135th IndianOil Durand Cup Trophy Tour begins in Guwahati
The Trophy Tour for the 135th IndianOil Durand Cup began in Guwahati on 16 July 2026, marking the start of a month‑long promotional circuit ahead of Asia’s oldest football tournament. The Durand Cup 2026 will be staged across five cities: Kolkata, Shillong, Imphal, Guwahati, and Ranchi. The 135th edition runs from late July to August, featuring 24 teams and a mix of services and civilian clubs. Assam hosts for the fifth consecutive year, continuing a long tradition of regional support for the competition. Must‑know in India in the last 48 hours: trophy arrival in Guwahati signaled the official start of the tour.
Event: 135th IndianOil Durand Cup Trophy Tour.
Dates: Trophy tour began 16 July 2026; tournament runs 25 July–23 August 2026.
INS Malvan, the second Mahe‑class Anti‑Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW‑SWC), is set to join the Indian Navy in July 2026. Built by Cochin Shipyard Limited, the vessel forms part of a domestic shipbuilding program under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. The Mahe‑class ships replace older ASW platforms in coastal waters and enhance detection and tracking of submarines in shallow seas. Commissioning is scheduled for 22 July 2026, reflecting ongoing indigenous capacity expansion in naval construction. The integration of Malvan is expected to boost coastal security and strengthen India’s maritime deterrence. Must‑know in India in the last 48 hours: official commissioning date announced as 22 July 2026.
Vessel: INS Malvan, Mahe‑class ASW SWC.
Builder: Cochin Shipyard Limited, Kochi.
Role: Anti-submarine warfare in coastal and shallow waters.
Status: Set to be commissioned on 22 July 2026.
Significance: Strengthens indigenous shipbuilding and coastal defense.
UK launches Storm Fighter loyal wingman programme for drones
The United Kingdom announced the Storm Fighter programme in July 2026 to develop autonomous loyal wingman drones that operate alongside crewed fighters such as the Typhoon and F‑35. The initiative forms part of a broader drive to modernize the Royal Air Force with autonomous systems under the Collaborative Combat Aircraft concept. Storm Fighter aims to improve interoperability, speed, and survivability in future air combat, with government and industry partnerships guiding design and testing. The programme aligns with ongoing UK defence transformation plans, including substantial investment in unmanned and autonomous warfare capabilities. Must‑know in India in the last 48 hours: global developments in autonomous air combat shape defence debates and partnerships.
The central government appointed Harjit Singh Grewal as the new Chairperson of the National Commission for Minorities (NCM) on 17 July 2026, for a three‑year term, succeeding Iqbal Singh Lalpura. S. Munavari Begum was named Vice‑Chairperson, and Glen E. Suze Ticklo was appointed as a member. The move aims to strengthen minority rights protection and representation in policy processes. The appointments were announced by the Ministry of Minority Affairs and reflect ongoing governance efforts. Must‑know in India in the last 48 hours: Grewal’s appointment to lead the NCM and the new leadership team were announced on 17 July 2026.
Position: Chairperson, National Commission for Minorities (NCM).
Term: Three years.
New appointees: S. Munavari Begum (Vice‑Chairperson), Glen E. Suze Ticklo (Member).
Purpose: Strengthen functioning and minority representation.
Context: Government oversight of minority welfare.
Serum Institute, Gates MRI to manufacture M72/AS01E TB vaccine candidate
The Serum Institute of India Private Limited (SII) and the Gates Medical Research Institute (Gates MRI) have announced an agreement to manufacture the investigational TB vaccine M72/AS01E. The collaboration aims to enable large‑scale production if the Phase 3 trial results prove successful. M72/AS01E targets pulmonary tuberculosis and is under late‑stage evaluation in multiple countries. The manufacturing transfer involves technology sharing and capacity building to meet potential global demand, particularly in high TB burden regions. The pact underscores India’s growing role in global vaccine development and manufacturing, aligned with public health goals. Must‑know in India in the last 48 hours: the manufacturing deal was disclosed on 16 July 2026, signaling a step toward faster access if approved.
Parties: Serum Institute of India and Gates Medical Research Institute.