National News
UIDAI Launches Free Email Update Service in Aadhaar App: Everything You Need to Know
- UIDAI has introduced a new feature allowing Aadhaar holders to add or update their email ID through the official Aadhaar App.
- The service became available from 1 July 2026.
- It is being offered free of cost for six months, encouraging citizens to update Aadhaar details digitally.
- Users no longer need to visit an Aadhaar Seva Kendra for email updates.
- Linking an email ID enables real-time alerts whenever Aadhaar authentication is used.
- The feature enhances security, transparency, and user awareness regarding Aadhaar usage.
- Within just two days of launch, more than 2.5 lakh users updated their email IDs.
- The Aadhaar App also supports updates of mobile numbers, addresses, and other eligible services.
- Over 40 lakh mobile numbers and 10 lakh addresses have already been updated digitally through the app.
- The initiative promotes Digital Governance, improves citizen convenience, and reduces paperwork.
Key Fact: Free Email Update Service is available on the Aadhaar App from 1 July 2026 for six months, with 2.5 lakh+ email updates recorded within two days.
ACME Signs $1 Billion Green Methanol Deal with Japan, Boosting India’s Green Fuel Ambitions
- ACME Group signed a nearly US$1 billion long-term agreement with Mitsubishi Gas Chemical (MGC), Japan.
- The agreement provides for the annual supply of 100,000 tonnes of Green Methanol.
- Production will take place at ACME’s upcoming facility in Paradip, Odisha.
- The announcement coincided with the 16th India–Japan Annual Summit.
- It is among India’s largest Green Fuel export agreements.
- Green Methanol is produced using Green Hydrogen and captured Carbon Dioxide (CO₂).
- It is considered a low-carbon fuel suitable for the shipping and maritime sector.
- The fuel can be transported using existing storage and transport infrastructure.
- The exports will primarily serve Japan’s maritime industry.
- The project complies with EU Renewable Fuels of Non-Biological Origin (RFNBO) standards and future IMO regulations.
- The agreement supports India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission and strengthens India–Japan clean energy cooperation.
Key Fact: ACME will export 100,000 tonnes of Green Methanol annually to Japan under a US$1 billion agreement from its Paradip (Odisha) facility.
India Launches e-OCI Card: How OCI Cardholders Can Download and Use the New Digital OCI Card
- The Government of India has launched the Electronic Overseas Citizen of India (e-OCI) Card.
- It allows eligible OCI cardholders to carry a digital OCI card on their smartphones.
- The card can be generated and downloaded through the OCI Services Portal.
- The digital card serves as proof of OCI status during international travel.
- It can be presented to immigration authorities and airline officials for verification.
- The initiative reduces dependence on carrying physical documents.
- It minimizes the risk of loss or damage of the physical OCI booklet.
- The move supports India’s vision of Digital Governance and paperless services.
- The government clarified that the physical OCI booklet remains fully valid.
- The e-OCI Card is optional and acts as a digital alternative rather than a replacement.
- Millions of OCI holders worldwide can now access their OCI credentials more conveniently.
Key Fact: The e-OCI Card is an optional digital version of the OCI booklet and can be downloaded through the OCI Services Portal.
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal Unveils First India-made Export-Import Shipping Container
- Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal unveiled India’s first export-import shipping container manufactured domestically.
- The container was produced for global shipping company A.P. Moller–Maersk.
- The unveiling took place at Dadri, Uttar Pradesh.
- The initiative supports Atmanirbhar Bharat, Make in India, and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.
- Following the launch, Maersk placed an additional order for 1,000 India-made containers.
- The order was awarded to the DCM Shriram Group.
- The development marks the beginning of a long-term commercial partnership.
- It aligns with the ₹10,000 crore Container Manufacturing Promotion Scheme (CMPS).
- CMPS aims to increase India’s container manufacturing capacity tenfold.
- The scheme provides support for capital investment, technology, testing, R&D, and operational incentives.
- The initiative is expected to boost manufacturing, exports, employment, and supply-chain resilience.
Key Fact: The ₹10,000 crore CMPS aims to make India a global shipping container manufacturing hub, while Maersk has ordered 1,000 additional India-made containers.
PM Modi Inaugurates the First Greenfield Integrated Refinery-cum-Petrochemical Complex at Pachpadra in Rajasthan
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the refinery on 4 July 2026.
- The project is located at Pachpadra, Balotra district, Rajasthan.
- It has been developed by HPCL Rajasthan Refinery Limited (HRRL).
- HRRL is a joint venture between HPCL and the Government of Rajasthan.
- It is India’s first Greenfield integrated refinery-cum-petrochemical complex.
- The refinery has a crude processing capacity of 9 Million Metric Tonnes Per Annum (MMTPA).
- The total project investment exceeds ₹79,450 crore.
- The project will strengthen India’s energy security.
- It will increase petrochemical self-sufficiency and reduce import dependence.
- The refinery will produce cleaner fuels and value-added petrochemical products.
- The project represents a major milestone in India’s energy and petrochemical sector.
Key Fact: India’s first Greenfield integrated refinery-cum-petrochemical complex has been established at Pachpadra, Rajasthan, with an investment of ₹79,450 crore and a capacity of 9 MMTPA.
Japan Backs Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train Target
- Japan has reaffirmed support for the Mumbai–Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) project.
- Commercial operations on priority sections are targeted by 2027.
- The 508-km corridor is India’s first Bullet Train project.
- The project was launched in 2017.
- It connects Mumbai and Ahmedabad using Japan’s Shinkansen technology.
- Advanced E10 Shinkansen trains are planned for operation.
- The first operational section is expected between Surat–Bilimora or Surat–Vapi in Gujarat.
- The priority stretch is targeted for opening by 15 August 2027.
- JICA is financing 81% of the project’s estimated US$17 billion cost.
- The loan has a tenure of 50 years with an interest rate of 0.1%.
- The complete corridor is expected to become operational by 2029.
Key Fact: JICA is funding 81% of the US$17 billion Bullet Train project through a 50-year loan at 0.1% interest, with the first section targeted for 15 August 2027.
Global Biofuels Alliance Selects First 15 Global Biofuel Champion Fellows to Boost Clean Energy Research
- The Global Biofuels Alliance (GBA) selected its first 15 Global Biofuel Champion Fellows.
- The induction ceremony was held on 30 June 2026 at the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi.
- Each fellow will receive a research grant of up to US$15,000.
- Fellows will serve as GBA Ambassadors for two years.
- The fellowship promotes biofuel research, innovation, and leadership.
- The Global Biofuels Alliance was launched during the G20 Summit, New Delhi (September 2023).
- The alliance currently includes 34 member countries and 14 international organizations.
- Fellows were selected through a multi-stage international evaluation process.
- Applications were received from researchers across 32 countries.
- Selected fellows represent leading institutions such as IIT Madras, Imperial College London, University of Michigan, University of Manchester, Monash University, Polytechnique Montréal, and the University of Sheffield.
- The fellowship supports research in ethanol, biodiesel, and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
Key Fact: The Global Biofuels Alliance, launched during the G20 Summit 2023, now has 34 member countries and 14 international organizations, with its first 15 Global Biofuel Champion Fellows receiving grants of up to US$15,000.
State News
West Bengal’s Jalbhara Sandesh, Janai’s Manohara and Balagarh’s Traditional Boats Receive GI Tags
- The Government of India has granted Geographical Indication (GI) Tags to three traditional products from Hooghly district, West Bengal.
- The products are Chandannagar’s Jalbhara Sandesh, Janai’s Manohara, and Balagarh’s Traditional Wooden (Dingi) Boats.
- The GI tag protects the authenticity and regional identity of these traditional products.
- Jalbhara Sandesh was created in the 19th century by renowned confectioner Surya Modak.
- It is famous for its hidden liquid rose-flavoured syrup inside the sandesh.
- Janai’s Manohara is known for its sugar-coated outer layer and soft chhena filling.
- Balagarh’s Dingi Boats represent a 500-year-old boat-building tradition associated with the historic Saptagram Port.
- GI recognition provides legal protection against imitation and misuse.
- The recognition enhances market value, branding, and export opportunities.
- It also supports the livelihoods of local artisans, boat makers, and sweet manufacturers.
- The initiative helps preserve West Bengal’s rich cultural and culinary heritage.
Key Fact: The three newly GI-tagged products from Hooghly district are Jalbhara Sandesh, Janai’s Manohara, and Balagarh’s Traditional Dingi Boats.
Eight Traditional Himachal Products Secure GI Tags, Strengthening Heritage and Rural Economy
- Himachal Pradesh has received GI registration for eight traditional products.
- The recognition increases the state’s total number of GI-tagged products to 17.
- The newly registered products include Spiti Seabuckthorn (Chharma) and Salooni Safed Makka (White Maize).
- Other products are Chamba Metal Art, Sirmauri Loiya, Kinnauri Topi, and Sepuvadi of Mandi.
- Kinnauri Apple and Kinnauri Jewellery have also received GI status.
- GI registration is granted under the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999.
- The tag protects products with unique geographical characteristics from duplication.
- GI recognition improves market value, branding, and export potential.
- The initiative is expected to benefit farmers, artisans, and rural entrepreneurs.
- Himachal Pradesh is also seeking GI registration for Bhot Jau, Chamba Chukh, Plectranthus Honey, and Sirmaur Ginger.
- The move promotes the state’s traditional heritage and rural economy.
Key Fact: With eight new GI Tags, Himachal Pradesh now has 17 GI-tagged products, protected under the GI Act, 1999.
Assam Becomes the First Indian State to Commercially Produce Matcha Tea
- Assam has become the first Indian state to commercially produce Matcha Tea.
- The inaugural batch was produced on 3 July 2026.
- Production took place at the Chota Tingrai Tea Estate in Tinsukia district.
- The first batch was sold through the Guwahati Tea Auction Centre (GTAC).
- Matcha is a finely powdered green tea that originated in Japan.
- It is produced using shade-grown tea leaves, which are steamed, dried, and finely ground.
- Matcha is valued for its high antioxidant content and health benefits.
- The project resulted from nearly a decade of collaboration with Japanese tea experts.
- The processing facility uses fully automated Japanese-style technology.
- The inaugural batch was auctioned by J. Thomas & Co. Pvt. Ltd. and purchased by Sheosons Chai Co..
- The initiative diversifies Assam’s tea industry and strengthens its position in the global specialty tea market.
Key Fact: Assam is the first Indian state to commercially produce Matcha Tea, with production beginning at Chota Tingrai Tea Estate, Tinsukia, on 3 July 2026.
International News
India and Mali Launch First Export Promotion Forum to Strengthen Trade and Investment Ties
- India and Mali have launched the first India–Mali Forum for the Promotion of Exports.
- The forum was inaugurated in Bamako, the capital of Mali.
- It aims to institutionalize bilateral trade and investment cooperation.
- The event was organized under the theme “Reinforcing Trade and Strategic Partnerships.”
- It brought together government officials and around 30 Indian business leaders.
- Bilateral trade between the two countries reached US$326.61 million during FY 2025–26.
- Trade recorded a 55% year-on-year growth, supported by India’s Duty-Free Tariff Preference (DFTP) Scheme.
- Mali exports raw cotton, leather, cashew, sesame, lead, and gum arabic to India.
- India exports pharmaceuticals, cotton fabrics, bicycles, and two- & three-wheelers to Mali.
- The forum included B2B, B2G, and G2G meetings, focusing on textiles, mining, energy, pharmaceuticals, agro-industry, digital trade, and investment protection.
- Mali also announced an Investment Forum scheduled for 3–4 December 2026 to attract global investors.
Key Fact: India–Mali bilateral trade reached US$326.61 million in FY 2025–26, recording a 55% annual growth, with the first Export Promotion Forum launched in Bamako.
Defence News
Indian Navy Deploys P-8I Aircraft for RIMPAC 2026, Strengthening Indo-Pacific Maritime Cooperation
- The Indian Navy has deployed a P-8I long-range maritime reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare aircraft to Hawaii.
- The deployment is for RIMPAC 2026 (Rim of the Pacific Exercise), the world’s largest multinational naval exercise.
- RIMPAC 2026 is being hosted by the US Pacific Fleet.
- The exercise is being conducted at Joint Base Pearl Harbor–Hickam, Hawaii, from 24 June to 31 July 2026.
- Around 30–31 countries are participating in the exercise.
- The exercise involves 30–40 warships, 5 submarines, 140–206 aircraft, and nearly 30,000 personnel.
- The P-8I, based on the Boeing P-8 Poseidon platform, enhances maritime surveillance, reconnaissance, and anti-submarine warfare capabilities.
- India has participated in every edition of RIMPAC since 2014.
- The exercise improves interoperability, maritime security, and naval cooperation among Indo-Pacific nations.
- Vice Admiral Jeff Jablon of the US Navy is commanding RIMPAC 2026.
- The theme of the exercise is “Partners: Integrated and Prepared,” promoting a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific.
Key Fact: RIMPAC 2026 is being held from 24 June–31 July 2026 at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, with 30–31 participating nations, and India is participating for the seventh consecutive time since 2014.
Defence Acquisition Council Approves ₹52,000 Crore Defence Procurement to Strengthen India’s Military Capabilities
- The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) approved defence procurement proposals worth over ₹52,000 crore.
- The meeting was chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
- The approvals were granted under the Buy (Indian–IDDM) and Buy (Indian) categories to promote indigenous defence manufacturing.
- The procurement aims to enhance the operational preparedness of the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force.
- Key approvals include the procurement of Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QRSAM) systems.
- The DAC also cleared the acquisition of Armoured Recovery Vehicles (ARVs) for the Army.
- The proposals include Electronic Warfare Systems and other advanced defence technologies.
- The approvals support the government’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative in the defence sector.
- The procurement will strengthen air defence, mobility, surveillance, and combat readiness.
- Indigenous procurement is expected to boost the domestic defence industry, generate employment, and encourage technological innovation.
- The decision reinforces India’s focus on modernising its armed forces and reducing dependence on imports.
Key Fact: The Defence Acquisition Council, chaired by Rajnath Singh, approved ₹52,000 crore worth of procurement proposals under the Buy (Indian–IDDM) and Buy (Indian) categories.
Schemes News
VB-G RAM G Act 2026 Explained: State-Wise Wage Rates, 125 Days Employment, Key Changes & Benefits
- The Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Aajeevika Mission (Gramin) [VB-G RAM (G)] Act, 2025 came into force on 1 July 2026.
- The Act replaces the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).
- It guarantees 125 days of wage employment per eligible rural household.
- Earlier, MGNREGA guaranteed 100 days of employment.
- The Act introduces a minimum daily wage of ₹300, with an average wage of around ₹327.40.
- Weekly wage payments have been made mandatory.
- The scheme prioritizes climate-resilient infrastructure, water conservation, agricultural assets, and rural development.
- Development planning will be carried out through Gram Panchayats using the National Rural Infrastructure Stack, integrated with PM Gati Shakti.
- States have the flexibility to pause works during peak agricultural seasons.
- The revised funding pattern is 90:10, 60:40, or 100% Central funding, depending on the category of the State/UT.
- The Act supports the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047 by strengthening rural livelihoods and infrastructure.
Key Fact: VB-G RAM (G) replaced MGNREGA from 1 July 2026, increasing guaranteed employment from 100 to 125 days with a minimum wage of ₹300 per day.
UP Rashtriya Parivarik Labh Yojana 2026: Eligibility, Benefits, Online Application Process & Required Documents
- The Uttar Pradesh Rashtriya Parivarik Labh Yojana provides financial assistance to BPL families after the death of their sole earning member.
- Eligible families receive one-time assistance of ₹30,000.
- The scheme supports families facing sudden financial hardship.
- The deceased breadwinner must have been 18–60 years of age.
- The applicant must be a permanent resident of Uttar Pradesh.
- The annual family income should not exceed ₹56,450 (Urban) or ₹46,080 (Rural).
- Applications are accepted only through the official online portal.
- Required documents include Death Certificate, Aadhaar Card, BPL Ration Card, Aadhaar-linked Bank Account, Domicile Certificate, Age Proof, Photograph, and Mobile Number.
- Applications are verified by the District Social Welfare Officer.
- After verification, the financial assistance is directly transferred to the beneficiary’s Aadhaar-linked bank account through DBT.
- The scheme ensures timely financial support and promotes transparent digital benefit transfer.
Key Fact: The scheme provides ₹30,000 as one-time financial assistance to eligible BPL families in Uttar Pradesh through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
Science & Technology News
Bihar’s 700-Year-Old Munger Banyan Identified as the Oldest Scientifically Dated Banyan Tree
- Scientists have confirmed that a banyan tree in Munger, Bihar, is around 700 years old.
- It is now recognized as the oldest scientifically dated Banyan Tree (Ficus benghalensis).
- The discovery was announced by the Department of Science and Technology (DST).
- Researchers from the Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences (BSIP) conducted the study.
- Banyan trees cannot be dated using annual growth rings, making age determination challenging.
- Scientists used Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (AMS) Radiocarbon Dating.
- The dating was performed on alpha-cellulose extracted from wood samples.
- The results were calibrated using the IntCal20 calibration curve and OxCal software.
- The findings revealed that the tree is much older than the nearby Burra Bunglow.
- The study suggests the tree belonged to an ancient natural forest, rather than being planted during the Mughal or British period.
- The research establishes a scientifically validated protocol for accurately dating Banyan trees.
Key Fact: The 700-year-old Banyan Tree in Munger (Bihar) became the oldest scientifically dated Banyan Tree, using AMS Radiocarbon Dating by BSIP.
Important Days News
International Day of Cooperatives 2026: Date, Theme, History & Significance
- International Day of Cooperatives 2026 was observed on 4 July 2026.
- It is celebrated every year on the first Saturday of July.
- The 2026 theme is “Cooperatives for a Peaceful World!”
- The theme highlights the role of cooperatives in promoting peace, inclusion, and sustainable development.
- The observance recognizes the contribution of cooperative enterprises to economic and social progress.
- Cooperatives promote democratic participation, shared ownership, and community welfare.
- They contribute to employment generation, financial inclusion, rural development, women’s empowerment, and sustainable agriculture.
- The day has been officially recognized by the United Nations since 1995.
- The observance is supported by organizations such as the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) and COPAC.
- It also promotes the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- The day emphasizes people-centric economic development over profit-driven models.
Key Fact: International Day of Cooperatives 2026 was observed on 4 July with the theme “Cooperatives for a Peaceful World!”, promoting cooperative values and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Daily Current Affairs Quiz 4th July 2026...
Daily Current Affairs and GK Updates (3r...
Daily Current Affairs Quiz 3rd July 2026...
