Daily Current Affairs and GK Updates (7th July 2026)

National News

Amit Shah Announces Cooperative Life Insurance Company, Bharat Taxi Expansion to 500 Cities

• Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah made the announcement during the 5th Foundation Day of the Ministry of Cooperation.
• A Cooperative Life Insurance Company will be established to strengthen the cooperative sector.
• The insurance company aims to improve financial inclusion and expand affordable insurance coverage.
• Amit Shah emphasized promoting organic farming through cooperative institutions.
• Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) will be encouraged to support entrepreneurship and rural development.
• Bharat Taxi, operated by Sahakar Taxi Cooperative Ltd., follows a cooperative ownership model.
• Under this model, taxi drivers are partners instead of employees, ensuring greater income participation.
• The platform currently has 6.37 lakh registered drivers and 35.77 lakh customers.
• Bharat Taxi is already operating in several major cities across India.
• It will soon expand to Ranchi, Patna, Guwahati, Bhopal, Kolkata, Indore, and Nagpur.
• The platform aims to expand its services to 500 cities within the next two years.

Key Fact: Bharat Taxi is India’s cooperative-based taxi platform where drivers are partners, not employees.

PM Modi Inaugurates India’s First Greenfield Refinery-Cum-Petrochemical Complex at Pachpadra

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the refinery on 4 July 2026.
• The project is located at Pachpadra, Balotra district, Rajasthan.
• It is India’s first greenfield integrated refinery-cum-petrochemical complex.
• The project has been developed at an investment of over ₹79,450 crore.
• It is a joint venture between HPCL and the Government of Rajasthan.
• The refinery has a 9 MMTPA crude oil refining capacity.
• It also has a 2.4 MMTPA petrochemical production capacity.
• Products include petrol, diesel, LPG, aviation turbine fuel, and petrochemical feedstock.
• The complex will reduce India’s dependence on petrochemical imports and strengthen energy security.
• It is expected to create employment, promote downstream industries, and support the Petrochemical & Plastic Park in Rajasthan.
• The project will transform western Rajasthan into a major industrial and manufacturing hub.

Key Fact: Pachpadra is India’s first Greenfield Integrated Refinery-Cum-Petrochemical Complex.

State News

Arunachal Pradesh Launches Emergency Helicopter Flood Relief Operations to Reach Isolated Villages

• Arunachal Pradesh launched emergency helicopter relief operations on 4 July 2026.
• The mission targeted flood-hit villages in Lower Siang district.
• A Skyone Airways Mi-172 helicopter transported relief materials.
• Supplies were airlifted from Pasighat Advanced Landing Ground to Koyu helipad.
• Roads and bridges were damaged due to floods and landslides.
• The first sortie delivered 11.5 metric tonnes of PDS rice and other essentials.
• The helicopter also transported medicines and emergency supplies.
• Four patients were airlifted from Koyu to Pasighat for treatment.
• Villages like Rotte, Rame, Loglu, Lipin, and nearby areas benefited.
• The operation involved the Civil Aviation Department, district administration, and disaster management authorities.
• The mission highlighted the importance of air connectivity during disasters.

Key Fact: The first helicopter mission delivered 11.5 metric tonnes of relief material.

UP New Startup Policy 2026: New Incentives, Fund Details and Eligibility

• The Uttar Pradesh Cabinet approved the Startup Policy 2026 on 6 July 2026.
• The policy supports the state’s vision of becoming a $1 trillion economy by 2030.
• A ₹1,000 crore Startup Fund has been created.
• Eligible startups can receive seed funding up to ₹15 lakh.
• Strategic projects will receive assistance of up to ₹50 lakh.
• Prototype development grants of ₹10 lakh are available.
• Cloud service reimbursement of up to ₹2 lakh annually has been introduced.
• Deep-tech sectors like AI, Machine Learning, Robotics, and Aerospace receive special incentives.
• Patient capital support of up to ₹100 crore is available for eligible startups.
• The Uttar Pradesh Startup Mission will act as the nodal agency.
• Special support is provided for women, PwDs, transgender entrepreneurs, weaker sections, Purvanchal, and Bundelkhand.

Key Fact: UP Startup Policy 2026 creates a ₹1,000 crore Startup Fund.

UP Cabinet Approves AI-Ready Data Center Policy 2026 to Attract ₹2 Lakh Crore Investment

• Uttar Pradesh approved the Data Centre Policy 2026.
• It replaces the Data Centre Policy 2021.
• The policy aims to attract ₹2 lakh crore investment.
• It targets the addition of 2 GW data centre capacity.
• Focus is on green and AI-enabled data centres.
• Incentives are offered for GPU-based AI infrastructure.
• Tier III and Tier IV data centres receive additional benefits.
• Extra subsidies are available for projects in Bundelkhand and Purvanchal.
• Around 50,000 construction jobs are expected.
• Around 7,500 operational jobs will be created.
• The policy promotes AI, cloud computing, fintech, e-commerce, digital governance, and IT/ITeS.

Key Fact: The policy aims to attract ₹2 lakh crore investment.

Yogi Government Renames Jalalabad Town as Parashurampuri

• Uttar Pradesh Cabinet approved renaming Jalalabad.
• The town is located in Shahjahanpur district.
• The new name is Parashurampuri.
• Approval followed clearance from the Central Government.
• The proposal was based on demands from local residents.
• The town is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Parashuram.
• Lord Parashuram is the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
• The government said the new name reflects the town’s cultural identity.
• Jalalabad received its name during the Mughal era after Akbar.
• Administrative and legal formalities will now be completed.
• The renaming aims to preserve historical and religious heritage.

Key Fact: Jalalabad (Shahjahanpur) has been renamed Parashurampuri.

Sirsa Kinnow Receives GI Tag, Becomes Haryana’s First Fruit with Geographical Indication Recognition

• Sirsa Kinnow has received the GI Tag.
• It is Haryana’s first fruit to receive GI recognition.
• The registration was granted by the GI Registry, Chennai.
• The applicant was Kharisuverian Farmer Producer Company.
• The application was submitted in June 2023.
• Sirsa Kinnow is known for its sweet taste and high juice content.
• The fruit is also recognized for its large size and vibrant colour.
• The GI tag provides legal protection against imitation.
• It enhances domestic and international branding.
• Farmers are expected to receive better prices and higher profits.
• The recognition strengthens Haryana’s horticulture sector.

Key Fact: Sirsa Kinnow is Haryana’s first GI-tagged fruit.

West Bengal Approves ₹313.3 Crore PM Cha Shramik Protsahan Yojana for Tea Garden Workers

• West Bengal approved implementation of PMCSPY.
• The package is worth ₹313.3 crore.
• The scheme targets tea garden workers in North Bengal.
• More than 3 lakh workers and families will benefit.
• ₹177 crore is allocated for education.
• ₹72 crore is allocated for healthcare.
• ₹63 crore is earmarked for worker infrastructure.
• 321 rest sheds will be built under Cha Shramik Ashray Yojana.
• The scheme was earlier launched by the Central Government.
• It will be implemented by the North Bengal Development Department.
• Health Department, Samagra Shiksha Mission, and district administrations will assist implementation.

Key Fact: PMCSPY provides a ₹313.3 crore welfare package for tea workers.

Gujarat Builds First Air-Filled Rubber Dams Using South Korean Technology: Everything You Need to Know

• Gujarat is constructing its first inflatable rubber dams.
• The projects use South Korean technology.
• They are located at Rajvasana (Heran River) and Pathakwadi (Ambika River).
• Total investment exceeds ₹162 crore.
• Rajvasana project costs ₹82.97 crore.
• Pathakwadi project costs ₹79.13 crore.
• Rajvasana dam will irrigate 3,420 hectares.
• Pathakwadi dam will irrigate around 650 hectares.
• Both dams are equipped with automatic SCADA systems.
• High-tensile rubber bladders have been imported from South Korea.
• The dams have an estimated lifespan of 30 years with low maintenance.

Key Fact: Gujarat’s first inflatable rubber dams use South Korean air-filled rubber technology.

Awards News

PM Modi Receives Indonesia’s Highest Civilian Honour ‘Bintang Adipurna’ During Jakarta Visit

• PM Narendra Modi received Bintang Adipurna on 7 July 2026.
• The honour was conferred by President Prabowo Subianto.
• It is Indonesia’s highest civilian honour.
• The award ceremony took place at Istana Merdeka, Jakarta.
• It recognizes Modi’s contribution to India-Indonesia relations.
• The honour also acknowledges international cooperation.
• PM Modi dedicated the award to the people of India.
• The visit focuses on trade, investment, and defence cooperation.
• Discussions included maritime security, digital connectivity, and critical minerals.
• The visit supports India’s Act East Policy and MAHASAGAR Vision.
• It reflects growing Indo-Pacific strategic cooperation.

Key Fact: Bintang Adipurna is Indonesia’s highest civilian award.

Appointments News

Centre Appoints New Chiefs of BPR&D, NCRB and SVPNPA: Key Details You Should Know

• The appointments were approved on 6 July 2026.
• Approval came from the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC).
• Alok Kumar Mittal became DG of BPR&D.
• He is a 1993-batch Haryana cadre IPS officer.
• His tenure extends till 30 June 2029.
• Amit Garg became Director of NCRB.
• The NCRB post has been upgraded to DG level.
• Sujeet Pandey became Director of SVPNPA, Hyderabad.
• He is a 1994-batch Uttar Pradesh cadre IPS officer.
• The appointments strengthen police modernization and IPS training.
• BPR&D works under the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Key Fact: Alok Kumar Mittal (BPR&D), Amit Garg (NCRB), and Sujeet Pandey (SVPNPA) received new appointments.

Sanjeev Jain Appointed as India’s New Ambassador to North Korea

• MEA appointed Sanjeev Jain as Ambassador to North Korea.
• The announcement was made on 6 July 2026.
• Jain is a 2008-batch Indian Foreign Service officer.
• He will serve in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea).
• He previously served as Ambassador to Cabo Verde.
• He has extensive diplomatic experience.
• The appointment follows completion of diplomatic formalities.
• It aims to strengthen bilateral relations.
• India seeks continued diplomatic engagement with North Korea.
• The appointment supports India’s regional foreign policy objectives.
• Jain succeeds in representing India in one of its strategically important diplomatic missions.

Key Fact: Sanjeev Jain (2008-batch IFS) is India’s new Ambassador to North Korea.

Defense News

Adani Defence Launches ₹2,500 Crore Missile Manufacturing Plant in Madhya Pradesh

• Adani Defence launched a ₹2,500 crore missile manufacturing project.
• The facility is located at Pali, Shivpuri district, Madhya Pradesh.
• Foundation stone was laid on 5 July 2026.
• The project will manufacture medium and long-range missile systems.
• It will produce propellants, TNT, and explosive materials.
• The project was inaugurated by CM Mohan Yadav, Jyotiraditya Scindia, and Jeet Adani.
• It is expected to be completed within three years.
• Around 5,000 direct and indirect jobs will be created.
• More than 50 MSMEs will join the supply chain.
• It strengthens Madhya Pradesh’s defence manufacturing ecosystem.
• The project supports Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

Key Fact: The missile plant involves an investment of ₹2,500 crore.

INS Mahendragiri to Join Indian Navy on July 11: India’s Sixth Indigenous Stealth Frigate Set for Commissioning

• INS Mahendragiri will be commissioned on 11 July 2026.
• It is India’s sixth Project-17A Nilgiri-class stealth frigate.
• Built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited.
• Designed by the Warship Design Bureau.
• The vessel has over 75% indigenous content.
• It will join the Eastern Fleet.
• Equipped with surface-to-surface and surface-to-air missiles.
• Features advanced electronic warfare and anti-submarine systems.
• Uses CODOG propulsion.
• Named after the Mahendragiri mountain range.
• Strengthens India’s maritime defence capability.

Key Fact: INS Mahendragiri is the 6th indigenous Project-17A stealth frigate.

Indonesia to Import India’s Astra Missiles: A Major Boost to Defence Cooperation and Indigenous Defence Exports

• Indonesia will import India’s Astra BVRAAM.
• The decision was announced on 7 July 2026.
• The agreement followed talks between PM Modi and President Prabowo.
• Astra was developed by DRDO.
• It is manufactured by Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL).
• Astra is India’s first indigenous Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile.
• The deal boosts India’s defence exports.
• It supports Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
• Both countries also discussed BrahMos exports, EVM support, and Sabang Port.
• The agreement strengthens Indo-Pacific strategic cooperation.
• It highlights India’s emergence as a global defence exporter.

Key Fact: Astra is India’s first indigenous BVRAAM.

Science & Technology News

ISRO Conducts Ground Test of SOLVE Vehicle, Boosting India’s Gaganyaan Human Spaceflight Mission

• ISRO completed the first SOLVE ground test on 3 July 2026.
• The test took place at Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota.
• SOLVE supports the Gaganyaan mission.
• The test validated the new solid propulsion system.
• All performance parameters met expectations.
• SOLVE will launch a crew module to 10–17 km altitude.
• It will deploy 10 parachutes.
• The crew module will safely splash down in water.
• The vehicle uses modified PSLV solid propulsion technology.
• It includes a specially designed nozzle and slow burn-rate process.
• The milestone advances India’s human spaceflight programme.

Key Fact: SOLVE is designed to test the crew recovery system for the Gaganyaan mission.

China Conducts Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missile Test in South Pacific: Key Facts and Strategic Significance

• China conducted an SLBM test on 6 July 2026.
• The missile carried a dummy warhead.
• It was launched from a nuclear-powered submarine.
• It was China’s second Pacific strategic missile test since September 2024.
• It was the first known submarine-based strategic missile launch since 1982.
• SLBMs form a crucial part of sea-based nuclear deterrence.
• Australia, New Zealand, and Japan expressed concern.
• Japan had been informed before the launch.
• The test coincided with China-Russia Joint Sea-2026 naval exercises.
• The South Pacific falls under the Treaty of Rarotonga (1985) nuclear-free zone.
• The launch has strategic implications for Indo-Pacific security.

Key Fact: The Treaty of Rarotonga (1985) established the South Pacific Nuclear-Free Zone.

Current Affairs Today | 7th July 2026 Current Affairs | Daily Current Affairs By Ashish Gautam