APEDA facilitates first Uttarakhand- Iraq frozen fries export
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) facilitated the first export of frozen French fries from Uttarakhand to Iraq in July 2026. A total of 24 metric tonnes were shipped by Virun Global Trade Private Limited from Kashipur in Udham Singh Nagar district, marking a milestone for value-added agricultural exports from the hill state. The shipment reflects India’s expanding processed food export portfolio and highlights the role of regional producers in meeting growing Middle East and North African demand for packaged foods.
First export of Uttarakhand frozen fries to Iraq in July 2026.
24 metric tonnes shipped by Virun Global Trade Private Limited.
India excels at IChO 58th in Tashkent with four golds
The 58th International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO) was held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, where India delivered its best-ever performance. Indian participants secured four gold medals, tying for first place globally with China and Vietnam. A Russian participant also won a gold medal, contributing to a high-scoring field of 363 participants from 93 countries. The achievement highlights India's growing strength in science education and competitive chemistry on the world stage, reflecting targeted training programs and youth science outreach across the Indian education system.
India won four gold medals at IChO 58th in Tashkent.
India tied for first with China and Vietnam.
Total participants: 363 from 93 countries.
Demonstrates strength of India's science education and training.
Mbappé wins 2026 World Cup Golden Boot; first to do it twice
Kylian Mbappé finished the 2026 FIFA World Cup as the tournament's top scorer, earning the Golden Boot with 10 goals. The France forward, who previously lifted the trophy in 2018 and 2022, became the first player in World Cup history to win the award twice. Mbappé's goals helped France advance deep into the tournament, while his nearest rivals trailed by several goals; Argentina captain Lionel Messi finished with eight goals after a 1-0 final loss to Spain at the New York-New Jersey Stadium. The final capped Mbappé's World Cup journey, reinforcing his status as a defining scorer of his generation.
Mbappé finished with 10 goals to win the Golden Boot in 2026.
He is the first player to win the award twice (2018 and 2026).
Messi ended with eight goals after the final loss to Spain, 1-0.
President Murmu begins historic state visit to North Macedonia
President Droupadi Murmu conducted a two-day state visit to North Macedonia in July 2026, becoming the first Indian head of state to visit the country. She arrived in Skopje on 21 July 2026 and was welcomed with ceremonial honours. Delegation-level talks with President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova aimed to deepen ties in trade, technology, and tourism. The visit highlighted India's growing regional engagement and cultural diplomacy. Officials noted possible collaborations in infrastructure and people-to-people exchanges, with business delegations scheduled to follow. The trip marked a milestone for India's outer-frontier diplomacy and reflected continuing outreach to the Western Balkans. Indian officials said the visit would build on prior cooperation in defence, energy, and education.
First-ever Indian head of state to visit North Macedonia.
Visit focused on trade, technology, and tourism collaboration.
Delegations met President Siljanovska-Davkova for talks.
Viewed as part of broader India-Western Balkans engagement.
Tiger Lightning 2026 drills Bangladesh and US in Sylhet
Exercise Tiger Lightning 2026 (TL-26) is an annual bilateral military exercise between the Bangladesh Army and United States Army Pacific Command (USARPAC). The 13-day drill runs from 19 July to 31 July 2026 and is hosted by the Para Commando Brigade at Jalalabad Cantonment in Sylhet, Bangladesh. More than 160 service members participate, focusing on interoperability, jungle operations, tactical casualty care, and regional security. The exercise underscores a growing defence partnership and longstanding friendship between Bangladesh and the United States, strengthening joint training and disaster-response capabilities in South Asia.
Annual Bangladesh-US military exercise TL-26 in July 2026.
13-day drills in Jalalabad Cantonment, Sylhet.
Over 160 personnel, emphasis on jungle operations and care.
Strengthens interoperability and regional security ties.
Danapur hosts 46th Raising Day of 21st Bihar Battalion
The 46th Raising Day of the 21st Bihar Battalion was observed in July 2026 at the Bihar Regiment Centre in Danapur Cantonment. The battalion was raised on 20 July 1981 by Lieutenant Colonel Mohammad Mansoor Malik and has served in multiple operational deployments across India. The event highlighted the unit's historic contributions to internal security and border duties, as well as ongoing training and capability development. Senior officers emphasised the battalion's proud traditions and its role in conjunction with the broader Bihar Regiment's ongoing commitments.
46th Raising Day observed in Danapur Cantonment, July 2026.
Raised on 20 July 1981 by Lt. Col. Mohammad Mansoor Malik.
Unit has participated in numerous deployments across India.
Event underscored traditions and continued training.
Andy Burnham named UK Prime Minister after Starmer resignation
Andy Burnham officially became the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom on 20 July 2026, succeeding Keir Starmer. Burnham, who previously served as Mayor of Greater Manchester, met King Charles III at Buckingham Palace to form a new government. His ascent marks a rapid leadership transition amid domestic and international pressures. The new administration is expected to prioritise public services, economic recovery, and strengthened regional cooperation, while maintaining alliances in Europe and the Atlantic bloc. The swift change in leadership drew global attention as UK political dynamics shifted with a prominent regional figure at the helm, signaling potential new policy directions.
Burnham became UK Prime Minister on 20 July 2026.
Former Mayor of Greater Manchester; met King Charles III to form government.
Priorities include public services, economy, and regional cooperation.
Transition drew significant international attention.
QDENGA dengue vaccine approved in India for 4–60 years age group
India's drug regulator, the DCGI, granted market authorisation to Takeda's dengue vaccine QDENGA (TAK-003) in July 2026 for individuals aged 4 to 60 years. The live-attenuated tetravalent vaccine protects against all four dengue serotypes and uses a two-dose schedule three months apart, with no prior screening required. The approval marks the first dengue vaccine available in India, aiming to reduce the disease burden in high-risk regions and complement vector-control efforts. Health authorities emphasised the importance of vaccination alongside surveillance and public education to sustain protection across communities.
DCGI approved Takeda's QDENGA for ages 4–60.
Two-dose schedule three months apart; no prior screening needed.
First dengue vaccine authorised for India.
Aims to reduce dengue burden with vaccination plus surveillance.
Delhi approves PARIVARTAN vehicle renewal scheme
In July 2026, the Delhi Government approved the PARIVARTAN Programme for Accelerated Renewal and Incentivisation of Vehicle Assets for Reducing Transport Air Pollution and Network Emissions. The Centre-backed vehicle scrappage scheme targets commercial vehicles in the Delhi-NCR region, including BS-IV or older Light Goods Vehicles, Medium Goods Vehicles, Heavy Goods Vehicles, and buses. The scheme provides incentives for scrapping and replacement under a notified framework, aiming to curb pollution and modernise the fleet. Officials emphasised expected improvements in air quality and efficiency alongside broader transport policy goals.
PARIVARTAN approved for Delhi and NCR commercial fleets.
Targets BS-IV and older LGVs, MGVs, HGVs, and buses.
Centre-backed vehicle scrappage with replacement incentives.
Aims to reduce transport emissions and improve air quality.
Museum of Word opens at National Library in Kolkata
India's first immersive language museum, the Museum of Word (Shabdalok), was inaugurated at the National Library in Kolkata in July 2026. Developed by the National Library under the Union Ministry of Culture, the museum uses interactive exhibits to showcase India's linguistic heritage. It features nine galleries tracing the evolution of languages, scripts, and literature from oral traditions and ancient manuscripts to modern digital texts. The museum celebrates India's 22 official languages and highlights language's role in identity, education, and culture. Visitors can explore scripts such as Devanagari, Bengali, and Tamil through sensory displays and augmented reality experiences.
Inaugurated at the National Library, Kolkata.
Nine galleries cover languages from ancient to digital.
Showcases India's 22 official languages and scripts.