Daily Current Affairs and GK Updates (3rd July 2026) |

National News

Coal imports fell 12.95% in April 2026, domestic supply rises

India’s coal imports declined by 12.95% in April 2026.
Imports reduced from 24.27 MT (April 2025) to 21.13 MT.
Power sector coal imports dropped by 24.89% to 3.51 MT.
Imported Coal-Based (ICB) plants recorded a 27.45% decline.
Domestic Coal-Based (DCB) blending imports fell 11.26%.
Coal imports’ share in total consumption declined to 19.68%.
Coking coal imports increased 1.34% due to steel sector demand.
Higher domestic coal production supported lower imports.
Better logistics and first-mile connectivity improved supply.
Government’s import substitution strategy reduced dependence on foreign coal.
Key Fact: Total coal imports fell to 21.13 MT, the lowest April level in recent years.

MANAS helpline launched for drug reporting, counselling, rehabilitation support

MANAS is India’s National Narcotics Helpline.
Launched on 18 July 2024 by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Developed under the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) with Digital India Corporation.
Citizens can anonymously report drug trafficking and illegal cultivation.
Accessible through 1933 helpline, UMANG app, web portal and email.
Provides counselling and rehabilitation support via 14446 de-addiction helpline.
Features Smart IVRS, chatbot, multilingual support and digital ticketing.
Connected with 30 NCB Zonal Units and 36 State/UT Anti-Narcotics Task Forces.
Encourages public participation in anti-drug campaigns.
Strengthens technology-driven governance against drug abuse.
Key Fact: 1933 is India’s dedicated National Narcotics Helpline number.

Union Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan launches nationwide ‘Viksit Bharat – G-Ram G Act’ from Andhra Pradesh

Scheme launched from Mukkavaripalli, Andhra Pradesh.
Guarantees 125 days of wage employment per rural household.
Replaces the previous 100-day MGNREGA guarantee.
Unemployment allowance provided if work is not offered on time.
Centre will spend over ₹95,000 crore in the first year.
Total first-year expenditure estimated at ₹1.51 lakh crore.
Long-term investment planned at ₹7.5 lakh crore.
Gram Sabhas will prepare local development plans.
Andhra Pradesh received ₹7,707 crore under the programme.
PMAY-G houses and PMGSY-IV road projects were also announced.
Key Fact: Employment guarantee increased from 100 days to 125 days annually.

NITI Aayog releases roadmap for globalisation of Ayurveda 2047 plan

NITI Aayog and PwC released the roadmap on 2 July 2026.
Vision aims to globalise Ayurveda by 2047.
Ayurveda is formally recognised in nearly 30 countries.
Recommends multi-country clinical trials.
Proposes annual safety and scientific evidence reports.
Calls for modernization of the Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL).
Suggests a patent-watch mechanism to protect traditional knowledge.
Focuses on boosting Ayush exports worldwide.
Plans international Ayurveda centres in major global cities.
Mission Steering Group will oversee implementation.
Key Fact: Ayush exports increased from $1.09 billion (2014) to $2.16 billion (2023).

What Is the Username Issue Around WhatsApp, Telegram and Signal Apps? Explained

MeitY issued notices to Telegram and Signal on 2 July 2026.
Similar notice was earlier sent to WhatsApp.
Usernames allow communication without sharing phone numbers.
Government fears misuse for fraud and impersonation.
Concerns include phishing and digital arrest scams.
Platforms must explain security safeguards.
Responses have been sought within three days.
Telegram was also questioned over continuing the feature.
Arattai announced removal of username-based accounts.
Issue highlights privacy versus security concerns.
Key Fact: Government is reviewing username-based messaging to curb cyber fraud.

EPF Scheme 2026 introduces 25% minimum balance, UPI withdrawals

EPF Scheme 2026 became effective on 29 June 2026.
Members must retain 25% minimum EPF balance.
Partial withdrawals allowed after 12 months of service.
Withdrawal purposes have been expanded significantly.
Up to 100% withdrawal permitted in eligible cases.
Housing, education, marriage and medical needs covered.
Claim settlement process has been simplified.
UPI-based PF withdrawals will be introduced.
WhatsApp services will support member queries.
Regional language services will also be available.
Key Fact: EPFO will enable UPI-based PF withdrawals for faster settlements.

State News

Gujarat Police launch Operation Surakshit Cyberspace cyber awareness campaign.

Gujarat Police launched a 28-day cyber awareness campaign.
Campaign runs from 1–28 July 2026.
Focuses on women’s and children’s online safety.
Targets cyberstalking, fraud and identity theft.
Led by DGP G.S. Malik.
Coordinated by CID Crime–Women Cell.
Includes victim counselling and cyber alert verification.
Banks, telecom firms and NGOs are partners.
Aims to educate 25 lakh citizens.
Police will act within 24 hours on complaints.
Key Fact: Campaign aims to reach 20 lakh students across Gujarat.

Gujarat sets up SAMARTH semiconductor training hub at IIT Gandhinagar.

Gujarat launched Project SAMARTH at IIT Gandhinagar.
Budget allocated is ₹190 crore.
Work began on 2 March 2026.
Supported by MeitY, Gujarat Government and IIT Gandhinagar.
Will train 10,000 people over five years.
Focuses on semiconductor manufacturing skills.
Supports research and indigenous chip technologies.
Provides practical fab training.
Partners with L&T Semiconductor Technologies.
Strengthens India’s semiconductor ecosystem.
Key Fact: SAMARTH aims to train 10,000 semiconductor professionals.

What Is the BAT-BMS App? Why the Government Ordered Its Removal

Delhi Government ordered investigation into BAT-BMS app.
App allegedly disabled e-rickshaws through Bluetooth.
Developed by Shenzhen Grenergy Technology.
Connected with lithium-ion Battery Management Systems.
Weak authentication exposed cybersecurity risks.
Vehicles could reportedly be immobilised within 15 metres.
Government declared such misuse illegal.
Police action was warned against offenders.
Removed from Apple’s App Store.
Continued availability on Google Play raised concerns.
Key Fact: Incident exposed security vulnerabilities in connected battery systems.

International News

India–Japan deepen ties via AI, energy, defence roadmap.

Japan PM Sanae Takaichi visited India.
Leaders strengthened the Special Strategic Partnership.
Three major agreements were signed.
Cooperation expanded in AI and economic security.
Roadmap covers semiconductors and quantum technologies.
Focus on critical minerals and resilient supply chains.
AI partnership promotes responsible innovation.
1,000 biogas plants planned under GOBARdhan.
Defence cooperation and naval exercises will expand.
Indo-Pacific collaboration will be strengthened.
Key Fact: Three landmark agreements were signed on AI, Energy and Economic Security.

AI Global Commission formed for responsible inclusive AI governance.

Commission announced on 3 July 2026.
Joint initiative by ITU and Salesforce.
Promotes responsible and inclusive AI governance.
Includes over 40 global leaders.
Four Indian business leaders are founding members.
Paul Kagame serves as Co-Chair.
Doreen Bogdan-Martin is Vice-Chair.
Focuses on reducing the digital divide.
First meeting scheduled in Geneva.
Recommendations will guide global AI cooperation.
Key Fact: Four prominent Indian industry leaders are founding members.

WHO approves Ebola Bundibugyo diagnostic test under emergency listing.

WHO approved first Bundibugyo Ebola diagnostic test.
Added under Emergency Use Listing.
Detects Ebola virus RNA in blood.
Improves outbreak detection capability.
Bundibugyo virus was first identified in Uganda (2007).
Major outbreak continues in DR Congo.
WHO earlier declared a PHEIC.
Testing capacity has expanded significantly.
Supports faster emergency response.
Strengthens global health preparedness.
Key Fact: Bundibugyo outbreak recorded 1,406 cases and 438 deaths.

Business News

Microsoft–Lightstorm build I-2SEA cable linking India Southeast Asia.

Microsoft and Lightstorm partnered on I-2SEA project.
Cable length will be 3,600 km.
Connects India, Malaysia and Singapore.
Tata Communications and Singtel are consortium partners.
Landing station planned at Machilipatnam.
Expected operational by Q4 2029.
Supports AI, cloud and data centres.
Improves low-latency regional connectivity.
India’s data centre capacity is rapidly expanding.
Undersea cables carry most global internet traffic.
Key Fact: Undersea cables handle nearly 95% of global internet traffic.

Awards News

International Booker Prize renamed Bukhman Prize, doubles to £100,000.

Prize renamed from 2027.
New name is Bukhman International Booker Prize.
Sponsored under a 10-year funding agreement.
Annual prize money doubled to £100,000.
Author and translator share the award equally.
Shortlisted books receive £5,000.
Supported by Bukhman Philanthropies.
Founded by Daria and Dmitri Bukhman.
Katie Kitamura will chair the 2027 jury.
Eligible books published between May 2026-April 2027.
Key Fact: Prize money increased to £100,000, making it one of the world’s richest literary awards.

Appointments News

IAS officer Prashant Sitaram appointed Additional Secretary Home Ministry.

Prashant Sitaram is a 2001-batch AGMUT IAS officer.
Appointed Additional Secretary in MHA.
Appointment approved by ACC.
Order issued by DoPT.
Will oversee key administrative functions.
Continues as additional charge CBSE Chairperson.
CBSE falls under Ministry of Education.
Earlier appointed full-time CBSE Chairperson.
Revised notification redesignated the role.
Will serve until further orders.
Key Fact: He will simultaneously serve as Additional Secretary (MHA) and CBSE Chairperson (additional charge).

Science & Technology News

What is PinS Instrument Approach? India’s first Procedure for Helicopter Operations

India approved its first PinS Instrument Approach.
Implemented at Undavalli Heliport.
Approved by DGCA on 1 July 2026.
Developed by Airports Authority of India.
Uses GNSS satellite navigation.
Enables safe all-weather helicopter operations.
Eliminates need for costly ILS infrastructure.
Improves safety and reduces pilot workload.
Supports disaster relief and medical missions.
Follows ICAO standards.
Key Fact: PinS is India’s first satellite-based helicopter instrument approach procedure.

Skyroot prepares Vikram-1 Mission Aagaman India’s private orbital rocket.

Skyroot will launch Vikram-1 between 12 July–4 August 2026.
Mission named Aagaman.
India’s first privately built orbital rocket.
Launch site is Sriharikota.
Carries 350 kg to Low Earth Orbit.
Uses carbon composite structure.
Features indigenous 3D-printed engines.
Will launch Indian and international satellites.
Collects vital flight performance data.
Strengthens India’s private space industry.
Key Fact: Vikram-1 is India’s first privately developed orbital launch vehicle.

Rubin Observatory launches 10-year LSST sky survey mission.

Rubin Observatory launched the 10-year LSST survey.
Located in Chile.
Uses the world’s largest 3,200-megapixel camera.
Scans the sky every 40 seconds.
Generates about 10 TB of data daily.
Will study 20 billion galaxies.
Detects supernovae and gravitational lenses.
Supports dark matter research.
Indian scientists are major contributors.
Named after astronomer Vera C. Rubin.
Key Fact: LSST will produce around 7 million astronomical alerts every night.

Sports News

Sema tops Shot Put F57 rankings after Paralympic success.

Hokato Hotozhe Sema became World No.1.
Competes in Men’s Shot Put F57.
Represents Nagaland and the Indian Army.
Won Paralympic bronze at Paris 2024.
Personal best throw is 14.65 metres.
First Paralympian to receive Ati Vishisht Seva Medal.
Also an Arjuna Award recipient.
Won medals at Asian Para Games.
Lost his leg in a 2002 landmine blast.
Became a leading para-athlete after age 32.
Key Fact: Sema is the World No.1 in Men’s Shot Put F57.

Ronaldo becomes oldest World Cup knockout scorer against Croatia.

Cristiano Ronaldo created World Cup history.
Scored against Croatia at 41 years, 147 days.
Became oldest knockout-stage scorer.
Goal came through a penalty.
Portugal won 2-1.
Advanced to Round of 16.
First World Cup knockout goal of his career.
Second-oldest scorer in World Cup history.
Reached 26 World Cup appearances.
Shared historic match with Luka Modrić.
Key Fact: Ronaldo became the oldest player to score in a FIFA World Cup knockout match.