the statement
    • The case was filed by the Philippines in 2013 under UNCLOS Annex VII; the tribunal's registry was the Permanent Court of Arbitration
100. 12 Jul2026
     Disasters

     Vessel GFS Galaxy attacked off Oman; 10 Indians rescued, one missing^238239240

     The Cyprus-flagged container ship GFS Galaxy was attacked off Oman near the Strait of Hormuz on 12 July 2026; of 11 Indian crew, 10 were rescued and one was missing. US Central Command said Iranian forces struck the ship; Iran said it was on an unauthorised route; India condemned the attack. The missing sailor, third engineer Herambh Karmarkar of Pune, was confirmed dead on 15 July.

     • The Cyprus-flagged container ship GFS Galaxy was attacked off Oman near the Strait of Hormuz on 12 July 2026; of 11 Indian crew, 10 were rescued and one was missing
     • US Central Command said Iranian forces struck the ship; Iran said it was on an unauthorised route; India condemned the attack
     • The missing sailor, third engineer Herambh Karmarkar of Pune, was confirmed dead on 15 July
101. 12 Jul2026
     Science and tech

     ISRO completes three Gaganyaan crew module qualification tests²⁴¹²⁴²

     ISRO completed three Gaganyaan crew-module qualification tests: the uprighting system (floatation bag inflation), umbilical (CSU-2) separation, and the apex-cover structure tested at about 1.75 times flight loads.

     • ISRO completed three Gaganyaan crew-module qualification tests: the uprighting system (floatation bag inflation), umbilical (CSU-2) separation, and the apex-cover structure tested at about 1.75 times flight loads
102. 12 Jul2026
     Polity

     ECI requires parents' SIR details in Form 6 applications^243244245

     The Election Commission added a requirement, through instructions rather than an amendment to the form, that new Form 6 applicants provide their parents' (or grandparents') details from the previous SIR electoral roll. Reports in late September 2026 say the EC withdrew the additional declaration from online enrolment in states where SIR was complete; the Supreme Court said it had not approved any modified Form 6.

     • The Election Commission added a requirement, through instructions rather than an amendment to the form, that new Form 6 applicants provide their parents' (or grandparents') details from the previous SIR electoral roll
     • Reports in late September 2026 say the EC withdrew the additional declaration from online enrolment in states where SIR was complete; the Supreme Court said it had not approved any modified Form 6
103. 11 Jul2026
     Science and tech

     JAXA completes first hop test of reusable rocket RV-X²⁴⁶

     JAXA's experimental reusable rocket RV-X completed its first test flight at the Noshiro Testing Center, Japan, on Saturday (likely 11 July 2026): it lifted off, hovered, moved horizontally and landed in under a minute.

     • JAXA's experimental reusable rocket RV-X completed its first test flight at the Noshiro Testing Center, Japan, on Saturday (likely 11 July 2026): it lifted off, hovered, moved horizontally and landed in under a minute
104. 11 Jul2026
     International

     India and New Zealand elevate ties to Strategic Partnership during Modi's Auckland visit^247248249

     During Modi's 10-11 July 2026 visit to Auckland, India and New Zealand agreed to elevate ties to a Strategic Partnership, signed agreements and set an aspirational goal of doubling two-way trade to NZ$7 billion by 2030.

     • PM Modi visited Auckland on 10-11 July 2026 and held talks with NZ PM Christopher Luxon, elevating ties to a Strategic Partnership
     • PTI reports 18 outcomes including 10 agreements, among them a four-year roadmap for expanding ties, an Indo-Pacific maritime cooperation framework and a reciprocal logistics support pact between the Indian Navy and NZ Defence Force
     • The leaders set an aspirational goal of doubling two-way trade in goods and services to NZ$7 billion (about Rs 35,000 crore) by 2030
105. 10 Jul2026
     Reports and indices

     UN Women report: one million women lost aid access after funding cuts^250251252

     UN Women's report 'Beyond the Breaking Point' (published 10 July 2026) estimates at least one million women and girls lost access to critical support after humanitarian funding cuts since January 2025. It draws on a survey of 855 women-led and women's rights organisations in 52 countries; 45% have six months or less of funding, 77% lost staff and 41% consider closure likely.

     • UN Women's report 'Beyond the Breaking Point' (published 10 July 2026) estimates at least one million women and girls lost access to critical support after humanitarian funding cuts since January 2025
     • It draws on a survey of 855 women-led and women's rights organisations in 52 countries; 45% have six months or less of funding, 77% lost staff and 41% consider closure likely
106. 10 Jul2026
     Economy

     NSE launches Nifty500 Ahimsa Index²⁵³²⁵⁴

     NSE Indices launched the Nifty500 Ahimsa Index, a thematic index of 326 Nifty 500 companies screened with the Ahimsagain Foundation's Ahimsa Investment Movement framework (only 'Green' band companies included). Base date 1 April 2016, base value 1,000; Bharti Airtel is the largest constituent (about 6%).

     • NSE Indices launched the Nifty500 Ahimsa Index, a thematic index of 326 Nifty 500 companies screened with the Ahimsagain Foundation's Ahimsa Investment Movement framework (only 'Green' band companies included)
     • Base date 1 April 2016, base value 1,000; Bharti Airtel is the largest constituent (about 6%)
107. 9 Jul2026
     Awards

     Department of Telecom's Samriddh Gram wins WSIS Prize 2026^255256257

     The Department of Telecommunications' Samriddh Gram initiative won a Global Winner award in the WSIS Prizes 2026 under Action Line C6 (Enabling Environment), announced 9 July 2026. Samriddh Gram runs 'phygital' one-stop service hubs on the BharatNet backbone; the government says more than 2.17 lakh Gram Panchayats are service-ready.

     • The Department of Telecommunications' Samriddh Gram initiative won a Global Winner award in the WSIS Prizes 2026 under Action Line C6 (Enabling Environment), announced 9 July 2026
     • Samriddh Gram runs 'phygital' one-stop service hubs on the BharatNet backbone; the government says more than 2.17 lakh Gram Panchayats are service-ready
108. 9 Jul2026
     Reports and indices

     Jaipur ranks sixth in Time Out's happiest cities 2026²⁵⁸

     Time Out's 2026 happiest cities ranking placed Bath first and Jaipur sixth (between Krakow and Chicago). The ranking draws on over 24,000 urban residents across about 150 cities; only the top-ranked city per country made the top 20.

     • Time Out's 2026 happiest cities ranking placed Bath first and Jaipur sixth (between Krakow and Chicago)
     • The ranking draws on over 24,000 urban residents across about 150 cities; only the top-ranked city per country made the top 20
109. 9 Jul2026
     Defence

     India and Australia finalise uranium supply administrative arrangement^259260261

     India and Australia signed an administrative arrangement on 9 July 2026 that enables long-term Australian uranium exports to India for peaceful use under IAEA safeguards. It operates under the civil nuclear cooperation agreement between the two countries (signed 2014, in force 2015).

     • India and Australia signed an administrative arrangement on 9 July 2026 that enables long-term Australian uranium exports to India for peaceful use under IAEA safeguards
     • It operates under the civil nuclear cooperation agreement between the two countries (signed 2014, in force 2015)
110. 9 Jul2026
     International

     3rd India-Australia Annual Leaders' Summit in Melbourne: defence, uranium and Gaganyaan support^262263264

     The 3rd India-Australia Annual Leaders' Summit was held in Melbourne on 9 July 2026 between PM Modi and PM Albanese. Outcomes: Joint Declaration on Defence and Security Cooperation, Maritime Security Collaboration Roadmap, an Annual Defence Ministers' Dialogue, a uranium supply administrative arrangement and a temporary space tracking terminal on the Cocos (Keeling) Islands for Gaganyaan. They agreed to accelerate negotiations on a CECA and a bilateral investment treaty.

     • The 3rd India-Australia Annual Leaders' Summit was held in Melbourne on 9 July 2026 between PM Modi and PM Albanese
     • Outcomes: Joint Declaration on Defence and Security Cooperation, Maritime Security Collaboration Roadmap, an Annual Defence Ministers' Dialogue, a uranium supply administrative arrangement and a temporary space tracking terminal on the Cocos (Keeling) Islands for Gaganyaan
     • They agreed to accelerate negotiations on a CECA and a bilateral investment treaty
111. 9 Jul2026
     Schemes

     India launches Letter of Authorisation regime for high-seas fishing^265266267

     Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan launched the Letter of Authorisation (LoA) regime for high-seas fishing at a national event in Bhubaneswar on 9 July 2026. Under the Guidelines for Sustainable Harnessing of Fisheries in the High Seas by Indian-Flagged Fishing Vessels, 2025 (notified 9 December 2025), an Indian vessel can fish on the high seas only with an LoA; the LoA is vessel-specific and non-transferable. LoA fee for cooperative societies was cut from Rs 25,000 to Rs 5,000, with FFPOs and cooperatives prioritised.

     • Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan launched the Letter of Authorisation (LoA) regime for high-seas fishing at a national event in Bhubaneswar on 9 July 2026
     • Under the Guidelines for Sustainable Harnessing of Fisheries in the High Seas by Indian-Flagged Fishing Vessels, 2025 (notified 9 December 2025), an Indian vessel can fish on the high seas only with an LoA; the LoA is vessel-specific and non-transferable
     • LoA fee for cooperative societies was cut from Rs 25,000 to Rs 5,000, with FFPOs and cooperatives prioritised
112. 9 Jul2026
     International

     Switzerland to host the next global AI summit in Geneva in June 2027²⁶⁸²⁶⁹

     Swiss President Guy Parmelin announced at the India AI Impact Summit (February 2026) that Switzerland will host the next AI Summit in Geneva in 2027; one report gives June 2027. Officials said the official name is the Geneva AI Summit; the UAE is reported as partner host for 2028.

     • Swiss President Guy Parmelin announced at the India AI Impact Summit (February 2026) that Switzerland will host the next AI Summit in Geneva in 2027; one report gives June 2027
     • Officials said the official name is the Geneva AI Summit; the UAE is reported as partner host for 2028
113. 8 Jul2026
     Books and culture

     Modi and Prabowo launch India-supported restoration at Prambanan temple^270271272

     PM Modi and Indonesian President Prabowo jointly inaugurated an India-backed restoration project at the Prambanan temple complex, Yogyakarta, on 8 July 2026, with the Archaeological Survey of India undertaking the conservation. A Letter of Intent for the project was exchanged on 7 July 2026.

     • PM Modi and Indonesian President Prabowo jointly inaugurated an India-backed restoration project at the Prambanan temple complex, Yogyakarta, on 8 July 2026, with the Archaeological Survey of India undertaking the conservation
     • A Letter of Intent for the project was exchanged on 7 July 2026
114. 8 Jul2026
     Reports and indices

     EIU Global Liveability Index 2026: Copenhagen first for second year^273274275

     The Economist Intelligence Unit's 2026 liveability ranking of 173 cities put Copenhagen first for the second straight year, ahead of Vienna. Exact ranks for Indian cities could not be confirmed.

     • Copenhagen ranked first in the EIU Global Liveability Index 2026 for the second consecutive year, followed by Vienna and Melbourne, among 173 cities
     • Karachi was reported as the world's fourth least liveable city
115. 8 Jul2026
     Defence

     DRDO flight-tests Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket at 60 km^276277278

     DRDO flight-tested the Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket (LRGR) at its 60 km minimum range on 8 July 2026 from the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur, Odisha, using an in-service Pinaka launcher. The rocket is designed by ARDE with HEMRL, with support from other DRDO labs including RCI; the maiden LRGR-120 test in December 2025 reached 120 km.

     • DRDO flight-tested the Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket (LRGR) at its 60 km minimum range on 8 July 2026 from the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur, Odisha, using an in-service Pinaka launcher
     • The rocket is designed by ARDE with HEMRL, with support from other DRDO labs including RCI; the maiden LRGR-120 test in December 2025 reached 120 km
116. 8 Jul2026
     Sports

     Indian contingent to wear jute-viscose apparel at Commonwealth Games 2026²⁷⁹

     The National Jute Board developed jute-viscose blended apparel for India's contingent at Glasgow 2026, with fabric support from Gloster Jute Mills and design by NIFT New Delhi. The Ministry of Textiles release says it is the first time jute-based apparel was showcased at an international multi-sport event. India's contingent had 124 members: 78 male and 46 female athletes.

     • The National Jute Board developed jute-viscose blended apparel for India's contingent at Glasgow 2026, with fabric support from Gloster Jute Mills and design by NIFT New Delhi
     • The Ministry of Textiles release says it is the first time jute-based apparel was showcased at an international multi-sport event
     • India's contingent had 124 members: 78 male and 46 female athletes
     • The Games ran from 23 July to 2 August 2026
117. 7 Jul2026
     Schemes

     Shivraj Chouhan launches PRAGATI to create 20,000 agri-entrepreneurs²⁸⁰

     Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan launched PRAGATI on 7 July 2026 to add 20,000 agri-entrepreneurs to an existing network of 26,000-plus, reaching over 2 million additional smallholders across eight states. The programme targets a 30% rise in farmer incomes and a 15-20% yield boost in paddy, maize and potato; backers include the SBI Foundation, Gates Foundation and PepsiCo Foundation.

     • Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan launched PRAGATI on 7 July 2026 to add 20,000 agri-entrepreneurs to an existing network of 26,000-plus, reaching over 2 million additional smallholders across eight states
     • The programme targets a 30% rise in farmer incomes and a 15-20% yield boost in paddy, maize and potato; backers include the SBI Foundation, Gates Foundation and PepsiCo Foundation
118. 7 Jul2026
     Economy

     Kamarajar Port becomes second major port with 18 m draft^281282283

     Kamarajar Port became India's second major port with an 18 m operational draft (after Visakhapatnam), able to take vessels carrying up to 170,000 DWT cargo parcels. The upgrade came through the Rs 440 crore Capital Dredging Phase VI, announced on 7 July 2026.

     • Kamarajar Port became India's second major port with an 18 m operational draft (after Visakhapatnam), able to take vessels carrying up to 170,000 DWT cargo parcels
     • The upgrade came through the Rs 440 crore Capital Dredging Phase VI, announced on 7 July 2026
119. 7 Jul2026
     Defence

     India and Indonesia seal BrahMos and Astra missile deals, sign about 20 outcomes^284285286

     During Modi's July 2026 Indonesia visit, India and Indonesia agreed BrahMos and Astra missile supplies and about 20 agreements and outcome documents covering critical minerals, maritime security, payments, elections and the joint development of Sabang Port.

     • Reports say India and Indonesia concluded about 20 agreements and outcome documents during the 7 July 2026 summit; the draft's '14 agreements' was not confirmed
     • Indonesia agreed to buy BrahMos (supersonic cruise missile) and Astra (beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile); reported deal value differs by outlet (USD 200 million BrahMos, about USD 600-630 million package)
     • The sides agreed to jointly develop Sabang Port, to integrate UPI with Indonesia's payment system and to help Indonesia develop EVMs for its 2029 elections
120. 7 Jul2026
     Reports and indices

     UDISE+ 2025-26 and PGI 2.0 released; Chandigarh only 'Uttam-3'^287288289

     The Education Ministry's PGI 2.0 report for 2025-26 placed Chandigarh in the Uttam-3 grade, the only state or UT to reach it, for the fourth straight year at the top; no state or UT reached Utkarsh, Uttam-1 or Uttam-2.

     • Chandigarh was the only state/UT in the Uttam-3 grade (61-70% of points) in PGI 2.0 for 2025-26 and topped the index for the fourth straight year
     • No state or UT reached the Utkarsh, Uttam-1 or Uttam-2 grades
121. 7 Jul2026
     States

     Sirsa Kinnow becomes Haryana's first GI-tagged fruit²⁹⁰²⁹¹

     Sirsa Kinnow was registered as a Geographical Indication (GI No. 1101, Class 31) with Kharisureran Farmer Producer Company as registered proprietor; reports call it Haryana's first fruit GI (its first Haryana-exclusive GI). ThePrint reports the application was filed on 16 June 2023 and the certificate sealed in Chennai on 28 March 2026; The Tribune dates the grant to 17 June.

     • Sirsa Kinnow was registered as a Geographical Indication (GI No. 1101, Class 31) with Kharisureran Farmer Producer Company as registered proprietor; reports call it Haryana's first fruit GI (its first Haryana-exclusive GI)
     • ThePrint reports the application was filed on 16 June 2023 and the certificate sealed in Chennai on 28 March 2026; The Tribune dates the grant to 17 June
122. 7 Jul2026
     Awards

     Modi receives Indonesia's Bintang Adipurna on Jakarta state visit^292293294

     President Prabowo Subianto presented PM Modi with the Bintang Adipurna, Indonesia's highest civilian honour, at the Istana Merdeka presidential palace in Jakarta on 7 July 2026. Modi is the second Indian PM after Nehru to receive it, ThePrint reports; the visit was a three-day visit and Modi's fourth to Indonesia.

     • President Prabowo Subianto presented PM Modi with the Bintang Adipurna, Indonesia's highest civilian honour, at the Istana Merdeka presidential palace in Jakarta on 7 July 2026
     • Modi is the second Indian PM after Nehru to receive it, ThePrint reports; the visit was a three-day visit and Modi's fourth to Indonesia
123. 7 Jul2026
     Supreme Court

     Gujarat High Court upholds convictions of 49 in 2008 Ahmedabad blasts²⁹⁵²⁹⁶

     Gujarat High Court (Justices A. Y. Kogje and Samir Dave) upheld the death sentences of 38 convicts and the life terms of 11 in the 2008 Ahmedabad serial blasts case. A special court had convicted 49 and acquitted 28 in February 2022. The blasts of 26 July 2008 killed 56 people.

     • Gujarat High Court (Justices A. Y. Kogje and Samir Dave) upheld the death sentences of 38 convicts and the life terms of 11 in the 2008 Ahmedabad serial blasts case
     • A special court had convicted 49 and acquitted 28 in February 2022
     • The blasts of 26 July 2008 killed 56 people
124. 6 Jul2026
     States

     UP Cabinet renames Jalalabad in Shahjahanpur as Parshurampuri^297298299

     The Uttar Pradesh cabinet under CM Yogi Adityanath approved renaming Jalalabad in Shahjahanpur district as Parshurampuri (Parashurampuri), on 6 July 2026. The Union Home Ministry had earlier approved the renaming, according to Union Minister Jitin Prasada (Aug 2025).

     • The Uttar Pradesh cabinet under CM Yogi Adityanath approved renaming Jalalabad in Shahjahanpur district as Parshurampuri (Parashurampuri), on 6 July 2026
     • The Union Home Ministry had earlier approved the renaming, according to Union Minister Jitin Prasada (Aug 2025)
125. 6 Jul2026
     Other

     125th birth anniversary of Syama Prasad Mookerjee^300301302

     The 125th birth anniversary of Syama Prasad Mookerjee (born 6 July 1901) was marked on 6 July 2026 as part of a two-year national commemoration. The Ministry of Culture and West Bengal government held the main event at Milan Mela, Kolkata with Amit Shah as chief guest; PM Modi addressed it virtually. He served as Minister for Industry and Supply in 1947-50 and resigned over the Nehru-Liaquat Pact.

     • The 125th birth anniversary of Syama Prasad Mookerjee (born 6 July 1901) was marked on 6 July 2026 as part of a two-year national commemoration
     • The Ministry of Culture and West Bengal government held the main event at Milan Mela, Kolkata with Amit Shah as chief guest; PM Modi addressed it virtually
     • He served as Minister for Industry and Supply in 1947-50 and resigned over the Nehru-Liaquat Pact
126. 6 Jul2026
     Appointments

     Centre appoints Alok Kumar Mittal BPR&D DG, Amit Garg NCRB Director, Sujeet Pandey SVPNPA Director³⁰³³⁰⁴

     Alok Kumar Mittal (1993 batch IPS, Haryana cadre) was appointed Director General of BPR&D until his superannuation on 30 June 2029. Amit Garg was appointed Director of NCRB until 31 October 2027, moving from SVPNPA. Sujeet Pandey was appointed Director of SVP National Police Academy, Hyderabad until 31 July 2028.

     • Alok Kumar Mittal (1993 batch IPS, Haryana cadre) was appointed Director General of BPR&D until his superannuation on 30 June 2029
     • Amit Garg was appointed Director of NCRB until 31 October 2027, moving from SVPNPA
     • Sujeet Pandey was appointed Director of SVP National Police Academy, Hyderabad until 31 July 2028
127. 6 Jul2026
     Science and tech

     ISRO ground-tests SOLVE solid motor for Gaganyaan test flights³⁰⁵

     ISRO completed the first static test of the solid motor for SOLVE (Sub-Orbital Launch Vehicle for Experiments) at the Static Test Facility, Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota; ISRO said the motor performed as expected. The motor is derived from the PSLV strap-on booster and is meant to support repeated Gaganyaan crew-module test missions.

     • ISRO completed the first static test of the solid motor for SOLVE (Sub-Orbital Launch Vehicle for Experiments) at the Static Test Facility, Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota; ISRO said the motor performed as expected
     • The motor is derived from the PSLV strap-on booster and is meant to support repeated Gaganyaan crew-module test missions
128. 6 Jul2026
     International

     India chairs UNCTAD consumer protection experts' 9th session in Geneva^306307308

     India's Consumer Affairs Secretary Nidhi Khare chaired the ninth session of UNCTAD's Intergovernmental Group of Experts on Consumer Law and Policy at the Palais des Nations, Geneva, 6-8 July 2026. The session featured the launch of the UN Principles for Consumer Product Safety (adopted by the UN General Assembly in December 2025).

     • India's Consumer Affairs Secretary Nidhi Khare chaired the ninth session of UNCTAD's Intergovernmental Group of Experts on Consumer Law and Policy at the Palais des Nations, Geneva, 6-8 July 2026
     • The session featured the launch of the UN Principles for Consumer Product Safety (adopted by the UN General Assembly in December 2025)
129. 5 Jul2026
     Sports

     FIFA suspends Balogun's red-card ban before USA v Belgium last-16 tie^309310311

     Folarin Balogun was sent off after a VAR review in the USA's 2-0 round-of-32 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina. FIFA suspended implementation of the automatic one-match ban for a one-year probationary period under Article 27 of its disciplinary code, after Trump reportedly called Infantino. Belgium's federation and UEFA criticised the decision; FIFA's appeal committee rejected Belgium's challenge as inadmissible.

     • Folarin Balogun was sent off after a VAR review in the USA's 2-0 round-of-32 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina
     • FIFA suspended implementation of the automatic one-match ban for a one-year probationary period under Article 27 of its disciplinary code, after Trump reportedly called Infantino
     • Belgium's federation and UEFA criticised the decision; FIFA's appeal committee rejected Belgium's challenge as inadmissible
     • Balogun played in the USA v Belgium round-of-16 tie in Seattle on 6 July 2026
130. 5 Jul2026
     Sports

     Australia win record seventh ICC Women's T20 World Cup³¹²³¹³

     Australia beat England by seven wickets in the final at Lord's on 5 July 2026 to win a record seventh Women's T20 World Cup. England made 150-4; Australia chased it down with 17 balls to spare. Beth Mooney scored 64 and put on a second-wicket century stand with Phoebe Litchfield (48).

     • Australia beat England by seven wickets in the final at Lord's on 5 July 2026 to win a record seventh Women's T20 World Cup
     • England made 150-4; Australia chased it down with 17 balls to spare
     • Beth Mooney scored 64 and put on a second-wicket century stand with Phoebe Litchfield (48)
131. 5 Jul2026
     Defence

     Adani Defence lays foundation of Rs 2,500 crore missile complex at Shivpuri^314315316

     The foundation stone of Adani Defence and Aerospace's Rs 2,500 crore missile ecosystem at Shivpuri, Madhya Pradesh was laid on 5 July 2026 by CM Mohan Yadav and Union minister Jyotiraditya Scindia. The project includes missile, composite propellant and TNT complexes and is expected to create about 5,000 direct and indirect jobs. Construction is expected to take about three years.

     • The foundation stone of Adani Defence and Aerospace's Rs 2,500 crore missile ecosystem at Shivpuri, Madhya Pradesh was laid on 5 July 2026 by CM Mohan Yadav and Union minister Jyotiraditya Scindia
     • The project includes missile, composite propellant and TNT complexes and is expected to create about 5,000 direct and indirect jobs
     • Construction is expected to take about three years
132. 4 Jul2026
     Polity

     MeitY serves notice on Meta over child abuse material in Instagram ads^317318319

     MeitY issued a notice to Meta on Saturday 4 July 2026 directing it to disable Instagram ads and content promoting or facilitating child sexual abuse material. Meta was asked for a detailed explanation within seven days, after a BBC investigation into Instagram ads.

     • MeitY issued a notice to Meta on Saturday 4 July 2026 directing it to disable Instagram ads and content promoting or facilitating child sexual abuse material
     • Meta was asked for a detailed explanation within seven days, after a BBC investigation into Instagram ads
133. 4 Jul2026
     International

     United States marks 250 years of Declaration of Independence³²⁰³²¹

     4 July 2026 marked 250 years since the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence on 4 July 1776, with celebrations across all 50 states. President Trump spoke on the National Mall, delayed by about two hours by a thunderstorm; severe weather and heat disrupted events in several cities.

     • 4 July 2026 marked 250 years since the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence on 4 July 1776, with celebrations across all 50 states
     • President Trump spoke on the National Mall, delayed by about two hours by a thunderstorm; severe weather and heat disrupted events in several cities
134. 4 Jul2026
     Defence

     India designates 23 JeM and LeT operatives as terrorists^322323324

     On 4 July 2026 the Union Home Ministry designated 23 Pakistan-based JeM and LeT operatives as terrorists under the UAPA. The list includes close associates of Hafiz Saeed such as Abdul Rauf, Hafiz Khalid Waleed and Rana Iftikhar, and Jaish functionary Masood Ilyas Kashmiri. Reports differ on nationality split: Amit Shah's statement says 17 Pakistani and 6 Indian nationals, Outlook says 16 and 7.

     • On 4 July 2026 the Union Home Ministry designated 23 Pakistan-based JeM and LeT operatives as terrorists under the UAPA
     • The list includes close associates of Hafiz Saeed such as Abdul Rauf, Hafiz Khalid Waleed and Rana Iftikhar, and Jaish functionary Masood Ilyas Kashmiri
     • Reports differ on nationality split: Amit Shah's statement says 17 Pakistani and 6 Indian nationals, Outlook says 16 and 7
135. 3 Jul2026
     Awards

     International Booker renamed Bukhman International Booker with prize doubled to 100,000 pounds³²⁵³²⁶

     Bukhman Philanthropies will fund the International Booker Prize for the next ten years, committing 1.4 million pounds a year. The 2027 award is the first to carry the name Bukhman International Booker Prize. Prize money for the winning title doubles from 50,000 to 100,000 pounds, split equally between author and translator(s); each shortlisted title still gets 5,000 pounds.

     • Bukhman Philanthropies will fund the International Booker Prize for the next ten years, committing 1.4 million pounds a year
     • The 2027 award is the first to carry the name Bukhman International Booker Prize
     • Prize money for the winning title doubles from 50,000 to 100,000 pounds, split equally between author and translator(s); each shortlisted title still gets 5,000 pounds
     • Katie Kitamura chairs the 2027 judging panel
136. 2 Jul2026
     States

     Eight Himachal products including Kinnauri apple and Chamba metal art get GI tags³²⁷

     Eight Himachal products were registered as Geographical Indications through HIMCOSTE: Spiti Seabuckthorn (Chharma), Salooni Safed Makka, Chamba Metal Art, Sirmauri Loiya, Kinnauri Topi, Sepuvadi of Mandi, Kinnauri apple and Kinnauri jewellery. The Tribune reports the state now has 17 GI-registered traditional products.

     • Eight Himachal products were registered as Geographical Indications through HIMCOSTE: Spiti Seabuckthorn (Chharma), Salooni Safed Makka, Chamba Metal Art, Sirmauri Loiya, Kinnauri Topi, Sepuvadi of Mandi, Kinnauri apple and Kinnauri jewellery
     • The Tribune reports the state now has 17 GI-registered traditional products
137. 2 Jul2026
     International

     16th India-Japan Annual Summit: Modi and Takaichi hold talks in New Delhi³²⁸³²⁹

     Prime Minister Modi and Japan's PM Sanae Takaichi held wide-ranging talks at the 16th India-Japan Annual Summit in New Delhi on 2 July 2026, covering trade, investment, economic security, energy, emerging technologies and defence. India and Japan will celebrate 75 years of ties in 2027.

     • 16th India-Japan Annual Summit held on Thursday 2 July 2026
     • Modi and Takaichi discussed trade and investment, economic security, energy, emerging technologies, defence and people-to-people ties
     • 75 years of India-Japan diplomatic ties to be celebrated in 2027 (MEA)
138. 2 Jul2026
     Science and tech

     Skyroot sets Vikram-1 orbital launch window 12 July to 4 August³³⁰³³¹

     Skyroot Aerospace announced a launch window of 12 July to 4 August 2026 from Sriharikota for Vikram-1, billed as India's first privately developed orbital-class rocket (Mission Aagaman).

     • Launch window 12 July to 4 August 2026 from Sriharikota, subject to testing, weather and range clearances
     • Vikram-1 is India's first privately developed orbital-class rocket, built by Hyderabad-based Skyroot Aerospace; the mission is called Aagaman
139. 1 Jul2026
     Reports and indices

     UN's Independent International Scientific Panel on AI issues first report³³²³³³

     The UN Independent International Scientific Panel on AI released its first report on 1 July 2026, ahead of the Global Dialogue on AI Governance in Geneva (6-7 July). The 40-member panel, co-chaired by Yoshua Bengio, warned AI capabilities are advancing faster than science and policy can keep up and that catastrophic harm cannot be ruled out.

     • The UN Independent International Scientific Panel on AI released its first report on 1 July 2026, ahead of the Global Dialogue on AI Governance in Geneva (6-7 July)
     • The 40-member panel, co-chaired by Yoshua Bengio, warned AI capabilities are advancing faster than science and policy can keep up and that catastrophic harm cannot be ruled out
140. 1 Jul2026
     Reports and indices

     World Bank keeps India in lower-middle income group for FY2027³³⁴³³⁵

     The World Bank's FY27 income classification took effect on 1 July 2026; the lower-middle-income band is GNI per capita of USD 1,176 to 4,635. India remains in the lower-middle-income group. Classifications are updated every 1 July.

     • The World Bank's FY27 income classification took effect on 1 July 2026; the lower-middle-income band is GNI per capita of USD 1,176 to 4,635
     • India remains in the lower-middle-income group
     • Classifications are updated every 1 July
141. 1 Jul2026
     Legislation

     VB-G RAM G Act replaces MGNREGA from 1 July 2026 with 125-day guarantee³³⁶³³⁷

     The VB-G RAM G Act replaced MGNREGA from 1 July 2026, raising the annual guarantee of employment from 100 to 125 days. The national average daily wage under the new scheme is Rs 327.4 against Rs 298.8 earlier.

     • VB-G RAM G Act replaced the Mahatma Gandhi NREGA scheme from 1 July 2026
     • Guaranteed rural employment raised to 125 days a year, with payment in lieu if work is not provided
     • National average daily wage Rs 327.4, up from Rs 298.8 under MGNREGA (an increase of Rs 28.6)
142. 1 Jul2026
     Economy

     RBI Integrated Ombudsman Scheme 2026 takes effect 1 July^338339340

     RBI Integrated Ombudsman Scheme 2026 (RB-IOS 2026) took effect on 1 July 2026 and replaces the 2021 scheme. Ombudsman can award up to Rs 30 lakh for consequential loss and up to Rs 3 lakh for loss of time, expenses, harassment or mental anguish (a theoretical maximum of Rs 33 lakh). Complaint must first go to the regulated entity; it can be escalated if there is no reply within 30 days, and generally within 90 days.

     • RBI Integrated Ombudsman Scheme 2026 (RB-IOS 2026) took effect on 1 July 2026 and replaces the 2021 scheme
     • Ombudsman can award up to Rs 30 lakh for consequential loss and up to Rs 3 lakh for loss of time, expenses, harassment or mental anguish (a theoretical maximum of Rs 33 lakh)
     • Complaint must first go to the regulated entity; it can be escalated if there is no reply within 30 days, and generally within 90 days
     • No limit on the value of the dispute that can be taken to the Ombudsman
143. 1 Jul2026
     Other

     National Doctors' Day observed on 1 July in memory of Dr B. C. Roy³⁴¹

     India observes National Doctors' Day every year on 1 July, the birth and death anniversary of physician and statesman Dr Bidhan Chandra Roy. The 2026 official theme could not be confirmed.

     • National Doctors' Day is observed on 1 July every year to honour Dr Bidhan Chandra Roy, born 1 July 1882 and died 1 July 1962
     • Roy received the Bharat Ratna in 1961
144. 1 Jul2026
     Economy

     MECON Limited granted Miniratna Category-I status³⁴²³⁴³

     The Ministry of Steel granted MECON Limited Miniratna Category-I status on 1 July 2026. MECON's net worth was Rs 535.42 crore as on 31 March 2026 and its profit before tax was Rs 104.53 crore in FY 2025-26. MECON is a Schedule 'A' central public sector enterprise under the Ministry of Steel.

     • The Ministry of Steel granted MECON Limited Miniratna Category-I status on 1 July 2026
     • MECON's net worth was Rs 535.42 crore as on 31 March 2026 and its profit before tax was Rs 104.53 crore in FY 2025-26
     • MECON is a Schedule 'A' central public sector enterprise under the Ministry of Steel
145. 1 Jul2026
     Economy

     I-2SEA submarine cable to link India, Malaysia and Singapore by 2029³⁴⁴³⁴⁵

     A Microsoft- and Lightstorm-led consortium will build the I-2SEA submarine cable linking India, Malaysia and Singapore. Consortium members include Tata Communications, Singtel, ASEAN Cableship and NEC Corporation. The system is expected to be operational in the fourth quarter of 2029.

     • A Microsoft- and Lightstorm-led consortium will build the I-2SEA submarine cable linking India, Malaysia and Singapore
     • Consortium members include Tata Communications, Singtel, ASEAN Cableship and NEC Corporation
     • The system is expected to be operational in the fourth quarter of 2029
146. 1 Jul2026
     Economy

     GST Day: nine years of Goods and Services Tax³⁴⁶³⁴⁷

     GST was launched on 1 July 2017; 1 July 2026 marked nine years. After the 2025 reforms the structure has two main slabs of 5% and 18%, with a 40% rate on luxury and sin goods. GST collections rose from Rs 13.76 lakh crore in 2021-22 to Rs 22.27 lakh crore in 2025-26 (government factsheet).

     • GST was launched on 1 July 2017; 1 July 2026 marked nine years
     • After the 2025 reforms the structure has two main slabs of 5% and 18%, with a 40% rate on luxury and sin goods
     • GST collections rose from Rs 13.76 lakh crore in 2021-22 to Rs 22.27 lakh crore in 2025-26 (government factsheet)
     • The GST Council is established under Article 279A

Sources

1. Deccan Herald
2. The Wire
3. Outlook India
4. Press Information Bureau (Ministry of Mines)
5. IANS
6. The Tribune
7. The Tribune
8. The Week
9. Deccan Herald
10. The Tribune
11. ThePrint
12. Press Information Bureau
13. ThePrint
14. Business Standard
15. Deccan Herald
16. ThePrint
17. Khaleej Times
18. Business Recorder
19. Express Tribune
20. NPR
21. Al Jazeera
22. The Week
23. Business Standard
24. Business Standard
25. Al Jazeera
26. CNN
27. The Tribune
28. Business Standard
29. The News Minute
30. Onmanorama
31. The Tribune
32. IANS
33. ThePrint
34. Khaleej Times
35. The Week
36. Press Information Bureau
37. ThePrint
38. Business Standard
39. ThePrint
40. Bar & Bench
41. Deccan Chronicle
42. Telangana Today
43. Outlook India
44. Press Information Bureau
45. The Tribune
46. IANS
47. Business Standard
48. LiveLaw
49. Prime Legal
50. IANS
51. Outlook Money
52. Gulf News
53. Down To Earth
54. ThePrint
55. Deccan Herald
56. The Tribune
57. ThePrint
58. The Week
59. IANS
60. Outlook
61. ThePrint
62. Business Standard
63. ICC
64. Deccan Herald
65. The Tribune
66. IANS
67. Business Standard
68. IANS
69. The Tribune
70. The Tribune
71. CNN
72. Deccan Herald
73. Business Standard
74. IANS
75. IANS
76. Business Today
77. Medical Dialogues
78. Al Jazeera
79. Al Jazeera
80. ThePrint
81. The Tribune
82. IANS
83. IANS
84. ThePrint
85. The Week
86. Press Information Bureau
87. IANS
88. The Tribune
89. Business Standard
90. Deccan Herald
91. The Week
92. LiveLaw
93. Bar & Bench
94. ThePrint
95. Al Jazeera
96. CNN
97. Press Information Bureau
98. Business Standard
99. Simons Foundation
100. Institute of Mathematics and Informatics, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences
101. ICC
102. Business Standard
103. ThePrint
104. The Tribune
105. Business Standard
106. Outlook
107. The Tribune
108. Outlook
109. ThePrint
110. The Week
111. IANS
112. LiveLaw
113. Deccan Herald
114. The Tribune
115. Business Standard
116. Business Standard
117. The Tribune
118. Deccan Herald
119. Press Information Bureau (MoD)
120. ThePrint
121. The Tribune
122. ESO (press release eso2609)
123. arXiv (ERIS discovery paper)
124. arXiv (exterior third planet paper)
125. Press Information Bureau (MoD)
126. The Tribune
127. The Tribune
128. IANS
129. Outlook
130. Al Jazeera
131. CNN
132. Business Standard
133. Press Information Bureau (MHA)
134. The Tribune
135. Press Information Bureau
136. ThePrint
137. Press Information Bureau
138. The Tribune
139. The Week
140. The Tribune
141. ThePrint
142. The Week
143. Outlook
144. LiveLaw
145. Press Information Bureau
146. Business Standard
147. The Tribune
148. Press Information Bureau (DPIIT)
149. Press Information Bureau
150. ThePrint (Hindi)
151. Business Standard
152. Al Jazeera
153. Deccan Herald
154. The Tribune
155. IANS
156. Business Standard
157. ThePrint
158. Scroll.in
159. The Week
160. Al Jazeera
161. FIFA
162. CNN
163. Al Jazeera
164. FIFA
165. IANS
166. Scroll.in
167. Business Standard
168. ThePrint
169. Deccan Chronicle
170. Via Satellite
171. ThePrint
172. Business Standard
173. Outlook India
174. The Hollywood Reporter India
175. Business Standard
176. ThePrint
177. The Week
178. The Tribune
179. Business Standard
180. ThePrint
181. The Tribune
182. Press Information Bureau
183. CNN
184. Al Jazeera
185. Al Jazeera
186. LiveLaw
187. The Tribune (PTI)
188. Bar & Bench
189. IANS
190. Business Standard
191. ThePrint
192. Press Information Bureau
193. Press Information Bureau
194. IANS
195. The Tribune
196. LiveLaw
197. Bar & Bench
198. IANS
199. ThePrint (PTI)
200. IANS
201. Press Information Bureau
202. Deccan Herald
203. Business Standard
204. The Week
205. ISRO
206. Deccan Chronicle
207. LiveLaw
208. The Leaflet
209. CNN
210. Al Jazeera
211. Business Standard
212. Al Jazeera
213. ThePrint
214. The Tribune
215. Outlook
216. The Wire
217. The Tribune
218. ThePrint (PTI)
219. The Tribune
220. IANS
221. IANS (Hindi)
222. Bar & Bench
223. Press Information Bureau
224. The Week
225. ThePrint
226. Al Jazeera
227. Business Standard
228. The Tribune
229. Business Standard
230. IANS
231. IANS
232. New India Samachar (Govt of India)
233. Wimbledon (official)
234. Business Standard
235. Business Standard
236. The Tribune
237. ThePrint
238. The Tribune
239. Deccan Herald
240. Business Standard
241. Business Standard
242. The Week
243. The Tribune (PTI)
244. Scroll.in
245. LiveLaw
246. The Tribune (AP)
247. Business Standard
248. ThePrint
249. The Tribune
250. UN Women
251. UN News
252. Al Jazeera
253. The Tribune (ANI)
254. Business Standard
255. ITU
256. Press Information Bureau
257. IANS
258. Time Out (originator of the ranking)
259. Al Jazeera
260. Outlook
261. IANS
262. Al Jazeera
263. Business Standard
264. IANS
265. Press Information Bureau
266. ThePrint
267. Business Standard
268. ThePrint
269. The Tribune
270. Press Information Bureau
271. The Tribune
272. Business Standard
273. CNN
274. ThePrint
275. IANS
276. Press Information Bureau (MoD)
277. The Tribune
278. The Week
279. Press Information Bureau (Ministry of Textiles)
280. IANS
281. Press Information Bureau
282. ThePrint
283. The Week
284. Business Standard
285. The Tribune
286. IANS
287. Press Information Bureau
288. The Tribune
289. Outlook
290. ThePrint
291. The Tribune
292. ThePrint
293. Deccan Herald
294. Business Standard
295. Bar & Bench
296. Scroll.in
297. IANS
298. The Week
299. Deccan Herald
300. Press Information Bureau
301. IANS
302. ThePrint
303. ThePrint
304. The Tribune
305. The Week
306. Press Information Bureau
307. The Tribune
308. Business Standard
309. Al Jazeera
310. CNN
311. The Tribune
312. ICC
313. Al Jazeera
314. The Tribune
315. IANS
316. ThePrint
317. Business Standard
318. ThePrint
319. The Week
320. CNN
321. Al Jazeera
322. Business Standard
323. Deccan Herald
324. IANS
325. The Booker Prizes (official)
326. Scroll.in
327. The Tribune
328. IANS
329. The Tribune (ANI)
330. Business Standard
331. Deccan Herald
332. UN News
333. Business Standard
334. World Bank
335. Business Standard
336. Outlook Money
337. Angel One News
338. Business Standard
339. IANS
340. Reserve Bank of India (FAQs)
341. Business Standard
342. Press Information Bureau
343. IANS
344. Business Standard
345. The Tribune
346. Press Information Bureau
347. Business Standard