India’s Exports Reach USD 232.73 Billion in Q1 FY27: MoC&I Data
In July 2026, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoC&I) released the Trade data for the Q1 (Quarter 1: April-June) of Financial Year 2026-27 (FY27) and for the month of June 2026.
- As per the data, India’s total exports during Q1FY27 stood at USD 232.73 Billion (Bn) and the total imports during April-June 2026-27 is estimated at USD 270.15 Bn.
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal Launches ‘Seafarer-First’ Initiative to Safeguard Indian Seafarers
In July 2026, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), launched the ‘Seafarer-First‘ initiative to safeguard Indian seafarers operating in the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, and Gulf of Oman amid escalating maritime security concerns in West Asia.
- The initiative follows attacks on the merchant vessels MT Al Bahiyah and MT Mombasa in the Strait of Hormuz, which affected 30 Indian seafarers in the crew of 46.
NABARD Launches ‘Gramodyam’ Programme to Boost Rural Entrepreneurship
On July 13, 2026, Dr. Shaji K. V., Chairman of the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) , launched ‘Gramodyam’, an Entrepreneurship Development Programme (EDP), on the occasion of NABARD’s 45th Foundation Day to strengthen the rural enterprise ecosystem.
- The programme is being implemented in collaboration with the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) through the Institute for Industrial Development (IID).
MeitY-DFI launched NIDAR 2.0 to Develop Drones Powered by Indian-Made Chips
In July 2026, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), in partnership with Drone Federation India (DFI), launched the 2nd edition of the National Innovation Challenge for Drone Application and Research (NIDAR 2.0) for (2026-27) under the SwaYaan initiative, during the programme held at Electronics Niketan, New Delhi (Delhi).
- During the programme, the problem statements, poster and rulebook for NIDAR 2.0 were formally launched by S. Krishnan, Secretary, MeitY.
- Key Focus: The focus of the latest edition of NIDAR 2.0 shifts from conventional systems to autonomous systems, indigenous avionics and core drone components, supported by indigenous VEGA processors.
- Key Features: The challenge is built on two tracks i.e. Track 1 (Drone Innovation) and Track 2 (Component Innovation).
WDMMA 2026 Rankings: IAF Retains 3rd Spot Among National Air Forces Globally
In July 2026, the World Defense Military Analysis (WDMMA) Global Air Power Rankings 2026, ranked Indian Air Force (IAF) as the 3rd-most powerful air force globally behind only the United States and Russia, maintaining its position ahead of China’s People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) for the 5th consecutive year (since 2022).
- IAF ranked at 6th position overall when air arms of the Army, Navy and Air Force are considered together with True Value Rating (TVR) of 69.4 and Chinese Air Force ranks 7th with 63.8 TvR
- United States(US) Air Force tops with a TVR of 242.9 (5,004 aircraft)
CAC49 Adopted 7 Codex Standards Developed under India’s leadership
The 49th Session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC49) held from July 06 to July 11 2026 in Geneva, Switzerland, adopted seven codex standards and guidelines developed under India’s chairmanship and co-chairmanship, representing India’s contribution to the development of science-based global food standards.
- In addition, the commission approved another proposal of the Government of India (GoI) to undertake new work for the development of a codex standard for cashew kernels under the Codex Committee on Processed Fruits and Vegetables (CCPFV).
Ukraine, 9 Other Nations Form ‘Anti-ballistic Missile Coalition’ To Protect Europe From Missiles
In July 2026, Ukraine and nine other countries announced the formation of an ‘Anti-ballistic missile coalition’ to strengthen protection against the growing ballistic missile threat in Europe.
- The announcement was made on the sidelines of the ‘Coalition of the Willing(CoW) Summit’, which brought together over 30 countries and at least 25 heads of state, in Paris, France.
About Anti-ballistic Missile Coalition: - Key Goal: The newly announced coalition aims to build a shared ballistic missile defence capability for Europe.
- Other Members: Other than Ukraine, nine countries have agreed to join the new coalition: Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom (UK).
Axis Max Life Launches ‘Smart RISE’ Retirement Plan with Guaranteed and NIFTY 50-Linked Variable Annuity
In July 2026, Axis Max Life Insurance Limited launched Axis Max Life Smart Retirement Income with Sustained Earnings Plan (Smart RISE), a retirement-focused insurance product that combines a Guaranteed Annuity with a Variable Annuity linked to the NIFTY 50 Index.
The plan aims to provide policyholders with a stable post-retirement income by combining guaranteed income with potential market-linked returns, while offering flexibility in retirement and supporting long-term legacy planning.
Gujarat’s Unjha Cumin & Fennel Receive Geographical Indication (GI) Tags
In July 2026, the Geographical Indications Registry (GIR), under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoC&I), granted Geographical Indication (GI) tag to Gujarat’s two agricultural products: Unjha Cumin and Fennel, both originating from Unjha region in north of the state.
- With this latest recognition, the list of GI-tagged agricultural products from Gujarat has now been expanded to 6 (which already includes Gir Kesar mangoes, Bhalia wheat, Kachchhi Kharek and Amalsadi chikoo).
India Wins 5 Gold Medals at 56th International Physics Olympiad 2026 in Bucaramanga, Colombia
In July 2026, India recorded its best-ever performance at the 56th International Physics Olympiad (IPhO 2026), held in Bucaramanga, Colombia, from 4 to 12 July 2026, with all five Indian participants winning gold medals.
- India secured joint first place in the overall medal tally alongside Russia, China, Kazakhstan, South Korea, and Taiwan.
Three Indian-Origin Experts Named to Lead US Federal Reserve Monetary Policy Review Task Forces
In July 2026, the United States Federal Reserve (US Fed) appointed three Indian-origin experts: Raghuram Rajan, Raj Chetty, and Asha Sharma, to lead three of its five task forces reviewing the Fed’s monetary policy framework under Fed Chair Kevin Warsh.
- The appointments are part of five task forces announced by US Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh.
Russia Launches ‘Soyuz MS-29 Mission’ Carrying NASA Astronaut and Two Cosmonauts to ISS
In July 2026, Russia successfully launched the Soyuz MS-29 crewed mission to the International Space Station (ISS) from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.
- The launch was attended by NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman, marking the first visit by a NASA chief to the Baikonur Cosmodrome since 2018.
- About Soyuz MS-29 Mission:
- Crew: The mission was carried out using the Soyuz-2.1a launch vehicle and transported National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) astronaut Anil Menon and Roscosmos cosmonauts Pyotr Dubrov and Anna Kikina to the orbital laboratory for the 75th long-duration expedition rotation.
- Mission: The crew is scheduled to spend about eight months aboard the ISS as part of Expedition 75.
- During their stay aboard the ISS, the crew will conduct scientific research, technology demonstrations, station maintenance, and collaborative microgravity experiments.
Inaugural Asian U23 Athletics Championships 2026: China Tops; India Finishes Fourth with 3 Gold Medals
The 2026 Asian Under-23 (U23) Athletics Championships, the inaugural edition of the international athletics competition, held at the Ordos Sports Development Center Stadium in Ordos, China, 9th to 12th of July 2026, where India concluded its campaign with 16 medals comprising 3 gold, 4 silver and 9 bronze, finishing fourth in the overall standings.
- China topped the medal table with 23 gold, 17 silver, and 12 bronze medals (52 total), followed by Japan with 7 gold, 8 silver, and 7 bronze medals (22 total), and Uzbekistan with 5 gold, 4 silver, and 1 bronze medal (10 total).
India Wins First-Ever Women’s T20I Deaf Cricket Series Against Sri Lanka
In July 2026, the Indian Deaf Women’s Cricket Team won the first-ever Women’s Twenty20 International (T20I) series 2026, defeating Sri Lanka Deaf Women’s Cricket Team 5–0 at the De Soysa International Cricket Stadium in Moratuwa, Sri Lanka.
- India sealed the series with a seven-wicket victory in the fifth and final match after bowling out Sri Lanka for 40 runs in 13.5 overs, reinforcing its growing stature in global deaf cricket.
Delhi CM Rekha Gupta Unveils ‘Mayur’ Mascot for Commonwealth Table Tennis Championship 2026
In July 2026, Rekha Gupta, Chief Minister (CM) of Delhi, unveiled ‘Mayur’, the official mascot of the 22nd Commonwealth Table Tennis Championship, in New Delhi, Delhi.
- The mascot was unveiled in the presence of Ashish Sood, Delhi Education and Sports Minister; Vivek Kohli, President of Commonwealth Table Tennis Federation and other dignitaries.
- Key Details of Mascot:
- Design: The mascot ‘Mayur’ is inspired by the Indian Peacock (Pavo cristatus), the national bird of India. Its feathers represent the flags of participating Commonwealth nations and symbolise energy, enthusiasm, pride, and unity.
- Tournament: The Commonwealth Table Tennis Championship 2026 was held at Thyagaraj Stadium, New Delhi, Delhi from 27 July to 2 August 2026 as a 7-day tournament featuring competitions across 7 categories.
International Day of Hope 2026– July 12
The United Nations (UN’s) International Day of Hope is observed annually on 12 July to promote hope as a fundamental force for individuals, communities, and nations, especially during times of global uncertainty, conflict, and division.
- 12 July 2026 marks the 2nd observance of the International Day of Hope.
Google India Signs MoU With Tripura to Build AI Ecosystem
In July 2026, Google India signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Tripura to enhance its Artificial Intelligence (AI) capabilities, cloud infrastructure and modernisation of citizen services, during Destination Tripura Business Conclave 2026 held at the International Fair Ground in Hapania, Tripura.
- Key Details of MoU:
Objective: The partnership will enable Tripura to leverage Google’s technology expertise for promoting advanced solutions in governance, citizen services, education, entrepreneurship, workforce development, and public administration.