Dear Readers, Here we have given the list of Important Weekly Current Affairs of July  22nd & 30th July 2026. Candidates those who are preparing for Upcoming SBIClerk 2026 and other competitive exams can make use of it.

Weekly Current Affairs July 22nd & 30th PDF Download

CURRENT AFFAIRS: IMPORTANT DAYS

• World Brain Day is observed every year on 22 July to create awareness about brain health, prevent neurological disorders, and promote better treatment, rehabilitation, and care for people affected by brain-related disabilities.
• National Broadcasting Day is observed every year on 23 July in India to commemorate the first-ever radio broadcast in the country, which took place on 23 July 1927.
• Kargil Vijay Diwas is observed every year on 26 July to honour the bravery, courage, and supreme sacrifice of Indian Armed Forces personnel during the Kargil War of 1999.
• 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.
• World Day Against Trafficking in Persons is observed every year on 30 July to raise awareness about human trafficking, highlight the challenges faced by victims, and promote the protection of their rights.
• International Friendship Day is observed every year on 30 July across the world to highlight the importance of friendship, peace, solidarity and mutual understanding among people and communities.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : BANKING, FINANCE & BUSINESS

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has released the Draft Foreign Exchange Management (Foreign Investment) Rules, 2026 for public consultation to modernise India's foreign investment regulatory framework.
• Unified Payments Interface (UPI) is a real-time digital payment system operated by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) and is authorised under the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007.
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released the Financial Inclusion Index (FI-Index) for FY 2025–26, with the index rising to 0 in March 2026 from 67.0 in March 2025.
• The Government of India (GoI) continuously engages with financial sector regulators and other stakeholders to review issues related to the FinTech ecosystem, including digital lending platforms and payment aggregators.
• The Department of Land Resources (DoLR) under the Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) held a high-level meeting with the Reserve Bank of India Innovation Hub (RBIH) to strengthen the convergence of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) for land governance and digital lending.
• The Government of India (GoI) is continuously engaging with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and other regulators/stakeholders to curb the operations of fake and illegal loan apps in the country.
• The Government of India (GoI) launched the National Mission for Financial Inclusion (NMFI), namely Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY), in August 2014 to promote financial inclusion and provide universal banking services to every unbanked household.
• The Government of India (GoI) increased the windfall gains tax on diesel and Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) exports, while reducing the tax on petrol
• India's total exports (Merchandise + Services) increased by 37% to an estimated USD 232.73 billion during April–June FY2026–27, compared to USD 208.98 billion in the corresponding period of the previous financial year.
• According to provisional data released by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), India's Outward Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) declined by 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.
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued the Commercial Banks–Governance Amendment Directions, 2026, which will come into effect from 1 October 2026.
• EbixCash World Money Limited became the first Authorised Dealer Category-II (AD-II) entity in India to receive Reserve Bank of India (RBI) authorisation to offer Trade Remittances and Family Maintenance Remittances, a segment previously dominated by banks.
• ICRA Limited, a domestic credit rating agency, has projected India’s Real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) Growth at 4–6.6% for Q1 (April–June) FY2026–27 (FY27).
• EnKash, India’s leading business payments and spend management platform, became the first company in India to launch a Unified Payments Interface (UPI)-enabled Meal Card.
• According to a working paper published by the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM), India accounted for 2% of the world's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2025 based on Purchasing Power Parity (PPP).
• The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) approved Carnelian Asset Management & Advisors Private Limited to launch its Mutual Fund (MF) business.
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced the temporary closure of the RBI Monetary Museum in Mumbai from 22 July 2026 for renovation work until further notice.
• Punjab National Bank (PNB) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Andhra Pradesh (AP) to establish the PNB Quantum Finance Hub at the Amaravati Quantum Valley (AQV) in Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh.
• DBS Bank Limited, a Singapore-based multinational banking and financial services corporation, was named the World's Best Corporate Bank at the 2026 Global Bank Awards presented by Global Finance magazine.
• The London Stock Exchange (LSE) announced the launch of LSE 24, a new after-hours trading platform designed to provide near-continuous trading for global investors.
• 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.
• The National Stock Exchange (NSE) announced the launch of India's first exchange-traded energy derivative, the Indian Natural Gas Futures, with trading commencing from 27 July 2026.
• VIYONA Fintech, a Hyderabad, Telangana-based fintech infrastructure startup, received approval from the Bharat Bill Payment System (BBPS), now known as Bharat Connect, to operate as a Customer Operating Unit (COU).
• Vizhinjam International Seaport Limited (VISL), Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, received final approval from the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) to commence Export-Import (EXIM) cargo operations from 18 August 2026.
• State Bank of India (SBI) is set to become the first Indian bank to issue Basel III-compliant Additional Tier-I (AT-1) Perpetual Bonds in 2026.
• The Government of India (GoI) has approved the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) proposal to conduct field trials of 1 billion (100 crore) polymer banknotes each in the ₹10 and ₹20 denominations, marking a major step towards introducing more durable and secure currency notes in India.
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has released draft amendments proposing that all Securitisation Notes (SNs) must be issued, held, and transferred only in dematerialised (demat) form to enhance transparency, efficiency, liquidity, and investor protection in the securitisation market.
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) cancelled the banking licence of Paytm Payments Bank Limited (PPBL) with effect from 24 April 2026 under Section 22(4) of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.
• India's total exports reached a record US$863.1 billion in FY 2025–26, comprising Merchandise Exports of US$441.8 billion and Services Exports of US$421.3 billion, reflecting strong growth in India's external trade.
• Axis Finance Limited (AFL) launched ‘Axis Finance Drishti’, an in-house Business Rules Engine (BRE) and configurable digital platform to strengthen credit decision-making, risk management, and lending efficiency across Retail and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) lending.
• OmniCard Platform, developed by Eroute Technologies Private Limited, launched India’s first Flexi Benefits Basket on the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), providing a single employee-controlled digital wallet for tax-efficient employee benefits.
• Edelweiss Mutual Fund (MF) launched the Edelweiss Nifty REITs & Realty Index Fund, India’s first Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)-oriented open-ended passive index fund.
• The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) announced that the Output Producer Price Index (PPI) will replace the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) as the GDP deflator for quarterly and annual Gross Domestic Product (GDP) estimates, wherever applicable.
• The Asian Development Bank (ADB) approved an USD 850 million loan to support the Government of India (GoI) in accelerating rooftop solar adoption under the Prime Minister Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana (PMSG-MBY).
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) imposed monetary penalties on six companies, including Muthoot Finance, for non-compliance with various provisions of the RBI Act and Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC)
• Piramal Finance entered into a co-lending partnership with Muthoot Fincorp to expand access to affordable housing finance and Loan Against Property (LAP) solutions across India.
• Global fintech company Revolut received a full Authorised Deposit-taking Institution (ADI) licence from the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA), officially launching as Revolut Bank Australia.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: NATIONAL AND STATE NEWS

• The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) celebrated its 98th Foundation Day at the Bharat Ratna C. Subramaniam Auditorium, NASC Complex, New Delhi, where Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan presented a roadmap for “Viksit Krishi and Samruddh Kisan” under the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
• The Delhi Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, approved the implementation of the Parivartan Scheme, a flagship initiative of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), to promote cleaner commercial transportation in the National Capital Region (NCR).
• The Mukhyamantri Swasth Bastar Abhiyan has significantly improved maternal and child healthcare in Bastar region, particularly in Sukma district, one of Chhattisgarh's most Left-Wing Extremism (LWE)-affected
• The Supreme Court of India directed the Central Government to constitute a committee within two weeks to recommend a uniform post-retirement benefits scheme for retired Chief Justices and High Court judges across the country.
• India has approved its first dengue vaccine, QDENGA, after receiving marketing authorisation from the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI), marking a major milestone in the country's fight against dengue.
• The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) approved six transformative urban development projects worth ₹2,719.80 crore for Ahmedabad, Gujarat under the Urban Challenge Fund (UCF).
• The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) under the Ministry of Labour and Employment (MoL&E) launched VISHWAS 2026, a one-time dispute resolution scheme for the amicable settlement of damages and penalty-related disputes.
• Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh V. K. Saxena commissioned India’s first two 1,000-metre-deep geothermal wells at Puga Valley, Ladakh, developed by Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC) Energy Centre.
• The National Institution for Transforming India (NITI Aayog) launched the “Roadmap for Building India as a Leading Bioeconomy Powerhouse by 2035” at the National Media Centre, New Delhi.
• 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 6% electrification of its Broad Gauge (BG) railway network, becoming the second most electrified railway system in the world after Switzerland (100%).
• 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
• 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 Government of Maharashtra launched Bharat Taxi, a cooperative taxi service platform, at the Navi Mumbai International Airport, Maharashtra, to provide affordable, transparent, and reliable transportation services.
• India will host the International Type 1 Diabetes Summit 2026 from 30 July to 1 August 2026 in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, bringing together leading medical experts, researchers, government officials, healthcare professionals, and patient representatives from across the world.
• Union Minister for Communications and Development of North Eastern Region, Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, along with Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, launched the Mission Golden Spice – Integrated Lakadong Turmeric Value Chain Enhancement Project at Sanchar Bhavan, New Delhi.
• India formally accepted the World Trade Organization (WTO) Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, becoming the 123rd member to join the global agreement.
• The Union Cabinet approved amendments to the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024 to impose stricter penalties for exam paper leaks and other organised examination malpractices.
• The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), directed GitHub to remove repositories related to Bitchat, a decentralised peer-to-peer messaging application, citing national security and law enforcement concerns.
• The Government of India (GoI) released a factsheet describing Cotton as India’s “White Gold”, highlighting its significant contribution to the agriculture, textile, and export sectors.
• The Ministry of Coal (MoC) released ‘AAROH: Annual Report on Mine Closure’ in New Delhi, Delhi, showcasing India’s progress in scientific mine closure, ecological restoration, and sustainable post-mining land utilisation.
• 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 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 Government of Gujarat launched the e-Zero First Information Report (e-Zero FIR) System to enable victims of cyber financial fraud to lodge complaints without visiting a police station.
• The 2nd BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) Science Academies Forum Meeting 2026 was held at the Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IIT Hyderabad), Telangana.
• Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, launched the Mukhyamantri Machhuara Samman Nidhi Yojana to provide financial assistance and social security to fishermen engaged in reservoir fisheries during the annual fishing ban period.
• Indian Railways has sanctioned a ₹163 crore project to upgrade the electric traction system on the Parbhani–Mudkhed double line section in the Nanded Division of the South-Central Railway (SCR).
• Assam achieved a major milestone in its dairy sector by exporting the first international consignment of 5,627 litres of Purabi Ice Cream to Bhutan, marking the beginning of value-added dairy exports from the North Eastern Region.
• The Government of India has allocated ₹95,692 crore for the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Aajeevika Mission (Gramin) [VB-G RAM (G)] Act, 2025 during the Financial Year 2026–27.
• Global Tiger Day was celebrated on 29th July 2026 by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) in New Delhi to promote tiger conservation and strengthen public awareness about protecting wildlife and natural habitats.
• The Government of Gujarat has proposed the ambitious Gulf of Khambhat Project, also known as the Kalpasar Project, as a major water resources development initiative.
• According to the BIMCO-ICS Seafarer Workforce Report 2026, India has become the world’s second-largest supplier of seafarers, contributing 311,936 maritime professionals to the global shipping industry.
• The Delhi Government approved the Delhi Lakshmi Yojana, a welfare scheme aimed at the economic empowerment and social security of women.
• Union Minister for Communications and Development of North Eastern Region, Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, announced that India's first Telecom Manufacturing Zone (TMZ) will be established in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh.
• President Droupadi Murmu completed four years in office.
• Chhattisgarh has launched the DWEEPTI Yojana (Decentralised Women Empowerment on Energy and Policy for Transformative Inclusion), the country's first women-led distributed renewable energy policy, aimed at empowering rural women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in the solar energy sector.
• The Lok Sabha passed the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026 by a voice vote to strengthen the legal framework against the use of unfair means in public examinations and protect the interests of students and job aspirants.
• Union Minister for Communications and Development of North Eastern Region Jyotiraditya M. Scindia unveiled the theme “Scale without Boundaries” for the 10th edition of the India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2026, which will be held from 7–10 October 2026 at Yashobhoomi (India International Convention and Expo Centre), New Delhi.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : INTERNATIONAL NEWS

• The United Nations (UN) Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) released the State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World (SOFI) 2026 report titled “Understanding and Addressing the High Cost of a Healthy Diet.”
• President of Zanzibar and Chairman of the Revolutionary Council, Hussein Ali Mwinyi, paid an official visit to India from 17–20 July 2026 at the invitation of Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan.
• France became the first country in Europe to approve a law banning children below the age of 15 from accessing social media platforms, aiming to protect minors from harmful online content, digital addiction, cyberbullying, and online abuse.
• President Droupadi Murmu undertook a week-long State Visit to Moldova, North Macedonia, and Romania from 19–25 July 2026 to strengthen bilateral cooperation in trade, technology, tourism, education, innovation, and strategic partnerships.
• The Ancient Buddhist Site of Sarnath in Uttar Pradesh (UP) was inscribed on the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage List during the 48th Session of the World Heritage Committee (WHC) held in Busan, South Korea.
• The Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI) and the European Apparel and Textile Confederation (EURATEX) jointly launched the EU–India Textile and Apparel Dialogue (TAD) to strengthen bilateral cooperation and support the effective implementation of the India–EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

CURRENT AFFAIRS : APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

• The Ministry of Railways (MoR) appointed Rahul Himalian, Director (Tourism & Marketing), Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation Limited (IRCTC), as the additional Chairman & Managing Director (CMD) of IRCTC.
• Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye, President of Senegal, was elected as the new Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) during the 69th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government held in Freetown, Sierra Leone.
• Andy Burnham became the 59th Prime Minister (PM) of the United Kingdom (UK) after Keir Starmer resigned from the post.
• The Government of India (GoI) appointed Anurag Jain as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NITI (National Institution for Transforming India) Aayog, with the appointment approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) through the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT).
• Kanishka Narayan, a Bihar-born British-Indian Labour Member of Parliament (MP), has been appointed as the United Kingdom's first Minister for Artificial Intelligence (AI) under the government led by Prime Minister Andy Burnham.
• 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.
• Union Minister Pralhad Venkatesh Joshi, currently heading the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution (MoCAF&PD) and the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), was assigned additional charge as the 10th Union Minister of Education.
• Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin resigned from office nearly two years before completing his five-year term, citing serious health problems, including autonomic neuropathy, which occasionally causes loss of consciousness.
• The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) appointed Satya Pal Kumar, a 2005-batch Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer of the Income Tax cadre, as the Director of the Financial Intelligence Unit–India (FIU-IND) under the Department of Revenue (DoR), Ministry of Finance (MoF).

CURRENT AFFAIRS: AWARDS AND HONOURS

• American filmmaker James Gray will be honoured with the prestigious Pardo alla Carriera (Honorary Career Leopard Award) at the 79th Locarno Film Festival on 9 August 2026.
• National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval has been selected for the 44th Lokmanya Tilak National Award 2026 for his outstanding contribution to India’s national security, counter-terrorism strategy, covert operations, and border management.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : DEFENCE NEWS

• The United States of America (USA) delivered the 21st MH-60R Seahawk multi-role maritime helicopter to the Indian Navy (IN) at Kochi, Kerala, further strengthening the India–USA defence partnership and enhancing India's maritime security capabilities.
• The Indian Air Force (IAF) has retained its position as the World's 3rd Most Powerful Independent Air Force for the 5th consecutive year in the World Directory of Modern Military Aircraft (WDMMA) 2026 Global Air Power Rankings.
• 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.
• India achieved a major milestone in indigenous aero-engine technology with the successful development of the country's first indigenous Expendable Turbojet Engine in the 350 kg thrust class.
• The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted the maiden flight test of the 'Kusha' Long-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (LR-SAM) from APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha.
• Raghu Vamsi Aerospace Group announced an investment of over ₹600 crore to establish an integrated nickel-based superalloy manufacturing facility in Telangana.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : ACQUISITIONS & MERGERS

• Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) Bank signed a Share Purchase Agreement (SPA) to sell its 5% stake in PNB MetLife India Insurance Company to MetLife International Holdings, LLC for approximately ₹120.1 crore.
• 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 Reserve Bank of India (RBI) approved Areion Group’s ₹936 crore acquisition of Aviom India Housing Finance, marking a major step in the company's insolvency resolution process.
• The Government of Odisha has initiated the land acquisition process for Indian Oil Corporation (IOC)'s ₹61,077 crore Paradip Petrochemical Complex, marking IOC's largest-ever single-location investment.
• The Competition Commission of India (CCI), under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MoCA), approved the proposed merger of Go Digit Infoworks Services Private Limited (Infoworks) with Go Digit General Insurance Limited (GDGIL).
• Kotak Mahindra Asset Management Company (KMAMC) announced that Kotak Mahindra Mutual Fund (KMMF) increased its stake in South Indian Bank to more than 5% through an open market purchase.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: MOUS AND AGREEMENT

• The Government of Andhra Pradesh (AP) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) to establish a long-term partnership for promoting sustainable, inclusive, and climate-resilient urban development in the state.
• The Office of the Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks (CGPDTM) and the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research- National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (CSIR-NIScPR) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enable CGPDTM’s participation in the National Knowledge Resource Consortium (NKRC).
• Paras Semiconductors Private Limited, a subsidiary of Paras Defence and Space Technologies Limited, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Department of Science and Technology, Government of Madhya Pradesh, through the Madhya Pradesh State Electronics Development Corporation Limited (MPSeDC).
• India has strengthened its Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) with Sri Lanka by incorporating the Principal Purpose Test (PPT), an internationally recognised anti-abuse provision under the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) framework.
• Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU) entered into an academic partnership with Google through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance skill development, practical learning, and employment opportunities for engineering students.
• The Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) and the Cerebral Palsy Sports Federation of India (CPSFI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in New Delhi, Delhi to jointly pursue India’s bid to host the 2029 World Abilitysport Games.
• Engineers India Limited (EIL), a public sector engineering consultancy company, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-Institute of Minerals and Materials Technology (CSIR-IMMT), Bhubaneswar, to strengthen collaboration in: Mineral processing, Extractive metallurgy, Critical and strategic minerals value chain

CURRENT AFFAIRS : APPS & PORTALS

• National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has introduced two new citizen-centric digital services on the RajmargYatra Mobile App—Digital Local Pass and MargMitra Help Centre—to strengthen the Digital India initiative and enhance Ease of Living.
• 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 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.
• Indian Council of Agricultural Research–Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (ICAR-CMFRI) launched the "Shark Aware" mobile application and an interactive e-learning module to enhance awareness, identification, and conservation of protected and endangered sharks and rays in India.
• Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh, heading the Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR) and the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying (MoFAHD), launched the Atmanirbhar Panchayat Programme, SAMARTH Panchayat Portal, and released the Model Own Source of Revenue (OSR) Rules at Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi, Delhi.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : ENVIRONMENT

• A team of researchers discovered five new species of lichen-forming fungi belonging to the genus Allographa from the Western Ghats of India, a globally significant biodiversity hotspot.
• A team of Indian odonatologists discovered a new species of spreadwing damselfly, Lestes paloti, from the Western Ghats in Kerala.
• 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.
• Researchers from Maharashtra discovered a new polypore (bracket) fungus species named Microporellus kolhapurensis in Bhudargad taluka, Kolhapur district, Maharashtra, growing on rotting wood in the Bediv area near the Ajra border.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

• The National Institute of Electronics & Information Technology (NIELIT) announced the establishment of 2 Centres of Excellence (CoEs) in Ahmedabad (Gujarat) and Guwahati (Assam) to strengthen India’s semiconductor ecosystem through specialised skill development.
• The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur announced the establishment of the Centre of Excellence on Innovative and Integrated Ecosystem for Green Hydrogen (ECOGEN) on 20 July 2026.
• The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) licensed three indigenous biomedical technologies to Indian pharmaceutical and vaccine companies under its Medical Innovations Patent Mitra
• The United States Air Force (USAF) successfully conducted the first live missile launch by a Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) using the YFQ-44A Fury drone at Edwards Air Force Base, California, USA.
• Astronomers using National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)’s James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) discovered a new giant exoplanet, Beta Pictoris d, located 63 light-years from Earth and estimated to be about 23 million years old.
• Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), in collaboration with Google Cloud, launched a Gemini Experience Centre (GEC) in Kolkata, West Bengal, to showcase Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven innovations for consumer businesses.
• 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 Digital India BHASHINI (BHASHa INterface for India) Division (DIBD) under the Digital India Corporation (DIC), Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), in collaboration with the Department of Information Technology (IT), Electronics & Communications (EC), Government of Goa, organised the 'BHASHINI Rajyam: State Engagement Workshop' in Panaji, Goa.
• Microsoft India, in collaboration with the Foundation for Innovation and Technology Transfer (FITT), Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi, launched UNNATI AI 2.0, the second phase of its flagship Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
• The National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET) signed an agreement with the National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (NIRDPR) under the Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD), granting NIRDPR recognition as an Awarding Body (AB-Dual).
• Chinese commercial aerospace company Orienspace (ORIENSPACE) successfully launched the Gravity-1 Y4 carrier rocket from a sea-based launch platform in the East China Sea, placing 9 satellites into their designated orbits.
• The National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT), an Autonomous Scientific Society under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Semi-Conductor Laboratory (SCL), Mohali, Punjab, an autonomous organisation under MeitY, to make India's indigenous 2 micrometre (µm) Process Design Kit (PDK) available through the eChipHub platform.
• SpaceX successfully completed the 13th integrated test flight of its Starship launch system from Starbase, Texas, United States of America (USA).
• The Government of Bihar and the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) announced the establishment of the permanent National Skill Training Institute for Women (NSTI-W), Patna campus and the Skill India International Centre (SIIC), Bihar to strengthen women's skilling and global employment opportunities.
• The Digital Forensics Laboratory at the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU), Goa Campus has been notified as an Examiner of Electronic Evidence under Section 79A of the Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000 by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).
• The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has proposed an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered mission concept named PRAXIS (Planetary Rings Autonomous EXploration with In-situ Sampling) under Phase I of the NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) 2026 Program.
• NVIDIA, Microsoft Corporation, IBM (International Business Machines Corporation), along with leading technology companies and research institutions, launched the Open Secure AI Alliance (OSAA) to strengthen the security, trustworthiness, and resilience of Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems through open collaboration and shared security standards.
• The Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) celebrated its 20th Foundation Day at Prithvi Bhawan, New Delhi, Delhi, marking 20 years of contributions in weather forecasting, earth system science, oceanography, seismology, and polar research.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: SPORTS NEWS

• The 23rd Commonwealth Games will be held in Glasgow, Scotland from 23 July to 2 August 2026, featuring participation from 74 Commonwealth countries over 11 days.
• Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya and Himanta Biswa Sarma, President of Badminton Association of India and Chief Minister of Assam, unveiled the official mascot ‘Peacko’ and launched the championship anthem for the Badminton World Federation (BWF) World Championships 2026 in New Delhi, Delhi.
• Lovlina Borgohain, India’s Tokyo Olympic bronze medallist, secured India’s first medal at the Commonwealth Games 2026 even before the opening ceremony of the event held in Glasgow, Scotland.
• Vaibhav Sooryavanshi became the youngest batter to score a half-century in Twenty20 International (T20I) cricket, achieving the feat during the first T20I against Zimbabwe in Harare, Zimbabwe.
• 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.
• Sharmila Dhankar won the Gold Medal and Shilpa Shyla secured the Bronze Medal in the Women’s F57 Shot Put event at the Commonwealth Games 2026.
• Sarvesh Anil Kushare won the Silver Medal in the Men’s High Jump event at the Commonwealth Games 2026 held in Glasgow, Scotland.
• Ajaya Babu won the Silver Medal in the Men’s 79 Kilogram Weightlifting event at the Commonwealth Games 2026 held in Glasgow, Scotland.
• Esha Singh won the Gold Medal in the Women’s 25 Metre Pistol event at the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) World Cup 2026 held in Hangzhou, China.
• Gulveer Singh created history by becoming the first Indian athlete to win a medal in the Men's 10,000 Metre race at the Commonwealth Games, securing the Silver Medal at the Commonwealth Games 2026 in Glasgow, Scotland.
• India's Sonam Uttam Maskar and Himanshu Dhillon won the bronze medal in the 10m Air Rifle Mixed Team event at the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) World Cup.
• Senior Indian cricketer Ajinkya Rahane has announced his retirement from international cricket with immediate effect, bringing an end to his international career across all formats.
• India created history at the Commonwealth Games 2026 in Glasgow by securing a historic one-two finish in the Men’s 100-metre T47 Para Athletics event.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : OBITUARIES

• England football legend Joseph Kevin Keegan passed away at the age of 75 in the United Kingdom (UK).