🇮🇳 National News
In July 2026, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan (Ministry of Agricultural and Farmers Welfare — MoA&FW) jointly launched the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Yojana (VB-G RAM G) nationwide from Mukkavarippalli village, Tirupati district, Andhra Pradesh.
| Component | Detail |
|---|---|
| Financial Outlay | Rs 7.5 lakh crore over 5 years |
| Annual Outlay | ~Rs 1.51 lakh crore; Centre: Rs 95,692.31 crore; States: 40% share |
| Sub-Schemes | AIBP, HKKP, WDC, PDMC |
| Ministry | MoA&FW (Ministry of Agricultural and Farmers Welfare) |
- AIBP — Aajeevika Interest Benefit Programme
- HKKP — Har Khet Ko Pani
- WDC — Watershed Development Component
- PDMC — Per Drop More Crop
- PMKSY milestone: As of August 2025, PMKSY benefited over 27 million farmers and created or restored irrigation potential across 24.61 million ha with budgetary support of Rs 64,407 crore.
VB-G RAM G (Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission Gramin Yojana) launched from Mukkavarippalli village, Tirupati district, AP by Shivraj Singh Chouhan (Union Minister, MoA&FW) + AP CM N Chandrababu Naidu. Outlay: Rs 7.5 lakh crore / 5 years; annual ~Rs 1.51 lakh crore. Centre’s share: Rs 95,692.31 crore; States: 40%. Components: AIBP, HKKP, WDC, PDMC.
On 1 July 2026, Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY), a flagship initiative of the Government of India (GoI), completed over 10 years of advancing irrigation-led agricultural transformation through sustainable water management and expansion of irrigation coverage.
| Milestone | Detail |
|---|---|
| Launch Date | 1 July 2015; approved by CCEA chaired by PM Narendra Modi |
| Initial Outlay | Rs 50,000 crore (5 years) |
| Extension (Dec 2021) | 2021–26; outlay Rs 93,068.56 crore |
| Farmers Benefited (Aug 2025) | Over 27 million |
| Irrigation Potential Created | 24.61 million ha |
- Sprinkler irrigation (2016): Increased crop yields by 25–30%; reduced water, electricity, labour, and fertiliser use by 50%; profits of around Rs 60,000–70,000 per ha.
- Approved by: Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by PM Narendra Modi.
PMKSY launched 1 July 2015; completed 10 years on 1 July 2026. Approved by CCEA under PM Narendra Modi. Initial outlay: Rs 50,000 crore. Extended December 2021 till 2026 — outlay Rs 93,068.56 crore. Benefited 27+ million farmers; irrigation potential: 24.61 million ha. Ministry: MoA&FW.
In July 2026, the National Rainfed Area Authority (NRAA) under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (MoAFW) announced that the Borjuli site in Sonitpur district, Assam has been notified as a Biodiversity Heritage Site (BHS) by the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA).
| Assam BHS (as of July 2026) | Location/Note |
|---|---|
| Majuli BHS | Previously notified |
| Borjuli Wild Rice BHS | Sonitpur district; newly notified by NBA (July 2026) |
| Hajong Tortoise Lake BHS | Previously notified |
- Legal basis: Notified under Section 37, Biological Diversity Act, 2002 — provides statutory national recognition.
- Initial declaration: Assam Government declared Borjuli a BHS in 2022.
- Project: NRAA-funded ‘In-situ Conservation and Management of Wild Rice (Oryza rufipogon) in Sonitpur District of Assam’, implemented since 2022.
- Implementing agencies: NRAA (funding) + ICAR-NBPGR (implementing) in collaboration with Assam State Biodiversity Board (ASBB).
Borjuli Wild Rice BHS notified in Sonitpur district, Assam by NBA. Under Section 37, Biological Diversity Act, 2002. Assam now has 3 BHS: Majuli, Borjuli Wild Rice, Hajong Tortoise Lake. Funded by NRAA; implemented by ICAR-NBPGR + ASBB. Wild rice species: Oryza rufipogon.
In July 2026, the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) approved India’s first Private Point-in-Space (PinS) Instrument Approach Procedure for helicopter operations at Undavalli Heliport, Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh, in alignment with DGCA regulations and ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs).
- Developed by: Airports Authority of India (AAI); approved by DGCA.
- Technology: Satellite-guided Performance-Based Navigation (PBN) using GNSS and India’s GAGAN (GPS Aided GEO Augmented Navigation) system.
- Capability: Supports Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations in hilly and remote areas during low-visibility adverse weather — without requiring ground-based navigation support.
- Applications: Emergency medical services, disaster relief, tourism, offshore operations, pilgrimage services, corporate aviation, and regional connectivity.
India’s first PinS (Private Point-in-Space) Instrument Approach Procedure for helicopters approved by MoCA at Undavalli Heliport, Amaravati, AP. Developed by AAI; approved by DGCA. Uses GAGAN (GPS Aided GEO Augmented Navigation) + GNSS-based PBN. Enables IFR operations in adverse weather without ground navigation. Aligned with ICAO SARPs.
In July 2026, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by PM Narendra Modi, approved two major highway projects with a combined investment of Rs 14,114.81 crore.
| Project | Cost | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Delhi 6-Lane Tunnel | Rs 6,969.67 crore | NH-148AE; Dwarka Expressway (NH-248BB) ↔ Nelson Mandela Marg, Vasant Kunj; 3.14 km twin-tube under Southern Ridge; NHAI; HAM model |
| UP Greenfield Highway | Rs 7,145.14 crore | 117.7 km; 4-lane; Kanpur–Kabrai (Mahoba); NHAI; BOT toll; Bhopal–Kanpur Economic Corridor; NH(O) scheme |
CCEA (PM Modi) approved Rs 14,114.81 crore in highway projects. Delhi: 6-lane tunnel on NH-148AE; 3.14 km twin-tube under Southern Ridge; Rs 6,969.67 crore; HAM model. UP: 117.7 km 4-lane Kanpur–Kabrai (Mahoba) greenfield highway; Rs 7,145.14 crore; BOT toll; part of Bhopal–Kanpur Economic Corridor. Both implemented by NHAI.
In July 2026, IIT Delhi, in collaboration with DRDO and a domestic startup, developed India’s first indigenous tactical aerostat — a low-cost high-altitude platform capable of carrying surveillance and communication payloads with an operational coverage of up to 20 km.
- Features: Balloon-based high-altitude platform with Electro-optical (EO) cameras, Infrared (IR) sensors, and Communication relay systems.
- Operational advantages: Higher endurance, payload capacity, persistent surveillance, and communication support compared to drones.
- Applications: Defence surveillance; future potential in border security, disaster response, emergency communication, and civilian connectivity.
- Significance: Reduces import dependence; strengthens India’s indigenous defence ecosystem.
Unlike drones, tactical aerostats are tethered balloon platforms that remain aloft for extended durations without fuel — giving them superior endurance for persistent surveillance. Ideal for border monitoring and static communication relay at significantly lower cost than satellite or drone-based systems.
India’s first indigenous tactical aerostat by IIT Delhi + DRDO + domestic startup. Coverage: up to 20 km. Sensors: EO cameras, IR sensors, communication relay. Advantage: higher endurance and payload capacity vs drones. Uses: defence surveillance, border security, disaster response.
In July 2026, Bhupendra Patel, Chief Minister of Gujarat, launched the statewide ‘Namo Swachhta Abhiyan’ (cleanliness drive) and ‘Amrutpan Abhiyan’ (maternal and child health) during an event on the occasion of National Doctors’ Day (July 1) in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
| Abhiyan | Details |
|---|---|
| Namo Swachhta Abhiyan | Cleanliness drive; 1–7 July 2026; covers all 11,935 govt hospitals & healthcare institutions in Gujarat; disposal of old furniture, obsolete equipment, unnecessary records |
| Amrutpan Abhiyan | Maternal & child health initiative; ensures every child receives proper nutrition and care from birth |
Namo Swachhta Abhiyan & Amrutpan Abhiyan launched by Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel in Gandhinagar on National Doctors’ Day (1 July 2026). Namo Swachhta: 1–7 July 2026; covers 11,935 govt hospitals in Gujarat. Amrutpan: maternal and child nutrition and healthcare.
💼 Banking & Finance
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) approved a USD 182.89 million (Japanese Yen equivalent) loan to Karnataka to strengthen the public school system by establishing 500 integrated school clusters, benefiting over 1 million students from pre-primary to secondary levels.
- Programme name: ‘Strengthening Karnataka Public Schools Program’
- Additional support: USD 10 million grant and USD 25 million guarantee from the International Finance Facility for Education (IFFEd).
- Objective: Develop future-ready public schools in underserved areas; strengthen learning foundations and improve pathways to jobs and higher education.
ADB approved USD 182.89 million (Japanese Yen equivalent) to Karnataka — ‘Strengthening Karnataka Public Schools Program’. Target: 500 integrated school clusters; 1 million+ students. Additional: USD 10 million grant + USD 25 million guarantee from IFFEd (International Finance Facility for Education).
In July 2026, Razorpay, in partnership with NPCI Bharat BillPay Limited (NBBL) — a wholly owned subsidiary of NPCI (National Payments Corporation of India) — launched Banking Connect, a mobile-first NetBanking solution, in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
- Platform features: Unified multi-bank integration, QR-based and intent-driven payment flows; modernises NetBanking for enhanced efficiency and user experience.
- Supported banks (launch): SBI, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, Federal Bank, AU Small Finance Bank, YES Bank — more banks to join subsequently.
- NBBL: NPCI Bharat BillPay Limited; wholly owned subsidiary of NPCI.
Banking Connect launched by Razorpay + NBBL (subsidiary of NPCI) in Mumbai. Mobile-first NetBanking; QR-based & intent-driven payment flows. Supported banks at launch: SBI, HDFC, ICICI, Federal Bank, AU Small Finance Bank, YES Bank.
In June 2026, the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) granted the final (R3) Certificate of Registration (CoR) to Prudential HCL Health Insurance Limited, making it the 8th standalone health insurer in India.
- IRDAI meeting: Granted at IRDAI’s 136th meeting (held 29 June 2026); 3rd such CoR issued in CY 2026.
- JV structure: UK’s Prudential Group — 70% stake; India’s HCL Group — 30% stake; JV announced March 2025.
Prudential HCL Health Insurance Limited = 8th standalone health insurer in India. Licensed by IRDAI at its 136th meeting (29 June 2026); 3rd CoR in CY26. JV: UK’s Prudential Group (70%) + India’s HCL Group (30%). JV announced: March 2025.
In July 2026, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), through its overseas arm BPRL Ventures BV (Bharat PetroResources Limited Ventures BV), acquired the remaining 34.6% stake of Videocon Energy Brazil Limited (VEBL) in IBV Brazil Petroleo Limitada, making it a wholly owned subsidiary.
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Stake acquired from VEBL | 34.6% |
| Total stake post-acquisition | 100% (previously 65.40%) |
| Deal value | Rs 2,312 crore |
| Key asset | BM-Seal-11 concession (under development) |
| Expected production addition | ~1 MTOE annually once output begins |
- BPCL profile: Maharatna PSU under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG); established 1952; HQ: Mumbai, Maharashtra.
- Acquiring arm: BPRL Ventures BV (Bharat PetroResources Limited Ventures BV) — BPCL’s overseas subsidiary.
BPCL (Maharatna PSU; MoPNG; HQ Mumbai; est. 1952) acquired 100% of IBV Brazil Petroleo Limitada via BPRL Ventures BV. Bought 34.6% from VEBL (Videocon Energy Brazil Limited) for Rs 2,312 crore. Key asset: BM-Seal-11 concession. Expected production: ~1 MTOE per year.
🏆 Awards & Recognitions
In July 2026, the Ministry of Steel (MoS) granted Miniratna Category-I status to MECON Limited, a Schedule ‘A’ Central Public Enterprise under MoS, following fulfilment of eligibility criteria prescribed by the Department of Public Enterprises (DPE), Ministry of Finance (MoF).
| Criteria / Performance | MECON’s Figures |
|---|---|
| Net Worth (March 2026) | Rs 535.42 crore (positive net worth ✓) |
| PBT FY24 | Rs 77.62 crore |
| PBT FY25 | Rs 32.08 crore |
| PBT FY26 | Rs 104.53 crore |
- Miniratna Category-I criteria: Consecutive profits for 3 years; pre-tax profit of Rs 30 crore+ in at least 1 of 3 years; positive net worth.
MECON Limited granted Miniratna Category-I by Ministry of Steel. Schedule ‘A’ CPSE. Net Worth: Rs 535.42 crore (March 2026). PBT: Rs 77.62 Cr (FY24), Rs 32.08 Cr (FY25), Rs 104.53 Cr (FY26). Criteria verified by DPE, Ministry of Finance. Criteria: 3 consecutive profit years + Rs 30 Cr+ PBT in ≥1 year + positive net worth.
In June 2026, Kalyan Chakraborty, West Bengal’s Minister of Science & Technology and Biotechnology, announced that WB received 23 new Geographical Indication (GI) tags, taking its total to 59 — making WB the 3rd highest GI-tagged state in India.
| Rank | State | GI Registrations |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | Uttar Pradesh (UP) | 83 |
| 2nd | Tamil Nadu (TN) | 76 |
| 3rd | West Bengal (WB) | 59 |
- Notable new GI products from WB: Jolbhora Sandesh (Chandannagar, Hooghly), Santiniketan Batik, Santiniketan Ektara, Kanakchur popped rice, Clay Doll of Krishnanagar, Sitalpati, and others.
West Bengal gets 23 new GI tags (total: 59); ranked 3rd nationally. State ranking: UP (83) → TN (76) → WB (59). Announced by Kalyan Chakraborty (WB Minister, Science & Technology). Notable products: Jolbhora Sandesh (Chandannagar), Santiniketan Batik, Santiniketan Ektara, Kanakchur popped rice, Clay Doll of Krishnanagar, Sitalpati.
In June 2026, the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) — a Non-Profit Organisation (NPO) — presented the 2026 Leadership Award to Sunil Bharti Mittal, founder and chairman of Bharti Enterprises Limited, at the IX USISPF Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C., USA, themed ‘America At 250’.
- Recognised for: Transforming India’s telecommunications sector, expanding digital connectivity, fostering innovation, attracting international investment, and building a diversified business group.
- Other 2026 awardees: V. Prem Watsa (Chairman & CEO, Fairfax Financial Holdings) and Christopher T. Calio (Chairman & CEO, RTX Corporation).
- Theme significance: ‘America At 250’ marks the 250th anniversary of the United States.
USISPF 2026 Leadership Award to Sunil Bharti Mittal (founder & chairman, Bharti Enterprises) at IX USISPF Leadership Summit, Washington D.C. Theme: ‘America At 250’. Other awardees: V. Prem Watsa (Fairfax Financial Holdings) and Christopher T. Calio (RTX Corporation). USISPF = US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (NPO).
👔 Appointments
On 1 July 2026, Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, former Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (CISC), assumed charge as the 51st Vice Chief of Air Staff (VCAS) of the Indian Air Force (IAF) at Air Headquarters, New Delhi.
| Detail | Fact |
|---|---|
| Post | 51st Vice Chief of Air Staff (VCAS), IAF |
| Effective | 1 July 2026 |
| Predecessor | Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor (retired 30 June 2026) |
| Previous role | Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (CISC) |
| Fighter aircraft | Mirage-2000 |
- Operations: Operation Safed Sagar (Kargil War, 1999) and Operation Rakshak (counter-insurgency, J&K).
- Honours: PVSM (2026), AVSM (2023), Vayu Sena Medal (2006), VSM (2011).
Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit = 51st VCAS of IAF (effective 1 July 2026). Succeeded Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor (superannuated 30 June 2026). Previous role: CISC. Operations: Operation Safed Sagar (Kargil, 1999) and Operation Rakshak (J&K). Aircraft: Mirage-2000. Awards: PVSM, AVSM, VM, VSM.
In July 2026, Bijay Kumar Mohanty, Director (Finance) and CFO of IREDA, assumed additional charge as Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of IREDA for a period of three months, effective 1 July 2026, following the superannuation of Pradip Kumar Das on 30 June 2026.
- About IREDA: Government-owned Navratna PSU under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE). Provides financial support for solar, wind, hydro, green hydrogen, and energy storage projects.
Bijay Kumar Mohanty (Director Finance & CFO) assumes additional charge as CMD, IREDA from 1 July 2026 (3 months). Succeeded Pradip Kumar Das (superannuated 30 June 2026). IREDA = Navratna PSU under MNRE (Ministry of New and Renewable Energy).
📅 Important Days
International Plastic Bag Free Day is observed globally on 3 July every year to raise awareness about the environmental and health hazards of Single-Use Plastic (SUP) bags and promote reusable, sustainable alternatives.
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 2008 | Initiated by Rezero (member of Zero Waste Europe) in Catalonia, Spain on 3 July 2008 |
| 2009 | ZWE expanded the initiative across the European Union (EU) |
| 2015 | EU Plastic Bags Directive (EU 2015/720) adopted — amends Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive (94/62/EC) |
| 2016 | Part of Break Free From Plastic (BFFP) movement — 1,500+ global organisations |
- Origin: Initiated by Rezero (member of Zero Waste Europe / ZWE) in Catalonia, Spain on 3 July 2008.
- EU Directive: EU Plastic Bags Directive (EU 2015/720) — amends the Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive (94/62/EC); reduces lightweight plastic carrier bags across EU.
- Global movement: Part of the Break Free From Plastic (BFFP) movement since 2016 — a global coalition of over 1,500 organisations.
International Plastic Bag Free Day: 3 July annually. Initiated by Rezero (member of Zero Waste Europe / ZWE) in Catalonia, Spain in 2008. Expanded by ZWE across EU in 2009. EU Plastic Bags Directive: EU 2015/720 (amends 94/62/EC). Part of Break Free From Plastic (BFFP) movement since 2016 (1,500+ organisations). Targets elimination of Single-Use Plastic (SUP) bags.
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