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CURRENT AFFAIRS : BANKING, FINANCE & BUSINESS

Reserve Bank of India Data Shows India's Outward Foreign Direct Investment Declined 47.9% to USD 3 Billion in June 2026

• According to provisional data released by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), India's Outward Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) declined by 47.9% Year-on-Year (Y-o-Y) to USD 3 billion in June 2026, compared to USD 5.74 billion in June 2025.
• On a month-on-month basis, Outward FDI also declined from USD 4.5 billion in May 2026 to USD 3 billion in June 2026.

Key Highlights :

• Outward FDI comprises three components: Equity Commitments, Debt (Loans) Commitments, and Guarantees, all of which recorded a decline in June 2026.
• Equity Commitments declined sharply to USD 738 million in June 2026, compared to USD 2.2 billion in June 2025 and USD 1.25 billion in May 2026.
• Debt Commitments decreased to USD 469.87 million in June 2026, from USD 568.54 million in June 2025 and USD 645.75 million in May 2026.
• Guarantees issued by Indian entities to overseas subsidiaries and ventures declined to USD 1.78 billion in June 2026, compared to USD 2.97 billion in June 2025 and USD 2.61 billion in May 2026.
• Among equity commitments, ONGC Videsh Rovuma Limited (OVRL) made the largest investment of USD 40 million in its Mozambique-based Joint Venture, Project R2 Mozambique.
• Startup Investments committed nearly USD 35 million to its Singapore-based Joint Venture.
• Lenskart invested USD 22 million in its Singapore-based Wholly Owned Subsidiary (WOS).
• GFCL EV Products committed USD 20 million to its Oman-based Joint Venture and an additional USD 0.13 million to its Oman-based Wholly Owned Subsidiary.
• OneSource Specialty Pharma invested USD 18 million in its Singapore-based Wholly Owned Subsidiary.
• Under guarantee commitments, ONGC Videsh extended guarantees worth USD 47 million to its Singapore-based Wholly Owned Subsidiary and USD 24 million to its British Virgin Islands-based Wholly Owned Subsidiary.
• Oil India Limited provided guarantees worth USD 16.15 million to its British Virgin Islands-based Wholly Owned Subsidiary.
• Under debt commitments, Zydus Worldwide DMCC committed USD 183 million to its UAE-based Wholly Owned Subsidiary, while Sterling and Wilson Renewable Energy committed USD 44 million to its UAE-based Wholly Owned Subsidiary.
• Despite the decline in June 2026, India's Outward FDI Commitments for FY2025–26 stood at USD 48.6 billion, higher than USD 43.7 billion recorded in FY2024–25.

National Stock Exchange Introduces Electronic Gold Receipts for Exchange-Traded Ownership of Physical Gold

• Electronic Gold Receipts (EGRs) are exchange-traded securities introduced by the National Stock Exchange (NSE) that represent ownership of physical gold stored in SEBI-regulated vaults.

Key Highlights :

• The NSE launched the Electronic Gold Receipts (EGR) Segment in May 2026 to provide a regulated, transparent and secure platform for buying and selling gold in electronic form.
• Gold backing every EGR is stored in SEBI-regulated vaults, allowing investors to own physical gold without storing it at home or in bank lockers.
• EGRs are held in demat form, can be bought and sold like shares on stock exchanges, and follow a T+1 settlement cycle, with receipts credited to the buyer's demat account on the next trading day.
• Eligible participants include retail investors, jewellers, bullion traders, refiners and institutional investors.
• Electronic Gold Receipts are available in two purity standards: 999 (99.9% pure gold) and 995 (99.5% pure gold).
• EGRs are available in denominations of 10 mg, 100 mg, 1 gram, 10 grams, 100 grams and 1 kilogram, enabling investment across different price ranges.
• Investors can convert Electronic Gold Receipts into physical gold through the prescribed process, providing flexibility between digital ownership and physical delivery.
• Electronic Gold Receipts are digital assets backed by physical gold, offering market-based price discovery, electronic holding, standardised quality, and the ability to redeem physical gold whenever required.
• Benefits of EGRs include Unified Pricing (One Nation, One Price), easy exchange trading, higher liquidity, assured gold quality, fungibility of gold delivery, settlement guarantee, portfolio diversification, demat holding, and flexible investment denominations.
• On 28 September 2021, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) approved the Gold Exchange Framework and notified the SEBI (Vault Managers) Regulations, 2021.
• In December 2021, the Government of India notified Electronic Gold Receipts as securities under the Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act (SCRA), 1956, giving them legal recognition.
• On 11 April 2022, SEBI issued the Comprehensive Risk Management Framework for Electronic Gold Receipts, strengthening the regulatory framework for gold trading.
• The EGR ecosystem consists of SEBI, Stock Exchanges, Clearing Corporations, Depositories, and Vault Managers, ensuring a secure and transparent trading environment.
• National Stock Exchange (NSE) provides the trading platform for Electronic Gold Receipts.
• National Securities Clearing Limited (NCL) settles EGR trades by transferring Electronic Gold Receipts to buyers and funds to sellers.
• Depositories maintain Electronic Gold Receipts in demat form, facilitate settlement, and coordinate withdrawal and extinguishment to ensure demat holdings always match physical gold stored in vaults.
• Vault Managers are responsible for the deposit, storage and withdrawal of physical gold backing the Electronic Gold Receipts.
• Margin requirements for Electronic Gold Receipts include Value at Risk (VaR) + Extreme Loss Margin (ELM) + Mark-to-Market (MTM).
• Electronic Gold Receipts strengthen India's regulated gold ecosystem by promoting efficient, secure and transparent gold trading under the supervision of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI).

Securities and Exchange Board of India Alerts Listed Companies and Regulated Entities Against Rising "Boss Scam" Cyber Fraud

• The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has warned regulated entities and listed companies against the rising "Boss Scam", a cyber fraud primarily targeting finance and accounts departments.

Key Highlights :

• In a Boss Scam, fraudsters impersonate Chief Executive Officers (CEOs), Managing Directors (MDs), or other senior executives to deceive employees into making unauthorised fund transfers.
• SEBI issued the advisory after receiving inputs from the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) regarding the increasing number of Boss Scam
• Cybercriminals contact employees through emails, WhatsApp, Microsoft Teams, and social media platforms, pretending to be senior company officials and directing them to transfer funds to fraud-controlled bank accounts (mule accounts).
• Fraudsters use Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based deepfake technology, including voice cloning, fake video calls, and fake social media groups, to create convincing identities of CEOs and senior executives.
• In some cases, fraudsters falsely claim that the payment is related to Unpublished Price Sensitive Information (UPSI) and instruct employees to maintain strict secrecy, increasing the chances of successful fraud.
• Another method involves sending a compressed .zip file containing malware, which, when opened on a Windows computer, compromises the system and hijacks active WhatsApp Web sessions.
• After compromising a finance officer's WhatsApp account, cybercriminals use the trusted account to send fake payment instructions to other employees for transferring funds to their own accounts.
• Fraudsters may also alter the contact list by saving their own phone number under the name of the CEO or Managing Director, enabling them to send fraudulent payment requests.
• SEBI has advised organisations to verify all payment instructions through independent communication channels instead of relying solely on WhatsApp, email, or social media messages.
• The regulator has also recommended strengthening cybersecurity measures, implementing strong internal approval mechanisms, conducting employee awareness programmes, avoiding installation of unknown executable files, and logging out of unused WhatsApp Web sessions.
• In case of suspected cyber fraud, SEBI has advised immediate reporting through the National Cyber Crime Helpline – 1930 or the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (cybercrime.gov.in).
• The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), through its National Cybercrime Threat Analytics Unit (NCTAU), had also issued a similar advisory warning organisations about Boss Scam frauds involving fake messages claiming to be from authorities such as the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

About SEBI :

• Established : 12 April 1988 as an executive body and was given statutory powers on 30 January 1992 through the SEBI Act, 1992
• Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra
• Chairman : Tuhin Kanta Pandey
• SEBI is the regulatory body for securities and commodity markets in India under the ownership of the Ministry of Finance (MoF), GoI.

 CURRENT AFFAIRS: NATIONAL AND STATE NEWS

Uttar Pradesh Launches Mini Nandi Farmer Prosperity Scheme to Promote Indigenous Dairy Farming

• The Government of Uttar Pradesh launched the Mini Nandi Farmer Prosperity Scheme to promote scientific dairy farming using high-yielding indigenous cattle breeds and enhance farmers' income through financial assistance.
• The scheme provides 50% subsidy up to ₹11.80 lakh for establishing a 10-cow dairy unit with an estimated project cost of ₹23.60 lakh.
• The funding pattern includes 50% government subsidy, 15% beneficiary contribution, and 35% bank loan.
• Beneficiaries may also use their own funds instead of a bank loan by providing proof of sufficient financial resources.
• The subsidy is released in two instalments:
• First instalment (25%) after creation of dairy infrastructure.
• Second instalment (25%) after purchase and verification of eligible indigenous cattle.
• The subsidy is transferred through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system.
• Eligible indigenous cattle breeds under the scheme include Gir, Sahiwal, and Tharparkar, with preference for animals procured from recognised breeding centres.
• Only cows in their first or second lactation and within 45 days of lactation are eligible. The animals must be ear-tagged and insured.
• Applicants must have at least three years of dairy farming experience, possess 0.20 acre of land for establishing the dairy unit, and provide proof of year-round green fodder availability.
• At least 50% of the beneficiaries under the scheme will be women dairy farmers, promoting women's participation in rural entrepreneurship.
• Beneficiaries who have already received assistance under schemes such as Kamdhenu Scheme, Mini Kamdhenu Scheme, Micro Kamdhenu Scheme, Nandini Krishak Samriddhi Yojana, Nand Baba Milk Mission, and Chief Minister's Swadeshi Cow Development Scheme are not eligible.
• Applications are accepted only through the online portal, and if applications exceed the available quota, beneficiaries will be selected through an electronic lottery conducted under the supervision of the Chief Development Officer.

About Uttar Pradesh:

• Chief Minister: Yogi Adityanath
• Governor: Anandiben Patel
• Capital: Lucknow
• National Parks: Dudhwa National Park
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary, Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary, Hastinapur Wildlife Sanctuary, Chandraprabha Wildlife Sanctuary, Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary, Bakhira Wildlife Sanctuary, Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary, Okhla Bird Sanctuary

RECENT NEWS

• The Invest India and Invest UP have entered into the strategic partnership to attract the greater Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and accelerate industrial development in the State of Uttar Pradesh. This collaboration was formalized during the high-level meeting in Lucknow which was attended by the senior officials from both organizations.

Common Service Centres 4.0 Strengthen Digital Service Delivery and Rural Self-Employment

• The Common Service Centres (CSC) Scheme, launched under the Digital India Programme, has expanded digital public service delivery through CSC 4.0, enabling citizens in rural and semi-urban areas to access government, financial, and digital services.
• Common Service Centres are operated by Village Level Entrepreneurs (VLEs), who act as the link between citizens and government services while promoting self-employment and digital inclusion.
• Under CSC 4.0, centres are being connected through BharatNet to provide high-speed internet connectivity and improve access to digital services in remote areas.
• CSCs provide more than 500 online services, including Ayushman Bharat Card registration, Permanent Account Number (PAN) Card services, electronic Know Your Customer (e-KYC) for Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN), passport application support, Aadhaar-related services, banking, insurance, pension, utility bill payments, and government certificate services.
• To become a Village Level Entrepreneur (VLE), an applicant must be an Indian citizen, have passed at least the 10th standard, possess basic computer knowledge, and have a computer/laptop, internet connection, and smartphone.
• Completion of the Telecentre Entrepreneur Course (TEC) is mandatory before applying for a new Common Service Centre ID.
• The registration process includes completion of the Telecentre Entrepreneur Course, online application, document verification, and approval by the District Manager.
• Village Level Entrepreneurs earn commission-based income through the services offered, with earnings depending on the number and type of transactions handled.

About Common Service Centres (CSC)

• Launched: 2006
• Ministry: Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology
• Objective: To provide digital government, financial, educational, healthcare, and citizen-centric services through technology-enabled centres, especially in rural India.

Tamil Nadu's Killai Becomes State's First Climate-Resilient Village

• Killai village in Cuddalore district, Tamil Nadu, has been recognised as the first Climate-Resilient Village in the State.
• Located near the Pichavaram Mangrove Forest, the village has adopted a community-based climate adaptation model to address challenges such as cyclones, floods, coastal erosion, sea-level rise, and saltwater intrusion.
• The initiative integrates scientific planning, ecosystem conservation, climate-resilient infrastructure, sustainable water management, and community participation to strengthen resilience against climate change.
• The project focuses on climate adaptation by improving preparedness, reducing disaster risks, protecting livelihoods, and promoting sustainable development.
• Key features of the model include community-led climate planning, nature-based solutions, disaster preparedness, climate-smart livelihoods, environmental conservation, and resilient infrastructure.
• Killai was selected due to its coastal vulnerability and proximity to the ecologically significant Pichavaram Mangrove Forest, one of India's largest mangrove ecosystems.
• The initiative aims to safeguard the livelihoods of fishermen and farmers while reducing the impact of climate-related disasters.
• Killai's Climate-Resilient Village model is expected to serve as a replicable model for other climate-vulnerable coastal villages across India.

About Tamil Nadu:

• Chief Minister: C. Joseph Vijay
• Governor: Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar (Additional Charge)
• Capital: Chennai
• National Parks: Guindy National Park, Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park, Indira Gandhi (Anamalai) National Park, Mudumalai National Park, Mukurthi National Park, Palani Hills National Park
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary, Kalakad Wildlife Sanctuary, Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary, Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary, Sathyamangalam Wildlife Sanctuary, Srivilliputhur Grizzled Squirrel Wildlife Sanctuary, Pulicat Lake Wildlife Sanctuary, Megamalai Wildlife Sanctuary

RECENT NEWS

• A Tamil Nadu farmer who emerged as the inspiring example of how the sustainable agriculture can improve the livelihoods while restoring the environment. Valluval is a 58 uear old farmer from Pollachi district and he transformed his loss making coconut farm into the profitable multi-crop enterprise and earned the recognition as a UN FAO Soil Farmer Hero recognition.

India Achieves 99.6% Broad Gauge Railway Electrification; Becomes World's Second Most Electrified Railway Network

• Indian Railways has achieved 99.6% electrification of its Broad Gauge (BG) railway network, becoming the second most electrified railway system in the world after Switzerland (100%).
• According to the International Union of Railways (UIC) report (June 2025), India (99.6%) ranks ahead of China (82%), Spain (67%), Japan (64%), France (60%), and the United Kingdom (39%) in railway electrification.
• Since 2014, Indian Railways has electrified 48,072 route kilometres, compared to 21,801 route kilometres electrified during the previous six decades, making it one of the world's fastest railway electrification programmes.
• All newly constructed railway lines and multi-tracking projects are now being developed with electrification from the initial stage.
• Railway electrification has significantly reduced dependence on diesel. Diesel consumption declined from 293 crore litres (2015–16) to 108 crore litres (2024–25), saving fuel costs, reducing crude oil imports, and lowering greenhouse gas emissions.
• According to the National Institution for Transforming India (NITI Aayog), rail transport emits only 11.5 grams of carbon dioxide per tonne-kilometre, compared to 101 grams for road transport, making it nearly 89% more carbon-efficient.
• As of June 2026, Indian Railways has installed 1,161 Megawatts (MW) of solar power capacity and 103 MW of wind power capacity, generating over 1,260 MW of renewable energy to support its net-zero carbon objective.
• Several railway zones, including Central Railway, Eastern Railway, Northern Railway, Western Railway, South Central Railway, East Coast Railway, Konkan Railway, Kolkata Metro, West Central Railway, South Eastern Railway, South East Central Railway, North Central Railway, and South Coast Railway, have achieved 100% electrification.
• Most States and Union Territories, including Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Telangana, Punjab, Kerala, Odisha, Haryana, Delhi, Uttarakhand, Jammu and Kashmir, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, and Jharkhand, have completed 100% Broad Gauge railway electrification, while the remaining sections are under progress.

About Indian Railways

• Established: 1853
• Ministry: Ministry of Railways
• Headquarters: New Delhi
• Railway Minister: Ashwini Vaishnaw
• Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Railway Board: Satish Kumar

President Droupadi Murmu Unveils Mahatma Gandhi Statue in North Macedonia

• President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated a statue of Mahatma Gandhi at the Museum of the City of Skopje, Skopje, North Macedonia, during her three-nation visit to Europe.
• The event was attended by President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova of North Macedonia, highlighting the strengthening of India–North Macedonia bilateral relations.
• The statue symbolises India's commitment to promoting peace, non-violence (Ahimsa), truth (Satya), and humanity, reflecting the universal values advocated by Mahatma Gandhi.
• Addressing the gathering, President Droupadi Murmu stated that Mahatma Gandhi's ideals of truth, non-violence, justice, dignity, dialogue, empathy, and peaceful coexistence continue to inspire people across the world.
• She noted that Gandhi's philosophy remains relevant in addressing global conflicts, intolerance, and social challenges through peaceful means.
• The newly unveiled statue will serve as a symbol of:
• Friendship between India and North Macedonia
• Cultural and diplomatic cooperation
• Mutual commitment to peace and tolerance
• Shared humanitarian values
• During her visit, President Droupadi Murmu, along with President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova, also visited the Memorial House of Mother Teresa in Skopje.
• Mother Teresa was born in Skopje in 1910 and later dedicated her life to humanitarian service in India, for which she was awarded the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award.

About North Macedonia

• Capital: Skopje
• Currency: Macedonian Denar
• President: Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova

Madhya Pradesh Cabinet Approves Uniform Civil Code Bill, 2026

• The Madhya Pradesh Cabinet approved the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill, 2026, making Madhya Pradesh the fourth state after Uttarakhand, Gujarat, and Assam to adopt a Uniform Civil Code framework.
• The Bill seeks to establish uniform civil laws for all citizens in matters relating to marriage, divorce, inheritance, adoption, maintenance, succession, and live-in relationships, irrespective of religion.
• The Bill was approved during a special Cabinet meeting in Bhopal and will be introduced in the Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly during the Monsoon Session.
• The Uniform Civil Code is based on Article 44 of the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) in the Constitution of India, which directs the State to endeavour to secure a uniform civil code for all citizens.
• Key provisions of the Bill include:
• Mandatory registration of all marriages, irrespective of religion.
• Compulsory registration of live-in relationships within one month.
• Equal inheritance and property rights for sons and daughters.
• Monogamy as the standard form of marriage for all communities.
• Prohibition of practices such as polygamy, triple talaq, and nikah halala.
• The Bill provides an exemption for Scheduled Tribes (STs) and Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs), allowing them to continue following their customary laws and traditional practices.

About Uniform Civil Code (UCC)

• The Uniform Civil Code (UCC) aims to provide a common set of civil laws governing marriage, divorce, inheritance, adoption, maintenance, and succession for all citizens, irrespective of religion.
• It is based on Article 44 under the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) of the Constitution of India.
• Article 44 states that "The State shall endeavour to secure for the citizens a Uniform Civil Code throughout the territory of India."
• The Directive Principles of State Policy are non-justiciable but serve as guiding principles for governance and policymaking.

About Madhya Pradesh:

• Chief Minister: Mohan Yadav
• Governor: Mangubhai Chhaganbhai Patel
• Capital: Bhopal
• National Parks: Kanha National Park, Bandhavgarh National Park, Pench National Park, Panna National Park, Satpura National Park, Sanjay National Park, Madhav National Park, Van Vihar National Park, Mandla Plant Fossils National Park
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary, National Chambal Wildlife Sanctuary, Kuno Wildlife Sanctuary, Pachmarhi Wildlife Sanctuary, Pench Wildlife Sanctuary, Panna Wildlife Sanctuary, Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary, Singhori Wildlife Sanctuary, Bori Wildlife Sanctuary

Maharashtra to Develop India’s First Artificial Intelligence-Powered Bird Sanctuary at Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary

• The Government of Maharashtra approved the development of India’s first Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered bird sanctuary at the Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary (TCFS) with an investment of ₹45 crore.
• The project will establish the country’s first Artificial Intelligence-based bird detection and monitoring centre, integrating advanced technology with wildlife conservation and eco-tourism.
• Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary (TCFS) is located between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, and was declared India’s first flamingo sanctuary in 2015.
• The sanctuary is an important coastal wetland ecosystem situated along the Central Asian Flyway, a major migratory route connecting Europe, Central Asia, and the Indian subcontinent.
• The project will use Artificial Intelligence-enabled cameras to:
• Identify bird species automatically.
• Monitor migratory bird movements in real time.
• Collect scientific data for long-term research.
• Provide interactive digital displays for visitors.
• The Artificial Intelligence-based monitoring system will cover 1.5 kilometres of the sanctuary.
• The Eco-Nature Park will include:
• Nature trails
• Bird-watching towers
• Interpretation centres
• Educational facilities
• Improved eco-tourism infrastructure.
• The initiative aims to strengthen bird conservation, support scientific research, improve visitor experience, and promote sustainable eco-tourism without disturbing the wetland ecosystem.
• The sanctuary is home to several migratory and resident bird species, including Greater Flamingos, Lesser Flamingos, herons, egrets, kingfishers, shorebirds, waders, and waterfowl.

About Maharashtra:

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

RECENT NEWS

• Maharashtra is set to become home to India’s first offshore airport, marking a major milestone in the country’s aviation infrastructure. The ambitious project has received in-principal approval from Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, following a proposal presented by the Maharashtra Airport Development Company (MADC). 

CURRENT AFFAIRS : DEFENCE NEWS

Defence Research and Development Organisation Signs Two Strategic Industry Agreements to Advance the AEW&C Mk-II Programme

• Centre for Air Borne Systems (CABS), Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) signed a contract with AI Engineering Services Limited (AIESL), New Delhi for the conversion of six Airbus A321 aircraft from commercial to green configuration under the Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) Mk-II Programme.
• CABS, DRDO also signed a separate contract with Adani Defence Systems and Technologies Limited (ADSTL), Ahmedabad to serve as the Development-cum-Production Partner (DcPP) for the Mission Systems of the AEW&C Mk-II Programme.
• The contracts were signed on 22 July 2026 in New Delhi in the presence of Defence Secretary, Secretary, Department of Defence R&D, and Chairman, DRDO, Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh.
• The agreements were signed by the Director, CABS with the CEO of AIESL and the Head-Airborne Platform of ADSTL.
• AIESL will undertake the conversion of six A321 aircraft into green configuration, preparing them for the installation of advanced AEW&C mission systems.
• CABS is the nodal laboratory of DRDO for the AEW&C Mk-II Programme and is responsible for the integration of mission systems on the modified aircraft.
• ADSTL, as the Development-cum-Production Partner (DcPP), will support CABS in the development, integration, and production of the Mission Systems.
• The modified AEW&C Mk-II platform will be delivered by Airbus Defence & Space, the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM).
• CABS, ADSTL, and the Indian Air Force (IAF) will jointly conduct flight testing of the AEW&C Mk-II aircraft.
• The aircraft will receive airworthiness certification from the Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification (CEMILAC) and the Directorate General of Aeronautical Quality Assurance (DGAQA).
• The AEW&C Mk-II System will provide enhanced endurance, advanced airborne surveillance, secure communication, improved situational awareness, and enhanced command and control capabilities.
• The AEW&C Mk-II Programme will significantly strengthen India's air defence capabilities by enabling long-range threat detection, monitoring, and neutralisation.

Rajnath Singh Welcomes Completion of India’s First Tri-Service All-Women Global Sailing Expedition

• Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh flagged-in ‘Samudra Pradakshina’, the first-ever Tri-Service all-women circumnavigation sailing expedition, through video conferencing on 22 July 2026.
• The expedition was carried out aboard the Indian Army Sailing Vessel (IASV) Triveni, with 9 women officers from the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force successfully completing the historic mission.
• The expedition lasted 314 days, covered nearly 25,500 nautical miles, and traversed 4 oceans, making it one of India's most significant Tri-Service maritime expeditions.
• The mission was virtually flagged-off by Rajnath Singh on 11 September 2025 from Mumbai, Maharashtra.
• Rajnath Singh described the expedition as a symbol of Nari Shakti, Tri-Service synergy, jointness, and the spirit of New India, demonstrating courage, resilience, and national capability.
• The expedition was accomplished through nearly two years of intensive training, meticulous planning, 24×7 shore-based support, and coordinated efforts of multiple organisations.
• Samudra Pradakshina fulfilled all internationally recognised criteria for a global circumnavigation by crossing all meridians of longitude, crossing the Equator twice, crossing the International Date Line, and rounding the Three Great Capes.
• The Three Great Capes successfully rounded during the expedition were Cape Leeuwin (Australia), Cape Horn (South America), and the Cape of Good Hope (South Africa).
• The crew also successfully navigated the challenging Drake Passage, earning membership in the prestigious Cape Horners, an exclusive fraternity of sailors who have rounded Cape Horn.
• The expedition showcased the effectiveness of Tri-Service integration, with officers from the Army, Navy, and Air Force living, training, and sailing together as a unified operational team.
• Samudra Pradakshina also served as an important exercise in military diplomacy, with IASV Triveni making port calls across several countries to promote India's cultural heritage, maritime traditions, military professionalism, and soft power.
• IASV Triveni acted as India's floating ambassador, strengthening goodwill and defence relations with friendly nations during its international voyage.
• IASV Triveni is an indigenously built 50-foot sailing vessel, symbolising Aatmanirbhar Bharat, India's engineering excellence, innovation, and self-reliance.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Paninian India Unveils India's First Privately Developed Turbofan Engine Programme

• Paninian India Private Limited, a deep-tech and aerospace startup, launched the Yantur 4.5 kilo-Newton (kN) Turbofan Engine Programme, envisioned as India's first privately developed turbofan engine in its class.
• The Yantur Engine Programme marks a significant milestone in developing indigenous private-sector capability in compact aerospace propulsion for next-generation autonomous systems.
• The Yantur 4.5 kN Turbofan Engine is being developed to power Svayatt L1, Paninian India's long-range autonomous cruise missile platform.
• The Svayatt L1 platform is designed to meet the operational requirements of the Ministry of Defence (MoD) under the Make-I Programme for the Long-Range Land Attack Cruise Missile (LRLACM).
• The Yantur Engine has the potential to be upgraded from 5 kN to 12.5 kN, enabling it to power the Svayatt Collaborative Combat Aerial Vehicle (CCAV) platform.
• The upgraded 12.5 kN engine is expected to support multiple autonomous aerospace applications and future propulsion requirements.
• The Yantur and Svayatt L1 programmes include 5 patent claims covering innovations in engine family architecture, combustor, diffuser-nozzle design, compressor technology, digital-twin health monitoring, and advanced manufacturing techniques.
• Paninian India Private Limited was incorporated in 2018 and is headquartered in Hyderabad, Telangana.

Council of Scientific and Industrial Research Transfers Four Indigenous Technologies to Industry and Launches IoT-Based Rural Water Monitoring System

• The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) organized a Technology Transfer Event at CSIR Headquarters, New Delhi, to promote technology commercialization, industry collaboration, and indigenous innovation.
• The event was organized by CSIR–Central Scientific Instruments Organisation (CSIR-CSIO), Chandigarh, bringing together scientists, industry partners, technology adopters, and strategic stakeholders.
• During the event, 4 indigenous technologies were transferred to industry, an IoT-enabled rural water monitoring system was commercially launched, and royalty received from Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) for defence technologies was recognized.
• Shantanu Bhattacharya, Director, CSIR-CSIO, presented the laboratory's achievements in technology transfer, innovation, and commercialization.
• Three technologies—Induction Motor Stethoscope (MSCOPE), Portable & Universal Motor-cum-Pump Performance Monitor (PU-MPPM), and i-Power Quality Analyser (IPQA)—were licensed to M/s Pump Academy Private Limited, Bengaluru.
• The Optical Module and Beam Combiner Assembly for the Head-Up Display (HUD) of the SU-30 aircraft programme was transferred to Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Panchkula.
• CSIR-CSIO also commercially launched an Affordable IoT-enabled Water Service Delivery, Measurement and Monitoring Sensing System for rural deployment through M/s Biometry Technologies Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi.
• The IoT-enabled rural water monitoring system will facilitate real-time monitoring of water quality, water quantity, and service delivery in rural areas.
• CSIR-CSIO received ₹1.67 crore as royalty from BEL, Panchkula during FY 2025–26 for licensed production of indigenous military avionics technologies.
• The licensed defence technologies include Head-Up Display (HUD), Drogue Lights, Taxi Landing Lights, HUD I Level Tester, and Boresight Alignment Tool.
• The royalty reflects the strong partnership between CSIR-CSIO and the Indian defence industry, contributing to indigenous defence manufacturing under Atmanirbhar Bharat.

Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology Scientists Pioneer Borophene-Based Bio-Lubricant Using Castor Oil

• Scientists from the Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology (IASST), Guwahati, an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), achieved a major breakthrough by demonstrating the first-ever use of Borophene (2D nanomaterial) as a high-performance lubricant additive in castor oil.
• The research is considered a significant advancement in sustainable lubrication technology and has the potential to transform renewable energy systems, marine applications, green lubrication technologies, and sustainable manufacturing.
• Friction and wear are major causes of energy loss and equipment failure in industries, making the development of advanced lubricants an important scientific and technological objective.
• Castor oil is a renewable, biodegradable, and environment-friendly lubricant, whose performance can be significantly enhanced using Borophene as an additive.
• The researchers found that adding only 1 wt.% Borophene to castor oil reduced friction by approximately 42% compared to pure castor oil.
• The research was conducted under the guidance of Devasish Chowdhury, with Mr. Ujjibit Boruah, INSPIRE Senior Research Fellow (SRF), serving as the first author of the study.
• Borophene dispersed uniformly in castor oil without requiring any chemical modification, making it suitable for practical lubricant applications.
• During operation, Borophene formed a durable protective tribofilm consisting of iron oxides, carbonaceous species, and boron-based compounds, significantly improving lubrication performance.
• The protective tribofilm reduced shear stress, enhanced load-bearing capacity, minimized wear, improved machine efficiency, and extended the service life of machinery.
• The study demonstrated that combining Borophene with renewable castor oil creates a high-performance bio-lubricant capable of reducing energy consumption and improving industrial sustainability.
• The research findings were published in the internationally reputed journal ACS Applied Engineering Materials, opening a new avenue for the application of Borophene in sustainable lubrication technologies.

Over 3.75 Lakh Beneficiaries Supported Under Department of Science and Technology's INSPIRE Programme in Five Years: Dr. Jitendra Singh

• The Government of India reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing scientific talent through the Department of Science and Technology (DST) flagship Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research (INSPIRE) Programme, which has supported more than 3.75 lakh students and researchers over the last five years.
• The information was shared by Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, Jitendra Singh, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha.
• The INSPIRE Programme develops scientific talent through four major components: INSPIRE-MANAK, INSPIRE Scholarship for Higher Education (SHE), INSPIRE Fellowship, and INSPIRE Faculty Fellowship.
• INSPIRE-MANAK encourages scientific creativity and innovation among students of Classes VI to XII by promoting original ideas and innovations.
• INSPIRE-SHE (Scholarship for Higher Education) provides 12,000 scholarships every year, each worth ₹80,000, to meritorious undergraduate and postgraduate students pursuing natural and basic sciences.
• INSPIRE Fellowship provides financial assistance for doctoral (PhD) research for up to five years, supporting research scholars across India.
• INSPIRE Faculty Fellowship enables outstanding postdoctoral researchers to undertake independent research through fellowship support and research grants.
• During 2025–26, 49,805 students were supported under INSPIRE-MANAK, 24,276 students received INSPIRE-SHE scholarships, 3,364 researchers benefited under INSPIRE Fellowship, and 477 researchers received support through the INSPIRE Faculty Fellowship.
• Collectively, the four INSPIRE components have benefited over 3.75 lakh students and researchers across India during the last five years.
• The Government has expanded the programme's reach through State Education Departments, District Education Officers, schools, digital platforms, awareness campaigns, orientation programmes, webinars, and capacity-building workshops.
• INSPIRE-MANAK regularly organises District, State, and National Level Exhibitions and Project Competitions to identify and promote young innovators.
• Selected students receive mentorship from premier institutions such as Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), National Institutes of Technology (NITs), Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISERs), and other leading scientific organisations.
• The mentoring programme helps students develop prototypes, strengthen research capabilities, and promote grassroots innovation.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : APPS & PORTALS

Government Strengthens Senior Citizen Re-Employment Through National Career Service Portal

• The Central Government reaffirmed its commitment to promote active ageing and enhance employment opportunities for senior citizens through the National Career Service (NCS) Portal.
• The Senior Citizen Re-employment Initiative under the NCS Portal has recorded significant growth in registrations, employer participation, and job opportunities, enabling experienced professionals to remain part of the workforce.
• The Government has taken note of the UNFPA-India's India Ageing Report 2023, which projects a sharp increase in India's elderly population in the coming decades.
• According to the India Ageing Report 2023, the population aged 60 years and above is projected to increase from 10.4% in 2022 to 20.8% by 2050, and further rise to 36% by the end of the century.
• The report highlights the need for livelihood opportunities, structured re-employment avenues, and income security, especially for elderly persons working in the unorganised sector.
• Under the National Career Service (NCS) Project, the Government has approved 407 Model Career Centres (MCCs) in collaboration with States and other institutions.
• The Model Career Centres (MCCs) connect youth, senior citizens, and other job seekers with employment opportunities through job fairs, the NCS Portal, career counselling, and skill training.
• The NCS Portal is evolving through Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven services, greater convergence, and enhanced citizen-centric services, strengthening India's employment ecosystem and supporting inclusive economic growth.
• Since its launch in 2015, the NCS Portal has registered more than 6.46 crore job seekers and 58.76 lakh employers across the country.
• Among the registered job seekers, 1.89 lakh individuals are above the age of 60 years, reflecting increasing participation of senior citizens in the workforce.
• The NCS Portal currently hosts 1.68 lakh job vacancies specifically identified as suitable for candidates above 60 years of age.
• More than 2.29 crore job seekers, including senior citizens, have been shortlisted by employers through the NCS Portal across India.

About Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment :

• Cabinet Minister : Virendra Kumar Khatik
• Minister of State : Ramdas Athawale, B. L. Verma

Government Launches Unified Mission Vatsalya Portal to Strengthen Child Protection System

• Mission Vatsalya is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) implemented by States and Union Territories (UTs) for the care, protection, rehabilitation, and reintegration of Children in Need of Care and Protection (CNCP) and Children in Conflict with Law (CCL).
• The primary objective of Mission Vatsalya is to ensure care, protection, rehabilitation, and reintegration of children in difficult circumstances, including missing, abandoned, and vulnerable children.
• The Ministry of Women and Child Development (MoWCD) has developed an integrated unified Mission Vatsalya Portal in consultation and coordination with States and UTs.
• The TrackChild Portal for Missing/Found Children and the Khoya-Paya Application for Missing/Sighted Children have been integrated into the Mission Vatsalya Portal.
• The TrackChild Module is implemented with the support of multiple stakeholders, including the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Ministry of Railways, State Governments, UT Administrations, Child Welfare Committees (CWCs), Juvenile Justice Boards (JJBs), and the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA).
• The Government has issued Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and advisories to all States, UTs, Directors General of Police (DGPs), and other stakeholders for effective implementation of the Mission Vatsalya Portal.
• The Mission Vatsalya Portal is integrated with the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network & Systems (CCTNS) of the Ministry of Home Affairs, enabling interoperability for matching FIRs of missing children with the portal database to trace and identify missing children.
• Through the Khoya-Paya Module, any citizen can report a missing or sighted child, strengthening community participation in child protection.
• The Go Home and Re-Unite (GHAR) Portal has also been integrated with the Mission Vatsalya Portal to facilitate the restoration and reunification of children with their families.
• The Ministry of Women and Child Development has directed all States and UT Administrations to appoint Designated Nodal Officers for Missing Children at both the State Level and District Level.
• All States and UTs have appointed the required Nodal Officers, and their details have been uploaded on the Mission Vatsalya Portal.
• The Ministry has issued guidelines and advisories to ensure timely data entry and regular updating of information on the Mission Vatsalya Portal by Child Welfare Committees (CWCs) and Juvenile Justice Boards (JJBs).
• Continuous efforts are being made to strengthen monitoring mechanisms, improve real-time digital reporting, and ensure the timely tracking, protection, rehabilitation, and reintegration of children requiring care and protection.

About Ministry of Women and Child Development :

• Cabinet Minister : Annapurna Devi
• Minister of State : Savitri Thakur

CURRENT AFFAIRS : ACQUISITIONS & MERGERS

Competition Commission of India Clears The Brink's Company’s 100% Acquisition of NCR Atleos Corporation

• The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved the acquisition of 100% equity share capital of NCR Atleos Corporation by The Brink's Company.
• The Proposed Combination involves the acquisition of 100% ownership of NCR Atleos Corporation (Target) by The Brink's Company (Acquirer).
• After completion of the transaction, NCR Atleos Corporation will become a wholly owned and controlled subsidiary of The Brink's Company.
• The Brink's Company is a global provider of cash and valuables management, digital retail solutions, and ATM managed services, operating in over 100 countries.
• In India, The Brink's Company primarily provides cash replenishment services and ancillary first-line maintenance services through its subsidiary Brink's India Private Limited.
• NCR Atleos Corporation is a financial technology (FinTech) company that provides self-directed banking solutions
• In India, NCR Atleos Corporation manufactures and supplies ATM hardware, including through its Chennai manufacturing facility.
• The company also develops and licenses ATM software for banking and financial institutions.
• NCR Atleos Corporation provides ATM managed services, including monitoring, help-desk support, and transaction processing.
• It also offers ATM maintenance services, covering both First-Line Maintenance (FLM) and Second-Line Maintenance (SLM).

Recent News :

• In July 2026, The Competition Commission of India (CCI) approved the proposed combination involving the acquisition of seven Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) by Anantam Highways Trust (InvIT) and the issuance of InvIT units to Build India Infrastructure Fund (BIIF), Dilip Buildcon Limited (DBL), and DBL Infraventures Pvt. Ltd. (DIPL).

About CCI:

• The Competition Commission of India (CCI) is a statutory body within the Ministry of Corporate Affairs and is responsible for enforcing the Competition Act of 2002.
• Founded: October 14, 2003
• Headquarters: New Delhi, India
• Chairperson: Ravneet Kaur

 Daily CA One- Liner: July 24

• The Government of Uttar Pradesh launched the Mini Nandi Farmer Prosperity Scheme to promote scientific dairy farming using high-yielding indigenous cattle breeds and enhance farmers' income through financial assistance
• The Common Service Centres (CSC) Scheme, launched under the Digital India Programme, has expanded digital public service delivery through CSC 4.0, enabling citizens in rural and semi-urban areas to access government, financial, and digital services
• Killai village in Cuddalore district, Tamil Nadu, has been recognised as the first Climate-Resilient Village in the State
• Indian Railways has achieved 99.6% electrification of its Broad Gauge (BG) railway network, becoming the second most electrified railway system in the world after Switzerland
• President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated a statue of Mahatma Gandhi at the Museum of the City of Skopje, Skopje, North Macedonia, during her three-nation visit to Europe
• The Madhya Pradesh Cabinet approved the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill, 2026, making Madhya Pradesh the fourth state after Uttarakhand, Gujarat, and Assam to adopt a Uniform Civil Code framework
• The Government of Maharashtra approved the development of India’s first Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered bird sanctuary at the Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary (TCFS) with an investment of ₹45 crore.
• According to provisional data released by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), India's Outward Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) declined by 47.9% Year-on-Year (Y-o-Y) to USD 3 billion in June 2026, compared to USD 5.74 billion in June 2025.
• Electronic Gold Receipts (EGRs) are exchange-traded securities introduced by the National Stock Exchange (NSE) that represent ownership of physical gold stored in SEBI-regulated vaults.
• The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has warned regulated entities and listed companies against the rising "Boss Scam", a cyber fraud primarily targeting finance and accounts departments.
• Centre for Air Borne Systems (CABS), Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) signed a contract with AI Engineering Services Limited (AIESL), New Delhi for the conversion of six Airbus A321 aircraft from commercial to green configuration under the Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) Mk-II Programme.
• Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh flagged-in ‘Samudra Pradakshina’, the first-ever Tri-Service all-women circumnavigation sailing expedition, through video conferencing on 22 July 2026.
• Paninian India Private Limited, a deep-tech and aerospace startup, launched the Yantur 4.5 kilo-Newton (kN) Turbofan Engine Programme, envisioned as India's first privately developed turbofan engine in its class.
• The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) organized a Technology Transfer Event at CSIR Headquarters, New Delhi, to promote technology commercialization, industry collaboration, and indigenous innovation.
• Scientists from the Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology (IASST), Guwahati, an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), achieved a major breakthrough by demonstrating the first-ever use of Borophene (2D nanomaterial) as a high-performance lubricant additive in castor oil.
• The Government of India reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing scientific talent through the Department of Science and Technology (DST) flagship Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research (INSPIRE) Programme, which has supported more than 3.75 lakh students and researchers over the last five years.
• The Central Government reaffirmed its commitment to promote active ageing and enhance employment opportunities for senior citizens through the National Career Service (NCS) Portal.
• Mission Vatsalya is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) implemented by States and Union Territories (UTs) for the care, protection, rehabilitation, and reintegration of Children in Need of Care and Protection (CNCP) and Children in Conflict with Law (CCL).
• The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved the acquisition of 100% equity share capital of NCR Atleos Corporation by The Brink's Company.