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CURRENT AFFAIRS : BANKING, FINANCE & BUSINESS

Government Eases Foreign Direct Investment Norms for Export-Oriented Inventory-Based E-Commerce of Indian-Manufactured Goods

• The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoC&I) relaxed the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Policy by allowing foreign-funded e-commerce companies to operate an inventory-based model exclusively for the export of goods manufactured or produced in India.
• The policy change aims to boost India's exports by enabling foreign-invested e-commerce platforms to procure, stock, warehouse, and export Indian-made products directly to overseas consumers, thereby improving global market access for domestic manufacturers and sellers.
• Under the previous FDI policy, foreign investment was permitted only in Business-to-Business (B2B) e-commerce and the marketplace model, while Business-to-Consumer (B2C) e-commerce and the inventory-based model were prohibited for foreign-funded entities to protect domestic retailers.
• Under the revised FDI policy, the restrictions on the inventory-based model and B2C e-commerce will not apply when the goods being sold are manufactured or produced in India and are exported to foreign markets.
• The updated policy permits foreign-funded e-commerce entities to own inventory, purchase, warehouse, and directly export domestically manufactured products to customers outside India.
• The policy amendment is intended to strengthen India's manufacturing ecosystem, expand the country's global export footprint, and improve the competitiveness of Indian manufacturers in international markets.
• The revised provisions were notified through Press Note 3 of 2026 issued by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT).
• The revised policy will become effective after the corresponding amendments are notified under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), 1999 through the Foreign Exchange Management (Non-Debt Instruments) Rules, 2019.
• The policy is expected to benefit foreign-funded e-commerce companies, including platforms such as Amazon and Flipkart, by allowing them to directly export Indian-manufactured goods through an inventory-based model.
• The reform is a significant step toward promoting exports, enhancing the ease of doing business, and supporting the Make in India and export-led growth

SBI Life Insurance Becomes Principal Partner of India's Para Sports Team for the 2026 Season

• SBI Life Insurance Company Limited, one of India's leading private life insurers, entered into a strategic partnership with the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI).
• Under the partnership, SBI Life Insurance became the Principal Partner of the Indian Contingent for the 2026 Para Sport Season.
• The collaboration aims to recognise, encourage, and highlight the achievements of India's para-athletes, celebrating their dedication, resilience, and high performance.
• SBI Life Insurance will also serve as the Official Life Insurance Partner of the Indian Contingent at the Commonwealth Para Games 2026.
• The Commonwealth Para Games 2026 will be held in Glasgow, Scotland.
• SBI Life Insurance will further act as the Official Life Insurance Partner for the Asian Para Games 2026.
• The Asian Para Games 2026 will be hosted in Aichi–Nagoya, Japan.
• SBI Life Insurance had previously partnered with India's Para athletes during the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games held in Paris, France.

Recent news :

• In July 2026, SBI Life Insurance Company Limited signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay, Mumbai, Maharashtra, to establish the “Bharat AI & Cyber Innovation Hub for Insurance.”

About SBI Life Insurance :

• SBI Life Insurance Company Limited was incorporated in October 2000.
• The company was registered with the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) in March 2001.
• SBI Life Insurance offers a wide range of insurance products, including protection, pension, savings, and health insurance solutions for individual and group customers.

Government Reports Gross Non-Performing Assets of Scheduled Commercial Banks Fall to 1.73% by March 2026

• Gross Non-Performing Assets (GNPAs) of Scheduled Commercial Banks (SCBs) declined to 1.73% as of March 2026, compared to 2.75% in March 2024, indicating a significant improvement in the asset quality of India's banking sector.
• Minister of State (MoS) for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary informed the Rajya Sabha that the decline in NPAs reflects the impact of sustained Government and Reserve Bank of India (RBI) reforms.
• Public Sector Banks (PSBs) reduced their Gross NPAs from ₹6.16 lakh crore in March 2021 to ₹2.45 lakh crore in March 2026, showing a substantial improvement in financial health.
• Private Sector Banks also improved asset quality by reducing NPAs from ₹2.02 lakh crore in March 2021 to ₹1.26 lakh crore in March 2026.
• Foreign Banks operating in India reduced their NPAs from ₹10,199 crore to ₹3,990 crore between March 2021 and March 2026.
• Small Finance Banks (SFBs) recorded an increase in NPAs, rising from ₹5,971 crore in March 2021 to ₹10,448 crore in March 2026.
• The Government clarified that loan write-offs are only an accounting exercise carried out to clean bank balance sheets and do not amount to loan waivers.
• Even after a loan write-off, borrowers remain legally liable to repay their dues, and banks continue recovery proceedings against defaulting borrowers.
• Loan write-offs are undertaken in accordance with the RBI's Resolution of Stressed Assets Directions, 2025, for loans that are difficult or uneconomical to recover.
• The sustained decline in NPAs has been supported by major reforms such as the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), 2016, amendments to the SARFAESI Act, amendments to the Recovery of Debt and Bankruptcy Act, and the RBI's Prudential Framework for Early Resolution of Stressed Assets.
• Public Sector Banks have also implemented Automated Early Warning Systems (EWS) and established Stressed Asset Management Verticals to identify and resolve stressed loans at an early stage.
• The Government highlighted reforms under the Multi-State Cooperative Societies (Amendment) Act and Rules, 2023, to improve governance and financial transparency in cooperative institutions.
• The reforms include the appointment of a Cooperative Ombudsman, designation of Information Officers, and mandatory concurrent audits for Multi-State Cooperative Societies having turnover or deposits exceeding ₹500 crore.
• NABARD maintains NPA data for Rural Cooperative Banks, while the Ministry of Cooperation does not maintain NPA data for Multi-State Cooperative Societies.

Nepal Allows Indian and Nepali Citizens to Carry ₹200 and ₹500 Indian Currency Notes up to ₹25,000 Across the Border

• Nepal has permitted Indian and Nepali citizens to carry Indian currency notes of ₹200 and ₹500 denominations (issued on or after 9 November 2016) into or out of Nepal up to a maximum limit of ₹25,000 per person.
• The decision was notified by the Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB), the central bank of Nepal, to facilitate smoother cross-border travel, tourism, trade, and business between India and Nepal.

Key Highlights :

• Indian ₹500 and ₹1,000 notes issued before 9 November 2016 continue to remain prohibited in Nepal.
• Nepali citizens are permitted to bring Indian currency into Nepal only from India and can carry Indian currency out of Nepal only to India, not to any third country.
• The revised regulations strengthen the long-standing open-border arrangement and promote economic, commercial, and cultural ties between India and Nepal.
• The maximum permissible limit for carrying eligible Indian currency notes across the border is ₹25,000 per person.
• The eligible Indian currency includes only ₹200 and ₹500 denomination notes issued after India's demonetisation on 9 November 2016.
• India had demonetised the old ₹500 and ₹1,000 banknotes on 8 November 2016, after which a new series of currency notes was introduced.
• Nepali citizens and foreign visitors can bring up to US$5,000 (or its equivalent in other foreign currencies) into Nepal without filing a customs declaration.
• Any foreign currency amount exceeding US$5,000 must be declared under Nepal's customs regulations upon arrival.
• The clarification was issued by the Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) on 23 July 2026, following the publication of the revised rules in the Nepal Gazette on 11 February 2026.
• The Nepal Gazette is the official government publication used for issuing legal and administrative notifications in Nepal.

 CURRENT AFFAIRS: NATIONAL AND STATE NEWS

Government Constitutes High-Powered Exam Security Task Force to Strengthen Public Examination System

• The Government of India has constituted a High-Powered Exam Security Task Force to strengthen the country's examination system and prevent paper leaks, impersonation, and examination malpractices.
• The six-member task force will be chaired by Infosys Co-founder Nandan Nilekani.
• The committee has been formed to recommend technology-driven reforms for making competitive examinations more secure, transparent, and credible.
• The task force will focus on:
• Preventing paper leaks and examination fraud.
• Strengthening digital infrastructure for national-level examinations.
• Improving transparency and accountability in recruitment and entrance examinations.
• Recommending long-term reforms for examination security.
• Restoring public confidence in India's examination system.
• The committee comprises experts from the fields of education, technology, administration, science, and internal security.

Members of the High-Powered Exam Security Task Force:

• Nandan Nilekani – Chairman; Co-founder of Infosys and digital governance expert.
• Amrit Lal Meena – Former Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer; Logistics expert.
• Anita Karwal – Former Secretary, Department of School Education and Literacy, and former Chairperson, Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE); Education expert.
• Dr. V. Kamakoti – Director, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras; Technology and Artificial Intelligence expert.
• S. Somanath – Former Chairman, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO); Science and technology expert.
• Tapan Deka – Former Director, Intelligence Bureau (IB); Internal security expert.
• The committee is expected to recommend the adoption of:
• Artificial Intelligence-based monitoring of examination centres.
• Biometric verification of candidates.
• Encrypted digital delivery of question papers.
• Real-time surveillance and analytics.
• Secure logistics for examination materials.
• Advanced cybersecurity and anti-cheating mechanisms.

Uttarakhand to Radio-Collar Elephants Ahead of Haridwar Kumbh Mela 2027 to Enhance Human-Wildlife Safety

• The Uttarakhand Forest Department, in collaboration with the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), has launched a radio-collaring project to monitor wild elephants ahead of the Haridwar Kumbh Mela 2027.
• The initiative aims to minimise human-elephant conflict, ensure the safety of pilgrims, and conserve wildlife by enabling real-time tracking of elephant herds.
• Under the project, radio collars will be fitted on the lead elephants of selected herds, allowing forest officials to monitor the movement of the entire herd, as elephants generally move together.
• Since May 2026, the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) has been conducting field studies to identify:
• Elephant herd sizes
• Migration routes
• Movement patterns
• Frequently visited locations
• The Wildlife Institute of India (WII) has provided four radio collars for the project.
• Real-time tracking will enable forest authorities to:
• Issue early warnings to nearby residents.
• Deploy rapid response teams to conflict-prone areas.
• Guide elephants safely back into forest habitats.
• Improve wildlife management during the Haridwar Kumbh Mela 2027.
• The proposal was reviewed by the State Wildlife Board and the State-Level Tiger Steering Committee, chaired by Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami.
• The project requires approval from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) before radio collars can be fitted to wild elephants.
• Haridwar is located near the Rajaji–Corbett Elephant Corridor, one of India's most important elephant movement corridors connecting Rajaji National Park and Corbett National Park.
• According to the 2020 Elephant Census, Uttarakhand recorded 2,026 wild elephants, compared to 1,839 elephants in 2017, indicating a significant increase in the state's elephant population.
• The initiative supports scientific wildlife management, promotes human-wildlife coexistence, and strengthens conservation efforts during one of the world's largest religious gatherings.

HCL Technologies to Establish Artificial Intelligence-Optimised Data Centre and Global Technology Centre in Odisha

• HCL Technologies (HCLTech) announced plans to establish an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-optimised Data Centre and a Global Technology Centre in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.
• The project will be developed in collaboration with the Government of Odisha and Sarvam AI, with an estimated investment of ₹15,000 crore.
• The facilities will be established at the proposed Odisha Sovereign Artificial Intelligence Park, which aims to strengthen India's sovereign Artificial Intelligence capabilities.
• The initiative will provide secure, scalable, and indigenous Artificial Intelligence infrastructure for:
• Government organisations
• Enterprises
• Research institutions
• Startups
• The Artificial Intelligence Data Centre marks HCL Technologies' first entry into the Artificial Intelligence infrastructure sector in India.
• The Global Technology Centre is expected to become operational by 2028 and generate approximately 5,000 employment opportunities.
• The project aims to meet the growing demand for high-performance Artificial Intelligence computing infrastructure and accelerate Artificial Intelligence adoption across sectors.
• The Odisha Sovereign Artificial Intelligence Park will feature:
• High-performance computing infrastructure
• Secure cloud and data services
• Artificial Intelligence model training capabilities
• Enterprise Artificial Intelligence platforms
• HCL Technologies will collaborate with Sarvam AI to develop sovereign Artificial Intelligence solutions by combining:
• HCL Technologies' enterprise technology expertise
• Sarvam AI's indigenous Artificial Intelligence foundation models
• High-performance computing infrastructure
• Multilingual Artificial Intelligence services for Indian users
• The collaboration follows HCL Technologies' acquisition of a 10.5% equity stake in Sarvam AI for USD 150 million.
• The project supports the Digital India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives by promoting indigenous Artificial Intelligence infrastructure, reducing dependence on foreign Artificial Intelligence platforms, enhancing data sovereignty, and accelerating innovation in sectors such as healthcare, governance, education, finance, and manufacturing.

About HCL Technologies (HCLTech)

• Founded: 1991
• Headquarters: Noida, Uttar Pradesh
• Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director: C. Vijayakumar

RECENT NEWS

• HCLSoftware, the software division of HCLTech, has announced the launch of Domino 14.5, an advanced platform designed to ensure data sovereigntyand enhance data privacy for governments and regulated organisations. This latest release features Domino IQ, a sovereign AI solution built specifically to protect sensitive national and enterprise information from foreign access or influence.

Digital India BHASHINI Division Organises ‘BHASHINI Rajyam: State Engagement Workshop’ in Goa to Promote Multilingual Artificial Intelligence

• The Digital India BHASHINI Division (DIBD), under the Digital India Corporation and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), in collaboration with the Department of Information Technology, Electronics and Communications, Government of Goa, organised the ‘BHASHINI Rajyam: State Engagement Workshop’ in Panaji, Goa.
• The workshop aimed to advance multilingual Artificial Intelligence (AI) and strengthen language-first Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), with a special focus on the Konkani language.
• The event was attended by Goa Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Digital India BHASHINI Division Amitabh Nag, policymakers, senior government officials, industry leaders, academicians, startups, and language experts.
• The workshop showcased the progress of the Konkani Large Language Model (LLM) currently under development to enhance digital services in the Konkani language.
• A live demonstration highlighted real-time English-to-Konkani speech transcription, translation, and speech synthesis, showcasing the capabilities of multilingual Artificial Intelligence.
• The event also demonstrated BHASHINI's Artificial Intelligence tools, including:
• Chitraanuvaad – Image Translation
• Vaanianuvaad – Speech Translation
• Lekhaanuvaad – Text Translation
• Participants were introduced to the National Hub for Language Technology (NHLT) – Shabd Udyan, which supports the development of India's language technology ecosystem.
• The workshop highlighted the BHASHINI website plug-in, which enables websites to support 22 Indian languages, improving accessibility and citizen-centric digital governance.
• The initiative aims to remove language barriers and ensure that citizens, including those in remote areas, can access digital public services in their native language, particularly Konkani.

About Digital India BHASHINI Division (DIBD)

• Headquarters: New Delhi
• Parent Organisation: Digital India Corporation
• Administrative Ministry: Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY)
• Chief Executive Officer (CEO): Amitabh Nag

Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Launches “Gems of India” Challenge to Promote Grassroots Digital Creators

• The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has launched the Pilot Phase of the “Gems of India” Challenge, a national initiative aimed at identifying, nurturing and promoting grassroots digital creators across India.
• The initiative focuses on strengthening India’s creative economy (Orange Economy) by encouraging citizens to showcase the culture, heritage, tourism, traditions, history and unique achievements of their districts through digital storytelling.
• The challenge is implemented through MyWAVES, the citizen creator platform available under the WAVES Over-The-Top (OTT) platform, which enables users to create, upload and share original content.
• Under the challenge, participants can submit original videos of 1 to 3 minutes duration through the MyWAVES section of the WAxVES OTT platform.
• The submission period for the pilot phase will remain open from 1st August to 31st August 2026.
• The pilot phase will be conducted in:
• Andaman and Nicobar Islands
• Arunachal Pradesh
• Chandigarh
• Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu
• Goa
• Ladakh
• The initiative is being implemented in collaboration with:
• Prasar Bharati
• MY Bharat
• State Governments and District Administrations
• The awards under the challenge will be provided at three levels:
• District Level: Up to 20 awards of ₹50,000 each in every district
• State Level: ₹2 lakh award
• National Level: ₹5 lakh award
• To increase participation, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has partnered with YouTube and Meta, which will utilise their creator networks to promote the initiative.
• The “Gems of India” Challenge aims to provide a platform for local creators and highlight India’s diverse cultural identity through digital innovation.
• MyWAVES Platform: A citizen creator initiative under the WAVES Over-The-Top (OTT) platform launched to encourage original digital content creation.

RECENT NEWS

• The Government of India has released the draft Telecommunications (Television, Radio and Associated Services) Rules of 2026 and it proposed the common regulatory framework for all television and radio broadcasting services in the country.

About Ministry of Information and Broadcasting:

• Cabinet Minister: Ashwini Vaishnaw
• Constituency: Rajya Sabha, Odisha
• Ministers of State (MoS): L. Murugan

CURRENT AFFAIRS : APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

Indian Administrative Service Officer Keshav Chandra Takes Charge as Secretary of the Ministry of Mines

• Shri Keshav Chandra, a 1995-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the AGMUT cadre, assumed charge as the Secretary, Ministry of Mines, Government of India.
• Keshav Chandra succeeded Piyush Goyal, who was appointed as the Secretary General of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).
• Before assuming his new role, Keshav Chandra served as the Chairperson of the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC).
• Soon after taking charge, Secretary Keshav Chandra chaired a review meeting with senior officials of the Ministry of Mines to assess the Ministry's key initiatives and ongoing activities.
• Senior officials briefed the Secretary on important programmes related to mineral exploration, auction and operationalisation of mineral blocks, critical and strategic minerals, and other major initiatives in the mining and mineral sector.
• Keshav Chandra emphasized the importance of coordinated efforts, efficient implementation, and timely execution of the Ministry's programmes to strengthen India's mineral sector.
• The Ministry of Mines is treating critical minerals as a strategic sector due to their growing importance in high-technology industries and national economic security.
• Critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, graphite, titanium, and rare earth elements are essential for Electric Vehicles (EVs), renewable energy, electronics, defence, and other advanced technology industries.
• India currently depends heavily on imports for many critical minerals, making the country vulnerable to global supply disruptions, price volatility, and geopolitical risks.
• The Government is promoting domestic mineral exploration, auction of mineral blocks, and exploration licences to encourage private sector participation and strengthen India's critical mineral supply chain.

About Ministry of Mines :

• Cabinet Minister : G. Kishan Reddy
• Minister of State : Satish Chandra Dubey

Infosys Names Ashiss Kumar Dash as CEO Designate and Future Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer

• Infosys Limited, India's second-largest Information Technology (IT) services company, appointed Ashiss Kumar Dash as its Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Designate.
• Ashiss Kumar Dash will assume charge as the Managing Director (MD) & CEO of Infosys from 1 April 2027, following the completion of Salil Parekh's second term.
• Ashiss Kumar Dash has been appointed for a five-year term (2027–2032), subject to shareholders' approval.
• Salil Parekh will continue as Managing Director (MD) & CEO until 31 March 2027 to ensure a smooth leadership transition.
• The appointment of Ashiss Kumar Dash was approved by the Infosys Board of Directors based on the recommendation of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee.
• Ashiss Kumar Dash is an Infosys veteran with over 30 years of experience in the Information Technology (IT)
• He currently serves as Executive Vice President (EVP) and Global Head – Services, Utilities, Resources, Energy & Enterprise Sustainability at Infosys.
• During his career, Ashiss Kumar Dash has led customer-facing businesses, delivery operations, global business units, and Artificial Intelligence (AI)-led digital transformation initiatives across multiple geographies.

About Infosys Limited :

• Founded : 1981
• Headquarters : Bengaluru, Karnataka.

Five-Time World Chess Champion Viswanathan Anand Assumes Charge as Interim FIDE President

• Viswanathan Anand, India's five-time World Chess Champion and Deputy President of the International Chess Federation (FIDE), assumed charge as the Interim President of FIDE.
• Viswanathan Anand took over as Interim President after FIDE President Arkady Vladimirovich Dvorkovich voluntarily suspended his duties.
• Arkady Dvorkovich stepped aside following sanctions imposed by the European Union (EU) and Switzerland over Russia's war against Ukraine.
• Viswanathan Anand is the only Indian to have won the World Chess Championship five times, making him one of the greatest chess players in history.
• He won the World Chess Championship in 2000, 2007, 2008, 2010, and 2012.
• In August 2022, Viswanathan Anand was elected as the Deputy President of the International Chess Federation (FIDE).
• His appointment as Interim President of FIDE reflects his significant contribution to international chess and his leadership within the global chess community.
• Viswanathan Anand received the Arjuna Award in 1985, India's second-highest national sports honour.
• He was honoured with the Padma Shri in 1988 for his contribution to Sports, which is India's fourth-highest civilian award.
• He received the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award in 1991–92, India's highest sporting honour.
• He was conferred the Padma Bhushan in 2001 for Sports, India's third-highest civilian honour.
• In 2008, Viswanathan Anand received the Padma Vibhushan for Sports, India's second-highest civilian honour.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : ENVIRONMENT

Zoological Survey of India Identifies Two New Spider Species, Simonia lawbah and Hamataliwa papikonda

• Scientists from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) discovered and documented two new spider species—Simonia lawbah from Meghalaya and Hamataliwa papikonda from Andhra Pradesh (AP)—highlighting India's rich and underexplored biodiversity.
• The discoveries were published in the peer-reviewed journals Zootaxa and Records of the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), marking significant additions to India's arachnological records.

Key Highlights :

• Simonia lawbah was discovered in Krem Lawbah Cave, Meghalaya, and belongs to the Theridiosomatidae family of ray spiders.
• Simonia lawbah is the first recorded species of the genus Simonia in India, making it an important discovery for the country's biodiversity records.
• The spider is less than 2 millimetres (mm) in size and is troglophilic, meaning it is adapted to living in cave environments.
• Simonia lawbah constructs a distinctive cone-shaped ray web to capture flying insects.
• Hamataliwa papikonda was discovered in Papikonda National Park, Andhra Pradesh, and belongs to the Oxyopidae family of lynx spiders.
• Hamataliwa papikonda is the first record of the genus Hamataliwa in Andhra Pradesh.
• The genus Hamataliwa comprises around 90 species worldwide, of which 10 species have been recorded in India.
• Hamataliwa papikonda is an active hunting spider that captures prey using its speed, agility, and spiny legs rather than relying on webs.
• The spider possesses eight eyes arranged in a hexagonal pattern, enabling accurate prey detection and tracking.
• These discoveries highlight the importance of scientific exploration, taxonomy, and biodiversity conservation in India.

About Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) :

• The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) was established in 1916 and is headquartered in Kolkata, West Bengal.
• ZSI functions under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), Government of India (GoI) and is India's premier organization for faunal research, taxonomy, and biodiversity documentation.

About Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change :

• Cabinet Minister : Bhupender Yadav
• Minister of State : Kirti Vardhan Singh

CURRENT AFFAIRS : APPS & PORTALS

Indian Council of Agricultural Research – Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute Unveils DeepDATA Mobile App to Document India's Deep-Sea Fish Biodiversity

• The Indian Council of Agricultural Research – Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (ICAR-CMFRI) launched DeepDATA, a mobile application developed under the Deep Ocean Mission of the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) in Kochi, Kerala.
• DeepDATA aims to provide scientifically verified information on deep-sea fish species while enabling users to contribute field observations for building a national digital repository of India's deep-sea biodiversity.
• The launch was attended by Dr. Grinson George, Director, ICAR-CMFRI; Dr. Eldho Varghese, In-charge, IT Unit and Lead Developer of DeepDATA; and Dr. Rekha J. Nair, Principal Scientist, ICAR-CMFRI.
• DeepDATA serves as a digital learning and documentation platform, offering verified information on taxonomy, distinguishing characteristics, distribution, and conservation status of deep-sea fish species.
• The application supports deep-sea exploration, marine biodiversity research, marine resource assessment, and scientific documentation of India's deep-sea ecosystems.
• The app is available on the Google Play Store, making it accessible to students, researchers, fishermen, and all individuals interested in India's marine biodiversity.
• DeepDATA promotes Citizen Science by allowing users to upload photographs and observations of deep-sea fishes encountered during fishing operations, research cruises, and coastal visits.
• Every species record submitted through the app is scientifically verified by ICAR-CMFRI experts before being included in the national digital database, ensuring accuracy and authenticity.
• The validated records will help generate reliable information on the availability, distribution, and occurrence of deep-sea fish species in Indian waters.
• DeepDATA bridges the gap between classroom learning and real-world marine biodiversity documentation, making scientific knowledge more accessible to the public.
• The application supports biodiversity mapping, conservation planning, sustainable fisheries management, marine research, and increased public awareness about India's largely unexplored deep-sea ecosystems.
• The DeepDATA app was developed under the Deep Ocean Mission with funding support from the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES).

About ICAR-CMFRI :

• ICAR-CMFRI is a premier marine fisheries research institute functioning under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and is headquartered in Kochi, Kerala.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Council of Scientific and Industrial Research Transfers Four Homegrown Technologies to Industry and Launches Internet of Things-Based Rural Water Monitoring System

• The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) transferred four indigenous technologies to industry and commercially launched an Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled Rural Water Service Delivery, Measurement and Monitoring System during the Technology Transfer Event held at CSIR Headquarters, New Delhi, Delhi.
• The event was organized by the CSIR–Central Scientific Instruments Organisation (CSIR-CSIO), Chandigarh, to promote technology commercialization, industry collaboration, and innovation-led manufacturing.
• The programme was presided over by Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, Director General (DG), CSIR and Secretary, Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR).
• CSIR-CSIO transferred three indigenous technologies to Pump Academy Private Limited, Bengaluru, Karnataka, to strengthen industrial instrumentation and equipment monitoring.
• The technologies licensed to Pump Academy Private Limited include the Induction Motor Stethoscope (MSCOPE), Portable & Universal Motor-cum-Pump Performance Monitor (PU-MPPM), and i-Power Quality Analyser (IPQA).
• CSIR-CSIO transferred the Optical Module and Beam Combiner Assembly for the Head-Up Display (HUD) of the SU-30 aircraft programme to Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Panchkula, Haryana.
• During the event, CSIR-CSIO received ₹1.67 crore in royalty from Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) for the licensed production of indigenous defence technologies.
• The licensed defence technologies include Head-Up Display (HUD), Drogue Lights, Taxi Landing Lights, HUD Level-I Tester, and Boresight Alignment Tool.
• The event also marked the commercial launch of an affordable IoT-enabled Rural Water Service Delivery, Measurement and Monitoring System through Biometry Technologies Private Limited.
• The IoT-enabled rural water monitoring system enables real-time monitoring of water quality, water quantity, and rural water service delivery, improving the efficiency of water management.
• The technology transfer initiative aims to strengthen industry–academia collaboration, accelerate the commercialization of indigenous technologies, and promote innovation-driven manufacturing.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: SPORTS NEWS

Mirabai Chanu Wins Gold; Raja Muthupandi Bags Silver at Commonwealth Games 2026

• India's Mirabai Chanu won the Gold Medal in the Women's 48 kg weightlifting event at the Commonwealth Games 2026 held in Glasgow, Scotland.
• Mirabai Chanu lifted a total of 190 kg (85 kg in Snatch + 105 kg in Clean and Jerk) to successfully defend her title.
• With this victory, she became the first Indian weightlifter to win three consecutive Commonwealth Games Gold Medals.
• She also secured India's first Gold Medal at the Commonwealth Games 2026.
• Ruth Asuquo Nyong (Nigeria) won the Silver Medal, while Irene Jane Henry (Malaysia) secured the Bronze Medal in the Women's 48 kg event.
• India's Raja Muthupandi won the Silver Medal in the Men's 65 kg weightlifting event.
• Raja Muthupandi lifted a total of 286 kg to finish second in the competition.
• Aznil Bin Bidin Muhamed (Malaysia) won the Gold Medal with a Commonwealth Games record total of 299 kg, while Morea Baru (Papua New Guinea) claimed the Bronze Medal.
• Raja Muthupandi temporarily set a Commonwealth Games record in the Clean and Jerk by lifting 160 kg, before it was surpassed by Aznil Bin Bidin Muhamed.
• The medals won by Mirabai Chanu and Raja Muthupandi further strengthened India's weightlifting campaign at the Commonwealth Games 2026.

Anahat Singh Becomes First Indian to Win World Junior Squash Championships Girls’ Singles Title

• India’s Anahat Singh won the Girls’ Singles title at the World Squash Junior Championships 2026, becoming the first Indian to win the prestigious championship.
• In the final, 18-year-old Anahat Singh defeated Ruqayya Salem of Egypt in straight games (11–3, 11–7, 11–9) to clinch the title.
• With this victory, Anahat Singh became the first non-Egyptian player to win the Girls’ Singles title since Amanda Sobhy (United States of America) won it in 2010.
• The triumph also ended Egypt’s 13-year winning streak, as Egyptian players had won the Girls’ Singles title consecutively from 2011 to 2025.
• During the tournament, Anahat Singh lost only two games in six matches, showcasing a dominant performance throughout the championship.
• In the quarter-finals, she defeated Habiba Rizk (Egypt) 3–1.
• In the semi-finals, she defeated Barb Sameh (Egypt) 3–1.
• In the final, she overcame Ruqayya Salem (Egypt) 3–0 to secure the championship.
• Prior to this achievement, India’s best performance at the World Squash Junior Championships was Joshna Chinappa’s runner-up finish in the Girls’ Singles event in 2005.
• Anahat Singh’s victory marks a historic milestone for Indian squash and reflects the country's growing strength in international squash competitions.

Indian Grandmasters Rohith Krishna S and Raja Rithvik R Win Gold and Silver at Menuires International Chess Open Masters Tournament 2026

• Indian Grandmasters Rohith Krishna S and Raja Rithvik R secured the gold and silver medals respectively at the inaugural Menuires International Chess Open - Masters Tournament 2026 held in Les Ménuires, France.
• Both Indian players finished jointly at the top of the leaderboard with 7 points from 9 rounds and remained unbeaten throughout the tournament.
• Rohith Krishna S won the gold medal by securing a superior tie-break score of 43 points, while Raja Rithvik R finished second with a tie-break score of 41.5 points.
• Grandmaster Artem Omelja of Ukraine won the bronze medal by scoring 6.5 points.
• The tournament witnessed participation from 86 players representing countries including:
• France
• India
• China
• Germany
• Poland
• Netherlands
• Italy
• The tournament carried a total prize fund of €20,000.
• Gold Medal Winner: €3,000
• Silver Medal Winner: €2,000
• Bronze Medal Winner: €1,500
• Rohith Krishna S, a chess player from Chennai, Tamil Nadu, became India’s 89th Grandmaster in August 2025.
• Rohith Krishna S is pursuing an engineering degree at SSN College of Engineering, Chennai.
• The victory highlights the growing dominance of Indian Grandmasters in international chess tournaments.

CURRENT AFAFIRS: IMPORTANT DAYS

World Nature Conservation Day is observed on 28 July 2026 

• World Nature Conservation Day 2026 is observed on 28 July 2026 across the world to create awareness about the importance of conserving nature, protecting biodiversity, and preserving natural resources.
• The day highlights the need for maintaining a healthy and sustainable environment for present and future generations.
• The major objective of World Nature Conservation Day is to promote the conservation of endangered plants and animal species and protect ecosystems from environmental degradation.
• The observance encourages individuals, governments, and organisations to adopt sustainable practices for the protection of forests, wildlife, water resources, and natural habitats.
• In 2018, the European Union (EU) completely restricted the outdoor use of three neonicotinoids, a type of pesticide, due to concerns regarding their harmful impact on bees and other pollinators.
• Between 1995 and 1996, 31 gray wolves from Western Canada were reintroduced into Yellowstone National Park, United States of America, around 40 years after their disappearance due to human activities.
• The reintroduction of gray wolves in Yellowstone became a significant example of wildlife restoration and ecosystem balance.
• In 1973, the Endangered Species Act (ESA) was enacted to promote the conservation of threatened and endangered species and protect the ecosystems essential for their survival.

About International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)

• The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) was established on 5 October 1948 in Fontainebleau, France.
• Headquarters: Gland, Switzerland

Daily CA One- Liner: July 28

• The Government of India has constituted a High-Powered Exam Security Task Force to strengthen the country's examination system and prevent paper leaks, impersonation, and examination malpractices
• The Uttarakhand Forest Department, in collaboration with the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), has launched a radio-collaring project to monitor wild elephants ahead of the Haridwar Kumbh Mela 2027
• HCL Technologies (HCLTech) announced plans to establish an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-optimised Data Centre and a Global Technology Centre in Bhubaneswar, Odisha
• The Digital India BHASHINI Division (DIBD), under the Digital India Corporation and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), in collaboration with the Department of Information Technology, Electronics and Communications, Government of Goa, organised the ‘BHASHINI Rajyam: State Engagement Workshop’ in Panaji, Goa
• The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has launched the Pilot Phase of the “Gems of India” Challenge, a national initiative aimed at identifying, nurturing and promoting grassroots digital creators across India
• India's Mirabai Chanu won the Gold Medal in the Women's 48 kg weightlifting event at the Commonwealth Games 2026 held in Glasgow, Scotland
• India’s Anahat Singh won the Girls’ Singles title at the World Squash Junior Championships 2026, becoming the first Indian to win the prestigious championship
• Indian Grandmasters Rohith Krishna S and Raja Rithvik R secured the gold and silver medals respectively at the inaugural Menuires International Chess Open - Masters Tournament 2026 held in Les Ménuires, France
• World Nature Conservation Day 2026 is observed on 28 July 2026 across the world to create awareness about the importance of conserving nature, protecting biodiversity, and preserving natural resources.
• The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoC&I) relaxed the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Policy by allowing foreign-funded e-commerce companies to operate an inventory-based model exclusively for the export of goods manufactured or produced in India.
• SBI Life Insurance Company Limited, one of India's leading private life insurers, entered into a strategic partnership with the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI).
• Gross Non-Performing Assets (GNPAs) of Scheduled Commercial Banks (SCBs) declined to 73% as of March 2026, compared to 2.75% in March 2024, indicating a significant improvement in the asset quality of India's banking sector.
• Nepal has permitted Indian and Nepali citizens to carry Indian currency notes of ₹200 and ₹500 denominations (issued on or after 9 November 2016) into or out of Nepal up to a maximum limit of ₹25,000 per person.
• Shri Keshav Chandra, a 1995-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the AGMUT cadre, assumed charge as the Secretary, Ministry of Mines, Government of India.
• Infosys Limited, India's second-largest Information Technology (IT) services company, appointed Ashiss Kumar Dash as its Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Designate.
• Viswanathan Anand, India's five-time World Chess Champion and Deputy President of the International Chess Federation (FIDE), assumed charge as the Interim President of FIDE.
• Scientists from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) discovered and documented two new spider species—Simonia lawbah from Meghalaya and Hamataliwa papikonda from Andhra Pradesh (AP)—highlighting India's rich and underexplored biodiversity.
• The Indian Council of Agricultural Research – Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (ICAR-CMFRI) launched DeepDATA, a mobile application developed under the Deep Ocean Mission of the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) in Kochi, Kerala.
• The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) transferred four indigenous technologies to industry and commercially launched an Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled Rural Water Service Delivery, Measurement and Monitoring System during the Technology Transfer Event held at CSIR Headquarters, New Delhi, Delhi.