Daily Current Affairs 28 July 2026: Important GK Updates for UPSC, SSC, Banking & Railways Exams
This article covers the complete Daily Current Affairs of 28 July 2026, including the ₹3,030 crore BHAVYA Rasayan scheme, Sarnath becoming India’s 45th UNESCO World Heritage Site, Nandan Nilekani heading the examination reform task force, PNB establishing India’s first Quantum Finance Hub, and India’s new domestic benchmark-based natural gas futures. It includes exam-ready one-liners, quick-fact cards and FAQs for UPSC, SSC, Banking, Insurance, RRB, Defence and State PSC examinations.
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Introduction to Current Affairs 28 July 2026
The Current Affairs of 28 July 2026 cover major developments in government policy, international heritage, banking, science, education and strategic industries. The most important stories include the approval of the BHAVYA Rasayan chemical parks scheme, Sarnath’s inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage List, the formation of an examination reform task force headed by Nandan Nilekani and the proposed establishment of India’s first bank-led Quantum Finance Hub.
These developments are important for direct factual questions as well as conceptual questions related to governance, finance, international organisations and technology. Aspirants can use this daily current affairs update for quick revision before UPSC, SSC, Banking, Insurance, Railways, Defence and State PSC examinations.
National Current Affairs
Nandan Nilekani to Head High-Powered Examination Reform Task Force
Why in News: On 26 July 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a six-member high-powered task force under Nandan Nilekani to recommend comprehensive reforms for making India’s public examination system more transparent, secure and technology-driven.
Quick Facts
- Chairperson: Nandan Nilekani, co-founder of Infosys and former UIDAI Chairman.
- Total membership: Six members, including the chairperson.
- Other members include S. Somanath, Tapan Deka, V. Kamakoti, Anita Karwal and Amrit Lal Meena.
- The panel includes specialists from technology, education, intelligence and public administration.
- The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act was enacted in 2024.
Key Highlights
- The task force will recommend safeguards against paper leaks, impersonation and organised examination fraud.
- It will examine the use of digital identity, secure question-paper transmission and technology-based monitoring.
- The proposed reforms include time-bound investigations and stronger punishment for organised malpractice.
- Fast-track courts may be established for examination-related offences.
- The initiative followed controversies and nationwide concerns surrounding competitive examination irregularities.
Cabinet Approves Public Examinations Amendment Bill 2026
Why in News: On 25 July 2026, the Union Cabinet approved the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026 to increase penalties, accelerate investigations and create special courts for paper-leak and examination-malpractice cases.
Quick Facts
- Proposed individual punishment: 5-10 years of imprisonment.
- Proposed individual fine: Up to ₹50 lakh.
- Minimum organised-crime imprisonment: Seven years.
- Minimum organised-crime fine: ₹10 crore.
- Covered bodies include UPSC, SSC, RRB, IBPS and NTA.
Key Highlights
- A Special Task Force is proposed to investigate examination-related unfair means.
- Investigations are to be completed within two months.
- Special fast-track courts may be designated in consultation with High Court Chief Justices.
- Trials are proposed to be completed within three months of filing the charge sheet.
- The amendment seeks to protect the credibility and integrity of national recruitment and entrance examinations.
BRICS Science Academies Forum Meeting Held at IIT Hyderabad
Why in News: The second meeting of the BRICS Science Academies Forum 2026 was held from 22-23 July 2026 at IIT Hyderabad under the theme “Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Development and Strengthening Global South Cooperation.”
Quick Facts
- Venue: Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, Telangana.
- Meeting dates: 22-23 July 2026.
- Theme focused on artificial intelligence, sustainability and Global South cooperation.
- BRICS originally comprised Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.
- India also hosted BRICS meetings on disaster-risk reduction, universities and internal affairs.
Key Highlights
- The forum discussed the use of responsible and inclusive artificial intelligence for sustainable development.
- The BRICS Ministerial Meeting on Disaster Risk Reduction was chaired by Minister of State Nityanand Rai.
- BRICS CCI Women Empowerment released the WISE white paper on women in innovation, science and entrepreneurship.
- India hosted the BRICS Network University governing-board meeting and conference on indigenous knowledge systems.
- The engagements aimed to deepen scientific and institutional cooperation among BRICS countries.
Kerala Launches Digital Square and ARISE Education Initiatives
Why in News: The Government of Kerala launched Digital Square and ARISE to integrate digital learning, artificial intelligence and robotics into the state’s school-education system through the Kerala Infrastructure and Technology for Education.
Quick Facts
- ARISE stands for AI & Robotics Initiatives for School Education.
- Nodal agency: Kerala Infrastructure and Technology for Education (KITE).
- KITE was formerly known as the IT@School Project.
- KITE was established in 2001 and is headquartered in Thiruvananthapuram.
- Little KITEs clubs will expand to upper-primary and higher-secondary levels in academic year 2026-27.
Key Highlights
- Digital Square will promote a scientific digital culture in primary and upper-primary schools.
- ARISE will establish laboratories with advanced robotics kits in state-syllabus high schools.
- Students will receive exposure to AI, Internet of Things and drone technology.
- The Cyber Safety Protocol 2026 will be implemented across Kerala schools.
- SBI contributed ₹40 lakh and Cochin Shipyard contributed ₹25 lakh through corporate social responsibility support.
Odisha Signs MoUs for Sovereign AI Park and Data Centre
Why in News: The Government of Odisha signed agreements with HCLTech and Sarvam AI for an AI data centre and associated digital-development projects at the Odisha Sovereign AI Park in Bhubaneswar, involving proposed investments of ₹14,257 crore.
Quick Facts
- Location: Odisha Sovereign AI Park, Bhubaneswar.
- Overall proposed investment: ₹14,257 crore.
- HCLTech’s proposed AI data-centre investment: Around ₹730 crore.
- The project involves HCLTech’s technology platform and Sarvam AI’s foundation models.
- HCLTech was founded in 1976 and is headquartered in Noida.
Key Highlights
- The facility will be HCLTech’s first AI data centre in India.
- It will support AI solutions for enterprises, government departments and public-sector organisations.
- The park will combine high-performance computing and indigenous Indian-language models.
- A Global Development Centre is also proposed in Bhubaneswar.
- The development centre is expected to employ around 5,000 people and become fully operational by 2028.
International Current Affairs
Sarnath Becomes India’s 45th UNESCO World Heritage Site
Why in News: In July 2026, the Ancient Buddhist Site of Sarnath in Uttar Pradesh was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List during the 48th session of the World Heritage Committee in Busan, becoming India’s 45th World Heritage Site.
Quick Facts
- Location: Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh.
- India’s World Heritage Site count after inscription: 45.
- It is Uttar Pradesh’s fourth World Heritage Site.
- Other UNESCO sites in Uttar Pradesh include the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri.
- Sarnath was placed on UNESCO’s Tentative List in 1998.
Key Highlights
- Sarnath is the place where Gautama Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment.
- India submitted its nomination dossier in January 2025.
- The inscription recognises the site’s Outstanding Universal Value as a major Buddhist pilgrimage centre.
- The World Heritage Committee session was held in Busan, South Korea.
- UNESCO is headquartered in Paris, France, and was established in 1945.
UNESCO Adds Mount Olympus, D-Day Beaches and Other Sites
Why in News: On 26 July 2026, the UNESCO World Heritage Committee added Mount Olympus in Greece, the Normandy D-Day landing beaches in France, the Boma-Badingilo Migratory Landscape in South Sudan and the Asuka-Fujiwara sites of Japan to the World Heritage List.
Quick Facts
- Mount Olympus elevation: 2,918 metres.
- Normandy sectors include Omaha, Utah, Sword, Gold and Juno.
- Asuka-Fujiwara comprises 19 archaeological sites in Japan’s Nara Prefecture.
- Boma-Badingilo is located in South Sudan.
- ICOMOS is an advisory body to the UNESCO World Heritage Committee.
Key Highlights
- Mount Olympus was recognised as a mixed cultural and natural heritage site.
- The Normandy sites commemorate the Allied landings of 6 June 1944.
- Boma-Badingilo became South Sudan’s first World Heritage Site.
- The migratory landscape supports millions of animals, including white-eared kob and gazelles.
- Asuka-Fujiwara represents the development of Japan’s early centralised state.
President Droupadi Murmu Visits Moldova, North Macedonia and Romania
Why in News: President Droupadi Murmu undertook state visits to Moldova, North Macedonia and Romania from 19-25 July 2026 to strengthen cooperation in trade, technology, education, renewable energy, healthcare and innovation.
Quick Facts
- Moldova’s capital: Chisinau; President: Maia Sandu.
- North Macedonia’s capital: Skopje; President: Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova.
- Romania’s capital: Bucharest; President: Nicușor Dan.
- India proposed a 3Ts roadmap covering Trade, Technology and Talent with Moldova.
- Romania and India declared 2028 the India-Romania Year of Innovation.
Key Highlights
- The North Macedonia visit was the first-ever visit by an Indian President to that country.
- A bust of Mahatma Gandhi was jointly unveiled in Skopje.
- The Romania visit was the first state visit by an Indian President in nearly 30 years.
- India and Romania signed agreements in science and technology, education and sports.
- President Murmu received an honorary doctorate from the Bucharest University of Economic Studies.
Nepal Eases Rules for Indian ₹200 and ₹500 Currency Notes
Why in News: On 26 July 2026, Nepal Rastra Bank clarified that Indian and Nepalese nationals may carry Indian currency notes of ₹200 and ₹500 denominations across the India-Nepal border, subject to a total limit of ₹25,000 per person.
Quick Facts
- Permitted denominations: ₹200 and ₹500 notes issued on or after 9 November 2016.
- Maximum permitted amount: ₹25,000 per person.
- Pre-demonetisation ₹500 and ₹1,000 notes remain prohibited.
- Nepal Rastra Bank was established in 1956.
- The India-Nepal open border is approximately 1,850 km long.
Key Highlights
- Nepalese citizens may bring Indian currency into Nepal only from India.
- Indian currency cannot be taken from Nepal to a third country.
- The clarification relaxes the earlier restriction on Indian notes above ₹100.
- The decision facilitates tourism, pilgrimage and small-value cross-border transactions.
- The India-Nepal border touches Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal and Sikkim.
Economy & Banking
Cabinet Approves ₹3,030 Crore BHAVYA Rasayan Scheme
Why in News: On 24 July 2026, the Union Cabinet approved the Bharat Audyogik Vikas Yojana Rasayan[/color>, or BHAVYA Rasayan scheme, with an outlay of [color=red]₹3,030 crore to develop three integrated chemical parks.
Quick Facts
- Total scheme outlay: ₹3,030 crore.
- Infrastructure allocation: ₹3,000 crore.
- Administrative allocation: ₹30 crore.
- Implementation period: FY 2026-27 to 2030-31.
- Nodal department: Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals.
Key Highlights
- Three chemical parks will be selected through a challenge-based process.
- The Centre may provide up to ₹1,000 crore for each park.
- Participating states must contribute at least ₹500 crore per park.
- Each park requires at least 2,000 acres of contiguous, encumbrance-free land.
- The parks will provide plug-and-play infrastructure, common-effluent treatment and logistics facilities.
NSE Launches Domestic Benchmark-Based Natural Gas Futures
Why in News: The National Stock Exchange launched India’s first exchange-traded natural gas futures linked to a domestic benchmark under the symbol NATGASIND, with trading beginning on 27 July 2026.
Quick Facts
- Trading symbol: NATGASIND.
- Benchmark: Indian Gas Exchange Gujarat-Dahej hub price.
- Trading unit: 250 mmBtu.
- Contract type: Cash-settled commodity derivative.
- NSE was established in 1992 and is headquartered in Mumbai.
Key Highlights
- The contract received approval from the Securities and Exchange Board of India.
- Final settlement is based on the monthly weighted-average price of actual IGX deliveries.
- The product provides a domestic price-risk management instrument for producers and consumers.
- It can be used by gas traders, power producers and large industrial consumers.
- The contract is expected to improve price discovery and reduce dependence on overseas benchmarks.
PNB to Establish India’s First Bank-Led Quantum Finance Hub
Why in News: On 23 July 2026, the Government of Andhra Pradesh and Punjab National Bank signed an agreement to establish India’s first bank-led Quantum Finance Hub at the Amaravati Quantum Valley.
Quick Facts
- Location: Amaravati Quantum Valley, Andhra Pradesh.
- Partner bank: Punjab National Bank.
- PNB was founded in 1894 and began operations in Lahore in 1895.
- PNB headquarters: New Delhi.
- Key representatives included Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and PNB MD and CEO Ashok Chandra.
Key Highlights
- The hub will explore applications of quantum computing and artificial intelligence in finance.
- Priority areas include cybersecurity, fraud detection and secure digital banking.
- It will support research into operational efficiency and customer-service applications.
- PNB became the first Indian bank to partner with a state government for a dedicated quantum-finance facility.
- The project forms part of Andhra Pradesh’s broader Amaravati Quantum Valley initiative.
VIYONA Receives Bharat Connect Approval for Bill Payments
Why in News: Hyderabad-based VIYONA Fintech received approval to operate as a Customer Operating Unit under the Bharat Bill Payment System, now branded as Bharat Connect, enabling interoperable bill-payment services across India.
Quick Facts
- Approval category: Customer Operating Unit.
- Payment network: Bharat Bill Payment System or Bharat Connect.
- VIYONA was established in 2018.
- Headquarters: Hyderabad, Telangana.
- Bharat Connect operates under the National Payments Corporation of India ecosystem.
Key Highlights
- The platform can process electricity, water, gas, broadband and mobile bills.
- It can also support insurance premiums, loan EMIs, educational fees and DTH payments.
- Banks, NBFCs, fintech firms and government organisations can integrate the service.
- VIYONA also holds certifications covering UPI Switch, IMPS, BOU and eKYC Setu.
- The approval strengthens interoperable and standardised digital bill-payment access.
Vizhinjam Port Receives Customs Approval for EXIM Operations
Why in News: Vizhinjam International Seaport in Kerala received final approval from the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs to commence direct export-import cargo operations from 18 August 2026.
Quick Facts
- Location: Vizhinjam, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.
- EXIM operations commencement: 18 August 2026.
- Approval issued under the Customs Act, 1962.
- Project model: Public-Private Partnership.
- Private partner: Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone.
Key Highlights
- Vizhinjam has been formally notified as a Customs Port.
- The approval enables direct handling of import and export cargo.
- It may reduce India’s dependence on foreign transshipment hubs.
- CBIC will coordinate with the port operator and other regulatory agencies.
- The development is expected to strengthen India’s maritime logistics and international trade efficiency.
Government Schemes
Himachal Pradesh Launches Mukhyamantri Machhuara Samman Nidhi Yojana
Why in News: Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu launched the Mukhyamantri Machhuara Samman Nidhi Yojana to provide financial support to reservoir fishermen during the annual fishing-ban period.
Quick Facts
- Financial assistance: ₹3,500 per eligible fisherman.
- Estimated annual expenditure: ₹1.20 crore.
- Expected beneficiaries: Around 3,700 fishing families.
- Coverage: Five major reservoirs.
- Nodal authority: Directorate of Fisheries, Himachal Pradesh.
Key Highlights
- The covered reservoirs are Gobind Sagar, Pong Dam, Kol Dam, Chamera and Ranjit Sagar.
- Applicants must be active reservoir fishermen with valid licences.
- Beneficiaries must be associated with registered Fisheries Cooperative Societies.
- National Fisheries Digital Platform registration is required.
- The scheme provides income security during the seasonal fishing ban.
Science & Technology
SpaceX Starship Completes 13th Test Flight
Why in News: SpaceX completed the 13th integrated test flight of Starship from Starbase, Texas, deploying 20 Starlink V3 satellites before conducting a controlled splashdown in the Indian Ocean.
Quick Facts
- Launch site: Starbase, Texas, United States.
- Rocket height: Approximately 124 metres.
- Satellites deployed: 20 Starlink V3 satellites.
- Splashdown location: Indian Ocean.
- NASA was established in 1958 and is headquartered in Washington, D.C.
Key Highlights
- This was the first deployment of Starlink V3 satellites by Starship.
- The upper stage completed re-entry and a soft ocean splashdown.
- The test generated data on the heat shield, software and spacecraft systems.
- NASA monitored the mission because Starship is connected with the Artemis Human Landing System.
- The programme supports future lunar missions and SpaceX’s long-term Mars-exploration plans.
ICAR-CMFRI Launches DeepDATA App
Why in News: On 26 July 2026, the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute launched DeepDATA, a mobile application designed to create a national digital repository of India’s deep-sea fish species.
Quick Facts
- Developing organisation: ICAR-CMFRI.
- Funding programme: Deep Ocean Mission.
- Funding ministry: Ministry of Earth Sciences.
- ICAR-CMFRI headquarters: Kochi, Kerala.
- ICAR-CMFRI was established in 1947.
Key Highlights
- The app contains verified information on taxonomy, distribution and conservation status.
- Researchers, students and fishermen can access the repository.
- Users can upload photographs and observations from fishing operations and research cruises.
- The platform promotes citizen participation in marine biodiversity documentation.
- It supports the Deep Ocean Mission’s goal of exploring and conserving ocean resources.
EIL and CSIR-IMMT Sign Critical Minerals Research Agreement
Why in News: Engineers India Limited and CSIR-Institute of Minerals and Materials Technology signed an agreement to collaborate on mineral processing, extractive metallurgy and critical and strategic mineral technologies.
Quick Facts
- EIL functions under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.
- CSIR-IMMT is located in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.
- The agreement covers mineral processing and extractive metallurgy.
- It also covers the critical and strategic minerals value chain.
- The MoU was signed by Rajiv Agarwal and Ramanuj Narayan.
Key Highlights
- The organisations will jointly identify and undertake research projects.
- The collaboration includes technology scale-up and pilot-level development.
- It will facilitate technical knowledge exchange and capacity-building programmes.
- Promising technologies may be taken towards commercial deployment.
- The partnership supports India’s objective of improving critical-mineral supply-chain security.
Defence
Raghu Vamsi Announces ₹600 Crore Superalloy Facility
Why in News: Raghu Vamsi Aerospace Group announced an investment of ₹600 crore to establish an integrated nickel-based superalloy manufacturing facility in Telangana for aerospace, defence, nuclear-energy and gas-turbine applications.
Quick Facts
- Investment: ₹600 crore.
- Facility area: 50 acres.
- Annual production capacity: 5,000 tonnes.
- Commercial production target: January 2028.
- Project head: Dr. S.K. Jha, former MIDHANI Chairman and Managing Director.
Key Highlights
- The announcement was made at the Farnborough International Airshow 2026.
- The plant will manufacture bars, wires, forgings, castings and tungsten-carbide powders.
- Nickel-based superalloys retain strength under extreme temperature and pressure.
- The material is critical for aero engines, space systems and power-generation equipment.
- The project aims to reduce dependence on imported strategic alloys.
INS Sudarshini Participates in SAIL 250 Events
Why in News: Indian Naval sail-training ship INS Sudarshini departed Boston on 25 July 2026 after representing India in the Lokayan 26 voyage, SAIL 250 celebrations and International Naval Review 250 in the United States.
Quick Facts
- Vessel type: Sail-training ship of the Indian Navy.
- Builder: Goa Shipyard Limited.
- Commissioned: 2012.
- Home command: Southern Naval Command, Kochi.
- Unit: First Training Squadron.
Key Highlights
- The vessel visited Norfolk, Baltimore, New York and Boston.
- It represented India’s maritime heritage and traditional seamanship.
- The ship participated in the International Naval Review 250.
- Its next destination was Ponta Delgada in the Azores, Portugal.
- The deployment supports naval diplomacy and international maritime cooperation.
Appointments & Resignations
Pralhad Joshi Takes Additional Charge of Education Ministry
Why in News: Union Minister Pralhad Venkatesh Joshi was given additional charge of the Ministry of Education following the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan, which was accepted by President Droupadi Murmu under Article 75(2) of the Constitution.
Quick Facts
- Pralhad Joshi became the 10th Union Education Minister.
- He also held the Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution portfolio.
- He also headed the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy.
- Constitutional provision: Article 75(2).
- Location of transition: Kartavya Bhavan, New Delhi.
Key Highlights
- Dharmendra Pradhan resigned amid controversy related to the NEET-UG 2026 paper-leak issue.
- Naresh Pal Gangwar took charge of the Department of Higher Education.
- T.K. Anil Kumar assumed charge of the Department of School Education and Literacy.
- The transition occurred during wider government efforts to reform the public examination system.
- The Education Ministry oversees policy relating to school and higher education.
Keshav Chandra Appointed Secretary of Ministry of Mines
Why in News: On 27 July 2026, Keshav Chandra, a 1995-batch AGMUT-cadre IAS officer, assumed charge as Secretary of the Ministry of Mines.
Quick Facts
- Officer: Keshav Chandra.
- IAS batch: 1995.
- Cadre: AGMUT.
- Ministry headquarters: New Delhi.
- The Ministry administers the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957.
Key Highlights
- His focus areas include mineral exploration and operationalisation of auctioned blocks.
- Critical and strategic minerals will be an important policy priority.
- The Ministry oversees the Geological Survey of India and Indian Bureau of Mines.
- Petroleum, natural gas and atomic minerals fall outside its principal mineral jurisdiction.
- The appointment comes amid efforts to strengthen India’s domestic mineral value chain.
Sports
Anahat Singh Becomes First Indian World Junior Squash Champion
Why in News: On 26 July 2026, Anahat Singh became the first Indian to win the girls’ singles title at the World Junior Squash Championships after defeating Egypt’s Ruqayya Salem in Canada.
Quick Facts
- Venue: Niagara-on-the-Lake, Canada.
- Final score: 11-3, 11-7, 11-9.
- Opponent: Ruqayya Salem of Egypt.
- Anahat’s age: 18 years.
- World Squash Federation headquarters: Hastings, United Kingdom.
Key Highlights
- Anahat won the final in straight games.
- The victory ended Egypt’s 16-year dominance in the girls’ singles category.
- She completed the title campaign without dropping a game in the final.
- Squash will make its Olympic debut at the Los Angeles Games in 2028.
- The title is a major milestone for Indian squash at the junior level.
Mirabai Chanu Wins Third Consecutive Commonwealth Games Gold
Why in News: On 26 July 2026, Indian weightlifter Saikhom Mirabai Chanu won the women’s 48 kg title at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games, completing a golden hat-trick of Commonwealth Games titles.
Quick Facts
- Category: Women’s 48 kg.
- Total lift: 190 kg.
- Snatch lift: 85 kg, a Games record.
- Previous gold medals: Gold Coast 2018 and Birmingham 2022.
- Mirabai Chanu is a Padma Shri and Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna recipient.
Key Highlights
- She won three consecutive Commonwealth Games gold medals in 2018, 2022 and 2026.
- Rishikanta Singh Chanambam won silver in the men’s 60 kg category.
- Raja Muthupandi won silver in the men’s 65 kg category.
- Indian boxers Jadumani Singh and Preeti Pawar progressed to their quarter-finals.
- India’s men’s 4×200 metre freestyle relay team finished sixth.
Important Days
Kargil Vijay Diwas 2026 Observed on 26 July
Why in News: India observed Kargil Vijay Diwas on 26 July 2026 to commemorate the victory of the Indian Armed Forces in the 1999 Kargil War and honour personnel who sacrificed their lives during Operation Vijay.
Quick Facts
- Date of observance: 26 July.
- War year: 1999.
- Indian military operation: Operation Vijay.
- The conflict took place in the Kargil sector along the Line of Control.
- The year 2026 marked the 27th observance[/color>.
Key Highlights
- The day commemorates the recapture of strategic mountain positions.
- It honours the courage and sacrifice of the Indian Armed Forces.
- The conflict began after infiltrators occupied positions on the Indian side of the Line of Control.
- India declared the successful completion of Operation Vijay on 26 July 1999.
- The day carries significant defence and modern-history relevance for competitive examinations.
International Day for Conservation of Mangrove Ecosystems
Why in News: The [color=yellow]International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem was observed on 26 July 2026 to promote awareness about the ecological importance of mangroves and the need to protect these vulnerable coastal ecosystems.
Quick Facts
- Date: 26 July.
- The observance was adopted by UNESCO’s General Conference in 2015.
- Mangroves occur in tropical and subtropical intertidal regions.
- They serve as nurseries for fish and other marine organisms.
- They store significant quantities of coastal blue carbon.
Key Highlights
- Mangroves reduce coastal erosion and storm-surge impacts.
- They support biodiversity, fisheries and coastal livelihoods.
- Mangrove degradation is driven by coastal development, pollution and climate change.
- The observance promotes conservation, restoration and sustainable management.
- Mangrove protection supports climate adaptation and disaster-risk reduction.
Current Affairs One-Liners
Quick Revision
- Examination reform task force → chaired by Nandan Nilekani → six-member panel for transparent, technology-driven examinations.
- Public Examinations Amendment Bill → approved on 25 July 2026 → proposes tougher punishment and fast-track courts.
- BHAVYA Rasayan scheme → ₹3,030 crore → three integrated chemical parks to be developed.
- Central grant under BHAVYA → up to ₹1,000 crore per park → states must contribute at least ₹500 crore.
- Sarnath UNESCO inscription → India’s 45th World Heritage Site → fourth UNESCO site in Uttar Pradesh.
- BRICS Science Academies Forum → IIT Hyderabad → theme focused on AI, sustainability and Global South cooperation.
- President Murmu’s foreign tour → Moldova, North Macedonia and Romania → conducted from 19-25 July 2026.
- India-Romania milestone → 2028 → declared India-Romania Year of Innovation.
- UNESCO’s new Greek site → Mount Olympus → Greece’s tallest mountain at 2,918 metres.
- South Sudan’s first UNESCO site → Boma-Badingilo Migratory Landscape → supports a major land-mammal migration.
- Nepal currency rule → ₹200 and ₹500 Indian notes allowed → maximum ₹25,000 per person.
- NSE natural-gas futures → NATGASIND → linked to the IGX Gujarat-Dahej domestic benchmark.
- Natural-gas futures trading unit → 250 mmBtu → cash-settled contract cleared through NSE Clearing.
- PNB Quantum Finance Hub → Amaravati Quantum Valley → India’s first bank-led quantum-finance hub.
- VIYONA approval → Bharat Connect Customer Operating Unit → enables interoperable digital bill-payment services.
- Vizhinjam EXIM operations → begin 18 August 2026 → port notified under the Customs Act, 1962.
- DBS Bank award → World’s Best Corporate Bank 2026 → first Southeast Asian bank to receive the honour.
- Air India-Saudia agreement → codeshare expansion → includes frequent-flyer and terminal-co-location cooperation.
- DeepDATA app → launched by ICAR-CMFRI → repository for deep-sea fish taxonomy and conservation information.
- Starship test flight → 13th integrated flight → deployed 20 Starlink V3 satellites.
- Critical-minerals MoU → EIL and CSIR-IMMT → covers processing, extractive metallurgy and technology scale-up.
- Odisha Sovereign AI Park → HCLTech and Sarvam AI → projects involving ₹14,257 crore.
- Kerala ARISE programme → AI & Robotics Initiatives for School Education → robotics laboratories in state high schools.
- Himachal fishermen scheme → ₹3,500 assistance → supports reservoir fishers during the annual ban.
- Raghu Vamsi facility → ₹600 crore → Telangana plant for nickel-based superalloys.
- INS Sudarshini → SAIL 250 and International Naval Review → Indian Navy sail-training vessel commissioned in 2012.
- New Mines Secretary → Keshav Chandra → 1995-batch AGMUT-cadre IAS officer.
- Education Ministry additional charge → Pralhad Joshi → followed Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation.
- Rashtriya Ashok Samman → Prem K. Vora → recognised for contributions to the electrical trade sector.
- World Junior Squash champion → Anahat Singh → first Indian girls’ singles winner.
- Commonwealth Games weightlifting → Mirabai Chanu → third consecutive gold with a 190 kg total.
- International football retirement → Nicolás Otamendi → retired after 139 Argentina appearances.
- SBI Life partnership → Indian Paralympic contingent → principal partner for the 2026 para-sports season.
- AI Holobox → Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya → interactive avatar of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee inaugurated.
- CRPF anniversary → 87th Raising Day → force originated as Crown Representative’s Police in 1939.
- 3rd Bharat CPSE Conclave → Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya, Vadodara → focused on project and asset management.
- Kargil Vijay Diwas → 26 July → commemorates India’s 1999 victory through Operation Vijay.
- Mangrove Conservation Day → 26 July → highlights coastal protection, biodiversity and blue-carbon value.
- Former Uttarakhand minister → Hira Singh Bisht → passed away on 27 July 2026.
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What is NATGASIND?
Where will India’s first bank-led Quantum Finance Hub be established?
What is the maximum amount of Indian currency permitted under Nepal’s revised rule?
Who became the first Indian World Junior Squash girls’ singles champion?
What is the purpose of the DeepDATA application?
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