Skip to main content
Current Affairs Study Dashboard →
Daily Edition

Daily Current Affairs

July 21, 2026 • 10 Key Topics

Archive:July 21, 2026July 20, 2026July 19, 2026July 18, 2026July 17, 2026July 16, 2026July 15, 2026July 14, 2026July 13, 2026July 12, 2026July 11, 2026July 10, 2026July 9, 2026July 8, 2026July 7, 2026July 6, 2026July 5, 2026July 4, 2026July 3, 2026June 26, 2026June 25, 2026June 24, 2026June 23, 2026June 22, 2026June 21, 2026June 20, 2026June 19, 2026
01
Polity

Flash Floods and Landslides in Jammu & Kashmir

Heavy rainfall triggered severe flash floods and landslides in J&K's border districts of Poonch and Rajouri, killing over 11–14 people, suspending the Amarnath Yatra, and prompting multi-agency rescue ops.

  • Heavy overnight rains triggered severe flash floods and landslides in the twin border districts of Poonch and Rajouri in Jammu & Kashmir.
  • The death toll has crossed 11–14 people, with several individuals still reported missing.
  • Numerous houses, roads, bridges, and vehicles were washed away or severely damaged.
  • The Amarnath Yatra was temporarily suspended on both Pahalgam and Baltal routes as a precautionary measure.
  • Multi-agency rescue operations involving the NDRF, Indian Army, and local administration are active.

Exam Context: GS-3 (Disaster Management). NDMA Guidelines on Landslide Risk Reduction. Flash floods are characterized by sudden, high-velocity flows, often triggered by heavy precipitation in steep terrain. Amarnath Yatra is a major annual pilgrimage in the Kashmir Himalayas.

02
Economy

India's UPI Adopted by 12 Countries for Cross-Border Transactions

India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has reached a new global milestone by expanding its acceptance to 12 countries for real-time mobile and cross-border digital payments.

  • Unified Payments Interface (UPI) is now adopted and accepted in 12 countries globally.
  • Developed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) to enable real-time mobile payments.
  • Allows seamless QR-based payments for Indian travellers abroad and direct merchant integration.
  • The expansion plays a critical role in the internationalisation of the Indian Rupee and boosts digital diplomacy.

Exam Context: GS-3 (Economy/Technology). UPI was launched in 2016. NPCI is an umbrella organisation for operating retail payments and settlement systems in India, promoted by RBI and IBA under the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007.

03
Economy

Gujarat Tops NITI Aayog's Investment Friendliness Index 2026

NITI Aayog has released its first Investment Friendliness Index (IFI) 2026, with Gujarat securing the top rank among large states, followed by Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu.

  • NITI Aayog released its first-ever Investment Friendliness Index (IFI) 2026.
  • Gujarat topped the ranking among large states with a score of 56.6, followed by Maharashtra (53.7) and Tamil Nadu (53.3).
  • The index evaluates states and UTs on 84 indicators across eight pillars covering the entire investment lifecycle.
  • Pillars include policy & governance, infrastructure, business facilitation, fiscal management, and ease of doing business.

Exam Context: GS-2 & GS-3 (Economy/Governance). Competitive Federalism. NITI Aayog (established 2015 via cabinet resolution) is a policy think tank replacing the Planning Commission. Chairperson is the Prime Minister.

04
Economy

India Projected to Grow at 6.4% in 2026: IMF WEO Update

The IMF's July 2026 World Economic Outlook Update projects India's GDP growth rate at 6.4% in 2026, driven by strong private consumption and services.

  • IMF released its July 2026 World Economic Outlook (WEO) Update.
  • Global growth is projected at 3.0% for 2026 and 3.4% for 2027.
  • India remains one of the fastest-growing major economies with a projected growth rate of 6.4% in 2026.
  • Growth is supported by strong private consumption and resilient services sector performance.

Exam Context: GS-3 (Economy). World Economic Outlook (WEO) is published biannually by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). IMF was established in 1944 at the Bretton Woods Conference, headquartered in Washington, D.C.

05
Economy

IIT Madras Introduces Robotics Paper in GATE 2027

IIT Madras, the organising institute for GATE 2027, has announced the introduction of a new paper on Robotics and released the detailed schedule.

  • IIT Madras announced the introduction of a new test paper on 'Robotics' for the GATE 2027 exam.
  • The detailed schedule for the GATE 2027 examination was officially released.
  • This addition reflects the growing importance of emerging technology and automation in engineering education.

Exam Context: GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering) is conducted jointly by IISc and seven IITs. Organising institute changes annually. Robotics is an interdisciplinary branch of engineering and science.

06
Sports

Spain Wins FIFA World Cup 2026, Defeating Argentina 1-0

Spain defeated defending champions Argentina 1-0 in extra time to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup final at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey.

  • Spain defeated defending champions Argentina 1-0 in extra time during the final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
  • Ferran Torres scored the winning goal in the 106th minute of the match at MetLife Stadium (New York/New Jersey).
  • This marks Spain’s second World Cup title, following their historic maiden title in 2010.

Exam Context: Sports Current Affairs. FIFA World Cup 2026 is the 23rd edition, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. MetLife Stadium hosted the final. Spain previously won in 2010 by defeating the Netherlands.

07
Sports

Ruturaj Gaikwad named West Zone Captain for Duleep Trophy

Indian cricketer Ruturaj Gaikwad has been appointed as the captain of the West Zone team for the upcoming domestic Duleep Trophy.

  • Ruturaj Gaikwad has been named the captain of the West Zone team for the Duleep Trophy.
  • The domestic first-class tournament serves as a key selection trial for the Indian national squad.
  • The appointment highlights Gaikwad's growing leadership role in Indian domestic cricket.

Exam Context: Sports GK. Duleep Trophy is a domestic first-class cricket tournament in India played between geographical zones. Named after Kumar Shri Duleepsinhji. Administered by the BCCI.

08
Polity

NTA Issues Warning Against Fake NEET UG 2026 OMR Sheet

The National Testing Agency (NTA) issued a warning and public advisory cautioning candidates against a fabricated NEET UG OMR sheet circulating online.

  • NTA issued a strong public advisory cautioning candidates against a fake and fabricated NEET UG 2026 OMR sheet circulating on social media.
  • The agency warned of strict legal action against those distributing or fabricating fake materials.

Exam Context: GS-2 (Polity/Governance). NTA was established as an autonomous and self-sustained premier testing organization to conduct entrance examinations for higher educational institutions in India. NEET is the single-window entrance for medical undergraduate courses.

09
Economy

Public Sector Banks Maintain Dominance in Indian Financial System

A recent analysis highlights that India's 10 largest public sector banks continue to dominate the banking sector in terms of customer base, deposits, and loans.

  • India's 10 largest public sector banks (PSBs) continue to dominate the banking sector in terms of customer base, deposits, and loan portfolios.
  • This highlights the systemic importance of PSBs in driving financial inclusion and national development projects.

Exam Context: GS-3 (Economy/Banking). Public Sector Banks (PSBs) are banks where the majority stake (more than 50%) is held by the Government of India. The banking sector underwent major mergers in recent years, consolidating the number of PSBs.

10
Economy

Trent's Zudio Expands via Micro-Market Strategy in Tier-2/3 Cities

Tata Group's retail chain Trent is accelerating the expansion of Zudio using a micro-market strategy targeting smaller cities and neighbourhoods.

  • Trent (Tata Group) is accelerating the expansion of its value fashion brand Zudio.
  • Uses a micro-market strategy focused on smaller cities and specific neighbourhoods.
  • Reflects the formalisation of retail and rising disposable incomes in Tier-2 and Tier-3 markets.

Exam Context: GS-3 (Economy/Retail). Micro-market strategy involves hyper-local targeting. Trent Ltd is the retail hand of the Tata Group. The retail sector in India is divided into organised (modern trade/malls) and unorganised (mom-and-pop stores).

Prelims Quick-Revision Facts

J&K Floods
Polity

Severe flash floods in Poonch-Rajouri (J&K) killed over 11–14 people and temporarily suspended the Amarnath Yatra.

UPI Expansion
Economy

Unified Payments Interface (UPI) is now adopted/accepted in 12 countries for digital and cross-border transactions.

NITI Aayog IFI
Economy

NITI Aayog's Investment Friendliness Index 2026 ranks Gujarat at the top among large states, followed by Maharashtra.

IMF WEO Update
Economy

IMF projected global growth at 3.0% for 2026, while India's GDP growth rate is projected at 6.4% in 2026.

GATE 2027 Robotics
Economy

IIT Madras has introduced a new paper on Robotics starting from the GATE 2027 engineering entrance exam.

Spain FIFA WC
Sports

Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 in extra time (MetLife Stadium) to win the FIFA World Cup 2026 — their 2nd title.

Duleep Trophy
Sports

Indian cricketer Ruturaj Gaikwad has been appointed as the captain of the West Zone team for the Duleep Trophy.

NTA NEET Advisory
Polity

NTA cautioned candidates against a fake and fabricated NEET UG 2026 OMR sheet circulating on social media.

Test Yourself on Today's Affairs

Attempt 9 MCQs based on the July 21, 2026 edition.

🌐