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CURRENT AFFAIRS : BANKING, FINANCE & BUSINESS

Private Sector Banks Lead Non-Performing Assets Write-offs in FY2025–26, Surpassing Public Sector Banks

• According to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Financial Stability Report (FSR), Private Sector Banks wrote off 49.7% of their Non-Performing Assets (NPAs) in FY2025–26, compared to 24.3% by Public Sector Banks (PSBs).
• Public Sector Banks (PSBs) held the largest share of bad loans, accounting for 63.2% of the total NPAs in the Indian banking system.
• The Indian banking sector wrote off approximately ₹1.28 lakh crore of bad loans during FY2025–26, with an overall write-off ratio of 33.2%.
• Foreign Banks recorded a write-off ratio of 39.6% during FY2025–26.
• Private Sector Banks relied more on loan write-offs and provisioning buffers to improve their balance sheets due to higher defaults in unsecured retail loans, microfinance, personal loans, credit cards, and unsecured business loans.
• Public Sector Banks (PSBs) focused primarily on the long-term recovery of stressed assets instead of aggressive write-offs, despite holding the highest share of NPAs.
• The write-off and recovery measures significantly improved the banking sector's asset quality, reducing the Gross Non-Performing Assets (GNPA) ratio to a multi-decade low of 1.8% in March 2026, compared to 7.3% in March 2021.
• During the period FY2020–21 to FY2024–25, Public Sector Banks wrote off approximately ₹5.81 lakh crore of bad loans, while Private Sector Banks wrote off around ₹3.09 lakh crore.

ICICI Prudential Life Board Approves Proposal to Rebrand as ICICI Life Insurance Limited

• The Board of ICICI Prudential Life Insurance approved a proposal to rename the company as ICICI Life Insurance Limited, subject to approval from the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI).
• The proposed name change follows Prudential Corporation Holdings' decision to acquire a 75% stake in Bharti Life Insurance, requiring it to be reclassified from a Promoter to an Investor in ICICI Prudential Life Insurance.
• The renaming aims to align the company's corporate identity with its revised promoter structure after Prudential Corporation Holdings reduces its shareholding from about 22% to below 10%.
• Prudential Corporation Holdings announced the acquisition of a 75% stake in Bharti Life Insurance from Bharti Enterprises for ₹3,500 crore, subject to regulatory approvals.
• As part of the reclassification process, Prudential Corporation Holdings has agreed to reduce its stake below 10%, abstain from voting on special resolutions (except where its rights are affected), and withdraw its nominee director from the board until the process is completed.
• ICICI Bank signed a Letter of Undertaking (LoU) with Prudential Corporation Holdings to address potential conflict of interest arising from Prudential's investment in Bharti Life Insurance.
• Shareholding (as of 30 June 2026): ICICI Bank – 50.84%, Prudential Corporation Holdings – 21.89%.
• The proposal for the new corporate name requires prior approval from IRDAI before implementation.
• Naveen Tahilyani resigned as Non-Executive Director of ICICI Prudential Life Insurance.
• IRDAI also granted a Certificate of Registration to Prudential HCL Health Insurance, a joint venture owned 70% by Prudential Corporation Holdings and 30% by HCL Group, to undertake health insurance business in India.

 CURRENT AFFAIRS: NATIONAL AND STATE NEWS

Shabdalok: India’s First Immersive Language Museum Inaugurated in Kolkata

• Shabdalok (Museum of Words), India’s first immersive language museum, was inaugurated by Union Home Minister Amit Shah at the National Library, Kolkata, West Bengal.
• The museum has been established by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India to preserve and showcase India’s rich linguistic heritage through modern technology.
• Shabdalok aims to educate visitors about the evolution of Indian languages, from oral traditions to written literature, through interactive and immersive experiences.
• Unlike traditional museums, Shabdalok uses advanced technologies such as:
• Artificial Intelligence (AI)
• Augmented Reality (AR)
• Virtual Reality (VR)
• Holograms
• Gesture recognition
• Interactive displays
• Audio-visual storytelling
• The museum is located inside Belvedere House at the National Library campus, Kolkata, West Bengal. Belvedere House has been associated with the National Library since 1948.
• Shabdalok highlights India’s linguistic diversity by showcasing nearly 380 languages, including:
• Languages identified in the Census of India 2011
• Classical languages
• Historical languages
• Rare and endangered languages
• Different scripts and literary traditions
• The museum has been designed with 9 galleries that provide an interactive journey through the history and development of languages.
• Shabdalok represents the integration of technology and culture by making language learning more engaging, accessible, and enjoyable.
• Museum Details:
• Name: Shabdalok (Museum of Words)
• Location: National Library, Kolkata, West Bengal
• Established by: Ministry of Culture, Government of India
• Inaugurated by: Union Home Minister Amit Shah
• Languages showcased: Around 380
• Technologies used: AI, AR, VR, holograms, interactive displays
• Entry Fee: Free till 15 August 2026
• The initiative strengthens India’s efforts towards the preservation, promotion, and awareness of its multilingual heritage.

About West Bengal:

• Chief Minister: Suvendu Adhikari
• Governor: R.N. Ravi
• Capital: Kolkata
• National Parks: Sundarbans National Park, Jaldapara National Park, Gorumara National Park, Singalila National Park, Neora Valley National Park, Buxa National Park
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary, Buxa Wildlife Sanctuary, Raiganj Wildlife Sanctuary, Ballavpur Wildlife Sanctuary, Chintamani Kar Bird Sanctuary, Lothian Island Wildlife Sanctuary, West Sundarban Wildlife Sanctuary

RECENT NEWS

• The West Bengal government has approved the implementation strategy of the Pradhan Mantri Cha Shramik Protsahan Yojana which allows for a special assistance package worth ₹313.3 crores aimed at uplifting the conditions of tea garden workers in the North Bengal region. 

CURRENT AFFAIRS : APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

Harjit Singh Grewal Appointed as New Chairperson of the National Commission for Minorities

• Harjit Singh Grewal was appointed as the Chairperson of the National Commission for Minorities (NCM), with the appointment notified by the Ministry of Minority Affairs.
• The Chairperson's post had remained vacant since April 2025 after the completion of the tenure of Iqbal Singh Lalpura.
• Harjit Singh Grewal will serve a 3-year tenure from the date of assuming office or until further orders.
• Along with him, Munawari Begum was appointed as the Vice-Chairperson, and Glenn E. Souza Ticlo was appointed as a Member of the NCM.
• The National Commission for Minorities (NCM) is a Statutory Body constituted under the National Commission for Minorities Act, 1992.
• The NCM functions at the Union Government level and addresses matters concerning notified minority communities in India.
• The Commission consists of a Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, and Members, all appointed by the Central Government.
• The sanctioned strength of the National Commission for Minorities is 7 members, while the current working strength has increased to 4 members after these appointments.
• The NCM monitors constitutional and legal safeguards provided to notified minority communities, examines complaints regarding deprivation of minority rights, studies issues affecting minorities, and advises the Central Government on minority-related policy matters.
• Harjit Singh Grewal is a senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader from Punjab, belonging to Dhanaula, Barnala district, and has been associated with the BJP and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) for over 30 years.
• He is the second consecutive Sikh leader to head the National Commission for Minorities, following Iqbal Singh Lalpura.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : DEFENCE NEWS

Indian Air Force Joins Australia’s Exercise Pitch Black 2026 with Rafale Fighter Jets

• The Indian Air Force (IAF) is participating in Exercise Pitch Black 2026, the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF)'s premier biennial multinational air combat exercise, scheduled from 20 July to 7 August 2026 at RAAF Base Darwin, Northern Australia.
• Exercise Pitch Black derives its name from its focus on night flying over the vast unpopulated regions of Northern Australia and has a 45-year history as one of the world's leading multinational air warfare exercises.
• The 2026 edition features one of the largest-ever multinational contingents, bringing together military personnel for Large Force Employment (LFE) missions and multinational air combat operations.
• The IAF contingent comprises pilots, engineers, technicians, controllers, and subject-matter experts, demonstrating India's advanced operational capabilities.
• The IAF is deploying Rafale multirole fighter aircraft, supported by C-17 Globemaster III strategic transport aircraft and IL-78 Air-to-Air Refuelling aircraft in combat support roles.
• The exercise aims to enhance multinational interoperability, force integration, operational synergy, and the exchange of best operational practices among participating air forces.
• Exercise Pitch Black 2026 provides an opportunity to validate expeditionary air operations over extended distances in a realistic and challenging multinational environment.
• The exercise strengthens professional partnerships and defence cooperation across the Indo-Pacific region, while improving coordinated mission execution.
• India has previously participated in Exercise Pitch Black in 2018, 2022, and 2024, reaffirming its commitment to regional security, operational readiness, and international defence collaboration.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : ACQUISITIONS & MERGERS

State Bank of India Joins Global Banking Consortium to Fund Sun Pharma’s US$11.75 Billion Organon Acquisition

• State Bank of India (SBI) plans to join a consortium of global lenders to finance Sun Pharmaceutical Industries' acquisition of US-based Organon & Co. in an overseas deal valued at US$11.75–12 billion, subject to board approval.
• SBI is expected to commit up to US$1 billion, becoming the only Indian bank participating in the syndicated loan alongside global lenders such as Citigroup, JPMorgan Chase, and Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG).
• Around US$10 billion of the acquisition cost will be financed through debt, while Sun Pharma will contribute approximately US$1.75 billion as equity.
• The transaction is among the first major acquisition financing deals involving a Public Sector Bank (PSB) after the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) permitted domestic banks in February 2026 to finance corporate takeovers.
• The proposed acquisition will significantly strengthen Sun Pharma's global footprint, positioning it among the Top 25 pharmaceutical companies in the world.
• Following the acquisition, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries is also expected to become the 7th-largest biosimilars company

About State Bank of India (SBI):

• Founded Year: 1955
• Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
• Chairman: Challa Sreenivasulu Setty
• Slogan: "The Banker to Every Indian"

CURRENT AFFAIRS : SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Skyroot Aerospace Launches India's First Privately Developed Orbital Rocket Vikram-1 Under Mission Aagaman

• Skyroot Aerospace Private Limited, a Hyderabad (Telangana)-based private spacetech company, successfully launched Vikram-1, India’s first privately developed orbital-class launch vehicle, under Mission Aagaman (Arrival) from Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC-SHAR), Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.
• With this mission, India became the 3rd country after the United States (USA) and China to achieve private orbital launch capability, following the Indian Space Policy, 2023.

Key Highlights :

• Skyroot Aerospace was founded in 2018 and previously created history by launching Vikram-S, India’s first private suborbital rocket, in November 2022.
• Mission Aagaman marked India’s entry into the private orbital launch era and a major milestone in expanding the country’s commercial space ecosystem.
• Vikram-1 is a four-stage, 22-metre (seven-storey) tall, 7-metre diameter orbital launch vehicle built using an all-carbon composite structure for lightweight and high-performance operations.
• Vikram-1 successfully injected all payloads into a 450-km Low Earth Orbit (LEO) at an inclination of 60°, achieving a successful maiden orbital launch.
• The rocket has a payload capacity of up to 350 kg to Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and completed its maiden mission in approximately 15.46–17 minutes, covering 14 flight phases.
• Mission Objective: Validate safe lift-off, tower clearance, orbital injection, and collect comprehensive flight performance data for future commercial launches.
• Technological Firsts: Vikram-1 is India’s first all-carbon composite orbital rocket, the first orbital launch vehicle with a 100% 3D-printed engine, features the longest monolithic carbon-composite rocket stage, and uses an ultra-low-shock pneumatic separation system.
• The mission carried Skyroot’s in-house SCOPE payload to collect flight performance data and validate the rocket’s systems.
• Other payloads included Grahaa Space’s SOLARAS S3 technology demonstration satellite, Cosmoserve Space’s "Embrace" robotic arm for future space debris removal, and Germany’s DCUBED technology demonstration payloads uD3PP and mD3RN.
• The mission also carried "Cosmic Bloom", a lotus artwork made from lab-grown diamonds, and an 18-karat gold micro-rocket containing microscopic sculptures of Sir C.V. Raman, Vikram Sarabhai, and Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.
• A handwritten postcard by Prime Minister Narendra Modi bearing the message "Vande Mataram", along with hundreds of handwritten postcards from scientists, engineers, and well-wishers, also travelled into space.
• Skyroot Aerospace was co-founded by Pawan Kumar Chandana, who serves as the Co-founder & Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
• The mission received regulatory approval from the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe), the nodal agency regulating and promoting private space activities in India.
• Following one or two additional successful demonstration missions, Skyroot Aerospace plans to begin regular commercial launch services for small satellites.

Jio Receives Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre Clearance to Launch Indigenous 1,600-Satellite Low Earth Orbit Broadband Constellation

• Reliance Jio Infocomm Limited (Jio), the telecom arm of Reliance Industries Limited (RIL), received technical approval from the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) to deploy a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellation of around 1,600 satellites.
• The proposal was evaluated in consultation with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Wireless Planning & Coordination (WPC) Wing of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) under the Ministry of Communications.
• The approval enables Reliance Jio to move forward with plans to establish India's first indigenous satellite broadband constellation.
• Following the clearance, Jio will apply for global orbital slots through the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the international body responsible for regulating satellite frequencies and orbital locations.
• The proposed satellite network will have a total capacity of 4.5–5 Terabits Per Second (Tbps), making it one of the highest-capacity satellite broadband constellations planned in India.
• The project includes the establishment of 20–22 ground stations across India to support nationwide satellite communication services.
• The constellation will provide Fixed Satellite Services (FSS), including satellite broadband and cellular backhaul connectivity.
• It will also offer Mobile Satellite Services (MSS) with Direct-to-Device (D2D) connectivity, enabling mobile devices to communicate directly with satellites.
• The services are designed to cater to both consumer and enterprise users, expanding connectivity in remote and underserved regions.
• The initiative is backed by the Government of India's regulatory support, strengthening India's space-based communication infrastructure and digital connectivity ecosystem.

About Reliance Jio Infocomm Limited :

• Reliance Jio Infocomm Limited was established in 2007 and is headquartered at Ghansoli, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra.
• Jio operates as a subsidiary of Jio Platforms, which is part of Reliance Industries Limited (RIL), and is one of India's largest telecom and digital services providers.

India Commissions First-Ever Geothermal Wells in Ladakh to Power Geothermal Energy Development

• India commissioned its first-ever geothermal wells at Puga Valley, Ladakh, marking a major milestone in the country's renewable energy sector.
• The project was inaugurated by Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena at Puga Valley, Ladakh, located at an altitude of over 14,000 feet.
• Two geothermal wells, each drilled to a depth of 1,000 metres, have been successfully commissioned, making them the deepest geothermal wells in India.
• The wells were developed by the ONGC Energy Centre as part of India's efforts to harness geothermal energy for clean and sustainable power generation.
• The first well reached its target depth of 1,000 metres on 22 May 2026, while the second well was spudded on 3 June 2026 and completed on 8 July 2026.
• A maximum temperature of 135°C was recorded at a depth of 400 metres, with further testing underway to evaluate deeper reservoir temperatures and geothermal potential.
• The wells are linked to India's first 1 MW Pilot Geothermal Power Project, which will test drilling technology, fluid flow, temperature profiles, reservoir behaviour, and power conversion systems before large-scale deployment.
• The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the project between the Ladakh Administration, Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC)-Leh, and ONGC Energy Centre was renewed for five years in June 2026 after the intervention of Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena.
• Geothermal energy is a renewable and non-conventional energy source that utilizes the Earth's internal heat for electricity generation and direct heating applications.
• India's major geothermal resource regions include Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Gujarat, and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
• Ladakh's high-altitude terrain and cold desert climate make it an ideal location for testing geothermal-based energy solutions.
• The commissioning of these wells is a significant step towards India's first geothermal power plant, strengthening the country's Renewable Energy Mission, Net Zero goals, and carbon-neutral future.
• The project is expected to provide round-the-clock clean energy, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and supporting India's sustainable energy transition.

Union Minister Shri Pralhad Joshi Launches White Rabbit Technology-Based Indian Standard Time Network in Bengaluru

• Union Minister Pralhad Joshi (Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution (MoCAF&PD) and Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE)) inaugurated the White Rabbit Technology-based Indian Standard Time (IST) Distribution Demonstration Network at the Regional Reference Standards Laboratory (RRSL), Jakkur, Bengaluru, Karnataka.
• The initiative has been launched under the vision of “One Nation, One Time” to establish a uniform, highly precise, secure, and indigenous Indian Standard Time (IST) network, reducing India’s dependence on foreign GPS-based time sources and strengthening digital sovereignty.
• The Demonstration Network enables the secure dissemination of UTC (NPLI)-traceable Indian Standard Time (IST) using Precision Time Protocol (PTP)-based White Rabbit Technology.
• White Rabbit Technology is an Ethernet-based precision time synchronisation protocol that combines Precision Time Protocol (PTP) with Synchronous Ethernet (SyncE) to provide sub-nanosecond accuracy over fibre-optic networks.
• The indigenous IST distribution system provides highly accurate, secure, resilient, and reliable time synchronisation for critical national infrastructure.
• The network will benefit sectors requiring high-precision time synchronisation, including banking, financial markets, stock exchanges, telecommunications, power grids, defence, transportation, digital governance, and 5G/6G communication networks.
• The project is implemented by the Legal Metrology Division, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, in collaboration with CSIR–National Physical Laboratory (CSIR–NPL), Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), National Stock Exchange (NSE) and other stakeholders.
• The project follows Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) protocols to ensure secure and standardised dissemination of Indian Standard Time across the country.
• The Department of Consumer Affairs, along with CSIR–NPL, ISRO, SEBI, NSE, BSNL, successfully verified the secure dissemination of Indian Standard Time between RRSL Bengaluru and NSE Chennai using White Rabbit Technology.
• During his visit to ISRO, Bengaluru, Pralhad Joshi reviewed the progress of the Indian Standard Time Dissemination Project and appreciated ISRO's role in building an indigenous, secure, and resilient national time dissemination infrastructure.
• Indian Standard Time (IST) is being developed as a trusted Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) to strengthen consumer protection, fair trade, cyber resilience, financial markets, telecommunications, power systems, and digital governance.

Indian Analog Astronaut Captain Aman Johri Completes Microgravity Mission to Advance Space Research on Maharashtra Crops

• Captain Aman Johri, an Indian Analog Astronaut, successfully completed a microgravity research flight under Project Astra Farm, marking a major milestone in India's space biotechnology and sustainable space food systems.
• The mission focused on studying Maharashtra-grown onions and potatoes, which were flown aboard a specially designed passive microgravity payload.
• The research was conducted in collaboration with the National Research Council Canada (NRC-CNRC) to analyse the behaviour of agricultural crops under microgravity conditions.
• The microgravity experiment exposed plant tissues and cells to reduced-gravity conditions to understand their biological and structural responses.
• Project Astra Farm is among India's first initiatives integrating space agriculture, food technology, and crop resilience for supporting future human space missions and long-term food security.
• The findings will help scientists understand how plant tissues and cellular structures adapt to microgravity, contributing to the development of space farming technologies.
• After the flight, the agricultural samples will undergo nuclear post-processing using nuclear food technology at the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC).
• The BARC, under the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), will conduct the irradiation studies in collaboration with Hindustan Agro Co-Operative Limited, with support from the Government of Maharashtra.

CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology Develops India's First Indigenous Technology to Produce HFO-1234yf Green Refrigerant

• CSIR–Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR-IICT), Hyderabad has developed India's first indigenous process technology for manufacturing Hydrofluoroolefin-1234yf (HFO-1234yf), a next-generation green refrigerant for refrigeration and air-conditioning systems.
• HFO-1234yf is designed to replace Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) because it has Zero Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP), Very Low Global Warming Potential (GWP), and a short atmospheric lifetime of about 11 days.
• In comparison, Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) have an atmospheric lifetime of around 8 years, making HFO-1234yf a more environmentally sustainable refrigerant.
• The development supports India's commitment under the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, which aims to phase down the production and consumption of Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
• India will implement the HFC phase-down in four stages, with 10% reduction in 2032, 20% in 2037, 30% in 2042, and 85% in 2047.
• The indigenous HFO-1234yf technology will strengthen India's self-reliance in green chemical technologies, sustainable cooling solutions, and climate-friendly refrigerants.
• The innovation contributes to climate change mitigation, environmental protection, and supports India's sustainable development goals.

Recent News :

• In July 2026, CSIR–Central Institute of Mining and Fuel Research (CSIR-CIMFR) also developed the Smart Algal Liquid Tree (SALT), a microalgae-based technology that absorbs carbon dioxide (CO₂), releases oxygen (O₂), and improves urban air quality.

Central Drugs Standard Control Organization Approves Novo Nordisk's Wegovy for Treatment of Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis

• India's drug regulator, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO), approved Novo Nordisk's Wegovy (Semaglutide Injection 2.4 mg) for the treatment of Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis (MASH).
• The approval covers noncirrhotic MASH in adults with moderate to advanced liver fibrosis, along with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
• Wegovy became the first and only GLP-1 Receptor Agonist (GLP-1 RA) approved globally and in India for treating noncirrhotic MASH with moderate to advanced liver fibrosis.
• MASH (Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis) is a progressive liver disease caused by fat accumulation in the liver, leading to chronic inflammation and liver damage.
• MASH is part of the broader Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD) spectrum, which is associated with obesity, type 2 diabetes, and dyslipidaemia.
• Wegovy contains Semaglutide, a GLP-1 Receptor Agonist, widely used for chronic weight management and metabolic disease treatment.
• The approval was based on the ESSENCE Clinical Trial, which demonstrated significant improvements in liver health among patients receiving Wegovy.
• According to the ESSENCE Trial, 63% of patients treated with Wegovy achieved resolution of steatohepatitis, while 37% showed improvement in liver fibrosis.
• The CDSCO Subject Expert Committee (SEC) on Endocrinology & Metabolism recommended approval on 23 April 2026 for adults with noncirrhotic MASH having Fibrosis Stages F2–F3.
• Emcure Pharmaceuticals is the exclusive domestic distribution partner for Semaglutide in India under the brand name Poviztra.
• Effective 3 April 2026, the monthly starting price of Poviztra was reduced from ₹8,790 to ₹3,999, representing a 55% price reduction.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : APPS & PORTALS

Aadhaar App Surpasses 40 Million Downloads, Strengthening Digital Identity Services

• The Aadhaar App has crossed 40 million (4 crore) downloads, highlighting the growing trust of residents in digital-first identity services.
• The Aadhaar App serves as a one-stop digital platform for Aadhaar-related services, including address update, mobile number update, email update, biometric lock/unlock, and e-Aadhaar download.
• Since its launch, the Aadhaar App has facilitated over 65 lakh address updates, enabling users to update their Aadhaar address from home without visiting an Aadhaar Centre.
• The app has enabled nearly 49 lakh mobile number updates, helping residents maintain accurate contact information linked with Aadhaar.
• Since the launch of the email update feature on 1 July 2026, around 5 lakh email addresses have been added or updated through the Aadhaar App.
• The email update service, previously priced at ₹75, has been made free of cost on the Aadhaar App until 31 December 2026.
• The Biometric Lock/Unlock feature has been used more than 1 million (1.91 crore) times, reflecting the strong adoption of privacy and security features.
• The Biometric Lock/Unlock facility allows Aadhaar holders to instantly lock or unlock their biometrics, providing an additional layer of security and greater control over personal information.
• The Aadhaar App is designed as a privacy-first digital identity platform, enabling users to show, share, and verify their identity securely and conveniently.
• The Aadhaar App supports the Digital India Mission by enhancing ease of living, promoting digital governance, and contributing towards the vision of Viksit Bharat.

About Ministry of Electronics & IT :

• Cabinet Minister : Ashwini Vaishnaw
• Minister of state : Jitin Prasada

CURRENT AFFAIRS: SPORTS NEWS

Rohit Sharma Becomes First Indian to Score an One Day International Century at Lord’s

• India captain Rohit Sharma became the first Indian men’s cricketer to score an One Day International (ODI) century at Lord’s Cricket Ground,  London, England, during the India–England ODI series.
• Rohit Sharma scored his 34th One Day International century, helping India chase 387/3 posted by England, led by Ben Duckett’s 141-run innings.
• At 39 years and 80 days, Rohit Sharma became the oldest Indian cricketer to score an international century across all formats, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar’s record of 38 years and 327 days.
• Rohit Sharma also became the visiting batter with the most One Day International centuries in a single foreign country, scoring 8 centuries in England, surpassing:
• Sachin Tendulkar – 7 centuries (United Arab Emirates)
• Saeed Anwar (Pakistan) – 7 centuries (United Arab Emirates)
• AB de Villiers (South Africa) – 7 centuries (India)
• The century was Rohit Sharma’s 46th international century as an opening batter, overtaking Sachin Tendulkar’s 45 centuries as an opener for India.
• During the match, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli played their 400th international match together.
• The pair added a 113-run partnership for the second wicket, registering their 21st century partnership in One Day Internationals.
• With this achievement, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli moved to second place in the list of most century partnerships in One Day International cricket, surpassing Kumar Sangakkara and Tillakaratne Dilshan (Sri Lanka).
• Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly (India) continue to hold the record for the most century partnerships in One Day Internationals, with 26 century stands.

PV Sindhu Wins BWF Japan Open 2026, Becomes First Indian to Clinch Super 750 Title

• Pusarla Venkata Sindhu (PV Sindhu) created history by winning the BWF Japan Open 2026 title, defeating World No. 3 Akane Yamaguchi (Japan) in the final by 21-17, 21-17 at Tokyo, Japan.
• With this victory, PV Sindhu became the first Indian badminton player to win a BWF Super 750 tournament.
• The victory marked Sindhu’s return to a major international title after winning the BWF World Championships 2019 and ended her long wait for a prestigious title.
• She also became the oldest woman player (31 years) to win a BWF Super 750 title.
• Before this achievement, Sindhu’s last title came at the Syed Modi International 2024 (BWF Super 300 tournament).
• The Japan Open 2026 final was the 30th career meeting between PV Sindhu and Akane Yamaguchi, with Sindhu securing victory in straight games.
• Sindhu’s improved performance was supported by her better court movement, accurate smashes, tactical gameplay, and composure during crucial points.
• After facing challenges due to injury and tough competition from younger players, Sindhu gradually improved her ranking, moving from World No. 18 to World No. 9 in the Badminton World Federation (BWF) rankings.
• During the 2026 season, Sindhu competed against top players including:
• An Se Young (South Korea) – World No. 1
• Wang Zhi Yi (China) – World No. 2
• Akane Yamaguchi (Japan) – World No. 3
• Chen Yu Fei (China) – World No. 4
• PV Sindhu is a two-time Olympic medallist, winning:
• Silver Medal – Rio Olympics 2016
• Bronze Medal – Tokyo Olympics 2020
• The BWF (Badminton World Federation) is the global governing body for badminton, headquartered in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
• The Japan Open is one of the prestigious tournaments conducted under the BWF World Tour series.

Lionel Messi Becomes the First Footballer to Play in Three FIFA World Cup Finals

• Argentina's Lionel Messi created history by becoming the first footballer to play in three different FIFA World Cup finals after featuring in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final against Spain at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey, United States.
• At 39 years of age, Messi also became the oldest outfield player to play in three FIFA World Cup finals.
• Messi's three FIFA World Cup final appearances:
• 2014 FIFA World Cup – Argentina lost to Germany.
• 2022 FIFA World Cup – Argentina defeated France to win the title.
• 2026 FIFA World Cup – Argentina lost 1-0 to Spain after extra time.
• Messi surpassed the previous record associated with Cafu (Brazil). Although Cafu was part of three consecutive FIFA World Cups (1994, 1998 and 2002), he did not play in the 1994 final, making Messi the first player to appear in three FIFA World Cup finals.
• Spain won its second FIFA World Cup title by defeating Argentina 1-0 after extra time in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final.
• Ferran Torres scored the winning goal in the 106th minute of extra time.
• Spain's victory was built on a strong team performance, with notable contributions from:
• Lamine Yamal
• Pedro Porro
• Nico Williams
• The Spanish team was coached by Luis de la Fuente, who guided Spain to its second FIFA World Cup championship.
• Lionel Messi's performance in the 2026 FIFA World Cup:
• 8 Goals
• 4 Assists
• Led Argentina to the final with outstanding leadership, playmaking and goal-scoring despite finishing as runners-up.

About FIFA:

• Founded: 1904
• Headquarters: Zürich, Switzerland
• President: Gianni Infantino

India Wins 1 Gold and 3 Silver Medals at the 37th International Biology Olympiad (IBO) 2026

• India created history by winning 1 Gold Medal and 3 Silver Medals at the 37th International Biology Olympiad (IBO) 2026, held in Vilnius, Lithuania.
• All four members of the Indian team won medals.
• Medal Winners:
• Bhavya Gunwal (Mahendragarh, Haryana) – Gold Medal
• Soumil Maity (Howrah, West Bengal) – Silver Medal
• Nishit Kalani (Pali, Rajasthan) – Silver Medal
• Anmol Kumar (Mansa, Punjab) – Silver Medal
• IBO 2026 witnessed participation from 307 students representing 78 countries. A total of 31 Gold, 61 Silver, and 91 Bronze Medals were awarded.
• The 6-hour practical examination covered:
• Molecular Biology and Biochemistry – Restriction digestion, gel electrophoresis and enzyme assays.
• Animal Physiology – Drug pharmacokinetics and digital methodologies in biochemical research.
• Animal Morphology and Systematics – Insect taxonomy, morphological structures and classification.
• Plant Computational Biology – Root image analysis, transcriptome analysis and evaluation of plant traits.
• The 6-hour theory examination consisted of 100 research-based questions covering:
• Cell Biology
• Molecular Biology
• Genetics
• Evolution
• Ecology
• Animal Sciences
• Plant Sciences
• Ethology
• Biosystematics
• The Indian team was trained by the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE) under the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR).
• Team Leaders: Prof. Rekha Vartak and Dr. Anupama Ronad
• Scientific Observers: Dr. Ranjithsinh Devkar (The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Gujarat) and Dr. Siddhesh Ghag (University of Mumbai–Department of Atomic Energy Centre of Excellence in Basic Sciences, Maharashtra).
• HBCSE conducted rigorous orientation camps, training programmes and pre-departure workshops to prepare the Indian team for the Olympiad.
• IBO 2026 marked India's 26th participation in the International Biology Olympiad.
• India's overall performance at the International Biology Olympiad:
• 104 participants
• 17 Gold Medals
• 69 Silver Medals
• 17 Bronze Medals
• 1 Honourable Mention
• India's performance in the last 10 years:
• Gold Medal Rate: 25%
• Silver Medal Rate: 68%

India Wins Four Gold Medals at 58th International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO) 2026

• India created history at the 58th International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO) 2026 by winning four Gold medals, becoming the first country to have all four participants win Gold medals in a single edition of the competition.
• The 58th International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO) 2026 was held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, from 10–19 July 2026, with the participation of 363 students from 93 countries, making it the largest edition of the Olympiad to date.
• India participated in the International Chemistry Olympiad for the 27th time and finished joint first in the overall medal tally along with China, Vietnam, and Individual Participants Group B (Russia).
• India's Gold Medal Winners:
• Debadatta Priyadarshi – Odisha
• Harshit Singla – Punjab
• Kabeer Chillar – Delhi
• Sandeep Kuchi – Telangana
• The International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO) is one of the world's most prestigious competitions for secondary school students, testing both theoretical knowledge and practical laboratory skills in chemistry.
• The 2026 examination consisted of nine advanced chemistry problems based on scientific research and interdisciplinary applications.
• The examination covered topics such as:
• Chemistry of Plant Extracts
• Belousov–Zhabotinsky (BZ) Reaction Kinetics
• Covalent Organic Frameworks (COFs)
• Uranium Chemistry
• Chiral Cardiolipin Structure
• Cyclocarbon Nanostructures
• Nitrogen Fixation Using Transition Metals
• Carbon Dioxide Reduction Using Photosensitizers
• Cyclodextrin Stereoisomerism and Regioselective Reactions
• The competition primarily assessed scientific reasoning, analytical ability, problem-solving skills, and conceptual understanding, rather than rote memorisation.
• The Indian team underwent intensive training conducted by the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE) before participating in the Olympiad.
• Team Advisors and Scientific Observers:
• Prof. Subhajit Bandyopadhyay – Chief Mentor
• Dr. Indrani Sen (Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education) – Mentor
• Dr. Anubendu Adhikary (Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur) – Scientific Observer
• Dr. Jayasree Gopalakrishnan (NES Ratnam College, Mumbai) – Scientific Observer

Spain Wins 2026 Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) World Cup; Rodri Named Golden Ball Winner

• Spain won the 2026 Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) World Cup, defeating Argentina in the final to secure its second FIFA World Cup title.
• Rodri (Spain) won the FIFA World Cup Golden Ball, awarded to the Best Player of the Tournament, for his outstanding performances throughout the competition.
• Lionel Messi (Argentina) finished as the runner-up for the Golden Ball, after scoring 8 goals and providing 4 assists during the tournament.
• Rodri became one of the few players to win both the FIFA World Cup and the Golden Ball in the same edition.
• The FIFA World Cup Golden Ball, instituted in 1978, is presented to the tournament's Best Player based on overall performance, with the winner selected by accredited journalists from a shortlist prepared by the FIFA Technical Study Group.
• Recent FIFA World Cup Golden Ball Winners:
• 2014: Lionel Messi (Argentina)
• 2018: Luka Modrić (Croatia)
• 2022: Lionel Messi (Argentina)
• 2026: Rodri (Spain)
• Lionel Messi remains the only player to win the FIFA World Cup Golden Ball twice, achieving the feat in 2014 and 2022.
• Oliver Kahn (Germany) is the only goalkeeper to have won the FIFA World Cup Golden Ball, receiving the award in 2002.
• Players who won both the FIFA World Cup and the Golden Ball in the same tournament:
• Mario Kempes (1978) – Argentina
• Paolo Rossi (1982) – Italy
• Diego Maradona (1986) – Argentina
• Romário (1994) – Brazil
• Lionel Messi (2022) – Argentina
• Rodri (2026) – Spain

Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) Announces Record Prize Money for 2026 FIFA World Cup

• The Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) announced a record prize pool of USD 655 million for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the highest in the tournament's history.
• The 2026 FIFA World Cup is the first edition featuring 48 national teams, expanded from 32 teams in previous editions.
• Prize Money Distribution:
• Champions: USD 50 million
• Runners-up: USD 33 million
• Third Place: USD 29 million
• Fourth Place: USD 27 million
• 5th–8th Place: USD 19 million each
• 9th–16th Place: USD 15 million each
• 17th–32nd Place: USD 11 million each
• 33rd–48th Place: USD 9 million each
• Every qualified national football association will receive an additional USD 1.5 million as preparation funding.
• Thus, every participating nation is guaranteed at least USD 10.5 million, comprising USD 9 million as participation payment and USD 1.5 million as preparation support.
• Compared to the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the champions' prize increased from USD 42 million to USD 50 million, while the runners-up's prize increased from USD 30 million to USD 33 million.
• The prize money is paid to the national football associations, which decide its distribution among players, coaching staff, football development programmes, youth football, and infrastructure projects.
• In addition to prize money, gold, silver, and bronze medals were awarded to the top three teams.

FIFA also presented the following individual awards:

• Golden Ball – Best Player
• Golden Boot – Top Goalscorer
• Golden Glove – Best Goalkeeper
• Best Young Player
• FIFA Fair Play Award
• For the first time in FIFA World Cup history, Championship Rings were introduced:
• 30 championship rings were awarded to members of the winning team.
• 1,996 commemorative rings featuring a miniature FIFA World Cup Trophy were produced for fans.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : OBITUARIES

West Indies Cricket Great Sir Garfield Sobers Passed away at the Age of 89

• Sir Garfield Sobers, the legendary West Indies cricketer and widely regarded as one of the greatest all-rounders in cricket history, passed away in Saint Michael, Barbados, at the age of 89.

About Sir Garfield Sobers :

• He was born on 28 July 1936 in Bridgetown, Barbados.
• Sir Garfield Sobers was a left-handed batter, versatile left-arm bowler, and an exceptional fielder, making him one of the most complete cricketers in the history of the game.
• He represented the West Indies in 93 Test matches between 1954 and 1974, scoring 8,032 Test runs at an impressive batting average of 57.78 and claiming 235 Test wickets.
• He is universally recognised as cricket's greatest all-rounder due to his outstanding contributions with both bat and ball.
• In 1958, he scored a then world-record 365 runs in a Test innings against Pakistan, becoming the youngest player at that time to hold the record for the highest individual Test score.
• In 1968, he became the first cricketer in first-class cricket history to hit six sixes in a single over, achieving the feat while playing for Nottinghamshire against Glamorgan.
• Sir Garfield Sobers captained the West Indies in 39 Test matches during 1965–1972, leading the team in an important era of international cricket.
• He was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1975 for his outstanding services to cricket.
• In 2000, he was named among Wisden's Five Cricketers of the 20th Century, one of the highest recognitions in cricket.
• In 2009, he was inducted into the International Cricket Council (ICC) Hall of Fame in recognition of his extraordinary achievements.
• The prestigious Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy is awarded annually to the ICC Men's Cricketer of the Year, commemorating his lasting legacy in world cricket.

Daily CA One- Liner: July 21

• Shabdalok (Museum of Words), India’s first immersive language museum, was inaugurated by Union Home Minister Amit Shah at the National Library, Kolkata, West Bengal
• India captain Rohit Sharma became the first Indian men’s cricketer to score an One Day International (ODI) century at Lord’s Cricket Ground, London, England, during the India–England ODI series
• Pusarla Venkata Sindhu (PV Sindhu) created history by winning the BWF Japan Open 2026 title, defeating World No. 3 Akane Yamaguchi (Japan) in the final by 21-17, 21-17 at Tokyo, Japan
• Argentina's Lionel Messi created history by becoming the first footballer to play in three different FIFA World Cup finals after featuring in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final against Spain at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey, United States
• India created history by winning 1 Gold Medal and 3 Silver Medals at the 37th International Biology Olympiad (IBO) 2026, held in Vilnius, Lithuania
• India created history at the 58th International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO) 2026 by winning four Gold medals, becoming the first country to have all four participants win Gold medals in a single edition of the competition
• Spain won the 2026 Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) World Cup, defeating Argentina in the final to secure its second FIFA World Cup title.
• According to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Financial Stability Report (FSR), Private Sector Banks wrote off 7% of their Non-Performing Assets (NPAs) in FY2025–26, compared to 24.3% by Public Sector Banks (PSBs).
• The Board of ICICI Prudential Life Insurance approved a proposal to rename the company as ICICI Life Insurance Limited, subject to approval from the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI).
• Harjit Singh Grewal was appointed as the Chairperson of the National Commission for Minorities (NCM), with the appointment notified by the Ministry of Minority Affairs.
• The Indian Air Force (IAF) is participating in Exercise Pitch Black 2026, the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF)'s premier biennial multinational air combat exercise, scheduled from 20 July to 7 August 2026 at RAAF Base Darwin, Northern Australia.
• State Bank of India (SBI) plans to join a consortium of global lenders to finance Sun Pharmaceutical Industries' acquisition of US-based Organon & Co. in an overseas deal valued at US$11.75–12 billion, subject to board approval.
• Skyroot Aerospace Private Limited, a Hyderabad (Telangana)-based private spacetech company, successfully launched Vikram-1, India’s first privately developed orbital-class launch vehicle, under Mission Aagaman (Arrival) from Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC-SHAR), Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.
• Reliance Jio Infocomm Limited (Jio), the telecom arm of Reliance Industries Limited (RIL), received technical approval from the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) to deploy a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellation of around 1,600 satellites.
• India commissioned its first-ever geothermal wells at Puga Valley, Ladakh, marking a major milestone in the country's renewable energy sector.
• Union Minister Pralhad Joshi (Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution (MoCAF&PD) and Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE)) inaugurated the White Rabbit Technology-based Indian Standard Time (IST) Distribution Demonstration Network at the Regional Reference Standards Laboratory (RRSL), Jakkur, Bengaluru, Karnataka.
• Captain Aman Johri, an Indian Analog Astronaut, successfully completed a microgravity research flight under Project Astra Farm, marking a major milestone in India's space biotechnology and sustainable space food systems.
• CSIR–Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR-IICT), Hyderabad has developed India's first indigenous process technology for manufacturing Hydrofluoroolefin-1234yf (HFO-1234yf), a next-generation green refrigerant for refrigeration and air-conditioning systems.
• India's drug regulator, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO), approved Novo Nordisk's Wegovy (Semaglutide Injection 2.4 mg) for the treatment of Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis (MASH).
• The Aadhaar App has crossed 40 million (4 crore) downloads, highlighting the growing trust of residents in digital-first identity services.
• Sir Garfield Sobers, the legendary West Indies cricketer and widely regarded as one of the greatest all-rounders in cricket history, passed away in Saint Michael, Barbados, at the age of 89.