Current Affairs for Competitive Exams

DHS Adjusts F, J, and I Visa Policies for Indian and Chinese Nationals

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has introduced changes to F, J, and I visa categories, citing national security risks associated with students, journalists, and exchange visitors from India and China.

India National

RBI Schedules ₹1.25 Lakh Crore Variable Rate Repo Auction for July 20

To address evolving liquidity conditions, the Reserve Bank of India will conduct a Variable Rate Repo (VRR) auction on July 20, 2026. The central bank has notified an amount of ₹1,25,000 crore for a seven-day tenor.

World Venezuela

Venezuela Earthquake Death Toll Surpasses 5,000; IMF Releases Emergency Relief Funds

The death toll from a devastating earthquake in Venezuela has climbed to 5,069, with most casualties reported in the coastal region. To assist with recovery, the IMF has released emergency financing.

World Middle East

Two US Soldiers Killed and One Missing After Strikes in Jordan

United States Central Command confirmed that two U.S. service members were killed and one is missing following strikes in Jordan. Identities will be released 24 hours after formal notification of the next of kin.

India Maharashtra

RBI Restricts Padmashri Dr. Vithalrao Vikhe Patil Co-operative Bank Operations

The RBI has placed Nashik-based Padmashri Dr. Vithalrao Vikhe Patil Co-operative Bank under strict operational restrictions starting July 17, 2026. Citing supervisory concerns, the regulator has capped individual withdrawals at ₹1 lakh and prohibited the bank from issuing new loans or accepting fresh deposits for six months.

World Humanitarian Crisis

UN agencies report over 500 Rohingya feared dead in Bay of Bengal boat capsizes

UN agencies have reported that over 500 Rohingya refugees are feared dead following multiple boat capsizes in the Bay of Bengal during the monsoon. The crisis highlights the risks faced by displaced populations.

India National

SEBI Issues Recovery Demand to Oriental Trimex Directors Over Financial Irregularities

The Securities and Exchange Board of India has issued a recovery demand notice to the promoters and directors of Oriental Trimex Ltd. The notice seeks to recover unpaid penalties related to financial irregularities.

India National

Government Adds 25 New Medical Colleges, Raising Total MBBS Seats to 63,296

The Union Government has approved the establishment of 25 new medical colleges across multiple states. The decision raises the total number of government medical college MBBS seats to 63,296.

India Punjab

PM Modi to Unveil ₹5,278 Crore Highway Projects in Punjab

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to inaugurate and lay the foundation stones for national highway projects worth ₹5,278 crore in Punjab. The projects aim to enhance connectivity to border districts.

India National

Navi Mumbai and Guwahati Airports Named Among World’s Most Beautiful

The Navi Mumbai International Airport and Guwahati's Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport terminal have been recognized among the world's most beautiful by UNESCO's Prix Versailles 2026.

India Maharashtra

Maharashtra’s Ladki Bahin Yojana Beneficiary Count Drops Following CAG Audit

The beneficiary count for Maharashtra's Ladki Bahin Yojana has dropped significantly following a Comptroller and Auditor General audit. The audit identified duplicate applications and ineligible registrations.

World Ukraine

Ukraine Parliament Confirms Serhii Koretskyi as Prime Minister

Ukraine's parliament, the Verkhovna Rada, has confirmed Serhii Koretskyi as the new Prime Minister following a cabinet restructuring. Koretskyi pledges to prioritize defense production and economic stabilization.

India Kerala

Kerala High Court Stays Operations of State Waqf Board Over Composition Dispute

The Kerala High Court has stayed all executive decisions and operations of the State Waqf Board. The stay follows a petition challenging the structural composition of the board under the Waqf Act, 1995.

World Trade

US Imposes 25% Tariff on Brazil Citing Unfair Trade Practices

The United States has announced a 25% tariff on imports of Brazilian agricultural and industrial goods. The decision, effective immediately, cites unfair trade subsidies and protectionist barriers against U.S. exports.

India National

PM Modi to Launch India’s First Hydrogen Train and ₹25,000 Crore Infrastructure Projects

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to launch India's first hydrogen-powered passenger train and inaugurate development projects worth ₹25,000 crore. The initiatives aim to promote green energy in railways.

India National

RBI Financial Inclusion Index Hits 70.0 in FY26, Usage Drives Gains

The Reserve Bank of India's Financial Inclusion Index (FI-Index) rose to 70.0 for the financial year ended March 2026. The improvement was driven primarily by gains in the financial usage parameter.

India National

Indians Account for Nearly Half of Seafarer Deaths in Hormuz Crisis

International maritime security reports indicate that Indian nationals account for nearly half of seafarer deaths in the ongoing Strait of Hormuz shipping crisis. The development raises concerns for Indian merchant navy personnel safety.

India National

RBI Issues Draft Guidance on Data Governance for Regulated Entities

The Reserve Bank of India has released draft guidelines on data governance for banks and financial institutions. The framework aims to ensure data privacy, security, and integrity across regulated entities.

World China

China GDP Growth Slows to 4.3% in Second Quarter 2026

China's economic growth slowed to 4.3% in the second quarter of 2026. The slowdown is attributed to a property market depression, high local government debt, and weak consumer demand.

India Uttar Pradesh

Supreme Court Clears Uttar Pradesh’s Kukrail Night Safari and Zoo Project

The Supreme Court has cleared the Uttar Pradesh government's project to set up the Kukrail Night Safari and Zoo in Lucknow, dismissing environmental petitions against it. The court mandated strict compliance with conservation guidelines.

India Tamil Nadu

Ransomware Group Posts Data Linked to Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant on Dark Web

A cybercriminal ransomware gang has leaked internal data allegedly linked to the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant on the dark web. Officials have initiated investigations to assess potential security breaches.

India National

India Adds 9,911 MBBS Seats for 2026-27 Session, Total Hits 1,36,939

The Ministry of Health and the National Medical Commission have approved the addition of 9,911 MBBS seats for the 2026-27 academic session. This expansion brings the total number of medical seats in India to 1,36,939.

World Geopolitics

PoK Leaders Label Region 'Occupied' in Shift Against Islamabad

Political and civil leaders in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) have passed resolutions declaring the region as 'occupied' by Pakistan. The movement protests the exploitation of local water resources and unfair taxation.

India National

RBI Reports $2 Billion Current Account Deficit for May 2026 as Trade Gap Widens

The Reserve Bank of India has reported a Current Account Deficit (CAD) of $2 billion for May 2026. The deficit is attributed to a widening merchandise trade gap driven by increased oil and gold imports.

India National

Ministry of Home Affairs Sets 2027 for Nationwide Census of India

The Ministry of Home Affairs has scheduled the next decennial Census of India for 2027. Originally due in 2021, the census was delayed by the pandemic, and will mark India's first digital census with self-enumeration.

World Global

FBI Adds Indian National Nitish Kaushal to Most Wanted List

The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has placed Indian citizen Nitish Kaushal on its cyber most wanted list. Kaushal is accused of operating international technical support scam networks out of call centers in India.

World Iraq

U.S. and Iraq Finalize Timeline for Combat Troop Withdrawal by September 2026

The United States and Iraq have finalized a joint agreement to end the coalition's military mission in Iraq. The withdrawal of all combat forces is scheduled to be completed by September 2026, transitioning to a bilateral security partnership.

India National

MEA Defines Indian Passport as a Tool to Regulate Citizen Departure

The Ministry of External Affairs has submitted an affidavit in court explaining the statutory scope of the Passports Act, 1967. The ministry clarified that a passport is a sovereign document to regulate departures, not an absolute right.

India Kerala

Kerala High Court Questions If Navy Can Assess MSC Elsa 3 Wreckage Impact

The Kerala High Court has questioned whether the Indian Navy has the technical competence to assess the environmental impact of the MSC Elsa 3 wreckage off the Cochin coast. The court suggested involving specialized marine research institutes.

India National

Ladakh Restructured: Government Announces Five New Districts to Boost Local Governance

The Ministry of Home Affairs has finalized the boundary definitions and administrative setups for the five new districts in Ladakh: Sham, Nubra, Changthang, Zanskar, and Drass. The restructuring aims to improve administrative access and public service delivery.

World Global

US Eases 500% Russian Oil Tariff Threat for India and China

The United States administration has eased its proposed threat of 500% secondary tariffs on Russian oil imports for India and China. The decision aims to avoid severe disruption in global energy markets and prevent a price shock.

India National

RBI Overhauls Bank Governance Norms to Prioritize Strategic Board Oversight

The Reserve Bank of India has issued revised corporate governance norms for commercial banks. The guidelines separate executive management from board oversight and cap the tenure of independent directors at 15 years.

India National

Supreme Court Rules Government Can Revise Mineral Royalty Rates Irrespective of Lease Deeds

A 9-judge Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court has ruled that the government has the sovereign power to revise mineral royalty rates, overriding terms in historical mining lease deeds. The court reaffirmed that mineral royalty is not a tax.

World Global

US Reinstates Iran Maritime Blockade Following Jordan Missile Strikes

The U.S. Navy's Fifth Fleet has reinstated a comprehensive maritime blockade on Iranian shipping in the Persian Gulf. The escalation follows a missile strike launched on a joint U.S.-Jordanian military outpost on July 14, 2026.

India National

India-UK Trade Deal: Zero Duty Access for Textiles and Gems Begins

Zero duty access for Indian textile and gemstone exports to the United Kingdom has formally commenced on July 15, 2026. The trade concessions mark the initial phase of the bilateral Free Trade Agreement.

India National

RBI Governor Urges Banks to Adopt AI and Enhance Cybersecurity Standards

RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das has urged commercial banks to deploy artificial intelligence and machine learning in fraud detection. Speaking at a conference, he warned of rising digital frauds and emphasized proactive threat modeling.

India National

Delhi Court Convicts Former AAP Leader Tahir Hussain in 2020 Delhi Riots Cases

A Delhi court has convicted former AAP leader Tahir Hussain and several others in cases relating to the February 2020 North-East Delhi riots, including charges of conspiracy, rioting, and attempted murder.

India National

NTA Releases CSIR UGC NET June 2026 Admit Cards: Download Link & Exam Dates Out

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has released the admit cards for the Joint CSIR-UGC NET June 2026 examination. The written exam will take place on July 25, 26, and 27, 2026 in Computer Based Test mode.

India Bihar

Bihar Launches Mega Ecotourism Investors Meet to Develop 276 Ecological Sites

The Bihar government has launched an Ecotourism Investors Meet to attract private investments for developing 276 identified ecological sites. The project will run on a public-private partnership model.

India Delhi

Delhi Government Finalizes Eligibility Criteria for ₹2,500 Monthly Lakshmi Yojana

The Delhi government has finalized the eligibility guidelines for the Delhi Lakshmi Yojana, a welfare scheme providing ₹2,500 monthly to women aged 21-60. The funds will be distributed via Direct Benefit Transfer.

India National

India and Japan Review Defense Ties Ahead of 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue

India and Japan held high-level defense reviews on July 14, 2026, to assess bilateral military cooperation and defense industrial ties. The meeting prepares the ground for the upcoming 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue.

India National

SEBI Notifies Foreign Venture Capital Investors (Amendment) Regulations, 2026

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has notified the Foreign Venture Capital Investors (Amendment) Regulations, 2026. The new rules streamline compliance and mandate registration through designated depository participants.

India National

Punjab and Haryana High Court: Dissent and Sloganeering Are Not Sedition

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has ruled that expressing dissent or sloganeering against the government does not qualify as sedition. The court clarified that the legal threshold for sedition requires clear incitement to violence.

India National

RBI Sets Premature Redemption Price for Sovereign Gold Bond 2020-21 Series IV

The Reserve Bank of India has fixed the premature redemption price for Sovereign Gold Bond 2020-21 Series-IV at ₹14,307 per unit. Investors who subscribed to this tranche in July 2020 can exit on July 14, 2026.

World Global

Trump Notifies Congress of Resumed Iran Conflict, Reinstates Gulf Naval Blockade

President Donald Trump formally notified Congress on July 13, 2026, that active conflict with Iran has resumed following the collapse of an interim agreement. The U.S. has reinstated a naval blockade on Iranian shipping and committed to securing the Strait of Hormuz.

India National

EAM Jaishankar Launches India's Bid for 2028-29 UNSC Non-Permanent Seat

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has officially launched India's campaign for a non-permanent United Nations Security Council seat for the 2028-29 term. The election in June 2027 will feature a direct contest with Tajikistan for the sole Asia-Pacific seat.

India National

India Declares Day of National Mourning for Former Qatari Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani

The Government of India has declared a one-day national mourning on July 13, 2026, as a mark of respect for the former Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, who passed away at the age of 74. The Tricolour will fly at half-mast nationwide.

India National

Supreme Court Mandates Bar Council of India to Audit Lawyer Disciplinary Systems

The Supreme Court of India has directed the Bar Council of India (BCI) to audit its disciplinary proceedings against advocates. The court expressed concern over extensive delays in resolving professional misconduct complaints.

India Ladakh

Ladakh Administration Announces 17 New Tehsils to Decentralize Governance

The Union Territory administration of Ladakh has created 17 new tehsils, increasing the total count from 15 to 32. The expansion is aimed at operationalizing the five newly established districts and improving administrative access for remote regions.

World China

Geologists Warn of Severe Seismic Risks at China's Proposed $167.8 Billion Brahmaputra Dam

Geologists have raised critical warnings regarding high seismic risks at the site of China's planned mega-dam on the Brahmaputra River (Yarlung Tsangpo) in Tibet. Located near active fault lines, a failure could trigger catastrophic floods in downstream India and Bangladesh.

World South Asia

India and Taliban Officials Hold Agriculture Cooperation Talks in Kabul

Indian technical representatives and Taliban officials held talks in Kabul to discuss cooperation in the agricultural sector. The discussions focused on capacity building, irrigation infrastructure, and boosting bilateral agricultural trade.

Economy Agriculture Sector

Delayed Monsoon 2026 Hinders Kharif Sowing: Economic & Agricultural Impact

Kharif crop sowing in India is significantly behind schedule in early July 2026, primarily due to a delayed and erratic Southwest Monsoon. This delay in rainfall is impacting crucial agricultural regions and resulting in a shortfall in the cumulative sown area for key Kharif crops.

International Relations Bilateral Agreements

PM Modi's Indonesia Visit 2026: Boosting Defence & Maritime Ties for Indo-Pacific

Prime Minister Narendra Modi completed a significant three-day official bilateral visit to Jakarta, Indonesia, concluding on October 28, 2026. The visit's main objectives were to deepen strategic ties, primarily by enhancing defence cooperation and maritime security partnerships between India and Indonesia.

International Relations Bilateral Agreements

EAM Jaishankar's Six-Nation Tour: Navigating Post-Peace Gulf Dynamics & Global Shifts

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is undertaking a crucial six-nation diplomatic tour covering the Middle East, Belgium, and the United States. This visit aims to consolidate India's strategic presence amidst rapidly shifting global geopolitical landscapes, particularly concerning post-peace Gulf dynamics and maritime security in the Red Sea.

Economy Banking System

Indian Banks Face Liquidity Pressure as CASA Deposit Growth Slows Amidst Rising Credit Demand

Indian banks are facing significant liquidity challenges due to a slowdown in the growth of low-cost CASA deposits. This is occurring even as credit demand in the economy is surging, leading to a widening gap between credit expansion and deposit mobilization.

Science & Technology Public Health & Biotechnology

India Bans 16 Fixed-Dose Combination Drugs to Protect Public Health

The Indian Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has banned the manufacture, sale, and distribution of 16 Fixed-Dose Combination (FDC) drugs. This decision, based on expert committee reviews, aims to protect public health by removing combinations deemed therapeutically unjustified and potentially risky.

Economy Digital Infrastructure

NPCI Partners with HSBC, JP Morgan for Real-Time UPI Cross-Border FX Settlement

The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has partnered with HSBC and JP Morgan to create a real-time foreign exchange (FX) settlement system for UPI cross-border transactions. This collaboration will enable instant currency conversion and settlement for payments made using UPI internationally or by foreign users in India.

International Relations Bilateral Agreements

India-Israel Bilateral Investment Agreement 2026 Enters Into Force, Strengthening Economic Ties

The India-Israel Bilateral Investment Agreement (BIA) officially entered into force on January 1, 2026, signaling a significant enhancement of economic relations between the two nations. This new agreement replaces the older treaty signed in 1996, following intensive negotiations and ratification exchanges between both governments.

India National

Indian Railways Achieves 4.02% Freight Volume Growth, Boosting Revenue in June

Indian Railways demonstrated robust performance in June 2026, recording a significant increase in freight traffic. The network moved 142.21 million tonnes of cargo, a notable rise from 136.71 million tonnes transported in June 2025. This 4.02% year-on-year growth in cargo throughput not only signifies enhanced logistical capabilities but also generated an additional revenue of approximately ₹430 crore, underscoring the vital role of rail freight in national economic activity and infrastructure utilization.

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