Weekly Current Affairs (July 2026 – Week 4) – Exam Revision Notes
1) International Current Affairs
India Formally Joins WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies – 123rd Member
India deposited its Instrument of Acceptance of the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies on 20 July 2026, formally becoming a party to the agreement. Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal handed over the instrument to the WTO Director-General. India became the 123rd WTO member to deposit its acceptance.
President Murmu Visits North Macedonia and Romania
President Droupadi Murmu delivered the inaugural address at the India–North Macedonia Business Forum in Skopje on 21 July 2026 — the first visit by an Indian President to North Macedonia. She also unveiled a bust of Mahatma Gandhi at the Museum of the City of Skopje with President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova. She subsequently addressed the India–Romania Business Forum in Bucharest on 24 July 2026 with President Nicușor Dan, and invited Romanian companies to participate in Viksit Bharat 2047.
| Country | Key Facts |
|---|---|
| North Macedonia | Official name: Republic of North Macedonia | Capital: Skopje | Currency: Macedonian denar | SE Europe, Balkan Peninsula | Independent from Yugoslavia: 1991 | President: Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova |
| Romania | Capital: Bucharest | Currency: Romanian leu | Member of EU and NATO | Trade target: double bilateral trade over three years | President: Nicușor Dan |
Andy Burnham Becomes UK Prime Minister – 7th in a Decade
Andy Burnham became the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom on 20 July 2026, succeeding Keir Starmer. King Charles III formally invited him to form a government after Starmer’s resignation. Burnham became the UK’s seventh Prime Minister in a decade.
Africa Overtakes Asia as Global Centre of Hunger – State of Food Security Report 2026
For the first time, Africa has become the continent with the largest number of undernourished people, according to the State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2026 report. The “centre of gravity of hunger” has shifted from Asia to Africa.
| Key Stat | Data |
|---|---|
| Undernourished in Africa (2025) | ~309 million (nearly 1 in 5 Africans) |
| Undernourished in Asia (2025) | ~292 million |
| Global Hunger (2025) | 645 million people (7.8% of world population) — declined for 3rd consecutive year |
| Causes in Africa | Conflicts, climate shocks, poverty, inequality, and weak food-distribution systems |
2) National Current Affairs
World’s Largest Curd Manufacturing Plant – Amul Bengal Dairy Project, Howrah
The proposed world’s largest curd-manufacturing facility will be established under the Amul Bengal Dairy Project at Sankrail Food Park, Howrah district, West Bengal. Expected capacity: ~10 lakh kg of curd and fermented dairy products per day (mishti doi, yoghurt, lassi, buttermilk). Supports the “Sahkar Se Samriddhi” vision and White Revolution 2.0.
Museum of Word – First Phase Inaugurated in Kolkata
The first phase of the Museum of Word was inaugurated in Kolkata on 19 July 2026 to preserve and present India’s multilingual heritage, knowledge traditions, and collective cultural memory through visual, auditory, tactile, and immersive experiences.
Mission Golden Spice – Integrated Lakadong Turmeric Value Chain, Meghalaya
The Union Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region launched Mission Golden Spice – Integrated Lakadong Turmeric Value Chain Enhancement Project in Meghalaya. Aims to develop the State’s GI-tagged Lakadong turmeric into a globally competitive premium spice brand.
3) Andhra Pradesh Current Affairs
AP Signs MoU with UAE Food Cluster – ₹100 Crore Food Processing Unit in Chittoor
The Andhra Pradesh government signed an MoU with the UAE Food Cluster to develop an integrated food-processing ecosystem, signed between APEDB (AP Economic Development Board) and the UAE Food Cluster at the State Secretariat, Amaravati. As the first investment, Dubai-based Floor Masters International announced ₹100 crore for a food-processing unit at Gangadhara Nellore, Chittoor district.
AP White Paper on Irrigation – 36 Priority Projects by December 2028, ₹35,555 Crore
The AP government announced a master plan to complete 36 priority irrigation projects by December 2028 with an estimated expenditure of ₹35,555 crore. Water Resources Minister Nimmala Ramanaidu released a White Paper on the State’s irrigation sector and introduced an Irrigation Action Calendar.
| Project | Note |
|---|---|
| Polavaram | National irrigation project under the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014 |
| Veligonda | Primarily benefits drought- and fluoride-affected areas of Prakasam district |
| Handri-Neeva Sujala Sravanthi | Major irrigation project serving Rayalaseema region |
| North Andhra (11 schemes) | Given a two-year priority completion target |
‘Mee Bhoomi–Blockchain’ Land Records Project Launched – Hyperledger Fabric, 7 Districts
CM N. Chandrababu Naidu launched the ‘Mee Bhoomi–Blockchain’ pilot project on 23 July 2026 to improve the security, transparency, and reliability of land records.
| Detail | Fact |
|---|---|
| Objective | Secure and transparent management of land records |
| Technology | Hyperledger Fabric |
| Pilot Coverage | Seven mandals in seven districts |
| Pilot Mandals | Aspari, Penumuru, Repalle, Gannavaram, Kadiyam, Gummalakshmipuram, Kothavalasa |
Jonnagiri Gold Mine Renamed as Swarnagiri Gold Mine, Kurnool
The AP government officially renamed the Jonnagiri Gold Mine in Kurnool district as the Swarnagiri Gold Mine. The mine covers approximately 597.82 hectares across Jonnagiri, Pagidirai, and Yerragudi villages in Tuggali mandal. Operated by GeoMysore Services India Private Limited on a 30-year mining lease. Apart from gold, the area also contains silver, copper, lead, and zinc.
4) Polity & Governance
Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan (VBSA) Bill, 2025 – AP’s Concerns and Proposed Amendments
The Union Education Ministry agreed to amend key provisions of the VBSA Bill, 2025 following concerns from the AP government about excessive centralisation. The Bill was introduced in Lok Sabha on 15 December 2025 and referred to a Joint Parliamentary Committee.
AP’s Objection: Clause 11(4) could allow the Regulatory Council to authorise colleges affiliated with State universities to award degrees without the State’s concurrence.
Proposed Remedy: An institution substantially funded by a State government should receive a No-Objection Certificate from that State before being authorised to grant degrees.
Languages in the Eighth Schedule – No Fixed Criteria; Gor Boli in News
The Union Government stated there are no fixed criteria for including a language in the Eighth Schedule. Demands have been received for the inclusion of several languages, including Gor Boli (also known as Banjari, Lambadi, or Lamani).
| Constitutional Amendment | Languages Added |
|---|---|
| Original (1950) | 14 languages |
| 21st Constitutional Amendment | Sindhi |
| 71st Constitutional Amendment | Konkani, Manipuri, and Nepali |
| 92nd Constitutional Amendment | Bodo, Dogri, Maithili, and Santhali |
| Current Total | 22 languages |
Articles: 344 and 351 | Pahwa Committee (1996) and Sitakant Mohapatra Committee (2003) examined demands | English is not included | Ministry of Home Affairs considers inclusion requests.
Vandemataram (Prevention of Insults) Bill 2026 – Introduced in Rajya Sabha
The Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026 was introduced in the Rajya Sabha on 24 July 2026. It seeks to amend the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971.
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Current Protection (1971 Act) | Protects the Indian National Flag, Constitution of India, and National Anthem (Jana Gana Mana) |
| Proposed Extension | Extend same legal protection to the National Song, Vande Mataram |
| Punishment | Intentionally preventing singing or disturbing assembly singing Vande Mataram: up to 3 years imprisonment, fine, or both |
| Repeat Offence | Enhanced punishment: at least 1 year imprisonment for second or subsequent conviction |
| Vande Mataram – Background | Composed in Sanskrit by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay; appeared in his novel Anandamath; accorded an honoured position alongside the National Anthem by the Constituent Assembly on 24 January 1950 |
Internet Shutdowns in India – Telecommunications Act, 2023
Internet shutdowns in India are governed by Section 20 of the Telecommunications Act, 2023 and the Telecommunications (Temporary Suspension of Services) Rules, 2024 — replacing the earlier Indian Telegraph Act, 1885 framework.
Legal Challenge: Under Article 226 (High Court) or Article 32 (Supreme Court) | Courts examine whether competent authority issued the order, a genuine public emergency existed, and whether less restrictive alternatives could have been used.
Data: India recorded 65 internet shutdowns in 2025 (Access Now); Myanmar recorded more.
Right to Protest: Article 19(1)(b) | Permissible restrictions: Article 19(3) | Prohibition powers: Section 163 of BNSS, 2023 | A gathering does not automatically become unlawful merely because it has five or more members.
5) Economy
India’s Cotton Sector – “White Gold”; 1st in Area, 2nd in Production
Cotton, known as “White Gold”, is critical to India’s agricultural, textile, and export economy. India is the only country cultivating all four recognised cotton species and ranks 1st globally in cotton cultivation area and 2nd in both production and consumption.
| Detail | Fact |
|---|---|
| Production (2025–26) | 290.91 lakh bales (provisional) | 1 bale = 170 kg |
| Domestic Consumption | 328 lakh bales |
| Employment | Supports ~60 lakh farmers + 4–5 crore people in processing, textiles, and trade |
| Mission for Cotton Productivity | Launched 2025–26 | Allocation: ₹5,659.22 crore | Production target by 2031: 498 lakh bales |
| Key Initiatives | MSP agency: Cotton Corporation of India | Digital platform: Kapas Kisan app | Branding: Kasturi Cotton Bharat | 5F Vision: Farm, Fibre, Factory, Fashion, Foreign |
India’s Wholesale Inflation Rises to 9.87% in June 2026 – Types of Inflation Explained
India’s wholesale inflation rose sharply to 9.87% in June 2026 (from 9.68% in May; 3.98% in March). The Wholesale Price Index (WPI) measures price changes at the wholesale/producer level, covering three major groups.
| WPI Category | Inflation (June 2026) |
|---|---|
| Primary Articles | 7.00% |
| Fuel and Power | 27.41% |
| Manufactured Products | 7.48% |
| WPI Food Index | 6.14% (up from 4.49% in May) |
Cost-push inflation: When producers pass higher input costs (oil, transport) to buyers through higher prices.
Imported inflation: When prices of imported commodities (crude oil, fertilisers, edible oils) rise or the rupee depreciates, raising domestic costs.
Supply-side inflation: When supply reduces due to poor monsoon, drought, crop damage, or disruptions.
Demand-pull inflation: When overall demand grows faster than the economy’s capacity to produce goods and services.
6) Science & Technology
Vikram-1 – India’s First Privately Developed Orbital Rocket; Mission Aagaman
Skyroot Aerospace launched Vikram-1 — India’s first privately developed orbital launch vehicle — under Mission Aagaman (launch window: 12 July–4 August 2026). The mission deploys multiple customer payloads at ~450 km altitude in Low Earth Orbit.
| Detail | Fact |
|---|---|
| Structure | All-carbon-composite structure | Solid-fuel boosters | 3D-printed liquid engine |
| Payload Capacity | Up to 350 kg into Low Earth Orbit |
| Customer Payloads | Skyroot’s SCOPE | DCUBED technology-demonstration | Grahaa Space’s SOLARAS S3 | Cosmoserve Space’s Embrace (robotic debris-capture arm) |
| Symbolic Payloads | “Cosmic Bloom” (floral artwork) | Gold micro-rocket honouring C.V. Raman, Vikram Sarabhai, and A.P.J. Abdul Kalam |
India Approves First Dengue Vaccine – QDENGA (TAK-003) by Takeda
The Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) granted market authorisation to QDENGA (also known as TAK-003), making it the first dengue vaccine approved in India. Developed by Takeda, authorised for individuals aged 4–60 years.
Magnetic Levitation (Maglev) – Two Types of Systems Explained
Maglev (magnetic levitation) uses powerful magnetic fields to lift and propel a train above a guideway with no wheel-to-track contact during normal operation, enabling speeds above 400 km/hr.
| System | How It Works |
|---|---|
| EMS (Electromagnetic Suspension) | Electromagnets under the train are attracted upward to the metal guideway, lifting the train ~10 mm above the guideway. Sensors continuously adjust magnetic force to maintain the gap. |
| EDS (Electrodynamic Suspension) | Superconducting magnets on the train induce currents in guideway coils as the train moves (electromagnetic induction). Per Lenz’s Law, the induced field repels the train magnets, pushing the train upward — levitation by repulsion. |
India Releases Spectrum Roadmap for 6G Services (2025–2035)
The Department of Telecommunications released a Spectrum Roadmap for 6G Services outlining India’s radio-frequency spectrum allocation for the expansion of 5G and future introduction of 6G networks, covering 2025–2035.
Key Facts: Official international name for 6G: IMT-2030 | Expected availability: ~2030 | Short-term mid-band spectrum identified: 400 MHz | Long-term 66–71 GHz spectrum identified: 5,000 MHz.
7) Environment
Manasbal Lake – India’s Deepest Freshwater Lake Shows Ecological Recovery
Manasbal Lake in Ganderbal district, Jammu and Kashmir is showing signs of ecological recovery as migratory birds return. Regarded as one of India’s deepest freshwater lakes: approximately 43 feet deep, 3.5 km long, 1.5 km wide. Over 46 bird species from 23 families recorded, including mallard, white-headed duck, Eurasian hoopoe, golden eagle, and lesser pied kingfisher.
White-Bellied Heron Threatened by Kalai-II Hydroelectric Project – Arunachal Pradesh
The proposed 1,200-MW Kalai-II Hydroelectric Project on the Lohit River in Arunachal Pradesh has raised conservation concerns because the river basin is a key habitat of the White-bellied Heron (Ardea insignis) — one of the world’s rarest birds. The Forest Advisory Committee has granted in-principle forest clearance, involving diversion of about 869 hectares of forest and felling of more than 33,000 trees.
Kutki (Picrorhiza kurroa) – Himalayan Medicinal Herb Conservation, Mandi
Farmers in Mandi district, Himachal Pradesh have adopted sustainable cultivation methods to conserve Kutki (Picrorhiza kurroa), a valuable Himalayan medicinal herb threatened by destructive wild harvesting. Kutki naturally grows in alpine and sub-alpine Himalayan regions at elevations of 2,700–4,500 metres.
8) Defence
Exercise Pitch Black 2026 – IAF’s Rafale and C-17 in Australia
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is participating in Exercise Pitch Black 2026, hosted by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) at RAAF Base Darwin, Australia (20 July – 7 August 2026). IAF deployed Rafale fighter aircraft and C-17 transport aircraft. The multinational exercise aims to improve operational coordination, interoperability, and complex air operations alongside friendly air forces.
INS Malvan Commissioned – 2nd Mahe-class ASW Shallow Water Craft
The Indian Navy commissioned INS Malvan — the second indigenously designed and built Mahe-class Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC) — at Karwar on 22 July 2026. It is the second of eight Mahe-class ASW-SWCs being constructed by Cochin Shipyard Limited, Kochi.
9) Schemes
Shallow Aquifer Management (SAM) Programme – Under AMRUT 2.0
The Shallow Aquifer Management (SAM) Programme is an urban groundwater-management initiative under AMRUT 2.0 (Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs), implemented in partnership with the National Institute of Urban Affairs. Seeks to restore upper groundwater layers and improve urban water security.
GREAT Scheme – Grant for Research in Technical Textiles (NTTM)
The Ministry of Textiles implements the GREAT (Grant for Research and Entrepreneurship across Aspiring Innovators in Technical Textiles) scheme under the National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM). Launched in 2023 to support startups converting research ideas into commercially viable technical-textile products. Each approved startup can receive up to ₹50 lakh.
BHAVYA Rasayan Scheme – 3 Dedicated Chemical Parks; ₹3,030 Crore
The Union Cabinet approved the Bharat Audyogik Vikas Yojana Rasayan (BHAVYA Rasayan) scheme for establishing three dedicated chemical parks (FY 2026–27 to 2030–31).
| Detail | Fact |
|---|---|
| Total Outlay | ₹3,030 crore (₹3,000 crore infrastructure + ₹30 crore administration) |
| Number of Parks | Three dedicated chemical parks |
| Max Central Grant Per Park | ₹1,000 crore |
| Min State Contribution Per Park | ₹500 crore |
| Selection Method | Challenge Route |
One District One Product (ODOP) – 1,244 Products, 773 Districts
The ODOP initiative (Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, Ministry of Commerce and Industry) has identified 1,244 products across 773 districts to promote distinctive local products. Products are selected by State/UT governments. International ODOP retail stores: two in Singapore and one in Kuwait. No separate district-wise financial allocation is made under ODOP.
10) Awards & Honours
72nd National Film Awards 2024 – Article 370 Best Film; Kalki 2898 AD Most Popular
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting announced the winners of the 72nd National Film Awards on 18 July 2026 for films of the year 2024.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Best Feature Film | Article 370 (dir. Aditya Suhas Jambhale) |
| Best Actress (Leading Role) | Yami Gautam – Article 370 |
| Best Actor (Leading Role) | Mammootty (Bramayugam) and Kartik Aaryan (Chandu Champion) — jointly |
| Best Direction | Rajkumar Periasamy – Amaran |
| Best Debut Director | Randeep Hooda |
| Best Popular Film | Kalki 2898 AD |
| Best Children’s Film | 35—Chinna Katha Kaadu |
| Best Telugu Film | Committee Kurrollu |
| Best Non-Feature Film | Bhangaar |
| Best Documentary | Ram-Nami |
| Best Male Playback Singer | Abhay Jodhpurkar |
| Best Female Playback Singer | Vaikom Vijayalakshmi |
11) Person in News
Harjit Singh Grewal – New Chairman of National Commission for Minorities
Harjit Singh Grewal assumed charge as Chairman of the National Commission for Minorities (NCM) on 21 July 2026. NCM is a statutory body constituted under the National Commission for Minorities Act, 1992 — consisting of a Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, and five members (nominated by the Union Government, term: three years).
Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak – Birth Anniversary (23 July)
India observed the birth anniversary of Bal Gangadhar Tilak on 23 July 2026. Born on 23 July 1856 in Ratnagiri, Maharashtra, Tilak was one of the earliest leaders to demand complete self-rule. Title: “Lokmanya” (accepted by the people).
Chandra Shekhar Azad – Birth Anniversary (23 July)
India commemorated the birth anniversary of Chandra Shekhar Azad on 23 July 2026. Born on 23 July 1906 at Bhavra, Alirajpur district, Madhya Pradesh.
12) Sports
FIFA World Cup 2026 – Spain Champions; Final at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey
| Award / Result | Winner / Detail |
|---|---|
| Champions | Spain (defeated Argentina 1–0 after extra time) |
| Runner-up | Argentina |
| Final Venue | MetLife Stadium, New Jersey, United States |
| Winning Goal | Ferran Torres (106th minute) |
| Spain’s Previous Title | Spain’s second FIFA World Cup (previously 2010) — also 2024 UEFA Euro champions |
| Golden Ball | Rodri (Spain) |
| Golden Boot | Kylian Mbappé — 10 goals |
| Golden Glove | Unai Simón (Spain) |
| Best Young Player | Pau Cubarsí (Spain) |
| FIFA Fair Play Award | Netherlands |
| Host Nations | United States, Canada, and Mexico (jointly) |
P.V. Sindhu – First Indian to Win Japan Open Badminton Title (BWF Super 750)
P.V. Sindhu (two-time Olympic medallist) created history by winning the women’s singles title at the Japan Open 2026 (BWF Super 750 tournament), defeating Japan’s Akane Yamaguchi in the final. She became the first Indian badminton player to win a Japan Open title — also her maiden Japan Open crown and first BWF Super 750 title.
Kimi Antonelli Wins 2026 Belgian Grand Prix – 6th Victory of Season
Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes, age 19) won the 2026 Belgian Grand Prix at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps on 19 July 2026, finishing ahead of Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen. This was his 6th victory of the season.
V.S. Rathanvel Becomes India’s 99th Chess Grandmaster
V.S. Rathanvel of Tamil Nadu became India’s 99th Chess Grandmaster after crossing the required 2500 Elo rating mark at the 3rd Guwahati Smart City International Open FIDE Rating Chess Tournament 2026 (Guwahati, 14–19 July 2026).
13) Miscellaneous
AAROH – Annual Report on Mine Closure; India’s First Comprehensive Mine-Closure Report
The Ministry of Coal released AAROH (Annual Report on Mine Closure) — India’s first comprehensive report documenting scientific mine-closure and repurposing practices — in New Delhi on 22 July 2026, released by Union Minister of Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy.
Quick Revision Table
| Topic | One-Line Summary |
|---|---|
| India Joins WTO Fisheries Subsidies | India deposited its Instrument of Acceptance on 20 July 2026, becoming the 123rd WTO member to join; the Agreement was adopted at WTO’s 12th Ministerial Conference (Geneva, June 2022) — the first multilateral WTO agreement primarily aimed at environmental sustainability; entered into force 15 September 2025. |
| Andy Burnham – UK PM | Andy Burnham became UK Prime Minister on 20 July 2026, succeeding Keir Starmer; invited by King Charles III to form a government; became the UK’s 7th Prime Minister in a decade. |
| Africa – New Hunger Capital | Africa overtook Asia as the continent with the most undernourished people (309 million vs 292 million in 2025) per the State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2026 report; globally, 645 million people (7.8%) faced hunger — third consecutive year of decline; caused by conflicts, climate shocks, and weak food systems. |
| AP – Mee Bhoomi Blockchain | CM Chandrababu Naidu launched the Mee Bhoomi–Blockchain pilot project on 23 July 2026 using Hyperledger Fabric technology; covers 7 mandals in 7 districts (Aspari, Penumuru, Repalle, Gannavaram, Kadiyam, Gummalakshmipuram, Kothavalasa) for secure and transparent land records management. |
| AP Irrigation White Paper | AP released White Paper on irrigation sector: master plan to complete 36 priority irrigation projects by December 2028 with ₹35,555 crore; Irrigation Action Calendar introduced; includes Polavaram (national project), Veligonda (Prakasam), Handri-Neeva (Rayalaseema), and 11 North Andhra schemes on two-year target. |
| Swarnagiri Gold Mine – AP | AP officially renamed Jonnagiri Gold Mine in Kurnool district as Swarnagiri Gold Mine; covers 597.82 hectares across Jonnagiri, Pagidirai, Yerragudi villages in Tuggali mandal; operated by GeoMysore Services India (30-year lease); mineralisation includes gold, silver, copper, lead, and zinc. |
| Eighth Schedule – 22 Languages | Currently 22 languages in the Eighth Schedule (associated with Articles 344 and 351); originally 14 in 1950; Sindhi added by 21st Amendment; Konkani, Manipuri, Nepali by 71st Amendment; Bodo, Dogri, Maithili, Santhali by 92nd Amendment; no fixed criteria exist; English is not included; Gor Boli (Banjari/Lambadi) demanded in news. |
| Vandemataram Bill 2026 | Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026 introduced in Rajya Sabha on 24 July 2026; proposes extending same legal protection given to the National Anthem to the National Song Vande Mataram; punishment: up to 3 years imprisonment for first offence, minimum 1 year for repeat offences; Vande Mataram composed by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay in novel Anandamath; accorded honour by Constituent Assembly on 24 January 1950. |
| Internet Shutdowns – Telecom Act 2023 | Internet shutdowns governed by Section 20 of Telecommunications Act, 2023 and 2024 Suspension Rules; permitted only during public emergency or public safety; max 15 days; competent authority: Union or State Home Secretary; must be reviewed by Review Committee; India recorded 65 shutdowns in 2025; challengeable under Articles 226 and 32. |
| India’s Wholesale Inflation – 9.87% | WPI inflation reached 9.87% in June 2026 (highest in recent months); Fuel and Power: 27.41%; Manufactured Products: 7.48%; Primary Articles: 7%; WPI Food Index: 6.14%; driven by cost-push, imported, and supply-side factors rather than demand-pull; rupee depreciation amplifies imported inflation. |
| India’s Cotton Sector | Cotton (“White Gold”): India is the only country growing all four cotton species; ranks 1st globally in cultivation area, 2nd in production and consumption; 290.91 lakh bales produced in 2025–26 (1 bale = 170 kg); Mission for Cotton Productivity (₹5,659 crore, target: 498 lakh bales by 2031); MSP via Cotton Corporation of India; Kasturi Cotton Bharat branding; 5F Vision. |
| Vikram-1 – Mission Aagaman | Skyroot Aerospace’s Vikram-1 (India’s first privately developed orbital rocket) launched under Mission Aagaman; all-carbon-composite structure with 3D-printed liquid engine; payload capacity 350 kg to LEO; deploys SCOPE, SOLARAS S3, Cosmoserve Embrace (debris-capture robotic arm) at ~450 km altitude; 12 July–4 August 2026 launch window. |
| QDENGA – First Dengue Vaccine in India | DCGI granted market authorisation to QDENGA (TAK-003) by Takeda — India’s first dengue vaccine; live-attenuated tetravalent vaccine covering all four dengue serotypes (DENV-1, 2, 3, 4); approved for ages 4–60 years. |
| Maglev Train – Two Systems | Maglev trains travel above 400 km/hr with no wheel-track contact; EMS (Electromagnetic Suspension): electromagnets attract upward, lifting train ~10 mm; EDS (Electrodynamic Suspension): superconducting magnets induce currents in guideway coils by electromagnetic induction; per Lenz’s Law, induced field repels train magnets, causing levitation by repulsion. |
| 6G Spectrum Roadmap | DoT released Spectrum Roadmap for 6G Services (2025–2035); three phases: short-term (2025–26), medium-term (2027–30), long-term (2031–35); official international name for 6G: IMT-2030; expected by ~2030; short-term mid-band: 400 MHz; long-term 66–71 GHz: 5,000 MHz identified. |
| BHAVYA Rasayan Scheme | Union Cabinet approved BHAVYA Rasayan scheme for 3 dedicated chemical parks (FY 2026–31); total outlay ₹3,030 crore; max Central grant ₹1,000 crore/park; min State contribution ₹500 crore/park; selection by Challenge Route. |
| 72nd National Film Awards | 72nd National Film Awards (for 2024 films) announced 18 July 2026: Best Feature Film: Article 370; Best Actress: Yami Gautam; Best Actor: Mammootty (Bramayugam) and Kartik Aaryan (Chandu Champion) jointly; Best Direction: Rajkumar Periasamy (Amaran); Best Popular Film: Kalki 2898 AD; Best Telugu Film: Committee Kurrollu; Best Children’s Film: 35—Chinna Katha Kaadu. |
| FIFA World Cup 2026 | Spain won the 2026 FIFA World Cup defeating Argentina 1–0 (aet) at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey; Ferran Torres scored in 106th minute; Spain’s second title (first in 2010); hosted by USA, Canada, and Mexico; Golden Ball: Rodri; Golden Boot: Mbappé (10 goals); Golden Glove: Unai Simón; Best Young Player: Pau Cubarsí; Fair Play: Netherlands. |
| PV Sindhu – Japan Open 2026 | P.V. Sindhu (two-time Olympic medallist) became the first Indian to win the Japan Open badminton title (BWF Super 750), defeating Akane Yamaguchi in the final — her maiden Japan Open crown and first BWF Super 750 title. |
| V.S. Rathanvel – 99th GM | Tamil Nadu’s V.S. Rathanvel became India’s 99th Chess Grandmaster after crossing the 2500 Elo mark at the 3rd Guwahati Smart City International Open FIDE Rating Chess Tournament (14–19 July 2026). |
| White-Bellied Heron – Kalai-II | Proposed 1,200-MW Kalai-II Hydroelectric Project on the Lohit River (Arunachal Pradesh) threatens the White-bellied Heron (Ardea insignis, Critically Endangered); India has only 6–9 individuals along Noa-Dehing, Lahm, and Lohit rivers; project involves diversion of 869 hectares of forest and felling of 33,000+ trees. |
