Daily Current Affairs and GK Updates (21st July 2026)

National News

Supreme Court Pushes Uniform Benefits for Retired Judges

• The Supreme Court directed the Central Government to constitute a committee within two weeks.
• The committee will recommend uniform post-retirement benefits for retired Chief Justices and High Court judges.
• The directive came during a hearing on disparities in benefits provided by different states.
• The Court observed that varying facilities lead to unequal treatment of retired judges.
• The committee will prepare common guidelines applicable across the country.
• It will examine financial support required for security and transportation.
• Recommendations must be submitted to the Centre and the Supreme Court within three months.
• Benefits under review include security, drivers, domestic help, accommodation, telecom facilities, and medical reimbursement.
• The Court questioned whether ₹45,000–₹50,000 assistance provided by some states is adequate.
• The Central Government agreed to constitute the proposed committee.

Key Fact: The committee must be formed within 2 weeks and submit recommendations within 3 months.

India Approves First Indigenous Utility-Scale Flow Battery Project

• India approved its first utility-scale 100 MWh Vanadium Redox Flow Battery Energy Storage System (VRFB BESS).
• The project will be established at Khavda Solar Park in Gujarat.
• NTPC Renewable Energy Limited (NTPC REL) owns the project.
• Bondada Engineering is the EPC contractor.
• Delectrik Systems is the technology partner.
• Deployment is scheduled for 2027.
• The project includes 10 years of operations and maintenance.
• VRFB technology uses vanadium-based liquid electrolytes instead of lithium.
• The battery offers longer life, enhanced safety, and scalable energy storage.
• It will improve renewable energy integration and strengthen India’s energy security.

Key Fact: This is India’s first 100% indigenous non-lithium utility-scale battery project.

India Hosts Fifth BRICS Geospatial Technologies Meeting

• India hosted the 5th BRICS Working Group on Geospatial Technologies and its Applications.
• The meeting was held at IIT Tirupati from 20–22 July 2026.
• It was organised by the Department of Science and Technology (DST).
• Delegates from BRICS nations and partner countries participated.
• Discussions focused on Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
• Remote sensing, satellite imagery, and Positioning, Navigation and Timing (PNT) technologies were reviewed.
• AI-based geospatial analytics and climate resilience were major agenda items.
• Data interoperability for sustainable development and disaster management was emphasized.
• The meeting will produce the Tirupati Recommendations (2026).
• It will also formulate the BRICS Action Plan (2026–27).

Key Fact: The meeting was hosted at IIT Tirupati from 20–22 July 2026.

DGCA Launches Digital Aviation Safety Reporting Initiative

• DGCA is developing a Digital Aviation Incident Reporting Platform.
• The platform will modernise aviation safety reporting in India.
• It will be integrated with the eGCA portal.
• Airlines, airports, maintenance organisations, and aviation personnel can submit reports online.
• The platform will replace fragmented manual reporting systems.
• Mandatory Occurrence Reports (MORs) will be processed digitally.
• It will improve record management and communication.
• Faster compliance monitoring and regulatory decisions will be possible.
• The initiative will enhance transparency and data accuracy.
• It supports India’s expanding aviation sector through digital governance.

Key Fact: The platform will digitise Mandatory Occurrence Reports (MORs) through the eGCA portal.

India Unveils Indigenous Yantur Turbofan Engine Programme

• India launched the Yantur 4.5 kN Turbofan Engine Programme.
• The programme is developed by Paninian India Private Ltd.
• It supports the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
• The engine is designed for combat drones and cruise missiles.
• It can also power future unmanned aerial platforms.
• The engine delivers an initial thrust of 4.5 kN.
• Its scalable design can reach up to 12.5 kN.
• It uses digital twin-based health monitoring technology.
• The project has entered subsystem testing and certification.
• The programme has already secured five patent claims.

Key Fact: The engine is expected to power the Svayatt L1 platform.

NHAI Introduces Smart Digital Highway Services Nationwide

• NHAI launched Digital Local Pass and MargMitra Help Centre.
• Both services are available through the RajmargYatra Mobile App.
• The initiative was launched on 20 July 2026.
• It supports the Digital India mission.
• Digital Local Pass enables eligible commuters to apply online.
• It is available for residents living within 20 km of toll plazas.
• Verification uses DigiLocker, VAHAN, FASTag, and GIS technologies.
• The service was first introduced at Mundka–Bakkarwala Toll Plaza in Delhi.
• MargMitra is an AI-powered multilingual highway assistant.
• It assists users with FASTag, toll information, complaints, and road safety.

Key Fact: MargMitra is an AI-based multilingual assistant available on the RajmargYatra App.

CKYC Enables One-Time Verification Across Financial Institutions

• Central Know Your Customer (CKYC) is a government-backed centralized KYC system.
• Customers complete identity verification only once.
• The verified KYC can be used across multiple financial institutions.
• Banks, NBFCs, mutual funds, and insurance companies accept CKYC.
• The registry is managed by CERSAI.
• Customers receive a unique 14-digit CKYC Identification Number (KIN).
• CKYC reduces repetitive documentation.
• It speeds up account opening and financial services.
• The system improves transparency and data security.
• Registration is completed through authorised financial institutions.

Key Fact: CKYC is managed by CERSAI and issues a 14-digit KIN after verification.’

International News

Andy Burnham Becomes New United Kingdom Prime Minister

• Andy Burnham became the new Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
• He was appointed by King Charles III on 20 July 2026.
• Burnham succeeded Keir Starmer after his resignation.
• He previously served as the Mayor of Greater Manchester.
• He formed the government after securing the confidence of the House of Commons.
• Starmer resigned amid Labour Party pressure and criticism over governance.
• Economic challenges and poor local election results contributed to the leadership change.
• Burnham described his government as a “circuit breaker.”
• He promised a decade-long national plan for reforms.
• His priorities include restoring political stability, economic confidence, and public trust.

Key Fact: Andy Burnham became the Prime Minister of the UK on 20 July 2026.

President Murmu Begins Historic First Visit to Moldova

• President Droupadi Murmu began her first-ever State Visit to Moldova.
• She became the first Indian President to visit the country.
• The visit took place in Chisinau, the capital of Moldova.
• President Murmu held bilateral talks with President Maia Sandu.
• Discussions covered trade, investment, agriculture, and healthcare cooperation.
• Both countries agreed to strengthen renewable energy and digital partnerships.
• India announced doubling of ITEC training slots for Moldovan professionals.
• Specialised courses in Artificial Intelligence and cyber diplomacy were also offered.
• India invited Moldova to join CDRI and the Global Biofuels Alliance.
• The visit reinforced commitment to sustainable development and stronger bilateral ties.

Key Fact: President Murmu became the first Indian President to undertake a State Visit to Moldova.

India Accepts WTO Fisheries Subsidies Agreement

• India accepted the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies.
• India became the 123rd member to accept the agreement.
• The agreement was adopted during the 12th WTO Ministerial Conference (MC12) in 2022.
• It came into force on 15 September 2025.
• The agreement prohibits subsidies supporting illegal fishing.
• It also targets overfishing and depletion of marine fish stocks.
• The rules apply only to marine wild capture fisheries.
• Aquaculture and inland fisheries remain outside its scope.
• India’s shrimp exports will remain unaffected.
• The agreement supports sustainable fisheries and marine conservation.

Key Fact: India became the 123rd member to accept the WTO Fisheries Subsidies Agreement.

Khalil al-Hayya Elected New Overall Hamas Leader

• Hamas elected Khalil al-Hayya as its new overall leader.
• He replaced Yahya Sinwar, who died during the Gaza conflict.
• Sinwar was killed in October 2024.
• Al-Hayya is a senior Hamas political leader.
• He has led Hamas’ Gaza leadership from exile.
• He served as chief negotiator in ceasefire talks.
• Egypt and Qatar mediated the indirect negotiations.
• He won the election through a 69-member electoral college.
• Al-Hayya defeated Khaled Meshaal in the second-round runoff.
• He assumes leadership during ongoing military and political challenges.

Key Fact: Khalil al-Hayya replaced Yahya Sinwar as Hamas’ overall leader.

Economy News

Core Industries Register Five Percent Growth in June 2026

• India’s Index of Core Industries (ICI) grew by 5% in June 2026.
• The data was released by the Office of Economic Adviser (OEA), DPIIT.
• The government introduced a revised ICI series.
• The new base year is 2022–23.
• The previous base year was 2011–12.
• Iron Ore has been added as the ninth core industry.
• Iron Ore recorded the highest growth at 43.9%.
• Electricity and Cement each grew by 9.8%.
• Steel production increased by 4.6%.
• The April–June 2026 period recorded overall growth of 3.6%.

Key Fact: The ICI base year has been revised to 2022–23.

Banking News

RBI Attracts Over Twenty Billion Dollar Forex Inflows

• RBI attracted $20.72 billion through temporary forex measures.
• The inflows were received between 8 June and 17 July 2026.
• The objective was to strengthen the balance of payments.
• The measures also aimed to support the Indian rupee.
• FCNR deposits contributed $17.41 billion.
• External Commercial Borrowings (ECBs) added $1.34 billion.
• Overseas Foreign Currency Borrowings (OFCBs) contributed $1.97 billion.
• The measures were introduced amid global geopolitical uncertainties.
• The inflows are expected to improve liquidity and investor confidence.
• India’s foreign exchange reserves stood at $675.1 billion on 10 July 2026.

Key Fact: RBI attracted $20.72 billion through temporary forex measures between 8 June and 17 July 2026.

Awards News

James Gray Honoured With Prestigious Career Achievement Award

• American filmmaker James Gray will receive the Pardo alla Carriera Award.
• The honour will be presented at the 79th Locarno Film Festival.
• The award ceremony is scheduled for 9 August 2026.
• The award recognises his outstanding contribution to world cinema.
• It will be presented before the screening of his latest film Paper Tiger.
• The ceremony will take place at Piazza Grande, the festival’s open-air venue.
• James Gray made his directorial debut with Little Odessa in 1994.
• Little Odessa won the Silver Lion Award at the Venice Film Festival.
• His notable films include Ad Astra, The Immigrant, and Armageddon Time.
• The festival praised his storytelling centred on identity, family, and immigration.

Key Fact: James Gray will receive the Pardo alla Carriera (Honorary Career Pardo Award) at the 79th Locarno Film Festival.

Schemes News

Delhi Approves Parivartan Scheme for Cleaner Commercial Transport

• The Delhi Government approved the Parivartan Scheme.
• The scheme is an initiative of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH).
• It aims to replace BS-IV and older commercial vehicles.
• New BS-VI and electric vehicles will be promoted under the scheme.
• The objective is to reduce air pollution across the National Capital Region (NCR).
• Eligible beneficiaries will receive a 10-year motor vehicle tax exemption.
• Registration fees and pending fitness fines will also be waived.
• Additional incentives include a 5% interest subsidy and an 8% manufacturer discount.
• Fuel vouchers will be provided to eligible vehicle owners.
• Around 2.7 lakh truck and bus operators are expected to benefit.

Key Fact: The Parivartan Scheme supports the Delhi EV Policy 2026 and targets 2.7 lakh commercial vehicle operators.

Swasth Bastar Abhiyan Improves Maternal Healthcare in Sukma

• The Chhattisgarh Government launched the Mukhyamantri Swasth Bastar Abhiyan.
• Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai inaugurated the programme on 14 April 2026.
• The campaign focuses on preventive healthcare in remote tribal regions.
• Sukma district has witnessed significant improvements in maternal and child health.
• Institutional deliveries have increased to 98.6%.
• The initiative promotes early pregnancy registration.
• Pregnant women receive regular antenatal check-ups and vaccinations.
• Health teams monitor high-risk pregnancies and provide doorstep healthcare.
• Ambulance services and awareness campaigns have strengthened rural healthcare.
• The programme has expanded medical access to forest and Naxal-affected areas.

Key Fact: Institutional deliveries in Sukma district increased to 98.6% under the Mukhyamantri Swasth Bastar Abhiyan.

Gruha Jyothi Scheme Provides Free Electricity to Households

• The Karnataka Government is implementing the Gruha Jyothi Scheme.
• The scheme provides up to 200 units of free electricity every month.
• It is available for eligible domestic consumers.
• Both homeowners and tenants can avail the benefit.
• Residential consumers in rural and urban areas are covered.
• Commercial and industrial electricity connections are excluded.
• Applicants must be permanent residents of Karnataka.
• Aadhaar must be linked with the electricity connection.
• Applications can be submitted through the Seva Sindhu portal or ESCOM websites.
• The scheme aims to reduce household electricity expenses and improve living standards.

Key Fact: The Gruha Jyothi Scheme provides up to 200 units of free electricity per month to eligible households.