US strikes Iran; Tehran retaliates across West Asia

United States launched strikes on Iran after an attack involving the Strait of Hormuz; Iran responded by hitting targets in Gulf states and claimed the strait was shut.

Omar Abdullah demands restoration of J&K Statehood

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah urged the Prime Minister to restore full Statehood to the Union Territory.

ISRO successfully tests Gaganyaan crew module systems

ISRO completed three major tests of the Gaganyaan crew module, including ensuring upright position after splashdown — a critical crew safety requirement.

Maharashtra cuts 92 lakh beneficiaries from ‘Ladki Bahin’ scheme

After verification, the Maharashtra government removed 92 lakh ineligible beneficiaries from the Ladki Bahin welfare scheme.

India and Canada conclude third round of CEPA talks

Both sides completed the third round of negotiations for the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement in Ottawa and aim to conclude talks this year.

Centre launches scheme to regularise PF Trusts

A new scheme was introduced to regularise Provident Fund Trusts and improve compliance and governance.

ESIC to add seven more healthcare facilities

Employees’ State Insurance Corporation announced expansion of its healthcare infrastructure by adding seven new facilities.

CJI stresses women-centric infrastructure in judicial buildings

Chief Justice of India emphasised the need for better facilities for women in court complexes and judicial infrastructure.

First detection of Parrot Bornavirus (PaBV-4) in India

Indian researchers reported the first detection and genetic characterisation of the highly contagious Parrot Bornavirus 4 in captive birds.

EU and 14 countries reaffirm South China Sea arbitration ruling

European Union and 14 nations reaffirmed the 2016 arbitral ruling on the South China Sea under UNCLOS.

World Bank approves $890 million for rooftop solar programme

World Bank Group approved $890 million support for India’s PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana to expand residential rooftop solar.

One Indian seafarer missing after attack on Cyprus-flagged vessel

An Indian seafarer was reported missing following an attack on a Cyprus-flagged vessel amid regional tensions.

India discusses agricultural collaboration with Taliban

Taliban administration expressed interest in enhancing agricultural cooperation with India covering trade, infrastructure and irrigation.

Disproportionate SIR deletions in Manipur’s tribal constituencies

Analysis highlighted concerns over disproportionate deletions of voters under the Special Intensive Revision exercise in tribal areas of Manipur.

CJI cautions on AI use in judiciary

Chief Justice of India stated that AI may assist in triage and translation but must not decide cases or weigh equities between parties.

Andhra Pradesh and the next El Niño challenge

Opinion pieces discussed the potential impact of a strengthening El Niño on Andhra Pradesh’s agriculture and water resources.

Five crore Indians wait when courts take a break

Editorial highlighted the large backlog of cases and the impact of court vacations on access to justice.

US AI giants’ IPOs could unlock funding for Indian start-ups

Analysis suggested that major US AI company listings may improve liquidity and investment flows into Indian technology start-ups.

EC wants SIR status of new voter’s parents

Election Commission indicated it may seek information on the SIR status of parents of newly enrolled voters as part of verification processes.

China continues Long March progress with reusable rocket

China advanced its space programme with continued development of reusable rocket technology under the Long March series.

West Asia tensions threaten energy security

Escalation involving the Strait of Hormuz raised concerns over global oil supply and India’s energy imports.

J&K Statehood remains a live political demand

Omar Abdullah’s statement keeps the restoration of full Statehood at the centre of regional political discourse.

Gaganyaan programme moves closer to human flight

Successful crew module tests mark important progress toward India’s first human spaceflight mission.

Welfare scheme integrity strengthened

Removal of large numbers of ineligible beneficiaries from Ladki Bahin reflects efforts to improve targeting of subsidies.

India-Canada trade negotiations advance

Third round of CEPA talks signals both sides’ interest in concluding a comprehensive agreement.

PF Trust regulation improved

New regularisation scheme aims to bring more transparency and compliance to private Provident Fund Trusts.

ESIC expands social security net

Addition of new healthcare facilities will improve access for insured workers and their families.

Gender sensitivity in judicial infrastructure

CJI’s call for women-centric facilities underlines the need for inclusive court complexes.

Emerging zoonotic risk identified

Detection of PaBV-4 highlights the importance of surveillance of pathogens in captive and wild bird populations.

Support for rules-based order in Indo-Pacific

Reaffirmation of the South China Sea ruling strengthens the principle of freedom of navigation and international law.

Rooftop solar receives major international support

World Bank funding will accelerate residential solar installations under PM Surya Ghar.

Indian seafarers face risks in conflict zones

The missing seafarer incident underscores the vulnerability of merchant shipping in West Asian waters.

Limited engagement with Afghanistan continues

Discussions on agricultural cooperation reflect India’s pragmatic approach to engagement with the Taliban administration.

Electoral integrity concerns in Manipur

Reports of disproportionate deletions keep the focus on fairness of the Special Intensive Revision process.

Judicial use of AI under careful watch

CJI’s remarks set clear boundaries on the role of artificial intelligence in the justice system.

Climate risks for coastal and agricultural states

Discussions on El Niño impact highlight the need for preparedness in states like Andhra Pradesh.

Access to justice remains a structural challenge

The large number of pending cases during court breaks continues to affect ordinary citizens.

Indian start-up ecosystem may benefit from global AI funding

Expected IPOs of major US AI firms could improve capital availability for Indian technology companies.

Voter verification processes under review

EC’s interest in parental SIR status reflects ongoing efforts to strengthen the integrity of electoral rolls.

Space technology competition intensifies

China’s progress on reusable rockets keeps the global space race active.

Energy security remains vulnerable to regional conflict

Hormuz-related developments reinforce the importance of diversified energy sources for India.

Political demand for J&K Statehood continues

The call for restoration of Statehood remains a central issue in the politics of Jammu and Kashmir.

Human spaceflight readiness advances

Gaganyaan system tests bring India closer to sending astronauts into space.

Welfare delivery systems under scrutiny

Large-scale deletion of beneficiaries from Ladki Bahin underlines the importance of accurate databases.

Trade diversification with Canada progresses

CEPA negotiations form part of India’s broader strategy of expanding economic partnerships.

Social security institutions expand capacity

ESIC’s additional facilities will strengthen healthcare delivery for organised sector workers.

Inclusive justice infrastructure gains attention

CJI’s emphasis on women-centric facilities supports the goal of a more accessible judiciary.

Pathogen surveillance in animals strengthened

First report of PaBV-4 underlines the need for continuous monitoring of emerging animal diseases.

International law in maritime disputes reaffirmed

EU and partner countries’ statement reinforces the authority of the 2016 South China Sea ruling.

Key developments across geopolitics, space and governance

13 July 2026 featured major updates on US-Iran escalation, Gaganyaan system tests, Maharashtra’s Ladki Bahin verification, India-Canada CEPA talks, World Bank solar funding, and first detection of Parrot Bornavirus — all highly relevant for competitive exams.