National News

India Hosts BRICS Anti-Drugs Summit to Combat Global Trafficking

• India hosted the BRICS Heads of Anti-Drug Agencies Meeting in Guwahati on 6–7 July 2026.
• The meeting was organized by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
• Senior officials from the expanded 11-member BRICS grouping participated.
• Discussions focused on combating global drug trafficking and transnational narcotics crimes.
• Key issues included synthetic drugs, darknet-enabled trafficking, and New Psychoactive Substances (NPS).
• Cryptocurrency-based illicit financial networks were also discussed.
• India presented its Vision Document on Narcotics Control 2026–2029.
• The document emphasizes technology-driven investigations and stronger border surveillance.
• Intelligence sharing, inter-agency coordination, and international cooperation were highlighted.
• The meeting is expected to adopt a Joint Declaration to strengthen global anti-drug collaboration.

Key Fact: Guwahati was chosen as the venue due to its strategic location near India’s international borders.

India Crosses 104 Crore Linked Digital Health Records Milestone

• India linked over 104 crore digital health records under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM).
• More than 93 crore Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) accounts have been created.
• ABHA is a unique 14-digit digital health identification number.
• It securely connects patients with hospitals, doctors, labs, pharmacies, and insurers.
• The platform enables seamless sharing of digital health records.
• Patients can access their complete medical history anytime.
• The initiative supports paperless and secure healthcare services.
• ABDM aims to build a nationwide digital public health ecosystem.
• Integration of healthcare facilities across India is being expanded.
• The mission seeks to improve healthcare efficiency and service delivery.

Key Fact: ABHA functions as India’s digital health ID, similar to Aadhaar for healthcare services.

PM Modi Inaugurates Gujarat OSAT Semiconductor Facility in Sanand

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the CG Semi OSAT facility in Sanand, Gujarat.
• The facility is developed under the Semicon India Programme.
• OSAT stands for Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly and Test.
• It strengthens India’s semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem.
• The unit performs chip packaging, assembly, testing, and quality assurance.
• It supports electronics, automobile, and industrial manufacturing sectors.
• The project is a collaboration between India, Japan, and Thailand.
• Initial production capacity is 20 crore semiconductor units annually.
• Capacity is expected to increase to 500 crore units in the future.
• The facility supports India’s goal of becoming a global semiconductor hub.

Key Fact: OSAT facilities handle the final packaging and testing stages of semiconductor manufacturing.

Madhya Pradesh Tops India’s 2025–26 GI Registrations List

• India registered 125 new Geographical Indication (GI) tags during 2025–26.
• The total number of registered GI products increased to 822.
• Madhya Pradesh secured the highest number with 26 new GI tags.
• West Bengal ranked second with 24 registrations.
• Himachal Pradesh and Jharkhand followed with 13 and 11 registrations respectively.
• GI tags protect traditional products and regional identities.
• Madhya Pradesh received recognition for Khajuraho Stone Craft and Betul Bharewa Metal Craft.
• West Bengal added Jalbhara Sandesh and Banglar Nolen Gur.
• Jharkhand secured GI status for Tussar Silk Sarees and Dokra Craft.
• Handicrafts and agricultural products dominate India’s GI registrations.

Key Fact: Handicrafts account for 53% and agricultural products for 31% of all registered GI products in India.

India Ranks 125th in Global Passport Index 2026

• India ranked 125th among 197 countries in the Global Passport Index 2026.
• The country slipped one position despite achieving its highest-ever score.
• The index is published by Global Citizen Solutions.
• It evaluates mobility, quality of living, and investment opportunities.
• India ranked 136th in passport mobility.
• It ranked 118th in quality of living.
• India stood 94th in investment potential.
• Indian passport holders enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to around 26 destinations.
• Major countries still require visas for Indian travellers.
• Sweden secured the top position in the 2026 rankings.

Key Fact: The Global Passport Index assigns 50% weight to mobility, 25% to quality of living, and 25% to investment opportunities.

APEDA Ships First J&K Cherries, Plums to UAE

• APEDA facilitated the first export of premium cherries and plums from Jammu & Kashmir to the UAE.
• The shipment included one metric tonne of fresh stone fruits.
• Produce was sourced from Shopian and Pulwama districts.
• The fruits were exported to Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
• The initiative aims to increase India’s horticultural exports.
• Farmers received significantly higher returns than domestic markets.
• Cherry growers earned nearly 60% more income.
• Plum growers earned around 120% higher returns.
• APEDA expects to open new international markets for J&K produce.
• The initiative will strengthen India’s agricultural export potential.

Key Fact: APEDA stands for Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority.

State News

Delhi Launches Mission Kayakalp to Transform Government School Infrastructure

• The Delhi Government launched Mission Kayakalp to modernize government schools.
• The initiative was announced by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta.
• It focuses on repairing and upgrading school infrastructure.
• Laboratories, classrooms, and sanitation facilities will be improved.
• RO drinking water systems will be installed.
• Schools will become more accessible for children with disabilities.
• Green campuses and environmental sustainability are key priorities.
• Community participation will be encouraged through CSR and local organizations.
• The mission aims to improve the overall learning environment.
• It seeks to provide safe, clean, and inclusive schools for every student.

Key Fact: Mission Kayakalp emphasizes infrastructure development along with community participation to improve government schools.

International News

PM Modi Begins Six-Day Indonesia Australia New Zealand Diplomatic Tour

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi began a six-day visit from 6–11 July 2026.
• The tour covers Indonesia, Australia, and New Zealand.
• The visit aims to strengthen strategic and economic partnerships.
• In Indonesia, he will meet President Prabowo Subianto.
• He will also visit the Prambanan Temple in Yogyakarta.
• In Australia, talks will be held with PM Anthony Albanese.
• Discussions include defence, trade, education, technology, and mobility.
• In New Zealand, PM Modi will meet PM Christopher Luxon.
• Trade and economic cooperation will be major agenda items.
• The tour reinforces India’s Act East Policy and MAHASAGAR Vision.

Key Fact: The visit highlights India’s commitment to a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region.

India Chairs Key UN Consumer Protection Meeting in Geneva

• India is chairing the Ninth Session of the UNCTAD IGE Meeting in Geneva.
• The meeting is being held from 6–8 July 2026.
• It is led by Consumer Affairs Secretary Nidhi Khare.
• Policymakers and regulators from across the world are participating.
• The meeting focuses on strengthening global consumer protection.
• UN Principles for Consumer Product Safety will be launched.
• The principles were adopted by the UN General Assembly in December 2025.
• Argentina’s consumer protection framework will undergo peer review.
• India will showcase the National Consumer Helpline.
• The AI-powered e-Jagriti platform will also be presented.

Key Fact: India is highlighting its AI-based digital consumer grievance redressal system, e-Jagriti, at the UN meeting.

Awards News

ICMR Wins Gold for AI-Powered Mental Health Innovation Platform

• ICMR won the Gold Award at the National Awards for e-Governance 2026.
• The award recognizes the AI-powered ICMR-MINDS platform.
• It was presented by Dr. Jitendra Singh.
• The event was held in Jaipur.
• The platform supports mental health screening.
• It uses an AI-based Clinical Decision Support System (CDSS).
• It assists frontline healthcare workers.
• Features include multilingual and offline support.
• Real-time dashboards improve monitoring.
• The platform expands accessible mental healthcare.

Key Fact: ICMR-MINDS was developed with AIIMS institutions and PGIMER Chandigarh.

Schemes News

UP Vishwakarma Shram Samman Yojana Boosts Artisan Empowerment

• Uttar Pradesh runs the Vishwakarma Shram Samman Yojana.
• The scheme was launched in 2018.
• It supports traditional artisans and craftsmen.
• Free six-day residential skill training is provided.
• Beneficiaries receive a ₹10,000 toolkit grant.
• Loans up to ₹10 lakh are available.
• Multiple traditional trades are covered.
• The scheme promotes self-employment.
• Priority is given to weaker sections.
• It complements the PM Vishwakarma Scheme.

Key Fact: The scheme is implemented through the UP Khadi and Village Industries Board (UPKVIB).

Science & Technology News

Hayabusa2 Successfully Completes Historic High-Speed Torifune Asteroid Flyby Mission

• Japan’s Hayabusa2 spacecraft successfully flew past asteroid Torifune on 5 July 2026.
• The mission is operated by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA).
• The spacecraft passed within about 800 metres of the asteroid.
• It travelled at a relative speed of nearly 5 km per second.
• Scientists collected valuable data on the asteroid’s surface and composition.
• Torifune is estimated to be around 450–500 metres in diameter.
• JAXA confirmed that the spacecraft remained fully operational after the flyby.
• Hayabusa2 previously returned asteroid Ryugu samples to Earth in 2020.
• The flyby supports planetary defence and deep-space exploration research.
• The spacecraft’s next target is asteroid 1998 KY26, scheduled for 2031.

Key Fact: Hayabusa2 became globally famous after successfully returning samples from asteroid Ryugu to Earth in 2020.

Sports News

Neymar Jr Retires from Brazil After Emotional World Cup Exit

• Neymar Jr. announced his retirement from international football.
• Brazil lost 2–1 to Norway in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16.
• His final international match was played at MetLife Stadium.
• Neymar scored Brazil’s only goal through a penalty.
• His international career spanned nearly 16 years.
• He represented Brazil in 130 international matches.
• Neymar finished as Brazil’s all-time top men’s goal scorer with 80 goals.
• He also registered 59 international assists.
• His major titles include the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup and 2016 Olympic Gold Medal.
• Despite his achievements, he retired without winning a FIFA World Cup.

Key Fact: Neymar is Brazil’s all-time leading men’s international goal scorer with 80 goals.

Australia Wins Record 7th Women’s T20 World Cup Title

• Australia defeated England by seven wickets in the final.
• The final was played at Lord’s Cricket Ground on 5 July 2026.
• England scored 150/4 in their 20 overs.
• Captain Nat Sciver-Brunt remained unbeaten on 58.
• Australia chased the target in just 17.1 overs.
• Beth Mooney played a match-winning knock of 64 runs.
• Phoebe Litchfield contributed a quick 48 runs.
• Australia’s bowlers restricted England effectively.
• Beth Mooney was named Player of the Match.
• Australia lifted a record seventh ICC Women’s T20 World Cup trophy.

Key Fact: Australia is the most successful team in ICC Women’s T20 World Cup history with 7 titles.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Becomes Youngest India International Cricketer

• Vaibhav Sooryavanshi debuted for India on 4 July 2026.
• He made his T20I debut against England.
• The match was played at Old Trafford, Manchester.
• He became India’s youngest international cricketer.
• Vaibhav debuted at the age of 15 years and 99 days.
• He broke Sachin Tendulkar’s long-standing record.
• He also became India’s youngest men’s T20I debutant.
• The achievement highlights India’s emerging cricket talent.
• Romania’s Marian Gherasim still holds the global T20I age record.
• Vaibhav’s debut is considered a historic milestone for Indian cricket.

Key Fact: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi surpassed Sachin Tendulkar’s record as India’s youngest international cricketer.

Leclerc Wins Thrilling 2026 British Grand Prix at Silverstone

• Charles Leclerc won the 2026 British Grand Prix.
• The race was held at Silverstone Circuit.
• It marked Leclerc’s ninth Formula One career victory.
• Ferrari delivered an impressive overall performance.
• George Russell finished in second place.
• Lewis Hamilton secured third position.
• Max Verstappen retired after a late-race incident.
• A Safety Car influenced the race’s closing stages.
• Lando Norris finished fourth for McLaren.
• The race featured several crashes, penalties, and dramatic moments.

Key Fact: Charles Leclerc claimed his 9th Formula One Grand Prix victory driving for Ferrari.

Important Days News

World Zoonoses Day 2026 Highlights Animal-Human Disease Awareness

• World Zoonoses Day is observed every year on 6 July.
• The day raises awareness about diseases transmitted between animals and humans.
• It commemorates Louis Pasteur’s first successful rabies vaccination.
• Pasteur administered the vaccine on 6 July 1885.
• Rabies is one of the most well-known zoonotic diseases.
• Other zoonotic diseases include Ebola, COVID-19, Anthrax, and Avian Influenza.
• WHO estimates that nearly 60% of infectious diseases originate from animals.
• The observance promotes the One Health approach.
• Prevention includes vaccination, surveillance, hygiene, and safe food handling.
• Public awareness plays a key role in preventing disease outbreaks.

Key Fact: Louis Pasteur successfully administered the first rabies vaccine on 6 July 1885, inspiring the observance of World Zoonoses Day.

India Marks 125th Birth Anniversary of Syama Prasad Mookerjee

• India observed the 125th birth anniversary of Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee.
• He was born on 6 July 1901 in Kolkata.
• He became the youngest Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calcutta in 1934.
• Mookerjee introduced several educational reforms.
• After Independence, he served as Minister for Industry and Supply.
• He was a member of India’s first Union Cabinet.
• In 1951, he founded the Bharatiya Jana Sangh.
• The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) traces its origins to the Jana Sangh.
• He strongly advocated national integration and opposed the special status of Jammu & Kashmir.
• His contributions continue to influence Indian politics and nation-building.

Key Fact: Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee founded the Bharatiya Jana Sangh in 1951, the ideological predecessor of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).