Current Affairs Capsule PDF (21 July, 2026)
The Supreme Court of India has directed the Central Government to establish a committee within two weeks to recommend uniform post-retirement benefits for retired Chief Justices and High Court judges across the country. The order came during a hearing on differences in facilities provided by various states, which the Court found created unequal treatment. The proposed committee will frame consistent guidelines, examine financial support mechanisms, and submit recommendations to the Centre and Supreme Court within three months. Benefits under review include security, drivers, domestic assistance, telecommunications facilities, medical reimbursement, and government accommodation. The Court questioned whether existing financial assistance, such as ₹45,000–₹50,000 in some states, is sufficient for security and transport needs. The Centre agreed to constitute the committee.
India has approved its first utility-scale 100 MWh Vanadium Redox Flow Battery Energy Storage System (VRFB BESS) at Khavda Solar Park, Gujarat, marking a major milestone in renewable energy storage. Owned by NTPC Renewable Energy Limited (NTPC REL), with Bondada Engineering as EPC contractor and Delectrik Systems as technology partner, the project is scheduled for deployment in 2027 with 10 years of operations and maintenance. The VRFB technology uses vanadium-based liquid electrolytes, offering long life, improved safety, scalable storage, and efficient integration of renewable energy. As India’s first 100% indigenous, non-lithium utility-scale battery project, it will strengthen grid stability, support the 30 GW Khavda Renewable Energy Park, promote Atmanirbhar Bharat, reduce import dependence, and enhance long-duration energy storage and energy security.
India hosted the 5th BRICS Working Group on Geospatial Technologies and its Applications at IIT Tirupati from 20–22 July 2026, organised by the Department of Science and Technology (DST). The meeting brought together delegates from BRICS nations and partner countries to enhance cooperation in digital mapping, artificial intelligence (AI), navigation systems, climate resilience, and interoperable geospatial infrastructure. Key discussions focused on Geographic Information Systems (GIS), remote sensing, satellite imagery, Positioning, Navigation and Timing (PNT), AI-based geospatial analytics, and data interoperability for sustainable development and disaster management. The event is expected to produce the Tirupati Recommendations (2026), the BRICS Action Plan (2026–27), and frameworks for geodesy and interoperable geospatial infrastructure, strengthening global collaboration and India’s leadership in geospatial innovation.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is developing a Digital Aviation Incident Reporting Platform to modernise aviation safety reporting in India. Integrated with the eGCA portal, the platform will enable airlines, airports, maintenance organisations, and aviation personnel to electronically submit and process Mandatory Occurrence Reports (MORs), replacing fragmented manual systems. MORs document incidents, hazards, technical failures, and operational irregularities, helping regulators identify risks, investigate events, and improve flight safety. The platform will support online reporting, centralised record management, faster communication, compliance monitoring, and quicker regulatory decisions. Complementing DGCA’s existing safety oversight through audits, inspections, and surveillance, the initiative aims to enhance transparency, data accuracy, proactive risk monitoring, and regulatory efficiency as India’s rapidly expanding aviation sector embraces digital governance.
India has unveiled the Yantur 4.5 kN Turbofan Engine Programme, developed by Paninian India Private Ltd., to strengthen indigenous aerospace capabilities under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. The programme aims to develop a compact turbofan engine for long-range combat drones, cruise missiles, and future unmanned aerial platforms, reducing reliance on imported propulsion systems. The engine delivers an initial thrust of 4.5 kN, with a scalable design up to 12.5 kN, and incorporates digital twin-based health monitoring and advanced manufacturing technologies. Having completed conceptual and detailed design, the project has entered subsystem testing, validation, and certification. With five patent claims, the engine is expected to power the Svayatt L1 platform, enhancing India’s defence self-reliance, national security, and indigenous military aerospace manufacturing capabilities.
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has launched two digital services, Digital Local Pass and MargMitra Help Centre, on the RajmargYatra Mobile App to improve highway travel convenience. Introduced on 20 July 2026, the initiatives support the Digital India vision by reducing paperwork and enabling faster online services. The Digital Local Pass allows eligible commuters living within 20 km of toll plazas to apply for monthly toll passes digitally through automated verification using DigiLocker, VAHAN, FASTag, and GIS technology. Initially launched at the Mundka–Bakkarwala Toll Plaza in Delhi, it will expand nationwide. MargMitra is an AI-based multilingual assistant that helps users with FASTag services, toll information, complaints, grievance tracking, and road safety reporting, creating a smarter digital highway ecosystem.
Central Know Your Customer (CKYC) is a government-backed centralized KYC system that allows individuals to complete identity verification once and use it across multiple financial institutions, including banks, NBFCs, mutual funds, and insurance companies. Managed by the Central Registry of Securitisation Asset Reconstruction and Security Interest of India (CERSAI), the CKYC registry securely stores customer information and provides a unique 14-digit CKYC Identification Number (KIN) after verification. The system reduces repeated paperwork, speeds up account openings and financial services, improves transparency, and enhances data security. Required documents generally include Aadhaar, PAN, identity proof, address proof, and photographs. Registration can be completed through authorised financial institutions, which upload verified details to the CKYC registry for future use.
Andy Burnham became the new Prime Minister of the United Kingdom after being appointed by King Charles III on 20 July 2026, following the resignation of Keir Starmer. Burnham, who previously served as Mayor of Greater Manchester, was invited by the monarch to form a government after securing the confidence of the House of Commons, following UK constitutional practice. Starmer stepped down amid internal Labour Party pressure, criticism over slow reforms, economic challenges, and poor local election results despite his 2024 election victory. In his first speech outside 10 Downing Street, Burnham described his government as a “circuit breaker” and pledged a decade-long national plan focused on restoring political stability, economic confidence, and public trust in government.
President Droupadi Murmu began a historic first State Visit to Moldova, becoming the first Indian President to visit the country. In Chisinau, she held talks with President Maia Sandu to strengthen cooperation in trade, investment, agriculture, healthcare, renewable energy, digital public infrastructure, artificial intelligence, innovation, and education. Both leaders agreed to enhance business ties, resilient supply chains, and economic partnerships. India announced that it will double ITEC training slots for Moldovan professionals and offer specialised courses in AI and cyber diplomacy. President Murmu also invited Moldova to join the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) and the Global Biofuels Alliance (GBA). The visit reaffirmed both countries’ commitment to peaceful conflict resolution, sustainable development, and stronger India–Moldova bilateral relations.
India has become the 123rd member to accept the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, reaffirming its commitment to sustainable fisheries, marine conservation, and responsible global trade. Adopted at the 12th WTO Ministerial Conference (MC12) in 2022 and effective from 15 September 2025, the agreement prohibits harmful subsidies that support illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, overfishing, and depletion of fish stocks. It applies only to marine wild capture fisheries, while aquaculture and inland fisheries remain excluded, ensuring India’s shrimp exports are unaffected. The agreement is expected to protect traditional and small-scale fishers, promote fair competition, and strengthen sustainable fisheries management. It also aligns with India’s existing policies, including PMMSY and the 2025 fisheries regulations, supporting long-term marine resource conservation.
Hamas has elected Khalil al-Hayya as its new overall leader, replacing Yahya Sinwar, who was killed during the Gaza conflict in October 2024. A long-time senior Hamas official, al-Hayya has led the group’s Gaza leadership from exile and served as its chief negotiator in indirect ceasefire talks mediated by Egypt and Qatar. He was elected through a 69-member electoral college after defeating former political bureau chief Khaled Meshaal in a second-round runoff, following an inconclusive first round. The leadership contest reflected differing views within Hamas over its future strategy. Al-Hayya assumes leadership as Hamas faces major military losses, destruction in Gaza, international scrutiny, and ongoing ceasefire negotiations, with his diplomatic role expected to remain central to the group’s political engagement.
India’s Index of Core Industries (ICI) recorded 5% year-on-year growth in June 2026, according to provisional data released by the Office of Economic Adviser (OEA), DPIIT. The government also introduced a revised ICI series with 2022-23 as the new base year, replacing 2011-12, to better reflect current industrial trends. The revised index now includes Iron Ore as the ninth core industry, along with updated steel methodology, coal classification, and industry weights aligned with the new IIP series. In June, Iron Ore led growth with 43.9%, followed by Electricity and Cement at 9.8% each, and Steel at 4.6%. Coal grew 1.4%, while natural gas, crude oil, refinery products, and fertilizers declined. The April-June 2026 period recorded 3.6% growth, indicating stronger industrial momentum.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) attracted $20.72 billion in foreign capital between 8 June and 17 July 2026 through temporary forex measures introduced to strengthen the balance of payments, support the rupee, and boost foreign exchange reserves. The inflows included $17.41 billion from Foreign Currency Non-Resident (FCNR) deposits, $1.34 billion through External Commercial Borrowings (ECBs), and $1.97 billion via Overseas Foreign Currency Borrowings (OFCBs). The measures were introduced amid rising crude oil prices, Middle East geopolitical tensions, and concerns over a possible third consecutive balance of payments deficit. These inflows are expected to improve liquidity, enhance investor confidence, moderate rupee depreciation, and strengthen India’s external sector, with foreign exchange reserves standing at $675.1 billion as of 10 July 2026.
American filmmaker James Gray will receive the prestigious Pardo alla Carriera (Honorary Career Pardo Award) at the 79th Locarno Film Festival on 9 August 2026. The award recognizes his significant contribution to global cinema and will be presented before the screening of his latest film “Paper Tiger” at the festival’s Piazza Grande open-air cinema. Gray, known for his distinctive visual style and emotionally complex storytelling, gained recognition with his debut film “Little Odessa” (1994), which won the Silver Lion at Venice. His acclaimed works include “We Own the Night,” “Two Lovers,” “The Immigrant,” “The Lost City of Z,” “Ad Astra,” and “Armageddon Time.” The festival praised his exploration of identity, family, immigration, and human values across multiple genres.
The Delhi Government has approved the Parivartan Scheme, a flagship initiative of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), to replace BS-IV and older commercial vehicles with BS-VI or electric vehicles to reduce air pollution in the National Capital Region (NCR). The scheme offers incentives such as 10-year motor vehicle tax exemption, registration fee waiver, 5% interest subsidy, 8% manufacturer discount, and fuel vouchers for eligible vehicle owners. Benefits also extend to buyers of used electric and BS-VI vehicles, while bus owners must replace old buses with BS-VI CNG or electric buses. Additional measures include waivers of accumulated road tax and pending fitness fines. Around 2.7 lakh truck and bus operators are expected to benefit, supporting the Delhi EV Policy 2026.
The Mukhyamantri Swasth Bastar Abhiyan launched by the Chhattisgarh Government has significantly improved maternal and child healthcare in Sukma district, one of the state’s most remote and Naxal-affected areas. Initiated by Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on 14 April 2026, the programme focuses on preventive healthcare, early disease detection, and accessible treatment services in rural regions. The campaign has reduced maternal mortality and infant mortality rates, while increasing institutional deliveries to 98.6% through awareness campaigns, ambulance services, and improved healthcare facilities. Health teams ensure early pregnancy registration, regular antenatal check-ups, vaccination, risk monitoring, and doorstep medical support. The initiative has expanded healthcare access to forest, hilly, and tribal areas, strengthening maternal and child health outcomes.
The Gruha Jyothi Scheme is a flagship welfare initiative of the Karnataka Government that provides up to 200 units of free electricity per month to eligible domestic consumers, including both homeowners and tenants across rural and urban areas. The scheme aims to reduce electricity expenses, improve living standards, and allow families to allocate savings toward essential needs like education and healthcare. Only residential connections qualify, while commercial and industrial users are excluded. Applicants must be Karnataka residents, link their Aadhaar with electricity account details, and meet prescribed consumption limits. Required documents include Aadhaar, electricity bill details, mobile number, address proof, and rental documents for tenants. Applications can be submitted through the Seva Sindhu portal or ESCOM websites, helping households access affordable and reliable power.
IIT Kanpur is establishing the Centre of Excellence on Innovative and Integrated Ecosystem for Green Hydrogen (ECOGEN) to accelerate research and innovation in green hydrogen technologies. Approved under the Uttar Pradesh Green Hydrogen Policy 2024 and sanctioned by UPNEDA, the centre aims to strengthen India’s clean energy ecosystem and support net-zero goals. ECOGEN will focus on the entire green hydrogen value chain, including hydrogen production, storage, utilisation, and system integration. The initiative seeks to develop affordable and efficient hydrogen technologies, improve storage solutions, and promote industrial applications in sectors such as transport and power. By connecting scientific research with industry needs, the centre will contribute to reducing fossil fuel dependence, advancing renewable energy adoption, and building a sustainable hydrogen economy in India.
India has approved its first dengue vaccine, QDENGA, developed by Takeda Biopharmaceuticals, marking a major advancement in dengue prevention. Approved by the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI), the vaccine protects against all four dengue virus strains (DENV-1 to DENV-4) and can be administered to people aged 4–60 years without pre-vaccination screening. The live attenuated vaccine requires two doses and will complement existing measures such as mosquito control and disease surveillance. Approval is based on global clinical trials involving over 28,000 participants, including India’s Phase III study. The TIDES trial showed high effectiveness in reducing dengue infections and hospitalizations. WHO-approved QDENGA is already used in several countries, with over 32 million doses administered globally.
The 23rd Commonwealth Games 2026 will be held in Glasgow, Scotland, from 23 July to 2 August 2026, featuring athletes from 74 Commonwealth nations competing across 10 sports with 215 gold medals at stake. The 11-day event will include events for both able-bodied and para athletes, including athletics, swimming, boxing, judo, weightlifting, cycling, basketball, and netball. India has announced a 120-member contingent participating in 13 sports, with medal hopes resting on stars such as Neeraj Chopra, Mirabai Chanu, Lovlina Borgohain, Srihari Nataraj, and Murali Sreeshankar. Major venues include Scotstoun Stadium, SEC Centre, Tollcross International Swimming Centre, and Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome. Mirabai Chanu and Lovlina Borgohain will serve as India’s flag bearers during the opening ceremony.
India achieved a remarkable success at the Menuires International Chess Championship 2026 in Les Menuires, France, as Grandmaster S. Rohith Krishna won the gold medal and Grandmaster Raja Rithvik claimed the silver medal. Held from 11–18 July 2026 with results announced on 19 July, the nine-round Swiss-system tournament featured 86 players. Both Indian Grandmasters remained undefeated, scoring 7 points from 9 rounds, with Rohith securing the title on a superior tie-break score of 43 against Rithvik’s 41.5. Rithvik’s final-round victory over French Grandmaster Maxime Lagarde was a key highlight. Their outstanding performances underscore India’s growing dominance in international chess, showcasing the country’s depth of talent and strengthening its reputation as a global chess powerhouse.
India has taken a significant step towards the future of urban transportation with the blessing…
The 23rd edition of Commonwealth Games is slated to take place in Glasgow, Scotland from…
India has granted authorization for its first dengue vaccine to be used, which indicates a…
The Supreme Court has instructed the Central Government to form a committee within two weeks…
The Mukhyamantri Swasth Bastar Abhiyan (Chief Minister's Health Bastar Mission) is showing satisfactory results as…
India's Index of Core Industries (ICI) witnessed a 5% growth year-on-year in June 2026 as…