Daily Current Affairs 22 July 2026: Important GK Updates for UPSC, SSC, Banking & Railways Exams
This article covers the complete Daily Current Affairs of 22 July 2026 for competitive exams, including India's approval of its first dengue vaccine QDENGA, India becoming the 123rd member of the WTO Fisheries Subsidies Agreement, Andy Burnham taking charge as the new UK Prime Minister, Kanishka Narayan becoming the UK's first AI Minister, and President Droupadi Murmu's historic visit to Moldova. It is packed with exam-ready one-liners, quick-fact cards and FAQs useful for UPSC, SSC, IBPS, RRB, Insurance, Defence and State PSC exams.
Jump to section
- Introduction to Current Affairs 22 July 2026
- Current Affairs at a Glance
- National Current Affairs
- International Current Affairs
- Economy & Banking
- Science & Technology
- Environment
- Defence
- Government Schemes & Reports
- Appointments & Resignations
- Awards & Honours
- Sports
- Important Days
- Current Affairs One-Liners
- Explore More on thejobsme.com
Introduction to Current Affairs 22 July 2026
The Current Affairs of 22 July 2026 carry high exam value across National, International, Economy, Science, Defence and Sports segments. Today's headlines are led by the approval of India's first dengue vaccine QDENGA, India joining the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies as its 123rd member, and a major political transition in the United Kingdom where Andy Burnham became Prime Minister. These developments are frequently converted into direct one-liner and conceptual questions in SSC, Banking, Insurance, Railways, UPSC and State PSC examinations.
This daily round-up merges every distinct topic into clear cards, an at-a-glance table and quick-revision one-liners so aspirants can understand and revise fast. For continuous preparation, aspirants can follow the daily current affairs section, which connects each day's events with exam-oriented static facts.
Current Affairs at a Glance
The table below summarises the most important topics of 22 July 2026 with their category and key fact for quick revision.
| Category | Topic | Key Fact |
|---|---|---|
| National | QDENGA Dengue Vaccine | India's first dengue vaccine approved by CDSCO/DCGI for ages 4-60; developed by Takeda. |
| International | India Joins WTO Fisheries Subsidies Agreement | India became the 123rd member to deposit its Instrument of Acceptance. |
| Appointments | Andy Burnham as UK PM | Became UK's new Prime Minister after Keir Starmer resigned. |
| Appointments | Kanishka Narayan as UK AI Minister | Indian-origin MP became the UK's first-ever Minister of State for AI. |
| International | President Murmu Visits Moldova | First-ever visit by an Indian President to the Republic of Moldova. |
| Defence | Yantur 4.5kN Turbofan Engine | Paninian India unveiled an indigenous turbofan engine for combat drones and cruise missiles. |
| Economy & Banking | RBI Incentive Window Inflows | Indian banks mobilised USD 20.72 billion in forex inflows. |
| Environment | India's First Vanadium Flow Battery | 100 MWh project to be deployed at Khavda Solar Park, Gujarat. |
| Awards | Lokmanya Tilak National Award 2026 | NSA Ajit Doval selected for the award. |
| Sports | BWF World Championships Mascot | 'Peacko', inspired by the Indian Peafowl, unveiled as official mascot. |
| Important Days | International Moon Day | Observed on 20 July marking the Apollo 11 Moon landing (1969). |
National Current Affairs
India Approves First Dengue Vaccine QDENGA
Why in News: On 21 July 2026, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) granted marketing authorisation for QDENGA (TAK-003), making it the first vaccine approved for the prevention of dengue in India. The Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) approved it for use in individuals aged 4 to 60 years.
Quick Facts
- Manufacturer: Developed by Takeda GmbH, Germany; imported by Takeda Biopharmaceuticals India Pvt. Ltd.
- Type: Live-attenuated tetravalent vaccine covering all four serotypes (DENV-1 to DENV-4).
- Dosage: Two subcutaneous doses of 0.5 ml each, three months apart (0 and 3 months).
- Global Status: WHO prequalified; approved in 42 countries including the EU, UK, Indonesia and Thailand.
- Regulator: CDSCO functions under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, headquartered in New Delhi.
Key Highlights
- QDENGA is produced using recombinant DNA technology in Vero cells.
- Approved under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 and the New Drugs and Clinical Trials Rules, 2019.
- Approval was supported by the Phase III TIDES (DEN-301) trial with over 20,000 participants.
- India contributes nearly one-third of the global dengue burden, making this a major public-health step.
- Dengue is transmitted primarily by the Aedes aegypti mosquito.
Amit Shah Inaugurates 'Shabdalok', India's First Immersive Language Museum
Why in News: In July 2026, Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the first phase of 'Shabdalok', India's first immersive language museum, developed at a cost of Rs 41 crore at Belvedere House within the National Library campus, Kolkata, West Bengal.
Quick Facts
- Location: National Library campus, Kolkata, West Bengal.
- Cost: Rs 41 crore; first phase covers 2,282 square metres of exhibition space.
- Developed by: National Library under the Ministry of Culture.
- Galleries: Nine galleries showcasing nearly 380 Indian languages.
- National Library established: 1953, evolving from the Imperial Library (1891).
Key Highlights
- Showcases the diversity of Indian languages, scripts and literary traditions.
- Features 121 languages recorded in Census 2011 and several historical languages.
- Uses holograms, motion sensors, augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR).
- Later phases will add ground-floor galleries, a souvenir shop, café and façade projection mapping.
Chhattisgarh Passes Ease of Doing Business Act 2026
Why in News: The Chhattisgarh Assembly passed the Chhattisgarh Ease of Doing Business Act, 2026 on 16 July 2026, becoming the first Indian state to adopt a trust-based, risk-based business permission framework.
Quick Facts
- First state in India to introduce a comprehensive risk-based permission framework.
- Initially covers 43 services across 8 state government departments.
- Aims to benefit approximately 1.5 million MSMEs.
- Chhattisgarh capital: Raipur; formed on 1 November 2000 as the 26th state.
Key Highlights
- Low-risk enterprises are eligible for self-certification.
- Introduces an auto-approval mechanism when departments miss deadlines.
- Removes annual renewal requirement for specific licenses.
- A three-tier monitoring structure is chaired at the top by the Chief Minister.
International Current Affairs
India Joins WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies
Why in News: On 20 July 2026, India officially became the 123rd member to deposit its Instrument of Acceptance of the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies (AFS). The instrument was handed over by Rajesh Agrawal, Secretary, Department of Commerce, to WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.
Quick Facts
- Adopted at the 12th Ministerial Conference (MC12), Geneva, in June 2022.
- Entered into force on 15 September 2025.
- First WTO agreement with an environmental sustainability objective.
- India is the 3rd largest fish producer and 2nd largest aquaculture producer globally.
- WTO established on 1 January 1995; headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland.
Key Highlights
- Prohibits subsidies for Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing.
- Bans support for fishing of overfished stocks; excludes aquaculture and inland fisheries.
- Domestic implementation supported by the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY).
- Protects small-scale fishers while disciplining harmful industrial subsidies.
President Droupadi Murmu's First State Visit to Moldova
Why in News: President Droupadi Murmu arrived in Chisinau, Moldova, on 20 July 2026, marking the first-ever visit by an Indian President to the Republic of Moldova. Her state tour also covers North Macedonia and Romania.
Quick Facts
- Moldova Capital: Chisinau; President: Maia Sandu.
- Region: Eastern Europe.
- ITEC Programme launched in 1964, managed by the Ministry of External Affairs.
- Tour covers Moldova, North Macedonia and Romania.
Key Highlights
- India announced doubling of ITEC training slots for Moldovan professionals.
- New AI and Cyber diplomacy courses offered at the Foreign Service Institute of India.
- Cooperation in Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), renewable energy and healthcare.
- Bilateral talks were held with Moldovan President Maia Sandu.
Senegal's President Faye Elected New Chairman of ECOWAS
Why in News: In July 2026, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, President of Senegal, was elected the new Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) during the 69th Ordinary Session held in Freetown, Sierra Leone.
Quick Facts
- Faye succeeds President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone.
- Serves a mandatory one-year term.
- Senegal holds the ECOWAS top post for the first time since 1975.
- Biram Diop appointed President of the ECOWAS Commission (2026-2030).
Key Highlights
- Focus on revitalizing regional cooperation and diplomatic dialogue with breakaway states.
- Aims to strengthen governance, accountability and youth participation.
- ECOWAS was established in 1975.
Economy & Banking
Indian Banks Mobilise USD 20.7 Billion Under RBI Incentive Window
Why in News: Indian banks mobilised USD 20.72 billion in foreign exchange inflows through the Reserve Bank of India's special incentive window, which was operationalised on 8 June 2026.
Quick Facts
- FCNR(B) Deposits: Largest share at USD 17.41 billion.
- State Bank of India (SBI) led with USD 1.9 billion.
- FCNR(B) window open until 30 September 2026; OFCB/ECB until 31 December 2026.
- RBI established on 1 April 1935; headquartered in Mumbai.
Key Highlights
- Overseas Foreign Currency Borrowings (OFCBs) contributed USD 1.97 billion.
- External Commercial Borrowings (ECBs) contributed USD 1.34 billion.
- Aims to support the Balance of Payments and enhance forex reserves.
- FCNR(B) accounts protect NRIs against exchange-rate fluctuations.
India Amends Sri Lanka Tax Treaty with Principal Purpose Test
Why in News: The Ministry of Finance notified a protocol amending the India-Sri Lanka tax treaty on 19 June 2026 to incorporate new anti-abuse regulations through a Principal Purpose Test (PPT).
Quick Facts
- New rule: Principal Purpose Test (PPT) to deny treaty benefits misused for tax advantage.
- Effective from Financial Year 2027-28 in India.
- India has signed DTAAs with more than 85 countries.
- Ministry of Finance established on 29 October 1946.
Key Highlights
- Aims to prevent treaty shopping and artificial structures.
- Aligns the DTAA with global BEPS standards.
- Does not alter existing tax rates; adds an anti-avoidance layer.
Science & Technology
NASA's Webb Telescope Discovers Exoplanet 'Beta Pictoris d'
Why in News: In July 2026, astronomers using NASA's James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) discovered a new giant exoplanet called 'Beta Pictoris d', located 63 light-years from Earth and about 23 million years old.
Quick Facts
- Distance: 63 light-years from Earth.
- Mass: At least twice the mass of Jupiter.
- Orbit: Nearly 30 Astronomical Units (AU) from its star, comparable to Neptune.
- Detected by JWST's Near-Infrared Spectrograph (NIRSpec).
Key Highlights
- Beta Pictoris becomes only the second known system with three directly imaged planets.
- Smallest of the three known giant planets in the Beta Pictoris system.
- Joins the earlier-imaged Beta Pictoris b and c.
Environment
India's First 100 MWh Vanadium Flow Battery Project
Why in News: On 21 July 2026, Delectrik Systems announced it will deploy India's first utility-scale 100 MWh Vanadium Redox Flow Battery project at the Khavda Solar Park in Gujarat.
Quick Facts
- Tender awarded by NTPC Renewable Energy Limited to Delectrik Systems.
- To be installed in 2027 at Khavda Solar Park, Gujarat.
- First non-lithium utility-scale Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) in India.
- 100% designed, engineered and manufactured in India.
Key Highlights
- Features a non-containerized flow battery architecture.
- Ideal for Long Duration Energy Storage (LDES) and renewable grid integration.
- Khavda Solar Park aims to be the world's largest renewable park (30 GW by 2029).
- NTPC targets 149 GW capacity by 2032, including 60 GW renewables.
Defence
Paninian India Unveils Yantur 4.5kN Turbofan Engine
Why in News: On 20 July 2026, Indian deeptech startup Paninian India Private Ltd unveiled the Yantur 4.5 kN turbofan engine designed to power indigenous combat drones and cruise missiles.
Quick Facts
- Thrust: 4.5 kN, scalable up to 12.5 kN.
- Founder: Raghu Adla.
- Aligned with the Ministry of Defence's Make-I programme (LRLACM).
- Engine certification handled by CEMILAC, Bengaluru.
Key Highlights
- Target platforms: Svayatt L1 cruise missile and Svayatt CCAV combat drone.
- Incorporates five patent claims covering compressor and digital-twin technology.
- Aims to eliminate reliance on foreign suppliers for compact propulsion.
USA Delivers 21st MH-60R Seahawk Helicopter to Indian Navy
Why in News: In July 2026, the United States delivered the 21st MH-60R Seahawk multi-role maritime helicopter, manufactured by Lockheed Martin, to the Indian Navy at Kochi, Kerala.
Quick Facts
- India signed an FMS agreement with the USA in February 2020.
- Deal: 24 helicopters at a cost of USD 2.6 billion.
- 21 delivered; two scheduled and one pending.
- Replaces the ageing Sea King fleet.
Key Highlights
- The "Romeo" is an all-weather, multi-role shipborne maritime helicopter.
- Capable of Anti-Submarine and Anti-Surface Warfare, surveillance and search-and-rescue.
- Enhances interoperability with the US Navy in the Indian Ocean Region.
Government Schemes & Reports
Coal Ministry Releases AAROH Report and Signs India-Germany Agreement
Why in News: On 22 July 2026, the Ministry of Coal released the AAROH report and signed a technical cooperation agreement with Germany's GIZ in New Delhi to promote scientific mine closure.
Quick Facts
- AAROH: Annual Report on Mine Closure, documenting closure of 42 coal mines.
- Agreement signed with Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ).
- Union Minister of Coal: G. Kishan Reddy.
- Coal India Limited (Maharatna) established 1975; headquartered in Kolkata.
Key Highlights
- First scientific closure of coal mines since independence.
- Frameworks introduced: RECLAIM, L.I.V.E.S. and the SUVIKALP digital tool.
- Coal NEER Plants inaugurated for safe drinking water in coal-bearing regions.
NHAI Launches Digital Local Pass and MargMitra Services
Why in News: On 20 July 2026, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) expanded the RajmargYatra mobile app by launching a digital Local Pass facility and the MargMitra Help Centre.
Quick Facts
- Local Pass available to residents within a 20-km radius of an eligible toll plaza.
- Uses GIS validation with DigiLocker and VAHAN integration.
- MargMitra supports 22 Indian languages.
- NHAI established under the NHAI Act, 1988; headquartered in New Delhi.
Key Highlights
- Enables digital monthly toll passes without visiting a toll plaza.
- Initial rollout at Mundka-Bakkarwala Toll Plaza (UER-II) in Delhi.
- MargMitra offers FASTag recharge, KYC status and grievance tracking.
Appointments & Resignations
Andy Burnham Appointed UK Prime Minister
Why in News: In July 2026, Andy Burnham, leader of the British Labour Party, became the new Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, appointed by King Charles III after Keir Starmer resigned.
Quick Facts
- Became UK Prime Minister after Keir Starmer's resignation on 20 July 2026.
- Former first Mayor of Greater Manchester (2017-2026).
- Launched the Bee Network; known as the "King of the North".
- UK PM's official residence: 10 Downing Street.
Key Highlights
- Keir Starmer became the shortest-serving Labour PM in UK history.
- Key cabinet: John Healey (Chancellor), Shabana Mahmood (Home Secretary), Ed Miliband (Foreign Secretary).
- Kemi Badenoch leads the opposition Conservative Party.
Kanishka Narayan Appointed UK's First AI Minister
Why in News: On 21 July 2026, Indian-origin MP Kanishka Narayan was appointed as the Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence in the new cabinet of UK PM Andy Burnham, becoming the first to hold this dedicated portfolio.
Quick Facts
- First-ever UK Minister of State for AI.
- Born in Bihar, India; moved to Cardiff as a child.
- First ethnic minority MP elected from Wales (Vale of Glamorgan).
- Represents the Labour Party.
Key Highlights
- Marks a historic milestone for Indian-origin representation in UK politics.
- Portfolio focuses on AI governance, innovation and digital transformation.
- Appointed within Andy Burnham's newly formed cabinet.
Rahul Himalian Appointed CMD of IRCTC
Why in News: The Ministry of Railways appointed Rahul Himalian to the additional charge of Chairman & Managing Director (CMD) of IRCTC on 20 July 2026, following the resignation of Sanjay Kumar Jain.
Quick Facts
- IRCTC is a Schedule 'A' Navratna Central Public Sector Enterprise.
- Functions under the Ministry of Railways.
- Himalian currently serves as Director (Tourism & Marketing).
- IRCTC headquartered in New Delhi.
Awards & Honours
NSA Ajit Doval Selected for Lokmanya Tilak National Award 2026
Why in News: In July 2026, the Lokmanya Tilak Trust announced the selection of National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval for the Lokmanya Tilak National Award 2026 for his contribution to national security.
Quick Facts
- Award instituted in 1983; presented annually on 1 August.
- Prize: A memento, citation and cash prize of Rs 1 lakh.
- To be presented by Amit Shah on 1 August 2026 in Pune.
- Doval is a 1968-batch IPS officer (Kerala cadre) and India's longest-serving NSA.
Key Highlights
- First recipient was socialist leader SM Joshi.
- Past winners include PM Narendra Modi, Dr Manmohan Singh and Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
- Recognises Doval's role in Operation Black Thunder and the Balakot air-strike.
Sports
Peacko Unveiled as Official Mascot of BWF World Championships 2026
Why in News: On 18 July 2026, Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and BAI President Himanta Biswa Sarma unveiled 'Peacko', the official mascot of the BWF World Championships 2026, in New Delhi.
Quick Facts
- Mascot Peacko inspired by the Indian Peafowl (National Bird).
- 30th edition of the BWF World Championships.
- Scheduled for 17-23 August 2026 in New Delhi; returns to India after 17 years.
- BWF established in 1934; headquartered in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Key Highlights
- Over 400 players from more than 50 countries will compete.
- 16-member Indian contingent includes PV Sindhu and Lakshya Sen.
- PV Sindhu remains the only Indian to win a Gold at this championship (2019, Basel).
Rohith Krishna Wins Gold at Menuires International Chess Championship
Why in News: Indian Grandmaster Rohith Krishna won the gold medal at the Menuires International Chess Championship held in France on 21 July 2026.
Quick Facts
- Rohith Krishna won gold on a tie-break score of 43.
- Raja Rithvik (Telangana) took silver with 41.5.
- Both Indians finished unbeaten with 7 points in 9 rounds.
- FIDE established on 20 July 1924; headquartered in Lausanne, Switzerland.
Important Days
International Moon Day 2026 - July 20
Why in News: International Moon Day is observed every year on 20 July to mark the Apollo 11 Moon landing of 1969. In 2026 it marked the 5th observance and the 57th anniversary of the landing.
Quick Facts
- Commemorates Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin walking on the Moon (1969).
- UNGA proclaimed the day on 9 December 2021 (Resolution A/RES/76/76).
- First observed on 20 July 2022.
- 2026 main event held at Maloka Museo Interactivo, Bogotá, Colombia.
Current Affairs One-Liners
Quick Revision
- India's first dengue vaccine → QDENGA (TAK-003) → approved by CDSCO/DCGI for ages 4-60.
- QDENGA manufacturer → Takeda, Germany → live-attenuated tetravalent vaccine, two doses.
- India becomes WTO Fisheries Subsidies member → 123rd member → deposited on 20 July 2026.
- WTO Fisheries Agreement in force → 15 September 2025 → adopted at MC12, Geneva (2022).
- India's rank in fish production → 3rd globally → 2nd in aquaculture.
- New UK Prime Minister → Andy Burnham → succeeded Keir Starmer, appointed by King Charles III.
- UK's first AI Minister → Kanishka Narayan → Indian-origin MP born in Bihar.
- First Indian President to visit Moldova → Droupadi Murmu → arrived in Chisinau on 20 July 2026.
- New ECOWAS Chairman → Bassirou Faye of Senegal → elected at 69th Ordinary Session.
- India's first immersive language museum → Shabdalok, Kolkata → inaugurated by Amit Shah.
- First state with trust-based business law → Chhattisgarh → Ease of Doing Business Act, 2026.
- Indian banks' RBI incentive window inflows → USD 20.72 billion → SBI led with USD 1.9 billion.
- India-Sri Lanka tax treaty amendment → Principal Purpose Test → effective FY 2027-28.
- New exoplanet by JWST → Beta Pictoris d → 63 light-years away, twice Jupiter's mass.
- India's first vanadium flow battery → 100 MWh at Khavda Solar Park, Gujarat → by Delectrik Systems.
- Indigenous turbofan engine for drones → Yantur 4.5 kN → by Paninian India (founder Raghu Adla).
- 21st MH-60R Seahawk delivered to → Indian Navy → by Lockheed Martin at Kochi.
- AAROH report released by → Ministry of Coal → documents scientific closure of 42 coal mines.
- NHAI Digital Local Pass → RajmargYatra app → MargMitra supports 22 languages.
- Lokmanya Tilak National Award 2026 → Ajit Doval → to be presented on 1 August in Pune.
- New CMD of IRCTC → Rahul Himalian → additional charge after Sanjay Kumar Jain resigned.
- BWF World Championships 2026 mascot → Peacko → inspired by the Indian Peafowl.
- BWF World Championships 2026 venue → New Delhi → 17-23 August, returns after 17 years.
- Menuires Chess Championship gold → Rohith Krishna (India) → held in France.
- International Moon Day → 20 July → marks Apollo 11 landing (1969); 5th observance in 2026.
- Green Hydrogen CoE 'ECOGEN' → IIT Kanpur → under UP Green Hydrogen Policy 2024.
- APEDA's first frozen French fries export → from Uttarakhand to Iraq → 24 tonnes.
- 5th BRICS geospatial meeting host → IIT Tirupati → 20-23 July 2026.
- Sikkim Budget 2026-27 → Rs 19,215 crore → tabled by CM Prem Singh Tamang.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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