Current Affairs for Competitive Exams: 26 July 2026, Daily Roundup
Current Affairs – 26 July 2026
National Affairs
1. Sarnath Gets UNESCO World Heritage Status: Ancient Buddhist site Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh, has been inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site after remaining on the tentative list for nearly 28 years.
Relevance:
- Sarnath is where Gautama Buddha delivered his first sermon, known as Dharmachakra Pravartana.
- Important monuments: Dhamek Stupa, Chaukhandi Stupa and Ashokan Pillar.
- The Lion Capital of Ashoka, discovered at Sarnath, is India’s National Emblem.
- Sarnath forms a key part of India’s Buddhist heritage circuit.
2. Pralhad Joshi Takes Charge as Education Minister: Pralhad Joshi was appointed Union Education Minister following the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan amid protests over competitive-examination irregularities.
The Centre is also set to introduce the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, aimed at strengthening safeguards against examination malpractices.
3. Supreme Court Safeguards Children’s Data under APAAR: The Supreme Court laid down safeguards against mandatory collection or withholding of children’s Aadhaar details under the Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry (APAAR).
Exam Relevance: Article 21 – Right to Privacy, Aadhaar, children’s digital rights and data protection in education.
4. India’s First Hydrogen Train Begins Service: India’s indigenous hydrogen-powered train began operations on the Jind–Sonipat route. It generates electricity through a clean chemical reaction and emits primarily water vapour, supporting low-carbon railway transport.
5. Two Lakh Saksham Anganwadis: The Women & Child Development Ministry approved upgrading 2 lakh Anganwadi Centres into Saksham Anganwadis, strengthening nutrition and Early Childhood Care and Education under Mission Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0.
International Current Affairs
1. US Tariffs & Impact on Indian Exports: The US imposed new Section 301 tariffs on multiple trading partners. India was placed in the 10% additional tariff bracket, lower than the initially proposed 12.5%, with the measures taking effect from 25 July.
Section 301 of the US Trade Act, 1974 allows action against foreign trade practices considered discriminatory, unreasonable or unjustifiable.
2. India–Israel FTA Negotiations: India and Israel concluded the second round of negotiations for their proposed Free Trade Agreement, covering multiple areas aimed at achieving a comprehensive and mutually beneficial trade pact.
3. US–Iran Crisis & Maritime Security: Continued US-Iran tensions have heightened security risks around the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy chokepoint.Potential disruption can raise crude-oil prices, shipping insurance and freight costs, affecting India’s import bill and inflation. All 28 Indian crew members aboard LPG tanker DISHA were reported safe following an attack in Iranian territorial waters.
4. Major World Developments
- China restricted exports of dual-use goods to 14 European entities amid tensions over EU sanctions against Russia.
- European Commission imposed a €890-million penalty on Google under the EU’s Digital Markets Act.
- UN Secretary-General António Guterres visited Syria and appealed for international support for its people.
- Severe wildfires in Spain and France forced large-scale evacuations.
Defence
1. 27th Kargil Vijay Diwas: India observed the 27th Kargil Vijay Diwas on 26 July, commemorating victory in Operation Vijay (1999).
Key Facts:
- Indian forces recaptured strategic heights occupied by Pakistani forces/infiltrators in the Kargil sector.
- 26 July 1999 marked the successful culmination of Operation Vijay.
- Main memorial: Kargil War Memorial, Drass, Ladakh.
- Defence Minister Rajnath Singh participated in the commemorative events at Drass.
2. Project Kusha: DRDO successfully tested the indigenous Kusha long-range air-defence missile system. Designed to strengthen India’s layered air-defence capability against aircraft, cruise missiles and other aerial threats.
3. Bhargavastra Counter-Drone System: Bhargavastra is an indigenous vehicle-mounted, multi-layered counter-swarm drone system developed by Solar Defence and Aerospace Ltd for the Indian Army.
Science & Technology
AI Data Centres: Energy & Water Challenge: Growing AI computing infrastructure has intensified concerns about the electricity and water footprint of data centres.
SpaceX Starship Test: SpaceX’s Starship completed another major test flight, with the 124-metre rocket deploying 20 Starlink satellites during the mission.
Sports
1. Anahat Singh Creates Squash History: Indian teenager Anahat Singh advanced to the Women’s Singles final of the World Junior Squash Championships, defeating Egypt’s Barb Sameh in the semifinal.
2. India Takes 2–0 T20I Lead Against Zimbabwe: India defeated Zimbabwe by 90 runs in the second T20I at Harare, taking an unassailable 2–0 lead in the three-match series.
Important Observances – 26 July
Kargil Vijay Diwas: Honours Indian Armed Forces personnel who fought in the 1999 Kargil War.
International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem: Established by UNESCO in 2015 to promote protection and sustainable management of mangroves—important for coastal protection, blue carbon storage and biodiversity.
Miscellaneous One-Liners Current Affairs
- Rajasthan: Launched State Water Plan 2047, focusing on river linking, groundwater conservation and long-term water security.
- Railways: AI-based stain-detection technology is being piloted for inspection of washed railway linen.
- UDAN: Regional connectivity network reportedly reached 679 routes connecting 95 airports/water aerodromes.
- Gujarat: Around 3.5 lakh saplings planted in Ahmedabad under Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam.
- Madhya Pradesh: Sidhi district constructed around 1,500 water ponds under the Amrit Sarovar initiative.
- Judiciary: Supreme Court judges highlighted dissent as an essential component of constitutional democracy at the Justice G.P. Singh Memorial Lecture
