India approves first dengue vaccine QDENGA after DCGI clearance.
Science & Technology
Dated: 2026-07-22
India approved QDENGA, its first dengue vaccine, after clearance by the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI). QDENGA, also known as TAK-003, is a live-attenuated tetravalent dengue vaccine designed to provide protection against all four dengue virus serotypes—DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3 and DENV-4.
The vaccine is administered in two doses with a three-month interval. Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral disease transmitted mainly by Aedes mosquitoes. Vaccination can complement public-health strategies such as vector control, elimination of mosquito-breeding sites, timely diagnosis and clinical management.
Key Highlights:
• DCGI cleared QDENGA as India's first approved dengue vaccine.
• QDENGA is also known as TAK-003 and is a live-attenuated tetravalent vaccine.
• It is designed to protect against all four dengue virus serotypes.
• The vaccine is administered in two doses with a three-month interval.
About Dengue :-
Cause:, Dengue Virus
Vector:, Aedes Mosquito
Type:, Mosquito-Borne Viral Disease
Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan releases book “RSS @ 100: A Century of Service, Unity & Sacrifice”.
Books & Authors
Dated: 2026-07-22
Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan released the book “RSS @ 100: A Century of Service, Unity & Sacrifice”. The book marks one hundred years of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and discusses its history, organisational journey and activities related to social service and national integration.
The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh was founded in 1925 by Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar in Nagpur, Maharashtra. The organisation is known for its volunteer-based structure and activities in areas such as social service, education, relief work and community mobilisation.
Key Highlights:
• Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan released “RSS @ 100: A Century of Service, Unity & Sacrifice”.
• The book marks 100 years of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh.
• RSS was founded in 1925 by Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar.
• Nagpur, Maharashtra, is the birthplace and headquarters city of the organisation.
About RSS :-
Full Name:, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh
Founded:, 1925
Founder:, Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar
Department of Land Resources and RBI Innovation Hub explore digital land-credit infrastructure for rural lending.
Banking & Finance
Dated: 2026-07-22
Department of Land Resources (DoLR) and RBI Innovation Hub (RBIH) explored a digital land-credit infrastructure to improve access to formal credit for rural borrowers. The initiative seeks to use digitised land records and consent-based data sharing to help lenders verify land ownership and related information more efficiently.
The proposed infrastructure can reduce delays, improve transparency and enable farmers and rural landholders to use verified land-related information while applying for institutional loans. It can also support better credit assessment and reduce documentation burdens, while requiring safeguards for privacy, data protection and informed consent.
Key Highlights:
• DoLR and RBI Innovation Hub explored digital land-credit infrastructure for rural lending.
• Digitised land records can help lenders verify land-related information for credit assessment.
• The initiative aims to improve transparency, reduce delays and expand formal credit access in rural areas.
• Data privacy, consent and secure digital systems are important for implementation.
About RBI Innovation Hub :-
Established By:, Reserve Bank of India
Headquarters:, Bengaluru
Focus:, Financial Sector Innovation
US Air Force's YFQ-44A Fury drone fires its first live AIM-120 AMRAAM missile.
Defence
Dated: 2026-07-22
The United States Air Force successfully conducted the first live firing of an AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM) from the YFQ-44A Fury uncrewed aircraft. The development marked an important milestone in the integration of autonomous systems with air-combat capabilities.
The YFQ-44A Fury is being developed under the Collaborative Combat Aircraft programme, which aims to operate uncrewed aircraft alongside crewed fighter aircraft. Such platforms can support surveillance, electronic warfare, targeting and air-to-air missions while reducing risks to human pilots in contested environments.
Key Highlights:
• YFQ-44A Fury drone fired a live AIM-120 AMRAAM missile for the first time.
• The test demonstrated the integration of an uncrewed aircraft with air-to-air combat capability.
• YFQ-44A is linked with the United States Air Force Collaborative Combat Aircraft programme.
• Collaborative combat aircraft are intended to operate alongside crewed fighter platforms.
About AIM-120 AMRAAM :-
Full Name:, Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile
Type:, Air-to-Air Missile
Manufacturer:, Raytheon
FIFA World Cup 2026 records prize-money and participation milestones.
Sports
Dated: 2026-07-22
FIFA World Cup 2026 marked a major expansion in the history of the tournament with an increased number of participating teams and enhanced global engagement. The event reflected FIFA's efforts to broaden access to the world's most prominent international football competition.
The FIFA World Cup is organised by the Fédération Internationale de Football Association and is held every four years. It brings together national football teams through a qualification process, with the tournament serving as the premier global event in men's international football.
Key Highlights:
• FIFA World Cup 2026 featured expanded participation and new prize-money milestones.
• The FIFA World Cup is the premier international competition in men's football.
• FIFA organises the competition every four years.
• The tournament brings together qualified national teams from across the world.
About FIFA :-
Full Name:, Fédération Internationale de Football Association
Headquarters:, Zurich, Switzerland
Established:, 1904
Pakistan to host the 14th South Asian Games in March 2027.
Sports
Dated: 2026-07-22
Pakistan was selected to host the 14th South Asian Games in March 2027. The South Asian Games are a multi-sport event for countries of South Asia and are held under the framework of the South Asia Olympic Council.
The Games promote sporting cooperation, cultural exchange and goodwill among participating countries. Athletes from South Asian nations compete in multiple sports disciplines, and the event offers a platform for regional talent development and sports diplomacy.
Key Highlights:
• Pakistan will host the 14th South Asian Games in March 2027.
• The South Asian Games are a regional multi-sport competition.
• The event is organised under the South Asia Olympic Council framework.
• The Games promote sporting excellence, regional cooperation and people-to-people connections.
About South Asian Games :-
Type:, Regional Multi-Sport Event
Region:, South Asia
Governing Body:, South Asia Olympic Council
Indian Air Force participates in the 45th edition of Exercise Pitch Black 2026 in Australia.
Defence
Dated: 2026-07-22
Indian Air Force (IAF) participated in the 45th edition of Exercise Pitch Black 2026 in Australia. Exercise Pitch Black is a multinational air-combat exercise hosted by the Royal Australian Air Force and is conducted primarily from air bases in Australia's Northern Territory.
The exercise provides participating air forces an opportunity to undertake large-force employment missions, air-combat training, interoperability drills and complex operational scenarios. India's participation strengthens defence cooperation with Australia and other partner nations while improving operational coordination in the Indo-Pacific region.
Key Highlights:
• The IAF participated in the 45th edition of Exercise Pitch Black 2026 in Australia.
• Exercise Pitch Black is hosted by the Royal Australian Air Force.
• It focuses on large-force employment, air-combat missions, interoperability and operational coordination.
• India's participation supports defence engagement and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.
About Exercise Pitch Black :-
Host Country:, Australia
Host Force:, Royal Australian Air Force
Type:, Multinational Air Combat Exercise
England football legend Kevin Keegan passes away.
Obituaries
Dated: 2026-07-22
England football legend Joseph Kevin Keegan passed away. He was widely known for his achievements as a footballer and manager, and he remained an influential figure in English football.
Kevin Keegan played for leading clubs including Liverpool, Hamburg and Newcastle United. He won the Ballon d'Or twice and later managed the England national football team. His contribution to football included success as a player, leadership as a manager and a lasting association with English club football.
Key Highlights:
• England football legend Kevin Keegan passed away.
• He played for Liverpool, Hamburg and Newcastle United during his club career.
• He won the Ballon d'Or twice.
• He also served as manager of the England national football team.
About Kevin Keegan :-
Nationality:, English
Sport:, Football
Major Individual Honour:, Ballon d'Or
Bassirou Diomaye Faye, President of Senegal, elected Chairperson of ECOWAS.
International Affairs
Dated: 2026-07-22
Bassirou Diomaye Faye, the President of Senegal, was elected as the new Chairperson of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). ECOWAS is a regional political and economic organisation that works to promote economic integration, peace, stability and cooperation among West African countries.
The ECOWAS Chairperson provides political leadership to the regional bloc and helps coordinate discussions on regional integration, democratic governance, security challenges and economic cooperation. ECOWAS was established in 1975 through the Treaty of Lagos.
Key Highlights:
• Senegal's President Bassirou Diomaye Faye was elected Chairperson of ECOWAS.
• ECOWAS promotes economic integration, cooperation, peace and stability in West Africa.
• The regional bloc was established in 1975 through the Treaty of Lagos.
• ECOWAS addresses regional issues including trade, governance, peace and security.
About ECOWAS :-
Full Name:, Economic Community of West African States
Established:, 1975
Headquarters:, Abuja, Nigeria
Union Minister Amit Shah inaugurates Shabdalok, India's first immersive language museum in Kolkata.
National Affairs
Dated: 2026-07-22
Union Minister Amit Shah inaugurated Shabdalok, India's first immersive language museum, in Kolkata, West Bengal. The museum has been designed to provide visitors with an interactive experience of India's linguistic heritage, including the evolution, diversity and cultural importance of Indian languages.
The museum uses immersive and digital methods to present language as a living form of cultural expression. It is intended to promote awareness about linguistic diversity, encourage appreciation of mother tongues and showcase the role of languages in preserving India's cultural heritage.
Key Highlights:
• Amit Shah inaugurated Shabdalok, India's first immersive language museum, in Kolkata.
• The museum presents India's linguistic diversity through interactive and digital experiences.
• It highlights the evolution, cultural role and heritage value of Indian languages.
• The initiative aims to encourage awareness and appreciation of India's mother tongues and linguistic traditions.
About Kolkata :-
State:, West Bengal
River:, Hooghly River
Former Name:, Calcutta
National Security Adviser Ajit Doval selected for Lokmanya Tilak National Award 2026.
Awards & Honours
Dated: 2026-07-22
National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval was selected for the Lokmanya Tilak National Award 2026. The award recognises individuals who have made distinguished contributions to the nation and demonstrated leadership, public service and commitment to national interests.
The award is named after Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak, a prominent freedom fighter, social reformer, journalist and nationalist leader. Ajit Doval serves as India's National Security Adviser and has played an important role in national-security strategy, intelligence coordination and strategic policy matters.
Key Highlights:
• NSA Ajit Doval was selected for Lokmanya Tilak National Award 2026.
• The award honours distinguished contributions to national service and public life.
• It is named after Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak, a leading figure of India's freedom movement.
• Ajit Doval is India's National Security Adviser.
About Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak :-
Popular Title:, Lokmanya
Known For:, Freedom Movement and Journalism
Newspapers:, Kesari and The Mahratta
Andy Burnham takes charge as the United Kingdom's new Prime Minister.
International Affairs
Dated: 2026-07-22
Andy Burnham took charge as the new Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. The United Kingdom follows a parliamentary system in which the Prime Minister is the head of government and leads the Cabinet, while the monarch serves as the constitutional head of state.
India and the United Kingdom maintain a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with cooperation in trade, investment, technology, defence, education, climate action and people-to-people relations. The UK is an important economic and strategic partner for India in Europe.
Key Highlights:
• Andy Burnham took charge as the new Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
• The Prime Minister is the head of government in the UK's parliamentary system.
• The United Kingdom is an important Indian partner in trade, investment, technology and defence cooperation.
• India and the UK have a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
About United Kingdom :-
Capital:, London
Currency:, Pound Sterling
Parliament:, Westminster Parliament
Bharat Tex 2026 held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.
National Affairs
Dated: 2026-07-22
Bharat Tex 2026, a major global textile event, was held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi from 14 to 17 July 2026. The event brought together stakeholders from the textile and apparel value chain, including manufacturers, exporters, buyers, designers, innovators, policymakers and start-ups.
The event highlighted India's capabilities in textiles, garments, technical textiles, sustainability, machinery, handicrafts and fashion. Bharat Tex supports India's goal of strengthening its position as a global textile-manufacturing and sourcing destination while promoting innovation, investment, exports and sustainable production practices.
Key Highlights:
• Bharat Tex 2026 was held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, from 14 to 17 July 2026.
• It showcased India's textile, apparel, technical textile, handicraft and fashion sectors.
• The event connected manufacturers, exporters, buyers, designers, start-ups and policymakers.
• It promoted textile exports, investment, sustainability and innovation in the sector.
About Bharat Mandapam :-
Location:, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi
Managed By:, India Trade Promotion Organisation
Purpose:, International Exhibitions and Conventions
Government revises windfall tax on exports of diesel, ATF and petrol.
Economy
Dated: 2026-07-22
The Government of India revised the windfall tax or Special Additional Excise Duty on petroleum-product exports. The tax on exports of diesel and aviation turbine fuel (ATF) was increased, while the levy on petrol exports was reduced.
Windfall tax is imposed on extraordinary profits earned by companies due to unexpected increases in commodity prices. India introduced the levy on crude oil and petroleum-product exports in July 2022, when global crude-oil prices and refining margins increased sharply. The duty is periodically reviewed in accordance with movements in international oil prices and refinery margins.
Key Highlights:
• The Government revised the windfall tax on exports of diesel, ATF and petrol.
• Windfall tax is also called Special Additional Excise Duty in India.
• It seeks to capture a portion of unexpected gains made during periods of exceptionally high commodity prices.
• India first imposed the levy on crude oil and petroleum-product exports in July 2022.
About Windfall Tax :-
Also Called:, Special Additional Excise Duty
Introduced In India:, July 2022
Purpose:, Taxing Extraordinary Profits
NASA's James Webb Space Telescope discovers exoplanet Beta Pictoris d.
Science & Technology
Dated: 2026-07-22
NASA's James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) discovered a new exoplanet named Beta Pictoris d in the Beta Pictoris planetary system. An exoplanet is a planet that orbits a star outside the Solar System.
The Beta Pictoris system is of special interest to astronomers because it is a young planetary system with a debris disc and multiple planets. Observations with advanced space telescopes help scientists understand planet formation, atmospheric properties and the evolution of planetary systems beyond our Solar System.
Key Highlights:
• NASA's James Webb Space Telescope discovered a new exoplanet named Beta Pictoris d.
• The planet belongs to the Beta Pictoris planetary system.
• Exoplanets are planets that orbit stars outside the Solar System.
• JWST observations support research on planet formation and evolution of planetary systems.
About James Webb Space Telescope :-
Launched:, 2021
Agencies:, NASA, ESA and CSA
Primary Focus:, Infrared Astronomy
USA delivers 21st MH-60R Seahawk helicopter to the Indian Navy.
Defence
Dated: 2026-07-22
The United States delivered the 21st MH-60R Seahawk helicopter to the Indian Navy, further strengthening India's maritime surveillance and anti-submarine warfare capabilities. The MH-60R is a multi-role maritime helicopter manufactured by Lockheed Martin and is operated by the United States Navy and several partner nations.
The helicopter is equipped for anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, search and rescue, surveillance and maritime strike missions. India has contracted 24 MH-60R helicopters through the Foreign Military Sales route, and their induction enhances the Indian Navy's ability to monitor and secure the Indian Ocean Region.
Key Highlights:
• The United States delivered the 21st MH-60R Seahawk helicopter to the Indian Navy.
• India has contracted 24 MH-60R multi-role maritime helicopters through the Foreign Military Sales route.
• MH-60R helicopters support anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, surveillance and search-and-rescue missions.
• Their induction strengthens Indian Navy capabilities in the Indian Ocean Region.
About MH-60R Seahawk :-
Manufacturer:, Lockheed Martin
Type:, Multi-Role Maritime Helicopter
Primary Roles:, Anti-Submarine and Anti-Surface Warfare
International Moon Day 2026 observed on 20 July.
Important Days
Dated: 2026-07-22
International Moon Day is observed annually on 20 July to commemorate the first human landing on the Moon during the Apollo 11 mission in 1969. On 20 July 1969, Neil Armstrong became the first human to step onto the lunar surface, followed by Buzz Aldrin.
The day was established by the United Nations General Assembly to promote awareness of lunar exploration, space science and the peaceful use of outer space. It also recognises the role of international cooperation in advancing exploration and sustainable activities in space.
Key Highlights:
• International Moon Day is observed every year on 20 July.
• The day commemorates the Apollo 11 Moon landing in 1969.
• Neil Armstrong was the first human to step on the Moon.
• The day promotes awareness of lunar exploration, space science and peaceful use of outer space.
About Apollo 11 :-
Mission Year:, 1969
First Person on Moon:, Neil Armstrong
Space Agency:, NASA
India becomes the 123rd member of the WTO Fisheries Subsidies Agreement.
International Affairs
Dated: 2026-07-22
India deposited its instrument of acceptance for the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, becoming its 123rd member. The agreement seeks to curb harmful fisheries subsidies that contribute to illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, overfishing and overcapacity in the global fisheries sector.
The agreement was adopted at the 12th Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organization in June 2022. It is the second multilateral agreement concluded at the WTO since its establishment and the first WTO agreement focused on environmental sustainability. India has supported the protection of the interests and livelihood concerns of small-scale and traditional fishers.
Key Highlights:
• India became the 123rd member of the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies.
• The agreement addresses harmful subsidies linked with illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, overfishing and overcapacity.
• It was adopted at the WTO's 12th Ministerial Conference in June 2022.
• The agreement is the first WTO multilateral agreement focused on environmental sustainability.
About World Trade Organization :-
Headquarters:, Geneva, Switzerland
Established:, 1995
Director-General:, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala