Daily Current Affairs – 02-07-2026

States’ News

Arunachal Clan Conserves Endangered Ray-finned Fish

A Sangno clan in Arunachal Pradesh has launched an initiative to conserve the endangered Himalayan ray-finned fish, Schizothorax pelzami (Transcaspian marinka) and promote the sustainability of traditional community fishing. On June 28, nine members of the clan collected 52 fingerlings from the Lapabung stream at Talo village under the Bameng administrative circle and released them into the Richaso stream at Weshi village under the Pakoti administrative circle in East Kameng district. The fish were introduced into a stretch of the stream inaccessible to the predatory mahseer to improve their survival and breeding. Following the translocation, the village proposed a five-year ban on fishing in the Richaso stream to allow the fish population to recover before resuming periodic community fishing.

Borjuli Declared Biodiversity Heritage Site

The Borjuli site in Sonitpur district, Assam, has been notified as a Biodiversity Heritage Site by the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) under the National Rainfed Area Authority-funded project. The project, “In-situ Conservation and Management of Wild Rice (Oryza rufipogon) in Sonitpur District of Assam,” aims to conserve wild rice (Oryza rufipogon) in its natural habitat and promote climate-resilient agriculture. The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare stated that the project has been implemented since 2022 by the ICAR–National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR), New Delhi, in collaboration with the Assam State Biodiversity Board.

Punjab Launches Mawan Dhiyan Satkar Yojana

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann launched the Mawan Dhiyan Satkar Yojana, a monthly financial assistance scheme for women, under which ₹1,000 per month is provided to eligible beneficiaries. The first instalment was credited to the bank accounts of nearly 36 lakh beneficiaries through the coordinated efforts of the Social Security, Finance, Good Governance and Information Technology Departments along with banks. The scheme was officially launched from Dhuri, Punjab.

National News

Akashvani Launches “Swar Prerna Veethika”

Akashvani inaugurated “Swar Prerna Veethika”, a photo gallery dedicated to legendary Indian musicians, as part of its 90-year celebrations and ahead of the centenary of radio broadcasting in India in 2027. The gallery was inaugurated by Padma Vibhushan Pt. Hariprasad Chaurasia at Akashvani Rang Bhavan Auditorium, Akashvani Bhavan, New Delhi. In the first phase, portraits of 20 eminent music personalities were unveiled, including Bharat Ratna awardees M.S. Subbulakshmi, Ravi Shankar, Lata Mangeshkar, Bismillah Khan, Bhimsen Joshi, and Bhupen Hazarika. The gallery also honours Padma Vibhushan awardees Hariprasad Chaurasia, Amjad Ali Khan, and Allauddin Khan, along with several Padma Bhushan awardees associated with Indian classical music. The initiative aims to preserve the contribution of legendary artistes and inspire future generations.

MECON Limited Granted Miniratna Category-I Status

The Ministry of Steel has approved the grant of Miniratna Category-I status to MECON Limited, a Schedule ‘A’ Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) under its administrative control. The company has reported continuous profits during the last three financial years and recorded a net worth of over ₹535 crore as on 31 March 2026. With this, MECON Limited has fulfilled the eligibility criteria prescribed by the Department of Public Enterprises (DPE) for the grant of Miniratna Category-I status.

Lt Gen Sandeep Jain Assumes Charge as Vice Chief of Army Staff

Lieutenant General Sandeep Jain assumed charge as the Vice Chief of the Army Staff. He is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy and was commissioned into the MAHAR Regiment in June 1988. His operational experience includes participation in Operation Pawan, service as a Military Observer with the United Nations Mission in Ethiopia, and multiple tenures in high-altitude areas and counter-insurgency operations along the Line of Control (LoC) and in the North East. He also commanded a sector in the United Nations Mission in South Sudan. After promotion as Lieutenant General, he commanded a Corps in the Northern Command, later served as Chief of Staff, Headquarters Southern Command, and subsequently served as General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C), Southern Command before assuming the present appointment.

Air Marshal Tejinder Singh Appointed as CISC

Air Marshal Tejinder Singh assumed charge as the Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to the Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee (CISC). After taking charge, he paid tribute at the National War Memorial, New Delhi, and was accorded a tri-service Guard of Honour. He was commissioned into the fighter stream of the Indian Air Force in June 1987 and has logged over 4,500 flying hours. He has commanded a Fighter Squadron, a Radar Station, a premier Fighter Base, and served as Air Officer Commanding, Jammu and Kashmir. He was awarded the Vayu Sena Medal (2007), Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (2022), and Param Vishisht Seva Medal (2026).

MPEDA National Skill Olympiad 2026

The Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) conducted the Second National Skill Olympiad on Seafood Value Addition during Seafood Expo Bharat 2026 in Kochi. P. Surya Bhaskar of Devi Fisheries Limited, Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh, won the competition and received a cash prize of ₹1 lakh. Muthu Kumaran from Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu, secured the second position, while Sagarika Sardar of Kolkata and Barasarani Jena of Bhubaneswar secured the third and fourth positions respectively. Before the finale, MPEDA trained over 2,500 seafood processing workers through 50 training programmes conducted across the east and west coasts of India.

Indian Diplomat Chairs UN Advisory Board on Disarmament

Ambassador D.B. Venkatesh Varma became the first Indian diplomat to chair the United Nations Secretary-General’s Advisory Board on Disarmament Matters (ABDM). The Board held its meeting in New York from June 24 to 26 under his leadership. India has been a participant in the ABDM for many years, but this is the first time an Indian has been appointed as its Chair. D.B. Venkatesh Varma is a former Ambassador of India to Russia and former Ambassador to the Conference on Disarmament, Geneva. He also served in the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) during the negotiations of the India–US Nuclear Deal.

Centre Notifies Employees’ Provident Fund Scheme, 2026

The Central Government has notified the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) Scheme, 2026, retaining the major provisions of the Employees’ Provident Fund Scheme, 1952, including the 12% contribution rate, eligibility norms and withdrawal framework, while aligning the provident fund system with the Code on Social Security, 2020. The new scheme focuses on simplifying procedures, strengthening governance, expanding digital compliance and facilitating the transition to the labour codes. It also simplifies withdrawal rules, allowing members to make partial withdrawals under streamlined procedures for essential needs such as illness, education, marriage and housing.

Changes in Senior Military Leadership

General Dhiraj Seth assumed charge as the 31st Chief of Army Staff (COAS) on July 1. He is the third Army Chief from the 2nd Lancers regiment and the first officer from the Armoured Corps to become Army Chief after General Shankar Roy Chowdhury (1994–97). Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit took charge as the Vice Chief of the Air Staff (VCAS) after the retirement of Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor. Air Marshal Tejinder Singh assumed charge as the Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (CISC). Lt Gen Sandeep Jain became the Vice Chief of the Army Staff, while Lt Gen Mohit Malhotra and Lt Gen Rajesh Pushkar assumed command of the South Western Command (Jaipur) and Southern Command (Pune) respectively.

General Dhiraj Seth Assumes Charge as Army Chief

General Dhiraj Seth assumed charge as the 31st Chief of Army Staff (COAS) on July 1. He introduced the ‘VIJAY’ roadmap as the Indian Army’s focus framework for modernization. The acronym stands for V – Vigilance, I – Innovation and Transformation, J – Jointness and Integration, A – Atmanirbharta, and Y – Yodha First. The roadmap focuses on border vigilance, technological innovation, integration with the Indian Air Force (IAF) and Indian Navy, promotion of indigenous defence capabilities, and the welfare and training of Army personnel. The roadmap also aligns with the goal of Viksit Bharat 2047.

Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit Becomes IAF Vice Chief

Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit assumed charge as the Vice Chief of the Air Staff (VCAS) of the Indian Air Force (IAF) on July 2, succeeding Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor, who retired on June 30 after four decades of service. Before this appointment, Air Marshal Dixit served as the Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (CISC), including during Operation Sindoor and the May 2025 India–Pakistan stand-off. Air Marshal Tejinder Singh has taken over as the Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to the Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee (CISC). Prior to this appointment, he served as the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C), South Western Air Command.

Centre Revises Wages under VB-G RAM G Scheme

The Government of India has notified revised wage rates under the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025 (VB-G RAM G), which came into force on July 1. A new minimum interim wage of ₹300 per day has been introduced, ensuring that no notified wage under the scheme falls below this level. The national average wage has been increased to ₹327.4 per day, compared to ₹298.8 under the repealed Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). The average wage increase across the country is over 10%, with Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and Himachal Pradesh recording increases of 15–25%. The notified daily wages are ₹409 in Haryana and ₹401 in Kerala. The national launch of the VB-G RAM G Act is being held at Mukkavaripalli village, Obulavaripalle Mandal, Tirupati district, Andhra Pradesh. Existing e-KYC-verified job cards will remain valid until new Gramin Rozgar Guarantee Cards are issued.

CIFT Receives Patent for Chemical-Free Live Fish Transport Technology

The ICAR–Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT), Kochi has received an Indian patent for developing a chemical-free live fish transport technology titled “An Apparatus for Hypothermic Anesthetisation of Aquatic Animals Prior to Live Transport using Non-cyclic Refrigeration.” The technology was developed under a Department of Science and Technology (DST)-supported project and uses a controlled low-temperature, non-chemical, shock-free cooling system to anaesthetise aquatic animals before transport, reducing stress and mortality. It is designed as a cost-effective solution suitable for small and medium-scale users, helping improve the survival rate, market value and live seafood supply chain. The patented technology was developed by Parvathy U, Murali S, Binsi P.K., Sathish Kumar K., Ravishankar C.N., Jithin T. Joy, and Vishnu R. Nair.

Hero MotoCorp Global Parts Centre in Tirupati

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu laid the foundation stone for Hero MotoCorp's Global Parts Centre (GPC) at Madanapalem, Tirupati district. Hero MotoCorp is investing ₹750 crore in the project, which is expected to generate around 4,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities and forms part of the company's ₹3,200 crore investment roadmap. Pawan Munjal, Executive Chairman of Hero MotoCorp, stated that the company has invested ₹1,500 crore in Andhra Pradesh. The Global Parts Centre will serve as the company's domestic and international spare parts hub, and the Tirupati plant designs, engineers, and manufactures 100% of the company's electric vehicle (EV) portfolio. The investment is expected to increase the plant's annual production capacity to 1.2–1.5 million units.

Government Seeks Explanation from Meta on WhatsApp User Names

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has issued a notice to Meta, directing the company to pause the rollout of the WhatsApp User Names feature until consultations are completed and to submit an explanation within three days. The Ministry stated that the feature, which allows users to communicate using user names without revealing their mobile numbers, could increase online fraud, phishing, digital arrest scams, and impersonation. The notice refers to the Information Technology Act, 2000, the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, Section 79 of the IT Act, Rules 3 and 4 of the IT Rules, and Sections 66C and 66D relating to identity theft and cheating by personation. Meta clarified that the feature has not yet been activated, will be introduced gradually later this year, and that a phone number will still be required to create and use a WhatsApp account.

Tourism Ministry Signs MoU with Google India

The Union Ministry of Tourism has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Google India to promote Indian tourism and attract more international tourists. The agreement aims to integrate the government's tourism promotion initiatives with Google's digital capabilities, improve the visibility of tourist destinations on digital platforms, and analyse travel patterns and tourist preferences using technology. It also includes the use of data analytics, digital marketing, Artificial Intelligence (AI), content creation, and training programmes for officials of the Ministry of Tourism. Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat stated that digital systems will help showcase India's cultural and historical heritage globally.

Launch of Aarogya Setu 2.0

Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda launched Aarogya Setu 2.0 in New Delhi on July 1, 2026. The app has been upgraded under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) and functions as a digital health platform for citizens. It enables users to manage the health records of family members under a single account, convert medical reports and prescriptions into digital records using Artificial Intelligence (AI), access the PM-JAY Wallet to view health insurance utilization, integrate with smartwatches for health monitoring, check nearby hospitals and blood availability through e-RaktKosh, set medicine reminders, and use the Scan & Share facility for Outpatient Department (OPD) registration without standing in queues.

June 2026 GST Collection

In June 2026, India's Goods and Services Tax (GST) collection reached ₹1.95 lakh crore, registering a 14% increase compared to ₹1.71 lakh crore collected in June 2025. According to data released by the Central Government on July 1, 2026, GST revenue from domestic transactions was ₹1.35 lakh crore, recording a 6.5% increase, while GST revenue from imports stood at ₹60,038 crore, reflecting a 34.6% increase. The total collection included Central GST (CGST) – ₹37,376 crore, State GST (SGST) – ₹45,116 crore, and Integrated GST (IGST) – ₹52,282 crore. After refunds of ₹32,436 crore, the net GST revenue for June stood at ₹1.62 lakh crore. Earlier, April 2026 recorded the highest-ever monthly GST collection of ₹2.43 lakh crore since the implementation of GST in 2017, surpassing the previous record of ₹2.36 lakh crore achieved in April 2025.

Personalities, Awards and Events

Veteran Theatre Personality Vijaya Mehta Passes Away

Vijaya Mehta, noted film and theatre personality and a pioneer of experimental Marathi theatre, passed away at her Mumbai residence at the age of 92. Through the theatre group Rangayan, she introduced a new approach to Marathi theatre. Her notable productions include Barrister, Sakharam Binder, Hamidabaichi Kothi, Mahanirvan, Purush, Hayavadana, and Wada Chirebandi. She also contributed to films and television through works such as Rao Saheb, Pestonjee, Shakuntalam, and the television series Smritichitre. She received the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1975 and the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actress for Rao Saheb in 1986.

Extension of Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri’s Tenure

The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved a one-year extension of the tenure of Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri under Fundamental Rule 56(d). His tenure has been extended from July 14, 2026 to July 14, 2027. Vikram Misri, a 1989-batch Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer, assumed office as Foreign Secretary in July 2024. He has served in the Ministry of External Affairs, the Prime Minister's Office, and Indian diplomatic missions in Europe, Africa, Asia, and North America, including as India's Ambassador to China.

Important Days

78th National Chartered Accountant Day Celebrated

78th National Chartered Accountant (CA) Day is being celebrated across India, marking the establishment of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) in 1949. The day recognises the contribution of Chartered Accountants to financial transparency, corporate governance, and economic growth. The main celebration is being held at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, with Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan as the chief guest. ICAI President Prasanna Kumar D and Vice-President Mangesh Kinare are also participating in the event.

International News

ICAR–Seychelles Agriculture MoU

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and the Agriculture Department of the Republic of Seychelles signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official visit to Seychelles. To implement the agreement, both sides also signed a five-year Work Plan (2026–2031) focusing on climate-smart agriculture, horticulture, livestock, post-harvest management, and food security. The MoU aims to strengthen cooperation in agricultural research, education, capacity building, technology transfer, joint research programmes, exchange of scientists, researchers and students, and sharing of advanced agricultural technologies and best practices.

India–Japan Annual Summit 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held the Annual Summit-level talks with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in New Delhi, during which India and Japan exchanged agreements in the fields of economic security, energy security, pharmaceuticals, defence and Artificial Intelligence (AI). Both countries issued a Joint Statement on AI and signed their first defence co-development project. Under the India-Japan Bio-gas Initiative, 1,000 biogas and organic fertiliser plants will be established in India. The visit marked Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s first official visit to India and further strengthened the India–Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership. During the 1st Economic Security Dialogue held in Tokyo in November 2024, the two countries identified semiconductors, critical minerals, pharmaceuticals, clean energy, and information and communication technology (ICT) as priority sectors for strategic cooperation.

Flag-in Ceremony for Everest and Lhotse Expeditions

Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai attended the flag-in ceremony held in New Delhi to mark the successful Mount Everest and Mount Lhotse mountaineering expeditions undertaken by the Border Security Force (BSF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and National Security Guard (NSG). The BSF successfully completed an all-women Mount Everest expedition, while the ITBP completed its first-ever all-women international Mount Everest expedition. The NSG also successfully carried out its Mount Everest expedition, marking another significant achievement in high-altitude mountaineering.

US Lifts Sanctions on Four Indian Companies

The United States has lifted the economic sanctions imposed on four Indian companies that had been accused of supplying advanced technology and equipment to Russian military-industrial enterprises. According to the US Department of the Treasury, the sanctions were removed on RRG Engineering Technologies Private Limited (Hyderabad), Lokesh Machines Limited (Hyderabad), Galaxy Bearings Limited (Ahmedabad), and Shaurya Aeronautics Private Limited (New Delhi). Earlier, Shaurya Aeronautics had supplied radar equipment and electrical equipment, RRG Engineering Technologies had supplied small electronic devices, Galaxy Bearings had supplied roller bearings, and Lokesh Machines had supplied machine tools to Russia, following which sanctions had been imposed on these companies.

Nepal Resumes Tea Exports to India

Nepal has resumed tea exports to India, as announced by Nepal's Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal on July 1, 2026. Tea exports from Nepal to India had been suspended from May 1, 2026, due to restrictions imposed by the Tea Board of India. The exports resumed after the Government of India relaxed these restrictions. India is the major market for Nepalese traditional tea, with about 90% of Nepal's traditional tea exports going to India, while the remaining 10% is exported to other countries.

Russia Imports Petrol from India

Russia has started importing petrol from India to address domestic fuel shortages caused by the impact of the Ukraine attacks. India imports crude oil from Russia at lower prices, refines it, meets domestic demand, and exports petrol and diesel to other countries. Due to damage to Russian oil refineries and fuel storage facilities, Russia has begun importing Indian petrol. In the first phase, 60,000 metric tonnes of petrol were shipped from India to Russia by sea. Russia is also planning to import 4 lakh tonnes of petrol every month from friendly countries, including India. To facilitate low-cost petrol imports, the Russian Parliament approved amendments to Russian tax laws in the last week of June 2026.

Reports and Indices

CRS 2024 Reports Over 99% Birth and Death Registration

According to the Civil Registration System (CRS) Report 2024, birth registration in India reached 99.1% and death registration reached 99.4% in 2024. Registered births increased from 2.52 crore in 2023 to 2.54 crore in 2024, while registered deaths increased from 86.6 lakh to 89.4 lakh. India’s sex ratio at birth was 917 females per 1,000 males. The highest sex ratio at birth was recorded in Arunachal Pradesh (1,050), followed by Andaman and Nicobar Islands (984), Meghalaya (974), Mizoram (972) and Kerala (970), while the lowest was recorded in Nagaland (865), Lakshadweep (865) and Jharkhand (890). The report also recorded 81,117 still births in 2024, with 69% occurring in urban areas.

Economy News

SEBI Action in Pump-and-Dump Case

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has barred 222 individuals and entities from the securities market for four to seven years for their involvement in a pump-and-dump stock manipulation scheme involving Mauria Udyog, Vishal Fabrics, 7NR Retail, GBL Industries, and Darjeeling Ropeway during 2017–2020. In its 394-page final order, SEBI imposed a total penalty of ₹47.7 crore and directed the disgorgement of unlawful gains. Hanif Shekh, identified as the mastermind of the scheme, has been barred from the securities market for seven years and fined ₹10 crore. The regulator estimated the unlawful gains from the scheme at ₹143.79 crore.

RBI Appoints Ravi Shankar as Executive Director

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has appointed Ravi Shankar as its Executive Director with effect from July 1, 2026. In his new role, he will oversee the Department of Statistics and Information Management. Before his promotion, Ravi Shankar served as the Adviser-In-Charge of the Department of Statistics and Information Management at the RBI.

RBI Financial Stability Report on AI Cyber Threats

According to the latest Financial Stability Report (FSR) of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), AI-enabled cyber threats are the leading perceived risk for banks and Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) over the next 12 months. The report states that India ranks third, after Russia and Ukraine, in the volume of cyberattacks among emerging market economies. The RBI's survey covered 33 Scheduled Commercial Banks and 10 Upper Layer NBFCs. The report highlights that 42% of surveyed institutions believe geopolitical uncertainty has increased the likelihood of cyberattacks. It also states that 93% of respondents are partially or substantially dependent on third-party vendors for cybersecurity functions such as security operations, cloud security, incident response, threat intelligence, and vulnerability assessment, and recommends continued investment in technology, cybersecurity capabilities, threat monitoring, employee awareness, and regulatory harmonisation.

Sports News

ICC T20 Rankings

According to the latest ICC T20 Rankings released in Dubai, India's Ishan Kishan has secured the No. 1 position in the T20 batting rankings with 876 points, while Abhishek Sharma has moved to 2nd place with 869 points after holding the top position for 12 months. Tilak Varma is ranked 6th with 747 points, and Suryakumar Yadav is in 8th place. In the T20 bowling rankings, Afghanistan's Rashid Khan holds the No. 1 position, while India's Varun Chakaravarthy is ranked 3rd and Jasprit Bumrah is ranked 6th.