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July 9, 2026 • 10 Key Topics

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01
Security

General Dhiraj Seth — India's 31st Chief of Army Staff

General Dhiraj Seth assumed charge as India's 31st Chief of Army Staff (COAS) on 30 June 2026, succeeding General Upendra Dwivedi.

  • General Dhiraj Seth is the 31st COAS of the Indian Army, taking over on 30 June 2026.
  • He unveiled the 'VIJAY' strategic roadmap — Vigilance, Innovation, Jointness, Aatmanirbharta, Yodha.
  • The VIJAY framework focuses on AI/quantum-driven modernisation, tri-service theaterisation, and indigenous defence procurement.
  • He is an alumnus of the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun, and has served in multiple operational commands.

Exam Context: Very high-probability MCQ for RRB/SSC/UPSC. Key facts: 31st COAS, predecessor General Upendra Dwivedi, roadmap full form V-I-J-A-Y. Defence appointments are asked every year in SSC CGL/CHSL.

02
Security

DRDO's Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket Test

DRDO successfully flight-tested the Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket, extending the weapon system's strike range and precision.

  • The Pinaka Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher (MBRL) system was originally developed by DRDO's ARDE (Armament Research & Development Establishment), Pune.
  • The long-range guided variant significantly extends range beyond the standard 37.5 km, with GPS-aided guidance for precision strikes.
  • Manufactured by Munitions India Limited (MIL) — formerly Ordnance Factory Board.
  • Pinaka is named after Lord Shiva's divine bow; it was first deployed operationally during the 1999 Kargil War.

Exam Context: GS-3 (Science & Technology / Defence). DRDO missiles and weapon systems are perennial SSC/RRB favourites. Key facts: Pinaka = MBRL, DRDO lab = ARDE Pune, first used in Kargil 1999, manufacturer = MIL.

03
Schemes

PM-SETU Scheme Rolled Out Nationwide

The government approved the nationwide rollout of PM-SETU (Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs) on 7 July 2026.

  • Full form: Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs (PM-SETU).
  • Aims to upgrade 1,500+ ITIs across India into world-class skill centres with industry-aligned curricula.
  • Part of the 'Skill India Mission' under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE).
  • Budget allocation of ₹60,000 crore over 5 years, targeting 20 lakh youth for skill certification.
  • ITIs will offer courses in emerging technologies: AI, IoT, electric vehicles, drone technology, and green energy.

Exam Context: Government Schemes (GS-2). Full form of PM-SETU is a near-guaranteed SSC/RRB question. Ministry = MSDE. Skill India Mission launched 2015. Related: PMKVY (Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana).

04
Governance

New IPS Chiefs Appointed for BPR&D, NCRB, SVPNPA

The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) approved new IPS heads for three key policing institutions — BPR&D, NCRB, and SVPNPA.

  • Alok Kumar Mittal (1993-batch IPS, Haryana cadre) appointed Director General of BPR&D (Bureau of Police Research & Development).
  • BPR&D is under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and focuses on police modernisation and training.
  • NCRB (National Crime Records Bureau) maintains India's crime statistics database and publishes the annual 'Crime in India' report.
  • SVPNPA (Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy) in Hyderabad trains all IPS officers.
  • ACC is headed by the Prime Minister and is the final authority on senior bureaucratic appointments.

Exam Context: Polity & Governance (GS-2). Full forms: BPR&D, NCRB, SVPNPA, ACC — all frequently asked in SSC/RRB. NCRB HQ: New Delhi, SVPNPA location: Hyderabad. ACC chaired by PM.

05
Economy

NPCI's Dilip Asbe Joins SWIFT Global Supervisory Board

Dilip Asbe, MD & CEO of NPCI, was appointed to SWIFT's newly restructured Supervisory Board, marking India's growing influence in global payments.

  • NPCI (National Payments Corporation of India) manages UPI, RuPay, IMPS, NACH, and BBPS.
  • SWIFT (Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication) is restructuring into a two-tier governance model.
  • SWIFT is headquartered in La Hulpe, Belgium and connects 11,000+ financial institutions across 200+ countries.
  • NPCI was founded in 2008 and is promoted by the RBI and Indian Banks' Association (IBA).
  • India's UPI processed 16+ billion transactions in June 2026 — making it the world's largest real-time payment system.

Exam Context: Banking GK — essential for IBPS/RRB/SBI exams. Key facts: NPCI founded 2008, SWIFT HQ = La Hulpe (Belgium). UPI launched 2016. NPCI MD = Dilip Asbe. Full forms are high-probability MCQs.

06
Economy

Ravi Agrawal Reappointed CBDT Chairman

The ACC approved Ravi Agrawal's re-appointment as Chairman of the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) for six months, extending his term until 31 December 2026.

  • CBDT (Central Board of Direct Taxes) is the apex body for administering direct tax laws (Income Tax, Corporate Tax) in India.
  • CBDT functions under the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance.
  • The board was established under the Central Boards of Revenue Act, 1963.
  • CBDT also frames policies for investigation of tax evasion and administration of the PAN/TAN system.

Exam Context: Economy/Polity (GS-2/3). CBDT vs CBIC (indirect taxes) — a classic SSC/RRB comparison question. CBDT under Dept of Revenue, Ministry of Finance. Established: 1963.

07
Governance

Ministry of Cooperation's 5th Foundation Day

Union Minister Amit Shah launched key initiatives at the Ministry of Cooperation's 5th Foundation Day, including plans for a Cooperative Life Insurance Company.

  • Ministry of Cooperation was established on 6 July 2021 as a separate ministry for the first time in India.
  • Tagline: 'Sahkar Se Samriddhi' (Prosperity through Cooperation).
  • Key initiative announced: Cooperative Life Insurance Company to provide affordable life cover to cooperative members.
  • The ministry oversees NAFED, IFFCO, Amul (GCMMF), and state cooperative banks.
  • Article 43 of the Indian Constitution (DPSP) promotes cottage industries and cooperatives.

Exam Context: Polity/Governance (GS-2). Ministry established: 6 July 2021, tagline 'Sahkar Se Samriddhi'. Article 43 (DPSP) on cooperatives. 97th Constitutional Amendment added Part IXB on cooperatives. NABARD's role in cooperative credit.

08
Governance

Navi Mumbai Airport Notified for Drug Imports

The Health Ministry notified Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) as an authorised port for the import of drugs and pharmaceuticals on 8 July 2026.

  • Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), also known as Navi Mumbai Airport, is being built by CIDCO in Panvel, Navi Mumbai.
  • Notification under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 allows direct import of pharmaceutical products through NMIA.
  • This makes NMIA the second authorised drug import airport in Maharashtra after Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport.
  • The Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 is administered by CDSCO (Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation) under the Directorate General of Health Services.

Exam Context: Health & Governance (GS-2). Drugs and Cosmetics Act 1940 (not 1945 — tricky MCQ). CDSCO = Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation. DCGI = Drugs Controller General of India. NMIA developer = CIDCO.

09
Sports

FIFA World Cup 2026 — Quarter-Finals Stage

The 2026 FIFA World Cup enters the knockout quarter-finals, with Argentina having defeated Egypt in the Round of 16. The tournament is hosted across USA, Mexico, and Canada.

  • 2026 FIFA World Cup is the first edition with 48 teams (expanded from 32), hosted across 3 countries: USA, Mexico, and Canada.
  • This is the 23rd edition of the FIFA World Cup.
  • FIFA President: Gianni Infantino. FIFA HQ: Zürich, Switzerland. Founded: 1904.
  • Argentina (defending champions) won the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, defeating France in the final.
  • Key fact: 2026 is the first World Cup hosted by 3 countries simultaneously.

Exam Context: Sports GK — near-certain SSC/RRB question. Host countries: USA + Mexico + Canada (first tri-host). FIFA HQ = Zürich. 48 teams (new format). 2022 winner = Argentina. FIFA President = Gianni Infantino.

10
International

PM Modi's Multi-Nation Foreign Tour Including Australia

PM Modi embarked on a three-nation foreign visit aimed at strengthening strategic and diplomatic ties, with the Australia leg drawing significant attention for defence and trade cooperation.

  • The visit was announced by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and covers multiple strategic partner nations.
  • India-Australia relations upgraded to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2020 during PM Morrison's tenure.
  • Key areas of cooperation: Quad alliance (India, USA, Japan, Australia), critical minerals, education, and defence.
  • India's ongoing push for a permanent UN Security Council (UNSC) seat is a key diplomatic agenda item.
  • Australia is a major supplier of coal, LNG, uranium, and critical minerals (lithium, cobalt) to India.

Exam Context: International Relations (GS-2). India-Australia CSP since 2020. Quad members: India, USA, Japan, Australia (formed 2007, revived 2017). UNSC permanent members: USA, UK, France, Russia, China (P5). MEA headed by EAM S. Jaishankar.

Prelims Quick-Revision Facts

Army Chief
Defence

General Dhiraj Seth is India's 31st Chief of Army Staff (COAS), took charge on 30 June 2026.

PM-SETU
Schemes

PM-SETU = Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs — ₹60,000 crore for upgrading 1,500+ ITIs.

SWIFT Board
Banking

NPCI's Dilip Asbe appointed to SWIFT's Supervisory Board. SWIFT HQ: La Hulpe, Belgium.

FIFA 2026
Sports

2026 FIFA World Cup — first tri-host (USA, Mexico, Canada), first with 48 teams. FIFA HQ: Zürich.

Ministry of Cooperation
Governance

Ministry of Cooperation turns 5 (est. 6 July 2021). Tagline: 'Sahkar Se Samriddhi'.

Test Yourself on Today's Affairs

Attempt 5 MCQs based on the July 9, 2026 edition.

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