Harjit Singh Grewal assumed charge as the Chairperson of the National Commission for Minorities (NCM). The Central Government appointed him for a three-year term, succeeding Iqbal Singh Lalpura, whose tenure had concluded in April 2025.

Along with his appointment, S. Munawari Begum, a Member of the Commission, assumed charge as Vice-Chairperson on 20 July 2026. Glen E. Souza Ticlo was also appointed as a Member of the Commission representing the Christian community.

Key Highlights:
• Harjit Singh Grewal assumed office as Chairperson of the National Commission for Minorities for a tenure of three years.
• He succeeded Iqbal Singh Lalpura, whose tenure as Chairperson of the Commission concluded in April 2025.
• S. Munawari Begum assumed charge as Vice-Chairperson of the Commission on 20 July 2026.
• Glen E. Souza Ticlo was appointed as a Member of the National Commission for Minorities representing the Christian community.

About National Commission for Minorities :-
Established:, 1992
Headquarters:, New Delhi
Administrative Ministry:, Ministry of Minority Affairs

India emerged as the world's largest producer of Makhana, also known as fox nuts or gorgon nuts. Bihar is the leading Makhana-producing State in India and accounts for the major share of national production. Makhana is mainly cultivated in water bodies such as ponds, wetlands and low-lying fields.

The Government has focused on strengthening the Makhana value chain through better cultivation practices, processing, branding, marketing and export promotion. Makhana is recognised as a nutritious food product and is gaining importance in domestic and international markets due to its use as a healthy snack and ingredient in food products.

Key Highlights:
• India is the world's largest producer of Makhana, commonly known as fox nut or gorgon nut.
• Bihar is the leading producer of Makhana in India and plays a major role in the country's production and supply chain.
• Makhana cultivation is associated with ponds, wetlands and low-lying waterlogged areas, making it important for wetland-based livelihoods.
• Improved processing, branding, value addition and export promotion can increase the income of farmers and producer groups engaged in Makhana cultivation.

About Makhana :-
Scientific Name:, Euryale ferox
Common Names:, Fox Nut and Gorgon Nut
Major Producing State:, Bihar

The 72nd National Film Awards were announced to recognise films certified by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) during the calendar year 2024. The awards recognise excellence in feature films, non-feature films and writing on cinema across Indian languages.

The National Film Awards are administered by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. The awards are presented by the President of India, while the Dadasaheb Phalke Award is India's highest honour in cinema and is conferred as part of the National Film Awards ceremony.

Key Highlights:
• The 72nd National Film Awards recognised films certified by CBFC in the calendar year 2024.
• The awards cover feature films, non-feature films and writing on cinema in different Indian languages.
• The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting administers the National Film Awards.
• The Dadasaheb Phalke Award is India's highest honour in cinema and is presented under the National Film Awards framework.

About National Film Awards :-
Established:, 1954
Administrative Ministry:, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting
Highest Honour:, Dadasaheb Phalke Award

Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya (GSV) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with National Highways Logistics Management Limited (NHLML) to strengthen cooperation in infrastructure planning, logistics, transport systems, research and capacity building.

The collaboration aims to support India's integrated infrastructure vision by developing skilled human resources, undertaking research and promoting technology-based solutions in the transport and logistics sector. NHLML is a company associated with the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and works on logistics-related infrastructure initiatives.

Key Highlights:
• Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya signed an MoU with NHLML for cooperation in infrastructure, logistics and transport-related areas.
• The partnership focuses on research, innovation, capacity building, training and development of skilled manpower for the logistics sector.
• The MoU supports integrated planning and technology-driven solutions for improving transport connectivity and logistics efficiency.
• NHLML is associated with NHAI and is involved in developing logistics and multimodal infrastructure initiatives.

About Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya :-
Location:, Vadodara, Gujarat
Sector:, Transport and Logistics Education
Former Name:, National Rail and Transportation Institute

Indian students delivered a strong performance at the 57th International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO). The International Chemistry Olympiad is an annual competition for secondary-school students that assesses theoretical and practical knowledge of chemistry.

India's participation in international science Olympiads is coordinated through the National Olympiad Programme, with academic support from the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE), a national centre of the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR). The achievement reflects the importance of scientific training, problem-solving skills and sustained preparation among students.

Key Highlights:
• Indian students won medals at the 57th International Chemistry Olympiad, an international competition for school-level chemistry talent.
• IChO evaluates participants through demanding theoretical and practical chemistry examinations.
• India's Olympiad programme receives academic support from HBCSE, which functions as a national centre of TIFR.
• International Olympiad participation helps identify and nurture scientific talent in chemistry and related research fields.

About International Chemistry Olympiad :-
Abbreviation:, IChO
Field:, Chemistry
Participants:, Secondary-School Students

The Government planned to introduce a Bill in Parliament to make the intentional insult of Vande Mataram, India's National Song, a criminal offence. The proposed legislation seeks to provide legal protection to the National Song and prescribe punishment for deliberate acts of disrespect.

Vande Mataram was composed by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay and was adopted as India's National Song by the Constituent Assembly on 24 January 1950. The first two stanzas of the song have national status. The proposal is distinct from the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, which provides protection to the National Flag, Constitution and National Anthem.

Key Highlights:
• The proposed Bill seeks to criminalise deliberate insult or disrespect towards Vande Mataram, India's National Song.
• Vande Mataram was composed by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay and was adopted as the National Song on 24 January 1950.
• Only the first two stanzas of Vande Mataram have been accorded national status.
• The proposal relates to the National Song, whereas the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971 protects the National Flag, Constitution and National Anthem.

About Vande Mataram :-
Composer:, Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay
Source:, Anandamath
National Status:, First Two Stanzas

India and Spain agreed to fast-track technical discussions for enabling interoperability between India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and Spain's Bizum digital payments platform. The decision was announced during discussions aimed at strengthening bilateral trade, investment, tourism and digital-financial cooperation.

The proposed payment linkage could enable Indian travellers in Spain to make merchant payments through UPI applications. However, the arrangement is currently at the technical-discussion stage, and payment standards, settlement mechanisms, foreign-exchange arrangements, security protocols and regulatory compliance will need to be finalised before implementation.

Key Highlights:
• India and Spain agreed to fast-track technical discussions for linking UPI with Bizum, Spain's digital payments platform.
• The proposed linkage is intended to enable convenient and secure cross-border digital payments for users, businesses and travellers of both countries.
• If implemented, Indian visitors in Spain may be able to make QR-code-based payments through their regular UPI applications.
• The initiative is at a discussion stage and has not yet become an operational payment facility.

About UPI :-
Launched:, 2016
Operated By:, National Payments Corporation of India
Type:, 24×7 Real-Time Payment System

Jammu and Kashmir exported premium Areco cherries and Centroz plums to Singapore, marking an important step in expanding international market access for high-value horticultural produce from the Union Territory.

The export initiative supports growers by connecting perishable fruits with overseas consumers and promoting value realisation through better market linkages. It also highlights the role of quality production, cold-chain management, grading, packaging and logistics in exporting fresh horticultural products.

Key Highlights:
• Jammu and Kashmir exported Areco cherries and Centroz plums to Singapore as premium horticultural produce.
• The initiative expands overseas market access for fruit growers and supports higher value realisation for high-value crops.
• Export of fresh fruits requires quality assurance, grading, packaging, cold-chain management and efficient logistics.
• Horticulture is an important component of Jammu and Kashmir's agricultural economy and supports livelihoods in fruit-growing regions.

About Jammu and Kashmir Horticulture :-
Key Products:, Apples, Cherries and Plums
Sector:, High-Value Agriculture
Export Destination:, Singapore

India's first hydrogen-powered passenger train began operations between Jind and Sonipat in Haryana. The train uses hydrogen fuel-cell technology to generate electricity for traction, with water vapour being the primary emission at the point of use.

The initiative supports Indian Railways' efforts towards clean mobility and decarbonisation of rail transport. Hydrogen-powered trains are particularly relevant for non-electrified routes where diesel trains can be replaced by cleaner alternatives, subject to the availability of hydrogen production, storage and refuelling infrastructure.

Key Highlights:
• India's first hydrogen-powered train began operations on the Jind-Sonipat route in Haryana.
• It uses hydrogen fuel-cell technology to generate electricity for train propulsion.
• Water vapour is the primary emission at the point of use, making the technology a cleaner alternative to diesel traction.
• The initiative aligns with clean mobility, rail decarbonisation and the broader National Green Hydrogen Mission objectives.

About National Green Hydrogen Mission :-
Approved:, 2023
Nodal Ministry:, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
Focus:, Green Hydrogen Ecosystem

Indian students won medals at the 37th International Biology Olympiad (IBO). The International Biology Olympiad is an annual international competition that tests school students in theoretical and practical aspects of biology.

India's participation is supported through the National Olympiad Programme and academic mentoring by the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE), which is a national centre of the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR). The performance demonstrates the contribution of structured scientific education and laboratory-oriented learning in developing young researchers.

Key Highlights:
• Indian students won medals at the 37th International Biology Olympiad, a global competition for school students in biology.
• IBO tests theoretical understanding as well as practical and laboratory-oriented biological skills.
• HBCSE provides academic support to India's National Olympiad Programme and functions as a national centre of TIFR.
• Participation in IBO encourages scientific curiosity, analytical ability and research orientation among school students.

About International Biology Olympiad :-
Abbreviation:, IBO
Field:, Biology
Participants:, Secondary-School Students

Successful breeding of the Indian Grey Hornbill was documented in Gujarat, highlighting the importance of habitat conservation, availability of mature trees and protection of nesting sites. Hornbills are important seed dispersers and contribute to forest regeneration by carrying and dispersing seeds across landscapes.

The Indian Grey Hornbill is a resident bird of the Indian subcontinent and is found in forests, wooded areas, urban green spaces and agricultural landscapes with large trees. The species is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, but local populations can be affected by habitat loss, removal of old trees and disturbance at nesting sites.

Key Highlights:
• Successful breeding of the Indian Grey Hornbill was recorded in Gujarat.
• Hornbills contribute to ecosystem health through seed dispersal and forest regeneration.
• Mature trees and natural cavities are important for hornbill nesting and breeding success.
• The Indian Grey Hornbill is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, though local habitat protection remains essential.

About Indian Grey Hornbill :-
Scientific Name:, Ocyceros birostris
IUCN Status:, Least Concern
Ecological Role:, Seed Disperser

Chhattisgarh prepared a roadmap to curb river pollution through geo-tagging of pollution sources, scientific monitoring, revival plans and coordinated action by concerned departments. The approach seeks to identify and monitor sources of contamination and support evidence-based interventions for river conservation.

Geo-tagging enables the geographical identification of pollution sources such as drains, discharge points and waste-dumping locations. Scientific monitoring of water quality can help authorities assess pollution levels, prioritise restoration actions and evaluate the effectiveness of conservation measures over time.

Key Highlights:
• Chhattisgarh prepared a roadmap for reducing river pollution through geo-tagging and scientific monitoring.
• Geo-tagging can map pollution sources, including drains, discharge points and waste-dumping sites.
• Water-quality monitoring provides data for planning river restoration, pollution control and compliance actions.
• Coordinated action and revival plans are intended to support long-term river conservation in the State.

About Geo-Tagging :-
Meaning:, Assigning Geographic Coordinates
Use:, Location-Based Monitoring
Application:, Mapping Pollution Sources

The Indian Air Force (IAF) participated in Exercise Pitch Black 2026, the Royal Australian Air Force's premier biennial multinational air-combat exercise. The exercise is being conducted from 20 July to 7 August 2026 at RAAF Bases Darwin and Tindal in the Northern Territory, and RAAF Base Amberley in Queensland, Australia.

The exercise brings together more than 100 aircraft and thousands of personnel from around 20 nations. It enables participating air forces to train in complex combat-like scenarios, conduct large-force employment drills and improve interoperability through coordinated mission planning and execution.

Key Highlights:
• The Indian Air Force participated in Exercise Pitch Black 2026, a major multinational air-combat exercise hosted by the Royal Australian Air Force.
• The exercise is scheduled from 20 July to 7 August 2026 at RAAF Bases Darwin and Tindal in the Northern Territory, along with RAAF Base Amberley in Queensland.
• More than 100 aircraft and thousands of personnel from around 20 participating nations are involved in the exercise.
• The exercise focuses on complex air-combat scenarios, large-force employment, interoperability, operational planning and coordination among partner air forces.

About Exercise Pitch Black :-
Host Nation:, Australia
Host Air Force:, Royal Australian Air Force
Frequency:, Biennial

Hyderabad-based Skyroot Aerospace successfully launched Vikram-1 under Mission Aagaman from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota. Vikram-1 became India's first privately developed orbital-class rocket to successfully reach orbit.

The rocket completed all planned flight stages and injected payloads into a nearly 450-km Low Earth Orbit (LEO). The mission validated critical systems, including propulsion, avionics, telemetry, guidance, navigation, control, stage separation and the Orbital Adjustment Module (OAM).

Key Highlights:
• Skyroot Aerospace launched Vikram-1 from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, under Mission Aagaman.
• Vikram-1 successfully deployed payloads into a nearly 450-km Low Earth Orbit and completed all planned stage separations during its maiden mission.
• With this successful private orbital launch, India became the third country after the United States and China to demonstrate private-sector orbital launch capability.
• The rocket uses three solid-fuel stages and a liquid-propellant Orbital Adjustment Module and is designed to deploy payloads of up to 350 kg into a 450-km Low Earth Orbit.

About Skyroot Aerospace :-
Established:, 2018
Headquarters:, Hyderabad, Telangana
Sector:, Space Technology

The Madhya Pradesh Cabinet unanimously approved the draft Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill, 2026 at a special Cabinet meeting held in Jagdishpur near Bhopal. The Bill was to be tabled in the Monsoon Session of the Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly, which began on 20 July 2026.

The draft Bill proposes common provisions related to marriage, divorce, maintenance, inheritance and live-in relationships. It seeks to make marriage registration mandatory down to the village level and requires couples in live-in relationships to register within one month. Scheduled Tribe communities have been kept outside the Bill's scope to protect constitutional and customary safeguards.

Key Highlights:
• The Madhya Pradesh Cabinet unanimously approved the draft UCC Bill, 2026, at a special meeting in Jagdishpur near Bhopal.
• The Bill proposes compulsory registration of marriages and requires registration of live-in relationships within one month of entering such a relationship.
• The draft provides for equal inheritance rights for sons and daughters, irrespective of marital status, and seeks to prohibit polygamy and multiple marriages.
• Scheduled Tribe communities have been excluded from the Bill's ambit to safeguard their constitutional protections, distinct culture and customary traditions.

About Uniform Civil Code :-
Constitutional Link:, Article 44
Constitutional Part:, Part IV
Category:, Directive Principle of State Policy

Indian badminton player P. V. Sindhu won her maiden Japan Open Super 750 women's singles title by defeating Japan's Akane Yamaguchi in the final. Sindhu became the first Indian player to win the Japan Open title.

She defeated Akane Yamaguchi in straight games by 21-17, 21-17. The Japan Open is part of the Badminton World Federation (BWF) World Tour Super 750 circuit, making the victory a significant international title for Indian badminton.

Key Highlights:
• P. V. Sindhu defeated Japan's Akane Yamaguchi 21-17, 21-17 in the women's singles final to win the Japan Open Super 750 title.
• She became the first Indian badminton player to win the Japan Open title.
• The Japan Open is a BWF World Tour Super 750 tournament and is among the major international badminton events.
• Sindhu has earlier won Olympic silver at Rio 2016, Olympic bronze at Tokyo 2020 and the BWF World Championship title in 2019.

About P. V. Sindhu :-
Sport:, Badminton
Olympic Medals:, Silver (2016) and Bronze (2020)
World Championship:, Gold (2019)