Daily Current Affairs and GK Updates (11th July 2026) |

National News

Centre of Excellence for Human Wildlife Conflict Management Inaugurated

The Centre of Excellence on Human-Wildlife Conflict was inaugurated on 10 July 2026.
It has been established at the WII–SACON campus in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu.
The centre will function as a national hub for human-wildlife conflict management.
It will support research, innovation, policy formulation, and capacity building.
The centre will develop scientific solutions for conflict prevention and mitigation.
Advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), satellite mapping, and predictive analytics will be used.
The National Human-Wildlife Conflict Portal was launched during the inauguration.
The portal will improve data collection, monitoring, and evidence-based decision-making.
A report on the status and challenges of human-wildlife conflict in India was also released.
The initiative aims to ensure wildlife conservation while safeguarding human lives and livelihoods.

Key Fact: The Centre of Excellence on Human-Wildlife Conflict is located at the WII–SACON campus, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu.

NABARD Facilitates GI Registration for Twenty-Eight New Products

NABARD facilitated GI registration for 28 new products on 10 July 2026.
The total number of GI products supported by NABARD has increased to 176.
Newly registered products include handicrafts, handloom textiles, bamboo crafts, pottery, paintings, metalwork, and musical instruments.
These products belong to states including Bihar, Jharkhand, Assam, Himachal Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh.
GI registration is governed by the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999.
GI status protects products linked to a specific geographical origin and traditional methods.
NABARD has strengthened the GI ecosystem through GI Facilitation Centres.
It has also established a dedicated GI Store to promote indigenous products.
More than 13,000 artisans and producers have benefited from NABARD’s GI initiatives.
The programme has generated over 50,000 direct employment opportunities.

Key Fact: NABARD has now supported 176 GI products across India.

Health Ministry Tightens Rules for Alcohol-Based Drug Formulations

The Union Health Ministry amended the Drugs Rules, 1945.
The amendment regulates medicines containing more than 12% v/v ethyl alcohol.
Formulations exceeding 30 ml will no longer receive exemption under Schedule K.
These medicines will require manufacturing and sale licences.
The rules fall under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.
Such products have now been included under Schedule H1.
They can be sold only on a doctor’s prescription.
Pharmacies must maintain mandatory sales records for these medicines.
The move aims to prevent the misuse of alcohol-based medicinal formulations as intoxicants.
The revised rules will come into force six months after Gazette notification (around January 2027).

Key Fact: High-alcohol medicinal formulations are now classified under Schedule H1.

India Launches Largest Rural Telecom Network Performance Survey Nationwide

The Department of Posts (DoP) and TRAI signed an MoU for a nationwide telecom survey.
It will become India’s largest rural telecom network performance survey.
The survey will cover 5.68 lakh villages across the country.
It will assess mobile services provided by Airtel, Reliance Jio, Vodafone Idea (Vi), and BSNL.
Gramin Dak Sevaks (GDSs) will conduct the survey.
Data will be collected using an Android-based mobile application.
The survey will cover all States and Union Territories.
It aims to identify mobile connectivity gaps and evaluate network quality.
The collected data will support evidence-based telecom policymaking.
The initiative will strengthen Digital India, improve rural connectivity, and enhance consumer services.

Key Fact: India’s largest rural telecom survey will cover 5.68 lakh villages using Gramin Dak Sevaks (GDSs).

State News

Delhi Introduces Pink Saheli Smart Card for Free Bus Travel

The Delhi Government will introduce the Pink Saheli Smart Card from 1 August 2026.
The card will replace the existing paper-based pink ticket system.
Women travelling on DTC and DIMTS (Cluster) buses must use the smart card.
Passengers must tap the card on the electronic card reader while boarding.
Women without the card will need to purchase a regular ticket.
The initiative aims to digitise the free bus travel scheme.
It will reduce paper usage and improve environmental sustainability.
The system will enhance transparency, efficiency, and ticket verification.
It is also designed to prevent misuse of the free travel scheme.
The government has established 50 registration centres across Delhi for issuing the cards.

Key Fact: The Pink Saheli Smart Card becomes mandatory for free bus travel in Delhi from 1 August 2026.

Jharkhand Launches Ambitious AI Policy 2026–31 Growth Roadmap

The Jharkhand Government unveiled the AI Policy 2026–31.
The roadmap was launched during the National Stakeholder Consultation 2026 in New Delhi.
It aims to transform Jharkhand into an AI-driven governance and technology hub.
The government plans to invest ₹1,150 crore under the policy.
The initiative seeks to attract over ₹10,000 crore in private investment.
The policy targets the establishment of 50+ Global Capability Centres (GCCs).
It also aims to support 1,000 AI startups across the state.
More than one lakh AI-enabled jobs are expected to be created.
Key projects include CM-DIP, HNVS, and CMAS for AI-based governance.
The policy focuses on innovation, digital infrastructure, skill development, and economic diversification.

Key Fact: Jharkhand’s AI Policy 2026–31 aims to attract ₹10,000 crore in private investment and create 1 lakh+ AI-enabled jobs.

International News

India Australia Sign Traditional Knowledge Protection Agreement Through TKDL

India and Australia signed an agreement on Traditional Knowledge protection.
The agreement was signed during the 3rd India–Australia Annual Summit in Melbourne.
It grants IP Australia access to India’s Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL).
The pact was signed in the presence of Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Anthony Albanese.
Australian patent examiners will use TKDL as prior art while examining patent applications.
The agreement aims to prevent wrongful patent claims on traditional knowledge.
TKDL was established in 2001 by CSIR and the Ministry of AYUSH.
It contains over 5.2 lakh documented traditional formulations.
The database includes Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, Sowa Rigpa, and Yoga.
With Australia’s inclusion, 18 global patent offices now have access to TKDL.

Key Fact: Australia became the 18th patent office to access India’s Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL).

India New Zealand Set ₹35,000 Crore Trade Expansion Target

India and New Zealand upgraded ties to a Strategic Partnership.
Both countries aim to double bilateral trade to ₹35,000 crore (NZ$7 billion) by 2030.
The announcement was made during talks between PM Narendra Modi and PM Christopher Luxon.
The leaders announced 18 key outcomes, including 10 agreements.
They adopted the Strategic Partnership Roadmap to 2030.
Priority sectors include trade, agriculture, education, innovation, clean energy, and sports.
The India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement is expected to boost economic cooperation.
PM Modi’s visit was the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to New Zealand in 40 years.
New Zealand also announced a commitment of $20 billion investment in India.
The partnership aims to deepen economic and strategic cooperation.

Key Fact: India and New Zealand aim to achieve ₹35,000 crore (NZ$7 billion) in bilateral trade by 2030.

UN Women Report Highlights Global Humanitarian Aid Funding Crisis

UN Women released a report on the global humanitarian funding crisis.
The report states that one million women and girls lost access to humanitarian assistance.
It is based on a survey of 855 women-led organizations.
Nearly 90% of organizations cannot meet increasing humanitarian needs.
Around 40% may shut down within one year due to funding shortages.
More than 75% have reduced their workforce.
About 65% now depend on unpaid staff and volunteers.
Nearly 60% are serving fewer beneficiaries than before.
Essential services like healthcare, education, shelters, and GBV protection have been affected.
The report urges the international community to increase funding for women-led organizations.

Key Fact: According to UN Women, nearly 120 million women and girls currently require humanitarian assistance worldwide.

Andy Burnham Set to Become United Kingdom Prime Minister

Andy Burnham is set to become the next Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
He secured the backing of 322 Labour MPs.
Labour has 403 Members of Parliament in total.
A rival candidate requires 81 nominations to contest.
Burnham is only one nomination short of becoming the sole candidate.
He is expected to succeed Keir Starmer.
Starmer resigned following Labour’s poor performance in local elections.
Burnham’s leadership marks a major political transition in the UK.
His priorities include party unity and restoring public confidence.
The leadership change is expected to shape Labour’s future electoral strategy.

Key Fact: Andy Burnham received support from 322 Labour MPs, making him the frontrunner for UK Prime Minister.

India New Zealand Forge Strategic Partnership Roadmap to 2030

India and New Zealand adopted the Strategic Partnership Roadmap to 2030.
The two countries signed 10 agreements and MoUs.
The roadmap covers defence, trade, agriculture, education, tourism, and science.
Cooperation will expand in maritime security and disaster management.
Both countries agreed to strengthen counter-terrorism cooperation.
New initiatives include cooperation in hydrography and defence logistics.
Two Kiwifruit Centres of Excellence will be established in Nagaland and Uttarakhand.
The partnership also promotes clean energy and the Global Biofuels Alliance.
Academic, cultural, and Antarctic research cooperation will be expanded.
Both countries target NZ$7 billion bilateral trade by 2030.

Key Fact: Two Kiwifruit Centres of Excellence will be established in Nagaland and Uttarakhand under the India–New Zealand partnership.

International News

Andy Burnham Set to Become United Kingdom Prime Minister

Andy Burnham is set to become the next Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
He secured the support of 322 out of 403 Labour MPs.
Burnham is just one nomination short of becoming the sole leadership candidate.
Under Labour rules, a challenger requires 81 MP nominations.
He is expected to replace Keir Starmer as Prime Minister.
Starmer resigned after Labour’s poor performance in recent local elections.
The leadership change reflects growing internal party pressure.
Burnham’s leadership is expected to focus on party unity.
The new government aims to restore public confidence.
The transition marks a significant political shift in British politics.

Key Fact: Andy Burnham received the backing of 322 Labour MPs, positioning him to become the UK’s next Prime Minister.

India New Zealand Forge Strategic Partnership Roadmap to 2030

India and New Zealand elevated ties to a Strategic Partnership.
Both countries adopted the Strategic Partnership Roadmap to 2030.
During the visit, 10 agreements and MoUs were signed.
Cooperation will expand in defence, trade, maritime security, and disaster management.
The roadmap also covers agriculture, tourism, education, sports, and culture.
A Joint Working Group on Counter-Terrorism will be established.
Two Kiwifruit Centres of Excellence will be set up in Nagaland and Uttarakhand.
The countries aim to double bilateral trade to NZ$7 billion by 2030.
Both sides will strengthen cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.
The partnership also promotes clean energy, Antarctic research, and scientific collaboration.

Key Fact: The Strategic Partnership Roadmap to 2030 will guide India–New Zealand cooperation across multiple sectors.

Economy News

Government Exempts GIFT City Maritime Units from Shipping Licences

The Government exempted eligible IFSC GIFT City units from certain shipping licences.
The exemption is under Section 11 of the Coastal Shipping Act, 2025.
It applies to chartering foreign vessels for EXIM and international trade.
The reform was announced by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
The move strengthens GIFT City as a global maritime services hub.
It promotes ship leasing and maritime financing activities.
The initiative improves ease of doing business.
It is expected to attract more global investment.
Existing cabotage rules for coastal shipping remain unchanged.
The decision supports India’s maritime and financial services ambitions.

Key Fact: Eligible GIFT City IFSC units are now exempt from shipping licences for chartering foreign vessels used in international trade.

India Extends Anti-Dumping Duty on Seamless Steel Tubes

India extended the anti-dumping duty on seamless steel tubes.
The duty applies to imports from China.
It remains effective until 27 January 2027.
The products fall under Customs Tariff Heading 7304.
It covers tubes with an outer diameter up to 355.6 mm.
The extension followed a DGTR sunset review.
DGTR assessed the risk of continued dumping and injury.
The duty protects India’s domestic steel industry.
Anti-dumping duty prevents unfairly low-priced imports.
The measure supports fair trade practices in the steel sector.

Key Fact: India extended the anti-dumping duty on seamless steel tubes imported from China until 27 January 2027.

Defense News

Indian Air Force Retains Third Rank in Global Airpower

The Indian Air Force (IAF) retained 3rd position in the WDMMA 2026 Global Air Power Rankings.
It remained ahead of China’s People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) for the fifth consecutive year.
Only the United States Air Force and Russian Air Force ranked above the IAF.
The rankings are based on the True Value Rating (TVR) methodology.
The IAF operates around 1,716 military aircraft.
Its fleet includes 542 fighters and 498 helicopters.
It also has 282 transport aircraft and 374 trainer aircraft.
The force possesses 20 special mission aircraft.
The ranking reflects strong operational readiness, modernization, and indigenous capabilities.
The IAF still faces shortages in fighter squadrons, AWACS, and aerial refuelling aircraft.

Key Fact: The Indian Air Force retained 3rd place in the WDMMA 2026 Global Air Power Rankings.

INS Mahendragiri Joins Indian Navy Eastern Fleet Successfully

INS Mahendragiri (F38) joined the Indian Navy’s Eastern Fleet on 11 July 2026.
It is the sixth and final stealth frigate under Project 17A.
The warship was commissioned at Visakhapatnam.
It was designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau.
The vessel was built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Mumbai.
The frigate has over 75% indigenous content.
It features advanced stealth, automation, and network-centric warfare capabilities.
INS Mahendragiri is equipped for anti-air, anti-surface, anti-submarine, and electronic warfare.
It will also undertake maritime security, surveillance, HADR, and search & rescue operations.
The induction strengthens India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative in defence manufacturing.

Key Fact: INS Mahendragiri is the final stealth frigate under Project 17A with over 75% indigenous content.

Agreements News

Indian Potash Jain Irrigation Sign Drip Irrigation MoU

Indian Potash Limited (IPL) and Jain Irrigation Systems Ltd. signed an MoU on 8 July 2026.
The partnership aims to promote drip irrigation for sugarcane cultivation in Gujarat.
It includes field surveys, system design, supply, and installation.
Farmers will receive training and field demonstrations.
The initiative promotes micro irrigation technologies.
It also supports fertigation for efficient fertilizer application.
The project seeks to improve water-use efficiency.
It aims to increase crop productivity and sustainable farming.
Eligible farmers will receive credit and grant support.
The collaboration supports biofuel feedstock development and efficient agriculture.

Key Fact: The IPL–Jain Irrigation MoU promotes drip irrigation for sugarcane cultivation in Gujarat.

Schemes News

UP Mahila Udyam Nidhi Yojana Boosts Women Entrepreneurship and Finance

UP Mahila Udyam Nidhi Yojana 2026 supports women entrepreneurs in Uttar Pradesh.
The scheme offers loans from ₹50,000 to ₹10 lakh.
Loans are available at an interest rate of around 4%.
Loans up to ₹2 lakh do not require collateral.
Eligible applicants must be women aged 18–60 years.
Applicants must be permanent residents of Uttar Pradesh.
Annual family income should be below ₹3 lakh.
An Aadhaar-linked bank account is mandatory.
Priority is given to SHG members, widows, women with disabilities, and minority women.
Applications can be submitted online or through district UP Mahila Nidhi offices.

Key Fact: The scheme provides loans of ₹50,000–₹10 lakh at around 4% interest for eligible women entrepreneurs.

Important Days News

World Population Day 2026 Promotes Youth Empowerment and Sustainable Development

World Population Day is observed every year on 11 July.
It raises awareness about population and development issues.
The day was established by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in 1989.
It originated from the Five Billion Day milestone of 11 July 1987.
The 2026 theme is “Realizing the hopes and aspirations of young people: today and in the future.”
It promotes reproductive health and family planning.
The observance encourages gender equality and women’s empowerment.
It highlights the importance of quality education and healthcare.
Governments organize awareness campaigns and educational programmes.
The day supports inclusive and sustainable development worldwide.