π Devaraya I of Sangama Dynasty
πWhy in News?
β Rare copper plates dated 1406 CE, documenting the coronation of Devaraya I, were unveiled in Bengaluru.
πAbout Devaraya I (1406β1422 CE)
β A prominent ruler of the Sangama Dynasty of the Vijayanagara Empire.
β Ascended the throne following a succession struggle after Harihara II.
β Undertook military campaigns and faced conflicts with the Bahmani Sultanate.
β Promoted irrigation infrastructure, including canals and tanks, to support agriculture.
β Encouraged literature, trade and commercial relations with foreign merchants.
β The newly unveiled copper plate records his coronation and a land grant to Brahmins at Devarayapura Agrahara.
πAbout Sangama Dynasty
β Period: 1336β1485 CE
β Founders: Harihara I and Bukka Raya I
β Capital: Vijayanagara (present-day Hampi)
β It was the first ruling dynasty of the Vijayanagara Empire.
πMajor Rulers
β Harihara I: Founder of the dynasty.
β Bukka Raya I: Expanded the empire and promoted religious patronage.
β Harihara II: Further expanded Vijayanagara territories.
β Devaraya I: Known for military and administrative consolidation.
β Devaraya II: Vijayanagara reached a high point of power and prosperity under his rule.
πKey Contributions of Sangama Dynasty
β Developed a strong administrative and military system.
β Promoted Kannada and Telugu literature, art and temple architecture.
β Encouraged agriculture and overseas trade.
β Followed a broad policy of religious patronage and tolerance.
#history #prelims #mains
Join https://t.me/CSE_EXAM https://t.me/Upsc_4_history
πWhy in News?
β Rare copper plates dated 1406 CE, documenting the coronation of Devaraya I, were unveiled in Bengaluru.
πAbout Devaraya I (1406β1422 CE)
β A prominent ruler of the Sangama Dynasty of the Vijayanagara Empire.
β Ascended the throne following a succession struggle after Harihara II.
β Undertook military campaigns and faced conflicts with the Bahmani Sultanate.
β Promoted irrigation infrastructure, including canals and tanks, to support agriculture.
β Encouraged literature, trade and commercial relations with foreign merchants.
β The newly unveiled copper plate records his coronation and a land grant to Brahmins at Devarayapura Agrahara.
πAbout Sangama Dynasty
β Period: 1336β1485 CE
β Founders: Harihara I and Bukka Raya I
β Capital: Vijayanagara (present-day Hampi)
β It was the first ruling dynasty of the Vijayanagara Empire.
πMajor Rulers
β Harihara I: Founder of the dynasty.
β Bukka Raya I: Expanded the empire and promoted religious patronage.
β Harihara II: Further expanded Vijayanagara territories.
β Devaraya I: Known for military and administrative consolidation.
β Devaraya II: Vijayanagara reached a high point of power and prosperity under his rule.
πKey Contributions of Sangama Dynasty
β Developed a strong administrative and military system.
β Promoted Kannada and Telugu literature, art and temple architecture.
β Encouraged agriculture and overseas trade.
β Followed a broad policy of religious patronage and tolerance.
#history #prelims #mains
Join https://t.me/CSE_EXAM https://t.me/Upsc_4_history
#Goodmorning
β³35 days left CSM26 [ 21-08-26]
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#Accountability
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β³35 days left CSM26 [ 21-08-26]
β³310 days left CSP27 [ 23-05-27]
β³400 days left CSM27 [ 20-08-27]
β³142 days left UPPSC/RAS prelims 6 December
β³59 Day left CDS/NDA 2 13 Sept
β³53 day left Mppsc mains26 7 September
β³21 days left Afcat 8 august
β³21 days left mppsc mains25 8 august
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#Target
#TargetOnlyone
#Accountability
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β€5π1
π CURRENT AFFAIRS β 16 JULY 2026
π SOCIAL ISSUES
π Odisha Recognises Habitat Rights of PVTGs
β Odisha formally recognised 10 habitat rights claims covering 8 Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs)
β Habitat rights recognised under the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006
β India has 75 PVTGs across 18 States and Andaman & Nicobar Islands
β Odisha has 13 PVTGs, the highest among Indian States
β First habitat title granted to Paudi Bhuyan community of Deogarh
β Protects customary territories, cultural practices and community forest resources
π POLITY & GOVERNANCE
π National Board for Wildlife (NBWL)
β 91st Meeting of the NBWL Standing Committee held recently
β Statutory apex wildlife body under Section 5A of Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972
β Chaired by the Prime Minister of India
β Approval required for alteration of boundaries of National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries
π National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA)
β Statutory body under the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change
β Established under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, through the 2006 amendment
β Chaired by the Union Environment Minister
β Provides statutory and institutional backing to Project Tiger
π Central Zoo Authority (CZA)
β Statutory body established in 1992
β Constituted under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972
β Headquarters: New Delhi
β Regulates and oversees standards of zoos across India
β Union Environment Minister serves as ex-officio Chairman
π INTERNATIONAL
π 10 Nations Form Ballistic Missile Defence Coalition
β Formed on 13 July 2026
β Launched during the Coalition of the Willing Summit in Paris
β Aims to develop a shared European missile defence architecture
β Founding members: Ukraine, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden and United Kingdom
β Focus on pooling technical, industrial and operational capabilities against ballistic missile threats
π India Launches SHANTI Vision for UNSC Candidature
β SHANTI: Securing Holistic Advancement through Norms, Trust and Integrity
β Campaign for Indiaβs election as a non-permanent member of the UNSC
β India seeks a 2028β29 two-year term
β India has previously served 8 terms, most recently during 2021β22
β India has contributed around 3 lakh personnel to nearly 50 UN peacekeeping missions
π 49th Session of Codex Alimentarius Commission
β Held in Geneva, Switzerland
β Adopted 7 Codex guidelines developed under Indiaβs chairmanship
β Global standards adopted for dried coriander seeds and fresh curry leaves
β India initiated development of a global standard for cashew kernels
β Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) was established by FAO and WHO
π AGREEMENTS & MoUs
π IndiaβAustralia Traditional Knowledge & Patent Cooperation
β Agreement signed between CSIR and IP Australia
β Australia granted access to Indiaβs Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL)
β Signed during the 3rd IndiaβAustralia Annual Summit in Melbourne
β Aims to prevent biopiracy and erroneous patents
β Strengthens international protection of Indiaβs traditional knowledge
π ENVIRONMENT
π Indian Plate Shaped the βRoof of the Worldβ
β Tibetan Plateau is known as the βRoof of the Worldβ
β Worldβs highest and largest upland region with average elevation above 4,500 metres
β Research links its uplift to the movement of the Indian Plate beneath the Asian Plate
β Major geological changes occurred around 45β20 million years ago
β Plateau influences global climate and is the source region of 10 major Asian rivers
π Animal & Plant Discoveries 2025 Reports Released
β Released during the 111th Foundation Day of Zoological Survey of India (ZSI)
β 709 faunal additions recorded in India
β Includes 483 species new to science and 226 first-time records
β Kerala recorded highest new animal discoveries with 98 additions
β Arunachal Pradesh led new plant discoveries with 49 additions
β Reports prepared by ZSI and Botanical Survey of India (BSI)
π Ahmedabad Sets Guinness Record for Mass Plantation
β 3.61 lakh saplings planted in just one hour
β Location: Bhadaj, Ahmedabad, Gujarat
π SOCIAL ISSUES
π Odisha Recognises Habitat Rights of PVTGs
β Odisha formally recognised 10 habitat rights claims covering 8 Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs)
β Habitat rights recognised under the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006
β India has 75 PVTGs across 18 States and Andaman & Nicobar Islands
β Odisha has 13 PVTGs, the highest among Indian States
β First habitat title granted to Paudi Bhuyan community of Deogarh
β Protects customary territories, cultural practices and community forest resources
π POLITY & GOVERNANCE
π National Board for Wildlife (NBWL)
β 91st Meeting of the NBWL Standing Committee held recently
β Statutory apex wildlife body under Section 5A of Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972
β Chaired by the Prime Minister of India
β Approval required for alteration of boundaries of National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries
π National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA)
β Statutory body under the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change
β Established under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, through the 2006 amendment
β Chaired by the Union Environment Minister
β Provides statutory and institutional backing to Project Tiger
π Central Zoo Authority (CZA)
β Statutory body established in 1992
β Constituted under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972
β Headquarters: New Delhi
β Regulates and oversees standards of zoos across India
β Union Environment Minister serves as ex-officio Chairman
π INTERNATIONAL
π 10 Nations Form Ballistic Missile Defence Coalition
β Formed on 13 July 2026
β Launched during the Coalition of the Willing Summit in Paris
β Aims to develop a shared European missile defence architecture
β Founding members: Ukraine, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden and United Kingdom
β Focus on pooling technical, industrial and operational capabilities against ballistic missile threats
π India Launches SHANTI Vision for UNSC Candidature
β SHANTI: Securing Holistic Advancement through Norms, Trust and Integrity
β Campaign for Indiaβs election as a non-permanent member of the UNSC
β India seeks a 2028β29 two-year term
β India has previously served 8 terms, most recently during 2021β22
β India has contributed around 3 lakh personnel to nearly 50 UN peacekeeping missions
π 49th Session of Codex Alimentarius Commission
β Held in Geneva, Switzerland
β Adopted 7 Codex guidelines developed under Indiaβs chairmanship
β Global standards adopted for dried coriander seeds and fresh curry leaves
β India initiated development of a global standard for cashew kernels
β Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) was established by FAO and WHO
π AGREEMENTS & MoUs
π IndiaβAustralia Traditional Knowledge & Patent Cooperation
β Agreement signed between CSIR and IP Australia
β Australia granted access to Indiaβs Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL)
β Signed during the 3rd IndiaβAustralia Annual Summit in Melbourne
β Aims to prevent biopiracy and erroneous patents
β Strengthens international protection of Indiaβs traditional knowledge
π ENVIRONMENT
π Indian Plate Shaped the βRoof of the Worldβ
β Tibetan Plateau is known as the βRoof of the Worldβ
β Worldβs highest and largest upland region with average elevation above 4,500 metres
β Research links its uplift to the movement of the Indian Plate beneath the Asian Plate
β Major geological changes occurred around 45β20 million years ago
β Plateau influences global climate and is the source region of 10 major Asian rivers
π Animal & Plant Discoveries 2025 Reports Released
β Released during the 111th Foundation Day of Zoological Survey of India (ZSI)
β 709 faunal additions recorded in India
β Includes 483 species new to science and 226 first-time records
β Kerala recorded highest new animal discoveries with 98 additions
β Arunachal Pradesh led new plant discoveries with 49 additions
β Reports prepared by ZSI and Botanical Survey of India (BSI)
π Ahmedabad Sets Guinness Record for Mass Plantation
β 3.61 lakh saplings planted in just one hour
β Location: Bhadaj, Ahmedabad, Gujarat
β€8π₯1π1
β
Organised by Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC)
β Plantation used the Japanese Miyawaki Method
β Dense planting of native species enables faster and more compact forest growth
β Recognised with a Guinness World Record
#CurrentAffairs
β Plantation used the Japanese Miyawaki Method
β Dense planting of native species enables faster and more compact forest growth
β Recognised with a Guinness World Record
#CurrentAffairs
βπ― Your Ultimate Roadmap to Civil Services: From State PSC to UPSC, We've Got You Covered!
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βπΊοΈ UPPSC & SPSC Prelims Accelerator Program
ββ Daily 9 PM Bot Quiz: Test yourself with 30 targeted MCQs every day (Sunday OFF).
ββ Comprehensive Syllabus: Master State PSC PYQs + Current Affairs + Statics.
ββ Structured Planning: Full syllabus schedule included to keep you perfectly on track.
ββ 24/7 Revision: Missed a quiz? MCQs are available anytime for seamless review.
ββ Massive Question Bank: Total 4000+ MCQs.
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βπ The Complete Arsenal: PSC + UPSC Prelims Accelerator Combo
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β€5
π The Politics and Pragmatism of Sovereign Credit Ratings
Subject: Economy (GS-II/GS-III)
π Why in Focus?
β Indiaβs sovereign credit ratings have come under renewed discussion following remarks by Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, highlighting concerns over the methodology of global credit rating agencies.
π What are Sovereign Credit Ratings?
β Assess a countryβs creditworthiness (ability and willingness to repay debt).
β Issued by Credit Rating Agencies (CRAs) for sovereign governments.
β Influence international borrowing costs, investor confidence, and capital inflows.
π Key Components
β Ability to Repay (Quantitative): GDP growth, fiscal deficit, external debt, forex reserves, debt sustainability.
β Willingness to Repay (Qualitative): Political stability, governance quality, institutional strength, and repayment history.
π Regulation
β In India, CRAs are regulated by SEBI under the SEBI (Credit Rating Agencies) Regulations.
π Major Global Credit Rating Agencies
β Big Three: S&P Global Ratings, Moodyβs, Fitch Ratings
β Other agencies: Morningstar DBRS, JCRA, R&I, CareEdge Ratings
π Rating Scale
β Highest Rating: AAA (Aaa in Moodyβs) β Lowest default risk.
β Investment Grade: BBB-/Baa3 and above
β Below Investment Grade: Speculative/Junk
β Lowest Rating: D β Default.
π Indiaβs Position
β India remains at the lowest investment-grade category, only slightly above junk status.
β Despite strong macroeconomic fundamentals, rating upgrades have remained limited.
π Indiaβs Concerns
β Size-Rating Mismatch: Worldβs 5th-largest economy but relatively low sovereign rating.
β Strong Repayment Record: India has never defaulted on sovereign external debt, including during the 1991 Balance of Payments crisis.
β Methodological Bias: Heavy reliance on subjective governance indicators may disadvantage emerging economies.
π CareEdgeβs Alternative Framework
β Indiaβs first global sovereign rating agency headquartered in India.
β Gives 50% weightage to objective economic indicators such as:
β Economic Structure & Resilience
β Fiscal Strength
β External Position & Linkages
β Monetary & Financial Stability
β Governance acts as a supporting qualitative factor, not the primary driver.
π Way Forward
β Increase emphasis on objective macroeconomic indicators.
β Reduce excessive dependence on subjective governance assessments.
β Develop transparent, rules-based sovereign rating methodologies reflecting emerging market realities.
π UPSC Value Addition
β Importance of Sovereign Ratings:
β Influence sovereign borrowing costs.
β Affect FDI and FPI inflows.
β Determine global investor confidence.
β Impact corporate external borrowing costs.
β Reflect overall macroeconomic stability.
#mains
Subject: Economy (GS-II/GS-III)
π Why in Focus?
β Indiaβs sovereign credit ratings have come under renewed discussion following remarks by Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, highlighting concerns over the methodology of global credit rating agencies.
π What are Sovereign Credit Ratings?
β Assess a countryβs creditworthiness (ability and willingness to repay debt).
β Issued by Credit Rating Agencies (CRAs) for sovereign governments.
β Influence international borrowing costs, investor confidence, and capital inflows.
π Key Components
β Ability to Repay (Quantitative): GDP growth, fiscal deficit, external debt, forex reserves, debt sustainability.
β Willingness to Repay (Qualitative): Political stability, governance quality, institutional strength, and repayment history.
π Regulation
β In India, CRAs are regulated by SEBI under the SEBI (Credit Rating Agencies) Regulations.
π Major Global Credit Rating Agencies
β Big Three: S&P Global Ratings, Moodyβs, Fitch Ratings
β Other agencies: Morningstar DBRS, JCRA, R&I, CareEdge Ratings
π Rating Scale
β Highest Rating: AAA (Aaa in Moodyβs) β Lowest default risk.
β Investment Grade: BBB-/Baa3 and above
β Below Investment Grade: Speculative/Junk
β Lowest Rating: D β Default.
π Indiaβs Position
β India remains at the lowest investment-grade category, only slightly above junk status.
β Despite strong macroeconomic fundamentals, rating upgrades have remained limited.
π Indiaβs Concerns
β Size-Rating Mismatch: Worldβs 5th-largest economy but relatively low sovereign rating.
β Strong Repayment Record: India has never defaulted on sovereign external debt, including during the 1991 Balance of Payments crisis.
β Methodological Bias: Heavy reliance on subjective governance indicators may disadvantage emerging economies.
π CareEdgeβs Alternative Framework
β Indiaβs first global sovereign rating agency headquartered in India.
β Gives 50% weightage to objective economic indicators such as:
β Economic Structure & Resilience
β Fiscal Strength
β External Position & Linkages
β Monetary & Financial Stability
β Governance acts as a supporting qualitative factor, not the primary driver.
π Way Forward
β Increase emphasis on objective macroeconomic indicators.
β Reduce excessive dependence on subjective governance assessments.
β Develop transparent, rules-based sovereign rating methodologies reflecting emerging market realities.
π UPSC Value Addition
β Importance of Sovereign Ratings:
β Influence sovereign borrowing costs.
β Affect FDI and FPI inflows.
β Determine global investor confidence.
β Impact corporate external borrowing costs.
β Reflect overall macroeconomic stability.
#mains
β€6π1π1
#Goodmorning
β³34 days left CSM26 [ 21-08-26]
β³309 days left CSP27 [ 23-05-27]
β³398 days left CSM27 [ 20-08-27]
β³141 days left UPPSC/RAS prelims 6 December
β³58 Day left CDS/NDA 2 13 Sept
β³52 day left Mppsc mains26 7 September
β³20 days left Afcat 8 august
β³20 days left mppsc mains25 8 august
β³8 days left 72nd BPSC PRELIMS 26 July
β³ Tomorrow CAPF AC 19 July
#Target
#TargetOnlyone
#Accountability
https://t.me/anmolvachan1
β³34 days left CSM26 [ 21-08-26]
β³309 days left CSP27 [ 23-05-27]
β³398 days left CSM27 [ 20-08-27]
β³141 days left UPPSC/RAS prelims 6 December
β³58 Day left CDS/NDA 2 13 Sept
β³52 day left Mppsc mains26 7 September
β³20 days left Afcat 8 august
β³20 days left mppsc mains25 8 august
β³8 days left 72nd BPSC PRELIMS 26 July
β³ Tomorrow CAPF AC 19 July
#Target
#TargetOnlyone
#Accountability
https://t.me/anmolvachan1
β€4π2
π CURRENT AFFAIRS β 17 JULY 2026
π GEOGRAPHY
π Marine Cloud Brightening Could Weaken El NiΓ±o Extremes
β Marine Cloud Brightening (MCB) is a proposed climate intervention technique
β Involves spraying microscopic sea-salt particles over oceans
β Sea salt acts as cloud condensation nuclei, producing smaller and denser water droplets
β Makes marine clouds brighter, reflecting more solar radiation back into space
β Could weaken El NiΓ±o by cooling key ocean regions and disrupting reinforcing atmospheric feedbacks
π POLITY & GOVERNANCE
π 5th BRICS National Standardization Bodies Meeting
β Held in Bengaluru, Karnataka under Indiaβs 2026 BRICS Chairship
β Hosted by Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)
β Theme: βBuilding for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainabilityβ
β Focus on global standardisation, quality infrastructure and trade facilitation
β Includes a thematic workshop on Standardization in Artificial Intelligence
π Indiaβs Social Security Coverage Crosses 100 Crore
β Over 100 crore citizens now covered under at least one social security scheme
β Coverage validated by the International Labour Organisation (ILO)
β Increased from 25 crore (19%) in 2015 to over 68% in 2026
β India received ISSA Award 2025 for Outstanding Achievement in Social Security
π INTERNATIONAL
π Seafarer-First Maritime Safety Plan
β Launched by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways
β Protects and tracks Indian merchant navy personnel in conflict-affected waters
β Covers Strait of Hormuz, Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman
β Strengthens crisis response and maritime personnel safety
π ECONOMY
π Bhagaiya Silk Receives GI Tag
β Traditional handwoven textile from Bhagaiya, Jharkhand, known as Resham Nagar
β Received Geographical Indication (GI) tag in June 2026
β Uses Tussar-Ghicha, Eri, Mulberry and Katan yarns
β Known for its rustic texture, lightweight nature and breathability
β India produces all 5 major commercial natural silks β Mulberry, Tasar, Oak Tasar, Eri and Muga
π Kuchai Silk Receives GI Tag
β Traditional silk from Jharkhand
β Granted GI tag in 2026
β Wild Tussar silk known for its natural golden sheen
β Produced through indigenous hand-reeling techniques
β Silkworms are reared on Asan and Arjun trees
π AGRICULTURE
π National Investment Policy for Urea 2026 Approved
β Approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA)
β Aims to boost domestic fertiliser production and reduce import dependence
β Plans to establish 8β9 new natural gas-based fertiliser plants
β Targets additional indigenous urea capacity of 10 million tonnes
β India currently has 33 operational units with 269.42 LMT capacity
π ENVIRONMENT
π 24-Million-Year-Old Kevda Fossils Discovered
β Fossil evidence found in Makum Coalfield, Assam
β Research by Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences (BSIP)
β Confirms presence of Pandanus in the Indian subcontinent around 24 million years ago
β Scientific name of Kevda: Pandanus odorifer
β Commonly known as Screw Pine
β Ganjam Kewda Flower of Odisha has a GI tag
π RANKS & REPORTS
π India Launches Trial Index of Services Production
β Indiaβs first trial sub-sectoral Index of Services Production (ISP)
β Released by Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation (MoSPI)
β Base Year: 2024β25
β Designed for monthly release
β Developed under Technical Advisory Committee on ISP (TAC-ISP)
β Uses ASISSE, administrative records and GST data
β 14 of 19 sub-sectors recorded double-digit growth in April 2026
π IMPORTANT DAYS
π World Day for International Justice 2026
β Observed on 17 July
β Also known as International Criminal Justice Day
β Marks adoption of the Rome Statute on 17 July 1998
β Rome Statute established the legal foundation for the International Criminal Court (ICC)
β Promotes victimsβ rights, international criminal justice and accountability for grave crimes
#CurrentAffairs
π GEOGRAPHY
π Marine Cloud Brightening Could Weaken El NiΓ±o Extremes
β Marine Cloud Brightening (MCB) is a proposed climate intervention technique
β Involves spraying microscopic sea-salt particles over oceans
β Sea salt acts as cloud condensation nuclei, producing smaller and denser water droplets
β Makes marine clouds brighter, reflecting more solar radiation back into space
β Could weaken El NiΓ±o by cooling key ocean regions and disrupting reinforcing atmospheric feedbacks
π POLITY & GOVERNANCE
π 5th BRICS National Standardization Bodies Meeting
β Held in Bengaluru, Karnataka under Indiaβs 2026 BRICS Chairship
β Hosted by Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)
β Theme: βBuilding for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainabilityβ
β Focus on global standardisation, quality infrastructure and trade facilitation
β Includes a thematic workshop on Standardization in Artificial Intelligence
π Indiaβs Social Security Coverage Crosses 100 Crore
β Over 100 crore citizens now covered under at least one social security scheme
β Coverage validated by the International Labour Organisation (ILO)
β Increased from 25 crore (19%) in 2015 to over 68% in 2026
β India received ISSA Award 2025 for Outstanding Achievement in Social Security
π INTERNATIONAL
π Seafarer-First Maritime Safety Plan
β Launched by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways
β Protects and tracks Indian merchant navy personnel in conflict-affected waters
β Covers Strait of Hormuz, Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman
β Strengthens crisis response and maritime personnel safety
π ECONOMY
π Bhagaiya Silk Receives GI Tag
β Traditional handwoven textile from Bhagaiya, Jharkhand, known as Resham Nagar
β Received Geographical Indication (GI) tag in June 2026
β Uses Tussar-Ghicha, Eri, Mulberry and Katan yarns
β Known for its rustic texture, lightweight nature and breathability
β India produces all 5 major commercial natural silks β Mulberry, Tasar, Oak Tasar, Eri and Muga
π Kuchai Silk Receives GI Tag
β Traditional silk from Jharkhand
β Granted GI tag in 2026
β Wild Tussar silk known for its natural golden sheen
β Produced through indigenous hand-reeling techniques
β Silkworms are reared on Asan and Arjun trees
π AGRICULTURE
π National Investment Policy for Urea 2026 Approved
β Approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA)
β Aims to boost domestic fertiliser production and reduce import dependence
β Plans to establish 8β9 new natural gas-based fertiliser plants
β Targets additional indigenous urea capacity of 10 million tonnes
β India currently has 33 operational units with 269.42 LMT capacity
π ENVIRONMENT
π 24-Million-Year-Old Kevda Fossils Discovered
β Fossil evidence found in Makum Coalfield, Assam
β Research by Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences (BSIP)
β Confirms presence of Pandanus in the Indian subcontinent around 24 million years ago
β Scientific name of Kevda: Pandanus odorifer
β Commonly known as Screw Pine
β Ganjam Kewda Flower of Odisha has a GI tag
π RANKS & REPORTS
π India Launches Trial Index of Services Production
β Indiaβs first trial sub-sectoral Index of Services Production (ISP)
β Released by Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation (MoSPI)
β Base Year: 2024β25
β Designed for monthly release
β Developed under Technical Advisory Committee on ISP (TAC-ISP)
β Uses ASISSE, administrative records and GST data
β 14 of 19 sub-sectors recorded double-digit growth in April 2026
π IMPORTANT DAYS
π World Day for International Justice 2026
β Observed on 17 July
β Also known as International Criminal Justice Day
β Marks adoption of the Rome Statute on 17 July 1998
β Rome Statute established the legal foundation for the International Criminal Court (ICC)
β Promotes victimsβ rights, international criminal justice and accountability for grave crimes
#CurrentAffairs
β€4π1