Daily Current Affairs and GK Updates (9th July 2026) |

National News

India’s Energy Storage Requirement Projected to Reach 888 GWh by 2035–36

India is projected to require 174 GW / 888 GWh of energy storage capacity by 2035–36, according to the latest India BESS Market Review.
The projection aligns with the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) estimate for supporting India’s renewable energy expansion.
Out of the total requirement, Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) will contribute 80 GW / 321 GWh.
Pumped Storage Projects (PSPs) are expected to provide the remaining 94 GW / 567 GWh of storage capacity.
India’s installed BESS capacity has grown rapidly from 0.78 GWh in December 2025 to 8.7 GWh during the first half of 2026.
The installed BESS capacity is expected to cross 10 GWh by the end of 2026, indicating rapid growth in the sector.
During the first half of 2026, India floated 47 GWh of new energy storage tenders.
The cumulative energy storage project pipeline has now reached 260 GWh, reflecting strong future investment.
India plans to establish nearly 110 GWh lithium-ion battery cell manufacturing capacity by 2030, while battery pack and container manufacturing capacity is expected to reach 180–200 GWh.
Expansion of energy storage will strengthen renewable energy integration, grid stability, power reliability, and India’s clean energy transition.
Key Fact: **CEA projects India’s total energy storage requirement at 174 GW / 888 GWh by 2035–36, comprising 80 GW BESS and 94 GW PSPs.

India Becomes the World’s Largest Retail & FMCG GCC Hub

India has emerged as the world’s largest hub for Retail and FMCG Global Capability Centres (GCCs).
The country currently hosts around 180 GCCs, employing more than 2.72 lakh (272,000) professionals.
India’s retail GCC workforce is 34% larger than the combined workforce of Poland, the Philippines, Mexico, Germany, and Egypt.
Major multinational companies operating GCCs in India include Lowe’s, Tesco, Walmart Global Tech, Target, H&M, L’Oréal, and AB InBev.
These GCCs manage high-value functions such as technology, analytics, finance, supply chain management, customer experience, and digital transformation.
Bengaluru is India’s largest GCC hub with around 84,000 professionals.
Delhi NCR ranks second with nearly 66,000 employees, followed by Hyderabad with around 45,000 professionals.
AI adoption in the sector has increased significantly, with AI workforce penetration rising from 2.1% in 2022 to 4.8% in 2025.
AI workforce penetration is expected to further increase to around 7.2% by 2026.
The sector generated over 52,000 new jobs in 2025, with rising demand for LLM Engineers, GenAI Ops, MLOps, Data Analytics, and Vector Database specialists.
Key Fact: India hosts 180 Retail & FMCG GCCs employing 2.72 lakh professionals, making it the largest Retail GCC hub in the world.

India Hosts 13th AITIGA Joint Committee Meeting

India hosted the 13th ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) Joint Committee Meeting from 6–10 July 2026.
The meeting was held at Vanijya Bhawan, New Delhi, in a hybrid format.
The objective was to review the progress of the AITIGA Review and accelerate negotiations for strengthening the India–ASEAN trade agreement.
Three important sub-committees discussed Customs Procedures & Trade Facilitation, National Treatment & Market Access, and Rules of Origin.
The Joint Committee directed all working groups to finalise pending chapters within fixed timelines.
The meeting was co-chaired by Nitin Kumar Yadav, Additional Secretary, Department of Commerce (India), and Mastura Ahmad Mustafa, Deputy Secretary General (Trade), Malaysia.
Representatives from all 10 ASEAN member countries participated in the discussions.
ASEAN continues to remain one of India’s largest trading partners, accounting for around 11% of India’s global trade.
India–ASEAN bilateral trade reached nearly USD 128 billion during 2025–26.
The meeting focused on strengthening trade, investment, market access, customs cooperation, and economic integration between India and ASEAN.
Key Fact: ASEAN accounts for nearly 11% of India’s global trade, with bilateral trade worth USD 128 billion (2025–26).

JIM & WS Team Successfully Summits Mt Khyam Tso Massif

The Jawahar Institute of Mountaineering & Winter Sports (JIM & WS), Pahalgam, successfully completed an expedition to the Mt Khyam Tso Massif in Ladakh.
The expedition consisted of 22 members and was flagged off on 26 June 2026.
The expedition was led by Colonel Hem Chandra Singh.
The team followed a systematic high-altitude acclimatization programme before attempting the summits.
On 2 July 2026, the team successfully climbed Peak Pt 5901 metres.
During the same expedition, Col. Hem Chandra Singh performed the first-ever paragliding flight from an altitude of 5,600 metres.
On 3 July, the expedition successfully climbed Peak Pt 6090 metres and Peak Pt 5944 metres, despite severe weather conditions.
The final objective, Mt Khyam-III (6,018 metres), was successfully summited on 5 July 2026.
The expedition demonstrated excellent technical climbing skills, endurance, teamwork, and leadership.
The successful mission enhances India’s mountaineering capabilities and exploration of the remote mountain ranges of Ladakh.
Key Fact: The expedition achieved the successful ascent of Mt Khyam-III (6,018 m), while recording the first paragliding flight from 5,600 metres.

Jaipur Ranked 6th in Happy City Index 2026

Jaipur secured the 6th position globally in the Happy City Index 2026.
It is the only Indian city to feature among the Top 10 happiest cities in the world.
The ranking recognizes Jaipur’s high quality of life, effective governance, and sustainable urban development.
Jaipur scored well in areas such as healthcare, education, mobility, governance, innovation, environmental sustainability, and community engagement.
The city has successfully balanced heritage conservation with modern infrastructure development.
Smart City initiatives and improved public services have significantly enhanced the city’s livability.
Jaipur’s economy continues to grow through tourism, jewellery, handicrafts, hospitality, and cultural industries.
These sectors have contributed to employment generation and inclusive economic growth.
The Happy City Index evaluates cities based on citizen well-being, governance, sustainability, innovation, healthcare, mobility, and quality of life.
The ranking reflects India’s growing emphasis on building people-centric and sustainable urban centres.
Key Fact: London ranked 1st, while Jaipur ranked 6th globally, becoming the only Indian city in the Top 10 of the Happy City Index 2026.

EPFO Launches CITES 2.01 to Modernise PF Services

The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) launched CITES 2.01 (Centralised IT Enabled Services) as its biggest digital transformation initiative.
Around 340 million (34 crore) EPF member accounts have been migrated from 120+ decentralised databases to a single unified national platform.
The initiative was launched by Union Labour and Employment Minister Mansukh Mandaviya.
A new unified EPFO Member Portal has been introduced to provide seamless nationwide access to PF records and digital services.
The centralized system enables automated claim validation, reducing manual intervention and improving efficiency.
Members will benefit from faster claim settlement, real-time claim tracking, and interest calculation up to the actual payment date.
The government announced that the EPF interest rate for FY 2025–26 remains 8.25%, and around ₹1.44 lakh crore will be credited to subscribers’ accounts by 15 July 2026.
The auto-settlement limit for eligible PF claims has been increased significantly from ₹1 lakh to ₹5 lakh.
After the nationwide rollout, UPI-based PF withdrawals will be introduced, making fund access faster and more convenient.
Members will also be allowed to withdraw up to 75% of their PF balance, providing greater financial flexibility during emergencies and important life events.
Key Fact: CITES 2.01 is EPFO’s largest-ever digital modernization, migrating 34 crore accounts to a unified platform while increasing the auto-claim settlement limit to ₹5 lakh.

Navi Mumbai International Airport Notified as India’s 42nd Drug Import Port

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has officially notified Navi Mumbai International Airport as a designated drug import port.
The notification was issued by amending Rule 43A of the Drugs Rules, 1945, under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.
The amendment was published on 8 July 2026 after consultation with the Drugs Technical Advisory Board (DTAB).
The airport is now authorized to receive the import of pharmaceutical products into India.
With this notification, the total number of designated drug import ports in the country has increased to 42.
These notified ports include airports, seaports, road entry points, and rail entry points.
The move aims to strengthen India’s pharmaceutical import infrastructure and improve logistics efficiency.
It is expected to reduce congestion at existing drug import ports and provide greater flexibility to pharmaceutical importers.
The decision will also enhance the efficiency of India’s healthcare supply chain while ensuring timely availability of medicines.
Regulatory oversight will continue through the provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, and expert recommendations of the DTAB.
Key Fact: Navi Mumbai International Airport has become India’s 42nd notified drug import port under the Drugs Rules, 1945.

Union Minister Launches PRAGATI Initiative for Sustainable Agriculture

Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan launched the PRAGATI initiative to promote sustainable agriculture and rural entrepreneurship.
PRAGATI stands for Promoting Regenerative Agriculture, Growth, Agri-Entrepreneurship and Transformative Innovation.
The programme aims to empower 20,000 rural agri-entrepreneurs across the country.
It also seeks to improve the livelihoods of nearly 20 lakh small and marginal farmers.
The initiative promotes regenerative farming, climate-resilient agriculture, digital technologies, innovation, and value addition.
Village-level agri-entrepreneurs will provide services such as soil testing, scientific crop advisory, farm mechanization, machine rental, and financial literacy.
The programme is expected to reduce cultivation costs while increasing agricultural productivity and farmers’ income.
PRAGATI will initially be implemented in Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, West Bengal, Assam, and Jharkhand.
It is regarded as India’s largest private-sector-led agri-entrepreneurship programme.
Major supporting organizations include the PepsiCo Foundation, SBI Foundation, Gates Foundation, IDH, Heifer International, Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), Global Agri Entrepreneurship Academy, SAFIA, AEGF, and TRIF.
Key Fact: PRAGATI aims to support 20,000 agri-entrepreneurs and improve the livelihoods of 20 lakh farmers through climate-smart and regenerative agriculture.

PM Modi Visits Prambanan Temple, Launches ASI Restoration Project in Indonesia

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Prambanan Temple Complex in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, on 8 July 2026.
He was accompanied by Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, reaffirming the strong civilizational and cultural ties between India and Indonesia.
The two leaders jointly unveiled a commemorative plaque marking the launch of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) conservation and restoration project.
The restoration project follows an understanding reached during President Prabowo Subianto’s visit to India in 2025.
Prambanan Temple was built during the 9th century by the Sanjaya Dynasty.
It is the largest Hindu temple complex in Indonesia.
The temple is dedicated to the Trimurti—Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Brahma.
The complex was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991.
Prambanan showcases a unique blend of Javanese architecture and South Indian Pallava architectural style.
The 47-metre-high Shiva Temple is the central and tallest structure within the temple complex.
Key Fact: Prambanan Temple, Indonesia’s largest Hindu temple, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site (1991), and its restoration is being undertaken by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

State News

Uttarakhand Becomes India’s Sixth Fully Literate State Under ULLAS Programme

Uttarakhand has become India’s sixth fully literate state under the ULLAS – New India Literacy Programme.
The achievement was made after meeting the adult literacy benchmarks prescribed under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
The declaration received formal approval from the Governor of Uttarakhand on 8 July 2026.
The literacy standards were determined by the Department of School Education and Literacy, Ministry of Education.
Uttarakhand now joins Mizoram, Goa, Tripura, Himachal Pradesh, and Sikkim among India’s fully literate states.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami described the achievement as a historic milestone for the state.
He credited the success to the combined efforts of the government, volunteers, educators, and citizens.
The state government has committed to expanding digital literacy, financial literacy, and continuing education programmes.
The ULLAS programme also emphasizes life skills, vocational learning, and lifelong education opportunities.
The initiative supports inclusive and equitable education by ensuring adult learners continue to develop knowledge and essential skills.
Key Fact: Uttarakhand became India’s 6th fully literate state under the ULLAS (Understanding of Lifelong Learning for All in Society) – New India Literacy Programme, launched in line with NEP 2020.

International News

Switzerland to Host Geneva AI Summit 2027

Switzerland has announced that it will host the Geneva AI Summit 2027 on 21–22 June 2027.
The summit will be held at Palexpo, Geneva, alongside the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) AI for Good Global Summit.
The announcement was made by Swiss Federal Councillor Albert Rosti during the AI for Good Global Summit 2026.
The event aims to strengthen global cooperation on artificial intelligence governance, innovation, safety, and responsible AI development.
The summit will bring together world leaders, policymakers, researchers, technology companies, international organizations, civil society, and AI experts.
Discussions will focus on AI applications in healthcare, education, economic growth, climate action, disaster management, and sustainable development.
A major objective is to promote trustworthy, ethical, inclusive, human-centric, and responsible AI.
The summit will also encourage international collaboration on AI safety, regulatory frameworks, and governance standards.
It builds upon previous international AI summits held in New Delhi, Bletchley (UK), Seoul (South Korea), and Paris (France).
Hosting the summit further strengthens Geneva’s position as a global centre for multilateral diplomacy, supported by the presence of numerous UN agencies and international organizations.
Key Fact: The Geneva AI Summit 2027 will be held on 21–22 June 2027 at Palexpo, Geneva, alongside the ITU AI for Good Global Summit.

India and Myanmar Hold 23rd Border Coordination Meeting

The 23rd National-Level Border Coordination Meeting between India and Myanmar was held in New Delhi on 7–8 July 2026.
The Indian delegation was led by Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan.
The Myanmar delegation was headed by Major General Min Thu, Deputy Minister for Home Affairs.
Both countries reviewed the security situation along the 1,643-km India–Myanmar international border.
The border passes through the Indian states of Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, and Mizoram.
The two countries agreed to strengthen cooperation against terrorism, insurgency, narcotics trafficking, arms smuggling, human trafficking, wildlife crime, and cybercrime.
They decided to enhance intelligence sharing, operational coordination, and capacity-building initiatives for better border management.
Discussions also covered major connectivity projects such as the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project and the India–Myanmar–Thailand Trilateral Highway.
These projects support India’s Neighbourhood First Policy, Act East Policy, and MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) initiative.
Myanmar reaffirmed that its territory would not be used against India’s security interests, reinforcing mutual trust and cooperation.
Key Fact: The India–Myanmar border is 1,643 km long, and both countries agreed to strengthen cooperation on border security, connectivity, and transnational crime prevention.

OpenAI Plans Wider Rollout of GPT-5.6 After U.S. Government Review

According to media reports, OpenAI plans a wider rollout of its advanced GPT-5.6 artificial intelligence model.
The expansion follows completion of an evaluation under a new U.S. Department of Commerce oversight framework for frontier AI systems.
The review was conducted with support from the Center for AI Standards and Innovation (CAISI).
The evaluation assessed the model’s safety, cybersecurity, and national security implications before broader deployment.
GPT-5.6’s release was reportedly delayed to allow additional technical assessments by U.S. authorities.
The review reflects efforts to balance rapid AI innovation with security, safety, and responsible deployment.
The voluntary review process operates under a 2026 U.S. Executive Order establishing oversight for advanced AI models.
Under this framework, frontier AI systems can undergo evaluations for up to 30 days before public deployment.
The review aims to identify risks such as cyberattacks, military misuse, hostile actors, large-scale misinformation, and other security threats.
At the time of the reports, OpenAI, the White House, and the U.S. Department of Commerce had not officially confirmed the reported approval or rollout timeline.
Key Fact: GPT-5.6 underwent review under the 2026 U.S. AI oversight framework, with assessments focusing on AI safety, cybersecurity, and national security before wider deployment.

Banking News

RBI Approves Mahesh Pai as South Indian Bank MD & CEO

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) approved the appointment of Mahesh Muralidhar Pai as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (MD & CEO) of South Indian Bank.
He has been appointed for a three-year term beginning 1 October 2026.
The Thrissur-headquartered South Indian Bank informed stock exchanges about the RBI approval.
The appointment will be placed before the bank’s Board of Directors on 16 July 2026.
After Board approval, the appointment will require shareholders’ approval.
Mahesh Pai will succeed P. R. Seshadri, whose tenure ends on 30 September 2026.
He is currently serving as Chief General Manager (Digital Banking and Innovation) at Canara Bank.
Pai has nearly 30 years of banking experience across digital banking, treasury, foreign exchange, retail banking, MSME financing, agriculture credit, corporate strategy, and overseas operations.
He has also served on the boards of Canara Bank Tanzania Ltd., Karnataka State Financial Corporation, and Canara Bank Securities Ltd.
He has represented Canara Bank in important industry organizations such as FIMMDA, SWIFT India, and the Secondary Loan Market Association.
Key Fact: Mahesh Muralidhar Pai will become the MD & CEO of South Indian Bank from 1 October 2026 for a three-year term, succeeding P. R. Seshadri.

Economy News

IMF Revises India’s FY27 Growth Forecast to 6.4%

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) revised India’s GDP growth forecast for FY2026–27 (FY27) to 6.4%, down from 6.5% projected in the April 2026 World Economic Outlook (WEO).
At the same time, the IMF raised India’s FY2027–28 (FY28) growth forecast to 6.7%, up from 6.5%.
The downward revision for FY27 is mainly due to rising global energy prices triggered by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
Higher crude oil and energy prices are expected to increase India’s import bill, fuel costs, and inflationary pressures.
Despite external challenges, the IMF highlighted that strong domestic demand and a resilient services sector continue to support India’s economic growth.
The IMF projects the petroleum price index at around US$89 per barrel.
Compared to 2025, crude oil prices are expected to rise by 32%, natural gas by 22%, fertilizer prices by 26%, and global food prices by 8%.
The IMF also reduced its global growth forecast for 2026 from 3.1% to 3.0%.
The weaker global outlook reflects persistent geopolitical tensions, elevated commodity prices, and higher energy costs.
Despite the revision, India is expected to remain the world’s fastest-growing major economy.
Key Fact: The IMF projects India’s GDP growth at 6.4% for FY27 and 6.7% for FY28, while continuing to rank India as the fastest-growing major economy.

Awards News

Acharya Ranchhodlal Goswami to Receive Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar 2025

Acharya Ranchhodlal Goswami of Ahmedabad, Gujarat, has been selected for the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar 2025.
The award has been announced by the Sangeet Natak Akademi under the Ministry of Culture.
It recognizes his outstanding contribution to the preservation and promotion of Haveli Sangeet, a traditional devotional music form.
The Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar is presented annually to exceptional young artists in the fields of music, dance, and theatre.
The award is named after the legendary Shehnai maestro Ustad Bismillah Khan.
Ranchhodlal Goswami, aged 32, is the 16th-generation Acharya of the 450-year-old Goswami Haveli located in Doshiwada ni Pol, Kalupur, Ahmedabad.
He has composed more than 2,200 devotional verses (padas) dedicated to devotional music traditions.
He has authored eight books, contributed to Gujarat University’s Haveli Sangeet curriculum, and is currently pursuing doctoral research in music.
Haveli Sangeet is a 550-year-old devotional music tradition associated with the Pushtimarg sect, founded by Mahaprabhu Vallabhacharya.
The tradition preserves ancient Indian classical forms such as Prabandha, Dhrupad, Dhamar, and devotional compositions of Ashtachhap poets, including Surdas and Parmananddas.
Key Fact: Acharya Ranchhodlal Goswami will receive the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar 2025 for preserving Haveli Sangeet, a 550-year-old Pushtimarg devotional music tradition.

Defense News

DRDO Successfully Flight-Tests Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted the flight test of the Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket (LRGR).
The test took place on 8 July 2026 at the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, Odisha.
The trial successfully validated the rocket’s user-defined minimum operational range of 60 km.
During the test, the rocket accurately followed its planned trajectory and executed all in-flight manoeuvres with high precision.
The LRGR successfully struck the designated target, demonstrating its precision strike capability.
The rocket has been developed to strengthen the Pinaka Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher (MBRL) system of the Indian Army.
It incorporates advanced guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) technologies for improved long-range accuracy.
The project was led by Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE), with contributions from HEMRL, DRDL, and RCI.
Testing support was provided by the Integrated Test Range (ITR) and the Proof & Experimental Establishment (PXE).
The successful test enhances India’s indigenous defence capabilities, improves battlefield precision and stand-off strike capability, and supports the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative by reducing dependence on imported precision-guided weapons.
Key Fact: The Pinaka LRGR successfully demonstrated a 60 km minimum operational range, enhancing the precision strike capability of the Indian Army’s Pinaka MBRL system.

Sports News

Aswath S Becomes India’s 98th Chess Grandmaster

Seventeen-year-old Aswath S from Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu, has become India’s 98th Chess Grandmaster (GM).
He secured his final Grandmaster norm at the 2026 Pune International Grandmaster Round Robin tournament.
Aswath achieved the title by defeating USA’s FM Kannan Vaidyanathan with the black pieces in the final round.
He finished the tournament with 7 points from 9 rounds, securing second place overall.
His performance included six victories, two draws, and one defeat.
He earned his first Grandmaster norm at the Grenke Open tournament.
His second GM norm came at the First Saturday GM Round Robin in Budapest, Hungary.
During the Budapest event, he also crossed the required 2500 FIDE Elo rating, fulfilling another essential criterion for the Grandmaster title.
Despite an early setback in the Pune tournament, he staged a remarkable comeback to achieve the prestigious title.
Aswath’s achievement further strengthens India’s growing reputation as one of the world’s leading chess nations and brings the country closer to its milestone of 100 Grandmasters.
Key Fact: Aswath S became India’s 98th Chess Grandmaster after securing his final GM norm at the 2026 Pune International Grandmaster Round Robin.

Science & Technology News

ISRO Successfully Tests Main Parachutes for Gaganyaan Mission

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully conducted the Integrated Main Parachute Airdrop Test-05 (IMAT-05) for the Gaganyaan Human Spaceflight Mission.
The test was carried out on 7 July 2026 at the Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment (ADRDE) drop zone in Sheopur, Madhya Pradesh.
A simulated Crew Module payload with a dummy mass was dropped from an altitude of 2.5 km.
The payload was released using an Indian Air Force IL-76 transport aircraft.
The complete parachute deployment sequence—including the extractor, drogue, and main parachutes—functioned successfully.
The parachute system safely reduced the payload’s descent to the required terminal velocity, ensuring a controlled landing.
The Crew Module Deceleration System (CMDS) of Gaganyaan consists of 10 parachutes belonging to four different types.
These parachutes are designed to ensure the safe ocean splashdown of astronauts after atmospheric re-entry.
The test was conducted jointly by ISRO, DRDO, the Indian Air Force, and the Indian Army.
The successful trial validated the parachute system’s structural integrity and design margins under maximum expected load conditions, marking a significant milestone before the uncrewed Gaganyaan G1 mission and India’s first human spaceflight.
Key Fact: The Gaganyaan Crew Module Deceleration System uses 10 parachutes of four different types, and the successful IMAT-05 test is a major milestone toward India’s first human spaceflight mission.