Current Affairs for Competitive Exams: 08 July 2026, Daily Roundup
Current Affairs – 08 July 2026
National Affairs
1. National Cooperative Insurance Scheme Launched: Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah launched the National Cooperative Insurance Scheme to strengthen the cooperative sector.
Key Features
- Low-cost insurance for cooperative institutions and members.
- Covers agricultural, dairy and rural cooperatives.
- Aims to reduce climate and operational risks and improve financial security for small farmers.
2. India Hosts BRICS Women’s Ministerial Meeting: India hosted the BRICS Women’s Ministerial Meeting in Kochi, Kerala (8–9 July 2026).
Focus Areas
- Women-led development.
- Bridging the digital gender divide.
- Promoting women entrepreneurship.
- Expanding financial inclusion for women artisans and MSMEs.
International Affairs
1. PM Modi Conferred Indonesia’s Highest Civilian Honour: During his visit to Indonesia, Prime Minister Narendra Modi received the Bintang Adipurna (Star of the Republic of Indonesia), the country’s highest civilian award.
Major Outcomes
- Agreements on defence cooperation.
- Indonesia expressed interest in India’s BrahMos supersonic cruise missile and ASTRA Beyond Visual Range (BVR) missile systems.
- Joint conservation initiative launched at the Prambanan Temple Complex, highlighting shared cultural heritage.
2. Strait of Hormuz Tensions Escalate: The United States declared its ceasefire arrangement with Iran to be over following renewed attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
Exam Importance
- Strait of Hormuz carries nearly 20% of global oil trade.
- Critical for India’s energy security and maritime trade.
Defence & Security
India–Indonesia Defence Cooperation Strengthened: The bilateral discussions focused on:
- Defence manufacturing cooperation.
- Maritime security in the Indo-Pacific.
- Missile technology collaboration.
- Expanding strategic partnership under India’s Act East Policy.
Science & Technology
‘SpudCell’ – Artificial Synthetic Cell Developed: Scientists announced the successful development of SpudCell, a laboratory-created synthetic cell.
Significance
- Demonstrates artificial cells capable of replication and evolution.
- Opens possibilities in:
- Precision medicine
- Drug delivery
- Synthetic biology
- Industrial biotechnology
Sports
FIFA World Cup 2026
- Spain defeated Portugal to qualify for the Quarter-finals.
- The match marked the final FIFA World Cup appearance of Cristiano Ronaldo.
Global Observance
World Allergy Training Day – 08 July
Objective
- Promote awareness of allergic diseases.
- Encourage research in immunotherapy.
- Highlight the growing impact of climate change on allergies.
Miscellaneous Current Affairs
- Gujarat High Court upheld the death sentence of 38 convicts in the 2008 Ahmedabad serial blasts case.
- DGCA initiated an inquiry into a near-miss incident involving an Air India and an Air India Express aircraft at Mumbai Airport.
- NIA conducted coordinated raids in a cross-border terror recruitment and radicalisation case linked to its Visakhapatnam branch.
- Truecaller opposed proposed TRAI regulations affecting caller identification and spam filtering services.
- Bangladesh signed a feasibility agreement with China for the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project (TRCMRP).
