Current Affairs Capsule PDF (1 July, 2026)
The Ministry of Tourism has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Google India Pvt. Ltd. in New Delhi to enhance the digital visibility of India’s tourism destinations. The agreement, witnessed by Union Tourism and Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, focuses on using digital technologies, artificial intelligence (AI), and data-driven insights to attract both domestic and international travelers. It aims to improve online discoverability of India’s cultural, historical, spiritual, and natural attractions while strengthening visitor engagement through innovative tools. The MoU is non-commercial, non-binding, and carries no financial implications for either side. Key objectives include boosting digital promotion, using AI for personalized engagement, analyzing global travel trends, enhancing marketing capabilities, and training ministry officials. The initiative also supports the “Incredible India” campaign and broader goals of digital transformation, sustainable tourism, and positioning India as a globally preferred travel destination.
The Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) Act, 2025 will come into force in India from 1 July 2026, strengthening the rural employment guarantee framework. The law increases guaranteed wage employment from 100 to 125 days per eligible rural household, with a stronger focus on durable asset creation, sustainable development, and transparent governance. Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has emphasized ensuring no eligible rural worker remains unemployed. The government has allocated ₹95,692.31 crore for the nationwide rollout to support wage payments and ongoing works. Key features include improved rural infrastructure, water conservation, SHG participation for women’s empowerment, and technology-driven implementation. Existing beneficiaries will continue receiving benefits without disruption during the transition. The official launch is scheduled in Andhra Pradesh’s Tirupati district on 2 July 2026, with participation from senior central and state leaders.
The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) has granted in-principle approval on 30 June 2026 to restart the tiger reintroduction programme in Odisha’s Satkosia Tiger Reserve. The initiative aims to restore a viable tiger population after the failed 2018 translocation attempt, during which one relocated tiger died and another was returned due to human-wildlife conflict. A 2024 assessment by a central committee found that the reserve currently has no resident tigers and identified the need for stronger habitat management and protection. Satkosia, spread over 1,136 sq km with a 523 sq km core area, is known for rich biodiversity and suitable forest habitat. NTCA has recommended measures such as village relocation from core areas, prey base improvement, anti-poaching strengthening, staff training, and conflict mitigation before reintroduction. The project aims to restore ecological balance, enhance biodiversity, and rebuild a sustainable tiger population in the reserve.
The White-rumped Vulture (Gyps bengalensis), once widespread across South Asia, is now listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List due to a steep population decline since the 1990s. Major causes include poisoning from veterinary drugs like diclofenac and other NSAIDs, contaminated carcasses, electrocution from power lines, habitat loss, and urban expansion. As key scavengers, vultures play an essential ecological role by disposing of carcasses and preventing disease spread. Conservation efforts in India include captive breeding and planned release of over 700 vultures in protected areas, along with bans on harmful drugs such as ketoprofen and nimesulide. Nepal and Cambodia are also running Vulture Safe Zones and feeding programmes. Despite progress, challenges like power line mortality and residual poisoning persist. Modern GPS tracking and satellite monitoring are aiding research and cross-border conservation strategies to support long-term recovery of the species.
The Government of India launched the FCRA 2.0 Portal and e-Overseas Citizen of India (e-OCI) Card on 30 June 2026 in New Delhi, introduced by Union Home Minister Amit Shah to strengthen digital governance and improve service delivery. The FCRA 2.0 Portal modernizes the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act framework by enabling fully online registration, renewal, monitoring, and compliance of foreign contributions. It includes features such as Aadhaar-based authentication, e-signatures, OCR document verification, real-time monitoring, and integration with platforms like PAN, Aadhaar, NGO Darpan, and UDIN systems. The e-OCI Card digitizes OCI services, allowing online updates, digital records, and simplified passport-linked processes while keeping existing OCI cards valid. These reforms aim to reduce paperwork, improve transparency, speed up approvals, and enhance compliance. Together, they represent a major step toward efficient, technology-driven governance and improved citizen-centric services in India’s administrative system.
India’s education system is undergoing a major digital shift under NEP 2020 through the Academic Bank of Credits (ABC) and Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry (APAAR). ABC, regulated by the University Grants Commission (UGC), is a digital repository that allows higher education students to store, transfer, accumulate, and redeem academic credits across institutions, supporting flexibility, mobility, and degree completion. APAAR is a 12-digit lifelong student ID under the “One Nation, One Student ID” initiative that consolidates academic records from school to higher education and integrates with DigiLocker and ABC. Together, they enable seamless academic mobility and support the Multiple Entry and Exit system, allowing students to pause and resume studies while retaining credits. ABC also integrates online learning platforms like SWAYAM. As of June 2026, millions of APAAR IDs have been generated, marking a significant step toward a unified, transparent, and student-centric digital education ecosystem in India.
India’s unemployment rate fell to 3.1% in 2025, marking an eight-year low, according to the National Statistics Office (NSO). The decline reflects steady improvement since 2017–18, driven by stronger job creation, economic recovery, and rising labour force participation across sectors. This progress aligns with India’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly achieving full and productive employment by 2030. However, the data highlights uneven outcomes across regions and demographics. Urban female unemployment remains a key concern, though it has reduced nationally from 10.8% in 2017–18 to 6.4% in 2025. Several states, including Bihar, Himachal Pradesh, and Rajasthan, still report high urban female joblessness. In contrast, Kerala, Maharashtra, and Gujarat have shown strong improvement. Gujarat stands out for nearly equal urban male and female unemployment rates, reflecting significant gender parity progress in employment outcomes.
India’s fiscal deficit widened sharply to ₹1.62 lakh crore in April–May FY2026–27, reaching 9.6% of the full-year Budget Estimate of ₹16.96 lakh crore, according to the Controller General of Accounts (CGA). The increase reflects weaker revenue collections despite a record surplus transfer from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). Total receipts declined about 2% year-on-year to ₹7.19 lakh crore, while revenue receipts fell to ₹6.99 lakh crore due to lower tax and non-tax inflows. A major drag was a nearly 20% fall in excise duty collections after a cut in fuel taxes. However, government expenditure remained strong, rising 18% to ₹8.81 lakh crore, with capital spending up over 13% as infrastructure investment stayed a priority. In May 2026, a large RBI dividend of ₹2.87 lakh crore temporarily boosted revenues, creating a fiscal surplus and partially offsetting early-year deficits.
India’s gross GST collections rose 13.9% year-on-year to ₹1,94,812 crore in June 2026, up from ₹1,71,105 crore in the same month last year, according to the Ministry of Finance. Net GST collections after refunds stood at ₹1,62,377 crore, reflecting an 11.2% annual growth, indicating steady revenue momentum despite global economic uncertainties. Domestic transactions contributed ₹1,34,774 crore, growing 6.5%, while import-related GST surged sharply by 34.6% to ₹60,038 crore, becoming the key driver of overall growth. Refunds during the month rose 29.1% to ₹32,436 crore. State-wise, Maharashtra led collections with ₹30,714 crore, followed by strong performances from Karnataka and Gujarat. Uttar Pradesh recorded a notable 19% rise, reflecting expanding economic activity. However, some states, including Sikkim, Puducherry, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Tamil Nadu, reported declines, highlighting uneven regional performance in GST revenue generation across India.
Goods and Services Tax (GST) completed nine years since its launch on 1 July 2017, marking a major transformation of India’s indirect tax system under the “One Nation, One Tax” vision. It replaced multiple central and state taxes, created a unified national market, reduced cascading taxation, and improved compliance through digital governance. GST operates as a destination-based tax under a dual structure of CGST, SGST, and IGST, coordinated by the GST Council and supported by GSTN. In 2025, GST 2.0 reforms introduced a simplified structure with 5% and 18% slabs and a 40% rate for luxury and sin goods, along with easier registration, refunds, and return filing. Over the years, GST has boosted transparency, reduced compliance burdens, and benefited consumers and MSMEs. Taxpayer numbers rose from 66.5 lakh in 2017 to 1.65 crore in 2026, while collections grew significantly, reflecting a stronger and more formalized economy.
The Central Government has reappointed Ravi Agrawal as Chairman of the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) for an additional six-month term, effective from 1 July 2026 to 31 December 2026. The extension was approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) after his scheduled retirement on 30 June 2026. A 1988-batch Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer, Agrawal was first appointed CBDT Chairman in June 2024, with his tenure later extended until June 2026. The latest decision allows him to continue leading India’s direct tax administration for another period under a contractual arrangement with relaxed recruitment rules. The CBDT, functioning under the Ministry of Finance, is the apex body for direct tax policy and administration, responsible for implementing the Income-tax Act, improving tax collection, formulating tax policies, and ensuring transparency, compliance, and enforcement against tax evasion across the country.
General Dhiraj Seth assumed charge as the 31st Chief of the Army Staff, succeeding General Upendra Dwivedi, and announced a future roadmap centred on the “VIJAY” vision for a technology-driven, future-ready Indian Army. He emphasized his commitment to “Duty, Honour, and Nation First” and paid tribute to fallen soldiers while expressing gratitude to national leadership. The VIJAY framework outlines five priorities: Vigilance and Readiness to strengthen border security and operational preparedness; Innovation and Transformation to modernize doctrine and adopt new technologies; Jointness and Integration to enhance coordination among the Army, Navy, and Air Force; Aatmanirbharta to promote indigenous defence capabilities; and Yoddha First, prioritizing soldier welfare from Agniveers to veterans. An alumnus of the National Defence Academy, General Seth brings nearly four decades of experience across key operational and strategic roles. His leadership aims to accelerate modernization and align the Army with India’s vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
The K9 Vajra-T self-propelled howitzer programme represents a major defence collaboration between India and South Korea under the “Make in India” initiative. Developed through a technology transfer agreement between South Korea’s Hanwha Aerospace and India’s Larsen & Toubro, the 155 mm/52-calibre tracked artillery system is designed for high mobility, rapid deployment, and long-range precision fire support. Manufactured at L&T’s Hazira facility in Gujarat, the system incorporates 50–60% indigenous components and supports domestic defence production. India first ordered 100 units in 2017, delivered by 2021, followed by another 100 units in 2024, with a proposal for 300 additional guns under a ₹23,000 crore modernization plan. Deployed in Ladakh and other strategic borders, the K9 Vajra-T enhances India’s artillery capability in extreme terrains. The programme strengthens India–South Korea defence ties while advancing self-reliance in military manufacturing and boosting operational readiness.
India achieved a historic milestone on 27 June 2026 when Indian Army Havildars Lakshay and Ujjwal Kumar Singh won the country’s first-ever gold medal at the World Rowing Cup in Lucerne, Switzerland. Competing in the Lightweight Men’s Double Sculls (LM2x) event at Stage 3 of the competition, the duo finished first with a timing of 6:26.09, narrowly ahead of Hong Kong and the Netherlands in a photo-finish race. The World Rowing Cup, organised by World Rowing, is a premier international rowing series featuring top global athletes across multiple disciplines. Both athletes trained at the Army Rowing Node in Pune, highlighting the Indian Armed Forces’ role in nurturing elite sporting talent. Despite logistical challenges, including delayed visa approvals and limited preparation time, the Indian pair delivered a breakthrough performance. This victory marks a major boost for Indian rowing and strengthens India’s presence in global competitive sports.
England fast bowler Lauren Bell has been named the ICC Women’s Player of the Month for May 2026, earning the honour for the first time in her career. She was selected ahead of nominees Maddy Green of New Zealand and Gull Feroza of Pakistan after strong performances across ODIs and T20Is. Bell played a key role in England’s series wins against New Zealand and India, emerging as the leading wicket-taker in the ODI series with five wickets, including a best of 3/20. In T20Is, she continued her form with eight wickets in four matches, maintaining strong control and economy. Her performances included match-impacting spells such as 2/23 against New Zealand and 3/34 against India. The award highlights her growing importance in England’s pace attack and her readiness for upcoming ICC tournaments, including the Women’s T20 World Cup, marking a significant milestone in her international cricket career.
Bangladesh veteran batter Mushfiqur Rahim has been named the ICC Men’s Player of the Month for May 2026 for his outstanding performances in the Test series against Pakistan. He played a key role in Bangladesh’s historic 2–0 series sweep, scoring 253 runs at an average of 63.25 and earning the Player of the Series award. Rahim delivered crucial innings, including 71 runs in the first Test and a match-defining 137 in the second Test at Sylhet, helping Bangladesh secure back-to-back series victories over Pakistan. He was selected ahead of Taijul Islam and Nepal’s Dipendra Singh Airee. This marks Rahim’s second ICC monthly award, having previously won in 2021. His consistency and experience strengthened Bangladesh’s position in the ICC World Test Championship 2025–27 standings. The award highlights his enduring contribution to international cricket and his continued importance to Bangladesh’s success in Test matches.
Chartered Accountants Day (CA Day) will be observed across India on 1 July 2026, marking the 77th Foundation Day of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), established in 1949 under the Chartered Accountants Act. The day recognizes the contribution of Chartered Accountants in strengthening financial governance, ensuring transparency, and supporting India’s economic growth. ICAI, one of the world’s largest accounting bodies with over 3.5 lakh members, regulates the profession and maintains high ethical and professional standards. CA Day is celebrated through seminars, conferences, training programs, and award ceremonies nationwide. It highlights the role of CAs in auditing, taxation, financial advisory, and corporate governance. ICAI also sets accounting and auditing standards, conducts examinations, and supports policy development. Indian Chartered Accountants are globally recognized for their expertise, contributing significantly across multinational companies, financial institutions, and consulting firms worldwide.
National Doctors Day is observed annually in India on 1 July to honour the dedication, compassion, and service of doctors in safeguarding public health. The day also highlights their role in diagnosing illnesses, performing life-saving treatments, and responding to health emergencies, while emphasizing their own mental and physical well-being. The 2026 theme, “Behind the Mask: Who Heals the Healers?”, draws attention to challenges such as long working hours, stress, burnout, and emotional exhaustion faced by healthcare professionals. The date commemorates the birth and death anniversary of Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy, a renowned physician, statesman, and former Chief Minister of West Bengal, who was awarded the Bharat Ratna in 1961. Celebrations across India include seminars, awareness campaigns, medical camps, and felicitation events organized by hospitals and institutions, recognizing doctors’ vital contributions to healthcare, disease prevention, and medical advancement.
General Dhiraj Seth has officially assumed the charge as the 31st Chief of the Army…
In April-May FY2026-27, India's fiscal deficit widened sharply to the ₹1.62 lakh crore and it…
The central government of has reappointed Ravi Agrawal as the Chairman of the Central Board…
In the year 2025, India's unemployment rate fell to 3.1% and it is the lowest…
The Ministry of Tourism has signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Google India Pvt.…
The gross Goods and Services Tax (GST) collection for the month of June was up…