Daily Current Affairs – 04-07-2026

International News

India–Mali Export Promotion Forum 2026

India and Mali held the inaugural India–Mali Forum for the Promotion of Exports in Bamako under the theme "Reinforcing Trade and Strategic Partnerships" to strengthen bilateral trade and investment cooperation. The forum was jointly organised by the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Mali, the Embassy of India in Bamako, and APEX-Mali. The event was presided over by Major General Abdoulaye Maïga, Prime Minister of the Transition Government of Mali. The Indian delegation was led by Shri Amit Kumar, Joint Secretary (FT-Africa), Department of Commerce, Government of India, and the Mission was represented by Dr. N. Nandakumar, Ambassador of India to Mali. India–Mali bilateral trade crossed US$326.61 million in FY 2025–26, recording 55% growth over the previous financial year. Mali's major exports to India include raw cotton, finished leather, cashew, lead, gum arabic and sesame, while India's exports include pharmaceuticals, cotton fabrics, two- and three-wheelers, and bicycles. The Duty-Free Tariff Preference (DFTP) Scheme has supported bilateral trade growth. Both countries identified cotton and textiles, mining and energy, agro-industry and shea processing, pharmaceuticals, and social infrastructure including health and education as priority sectors for cooperation. Mali also announced that it will host an Investment Forum on 3–4 December 2026.

Keiko Fujimori Wins Peru Presidential Runoff

Keiko Fujimori, the conservative leader of Peru, has been declared the winner of the presidential runoff election. The 51-year-old leader, daughter of former President Alberto Fujimori, contested the presidential election for the fourth time. She is set to become Peru’s ninth President in the past 10 years when she assumes office later this month. Her victory was formally certified by Peru’s top election authority. Keiko Fujimori defeated Sanchez in the 7 June runoff election after both candidates emerged ahead of 33 other candidates in the April first-round voting.

India–Israel Bilateral Investment Agreement Comes into Force

The Bilateral Investment Agreement (BIA) between India and Israel has come into force. The agreement was signed in September 2025 in New Delhi. According to the Ministry of Finance, the BIA aims to strengthen bilateral economic relations and provide a secure and predictable investment climate. The agreement provides protection for investments and investors while retaining sovereign policy space for legitimate public policy objectives. It also reflects the modern principles and evolving jurisprudence of international investment law and is expected to promote cross-border investment and deepen the economic partnership between India and Israel.

WHO Adds First Ebola Bundibugyo Diagnostic Test to Emergency Use List

The World Health Organization (WHO) on 2 July 2026 added the first molecular diagnostic test for Bundibugyo virus (BDBV) to its Emergency Use Listing (EUL). The test detects the virus by identifying its genetic material in blood samples, enabling rapid and accurate diagnosis. The EUL assesses the quality, safety and performance of essential health products based on available evidence and supports early disease detection, clinical care, surveillance and outbreak response. On 17 May 2026, WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) over the Bundibugyo virus Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with cases reported in Uganda. As of the report, the Democratic Republic of the Congo had recorded 1,406 laboratory-confirmed cases and 438 deaths. The Patent listing initiative is supported through collaboration with Africa CDC, and additional applications for BDBV IVDs under the EUL are under review.

Japanese Prime Minister Plays the Santoor in New Delhi

During her visit to New Delhi, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi met Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Hyderabad House. On the occasion, she played the traditional Indian musical instrument Santoor. The Santoor is an Indo-Persian musical instrument that is especially popular in Jammu and Kashmir. It has 100 strings and was historically known as the "Sata Tantri Veena". The interaction took place during the official meeting and hospitality programme held at Hyderabad House, where traditional Indian musical performances were presented.

National News

7th Marshal of the Air Force Arjan Singh Memorial Hockey Tournament 2026

The 7th Marshal of the Air Force Arjan Singh Memorial Hockey Tournament 2026 was held from 23 June to 3 July 2026 at the Amit Singh Bakshi Hockey Stadium, Air Force Station Jalahalli. A total of 16 teams participated in the tournament. The final was played between the Indian Air Force and the Indian Navy, with the Indian Air Force winning the match 2–1. Sgt Anand Lakra of the Indian Air Force was named Man of the Match, while AGV (S) Agyapal of the Indian Air Force was declared Player of the Tournament. The winning and runner-up teams received cash awards of ₹10 lakh and ₹8 lakh, respectively.

Reforms Utsav & Chintan Shivir 2026

The Ministry of Law and Justice, through the Department of Legal Affairs and the Legislative Department, is organising ‘Reforms Utsav & Chintan Shivir 2026’ on 4–5 July 2026 at Gyan Sarovar, Brahma Kumaris Headquarters, Mount Abu, Rajasthan. The programme aims to review the Ministry’s key achievements, discuss legal and institutional reforms, and prepare a future roadmap for a modern, efficient and citizen-centric legal system in line with Viksit Bharat @2047. Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal will attend the programme. The sessions will cover Legal Governance, Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR), Legislative Reforms, Digital Transformation, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Technology-enabled Governance, Institutional Reforms, Capacity Building, and Administrative Excellence. The programme is expected to produce a Vision Document, reform proposals, recommendations for institutional improvements, a digital transformation roadmap, and short- and medium-term action plans.

Viksit UDAN Scheme and Jodhpur Airport Terminal

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the next phase of the UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik) Scheme, named Viksit UDAN, and inaugurated the New Terminal Building (NTB) at Jodhpur Airport on 4 July 2026. The UDAN Scheme, launched in October 2016, has operationalised 669 routes, connecting 95 airports, heliports and water aerodromes, benefiting over 1.66 crore passengers. The Union Cabinet approved the Modified UDAN Scheme on 25 March 2026 with an outlay of ₹29,000 crore for the next 10 years. The scheme includes the development of 100 aerodromes with an investment of ₹12,159 crore, ₹2,577 crore for operation and maintenance of regional airports, 200 modern helipads with an investment of ₹3,661 crore, and ₹10,043 crore as Viability Gap Funding (VGF) for regional airline operations. The scheme also promotes the use of indigenous aircraft and helicopters, including HAL Dhruv and Dornier. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) developed the New Terminal Building at Jodhpur Airport at a cost of ₹480 crore. Spread over 23,342 sq. metres, the terminal has an annual capacity of 20 lakh passengers, can handle 1,500 passengers during peak hours, has 20 check-in counters, 6 aerobridges, and an apron capable of accommodating 11 A-321 aircraft and 1 ATR-72 aircraft.

NMC Promotes ICMR’s Patent Mitra Platform

The National Medical Commission (NMC) has advised all medical colleges and institutions to encourage faculty, researchers, clinicians, and students to use the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) Medical Innovations Patent Mitra platform for patent filing and technology transfer. The initiative aims to strengthen India’s biomedical innovation ecosystem by supporting patent protection and technology transfer of healthcare innovations developed by institutions. The platform provides fully government-funded support for patent filing and technology transfer, helping innovators protect their intellectual property and convert research into healthcare products and technologies. The Patent Mitra platform was launched under the guidance of NITI Aayog, in partnership with the Department of Pharmaceuticals (DoP) and with support from the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). It also supports quality patent filing and strategic management of intellectual property for ICMR-supported projects.

Nandini Azad Elected to IRU Global Board for Third Consecutive Term

Nandini Azad, President of the Working Women’s Forum (India) (WWF) and the Indian Cooperative Network for Women (ICNW), was elected to the Global Board of the International Raiffeisen Union (IRU) for the third consecutive term at its Annual General Meeting held in Luxembourg. The International Raiffeisen Union (IRU), headquartered in Germany, is the world’s oldest global cooperative union. Nandini Azad was previously elected to the IRU Global Board in 2018 and 2023, and has become the only woman cooperative leader in the world to be elected to the IRU Global Board for three consecutive terms. The Working Women’s Forum (India) established the Indian Cooperative Network for Women (ICNW) to support women in the informal sector through affordable financial services and cooperative ownership, and the cooperative has reached nearly six lakh women members over the past four decades.

Yogesh Singh Reappointed as Delhi University Vice-Chancellor

The Union Government has reappointed Prof. Yogesh Singh as the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Delhi for a second consecutive five-year term with effect from October 8, 2026. The reappointment was approved by the President of India, in her capacity as the Visitor of the University of Delhi, and notified by the Ministry of Education, Department of Higher Education. This is the first use of the provision introduced through the 2023 amendment to the University of Delhi Statutes, which made the Vice-Chancellor eligible for reappointment. Prof. Yogesh Singh, who became the 23rd Vice-Chancellor in 2021, oversaw the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP), the Four-Year Undergraduate Programme (FYUP), and the expansion of admissions through the Common University Entrance Test (CUET) during his first term.

Ambani and Mittal Appointed to Global AI Commission

Mukesh Ambani, Chairman and Managing Director of Reliance Industries, and Sunil Mittal, Founder and Chairman of Bharti Enterprises, have been appointed as founding members of the AI for Good Global Commission, a global initiative of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). The commission comprises more than 40 Heads of State and Government, industry CEOs, technology leaders, and heads of international organisations to promote trusted, inclusive, and responsible Artificial Intelligence (AI). Paul Kagame and Marc Benioff will serve as Co-Chairs, while Doreen Bogdan-Martin, Secretary-General of the ITU, will serve as Vice-Chair. The commission's inaugural meeting will be held during the AI for Good Global Summit 2026 in Geneva, Switzerland, from July 7 to 10, 2026.

ICAR Committee to Study Totapuri Mango Crisis

Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan has directed the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) to constitute a high-level expert committee to study the challenges faced by Totapuri mango growers in Andhra Pradesh and recommend long-term measures. The committee will be headed by T. Damodaran, Director, ICAR–Central Institute for Subtropical Horticulture, Lucknow. Other members include M. Shankaran, Head, Fruit Crops Division, ICAR–Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bengaluru, and D. Srinivasa Reddy, Professor, College of Horticulture, Anantharajupeta, Dr. YSR Horticultural University, Andhra Pradesh. The committee will examine the entire value chain, including cultivation, processing, marketing, domestic trade, and exports, and will interact with farmers and Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) in Totapuri mango-growing regions.

CMFRI Discovers New Deep-Sea Fish Species

The ICAR–Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) has discovered a new deep-sea fish species named Cyttopsis indica (Indian dory) in the Arabian Sea off southern Kerala. The species was found at a depth of 350–500 metres along the continental slope of the eastern Lakshadweep Sea. The discovery was based on six specimens collected from deep-sea trawl landings at Sakthikulangara Fishing Harbour, Kollam. The research team, led by CMFRI scientist Ratheesh Kumar R, identified the species through taxonomic studies and DNA analysis. The study established that Cyttopsis rosea is confined to the Atlantic Ocean, while the Indian Ocean specimens represent a distinct species. The findings have been published in the Indian Journal of Fisheries. With the discovery of Cyttopsis indica, the Cyttopsis genus now has three recognised species.

India’s First Indigenous Sea Cargo Container

DCM Shriram Group has delivered India’s first indigenously manufactured sea cargo container to the Danish shipping company Maersk. Following the delivery, Maersk placed an order for 1,000 additional sea cargo containers, marking the beginning of a commercial partnership. The event was attended by Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal. In October last year, Maersk signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with DCM Shriram to explore the manufacturing of sea cargo containers in India. Maersk also provided engineering design, vendor support, and training to meet global standards, and the first container will undergo sea trials before deployment.

MeitY Orders Removal of Apps Misused to Disable E-Rickshaws

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has issued notices to Google and Apple to remove seven mobile applications from their app stores for allegedly being misused to remotely disable the batteries of e-rickshaws through Bluetooth connectivity. The apps include the Chinese applications BAT-BMS, Lossigy, and Epoch-i-ion. The action was taken after videos showed e-rickshaws being remotely rendered inoperable using the shutdown feature of the BAT-BMS application. According to cybersecurity experts, such unauthorised access is an offence under the Information Technology Act, 2000, particularly Section 66 read with Section 43, and may also attract action under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

Rajasthan Refinery and Petrochemical Complex

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the Rajasthan Refinery Limited (HRRL) refinery and petrochemical complex at Pachpadra, Rajasthan. The project has been developed by Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) at a cost of ₹79,459 crore and is spread across 4,500 acres. It is India's first BS-VI grade petrochemical complex. The refinery has been constructed using more than 40 times the amount of steel used in the Eiffel Tower. It has an annual production capacity of 9 million metric tonnes, of which 1.5 million tonnes of crude oil will be sourced from the Mangala oil fields in Rajasthan and 7.5 million tonnes will be imported. The refinery will produce bitumen, naphtha, and petrochemical products. A 487-km pipeline connects the refinery to Mundra Port, and the project is expected to strengthen India's energy security and reduce dependence on imported refined petroleum products.

DAC Approves ₹52,000 Crore Defence Procurement

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, has accorded in-principle administrative approval for the procurement of defence equipment worth ₹52,000 crore for the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force. For the Indian Army, the approved procurements include the Akash Tarang electronic warfare system for detecting enemy drones, shoulder-fired anti-armour missile systems, a medium-range surface-to-air weapon system, and a very short-range air defence system. For the Indian Navy, approvals include shipborne unmanned aerial systems (drones), advanced naval mines capable of detecting ships through multiple signatures, and the establishment of a land-based testing facility for electric ship propulsion systems. For the Indian Air Force, approval has been granted to procure a solar-powered high-altitude unmanned aircraft (High-Altitude Pseudo-Satellite) capable of providing satellite-like surveillance and communication services.

Important Days

UN International Day of Cooperatives 2026

The United Nations International Day of Cooperatives 2026 is observed with the theme “Cooperatives for a Peaceful World.” The theme was announced by the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) and highlights the role of cooperatives in promoting social justice, inclusion, solidarity, social cohesion, and peacebuilding. The earliest recorded cooperative dates to 14 March 1761 in Scotland, and the first modern cooperative business was established in 1844 by 28 artisans working in cotton mills in northern England. Cooperatives are democratic enterprises based on democratic ownership, open membership, collective responsibility, participation, and sustainable development.

States’ News

Assam Produces India’s First Commercial Matcha Tea

An Assam tea estate has sold India’s first commercially produced Matcha tea at the Guwahati Tea Auction Centre. The Matcha tea was produced by the Chota Tingrai Tea Estate in Tinsukia district, Assam. The first batch of 5 kg was auctioned by J. Thomas & Co. Pvt. Ltd. and purchased by Sheosons Chai Co. at ₹3,000 per kg. Matcha is prepared from Camellia sinensis tea leaves that are shaded for three to four weeks before harvest. The Chota Tingrai Tea Estate developed the product after a decade of collaboration with Japanese tea makers, agronomists, equipment suppliers, and tea experts, and established a fully automated Japanese tea manufacturing facility for Matcha production.

Sports News

FIDE Imposes Two-Year Ban on Vladimir Kramnik

The International Chess Federation (FIDE) has imposed a two-year worldwide ban on former World Champion Vladimir Kramnik, prohibiting him from participating in FIDE chess competitions and performing official chess functions for alleged violations of the FIDE Ethics Code and Disciplinary Code. The decision was issued by the FIDE Ethics & Disciplinary Commission (EDC) following disciplinary proceedings initiated on complaints submitted by the FIDE Management Board and the Fair Play Commission regarding public statements and social media posts made by Vladimir Kramnik about Grandmaster David Navara and the late Grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky.

Djokovic Equals Federer’s Wimbledon Record

Novak Djokovic recorded his 105th Wimbledon match victory by defeating Arthur Rinderknech of France with a score of 7-5, 6-4, 1-6, 7-6(4) to reach the fourth round of Wimbledon. With this victory, Djokovic equalled the 105 Wimbledon match wins achieved by Roger Federer. He is aiming to equal Roger Federer’s record of eight Wimbledon men’s singles titles. A win against Roman Safiullin of Russia would move Djokovic to second place in the all-time Wimbledon match wins list behind Martina Navratilova, who holds the record with 120 victories.

Personalities, Awards and Events

SK Sinha Appointed as GAIL Director (Finance)

SK Sinha has assumed charge as Director (Finance) of GAIL (India) Limited. Before this appointment, he served as Executive Director (Finance & Accounts) in GAIL. He is a qualified Cost and Management Accountant with more than three decades of experience in the oil and gas sector, possessing expertise in Corporate Finance, Corporate Accounts, Management Accounting, Investor Relations, Taxation, Treasury & Banking Operations, and Mergers & Acquisitions.

Economy News

RBI Imposes Penalties on Bank of Baroda and GIC Housing Finance

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has imposed a penalty of ₹63.6 lakh on Bank of Baroda for non-compliance with provisions of the Fair Practices Code for Lenders and Know Your Customer (KYC) norms. The violations included charging interest higher than the contracted rate in certain loan accounts and failing to upload customer records to the Central KYC Records Registry (CKYCR) within the prescribed time. The RBI also imposed a penalty of ₹3.1 lakh on GIC Housing Finance Ltd. for violating KYC guidelines by failing to conduct periodic risk categorisation reviews of accounts. The inspections were conducted with reference to the financial position as on March 31, 2025, and the inspection of GIC Housing Finance Ltd. was carried out by the National Housing Bank (NHB).

Tamil Nadu News

HPV Vaccination Programme in Tamil Nadu

Under the HPV (Human Papillomavirus) Vaccination Programme, 91,748 schoolgirls in Tamil Nadu have benefited so far through the cervical cancer prevention initiative. Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the primary cause of cervical cancer. The Tamil Nadu Government had allocated ₹38 crore to provide free HPV vaccination to girls aged 9–14 years. As part of this initiative, Tamil Nadu became the first State in India to implement free cervical cancer vaccination for adolescent girls in Tiruvannamalai, Ariyalur, Perambalur, and Dharmapuri districts. The vaccine is being administered in two doses to girls studying in government and government-aided schools. Separately, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a nationwide free HPV vaccination programme for girls below 14 years of age on February 28. Under the Central Government scheme, 6 lakh HPV vaccine doses were supplied to Tamil Nadu. Vaccines are being provided through Primary Health Centres (PHCs) and government hospitals. The World Health Organization (WHO) has certified the vaccine, which provides about 90% protection against the major HPV strains that cause cervical cancer.