Satellite Imagery Confirms 11 Chinese J-20 Stealth Jets Stationed Near Indian Border
Commercial satellite imagery confirmed 11 J-20 stealth fighters deployed at Shigatse air base near Sikkim border.
The Affairs
India & World Current Affairs
7 August 2026
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RBI Press Release
RBI Issues Draft Amendments to Refine Securitisation Transaction Framework for Financial Entities
RBI issued draft amendments to securitisation guidelines introducing STC frameworks for financial entities.
Karnataka High Court Strikes Down Health Security and National Security Cess Act 2025
Karnataka High Court invalidated the state cess act as unconstitutional and ultra vires Seventh Schedule powers.
India and China to Resume Nathu La Border Trade From August 1
India and China agreed to resume official border trade through Nathu La pass in Sikkim starting August 1, 2026.
Ministry of Environment Notifies Updated Guidelines for National Clean Air Programme
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has published updated operational guidelines for the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), mandating strict urban airshed management.
India and Japan Conclude Special Review Session on Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement
India and Japan completed a high-level review of their bilateral Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), agreeing to streamline trade procedures and expand industrial investments.
Ministry of Mines Announces Auction of Twelve Critical and Strategic Mineral Blocks
The Ministry of Mines has launched the fourth tranche of commercial auctions for twelve critical and strategic mineral blocks, including lithium, rare earth elements, and titanium reserves.
NITI Aayog Releases 4th Edition of State Energy and Climate Index Highlighting Renewable Transition
NITI Aayog has published the 4th edition of the State Energy and Climate Index (SECI 4.0), evaluating Indian states across clean energy adoption, DISCOM operational efficiency, and carbon reduction.
Super Typhoon Noul Strikes Southern China as Peak Severe Cyclonic System of the Year
Super Typhoon Noul, the strongest tropical cyclone to form in the Western Pacific this year, made landfall along the Pearl River Delta in Guangdong, triggering emergency alerts and port suspensions.
Bombay High Court Quashes Unilateral Executive Reclassification of Wakf Properties as Enemy Property
The Bombay High Court has quashed administrative orders unilaterally mutating charitable Wakf land as Enemy Property, ruling that executive authorities cannot bypass due process or prior judicial orders.
RBI Conducts Auction of State Government Securities Worth ₹18,100 Crore via E-Kuber System
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has scheduled an auction for State Government Securities (State Development Loans) totaling ₹18,100 crore across seven state governments via its E-Kuber platform.
PM Modi Appoints Nandan Nilekani to Lead High-Level Task Force on National Exam Reforms
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has established a high-level task force chaired by Nandan Nilekani to overhaul India's national examination architecture and National Testing Agency (NTA) operations.
Cabinet Approves ₹6,970 Crore High-Speed Express Corridor to Streamline Access to Delhi IGI Airport
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved a ₹6,970 crore elevated express corridor project to connect Urban Extension Road-II directly with Indira Gandhi International Airport.
US Legislative Proposal Recommends Restructuring H-1B High-Skilled Visa Fee Architecture
A new legislative bill introduced in the United States Senate proposes restructuring the H-1B high-skilled worker visa program, recommending higher employer application fees and wage threshold revisions.
Genome Study Unveils Ancient Himalayan Population Dynamics and Mixed Genomes
A landmark ancient DNA study led by Indian geneticists reveals complex population migration patterns and mixed Tibetan-Indian genetic ancestry in ancient Himalayan communities.
UN General Assembly Confirms Extension of Volker Türk as UN High Commissioner for Human Rights
The United Nations General Assembly has unanimously approved the extension of Volker Türk's mandate as UN High Commissioner for Human Rights for a second term in Geneva.
RBI Outlines Macroeconomic Forex Management Roadmap and Currency Stability Provisions
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has published its quarterly monetary assessment outlining strategic forex reserve deployment, import cover targets, and exchange rate stabilization mechanisms.
Ministry of Commerce Issues Compliance Advisory for Exporters Under US Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act
The Ministry of Commerce and Industry has issued a trade compliance advisory for Indian exporters following heightened enforcement under the US Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA).
Government Approves Phase II Strategic Petroleum Reserves via ₹14,527 Crore Commercial PPP Model
The Union Cabinet has approved Phase II of the Strategic Petroleum Reserves (SPR) program, sanctioning ₹14,527 crore to build commercial underground crude storage facilities at Chandikhol and Padur.
President Appoints Pralhad Joshi as Union Minister of Education Following Cabinet Realignment
Following the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan, President Droupadi Murmu has appointed Pralhad Joshi as the new Union Minister of Education to oversee national competitive examination reforms.
Cabinet Approves Expansion of National Mission on Edible Oils to Boost Domestic Production in North-East
The Union Cabinet has sanctioned an expanded financial package under the National Mission on Edible Oils - Oil Palm (NMEO-OP) to expand oil palm cultivation across North-Eastern states.
Ministry of Environment Notifies Eco-Sensitive Zones Around Nine Western Ghats Sanctuaries
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has published final notifications designating Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs) around nine wildlife sanctuaries across the Western Ghats region.
ISRO Unveils Operational Roadmap and Maiden Test Schedule for Next-Generation Launch Vehicle Soorya
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has released the operational roadmap for the Next-Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV) named Soorya, targeting its maiden orbital test flight.
SEBI Introduces Mandatory ESG Assurance and BRSR Framework for Top 1,000 Listed Companies
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has notified mandatory Business Responsibility and Sustainability Reporting (BRSR Core) assurance for top 1,000 listed entities from FY 2026-27.
India’s Foreign Exchange Reserves Rise to $676.2 Billion Led by Foreign Currency Assets Expansion
India's foreign exchange reserves increased by $2.4 billion to reach a high of $676.2 billion for the week ended July 17, 2026, driven by foreign currency asset gains and RBI market operations.
India and Israel Conclude Second Round of Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement Talks
India and Israel concluded the 2nd round of Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations in New Delhi on July 24, 2026, making progress in tariff reductions, high-tech trade, and cybersecurity services.
Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin Resigns Citing Severe Health Complications
President of Bangladesh Mohammed Shahabuddin has tendered his resignation on July 24, 2026, citing acute health complications, triggering constitutional succession protocols in Dhaka.
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan Resigns Citing Moral Responsibility for National Exam Reforms
Union Minister of Education Dharmendra Pradhan has tendered his resignation on July 25, 2026, taking moral responsibility for ongoing structural overhauls in national entrance examinations and public recruitment bodies.
Ministry of Commerce Launches Trade Connect e-Marketplace to Boost MSME Exporters
The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has launched the Trade Connect e-Marketplace portal to connect over 500,000 Indian MSMEs directly with global buyers and trade promotion councils.
Supreme Court Mandates Gram Sabha Consent for Mining Leases in Fifth Schedule Areas
The Supreme Court of India ruled on July 24, 2026, that prior informed consent of the Gram Sabha is mandatory for granting or renewing mineral mining leases in Fifth Schedule tribal areas.
India Hosts 4th BIMSTEC Agriculture Ministers Meeting to Promote Digital Farming Technologies
India hosted the 4th BIMSTEC Agriculture Ministers Meeting in New Delhi on July 24, 2026, agreeing on a multi-year regional Action Plan for agricultural cooperation and digital technology adoption.
Union Cabinet Approves Phase-II Operational Framework for National Quantum Mission
The Union Cabinet has approved the Phase-II operational roadmap of the National Quantum Mission (NQM), sanctioning ₹6,003 crore for setting up four Thematic Hubs (T-Hubs) in quantum computing and communications.
GTRE and Azad Engineering Develop India's First Indigenous 350 kg Expendable Turbojet Engine
DRDO's Gas Turbine Research Establishment and Azad Engineering have successfully developed India's first 350 kg thrust class expendable turbojet engine for cruise missiles and UAVs.
Government of India Announces ₹20,000 Crore Buyback of Dated Securities via RBI
The Central Government will buy back four dated securities worth ₹20,000 crore on July 28, 2026, utilizing surplus cash balances to manage debt maturity profiles through RBI e-Kuber.
Delhi High Court Designates Special Fast-Track Courts for Exam Paper Leak Offenses
The High Court of Delhi has ordered the establishment of designated fast-track courts to try offenses under the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024.
RBI Invites Stakeholder Comments on Proposed Foreign Investment Rules 2026
The Reserve Bank of India has published draft Foreign Exchange Management (Foreign Investment) Rules, 2026, aiming to streamline FDI norms, replace 2019 NDI rules, and simplify reporting.
India and Spain Advance Interoperability Project Between UPI and Bizum Payment Systems
NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL) and Spain's payment network Bizum are developing direct cross-border payment interoperability between India's UPI and Spain's Bizum platform.
Directorate General of Maritime Administration Advises Indian Seafarers to Avoid Transit via Strait of Hormuz
The Directorate General of Shipping has issued a security advisory directing ship-owners and recruitment agencies to refrain from deploying Indian seafarers on merchant vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz.
President Murmu Visits Moldova in Landmark Diplomatic Event Focusing on Digital Infrastructure and UNSC Reforms
President Droupadi Murmu paid a historic state visit to Moldova on July 21, 2026, marking the first visit by an Indian head of state to Chișinău to expand $50 million bilateral trade, digital public infrastructure, and UNSC reform cooperation.
Supreme Court Restores Kerala Waqf Board Autonomy, Restricting State Executive Supervision
The Supreme Court of India ruled on July 21, 2026, to restrain executive interference in the Kerala State Waqf Board, ruling that state administration cannot bypass statutory autonomous bodies.
India Commissions First and Deepest Geothermal Energy Wells in Puga Valley, Ladakh
Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) has successfully drilled and commissioned India's first and deepest geothermal energy wells in Puga Valley, Ladakh, at an altitude of 14,000 feet.
NITI Aayog Unveils Strategy Roadmap for Building India as a Leading Bioeconomy Powerhouse
NITI Aayog has launched the strategic blueprint for building India into a global bioeconomy leader, targeting a $300 billion bioeconomy valuation through biomanufacturing and synthetic biology.
India Approves Dengue Vaccine QDENGA Without Pre-Vaccination Screening Requirement
The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has approved Takeda's live-attenuated dengue vaccine QDENGA for individuals aged 4 to 60 without requiring prior serological testing.
RBI Proposes Draft Rules to Overhaul Foreign Investment and FEMA Regulations
The Reserve Bank of India has released the draft Foreign Exchange Management (Foreign Investment) Rules, 2026, to replace the 2019 NDI framework and streamline FDI compliance.
RBI Sets July 22, 2026, Sovereign Gold Bond Redemption Price at ₹14,218
The Reserve Bank of India has fixed the premature redemption price for the SGB 2018-19 Series V tranche at ₹14,218 per unit, based on average gold closing prices compiled by IBJA.
Government to Auction ₹28,000 Crore in Dated Securities on July 24
The Government of India has announced the sale of two dated securities totaling ₹28,000 crore on July 24, 2026. The auction features a new 15-year GS and a re-issue of the 7.43% 50-year GS through RBI e-Kuber.
Indian Students Clinch Four Medals at 37th International Biology Olympiad in Lithuania
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated India's student contingent for securing one gold and three silver medals at the 37th International Biology Olympiad in Lithuania.
Maharashtra forms committee to review ST benefits following Navapur conversion allegations
The Maharashtra government has established an inquiry committee to investigate allegations of induced conversions in Navapur taluka and review if converted individuals should continue to receive Scheduled Tribe benefits.
RBI Sets Sovereign Gold Bond Redemption Price at ₹14,158 Per Unit
The Reserve Bank of India has fixed the premature redemption price for two Sovereign Gold Bond tranches at ₹14,158 per unit, based on average gold prices preceding the exit windows.
Andy Burnham Becomes UK Prime Minister, Pledging to 'Rewire' Britain
Former Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has taken office as UK Prime Minister as of July 20, 2026, pledging utility reform and immediately cancelling the digital ID project.
Afghanistan Agriculture Minister Visits India to Discuss Trade Access
Afghan Agriculture Minister Mawlawi Ataullah Omari visited New Delhi in July 2026 to negotiate expanded trade ties and simplified market access for Afghan agricultural exports to India.
INL Alleges Conspiracy Behind Kerala Government’s Move to Reconstitute Waqf Board
The Indian National League has accused the Kerala government of conspiring to restructure the State Waqf Board to bypass its legal position on the Munambam land dispute.
Supreme Court's Delhi Metro Ruling Damaged Arbitration Integrity, Says Justice Bhuyan
Supreme Court Justice Ujjal Bhuyan warned that the recent Delhi Metro judgment damaged India's arbitration framework by overriding the finality of arbitral awards via curative jurisdiction.
SEBI Enables Systematic Withdrawal and Transfer Plans for Demat Mutual Funds
SEBI has mandated depositories and RTAs to support Systematic Withdrawal Plans (SWP) and Systematic Transfer Plans (STP) for mutual fund units held in demat accounts, ensuring operational parity with Statement of Account holdings.
Flash Floods in Jammu and Kashmir Kill Eleven; Amarnath Yatra Suspended
Severe flash floods triggered by heavy rains in Jammu and Kashmir have claimed at least 11 lives, prompting the suspension of the Amarnath Yatra on both routes. Rescue operations are underway.
Delhi Police Enforce Section 163 BNSS Ahead of Planned Parliament March
Delhi Police have enforced Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) in New Delhi district to block a planned Parliament protest march by the Cockroach Janta Party.
Congress Urges Allies to Protect 1971 Census Freeze for Delimitation
The Congress party is urging allies like the DMK and TDP to defend the 1971 Census baseline for seat allocation, warning that redrawing boundaries based on current data would penalize states with successful population control.
US and Iran Exchange Direct Strikes, Leaving Dozens Dead in Middle East
Tensions in the Middle East reached a breaking point on July 19, 2026, as the US and Iran traded direct military strikes, leaving dozens dead and risking Strait of Hormuz shipping.
RBI to Auction State Government Securities Worth ₹21,700 Crore on July 21
The Reserve Bank of India has scheduled an auction for state government securities totaling ₹21,700 crore on July 21, 2026. Twelve states and Union Territories will participate.
Home Minister to Introduce Bill Criminalizing Insults to National Song Vande Mataram
Home Minister Amit Shah is set to table the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, in the Rajya Sabha, seeking to criminalize insults to the National Song 'Vande Mataram'.