Current Affairs — 01st July 2026
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National Affairs & Government Initiatives
Union Health Minister JP Nadda Chairs 16th CCHFW, Launches Major Healthcare Initiatives
Union Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda chaired the 16th Conference of the Central Council of Health and Family Welfare (CCHFW) at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. The conference witnessed the launch of several flagship healthcare initiatives including the Samagra Shishu Bal Swasthya Karyakram (SSBSK), revamped Anaemia Mukt Bharat (AMB) operational guidelines, and the SUMAN Roadmap 2030. The SUMAN Roadmap aims to reduce the Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) to below 70 per one lakh live births by 2030 while lowering neonatal and infant mortality rates. SSBSK integrates Home-Based Newborn Care (HBNC) and Home-Based Care for Young Child (HBYC) to provide home-based care for children from birth to 5 years.
MoSPI Releases 2026 SDG Publications on National Statistics Day
On the occasion of the 20th Statistics Day (June 29, 2026), the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) released a series of publications on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) highlighting India's progress across social, economic, and environmental indicators under the National Indicator Framework (NIF). The publications include the SDGs – NIF Progress Report 2026, Data Snapshot on SDGs – NIF Progress Report 2026, and "Transforming Lives: India's Achievements under the People Dimension of the SDGs." These reports present the latest time-series data on SDG national indicators to monitor progress towards the 17 SDGs and support evidence-based policymaking.
Cabinet Approves ₹30,000 Crore Additional Investment in NIIF
The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved an additional investment commitment of ₹30,000 crore in the National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF), doubling the Government of India's total commitment to ₹60,000 crore. This additional investment will be used to set up NIIF's second infrastructure-focused fund (Infrastructure Fund II), focusing on transportation, energy, digital infrastructure, urban infrastructure, and emerging areas such as e-mobility. NIIF currently manages capital commitments of approximately ₹40,000 crore and has returned nearly ₹12,000 crore to investors through major portfolio exits.
PM Family Care Tracker Pilot Project Launched in Gandhinagar, Gujarat
Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched the pilot project of the PM Family Care Tracker (PM-FCT) in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, to strengthen welfare delivery mechanisms. The tracker is designed to ensure seamless delivery of government welfare schemes to beneficiary families through real-time monitoring and digital integration. This initiative aligns with the government's vision of "Antyodaya" — reaching the last mile of welfare delivery.
OPSA Launches TRL Compass Platform with DSCI
The Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (OPSA) to the Government of India, in partnership with the Data Security Council of India (DSCI), launched the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) Compass platform under the chairmanship of Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood. This platform standardizes TRL assessment across various sectors, adapting the internationally accepted 9-level TRL scale to cater to India's research and innovation ecosystem. It supports key national initiatives such as the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) and the Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund.
MCA Signs MoU with IIT Madras for Corporate Mitra Scheme
The Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) signed an MoU with IIT Madras to launch the Corporate Mitra Scheme for MSMEs. The course fee is ₹3,000 plus GST, with a 50% concession for women and candidates from North Eastern States, Himalayan Regions, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and Lakshadweep. Registrations will open through the websites of MCA, SWAYAM Plus, ICAI, ICSI, and ICMAI. Candidates completing the academic and practical training will receive Corporate Mitra Certification.
Key Takeaway
July 1, 2026, marks a significant push towards healthcare digitization, infrastructure financing, and MSME empowerment, reflecting the government's multi-pronged approach to national development.
International Affairs & Diplomacy
India and Seychelles Sign 19 Agreements to Strengthen Cooperation
India and Seychelles signed 19 agreements and initiatives during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's three-day visit to Seychelles. The agreements cover maritime security, defence, digital payments, healthcare, education, agriculture, infrastructure, space cooperation, and financial assistance. India reaffirmed its commitment to the MAHASAGAR initiative (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) to strengthen maritime security, Blue Economy, disaster preparedness, and regional stability in the Indian Ocean Region. India announced defence assistance including an indigenously built Fast Patrol Vessel, 10 utility vehicles, five Laser Radial sailing boats, and the upgrade of the Dornier maritime surveillance aircraft of the Seychelles Coast Guard.
PM Modi Conferred Seychelles' 'Guardian of the Blue Horizon' Presidential Honour
Prime Minister Narendra Modi became the first recipient of the prestigious 'Guardian of the Blue Horizon' Presidential Honour instituted by the Republic of Seychelles. President Dr. Patrick Herminie conferred the award recognizing exceptional leadership in climate action, environmental conservation, Blue Economy, sustainable ocean governance, and support for Small Island Developing States (SIDS). The award acknowledges India's global environmental initiatives including the International Solar Alliance (ISA), Mission LiFE, Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam, and the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA). The honour was conferred during the 50th anniversary year of India-Seychelles diplomatic relations.
Union Minister Piyush Goyal's Visit to UK Ahead of CETA Implementation
Union Minister Piyush Goyal undertook a 3-day official visit to London from June 25 to 27, 2026, ahead of the implementation of the historic India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) and the Double Contribution Convention (DCC), set to come into force on July 15, 2026. Goyal held high-level bilateral meetings with Peter Kyle, Secretary of State for Business and Trade, and was honoured with the Special Award for Exceptional Leadership in Elevating India-UK Relations at the 10th anniversary of India Global Forum's UK-India Awards 2026. He launched the "UK-India CETA Business Utilisation Manual" and announced deployment of 1,000 advisory personnel across India to help businesses maximize CETA benefits.
Indian Navy Participates in 30th Edition of RIMPAC 2026 in Hawaii
The Indian Navy participated in the 30th edition of RIMPAC 2026 (Rim of the Pacific), the world's largest multinational maritime warfare exercise, hosted by the United States Navy at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii. The exercise is being held from June 24 to July 31, 2026, with the theme "Partners: Integrated and Prepared". Over 30 surface warships, 5 submarines, 15 national land forces, more than 206 aircraft, and 30,000 personnel are participating. Operations include advanced Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW), coordinated Air Defence operations, and tactical missile exercises.
Economy, Banking & Finance
RBI Proposes New Master Directions for Call, Notice and Term Money Markets
The Reserve Bank of India released draft directions to broaden participation in the Term Money Market by allowing All India Financial Institutions (AIFIs), eligible NBFCs, Housing Finance Companies (HFCs), and companies to participate. Key proposals include: permitting AIFIs and eligible NBFCs/HFCs as both borrowers and lenders; allowing companies only as lenders; capping borrowing limits for NBFCs and HFCs at 200% of their Net Owned Funds (NOF); permitting Standalone Primary Dealers (SPDs) to borrow up to 400% of NOF; and classifying the Money Market into Call Money (overnight), Notice Money (up to 14 days), and Term Money (up to one year). OTC transactions must be reported within 15 minutes of execution.
RBI Issues Draft Master Directions for Secondary Market Transactions in Government Securities
The RBI issued draft directions to simplify regulations governing secondary market transactions in Government Securities (G-Secs), including 'When Issued' (WI) trading, short selling, and Government Securities Lending (GSL). The framework aims to enhance transparency, improve market liquidity, and increase retail participation. Key highlights: retail investors can buy/sell G-Secs through demat accounts using NDS-OM platform; minimum transaction size for retail investors is ₹10,000; SCBs and SPDs can take long/short positions up to 25% of notified auction amount; maximum short sale limit for liquid G-Secs is 2% of outstanding stock or ₹500 crore; all transactions follow T+1 settlement via CCIL.
PayGlocal Launches Google Pay Card Payments for Global Merchant Transactions
PayGlocal, India's cross-border payments platform, launched Google Pay Card Payments on its International Payment Gateway, enabling Indian merchants to access over one billion customers across more than 90 countries through a single integration. The initiative aims to facilitate seamless global transactions, increase merchant activations by 40%, and enhance cross-border e-commerce efficiency. Google Pay integration provides secure, tokenized, and biometrically authenticated transactions, while Apple Pay is already live on the platform.
Kakinada Cooperative Town Bank Attains Tier-III Status
Kakinada Cooperative Town Bank has attained Tier-III status after its deposits surpassed ₹2,000 crore, marking a significant milestone in the cooperative banking sector. This achievement reflects the bank's robust financial health, growing depositor confidence, and effective management practices. The Tier-III classification enables the bank to expand its lending capabilities and offer a wider range of financial services to its members.
Economic Context
India's economy continues to demonstrate resilience with a robust 7.7% GDP growth in FY26, retaining its position as the fastest-growing major economy. However, the RBI has cautiously lowered its FY27 growth forecast to 6.6% amid global uncertainties including the ongoing US-Iran conflict and its impact on crude oil prices and the rupee.
Defence & Security
Indian Air Force Successfully Concludes 5th Warfare & Aerospace Strategy Programme
The 5th edition of the Capstone Seminar, marking the culmination of the Warfare & Aerospace Strategy Programme (WASP), was held on June 29, 2026, graced by Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh. WASP is a six-month strategic education programme jointly conducted by the Centre for Aerospace Power and Strategic Studies (CAPSS), New Delhi, and the College of Air Warfare (CAW), Hyderabad. The programme is designed for mid-ranking IAF officers and is open to personnel from all three Armed Forces, civilian MoD officers, and friendly foreign countries. The inaugural WASP CAW Journal was also released during the seminar.
India Demonstrates Multi-Layered Ballistic Missile Defence Capability
In June 2026, India conducted three consecutive flight tests on June 10 and 11 to demonstrate multi-layered defence against long-range ballistic missile threats and anti-ship capability at medium range. The interceptors successfully engaged their respective targets, placing India in the elite group of nations having BMD capability to engage up to Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stated that "Multi-layered BMD capability was successfully demonstrated." Currently, only the United States, Russia, China, and Israel possess highly advanced missile defence systems.
India's Defence Exports Reach ₹23,622 Crore in FY25
India's defence exports reached ₹23,622 crore (approximately $2.66 billion) in FY25, with the government setting an ambitious target of ₹50,000 crore ($5.63 billion) in exports by 2029. The private defence sector is taking centre stage with companies like Adani Defence showcasing counter-drone architectures, loitering munitions (Vayu Astra-1), and indigenous small arms (Prahar LMG) at Pragati 2026. India signed a $632 million BrahMos deal with Vietnam, with an Indonesia pact in final stages, while offering Su-30MKM upgrades to Malaysia with Astra Mk1 integration.
Advanced Agni-5 MIRV and S6 SSBN Development Progress
India's strategic deterrence capabilities received a boost with the Advanced Agni-5 MIRV moving closer to deployment. The missile features Multiple Independently Targetable Reentry Vehicle (MIRV) technology, allowing a single missile to carry multiple warheads to different targets. Additionally, India is evaluating the S6 SSBN (nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine) as part of its naval modernization programme, while limiting the S5 SSBN batch to 4 units. These developments significantly enhance India's second-strike capability and maritime strategic posture.
Science & Technology
ISRO Successfully Demonstrates High-Thrust Semi-Cryogenic Engine Power Head Test
ISRO successfully conducted a hot test of the Semi-Cryogenic Engine Power Head Test Article (PHTA) at ISRO Propulsion Complex, Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu, achieving 88% of target thrust (175 tonnes). This was the 8th hot test in the PHTA series. The SE2000 Semi-Cryogenic Engine is designed to produce 2,000 kN of thrust and will power the SC120 stage, replacing the existing L110 core stage of LVM3. The upgrade will increase LVM3's GTO payload capacity from 4 tonnes to 5 tonnes and LEO capacity from 8 tonnes to 10 tonnes. The SC120 stage is expected to become operational by 2027.
Mission ShakthiSAT: World's First All-Girls Lunar Mission
Gautam Buddha University (GBU) has partnered with Space Kidz India and IN-SPACe to support Mission ShakthiSAT, the world's first all-girls international lunar mission. The mission aims to advance space technology, promote STEM education, and encourage women-led leadership in the space sector. It will empower 12,000 young girls from 108 countries through hands-on experience in satellite development and space technology. Mahima Rajput from Raipur, Chhattisgarh, has been selected as the Indian student participant for this historic mission.
IIT Delhi and Sorbonne University Launch Joint Master's and PhD Courses
IIT Delhi and Sorbonne University, France, have expanded their strategic partnership by launching joint Master of Science (MSc) in Biological Science and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programmes from 2026. The collaboration is anchored by the Franco-Indian Integrated Health Campus, integrating engineering, medicine, life sciences, social sciences, and digital technologies. The partnership extends to AI, robotics, and materials science, facilitating joint research projects, two-way student mobility, faculty exchanges, internships, and co-supervised doctoral research.
Union Health Minister Launches Aarogya Setu 2.0 as National Digital Health App
Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda launched Aarogya Setu 2.0, transforming the application into a Personal Health Record (PHR) and citizen-facing digital health platform under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM). With nearly 20 crore downloads, the revamped platform serves as a single digital gateway for ABDM-enabled healthcare services. Key features include ABHA creation, AI-powered medical record digitization using Google's open-source Medical Data Toolkit, wearable device integration, PM-JAY Wallet, e-RaktKosh integration for real-time blood availability, and ambulance booking.
Ministry of Law Launches Online Fresh Application Module for Notary Public
Union Minister of State for Law & Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal launched the "Fresh Application Module" on the Notary Portal for online applications for appointment as Notary Public. Developed by the Department of Legal Affairs in collaboration with NIC, the module enables eligible legal practitioners and advocates to submit applications online under the Notaries Act, 1952. The portal features automated workflows, user-friendly interface, and paperless processing, marking a significant milestone in digital governance for the legal profession.
India's Space Programme: Gaganyaan, Bharatiya Antariksh Station & Venus Mission
India's space ambitions continue to accelerate with multiple landmark missions. The Gaganyaan programme entered its final phase in 2025, aiming to send three Indian astronauts to a 400-km orbit for up to three days. The Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS) — a five-module space station — has its first module BAS-01 approved for launch by 2028. The Venus Orbiter Mission is targeted for March 2028, studying Venus' geology, atmosphere, and ionosphere. ISRO also successfully demonstrated the Space Docking Experiment (SPADEX) in January 2025, making India the fourth nation to achieve autonomous space docking.
Sports News
US Open 2026: Kidambi Srikanth Finishes Runner-Up in Men's Singles
At the US Open 2026 Badminton Championships, Chinese Taipei's Su Li-yang won the Men's Singles title, while India's Kidambi Srikanth finished as the runner-up. Srikanth's impressive performance marks a significant comeback for the former World No. 1, demonstrating his continued relevance in international badminton despite recent challenges.
Austrian Grand Prix 2026: Mercedes' George Russell Wins
George Russell of Mercedes won the Austrian Grand Prix 2026, continuing his strong form in the Formula 1 season. The victory further cements Mercedes' position in the constructors' championship and highlights Russell's growing stature as one of the premier drivers on the grid.
India Women's Cricket Team Secures Direct Qualification for Los Angeles 2028 Olympics
The India Women's Cricket Team has secured direct qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, marking a historic moment as cricket returns to the Olympic Games. This qualification reflects the team's consistent performance in international cricket and the growing prominence of women's cricket in India. The inclusion of cricket in the 2028 Olympics is expected to further boost the sport's global profile.
Recent Cricket Milestones: Virat Kohli, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, and Jammu & Kashmir
Indian cricket continues to create records: Virat Kohli became the first cricketer to score 9,000 runs in the IPL; Bhuvneshwar Kumar became the first fast bowler to take 200 wickets in the IPL; Abhishek Sharma became the first Indian to score multiple centuries in under 50 balls; and Jammu & Kashmir secured its first-ever Ranji Trophy title in the 2025-26 season after 67 years of participation.
India Scripts History at ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026
India defeated New Zealand in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 final at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, becoming the first team to win three T20 World Cup titles and the first to successfully defend the trophy. Jasprit Bumrah and Varun Chakaravarthy finished as joint highest wicket-takers with 14 wickets each. This victory further solidifies India's dominance in the shortest format of international cricket.
India's Women's 4x100m Relay Team Wins Gold at Asian Relays Championships 2026
India's women's 4x100m relay team won gold with a season-best time of 43.85 seconds at the Asian Relays Championships 2026. This victory underscores India's growing strength in track and field events and the remarkable progress of women's athletics in the country.
Environment & Agriculture
Centre Identifies 315 Vulnerable Districts Amid El Niño and Weak Monsoon Fears
Amid concerns over El Niño and weak monsoon, the central government has identified 315 districts as vulnerable, including 111 highly vulnerable districts with irrigation coverage below 25%. The southwest monsoon rainfall is forecast at 90% of the long-period average, placing it in the below-normal category. Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan stated that rainfall so far has been around 43% below normal. The government has advised states to promote short-duration crop varieties and set up an 'El Niño Monitoring Cell' and 'Crop Weather Watch Group' for continuous monitoring.
Zoological Survey of India Adds 709 New Faunal Records in 2025
The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) added 709 new faunal records in 2025, significantly expanding India's biodiversity database. These discoveries include new species and first-time records of known species in Indian territory, highlighting the country's rich and still underexplored biological diversity. The findings contribute to conservation planning and understanding of ecosystem dynamics.
State of India's Environment 2026: Seven Planetary Boundaries Breached
The Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) released the State of India's Environment (SOE) 2026 report, warning that 7 of the 9 planetary boundaries have been breached, with ocean acidification emerging as the seventh. Breached boundaries include climate change, biosphere integrity, land system change, freshwater depletion, biogeochemical flows, novel entities, and ocean acidification. The report highlights that species extinction rates exceed 100 per million species years (ten times the safe limit) and that the invasive plant Lantana camara now occupies nearly 50% of forest and scrublands, intensifying human-tiger conflicts.
Kharif Sowing Begins with Early Growth in Rice and Bajra Acreage
Kharif sowing has begun across India with early growth reported in rice and bajra acreage. The government has set a food grain production target of approximately 176 million tonnes for Kharif 2026. Despite delayed monsoon concerns, the agriculture ministry remains optimistic about achieving production targets through contingency planning and crop diversification strategies.
New Sand Boa Species Discovered in Rajasthan's Thar Desert
Researchers documented the first confirmed record in India of the Sistan sand boa (Eryx sistanensis) from the northern Thar Desert in Rajasthan. The species, previously known from Iran and Pakistan, adds a fourth species of sand boa to India. The discovery highlights the unique biodiversity of the Thar Desert and the need for continued herpetological surveys in underexplored regions.
Clouded Leopard Spotted in West Bengal's Buxa Tiger Reserve
Camera traps in Buxa Tiger Reserve, West Bengal, captured images of the clouded leopard after a gap of two years. The species, listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN with only 3,700-5,580 mature individuals globally, is protected under Schedule I of India's Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. The sightings underscore the importance of protected areas in conserving endangered felid species.
Agricultural Advisory
Farmers in rain-fed areas are advised to switch to short-duration crop varieties capable of delivering higher yields with lower water requirements. The government is creating fodder supply plans including transporting fodder from surplus to deficit regions and prioritizing water harvesting projects under MGNREGA.
Important Days & Anniversaries on July 1, 2026
GST Day 2026
9th anniversary of GST implementation (July 1, 2017). The "One Nation, One Tax" reform replaced multiple indirect taxes with a unified system, recommended first by the Kelkar Task Force in 2003.
National Doctors' Day
Commemorates the birth and death anniversary of Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy, renowned physician and second Chief Minister of West Bengal. Observed annually since 1991.
Chartered Accountants Day
77th anniversary of ICAI establishment (July 1, 1949). Recognizes CAs' contributions to nation-building, financial management, and corporate governance.
International Asteroid Day
Marks the anniversary of the Tunguska asteroid impact (June 30, 1908). The UN has declared 2029 as the International Year of Asteroid Awareness and Planetary Defence.
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Disclaimer: This article is compiled from various news sources for educational and informational purposes. Readers are advised to verify facts from official sources.
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