Current affairs · 23 July 2026
The day's most exam-relevant current affairs for UPSC, SSC, banking, railways and state exams — free, factual, revision-ready. 12 updates.
Mahesh Dixit Appointed as New Intelligence Bureau Director
Mahesh Dixit (IPS: 1993: Andhra Pradesh cadre), Special Director, has been appointed as the new Director of Intelligence Bureau for a tenure of two years with effect from June 25, 2026. He succeeds Tapan Kumar Deka in this position. The Andhra Pradesh cadre officer brings extensive experience in internal security.
Why it matters: Top-level appointments in security agencies are frequently asked in current affairs
Ravi Agrawal Reappointed as CBDT Chairman Till December 2026
The Central government has extended the tenure of Ravi Agrawal as Chairman of the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) till December 2026. The reappointment was announced on July 1, 2026, ensuring continuity in tax administration and policy implementation during a crucial period.
Why it matters: Appointments in key economic and tax bodies are important for banking and SSC exams
N.S. Raja Subramani Appointed as Chief of Defence Staff (May 31, 2026)
N.S. Raja Subramani assumed charge as the Chief of Defence Staff on May 31, 2026, at the age of 60. He is responsible for integrating India's tri-services operations and advising the government on military matters. The CDS position is crucial for jointness among the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
Why it matters: Chief of Defence Staff appointments are high-priority topics for defence and general studies
India Records Current Account Surplus of $4.7 Billion in April 2026
India recorded a current account surplus of $4.7 billion in April 2026, reversing a $4.8 billion deficit from a year earlier, according to RBI preliminary data. Despite a wider merchandise trade deficit of $27.9 billion, net services exports strengthened to $18.6 billion and remittances surged to $16 billion. On the capital account, FDI more than doubled to $11.4 billion with net FDI at $7.4 billion.
Why it matters: Balance of payments data and current account figures are critical for economy section
RBI July 2026 Bulletin: Indian Economy Remains Resilient Despite Global Uncertainty
The Reserve Bank of India's July 2026 Bulletin reported that India's economy has remained resilient despite heightened global uncertainty from geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions. The RBI highlighted healthy domestic demand, strong industrial and services sector performance, and robust credit growth supported by improved liquidity conditions. The assessment comes amid ongoing global geopolitical conflicts and trade disruptions.
Why it matters: RBI bulletins and economic assessments are critical for economy questions across all exams
16th India-Japan Annual Summit Held in New Delhi (July 1-3, 2026)
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi paid an official visit to India for the 16th India-Japan Annual Summit from July 1-3, 2026. The summit strengthened the Special Strategic and Global Partnership with focus on defence co-development, economic security, AI, clean energy, resilient supply chains, and rules-based Indo-Pacific. Both nations agreed to hold the fourth round of 2+2 Ministerial Meeting in Tokyo by year-end.
Why it matters: Bilateral summits and strategic partnerships are high-frequency exam topics
India Assumes BRICS Chairship for 2026, 18th Summit Planned
India has assumed the chairship of BRICS for 2026 and will host the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi later this year. Indonesia became a BRICS member in January 2025 and participated in the 17th BRICS Summit held in Rio de Janeiro in July 2025. India's chairship will focus on development finance, global governance reform, AI cooperation, and strengthening Global South representation.
Why it matters: BRICS chairship and multilateral forums are crucial for international relations questions
Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojana (PM-AJAY) Highlighted in July 2026
The Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojana (PM-AJAY) was featured as a key government initiative in July 2026. Launched in FY 2021-22, PM-AJAY is a comprehensive scheme aimed at the socio-economic upliftment of Scheduled Castes (SCs). The scheme focuses on education, skill development, income generation, and social security for SC communities across India.
Why it matters: Central government schemes for SC/ST welfare are important for prelims and general awareness
ISRO Launches Bharatiya Antariksh Hackathon (BAH) 2026
The Indian Space Research Organisation has launched the Bharatiya Antariksh Hackathon (BAH) 2026 to promote innovation and skill development in the space sector. This initiative is part of ISRO's efforts to engage youth and foster grassroots-level space technology development across India.
Why it matters: Government initiatives in science and technology are important for general awareness
ISRO Resolves PSLV Third-Stage Anomaly, Prepares for Upcoming Launches
The Indian Space Research Organisation successfully resolved the third-stage anomaly that caused PSLV-C62 failure in January 2026 and PSLV-C61 setback in May 2025. Union Minister Jitendra Singh confirmed that the investigation committee has finalized its report. ISRO is now cleared to resume launches from Satish Dhawan Space Centre at Sriharikota, preparing for upcoming GSLV and PSLV missions.
Why it matters: ISRO missions and launch vehicle updates are important for Science & Technology section
India Allocates ₹10,397 Crores for ISRO in 2026-27 Budget
India allocated ₹10,397 crores (approximately $1.09 billion) for Space Technology in the 2026-27 budget. The funds will support ISRO's procurement of semi-cryogenic rocket engines to enhance the lifting power of Launch Vehicle Mark 3 (LVM-3). These engines burn rocket-grade kerosene and super-cooled liquid oxygen, representing a significant technological upgrade for India's space capabilities.
Why it matters: Budget allocations for strategic sectors and ISRO developments are exam-relevant
Commonwealth Games 2026 Opens in Glasgow with Indian Contingent
The Commonwealth Games 2026 officially kicked off in Glasgow, Scotland on July 23, 2026. Olympic medallists Mirabai Chanu and Lovlina Borgohain led India at the opening ceremony as flag bearer and baton bearer respectively. India's first assignments include bowls competitions featuring Putul Sonowal in men's singles against Canada's Ryan Bester, the reigning world champion. The women's pairs duo of Pinki Singh and Rupa Rani Tirkey also began their campaign against Malta.
Why it matters: Major international sporting event; flag bearers and medal winners are frequently asked in exams
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