- Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced an examination-reform task force headed by Nandan Nilekani to recommend technological, administrative and security improvements for preventing paper leaks and making India’s public examination system more transparent, reliable and accountable.
- Kerala launched the Digital Square Education Initiative to strengthen technology-based learning, improve digital access in schools, train students in essential digital skills and encourage the use of modern educational tools in classroom teaching.
- Bihar announced plans to establish a permanent National Skill Training Institute for Women and a Skill India International Centre in Patna to expand vocational education, specialised training and overseas employment opportunities.
- The government introduced an Anti-Paper Leak Bill in the Lok Sabha, proposing stricter penalties against organised examination fraud, question-paper leaks, impersonation, cheating networks and the misuse of technology during public recruitment examinations.
- India permitted the regulated use of anhydrous ammonia in agriculture as a concentrated nitrogen fertiliser, aiming to improve crop productivity while requiring strict safety standards for its transportation, storage, handling and application.
- Madurai authorities highlighted efforts to conserve a 107-year-old banyan tree, recognising its environmental, historical and cultural importance and promoting the protection of mature trees amid increasing urbanisation and infrastructure development.
- The Puri Jagannath Temple administration moved to trademark Jagannath Dham and related sacred expressions to prevent unauthorised commercial use and protect the religious, cultural and institutional identity associated with the famous Odisha temple.
- Uttarakhand announced plans to radio-collar elephants before the Haridwar Kumbh 2027 to monitor their movement, reduce human-animal conflict and strengthen the safety of pilgrims, residents and wildlife near sensitive forest corridors.
- The Majhi Kanya Bhagyashree Scheme supports eligible Maharashtra families with financial benefits for girl children, encouraging education, improving financial security and discouraging gender discrimination, early marriage and preference for male children.
- The Mahatma Jyotirao Phule Jan Arogya Yojana provides cashless hospital treatment to eligible Maharashtra families through empanelled healthcare institutions, reducing medical expenses and improving access to secondary and tertiary healthcare services.
- India relaxed foreign direct investment rules for inventory-based e-commerce businesses to promote exports of Indian-manufactured products, improve international market access for domestic sellers and strengthen the country’s digital-commerce and manufacturing ecosystem.
- Great Indian Bustard chicks entered a specially designed rewilding tunnel in Rajasthan to develop natural movement, feeding and survival behaviour before their possible release, supporting efforts to conserve the critically endangered species.
- The indigenous Malvi camel breed faces an extinction threat because of falling population, shrinking grazing areas, mechanisation and declining traditional use, creating an urgent need for targeted breeding and conservation programmes.
- UNESCO added Mount Olympus and the D-Day Landing Beaches to its World Heritage List, recognising their exceptional natural, cultural and historical importance and strengthening international efforts for their conservation, protection and responsible management.
- India revised cross-border currency provisions to allow eligible Indian and Nepalese travellers to carry specified quantities of ₹200 and ₹500 notes between India and Nepal, subject to applicable limits and regulatory conditions.
Banking:
Awards & Honours: - SBI Life Insurance partnered with the Paralympic Committee of India as principal partner of the Indian contingent for the 2026 para-sports season, supporting athletes, competitions and India’s participation in international para-sporting events.
- India’s relaxation of foreign-investment rules for inventory-based e-commerce aims to increase exports of Indian-made goods, attract global capital, support domestic manufacturers and improve access to international customers through digital marketplaces.
- Prem K. Vora received the Rashtriya Ashok Samman, also referred to as Bharat Samman, at a ceremony in New Delhi in recognition of his contribution to social welfare, public service and community development.
- Five-time World Chess Champion Viswanathan Anand became interim president of the International Chess Federation, FIDE, assuming a major global administrative role and representing an important achievement for India in international chess governance.
- Infosys appointed Ashiss Kumar Dash as CEO-designate as part of its leadership succession planning, positioning him for greater responsibility in directing the technology company’s future operations, strategy, digital services and international growth.
- Union Minister Pralhad Joshi took charge of the Education Ministry, assuming responsibility for national education policy, school and higher education reforms, examination administration, digital learning and the implementation of major government education programmes.
- World In Vitro Fertilization Day was observed on 25 July 2026 to commemorate the birth of the world’s first IVF baby and recognise developments in fertility treatment, reproductive medicine and assisted reproductive technology.
- The International Day for Judicial Well-being was observed on 25 July 2026 to promote the mental, emotional and physical well-being of judges and encourage healthier, more supportive and sustainable judicial institutions.
- The International Day of Women and Girls of African Descent was observed on 25 July 2026 to recognise their achievements and address racial discrimination, gender inequality, exclusion and barriers to equal opportunities.
- Kargil Vijay Diwas was observed on 26 July 2026 to commemorate India’s victory in the 1999 Kargil War and honour the soldiers who sacrificed their lives during Operation Vijay.
- The CRPF Raising Day was observed in July 2026 to recognise the Central Reserve Police Force’s contribution to internal security, counter-insurgency operations, election duties, disaster response and the maintenance of public order.
- Indian Navy sail-training ship INS Sudarshini departed from Boston after participating in SAIL 250, an international maritime event that promoted naval cooperation, sail training, cultural exchange and India’s maritime presence abroad.
- Bhargavastra is an indigenous counter-drone system developed to detect, track and neutralise hostile drone swarms, strengthening India’s defence preparedness against emerging aerial threats and low-cost unmanned warfare technologies.
- An AI-powered holographic representation of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee was developed to present his speeches, ideas and life journey through an interactive digital experience using artificial intelligence and holographic technology.
- India’s meteorological satellite INSAT-3DR continues to support weather forecasting by monitoring cloud movement, rainfall, atmospheric conditions, cyclones and other weather systems, helping authorities issue more accurate forecasts and early warnings.
- NASA announced the PRAXIS mission to study planetary ring systems and improve scientific understanding of how rings originate, evolve and interact with nearby moons, planets, dust particles and surrounding gravitational forces.
- The Zoological Survey of India discovered two new spider species named Simonia lawbah and Hamataliwa papikonda, expanding scientific knowledge of India’s arachnid diversity and highlighting the ecological importance of their habitats.
- Researchers discovered a new freshwater shrimp species in the Gomti River, adding to India’s aquatic biodiversity records and highlighting the need to protect river ecosystems from pollution, habitat destruction and environmental degradation.
- India’s Anahat Singh won the World Junior Squash Championship, becoming the first Indian player to secure the prestigious junior world title and marking a historic achievement for the country in international squash.
- Indian weightlifter Mirabai Chanu won a medal at the Commonwealth Games 2026, adding another major international achievement to her career and strengthening India’s medal performance in competitive weightlifting.
- Indian athlete Rishikanta Singh won a silver medal at the Commonwealth Games 2026, becoming India’s first silver medallist at the event and contributing to the country’s overall medal tally.
- Indian athlete Raja Muthupandi won a silver medal at the Commonwealth Games 2026, delivering a strong performance against international competitors and adding another medal to India’s campaign at the Games.
- Indian shooter Esha Singh won the gold medal in the women’s 25-metre pistol event, demonstrating accuracy and composure and adding an important international shooting title to India’s sporting achievements.
- Argentina defender Nicolás Otamendi announced his retirement from international football, ending a distinguished career in which he represented his country at major tournaments and contributed to several important international successes.
Obituaries:
- Former Uttarakhand minister Hira Singh Bisht died at the age of 85, ending a long political career marked by his involvement in state administration, public service and the development of Uttarakhand.
Question:
Q1.The Skill India International Centre proposed in Bihar will mainly support:
a) Overseas employment and vocational training
b) Agricultural exports
c) Judicial training
d) Sports development
Answer: a) The centre aims to provide specialised skills and prepare candidates for employment opportunities in international markets.
Q2.India revised currency provisions for travellers moving between India and:
a) Bhutan
b) Nepal
c) Bangladesh
d) Sri Lanka
Answer: b) Eligible Indian and Nepalese travellers were allowed to carry specified quantities of ₹200 and ₹500 notes, subject to limits.
