National:
- The CSIR–Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR-IICT), Hyderabad, developed India's first indigenous green refrigerant technology (HFO-1234yf) on 9 July 2026 to reduce dependence on imports and promote environmentally friendly refrigerants with very low Global Warming Potential (GWP), supporting India's climate commitments.
- The US Government approved the broader rollout of OpenAI's GPT-5.6 on 9 July 2026, allowing wider deployment of the advanced AI model while ensuring compliance with national security and export control regulations, strengthening AI innovation and responsible adoption.
- The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) projected on 9 July 2026 that India's energy storage requirement will reach 888 GWh by 2035-36 to support renewable energy integration, improve grid stability, and achieve the country's clean energy transition targets.
- India hosted the 13th ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) Joint Committee Meeting on 8 July 2026 to review the trade agreement, simplify trade rules, enhance market access, and strengthen economic cooperation between India and ASEAN member countries.
- A joint team from the Jawahar Institute of Mountaineering (JIM) and the Women's Skiing (WS) Team successfully summited Mt Khyam Tso Massif in Ladakh on 8 July 2026, showcasing India's mountaineering capabilities and promoting adventure tourism in the Himalayan region.
- Uttarakhand became India's sixth fully literate State under the ULLAS (Understanding Lifelong Learning for All in Society) Programme on 9 July 2026, achieving over 95% literacy and advancing the government's vision of universal adult education.
- The Government of India notified Navi Mumbai International Airport as a Port for Import of Drugs on 9 July 2026 under the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945. The notification allows pharmaceutical products to be imported through the airport, reducing transit time, improving logistics, easing customs clearance, and strengthening the country's healthcare and pharmaceutical supply chain.
- The Uttar Pradesh Government launched the 'Guru Dakshina' (Chief Minister Teachers' Cashless Medical Scheme) on 8 July 2026, with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath inaugurating it in Varanasi. The scheme provides cashless medical treatment of up to ₹5 lakh to over 15 lakh teachers and non-teaching staff and their families, aiming to improve healthcare access and social security in the education sector.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Indonesia from 6–8 July 2026 to participate in the 20th ASEAN–India Summit and the 21st East Asia Summit, aiming to strengthen India–Indonesia and India–ASEAN cooperation in trade, defence, maritime security, connectivity, digital economy, and regional stability under the Act East Policy.
- CSIR established the International Centre for Civilizational Studies – 'Manas and Mahabharata' in Kyrgyzstan on 8 July 2026 to promote research on the Kyrgyz epic Manas and the Indian epic Mahabharata, strengthen cultural and academic cooperation, and deepen civilizational ties between India and Central Asian countries.
- Aviva Plc received regulatory approval on 9 July 2026 to acquire the remaining 26% stake in Aviva Life Insurance India from Dabur Invest Corp, becoming the first foreign insurer to fully own (100%) an Indian life insurance company. This became possible after the Government of India increased the FDI limit in the insurance sector from 74% to 100% under the automatic route. The move is expected to attract greater foreign investment, bring global expertise and technology, improve competition, and support the growth of India's insurance sector.
- The International Monetary Fund (IMF), in its World Economic Outlook (WEO) Update – July 2026, released on 8 July 2026, projected India's GDP growth at 6.4% for FY2026-27, reaffirming India as one of the fastest-growing major economies despite global uncertainties.
- The Asian Development Bank (ADB), in its latest economic outlook released on 9 July 2026, lowered India's FY2026-27 GDP growth forecast to 6.6% and raised the inflation forecast to 5.2%, citing global economic risks and domestic inflationary pressures.
- Indian tennis legend Leander Paes was appointed Player Ambassador of the Asian Tennis Federation (ATF) on 9 July 2026 to promote tennis development, encourage young athletes, and strengthen the sport across Asia.
- The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) approved the appointment of Mahesh Pai as the Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer of South Indian Bank for a three-year term on 9 July 2026, ensuring leadership continuity and strengthening the bank's governance.
- Jaipur was ranked 67th globally and 1st among Indian cities in the Happy City Index 2026, released by the Institute for Quality of Life. The index evaluates cities on governance, economy, environment, mobility, health, and quality of life. Jaipur emerged as India's happiest city due to its strong performance in sustainability, public services, cultural heritage, and citizen well-being.
- The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully flight-tested the Pinaka Long-Range Guided Rocket on 9 July 2026, validating a minimum strike range of 60 km and enhancing the Indian Army's long-range precision firepower.
- The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully conducted the Integrated Main Parachute Airdrop Test for the Gaganyaan G1 Mission in Madhya Pradesh on 9 July 2026, validating the crew module recovery system ahead of India's first human spaceflight mission.
Defence:
- Adani Defence & Aerospace announced an investment of ₹2,500 crore on 9 July 2026 to establish a missile manufacturing complex in Madhya Pradesh, aiming to boost indigenous defence production, create employment, and support the Make in India initiative.
Reports:
- The Ministry of Education (MoE) released the PGI 2.0-S and PGI-D Reports for 2025-26 on 7 July 2026 to assess the performance of school education across States, UTs, and districts. Chandigarh was the top performer by securing the 'Uttam' grade (766/1000), while no State/UT achieved the highest 'Utkarsh' grade, indicating scope for further improvement in school education.
- A government-supported industry report released on 9 July 2026 stated that India has become the world's largest Retail and FMCG Global Capability Centre (GCC) hub, reflecting the country's growing role as a preferred destination for global business operations, innovation, and digital services.
- Aswath S of Tamil Nadu became India’s 98th Chess Grandmaster on 8 July 2026 after securing his third and final GM norm at the Pune International Grandmaster Round Robin Tournament, held from 30 June to 8 July at The Fern Habitat, Mundhwa, Pune. He earned the prestigious Grandmaster title, not a medal or tournament trophy; Abhijeet Gupta won the tournament with 7.5 points.
- Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc won the 2026 Formula One British Grand Prix on 5 July 2026, not 6 July, at the Silverstone Circuit in Northamptonshire, England. He received the winner’s trophy and 25 championship points, finishing ahead of George Russell in second and Lewis Hamilton in third; the victory was Leclerc’s first at Silverstone, his ninth F1 win and Ferrari’s 250th Formula One victory.
- Telangana was selected to host the 8th Khelo India Youth Games in November 2026, with the announcement made on 9 July 2026, aiming to promote grassroots sports and identify young sporting talent across India.
- Acharya Ranchhodlal Goswami received the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar 2025 on 9 July 2026 for his outstanding contribution to the field of performing arts, recognising excellence among young artists by the Sangeet Natak Akademi.
Questions:
Q1. Which institution developed India's first indigenous green refrigerant technology (HFO-1234yf)?
a)CSIR-CMERI
b) CSIR-IICT, Hyderabad
c) DRDO
d) BHEL
Answer: b) CSIR–Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR-IICT), Hyderabad developed India's first indigenous HFO-1234yf green refrigerant technology.
Q2. ULLAS stands for:
a) Universal Learning Literacy Achievement Scheme
b) Understanding Lifelong Learning for All in Society
c) Unified Literacy and Learning Assessment Scheme
d) Universal Language Learning Assistance Scheme
Answer: b) ULLAS (Understanding Lifelong Learning for All in Society) is the Government of India's flagship adult education programme launched under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. I
