The Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025 replaced MGNREGA from 1 July 2026, guaranteeing 125 days of work annually per rural household.
Key Points
A mandatory interim base wage rate of ₹300 per day has been introduced across all administrative regions, marking roughly a 10% hike in the national average notified daily wage.
The Act aims to strengthen rural livelihood security under the broader Viksit Bharat framework.
Replaces the erstwhile Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), 2005.
Falls under the Ministry of Rural Development.
Static Knowledge
MGNREGA was enacted in 2005 and guaranteed 100 days of wage employment.
Rural employment guarantee schemes fall under the Directive Principles of State Policy (Article 41).
Ministry of Rural Development administers rural livelihood schemes in India.
2. PM Inaugurates First Greenfield Refinery-cum-Petrochemical Complex
Why in News?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated India's first greenfield integrated refinery-cum-petrochemical complex at Pachpadra in Balotra district, Rajasthan, on 4 July 2026.
Key Points
The project is developed as a joint venture in the energy and petrochemicals sector.
Located in Balotra district, Rajasthan — strengthens India's downstream oil and petrochemical capacity.
Reduces import dependence on refined petroleum and petrochemical products.
Static Knowledge
Rajasthan hosts other major refineries under HPCL-Rajasthan Refinery Limited (HRRL).
Balotra district was carved out as a separate district from Barmer.
India is among the world's largest refiners of crude oil.
3. MHA Designates 23 Pakistan-Based Terrorists Under UAPA
Why in News?
On 4 July 2026, the Ministry of Home Affairs designated 23 Pakistan-based operatives linked to Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba as terrorists under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967.
Key Points
Action reflects continuing crackdown on cross-border terror networks.
JeM and LeT are UN and India-designated terrorist organisations operating from Pakistani soil.
UAPA, 1967 empowers the government to designate individuals/organisations as terrorists.
Static Knowledge
UAPA was amended in 2019 to allow designation of individuals (not just organisations) as terrorists.
National Investigation Agency (NIA) is the premier counter-terror investigation body in India.
MHA administers internal security and terror-designation notifications.
4. Cabinet Approves Modified UDAN Scheme
Why in News?
The Union Cabinet approved the Modified UDAN scheme for a ten-year period from FY 2026-27 to FY 2035-36 with a total outlay of Rs. 28,840 crore.
Key Points
UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) aims to enhance regional air connectivity.
Extended outlay supports airport infrastructure and route viability funding.
Falls under the Ministry of Civil Aviation.
Static Knowledge
UDAN was launched in 2016 under the National Civil Aviation Policy.
Viability Gap Funding (VGF) is a key mechanism under UDAN.
Ministry of Civil Aviation oversees airport and airline regulation via DGCA and AAI.
The RB-IOS 2026 retains the "One Nation, One Ombudsman" redressal approach and became effective from 1 July 2026.
Key Points
Covers banks, NBFCs with assets of Rs 100 crore and above, and credit information companies.
Awards may go up to Rs 30 lakh for financial losses and Rs 3 lakh for harassment/time compensation.
Complainants can escalate matters if entities fail to respond within 30 days.
Strengthens grievance redressal across the regulated financial sector.
Static Knowledge
The original RBI Integrated Ombudsman Scheme was launched in 2021, merging three earlier ombudsman schemes.
RBI regulates banks, NBFCs, and payment systems in India.
Ombudsman mechanisms function as alternate dispute resolution bodies.
6. NPCI Enables Real-Time FX Settlement for International UPI via HSBC and JP Morgan
Why in News?
NPCI partnered with HSBC India and JP Morgan Payments to enable real-time FX settlement for international UPI payments.
Key Points
Facilitates faster, more efficient cross-border UPI transaction settlement.
Expands global acceptance and interoperability of India's UPI ecosystem.
Builds on India's ongoing UPI internationalisation push, including its recent launch in Greece via a Eurobank-NIPL partnership.
Static Knowledge
NPCI (National Payments Corporation of India) was set up in 2008 under RBI/IBA guidance.
UPI (Unified Payments Interface) was launched in 2016.
NIPL (NPCI International Payments Limited) drives UPI's global expansion.
7. New Army and Air Force Leadership
Why in News?
General Dhiraj Seth, a highly decorated four-star officer of the Armoured Corps, has taken charge as the Indian Army's top post, becoming the first officer from the Armoured Corps to lead the force since 1997. Separately, Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit assumed charge as the 51st Vice Chief of Air Staff on 1 July 2026.
Key Points
General Seth commanded the South Western Command and Southern Command, and earlier led the XXI Sudarshan Chakra Corps and served as GOC Delhi Area.
He previously served as the 49th Vice Chief of Army Staff, contributing to force modernisation and capability development.
Reflects periodic top-level leadership transitions in India's armed forces.
Static Knowledge
The Chief of Army Staff is the senior-most officer of the Indian Army.
The Vice Chief of Air Staff is the second-highest post in the Indian Air Force hierarchy.
India's armed forces comprise the Army, Navy, and Air Force under the Ministry of Defence.
8. UIDAI Launches Free Email Update Service in Aadhaar App
Why in News?
UIDAI launched a new digital service allowing Aadhaar holders to add or update their email addresses through the Aadhaar app.
Key Points
Enhances self-service digital updation of Aadhaar demographic details.
Reduces dependence on physical enrolment/update centres.
Part of UIDAI's continued push for paperless, app-based Aadhaar services.
Static Knowledge
UIDAI was established in 2009 and operates under the Aadhaar Act, 2016.
Aadhaar is a 12-digit unique identification number issued to Indian residents.
UIDAI functions under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).
9. ICMR's Medical Innovations Patent Mitra Platform
Why in News?
The National Medical Commission has asked all medical colleges and institutions to use ICMR's "Medical Innovations Patent Mitra" platform, which provides fully government-funded support for patent filing and technology transfer.
Key Points
Aims to support strategic and quality patent filings for innovative biomedical research and facilitate technology transfer for societal impact.
Enables researchers to protect intellectual property and translate research into healthcare products and technologies.
Launched by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).
Static Knowledge
ICMR is India's apex body for biomedical research, under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
National Medical Commission replaced the Medical Council of India in 2020.
India's IPR framework includes the Patents Act, 1970.
10. New Plant Species Canscora agni Discovered in Maharashtra
Why in News?
Researchers discovered a new plant species named Canscora agni in the fire-prone savannas of western India, found on Sus Hill in Maharashtra's Pune district.
Key Points
The species name "agni" means fire in several Indian languages, including Marathi.
It is a small herb with white petals and uniquely winged stems, distinguishing it from its closest relative Canscora alata.
Highlights the ecological role of natural fires in maintaining native savanna grasslands.
Static Knowledge
Western Ghats and Deccan savannas are biodiversity-rich but under-studied ecosystems.
Fire ecology plays a role in maintaining grassland and savanna biodiversity.
India is one of 17 megadiverse countries in the world.
11. India-Peru Trade Agreement Talks Conclude
Why in News?
The 9th round of the India-Peru trade agreement negotiations concluded successfully in Peru.
Key Points
Aims to boost bilateral trade and economic cooperation between India and Peru.
Peru is the third-largest country in South America after Brazil and Argentina, bordered by Ecuador, Brazil, Bolivia, and Chile.
Part of India's broader Latin America trade outreach strategy.
Static Knowledge
Peru shares Lake Titicaca, the world's highest navigable lake, with Bolivia.
Peru's geography comprises three regions — Costa, Sierra, and Amazonia.
India has been expanding Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations with multiple Latin American nations.
12. India's External Debt Rises to $762.8 Billion in FY26
Why in News?
India's external debt climbed to $762.8 billion in FY26, as explained by the RBI.
Key Points
Reflects rising external borrowings amid global interest rate and currency fluctuations.
External debt sustainability is tracked through debt-to-GDP and debt-service ratios.