- On 31 July 2026 Union Women and Child Development Minister Annpurna Devi urged citizens to download the Mission Shakti mobile application. The app provides quick access to emergency helplines, government support services and information related to the safety and welfare of women and children. It is available for Android and iOS users. Mission Shakti is an umbrella programme of the Government of India aimed at strengthening women’s safety, security and empowerment. The application is designed to improve awareness, accessibility and timely delivery of assistance during emergencies.
- On1 August 2026 The Union Cabinet approved the continuation and expansion of the Khelo India Scheme and financial assistance to National Sports Federations for the period from 2026–27 to 2030–31. The combined approved outlay is ₹36,441 crore. The programme focuses on identifying sporting talent, developing athletes, improving coaching standards and creating modern sports infrastructure. It will also support national federations and India’s preparation for major international events. The initiative is expected to increase sports participation, strengthen grassroots development and improve India’s performance in global sporting competitions.
- On 1 August 2026 The Union Government released ₹1,09,019 crore to state governments as an advance instalment of tax devolution. Tax devolution refers to the distribution of a share of the Centre’s divisible tax revenue among states according to recommendations of the Finance Commission. The advance release is intended to help states meet expenditure requirements and accelerate infrastructure, welfare and developmental projects. The funds can support capital spending, public services and state-level schemes. The measure is expected to improve liquidity and strengthen the financial position of state governments.
- On 1 August 2026 National Security Adviser Ajit Doval received the Lokmanya Tilak National Award 2026 in Pune, Maharashtra. Union Home Minister Amit Shah presented the award in recognition of Doval’s contribution to national security, strategic affairs, intelligence and counterterrorism. The award is associated with the legacy of freedom fighter and nationalist leader Bal Gangadhar Tilak. It is presented to individuals who have made significant contributions to the nation. Ajit Doval has played an important role in shaping India’s security strategy and handling major internal and external security challenges.
- On July 2026 Indian Railways approved a multitracking project between Danapur and Fatuha in Bihar at an estimated cost of ₹976 crore. The project falls under the East Central Railway zone and is aimed at increasing railway line capacity in the busy Patna region. It will help reduce congestion, improve train punctuality and enable the smoother movement of passenger and freight trains. Better railway infrastructure is also expected to support trade, mobility and regional economic activity. The project forms part of the government’s broader railway capacity-expansion and modernisation programme.
International:
Banking: - On 26 June 2026 Nauru formally informed the United Nations that its official name had been changed to the Republic of Naoero. Naoero is the traditional Indigenous name of the Pacific island nation in the Nauruan language. The change reflects an effort to restore the country’s cultural identity and move away from a name shaped by colonial usage. The country remains one of the world’s smallest independent republics by area and population. The renaming is important for examinations because it involves a change in the official name of a United Nations member state.
- India’s gross Goods and Services Tax collection increased by 15.4% year-on-year to ₹2,11,205 crore, compared with ₹1,83,065 crore in July 2025. Domestic GST revenue rose by 10.1% to ₹1,44,695 crore, while GST collected from imports increased sharply by 28.8% to ₹66,511 crore. After refunds, net GST revenue stood at ₹1,81,237 crore, registering 15.8% growth. The higher collection reflects strong consumption, increased imports, improved tax compliance and sustained economic activity.
- On July 2026 Scientists identified a new miniature catfish species in Odisha and named it Pseudolaguvia khairii. The species was named after Khairi, the famous tigress associated with the Similipal region of Odisha. The discovery contributes to scientific knowledge about India’s freshwater fish diversity and highlights the ecological richness of eastern India. New species discoveries are important for biodiversity conservation because they help researchers understand local ecosystems and identify habitats requiring protection. The finding also draws attention to the environmental significance of the rivers and forest landscapes surrounding Similipal.
- On 31 July 2026 Varsha Ashok Aglawe assumed charge as the 54th Director General of the Geological Survey of India and became the first woman to head the organisation. She succeeded Asit Saha, whose tenure ended on the same date. The Geological Survey of India functions under the Ministry of Mines and is responsible for geological mapping, mineral exploration and geoscientific research. Her appointment is considered significant because it marks a major milestone in the 176-year history of GSI and reflects increasing representation of women in senior scientific leadership positions.
- On 31 July 2026 The Government appointed Air Marshal Sandeep Thareja as the next Director General Armed Forces Medical Services. He is scheduled to assume office on 31 August 2026 after the retirement of Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin. Before this appointment, he served as Director General Medical Services of the Indian Air Force. The DGAFMS is the senior-most medical authority of the Indian Armed Forces and oversees healthcare services for personnel of the Army, Navy and Air Force. The position also coordinates medical policy, training and operational healthcare support.
- On 31 July 2026: Indian judokas Asmita Dey and Harsh Singh won gold medals at the Commonwealth Games held in Glasgow, Scotland. The judo competitions were organised at the Scottish Event Campus. Asmita Dey won the women’s 48-kg category, while Harsh Singh secured gold in the men’s 60-kg event by defeating Australia’s Joshua Katz in the final. Their victories were described as historic achievements for Indian judo at the Commonwealth Games. The medals strengthened India’s overall performance and demonstrated the growing competitiveness of Indian athletes in international combat sports.
- On 1 August 2026 Neeraj Chopra and Yashvir Singh won medals in the men’s javelin throw at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland. Neeraj Chopra secured the silver medal with a season-best throw, while Yashvir Singh won bronze through his final attempt. The gold medal was won by a Sri Lankan athlete. The result gave India a rare double-podium finish in the men’s javelin event. Neeraj Chopra is already one of India’s most successful track-and-field athletes, while Yashvir Singh’s medal marked an important achievement in his international career.
- On August 2026:Tejaswin Shankar won the bronze medal in the men’s decathlon at the Commonwealth Games held in Glasgow, Scotland. This became India’s first-ever Commonwealth Games medal in the decathlon. The decathlon is a demanding combined athletics event consisting of ten track-and-field disciplines, including sprints, jumps, throws and distance running. Athletes receive points based on their performance in each event. Tejaswin Shankar’s medal was significant because India has traditionally had limited international success in combined events. His achievement broadened India’s medal presence in athletics.
- On 31 July 2026 The Ministry of Ayush and IndiaAI, functioning under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, signed a memorandum of understanding to promote artificial-intelligence applications in traditional medicine. The agreement aims to encourage research, digital innovation, capacity-building and responsible use of AI in Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy. The Ministry of Ayush will also contribute eligible health and research datasets to the AIKosh platform. The collaboration is expected to improve evidence-based healthcare, support innovation and strengthen the digital transformation of India’s traditional medicine systems.
- The Union Cabinet approved Samudra Manthan, the National Offshore Exploration Scheme, with an outlay of ₹84,084 crore for implementation up to 31 March 2031. The Central Sector Scheme, implemented by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, aims to expand deepwater oil and gas exploration, reduce import dependence and improve energy security. It includes modern seismic surveys, drilling of 60 deepwater wells, common offshore infrastructure and manufacturing zones. The government may support up to 50% of eligible drilling costs.
- On 19–29 July 2026 The 48th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee was held in Busan, Republic of Korea. The meeting was chaired by Lee Byong-hyun and attended by representatives of member countries, heritage experts and international organisations. During the session, the committee reviewed nominations, conservation reports and protection measures for cultural and natural heritage sites. A total of 25 new properties were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. The conference aimed to strengthen international cooperation and ensure the long-term preservation of sites considered important to humanity.
- On 25 July 2026 The Ancient Buddhist Site of Sarnath in Uttar Pradesh was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List during the 48th session of the World Heritage Committee in Busan, South Korea. With this inclusion, Sarnath became India’s 45th World Heritage property. Sarnath is historically important because Gautama Buddha delivered his first sermon there after attaining enlightenment at Bodh Gaya. The site contains stupas, monasteries, pillars and archaeological remains linked to Buddhism. Its inscription is expected to support conservation, international recognition and sustainable heritage tourism.
- On 1 August 2026 – World Lung Cancer Day: World Lung Cancer Day is observed annually on 1 August to spread awareness about lung-cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment. The observance highlights risk factors such as tobacco use, second-hand smoke, air pollution, occupational exposure and genetic causes. Health organisations use the day to promote early screening, smoking cessation and access to effective medical care. Lung cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. The day also encourages governments and communities to strengthen prevention programmes and public-health awareness.
- On 1 August 2026 – World Wide Web Day: World Wide Web Day is observed on 1 August to recognise the impact of the World Wide Web on communication, education, business and access to information. The Web was developed by British computer scientist Tim Berners-Lee. The day promotes awareness about digital inclusion, internet accessibility, cybersecurity and responsible online behaviour. It also highlights the need to reduce the digital divide and ensure that people can access reliable online services. The observance celebrates how the Web has transformed the sharing and exchange of information globally.
- On 2 August 2026 – Friendship Day: Friendship Day was observed in India on the first Sunday of August, which fell on 2 August in 2026. The day celebrates friendship, emotional support, mutual respect and social harmony. People commonly mark the occasion by exchanging friendship bands, messages and gifts. Friendship Day should not be confused with the United Nations-designated International Day of Friendship, which is observed annually on 30 July. The broader aim of both observances is to encourage understanding, peaceful relationships and stronger bonds among individuals, communities and cultures.
Questions:
Q1.How much advance tax devolution was released by the Union Government to states?
a) ₹89,019 crore
b) ₹99,019 crore
c) ₹1,09,019 crore
d) ₹1,19,019 crore
Answer: c) The Centre released ₹1,09,019 crore to support state expenditure on infrastructure, welfare programmes and development projects.
Q2. What was India’s gross GST collection in July 2026?
a) ₹1.81 lakh crore
b) ₹1.95 lakh crore
c) ₹2.11 lakh crore
d) ₹2.31 lakh crore
Answer: c) Gross GST collections increased by 15.4% year-on-year to ₹2,11,205 crore in July 2026.
