Daily Current Affairs and GK Updates (13th July 2026)

National News

Vice President Inaugurates Mannam Smrithi Mandapam, Honours Legacy of Mannathu Padmanabhan

• Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan inaugurated the Mannam Smrithi Mandapam in Dwarka, New Delhi.
• He also unveiled the statue of Mannathu Padmanabhan, noted social reformer and freedom fighter.
• The programme was organised by the Nair Service Society (NSS), Delhi.
• Mannathu Padmanabhan founded the Nair Service Society (NSS) in 1914.
• NSS was established to promote education, social reform, and community development.
• The Vice President highlighted Padmanabhan’s ideals of justice, equality, dignity, and inclusive nation-building.
• He said Padmanabhan’s contributions transcended caste and regional boundaries.
• The memorial has been created to preserve his legacy and inspire future generations.
• During the event, the Vice President planted a sapling under the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam campaign.
• The programme also highlighted NSS’s contribution to education, cultural preservation, and social welfare across India.
• The event reinforced the importance of social reformers in promoting an inclusive society.

Key Facts

• Vice President: C. P. Radhakrishnan
• Memorial: Mannam Smrithi Mandapam
• Location: Dwarka, New Delhi
• Honoured Personality: Mannathu Padmanabhan
• Founded NSS: 1914
• Born: 1878
• Organisation: Nair Service Society (NSS)
• Campaign: Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam

NAMASTE Day 2026: India Marks Third Anniversary of Scheme for Safer and Dignified Sanitation

• India will observe the 3rd NAMASTE Day on 14 July 2026.
• The day marks three years of the NAMASTE Scheme.
• NAMASTE stands for National Action for Mechanized Sanitation Ecosystem.
• The scheme is implemented by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
• The main national event will be held at Rabindra Sadan, Kolkata.
• Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) across the country will organise awareness programmes.
• The observance honours sewer workers, septic tank workers, waste pickers, and former manual scavengers.
• Activities include health camps, PPE awareness, mechanised sanitation demonstrations, and safety training.
• Welfare benefits and awards will also be distributed to sanitation workers.
• The scheme promotes mechanised sanitation to eliminate hazardous manual cleaning practices.
• It aims to improve the dignity, safety, and socio-economic well-being of sanitation workers.

Key Facts

• Observation: 14 July 2026
• Edition: 3rd NAMASTE Day
• Scheme: National Action for Mechanized Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE)
• Launched: 2023–24
• Ministry: Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
• Main Venue: Rabindra Sadan, Kolkata
• Objective: Safe and mechanised sanitation

ONGC Drills Second Geothermal Well in Ladakh, Advancing India’s First Geothermal Power Plant

• ONGC successfully drilled its second geothermal well in Puga Valley, Ladakh.
• The project is being developed by the ONGC Energy Centre.
• The well has been drilled to a depth of 1,000 metres.
• It is located at an altitude of over 14,000 feet.
• The project supports India’s first 1 MW pilot geothermal power plant.
• The first geothermal well had already confirmed high-temperature underground resources.
• Geothermal energy provides continuous clean electricity unlike solar and wind power.
• The project aims to assess the commercial viability of geothermal energy in India.
• It supports India’s target of 500 GW non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030.
• The initiative will strengthen energy security in remote Himalayan regions.
• Successful implementation could diversify India’s renewable energy mix.

Key Facts

• Organisation: ONGC
• Location: Puga Valley, Ladakh
• Depth: 1,000 metres
• Altitude: 14,000+ feet
• Power Plant: 1 MW Pilot Geothermal Plant
• Target Supported: 500 GW non-fossil capacity by 2030
• Energy Type: Geothermal Energy

eSaras Empowers Rural Entrepreneurs as Digital India Completes 11 Years

• eSaras has emerged as a major digital platform supporting rural entrepreneurship.
• It has been developed by the Digital India Corporation (DIC) under MeitY.
• The platform operates in collaboration with the Ministry of Rural Development.
• It enables SHGs, FPOs, and rural entrepreneurs to sell products online.
• eSaras functions under the DAY-NRLM programme.
• It provides seller registration, digital payments, logistics, and product cataloguing.
• Multilingual support is available through BHASHINI.
• The platform supports around 8.99 crore Self-Help Group members.
• More than 1,400 rural products are listed on the platform.
• It promotes handicrafts, handloom, millet products, honey, and other rural goods.
• The initiative supports the government’s target of creating 6 crore Lakhpati Didis by 2029.

Key Facts

• Platform: eSaras
• Developed By: Digital India Corporation (DIC)
• Ministry: MeitY & Ministry of Rural Development
• Programme: DAY-NRLM
• SHG Members: 8.99 crore
• Products Listed: 1,400+
• Language Support: BHASHINI
• Government Target: 6 crore Lakhpati Didis by 2029

State News

Ahmedabad Sets Guinness World Record by Planting 3.61 Lakh Saplings in One Hour

• Ahmedabad created a Guinness World Record by planting 3.61 lakh (361,000) saplings in one hour.
• The mega plantation drive was organised by the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC).
• The event was held on 12 July 2026 at Bhadaj near the Gota–Godhavi Canal.
• The campaign was conducted under the guidance of Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
• More than 25,000 volunteers participated in the record-breaking plantation drive.
• Participants included students, NCC cadets, government officials, police personnel, and local residents.
• The plantation covered an area of 91,006 square metres, with 76,000 square metres dedicated to dense forest development.
• Around 35 indigenous tree species suitable for Gujarat’s climate were planted.
• The drive adopted the Miyawaki afforestation method, which enables faster and denser forest growth.
• The initiative aims to improve Ahmedabad’s green cover, biodiversity, and ecological restoration.
• The campaign surpassed the previous world record for the highest number of saplings planted within one hour.

Key Facts

• City: Ahmedabad
• Organizer: Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC)
• Date: 12 July 2026
• Saplings Planted: 3.61 lakh (361,000)
• Volunteers: 25,000+
• Location: Bhadaj, Gota–Godhavi Canal
• Tree Species: 35 Indigenous Species
• Method Used: Miyawaki Plantation Technique
• Achievement: Guinness World Record

West Bengal Renames August 16 as ‘Ayushman Diwas’, Replacing ‘Khela Hobe Diwas’

• The West Bengal Government has renamed 16 August as Ayushman Diwas.
• The new observance replaces the previously celebrated Khela Hobe Diwas.
• The announcement was made by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari.
• The initiative aims to spread awareness about Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY).
• The observance coincides with the completion of the BJP government’s first 100 days in the state.
• Awareness campaigns, outreach programmes, and public events will be organised across West Bengal.
• AB-PMJAY provides cashless health insurance coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per family annually.
• The insurance covers secondary and tertiary healthcare at empanelled hospitals.
• Khela Hobe Diwas, introduced in 2021, focused on promoting sports among youth.
• The renaming reflects the government’s shift from sports promotion to healthcare awareness.
• The initiative seeks to improve access to affordable healthcare for economically weaker families.

Key Facts

• State: West Bengal
• New Observance: Ayushman Diwas
• Date: 16 August
• Replaces: Khela Hobe Diwas
• Chief Minister: Suvendu Adhikari
• Scheme Promoted: Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY
• Health Coverage: ₹5 lakh per family per year
• Purpose: Healthcare awareness and financial protection

Andhra Pradesh Launches ‘Pillale Sampada’ Initiative to Promote Balanced Population Growth

• Andhra Pradesh launched the Pillale Sampada (Children are Wealth) initiative.
• The programme was announced by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu.
• It marks a policy shift from population control to population conservation.
• The announcement was made during the World Population Day programme in Vijayawada.
• The initiative promotes balanced population growth and long-term demographic stability.
• The government will strengthen maternal healthcare, child welfare, and women’s empowerment programmes.
• Measures include improving nutrition schemes and strengthening Anganwadi services.
• The initiative also aims to reduce unnecessary Caesarean deliveries.
• Workplace childcare facilities will be encouraged to support working parents.
• Under the Talliki Vandanam Scheme, eligible families will receive ₹15,000 per child for education.
• The initiative supports the state’s Swarna Andhra 2047 Vision by developing a healthy and productive population.

Key Facts

• State: Andhra Pradesh
• Initiative: Pillale Sampada (Children are Wealth)
• Chief Minister: N. Chandrababu Naidu
• Announcement: World Population Day 2026
• Education Scheme: Talliki Vandanam
• Financial Assistance: ₹15,000 per child
• Long-Term Vision: Swarna Andhra 2047
• Objective: Balanced population growth and human resource development

International News

14 Nations Reaffirm 2016 South China Sea Arbitration Ruling, Reject China’s Maritime Claims

• Fourteen countries jointly reaffirmed the 2016 South China Sea Arbitration ruling on 12 July 2026.
• The joint statement marked the 10th anniversary of the Hague tribunal’s landmark decision.
• Participating countries included the United States, United Kingdom, Japan, Australia, and the Philippines, among others.
• The statement declared that China has no legal basis for its expansive maritime claims in the South China Sea.
• The arbitration ruling was delivered under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
• The 2016 case was initiated by the Philippines against China’s maritime claims.
• The tribunal rejected China’s Nine-Dash Line claim over most of the South China Sea.
• China continues to reject the ruling, calling it “null and void” and refusing to recognise the tribunal’s jurisdiction.
• The participating nations expressed concern over increasing tensions, coercion, and aggressive maritime activities in the region.
• The statement emphasized freedom of navigation, peaceful dispute resolution, and adherence to international law.
• The declaration reaffirmed support for a rules-based international maritime order in the strategically important South China Sea.

Key Facts

• Issue: South China Sea Dispute
• Countries Involved: 14 Nations
• Key Convention: United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)
• Arbitration Year: 2016
• Anniversary: 10th (2026)
• Case Filed By: Philippines
• Claim Rejected: China’s Nine-Dash Line
• Tribunal: Permanent Court of Arbitration (The Hague)
• China’s Stand: Rejects the ruling as “null and void”

Science & Technology News

Japan Successfully Tests RV-X Reusable Rocket, Advancing Future Space Technology

• Japan successfully conducted the first lift-off and landing test of the RV-X reusable rocket.
• The reusable rocket has been developed by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA).
• The test took place on 11 July 2026 at the Noshiro Rocket Testing Center in Akita Prefecture.
• The rocket completed a 40-second flight during the demonstration.
• It reached an altitude of approximately 10–11 metres before landing safely.
• During the test, the rocket moved nearly 16 metres horizontally.
• The 7.3-metre-tall prototype is designed to validate reusable launch vehicle technologies.
• The mission tested precision landing, rocket recovery, and advanced guidance systems.
• More than 160 combustion tests were conducted before the successful flight.
• The programme supports the international CALLISTO reusable rocket project involving France and Germany.
• The successful test strengthens Japan’s efforts to develop affordable and reusable space transportation systems.

Key Facts

• Country: Japan
• Space Agency: Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)
• Rocket: RV-X
• Test Date: 11 July 2026
• Location: Noshiro Rocket Testing Center, Akita Prefecture
• Flight Duration: 40 seconds
• Rocket Height: 7.3 metres
• International Project: CALLISTO
• Partner Countries: France and Germany

ISRO Completes Key Gaganyaan Crew Module Tests, Boosting Readiness for India’s First Human Spaceflight

• ISRO successfully completed three major qualification tests for the Gaganyaan Crew Module.
• The tests were conducted on 12 July 2026.
• The Crew Module Uprighting System (CMUS) was successfully validated.
• CMUS automatically inflates flotation devices after splashdown to keep the capsule upright.
• ISRO also tested the Crew-Service Umbilical Unit (CSU-2) separation mechanism.
• The Apex Cover separation system was successfully qualified during the trials.
• The Apex Cover protects the parachute deployment system during flight.
• These systems are essential for safe re-entry, parachute deployment, splashdown, and astronaut recovery.
• The successful qualification significantly improves mission safety and reliability.
• The tests represent another major milestone towards India’s first indigenous human spaceflight mission.
• Gaganyaan aims to send Indian astronauts into Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and return them safely to Earth.

Key Facts

• Organisation: ISRO
• Mission: Gaganyaan
• Test Date: 12 July 2026
• Systems Tested: CMUS, CSU-2, Apex Cover
• Purpose: Crew safety during re-entry and splashdown
• Mission Goal: India’s first Human Spaceflight Mission
• Orbit: Low Earth Orbit (LEO)
• Importance: Major milestone for Gaganyaan Mission

Schemes News

UP Khet Suraksha Yojana 2026: Farmers to Get Up to 60% Subsidy for Solar Fencing

• The Uttar Pradesh Government launched the UP Khet Suraksha Yojana 2026 to protect crops from stray and wild animals.
• The scheme provides financial assistance for installing solar-powered electric fencing around agricultural fields.
• Eligible farmers will receive a subsidy of up to 60%, with assistance of up to ₹1.43 lakh per kilometre.
• Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), small and marginal farmers may receive a subsidy of up to 70% in eligible cases.
• The scheme protects crops from animals such as nilgai, wild boars, and stray cattle, which frequently damage farmland.
• Farmers owning or leasing at least 0.5 hectares of agricultural land are eligible to apply.
• Applicants must have an Aadhaar-linked bank account and proof of crop damage.
• Applications can be submitted through the Uttar Pradesh Agriculture Department portal.
• The fencing system uses safe low-voltage electric pulses, preventing animal intrusion without causing serious harm.
• The initiative aims to reduce crop losses, improve agricultural productivity, and promote renewable energy.
• The scheme will strengthen farmers’ incomes and enhance long-term protection of agricultural land.

Key Facts

• Scheme: UP Khet Suraksha Yojana 2026
• State: Uttar Pradesh
• Maximum Subsidy: 60%
• Special Category Subsidy: Up to 70%
• Financial Assistance: Up to ₹1.43 lakh per km
• Minimum Land Requirement: 0.5 hectare
• Technology Used: Solar-powered electric fencing
• Target Animals: Nilgai, wild boars, stray cattle
• Implementing Department: Uttar Pradesh Agriculture Department

EPFO Launches Amnesty Scheme 2026 to Regularise Exempted PF Trusts

• The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) launched the Amnesty Scheme 2026.
• The scheme offers a one-time six-month compliance window for eligible establishments.
• It is aimed at organisations operating Exempted Provident Fund (PF) Trusts without completing statutory formalities.
• Eligible employers can apply retrospectively by submitting prescribed documents.
• Applications must be submitted to the concerned EPFO Regional Office.
• Exempted PF Trusts allow employers to manage employees’ provident fund contributions independently.
• Such trusts must provide benefits that are equal to or better than EPFO benefits.
• The initiative seeks to improve transparency, governance, and regulatory compliance.
• It also aims to simplify provident fund administration for eligible establishments.
• The scheme enhances employee confidence by ensuring better protection of retirement savings.
• Overall, the initiative promotes uniform compliance with provident fund laws across employer-managed trusts.

Key Facts

• Scheme: Amnesty Scheme 2026
• Organisation: Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO)
• Ministry: Ministry of Labour and Employment
• Compliance Window: Six months
• Beneficiaries: Exempted Provident Fund Trusts
• Application Mode: Through EPFO Regional Offices
• Objective: Regularisation and statutory compliance
• Focus: Employee retirement security and better governance

Summits & Conferences News

All India Water Resource Secretaries’ Conference 2026: Centre and States Review Water Sector Reforms

• The Ministry of Jal Shakti organised the All India Conference of Senior Most Secretaries of Water Resources Departments on 13 July 2026.
• The conference was held in New Delhi to strengthen India’s water governance framework.
• The meeting was chaired by Union Jal Shakti Minister C. R. Patil.
• Senior officials from all States and Union Territories participated in the conference.
• Representatives from the Central Water Commission (CWC) and National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) also attended.
• Discussions focused on sustainable water management, irrigation efficiency, and dam safety.
• The conference reviewed the implementation of the M-CADWM Scheme and the #CatchTheRain Campaign.
• Deliberations also covered reservoir rule curves, revised project appraisal guidelines, and irrigation census progress.
• Officials discussed the State Water Reforms Framework and Model State Water Awards.
• The conference aimed to improve Centre-State coordination in water resource management.
• The meeting supports long-term water security through better planning, conservation, and governance.

Key Facts

• Conference: All India Water Resource Secretaries’ Conference 2026
• Date: 13 July 2026
• Venue: New Delhi
• Organiser: Ministry of Jal Shakti
• Chairperson: C. R. Patil
• Key Organisations: CWC, NDSA
• Major Campaign: #CatchTheRain
• Focus Areas: Water governance, irrigation, dam safety, water reforms

Sports News

Linda Noskova Wins Wimbledon 2026, Claims Maiden Grand Slam Title in Historic Czech Final

• Linda Noskova won the Wimbledon 2026 Women’s Singles title.
• She defeated fellow Czech player Karolina Muchova in the final.
• The match ended with a score of 6-2, 5-7, 6-3.
• The victory marked Noskova’s first Grand Slam singles title.
• At 21 years of age, she became the ninth consecutive first-time Wimbledon women’s singles champion.
• Noskova dominated the opening set before overcoming a strong comeback from Muchova.
• She recovered after missing five championship points in the second set.
• The title extended the Czech Republic’s recent dominance at Wimbledon following victories by Marketa Vondrousova (2023) and Barbora Krejcikova (2024).
• After the match, Noskova emotionally dedicated her victory to her late mother and thanked her family.
• Muchova was praised for saving multiple match points and producing a spirited fightback.
• The all-Czech final highlighted the remarkable strength of Czech women’s tennis on the international stage.

Key Facts

• Champion: Linda Noskova
• Runner-up: Karolina Muchova
• Tournament: Wimbledon 2026
• Final Score: 6-2, 5-7, 6-3
• Country: Czech Republic
• Grand Slam Title: First
• Age: 21 years
• Historic Achievement: 9th consecutive first-time Wimbledon Women’s Singles Champion

Wimbledon 2026 Champions: Jannik Sinner Defends Title, Linda Noskova Wins Maiden Grand Slam

• Jannik Sinner successfully defended the Wimbledon 2026 Men’s Singles title.
• The World No. 1 defeated Alexander Zverev in a four-set final.
• The final score was 6-7 (7-9), 7-6 (7-2), 6-3, 6-4.
• The match lasted 3 hours and 46 minutes.
• Sinner registered his 10th consecutive victory over Alexander Zverev.
• In the women’s singles, Linda Noskova won her maiden Grand Slam title.
• Henry Patten and Harri Heliovaara won the Men’s Doubles title.
• Guo Hanyu and Kristina Mladenovic captured the Women’s Doubles championship.
• Marcelo Arévalo and Jelena Ostapenko won the Mixed Doubles title.
• Wimbledon 2026 witnessed several first-time champions and memorable performances.
• The tournament concluded with outstanding achievements across all five major categories.

Key Facts

• Men’s Singles Champion: Jannik Sinner
• Runner-up: Alexander Zverev
• Women’s Singles Champion: Linda Noskova
• Men’s Doubles Champions: Henry Patten & Harri Heliovaara
• Women’s Doubles Champions: Guo Hanyu & Kristina Mladenovic
• Mixed Doubles Champions: Marcelo Arévalo & Jelena Ostapenko
• Tournament: Wimbledon Championships 2026
• Men’s Final Duration: 3 Hours 46 Minutes

Sports News

Kranti Goud Creates History as First Female Cricketer on Lord’s Honours Board

• Indian fast bowler Kranti Goud created history at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground.
• She became the first female cricketer to be inducted into the prestigious Lord’s Honours Board.
• Goud achieved the feat after taking a five-wicket haul against England Women in the Test match.
• She dismissed Tammy Beaumont, Maia Bouchier, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Alice Capsey, and Lauren Bell.
• Her outstanding bowling performance put India in a commanding position during the match.
• With this achievement, she became the 15th Indian bowler to feature on the Lord’s Honours Board.
• She joined legendary Indian bowlers including Kapil Dev, Bishan Singh Bedi, Ishant Sharma, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, and Jasprit Bumrah.
• Kranti Goud signed the Honours Board in an emotional ceremony after the match.
• She celebrated the milestone with her family and teammates at Lord’s.
• The achievement marked a significant milestone for Indian women’s cricket on the international stage.
• Her performance reflected the growing success and recognition of women cricketers worldwide.

Key Facts

• Player: Kranti Goud
• Country: India
• Opponent: England Women
• Venue: Lord’s Cricket Ground, London
• Achievement: First Female Cricketer on Lord’s Honours Board
• Performance: Five-Wicket Haul
• Indian Milestone: 15th Indian Bowler on Lord’s Honours Board
• Sport: Cricket

Yastika Bhatia Creates History with First Women’s Test Century at Lord’s

• Indian wicketkeeper-batter Yastika Bhatia scripted history at Lord’s Cricket Ground.
• She became the first woman cricketer to score a Test century at Lord’s.
• Yastika scored a brilliant 113 runs against England Women.
• Her century came during the historic first-ever women’s Test at Lord’s.
• After scoring only 12 runs in the first innings, she made a remarkable comeback in the second innings.
• She reached her century in 145 balls with a composed and determined knock.
• The innings earned her a place on the prestigious Lord’s Honours Board.
• It was also her maiden international century.
• She joined Indian legends such as Rahul Dravid, Sourav Ganguly, Dilip Vengsarkar, Vinoo Mankad, and Mohammad Azharuddin, who have scored Test centuries at Lord’s.
• Her innings strengthened India’s position in the match and highlighted her temperament under pressure.
• The historic knock marked another major achievement for Indian women’s cricket.

Key Facts

• Player: Yastika Bhatia
• Country: India
• Opponent: England Women
• Venue: Lord’s Cricket Ground
• Score: 113 Runs
• Balls Faced for Century: 145
• Achievement: First Women’s Test Century at Lord’s
• Milestone: Maiden International Century
• Recognition: Lord’s Honours Board

FIFA World Cup 2026 Golden Boot Race: Kylian Mbappé Overtakes Lionel Messi

• The FIFA World Cup 2026 Golden Boot race intensified after the Round of 16.
• Kylian Mbappé moved to the top of the Golden Boot standings.
• Both Mbappé and Lionel Messi have scored 8 goals in the tournament.
• Mbappé leads the race due to three assists, compared to Messi’s one assist.
• FIFA uses assists as the first tiebreaker when players are level on goals.
• Mbappé reached eight goals after scoring a brace against Morocco.
• Messi scored his eighth goal in Argentina’s victory over Egypt.
• Erling Haaland finished the tournament with 7 goals following Norway’s elimination.
• Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane remain in contention with 6 goals each.
• Other leading scorers include Ousmane Dembélé, Ismaïla Sarr, Mikel Oyarzabal, and Julián Quiñones.
• The Golden Boot winner will be decided based on goals, assists, and then fewer minutes played if required.

Key Facts

• Tournament: FIFA World Cup 2026
• Golden Boot Leader: Kylian Mbappé
• Goals: 8
• Second: Lionel Messi (8 Goals)
• Tiebreaker: Assists
• Mbappé Assists: 3
• Messi Assists: 1
• Third Highest Scorer: Erling Haaland (7 Goals)