1. US, UK and 12 Nations Reject China's South China Sea Claims
Why in News?
On the 10th anniversary of the 2016 Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) ruling, the United States, United Kingdom, and 12 other nations issued a joint statement (12–13 July 2026) rejecting China's expansive maritime claims in the South China Sea.
Key Points
The joint statement reaffirms the legal validity of the 2016 Hague ruling, which held China's claims inconsistent with UNCLOS.
The original case was filed by the Philippines against China; the ruling was delivered on 12 July 2016.
The 14-nation statement includes the US, UK, Australia, Japan, Canada, France, and Germany, among others.
The South China Sea carries over USD 3 trillion in annual trade and has overlapping claims from China, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan.
India has consistently advocated a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific and freedom of navigation, linked to its Act East Policy and Quad engagement.
Static Knowledge
UNCLOS was adopted in 1982; entered into force in 1994.
Permanent Court of Arbitration is headquartered at The Hague, Netherlands.
India is a signatory to UNCLOS.
2. 3rd NAMASTE Day 2026 Celebrated Nationwide
Why in News?
The 3rd National Action for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE) Day was observed on 14 July 2026, with the main event at Rabindra Sadan, Kolkata.
Key Points
Led by Union Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Virendra Kumar, alongside West Bengal leadership.
Activities included occupational safety training, health camps, safety gear distribution, and a Divya Kala Mela.
NAMASTE scheme was jointly launched in 2022-23 by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE) and Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA).
Objectives: eliminate hazardous manual scavenging, ensure zero fatalities, provide alternative livelihoods, 100% safety gear coverage, and social security linkage.
India has an estimated 58,098 sewer and septic tank workers (SSWs).
NSKFDC (National Safai Karamcharis Finance and Development Corporation) coordinates implementation.
Static Knowledge
NAMASTE Day first observed: 14 July 2024.
Manual scavenging is prohibited under the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013.
MoSJE Minister (2026): Virendra Kumar.
3. Central Vista Renamed "Kartavya Bhawan Complex"
Why in News?
Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar (MoHUA) announced on 12 July 2026 that the Central Vista redevelopment area will officially be called the "Kartavya Bhawan Complex," discontinuing the "Central Vista" nomenclature.
Key Points
Announcement made during the CPWD Foundation Day event.
The office complex housing the PMO, Cabinet Secretariat, and NSA office is named "Seva Teerth."
The precinct includes multiple Kartavya Bhawans, Kartavya Marg, and upcoming government buildings.
Central Vista redevelopment includes the new Parliament building (inaugurated May 2023) and new PM residence on Lok Kalyan Marg.
CPWD (Central Public Works Department) was established in 1854; headquartered in New Delhi.
Static Knowledge
CPWD functions under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.
Central Vista Avenue was earlier renamed "Kartavya Path" (from Rajpath) in September 2022.
CPWD Director General (2026): Sanjiv Kumar Misra.
4. Aero India 2027 Dates Announced
Why in News?
The 16th edition of Aero India, Asia's largest aerospace and defence exhibition, will be held at Yelahanka Air Force Station, Bengaluru, from 8–12 February 2027.
Key Points
Organised by the Defence Exhibition Organisation (DEO), Ministry of Defence.
First edition held in 1996; biennial event.
Aero India 2025 (15th edition) was themed "The Runway to a Billion Opportunities," with 809 exhibitors from 98 countries.
Bengaluru hosts HAL, ISRO, NAL, and DRDO's DARE, making it India's aerospace hub.
Static Knowledge
HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Limited) headquartered in Bengaluru.
Yelahanka AFS falls under IAF Training Command.
DRDO headquartered in New Delhi.
5. India Launches Campaign for UNSC Non-Permanent Seat (2028-29)
Why in News?
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar formally launched India's campaign on 13 July 2026 for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2028-29 term.
Key Points
India has previously served as a non-permanent UNSC member eight times, most recently in 2021-22.
The campaign is linked to India's broader push for UN Security Council reform and permanent membership advocacy.
Non-permanent members are elected by the UN General Assembly for two-year terms.
Static Knowledge
UNSC has 5 permanent (P5) and 10 non-permanent members.
Non-permanent members are elected regionally; India represents the Asia-Pacific group.
6. UDISE+ 2025-26 Report: School Internet Connectivity Rises
Why in News?
The Ministry of Education released the UDISE+ 2025-26 Report showing government school internet connectivity rose to 63.1% from 46.2% in 2023-24.
Key Points
UDISE+ stands for Unified District Information System for Education Plus.
Improvements attributed to PM-WANI, BharatNet, and PM e-Vidya programmes.
64% of government schools now have functional computers, up from 54% in 2022-23.
India has approximately 14.7 lakh schools under the UDISE+ database.
The report highlights narrowing digital infrastructure gaps between aided and unaided schools.
Static Knowledge
UDISE+ is maintained by the Department of School Education and Literacy.
BharatNet was launched as National Optical Fibre Network (NOFN) in 2011, renamed in 2015.
NEP 2020 emphasises digital and foundational literacy.
7. Karnataka Announces India's First Government-Driven AI University
Why in News?
Karnataka announced plans to establish India's first government-driven Artificial Intelligence University, unveiled in Bengaluru during the Google I/O inauguration event on 14 July 2026.
Key Points
Aimed at building an indigenous AI research and talent ecosystem.
Reflects Karnataka's positioning as India's technology and innovation hub.
Complements Karnataka's existing IT/ITeS and startup infrastructure.
Static Knowledge
Karnataka is India's largest exporter of IT/software services.
Bengaluru is termed the "Silicon Valley of India."
NITI Aayog's "AI for All" strategy guides India's national AI approach.
8. India's AS-HAPS Programme for Stratospheric Airships
Why in News?
India has initiated the Airship-based High Altitude Pseudo Satellite (AS-HAPS) programme for indigenous, long-endurance stratospheric surveillance platforms.
Key Points
HAPS platforms operate in the stratosphere, offering satellite-like persistent surveillance without orbital launch costs.
Atmanirbhar Bharat in defence emphasises indigenous manufacturing under "Make in India."
9. Two New Solitary Bee Species Discovered in Arunachal Pradesh
Why in News?
Researchers from Ashoka University identified two new solitary bee species, Elaphropoda triangulata and Habropoda adi, in Arunachal Pradesh on 11 July 2026.
Key Points
Discovery adds to India's known pollinator biodiversity documentation.
Arunachal Pradesh falls within the Eastern Himalaya biodiversity hotspot.
Solitary bees (unlike honeybees) do not form colonies and are critical wild pollinators.
Static Knowledge
India has 4 biodiversity hotspots: Himalaya, Indo-Burma, Western Ghats-Sri Lanka, Sundaland.
Arunachal Pradesh is part of the Indo-Burma and Eastern Himalaya hotspots.
Pollinators are vital for global food security and ecosystem services.
10. Wimbledon 2026: Sinner Retains Title; Noskova Wins Maiden Grand Slam
Why in News?
The 139th Wimbledon Championships concluded on 13 July 2026, with Jannik Sinner defending his men's title and Linda Noskova winning her first Grand Slam.
Key Points
Men's Singles: Jannik Sinner (Italy) defeated Alexander Zverev (Germany) in four sets, securing his 5th Grand Slam title.
Women's Singles: Linda Noskova (Czech Republic) defeated Karolina Muchova (Czech Republic) in an all-Czech final, becoming the youngest Wimbledon women's champion since Petra Kvitova (2011).
Men's Doubles: Joe Salisbury & Rajeev Ram (UK/USA) won the title.
Women's Doubles: Katerina Siniakova & Taylor Townsend retained their title.
Static Knowledge
Wimbledon is organised by the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club (AELTC).
It is the only Grand Slam played on grass courts.
The four Grand Slams: Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, US Open.
11. Spain's Submer Group Announces $2 Billion Investment in Madhya Pradesh
Why in News?
Spain-based Submer Group announced a $2 billion investment in Madhya Pradesh's semiconductor sector on 13 July 2026.
Key Points
Investment includes a semiconductor facility and a 1-gigawatt data centre.
Reflects growing foreign investment interest in India's semiconductor ecosystem under India Semiconductor Mission.
Strengthens Madhya Pradesh's positioning in electronics manufacturing.
Static Knowledge
India Semiconductor Mission was launched in December 2021 with an outlay of ₹76,000 crore.
Madhya Pradesh CM (2026): Mohan Yadav.
Semiconductor fabs are also being set up in Gujarat (Dholera, Sanand).
12. Ahmedabad Sets Guinness World Record for Mass Tree Plantation
Why in News?
Ahmedabad set a Guinness World Record on 12 July 2026 by planting 3.61 lakh saplings in one hour at Bhadaj, Gujarat.
Key Points
Conducted under the "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam" afforestation campaign.
Reinforces Gujarat's green cover expansion initiatives.
Demonstrates mass civic participation models in environmental action.
Static Knowledge
"Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam" campaign was launched by PM Modi in June 2024.
India's Forest Survey Report is released biennially by the Forest Survey of India (FSI), Dehradun.
Gujarat's forest cover is concentrated in the Dangs and Saurashtra regions.
Prelims Practice MCQs
The 2016 Permanent Court of Arbitration ruling on the South China Sea was delivered in a case filed by which country against China?
The NAMASTE scheme is jointly implemented by which two ministries?
Which organisation coordinates financial assistance under the NAMASTE scheme?
The Central Vista redevelopment area in New Delhi has been officially renamed as:
Aero India 2027, the 16th edition, will be held at which location?
India's non-permanent UNSC seat campaign launched in July 2026 is for which term?
As per the UDISE+ 2025-26 Report, government school internet connectivity rose to what percentage?
The AS-HAPS programme initiated by India relates to which technology domain?
The two newly discovered solitary bee species in Arunachal Pradesh were identified by researchers from which institution?
Jannik Sinner's Wimbledon 2026 title marked how many career Grand Slam titles for him?
Linda Noskova, the Wimbledon 2026 women's singles champion, represents which country?
Spain's Submer Group announced a $2 billion investment in the semiconductor sector of which Indian state?
NAMASTE Day is observed annually on which date?
The Bastille Day, observed on 14 July, commemorates which historical event?
Ahmedabad's Guinness World Record for tree plantation in July 2026 was achieved under which campaign?