Gujarat's Unjha Cumin and Fennel Receive GI Tag:Gujarat has secured Geographical Indication (GI) tags for Unjha Cumin and Unjha Fennel.
Unjha Cumin and Fennel are Prominent Spice Products from North Gujarat:Unjha Cumin and Unjha Fennel are prominent spice products from North Gujarat.
Agricultural Products in Gujarat
Gujarat's Unjha Cumin and Fennel Receive GI Tag:The state already includes Gir Kesar mangoes, Bhalia wheat, Kachchhi Kharek, and Amalsadi chikoo in its list of GI-tagged products.
Benefits of Geographical Indication (GI) Tags
GI Tags Enhance Market Value and Export Potential:GI tags enhance the market value and export potential of agricultural products.
Government Initiative for GI Registry
Government of India's GI Registry Awarded GI Certification:The Government of India's GI Registry awarded the GI certification.
Prelims pointers
Gujarat has secured Geographical Indication (GI) tags for Unjha Cumin and Unjha Fennel.
Unjha Cumin and Unjha Fennel are prominent spice products from North Gujarat.
The state already includes Gir Kesar mangoes, Bhalia wheat, Kachchhi Kharek, and Amalsadi chikoo in its list of GI-tagged products.
GI tags enhance the market value and export potential of agricultural products.
Gujarat has expanded its list of GI-tagged agricultural products with the addition of Unjha cumin and fennel.
Geography
GS1
Monsoon and Kharif Sowing
Telangana's Kharif Prospects:Over 63% of mandals in 32 rural districts record deficient to large deficient rainfall; water levels in reservoirs remain gloomy
Rainfall Deficit Hits Paddy-Growing Areas:397 out of 741 districts in India had recorded below-normal rainfall as of July 13, 2026
Earthquake
J&K Earthquake:A 3.6-magnitude earthquake occurred in Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir
Mineral Blocks Auction
Eighth Tranche of Mineral Block Auction:The total number of critical mineral blocks offered is 88, with 56 already successfully auctioned
Prelims pointers
Monsoon momentum dips across several states
Bihar and Odisha under orange alert for heavy to very heavy rain
Southwest monsoon has entered a temporary weak phase across large parts of the country
397 out of 741 districts in India had recorded below-normal rainfall as of July 13, 2026
Over 63% of mandals in 32 rural districts record deficient to large deficient rainfall; water levels in reservoirs remain gloomy
A 3.6-magnitude earthquake occurred in Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir
The total number of critical mineral blocks offered is 88, with 56 already successfully auctioned
Indian Society
GS1
Unique Languages and Genes
Language and Culture:A new study measured the genetic diversity of neighbouring languages to understand how human languages became more varied before large migrations and population movements reshaped much of the world.
Genetic Diversity:The GeLaTo (Genes and Languages Together) database contains genetic information from some 4,000 individuals speaking 295 languages and representing 397 genetic populations.
Social Justice and Empowerment
Financial Assistance:The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has extended financial assistance of nearly ₹1,462 crores to around 1.82 lakh Divyang beneficiaries since 2014.
Divya Kala Mela:The Divya Kala Mela is a national movement that transforms confidence into capability, creativity into livelihoods, and aspiration into self-reliance for Divyangjan.
Healthcare Issues
Rajasthan Hospitals:A total of nine patients, including eight women and a minor, died after undergoing surgery in obstetrics and gynaecology departments at government hospitals in Bhilwara and Banswara districts of Rajasthan.
NHRC Cognizance:The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognizance of a media report regarding the deaths of eight women and a minor after undergoing surgery in government hospitals in Rajasthan.
Religious Minorities
Ravidassias:The Ravidassias have been recognized by the Indian government as a distinct religious group under the Sikh Gurdwaras Act, 1925.
Governance
GS2
Water Conservation and Management
Catch the Rain Campaign:The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) is implementing the 'Catch the Rain' campaign across urban India under AMRUT 2.0.
Groundwater Recharge:A total of 1,99,278 recharge structures have been taken up by 79 Municipal Corporations under Jal Shakti Abhiyan–Jan Bhagidari (JSJB) 2.0.
Digital Governance and Security
UMANG Portal Flaws:Researchers found design flaws in the UMANG portal exposing Aadhaar numbers (in plaintext) and EPFO UANs across hundreds of services.
Competition Law and Enforcement
HP India Penalty:The Competition Commission of India (CCI) imposed a penalty of INR 11.98 crores on HP India.
Textiles and Handicrafts
Weave the Future 4.0:The exhibition showcases India's journey towards sustainable and circular textiles.
Indie Haat 2026:Indie Haat 2026 is being held from 10 to 19 July 2026 at the National Crafts Museum & Hastkala Academy, New Delhi.
Tourism and Culture
Hindi Advisory Committee:The Hindi Advisory Committee of the Ministry of Tourism met to review the use of Rajbhasha Hindi in official work.
Bihar Heli-Tourism Scheme:The Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary launched the heli-tourism scheme to put state on 'world tourism map'.
International Relations
GS2
India-China Relations
China's Ballistic Missile Test:China has successfully tested a long-range ballistic missile from a nuclear-powered submarine in the Pacific Ocean.
India's Imports from China Soar:India's imports from China reached $80 billion in the first half of 2026.
United Nations Security Council (UNSC)
EAM Jaishankar Launches India's UNSC Campaign:India and Tajikistan are competing for the sole seat in the Asia-Pacific Group for the 2028-29 term.
Elections for the 2028-29 term of the United Nations Security Council:Elections for the 2028-29 term of the United Nations Security Council will be held in June next year.
India-Pakistan Relations
Pakistan-India Water Deal Faces Indian Review:The Indus Waters Treaty was signed in 1960 after nine years of negotiations between India and Pakistan.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Digital Governance
AI Champions for Digital Governance Summit:The AI Champions for Digital Governance Summit is a three-day programme held from July 13 to 15, 2026.
Prelims pointers
China has tested a long-range ballistic missile from a nuclear-powered submarine.
India's imports from China reached $80 billion in the first half of 2026.
The Indus Waters Treaty was signed in 1960.
India and Tajikistan are competing for the sole seat in the Asia-Pacific Group for the 2028-29 term.
Polity
GS2
Judiciary and Supreme Court Reforms
Special Benches for Pending Cases:The Supreme Court has constituted four special benches to exclusively hear its oldest pending civil and criminal cases.
Fair Process for Citizenship Determination:A fair, lawful, and reasonable process must be followed for determining citizenship status in India.
Election Reforms and Governance
Extension of SIR Deadline:The Election Commission extends SIR in Andhra Pradesh, Haryana by 10 days.
Panchayat Financial Self-Reliance:The Atmanirbhar Panchayat Program aims to promote the financial self-reliance of Panchayats by strengthening their Own Source Revenue (OSR).
Parliamentary Reforms and Legislative Changes
Tax Breaks for FIIs and BIS:The government introduced an Ordinance in June to exempt Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) and the Bank of International Settlements (BIS) from capital gains tax on their investments in government securities.
Education and Language Policy
English as an Indigenous Indian Language:The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has categorized English as a 'non-native language' in its three-language scheme.
Ayurveda and Health Initiatives
'Saushrutam 2026' Seminar:The President of India to inaugurate 'Saushrutam 2026', hosted by the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA).
Prelims pointers
Economy
GS3
Rising Inflation
Retail Inflation Hits 18-Month High:The retail inflation rate in India reached an 18-month high of 4.38% in June 2026.
WPI Inflation Rises to 9.87%:WPI inflation rose from 9.68% in May to 9.87% in June 2026.
Trade Deficit and Economic Indicators
Trade Deficit Jumps 430% in June 2026:India's trade deficit jumped by 430% compared to the previous period in June 2026.
Retail Inflation Hits 18-Month High:The retail inflation rate in India reached an 18-month high of 4.38% in June 2026.
Financial Literacy and Education
KAU Organises Financial Literacy Programme for Farmers:The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) collaborates with lead banks to promote financial literacy among rural populations.
Policy and Regulation
SEBI Bans Board Members from New Investments in Stocks:Whole Time Members (WTMs) of SEBI are now considered persons with price-sensitive information under insider trading rules.
Infrastructure and Development
Indian Railways Clears Doubling of Tadali–Ghugus Railway Section:The doubling work will help improve train operations and cater to the growing freight demand on this important route.
Government Initiatives
Indian MSMEs Get Boost from New Guidebook Launched in Delhi:
Environment
GS3
Climate Change and its Impact
Karnataka's Heat Waves:Rising temperatures and changes in rainfall patterns are causing extreme weather events in Karnataka, including forest landslides.
Big Tech’s AI Race:The environmental footprint of AI technology is expanding at a pace that could strain the planet's natural resources.
Environmental Conservation
DRI Busts Wildlife Trafficking Networks:DRI has seized 440 endangered/protected wild life animals and about 15 kg in ivory articles during coordinated operations across the country.
Kalyani Pramod’s Art Exhibition:Her upcoming exhibition at the Alliance Française of Madras will feature artworks inspired by endangered species.
Ecotourism and Infrastructure
Bihar Environment Minister Inaugurates Meet-2026:The meet aims to boost ecotourism with the participation of private investors in the state.
Metro Man E Sreedharan’s Solar Rail Idea:E Sreedharan proposed a Rs 60,000-crore solar rail corridor in Kerala.
Urban Climate Resilience
'Scaling Urban Climate Resilience: The CapaCITIES Legacy and Way Forward':The programme aimed to equip Indian cities with knowledge, tools, and institutional capacities for low-carbon, climate-resilient development.
Prelims pointers
Karnataka is experiencing heat waves and other climate-induced events due to the lack of trees.
Science and Technology
GS3
Space Exploration and Research
Anil Menon's Historic ISS Mission:Anil Menon will embark on his first mission to the International Space Station as a flight engineer and Expedition 75 crew member.
ISRO blocks exit route for scientists on key projects until mission completion:Over 100 top scientists have quit ISRO, sparking concern for the future of India's most ambitious space projects.
Artificial Intelligence and its Applications
Elon Musk's Grok created three million sexualised images:Grok generated an estimated three million sexualized images in a matter of days, specifically 11 days according to some sources.
Government Initiatives and Support for Science and Technology
Karnataka will establish India’s first government-driven AI university:The proposed university aims to build world-class AI talent and advance research in the field.
Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh unveils India’s First Engineering Biology Course:India's bioeconomy has expanded from nearly USD 10 billion in 2014 to about USD 95 billion today.
Nuclear Science and Technology
Material filters tritium from nuclear wastewater at record speed:The MOF (NH2-MIL-101 (Cr)) achieves 42.5 theoretical plates per meter, indicating its record efficiency in filtering tritium.
Women in STEM
CSIR celebrates women researchers in STEM at ASPIRE-SHAKTI:The CSIR-ASPIRE scheme was launched on International Women's Day in 2023 to support women researchers in India.
Security
GS3
India's Defence and Security
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on India's medical research:India is setting new benchmarks in medical research, according to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
Government's defence on E20 fuel:The government's defence on E20 fuel is that higher ethanol blending might result in a situation where fuel prices cannot be reduced even if oil prices fall.
Punjab Insurgency and Counter-Terrorism
Punjab insurgency:Punjab witnessed one of the most violent internal security crises in independent India between 1981 and 1995.
Transnational Organized Crime and Terrorism
'Committed to combat terror, organised crime': India on gangsters' indictment:Lawrence Bishnoi and his gang members have been indicted by the United States for their alleged involvement in various crimes, including the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
Indian Navy and Maritime Security
INDIAN NAVY likely to COMMISSION THE LATEST ASW SHALLOW WATER CRAFT MALVAN:The ship Malvan is built at Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), Kochi, with over 80% indigenous content.
BIMSTEC Security Cooperation
BIMSTEC security heads unite against terrorism and modernize coast guard cooperation:The BIMSTEC security chiefs have vowed to jointly combat terrorism and streamline maritime law enforcement.
Maoist Insurgency and Rehabilitation
Ethics
GS4
Ram Mandir Corruption Allegations
Congress Demands Judicial Probe:A time-bound judicial probe into alleged missing donations from the Ram Mandir trust has been demanded by the Congress party.
U.P. Congress Chief Ajay Rai:Congress has announced plans to raise a judicial probe into the alleged embezzlement of Ram Janmabhoomi temple donations.
Ajay Rai Placed Under House Arrest:Ajay Rai was allegedly placed under house arrest in Ayodhya ahead of a planned delegation visit to the Ram Temple.
Prelims pointers
Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust
Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Ajay Rai
Ram Mandir trust funds
Separate Religion Category:
The community has been demanding recognition as a separate religion since 2001.
Prelims pointers
A new study measured the genetic diversity of neighbouring languages to understand how human languages became more varied before large migrations and population movements reshaped much of the world.
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has extended financial assistance of nearly ₹1,462 crores to around 1.82 lakh Divyang beneficiaries since 2014.
A total of nine patients, including eight women and a minor, died after undergoing surgery in obstetrics and gynaecology departments at government hospitals in Bhilwara and Banswara districts of Rajasthan.
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognizance of a media report regarding the deaths of eight women and a minor after undergoing surgery in government hospitals in Rajasthan.
Guru Ravidas is believed to have lived in the 14th-15th century and was a prominent figure in the Bhakti movement.
The GeLaTo (Genes and Languages Together) database contains genetic information from some 4,000 individuals speaking 295 languages and representing 397 genetic populations.
The Ravidassias have been recognized by the Indian government as a distinct religious group under the Sikh Gurdwaras Act, 1925.
'When Equal Opportunities Are Provided, Talent Knows No Boundaries': Dr Virendra Kumar
Economic Policy and Trade
India-Spain Economic Partnership:The visit aimed at deepening the India-Spain economic partnership and expanding cooperation in trade, investment, innovation, and industry.
WPI and PPI Data:The new series of Wholesale Price Index (WPI) with base 2022-23 is effective from June 2026.
Prelims pointers
The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) is implementing the 'Catch the Rain' campaign across urban India under AMRUT 2.0.
A total of 1,99,278 recharge structures have been taken up by 79 Municipal Corporations under Jal Shakti Abhiyan–Jan Bhagidari (JSJB) 2.0.
Researchers found design flaws in the UMANG portal exposing Aadhaar numbers (in plaintext) and EPFO UANs across hundreds of services.
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) imposed a penalty of INR 11.98 crores on HP India.
The exhibition Weave the Future 4.0 showcases India's journey towards sustainable and circular textiles.
Indie Haat 2026 is being held from 10 to 19 July 2026 at the National Crafts Museum & Hastkala Academy, New Delhi.
The Hindi Advisory Committee of the Ministry of Tourism met to review the use of Rajbhasha Hindi in official work.
The Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary launched the heli-tourism scheme to put state on 'world tourism map'.
The visit aimed at deepening the India-Spain economic partnership and expanding cooperation in trade, investment, innovation, and industry.
The new series of Wholesale Price Index (WPI) with base 2022-23 is effective from June 2026.
The AI Champions for Digital Governance Summit is a three-day programme held from July 13 to 15, 2026.
India's exports to China increased by 37% in the first half of 2026.
The World Bank facilitates cooperation between India and Pakistan on water usage.
Elections for the 2028-29 term of the United Nations Security Council will be held in June next year.
The Supreme Court has constituted four special benches.
A fair, lawful, and reasonable process must be followed for determining citizenship status in India.
The Election Commission extends SIR in Andhra Pradesh, Haryana by 10 days.
The Atmanirbhar Panchayat Program aims to promote the financial self-reliance of Panchayats.
English is categorized as a 'non-native language' by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE).
Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) and Bank of International Settlements (BIS) are exempt from capital gains tax on their investments in government securities.
The President of India to inaugurate 'Saushrutam 2026'.
Mere production of telephone records does not substitute substantive proof of an illicit affair leading to murder.
The Centre for Trade and Investment Law (CTIL) has launched a guidebook to help Indian MSMEs expand into global markets.
Prelims pointers
India's retail inflation rate reached an 18-month high of 4.38% in June 2026.
The Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) inflation target is 4% with a margin of 2%, as per the Monetary Policy Framework Agreement.
Whole Time Members (WTMs) of SEBI are now considered persons with price-sensitive information under insider trading rules.
India's trade deficit jumped by 430% compared to the previous period in June 2026.
WPI inflation rose from 9.68% in May to 9.87% in June 2026.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) collaborates with lead banks to promote financial literacy among rural populations.
Indian Railways has approved the doubling of the Tadali–Ghugus railway section in Maharashtra at a completion cost of ₹228 crore.
The Centre for Trade and Investment Law (CTIL) has launched a guidebook to help Indian MSMEs expand into global markets.
More than 80% of Indians live in districts vulnerable to climate-induced disasters, according to the World Bank.
The Indian elephant (Elephas maximus) is listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
Bihar's Environment Department has invited private investors to develop large-scale ecotourism infrastructure across dam sites, ponds, and waterbodies.
The CapaCITIES programme was launched in 2016 and funded by the Embassy of Switzerland to India and Bhutan.
Cities such as Coimbatore, Thiruchirappalli Tirunelveli in Tamil Nadu, Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Vadodara, Udaipur, and Siliguri received support from this project.
E Sreedharan is often referred to as 'Metro Man' due to his work on Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC).
The CapaCITIES programme focused on embedding climate action within urban planning systems and strengthening local capacities for climate-resilient development.
Prelims pointers
Anil Menon is a NASA astronaut who will embark on his first mission to the International Space Station.
Over 100 top scientists have quit ISRO, sparking concern for the future of India's most ambitious space projects.
Grok generated an estimated three million sexualized images in a matter of days.
The CSIR-ASPIRE scheme was launched on International Women's Day in 2023 to support women researchers in India.
India's bioeconomy has expanded from nearly USD 10 billion in 2014 to about USD 95 billion today.
Karnataka will establish India’s first government-driven AI university.
The MOF (NH2-MIL-101 (Cr)) achieves 42.5 theoretical plates per meter, indicating its record efficiency in filtering tritium.
Elon Musk's AI tool Grok is capable of generating large numbers of sexualized images.
From conflict to livelihood: Former Maoists face uncertain road to stability:
The state of Chhattisgarh operates a 5,000-strong 'District Reserve Guard' drawn from tribal people, many of them former Maoists.
Prelims pointers
India is setting new benchmarks in medical research.
Punjab witnessed one of the most violent internal security crises in independent India between 1981 and 1995.
Lawrence Bishnoi and his gang members have been indicted by the United States for their alleged involvement in various crimes, including the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
The ship Malvan is built at Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), Kochi, with over 80% indigenous content.
The BIMSTEC security chiefs have vowed to jointly combat terrorism and streamline maritime law enforcement.
India's health system has emerged as more self-reliant, accessible, affordable, modern and people-centric compared to earlier times.
By 2026, security operations combined with development initiatives reduced the number of districts affected by the Maoist insurgency to 11.