Current Affairs One- Liner: 29th July 2026

National: 

• In July 2026, the Bihar government introduced the Bihar Shatabdi Asangathit Karyakshetra Kamagaar Yojana to provide financial assistance and social-security support to workers in the unorganised sector. Eligible workers must complete registration and submit valid documents relating to identity, age, residence and employment. The scheme seeks to improve financial protection for workers who generally do not receive formal employment benefits such as pensions, insurance or workplace security. It is expected to strengthen the state’s welfare framework for economically vulnerable labourers.

• In July 2026, the Union Government allocated a record ₹95,692 crore for rural employment under the VB-G RAM G Act, 2025. The allocation aims to provide wage-employment opportunities to rural households while creating productive community assets such as roads, water-conservation structures and irrigation facilities. It is intended to strengthen livelihood security, reduce rural unemployment and support village-level economic development. The increased allocation also reflects the government’s focus on expanding public employment and improving durable infrastructure in rural areas.
• In July 2026, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh announced reforms concerning service conditions and financial assistance for Indian Coast Guard personnel. The measures aim to promote gender equality by improving opportunities and service benefits for women officers and personnel. They also simplify the process for granting ex gratia assistance to Coast Guard personnel or their families in cases of death or disability during duty. The reforms are intended to improve welfare, administrative efficiency and parity within the maritime security force.
• In July 2026, the Sashastra Seema Bal reserved 50% of Constable General Duty vacancies for former Agniveers. The revised recruitment policy aims to utilise the military training, discipline and operational experience gained by Agniveers during their service under the Agnipath Scheme. It also provides them with employment opportunities in the Central Armed Police Forces after completing their military tenure. The measure is expected to strengthen the SSB’s trained manpower while improving post-service career prospects for former Agniveers.
• On July 29, 2026, India observed Global Tiger Day and highlighted its estimated tiger population of 3,682. The country’s tiger-reserve network has expanded to 58 reserves, reflecting sustained efforts in habitat conservation, scientific monitoring, anti-poaching operations and community participation. India is home to the majority of the world’s wild tiger population. The observance aimed to raise awareness about tiger conservation, protect natural habitats and encourage cooperation among governments, conservation organisations and local communities.
• In July 2026, the Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science completed 150 years since its establishment in Kolkata in 1876. IACS is one of India’s oldest scientific research institutions and has contributed significantly to the development of modern science in the country. It is closely associated with Sir C. V. Raman, who conducted his Nobel Prize-winning research on the Raman Effect at the institution. The anniversary highlighted IACS’s contribution to scientific education, research and innovation.
• In July 2026, Gujarat’s Kalpasar Project remained in focus as a proposed multipurpose development project across the Gulf of Khambhat. The project seeks to construct a large dam or barrier to create a freshwater reservoir by separating seawater from river inflows. It is intended to improve irrigation, drinking-water availability and water security in Gujarat. The project also proposes improved road connectivity between Saurashtra and central Gujarat, potentially reducing travel time and supporting regional economic development
• On July 27, 2026, the Ministry of Earth Sciences celebrated its 20th Foundation Day in New Delhi. The ministry launched and highlighted initiatives related to weather forecasting, ocean science, climate services and disaster preparedness. These measures aim to improve the accuracy and timely delivery of meteorological information, strengthen marine research and support early-warning systems for extreme weather events. The event also recognised the ministry’s role in advancing scientific knowledge of the atmosphere, oceans and Earth systems
• In July 2026, the Ministry of Panchayati Raj launched the Atmanirbhar Panchayat Programme, the SAMARTH Portal and Model Own Source Revenue Rules. These initiatives aim to strengthen the financial independence and administrative capacity of Panchayati Raj Institutions. They will help rural local bodies identify revenue-generating assets, collect local taxes and service charges and improve digital governance. The measures are expected to reduce excessive dependence on government grants and enable Panchayats to finance local development more effectively.
• In July 2026, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal announced the formation of a task force to support India’s toy industry. The task force will identify and address challenges related to manufacturing, product quality, exports, supply chains and market access. It will also support domestic producers in meeting international safety and design standards. The initiative aims to make India a globally competitive toy-manufacturing hub and help the country secure a 5% share of the global toy market by 2032.
• In July 2026, the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare permitted the use of anhydrous ammonia as a fertiliser in India. Anhydrous ammonia is a concentrated source of nitrogen that can improve nitrogen-use efficiency when applied under controlled conditions. The move aims to provide farmers with an alternative to conventional nitrogen fertilisers and reduce India’s dependence on imported urea. Proper storage, transportation and application standards will be necessary because the chemical requires specialised handling and safety precautions
• In July 2026, President Droupadi Murmu completed four years in office. Rashtrapati Bhavan marked the occasion by launching several public, digital and institutional initiatives aimed at improving accessibility, citizen participation and awareness about the President’s Estate. The measures sought to make Rashtrapati Bhavan more open and informative for visitors while promoting digital engagement with citizens. The occasion also highlighted the constitutional role of the President and the cultural and historical importance of the presidential estate
• On July 28, 2026, World Nature Conservation Day was observed at the National Zoological Park in New Delhi. The programme focused on biodiversity conservation, wildlife protection and the sustainable use of natural resources. Educational activities were organised to create environmental awareness among students and visitors. The observance encouraged individuals and institutions to protect forests, water, soil and wildlife and adopt environmentally responsible practices. It also highlighted the need to balance economic development with long-term ecological sustainability
• In July 2026, the Maharashtra Cabinet approved the establishment of additional special courts for cases registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Prevention of Atrocities Act. The decision aims to reduce the backlog of pending cases and ensure faster investigation and trial. Specialised courts are expected to improve judicial efficiency, strengthen enforcement and provide timely justice to victims of serious drug-related offences and caste-based atrocities.
• In July 2026, the Union Government issued the seventh draft notification for declaring parts of the Western Ghats as an Ecologically Sensitive Area. The proposal seeks to restrict mining, quarrying, highly polluting industries and certain large construction activities in environmentally vulnerable regions. At the same time, it attempts to balance biodiversity conservation with development requirements and the livelihood concerns of local communities. The draft covers parts of multiple states located along the Western Ghats.
• In July 2026, the Union Government imposed limits on the quantity of sugar that traders, wholesalers and other market participants could hold. The measure aims to prevent hoarding, improve domestic availability and control an excessive rise in retail sugar prices. Stock limits may compel market participants to release additional supplies into the market. The intervention reflects the government’s use of regulatory measures to stabilise essential commodity prices during periods of supply pressure or increased consumer demand.\
• In July 2026, a Bill proposed stronger provisions to ensure faster payments to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises. The proposal aims to reduce delayed receivables, which frequently create liquidity and working-capital problems for small businesses. It seeks to improve compliance with legally prescribed payment periods and strengthen mechanisms for dispute resolution and recovery. Faster payments would allow MSMEs to meet operational expenses, pay employees and suppliers on time and invest in business expansion and technology
• In July 2026, the One Officer-One Official Vehicle Policy was announced to regulate the allotment and use of government vehicles. Under the policy, an eligible government officer would ordinarily be assigned only one official vehicle. The measure aims to prevent duplication and misuse of official transport, reduce fuel and maintenance expenditure and improve administrative accountability. It is also intended to create a more transparent system for vehicle allocation and ensure that public resources are used only for authorised official purposes.
• In July 2026, the Kerala Cabinet approved five governance reforms aimed at improving administrative efficiency and public-service delivery. The measures seek to simplify official procedures, reduce unnecessary documentation and strengthen coordination among government departments. They also focus on transparency, accountability and faster decision-making. By modernising administrative systems and expanding digital processes, the reforms are expected to make government services more accessible to citizens and reduce delays in obtaining approvals, certificates and other essential services.
• In July 2026, Rajasthan’s tiger population was reported to have increased to 149. The rise reflects conservation measures undertaken in Ranthambore, Sariska, Mukundra Hills and Ramgarh Vishdhari tiger reserves. These measures include habitat improvement, prey-base management, scientific monitoring, anti-poaching patrols and relocation programmes. The increase strengthens Rajasthan’s position as an important tiger-conservation state and highlights the role of protected areas and coordinated wildlife management in recovering endangered animal populations.
• In July 2026, the Registration of Births and Deaths Bill, 2026 was introduced to modernise India’s civil-registration system. The Bill aims to expand digital registration, improve timely reporting and create more reliable national records of births and deaths. Authenticated records may be used for accessing public services, educational admission, voter registration and other official purposes. The legislation seeks to improve data accuracy, reduce duplication and strengthen coordination between registration authorities and government databases.
• In July 2026, the tenure of the committee examining the proposal for One Nation, One Election was extended. The committee is studying the constitutional, legal, administrative and logistical requirements for conducting simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies. Its work includes examining amendments, election cycles, voting infrastructure and the effect on federalism. Simultaneous elections are intended to reduce repeated election expenditure and administrative disruption, though they involve significant constitutional and practical challenges.
• In July 2026, Assam exported its first consignment of Purabi ice cream to Bhutan. The shipment marked the entry of Assam’s cooperative dairy products into an international market. Purabi is associated with the state’s dairy cooperative network and sources milk from local producers. The export is expected to improve market opportunities for farmers, strengthen the dairy value chain and promote Assam’s processed food products abroad. It also reflects growing trade and commercial connectivity between India’s northeastern region and Bhutan.
• In July 2026, the Department of Military Medicine was inaugurated in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. The department aims to strengthen specialised medical education, combat trauma care, clinical research and professional training for personnel serving in the armed forces. It will focus on health challenges associated with battlefield injuries, operational stress and difficult service conditions. The initiative is expected to improve the preparedness of military medical professionals and contribute to better treatment, rehabilitation and research within the Armed Forces Medical Services.
• The Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyaan was scheduled to be launched on August 2, 2026. The campaign aims to mobilise young people against drug and substance abuse and encourage healthy, responsible and addiction-free lifestyles. It will involve awareness programmes, youth participation and community-level activities. The initiative links drug prevention with the broader goal of building a developed India and recognises young citizens as important partners in creating safer and healthier communities.
• In July 2026, Maoist leader Misir Besra was arrested in Jharkhand after remaining wanted for nearly two decades. His arrest was considered significant for anti-Naxal operations because of his alleged involvement in extremist activities, attacks and organisational planning. Security agencies had reportedly been searching for him for several years. The development may provide authorities with important information about Maoist networks, financing, recruitment and operations in affected regions.

International: 

• In July 2026, India became the world’s second-largest supplier of seafarers according to the BIMCO-ICS Seafarer Workforce Report 2026. The achievement reflects the increasing participation of trained Indian professionals in the global maritime industry. It also highlights the expansion of maritime education, certification and training institutions in India. A larger seafaring workforce can increase employment opportunities, foreign-exchange earnings and India’s influence in international shipping while supporting the global demand for qualified maritime personnel.
• In July 2026, India’s first commercial freight train carrying canola reached Nepal. The rail movement marked an important development in bilateral trade and transport connectivity between the two countries. Railway transportation can reduce logistics costs, improve delivery efficiency and support larger volumes of agricultural trade compared with road transport. The consignment also demonstrates the growing use of cross-border railway infrastructure and is expected to benefit businesses and consumers by improving the movement of agricultural commodities.
• In July 2026, Venezuela formally announced its withdrawal from the International Criminal Court. Withdrawal changes Venezuela’s future legal relationship with the ICC but does not automatically terminate investigations into alleged offences committed while the country remained a member. The decision attracted international attention because Venezuela had been under examination for alleged human-rights violations. It also raised concerns about accountability, international criminal justice and the willingness of states to cooperate with institutions investigating crimes against humanity.
• In July 2026, Iran was reported to be receiving Chinese shoulder-launched missile systems. These weapons, known as man-portable air-defence systems, are designed to target low-flying aircraft, drones and helicopters. Their possible transfer could strengthen Iran’s short-range air-defence capabilities and influence regional military calculations. The development is significant because of continuing tensions in West Asia and the strategic competition involving Iran, Israel, the United States and other regional and global powers.
• In July 2026, Russia reportedly charged Telegram founder Pavel Durov with offences connected to aiding terrorism. The case renewed international debate about the responsibilities of digital-platform operators for user-generated content and encrypted communications. Authorities increasingly expect technology companies to cooperate in investigations involving terrorism and national security. However, such demands also raise concerns about user privacy, freedom of expression and the extent to which platform founders should be held legally responsible for activities conducted by users.

Banking: 

• In July 2026, the Government of India approved field trials by the Reserve Bank of India for ₹10 and ₹20 polymer currency notes. Polymer notes are made from synthetic material and may be more durable, resistant to water and difficult to counterfeit than traditional paper notes. The trials will assess their security, handling, cost and suitability under Indian climatic and usage conditions. A wider introduction will depend on the results of the RBI’s testing and evaluation process.
• In July 2026, the State Bank of India announced plans to raise capital through Basel III-compliant Additional Tier-1 perpetual bonds. AT-1 bonds form part of a bank’s regulatory capital and help absorb losses during financial stress. They generally have no fixed maturity and may carry higher returns, but investors face significant risks because interest payments can be skipped and the bonds may be written down or converted into equity under specified conditions.
• In July 2026, India decided to move towards using the Producer Price Index for GDP deflation. The PPI measures changes in prices received by producers for goods and services. It can provide a more suitable measure than the Wholesale Price Index for converting nominal economic output into real output. The transition is expected to improve the accuracy of national-income calculations, strengthen inflation analysis and align India’s statistical framework more closely with international practices.
• In July 2026, Axis Finance launched Drishti, a digital lending platform for retail and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise borrowers. The platform digitises different stages of the loan process, including sourcing, credit assessment, documentation, sanction and servicing. It aims to reduce turnaround time, improve customer convenience and strengthen risk evaluation through technology. Drishti also supports the broader shift towards digital lending and may help Axis Finance expand its reach among individuals and small businesses.

MoUs: 

• In July 2026, the Ministry of Tourism signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Air India to promote India as a global tourism destination. The partnership aims to jointly market Indian destinations in international markets and use Air India’s overseas network to attract more foreign tourists. It may include promotional campaigns, travel information and coordinated branding. The agreement is expected to support inbound tourism, increase foreign-exchange earnings and strengthen India’s visibility as a destination for cultural, heritage, wellness and leisure tourism.

Awards & Honours: 

• In July 2026, Hong Wang, Yu Deng, John Pardon and Jacob Tsimerman received the Fields Medal at the International Congress of Mathematicians. The Fields Medal is awarded once every four years to mathematicians below the age of 40 for outstanding contributions to the subject. It is regarded as one of the world’s most prestigious mathematical honours. The 2026 recipients were recognised for significant research achievements across different branches of modern mathematics.

Sports: 

• On July 29, 2026, Indian athlete Gulveer Singh won the silver medal in the men’s 10,000 metres at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland. He completed the race in 27 minutes and 49.78 seconds. The performance made him the first Indian athlete to win a Commonwealth Games medal in the men’s 10,000 metres event. His achievement marked an important milestone for Indian long-distance running and strengthened India’s athletics campaign at the Games.
• On July 29, 2026, Indian weightlifter Harjinder Kaur won the silver medal in the women’s 69-kg category at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland. She recorded a total lift of 227 kg, comprising 101 kg in the snatch and 126 kg in the clean and jerk. Her medal added to India’s strong record in Commonwealth weightlifting and demonstrated her consistency and strength across both components of the competition.
• In July 2026, the Hockey India Junior Men National Championship began in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. The tournament provides young hockey players from different states and institutional teams with a national-level competitive platform. It helps Hockey India and national selectors identify talented players for development camps and future junior teams. The championship also supports the growth of the sport by exposing emerging athletes to structured competition, coaching and high-pressure match situations.
• In July 2026, the Ladakh Lieutenant Governor’s Cup Polo Tournament was organised in the Union Territory of Ladakh. The competition aims to promote polo, which has deep cultural and traditional significance in the region. It encourages local participation, preserves Ladakh’s sporting heritage and attracts visitors interested in indigenous sports. The tournament also supports tourism and provides local players with an organised platform to demonstrate their skills and compete at a higher level.

Science & Technology: 

• In July 2026, NASA announced plans for PRAXIS, an artificial intelligence-powered mission intended to study particles from Saturn’s rings. The mission would use onboard AI to identify, collect and analyse scientifically important material. This could reduce the need for continuous instructions from Earth and enable faster decision-making in deep space. PRAXIS aims to improve understanding of the composition, origin and evolution of Saturn’s rings while demonstrating the growing use of autonomous artificial intelligence in space exploration.
• In July 2026, SHetA2 therapy for HPV-related cervical disease attracted attention as an experimental treatment. The therapy is being studied for its ability to target abnormal cells associated with human papillomavirus while limiting damage to healthy tissues. It may offer a non-hormonal approach for treating precancerous cervical conditions. However, further clinical research is necessary to establish its safety, effectiveness, dosage and suitability for wider medical use before it can become an approved treatment.
• In July 2026, researchers at IIT Roorkee reported progress in solid-state battery technology. Solid-state batteries use solid electrolytes instead of the liquid electrolytes found in conventional lithium-ion batteries. They may offer higher energy density, improved fire safety, faster charging and longer operating life. Such batteries are considered important for electric vehicles and renewable-energy storage. The research could support India’s efforts to develop safer and more efficient domestic battery technologies.

Important Days: 

• International Day of Friendship was observed on July 30, 2026. The United Nations General Assembly established the day to promote friendship among individuals, communities, countries and cultures. It recognises friendship as a means of encouraging peace, solidarity, cooperation and mutual understanding. Governments, organisations and educational institutions observe the occasion through cultural programmes, community activities and awareness campaigns aimed at reducing division and promoting respect among people from different social and cultural backgrounds.
• World Day Against Trafficking in Persons was observed on July 30, 2026. The United Nations observance raises awareness about human trafficking and the exploitation of victims for forced labour, sexual exploitation and other illegal purposes. It calls for stronger law enforcement, victim protection, rehabilitation and international cooperation. The day also highlights the need to identify vulnerable populations, prosecute trafficking networks and ensure that survivors receive legal, medical, psychological and economic support.

Obituaries: 

• In July 2026, German physician and anatomist Dr Gunther von Hagens died at the age of 81. He was internationally known for inventing plastination, a preservation technique that replaces water and fat in biological tissues with durable polymers. The process allows human and animal specimens to be preserved for education, medical training and public exhibitions. His work became widely known through the Body Worlds exhibitions, though it also generated ethical and cultural debate.

Questions:

Q1. Which scientist conducted Nobel Prize-winning research on the Raman Effect at IACS?

a) Homi J. Bhabha

b) C. V. Raman

c) S. N. Bose

d) Meghnad Saha

Answer: b) Sir C. V. Raman carried out his research on the Raman Effect at the Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science.

Q2. World Nature Conservation Day 2026 was observed at which location in New Delhi?

a) National Science Centre

b) National Zoological Park

c) India Gate

d) Lodhi Garden

Answer: b) The observance was held at the National Zoological Park to promote biodiversity and wildlife conservation.