Weekly Current Affairs (July 2026 – Week 3) – Exam Revision Notes

PM Modi’s Visit to New Zealand – Strategic Partnership, 18 Outcomes, NZ$7 Billion Trade Target

PM Modi visited New Zealand and held bilateral talks with PM Christopher Luxon in Auckland. India and New Zealand elevated their bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership and adopted a four-year Roadmap to 2030.

Syria Opens First Transitional Parliament After Fall of Assad Regime

Syria’s transitional People’s Assembly held its first session in Damascus on 12 July 2026, marking the restoration of a national legislature after the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s government. Assad’s government collapsed after Operation Deterrence of Aggression on 27 November 2024, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which captured Aleppo, Hama, and other areas before entering Damascus. Assad fell on 8 December 2024 — ending 50+ years of Assad family rule.

Former Qatar Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani Passes Away

Former Qatar Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani (referred to as the Father Amir) passed away on 12 July 2026 at the age of 74. He served as Emir from 1995 to 2013.

Bhutan Launches ‘Third Child Plus’ Programme – Nu 10,000/Month for Third and Subsequent Children

Bhutan launched the Third Child Plus Programme to encourage families to have three or more children, effective 4 June 2026. Eligible families receive Nu 10,000 per month (~$105) for every third and subsequent child until the child reaches three years of age. The programme addresses Bhutan’s falling fertility rate — people aged 65+ are projected to rise from 6% (2022) to 17.3% by 2050.

India–UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) Comes into Force – 15 July 2026

The India–UK CETA and the related Double Contributions Convention (DCC) came into force on 15 July 2026. The agreement was signed on 24 July 2025 and is described as India’s most comprehensive trade deal implemented so far.

French Parliament Approves Assisted-Dying Bill

France’s National Assembly passed a landmark Bill creating a legal right to assisted dying for eligible adults suffering from serious and incurable illnesses, by a vote of 291 to 241 on 15 July 2026. Under the Bill, the eligible person normally administers the lethal substance themselves; when physically unable to do so, a doctor or nurse may administer it.

Kudankulam Nuclear Plant – Ransomware Group Claims Data Leak

A ransomware group called World Leaks reportedly published nearly 19,000 files (~14.3 GB) linked to the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (KKNPP) project on the dark web, allegedly obtained through a breach of a private contractor’s server. The exposed material reportedly included engineering documents (ventilation, cooling, control-support) and supplier/contract details from 2016 to mid-2025.

Maharashtra’s Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana

Launched by the Maharashtra government on 28 June 2024 to promote women’s economic independence, health, and nutrition. Eligible women aged 21–65 receive ₹1,500 per month through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). Implemented by the State Women and Child Development Department.

Daman Gets First Direct Air Connectivity – NAMO Airport

NAMO Airport, Daman (inaugurated by PM Modi on 5 June 2026) flagged off the inaugural Daman–Delhi–Daman flight on 16 July 2026, marking Daman’s first-ever direct air connection. Flagged off by Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu and Administrator Praful Patel.

AP Approves ₹1,010-Crore Pooled Municipal Bond Framework

The AP government accorded in-principle approval to a ₹1,010-crore Pooled Municipal Bond Issuance Framework to finance priority infrastructure projects across Urban Local Bodies (ULBs). Under a pooled mechanism, several smaller ULBs jointly raise funds from the capital market — improving their access to institutional investors and long-term finance.

Berry Alloys – ₹1,200-Crore Steel Complex Approved for Vizianagaram

The AP government approved allotment of 93.43 acres to Berry Alloys Limited for an integrated manganese and steel materials complex at the Bobbili Growth Centre, Vizianagaram district. Investment: ₹1,200 crore | Expected jobs: 813 direct.

AP Announces ₹414-Crore AYUSH Sector Expansion

The AP government announced ₹414-crore development works to strengthen AYUSH education and healthcare infrastructure across the State.

AP’s N. Shree Charani – Andhra Pradesh’s First Woman Test Cricketer

Left-arm spinner N. Shree Charani created history by becoming the first woman cricketer from Andhra Pradesh to represent India in a Test match. She made her Test debut against England at Lord’s Cricket Ground, London on 10 July 2026.

District Development Councils (DDCs) in Jammu & Kashmir – Article 243ZD and Local Governance

District Development Councils (DDCs) were introduced in Jammu and Kashmir in 2020 as the district-level tier of the Panchayati Raj system. Elections were held for 280 seats across 20 districts (14 directly elected per district). Their first five-year term concluded in February 2026.

Created through amendments to the Jammu and Kashmir Panchayati Raj Act, 1989. Critics raise concerns about limited financial autonomy, bureaucratic control, overlap with panchayats, and unequal representation (every district has same DDC seats despite population differences).

World Bank Approves $890 Million for PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana

The World Bank Group approved $890 million to accelerate India’s national rooftop solar programme — PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana — targeting 1 crore rural and urban household rooftop solar installations.

India’s Retail Inflation Rises to 18-Month High of 4.38% in June 2026

India’s retail inflation rose to 4.38% in June 2026 (from 3.93% in May) — the highest in 18 months and the first time since January 2025 that inflation exceeded the RBI’s medium-term target of 4%. Rural inflation: 4.74% | Urban inflation: 3.92% | Consumer Food Price Index (CFPI): 5.32%.

India Releases Inaugural Index of Services Production (ISP)

MoSPI released India’s first trial Index of Services Production (ISP) for April 2026 — the services-sector counterpart to the Index of Industrial Production. The ISP covers 19 services sub-sectors representing about 60% of India’s services sector.

India Develops Its First Hydrogen Fuel Cell Passenger Train – Jind–Sonipat Route, Haryana

Indian Railways developed India’s first Hydrogen Fuel Cell Trainset. It will initially operate on the 89-km Jind–Sonipat route in Haryana and can carry around 2,600 passengers in 10 coaches.

White Rabbit Technology – Indian Standard Time Distribution Network Launched in Bengaluru

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi inaugurated a White Rabbit Technology-based Indian Standard Time Distribution Demonstration Network in Bengaluru on 16 July 2026, under the government’s “One Nation, One Time” vision. The initiative seeks to reduce India’s dependence on foreign timing sources (like GPS) and strengthen sovereignty of India’s digital infrastructure.

Helium – Emerging Strategic Resource for Advanced Technologies

Helium is becoming a strategic resource essential for healthcare (MRI machines), semiconductor manufacturing, space missions, scientific research, and quantum computing. It is the second-lightest element, a chemically inert noble gas with the lowest boiling point of any element (~−269°C).

Compressed Biogas (CBG) – SATAT and GOBARdhan Initiatives

CBG is produced when organic matter decomposes through anaerobic digestion; after removing CO₂, H₂S, and other impurities, it is compressed. CBG has properties similar to CNG and can be used in vehicles, industries, and domestic gas networks.

India’s Nuclear Energy Landscape – 24 Reactors, 8.78 GW; PFBR Achieves First Criticality

India currently operates 24 nuclear power reactors across seven sites with a total capacity of 8.78 GW. Ten additional reactor units (8,000 MW) are under construction. The indigenously developed 500 MWe Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam attained first criticality on 6 April 2026 — marking the beginning of the second stage of India’s three-stage nuclear power programme.

PaBV-4 Bird Virus Identified in India for the First Time

Indian scientists identified and genetically characterised Parrot Bornavirus 4 (PaBV-4) in captive psittacine birds (parrots and related species including budgerigars, cockatiels, cockatoos, lovebirds, macaws, parakeets) for the first time in India. PaBV-4 is associated with Proventricular Dilatation Disease (PDD) — a largely fatal condition affecting the digestive and nervous systems of birds.

Indian Grey Hornbills Successfully Re-establish in Gir Forests, Gujarat

The Indian Grey Hornbill (Ocyceros birostris) recorded four consecutive years of successful breeding in Gujarat’s Gir landscape following reintroduction. The species had disappeared from the region between the 1950s–60s (last confirmed sighting: 1950). The Gujarat Forest Department began the reintroduction in 2021 — releasing 40 hornbills in two phases (28 in 2021–22, 12 in 2023). Indian Grey Hornbills are important seed dispersers, supporting natural forest regeneration.

NITI Aayog Releases BioEconomy Roadmap – $691 Billion by 2035, ₹50,000-Crore BioEconomy Growth Fund

NITI Aayog released the “Roadmap for Building India as a Leading BioEconomy Powerhouse by 2035”, targeting India among the world’s top three biotechnology powers, prepared under the NITI Frontier Tech Hub.

Six National BioMissions: GeneIndia | AgriBio 2.0 | BioX Foundry | One Health Grid | Marine Biotechnology | BioPharmaNext | Builds on the BioE3 Policy (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment, and Employment).

Mobile Phone Manufacturing Scheme (MPMS) – ₹62,500 Crore, FY 2026–31

The Union Cabinet approved the Mobile Phone Manufacturing Scheme (MPMS) on 15 July 2026 with a budgetary outlay of ₹62,500 crore for FY 2026–27 to 2030–31. MPMS succeeds the PLI Scheme for Large-Scale Electronics Manufacturing (ended 31 March 2026).

Semicon 2.0 – ₹1,27,500 Crore; India’s Complete Semiconductor Ecosystem

The Union Cabinet approved Semicon 2.0 on 15 July 2026 with a total outlay of ₹1,27,500 crore. It builds on the original Semicon India Programme (2021, ₹76,000 crore). Under Semicon 1.0, 12 semiconductor manufacturing units and 24 design projects had received approval by June 2026 (cumulative investment: ₹1.64 lakh crore).

PARIVARTAN Scheme – Replacing Polluting Trucks and Buses in Delhi-NCR; ₹9,585 Crore

PARIVARTAN (Programme for Accelerated Renewal and Incentivization of Vehicle Assets for Reducing Transport Air Pollution and Network Emissions) was approved on 3 June 2026 with a total outlay of ₹9,585 crore (Central support: ₹5,041 crore). Implemented by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, funded through the NCR Planning Board.

Tamil Poet Vairamuthu Receives 60th Jnanpith Award (2025)

Tamil poet, lyricist, and writer R. Vairamuthu was conferred the 60th Jnanpith Award for 2025 at a ceremony in New Delhi on 13 July 2026. He became the third Tamil literary figure to receive the Jnanpith Award.

Jatiya Telugu Saaraswatha Parishath – Lifetime Achievement Awards

The Jatiya Telugu Saaraswatha Parishath announced lifetime achievement awards to: Uddaraju Kasi Viswanadha Raju (chairman, Ananda Group, Bhimavaram), C.J. Venugopal (retired IAS), Akella Vibheeshana Sharma (spiritual scholar), and Pithani Satyanarayana (TDP leader).

India Ranks 9th in Internet Blackout Resilience – TRG Datacenters

India ranked 9th globally among countries least vulnerable to a major Internet blackout, with a vulnerability score of 23.4, according to TRG Datacenters (USA). The United States ranked 1st (score: 0), followed by Indonesia and UK.

NITI Aayog Investment Friendliness Index (IFI) 2026 – AP Ranks 6th Among Large States

NITI Aayog released the Investment Friendliness Index (IFI) 2026 covering all 28 States and 8 Union Territories, assessing investment ecosystems across 8 pillars and 84 indicators.

Performance Groups: Top Performers (score above 50) | Frontrunners (45–50) | Emerging Performers (40–45) | Aspiring States (below 40). 8 pillars: Infrastructure, Business climate, Resources, Government policy, Regulatory ease, Institutional environment, Financial health, Environmental resilience.

2nd Indian Wildlife Ecology Conference (IWEC 2026) – Ashoka University, Haryana

The 2nd Indian Wildlife Ecology Conference (IWEC 2026) was held at Ashoka University, Sonepat, Haryana from 10–12 July 2026. It brought together researchers from universities, government institutions, NGOs, and field stations to discuss the future of wildlife ecology in India.

Legendary Playback Singer S. Janaki Passes Away – “Nightingale of South Indian Cinema”

Legendary playback singer S. Janaki, popularly known as the “Nightingale of South Indian Cinema”, passed away in Mysuru at the age of 88 after suffering from age-related ailments and breathing difficulties.

Anjum Chopra Inducted into ICC Cricket Hall of Fame

Former Indian women’s cricket team captain Anjum Chopra was inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame on 11 July 2026. Former England captain Kevin Pietersen was also inducted.

Jasprit Bumrah Becomes First Indian to Complete Rare Bowling Treble – 200+ Tests, 150+ ODIs, 100+ T20Is

Jasprit Bumrah became the first Indian cricketer to claim at least 200 Test wickets, 150 ODI wickets, and 100 T20 International wickets. He completed the rare bowling treble during the first ODI against England at Edgbaston, Birmingham, on 14 July 2026. He joined an elite international group that includes Shakib Al Hasan (Bangladesh) and Tim Southee (New Zealand).

NIDAR 2.0 – National Innovation Challenge for Drone Application and Research

MeitY, in collaboration with the Drone Federation India (DFI), launched NIDAR 2.0 on 13 July 2026 under the SwaYaan initiative to promote student innovation in indigenous drone technologies. NIDAR = National Innovation Challenge for Drone Application and Research.

Indian-Origin NASA Astronaut Anil Menon Begins First Space Mission – Soyuz MS-29

Indian-origin NASA astronaut Anil Menon launched aboard the Russian Soyuz MS-29 spacecraft from Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan on 14 July 2026, alongside Roscosmos cosmonauts Pyotr Dubrov and Anna Kikina. The spacecraft reached the International Space Station (ISS) via a three-hour, two-orbit journey, docking with its Prichal module. The crew will spend approximately eight months aboard the ISS as part of Expeditions 74 and 75.

World Youth Skills Day – 15 July; Theme: “Skills for a Shared Future”

Observed globally on 15 July every year to highlight the importance of equipping young people with skills for employment, decent work, and entrepreneurship. Designated by the UN General Assembly in 2014. Theme for 2026: “Skills for a Shared Future.”

Elderline 14567 – National Helpline for Senior Citizens

The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment promotes Elderline 14567 — the toll-free National Helpline for Senior Citizens — under the Ageing with Dignity campaign and the nationwide “Take a Pledge” initiative.