Current Affairs

Current Affairs is one of the most important sections of competitive examinations in India. At GK Now, we provide daily, accurate, and exam-oriented current affairs covering the latest national and international developments that are important for competitive exam preparation.

This category brings together short, easy-to-read current affairs articles designed to help aspirants quickly understand and revise important events, facts, appointments, government decisions, schemes, sports, science and technology, and other exam-relevant developments.

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UPI to Remain Free for Citizens; Merchant Transactions May Attract Charges

The Government of India has clarified that UPI payments will remain free for citizens. The recent amendment to the Payment and Settlement Systems (PSS) Act, 2007 is an enabling provision aimed at ensuring the long-term sustainability, technological advancement and resilience of India’s UPI ecosystem.

  • No charges for users: Citizens will not have to pay transaction charges for UPI payments.
  • P2P transactions remain free: Person-to-Person (P2P) UPI transactions will continue to be free.
  • MDR for merchants: If introduced in future, Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) will apply only to a limited set of merchant transactions above a specified threshold and at a nominal rate.
  • Most merchant transactions remain free: MDR will not be a blanket charge on all UPI merchant transactions.
  • Decision on MDR: After Parliament passes the Taxation and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026, the UPI and Services Steering Committee headed by NPCI will decide whether MDR should be introduced.
  • Reason for amendment: The measure aims to support UPI’s growing infrastructure, cybersecurity, fraud prevention, technological upgrades and financial sustainability.
  • UPI growth: In July 2026, UPI processed 2,366 crore transactions worth ₹29.9 lakh crore.
  • Global reach: UPI is now live in 11 foreign countries and has emerged as the world’s largest real-time payment system.
  • UPI background: Developed by NPCI and launched in 2016, UPI enables instant interoperable payments through mobile numbers, VPA and QR codes.

Q. What has the Government of India clarified regarding charges on UPI transactions in August 2026?

A) All UPI transactions will attract a 1% charge
B) UPI payments will remain free for citizens, while limited merchant transactions may face nominal MDR in future
C) P2P transactions will be charged but merchant transactions will remain free
D) UPI charges will be decided by individual banks

Answer: B) UPI payments will remain free for citizens, while limited merchant transactions may face nominal MDR in future

R. Praggnanandhaa Wins St. Louis Rapid & Blitz 2026

Indian chess Grandmaster R. Praggnanandhaa won his maiden St. Louis Rapid & Blitz 2026 title at the Saint Louis Chess Club, USA, held from 31 July to 7 August 2026.

He scored 23.5/35 points, finishing 1.5 points ahead of Javokhir Sindarov of Uzbekistan. Wesley So of the USA finished third with 20.5 points. Praggnanandhaa earned $50,000 and 13 Grand Chess Tour points, moving to second place in the overall Grand Chess Tour standings.

The victory is significant as Praggnanandhaa had also won Norway Chess 2026 earlier in the year.

Key Facts for Exams:

  • Winner: R. Praggnanandhaa (India)
  • Tournament: St. Louis Rapid & Blitz 2026
  • Score: 23.5/35
  • Runner-up: Javokhir Sindarov
  • Third: Wesley So
  • Prize Money: $50,000
  • GCT Points: 13
  • Venue: Saint Louis Chess Club, USA
  • Overall GCT Rank: 2nd

National Handloom Day is observed every year on 7 August

National Handloom Day is observed every year on 7 August to commemorate the Swadeshi Movement of 1905, which promoted indigenous products and the boycott of foreign goods. In 2026, the 12th National Handloom Day was celebrated at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre, New Delhi, with President Droupadi Murmu as the chief guest.

The 2026 celebrations highlighted innovation, sustainability and technology in the handloom sector. 3 Sant Kabir Handloom Awards and 19 National Handloom Awards were presented to outstanding weavers. Four commemorative postage stamps and publications highlighting India’s handloom traditions were also released.

The handloom sector supports over 35 lakh weavers and allied workers, with 72% being women, making it an important source of rural employment and women-led economic empowerment. Traditional textiles such as Banarasi silk, Kanjeevaram, Maheshwari, Kota Doria and Khadi reflect India’s rich cultural heritage.

Key Facts for Exams:

  • National Handloom Day: 7 August
  • Associated event: Swadeshi Movement, 1905
  • First observed: 2015
  • 2026 edition: 12th
  • Chief Guest: President Droupadi Murmu
  • Venue: Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre, New Delhi
  • Sant Kabir Handloom Awards: 3
  • National Handloom Awards: 19
  • Weavers & allied workers: 35+ lakh
  • Women: 72% of the workforce

Union Cabinet Approves ₹23,731 Crore GOBARdhan National Circular Bioenergy Scheme

On 7 August 2026, Union Cabinet, chaired by PM Narendra Modi approved the GOBARdhan National Circular Bioenergy Scheme.

  • Total outlay: ₹23,731 crore
  • Implementation period: FY 2026-27 to FY 2035-36
  • Main focus: Boost Compressed Biogas (CBG) production and convert organic waste into clean energy and economic resources.
  • CBG target: Increase domestic CBG production nearly ten-fold
  • Feedstock: Agricultural residue, cattle dung, press mud, municipal organic waste and other biomass.
  • CBG administered price: ₹2,110/MMBTU, with a minimum 10-year pricing framework. MMBTU stands for Metric Million British Thermal Unit
  • Capital assistance: Up to ₹2 crore per tonne per day (TPD) of installed CBG capacity for eligible greenfield projects.
  • CBG blending obligations: 3% in FY 2026-27, 4% in FY 2027-28 and 5% from FY 2028-29 onwards.
  • Key support: Pipeline infrastructure, credit guarantee mechanism and CBG Ecosystem Challenge Fund.
  • Significance: Promotes energy security, waste-to-wealth, rural livelihoods, reduced fossil-fuel dependence and Atmanirbhar Bharat.

India Successfully Test-Fires Agni-4 Ballistic Missile

India successfully test-fired the Agni-4 Medium-Range Ballistic Missile (MRBM) on 7 August 2026 from the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, Odisha.

  • Conducted by: Strategic Forces Command (SFC), with DRDO support
  • Type: Two-stage, surface-to-surface ballistic missile
  • Propulsion: Solid-fuel rocket motors
  • Range: Up to 4,000 km
  • Test result: All operational and technical parameters were successfully validated
  • Significance: Strengthens India’s strategic deterrence and indigenous missile capability
  • Defence Minister: Rajnath Singh congratulated SFC and DRDO, calling it a “textbook mission.”

Key Takeaway: The successful Agni-4 test demonstrates India’s continued advancement in strategic missile technology and national defence capabilities.

Gaganyaan Mission: First Uncrewed Flight Targeted for Q4 2026

India’s Gaganyaan human spaceflight programme has made significant progress, with the first uncrewed experimental mission targeted for the fourth quarter of 2026 and the first crewed mission planned for 2027, the government informed Parliament.

  • First uncrewed experimental mission: Q4 2026, including Vyommitra, a half-humanoid robot.
  • First crewed Gaganyaan mission: Targeted for 2027.
  • Two additional uncrewed missions are planned before the maiden crewed flight.
  • The Human Rated Launch Vehicle (HLVM3) propulsion stages and structures have completed development and ground testing.
  • The Crew Escape System has undergone major successful tests, while Test Vehicle Mission TV-D1 successfully validated crew-escape technology.
  • Selected Gaganyatris have completed generic spaceflight training in Russia and are undergoing mission-specific training in Bengaluru.
  • The Union Cabinet approved ₹20,193 crore for eight Gaganyaan missions in September 2024.
  • Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS) is targeted to become operational by 2035 and will comprise five modules.
  • India is collaborating with ESA, Australia, France and Russia for various aspects of the programme.

Key Facts:
🚀 Gaganyaan first uncrewed mission → Q4 2026
👨‍🚀 First crewed mission → 2027
🛰️ Bharatiya Antariksh Station → 2035
💰 Gaganyaan allocation → ₹20,193 crore

Supreme Court Judges Strength Increased from 33 to 37

Parliament on 5 August 2026 passed the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026, increasing the sanctioned strength of Supreme Court judges from 33 to 37, excluding the Chief Justice of India (CJI).

  • The amendment revises the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Act, 1956.
  • The increase had already been provided through an Ordinance promulgated by President Droupadi Murmu in May 2026.
  • The government said the move aims to improve the efficiency of the Supreme Court and ensure timely justice.
  • Union Minister of State for Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal defended the measure as part of broader judicial reforms.
  • On the same day, the Lok Sabha passed the Bankers’ Books Evidence Bill, 2026, aimed at modernising rules concerning banking records and digital banking evidence.

Key Exam Fact: Supreme Court judges (excluding CJI) → 37.

India-flagged cargo vessel Sinks in Red Sea After Attack

On 4 August 2026, the India-flagged cargo vessel MSV Faize Noore Oliya sank in the Red Sea off Yemen after being struck by a projectile/explosives-laden boat. All 14 crew members, including 13 Indians and one Yemeni national, were safely rescued by the Yemeni Coast Guard and taken to the Port of Mokha.

Key Points:

  • Vessel: MSV Faize Noore Oliya — India-flagged mechanised sailing vessel.
  • Date: 4 August 2026.
  • Location: Red Sea, off Yemen’s western coast.
  • Crew: 14, including 13 Indians.
  • Casualties: None; all crew rescued.
  • India’s response: The MEA condemned the attack as “unprovoked” and called for free and unimpeded navigation through international waterways.
  • Rescue: Yemeni Coast Guard rescued the crew and brought them to Port of Mokha.
  • The attack highlights continuing maritime security risks in the strategically important Red Sea shipping route.

Exam Focus: MSV Faize Noore Oliya — India-flagged vessel — Red Sea — Yemen — 4 August 2026 — 13 Indians among 14 crew rescued.

Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Bill, 2026 – Stricter Rules for Delayed Registration

Parliament passed the Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Bill, 2026 on 4 August 2026, after its approval by the Rajya Sabha; the Lok Sabha had already passed it. The Bill amends the Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969 and aims to make delayed registration more stringent while promoting timely and accurate registration.

Key Provisions:

  • 1–2 years delay: Registration of a birth or death reported after one year but within two years will require approval from the District Magistrate, Sub-Divisional Magistrate, or authorised Executive Magistrate, after verification.
  • More than 2 years delay: Registration will require an order of a Judicial Magistrate of the First Class.
  • The amendment seeks to prevent misuse, manipulation and identity fraud through improper delayed registration.
  • It aims to ensure universal and accurate registration of births and deaths and improve the reliability of civil records.
  • India has nearly 3.5 lakh registration units.
  • Birth registration increased from 86.6% in 2014 to over 99% in 2024.
  • Death registration increased from 72.5% to 99.4% during the same period.
  • Members supporting the Bill highlighted the importance of registration for legal identity, governance, policy planning and delivery of public services.
  • Some members expressed concern that referring cases after two years to Judicial Magistrates could increase the burden on already overburdened courts.

Exam Point: The Bill mainly strengthens the procedure for delayed registration of births and deaths, particularly registrations made more than two years after the event.

Glaw Lake Becomes Arunachal Pradesh’s First Ramsar Site, Taking India’s Total to 101

Glaw Lake in Arunachal Pradesh has been added to the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance.

  • With this addition, India’s total Ramsar Sites have reached 101.
  • It is Arunachal Pradesh’s first Ramsar Site.
  • The lake is located in the Kamlang Tiger Reserve and Wildlife Sanctuary in the Eastern Himalayas.
  • It is a freshwater wetland, fed by perennial mountain streams and surrounded by dense natural vegetation.
  • The wetland and its catchment support 150+ tree species and 49 orchid species.
  • The designation is expected to strengthen wetland conservation, biodiversity protection, water and climate security, and sustainable livelihoods.
  • India’s Ramsar Sites increased from 26 in 2014 to 101 in 2026.
  • The announcement was made on 3 August 2026 by Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav.

Exam Point:
Glaw Lake → Arunachal Pradesh → 101st Ramsar Site of India → Located in Kamlang Tiger Reserve & Wildlife Sanctuary.

Harshita Jakhar Becomes First Indian Woman to Participate in Tour de France Femmes 2026

Harshita Jakhar, a 19-year-old cyclist from Rajasthan, became the first Indian woman to participate in the Tour de France Femmes. She took part in the ceremonial start of Stage 2 on 2 August 2026 in Switzerland.

  • Harshita was part of a specially selected group of eight cyclists from countries including Afghanistan, Algeria, Chile, Ethiopia, Namibia and Uganda.
  • The riders were selected by the UCI (Union Cycliste Internationale) and completed a 4.5-km neutralised section of the course.
  • The Tour de France Femmes is the women’s equivalent of the men’s Tour de France and is part of the UCI Women’s WorldTour calendar.
  • The 2026 race began on 1 August in Lausanne and is scheduled to conclude on 9 August in Nice.
  • Harshita has achieved several successes in junior and senior cycling competitions in India.
  • Her goals are to finish in the Top 10 at the 2026 Asian Games and win a medal at the 2030 Asian Games.

Exam Point:
Harshita Jakhar → First Indian woman at Tour de France Femmes → Rajasthan → 2026.

Air Marshal Tejpal Singh Appointed Deputy Chief of the Air Staff

Air Marshal Tejpal Singh AVSM VM assumed the appointment of Deputy Chief of the Air Staff (DCAS) on 1 August 2026.

Key Points

  • New Deputy Chief of the Air Staff: Air Marshal Tejpal Singh
  • Assumed office: 1 August 2026
  • He was commissioned into the Indian Air Force as a fighter pilot on 16 June 1990.
  • He has more than 3,500 hours of flying experience.
  • He is a Category A Qualified Flying Instructor and an Experimental Test Pilot.
  • He has held several important operational, command and staff appointments in the Indian Air Force.
  • He was awarded the Vayu Sena Medal (VM) in 2011.
  • He received the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) in 2021.
  • He succeeded Air Marshal Awadhesh Kumar Bharti, who retired on 31 July 2026 after 39 years of service.

Exam Point: Air Marshal Tejpal Singh is the new Deputy Chief of the Air Staff (DCAS) of the Indian Air Force, effective 1 August 2026.

Q. Who assumed the appointment of Deputy Chief of the Air Staff (DCAS) on 1 August 2026?

A) Air Marshal Awadhesh Kumar Bharti
B) Air Marshal Tejpal Singh
C) Air Marshal A.P. Singh
D) Air Marshal Amar Preet Singh

Answer: B) Air Marshal Tejpal Singh
Air Marshal Tejpal Singh AVSM VM assumed the appointment of Deputy Chief of the Air Staff (DCAS) on 1 August 2026. He succeeded Air Marshal Awadhesh Kumar Bharti, who retired on 31 July 2026 after 39 years of service.

Vice Admiral AN Pramod Appointed Deputy Chief of Naval Staff

Vice Admiral AN Pramod, AVSM, YSM assumed charge as the Deputy Chief of Naval Staff (DCNS) on 1 August 2026. He succeeds Vice Admiral Tarun Sobti, who retired on 31 July 2026 after more than 38 years of distinguished service.

Vice Admiral Pramod was commissioned into the Indian Navy on 1 July 1990 and has served for more than 36 years in various command, operational, instructional and staff positions.

Key Points

  • New Deputy Chief of Naval Staff: Vice Admiral AN Pramod
  • Assumed charge: 1 August 2026
  • Commissioned into Indian Navy: 1 July 1990
  • Experience: More than 36 years of service
  • He is a CAT ‘A’ Sea King Air Operations Officer and a Communication and Electronic Warfare Specialist.
  • He is an alumnus of the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington, and Naval Higher Command Course, Naval War College, Goa.
  • He has commanded several important naval ships, including INS Abhay, INS Shardul and INS Satpura.
  • He participated in Operation Vijay (1999) and Operation Parakram (2001).
  • He served as Director General Naval Operations (DGNO) from 13 December 2023 to 31 July 2026.
  • As DGNO, he was involved in planning and operational readiness during Operation Sindoor and maritime security operations during the West Asia crisis.
  • He was awarded the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) in 2024 and Yudh Seva Medal (YSM) in 2025.
  • He succeeds Vice Admiral Tarun Sobti, who superannuated on 31 July 2026.

Exam Point

Vice Admiral AN Pramod is the new Deputy Chief of Naval Staff (DCNS), effective 1 August 2026.

Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the ‘Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan’ on 2 August 2026. The campaign aims to create a drug-free India by encouraging young people to stay away from substance abuse and promoting a healthy, confident and responsible youth population.

More than 1 crore young citizens from over 28,000 locations joined the launch and took an anti-drug pledge. The campaign will run for 100 weeks, with activities organised every Sunday.

Key Points

  • Launched by: Prime Minister Narendra Modi
  • Launch date: 2 August 2026
  • Campaign: Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan
  • Main objective: To make India’s youth free from drug and substance abuse.
  • 100-Week Plan: The campaign will continue for 100 weeks, with activities every Sunday.
  • Participation: More than 1 crore youth joined the launch from 28,000+ locations.
  • The campaign grew from a pilot project launched in Kashi (Varanasi) in the previous year.
  • The initiative is supported by 125+ spiritual organisations and several NGOs under the Kashi Declaration.
  • MY Bharat is playing an important role in engaging young people in the campaign.
  • MY Bharat has connected more than 2.23 crore youth across the country.
  • Activities during the 100 weeks will include art, culture, sports and meditation.
  • The Prime Minister urged schools, colleges and universities to spread awareness about the harmful effects of drugs.
  • The campaign also focuses on rehabilitation and social acceptance of people recovering from addiction.
  • The Prime Minister emphasised that people recovering from addiction should be given respect, support and a second chance.
  • Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya said the campaign would become a nationwide Jan Bhagidari (people’s participation) movement.

India’s Strong Performance at Commonwealth Games 2026

The Commonwealth Games 2026 were held in Glasgow, Scotland, from 23 July to 2 August 2026. India delivered one of its strongest performances at the Games, winning 39 medals and finishing 4th in the overall medal standings.

India won 13 gold, 17 silver and 9 bronze medals. Boxing was the biggest success for India, while weightlifting, athletics, para-athletics and judo also produced several historic achievements.

India’s Medal Tally

  • 🥇 Gold: 13
  • 🥈 Silver: 17
  • 🥉 Bronze: 9
  • 🏅 Total: 39
  • Overall Rank: 4th

Major Highlights

  • Boxing: Indian boxers won a record 10 medals, including 7 gold medals, making it India’s best-ever Commonwealth Games boxing performance.
  • Mirabai Chanu: Won gold in the women’s 48 kg weightlifting event and completed a Commonwealth Games hat-trick.
  • Judo: Asmita Dey won India’s first-ever Commonwealth Games judo gold. Harsh Singh became the first Indian male judoka to win a CWG gold.
  • Para-athletics: Sharmila Dhankar won India’s first Commonwealth Games para-athletics gold.
  • Dilip Gavit: Won gold in the men’s 100m T47 event.
  • Soman Rana: Won gold in the men’s F57 shot put.
  • Neeraj Chopra: Won silver in men’s javelin with a season-best throw.
  • Gulveer Singh: Won silver in the 10,000m and bronze in the 5,000m, becoming the first Indian to win two athletics medals at the same Commonwealth Games.
  • Tejaswin Shankar: Won bronze in the decathlon, becoming the first Indian to win a Commonwealth Games decathlon medal.
  • Jhandu Kumar: Won India’s first medal of the 2026 Games in para powerlifting.

Top Countries in the Medal Table

RankCountryGoldSilverBronzeTotal
1Australia654152158
2England264035101
3Canada18202159
4India1317939
5Scotland1381738

Overall Significance

India’s performance was particularly notable because several of its traditional strong sports, such as wrestling, badminton, shooting and hockey, were not part of these Games. Despite this, Indian athletes performed strongly in boxing, weightlifting, athletics, para-athletics and judo.

India’s 39-medal haul and 4th-place finish highlighted the country’s growing strength across a wider range of sports.

Union Cabinet Extends PM-KISAN Scheme for 2026-27 to 2030-31

On 31 July 2026, The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the continuation of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme for 2026–27 to 2030–31, with a financial outlay of ₹3.15 lakh crore.

Key Points

  • Scheme: Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN)
  • Launched: February 2019
  • New period: 2026–27 to 2030–31
  • Financial outlay: ₹3.15 lakh crore
  • Annual assistance: ₹6,000 per eligible landholding farmer family
  • Paid in three equal instalments through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
  • Uses Aadhaar-based authentication and digital verification for transparent delivery.

Major Achievements

  • More than ₹4.47 lakh crore transferred to farmers through 23 instalments.
  • Under the 23rd instalment, over 9.49 crore farmers received more than ₹18,984 crore.
  • Over ₹1.71 lakh crore was disbursed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Women beneficiaries have received more than ₹1.06 lakh crore.
  • Nearly one in four beneficiaries is a woman farmer.

Samudra Manthan National Offshore Exploration Scheme

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the ‘Samudra Manthan’ National Offshore Exploration Scheme on 31 July 2026. The Central Sector Scheme, under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, has an outlay of ₹84,084 crore and will be implemented up to FY 2030–31.

The scheme aims to accelerate offshore oil and gas exploration, increase domestic production, strengthen India’s energy security, and promote advanced technologies in the upstream energy sector.

The government expects the scheme to help add more than 600 Million Metric Tonnes of Oil Equivalent (MMTOE) to India’s reserves and significantly expand offshore exploration and domestic crude oil and natural gas production.

Key Features

  • Outlay: ₹84,084 crore
  • Implementation: Up to FY 2030–31
  • Focus: Offshore oil and natural gas exploration
  • Large-scale acquisition and processing of high-quality seismic data
  • Accelerated deepwater and ultra-deepwater drilling
  • Scientific drilling in frontier basins
  • Development of common offshore production and evacuation infrastructure
  • Establishment of an integrated Oil and Gas Manufacturing and Services Zone
  • Digital programme management, capacity building and technology adoption
  • Promotion of international collaboration and stakeholder participation

NAKSHA Urban Land Survey: Key Facts, Technology and Goa Verification 2026

NAKSHA stands for National Geospatial Knowledge-based Land Survey of Urban Habitations. It is a pilot programme of the Department of Land Resources (DoLR), Ministry of Rural Development, aimed at modernising urban land records through advanced geospatial technology.

The NAKSHA pilot was launched on 19 February 2025 at Raisen, Madhya Pradesh. It covers 157 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) across 27 States and 3 Union Territories.

Key Features of NAKSHA

  • Drone-based mapping: Drones are used to capture high-resolution aerial images of urban areas and accurately identify property boundaries.
  • GIS technology: Geographic Information System (GIS) is used to create and manage digital land maps.
  • CORS: Continuously Operating Reference Stations help achieve highly accurate positioning for land surveys.
  • ULPIN: Each land parcel can be assigned a 14-digit Unique Land Parcel Identification Number (ULPIN), also known as Bhu-Aadhaar.
  • Digital land records: The project aims to create accurate and tamper-resistant digital records of urban land parcels.

Objectives of NAKSHA

The main objectives are to:

  1. Reduce property and boundary disputes.
  2. Improve transparency in urban land ownership.
  3. Provide accurate land data for urban planning and infrastructure development.
  4. Strengthen the reliability of digital land records.
  5. Help improve urban governance and reduce revenue leakages.

NAKSHA in Goa – 2026

In Goa, the public verification/inquiry process under the NAKSHA pilot is being conducted from 16 July to 14 August 2026.

The process covers Margao, Cuncolim and Panaji. Property owners can participate in the verification process to check the mapped details of their properties and raise objections or provide corrections where necessary.

Gaza Conflict: Trump Announces Deal for Complete Disarmament of Hamas

On 30 July 2026, US President Donald Trump announced that the Board of Peace had reached an agreement for the complete disarmament of Hamas and other armed groups in Gaza. A senior Hamas official also confirmed agreement to the plan, with an official statement expected soon, while Israel had not yet commented.

Trump said the agreement could pave the way for a new Palestinian government in Gaza, working with the Board of Peace, while ensuring Israel’s security and preventing Gaza from being used for attacks. Israel has long demanded the complete disarmament and demilitarisation of Hamas as a condition for a peace agreement.

The announcement comes as Israel continues its military operations and expansion of control in Gaza, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu saying Israel intends to control about 70% of the territory.

Gaza Conflict – Brief History

  • 1948: After the creation of Israel, the first Arab-Israeli war led to the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians, an event Palestinians call the Nakba.
  • 1967: Israel captured Gaza, the West Bank and East Jerusalem during the Six-Day War.
  • 1987: The First Intifada began, and Hamas was founded during the uprising.
  • 1993–95: The Oslo Accords created the Palestinian Authority and established a framework for Palestinian self-government.
  • 2005: Israel withdrew its settlers and permanent ground forces from Gaza.
  • 2006–07: Hamas won the Palestinian legislative election and subsequently took control of Gaza in 2007 after fighting with Fatah.
  • 2008–2021: Israel and Hamas fought several major rounds of conflict, with repeated rocket attacks, Israeli military operations and ceasefires.
  • 7 October 2023: Hamas-led militants attacked southern Israel, killing about 1,200 people and taking hostages. Israel responded with a large-scale military campaign in Gaza.
  • 2023–2026: The war caused extensive destruction and a severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza, while negotiations repeatedly focused on hostages, ceasefires, humanitarian aid and Hamas disarmament.
  • 30 July 2026: Trump announced an agreement for the complete disarmament of Hamas and other armed groups, potentially opening the way for a new Palestinian government in Gaza and a broader peace arrangement.

Kanwar Yatra 2026: Dates and Mythological Significance

The Kanwar Yatra 2026 begins today, 30 July 2026, with the start of the holy month of Shravan (Sawan). Millions of Kanwariyas will collect sacred Gangajal from pilgrimage centres such as Haridwar, Gaumukh, Gangotri and Sultanganj and carry it to Shiva temples across North India. The yatra will culminate with the main Jalabhishek on Sawan Shivratri, 11 August 2026.

The Kanwar Yatra has deep historical and mythological significance. According to Hindu mythology, devotees offer Ganga water to Lord Shiva to cool his throat after he consumed the deadly Halahal poison during Samudra Manthan. Another legend associates the origin of the tradition with Ravana, who is believed to have carried Gangajal to the Baidyanath Jyotirlinga in Deoghar. The tradition is mainly observed across Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Bihar, Jharkhand, Haryana and Delhi.

Lok Sabha Passes Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026

The Lok Sabha passed the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, on 30 July 2026, to strengthen action against paper leaks and examination malpractices.

The amendment proposes imprisonment of up to 10 years, fines up to ₹10 crore, and seizure of convicted offenders’ properties. It also requires every State and Union Territory to establish Special Fast Track Courts for day-to-day trials of paper leak cases. Minister of State Dr Jitendra Singh said the amendment aims to make the law more stringent and ensure speedy justice.

India’s First Direct Commercial Container Freight Train to Nepal

India and Nepal have started the first direct commercial container freight train service from Kolkata Port to Biratnagar Customs Yard, Nepal in July 2026. The 40-wagon train, carrying canola, operated under the revised India–Nepal Rail Transit Protocol. The new service allows container cargo to move directly by rail without transshipment at the border, reducing transit time, logistics costs, and cargo handling while improving trade between the two countries.

Important Points:

  • First Direct Freight Train: Kolkata Port (India) → Biratnagar Customs Yard (Nepal)
  • Train Details: 40 wagons carrying canola.
  • Protocol: Operated under the revised India–Nepal Rail Transit Protocol.
  • Key Feature: Direct rail movement without border transshipment.
  • Rail Link Used: Jogbani (India) – Biratnagar (Nepal) broad-gauge rail link.
  • Rail Link Inaugurated: June 2023 by PM Narendra Modi and the then Prime Minister of Nepal.
  • Revised Letter of Exchange (LoE): Signed in November 2025, enabling direct commercial operations.
  • Benefits:
    • Reduces transit time and logistics costs.
    • Improves cargo handling and supply chain efficiency.
    • Promotes faster, cheaper, and greener transportation.
    • Strengthens India–Nepal trade and economic cooperation.
  • Significance: A major step in expanding international rail connectivity and regional trade.

Cell Broadcast Alert System for Disaster Warnings

India launched the Cell Broadcast Alert System (CBS) on 2 May 2026 to send instant disaster warnings to mobile phones in affected areas. The system is operated by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) through the Common Alerting Protocol (CAP) and was developed by C-DOT under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT). It sends quick, location-based alerts to help people take timely action and reduce loss of life during disasters.

Important Points:

  • Launch Date: 2 May 2026
  • Developed by: C-DOT under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT)
  • Implemented by: National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)
  • Based on: Common Alerting Protocol (CAP)
  • Integrated with: SACHET (India’s CAP-based alert platform)
  • Coverage: All 36 States and Union Territories
  • Five Warning Agencies:
    • India Meteorological Department (IMD)
    • Central Water Commission (CWC)
    • Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS)
    • Defence Geoinformatics Research Establishment (DGRE)
    • Forest Survey of India (FSI)
  • State Role: State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs) issue and send alerts in regional languages.
  • Key Features:
    • Sends geo-targeted alerts to people in the affected area.
    • Works even when mobile networks are busy.
    • Can play a loud alert tone even if the phone is on silent mode.
    • Supports English, Hindi, and regional languages.
  • Disasters Covered: Cyclones, tsunamis, floods, heavy rainfall, lightning, thunderstorms, hailstorms, avalanches, cloudbursts, earthquakes, industrial/man-made disasters, and other emergencies.
  • Purpose: To give early warnings, improve disaster preparedness, and reduce disaster-related casualties.

World Hepatitis Day is observed every year on 28 July

World Hepatitis Day is observed every year on 28 July by the World Health Organization (WHO) to raise awareness about viral hepatitis, a major global health challenge that can lead to liver cancer and cirrhosis. The 2026 theme is “Hepatitis: Let’s Break It Down”, focusing on removing barriers to testing, treatment, and prevention.

🌍 What is Hepatitis?

  • Definition: Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver. It can be caused by viruses, alcohol use, toxins, or autoimmune conditions.
  • Types of Viral Hepatitis:
    • Hepatitis A & E: Spread mainly through contaminated food and water. Usually acute and self-limiting.
    • Hepatitis B, C & D: Spread through blood, sexual contact, or mother-to-child transmission. These can become chronic infections, leading to cirrhosis and liver cancer.

📊 Global Burden (WHO Data)

  • Hepatitis B: Around 296 million people worldwide live with chronic infection.
  • Hepatitis C: About 58 million people live with chronic infection.
  • Together, hepatitis B and C cause over 1 million deaths annually, mostly from liver cancer and cirrhosis.

📌 World Hepatitis Day 2026 Highlights

  • Theme: “Hepatitis: Let’s Break It Down” – simplifying conversations, fighting stigma, and promoting access to care.
  • Date: 28 July (birthday of Dr. Baruch Blumberg, who discovered the hepatitis B virus and developed its vaccine).
  • Global Events: WHO and governments are hosting campaigns, screenings, and awareness drives worldwide, including high-level meetings in Brazil to accelerate elimination efforts.

Raising Day of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) – 27 July 2026

The 87th Raising Day of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) was observed on 27 July 2026, marking 87 years since its founding in 1939 as the Crown Representative’s Police.

📌 Key Facts about the 87th Raising Day

  • Founded: 27 July 1939 (as Crown Representative’s Police), renamed under the CRPF Act in 1949.
  • Largest Central Armed Police Force (CAPF): Over 325,000 personnel across India.
  • Key Duties:
    • Counter-insurgency operations in Jammu & Kashmir and the Northeast.
    • Anti-Naxal operations in central India.
    • Riot and crowd control through its Rapid Action Force (RAF).
    • Security for major national events and pilgrimages.

Sarnath Becomes India’s 45th UNESCO World Heritage Site

The ancient Buddhist site of Sarnath in Uttar Pradesh was officially inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List on 25 July 2026 during the 48th session of the World Heritage Committee in Busan, South Korea, becoming India’s 45th World Heritage Site. This recognition highlights Sarnath’s global significance as the place where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon after enlightenment.

📜 Key Facts about Sarnath’s UNESCO Inscription

  • Date of Inscription: 25 July 2026
  • Event: 48th Session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, Busan, South Korea
  • India’s Tally: 45 World Heritage Sites (37 cultural, 7 natural, 1 mixed)
  • Serial Property Components:
    • Chaukhandi Stupa
    • Archaeological Remains of Sarnath (Dhamekh Stupa, Dharmarajika Stupa, Mulagandhakuti Vihara, Ashokan Pillar, etc.)

🏛 Historical & Spiritual Significance

  • First Sermon of Buddha: Known as Dharmachakra Pravartana (“Turning of the Wheel of Dharma”), delivered in the 6th century BCE.
  • Sacred Geography: Referred to in Buddhist texts as Rishipatana, Isipatana, or Mrigadava (Deer Park).
  • National Emblem: The Lion Capital of Ashoka, discovered at Sarnath, is India’s national emblem.
  • Dynastic Patronage: Flourished under Maurya, Kushana, and Gupta dynasties, becoming a major Buddhist learning centre.

Anahat Singh Becomes First Indian to Win World Squash Junior Championship 2026

On 25 July 2026, Anahat Singh created history by becoming the first Indian to win the World Squash Junior Individual Championships, defeating Ruqayya Salem (Egypt) 3-0 (11-3, 11-7, 11-9) in the girls’ singles final at Niagara-on-the-Lake, Canada. Her victory ended Egypt’s 15-year dominance in the championship and marked a historic milestone for Indian squash.

Born on 13 March 2008 in New Delhi, Anahat Singh is coached by Saurav Ghosal, Stéphane Galifi, and Grégory Gaultier. She has previously won the British Junior Open U-11 (2019), US Junior Open (2021), Asian Junior U-15 Championship (2022), Squash World Cup gold (2025), and was named PSA Young Player of the Year and Challenger Player of the Year (2025). She also became the youngest Indian squash player to compete at the 2022 Commonwealth Games at the age of 14.

Nandan Nilekani to Lead High-Powered Task Force on Exam Reforms

On 26 July 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the formation of a high-powered task force on examination reforms to restore credibility, transparency, and technological robustness in India’s examination system. The committee has been constituted in the wake of the NEET-UG paper leak controversy and aims to revamp the National Testing Agency (NTA) by introducing leak-proof, technology-driven examination processes and recommending long-term structural and legal reforms.

Leadership & Members

Chairperson:

  • Nandan Nilekani – Co-founder of Infosys, architect of Aadhaar, and former UIDAI chief.

Panel Members:

  • S. Somanath – Former ISRO Chairman
  • Tapan Deka – Former Intelligence Bureau Director
  • V. Kamakoti – Director, IIT Madras
  • Anita Karwal – Former School Education Secretary
  • Amrit Lal Meena – Logistics expert

CJP Withdraws NEET Protest After Centre Accepts Key Demands

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) officially withdrew its 36‑day protest on 25 July 2026 after the Union government accepted all its key demands, including the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, withdrawal of FIRs against protesters, and compensation for families affected by the NEET paper leak suicides.

📌 Background of the Protest

  • Cause: The agitation began on 20 June 2026 at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi, over the NEET‑UG 2026 paper leak and irregularities in CBSE’s on‑screen marking system.
  • Demands:
    1. Resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
    2. Withdrawal of all FIRs against protesters nationwide.
    3. Compensation for families of students who died by suicide due to exam irregularities.
    4. Assurance of no future cases against protesters.
    5. Consideration of a five‑point education reform charter.

🏛️ Government Response

  • Resignation: Dharmendra Pradhan resigned on 25 July 2026, taking responsibility for the NEET paper leak.
  • Legal Relief: The Centre assured withdrawal of all FIRs filed against protesters and promised no future cases.
  • Compensation: Families of NEET‑related suicide victims will receive ₹1 crore compensation (maximum possible under rules).
  • Reforms: The government agreed to consider CJP’s five‑point charter on exam reforms, with follow‑up talks scheduled in four weeks.

India Develops First Indigenous 350 kg Thrust Class Expendable Turbo Jet Engine

India has successfully developed its first indigenous Expendable Turbo Jet Engine in the 350 kg thrust class, marking a major milestone in the country’s defence technology.

The engine was designed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) through its Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE). It was successfully manufactured and delivered to GTRE by Azad Engineering.

The Ministry of Defence described the achievement as a result of years of precision engineering, advanced manufacturing, and collaboration between DRDO and the Indian defence industry. Since jet engine technology is among the world’s most complex engineering fields, this development significantly strengthens India’s indigenous defence capabilities.

Defence Secretary and DRDO Chairman Rajesh Kumar Singh congratulated GTRE and Azad Engineering, calling the project a historic milestone in India’s journey toward self-reliance in defence technology.

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