Weekly Current Affairs
Subject-wise revision from the shared current-affairs corpus.
Weekly Digest: 2026-07-06 to 2026-07-12
39Economy
- The Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM), a Centrally Sponsored Scheme under RKVY since 2014-15, has provided 21.61 lakh farm machines with Rs 9,404.47 crore in central assistance, expanding drone-based and custom-hiring services for small and marginal farmers.
- The Ministry of MSME made RBI-authorised TReDS platforms mandatory (notified 30 June 2026) for all operational CPSEs settling MSME invoices, implementing a Union Budget 2026-27 measure against payment delays.
- Marking eleven years of Digital India, the government showcased eSaras, the Rural Development Ministry's DAY-NRLM e-commerce platform, carrying over 1,400 products from more than 8.99 crore SHG members and reaching buyers via 11-plus ONDC-integrated apps, supporting the goal of 6 crore Lakhpati Didis by 2029.
- EPFO notified the Amnesty Scheme, 2026 (Gazette GSR 525(E), 29 June 2026), a six-month window for establishments running Income-Tax-recognised PF Trusts without a formal exemption notification.
Environment
- The NGT Central Zone Bench ordered a probe into mining around Sariska Tiger Reserve, forming a three-member committee.
- The Natural History Museum at Mizoram University, Aizawl became India's 21st designated repository under Section 39 of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002.
- A study of Ladakh's Rulung Glacier warned faster melting can alter Indus-basin water chemistry.
- Union Minister Bhupender Yadav chaired the 28th WII Society meeting at Coimbatore.
- A WII report found the Great Indian Bustard population stable at around 130 since 2017 but confined to just 16% of its Thar habitat.
- CAQM inspected 17 road stretches (about 46.87 km) in Noida and Greater Noida to curb road dust.
- Science Ministries prepared for the 'Swachh Sagar, Surakshit Sagar' coastal cleanliness drive, 10-19 September 2026.
Governance
- Rajasthan Cyber Crime Police busted an alleged Rs 500 crore WhatsApp investment scam, while DRI seized over one lakh codeine-based cough syrup bottles in Tripura and West Bengal.
- Discussions advanced on NAD (the DigiLocker-based academic records system) and on ULPIN-DIGIPIN integration by DoLR, NIUA and the Department of Posts.
- The 3rd NAMASTE Day (14 July) with a Divya Kala Mela is set for Kolkata, and a PM SVANidhi 'Street Food Hub' was approved at Lakhanpur, J&K (Rs 4 crore in three instalments).
- The All-India Conference of Water Resources Secretaries meets in New Delhi on 13 July.
International
- India and Indonesia signed BrahMos, critical-minerals and defence pacts during PM Modi's Jakarta visit.
- India hosted the 13th ASEAN-India (AITIGA) Joint Committee.
- India and Australia issued a Joint Statement on Energy Security and, at the Melbourne Summit, sealed defence, maritime and uranium-supply arrangements while fast-tracking CECA.
- India and New Zealand announced a Strategic Partnership with a "Roadmap to 2030" targeting NZ$7 billion two-way trade by 2030.
- The 3rd BRICS Transport Ministers' Meeting in Nagpur adopted a Ministerial Declaration under India's Chairship.
Polity
- Parliament's Monsoon Session is scheduled 20 July to 13 August.
- Tamil Nadu challenged a Madras High Court ruling on Backward Class (Muslim) certificates after conversion to Islam.
- The Joint Committee on the Constitution (129th Amendment) Bill held Simultaneous Elections consultations in Goa.
Rajasthan
- The Law Ministry's Reforms Utsav and Chintan Shivir concluded at Mount Abu.
- Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan and MP settled pending Narmada Award payments linked to the Sardar Sarovar Project.
- A new railway station near Shri Khatu Shyam Ji Temple will come up on the Sikar-Ringas section.
- The State OBC Commission began a door-to-door survey (10-23 July) ahead of panchayat polls.
- The Jodhpuri Mojari received a GI tag.
- UDISE 2025-26 showed nearly half of Rajasthan's students drop out before Class 12.
- Jodhpur Airport's new terminal began regular flight operations.
Science and Technology
- Mahendragiri, Project 17A's sixth indigenous stealth frigate, was ready for commissioning at Visakhapatnam.
- Kolkata Metro's TBM 'Durga' achieved a Purple Line breakthrough on the Joka-Esplanade corridor.
- NITI Aayog held a stakeholder consultation on the SHANTI Act, 2025.
- All five Indian students won Gold at the 56th International Physics Olympiad in Colombia, making India joint World No. 1.
Top stories
39Law Ministry's Reforms Utsav and Chintan Shivir Concludes at Mount Abu
The Law and Justice Ministry's Reforms Utsav and Chintan Shivir 2026 at Mount Abu concluded, keeping legal reform and citizen-centric justice delivery in focus.
NGT Orders Probe into Mining Around Sariska Tiger Reserve
The NGT Central Zone Bench ordered a probe into mining activities around Sariska Tiger Reserve, forming a three-member committee and seeking a factual report within six weeks.
DRI Seizes Over One Lakh Codeine-Based Cough Syrup Bottles
DRI seized more than one lakh bottles of codeine-based cough syrup in two separate operations in Tripura and West Bengal, with one person arrested.
Subject-wise compilation
6Rajasthan7
Law Ministry's Reforms Utsav and Chintan Shivir Concludes at Mount Abu
The Law and Justice Ministry's Reforms Utsav and Chintan Shivir 2026 at Mount Abu concluded, keeping legal reform and citizen-centric justice delivery in focus.
Narmada Award Beneficiary States Settle Pending Payments
Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh signed a one-time settlement in New Delhi to resolve pending Narmada Award payments linked with Sardar Sarovar Project cost-sharing.
New Railway Station Near Shri Khatu Shyam Ji Temple in Sikar
A new station near Shri Khatu Shyam Ji Temple will be developed between Palsana and Baori Thikaria on the Sikar-Ringas rail section to improve pilgrim facilities, regional connectivity, tourism and local economic activity.
Rajasthan OBC Commission to Conduct Door-to-Door Survey Ahead of Panchayat Elections
Rajasthan's State OBC Commission will conduct a door-to-door online survey from 10 to 23 July 2026 to determine OBC political representation in panchayat and local body elections. The State Election Commission says it needs at least 90 days after receiving the report to complete the election process, which could push polls towards October.
Jodhpuri Mojari Gets GI Tag, Boosting Rajasthan's 200-Year-Old Handicraft
The traditional, nearly 200-year-old Jodhpuri Mojari has received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, giving it a distinct national and international identity. The tag is expected to curb counterfeit products, secure better prices for artisans, and boost exports.
UDISE 2025-26: Nearly Half of Rajasthan's Students Drop Out Before Class 12
The UDISE 2025-26 report finds that only 51.8 of every 100 children who enrol in Class 1 in Rajasthan reach Class 12, while 48.2% drop out earlier. Retention falls from 93.2% in Classes 1-2 to 77% in Classes 6-8 and 51.8% at the secondary stage, and total enrolment has slipped from 1.67 crore in 2023-24 to 1.59 crore in 2025-26. School facilities such as drinking water, electricity and girls' toilets have improved sharply, but have not stopped children from leaving school.
Jodhpur Airport's New Terminal Begins Regular Flight Operations; Shekhawat Sends Off First Passenger
Regular flight services started on 12 July 2026 from the new terminal building of Jodhpur Airport, which Prime Minister Narendra Modi had dedicated to the nation on 4 July. Union Minister of Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat sent off the first flight's passenger, Chandraveer Singh, with a ticket and a welcome kit, while arriving passengers were welcomed with Langa-Manganiyar folk performances in Rajasthani tradition. Shekhawat called it a historic achievement for Jodhpur and the whole Marwar region, noting that passenger numbers and aircraft operations at the airport have grown about ten-fold since 2014.
National6
India-Indonesia BrahMos and Critical Minerals Agreements
India and Indonesia signed agreements in Jakarta covering BrahMos and Astra systems, defence technology transfer, critical minerals, maritime security, telecom connectivity, medicines, education, and cultural restoration during Prime Minister Modi's bilateral meeting with President Prabowo Subianto.
13th ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement Joint Committee Meeting
India hosted the 13th AITIGA Joint Committee and related meetings in New Delhi to review negotiations, guide sub-committees and accelerate pending review chapters.
India, Australia Issue Joint Statement on Energy Security
India and Australia issued a Joint Statement on Energy Security on 9 July 2026, finalising arrangements for uranium exports to India and committing to deepen energy trade as Comprehensive Strategic Partners.
India, Australia Ink Defence Pacts, Fast-Track Trade Deal at Melbourne Summit
India and Australia sealed a series of pacts on defence, maritime security, energy and critical minerals during PM Modi's Melbourne visit, including an arrangement to operationalise the 2014 Civil Nuclear Agreement for uranium supply. The two sides also agreed to fast-track the CECA trade deal and launched new defence and technology partnerships.
India and New Zealand Announce Strategic Partnership, Endorse Roadmap to 2030
India and New Zealand announced a Strategic Partnership at the Prime Ministers' meeting in Auckland on 11 July 2026 and endorsed a "Roadmap to 2030" built on six pillars. The Roadmap sets an aspirational goal of doubling two-way trade in goods and services to NZ$7 billion (Rs 35,000 crore) by 2030 and seeks early entry into force of the bilateral Free Trade Agreement. Security cooperation is anchored in the maritime domain, including a Maritime Cooperation Arrangement, a Mutual Logistics Support Arrangement and an annual Maritime Security Dialogue.
BRICS Transport Ministers Adopt Ministerial Declaration at 3rd Transport Ministers' Meeting in Nagpur Under India's Chairship
The 3rd BRICS Transport Ministers' Meeting concluded in Nagpur, Maharashtra on 11 July 2026 under India's BRICS Chairship 2026, and ended with the unanimous adoption of a Ministerial Declaration. The Declaration sets out a shared framework for cooperation on circularity in infrastructure, Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), Transport Decarbonisation, Urban Mobility Hub, Logistics Supply Chain Cooperation and the BRICS Railway Research Network. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari thanked the delegations, and India reaffirmed its commitment to a smooth transition of these initiatives to the successive BRICS Chairship.
International6
India-Indonesia BrahMos and Critical Minerals Agreements
India and Indonesia signed agreements in Jakarta covering BrahMos and Astra systems, defence technology transfer, critical minerals, maritime security, telecom connectivity, medicines, education, and cultural restoration during Prime Minister Modi's bilateral meeting with President Prabowo Subianto.
13th ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement Joint Committee Meeting
India hosted the 13th AITIGA Joint Committee and related meetings in New Delhi to review negotiations, guide sub-committees and accelerate pending review chapters.
India, Australia Issue Joint Statement on Energy Security
India and Australia issued a Joint Statement on Energy Security on 9 July 2026, finalising arrangements for uranium exports to India and committing to deepen energy trade as Comprehensive Strategic Partners.
India, Australia Ink Defence Pacts, Fast-Track Trade Deal at Melbourne Summit
India and Australia sealed a series of pacts on defence, maritime security, energy and critical minerals during PM Modi's Melbourne visit, including an arrangement to operationalise the 2014 Civil Nuclear Agreement for uranium supply. The two sides also agreed to fast-track the CECA trade deal and launched new defence and technology partnerships.
India and New Zealand Announce Strategic Partnership, Endorse Roadmap to 2030
India and New Zealand announced a Strategic Partnership at the Prime Ministers' meeting in Auckland on 11 July 2026 and endorsed a "Roadmap to 2030" built on six pillars. The Roadmap sets an aspirational goal of doubling two-way trade in goods and services to NZ$7 billion (Rs 35,000 crore) by 2030 and seeks early entry into force of the bilateral Free Trade Agreement. Security cooperation is anchored in the maritime domain, including a Maritime Cooperation Arrangement, a Mutual Logistics Support Arrangement and an annual Maritime Security Dialogue.
BRICS Transport Ministers Adopt Ministerial Declaration at 3rd Transport Ministers' Meeting in Nagpur Under India's Chairship
The 3rd BRICS Transport Ministers' Meeting concluded in Nagpur, Maharashtra on 11 July 2026 under India's BRICS Chairship 2026, and ended with the unanimous adoption of a Ministerial Declaration. The Declaration sets out a shared framework for cooperation on circularity in infrastructure, Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), Transport Decarbonisation, Urban Mobility Hub, Logistics Supply Chain Cooperation and the BRICS Railway Research Network. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari thanked the delegations, and India reaffirmed its commitment to a smooth transition of these initiatives to the successive BRICS Chairship.
Economic4
SMAM: How Agricultural Mechanization Is Boosting Farm Productivity
The Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM), a Centrally Sponsored Scheme under RKVY since 2014-15, has provided 21.61 lakh farm machines to farmers with ₹9,404.47 crore in central assistance, while expanding drone-based farming and custom hiring services for small and marginal farmers.
Government Makes TReDS Mandatory for CPSEs to Ensure Timely MSME Payments
The Ministry of MSME has notified that all operational Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) must settle invoices for goods and services procured from MSMEs only through RBI-authorised TReDS platforms. The move, notified on 30 June 2026, implements a Union Budget 2026-27 announcement aimed at ending payment delays and providing collateral-free working capital to MSMEs.
Eleven Years of Digital India: eSaras Expands Digital Market Access for Rural Self-Help Groups
Marking eleven years of Digital India, the Government has showcased eSaras, the Ministry of Rural Development's official e-commerce platform under DAY-NRLM, developed by the Digital India Corporation under MeitY. It carries over 1,400 products from a base of more than 8.99 crore registered SHG members and reaches buyers through 11 or more ONDC-integrated applications. By cutting out intermediaries, eSaras supports the vision of 6 crore Lakhpati Didis by 2029.
EPFO Notifies Amnesty Scheme, 2026 for Provident Fund Trusts Without a Formal Exemption Notification
EPFO has introduced the Amnesty Scheme, 2026, a one-time window for establishments that run Income-Tax-recognised Provident Fund Trusts but lack a formal exemption notification from the Central or State Government. Notified on 29 June 2026 through Gazette notification GSR 525(E), it stays open for six months and grants amnesty retrospectively under Section 17 of the EPF & MP Act, 1952 and Section 143 of the Code on Social Security, 2020. Benefits include retrospective regularization of the Trust, waiver of headcount and corpus conditions, and abatement of pending assessments for dues, damages and interest.
Science & Tech4
Mahendragiri, Project 17A's Sixth Indigenous Stealth Frigate, Ready for Commissioning
Mahendragiri, the sixth indigenous Project 17A stealth frigate, is ready for commissioning at Visakhapatnam on 11 July 2026. Designed by the Warship Design Bureau and built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited, it highlights stealth technology, indigenous content, naval combat roles and India's defence industrial base.
Kolkata Metro's TBM 'Durga' Achieves Breakthrough on Purple Line's Joka-Esplanade Corridor
Kolkata Metro's tunnel boring machine 'Durga' achieved a successful breakthrough at Victoria metro station on the Purple Line, completing an underground tunnel section between Khidirpur and Victoria on the Joka-Esplanade corridor. The corridor will connect south Kolkata to the central business district and improve east-west connectivity.
NITI Aayog Holds Stakeholder Consultation on Implementation of the SHANTI Act, 2025
NITI Aayog convened a Stakeholder Consultation on the Implementation of the SHANTI Act, 2025 on 10 July 2026 at the Samrasta Auditorium, Dr. Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi, chaired by Prof. Abhay Karandikar, Member, NITI Aayog. Senior officials from the Ministry of Power, the Central Electricity Authority, NTPC Ltd., the Department of Atomic Energy and the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board took part. Discussions were structured around three pillars: Legislative and Regulatory Framework; Finance, Insurance and Public Perception; and Manufacturing, Operations and Capacity Building.
All Five Indian Students Win Gold at 56th International Physics Olympiad 2026; India Joint World No. 1
All five members of the Indian team won Gold Medals at the 56th International Physics Olympiad (IPhO) 2026 held at Bucaramanga, Colombia, taking India to the World No. 1 rank jointly with China, Kazakhstan, Russia, South Korea and Taiwan among 381 students from 87 countries. The medallists were Kanishk Jain, Riddhesh Anant Bendale, Rishit Garg, Shresth Suraiya and Svarit Joshi. India's Olympiad programme is run by the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE), a National Centre of TIFR under the Department of Atomic Energy.
Miscellaneous18
NGT Orders Probe into Mining Around Sariska Tiger Reserve
The NGT Central Zone Bench ordered a probe into mining activities around Sariska Tiger Reserve, forming a three-member committee and seeking a factual report within six weeks.
DRI Seizes Over One Lakh Codeine-Based Cough Syrup Bottles
DRI seized more than one lakh bottles of codeine-based cough syrup in two separate operations in Tripura and West Bengal, with one person arrested.
Monsoon Session of Parliament Scheduled from 20 July to 13 August
The Monsoon Session of Parliament was reported to be scheduled from 20 July to 13 August, making the period relevant for upcoming legislative business.
Rajasthan Police Busts Alleged Rs 500 Crore WhatsApp Investment Scam
Rajasthan Cyber Crime Police reported an alleged Rs 500 crore investment fraud run through WhatsApp groups, fake finance companies, mule accounts, hawala and crypto channels, with a key accused arrested from Pune.
Mizoram Natural History Museum notified as India's 21st designated repository
The Natural History Museum at Mizoram University, Aizawl has been notified as India's 21st designated repository under Section 39 of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, strengthening specimen conservation and scientific documentation in the India-Burma biodiversity hotspot.
National Academic Depository and Digital Education Records
NAD is a nationwide DigiLocker-based system for storing, issuing and verifying academic records, backed by the Ministry of Education, UGC and a legal framework for digital records and consent-based sharing.
ULPIN and DIGIPIN integration for land and address governance
DoLR, NIUA and the Department of Posts discussed integrating ULPIN with DIGIPIN to improve interoperability, public service delivery and land-governance digital infrastructure.
Himalayan Glacial Melt and Downstream Water Chemistry
A study of Rulung Glacier in Ladakh found that faster melting can intensify meltwater-rock interaction and alter water chemistry in the Indus basin, making long-term water-quality monitoring essential.
Tamil Nadu challenge on Backward Class status after conversion to Islam
Tamil Nadu has moved against a Madras High Court ruling that struck down a 2024 order allowing certain converts to Islam to claim Backward Class (Muslim) certificates if they belonged to seven listed sects.
Union Minister Bhupender Yadav Chairs 28th WII Society Meeting in Coimbatore
Union Environment Minister and WII Society Chairman Bhupender Yadav chaired the 28th meeting of the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) Society at CASFOS, Coimbatore — the first meeting after the Society's reconstitution for a three-year term — and called for aligning WII's work with the 'Viksit Bharat @2047' blueprint.
Land Resources Department Explores ULPIN-DIGIPIN Integration with NIUA, Department of Posts
The Department of Land Resources held a brainstorming meeting with NIUA and the Department of Posts to explore integrating India's ULPIN and DIGIPIN digital addressing frameworks. The move aims to strengthen interoperability and advance the Digital Public Infrastructure vision.
Great Indian Bustard Population Stable, Confined to Just 16% of Thar Habitat: WII Report
A new WII status report shows the Great Indian Bustard population has stayed stable at around 130 birds since 2017, but the critically endangered species survives in just 16% of its surveyed habitat in Rajasthan's Thar desert.
CAQM Inspects 17 Urban Road Stretches in Noida and Greater Noida to Curb Road Dust
CAQM inspected 17 urban road stretches covering about 46.87 km in Noida and Greater Noida on 10 July 2026 to check compliance with its Standard Framework for road redevelopment. Only 9 stretches had end-to-end paving, while 8 lacked it; unpaved pathways were found along 8 stretches and paved central verges were missing on 5. The Commission directed the authorities to expedite pending works, as road dust is a major source of particulate air pollution.
Third NAMASTE Day on 14 July: Main Event with Divya Kala Mela in Kolkata
The Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment will commemorate the 3rd NAMASTE Day on 14 July 2026, marking three years since the National Action for Mechanized Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE) Scheme was launched in 2023. The main event, along with the Divya Kala Mela, will be held at Rabindra Sadan in Kolkata, West Bengal, with parallel programmes across Urban Local Bodies nationwide. The day honours sewer and septic tank workers, waste pickers and former manual scavengers, and promotes mechanized sanitation, skill development and protective equipment for them.
Joint Committee on Constitution (129th Amendment) Bill Holds Simultaneous Elections Consultations in Goa
The Joint Committee examining the Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Ninth Amendment) Bill, 2024 and the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024 held stakeholder consultations in Goa on 10 July 2026 to elicit views on Simultaneous Elections. Chaired by Shri P. P. Chaudhary, it met the State political executive, senior officials, political parties, academic and legal bodies, and industry organisations. The inputs form part of the Committee's effort to gather diverse opinions before it finalises its Report on the two Bills.
Lakhanpur Among First Towns Approved for a 'Street Food Hub' Under PM SVANidhi
The Government has approved a 'Street Food Hub' at Lakhanpur in Kathua district, Jammu & Kashmir, under PM SVANidhi, announced by Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh on 11 July 2026. The Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs proposes up to 50 such hubs nationwide, with each approved project receiving Rs 4 crore in three instalments of 30, 50 and 20 per cent. Coming during the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra, the hub will serve pilgrims and tourists entering the Union Territory through Lakhanpur.
Science Ministries Gear Up for Nationwide 'Swachh Sagar, Surakshit Sagar' Coastal Cleanliness Campaign, 10-19 September 2026
Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, chaired a high-level review meeting of the Science Ministries at the CSIR-Science Centre, New Delhi, to prepare for the nationwide 'Swachh Sagar, Surakshit Sagar' coastal cleanliness campaign, scheduled from 10 to 19 September 2026. Expected to be one of India's largest coastal cleanliness drives, it will bring together scientific institutions, government agencies, volunteers, educational institutions and local communities. The meeting also reviewed DST, CSIR, DBT and ANRF outreach plans and preparations for ESTIC-2026, IISF 2026 and National Space Day 2026.
All-India Conference of Water Resources Secretaries to Be Held in New Delhi on 13 July 2026
The Ministry of Jal Shakti's Department of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation will hold the All-India Conference of Senior Most Secretaries of Water Resources Departments of States and UTs on 13 July 2026 at Chanakya Hall, Sushma Swaraj Bhawan, New Delhi. Union Minister Shri C R Patil will chair it, with Minister of State Shri Raj Bhushan Choudhary and Secretary Shri V.L. Kantha Rao as co-chairs. Eight priority agenda items — from the M-CADWM Scheme and a one-month nationwide #CatchTheRain Campaign to completing the Comprehensive Dam Safety Evaluation under the Dam Safety Act, 2021 by December 2026 — will be taken up to strengthen Centre-State coordination in the water sector.
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