1. 16th India-Japan Annual Summit: First Defence Co-Development Pact Signed
Why in News?
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi visited India (1–3 July 2026) for the 16th India-Japan Annual Summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, resulting in landmark agreements across defence, AI, and economic security.
Key Points
India and Japan signed their first-ever defence co-development project, involving the UNICORN (Unified Complex Radio Antenna) naval mast system.
Joint India-Japan naval exercises announced, involving a Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyer and an Indian Navy vessel for maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) cooperation under the Make in India framework.
Next Japan-India 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue to be held before the end of 2026.
Agreements signed on economic security, Artificial Intelligence, energy resilience, critical minerals, pharmaceuticals, green mobility, and biogas (target: 1,000 biogas/organic fertiliser plants in India).
Japan pledged fresh investment with a renewed target of 10 trillion JPY (~USD 62 billion) over the next decade.
Both nations reaffirmed commitment to a Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) and endorsed India's MAHASAGAR (Maritime Growth for All) vision.
2026 marks continued momentum toward the 75th anniversary of India-Japan diplomatic relations.
Static Knowledge
India-Japan ties are institutionalised as a "Special Strategic and Global Partnership" (since 2014).
The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) comprises India, Japan, USA, and Australia.
Japan is a key partner in India's bullet train project (Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail).
Japanese PM Sanae Takaichi is Japan's first woman Prime Minister.
2. VB-G RAM G Act, 2025 Replaces MGNREGA
Why in News?
The Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025 (VB-G RAM G Act) came into force across India from 1 July 2026, repealing the two-decade-old MGNREGA, 2005.
Key Points
Statutory employment guarantee increased from 100 to 125 days per rural household annually.
Funding pattern shifts from a predominantly Centre-funded model to a 60:40 Centre-State cost-sharing ratio for most states (90:10 for North-Eastern states and UTs with legislature).
Introduces normative (budget-capped) allocation instead of the earlier demand-driven, legally guaranteed funding model.
Allows states to notify up to 60 days of annual agricultural "blackout period" when the scheme may be paused.
Interim allocation for FY 2026-27: ₹95,692.31 crore.
Centre notified three sets of rules (1 July 2026) under the Ministry of Rural Development covering transition, wage/unemployment allowance payment, and expenditure beyond normative allocation.
Formally rolled out by Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan along with Andhra Pradesh CM N. Chandrababu Naidu in Tirupati district.
Normative allocation is based on the 16th Finance Commission's horizontal devolution formula.
Static Knowledge
MGNREGA, 2005 guaranteed 100 days of unskilled wage employment; earlier funding pattern: 100% Centre-funded wages, 75:25 Centre-State for material costs.
MGNREGA covered over 5 crore rural households in FY 2025-26.
The Act operates under the Ministry of Rural Development.
Right to work is part of the Directive Principles of State Policy (Article 41), not a Fundamental Right.
3. India Records Highest-Ever Rank in UN SDG Index 2026
Why in News?
India improved to 94th rank among 167 countries with a score of 68.3/100 in the Sustainable Development Report (SDG Index) 2026, released at the Hamburg Sustainability Conference.
Key Points
India's best performance since SDGs were adopted in 2015; risen 18 places (112th → 94th).
Report published by the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN).
Hunger remains flagged as one of India's most serious unresolved challenges (SDG 2).
SDG 3 (Health): Air-pollution-linked deaths rose marginally to 132 per 1,00,000 population (2023); NCD mortality (heart disease, cancer, diabetes, chronic lung disease) among 30–70 age group rose from 22.6% (2015) to 23.6% (2021).
SDG 13 (Climate Action): Per-capita CO₂ emissions rose from 1.69 tonnes (2015) to 2.21 tonnes (2023) — highest since SDG adoption.
SDG 16 (Peace, Justice & Institutions): India's Press Freedom Index score fell sharply from 59.51 (2015) to 31.96 (2026) — the weakest indicator under this goal.
Globally, no country is on track to achieve all SDGs by the 2030 deadline; cities (SDG 11), oceans (SDG 14), land ecosystems (SDG 15), and peace/institutions (SDG 16) are furthest off-track worldwide.
Static Knowledge
SDGs comprise 17 goals, adopted by UN member states in 2015, targeted for completion by 2030.
SDG Index/Sustainable Development Report is an annual publication of SDSN.
India's 2015 baseline rank was 112th.
4. EPFO Notifies EPF Scheme 2026 and EPS Scheme 2026
Why in News?
The Ministry of Labour & Employment notified the Employees' Provident Fund Scheme, 2026 and Employees' Pension Scheme, 2026, replacing the 1952 and 1995 frameworks, aligning them with the Code on Social Security, 2020.
Key Points
New rules approved by the Central Board of Trustees (CBT); cover EPF Scheme 2026, EPS 2026, and EDLI Scheme 2026.
Continuity assured: PF balances, UANs, past contributions, and accrued benefits remain unaffected for existing subscribers.
Pension contribution unchanged: 8.33% of employer contribution continues to go to the pension fund; Central government contributes 1.16% up to the wage ceiling.
Trade unions have flagged the absence of a hike in minimum pension under the new rules.
EPFO functions under the Ministry of Labour & Employment.
Static Knowledge
EPFO was established under the Employees' Provident Funds & Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952.
The Code on Social Security, 2020 is one of the four labour codes consolidating 29 central labour laws.
India's gross GST collections rose to ₹1,94,812 crore in June 2026, registering 13.9% year-on-year growth — the fastest annual growth in 13 months — per provisional Finance Ministry data.
Key Points
June 2025 collection was ₹1,71,105 crore.
Net GST revenue (after refunds): ₹1,62,377 crore, up 11.2% YoY.
Domestic revenue grew 6.5% to ₹1,34,774 crore; import revenue surged 34.6% to ₹60,038 crore.
Skyroot Aerospace announced a launch window of 12 July–4 August 2026 for Vikram-1, India's first privately developed orbital-class rocket, under Mission Aagaman.
Key Points
Launch site: first launch pad, Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC-SHAR), Sriharikota.
7. 12th India-Malaysia Military Cooperation Meeting (MCM)
Why in News?
The 12th India-Malaysia Military Cooperation Meeting was held in New Delhi on 1 July 2026, reviewing defence cooperation in maritime security and cybersecurity.
Key Points
Both sides reaffirmed commitment to freedom of navigation and overflight in the Indo-Pacific.
MCM serves as a precursor to the higher-level India-Malaysia Defence Cooperation Meeting (DCM).
Bilateral defence exercises: Exercise Harimau Shakti (Army) and Exercise Samudra Laksamana (Navy).
Malaysia hosts the Strait of Malacca, one of the world's busiest and most strategic shipping lanes.
India-Malaysia ties are governed under a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Static Knowledge
Malaysia's Prime Minister: Anwar Ibrahim.
Strait of Malacca connects the Indian Ocean and South China Sea.
India's "Act East Policy" (2014) succeeded the earlier "Look East Policy" (1991).
8. Union Cabinet Approves Two Highway Projects Worth ₹14,114.81 Crore
Why in News?
The Union Cabinet, chaired by PM Modi, approved two major National Highway projects worth a combined ₹14,114.81 crore on 1 July 2026.
Key Points
Includes an 8.1-km, six-lane road tunnel — set to be India's longest road tunnel — on a strategically vital mountain corridor.
Projects aligned with the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan and Viksit Bharat infrastructure goals.
Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways: Nitin Gadkari.
Executing agencies for large tunnel projects: NHAI or NHIDCL.
Static Knowledge
India's current longest road tunnel: Atal Tunnel (Rohtang) — 9.02 km, connecting Manali to Lahaul-Spiti.
PM GatiShakti National Master Plan was launched in 2021 for integrated infrastructure planning.
NHIDCL = National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited.
9. Borjuli Site in Assam Notified as Biodiversity Heritage Site
Why in News?
The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) notified the Borjuli site in Assam's Sonitpur district as a Biodiversity Heritage Site (BHS) for harbouring wild rice (Oryza rufipogon).
Key Points
Achieved under the National Rainfed Area Authority (NRAA)-funded project: "In-situ Conservation and Management of Wild Rice in Sonitpur District of Assam".
Project implemented by ICAR-National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (ICAR-NBPGR) with the Assam State Biodiversity Board.
Wild rice species serve as a genetic resource for developing climate-resilient, high-yielding, and nutritionally superior rice varieties.
Borjuli is now among Assam's notified BHS sites, alongside Majuli BHS and Hajong Tortoise Lake BHS.
Static Knowledge
BHS are notified under Section 37 of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002.
National Biodiversity Authority (NBA), headquartered in Chennai, was established in 2003.
NRAA functions under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare.
10. DGCA Conducts India's First GAGAN-Based Landing on Jet Aircraft
Why in News?
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) conducted India's first satellite-based GAGAN landing on a jet aircraft, along with approval of Point-in-Space (PinS) helicopter approach procedures.
Key Points
PinS approach uses satellite-based navigation (GNSS) for helicopters to land at heliports lacking runway-based instrument landing systems, aiding connectivity in hilly/remote regions under UDAN-RCS.
GAGAN (GPS Aided GEO Augmented Navigation) is jointly developed by ISRO and the Airports Authority of India (AAI).
DGCA functions under the Ministry of Civil Aviation.
Static Knowledge
India's own regional satellite navigation system is NavIC (IRNSS).
UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik) scheme was launched in 2016 for regional air connectivity.
AAI was constituted in 1995.
Prelims Practice MCQs
The recently signed first-ever India-Japan defence co-development project pertains to which system?
The VB-G RAM G Act, 2025 replaced which earlier legislation?
Under the VB-G RAM G Act, 2025, what is the revised Centre-State funding ratio for most states?
As per the UN SDG Index 2026, India's rank among 167 countries is:
Which organisation publishes the annual Sustainable Development Report (SDG Index)?
India's gross GST collection for June 2026 stood at approximately:
The EPF Scheme 2026 and EPS Scheme 2026 have been notified under which legislative framework?
Skyroot Aerospace's Vikram-1 is significant because it is:
Vikram-1's maiden mission targets an orbit at which altitude and inclination?
The 12th India-Malaysia Military Cooperation Meeting reaffirmed cooperation in which strategic waterway?
India's current longest road tunnel is:
Under which Act are Biodiversity Heritage Sites (BHS) notified in India?
GAGAN, used in DGCA's recent satellite-based aircraft landing trial, is jointly developed by:
Who assumed command of the South Western Air Command on 1 July 2026?
The India-Japan partnership is officially termed as a: