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CURRENT AFFAIRS : BANKING, FINANCE & BUSINESS

Government Expands Additional National Pension System Investment Options for Central Autonomous Body Employees

• The Government of India (GoI) has extended two additional investment choices under the National Pension System (NPS) to employees of Central Autonomous Bodies (CABs) covered under NPS.
• The Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance, extended the applicability of the Department of Financial Services (DFS) Notification dated 13 November 2025 to NPS subscribers employed in Central Autonomous Bodies (CABs).
• These additional investment choices were earlier available only to Central Government employees covered under NPS and have now been extended to CAB employees.
• The Aggressive Life Cycle Fund (LC-75) has been renamed as LC-75-High and allows equity exposure of up to 75%, making it suitable for subscribers seeking higher long-term growth potential.
• The Balanced Life Cycle Fund (BLC) has been renamed as Aggressive Life Cycle Fund and provides equity exposure up to 50%, with gradual reduction in equity allocation from the age of 45 years, ensuring a balanced approach between growth and stability.
• The extension provides greater flexibility to NPS subscribers in CABs, enabling them to align investments with their risk appetite, financial goals, and retirement planning requirements.
• The initiative strengthens subscriber choice and enhances the attractiveness of the National Pension System (NPS) for employees of Central Autonomous Bodies (CABs).
• Administrative Ministries and Departments have been instructed to inform all CABs under their administrative control about the availability of these new investment options.
• The new investment choices will be made available through the Central Recordkeeping Agency (CRA) system.

About Ministry of Finance :

• Cabinet Minister : Nirmala Sitharaman
• Minister of State : Pankaj Choudhary

Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme 5.0 Surpasses 4.11 Lakh Loan Guarantees, Covering Over ₹1.55 Lakh Crore

• Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme (ECLGS) 5.0 was approved by the Union Cabinet on 5 May 2026 to provide liquidity support to businesses affected by the West Asia geopolitical situation.

Key Highlights :

• ECLGS 5.0 is designed to provide risk mitigation to Member Lending Institutions (MLIs) by enabling them to extend additional credit to borrowers facing cash-flow disruptions.
• The scheme provides 100% guarantee coverage on additional loans to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and 90% guarantee coverage for other business segments, encouraging higher lending by financial institutions.
• Since its launch, 4,11,497 guarantees have been issued under ECLGS 5.0, with the guaranteed amount reaching ₹1,55,229 crore, reflecting rapid adoption across the lending ecosystem.
• MSMEs are the largest beneficiaries, accounting for 98% of the total guarantees issued (by number) and 82% of the total guaranteed amount under the scheme.
• The Department of Financial Services (DFS) has conducted a nationwide awareness campaign to maximise the adoption and effective implementation of ECLGS 5.0.
• Phase I of the outreach campaign was conducted from 20 May 2026 to 6 June 2026 across 9 locations through State Level Bankers’ Committees (SLBCs).
• Phase I involved the participation of National Credit Guarantee Trustee Company (NCGTC), PSB Alliance, banks, industry associations, and business enterprises.
• Phase II of the outreach programme is being conducted across 10 locations, with 4 locations completed so far.
• The outreach programme aims to ensure that eligible borrowers are aware of the scheme while enabling Member Lending Institutions (MLIs) to facilitate timely credit delivery.
• ECLGS 5.0 reflects the Government of India’s commitment to building a resilient and responsive credit ecosystem, strengthening financial support for businesses during external economic challenges.
• The scheme is expected to further improve liquidity, support MSMEs, and help businesses sustain operations during periods of economic uncertainty.

Japan Bank for International Cooperation Sanctions JPY 80 Billion Green Loan to POWERGRID for Renewable Energy Transmission Project

• Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (POWERGRID), a 'Maharatna' Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) under the Ministry of Power (MoP), secured a Japanese Yen (JPY) 80 billion Green Loan from the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC).
• The JPY 80 billion Green Loan is among India's largest green financing arrangements for the power transmission sector and supports the integration of Renewable Energy (RE) into the national power grid.
• The loan agreement was signed in June 2026 to finance the Khavda–Nagpur High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) Transmission Project.
• The Khavda–Nagpur HVDC Project will evacuate renewable energy from the Khavda Renewable Energy Park, Gujarat, and transmit it to Nagpur, Maharashtra.
• Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) will provide JPY 48 billion, while the remaining amount will be co-financed by Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC), Kansai Mirai Bank, Kiraboshi Bank, and The Joyo Bank, with JBIC guaranteeing the co-financed portion.
• The project supports India's target of achieving 500 Gigawatt (GW) of Renewable Energy capacity by 2030 and expanding the transmission network to 191,000 circuit kilometres (ckm) by 2032.
• POWERGRID has set a target of achieving Net-Zero Emissions by 2047, becoming Net Water Positive and Eliminating Landfill Waste by 2030.
• POWERGRID is also increasing the share of renewable energy in its own electricity consumption as part of its sustainability strategy.

About JBIC :

• Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) is a policy-based financial institution, wholly owned by the Government of Japan, and was established in 1999.
• Headquarters : Tokyo, Japan
• President & CEO : Tadashi Maeda

Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India Partners with Institute of Public Auditors of India to Curb Dark Patterns in Digital Insurance Platforms

• The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has launched a crackdown on "Dark Patterns" in digital insurance platforms to curb mis-selling, improve transparency, strengthen consumer protection, and enhance public trust in the insurance sector.
• Dark Patterns are deceptive design techniques used on websites and mobile applications that manipulate users into sharing personal information, accepting unwanted products, paying hidden charges, facing difficult policy cancellations, or receiving unsolicited calls and messages.
• Common examples of Dark Patterns include forcing users to share personal details before viewing insurance products, making policy cancellation difficult, spam calls, hidden charges, and misleading website/app interfaces.
• The core issue behind Dark Patterns is mis-selling, where agents, brokers, banks, or digital platforms push unsuitable or complex insurance products to customers to increase sales.
• IRDAI has partnered with the Institute of Public Auditors of India to independently monitor insurance companies and digital insurance platforms for 9 months to identify the use of Dark Patterns.
• In April 2026, IRDAI directed all insurers to conduct a self-assessment of Dark Patterns and submit compliance reports, but since most insurers reported no violations, the regulator initiated an independent audit.
• IRDAI plans to release a Consultation Paper (July 2026) on Insurance Distribution Reforms, focusing on curbing mis-selling, improving transparency, and reviewing the commission-based distribution model.
• The initiative follows the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) framework on mis-selling of financial products, which became effective from 1 January 2027, as banks also distribute insurance products.
• According to an industry survey, around 80% of users experienced hidden charges, difficulty in cancelling policies, and forced sharing of personal information while purchasing insurance online.
• The same survey found that around 90% of customers received repeated unsolicited calls and promotional messages encouraging them to buy or renew insurance policies.

About IRDAI :

• Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) is an autonomous statutory body under the Ministry of Finance.
• Established : 1999
• Current Chairman : Ajay Seth.

 CURRENT AFFAIRS: NATIONAL AND STATE NEWS

Government Raises Onion Procurement Price for Price Stabilisation Buffer by 13%

• The Government of India increased the procurement price of onions for the Price Stabilisation Buffer (PSB) by 13%, from ₹1,875 per quintal to ₹2,125 per quintal, with effect from 4 July 2026.
• The decision was announced by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution to ensure better remuneration for onion farmers while strengthening the government's buffer stock.
• Procurement of onions for the Price Stabilisation Buffer (PSB) is being carried out through the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (NAFED) and the National Cooperative Consumers' Federation of India Limited (NCCF).
• The revised procurement price marks the fifth upward revision during the current procurement season, with prices increasing from ₹12.70 per kilogram at the beginning of the season to ₹21.25 per kilogram.
• According to the Second Advance Estimates of the Department of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare, onion production for 2025–26 is estimated at 307.37 lakh metric tonnes (LMT), compared to 307.67 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) in 2024–25.
• The Government stated that overall onion availability remains adequate, although prices may witness normal seasonal fluctuations.

About National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (NAFED)

• Established: 1958
• Headquarters: New Delhi
• Administrative Ministry: Ministry of Cooperation
• Objective: To promote cooperative marketing of agricultural produce and support procurement, storage, and price stabilisation of agricultural commodities.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Inaugurates and Launches Major Development Projects in Rajasthan and Gujarat

• Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi visited Rajasthan and Gujarat, where he inaugurated, dedicated, and laid the foundation stones for several major infrastructure and connectivity projects.
• In Jodhpur, Rajasthan, the Prime Minister inaugurated the newly developed ₹480 crore terminal building at Jodhpur Airport, designed to handle up to 2 million passengers annually.
• He also launched the Modified Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik (UDAN) Scheme to strengthen regional air connectivity, particularly in remote and underserved areas.
• During his visit to Balotra, Rajasthan, the Prime Minister inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for development projects worth over ₹1.06 lakh crore across the railways, highways, renewable energy, and power transmission sectors.
• The Prime Minister dedicated India's first greenfield integrated refinery-cum-petrochemical complex at Pachpadra, Rajasthan, developed through a Joint Venture (JV) between Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) and the Government of Rajasthan.
• He also laid the foundation stone for Phase-II of the Jaipur Metro Rail Project, involving an investment of over ₹13,000 crore.

About Modified Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik (UDAN) Scheme

• Launched By: Ministry of Civil Aviation
• Launched In: 2016 under the National Civil Aviation Policy (NCAP), 2016
• Objective: To make air travel affordable and enhance regional air connectivity by connecting unserved and underserved airports across India.
• Implementing Agency: Airports Authority of India (AAI)

About Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL)

• Established: 1974
• Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
• Chairman and Managing Director (CMD): Shri Vikas Kaushal

RECENT NEWS

• The State Governments of Rajasthan and Haryana signed an agreement for the construction and implementation of the Yamuna Water Project on 29th June, 2026 in New Delhi. 

29th National Conference on e-Governance (NCeG) 2026 Held in Jaipur

• The Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG), under the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, in collaboration with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and the Government of Rajasthan, organised the 29th National Conference on e-Governance (NCeG) 2026 at the Rajasthan International Centre, Jaipur, Rajasthan.
• The conference was inaugurated by Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma.
• The theme of the conference was "Viksit Bharat 2047: AI-enabled, Data-driven & Secure Digital Governance."
• During the conference, the National Awards for e-Governance 2026 were presented across seven categories.
• A total of 17 awards were conferred, including 10 Gold Awards (₹10 lakh each), 6 Silver Awards (₹5 lakh each), and 1 Jury Award.
• The conference concluded with the adoption of the Jaipur Declaration on e-Governance 2026, which provides a roadmap for strengthening Artificial Intelligence (AI)-enabled, data-driven, secure, and citizen-centric digital governance across India.

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

CURRENT AFFAIRS: AWARDS AND HONOURS

Nita Ambani Receives American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) Humanitarian Award 2026

• Nita Ambani, Founder and Chairperson of Reliance Foundation, received the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) Humanitarian Award during the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) Annual Convention 2026, held in Tampa, Florida, United States of America (USA).
• The award was presented by Dr. Amit Chakrabarty, President of the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI), in recognition of her contributions to healthcare, education, sports, culture, rural transformation, women's empowerment, disaster response, and preservation of India's arts and cultural heritage through the Reliance Foundation.
• During the event, Jane Castor, Mayor of Tampa, conferred Nita Ambani with the "Key to the City of Tampa", one of the highest civic honours in the United States of America (USA).
• The City of Tampa also declared 2 July and the remainder of the United States Independence Day weekend as "AAPI Day".
• Nita Ambani announced a strategic partnership between the Reliance Foundation and the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) to strengthen cooperation in rural and community healthcare, preventive and integrative medicine, women's and children's health, telemedicine, digital health, medical education, and disaster response.
• The convention was attended by more than 1,000 physicians of Indian origin and also witnessed the launch of the AAPI Global Foundation, a non-profit platform dedicated to healthcare innovation and humanitarian outreach.
• This is Nita Ambani's second major honour in 2026, after receiving an Honorary Doctorate from the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) University, Bhubaneswar, in March 2026.

About American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI)

• Established: 1982
• Headquarters: United States of America (USA)
• President: Dr. Amit Chakrabarty
• Objective: To represent physicians of Indian origin practising in the United States of America (USA) and promote professional excellence, healthcare initiatives, medical education, and community service.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: MOUS AND AGREEMENT

India-Israel Bilateral Investment Agreement (BIA) Comes into Force

• The Bilateral Investment Agreement (BIA) between the Government of India and the Government of the State of Israel came into force on 4 July 2026.
• The agreement was signed on 8 September 2025 in New Delhi.
• According to the Ministry of Finance, the Bilateral Investment Agreement (BIA) aims to strengthen bilateral economic relations, promote cross-border investments, and provide a secure, transparent, and predictable investment environment.
• The agreement provides protection to investments and investors while preserving the sovereign right of governments to pursue legitimate public policy objectives.
• Under the agreement, India has reduced the local remedies exhaustion period for Israeli investors from 5 years (under India's 2015 Model Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT)) to 3 years, enabling quicker access to international arbitration after exhausting domestic legal remedies.
• Israel has become the first Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) member country to sign a Bilateral Investment Agreement (BIA) with India.
• Between April 2000 and March 2026, India received Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) worth USD 371.35 million from Israel.
• The agreement is expected to boost investments in sectors such as defence, water management, agriculture, cybersecurity, pharmaceuticals, and innovation.

About Israel

• Capital: Jerusalem
• Currency: Israeli Shekel
• President: Isaac Herzog
• Prime Minister: Benjamin Netanyahu

Adani Enterprises Limited and International Resources Holding Sign Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Odisha Government for ₹1.08 Lakh Crore Greenfield Aluminium Project

• Adani Enterprises Limited (AEL) and Abu Dhabi-based International Resources Holding (IRH), a International Holding Company (IHC) Group entity, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Odisha to develop a USD 11.5 billion (around ₹1.08 lakh crore) integrated greenfield aluminium project in Odisha.
• Adani Enterprises Limited (AEL) and International Resources Holding (IRH) will establish a 50:50 Joint Venture (JV) to execute the project.
• The project is expected to become Odisha's largest Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) proposal and India's largest Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the metallurgy sector.
• The integrated project will include:
• A 4 Million Metric Tonnes Per Annum (MMTPA) alumina refinery at Rayagada district.
• A 2 Million Metric Tonnes Per Annum (MMTPA) aluminium smelter at Sundargarh district.
• A 4,000-megawatt captive power plant, including 400 megawatts of renewable energy capacity.
• A 1 Million Metric Tonnes Per Annum (MMTPA) downstream manufacturing park.
• The project will require around 7,300 acres of land and will be implemented in two phases, with investments of ₹66,000 crore in the first phase and ₹44,000 crore in the second phase.
• The project is expected to generate around 53,500 employment opportunities, including 35,000 jobs during the construction phase and 18,500 jobs during operations.
• Odisha, which holds nearly 50% of India's bauxite reserves and contributes about 54% of the country's aluminium production, is expected to strengthen its position in the global aluminium supply chain through this integrated project.

About Adani Enterprises Limited (AEL)

• Headquarters: Ahmedabad, Gujarat
• Chairman: Gautam Adani
• Managing Director (MD): Rajesh Adani

About Odisha:

• Chief Minister: Mohan Charan Majhi
• Governor: Hari Babu Kambhampati
• Capital: Bhubaneswar
• National Parks: Simlipal National Park, Bhitarkanika National Park, Nandankanan National Park
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary, Chilika Wildlife Sanctuary, Balukhand-Konark Wildlife Sanctuary, Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary, Gahirmatha Marine Wildlife Sanctuary, Satkosia Gorge Wildlife Sanctuary, Chandaka-Dampara Wildlife Sanctuary, Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary, Baisipalli Wildlife Sanctuary, Sunabeda Wildlife Sanctuary

Air India Signs Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Singapore-Based SIA Engineering Company Limited (SIAEC) to Strengthen Aviation Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) Sector

• Air India signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Singapore-based SIA Engineering Company Limited (SIAEC) to explore collaboration in the Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) sector.
• The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aims to support the development of India as a global aviation Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) hub.
• The agreement was signed in Mumbai, Maharashtra, by Campbell Wilson, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Managing Director (MD) of Air India, and Chin Yau Seng, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of SIA Engineering Company Limited (SIAEC).
• The collaboration builds on the existing partnership between the two companies and will leverage SIA Engineering Company Limited's (SIAEC) technical expertise to strengthen Air India's expanding operations.
• The partnership also aims to develop a world-class aviation Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) ecosystem in India.
• The proposed collaboration may include the establishment of a Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) Joint Venture (JV) in India to cater to the growing requirements of the Indian and regional aviation markets.

About Air India

• Headquarters: New Delhi
• Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Managing Director (MD): Campbell Wilson
• Parent Company: Tata Group
• Industry: Aviation

Sharnbasva University Signs Five-Year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Industrial University of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

• Sharnbasva University, Kalaburagi, Karnataka, signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Industrial University of Ho Chi Minh City (IUH), Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
• The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aims to strengthen academic collaboration, collaborative research, faculty exchange, student exchange, and scientific and cultural cooperation between the two universities.
• The collaboration will initially focus on Engineering, Technology, and Management Studies.
• The partnership is expected to promote academic excellence, innovation, international collaboration, and global exposure for students and faculty members of both institutions.
• The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by Bui Thanh Hung on behalf of the Industrial University of Ho Chi Minh City (IUH) and Lakshmi Patil Maka, Registrar of Sharnbasva University, at Kalaburagi, Karnataka.

About Vietnam

• Capital: Hanoi
• Currency: Vietnamese dong
• President: Tô Lâm
• Prime Minister: Lê Minh Hưng

CURRENT AFFAIRS : APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

Dilip Asbe Joins Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication Supervisory Board as India’s Representative

• Dilip Asbe, Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), was appointed to the Supervisory Board of the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication (SWIFT).
• Dilip Asbe's appointment coincides with SWIFT's transition from a single-tier Board of Directors to a two-tier governance structure comprising a Supervisory Board and a Management Board.
• The SWIFT Supervisory Board will consist of 12 members, expandable to 15 members in exceptional cases.
• The Supervisory Board includes 8 shareholder-affiliated directors and 4 independent directors, ensuring the one-third independence requirement.
• The appointment strengthens India's role in global financial messaging and enhances India's representation in international financial governance.
• The SWIFT Supervisory Board is responsible for providing strategic oversight of the organisation while ensuring balanced regional representation.

About NPCI:

• National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) was established in 2008 as the umbrella organisation for retail payment systems in India.
• NPCI was promoted by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Indian Banks' Association (IBA).
• NPCI Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra.
• Key Initiatives: Unified Payments Interface (UPI), Immediate Payment Service (IMPS), RuPay (domestic card payment network), Bharat Bill Payment System (BBPS), Aadhaar Enabled Payment System (AePS)

Appointments Committee of the Cabinet Approves Appointment of New Heads for Bureau of Police Research & Development, National Crime Records Bureau and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy

• The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the appointments of senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officers to three key police and law enforcement institutions based on a proposal from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
• Alok Kumar Mittal, a 1993-batch IPS officer of the Haryana cadre, was appointed as Director General (DG) of the Bureau of Police Research & Development (BPR&D).
• Alok Kumar Mittal will serve as DG, BPR&D from the date of assuming charge until 30 June 2029 (superannuation) or until further orders, whichever is earlier.
• Amit Garg, a 1993-batch IPS officer of the Andhra Pradesh (AP) cadre, was appointed as Director of the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB).
• Amit Garg will serve as Director, NCRB until 31 October 2027 or until further orders.
• Amit Garg succeeds Alok Ranjan, a 1991-batch IPS officer, as Director of NCRB.
• Sujeet Pandey, a 1994-batch IPS officer of the Uttar Pradesh (UP) cadre, was appointed as Director of the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy (SVPNPA).
• Sujeet Pandey will serve as Director, SVPNPA until 31 July 2028 (retirement) or until further orders.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : ACQUISITIONS & MERGERS

TPG and Partners Acquire Aseem Infrastructure Finance Limited to Strengthen Climate Infrastructure Finance

• TPG Inc., a global alternative asset management firm, signed definitive agreements to acquire a 100% stake in Aseem Infrastructure Finance Limited (AIFL) from the National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF) and other shareholders for an undisclosed amount.
• The acquisition will be carried out through TPG Rise Climate, TPG’s dedicated climate investing platform, in partnership with the Government of Singapore Investment Corporation (GIC) and ICICI Bank Limited.
• Under the transaction, TPG and GIC will acquire AIFL, while ICICI Bank Limited will retain up to a 5% equity stake after the completion of the deal.
• The objective of the acquisition is to strengthen climate financing and sustainable infrastructure development in India.
• The acquisition supports TPG Rise Climate’s Global South Initiative, launched in partnership with ALTÉRRA, to scale climate solutions across emerging markets.

About Aseem Infrastructure Finance Limited :

• Aseem Infrastructure Finance Limited (AIFL) was established in 2020 as a sustainable infrastructure debt financier.
• AIFL is headquartered in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
• AIFL was incubated by the National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF) to promote infrastructure financing and sustainable development.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : DEFENCE NEWS

India and Rwanda Strengthen Defence Cooperation at the 2nd Joint Defence Cooperation Committee Meeting

• The 2nd Joint Defence Cooperation Committee (JDCC) Meeting between India and Rwanda was held in New Delhi on 6–7 July 2026.
• The meeting focused on expanding bilateral defence cooperation in the areas of military training, joint military exercises, medical cooperation, and defence industries.
• Both countries agreed on an Implementation Plan with defined timelines for the action items arising from the JDCC meeting.
• The meeting was co-chaired by Amitabh Prasad, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Defence (India), and Brigadier General Louis Kanobayier, Chief for Joint Force Development, Training and Doctrine (Chief J7), Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) Headquarters.
• The Indian delegation included representatives from the Department of Defence, Department of Defence Production (DDP), Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS), Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff (HQ IDS), and the Indian Armed Forces.
• On the sidelines of the meeting, the Rwandan delegation called on Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, where new avenues of bilateral defence cooperation were discussed.
• The Rwandan delegation also interacted with the Indian defence industry and reviewed India's indigenous defence capabilities, technological advancements, and growing defence industrial ecosystem.
• Both countries identified potential areas of collaboration in the defence industrial sector and committed to accelerating future cooperation.
• The delegation visited the Army Hospital (Research & Referral), New Delhi, to observe India's military medical capabilities, advanced healthcare infrastructure, and medical support system for the Armed Forces.
• The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Defence Cooperation between India and Rwanda was signed in July 2018 during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Rwanda.

About Rwanda :

• President : Paul Kagame
• Prime Minister : Justin Nsengiyumva
• Capital : Kigali
• Currency : Rwandan franc (RWF)

CURRENT AFFAIRS : SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

China Launches HY-2E Oceanographic Satellite to Strengthen Marine Observation

• China successfully launched its latest oceanographic satellite, Haiyang (HY)-2E, aboard a Long March 4B rocket from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, Northwest China.
• The launch marked China's 47th space mission in 2026 and the 654th flight of the Long March rocket series.

Key Highlights :

• HY-2E is designed to replace the HY-2B satellite, which was launched in 2018.
• HY-2E will operate together with the existing HY-2C and HY-2D satellites to monitor the global marine dynamic environment.
• The HY-2E satellite was developed by the China Academy of Space Technology (CAST).
• The satellite is equipped with four microwave remote sensing payloads for advanced ocean observation and marine monitoring.
• The Radar Altimeter is used to measure sea surface height.
• The Microwave Radiometer is used to record the sea surface temperature.
• The Microwave Scatterometer is designed to monitor sea surface wind speed and wind direction.
• The satellite also carries a Calibration Radiometer to improve the accuracy and calibration of remote sensing observations.

About China :

• President : Xi Jinping
• Capital : Beijing
• Currency : Renminbi

Poshan Tracker: India’s Digital Platform for Real-Time Nutrition Governance

• POSHAN Abhiyaan (Prime Minister’s Overarching Scheme for Holistic Nourishment) is India’s flagship National Nutrition Mission, launched on 8 March 2018, to improve nutrition outcomes through convergence, technology, and community mobilisation.
• POSHAN Abhiyaan functions under the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MoWCD) and follows a Jan Andolan (People’s Movement) approach with time-bound targets, digital monitoring, and a multi-ministerial framework.
• Under Union Budget 2021–22, POSHAN Abhiyaan, Anganwadi Services, and the Scheme for Adolescent Girls were merged under Mission POSHAN 2.0 (Mission Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0).

Key Highlights :

• Poshan Tracker is a mobile-based governance application and the digital backbone of POSHAN Abhiyaan, launched in March 2021 by the MoWCD in collaboration with the National e-Governance Division (NeGD).
• Poshan Tracker enables near real-time monitoring of nutrition, Anganwadi infrastructure, service delivery, beneficiary coverage, and growth monitoring through a unified digital platform.
• The application supports dynamic identification of stunting, wasting, underweight, Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM), Moderate Acute Malnutrition (MAM), and overweight/obesity among children using WHO Child Growth Standards.
• Before Poshan Tracker, Anganwadi Workers (AWWs) maintained 11 manual registers; the platform has replaced these with smartphone-based digital reporting, reducing delays and improving service delivery.
• Aadhaar-Based Verification prevents ghost beneficiaries, reduces leakages, and ensures benefits reach only authenticated beneficiaries.
• Facial Recognition System (FRS) has been integrated into Poshan Tracker for last-mile authentication and service delivery verification.
• The IT-enabled Home Visit Scheduler supports 23 structured home visits, including 4 during pregnancy, 4 in the first postpartum month, 7 between 2 months and 1 year, 5 between 1–2 years, and 3 between 2–3 years.
• Poshan Tracker provides 249 ECCE videos, 190 voice notes, and 159 Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) activity PDFs based on Aadharshila for children aged 3–6 years.
• Aadharshila, launched in March 2024, is the National Curriculum for Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) for children aged 3–6 years, promoting play-based learning through Anganwadi Centres.
• Poshan Helpline – 1515, launched in November 2025, provides a toll-free grievance redressal mechanism for beneficiaries.
• Every Anganwadi Worker (AWW) has been provided with a smartphone, internet connectivity support of ₹2,000 per annum, and Growth Monitoring Devices (GMDs) for each Anganwadi Centre (AWC).
• Saksham Anganwadi focuses on upgrading existing Anganwadi Centres with LED screens, water purifiers, smart learning aids, and Poshan Vatikas (Nutri-Gardens) to improve service quality.
• The Supplementary Nutrition Programme (SNP) under Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) provides nutrition support to children (6 months–6 years), pregnant women, lactating mothers, and out-of-school adolescent girls (11–14 years).
• As of May 2026, Poshan Tracker had achieved nationwide coverage across all 28 States and 8 Union Territories.
• As of May 2026, over 93 crore beneficiaries were registered on the Poshan Tracker across six life-cycle beneficiary categories.
• As of May 2026, over 5 crore beneficiaries received Supplementary Nutrition Programme (SNP) support for at least 15 days, while 5.17 crore beneficiaries received SNP support for at least 21 days.
• As of July 2026, Poshan Tracker maintained a live monthly database covering over 7 crore children using Aadhaar-authenticated data.
• The application enabled growth monitoring for over 6.3 crore children (0–5 years), covering nearly 94% of registered beneficiaries as of May 2026.
• Poshan Tracker supports real-time dashboards, heat maps, and evidence-based policymaking, transforming paper-based reporting into technology-driven nutrition governance.
• The World Health Organization (WHO) recognised Poshan Tracker as an exemplary nutrition data ecosystem, while UNICEF appreciated its simplicity and beneficiary tracking features.
• In 2023, Poshan Tracker was showcased at the G20 Ministerial Conference on Women Empowerment, where its contribution to nutrition monitoring and ECCE delivery was acknowledged.
• In 2024, the Ministry of Women and Child Development received the Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence in Public Administration for its achievements under Poshan Tracker.

Centre Forms ICAR Expert Committee to Address Issues of Totapuri Mango Growers in Andhra Pradesh

• Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan directed ICAR (Indian Council of Agricultural Research) to constitute a high-level expert committee to address the problems faced by Totapuri mango growers in Andhra Pradesh.
• The decision was taken after farmers reported a sharp fall in Totapuri mango prices, resulting in heavy financial losses and declining farm incomes.
• The committee will conduct a comprehensive study of the Totapuri mango value chain, covering cultivation, production costs, processing, marketing, domestic trade, exports, and farmers' income.
• The committee will also analyse demand-supply dynamics, processing capacity and utilisation, export market conditions, and the factors responsible for the recent price decline.
• Field visits will be conducted within 10 days, during which the committee will interact with farmers, processors, exporters, Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), and Andhra Pradesh Government officials.
• The committee will identify value chain bottlenecks, improve market access, enhance processing efficiency, and explore opportunities for value addition, exports, investment, and employment.
• The committee will prepare a scientific and evidence-based report to facilitate policy interventions for improving the livelihoods of Totapuri mango growers.
• The committee is headed by T. Damodaran, Director, ICAR-Central Institute for Subtropical Horticulture (ICAR-CISH), Lucknow.
• Other members include experts from ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (ICAR-IIHR), Bengaluru, YSR Horticultural University, and the Andhra Pradesh Horticulture Department.

About Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare :

• Cabinet Minister : Shivraj Singh Chouhan
• Minister of State : Bhagirath Choudhary, Ram Nath Thakur

CURRENT AFFAIRS : ENVIRONMENT

Bihar’s 700-Year-Old Banyan Identified as the World’s Oldest Scientifically Dated Banyan Tree

• Scientists identified a banyan tree in Munger district, Bihar, as the world's oldest accurately dated banyan tree, estimating its age at around 700 years using high-precision radiocarbon dating.
• The research was published in the journal Quaternary Research and is the first scientific study to determine the age of a banyan tree (Ficus benghalensis) using scientific evidence instead of folklore, historical records, or local traditions.
• The study was led by Trina Bose of the Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences (BSIP), Lucknow, an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), along with Dr. Mayank Shekhar and Dr. Akhilesh K. Yadava.
• The study was initiated after the Bihar Forest Department requested the scientific determination of the age of the Munger Banyan Tree.
• The researchers developed a new scientific methodology because tropical broadleaf trees generally lack distinct annual growth rings, making conventional dendrochronology unsuitable.
• The team extracted alpha-cellulose, the most stable component of plant cell walls, from wood samples collected near the pith of a secondary trunk and an ancient primary branch.
• The extracted samples were analysed using Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (AMS) Radiocarbon Dating and calibrated with the IntCal20 Calibration Curve and OxCal Software to obtain a reliable age estimate.
• The findings disproved the earlier belief that the tree was planted in front of the historic Burra Bunglow during the late Mughal–Early British period (about 300–350 years ago).
• The study concluded that the 700-year-old banyan tree is a surviving remnant of a natural forest that existed before the construction of the Burra Bunglow, thereby redefining the historical timeline of the region.
• The research provides a scientifically validated protocol for accurately dating heritage trees, replacing uncertain estimates with reliable scientific evidence.
• The methodology can be applied to ancient tropical trees worldwide, supporting biodiversity conservation, heritage management, environmental education, climate research, and the study of historical landscapes.
• Banyan trees belong to the genus Ficus and are distinguished by aerial roots that grow downward and develop into additional trunks, creating extensive root and branch networks.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : OBITUARIES

Padma Shri Awardee and 'Bridge Man of India' Girish Bharadwaj Passed away at 76

• Girish Bharadwaj, popularly known as the "Bridge Man of India", was a renowned Indian social worker and engineer who passed away at the age of 76 in Sullia, Karnataka.

About Girish Bharadwaj :

• He was born on 2 May 1950 in Sullia, Dakshina Kannada district, Karnataka.
• He was conferred the Padma Shri in 2017, India's fourth-highest civilian award, by the Government of India (GoI) for his outstanding contribution to Social Work.
• He was renowned for building more than 150 low-cost suspension (hanging) bridges, connecting remote villages to essential services and significantly improving rural connectivity and social welfare.
• He founded Rational Engineering Works and Ayasshilpa Industries in Sullia, Karnataka, laying the foundation for his innovative rural infrastructure projects.
• He began constructing bridges in 1989 after a request from the villagers of Aramburu, personally supervising the projects and occasionally funding them with his own resources.
• He designed and constructed over 150 eco-friendly hanging footbridges across Karnataka, Kerala, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh (AP), and Odisha, benefiting thousands of people in remote regions.
• Each bridge was built at a cost of less than ₹2 lakh, using local labour, community funding, sponsored materials, and sustainable construction practices, making the projects highly economical and environmentally friendly.
• He successfully completed bridge construction projects even in Naxal-affected areas, reflecting his dedication, humanitarian spirit, and commitment to rural development.

Daily CA One- Liner: July 9

• The Government of India increased the procurement price of onions for the Price Stabilisation Buffer (PSB) by 13%, from ₹1,875 per quintal to ₹2,125 per quintal, with effect from 4 July 2026
• Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi visited Rajasthan and Gujarat, where he inaugurated, dedicated, and laid the foundation stones for several major infrastructure and connectivity projects
• The Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG), under the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, in collaboration with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and the Government of Rajasthan, organised the 29th National Conference on e-Governance (NCeG) 2026 at the Rajasthan International Centre, Jaipur, Rajasthan
• Nita Ambani, Founder and Chairperson of Reliance Foundation, received the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) Humanitarian Award during the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) Annual Convention 2026, held in Tampa, Florida, United States of America
• The Bilateral Investment Agreement (BIA) between the Government of India and the Government of the State of Israel came into force on 4 July 2026
• Adani Enterprises Limited (AEL) and Abu Dhabi-based International Resources Holding (IRH), a International Holding Company (IHC) Group entity, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Odisha to develop a USD 11.5 billion (around ₹1.08 lakh crore) integrated greenfield aluminium project in Odisha
• Air India signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Singapore-based SIA Engineering Company Limited (SIAEC) to explore collaboration in the Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) sector
• Sharnbasva University, Kalaburagi, Karnataka, signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Industrial University of Ho Chi Minh City (IUH), Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
• The Government of India (GoI) has extended two additional investment choices under the National Pension System (NPS) to employees of Central Autonomous Bodies (CABs) covered under NPS.
• Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme (ECLGS) 5.0 was approved by the Union Cabinet on 5 May 2026 to provide liquidity support to businesses affected by the West Asia geopolitical situation.
• Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (POWERGRID), a 'Maharatna' Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) under the Ministry of Power (MoP), secured a Japanese Yen (JPY) 80 billion Green Loan from the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC).
• The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has launched a crackdown on "Dark Patterns" in digital insurance platforms to curb mis-selling, improve transparency, strengthen consumer protection, and enhance public trust in the insurance sector.
• Dilip Asbe, Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), was appointed to the Supervisory Board of the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication (SWIFT).
• The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the appointments of senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officers to three key police and law enforcement institutions based on a proposal from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
• TPG Inc., a global alternative asset management firm, signed definitive agreements to acquire a 100% stake in Aseem Infrastructure Finance Limited (AIFL) from the National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF) and other shareholders for an undisclosed amount.
• The 2nd Joint Defence Cooperation Committee (JDCC) Meeting between India and Rwanda was held in New Delhi on 6–7 July 2026.
• China successfully launched its latest oceanographic satellite, Haiyang (HY)-2E, aboard a Long March 4B rocket from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, Northwest China.
• POSHAN Abhiyaan (Prime Minister’s Overarching Scheme for Holistic Nourishment) is India’s flagship National Nutrition Mission, launched on 8 March 2018, to improve nutrition outcomes through convergence, technology, and community mobilisation.
• Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan directed ICAR (Indian Council of Agricultural Research) to constitute a high-level expert committee to address the problems faced by Totapuri mango growers in Andhra Pradesh.
• Scientists identified a banyan tree in Munger district, Bihar, as the world's oldest accurately dated banyan tree, estimating its age at around 700 years using high-precision radiocarbon dating.
• Girish Bharadwaj, popularly known as the "Bridge Man of India", was a renowned Indian social worker and engineer who passed away at the age of 76 in Sullia, Karnataka.