Current affairs — 26 July 2026

Padma Awards 2026: Vijay Amritraj, Rohit Sharma, Harmanpreet Kaur Honoured

<cite index="52-2,52-3">World Cup-winning Indian cricket team captains Rohit Sharma and Harmanpreet Kaur were among nine sportspersons who were conferred with the Padma Awards 2026 by the Indian government. Indian tennis great Vijay Amritraj was conferred with Padma Bhushan, while Rohit Sharma, Harmanpreet Kaur and Indian hockey team goalkeeper Savita Punia received the Padma Shri award.</cite>

Why it matters: Padma Awards (Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri) are regularly asked in static and current GK sections across all competitive exams.

RBI July 2026 Bulletin: Indian Economy Remains Resilient Amid Global Uncertainty

<cite index="20-2,20-3">India's economy has remained resilient despite heightened global uncertainty arising from geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions, according to the Reserve Bank of India's July 2026 Bulletin. The central bank said healthy domestic demand, coupled with strong performance in the industrial and services sectors, has helped the economy navigate external challenges.</cite> <cite index="21-3,21-4">Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) during April and May 2026 was higher than the same period last year. Foreign Portfolio Investment (FPI) also turned positive in June and continued to remain positive in July.</cite>

Why it matters: RBI assessments of economic resilience, FDI/FPI trends, and sectoral performance are core topics for economy sections in all competitive exams.

India Assumes BRICS Chairship for 2026; 18th BRICS Summit Planned

<cite index="41-6">India will assume BRICS Chairship and host the 18th BRICS Summit in 2026.</cite> <cite index="42-8,42-9">As chair of BRICS in 2026, India will spend much of July steering preparatory consultations ahead of the leaders' summit in New Delhi later this year. The discussions are expected to focus on development finance, global governance reform, artificial intelligence, and economic cooperation among emerging economies.</cite>

Why it matters: BRICS chairship and India's role in multilateral forums are critical for International Relations in UPSC Mains and Prelims GS Paper 2.

India-Japan Annual Summit Held; Focus on Economic Security and Semiconductors

<cite index="42-3,42-4">The 16th India-Japan Annual Summit was held from 1-3 July during the official visit of Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. The summit reinforced the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership, with discussions focused on economic security, resilient supply chains, semiconductors, critical technologies, infrastructure and defence cooperation.</cite>

Why it matters: Bilateral summits and strategic partnerships, especially on critical technologies and supply chains, are important for International Relations and Economy sections.

ISRO Successfully Completes Three Major Gaganyaan Crew Module Tests

<cite index="31-1,31-2,31-3">ISRO has announced the successful completion of three major tests of the Gaganyaan crew module systems, marking another important step forward in India's first human spaceflight program. These tests were carried out on Sunday, 12 July 2026, and each focused on critical safety and operational mechanisms of the crew module.</cite> <cite index="31-4,31-6">The first test was centred on the crew module up-righting system, which ensures that the module remains upright after splashdown in the sea. ISRO developed a stored cold-gas-based up-righting system.</cite>

Why it matters: Gaganyaan mission progress is highly relevant for science & technology questions in UPSC Prelims and Mains, and SSC exams.

Over 100 ISRO Scientists Resign from Strategic Missions; Department Tightens Exit Rules

<cite index="32-1,32-2,32-4">Over 100 ISRO scientists have resigned from key missions such as Gaganyaan, Chandrayaan, and SpaDeX, prompting the Department of Space to tighten exit rules. All resignations and voluntary retirement requests from Group 'A' scientific personnel linked to strategic programs must now be approved directly by the Department. The Department of Space issued a memorandum on 14 July 2026 directing ISRO centres not to routinely accept resignations from scientists associated with critical national missions.</cite>

Why it matters: ISRO's organizational challenges and human resource policies affecting strategic space missions are relevant for current affairs and science & technology sections.

Mirabai Chanu Competes for Third Consecutive Commonwealth Games Gold

<cite index="1-1">India's Mirabai Chanu is competing for a third successive weightlifting gold at the Commonwealth Games 2026 today, July 26, in the women's 48kg final at the SEC Armadillo in Glasgow.</cite> <cite index="1-8">India is already guaranteed one medal at these Games with boxer Lovlina Borgohain handed byes straight to the semi-finals of the women's boxing 75kg category.</cite>

Why it matters: Commonwealth Games performance and Indian athletes' achievements are regularly featured in sports GK sections across competitive exams.