General Awareness

NATIONAL AFFAIRS - August 2020

Aug 2020

Aug 03, 2026

Varsha Aglawe becomes first woman GSI Chief

Varsha Ashok Aglawe was appointed Director General of the Geological Survey of India, becoming the first woman to lead the 176-year-old organisation. She assumed charge as the 54th DG in July 2026, succeeding Asit Saha, who led since July 2024. The appointment comes after a long period of advocacy for greater gender representation in India's premier geoscience agency. Aglawe's tenure is expected to focus on mapping, mineral resource assessment, and data sharing to support energy and infrastructure planning. Government officials emphasised strengthening geoscience research and field operations to aid disaster management and land-use planning across central and eastern regions of India.

Varsha Aglawe named 54th Director General of GSI; first woman in post.
Took charge in July 2026, succeeding Asit Saha (since 2024).
Focus on mapping, minerals, and data sharing for planning.
Emphasis on gender representation and disaster management.

Jul 29, 2026

Samrasta Sankalp Abhiyan launched ahead of Ravidas Jayanti

Samrasta Sankalp Abhiyan was launched nationwide by the Bharatiya Janata Party in July 2026 to mark the 650th birth anniversary of Sant Ravidas Maharaj. The campaign promotes equality, dignity, social justice and harmony, aligning with the party’s outreach agenda. It will run across multiple states and is scheduled to continue until 20 February 2027, coinciding with Magha Purnima. The programme includes community mobilization, cultural events, and public meetings focusing on social cohesion and inclusive growth. It also seeks to highlight Ravidas's contributions to social reform while encouraging broader citizen participation in governance. Critics question the framing; supporters call it inclusive outreach.

Samrasta Sankalp Abhiyan launched in July 2026.
Marks Ravidas Jayanti and promotes equality and social justice.
Runs across multiple states, continues until 20 February 2027.
Includes community events and governance engagement.

Jul 28, 2026

CRPF Raising Day observed on 27 July 2026; 88th edition

CRPF Raising Day is observed every year on 27 July to commemorate the establishment of the Central Reserve Police Force. In 2026, the force celebrated its 88th Raising Day. The CRPF, formed as the Crown Representative's Police on 27 July 1939, was renamed under the CRPF Act of 1949. Today, it is India's largest Central Armed Police Force and plays a vital role in internal security, counter-terrorism, and disaster response. The annual observance includes parades and awards for personnel and promotes awareness of the force's duties and public service role. Government officials reiterated commitment to modernising equipment and welfare.

Raising Day observed on 27 July 2026
CRPF 88th Raising Day in 2026
Originally formed in 1939 as Crown Representative's Police
Largest Central Armed Police Force in India
Parades, awards, and public-service acknowledgement

Jul 27, 2026

Pralhad Joshi Assumes Charge of Education Ministry

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi assumed charge of the Ministry of Education in July 2026 after the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan. Joshi will continue to oversee his existing portfolios, including Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, and New and Renewable Energy. The reshuffle follows sustained protests over examination irregularities and NEET concerns. Joshi is expected to steer ongoing reforms under the National Education Policy and align department actions with state education ministries. The transition aims to provide policy continuity while addressing governance gaps highlighted by student and public petitions regarding exam conduct and evaluation.

Pralhad Joshi takes charge of Education Ministry in July 2026.
Dharmendra Pradhan resigns amid NEET paper leak controversy.
Joshi retains other ministries while leading Education.
Policy continuity with ongoing NEP implementation expected.
Reforms and governance improvements anticipated through the Education Ministry.

Jul 23, 2026

Parliament Monsoon Session: key developments over July 21–23, 2026

The Parliament Monsoon Session saw high political activity and disruptions on July 21–23, 2026. The Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha faced adjournments and protests as lawmakers debated budget-related matters and policy issues. Leaders indicated a busy timetable ahead, with several important bills and discussions on governance, economic reform and security. The session highlighted continued parliamentary engagement during the monsoon period and reflected ongoing political dynamics in India. Observers noted that business could resume with limited productivity on some days, as committees prepared reports on major policy proposals.

Monsoon Session held July 21–23, 2026.
Parliamentary proceedings included adjournments and debate on bills.
Budget, governance and security topics on the agenda.
Significant activity amid political dynamics in India.

Udmaroo Bridge in Ladakh inaugurated to boost connectivity

The Udmaroo Bridge over the Shayok River in Ladakh was inaugurated in July 2026. The bridge, built at a cost of Rs. 27.18 crore under the Union Territory Administration’s Special Development Package, links the Nubra region with remote areas. Officials say the project improves road connectivity, facilitates emergency access and supports local economic activity in border and high-altitude communities. The bridge is part of broader infrastructure investments aimed at linking interior regions with district centers and providing resilience against weather-related disruptions in the high Himalayan terrain.

Udmaroo Bridge over Shayok River, Ladakh, inaugurated in July 2026.
Cost: Rs. 27.18 crore under Special Development Package.
Location: Nubra region; aims to improve connectivity.
Enhances emergency access and local economic activity.

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