Daily Current Affairs and GK Updates (20th July 2026) |

National News

India Opens First Immersive Language Museum Shabdalok in Kolkata

India inaugurated Shabdalok, the country’s first immersive language museum.
The museum is located at the National Library, Kolkata.
It was inaugurated by Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
The museum aims to preserve and promote India’s rich linguistic heritage.
It showcases nearly 380 Indian languages, including classical and lesser-known languages.
Visitors experience language evolution through AI, AR, VR, holograms, and interactive displays.
The museum explains the journey from oral traditions to written literature.
It is spread across nine thematic galleries combining technology and culture.
Entry to the museum is free until 15 August 2026.
The initiative supports awareness of India’s multilingual and cultural diversity.
Key Fact: Shabdalok means “Museum of Words” and is India’s first immersive language museum.

Supreme Court Judge Strength Bill 2026 Introduced in Lok Sabha

The Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026 was introduced in the Lok Sabha.
The Bill seeks to amend the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Act, 1956.
It proposes increasing the sanctioned strength of judges from 33 to 37, excluding the Chief Justice of India.
After approval, the Supreme Court will have 38 judges, including the CJI.
The proposal aims to reduce the backlog of over 92,000 pending cases.
It is expected to improve judicial efficiency and faster disposal of cases.
The proposal follows Cabinet approval and an earlier ordinance.
The amendment requires Parliamentary approval and Presidential assent.
It does not require a Constitutional Amendment.
The move is intended to strengthen India’s judicial system.
Key Fact: Current proposed total strength of the Supreme Court = 38 Judges (including CJI).

Aadhaar App Crosses 4 Crore Downloads Across India

The Aadhaar App has crossed 4 crore downloads nationwide.
The app has been developed by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI).
It allows users to update address, mobile number and email ID digitally.
Users can download e-Aadhaar directly through the app.
The app also provides biometric lock and unlock facilities.
More than 11.65 lakh address updates have been completed.
Nearly 49 lakh mobile numbers have been updated.
Around 12.5 lakh email IDs have been updated through the application.
More than 1.91 crore biometric transactions have been recorded.
Email update through the Aadhaar App is free till 31 December 2026.
Key Fact: UIDAI launched the Aadhaar App under the Digital India Mission.

India Launches First Solar-Powered JAL-YAAN Water Purification Van

India launched JAL-YAAN, the country’s first solar-powered water purification van.
It has been developed by CSIR-CSMCRI in collaboration with Rite Water Solutions.
The mobile unit supplies safe drinking water in remote and disaster-hit areas.
It operates entirely on solar energy without grid electricity.
The van purifies water from rivers, ponds, groundwater and stored sources.
It uses Reverse Osmosis (RO) and Ultrafiltration (UF) technologies.
It can be rapidly deployed during floods, cyclones, earthquakes and droughts.
Besides water purification, it can also provide emergency electricity.
The project supports climate resilience and renewable energy goals.
It is especially useful for villages, humanitarian missions and water-scarce regions.
Key Fact: JAL-YAAN is India’s first solar-powered self-sustaining mobile water purification system.

Centre Clears 1,000 MW Naying Hydel Project in Arunachal Pradesh

The Central Government granted environmental clearance to the 1,000 MW Naying Hydel Project.
The project is located in Arunachal Pradesh.
It will be constructed on the Siyom River.
The project lies in Siang and Shi-Yomi districts.
It is a run-of-the-river hydropower project with minimal water storage.
Clearance was granted by the Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) of the Environment Ministry.
The project aims to increase India’s renewable energy generation.
It will reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
The project is expected to improve infrastructure and employment in border areas.
It also has strategic importance due to its proximity to the India-China border.
Key Fact: Installed capacity of the project is 1,000 MW.

State News

Amul’s ₹700 Crore Dairy Project to Transform West Bengal

Amul launched a ₹700 crore Bengal Dairy Project.
The project is located at Howrah Food Park, West Bengal.
It will house the world’s largest curd manufacturing plant.
The facility will process 30 lakh litres of milk daily.
It will produce 10 lakh kg of curd every day.
Products will also include milk, UHT milk, paneer, ghee, sweets and ice cream.
Around 1.2 lakh dairy farmers will benefit during the first phase.
The project will generate employment across the dairy value chain.
It supports the Government’s White Revolution 2.0 vision.
Breed improvement and sex-sorted semen initiatives were also announced.
Key Fact: Project cost = ₹700 crore.

Kashmir Cherries and Plums Reach Singapore Markets First Time

APEDA facilitated the first export of Kashmir cherries and plums to Singapore.
The fruits were sourced from Shopian and Pulwama districts.
The shipment included Areko cherries and Scentrose plums.
The consignment was flagged off on 16 July 2026.
APEDA partnered with Osum Food Solutions LLP and Fruit Master Agro Fresh Pvt. Ltd.
The fruits underwent scientific grading and hygienic packaging.
Cold-chain logistics ensured international quality standards.
Phytosanitary requirements were fulfilled before export.
Farmers’ incomes are expected to increase by over 50%.
The initiative expands exports to markets such as Singapore, Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
Key Fact: APEDA is the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority.

Amul’s ₹700 Crore Dairy Project to Transform West Bengal

Amul launched a ₹700 crore Bengal Dairy Project at Howrah Food Park, West Bengal.
The project will house the world’s largest curd manufacturing plant.
The facility will process 30 lakh litres of milk every day.
It will produce 10 lakh kg of curd daily.
Production will also include packaged milk, UHT milk, ice cream, paneer, ghee, sweets and flavoured milk.
Around 1.2 lakh dairy farmers are expected to benefit during the first phase.
The project aims to improve farmers’ income through cooperative procurement and better market access.
It is expected to generate large-scale employment in the dairy value chain.
The initiative supports the Centre’s “White Revolution 2.0” with breed improvement and farmer welfare measures.
Key Fact: Amul’s Bengal Dairy Project is being developed at Howrah Food Park with an investment of ₹700 crore.

Kashmir Cherries and Plums Reach Singapore Markets First Time

APEDA facilitated the first export of Kashmir cherries and plums to Singapore.
The shipment included Areko cherries and Scentrose plums.
The fruits were sourced from Shopian and Pulwama districts of Jammu & Kashmir.
The consignment was flagged off on 16 July 2026.
Osum Food Solutions LLP and Fruit Master Agro Fresh Pvt. Ltd. partnered in the export.
The produce underwent scientific harvesting and grading.
Cold-chain logistics and hygienic packaging ensured international quality standards.
Phytosanitary certification was completed before export.
The initiative is expected to raise farmers’ income by more than 50%.
Key Fact: APEDA is the nodal agency promoting India’s agricultural and processed food exports.

Appointments News

Harjeet Singh Grewal Appointed New National Minorities Commission Chief

Harjeet Singh Grewal was appointed Chairperson of the National Commission for Minorities (NCM).
The appointment was made by the Government of India in July 2026.
He is a senior BJP leader with decades of organisational experience.
Grewal becomes the third Sikh to head the NCM.
He is also the second person from Punjab to hold the post.
The Chairman enjoys the status of a Union Cabinet Minister.
NCM protects minority rights and advises the government on welfare policies.
The Commission functions under the National Commission for Minorities Act, 1992.
Grewal earlier served as founder and National President of BJP Kisan Morcha.
Key Fact: The National Commission for Minorities (NCM) was established under the National Commission for Minorities Act, 1992.

Banking News

NSE Launches Electronic Gold Receipts to Transform India’s Gold Market

NSE introduced trading in Electronic Gold Receipts (EGRs).
EGRs are regulated by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI).
They represent ownership of physical gold stored in approved vaults.
Investors can trade EGRs through their demat accounts.
Physical gold is verified before EGRs are issued.
Each EGR represents standardized high-purity gold.
Investors can redeem EGRs into physical gold if required.
The system improves transparency and liquidity in the bullion market.
It reduces dependence on informal gold trading.
Key Fact: Electronic Gold Receipts (EGRs) are SEBI-regulated securities representing physical gold stored in registered vaults.

Awards News

India Makes History With Four Golds at IChO 2026

India won four gold medals at the 58th International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO) 2026.
The event was held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
It took place from 10–19 July 2026.
India became the first country whose entire team won gold medals.
The competition featured 363 students from 93 countries.
Gold medallists included Debadatta Priyadarshi, Harshit Singla, Kabeer Chillar and Sandeep Kuchi.
India finished first in the medal tally jointly with China, Vietnam and Russia’s Individual Participants Group B.
Students competed in theoretical and laboratory chemistry tests.
HBCSE trained and mentored the Indian team.
Key Fact: IChO 2026 was hosted in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

India Wins Gold and Three Silvers at IBO 2026

India won one gold and three silver medals at IBO 2026.
The event was held in Vilnius, Lithuania.
It was the 37th International Biology Olympiad.
Bhavya Gunwal won the gold medal.
Soumil Maity, Nishit Kalani and Anmol Kumar secured silver medals.
All four Indian participants won medals.
The competition featured 307 students from 78 countries.
Participants were tested in practical and theoretical biology.
HBCSE-TIFR mentored the Indian team.
Key Fact: IBO 2026 was hosted in Vilnius, Lithuania.

Science & Technology News

India Approves First Dengue Vaccine QDENGA for Public Use

India approved QDENGA (TAK-003) as its first dengue vaccine for public use.
The Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) granted approval on 20 July 2026.
The vaccine is developed by Takeda Biopharmaceuticals, Japan.
It is approved for individuals aged 4 to 60 years.
QDENGA is a live-attenuated tetravalent vaccine.
It provides protection against all four dengue virus serotypes (DENV-1 to DENV-4).
The vaccine can be administered regardless of previous dengue infection.
No pre-vaccination screening is required before administration.
Biological E will manufacture the vaccine in India with an annual capacity of 50 million doses.
Key Fact: QDENGA (TAK-003) is India’s first approved dengue vaccine.

India Launches White Rabbit Technology-Based Indian Standard Time Network

India commissioned the White Rabbit Technology-based Indian Standard Time (IST) Dissemination Network.
The network supports the “One Nation, One Time” initiative.
It was inaugurated by Union Minister Pralhad Joshi.
The system was launched at RRSL Bengaluru.
It was jointly developed by the Department of Consumer Affairs, CSIR-NPL and ISRO.
The network provides UTC (NPLI)-traceable IST with sub-nanosecond accuracy.
It uses fibre-optic networks for secure time synchronization.
The system supports banking, telecom, power grids, transportation and cybersecurity.
A successful demonstration was conducted between RRSL Bengaluru and NSE Chennai.
Key Fact: White Rabbit Technology enables sub-nanosecond precision time synchronization.

Sports News

Spain Wins FIFA World Cup 2026 After Extra-Time Victory

Spain won the FIFA World Cup 2026 title.
Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 in the final.
The final was played at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey.
Ferran Torres scored the winning goal in the 106th minute.
Spain lifted its second FIFA Men’s World Cup title after the 2010 triumph.
Spain conceded only one goal throughout the tournament.
Coach Luis de la Fuente became the oldest FIFA World Cup-winning manager at 65 years.
Spain extended its unbeaten run to 38 matches.
The tournament was jointly hosted by the USA, Mexico and Canada.
Key Fact: Spain’s first FIFA Men’s World Cup title came in 2010.

FIFA World Cup 2026 Awards Winners and Key Performers

FIFA announced the individual awards after the 2026 World Cup final.
Rodri won the adidas Golden Ball.
Kylian Mbappé received the adidas Golden Boot.
Mbappé scored 10 goals during the tournament.
Unai Simón won the Golden Glove award.
Pau Cubarsí received the Best Young Player Award.
The Netherlands won the FIFA Fair Play Award.
Lionel Messi received the Silver Boot.
Jude Bellingham received the Bronze Boot.
Key Fact: Rodri was awarded the Golden Ball as the best player of FIFA World Cup 2026.

Kylian Mbappé Becomes FIFA World Cup’s Highest Scorer

Kylian Mbappé became the highest goalscorer in FIFA World Cup history.
He finished the 2026 World Cup with 22 goals.
Mbappé surpassed Lionel Messi’s 21 World Cup goals.
The record was achieved across three FIFA World Cups.
He became the first player to reach 22 World Cup goals.
Mbappé was 27 years old when he set the record.
He also won the Golden Boot at FIFA World Cup 2026.
France reached the latter stages of the tournament despite not winning the title.
Mbappé moved ahead of legends like Klose, Ronaldo Nazário and Pelé.
Key Fact: Kylian Mbappé holds the record with 22 FIFA World Cup goals.

Rohit Sharma Creates History With Lord’s ODI Century

Rohit Sharma became the first Indian man to score an ODI century at Lord’s.
He scored his 34th ODI century on 19 July 2026.
Rohit became India’s oldest international centurion at 39 years and 80 days.
He surpassed Sachin Tendulkar’s previous record.
Rohit registered his eighth ODI century in England.
He became the most successful visiting batter in a single country.
Rohit and Virat Kohli shared a 113-run partnership.
It was their 400th international match together.
The partnership became the second-most successful ODI century partnership pair.
Key Fact: Lord’s Cricket Ground is popularly known as the “Home of Cricket.”

Lionel Messi Creates History With Third World Cup Final Appearance

Lionel Messi became the first footballer to play in three FIFA World Cup finals.
His final appearances came in 2014, 2022 and 2026.
The historic milestone came during the 2026 final against Spain.
The match was played at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey.
Messi achieved the feat at the age of 39 years.
He surpassed Brazilian legend Cafu.
Argentina lost the final 1-0 after extra time.
Messi scored eight goals and provided four assists in the tournament.
He won the Golden Ball for the second consecutive World Cup.
Key Fact: Lionel Messi is the first player to appear in three FIFA World Cup finals.

PV Sindhu Creates History With Japan Open 2026 Victory

PV Sindhu won the BWF Japan Open 2026 title.
She became the first Indian to win a BWF Super 750 title.
Sindhu defeated Akane Yamaguchi in the final.
The final score was 21-17, 21-17.
The tournament was held in Tokyo, Japan.
Sindhu became the oldest woman to win a Super 750 title at 31 years.
The title marked her biggest triumph since the 2019 World Championships.
Her world ranking improved from 18th to 9th.
The victory strengthened her preparations for the BWF World Championships.
Key Fact: PV Sindhu is the first Indian to win a BWF Super 750 title.

FIFA World Cup 2030 Hosts, Dates, Format and Teams Explained

FIFA World Cup 2030 will celebrate the tournament’s 100th anniversary.
Spain, Portugal and Morocco will be the main hosts.
Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay will host centenary matches.
Opening matches are scheduled for 8–9 June 2030 in South America.
The main tournament begins on 13–14 June 2030.
The final is expected on 21 July 2030.
The tournament will feature 48 teams.
Six teams will qualify automatically as hosts.
It will be the first FIFA World Cup hosted across three continents and six countries.
Key Fact: FIFA World Cup 2030 will be the centenary edition of the men’s FIFA World Cup.