- The Gujarat government launched the Viksit Gujarat Data Centre Policy 2026–29 to establish the state as a major destination for hyperscale data centres, artificial-intelligence infrastructure and cloud-computing services. The policy was unveiled by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel in Gandhinagar and seeks to attract large private investments by offering support related to capital expenditure, electricity costs, infrastructure and taxation. Gujarat has targeted around 7.5 gigawatts of data-centre capacity and investments of up to ₹6 lakh crore during the policy period. Data centres require reliable electricity, high-speed connectivity, land and cooling infrastructure, making Gujarat’s renewable-energy capacity and industrial ecosystem important advantages. The policy is expected to create skilled employment, support AI-based businesses and strengthen India’s digital infrastructure.
- Jharkhand government announced a major push to attract investments in artificial intelligence, data centres, information technology and digital infrastructure. At an investors’ meeting in Delhi, the state signed memoranda of understanding reportedly worth around ₹87,000 crore across technology and other sectors. The initiative is intended to diversify Jharkhand’s economy beyond mining and traditional industries by developing an ecosystem for AI, digital services and innovation. The state plans to encourage private investment, build modern infrastructure and create skilled employment opportunities for young people.
- Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham emerged as the leading contender in the United Kingdom’s Labour Party leadership contest after receiving overwhelming support from party lawmakers. Reports indicated that he was close to securing the support needed to become Labour leader and, consequently, the next Prime Minister. However, at the time of reporting on 13 July 2026, his appointment had not yet been formally completed. This distinction is important for examination notes: Burnham should be described as a frontrunner or prospective prime minister until the formal leadership result and constitutional appointment are announced.
- Gujarat developed air-filled rubber dams as part of its efforts to improve water storage, irrigation and river management. A rubber dam is a flexible structure installed across a river or canal that can be inflated to raise the water level and deflated when excess water needs to pass. Compared with conventional concrete barriers, these dams can be installed more quickly and operated according to seasonal water conditions. The project is expected to support groundwater recharge, provide water for agriculture and improve local water conservation.
Appointments:
- The Union government appointed new heads for three important organisations dealing with policing, crime data and police training: the Bureau of Police Research and Development, the National Crime Records Bureau and the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy. The BPR&D conducts research on policing, modernisation and correctional administration, while the NCRB compiles nationwide crime statistics and manages criminal-information systems. The SVPNPA, located in Hyderabad, trains officers of the Indian Police Service. These appointments are significant because the three institutions play complementary roles in improving law enforcement through research, reliable data and professional training.
- China achieved its first controlled recovery of an orbital-class reusable rocket booster following the maiden launch of the Long March-10B rocket from Hainan province. The rocket successfully placed its payload into orbit, after which the first-stage booster was guided towards a sea-based recovery platform. Unlike rockets that perform a powered vertical landing, the Long March-10B reportedly uses hooks and a recovery-net system to capture the booster. The rocket was developed by the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology and is intended to carry payloads into low-Earth orbit. Recovering and reusing boosters can reduce launch costs and increase launch frequency.
- Japan conducted a test of its experimental reusable rocket technology under the RV-X programme. The test focused on vertical take-off, controlled flight and landing, which are essential capabilities for recovering and reusing launch vehicles. Japan is developing such technologies to lower the cost of space missions and strengthen its commercial launch industry. Reusable rockets can be flown multiple times after inspection and refurbishment, unlike conventional launch vehicles whose major stages are discarded after a single mission. The programme forms part of Japan’s broader effort to remain competitive in the rapidly changing global space market.
- Former India captain Sourav Ganguly was inducted into the International Cricket Council Hall of Fame during the ICC Annual Conference in Edinburgh, Scotland. He became the 12th Indian overall and the tenth Indian male cricketer to receive the honour. Ganguly represented India in 424 international matches and scored 18,575 runs, including 38 centuries. As captain, he led India to several major achievements, including the 2001 Test-series victory over Australia, the 2002 NatWest Series title and the final of the 2003 ICC Cricket World Cup.
- India achieved an outstanding result at the 56th International Physics Olympiad 2026, with all five members of its team winning gold medals. The Olympiad was held in Bucaramanga, Colombia, from 5 to 12 July 2026. The five gold medallists were Kanishk Jain, Riddhesh Anant Bendale, Rishit Garg, Shresth Suraiya and Svarit Joshi. India shared the leading position with China after every participating Indian student secured gold.
Questions:
Q1. Under the Viksit Gujarat Data Centre Policy 2026–29, Gujarat aims to attract investments of up to:
a) ₹2 lakh crore
b) ₹4 lakh crore
c) ₹6 lakh crore
d) ₹8 lakh crore
Answer: c) Gujarat targets ₹6 lakh crore in investments and 7.5 GW of data-centre capacity during the policy period.
Q2. Former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly was inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame during the ICC Annual Conference held in:
a) London
b) Melbourne
c) Edinburgh
d) Dubai
Answer: c) Sourav Ganguly was inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame during the ICC Annual Conference held in Edinburgh, Scotland.
