National
- On 22 July 2026, the Indian Navy will commission INS Malvan, the second Mahe-class Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) Shallow Water Craft, at Visakhapatnam. Built by Cochin Shipyard under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, the vessel is designed to detect and neutralise enemy submarines operating in shallow coastal waters. Equipped with advanced sonar, torpedoes, and surveillance systems, it will enhance India's coastal defence capabilities, maritime security, and indigenous naval shipbuilding programme.
- The Karnataka Apartment Ownership Bill, 2025 seeks to replace the existing apartment ownership law by granting apartment owners stronger rights over common areas and introducing transparent redevelopment procedures. It also provides for apartment owners' associations, dispute resolution mechanisms, and improved governance of residential housing societies.
- The Delhi Government approved a ₹400 crore Startup Policy to promote entrepreneurship through financial assistance, incubation support, mentoring, and easier access to funding. The policy aims to encourage innovation, generate employment, strengthen the startup ecosystem, and position Delhi as a leading innovation hub.
- Recent defence assessments have highlighted that border infrastructure remains a critical element of modern warfare. Well-developed roads, bridges, tunnels, advanced landing grounds, and logistics networks enable rapid troop mobilisation, improve operational readiness, and enhance India's ability to respond effectively to security challenges along sensitive border areas.
- The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has started deploying drones to transport tuberculosis samples and medical supplies in remote regions. The initiative reduces transportation time, speeds up diagnosis, improves healthcare access in difficult terrain, and supports India's goal of eliminating tuberculosis.
- The Goa bird count has crossed 500 recorded bird species, highlighting the state's exceptional biodiversity and ecological significance. The achievement reflects successful conservation efforts and strengthens Goa's reputation as one of India's leading birdwatching destinations.
- The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) unveiled its Viksit Krishi Vision 2047, which outlines a long-term roadmap for transforming Indian agriculture through climate-resilient farming, precision agriculture, biotechnology, digital technologies, sustainable resource management, and higher farmer incomes.
- Under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, 75 redeveloped railway stations were inaugurated with modern passenger facilities, improved accessibility, enhanced security, digital amenities, and architecture reflecting local heritage. The initiative aims to transform railway stations into world-class transport hubs.
- A new section of the Delhi–Amritsar–Katra Expressway has been inaugurated, improving connectivity between Delhi, Punjab, and Jammu & Kashmir. The expressway is expected to reduce travel time, lower logistics costs, promote tourism, and accelerate regional economic development.
- On July 17, 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Jind in Haryana, Chandigarh and Jalandhar in Punjab to inaugurate and lay the foundation stones of development projects worth around ₹26,800 crore. During the visit, he flagged off India’s first hydrogen-powered train between Jind and Sonipat, launched highway and railway projects, inaugurated new healthcare facilities at PGIMER Chandigarh, dedicated sections of the Delhi–Amritsar–Katra Expressway and inaugurated 75 redeveloped Amrit Bharat railway stations across India.
Defence
- The Indian Navy will conduct Operation Southern Readiness 26-2 at Kochi to evaluate the operational preparedness of the Southern Naval Command. The exercise focuses on combat readiness, maritime surveillance, logistics, disaster response, and coordination among naval units to strengthen India's maritime security.
- The Indian Air Force has deployed Rafale fighter aircraft to Australia for participation in Exercise Pitch Black 2026, one of the world's largest multinational air combat exercises. The exercise enhances interoperability with partner nations, improves combat readiness, and strengthens India's defence cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.
- The Indian Navy has received another MH-60R Seahawk multi-role helicopter from the United States. Equipped for anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, maritime surveillance, search and rescue, and special operations, the helicopter will significantly enhance India's naval aviation capabilities.
International
- The Serum Institute of India has partnered with the Gates Medical Research Institute (MRI) to manufacture the promising M72 tuberculosis vaccine, one of the world's most advanced TB vaccine candidates. The partnership aims to ensure large-scale manufacturing and improve global access once regulatory approvals are completed.
- The iconic FIFA World Cup Trophy was designed by renowned Italian sculptor Silvio Gazzaniga after FIFA introduced a new trophy in 1974. Made of 18-carat gold, the trophy depicts two human figures lifting the Earth and has become one of the most recognised sporting symbols worldwide.
- Private space startup Skyroot Aerospace is preparing to launch Vikram-1, India's first privately developed orbital launch vehicle. The mission represents a major milestone for India's private space industry by demonstrating indigenous orbital launch capability and expanding opportunities in the commercial space sector.
- The United Kingdom has launched the Storm Fighter Loyal Wingman Programme to develop autonomous unmanned aircraft capable of operating alongside fighter jets. The programme aims to improve combat effectiveness, increase mission flexibility, and reduce risks to pilots in future air operations.
Science & Technology
- The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the world's first oral PCSK9 inhibitor, providing a convenient treatment option for patients with high LDL cholesterol and cardiovascular disease. Unlike injectable therapies, the oral medicine offers easier administration while effectively lowering bad cholesterol.
- NASA's James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has discovered a new exoplanet in the Beta Pictoris star system. The discovery improves scientists' understanding of planetary formation and demonstrates the telescope's ability to directly observe young planetary systems beyond our Solar System.
- The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has approved Wegovy (semaglutide) for the treatment of Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis (MASH), a severe form of fatty liver disease. The approval offers a new treatment option for patients suffering from obesity-related liver disorders.
Sports
- The 135th IndianOil Durand Cup Trophy Tour reached Guwahati ahead of the tournament. The Durand Cup is Asia's oldest football tournament and one of India's most prestigious domestic football competitions. The trophy tour aims to promote football across the country, engage local communities, and generate enthusiasm before the tournament begins.
Appointments
- Dr. Srinivasa Kumar Tummala has been appointed as the Secretary of the Ministry of Earth Sciences. A veteran ISRO scientist with extensive experience in satellite applications and Earth observation, he is expected to strengthen India's weather forecasting systems, climate research, ocean science programmes, and disaster management initiatives.
Obituaries
- Sir Garfield Sobers, one of the greatest cricketers in history, passed away at the age of 89. The legendary West Indies all-rounder scored over 8,000 Test runs, claimed 235 Test wickets, and became the first cricketer to hit six sixes in a single over in first-class cricket. His extraordinary achievements transformed the game, and he is widely regarded as one of cricket's finest all-rounders.
Questions:
Q1. The Karnataka Apartment Ownership Bill, 2025 primarily aims to:
a) Regulate commercial malls
b) Strengthen apartment owners' rights and redevelopment procedures
c) Privatise urban housing boards
d) Increase property taxes
Answer: b) The Bill seeks to replace the existing apartment ownership law by granting stronger rights over common areas, creating apartment owners' associations, ensuring transparent redevelopment, and improving governance of residential societies.
Q2. The M72 vaccine, to be manufactured by the Serum Institute of India, is intended to prevent:
a) Malaria
b) Dengue
c) Tuberculosis
d) Hepatitis B
Answer: c) The M72 vaccine is one of the world's most promising tuberculosis (TB) vaccine candidates. The partnership between the Serum Institute of India and Gates Medical Research Institute aims to facilitate large-scale manufacturing for global use after regulatory approvals.
