UT of Ladakh Declares 23 Heritage Sites as Protected Monuments
In July 2026, the Administration of the Union Territory (UT) of Ladakh, with the approval of Lieutenant Governor (Lt. Gov) Vinai Kumar Saxena, notified 23 heritage sites as Protected Monuments under Section 3(1) of the Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) Ancient Monuments Preservation Act, Samvat 1977 (1920 A.D.).
- The notification came into effect immediately, granting statutory protection to the 23 heritage sites to strengthen the conservation of Ladakh’s archaeological, historical, and cultural heritage.
Competere Foundation’s Report: India Rises to 57th Rank in Global Competitiveness Reforms Ranking
Competere Foundation for Trade and Competition Policy(formally the Competere Foundation for Trade and Competition), an independent policy and advocacy group, released its latest report titled ‘India’s Next Growth Frontier: Reducing Anti-Competitive Market Distortions (ACMDs) to Build on India’s 2010–2023 Reform Progress’. As per the report, India has emerged as one of the strongest structural reformers among the economies studied, improving its overall global ranking by jumping 25 places i.e. from 82nd (in 2010) to 57th (in 2023).
IN-SPACe Releases Guidelines for Space Object Re-entry
Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) introduced new guidelines, “Norms, Guidelines and Procedures for Implementation of Indian Space Policy-2023 in respect of Authorisation for Undertaking Planned Re-entry of Space Objects”, to regulate planned spacecraft re-entry by private space entities and ensure safety, liability, and accountability.
- The guidelines were issued on 23 July 2026, made public on 29 July 2026, and released under the Indian Space Policy 2023 framework.
IITG & IAIRO Sign MoU to Advance AI Research and Talent Development
Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar (IITGN), Gujarat, and Indian Artificial Intelligence Research Organisation (IAIRO), signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to advance AI research, education, innovation and talent development through joint research, academic exchange and AI infrastructure development.
NSDC and AVPL International Collaborate to Establish 350 Advanced Skill Centres for Drone Technology
National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC)and AVPL International entered into a strategic collaboration to establish 350 Advanced Skill Centres (ASCs) for Drone Technology across India over the next three years.
About Advanced Skill Centres (ASCs):
Skill Centres: The centres will provide training in drone piloting, manufacturing and assembly,maintenance and repair, Geographic Information System (GIS), Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications, inspection, data analytics and entrepreneurship.
Integration: NSDC will co-invest, while AVPL International will manage labs, curriculum, faculty development, internships, placements and entrepreneurship support.
Candere Hurun India Women Leaders List 2026: Roshni Nadar, Priya Nair, Avani Lekhara, Sudha Murty, Among Others Top Women Leaders
Candere, a luxury online jewellery brand by Kalyan Jewellers, in partnership with Hurun India, released the 2nd edition of ‘Candere Hurun India Women Leaders List 2026’, recognising 117 women achievers across 12 categories (up from 97 last year), spanning business, startups, sports, journalism, literature, fashion and social impact.
Saudi Arabia & 13 Other Countries Announced Maritime Defence Alliance to Protect Ships in West Asia Waterways
Saudi Arabia and 13 other countries announced the formation of a Multinational Maritime Defence Alliance aimed at protecting shipping in key West Asian waterways and strengthening global maritime security against threats to navigation and trade amid the ongoing regional conflict.
- The announcement followed an international maritime security meeting hosted by Saudi Arabia in Riyadh, attended by chiefs of staff and representatives from 43 countries and the European Union (EU).
Venezuela Withdraws from the Rome Statute, Ending ICC Membership
Government of Venezuela, under Interim President Delcy Eloína Rodríguez Gómez, formally notified the United Nations (UN) of its withdrawal from the Rome Statute, initiating the process to end its membership in the International Criminal Court (ICC).
- Under Article 127 of the Rome Statute, the withdrawal will take effect one year after notification and will not affect the ICC’s ongoing investigation into alleged crimes against humanity in Venezuela or any proceedings initiated before the withdrawal becomes effective.
RBI Delays Implementation of Basel III Disclosure Rules to April 1, 2027
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) delayed the implementation of its revised Basel Pillar III disclosure framework for banks by 6 months to April 1, 2027, in response to implementation difficulties expressed by the stakeholders.
Applicable to: The RBI issued 10 amendment directions revising its Basel Pillar 3 disclosure framework for commercial banks (CB), small finance banks (SFB) and payments banks (PB).
ADB Approves USD 1 Billion Loan to Support Urban Transformation in India
Asian Development Bank (ADB) approved a USD 1 Billion (Bn) loan to support the Government of India (GoI)’s urban reform agenda, aimed at accelerating urban transformation through improved urban infrastructure, stronger municipal governance, and better delivery of essential public services.
Indian Navy Inducts Indigenous Diving Support Vessel ‘Nipun’
On 30 July 2026, the Indian Navy (IN) received ‘Nipun’, the second Indigenous Diving Support Vessel (DSV) built by Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) at Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh (AP) strengthening India’s deep-sea diving, submarine rescue and underwater salvage capabilities.
Ajinkya Rahane Retires from International Cricket After Distinguished 12-Year India Career
Ajinkya Rahane, senior Indian batter and former Test vice-captain and stand-in Test captain, announced his retirement from international cricket after a distinguished 12-year career (2011–2023), concluding a journey that included 195 international matches across Tests, One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is).
World Day Against Trafficking in Persons 2026 – July 30
The United Nations (UN) World Day Against Trafficking in Persons is observed annually across the globe on July 30 to raise awareness about human trafficking, highlight challenges faced by victims and promote protection of their rights.
- Theme: “Trapped Behind the Scam”
World Ranger Day 2026 – July 31
World Ranger Day (WRD) is observed annually on 31 July to honour Rangers who were killed or injured in the line of duty and recognise their vital role in protecting the world’s natural and cultural heritage.
- 2026 Theme: “Rangers: Guardians of a Changing Planet”
Odisha Signs Tripartite Agreement for Rs 3,385 Crore BharatNet Programme
Electronics and Information Technology (IT) department of Odisha Government signed a tripartite agreement with Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN) which works under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Ministry of Communications and Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) for the implementation of Rs 3,384.82 crore amended BharatNet programme in the state.
TN Government Signed 4 MoUs for Setting Up GCCs, UWA Campus In Chennai
Department of Industries, Investment Promotion and Commerce (DIIPC), of Tamil Nadu (TN) government, signed 4 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with leading global companies for setting up Global Capability Centres (GCCs), Research & Development (R&D) centres, and a manufacturing facility.
- Together, these newly signed MoUs will generate 2,920 direct and indirect jobs in the state.
- Manufacturing Facility: A MoU was signed with Motivelink Co Limited, a South Korean auto-component making company, to establish a manufacturing facility at the SIPCOT Pillaipakkam Industrial Park in Kancheepuram district (TN), with an estimated investment of Rs 300 crore via combination of independent corporate investments and a Joint Venture (JV).
- GCC and R&D Centre: The state government signed two separate MoUs with Berlin (Germany)-based Wind Turbine major Nordex and Zurich (Switzerland)-based insurance company Chubb for setting up GCC and R&D centres, respectively in Chennai, TN.
- This will be the 1st time Chubb will establish its GCC in the state, with roles spanning advanced analytics and engineering.
- Together, these two MoUs are expected to generate 1,200 jobs in the state.