Daily Current Affairs and GK Updates (28th July, 2026) |

National News

India Approves Anhydrous Ammonia Fertilizer to Boost Sustainable Farming

India has approved the manufacture and agricultural use of anhydrous ammonia fertilizer for a period of three years.
The fertilizer contains around 82% nitrogen, making it one of the most concentrated nitrogen fertilizers.
The approval aims to improve nitrogen-use efficiency in Indian agriculture.
It is expected to reduce dependence on conventional fertilizers such as urea.
Safe handling, specialized equipment, and proper storage are required due to its hazardous nature.
The initiative supports environmentally sustainable farming practices.
It aligns with the objectives of the National Green Hydrogen Mission by promoting green ammonia production.
The move is expected to strengthen India’s long-term fertilizer security and nutrient management.
Key Fact: Anhydrous ammonia contains nearly 82% nitrogen, the highest among commonly used nitrogen fertilizers.

Kosi–Mechi Link Project Boosts Bihar’s Irrigation and Water Management

The Kosi–Mechi Intra-State Link Project has been approved under PMKSY–AIBP.
The project has a total balance cost of ₹6,143.22 crore.
The Centre will provide financial assistance of ₹3,652.56 crore.
It aims to transfer surplus water from the Kosi River to the Mechi basin.
The project will expand irrigation facilities across Bihar.
Modernization of the Eastern Kosi Main Canal is also included.
Around 8.5% of the project work has already been completed.
The project is targeted for completion by March 2029.
Key Fact: The project is funded under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayi Yojana – Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (PMKSY-AIBP).

National Honour Amendment Bill 2026 Seeks Legal Protection for Vande Mataram

The National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026 was introduced in the Rajya Sabha on 24 July 2026.
It proposes legal protection for Vande Mataram under the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971.
The bill seeks to place the National Song on par with the National Flag and National Anthem.
It proposes penalties for intentionally disrupting or preventing the singing of Vande Mataram.
The amendment marks the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram.
It recognizes the song’s contribution during India’s freedom struggle.
The proposal aims to strengthen respect for national symbols.
The bill will undergo parliamentary discussion before becoming law.
Key Fact: Vande Mataram was composed by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay.

Earth Sciences Ministry Marks Two Decades of Scientific Achievements

The Ministry of Earth Sciences celebrated its 20th Foundation Day on 27 July 2026.
The event was held at Prithvi Bhawan, New Delhi.
MoES was established in 2006.
The ministry highlighted achievements in weather forecasting and climate research.
Progress in ocean science, polar research, and disaster preparedness was showcased.
Major initiatives include Mission Mausam, Deep Ocean Mission, and Prithvi systems.
The event launched AI-based coastal monitoring and upgraded cyclone warning systems.
Thirteen new Centres of Excellence were also announced.
Key Fact: The Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) was established in 2006.

National e-Vidhan Application Drives Digital Transformation of Legislatures

NeVA aims to digitize State and Union Territory Legislatures across India.
It functions under the Digital India Programme.
The initiative follows the vision of “One Nation, One Application.”
It replaces paper-based legislative processes with digital workflows.
33 of 37 legislatures have signed implementation MoUs.
21 Legislative Houses have already become fully paperless.
The platform improves transparency, efficiency, and accessibility.
Continuous upgrades are being introduced based on user feedback.
Key Fact: NeVA stands for National e-Vidhan Application.

State News

Madurai Honors 107-Year-Old Banyan Tree Promoting Urban Conservation

Madurai celebrated the 107th birthday of a historic banyan tree near Sellur–Kulamangalam Road.
The tree is regarded as the last surviving centenarian banyan in the Meenakshipuram locality.
The celebration highlighted the importance of protecting urban biodiversity.
The banyan tree provides shade and serves as a habitat for birds and other wildlife.
The event was organized as part of the Green Nature Festival.
Activities included tree decoration, sapling distribution, and environmental awareness campaigns.
The festival has been celebrated annually since 2019.
The initiative encourages citizens to conserve mature trees and natural heritage.
Key Fact: The banyan tree is India’s National Tree, known for its long lifespan and ecological significance.

Maharashtra Leads Agriculture Growth by Unlocking PM-RKVY Second Instalment

Maharashtra became the first state to qualify for the second instalment under PM-RKVY.
The state utilized more than 75% of its initial allocation.
Nearly ₹260 crore out of ₹335 crore has already been utilized.
The scheme supports agriculture, horticulture, fisheries, and animal husbandry.
It also promotes farm mechanisation and digital agriculture.
RKVY encourages innovation through the RKVY-RAFTAAR programme.
The scheme supports agri-startups and rural entrepreneurship.
Efficient fund utilization has strengthened agricultural development in Maharashtra.
Key Fact: RKVY stands for Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana, launched in 2007.

Leh Launches First Yoga Wellness Instructor Certificate Course

The National Institute of Sowa-Rigpa launched a Yoga Wellness Instructor Certificate Course in Leh.
The programme is conducted in collaboration with the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY).
It is a three-month, 400-hour certification programme.
The course follows the official MDNIY curriculum.
It promotes holistic healthcare and wellness practices in Ladakh.
Participants receive both theoretical and practical yoga training.
The programme integrates yoga with traditional and modern healthcare systems.
It also creates employment opportunities for yoga professionals.
Key Fact: Sowa-Rigpa is a traditional Tibetan system of medicine recognized under AYUSH.

Gujarat Launches e-Zero FIR System for Faster Cyber Fraud Action

Gujarat launched the e-Zero FIR system on 27 July 2026.
The initiative simplifies reporting of cyber financial fraud cases.
Victims can register complaints without visiting police stations.
Complaints received through the 1930 National Cybercrime Helpline are automatically converted into e-Zero FIRs.
Cases are electronically forwarded to the concerned police station.
Police verify complaint details before beginning investigations.
The system was developed with the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C).
It aims to improve fund recovery and strengthen cybercrime response.
Key Fact: The national helpline number for reporting cyber financial fraud is 1930.

Gujarat Launches Shipbuilding Policy 2026 to Boost Maritime Growth

Gujarat introduced the Shipbuilding and Repair Policy 2026.
The policy aims to establish Gujarat as India’s leading shipbuilding hub.
Expected investments under the policy exceed ₹27,000 crore.
Two Integrated Mega Shipbuilding Parks will be developed.
The policy promotes green shipyards and modern maritime infrastructure.
A Greenfield Shipbuilding Cluster is planned in Porbandar.
The initiative is expected to generate large-scale employment and skill development.
It supports exports, innovation, and self-reliance in the maritime sector.
Key Fact: Gujarat has the longest coastline among Indian states, stretching over 1,600 km.

Banking News

Government Approves Polymer Banknote Trials to Modernize Indian Currency System

The Government approved the RBI’s proposal to conduct field trials of polymer banknotes.
The trials will include one billion ₹10 notes and one billion ₹20 notes.
Polymer notes are made from a durable plastic-based material.
The objective is to test their durability under different climatic conditions.
Polymer notes are more resistant to moisture, dirt, and wear than paper notes.
They also offer enhanced security features to prevent counterfeiting.
Paper currency will continue to circulate alongside polymer notes.
The initiative aims to reduce long-term currency printing and replacement costs.
Key Fact: India had earlier conducted pilot studies on polymer banknotes in 2012, but they were not introduced into circulation.

SBI Life Insurance Becomes Principal Partner for India’s Para Sports Team

SBI Life Insurance has partnered with the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI).
The company will serve as the Principal Partner for India’s para sports contingent in 2026.
It will also be the Official Life Insurance Partner for the Commonwealth Para Games 2026.
The partnership extends to the Asian Para Games 2026 in Aichi–Nagoya.
The collaboration aims to promote inclusivity and support para-athletes.
SBI Life will help increase awareness about para sports across the country.
The partnership continues its support after the 2024 Paris Paralympics.
The initiative reflects growing corporate support for India’s para sports ecosystem.
Key Fact: The Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) is the apex body responsible for promoting and managing para sports in India.

Awards News

Prem K. Vora Honored With Rashtriya Ashok Samman for Industry Leadership

Prem K. Vora received the prestigious Rashtriya Ashok Samman (Bharat Samman).
The award was presented during the National Leadership Conclave in New Delhi.
He currently serves as President of the Electric Merchants Association (2025–26).
The honour recognizes his contribution to India’s electrical trade sector.
He has promoted ethical business practices and MSME development.
Vora has encouraged digital transformation through the Green Electricals initiative.
His leadership has strengthened innovation and modernization in the electrical industry.
He has previously received several national and international leadership awards.
Key Fact: The Electric Merchants Association (EMA) represents businesses engaged in India’s electrical products and equipment trade.

Science & Technology News

India Unveils Indigenous Semiconductor Chips for Future Space Missions

India announced that future space missions will use indigenously developed semiconductor chips.
The announcement was made by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.
The initiative follows Skyroot Aerospace’s successful Vikram-1 orbital test flight.
Space-grade chips are essential for navigation, flight control, and onboard computers.
These chips can withstand radiation, extreme temperatures, and vibrations.
The move aims to reduce dependence on imported semiconductor components.
It will strengthen India’s strategic technology and supply-chain security.
ISRO plans to develop indigenous processors and mission electronics within four years.
Key Fact: Space-grade semiconductors are designed to operate reliably in the harsh radiation environment of space.

ZSI Discovers Two New Spider Species Expanding India’s Biodiversity Records

Scientists from the Zoological Survey of India discovered two new spider species.
The species are Simonia lawbah and Hamataliwa papikonda.
Simonia lawbah was discovered in Meghalaya’s Krem Lawbah Cave.
Hamataliwa papikonda was found in Papikonda National Park, Andhra Pradesh.
The discoveries were published in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
Simonia lawbah is India’s first recorded species of the Simonia genus.
The discoveries highlight India’s rich and largely unexplored biodiversity.
They also emphasize the importance of taxonomy and conservation research.
Key Fact: The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) was established in 1916 and is headquartered in Kolkata.

Sports News

Sarvesh Kushare Wins Historic Commonwealth Games High Jump Silver Medal

Sarvesh Anil Kushare won the silver medal in the men’s high jump at the Commonwealth Games 2026.
He cleared a best height of 2.25 metres to secure his first major multi-sport medal.
Kushare successfully crossed 2.25 metres on his final attempt.
He was unable to clear the next height of 2.28 metres.
Jamaica’s Romaine Beckford won the gold medal on countback.
Scotland’s Jack Kimani claimed the bronze medal with a jump of 2.20 metres.
The silver medal is India’s best-ever performance in Commonwealth Games men’s high jump.
The achievement follows Kushare’s national record jump of 2.31 metres.
Key Fact: Sarvesh Kushare holds the Indian national record in men’s high jump with 2.31 metres.

Ajaya Babu Secures Thrilling Commonwealth Games Weightlifting Silver Medal

Ajaya Babu won the silver medal in the men’s 79kg weightlifting event.
He lifted a combined total of 330kg.
His lifts included 149kg in snatch and 181kg in clean and jerk.
He missed the gold medal by just 1kg.
Malaysia’s Erry Hidayat Muhammad won gold with a Games record of 331kg.
England’s Chris Murray secured the bronze medal.
Ajaya’s medal became India’s sixth weightlifting medal of the Games.
His performance further strengthened India’s reputation in weightlifting.
Key Fact: Ajaya Babu was the Commonwealth Weightlifting Champion in 2025.

Gyaneshwari Yadav Claims Record-Breaking Commonwealth Games Weightlifting Silver Medal

Gyaneshwari Yadav won the silver medal in the women’s 53kg event.
She lifted 88kg in snatch and 111kg in clean and jerk.
Her lifts initially created new Commonwealth Games records.
Nigeria’s Onome Omolola later surpassed those records to win gold.
Canada’s Rebeka Groulx secured the bronze medal.
Gyaneshwari became India’s fourth weightlifting medalist at the Games.
She also serves as an Assistant Sub Inspector in the Chhattisgarh Police.
Her international success continues after medals at the Asian Weightlifting Championships.
Key Fact: Gyaneshwari Yadav is employed as an Assistant Sub Inspector (ASI) in Chhattisgarh Police.

Esha Singh Wins World Cup Gold as Manu Bhaker Takes Bronze

Esha Singh won the gold medal in the women’s 25m pistol event at the ISSF World Cup 2026.
The tournament was held in Hangzhou, China.
Esha scored 40 hits in the final to clinch the title.
China’s Zhang Yueyue won the silver medal with 37 hits.
Manu Bhaker secured the bronze medal after a shoot-off.
Esha’s victory earned her direct qualification for the ISSF World Cup Final 2026.
Both Indian shooters strengthened India’s standing in international shooting.
Their performances highlighted India’s growing dominance in women’s pistol events.
Key Fact: The ISSF World Cup Final 2026 is scheduled to be held in Rome, Italy.

Important Days News

World Hepatitis Day 2026 Promotes Awareness, Prevention, and Equal Healthcare Access

World Hepatitis Day is observed every year on 28 July.
It raises awareness about viral hepatitis and liver diseases.
The 2026 theme is “Hepatitis: Let’s Break It Down.”
The campaign promotes testing, vaccination, and timely treatment.
It also aims to eliminate stigma associated with hepatitis.
WHO supports the goal of eliminating viral hepatitis by 2030.
Early diagnosis and quality healthcare remain major priorities.
The observance encourages governments to strengthen public health systems.
Key Fact: World Hepatitis Day is observed on the birth anniversary of Dr. Baruch Blumberg, who discovered the Hepatitis B virus and won the Nobel Prize.

World Nature Conservation Day 2026 Highlights Protecting Earth’s Natural Resources

World Nature Conservation Day is observed annually on 28 July.
The day promotes conservation of natural resources and biodiversity.
It encourages sustainable use of forests, water, wildlife, and ecosystems.
The observance highlights challenges like climate change and habitat loss.
Governments and organizations are encouraged to adopt eco-friendly practices.
Healthy ecosystems are essential for food security and climate stability.
The campaign inspires individuals to protect the environment.
It reinforces the need for sustainable development for future generations.
Key Fact: The Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework aims to protect 30% of the world’s land and oceans by 2030.

Obituaries News

Veteran Congress Leader Hira Singh Bisht Passes Away After Decades of Service

Former Uttarakhand minister Hira Singh Bisht passed away on 26 July 2026.
He died in Dehradun at the age of 85 after suffering a cardiac arrest.
Bisht was a three-time MLA from Doiwala and Rajpur constituencies.
He served as a Cabinet Minister in the N.D. Tiwari government.
His portfolios included transport, labour, and technical education.
He also contributed significantly to sports administration in Uttarakhand.
Bisht was a founder member of the Cricket Association of Uttarakhand.
He actively worked for labour welfare through the INTUC.
Key Fact: Hira Singh Bisht served as a Cabinet Minister in the N.D. Tiwari government and was closely associated with Uttarakhand’s political development.