Daily Current Affairs – 09-07-2026

National News

UDISE+ 2025–26 Report on School Education

The Union Ministry of Education released the Unified District Information System for Education Plus (UDISE+) 2025–26 Report, which showed improvements in teacher strength, student retention, digital infrastructure and school facilities. The number of teachers increased to 1,02,73,020 in 2025–26 from 94,83,294 in 2022–23, while the Pupil-Teacher Ratio (PTR) improved to 10 at the foundational level, 12 at the preparatory level, 17 at the middle level and 21 at the secondary level, which are all better than the National Education Policy (NEP) recommendation of 30:1. The dropout rate declined from 2.3% to 1.8% at the preparatory level and from 8.2% to 7% at the secondary level. Retention rates increased to 83.7% at the middle level and 51.9% at the secondary level, while the Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) at the secondary level rose from 68.5% in 2024–25 to 71.7% in 2025–26. The transition rates improved to 99.2% from foundational to preparatory, 93.8% from preparatory to middle and 88.3% from middle to secondary level. The number of single-teacher schools declined to 1,00,843, and zero-enrolment schools reduced to 5,663. Schools with computers increased to 69.9%, internet connectivity to 67.4%, electricity to 95%, drinking water to 99.5%, girls’ toilets to 98.5%, boys’ toilets to 97.2%, handwashing facilities to 96.9%, libraries to 90.5%, and ramps with handrails to 58.2%. Women constituted 54.9% of the teaching workforce, and girls’ enrolment increased to 48.4%.

APEDA Facilitates Export of Amrapali Mangoes from Jharkhand to Dubai

The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry facilitated the commercial export of 2 metric tonnes (MT) of Amrapali mangoes from the Aspirational District of Gumla and Aspirational Block of Deoghar in Jharkhand to Dubai on 3 July 2026. The consignment was exported by M/s Fair Exports (India) Pvt. Ltd. for retail sale through Lulu Stores in Dubai. The mangoes were sourced from three women-led Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs) promoted by Palash – Jharkhand State Livelihood Promotion Society (JSLPS). The orchards were developed under the Birsa Harit Gram Yojana in convergence with MGNREGA and supported by the Government of Jharkhand. The initiative enabled participating women-led FPCs to receive nearly 180% higher returns than local market prices. Each participating FPC has over 1,500 shareholders and collectively represents more than 50,000 farmers. APEDA also conducted a capacity-building programme in May 2026 for eight FPCs in Gumla on international quality standards and export procedures, and organised an export-oriented capacity development programme for women entrepreneurs and Self-Help Groups in Deoghar on 19 September 2025, with participation from NABARD, the Department of Horticulture, the Agriculture Department, and APEDA.

TribeX Digital Learning Platform Launched

The Ministry of Tribal Affairs launched TribeX, India's first digital learning platform dedicated to tribal arts, culture, traditional knowledge and skill development, on 7 July 2026 during the National Workshop on Strengthening Tribal Research Institutes (TRIs) held in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. The platform was launched by Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram. TribeX offers free certificate courses and UGC-recognised one-year Post Graduate Diploma programmes in tribal languages, arts, crafts and traditional knowledge. An MoU was signed between the Ministry of Tribal Affairs and Sampurnanand Sanskrit University, Varanasi, for the diploma programmes. The platform currently provides 20 free certificate courses, with a plan to expand to more than 100 courses, and includes a Learning Management System (LMS), a Repository Management System, and a Heritage Archive containing over 5,000 multimedia resources documenting tribal languages, cultural practices and oral traditions.

Maize Becomes Largest Source of Ethanol for Petrol Blending

According to the latest data released by the All India Distillers' Association (AIDA), maize has become the largest source of ethanol for petrol blending, contributing 36% of total ethanol supplies, while sugarcane accounts for 33%. By June, grain-based ethanol contributed about 67% (480 crore litres) of the 717 crore litres of ethanol supplied to oil marketing companies, compared to 238 crore litres from sugarcane-based ethanol, of which maize-based ethanol alone accounted for 258 crore litres. The Government of India amended the National Biofuel Policy in 2022 to include additional feedstocks such as maize and rice to ensure year-round ethanol availability. India had earlier permitted grain-based ethanol under the New Biofuel Policy, 2018, and achieved the 20% ethanol blending (E20) target five years ahead of the original schedule.

Allahabad High Court Upholds Uniform Legal Marriage Age

The Allahabad High Court, in a judgment delivered by a Division Bench comprising Justice J.J. Munir and Justice Achal Sachdev on July 1, held that the legal age of marriage applies uniformly to all citizens irrespective of religion. The Court ruled that the provisions of Shariat or Muslim Personal Law recognising puberty as the age of marriage cannot override the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006 (PCMA) and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. The judgment was delivered while dismissing a petition seeking to quash an FIR related to the attempted marriage of a 16-year-old Muslim girl. The Court also agreed with the view of the Kerala High Court that no personal law can override statutory provisions prohibiting child marriage.

AISHE 2023–24 Reports Higher Female GER in Higher Education

According to the All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) 2023–24 released by the Union Ministry of Education, the Female Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in higher education increased to 31.2%, exceeding the Male GER of 28.9% for the seventh consecutive year. The Gender Parity Index (GPI) also improved from 1.01 in 2021–22 to 1.08 in 2023–24. Women account for 2.2 crore of the total 4.5 crore students in higher education, representing 49.7% of total enrolment. Women constitute 56.2% of postgraduate enrolment, 50.3% of SC, 52.3% of ST, and 49.9% of OBC enrolment. The report also states that women continue to lag behind in core technical streams, despite higher participation in higher education.

DRDO Successfully Tests Pinaka Long-Range Guided Rocket

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted the flight test of the Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket (LRGR) at the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur. The test demonstrated the rocket’s enhanced capability to strike targets at a minimum range of 60 km. The Pinaka Mark-I rocket has a range of about 38–40 km. According to the Ministry of Defence, the rocket successfully completed all planned in-flight manoeuvres and accurately hit the target. A Pinaka battery consisting of six launchers can fire 72 rockets in about 44 seconds.

Nalco and NLC India to Set Up 1,080-MW Captive Power Plant

National Aluminium Company (Nalco) and NLC India Limited (NLCIL) will enter into a Joint Venture-cum-Shareholders' Agreement (JVA) to establish a 1,080-MW thermal captive power plant at Anugola, Odisha. The power plant will provide captive power to Nalco's 0.5 MTPA aluminium smelter expansion project.

AISHE Report Shows Growth in Higher Education Enrollment

The Union Ministry of Education released the All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) 2022–23 and 2023–24 reports, which show that total enrollment in higher education increased from 3.42 crore in 2014–15 to 4.50 crore in 2023–24, recording a 31.5% increase. Female enrollment rose from 1.57 crore in 2014–15 to 2.24 crore in 2023–24. Enrollment of Scheduled Caste (SC) students increased from 46.07 lakh to 69.72 lakh, Scheduled Tribe (ST) students from 16.41 lakh to 28.83 lakh, and Other Backward Classes (OBC) students from 1.13 crore to 1.80 crore during the same period.

International News

First India–Costa Rica JETCO Meeting Held

The first meeting of the India–Costa Rica Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO) was held virtually on 6–7 July 2026. The meeting was co-chaired by Shri Vimal Anand, Joint Secretary, Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, and Ms. Adriana Castro, General Director of Foreign Trade, Republic of Costa Rica. Both sides reviewed bilateral trade and investment relations and noted that bilateral merchandise trade reached approximately USD 391 million in 2025–26. They discussed cooperation in standards, accreditation, certification, conformity assessment, food safety, pharmaceutical regulation, and export certification to facilitate trade and reduce technical barriers. India highlighted cooperation opportunities in pharmaceuticals, digital technologies, manufacturing, and innovation. JETCO, established under the Memorandum of Understanding on Economic Cooperation between India and Costa Rica, serves as the principal institutional mechanism for reviewing bilateral trade and investment relations and promoting economic cooperation. Both countries also agreed to strengthen business-to-business engagement, institutional cooperation, and regular interaction between ministries, regulatory authorities, and industry.

3rd BRICS Transport Ministers’ Meeting in Nagpur

Under India’s BRICS Chairship 2026, India will host the 3rd BRICS Transport Ministers’ Meeting in Nagpur, Maharashtra, on 11–12 July 2026. The meeting will be chaired by Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on 11 July 2026 and will be attended by Ministers and senior officials from BRICS member countries. The meeting will be held under the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability (BRICS)” and will focus on transport infrastructure sustainability, mobility, Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), urban mobility, multimodal transport, resilient logistics supply chains, decarbonisation, and Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based technologies. The Transport Working Group will review progress since the BRICS Chairships of Russia and Brazil. The expanded BRICS grouping comprises Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and the United Arab Emirates, representing nearly half of the world’s population and around 40% of global GDP.

Government Notifies Navi Mumbai Airport for Drug Imports

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has notified Navi Mumbai Airport, Maharashtra, as a designated airport for the import of drugs by amending Rule 43A of the Drugs Rules, 1945. The notification was issued after consultation with the Drugs Technical Advisory Board under the provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940. With this amendment, the total number of notified ports of entry (road, rail, sea and air) for drug imports has increased to 42. The measure aims to strengthen the pharmaceutical supply chain, improve logistics infrastructure, facilitate trade, and support Ease of Doing Business while ensuring regulatory oversight of imported drugs.

4th BRICS Women Ministerial Meeting Begins in Kochi

The BRICS Women Ministerial Meeting commenced in Kochi under India’s BRICS Chairship 2026, bringing together Ministers and Heads of Delegation from BRICS Member Countries to strengthen cooperation and promote women-led development. The meeting followed the BRICS Women Working Group Meeting held on 6–7 July 2026. Union Minister for Women and Child Development Annpurna Devi inaugurated the meeting and highlighted India’s Chairship theme, “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.” A major outcome of the meeting was the adoption of the Joint Statement of the 4th BRICS Women Ministerial Meeting. The member countries also welcomed two initiatives launched under India’s Chairship: the BRICS Women Digital Repository of Best Practices and the BRICS Women Digital Capacity Building Guidelines, aimed at promoting knowledge sharing, institutional collaboration, digital learning and capacity building for women’s empowerment across BRICS countries.

India Becomes Fourth Largest LNG Regasification Market

According to the International Gas Union (IGU) World LNG Report, India added 52.5 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) of LNG regasification capacity across eight terminals in 2025, surpassing Spain to become the world’s fourth-largest regasification market. Dahej LNG with 17.5 mtpa is India’s largest operational LNG regasification terminal and the sixth largest globally. In 2025, India commissioned the Chhara LNG terminal (5 mtpa) and expanded the Dabhol LNG terminal, increasing its capacity from 2.9 mtpa to 5 mtpa. India currently has four LNG projects under construction, including one new terminal and three expansion projects, expected to add 11.3 mtpa by 2028. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), India’s natural gas consumption is projected to increase by nearly 60% by 2030. The report also states that Asia led global LNG regasification capacity additions in 2025, with China and India contributing 15.1 mtpa and 7.1 mtpa, respectively.

WHO Report Highlights Global Cancer Care Inequality

The World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) released the Global Status Report on Cancer, 2026, stating that cancer remains the second leading cause of death globally after cardiovascular disease, with an estimated 20.6 million new cases and nearly 10 million deaths every year. The report projects that annual cancer cases could rise to 35 million by 2050 if no action is taken. It highlights widening inequalities in access to cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and supportive care. According to the report, 87% of women with breast cancer survive for five years after diagnosis in high-income countries, compared with only 42% in low-income countries. The report also notes that fewer than one in three countries include cancer care in their Universal Health Coverage (UHC) packages. In 2024, Asia accounted for 50.7% of global cancer cases and 56.5% of cancer deaths, while Europe, with about 9% of the world’s population, accounted for 21% of global cases and 20% of deaths.

India Assists in Restoration of Prambanan Temple in Indonesia

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto jointly launched a project to restore and conserve the Prambanan Temple in Indonesia with India's assistance on July 8. The Prambanan Temple, located 17 km from Yogyakarta, was built in the 9th century, is the largest Hindu temple in Indonesia, and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temple is dedicated to the Hindu Trinity—Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma. During the bilateral meeting in Jakarta, India and Indonesia signed 14 agreements covering cooperation in Indian missile procurement, rare minerals and steel supply, maritime security, pharmaceuticals, education, research and innovation, telecommunications, and food security. Both countries also agreed to jointly develop the strategically important Sabang Port. The restoration and conservation work at Prambanan Temple is scheduled to be completed by 2029.

PM Modi Visits Prambanan Temple in Indonesia

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Indonesia as the first destination of his three-nation tour and held bilateral talks with President Prabowo Subianto. During the visit, both leaders offered prayers at the Prambanan Temple located in Yogyakarta, Java Island, which is a 1,000-year-old Hindu temple. The leaders also inaugurated a temple renovation project. The temple is dedicated to the Hindu Trinity—Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma—and is spread over 40 hectares with 240 shrines. Prambanan Temple is the largest Hindu temple in Indonesia, the largest temple complex dedicated to Lord Shiva in the country, and is recognized as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site. After completing his three-day visit to Indonesia, Prime Minister Narendra Modi departed for Australia, where he is scheduled to hold talks with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, before proceeding to New Zealand.

States’ News

Mizoram Natural History Museum Declared India’s 21st Designated Repository

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has notified the Natural History Museum (NHM), Mizoram University, Aizawl as India’s 21st Designated Repository under Section 39 of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002. The notification was issued on 19 June 2026 based on the recommendation of the National Biodiversity Authority. The repository will preserve authenticated biological specimens, including pteridophytes, macrofungi, reptiles, amphibians, fishes, moths, beetles and butterflies, and will serve as the depository for type specimens of newly discovered species from the region. Established in 2022, the museum is located in the Indo-Burma Biodiversity Hotspot and supports biodiversity conservation, scientific documentation and long-term preservation of biological resources. It will also help conserve endemic species such as Leptobrachella tamdil and strengthen collaboration with the Mizoram State Biodiversity Board and regional research institutions. The designation supports India’s National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (2024–2030), particularly National Biodiversity Target 4, and aligns with Target 4 of the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

Bhubaneswar Declaration on Strengthening Tribal Research Institutes

The two-day National Workshop on Strengthening Tribal Research Institutes (TRIs), organised by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs in collaboration with the Government of Odisha, concluded in Bhubaneswar with the adoption of the Bhubaneswar Declaration. The workshop supported the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047 by strengthening Tribal Research Institutes (TRIs) as centres for tribal knowledge, research, innovation and evidence-based policymaking. Around 200 participants from Tribal Research Institutes, State Tribal Welfare Departments, academic institutions, research organisations, technology organisations, industry, development partners and civil society attended the workshop. The discussions focused on preserving tribal languages, indigenous knowledge systems and cultural heritage, strengthening tribal data systems and evidence-based research, integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) into tribal research and governance, and improving institutional capacity. The recommendations formed a national roadmap to develop TRIs into centres of excellence in research, knowledge generation, cultural preservation, innovation and evidence-based policymaking.

Ecological Restoration Project Revives Barren Land in Leh

An ecological restoration project launched in May by Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena has transformed about 800 acres of barren land near Spituk, Leh by channeling glacial meltwater across the area before sowing mustard seeds. The initiative aims to study whether glacier-fed irrigation can restore soil moisture and support vegetation in the cold desert region of Ladakh, where more than 90% of the land is barren. According to Deldan Namgial, Professor at the School of Agriculture and Technology, University of Ladakh, the project could help make barren land suitable for cultivation if successful.

Sports News

Sourav Ganguly Inducted into ICC Hall of Fame

Former India captain Sourav Ganguly was inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame on July 8, 2026, becoming the 12th Indian cricketer to receive this honour. He represented India from 1992 to 2008, playing 113 Test matches, scoring 7,212 runs and taking 32 wickets, while in 311 One-Day Internationals (ODIs) he scored 11,363 runs and claimed 100 wickets. As captain, Sourav Ganguly led India to the final of the 2003 ICC Men’s ODI World Cup and played a key role in transforming Indian cricket. With this induction, he joined the ICC Hall of Fame alongside Sunil Gavaskar, Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Virender Sehwag, Bishan Singh Bedi, Kapil Dev, Anil Kumble, Vinoo Mankad, Diana Edulji, Neetu David, and MS Dhoni.

India’s 98th Grandmaster – S. Aswath

S. Aswath from Tamil Nadu became India’s 98th Grandmaster (GM) by securing his third and final GM norm at the Pune International GM Tournament. The 17-year-old chess player from Nagercoil had already crossed the 2500 FIDE rating before completing his GM norms. He earned his first GM norm by winning the Grenke Open A (2025) and his second GM norm at the First Saturday GM Round Robin in Budapest. S. Aswath is the 38th Grandmaster from Tamil Nadu. He trained at Cape Chess Academy under his father and coach A.C. Siva and is also coached by M. Shyam Sundar at Chess Thulir. Following his Grandmaster title, he is set to compete in the Serbia Open.

Tamil Nadu News

Ford Business Solutions Opens New Global Capability Centre in Coimbatore

Ford Business Solutions (FBS) India, the Global Capability Centre (GCC) of Ford Motor, has opened a new office in Coimbatore. The facility is spread across 82,000 sq ft with seating capacity for about 800 employees and is the third FBS centre in India, after Chennai and Bengaluru. The centre has been established to strengthen business operations continuity and resilience. It will primarily support Accounting, Ford Credit, and Business Operations teams serving Ford’s global markets. The facility was inaugurated by Tamil Nadu Industries Minister Keerthana Sampath.

Nalam AI - Tamil Nadu Launches WhatsApp-Based OP Registration Service

The Government of Tamil Nadu has introduced a WhatsApp-based Outpatient (OP) registration service in 22 district government hospitals. The service was launched by Minister for Health and Family Welfare Dr. K.G. Arunraj through the 'Nalam AI' WhatsApp chatbot using the number 96192 22999. Patients can access services such as OP registration, prescriptions, laboratory reports, and Health ID cards through the chatbot without the need for Aadhaar. The Minister also inaugurated an e-ICU at the Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital, Chennai, enabling remote medical services. A pilot system for online OP appointment booking was introduced in the Cardiology Department, and a QR code-based complaint system for monitoring restroom cleanliness was also launched.

Economy News

RBI Approves Mahesh Pai as South Indian Bank CEO

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved the appointment of Mahesh Muralidhar Pai as the Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of South Indian Bank for a three-year term with effect from October 1. The proposal for his appointment will be placed before the Board of Directors at its meeting on July 16. Thereafter, approval from the shareholders will be obtained in accordance with the Companies Act, 2013 and the SEBI Listing Regulations.

Reports and Indices

IMF Revises India’s Growth Forecast in WEO Update

The International Monetary Fund (IMF), in its latest World Economic Outlook (WEO) update, revised India’s FY 2026–27 economic growth forecast downward by 10 basis points to 6.4%, while retaining India as the fastest-growing major economy. The FY 2027–28 growth forecast was raised by 20 basis points to 6.7%. The IMF also projected 7.0% growth for calendar year 2026 and 6.4% for calendar year 2027. According to the WEO, global economic growth is projected at 3.0% in 2026 and 3.4% in 2027, while global headline inflation is expected to rise from 4.1% in 2025 to 4.7% in 2026, before declining to 3.9% in 2027.