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CURRENT AFFAIRS : BANKING, FINANCE & BUSINESS

Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman Begins Four-Day Official Visit to France to Strengthen India–France Economic and Strategic Cooperation

• Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, embarked on an official visit to France to strengthen the India–France Strategic Partnership and promote economic cooperation, investment, technology collaboration, and innovation.

Key Highlights :

• A key engagement of the visit is the India–France Economic & Financial Dialogue (EFD), which will be co-chaired by Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman and Roland Lescure, Minister of Economy, Finance and Industrial and Energy Sovereignty of France, at Aix-en-Provence.
• During the Economic & Financial Dialogue (EFD), India and France will discuss greater bilateral cooperation across various sectors and further strengthen economic relations between the two countries.
• Nirmala Sitharaman will hold one-to-one meetings with global CEOs and participate in a roundtable with leading business executives to highlight India’s strong macroeconomic fundamentals, structural reforms, investment opportunities, and long-term growth prospects.
• The Finance Minister will participate in a panel discussion on the theme “How to Promote the Growth of a New Middle Class” at Les Rencontres Économiques d'Aix-en-Provence, one of Europe’s leading annual forums on global economic and public policy issues.
• Les Rencontres Économiques d'Aix-en-Provence is organised by Le Cercle des économistes and brings together Heads of Government, Ministers, Central Bankers, business leaders, economists, academics, and international organisations.
• Nirmala Sitharaman will visit the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) project at Cadarache, one of the world’s largest international scientific collaborations on nuclear fusion energy, involving more than 30 partner countries, including India and France.
• The Finance Minister will also visit Campus Cyber, France’s national hub for cybersecurity innovation, research, skill development, and collaboration among government, industry, and academia.
• The visit to Campus Cyber aims to facilitate the exchange of best practices in cyber resilience and promote innovation in the digital economy.
• Nirmala Sitharaman will meet Renaud Muselier, President of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur (PACA) Region, to discuss cooperation in investment, innovation, clean energy, technology, and regional economic partnerships.
• The official visit will conclude with an interaction with the Indian diaspora, strengthening ties with the Indian community in France.

PayGlocal Introduces Google Pay Card Payments to Enable Seamless Global Transactions for Indian Merchants

• PayGlocal, an India-based cross-border payments platform, launched Google Pay Card Payments on its International Payment Gateway to simplify global digital payments for Indian merchants.
• The integration enables Indian merchants to access over 1 billion customers across more than 90 countries through a single integration.
• The initiative aims to facilitate seamless cross-border transactions, increase merchant activations by 40%, and improve the efficiency of cross-border e-commerce.
• The Google Pay integration offers secure, tokenized, and biometrically authenticated payment transactions for enhanced safety and convenience.
• Apple Pay is already live on the PayGlocal International Payment Gateway, complementing the newly launched Google Pay Card Payments.
• The platform features an intelligent routing system and fraud prevention layer to ensure smooth, secure, and reliable global checkout experiences.
• With the integration of Apple Pay and Google Pay, Indian merchants can reach customers in major international markets, including the United States (US), United Kingdom (UK), Australia, Canada, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Singapore, and Western Europe.

About PayGlocal :

• PayGlocal was founded in 2021 and is headquartered in Bengaluru, Karnataka.
• PayGlocal is authorised by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) as a Payment Aggregator (PA) for both domestic online payments and cross-border inward and outward payments.

Kakinada Cooperative Town Bank Achieves Reserve Bank of India Tier-III Status with Deposits Crossing ₹2,000 Crore

• Kakinada Cooperative Town Bank, an Urban Cooperative Bank (UCB) in Andhra Pradesh (AP), secured Tier-III status under Reserve Bank of India (RBI) norms after its total deposits crossed ₹2,000 crore.
• The bank achieved Tier-III classification with zero Net Non-Performing Assets (NPAs), reflecting its strong financial health.
• Following this achievement, Kakinada Cooperative Town Bank became the 2nd-largest Urban Cooperative Bank (UCB) among the 46 UCBs in Andhra Pradesh.
• The bank's total business has exceeded ₹2,040 crore, marking a significant growth milestone.
• Established 46 years ago, the bank serves customers across East Godavari, Kakinada, Konaseema, and Visakhapatnam districts.
• The bank currently operates 18 branches and 8 Automated Teller Machines (ATMs), with plans to establish a Cash Deposit Machine (CDM), a 2,000-locker plaza, and new branches at Samalkot and Pithapuram.
• As of 31 March 2026, the bank reported advances of ₹7,804.12 crore, investments of ₹552.14 crore, 55,605 members, share capital of ₹28.63 crore, and own funds of ₹198.20 crore.
• The bank declared a 12% dividend and recorded a net profit of ₹16.18 crore after paying ₹5.61 crore as income tax.
• RBI classifies Urban Cooperative Banks (UCBs) based on deposit size into Tier-I (below ₹100 crore), Tier-II (₹100 crore to ₹1,000 crore), and Tier-III (₹1,000 crore to ₹10,000 crore).

 CURRENT AFFAIRS: NATIONAL AND STATE NEWS

Youth Co:Lab National Innovation Challenge 2026 Concludes; Six Youth-Led Startups Selected

• The 8th edition of the Youth Co:Lab National Innovation Challenge 2026 concluded with the selection of six youth-led startups for developing scalable and high-impact solutions to address sustainability challenges.
• The initiative is co-led by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) India and the Citi Foundation, in partnership with the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), National Institution for Transforming India (NITI) Aayog, and implemented by the T-Hub Foundation.
• The challenge received more than 350 applications from youth-led startups across 28 States.
• The competition was organised under three themes:
• Sustainable Textiles and Fashion
• Circular Economy Innovations
• Sustainable Food Systems and Water Conservation
• Following a rigorous selection process, 50 high-potential startups were selected for the National Springboard Programme, a three-month virtual capacity-building programme.
• The selected startups pitched their ideas before a distinguished jury at the National Innovation Dialogue held on 4 June 2026.
• The top 20 startups advanced to the five-day Regional Immersion Bootcamp, organised at T-Hub, Hyderabad, from 15 to 19 June 2026.
• The bootcamp brought together ecosystem leaders, sustainability experts, investors, government stakeholders, and entrepreneurs through:
• Masterclasses
• Mentorship sessions
• Site visits
• Peer-learning sessions
• After the final jury evaluation on 18 June 2026, six startups were selected as winners.
• The top three winning startups received a seed grant of ₹3.5 lakh each, along with capacity-building opportunities and access to the innovation ecosystem.
• Youth Co:Lab was co-created in 2017 by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Citi Foundation to establish a common agenda for Asia-Pacific countries to empower youth through leadership, social innovation, and entrepreneurship for accelerating the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• The initiative was launched in India in 2019 in partnership with the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), National Institution for Transforming India (NITI) Aayog.

About United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

• Headquarters: New York, United States
• Administrator: Alexander De Croo
• Established: 1965

Ministry of Civil Aviation Launches AIR SUVIDHA 2.0 to Strengthen Public Health Surveillance at Airports

• The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) and Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) launched AIR SUVIDHA 2.0, an upgraded contactless Passenger Health Self-Declaration Portal, to strengthen public health surveillance at points of entry.
• The portal has been launched in response to the ongoing Ebola/Bundibugyo Virus Disease (BVD) outbreak.
• The launch follows the World Health Organization (WHO) declaration of the Ebola/Bundibugyo Virus Disease outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) on 17 May 2026 under the International Health Regulations (IHR), 2005.
• According to the WHO, the current outbreak has been confirmed as Bundibugyo Virus Disease (BVD).
• Countries bordering the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda, including South Sudan, have been assessed as high-risk for disease transmission.
• The portal was developed in collaboration with the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW).
• AIR SUVIDHA 2.0 enables international arriving passengers to submit a mandatory online Health Self-Declaration Form (SDF) before immigration clearance.
• The declaration includes the passenger's 21-day travel history, exposure history, and related symptoms, if any.
• The Self-Declaration Form (SDF) can be completed up to 24 hours before arrival in India.
• The portal enables real-time data sharing with:
• Airport Health Officer (AHO)
• Bureau of Immigration (BoI)
• Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP)
• State Surveillance Officers (SSOs)
• Real-time data sharing enables the swift identification and referral of at-risk travellers.
• The upgraded portal ensures a seamless, paperless, and contactless arrival experience, eliminating the need for physical declaration forms at airports.

About Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA)

• Union Minister: Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu
• Constituency: Srikakulam (Andhra Pradesh)
• Minister of State: Murlidhar Mohol
• Constituency: Pune (Maharashtra)

Maharashtra Approves India's First Offshore Airport Project

• Maharashtra has approved the development of India's first offshore airport, marking a major milestone in the country's aviation infrastructure.
• The project received in-principle approval from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis following a proposal by the Maharashtra Airport Development Company (MADC).
• The proposed airport will be developed off the coast of Palghar district to enhance air connectivity in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR).
• An offshore airport is built over the sea on an artificial island or offshore platform, helping overcome land constraints in densely populated coastal cities.
• The airport will be located about 4.75 kilometres from the proposed Uttan–Virar Sea Link, with plans to provide direct connectivity in the future.
• The project aims to address the growing demand for aviation infrastructure while reducing dependence on land acquisition.
• It will feature modern passenger and cargo facilities, integration with Mumbai's transport network, and scope for future expansion.
• The project is expected to boost trade, tourism, logistics, employment, and strengthen Maharashtra's position as a major aviation hub.
• Countries such as Japan, Hong Kong, and South Korea have successfully developed offshore airports to address land scarcity and increase aviation capacity.

About Maharashtra:

• Chief Minister: Devendra Fadnavis
• Governor: Jishnu Dev Varma
• Capital: Mumbai
• National Parks: Tadoba National Park, Gugamal National Park, Chandoli National Park, Navegaon National Park, Sanjay Gandhi National Park
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary, Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary, Radhanagari Wildlife Sanctuary, Lonar Wildlife Sanctuary, Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary, Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary, Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary, Thane Creek Flamingo Wildlife Sanctuary

RECENT NEWS

• The Maharashtra Cabinet has approved the establishment of the High-Energy Medical Cyclotron Project (HEMCP) in the Nagpur, this will be implemented with the estimated investment around ₹300 crore. This project aims to strengthen the cancer diagnosis and treatment infrastructure across the Central India by ensuring the local production of the critical radioisotopes used in to the nuclear medicine and PET-CT scans.

Union Health Minister Launches Samagra Shishu Bal Swasthya Karyakram (SSBSK)

• Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare Jagat Prakash Nadda launched the Samagra Shishu Bal Swasthya Karyakram (SSBSK) during the 16th Central Council of Health and Family Welfare (CCHFW) Meeting.
• SSBSK is a national child health initiative that provides a unified framework for home- and community-based care for children from birth to 36 months.
• The programme integrates the Home-Based Newborn Care (HBNC) and Home-Based Care for Young Child (HBYC) programmes into a single framework.
• Guided by the vision "पहले तीन साल सम्पूर्ण देखभाल" (Comprehensive Care During the First Three Years), it focuses on improving child survival, nutrition, growth, and early childhood development.
• The programme follows a risk-stratified approach, providing additional monitoring for at-risk children, including those with:
• Low birth weight
• Premature birth
• Delayed breastfeeding initiation
• Discharge from newborn care units
• Malnutrition
• Recurrent illnesses
• Developmental delays
• At-risk newborns will receive up to 9 home visits during the first 42 days, while at-risk children will receive up to 8 additional visits until 36 months of age.
• The initiative strengthens coordination among Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs), Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs), Community Health Officers (CHOs), and Anganwadi Workers (AWWs).
• It introduces Well-Baby Sessions during every Village Health, Sanitation and Nutrition Day (VHSND) and monthly Shishu Shivirs at Ayushman Arogya Mandirs for developmental screening and growth monitoring.
• The programme integrates maternal mental health screening into post-partum care and promotes responsive parenting, early learning, age-appropriate play, child safety, and reduced screen time.
• SSBSK uses Decision Support Systems (DSS), child-wise digital tracking, referral mechanisms, and automated alerts for continuous monitoring.
• It integrates with the JANANI Portal, U-WIN Portal, Maternal and Perinatal Death Surveillance and Response (MPCDSR) Portal, Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK) 2.0 Portal, and POSHAN Tracker using Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) and Baal-ABHA IDs.

About Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW)

• Union Minister: Jagat Prakash Nadda
• Ministers of State: Anupriya Patel and Prataprao Jadhav

Union Health Minister Launches 'Ayushman Sarathi' WhatsApp Chatbot for PM-JAY

• Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare Jagat Prakash Nadda launched Ayushman Sarathi, the official WhatsApp chatbot for the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY).
• The chatbot has been developed by the National Health Authority (NHA) to provide secure, real-time, and 24×7 access to PM-JAY services through WhatsApp.
• Ayushman Sarathi enables beneficiaries to check eligibility, apply for, download, and manage their Ayushman Card using secure Application Programming Interface (API) integration.
• Beneficiaries can complete electronic Know Your Customer (e-KYC), link Aadhaar, lock or unlock their Ayushman Card, and apply for the Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card for senior citizens aged 70 years and above.
• The chatbot also allows users to check wallet balance, view treatment history, search nearby empanelled hospitals, register and track grievances, request support callbacks, and submit discharge feedback.
• The initiative reduces the need to visit Common Service Centres (CSCs) or government offices for routine PM-JAY services, making healthcare services more accessible.
• By leveraging WhatsApp, one of India's most widely used messaging platforms, the chatbot aims to improve digital healthcare delivery, citizen engagement, and service quality monitoring.
• Citizens can access the service by sending "Hi" on WhatsApp to +91 72908 23838 or by scanning the official National Health Authority QR code.

Government Establishes Bureau of Port Security (BoPS)

• The Government of India has established the Bureau of Port Security (BoPS) under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways to strengthen maritime security.
• BoPS will serve as the apex regulatory authority for the security of ships, ports, and port infrastructure, including protection against cyber threats.
• The Bureau has been constituted through an Official Gazette notification and is modelled on the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS).
• Initially, BoPS will function under the Directorate General of Shipping, which is being renamed as the Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA).
• During the transition period, Shyam Jagannathan, Director General of Maritime Administration (DGMA), will serve as the Director General of BoPS.
• The Bureau will formulate maritime security standards, conduct security inspections and audits, monitor compliance with national and international regulations, and coordinate security-related information sharing.
• A dedicated Cyber Security Division will safeguard port information technology infrastructure, prevent cyberattacks, and strengthen the cyber resilience of India's maritime sector.
• The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has been designated as the Recognised Security Organisation (RSO) for carrying out port security assessments, preparing Port Facility Security Plans, and recommending security improvements.
• CISF will also train Private Security Agencies (PSAs) deployed at ports to ensure uniform security standards and professional capacity building.
• After the transition period, BoPS will be headed by an Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of Pay Level 15.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : INTERNATIONAL NEWS

United Arab Emirates Conducts Landmark Trial of First Inter-Emirate Etihad Rail Passenger Service

• The United Arab Emirates (UAE) successfully completed the inaugural trial run of the first Etihad Rail passenger train from Fujairah to Mohamed bin Zayed City Station, Abu Dhabi, marking a major milestone in the country's transport infrastructure.
• The Etihad Rail passenger service represents the UAE's first inter-emirate passenger railway network, designed to provide seamless rail connectivity across the emirates.
• The trial run marks the beginning of final testing operations before the start of commercial passenger services.
• Regular passenger services on the Etihad Rail network will commence on 30 September 2026, connecting Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Al Dhaid, and Fujairah.
• The railway network will be expanded in phases, reaching the Al Dhafra Region by December 2026 and Sharjah by March 2027.
• The Etihad Rail project aims to strengthen the UAE's integrated and sustainable transport system, while reducing travel time and providing an efficient alternative to road transport.
• Passengers during the trial journey reported smooth travel, modern amenities, comfortable services, and reliable performance, confirming the system's operational readiness.
• The Etihad Rail passenger network builds upon the UAE's national freight railway, which began commercial operations in 2016, initially transporting sulphur from Shah and Habshan to Ruwais.
• The project further strengthens the UAE's public transport ecosystem alongside the Dubai Metro (launched in 2009) and the Dubai Tram (launched in 2014).

About UAE :

• President : Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan
• Prime Minister : Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum
• Capital : Abu Dhabi
• Currency : Emirati dirham

Union Minister Piyush Goyal Concludes Official United Kingdom Visit Ahead of India–UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement Implementation

• Union Minister Piyush Goyal, Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI), undertook a 3-day official visit to London, United Kingdom (UK) from 25–27 June 2026.
• The visit was held ahead of the implementation of the India–UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) and the Double Contribution Convention (DCC), both scheduled to come into force on 15 July 2026.
• During the visit, Piyush Goyal held a high-level bilateral meeting with Peter Kyle, UK Secretary of State for Business and Trade, to discuss regulatory alignment, customs coordination, and the implementation of the India–UK CETA and DCC.
• Piyush Goyal was honoured with the Special Award for Exceptional Leadership in Elevating India–UK Relations during the 10th anniversary of the India Global Forum (IGF) UK-India Awards 2026 ceremony held in London.
• During the visit, Piyush Goyal launched the "UK–India CETA Business Utilisation Manual", a practical activation guide designed to help Indian and UK businesses effectively utilise the benefits of the India–UK CETA.
• He announced the deployment of 1,000 advisory personnel across India to assist businesses in maximising opportunities under the India–UK CETA.
• Piyush Goyal also announced the upgradation of the trade portal to provide enhanced support to exporters and industry, improving trade facilitation under the India–UK CETA.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

Air Marshal Tejinder Singh Assumes Charge as Chief of Integrated Defence Staff

• Air Marshal Tejinder Singh assumed charge as the Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to the Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee (CISC) on 1 July 2026.
• He was commissioned into the Fighter Stream of the Indian Air Force (IAF) on 13 June 1987.
• He is a Category ‘A’ Qualified Flying Instructor with over 4,500 hours of flying experience.
• He has commanded a Fighter Squadron, a Radar Station, a premier Fighter Base, and served as Air Officer Commanding (AOC), Jammu & Kashmir.
• Before becoming CISC, he served as the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C), South Western Air Command.
• His important staff appointments include Operational Staff at Command Headquarters, Air Commodore (Personnel Officers-1) at Air Headquarters, Deputy Assistant Chief of Integrated Defence Staff, Financial (Planning) at HQ IDS, Air Commodore (Aerospace Safety), Assistant Chief of Air Staff Operations (Offensive), Assistant Chief of Air Staff Operations (Strategy), Senior Air Staff Officer, Eastern Air Command, Deputy Chief of the Air Staff, and AOC-in-C, Training Command.
• In recognition of his distinguished service, Air Marshal Tejinder Singh was awarded the Vayu Sena Medal (2007), Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) (2022), and Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM) (2026).
• After assuming office, Air Marshal Tejinder Singh laid a wreath at the National War Memorial, New Delhi, paying tribute to the martyrs who made the supreme sacrifice for the nation.
• He was also accorded a ceremonial Tri-Service Guard of Honour.

Lt Gen Sandeep Jain Takes Charge as Vice Chief of the Army Staff

• Lt Gen Sandeep Jain, AVSM, SM assumed the appointment of Vice Chief of the Army Staff (VCOAS).
• Lt Gen Sandeep Jain is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy (NDA) and was commissioned into the MAHAR Regiment in June 1988.
• He has nearly four decades of distinguished military service, holding numerous command and staff appointments across diverse operational environments.
• He has commanded an Infantry Battalion in semi-desert terrain and also during the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).
• His command appointments include an Infantry Brigade in a Strike Corps, a Counter Insurgency Force, and a Pivot Corps in Northern Command.
• His operational experience includes participation in Operation Pawan, service as a Military Observer with the United Nations Mission in Ethiopia, and multiple tenures in high-altitude areas, Line of Control (LoC) operations, and counter-insurgency operations in the North East.
• He also commanded a Sector in the United Nations Mission in South Sudan, gaining extensive UN peacekeeping experience.
• After promotion to Lieutenant General, he commanded a Corps in Northern Command, one of the Indian Army's key operational commands.
• Before becoming Vice Chief of the Army Staff (VCOAS), he served as the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C), Southern Command.
• In recognition of his distinguished service, Lt Gen Sandeep Jain has been awarded the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) and the Sena Medal (SM).

Government Reappoints Central Board of Direct Taxes Chairman Ravi Agrawal for an Additional Six-Month Term

• The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has reappointed Ravi Agrawal as the Chairman of the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) on a contract basis for six months, from 1 July 2026 to 31 December 2026, or until further orders, whichever is earlier.
• Ravi Agrawal was first appointed as CBDT Chairman in June 2024, succeeding Nitin Gupta.
• His initial one-year tenure was extended by another year in June 2025, and has now been extended again through a six-month contractual reappointment.
• The reappointment will be governed by the usual terms and conditions applicable to re-employed Central Government officers.
• For this reappointment, the Government of India relaxed the relevant Recruitment Rules.

About CBDT :

• The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) is the apex policymaking body of the Income Tax Department functioning under the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance.
• The CBDT is responsible for administering direct tax laws, formulating direct tax policies, strengthening tax compliance, and improving taxpayer services across India.
• The CBDT is headed by a Chairman and can have up to six members, all holding the rank of Special Secretary to the Government of India.

Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit Assumes Charge as Vice Chief of the Air Staff of the Indian Air Force

• Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, PVSM, AVSM, VM, VSM assumed charge as the Vice Chief of the Air Staff (VCAS), Indian Air Force (IAF) on 1 July 2026.
• He succeeded Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor, SYSM, PVSM, AVSM, VM, who superannuated on 30 June 2026 after 40 years of distinguished service.
• Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit was commissioned into the Fighter Stream of the Indian Air Force on 6 December 1986.
• He is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy (NDA), Defence Services Staff College (Bangladesh), and the National Defence College (NDC).
• He has over 3,500 hours of flying experience and is an Experimental Test Pilot as well as a Qualified Flying Instructor.
• He has flown several aircraft including Mirage-2000, MiG variants, HPT-32, An-32, Avro, Kiran, Jaguar, IL-78, Hawk, and Tejas.
• During his nearly four decades of service, he actively participated in Operation Safed Sagar, Operation Rakshak, Cope India, and Operation Sindoor.
• As Commanding Officer, he re-equipped 9 Squadron with Mirage-2000, commanded a frontline fighter air base in the Western Sector, and a premier fighter training base in the Southern Sector.
• He served as Directing Staff at the Air Force Test Pilots School and held the appointment of Principal Director Air Staff Requirement at Air Headquarters.
• His senior appointments include Air Defence Commander, Southern Air Command, Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Projects), Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Plans), Senior Air Staff Officer, South Western Air Command, and Deputy Chief of the Air Staff.
• Before becoming Vice Chief of the Air Staff, he served as Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C), Central Air Command, and later as Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to the Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee (CISC) at Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff (HQ IDS).
• As CISC, he promoted Jointness and Integration among the three Services, leading to the release of multiple Joint Doctrines and Orders and several initiatives to strengthen India's defence capabilities.
• In recognition of his distinguished service, Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit was awarded the Vayu Sena Medal (2006), Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM) (2011), Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) (2023), and Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM) (2026).

CURRENT AFFAIRS : DEFENCE NEWS

Indian Navy Joins 30th Edition of RIMPAC 2026 Maritime Exercise in Hawaii, United States of America

• Indian Navy (IN) participated in the 30th edition of Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2026, the world’s largest multinational maritime warfare exercise, hosted by the United States (US) Navy under the U.S. Pacific Fleet at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam (JBPHH), Hawaii,United States of America(USA).
• RIMPAC 2026 is being conducted from 24 June to 31 July 2026 as a five-week biennial multinational maritime warfare exercise in and around the Hawaiian Islands.
• The theme of RIMPAC 2026 is “Partners: Integrated and Prepared”, highlighting collective defence readiness, interoperability, and a shared commitment to a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific.
• RIMPAC stands for Rim of the Pacific and is a biennial maritime exercise led by the United States Pacific Fleet, involving naval, air, and land forces from multiple countries.
• RIMPAC 2026 witnessed participation from 30 nations, with over 30 surface warships, 5 submarines, 15 national land forces, more than 206 aircraft, and over 30,000 military personnel.
• The exercise includes advanced Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW), Air Defence (AD) operations, tactical missile exercises, amphibious operations, gunnery and missile proficiency, military medicine, counter-piracy, mine clearance, explosive ordnance disposal (EOD), diving and salvage operations, and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR)
• Commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet serves as the Combined Task Force Commander for RIMPAC 2026, while Chile is the Deputy Commander, Japan is the Vice Commander, the Republic of Korea (South Korea) leads the Maritime Component, and Canada commands the Air Component.
• A live-fire training exercise involving the United States Marines and Mexican Marines was conducted at Marine Corps Base Hawaii on 27 June 2026.
• An Open Ship Day was organised at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam (JBPHH) during the exercise to promote public engagement.
• Germany and France did not deploy ships or military contingents for RIMPAC 2026.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : APPS & PORTALS

Union Minister Amit Shah Unveils FCRA 2.0 Portal and e-OCI Card to Strengthen Digital Governance and Citizen Services

• Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched the FCRA 2.0 Portal and e-OCI Card in New Delhi to enhance digital governance, transparency, citizen convenience, and national security.
• The initiatives align with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of "Minimum Government, Maximum Governance" by promoting technology-driven, transparent, and efficient governance.

Key Highlights :

• The FCRA 2.0 Portal has been developed to simplify compliance under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) and strengthen the monitoring and enforcement of foreign contributions.
• The new portal provides end-to-end digital services for FCRA registration, renewals, annual returns, and other applications, eliminating the need for physical document submission.
• Around 14,500 active FCRA organisations operate in India, while the portal handles approximately 15,000–20,000 applications and 17,000 annual returns every year.
• The FCRA 2.0 Portal is hosted on the MeghRaj (National Government Cloud), significantly reducing the risk of data theft and improving data security.
• The portal incorporates FCRA Amendment Rules, 2026 along with process re-engineering, integrated dashboards, Aadhaar-based authentication, e-Sign facility, and OCR (Optical Character Recognition)-based document analysis.
• The portal is integrated with major databases including PAN, Aadhaar, OCI, NGO Darpan, ICAI's UDIN system, and banks through API-based integration for faster verification and compliance monitoring.
• The NGO Darpan bank account integration system enables seamless verification and strengthens monitoring of foreign contribution utilisation.
• The FCRA 2.0 Portal reduces paperwork, enables faster application processing, provides login-based dashboards, and improves the overall user experience for organisations.
• The portal enhances real-time monitoring, effective compliance management, and oversight of foreign contributions, thereby strengthening good governance and national security.
• Future enhancements of the FCRA 2.0 ecosystem include an AI-powered chatbot, FCRA Mobile Application, and a dedicated online dashboard for banks.
• The strengthened FCRA framework will improve surveillance over foreign contributions received with malicious intentions, ensuring greater national security.
• The Electronic Overseas Citizen of India (e-OCI) Card is a fully digital citizen-centric initiative designed to modernise OCI services for the global Indian diaspora.
• The e-OCI system enables applicants to complete the entire OCI process online, including application submission, document upload, approval, and digital card download.
• Existing OCI cardholders can obtain their e-OCI Card digitally in most cases without submitting a fresh application or undergoing physical verification.
• A major reform under the e-OCI Card is the removal of the requirement to reissue the OCI booklet after obtaining a new passport beyond the age of 20 years.
• Under the new system, OCI cardholders only need to update passport details online whenever a new passport is issued.
• The e-OCI Card introduces a unique registration number for every OCI cardholder, improving identity management and verification.
• The digital OCI Card eliminates the risk of loss or damage of physical documents and enables real-time self-verification by cardholders.
• The e-OCI system provides mobile access, fully digital processing, faster immigration clearance, and greater convenience for over 50 lakh OCI cardholders.
• The e-OCI platform integrates with digital immigration systems to enable real-time verification at airports, strengthening identity verification, security, and fraud prevention.
• The launch of the FCRA 2.0 Portal and e-OCI Card represents a major Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) initiative to promote technology-enabled governance, paperless administration, transparency, efficient public service delivery, and a secure digital governance ecosystem.

About Ministry of Home Affairs :

• Cabinet Minister : Amit Shah
• Minister of State : Nityanand Rai, Bandi Sanjay Kumar

CURRENT AFFAIRS : SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh Launches Four Advanced R&D Facilities and Unveils ₹44.46 Crore Hostel Project at CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology Hyderabad

• Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh inaugurated four Advanced R&D facilities and laid the foundation stone of a ₹44.46 crore, 200-student hostel complex at CSIR–Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR-IICT), Hyderabad.
• The four facilities inaugurated include the Advanced R&D Facility for Fluorochemicals, Continuous Processing Platform for Industrial Chemicals, Sustainable Engineering Complex (SustEC), and the 500 KLD Decentralized Effluent Treatment Plant for the Siripuram Handloom Cluster.
• The ₹44.46 crore hostel complex will strengthen residential infrastructure for young researchers and promote a better research ecosystem.
• The programme witnessed participation from scientists, industry representatives, startups, technology partners, research scholars, and students, highlighting the focus on industry-academia collaboration.
• He highlighted CSIR's role in developing technologies such as Compressed Biogas (CBG) from food and agricultural waste and conversion of captured Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) into Dimethyl Ether (DME) to promote the circular economy and clean energy.
• The Advanced R&D Facility for Fluorochemicals will strengthen India's indigenous fluorination technologies for pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, specialty chemicals, refrigerants, electronic chemicals, and advanced materials.
• The Fluorochemicals Facility will reduce import dependence and support strategic sectors including defence, electronics, and space, contributing to Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
• The 500 KLD Decentralized Effluent Treatment Plant, developed with support from the Department of Science and Technology (DST), will promote water reuse, groundwater protection, pollution reduction, and sustainable textile production in the Siripuram Handloom Cluster.
• The Sustainable Engineering Complex (SustEC) will convert waste plastics, biomass, agricultural residues, and industrial by-products into fuels, hydrogen, advanced materials, and other value-added products, supporting the circular economy and Net Zero goals.
• The Minister stated that all four facilities are designed to bridge laboratory research with industrial application and support startups, MSMEs, entrepreneurs, and established industries.
• He welcomed the recruitment of nearly 90 permanent personnel, including around 70 scientists and technical professionals, at CSIR-IICT, strengthening India's scientific workforce.
• He said initiatives like the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) and increased support for deep technologies are creating an ecosystem where research institutions, academia, startups, and industry collaborate to develop globally competitive indigenous technologies.

Technology Development Board Supports Puretronics India to Commercialise India’s First Indigenous Contactless Programmable Load Measurement System

• The Technology Development Board (TDB) under the Department of Science & Technology (DST) has provided financial assistance to M/s Puretronics India Private Limited, Mumbai for the project “LMO – Load Measurement Overload Sensor (India’s First Fully Contactless Programmable Load Measurement System)”.
• The project aims to commercialize India's first indigenous fully contactless programmable load measurement system, bridging a critical technology gap in India's industrial automation ecosystem.
• The LMO (Load Magnetic Overload Sensor) is designed for elevators, material handling systems, cable machinery, industrial automation, cranes, hoists, and other safety-critical applications.
• The technology addresses the limitations of conventional strain-gauge load cells and imported sensing solutions by providing accurate, maintenance-friendly, vibration-resistant, and reliable load monitoring.
• The project supports the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat by strengthening India's indigenous capabilities in advanced industrial electronics and sensor technology.
• The project will establish commercial-scale manufacturing capabilities for the LMO Load Magnetic Overload Sensor in India.
• The LMO replaces mechanical stress-based sensing with an innovative non-contact magnetic measurement principle, improving efficiency and reliability.
• The system integrates high-resolution magnetic sensing, advanced digital signal processing (DSP), and programmable embedded electronics for precise load measurement.
• The technology requires minimal calibration and offers seamless integration with PLC (Programmable Logic Controller), SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition), and IoT-based industrial automation platforms.
• The LMO platform has been designed and developed entirely in India, providing application-specific customization, easy installation, and high resistance to vibration and harsh industrial environments.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : ACQUISITIONS & MERGERS

Competition Commission of India Approves ₹16,660 Crore Acquisition of Royal Challengers Bengaluru by Aditya Birla-Led Consortium

• The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved the ₹16,660 crore all-cash acquisition of Royal Challengers Sports Pvt. Ltd. (RCSPL), the owner of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) franchises in both the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the Women's Premier League (WPL).
• The acquiring consortium is led by the Aditya Birla Group and includes The Times of India Group (Times Internet Ltd. and Times Cricket), Bolt Ventures, Blackstone-backed Asia Investment Topco II, and ICONIQ Group.
• The ₹16,660 crore transaction values RCB at approximately USD 1.78 billion, making it one of the largest acquisitions of an IPL franchise.
• The acquisition reflects the rapidly growing commercial value of sports franchises and rising investor interest in India's sports ecosystem.
• Following the acquisition, Aryaman Vikram Birla will serve as the Chairman of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).
• Satyan Gajwani of The Times of India Group will assume the role of Vice-Chairman of RCB.
• The acquisition includes both the RCB men's team in the IPL and the RCB women's team in the WPL, strengthening the consortium's presence in Indian professional sports.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: MOUS AND AGREEMENT

Rajasthan and Haryana Sign Agreement for Yamuna Water Project

• The Governments of Rajasthan and Haryana signed an agreement for the Yamuna Water Project in New Delhi.
• The agreement was signed in the presence of Union Minister for Home Affairs and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah to resolve the nearly 30-year-old Yamuna water dispute between the two states.
• The project aims to supply Rajasthan's allocated share of Yamuna River water through an underground pipeline network from the Western Yamuna Canal.
• Rajasthan will receive about 580 Million Cubic Metres (MCM) of water as per the 1994 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the Sharing of the Utilisable Surface Waters of the Upper Yamuna Basin.
• The agreement provides a framework for water allocation, infrastructure development, cost sharing, water release protocols, operation and maintenance, monitoring, and dispute resolution.
• The project includes the construction of three underground pipelines, each with a diameter of more than 3.6 metres, to transport water efficiently.
• Water will be supplied during the July to October period, when river flows are higher during the monsoon season.
• The project will provide drinking water to Sikar, Churu, and Jhunjhunu districts of Rajasthan and Bhiwani and Fatehabad districts of Haryana.
• The project is also expected to improve groundwater recharge, reduce water wastage, and promote sustainable water management.
• The Central Water Commission (CWC) provided technical support for project planning, water allocation, infrastructure design, and monitoring mechanisms.

About Rajasthan:

• Chief Minister: Bhajan Lal Sharma
• Governor: Haribhau Bagade
• Capital: Jaipur
• National Parks: Ranthambore National Park, Sariska National Park, Keoladeo Ghana National Park, Desert National Park, Mukundra Hills National Park
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary, Kailadevi Wildlife Sanctuary, Kesarbagh Wildlife Sanctuary, Todgarh-Raoli Wildlife Sanctuary, Jawahar Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary, Sitamata Wildlife Sanctuary, Ramgarh Vishdhari Wildlife Sanctuary, Bhensrodgarh Wildlife Sanctuary, Phulwari Wildlife Sanctuary

About Haryana:

• Chief Minister: Nayab Singh Saini
• Governor: Ashim Kumar Ghosh
• Capital: Chandigarh
• National Parks: Sultanpur National Park, Kalesar National Park
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Kalesar Wildlife Sanctuary, Bhindawas Lake Wildlife Sanctuary, Morni Hills Wildlife Sanctuary, Khaparwas Wildlife Sanctuary, Nahar Wildlife Sanctuary, Abubshahar Wildlife Sanctuary

CURRENT AFFAIRS: SPORTS NEWS

India Wins 5 Medals at Global Skills Challenge Australia 2026

• India won five medals at the Global Skills Challenge (GSC) Australia 2026, securing three gold, one silver, and one bronze medal.
• The competition was held in Australia, with participation from 16 WorldSkills member countries.
• The Global Skills Challenge (GSC) is an international skill competition conducted as a simulation of the WorldSkills Competition, enabling participants to compete under global standards.
• Nearly 600 competitors, experts, translators, and officials participated in the event.
• India's medal winners are:
• Pavan Bhadravati Suresha (Karnataka) – Gold in Additive Manufacturing
• Mausam Kumar Giri (Bihar) – Gold in Cloud Computing
• Vishnupriya Sunil (Delhi) – Gold in Health and Social Care
• Harsh Ramesh Pawar (Maharashtra) – Silver in 3D Digital Game Art
• Muskan (Haryana) – Bronze in Painting and Decorating
• The Indian contingent comprised 30 members, including 15 competitors and 15 experts, who participated in 15 skill categories.
• The competition used the Competition Information System (CIS), the official assessment framework followed in WorldSkills competitions.
• India's performance highlights its growing strength in advanced manufacturing, digital technologies, creative industries, and healthcare skills.
• India's participation was supported under the Skill India Mission, which aims to develop a globally competitive and future-ready workforce through vocational and technical education.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: IMPORTANT DAYS

World Sports Journalists Day 2026 – 2 July

• World Sports Journalists Day is observed every year on 2 July to recognise the contribution of sports journalists in promoting sports and delivering accurate sports coverage to the public.
• The day was established in 1994 by the International Sports Press Association (AIPS) to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the organisation.
• The International Sports Press Association (AIPS) was founded on 2 July 1924 in Paris, France, during the 1924 Summer Olympics.
• Sports journalism began gaining prominence during the 1820s–1830s, with dedicated sports reporting becoming increasingly popular.
• In 1883, the New York World became one of the first newspapers to establish a full-time sports department, marking a significant milestone in sports journalism.

About International Sports Press Association (AIPS)

• Full Form: International Sports Press Association (AIPS)
• Founded: 2 July 1924
• Headquarters: Lausanne, Switzerland

World UFO Day 2026 – 2 July

• World UFO Day is observed every year on 2 July to raise awareness about Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs), encourage scientific discussion on unexplained aerial phenomena, and promote the search for extraterrestrial life.
• The day commemorates the Roswell Incident of July 1947, when debris recovered near Roswell, New Mexico (United States) was believed by many to be from a UFO, although the United States Air Force later stated it was part of a classified military project.
• The term UFO (Unidentified Flying Object) was coined by Edward J. Ruppelt, a United States Air Force officer, in 1952.
• One of the earliest recorded reports of an unexplained aerial phenomenon was the Nuremberg Celestial Phenomenon in 1561, documented in a broadsheet published in Nuremberg, Germany.
• The popular science fiction television series The X-Files premiered on 10 September 1993, increasing public interest in UFOs and extraterrestrial life.

Daily CA One- Liner: July 2

• The 8th edition of the Youth Co:Lab National Innovation Challenge 2026 concluded with the selection of six youth-led startups for developing scalable and high-impact solutions to address sustainability challenges
• The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) and Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) launched AIR SUVIDHA 2.0, an upgraded contactless Passenger Health Self-Declaration Portal, to strengthen public health surveillance at points of entry
• Maharashtra has approved the development of India's first offshore airport, marking a major milestone in the country's aviation infrastructure.
• Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare Jagat Prakash Nadda launched the Samagra Shishu Bal Swasthya Karyakram (SSBSK) during the 16th Central Council of Health and Family Welfare (CCHFW) Meeting
• Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare Jagat Prakash Nadda launched Ayushman Sarathi, the official WhatsApp chatbot for the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana
• The Government of India has established the Bureau of Port Security (BoPS) under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways to strengthen maritime security
• The Governments of Rajasthan and Haryana signed an agreement for the Yamuna Water Project in New Delhi
• India won five medals at the Global Skills Challenge (GSC) Australia 2026, securing three gold, one silver, and one bronze medal
• World Sports Journalists Day is observed every year on 2 July to recognise the contribution of sports journalists in promoting sports and delivering accurate sports coverage to the public
• World UFO Day is observed every year on 2 July to raise awareness about Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs), encourage scientific discussion on unexplained aerial phenomena, and promote the search for extraterrestrial life.
• Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, embarked on an official visit to France to strengthen the India–France Strategic Partnership and promote economic cooperation, investment, technology collaboration, and innovation.
• PayGlocal, an India-based cross-border payments platform, launched Google Pay Card Payments on its International Payment Gateway to simplify global digital payments for Indian merchants.
• Kakinada Cooperative Town Bank, an Urban Cooperative Bank (UCB) in Andhra Pradesh (AP), secured Tier-III status under Reserve Bank of India (RBI) norms after its total deposits crossed ₹2,000 crore.
• The United Arab Emirates (UAE) successfully completed the inaugural trial run of the first Etihad Rail passenger train from Fujairah to Mohamed bin Zayed City Station, Abu Dhabi, marking a major milestone in the country's transport infrastructure.
• Union Minister Piyush Goyal, Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI), undertook a 3-day official visit to London, United Kingdom (UK) from 25–27 June 2026.
• Air Marshal Tejinder Singh assumed charge as the Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to the Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee (CISC) on 1 July 2026.
• Lt Gen Sandeep Jain, AVSM, SM assumed the appointment of Vice Chief of the Army Staff (VCOAS).
• The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has reappointed Ravi Agrawal as the Chairman of the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) on a contract basis for six months, from 1 July 2026 to 31 December 2026, or until further orders, whichever is earlier.
• Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, PVSM, AVSM, VM, VSM assumed charge as the Vice Chief of the Air Staff (VCAS), Indian Air Force (IAF) on 1 July 2026.
• Indian Navy (IN) participated in the 30th edition of Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2026, the world’s largest multinational maritime warfare exercise, hosted by the United States (US) Navy under the U.S. Pacific Fleet at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam (JBPHH), Hawaii,United States of America(USA).
• Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched the FCRA 2.0 Portal and e-OCI Card in New Delhi to enhance digital governance, transparency, citizen convenience, and national security.
• Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh inaugurated four Advanced R&D facilities and laid the foundation stone of a ₹44.46 crore, 200-student hostel complex at CSIR–Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR-IICT), Hyderabad.
• The Technology Development Board (TDB) under the Department of Science & Technology (DST) has provided financial assistance to M/s Puretronics India Private Limited, Mumbai for the project “LMO – Load Measurement Overload Sensor (India’s First Fully Contactless Programmable Load Measurement System)”.
• The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved the ₹16,660 crore all-cash acquisition of Royal Challengers Sports Pvt. Ltd. (RCSPL), the owner of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) franchises in both the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the Women's Premier League (WPL).