Current Affairs 8 July 2026

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NATIONAL AFFAIRS

MoC launches Key Initiatives at the 5th Foundation Day, Plans to establish a Cooperative Life Insurance Company
In July 2026, Union Minister Amit Shah, Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and the Ministry of Cooperation (MoC) launched several key initiatives at the 5th Foundation Day Ceremony of MoC held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, Delhi.

• The Government of India (GoI) plans to establish a Cooperative Life Insurance Company as an effort to expand the cooperative sector.

Programme Highlights
Key Members: The event was attended by Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying ( MoFAH&D), Bhajan Lal Sharma, Chief Minister (CM) of Rajasthan, Krishan Pal Gurjar, Minister of State for Cooperation (MoSC) and few other senior officers of various ministries.
Vision: The ceremony was held in line with the vision of “Sahakar Se Samriddhi” of the Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi.

• This vision of GoI aims to strengthen the cooperative movement across the country.

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

Overview of FM Sitharaman’s visit to France from July 1-4, 2026 
Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Ministry of Finance (MoF) undertook a 4-day visit to France from July 01 to July 04, 2026.

• During her visit, she held a series of high-level engagements aimed to strengthen the Indian-France Strategic Partnership, bolster economic cooperation and promote investment.

Key Highlights of Visit to France:
France Economic and Financial Dialogue (EFD): Union Finance Minister  (FM) Sitharaman, along with Roland Lescure, France’s Minister of Economy, Finance, and Industrial and Energy Sovereignty, co-chaired the France Economic and Financial Dialogue (EFD) held at Aix-en Provence in Southern France.

• Critical Minerals: Both countries have agreed to boost cooperation on critical minerals as part of a wider conversation on securing resilient supply chains.
• Future Roadmap: FMs of both countries committed to use the EFD as a key platform to address economic, financial, technological, investment and trade issues between India and France; and also agreed to explore the possibility of conducting the next edition of dialogue in 2027.

ITER Visit: She also visited the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) project at Cadarache, aimed at  reinforcing scientific and technological cooperation between the two countries.

• The ITER project is considered to be one of the largest international scientific collaborations on nuclear fusion energy in the world, which involves over 30 partner countries, including India and France.

Business Engagements: She participated in a series of high-level roundtables with select global Chief executives officers (CEOs)  and business executives.

• In addition, she participated in a panel discussion titled “How to Promote the Growth of a New Middle Class” at Les Rencontres Économiques d’Aix-en-Provence, one of Europe’s premier annual forums focused on global economic and public policy issues, organised by Le Cercle des économistes.

Other Key Engagements: She also held one-on-one meeting heads of France’s leading banks and companies such as: Yann Gerardin, Deputy CEO (BNP Paribas Group);and Sebastian Bougon, President (Flying Whales) and Renaud Muselier, President of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur (PACA) Region.

GCS’s Global Passport Index 2026: Sweden Tops the Rankings; India Ranked 125th
In July 2026, the residency and citizenship advisory firm Global Citizen Solutions (GCS) released the 5th annual edition of the Global Passport Index (GPI). As per the index, India has been ranked at 125th spot among 197 countries, with a composite score of 45.1 (highest in 5 years), dropping one place (124th)from its overall ranking compared to 2025 and jumping by just two places (127th) over the last 5 years.

• Sweden topped the rankings as the world’s strongest passport with an overall score of 96.05. It is followed by Switzerland, Finland, Germany and the Netherlands, securing 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th positions, respectively.

GPI 2026:
Categories: GPI ranks the passports across three main categories, including Enhanced Mobility (50%); Investment (25%);  and Quality of Live Index (25%)
Other Top 10 countries: Other top 10 countries featured on the index are: Denmark (6th), Ireland (7th), United Kingdom (8th), Norway (9th) and Singapore (10th).
India’s Performance: The GPI 2026 showed category-wise India’s performance: ranked at 136th spot in enhanced mobility index (down from one place over 2025); 118th spot in the Quality of Live index (jumping by 11 places); 94th in the investment index (moving up by 3 places compared to 2025).

ECONOMY & BUSINESS

POWERGRID Secures JPY 80 Billion Green Loan from JBIC for RE Transmission Project
In July 2026, Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (POWERGRID), a ‘Maharatna’ Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) under the Ministry of Power (MoP), secured a Japanese Yen (JPY) 80 billion green loan from the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) for a Renewable Energy(RE) transmission project.

• The financing is among India’s largest green funding arrangements for the power transmission sector and supports the integration of renewable energy into the national grid.

About JBIC Green Loan: 
Background:  The loan agreement, signed in June 2026, will finance the Khavda–Nagpur High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) transmission project to evacuate RE from the Khavda Renewable Energy Park, Gujarat, to Nagpur, Maharashtra.
Funding:  JBIC will provide 48 billion JPY, while the remaining amount will be co-financed by Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC), Kansai Mirai Bank, Kiraboshi Bank, and The Joyo Bank, with JBIC guaranteeing the co-financed portion.
Target:  The project supports India’s goal of achieving 500 Gigawatt (GW) of RE capacity by 2030 and expanding the transmission network to 191,000 circuit kilometres (ckm) by 2032.

AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS

Global Biofuel Alliance Selected 15 Fellows Including 2 Indians for GBCF Programme
In July, India-led Global Biofuel Alliance (GBA) selected 15 early-career researchers from leading universities and research institutions globally, for its flagship Global Biofuel Champion Fellowship (GBCF) programme, launched during a high-level hybrid convening held at the India Habitat Centre in New Delhi, Delhi.

• These selected global fellows will act as GBA Ambassadors over the next two years, to accelerate sustainable bioenergy solutions and global clean energy partnerships.

About GBCF Proggramme:
Overview: It is a flagship initiative of the GBA, supporting outstanding early-career researchers via research grants, mentorship and global engagement.e about biofuels into practical solutions for the clean energy transition.
Monetary Assistance: Under the GBCF programme, each selected fellow will receive a research grant of USD 15,000.
Indian Representation: The  selected cohort of GBCF includes two researchers from India: Ruchi Agrawal from The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) (Delhi) and Abhishek Sahoo from the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT-D) (Delhi).

Nepal’s Jestha Varna Mahavihar receives 2025 UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Award; restored with India’s grant assistance 
In July 2026, 17th-century Jestha Varna Mahavihar, a historic Buddhist monastery in Lalitpur, Nepal received the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) Asia-Pacific Heritage Award 2025 for its outstanding conservation and restoration following the 2015 Gorkha earthquake damage.

• The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu handed over the Award of Merit to the Jestha Varna Mahavihar.
• During a ceremony in Lalitpur, Nepal, Jaco Du Toit, UNESCO Representative in Nepal, presented a metal plaque and official certificate to Jestha Varna Mahavihar User Committee, in the presence of Chiri Babu Maharjan, Mayor of Lalitpur Metropolitan City, and Rakesh Pandey, Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of India, Kathmandu.

Jestha Varna Mahavihara:
Recognition: It was recognised by UNESCO for its exemplary community-centred approach, combining modern seismic retrofitting with the preservation of Newari woodcarvings and architecture, while sustaining the living heritage and practices of the Newar Buddhist community.
Overview: Also known as Jyaba Bahi or Chakrabahil, it is a historic site located just 300 meters from the UNESCO-listed Patan Durbar Square in Lalitpur.
Grant Assistance: The conservation of Jestha Varna Mahavihar was funded through the Government of India’s (GoI’s) post-earthquake cultural heritage reconstruction grant in Nepal, in Nepalese rupees (NPR 13.78 crore).

APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

Govt Appoints New Chiefs for BPR&D, NCRB and SVPNPA 
In July 2026, the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC), chaired by Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi, approved the appointments of senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officers for three key police and law enforcement institutions based on proposal submitted by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
Key Appointments:
Bureau of Police Research & Development (BPR&D): Alok Kumar Mittal, a 1993-batch IPS officer of Haryana cadre, as Director General (DG). He will serve from the date of assuming charge until June 30, 2029 (his superannuation), or until further orders, whichever comes first.
National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB): Amit Garg, a 1993-batch IPS officer of Andhra Pradesh (AP) Cadre, as Director. He will serve as NCRB Director until October 31, 2027, or until further orders. He succeeds Alok Ranjan, a 1991-batch IPS officer.
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy (SVPNPA): Sujeet Pandey, a 1994-batch IPS officer of Uttar Pradesh (UP) cadre, as Director. He will serve until July 31, 2028, the date of his retirement, or until further orders.

NPCI’s Dilip Asbe Appointed to SWIFT Global Supervisory Board
In July 2026,  Dilip Asbe, Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), was appointed to the Supervisory Board of the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication (SWIFT). 
Highlights of Appointment:
Governance Restructuring: Asbe’s appointment coincides with SWIFT’s transition from a single-tier Board of Directors to a two-tier governance structure comprising a Supervisory Board and a Management Board.

• The Supervisory Board will have 12 members, expandable to 15 in exceptional cases, including eight shareholder-affiliated directors and four independent directors to meet the one-third independence requirement.

Significance: The appointment strengthens India’s role in global financial messaging. The SWIFT Supervisory Board provides strategic oversight of the organisation while ensuring balanced regional representation.
About NPCI: Established in 2008, the NPCI is the umbrella organisation for retail payment systems in India, promoted by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA). It is headquartered in Mumbai, Maharashtra.

ACQUISITIONS & MERGERS

TPG, GIC & ICICI Bank to Acquire Aseem Infrastructure Finance from NIIF 
In July 2026, Global alternative asset management firm TPG Inc., signed definitive agreements to acquire a 100% stake in Aseem Infrastructure Finance Limited (AIFL) from the National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF) and other shareholders for an undisclosed amount.

• The acquisition will be made through ‘TPG Rise Climate’, TPG’s dedicated climate investing platform, in partnership with Government of Singapore Investment Corporation (GIC)  and ICICI Bank Limited.

Highlights of the Acquisition:   
Deal:  TPG and GIC will acquire Aseem Infrastructure Finance, while ICICI Bank Limited will hold up to 5% equity stake after the transaction.
Objective:  The acquisition aims to strengthen climate financing and sustainable infrastructure development in India through TPG Rise Climate’s Global South Initiative, launched in partnership with ALTÉRRA to scale climate solutions across emerging markets.
About AIFL:  Established in 2020, Aseem Infrastructure Finance is a Mumbai, Maharashtra-based sustainable infrastructure debt financier incubated by the NIIF.

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

China Launched New Marine Satellite “HY-2E” For Enhanced Marine Monitoring
In July 2026, China launched its latest oceanographic satellite named “Haiyang (HY)-2E” aboard a Long March 4B rocket from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in Northwest China.

• This marked China’s 47th space mission in 2026 and 654th flight of the Long March rocket series.

About HY-2E:
Replaces Previous Variant: The HY-2E satellite is designed to replace the HY-2B satellite (launched in 2018).

• Also, it will work alongside the existing operational HY-2 series satellites (HY-2C and HY-2D) for monitoring the global marine dynamic environment.

Developed by: The newly launched marine satellite was developed by the China Academy of Space Technology (CAST).
Key Components: The satellite features four microwave remote sensing payloads namely:

•  Radar altimeter will be used to acquire data about sea surface height;
•  Microwave radiometer will be used to record the surface temperature of the sea;
• Microwave scatterometer is designed to monitor sea surface wind speed and direction; and calibration radiometer.

SPORTS

India Secures 41 Medals at the U15, U20 Asian Wrestling Championships 2026 in Pattaya, Thailand 
The United World Wrestling (UWW) organised the Under-15 (U15) & U20 Asian Wrestling Championships 2026 in Pattaya, Thailand from June 27 to July 5, 2026.

• Indian wrestlers secured 20 medals in the U20 category, including 4 gold, 7 silver, and 9 bronze medals, and 21 medals in the U15 category, comprising 8 gold, 6 silver, and 7 bronze medals.

About U15, U20 Asian Wrestling Championships 2026:
Disciplines: The tournament followed standard International Wrestling Regulations (IWR) and featured Men’s Freestyle (FS), Greco-Roman (GR), and Women’s Wrestling (WW).
India’s Standings:

• Under-15: Uzbekistan topped the standings with 171 points, followed by Kazakhstan with 167 points and India with 150 points. India won the bronze team trophy.
• Under-20: India finished second in Women’s Wrestling (WW) with 184 points, behind China (189) and ahead of Japan (142). It also secured third place in Men’s Freestyle (FS) with 152 points, behind Kazakhstan (170) and Iran (164).

OBITUARY

Padma Shri Awardee & ‘Bridge Man of India’ Girish Bharadwaj Passed Away
On 7 July 2026, Social worker Girish Bharadwaj, famously known as the ‘Bridge Man of India’, passed away at the age of 76 in Sullia, Karnataka. He was born in Sullia, Dakshina Kannada, Karnataka on 2 May 1950.

• He was conferred the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian award, by the Government of India (GoI) in 2017 for his contributions to the field of Social Work.

About Girish Bharadwaj:
Overview: He was an Indian social worker and engineer renowned for building over 150 low-cost suspension bridges that connected remote villages across five states to essential services, transforming rural connectivity and social welfare.
Achievements: After founding Rational Engineering Works and Ayasshilpa Industries in Sullia, Karnataka, he began constructing bridges in 1989 following a request from the villagers of Aramburu, personally supervising and occasionally funding the projects, earning national and international recognition for his humanitarian and engineering contributions.
Contribution: Designed and constructed over 150 eco-friendly hanging footbridges across Karnataka, Kerala, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh (AP), and Odisha at a cost of less than Rs.2 lakh each using local labour, community funding, sponsored materials, and sustainable construction practices, including timely completion of projects in Naxal-affected areas.

IMPORTANT DAYS

World Kiswahili Language Day 2026 – July 7 
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) observes World Kiswahili Language Day annually on 7 July to recognise Kiswahili’s role in fostering unity, peace and cultural exchange across Africa and beyond.

• 2026 Theme: “Kiswahili for Peace, Solidarity and Global Economic Diplomacy.”

Background:
Unifying Language : On 7 July 1954, the Tanganyika African National Union (TANU), led by Julius Nyerere, adopted Kiswahili as a unifying language during Tanganyika’s independence movement.
UNESCO Proclamation: In November 2021, UNESCO’s 41st General Conference adopted Resolution 41 C/61, proclaiming 7 July as World Kiswahili Language Day.
First Observance: The first World Kiswahili Language Day was observed on 7 July 2022.
2026 Commemoration: The fifth World Kiswahili Language Day and the Second International Conference on Kiswahili was held from 6–7 July 2026 at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, France.

World Bioproduct Day 2026 – July 7
World Bioproduct Day is observed annually across the world on 7 July to raise global awareness about the importance of bioproducts and their role in promoting environmental sustainability, climate action and a circular bioeconomy.

• Bioproducts are commercially manufactured products derived wholly or partly from renewable biological resources (biomass), such as plants, trees, aquatic plants and wood waste.

Background:
Launch : The annual observance was launched in 2021 by the World BioEconomy Forum (WBEF) and the World Bioeconomy Association (WBA).
Purpose: It highlights the role of bio-based innovations in reducing dependence on fossil fuels and advancing sustainable development.

STATE NEWS

WB Government Announces Rs 313 Crore Special Package for Tea Garden Workers under PMCSPY
In July 2026, SuvendhuAdhikari, Chief Minister (CM) of West Bengal (WB) announced Rs 313 crore special assistance for tea garden workers in the state, under the Pradhan Mantri Cha Shramik Protsahan Yojana (PMCSPY).

• The announcement was made following a state-level committee approved the implementation plan for PMCSPY.

Key Details:
Component-wise Allocation:  Rs 177 crore has been earmarked for Cha Shramik Shiksha Yojana (CSSY) component to boost educational infrastructure and quality interventions for families of tea workers.

• Rs 72 crore allocated for Cha Shramik Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (CSSSY) component to upgrade health facilities and ensure robust medical services in tea garden areas.
•  Rs 63 crore for Cha Shramik Aashray Yojana (CSAY) component to construct 321 resting sheds (88 in hilly areas and 233 in the plains), equipped with modern amenities such as off-grid solar power, clean drinking water, among others.

Implementing Agency: The North Bengal Development Department (NBDD) will serve as the nodal implementing agency for the effective execution of the scheme across the state.
About PMCSPY: It is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS), designed specifically to enhance the living standards of tea garden workers and their families in two major tea-producing states (Assam and WB).

• It was initially launched for Financial Years 2024–25 (FY25) and 2025–26 (FY26) with an outlay of Rs.1,000 crore. Its implementation has been extended for one year, until FY27.

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