CPWD Celebrates 172nd Annual Day at Vigyan Bhavan, MoH&UA unveils SANKALP framework
On 12 July 2026, the Central Public Works Department (CPWD), a premier engineering organization under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoH&UA) of the Government of India (GoI), celebrated its 172nd Annual Day at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.
During this celebration, the Union Minister Manohar Lal, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoH&UA) unveiled the ‘SANKALP’ framework.
Books Released: On the occasion, the Union Minister also released the following books:
- the MoH&UA’s coffee table book “India’s Urban Momentum: Towards Making Our Cities Liveable“, highlighting India’s remarkable urban development journey.
- India’s Urban Transformation: Reflections from Policy and Practice.
MeitY Releases 2nd Edition of ‘Digital Threat Report 2025-26’ for India’s BFSI and Payments Ecosystem
In July 2026, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), released the second edition of the Digital Threat Report 2025–26 for the Banking, Financial Services and Insurance (BFSI) and payments ecosystem.
- The report was jointly released by the MeitY, the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In), the Computer Security Incident Response Team in Finance (CSIRT- Fin) and SISA (SISA Information Security).
- Timeline: The report sets out an 18-month roadmap for financial institutions.
- New Framework: The report introduces a new analytical framework called the ‘Anatomy of Cyber Failure – 4 layer Gap Archetype Framework’.
DoT Signs MoU with TSDSI to Strengthen India’s Global Telecom Standards Ecosystem
In July 2026, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Ministry of Communications , signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Telecommunications Standards Development Society, India (TSDSI) during the 9th TSDSI Technical Deep Dive (TTDD) 2026 in New Delhi, Delhi.
- The MoU was signed under the TDIP Scheme to strengthen India’s participation in global Standards Development Organizations (SDOs), promote indigenous telecom innovation, and support startups and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) under the Bharat 6G Mission.
- Eligible Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT)-recognised startups and MSMEs will receive up to 98% support (turnover up to Rs. 10 crore) and 80% support (turnover Rs. 10–500 crore), along with up to 80% travel assistance (maximum Rs. 5 lakh per international meeting).
Overview of PM Narendra Modi’s Visit to New Zealand from July 10 to July 11, 2026
Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi visited New Zealand, the final leg of his three-nation tour (Indonesia and Australia) from July 10 to July 11, 2026, at the invitation of Christopher Luxon, PM of New Zealand.
- Key Outcomes: The bilateral meeting between the PMs of India and New Zealand resulted in 18 major outcomes, including 10 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) which cover areas like: defence, trade, maritime security, disaster management, agriculture, tourism, sports, culture and scientific research; and elevation of India-New Zealand bilateral ties to Strategic Partnership (SP) and adoption of Roadmap to 2030.
- Key Announcements: Some of the key announcements include:
- Doubling of bilateral trade i.e. NZD 7 billion (around Rs 35,000 crore) by 2030;
- Setting up a Maritime Security Dialogue.
- New Zealand nominated Maritime Security as the priority pillar under the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) initiative;
- New Zealand announced to join the GoI-led Global Biofuels Alliance (GBA), among others.
Bank of Maharashtra Launched FinSpark’26, a National Level Cybersecurity Hackathon
In July 2026, Bank of Maharashtra (BoM), one of India’s leading Public Sector Banks (PSBs), launched “FinSpark’26”, a national-level cybersecurity hackathon, under the theme “Securing the Future of Banking”.
- The nationwide hackathon is designed to encourage students and dropouts across the country to develop solutions for real-world challenges in the banking sector.
FIU-IND Named as Runner-up at BECA 2026 For its Case Regarding Large-scale Cyber Fraud
In July 2026, the Financial Intelligence Unit – India (FIU-IND) was named runner-up at Best Egmont Case Award (BECA) 2026, one of the Egmont Group’s highest honours, for uncovering a large-scale cyber fraud and demonstrating excellence in financial intelligence and global cooperation.
- Anil Mohan Govil, Director of FIU-IND, received the award during the Egmont Group Plenary held in Baku, Azerbaijan.
- Key Accomplishment: During its investigation, the FIU-IND traced a sophisticated money laundering network which involved cyber fraud proceeds of nearly Rs 868 crore, over 5,000 mule bank accounts and complex cryptocurrency transactions spanning multiple transactions.
- Key Outcome of Investigation: Based on FIU-IND’s investigation findings, the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) seized Rs 47 lakh in cash and cryptocurrency (USDT) valued at approximately Rs 13.6 crore.
ISRO Successfully Carries Out Three Major Tests of Gaganyaan Crew Module Systems
In July 2026, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully conducted 3 critical tests of the Gaganyaan Crew Module (CM) systems as part of India’s human spaceflight programme.
Tests: The three tests were conducted successfully are:
- Float inflation test for the Crew Module Up-Righting system (CMUS)
- Umbilical Separation Testing of the Connect-Disconnect System (CS-CDS)
- Crew module structure qualification test for Apex Cover separation loads.
Validation: It validates splashdown recovery, module separation and parachute deployment of the crew module marks significant milestone towards India’s first crewed orbital mission.
Japan Successfully Conducts First Lift-off and Landing Test of Reusable Rocket Prototype
In July 2026, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) successfully conducted the first lift-off and landing test of its RV-X reusable rocket prototype at the Noshiro Testing Center, Akita Prefecture, Japan.
- Mission: RV-X successfully completed Japan’s first lift-off and landing test of a reusable rocket prototype, demonstrating vertical take-off and vertical landing (VTVL) technology.
- Features: Jointly developed by JAXA and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI), the RV-X is 7.3 metres long and 1.8 metres in diameter, featuring an enhanced-durability engine and four shock-absorbing landing legs.
- Significance: The successful test advances Japan’s reusable launch vehicle programme, supporting the development of next-generation reusable launch systems to succeed the single-use H3 launch vehicle, reduce launch costs, and strengthen Japan’s global competitiveness.
Indian Women’s Cricket Team Defeats England in Women’s Test at Lord’s, London
In July 2026, the Indian Women’s Cricket Team, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, defeated England by 270 runs in the first-ever Women’s Test at Lord’s Cricket Ground, London, successfully defending a target of 457 runs, marking India’s second-largest win by runs in Women’s Tests and the fourth-largest overall.
Padma Shri Anjum Chopra and Kevin Pietersen Were Inducted into ICC Hall of Fame
In July 2026, the International Cricket Council (ICC) inducted former Indian women’s cricket captain Anjum Chopra and former England captain Kevin Pietersen into the ICC Hall of Fame during its Annual Conference in Edinburgh, Scotland, recognising their outstanding contributions and exceptional performances in international cricket.
- Anjum Chopra became the 3rd Indian woman after Diana Edulji and Neetu David, and the 13th Indian overall to be inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame, taking the total number of inductees to 125.
Sahitya Akademi Award-Winning Tamil Writer Poomani Passed Away
In July 2026, Tamil writer and novelist Poomani (Pulithurai Manickavasagam) passed away at the age of 79 in Chennai, Tamil Nadu (TN). He was born on 12 May 1947 in Andipatti, in Thoothukudi district, TN.
- He was honoured with Sahitya Akademi Award in 2014 in the Tamil language category for his novel ‘Agnaadi’, based on the Kazhugumalai (1895) and Sivakasi (1899) communal conflicts.
Veteran INC Leader and Former MP H. Hanumanthappa Passed Away
In July 2026, Veteran leader of Indian National Congress (INC) party and former Member of Parliament (MP) H. Hanumanthapa passed away at the age of 94 in Chitradurga, Karnataka.
- He was born on 13 May 1932 in Guddadarangenahalli of Chitradurga district, Karnataka.
IAF Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla Launches Debut Book ‘The Second Orbit’
In July 2026, Indian Air Force (IAF) Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla launched his debut book, ‘The Second Orbit: Belief of a Man… Dreams of 1.4 Billion Hearts’, in Bengaluru, Karnataka.
- The book, published by Penguin Random House India, was launched in the presence of former Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chairpersons A. S. Kiran Kumar and S. Somanath.
International Malala Day 2026 – July 12
International Malala Day is observed annually across the world on 12 July to commemorate the birth anniversary of Malala Yousafzai, the youngest Nobel Prize laureate, and promotes girls’ education and the right to education for all worldwide.
International Day of Combating Sand and Dust Storms 2026 – 12 July
The United Nations (UN’s) International Day of Combating Sand and Dust Storms (SDS) is annually observed across the globe on 12 July to raise awareness about the health, environmental, and socio-economic impacts of sand and dust storms and promote sustainable land and water management.
AP Launches ‘Pillale Sampada‘ Initiative to Promote Balanced Population Growth
In July 2026, N. Chandrababu Naidu, Chief Minister (CM) of Andhra Pradesh (AP), launched the ‘Pillale Sampada(Children are Wealth)’ initiative during the World Population Day(July 11) programme in Vijayawada, AP.
- The initiative aims to encourage balanced population growth by addressing declining fertility rates and the challenges of an ageing population.