Daily Current Affairs and GK Updates (31st July, 2026) |

National News

APEDA Enables First Air Export of Karnataka Mangoes to Maldives

APEDA facilitated the first-ever air export of Karnataka’s Neelam and Totapuri mangoes to the Maldives.
The historic shipment was flagged off on 30 July 2026.
A total of one metric tonne of mangoes was exported by air cargo.
The mangoes were sourced from Kolar district of Karnataka.
The export was carried out by Ashwini A of Ahalya Devi Ventures.
APEDA Chairman Abhishek Dev flagged off the consignment.
Farmers earned over 50% higher returns through direct exports and premium pricing.
The initiative promoted women-led agribusinesses and strengthened India’s horticulture exports.
Key Fact: The shipment marked India’s first-ever air export of Karnataka’s Neelam and Totapuri mangoes to the Maldives.

Ahmedabad Showcases 2030 Commonwealth Games Vision at Glasgow Centre

Ahmedabad launched the Amdavad Experience Centre in Glasgow during the Commonwealth Games 2026.
The centre promotes Ahmedabad’s bid to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games.
It was inaugurated by Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi.
The centre showcases Gujarat’s sports infrastructure and cultural heritage.
More than 5,000 registrations were received within one day of its launch.
A traditional Garba performance highlighted Gujarat’s cultural identity.
Harsh Sanghavi met British Council officials to discuss educational and cultural cooperation.
The initiative strengthens Ahmedabad’s position as a future global sporting destination.
Key Fact: The Amdavad Experience Centre serves as an international engagement hub for athletes, delegates, and sports federations.

APEDA Enables First Sea Export of Flavoured Bihar Makhana

APEDA facilitated the first-ever sea export of flavoured Bihar makhana to Canada.
The consignment was flagged off from Darbhanga on 29 July 2026.
A total of 7 metric tonnes of value-added makhana was exported.
The shipment was processed by Nutrivin Agro Private Limited.
It was exported to ZKV Foods, Canada, via Mundra Port, Gujarat.
The products were prepared according to international food safety and quality standards.
The initiative promotes value-added agricultural exports from India.
Farmers are expected to earn over 50% higher income through branding and premium exports.
Key Fact: This was India’s first sea shipment of flavoured Bihar makhana to Canada.

Parliament Clears Anti-Paper Leak Bill With Stricter Exam Penalties

Parliament passed the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026.
The law aims to curb paper leaks, organised cheating, and technology-based examination fraud.
Both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha approved the Bill.
Individuals involved in exam fraud can face 5–10 years imprisonment.
Offenders may also face fines of up to ₹50 lakh.
Service providers involved in malpractice can be fined up to ₹5 crore.
Organised offences may attract penalties of up to ₹10 crore.
The amendment establishes Special Fast Track Courts and mandates quicker investigation and trial timelines.
Key Fact: The amendment also provides for a Special Task Force (STF) to investigate examination-related crimes.

Lok Sabha Clears Bill Granting Legal Protection to Vande Mataram

The Lok Sabha passed the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026.
The Bill seeks to provide legal protection to Vande Mataram, India’s National Song.
It amends the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971.
Intentional insult or obstruction during the rendition of Vande Mataram will become punishable.
The Bill places the National Song on a legal footing similar to the National Anthem.
The Rajya Sabha had already approved the legislation.
The Bill has now been sent to the President for assent.
Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay wrote Vande Mataram, which played a major role in India’s freedom movement.
Key Fact: Vande Mataram is India’s National Song, composed by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay.

Panel Recommends Polar Representative to Strengthen India’s Polar Diplomacy

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs recommended appointing a Polar Representative.
The recommendation was presented in Parliament on 30 July 2026.
The report is titled India’s Role and Presence in the Arctic and Antarctic Regions.
The committee is chaired by Shashi Tharoor.
The proposal aims to strengthen India’s polar diplomacy and scientific cooperation.
The committee noted that countries like Japan, China, and South Korea already have special polar envoys.
It highlighted the impact of polar changes on India’s climate, monsoon, sea levels, and coastal security.
The report also urged faster construction of a new Maitri Research Station in Antarctica.
Key Fact: The committee emphasized a science-based, sustainable, and rules-based approach to India’s polar governance.

Indian Railways Introduces Online Personal Luggage Booking for Reserved Passengers

Indian Railways launched online personal luggage booking from 31 July 2026.
The facility is available for passengers with confirmed reserved tickets.
Passengers can book excess luggage while reserving tickets without visiting luggage counters.
The Railway Board directed all railway zones to implement the system.
The platform displays luggage limits, charges, prohibited items, and penalties.
Free luggage allowance ranges from 35 kg (Second Class) to 70 kg (AC First Class).
Additional luggage can be booked at 1.5 times the normal luggage rate.
The digital platform was developed by the Centre for Railway Information Systems (CRIS).
Key Fact: Oversized luggage must still be booked separately in the Brake Van.

International News

India Climbs 25 Ranks in Global Market Distortion Index

India improved its ranking in the Market Distortions Performance Index from 82nd (2010) to 57th (2023).
The country recorded a significant improvement of 25 positions over the period.
The report was released by the Competere Foundation.
The report is titled “India’s Next Growth Frontier: Enhancing India’s 2010–2023 Reforms through Competitive Market Reduction.”
India’s progress was attributed to structural reforms and pro-competitive policies.
Major reforms include the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC).
The index evaluates countries based on ownership rights, domestic competition, and international competition.
The report highlights India’s transition towards a more competitive and investment-friendly economy.
Key Fact: India improved by 25 ranks, moving from 82nd (2010) to 57th (2023) in the Market Distortions Performance Index.

Proposed Gaza Disarmament Deal Awaits Israel’s Official Approval

A U.S.-backed peace proposal seeks the phased disarmament of Hamas and other militant groups in Gaza.
The initiative is part of a broader ceasefire and reconstruction framework.
Hamas has indicated in-principle acceptance of the proposal.
Israel has not yet formally approved the agreement.
The proposal includes verified disarmament and phased Israeli troop withdrawal.
It also proposes an international stabilization force and a new Palestinian police force.
Gaza’s reconstruction would take place under international supervision.
The peace initiative is being mediated by Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey.
Key Fact: The proposal’s implementation depends on Israel’s final approval and mutual compliance by all parties.

EPI 2026 Ranks India 176th Amid Environmental Challenges

The Environmental Performance Index (EPI) 2026 assessed 177 countries.
The index uses 47 indicators across 12 environmental categories.
Estonia ranked first with a score of 74.79.
India ranked 176th with a score of 22.46.
India ranked above only Laos.
The index measures performance in climate change, biodiversity, air quality, water resources, and ecosystem health.
The EPI is developed by Yale University and Columbia University’s CIESIN.
India has previously questioned the methodology and data used in the index.
⭐ Key Fact: Estonia topped the EPI 2026, while India ranked 176th out of 177 countries.

Banking News

Maldives Launches Favara-UPI Corridor for Instant India Remittances

The Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA) launched the Favara-UPI Cross-Border Payment Corridor.
The service was launched on 30 July 2026.
It enables instant money transfers from the Maldives to UPI-linked bank accounts in India.
The system integrates the Favara Instant Payment System with India’s UPI.
Transactions are made in Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR) and automatically converted into Indian Rupees (INR).
Initially, the facility is available through Bank of Maldives Plc and Maldives Islamic Bank Plc.
The initiative was developed in collaboration with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL).
The corridor strengthens digital financial connectivity between India and the Maldives.
Key Fact: The Favara-UPI Corridor enables real-time cross-border remittances between the Maldives and India.

Agreements News

IndiaAI and Ayush Join Hands to Transform Digital Healthcare

The Ministry of Ayush and the IndiaAI Mission signed an MoU on 31 July 2026.
The partnership aims to integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) into India’s traditional healthcare systems.
The IndiaAI Mission functions under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).
The collaboration covers Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy (AYUSH).
The AIKosh platform will be used to share AI research artefacts.
Researchers and startups will receive subsidized GPU-based high-performance computing support.
The partnership also includes the IndiaAI Innovation Challenge 2026.
The initiative supports Digital India through responsible AI adoption in healthcare.
Key Fact: The MoU aims to modernize the AYUSH sector using Artificial Intelligence.

Defense News

Army Launches Indigenous Extreme Cold Diesel for Military Operations

The Indian Army launched the Xtreme Weather Grade (XWG) Diesel on 31 July 2026.
The fuel was launched by Chief of the Army Staff General Dhiraj Seth.
It was jointly developed by the Indian Army and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL).
XWG Diesel is designed to function at temperatures as low as –42°C.
The fuel ensures reliable operation of military vehicles in high-altitude and snowbound regions.
It prevents fuel thickening, engine failure, and clogged fuel filters.
The diesel is compatible with the Army’s existing vehicle fleet without modifications.
It complies with BS-VI emission norms and IS 1460:2025 standards.
Key Fact: XWG Diesel is India’s indigenous military fuel designed for operations in temperatures up to –42°C.

Science & Technology News

ZSI Completes India’s First Comprehensive Lepidoptera Species Inventory

The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) completed India’s first comprehensive Lepidoptera inventory.
The project documented 13,703 butterfly and moth species.
The research was completed after 12 years of scientific work.
The study was led by Dr. Navneet Singh and Dr. Rahul Joshi.
The inventory identifies 3,705 genera, 240 subfamilies, 102 families, and 31 superfamilies.
The findings were published as a 22-volume catalogue in Zootaxa.
India recorded 2,205 species of Geometroidea moths, making it a major global diversity centre.
The catalogue will support biodiversity conservation, climate research, and ecological monitoring.
Key Fact: India’s first Lepidoptera inventory documents 13,703 species after 12 years of research.

Sports News

India Clinches Both Team Titles at Commonwealth Table Tennis Championships

India won both the men’s and women’s team titles at the 22nd Commonwealth Table Tennis Championships.
The championship was held at the Thyagaraj Stadium, New Delhi.
The event took place from 27 July to 2 August 2026.
The men’s team defeated Malaysia 3–2 in the final.
Manush Shah won two crucial singles matches, including the deciding contest.
The women’s team remained unbeaten throughout the tournament.
Swastika Ghosh, Sreeja Akula, and Yashaswini Ghorpade led India to a 3–0 victory over Malaysia.
India received a USD 10,000 prize purse and reinforced its dominance in Commonwealth table tennis.
⭐ Key Fact: India achieved a historic double by winning both the men’s and women’s team championships.

Lovepreet Singh Secures Weightlifting Silver After One-Kilogram Loss

Lovepreet Singh won the silver medal in the men’s +110kg weightlifting event at the Commonwealth Games 2026.
He lifted a combined total of 388 kg.
His performance included a 176 kg Commonwealth Games record in the snatch.
Lovepreet also lifted 212 kg in the clean and jerk.
David Liti of New Zealand won the gold medal with a 389 kg total.
Lovepreet narrowly missed gold by just one kilogram.
His medal helped India finish the weightlifting competition with eight medals.
Martina Devi Maibam finished fifth in the women’s +86 kg category.
Key Fact: Lovepreet Singh missed the gold medal by only 1 kg, finishing with a 388 kg total.

Seema Kaliramna Clinches Historic Commonwealth Games Discus Bronze Medal

Seema Kaliramna won the bronze medal in the women’s discus throw at the Commonwealth Games 2026.
She registered a best throw of 58.66 metres.
It was her first major international medal.
Samantha Hall (Jamaica) won the gold medal with 61.66 metres.
Julia Tunks (Canada) claimed silver with 60.67 metres.
Seema’s medal increased India’s athletics medal tally to four.
She made an inspiring comeback after returning to competition in 2024 following a two-year break.
Earlier in 2026, she achieved a personal best of 59.73 metres.
Key Fact: Seema Kaliramna became the Commonwealth Games 2026 women’s discus bronze medallist with a throw of 58.66 metres.

Important Days News

Shaheed Udham Singh Remembered on Martyrdom Day Tribute

India observes Shaheed Udham Singh Martyrdom Day every year on 31 July.
The day honours the legendary freedom fighter Shaheed Udham Singh.
He was born on 26 December 1899 in Sunam, Punjab.
He avenged the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre (1919).
On 13 March 1940, he assassinated Michael O’Dwyer in Caxton Hall, London.
Udham Singh was arrested, tried, and sentenced to death.
He was executed on 31 July 1940 at Pentonville Prison, London.
His sacrifice remains a symbol of patriotism, courage, and justice.
Key Fact: 31 July is observed as Shaheed Udham Singh Martyrdom Day in India.

Obituaries News

Former Army Chief General V.N. Sharma Passes Away at 95

Former Army Chief General Vishwa Nath (V.N.) Sharma passed away at the age of 95.
He died in New Delhi on 31 July 2026.
He served as the 14th Chief of the Army Staff.
His tenure as Army Chief lasted from 1 May 1988 to 30 June 1990.
He was commissioned into the 16th Light Cavalry in 1950.
He became the first post-Independence commissioned officer to become Army Chief.
He played a key role during the 1987 Sumdorong Chu stand-off with China.
His last rites were scheduled at Brar Square, Delhi Cantonment, on 1 August 2026.
Key Fact: General V.N. Sharma was the 14th Chief of the Army Staff of India.