India–Rwanda hold second Joint Defence Cooperation Committee meeting in New Delhi
India and Rwanda conducted the second Joint Defence Cooperation Committee meeting in New Delhi. The talks focused on expanding cooperation across military training, exercises, medical cooperation, and defence industries. Indian side was represented by Amitabh Prasad, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Defence. The meeting underscores bilateral efforts to deepen defence collaboration, explore joint programs, and strengthen strategic ties between the two nations. Participants highlighted potential partnerships in capacity building, equipment procurement, and joint research in defence technology. The discussions align with broader regional security interests and bilateral development agendas.
Meeting: Second Joint Defence Cooperation Committee
Location: New Delhi
Focus areas: military training, exercises, medical cooperation, defence industries
India representative: Amitabh Prasad, Joint Secretary, MoD
Significance: deepens defence collaboration with Rwanda
Outlook: potential joint programs and partnerships
Mission 70 Lakh Tree Plantation Campaign launched in New Delhi
The Mission 70 Lakh Tree Plantation Campaign was launched in New Delhi on 7 July 2026. Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta jointly inaugurated the initiative as part of Delhi’s green action plan. The campaign aims to increase the national capital’s green cover through mass tree planting and afforestation drives. Officials highlighted coordination with local authorities, schools and communities to maximise participation. The project aligns with environmental protection goals and climate resilience strategies, while raising public awareness about the benefits of urban forestry, biodiversity and air quality improvements in Delhi.
Launch date: 7 July 2026
Venue: New Delhi
Inaugurated by: Amit Shah and Rekha Gupta
Objective: increase Delhi’s green cover
Strategy: mass tree planting and afforestation
Impact: supports urban environmental goals and public awareness
As of 8 July 2026, India is identified as the world’s largest hub for retail and FMCG Global Capability Centers (GCCs). The country hosts 180 GCCs employing more than 2.72 lakh professionals. Bengaluru, Delhi-NCR and Hyderabad are among the major GCC hubs. These centers provide back-office services, analytics, customer support and product development for global brands. The growth reflects India’s expanding role in global business services, technology-enabled operations, and the demand for skilled professionals in a competitive, cost-effective environment. Policy support for digital infrastructure and a large talent pool underpin ongoing GCC expansion across major Indian cities.
Status: India largest GCC hub for retail and FMCG
Number of GCCs: 180
Employment: over 2.72 lakh professionals
Major hubs: Bengaluru, Delhi-NCR, Hyderabad
Functions: back-office, analytics, customer support, product development
Implication: strengthens India’s BPO and tech services ecosystem
Switzerland will host the Global AI Summit in Geneva on 21–22 June 2027. The event will address artificial intelligence governance, trustworthy AI and responsible development. Governments, international organisations, businesses, scientists and civil society are expected to participate. The summit aims to foster collaboration on AI standards, safety, ethics and policy frameworks, and to showcase innovations in AI governance. Organisers emphasise inclusive dialogue among stakeholders to ensure that AI benefits are maximised while mitigating risks. The venue and dates provide a fixed timeline for policymakers and industry leaders planning cooperative efforts across borders.
Host: Geneva, Switzerland
Dates: 21–22 June 2027
Focus: AI governance, trustworthy AI, responsible development
Participants: governments, international bodies, businesses, scientists, civil society
Purpose: set standards and foster collaboration on AI policy
Significance: international coordination on AI ethics and safety
Aswath S, a young chess player from Tamil Nadu, became India’s 98th chess Grandmaster in July 2026. He earned his final Grandmaster norm at the Pune International Grandmaster Round Robin tournament. The achievement places him among India’s elite chess players and reflects the country’s rising fortunes in the sport. Aswath hails from the Kanyakumari district and has shown steady progress through national and international events. The title adds to India’s growing pool of grandmasters, contributing to national pride in mind sports and inspiring upcoming players in regional chess communities.
Narmada Project payment pact signed by four states
A pact was signed in New Delhi in July 2026 among Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan and Maharashtra to settle a long-pending payment dispute related to the Narmada Project. The agreement aims to resolve financial disagreements over water-sharing and project costs. Uttar Pradesh reportedly did not participate in the pact. The settlement constitutes a major step toward inter-state cooperation on the huge hydroelectric and irrigation project, potentially paving the way for more streamlined funding and implementation. Officials noted the pact could help accelerate ongoing development initiatives linked to dam development and water distribution in participating states.
Signatories: MP, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Maharashtra
Location: New Delhi
Subject: Narmada Project payment dispute
Date: July 2026
Non-participant: Uttar Pradesh
Impact: potential acceleration of project funding and implementation
Acharya Shri Ranchhodlalji Goswami of Ahmedabad has been honoured with the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar-2025 for his contribution to the Pushtimarg Haveli Sangeet tradition. Haveli Sangeet is a devotional classical music form linked to temple culture, prominent in Gujarat and Rajasthan. The award, presented by the Sangeet Natak Akademi, recognises young performing artists who sustain and innovate within Indian performing arts. Goswami’s work embodies regional musical storytelling, blending devotional repertoire with regional singing styles. The prize supports young talents and highlights the living tradition of Haveli Sangeet within Hindustani classical music. The recognition underscores the Akademi’s ongoing effort to nurture emerging artists across genres.
Awarding body: Sangeet Natak Akademi
Genre: Haveli Sangeet, linked to Pushtimarg devotion
Navi Mumbai Airport notified as authorised port for drug imports
On 8 July 2026, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare notified Navi Mumbai Airport as an authorised port for the import of drugs, amending Rule 43A of the Drugs Rules, 1945. With this addition, the total number of notified ports of entry for drug imports in India rises to 42. The change aims to streamline import procedures and enhance timely access to medicines for public health. Shipments will continue to be subject to standard checks under the Drugs Rules framework. The measure aligns with ongoing regulatory reforms to improve supply chains and ensure medicines reach hospitals and patients efficiently.
Date of notification: 8 July 2026
Port added: Navi Mumbai Airport
Legal change: Amendment to Rule 43A, Drugs Rules, 1945
Total ports of entry for drug imports: 42
Purpose: streamline imports and improve medicine access
Oversight: regulatory compliance under MoHFW
Guru Dakshina Cashless Medical Scheme launched for UP teachers
The Uttar Pradesh government launched the Guru Dakshina Cashless Medical Scheme for teachers, Shiksha Mitras, instructors and eligible family members. Also known as the Chief Minister Teacher Cashless Medical Scheme, the initiative provides cashless medical treatment to beneficiaries, reducing out-of-pocket expenses and improving access to healthcare. The scheme reflects state-level policy focus on education sector welfare and supporting staff who contribute to classrooms and training programs. Officials described the program as part of broader educator welfare measures and health coverage expansion in the state.
Launch: Uttar Pradesh government
Scheme name: Guru Dakshina Cashless Medical Scheme (Chief Minister Teacher Cashless Medical Scheme)
Beneficiaries: teachers, Shiksha Mitras, instructors, eligible family members
Purpose: cashless medical treatment
Policy area: education sector welfare and health coverage
Impact: aims to reduce out-of-pocket health spending
TribeX digital learning platform launched to promote tribal languages and knowledge
Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram launched the TribeX digital learning platform during a national workshop in Bhubaneswar. The platform aims to promote tribal languages, art forms, crafts and traditional knowledge. It offers digital learning resources, free certificate courses and other structured learning opportunities for tribal communities. TribeX is part of a broader effort to preserve indigenous heritage while expanding access to education through digital means. The launch underscores government focus on inclusive education, cultural preservation and upskilling in tribal regions, with potential partnerships with educational institutions and cultural organisations.