Weekly Current Affairs (July 2026 – Week 1) – Exam Revision Notes
1) International Current Affairs
Greece Becomes the 10th Country to Launch UPI
India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has been launched in Greece, making it the 10th country to adopt India’s flagship digital payment system. The service was launched through a partnership between NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL) and Eurobank, witnessed by Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal in Athens. The initiative further expands India’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) globally and strengthens India–Greece economic cooperation.
François Tomb Opens to the Public After 160 Years – Etruscan Civilisation
The François Tomb, one of the finest surviving monuments of the ancient Etruscan civilisation, was put on permanent display at the National Etruscan Museum of Villa Giulia in Rome, Italy. Discovered in 1857, the tomb’s famous frescoes and artefacts are being displayed together for the first time in over 160 years. The frescoes date to 340–320 BC and depict scenes from Greek mythology and Etruscan history.
16th India–Japan Annual Summit – 16 Major Outcomes
During the 16th India–Japan Annual Summit, India and Japan unveiled 16 major outcomes strengthening cooperation across strategic sectors.
| Area | Outcome |
|---|---|
| Economic Security | Joint Declaration on Economic Security — semiconductors, critical minerals, AI, clean energy, pharmaceuticals |
| Artificial Intelligence | Joint Statement on AI elevated cooperation to strategic AI R&D partnership |
| Diplomatic Milestone | 2027 declared India–Japan Year of Shared Horizons — 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations |
| Clean Energy | Cooperative Biogas for Growth (CBG) Initiative — establish 1,000 biogas and organic fertilizer plants across India |
| Other Sectors | Battery technology, geology & mineral exploration, pharmaceuticals, next-generation mobility, life sciences, internet governance, financial services |
2) National Current Affairs
First Commercial Export of GI-Tagged Rewa Sundarja Mangoes to UAE
APEDA (Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority) facilitated the first commercial export of GI-tagged Rewa Sundarja Mangoes from Madhya Pradesh to the UAE. The initiative promotes India’s GI-tagged agricultural products in international markets and enhances farmers’ income through agricultural exports.
SUMAN Roadmap 2030 – Reducing MMR Below 70 Per 1 Lakh Live Births
The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare released the SUMAN (Surakshit Matritva Aashwasan) Roadmap 2030 during the 16th Conference of the Central Council of Health and Family Welfare (CCHFW).
Approach: Life-cycle model — pre-pregnancy, antenatal, intrapartum, and postnatal care.
Delhi Approves New Electric Vehicle (EV) Policy 2026
The Delhi Government approved its new EV Policy 2026 (effective 1 July 2026 – 31 March 2030) to accelerate clean mobility and phase out Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles. Delhi government noted that 46% of air pollution is from two- and three-wheelers and 33% from commercial goods carriers.
| Timeline | Mandate |
|---|---|
| From 1 January 2027 | Only electric three-wheelers and N1 category commercial trucks registered |
| From 1 April 2028 | Only electric two-wheelers allowed for new registrations |
| School Buses | At least 10% of school bus fleet to convert to EV within two years |
| Budget | ₹7,000 crore allocated for implementation; overall investment ₹15,000 crore |
Ministry of Tourism Signs MoU with Google India
The Ministry of Tourism signed an MoU with Google India Pvt. Ltd. to leverage digital technologies, AI, and data-driven insights for stronger online promotion of India’s tourism destinations, enhancing their global visibility and accessibility.
Arunachal Pradesh Community Initiative to Conserve Endangered Transcaspian Marinka Fish
The Sangno clan of the Nyishi tribe launched a community conservation initiative for the endangered Transcaspian marinka (Schizothorax pelzami) — a Himalayan ray-finned fish of the carp family. Fish fingerlings were released into the Richaso stream, East Kameng district, Arunachal Pradesh. The village proposed a five-year fishing ban with a long-term plan for eco-angling and stream-trail tourism.
3) Andhra Pradesh Current Affairs
CM Releases ₹300 Crore R&R Package for Veligonda Project-Displaced Families
The AP government released ₹300 crore under the Relief and Rehabilitation (R&R) package to 2,351 families displaced by the Veligonda Project. CM N. Chandrababu Naidu announced the project will provide irrigation to 4.47 lakh acres and drinking water to 23 lakh people.
| About Veligonda Project | Fact |
|---|---|
| Location | Prakasam District, Andhra Pradesh |
| Type | Tunnel-based irrigation project; draws floodwaters from the Krishna River via Srisailam Reservoir |
| Beneficiary Districts | Prakasam, Nellore, YSR Kadapa, SPSR Nellore |
| Objectives | Irrigation for drought-prone areas | Drinking water supply | Mitigation of fluoride problem |
| History | Conceived by N.T. Rama Rao in 1985; foundation stone laid in 1996 |
| Estimated Cost | ₹10,580 crore |
Andhra Pradesh Launches Godavari Rejuvenation Drive – ₹1,510 Crore DPR for NRCP
The AP government intensified efforts to restore the Godavari River ahead of the 2027 Godavari Pushkarams, after the AP Pollution Control Board (APPCB) declared Godavari water at Rajamahendravaram unsafe for drinking and holy bathing.
Action Taken: APPCB constituted a special task force | DPR of ₹1,510.92 crore submitted under the National River Conservation Plan (NRCP), including a 982 km Underground Drainage (UGD) network and six Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) | Additional ₹100 crore grant for pollution control | ~8 crore devotees expected at 2027 Godavari Pushkarams.
Rayalaseema Steel Plant Construction Launched in Kadapa – JSW Group, ₹16,350 Crore
CM N. Chandrababu Naidu launched the construction of the Rayalaseema Steel Plant (RSP) at Sunnapurallapalle village, Jammalamadugu mandal, Kadapa district on 3 July 2026. Being established by the JSW Group as a greenfield integrated steel plant.
| Detail | Fact |
|---|---|
| Developer | JSW Group (greenfield integrated steel plant) |
| Total Investment | ₹16,350 crore |
| Total Capacity | 2 Million Tonnes Per Annum (MTPA) in two phases |
| Phase I | 1 MTPA capacity | ₹4,500 crore investment | ~1,000 jobs |
| Technology | Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) — more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly than conventional blast furnace |
| Commercial Production | Targeted from April 2029 |
Andhra Pradesh to Host 31st CII Partnership Summit 2026 in Visakhapatnam
The 31st CII (Confederation of Indian Industry) Partnership Summit will be held in Visakhapatnam on 12–13 November 2026, focusing on international trade, investment, and business partnerships. Theme: “Navigating Change: Leadership, Technology, Trust and Trade in a Transforming World.”
Places in the News – TU-142M Aircraft Museum, Kakinada
An Aircraft Museum was inaugurated at Kakinada Beach, Andhra Pradesh (February 2024), showcasing the decommissioned Indian Navy TU-142M maritime reconnaissance aircraft. Developed by KUDA at a cost of ₹5.89 crore, it is the second aircraft museum in AP (the first is in Visakhapatnam). The TU-142M served the Indian Navy for nearly three decades.
Garimella Satyanarayana Institute of Advanced Study in Education, Rajamahendravaram
The historic building of the Government Institute of Advanced Study in Education (GIASE) at Rajamahendravaram, named after freedom fighter Sri Garimella Satyanarayana (1893–1952), continues to be recognised as an important heritage structure. The building was constructed in 1900; the institution’s teacher education journey began in 1883 — making it one of the oldest teacher-training institutions in Andhra Pradesh.
4) Polity & Governance
Proof of Indian Citizenship – What Is and Isn’t Conclusive
The issue of proof of Indian citizenship came into focus amid discussions on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. India does not prescribe a single universal document to prove citizenship. Citizenship is determined under the Citizenship Act, 1955.
| Document | What It Proves |
|---|---|
| Indian Passport | Travel document | Strong evidence of nationality | Not conclusive proof of citizenship in legal disputes |
| Aadhaar Card | Proof of identity and address only | Not proof of citizenship |
| Voter ID (EPIC) | Creates only a presumption of citizenship | Does not conclusively establish citizenship |
| Citizenship Certificate | Conclusive proof — issued to persons acquiring citizenship through registration or naturalisation |
Ways to Acquire Indian Citizenship: Birth | Descent | Registration | Naturalisation | Incorporation of Territory.
Appointment of Additional Judges to the High Court – Article 224(1)
Recently, the President of India appointed three Judicial Officers as Additional Judges of the Andhra Pradesh High Court under the provisions of the Constitution of India.
Purpose: To deal with a temporary increase in workload or arrears of cases.
Term: Maximum of two years or till the age of 62, whichever is earlier.
5) Economy
RBI Introduces Pilot Framework for Compensation in Digital Scam Cases
The RBI introduced a pilot compensation framework (effective 1 January 2027 for one year) to protect customers who lose money in digital frauds and cyber scams, expanding protection beyond unauthorised transactions to coercion and fraudulently obtained credentials.
| Key Detail | Fact |
|---|---|
| Covered Scenarios | Digital arrest scams | Transactions under coercion | Fraudulently stolen OTPs/credentials | Unauthorised transactions due to bank/third-party breaches |
| Reporting Window | Must report to National Cyber Crime Helpline (1930) within 5 calendar days |
| Maximum Claim | Losses up to ₹50,000 |
| Compensation | 85% of the loss, subject to a maximum of ₹25,000 |
Union Cabinet Approves Additional ₹30,000 Crore Investment in NIIF
The Union Cabinet approved an additional ₹30,000 crore investment in the National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF), raising the Government of India’s total commitment to NIIF to ₹60,000 crore.
MECON Limited Granted Miniratna Category-I Status
The Ministry of Steel granted Miniratna Category-I status to MECON Limited — a Schedule ‘A’ CPSE under its administrative control — after meeting DPE criteria including consistent profits for three financial years and a net worth of ₹535.42 crore as of 31 March 2026. MECON Limited was established in 1959 at Ranchi, Jharkhand. The new status provides greater financial and operational autonomy.
6) Science & Technology
World’s First Nuclear Heat-Based Hydrogen Production Facility Inaugurated – IGCAR, Kalpakkam
The Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) inaugurated the world’s first hydrogen production facility based on the Copper–Chlorine (Cu–Cl) Thermochemical Cycle using nuclear process heat from the Fast Breeder Test Reactor (FBTR) at the Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR), Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu.
India Achieves First Satellite-Based Landing Using GAGAN
The DGCA successfully conducted India’s first satellite-based landing approach on a commercial aircraft using GAGAN in June 2026.
Note: India’s NavIC is an independent regional navigation system; GAGAN enhances GPS signals for precision navigation — they are different systems.
India Approves First Private Point-in-Space (PinS) Instrument Approach – Undavalli Heliport, AP
India approved the country’s first Private Point-in-Space (PinS) Instrument Approach Procedure for helicopter operations at Undavalli Heliport, Andhra Pradesh, developed by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) in accordance with ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices. Uses satellite-based navigation for precise helicopter approaches where conventional landing infrastructure is unavailable.
Vikram-1 – India’s First Privately Developed Orbital Rocket Set for Maiden Launch
Vikram-1 is India’s first privately developed orbital-class rocket, developed by Skyroot Aerospace, a Hyderabad-based private space company. Its maiden test flight is named Mission Aagaman (“Arrival”).
| Detail | Fact |
|---|---|
| Developer | Skyroot Aerospace, Hyderabad |
| Mission Name | Mission Aagaman (“Arrival”) |
| Launch Window | 12 July – 4 August 2026 |
| Launch Site | Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC), Sriharikota |
| Previous Mission | Vikram-S (November 2022) — Skyroot’s first mission |
| Objective | Evaluate propulsion, stage separation, guidance, navigation, control systems, and overall vehicle performance |
I-2SEA Submarine Cable – Machilipatnam (AP) as a Landing Station
A consortium of Microsoft, Singtel, Tata Communications, and Lightstorm unveiled the India–International Subsea Cable Express (I-2SEA), a 3,600-km high-capacity submarine cable connecting India, Malaysia, and Singapore. Expected operational by Q4 2029.
Purpose: Supports AI workloads, cloud computing, hyperscale data centres, and enterprise connectivity in the India–Southeast Asia corridor.
System Supplier: NEC Corporation | Marine Installation: ASEAN Cableship (ACPL).
World’s Oldest Accurately Dated Banyan Tree Identified in Munger, Bihar
Scientists identified a banyan tree (Ficus benghalensis) in Munger, Bihar as the oldest accurately dated banyan tree in the world, estimated at approximately 700 years old using radiocarbon dating through Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (AMS).
7) Environment
Borjuli Wild Rice Site in Assam Declared a Biodiversity Heritage Site
Borjuli in Sonitpur district, Assam, has been declared a Biodiversity Heritage Site (BHS) to conserve the wild rice species Oryza rufipogon.
Why Wild Rice Matters: Wild rice species are important genetic resources for developing climate-resilient, high-yielding, and nutritionally superior rice varieties.
8) Defence
PM Modi Hands Over ‘PS LESPWAR’ Fast Patrol Vessel to Seychelles
During his visit to Seychelles, PM Modi handed over the Made in India Fast Patrol Vessel (FPV) ‘PS LESPWAR’ to the Seychelles Coast Guard, reaffirming India’s maritime security cooperation under its SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision in the Indian Ocean Region.
India’s Growing Self-Reliance in Defence – Key June 2026 Milestones
| Milestone | Detail |
|---|---|
| C-295 Transport Aircraft | First Made-in-India C-295 completed maiden flight; 40 of 56 aircraft will be manufactured in India by Tata Advanced Systems Ltd. in partnership with Airbus at Vadodara, Gujarat (₹21,935 crore programme) |
| LRLACM | DRDO successfully flight-tested the indigenous Long-Range Land-Attack Cruise Missile (LRLACM) |
| Naval Inductions | INS Dunagiri, INS Sanshodhak, and INS Agray inducted into the Indian Navy |
SIPRI Yearbook 2026 – 12 India Nuclear Warheads Now Operationally Deployed
The SIPRI Yearbook 2026 reported that 12 of India’s estimated 190 nuclear warheads are operationally deployed for the first time, reflecting the strengthening of India’s second-strike capability through the operationalisation of its nuclear triad — particularly Arihant-class nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs). SIPRI clarified this does not indicate any change in India’s No First Use (NFU) nuclear doctrine.
DAC Approves ₹52,000 Crore Defence Procurement Proposals
The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Rajnath Singh, accorded Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for proposals worth approximately ₹52,000 crore to strengthen the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force.
| Service | Key Systems Approved |
|---|---|
| Indian Army | AKASH TARANG Anti-UAV EW System | Man Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile (MPATGM) | Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM) | Very Short Range Air Defence System (V-SHORADS) | Active Protection System for tanks | Jet-Based Kamikaze Drone System |
| Indian Navy | Multi Influence Ground Mine (MIGM) | Naval Shipborne Unmanned Aerial System (NSUAS) | Land-Based Testing Facility for Electric Propulsion Systems |
| Indian Air Force | Fixed-Wing High Altitude Pseudo Satellite (FW-HAPS) for ISR, telecommunications, and remote sensing |
9) Schemes
eSARAS – Online Marketplace for Women SHG Products Expanded
eSARAS (SARAS Aajeevika) — the official online marketplace under DAY-NRLM (Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission), developed by the Ministry of Rural Development — has been expanded into a full digital commerce ecosystem with integration of ONDC and UMANG. It promotes products made by Women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) including handicrafts, handlooms, apparel, food products, and home décor.
SHE-LEAPS – Digital Platform to Strengthen Lakhpati Didi Mission
The Government launched SHE-LEAPS (Self-Help Entrepreneur-Livelihoods and Enterprise Application for Prosperity and Sustainability) on 29 June 2026 during the Rashtriya Gramin Vikas Sammelan. Developed by Digital India Corporation under the LokOS platform, it enables real-time tracking of women-led enterprises and strengthens the Lakhpati Didi Mission (target increased from 3 crore to 6 crore women). Will be implemented across 34 States and Union Territories.
VB-G RAM G Act, 2025 Came into Force – Replaces MGNREGA; 125 Days, ₹300 Minimum Wage
The Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Aajeevika Mission (Gramin) [VB-G RAM G] Act, 2025 came into force across India on 1 July 2026, replacing the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), 2005.
| Detail | Fact |
|---|---|
| Days Guaranteed | 125 days of wage employment per eligible rural household (was 100 days under MGNREGA) |
| Minimum Daily Wage | ₹300 across the country |
| National Average Wage | ₹298.8 → ₹327.4 per day (increase of over 10%) |
| Interim Allocation | ₹95,692.31 crore |
| National Launch | Mukkavaripalle Village, Obulavaripalle Mandal, Tirupati district, Andhra Pradesh on 2 July 2026 |
10) Awards & Honours
PM Modi Conferred Seychelles ‘Guardian of the Blue Horizon’ Award
PM Narendra Modi was conferred the ‘Guardian of the Blue Horizon’ Presidential Distinction by President Dr Patrick Herminie of Seychelles, recognising his leadership in promoting the Blue Economy, climate action, and sustainable development — particularly for Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
Global Skills Challenge Australia 2026 – India Wins 3 Gold, 1 Silver, 1 Bronze
India delivered an impressive performance at the Global Skills Challenge (GSC) Australia 2026 (23–29 June 2026), a preparatory event for the 48th WorldSkills Competition to be held in Shanghai, China.
| Medal | Winner & Skill |
|---|---|
| Gold | Pavan Bhadravati Suresha (Karnataka) – Additive Manufacturing |
| Gold | Mausam Kumar Giri (Bihar) – Cloud Computing |
| Gold | Vishnupriya Sunil (Delhi) – Health and Social Care |
| Silver | Harsh Ramesh Pawar (Maharashtra) – 3D Digital Game Art |
| Bronze | Muskan (Haryana) – Painting and Decorating |
11) Ranks & Reports
SDG National Indicator Framework (NIF) Progress Report 2026 – Released on Statistics Day
MoSPI released the SDG–NIF Progress Report 2026 on 29 June 2026 (20th Statistics Day). The NIF 2026 comprises 277 national indicators covering all 17 SDGs, prepared in consultation with NITI Aayog, Central Ministries, UN Agencies, and other stakeholders.
| Indicator | Progress |
|---|---|
| Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) | 122 (2015–17) → 87 (2022–24) |
| Social Protection Coverage | 22% (2016) → 65.3% (2026) |
| Unemployment Rate | 6.1% (2017–18) → 3.1% (2025) |
| Internet Subscriptions | 302.36 million (2015) → 969.10 million (2025) |
| Renewable Energy Capacity (per capita) | 64.04 W (2014–15) → 193.36 W (2025–26) |
| Ramsar Site Area Coverage | 4.15% (2016) → 8.66% (2026) of total wetland area |
12) Important Days
International MSME Day – 27 June; Theme: “Empowering MSMEs through Innovation and Sustainable Industrial Development”
Observed on 27 June to recognise the significant contribution of Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) to economic growth, employment generation, innovation, and sustainable development.
13) Sports
India Wins Historic First Gold at World Rowing Cup III 2026 – Lucerne, Switzerland
India created history at the World Rowing Cup III 2026 in Lucerne, Switzerland, winning its first-ever gold medal in the competition. The Indian duo Lakshay and Ujiwal Kumar Singh, both serving in the Indian Army, secured gold in the Lightweight Men’s Double Sculls event, finishing ahead of Hong Kong (Silver) and the Netherlands (Bronze).
14) Miscellaneous
Project BRAHMANK Celebrates 16th Raising Day – BRO, Arunachal Pradesh
Project BRAHMANK of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) celebrated its 16th Raising Day on 29 June 2026 at Ranaghat, Arunachal Pradesh. Established in 2011, the project develops and maintains strategic road infrastructure across the Siang, East Siang, West Siang, Upper Siang, and Shi-Yomi districts of Arunachal Pradesh, along with parts of Dhemaji district, Assam.
General Dhiraj Seth Assumes Charge as 31st Chief of the Army Staff
General Dhiraj Seth assumed charge as the 31st Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), succeeding General Upendra Dwivedi, who retired after over four decades of service.
Quick Revision Table
| Topic | One-Line Summary |
|---|---|
| Greece – UPI 10th Country | Greece became the 10th country to launch UPI through a partnership between NPCI International (NIPL) and Eurobank, witnessed by Union Minister Piyush Goyal in Athens; other UPI countries include UAE, Singapore, France, Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, and Qatar. |
| 16th India–Japan Summit | India and Japan announced 16 outcomes including a Joint Declaration on Economic Security (semiconductors, critical minerals, AI), a Joint Statement on AI, CBG Initiative (1,000 biogas plants), and declared 2027 as India–Japan Year of Shared Horizons (75 years of diplomatic relations). |
| Delhi EV Policy 2026 | Delhi approved EV Policy 2026 (1 July 2026 – 31 March 2030); only electric three-wheelers and N1 trucks from January 2027, only electric two-wheelers from April 2028; ₹7,000 crore allocated; 46% of Delhi’s air pollution is from two- and three-wheelers. |
| Veligonda Project – AP | AP released ₹300 crore R&R package to 2,351 displaced families; tunnel-based irrigation project in Prakasam district drawing water from Srisailam Reservoir (Krishna Basin); conceived by N.T. Rama Rao in 1985; will irrigate 4.47 lakh acres and supply drinking water to 23 lakh people; estimated cost ₹10,580 crore. |
| Godavari Rejuvenation Drive | AP launched Godavari cleanup ahead of 2027 Pushkarams; APPCB declared Rajamahendravaram river water unsafe; DPR of ₹1,510.92 crore submitted under NRCP including 982 km UGD network and six STPs; ~8 crore devotees expected at 2027 Godavari Pushkarams. |
| Rayalaseema Steel Plant – Kadapa | JSW Group’s greenfield integrated steel plant in Kadapa launched on 3 July 2026; total investment ₹16,350 crore; 2 MTPA capacity (Phase I: 1 MTPA, ₹4,500 crore, ~1,000 jobs); uses Electric Arc Furnace (EAF); commercial production from April 2029. |
| Indian Citizenship – Proof | India has no single universal citizenship document; Indian Passport is strong nationality evidence but not conclusive citizenship proof; Aadhaar is only identity/address proof; Voter ID creates only a presumption; Citizenship Certificate (issued on registration/naturalisation) is conclusive proof; citizenship governed by Citizenship Act, 1955. |
| RBI Digital Scam Pilot | RBI pilot compensation framework (from 1 January 2027): covers digital arrest scams, coerced transactions, fraudulent OTP theft; report within 5 days to helpline 1930; compensation of 85% of loss up to maximum ₹25,000 on losses of up to ₹50,000. |
| NIIF – ₹30,000 Crore Investment | Union Cabinet approved additional ₹30,000 crore for NIIF (National Investment and Infrastructure Fund), taking Government of India’s total NIIF commitment to ₹60,000 crore; NIIF established 2015, GoI holds 49%, purpose: long-term capital for infrastructure. |
| Nuclear Hydrogen – IGCAR Kalpakkam | World’s first hydrogen production facility using Copper–Chlorine (Cu–Cl) Thermochemical Cycle powered by nuclear heat from FBTR inaugurated at IGCAR, Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu; technology developed by BARC, Mumbai; demonstrates carbon-free hydrogen production using advanced nuclear reactors. |
| GAGAN – First Satellite Landing | India conducted its first satellite-based commercial aircraft landing approach using GAGAN (GPS Aided GEO Augmented Navigation) in June 2026; developed jointly by ISRO and AAI; fully operational since 2015; first SBAS certified for the equatorial region. |
| Vikram-1 – India’s First Private Orbital Rocket | Vikram-1 by Skyroot Aerospace (Hyderabad) is India’s first privately developed orbital-class rocket; Mission Aagaman launch window: 12 July – 4 August 2026 from SDSC Sriharikota; follows Vikram-S (November 2022); Skyroot’s second mission. |
| I-2SEA Submarine Cable – AP | 3,600-km I-2SEA cable (Microsoft, Singtel, Tata Communications, Lightstorm) connects India–Malaysia–Singapore; Indian landing stations at Machilipatnam, AP (shortest subsea route to Hyderabad) and South Chennai; operational by 2029; supports AI/cloud workloads. |
| VB-G RAM G Act, 2025 | Replaced MGNREGA from 1 July 2026; guarantees 125 days of wage employment (was 100 days); minimum daily wage ₹300; national average wage increased from ₹298.8 to ₹327.4; interim allocation ₹95,692.31 crore; national launch at Mukkavaripalle Village, Tirupati district, AP on 2 July 2026. |
| SIPRI Yearbook 2026 – India Nuclear | SIPRI Yearbook 2026 reported 12 of India’s estimated 190 nuclear warheads are now operationally deployed for the first time, reflecting nuclear triad strengthening through Arihant-class SSBNs; India’s No First Use (NFU) doctrine remains unchanged; SIPRI established 1966, HQ Stockholm, Sweden. |
| SDG NIF Progress Report 2026 | MoSPI released SDG-NIF Progress Report 2026 on Statistics Day (29 June 2026); 277 national indicators covering all 17 SDGs; MMR fell from 122 to 87; social protection coverage rose from 22% to 65.3%; unemployment rate fell from 6.1% to 3.1%; Ramsar site coverage doubled from 4.15% to 8.66%. |
| India – World Rowing Cup Gold | Lakshay and Ujiwal Kumar Singh (Indian Army) won India’s first-ever gold at World Rowing Cup III 2026 in Lucerne, Switzerland, in the Lightweight Men’s Double Sculls event, finishing ahead of Hong Kong (Silver) and the Netherlands (Bronze). |
| Gen Dhiraj Seth – 31st COAS | General Dhiraj Seth assumed charge as the 31st Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), succeeding General Upendra Dwivedi who retired after four decades of service. |
