Current Affairs Capsule PDF (7 July, 2026)

National News

Amit Shah Announces Cooperative Life Insurance Company, Bharat Taxi Expansion to 500 Cities

Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah announced the establishment of a Cooperative Life Insurance Company and the expansion of the Bharat Taxi platform to 500 cities over the next two years during the fifth Foundation Day of the Ministry of Cooperation. The proposed insurance company aims to strengthen the cooperative sector, promote financial inclusion, and expand access to insurance services. Shah also highlighted initiatives to promote organic farming and entrepreneurship through Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS). Bharat Taxi, operated by Sahakar Taxi Cooperative Ltd., follows a cooperative model where drivers are partners rather than employees. The platform currently has 6.37 lakh registered drivers and 35.77 lakh customers, operates in several major cities, and will soon expand to Ranchi, Patna, Guwahati, Bhopal, Kolkata, Indore, and Nagpur before reaching its nationwide target.

PM Modi Inaugurates India’s First Greenfield Refinery-Cum-Petrochemical Complex at Pachpadra

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated India’s first greenfield integrated refinery-cum-petrochemical complex at Pachpadra, Balotra district, Rajasthan, on 4 July 2026. Developed with an investment of over ₹79,450 crore, the project is a joint venture between Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) and the Government of Rajasthan. The complex has a crude oil refining capacity of 9 MMTPA and petrochemical production capacity of 2.4 MMTPA, producing fuels like petrol, diesel, LPG, and aviation fuel along with valuable petrochemical products. The facility aims to reduce India’s dependence on petrochemical imports, strengthen energy security, create employment, and promote downstream industries. It will also support the development of a Petrochemical and Plastic Park in Rajasthan, helping transform western Rajasthan into a major industrial and manufacturing hub.

State News

Arunachal Pradesh Launches Emergency Helicopter Flood Relief Operations to Reach Isolated Villages

Arunachal Pradesh launched an emergency helicopter relief operation on 4 July 2026 to provide food, medical supplies, and essential aid to flood-affected villages in Lower Siang district. A state-owned Skyone Airways Mi-172 helicopter transported relief materials from Pasighat Advanced Landing Ground to Koyu helipad after floods and landslides disrupted road connectivity. The first phase delivered 11.5 metric tonnes of PDS rice and other essential supplies to affected communities. The helicopter also evacuated four patients from Koyu to Pasighat for urgent medical care. Villages including Rotte, Rame, Loglu, Lipin, and others were impacted due to damaged roads and bridges. The operation involved the Civil Aviation Department, district administration, and disaster management authorities, highlighting the importance of air connectivity in delivering rapid humanitarian assistance during natural disasters.

UP New Startup Policy 2026: New Incentives, Fund Details and Eligibility

The Uttar Pradesh Cabinet approved the Startup Policy 2026 on 6 July 2026 to strengthen the state’s startup ecosystem and support innovation-driven businesses. The policy aims to contribute towards Uttar Pradesh’s vision of a $1 trillion economy by 2030. It introduces a ₹1,000 crore Startup Fund, seed funding of up to ₹15 lakh, strategic project support of up to ₹50 lakh, prototype grants of ₹10 lakh, and cloud service reimbursement of up to ₹2 lakh annually. Special incentives have been announced for deep-tech startups in Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Robotics, and Aerospace, including patient capital support of up to ₹100 crore. The policy also strengthens incubators with financial assistance and establishes the Uttar Pradesh Startup Mission as the nodal body. Special focus will be given to women entrepreneurs, weaker sections, persons with disabilities, transgender entrepreneurs, and startups in Purvanchal and Bundelkhand.

UP Cabinet Approves AI-Ready Data Center Policy 2026 to Attract ₹2 Lakh Crore Investment

The Uttar Pradesh Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, has approved the Uttar Pradesh Data Centre Policy 2026 to position the state as a global hub for green and AI-enabled data centres. Replacing the expired Data Centre Policy 2021, the new policy aims to attract investments of over ₹2 lakh crore and add 2 GW of data centre capacity. It offers incentives for AI-ready infrastructure, GPU-based technologies, Tier III and Tier IV data centres, and additional subsidies for projects in Bundelkhand and Purvanchal. The policy is expected to create around 50,000 jobs during construction and 7,500 operational jobs, while promoting energy-efficient infrastructure, cloud computing, IT and ITeS, fintech, AI, e-commerce, digital governance, and other technology-driven industries, strengthening Uttar Pradesh’s digital ecosystem and investment climate.

Yogi Government Renames Jalalabad Town as Parashurampuri

The Uttar Pradesh Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, has approved the renaming of Jalalabad town in Shahjahanpur district as Parashurampuri after receiving clearance from the Central Government. The decision was taken in response to demands from local residents, citing the town’s historical and religious significance as the believed birthplace of Lord Parashuram, the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The state government said the new name better reflects the town’s cultural and traditional identity. Jalalabad was named during the Mughal era after Jalal-ud-din Muhammad Akbar. Following the Cabinet’s approval, the concerned departments will complete the necessary administrative and legal formalities to officially implement the name change.

Sirsa Kinnow Receives GI Tag, Becomes Haryana’s First Fruit with Geographical Indication Recognition

Haryana’s Sirsa Kinnow has become the first fruit from the state to receive the Geographical Indication (GI) tag, recognizing its unique quality and origin. The GI registration was granted by the Geographical Indications Registry, Chennai, to the Kharisuverian Farmer Producer Company after an application filed in June 2023. Sirsa Kinnow is known for its sweet taste, high juice content, large size, and vibrant colour, attributed to the region’s favourable climate. The GI tag provides legal protection against imitation, enhances brand identity through an official emblem, and is expected to boost domestic and international market access. It will help farmers secure better prices, increase profits, prevent misuse of the product name, and strengthen Haryana’s reputation as a leading horticultural state.

West Bengal Approves ₹313.3 Crore PM Cha Shramik Protsahan Yojana for Tea Garden Workers

The West Bengal government has approved the implementation strategy for the Pradhan Mantri Cha Shramik Protsahan Yojana (PMCSPY), sanctioning a ₹313.3 crore package to improve the welfare of tea garden workers in North Bengal. Approved by a state-level committee, the scheme is expected to benefit over 3 lakh workers and their families. The package includes ₹177 crore for education under the Cha Shramik Shiksha Yojana, ₹72 crore for healthcare through the Cha Shramik Swasthya Suraksha Yojana, and ₹63 crore for worker infrastructure, including the construction of 321 rest sheds under the Cha Shramik Ashray Yojana. Although launched earlier by the Central Government, the scheme is being implemented in West Bengal for the first time. The North Bengal Development Department will implement it in coordination with the Health Department, Paschim Banga Samagra Shiksha Mission, and district administrations.

Gujarat Builds First Air-Filled Rubber Dams Using South Korean Technology: Everything You Need to Know

Gujarat is constructing its first two air-filled inflatable rubber dams using advanced South Korean technology to improve water management, irrigation, groundwater recharge, water storage, and flood control. The projects are being built at Rajvasana on the Heran River in Chhota Udepur and Pathakwadi on the Ambika River in Tapi district, with a combined investment of over ₹162 crore. The Rajvasana dam (₹82.97 crore), about 75% complete, is expected to be commissioned by September 2027 and irrigate over 3,420 hectares. The Pathakwadi dam (₹79.13 crore), nearly 90% complete, will irrigate around 650 hectares of farmland. Equipped with automatic SCADA systems, the dams use durable high-tensile rubber bladders imported from South Korea, offering a lifespan of about 30 years with low maintenance.

Awards News

PM Modi Receives Indonesia’s Highest Civilian Honour ‘Bintang Adipurna’ During Jakarta Visit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred the ‘Bintang Adipurna’, Indonesia’s highest civilian honour, by President Prabowo Subianto during his official visit to Jakarta on 7 July 2026. The award recognizes his contribution to strengthening India-Indonesia relations, promoting international cooperation, and deepening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two nations. PM Modi received the honour at Istana Merdeka and dedicated it to the people of India, expressing gratitude to the Indonesian government. His visit aims to enhance cooperation in trade, investment, maritime security, defence, digital connectivity, critical minerals, and emerging technologies under India’s Act East Policy and MAHASAGAR Vision. The honour also highlights India’s growing role in the Indo-Pacific and reflects the strong historical, cultural, and strategic ties between India and Indonesia.

Appointments News

Centre Appoints New Chiefs of BPR&D, NCRB and SVPNPA: Key Details You Should Know

On 6 July 2026, the Central Government appointed new heads for three key police institutions after approval by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet. Alok Kumar Mittal (1993 batch, Haryana cadre) was appointed Director General of the Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPR&D) until 30 June 2029. Amit Garg (1993 batch, Andhra Pradesh cadre) became Director of the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), with the post temporarily upgraded to the Director General level. Sujeet Pandey (1994 batch, Uttar Pradesh cadre) was appointed Director of the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy (SVPNPA) in Hyderabad until 31 July 2028. These appointments aim to strengthen police modernization, crime data management, and IPS training. BPR&D functions under the Ministry of Home Affairs, while NCRB manages national crime statistics and SVPNPA trains IPS officers.

Sanjeev Jain Appointed as India’s New Ambassador to North Korea

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has appointed Sanjeev Jain, a 2008-batch Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer, as India’s new Ambassador to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea). The announcement was made on 6 July 2026, and Jain will assume charge after completing the required diplomatic formalities. He will take over the new assignment after serving as India’s Ambassador to Cabo Verde, an island nation off the west coast of Africa. With experience in diplomacy and international relations, Jain has contributed to strengthening India’s bilateral ties with different countries. His appointment is expected to further India’s diplomatic engagement with North Korea and support the country’s foreign policy objectives in the region.

Defense News

Adani Defence Launches ₹2,500 Crore Missile Manufacturing Plant in Madhya Pradesh

Adani Defence & Aerospace has launched the foundation work for a ₹2,500 crore missile manufacturing facility at Pali in Shivpuri district, Madhya Pradesh, on 5 July 2026. The project is planned as a major private-sector missile ecosystem for producing medium and long-range missile systems and was inaugurated in the presence of Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, and Jeet Adani. The facility will integrate the missile production value chain, including manufacturing of composite propellants, TNT, and explosive-grade materials. Expected to be completed within three years, the project will create around 5,000 direct and indirect skilled jobs and involve more than 50 MSMEs in its supply chain. The facility strengthens Madhya Pradesh’s defence manufacturing sector and supports the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative in strategic industries.

INS Mahendragiri to Join Indian Navy on July 11: India’s Sixth Indigenous Stealth Frigate Set for Commissioning

INS Mahendragiri (F38), the sixth indigenous stealth frigate under Project 17A (Nilgiri-class), will be commissioned into the Indian Navy on 11 July 2026 at Visakhapatnam. Built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited, Mumbai, and designed by the Warship Design Bureau, the vessel has over 75% indigenous content, reflecting India’s push for self-reliance in defence manufacturing. INS Mahendragiri will join the Eastern Fleet under the Eastern Naval Command. The advanced frigate is equipped with surface-to-surface and surface-to-air missile systems, electronic warfare capabilities, and anti-submarine warfare systems. It uses a CODOG (Combined Diesel or Gas) propulsion system for naval operations. Named after the Mahendragiri mountain range in the Eastern Ghats, the warship strengthens India’s maritime capabilities and supports the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative in defence.

Indonesia to Import India’s Astra Missiles: A Major Boost to Defence Cooperation and Indigenous Defence Exports

India’s defence export sector received a major boost as Indonesia decided to import the indigenous Astra Beyond-Visual-Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM) on 7 July 2026 during talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto in Jakarta. Developed by DRDO and manufactured by Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), Astra is India’s first home-grown BVRAAM designed for long-range aerial combat. The deal strengthens India’s position as a defence exporter and supports the Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiatives. India and Indonesia also agreed to expand defence cooperation through additional BrahMos missile supplies, Indonesia-specific Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) support, and joint development of Sabang Port. The agreement deepens strategic ties, enhances Indo-Pacific cooperation, and highlights India’s growing role in global defence manufacturing.

Science & Technology News

ISRO Conducts Ground Test of SOLVE Vehicle, Boosting India’s Gaganyaan Human Spaceflight Mission

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully completed the first ground test of the solid motor for its Sub-Orbital Launch Vehicle for Experiments (SOLVE) under the Gaganyaan human spaceflight programme on 3 July 2026 at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota. The test validated the performance of the new propulsion system, with all parameters achieving expected levels. SOLVE is designed to test the deceleration and recovery systems of the Gaganyaan mission by launching a crew module to 10–17 km altitude, deploying 10 parachutes, and safely landing in water. The vehicle uses modified PSLV-based solid propulsion technology, slow burn-rate processes, and a specially designed nozzle system. This milestone strengthens India’s preparation for its first indigenous human space mission, aimed at demonstrating human spaceflight capability and developing crew safety technologies.

China Conducts Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missile Test in South Pacific: Key Facts and Strategic Significance

China conducted a submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) test in the South Pacific on 6 July 2026, launching a missile carrying a dummy warhead from one of its nuclear-powered submarines. This marked China’s second strategic missile test in the Pacific since September 2024 and the first known submarine-based missile test from a nuclear-powered submarine since 1982. SLBMs are key components of sea-based nuclear deterrence systems used by nuclear-armed nations. The test drew criticism from Australia, New Zealand, and Japan, while Japan had been informed in advance and urged China to reconsider. The launch took place alongside the start of the Joint Sea-2026 naval exercises between China and Russia near Qingdao. The South Pacific region is covered by the Treaty of Rarotonga (1985), which established a nuclear-free zone.

Download Current Affairs Capsule (6th July 2026)