JULY 2026 MONTHLY CURRENT AFFAIRS

PERSONS IN NEWS

1. Narendra Modi

Why in News: Prime Minister Narendra Modi received Indonesia's highest civilian honour, Bintang Adipurna, during his official visit to Indonesia. He became the first Indian Prime Minister to address the Indonesian Parliament and unveiled the Ganga–Mahakam Vision to deepen bilateral cooperation in trade, defence, maritime security, digital technology, healthcare and cultural exchange. During the visit, India and Indonesia announced around twenty cooperative outcomes across multiple sectors.
Important Facts: • Position: Prime Minister of India • Honour: Bintang Adipurna • Country: Indonesia • First Indian PM to address Indonesian Parliament

2. Bhupendra Patel

Why in News: Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel launched the Namo Swachhta Abhiyan and Amrutpan Abhiyan on National Doctors' Day. The campaigns aim to improve cleanliness in government hospitals and strengthen maternal and child healthcare across the state.
Important Facts: • Position: Chief Minister of Gujarat • Initiatives: Namo Swachhta Abhiyan & Amrutpan Abhiyan • Sector: Public Health

3. Mylswamy Annadurai

Why in News: Former ISRO scientist Dr. Mylswamy Annadurai, popularly known as the "Moon Man of India," was appointed Chairman of the Tamil Nadu School Education Curriculum Committee. His appointment aims to strengthen science, technology and innovation in school education.
Important Facts: • Former ISRO Scientist • Known As: Moon Man of India • New Role: Chairman, Tamil Nadu School Education Curriculum Committee

4. Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit

Why in News: Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit assumed charge as the 51st Vice Chief of the Air Staff of the Indian Air Force. He has held several important operational and strategic appointments during his distinguished military career and will assist in the modernisation and operational readiness of the Air Force.
Important Facts: • Position: 51st Vice Chief of the Air Staff • Organisation: Indian Air Force • Rank: Air Marshal

5. Bijay Kumar Mohanty

Why in News: Bijay Kumar Mohanty assumed additional charge as the Chairman and Managing Director of the Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA). The organisation plays a key role in financing renewable-energy and green-energy projects across India.
Important Facts: • New Role: CMD (Additional Charge), IREDA • Sector: Renewable Energy • Ministry: Ministry of New and Renewable Energy

6. Sunil Bharti Mittal

Why in News: Sunil Bharti Mittal, Founder and Chairman of Bharti Enterprises, received the US–India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) Leadership Award 2026 for strengthening business cooperation and economic relations between India and the United States.
Important Facts: • Chairman: Bharti Enterprises • Award: USISPF Leadership Award 2026 • Sector: Telecommunications & Business

7. Praveen Shekhar

Why in News: Indian conservationist Praveen Shekhar received the prestigious Whitley Award, popularly known as the Green Oscar, for his outstanding contribution to wildlife conservation and biodiversity protection through community participation.
Important Facts: • Field: Wildlife Conservation • Award: Whitley Award (Green Oscar) • Focus: Biodiversity Protection

8. Barkha Subba

Why in News: Conservationist Barkha Subba was honoured with the Whitley Award 2026 for her efforts in protecting biodiversity and promoting community-led environmental conservation. Her work has significantly contributed to habitat protection and wildlife conservation.
Important Facts: • Field: Environmental Conservation • Award: Whitley Award • Focus: Community-based Conservation

9. Harshvardhan G. B.

Why in News: Chennai-based chess player Harshvardhan G. B. became India's 97th Chess Grandmaster after securing his final Grandmaster norm at the Chola Grandmaster Chess Tournament. His achievement reflects India's continued emergence as a global chess powerhouse.
Important Facts: • Achievement: India's 97th Chess Grandmaster • City: Chennai • Governing Body: FIDE

10. Patrick Herminie

Why in News: Patrick Herminie, President of Seychelles, conferred the honorary title "Guardian of the Blue Horizon" upon Prime Minister Narendra Modi in recognition of his contribution to environmental sustainability and India–Seychelles cooperation during the country's Golden Jubilee celebrations.
Important Facts: • Position: President of Seychelles • Presented Honour: Guardian of the Blue Horizon • Country: Seychelles

11. Amit Shah

Why in News: Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah presided over the fifth Foundation Day celebrations of the Ministry of Cooperation at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. He launched the National Cooperative Database 3.0, a geo-tagging mobile application, a Milk Supply Review Dashboard and several other initiatives to strengthen India's cooperative movement under the vision of "Sahakar Se Samriddhi." (affairscloud.com)
Important Facts: • Position: Union Home & Cooperation Minister • Initiative: National Cooperative Datab

ase 3.0 • Vision: Sahakar Se Samriddhi

12. Dilip Asbe

Why in News: Dilip Asbe, Managing Director and CEO of the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), was appointed to the Supervisory Board of SWIFT, becoming one of the prominent Indian representatives in global financial messaging governance. (affairscloud.com)
Important Facts: • Position: MD & CEO, NPCI • Appointed To: SWIFT Supervisory Board • Sector: Digital Payments

13. Alok Kumar Mittal

Why in News: The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet appointed Alok Kumar Mittal as the Director General of the Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPR&D). He will oversee police modernisation, research and capacity-building initiatives across India. (affairscloud.com)
Important Facts: • New Role: DG, BPR&D • Service: IPS • Sector: Police Administration

14. Amit Garg

Why in News: Senior IPS officer Amit Garg was appointed Director of the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB). NCRB plays a key role in maintaining India's crime database and supporting law-enforcement agencies through information systems and analytics. (affairscloud.com)
Important Facts: • New Role: Director, NCRB • Service: IPS • Organisation: National Crime Records Bureau

15. Sujeet Pandey

Why in News: Sujeet Pandey assumed charge as Director of the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy (SVPNPA), Hyderabad. The academy is India's premier institution for training Indian Police Service officers. (affairscloud.com)
Important Facts: • New Role: Director, SVPNPA • Service: IPS • Location: Hyderabad

16. Leander Paes

Why in News: Tennis legend Leander Paes was appointed Player Ambassador of the Asian Tennis Federation. In his new role, he will promote grassroots tennis, mentor young players and support the development of the sport across Asia. (affairscloud.com)
Important Facts: • New Role: Player Ambassador, Asian Tennis Federation • Olympic Medal: Bronze (1996) • Grand Slam Titles: 18

17. Aswath S

Why in News: Seventeen-year-old Aswath S from Tamil Nadu became India's 98th Chess Grandmaster after securing his final Grandmaster norm at the Pune International Grandmaster Tournament. His achievement further strengthened India's reputation as a global chess powerhouse. (affairscloud.com)
Important Facts: • Achievement: India's 98th Chess Grandmaster • State: Tamil Nadu • Governing Body: FIDE

18. Nita Ambani

Why in News: Nita Ambani, Founder and Chairperson of Reliance Foundation, received the AAPI Humanitarian Award and the Key to the City of Tampa in recognition of her outstanding contribution to healthcare, education, sports, women empowerment and social development. (affairscloud.com)
Important Facts: • Position: Chairperson, Reliance Foundation • Awards: AAPI Humanitarian Award & Key to the City of Tampa • Field: Philanthropy

19. Mukesh Ambani

Why in News: Mukesh Ambani, Chairman and Managing Director of Reliance Industries Limited, was named a founding member of the International Telecommunication Union's AI for Good Global Commission. The commission brings together global leaders to promote responsible Artificial Intelligence for sustainable development. (affairscloud.com)
Important Facts: • Position: Chairman & MD, Reliance Industries • Appointed To: AI for Good Global Commission • Organisation: ITU

20. Sridhar Vembu

Why in News: Sridhar Vembu, Co-founder and Chief Scientist of Zoho Corporation, inaugurated India's first AI-integrated vertical university campus of VELS Institute of Science, Technology and Advanced Studies in Chennai. The initiative promotes industry–academia collaboration in Artificial Intelligence and emerging technologies. (affairscloud.com)
Important Facts: • Position: Co-founder & Chief Scientist, Zoho • Field: Technology • Event: AI-integrated University Campus Inauguration

21. Droupadi Murmu

Why in News: President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated Saushrutam 2026, an international seminar on Ayurvedic surgery at the All India Institute of Ayurveda, New Delhi. During the event, she inaugurated an AI-enabled 3 Tesla MRI facility and highlighted the importance of integrating traditional Indian medicine with modern scientific research. (affairscloud.com)
Important Facts: • Position: President of India • Event: Saushrutam 2026 • Venue: All India Institute of Ayurveda, New Delhi

22. Manohar Lal

Why in News: Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal attended the 172nd Foundation Day of the Central Public Works Department (CPWD). He unveiled the SANKALP Framework and released publications highlighting India's urban transformation and sustainable city development. (affairscloud.com)
Important Facts: • Position: Union Minister for Housing & Urban Affairs • Initiative: SANKALP Framework • Organisation: CPWD

23. Raghuram Rajan

Why in News: Former RBI Governor Dr. Raghuram Rajan was appointed to head the Balance Sheet Policy Task Force constituted by the United States Federal Reserve to review its monetary policy framework. (affairscloud.com)
Important Facts: • Former Governor: Reserve Bank of India • New Role: Head, Balance Sheet Policy Task Force • Organisation: US Federal Reserve

24. Raj Chetty

Why in News: Indian-origin economist Raj Chetty was selected to lead the Data Task Force under the United States Federal Reserve's policy review exercise. He is internationally recognised for his research in public economics and social mobility. (affairscloud.com)
Important Facts: • Profession: Economist • New Role: Head, Data Task Force • Organisation: US Federal Reserve

25. Asha Sharma

Why in News: Indian-origin technology expert Asha Sharma was appointed to lead the Productivity and Jobs Task Force under the US Federal Reserve's strategic review. The task force focuses on the impact of Artificial Intelligence and technology on employment and productivity. (affairscloud.com)
Important Facts: • Profession: Technology Executive • New Role: Head, Productivity & Jobs Task Force • Organisation: US Federal Reserve

26. Arjun Ram Meghwal

Why in News: Union Minister of State for Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal launched the electronic Vidhi Sahitya Prakashan (e-VSP) Portal to provide digital access to legal books, journals and legislative publications for students, lawyers and researchers. (affairscloud.com)
Important Facts: • Position: Minister of State for Law & Justice • Initiative: e-VSP Portal • Sector: Legal Education

27. Kanishk Jain

Why in News: Kanishk Jain was among the five Indian students who won gold medals at the 56th International Physics Olympiad held in Bucaramanga, Colombia. India recorded its best-ever performance by winning five gold medals. (affairscloud.com)
Important Facts: • Achievement: Gold Medal • Event: International Physics Olympiad 2026 • Country: India

28. Riddhesh Anant Bendale

Why in News: Riddhesh Anant Bendale secured a gold medal at the 56th International Physics Olympiad, contributing to India's historic clean sweep of five gold medals. (affairscloud.com)
Important Facts: • Achievement: Gold Medal • Event: International Physics Olympiad 2026

29. Rishit Garg

Why in News: Rishit Garg won a gold medal at the International Physics Olympiad 2026, becoming one of the five Indian students who achieved India's best-ever result in the competition. (affairscloud.com)
Important Facts: • Achievement: Gold Medal • Event: International Physics Olympiad • Country: India

30. Shresth Suraiya

Why in News: Shresth Suraiya earned a gold medal at the 56th International Physics Olympiad in Colombia. His performance contributed to India's record-breaking success at the prestigious global competition. (affairscloud.com)
Important Facts: • Achievement: Gold Medal • Event: International Physics Olympiad 2026

31. Svarit Joshi

Why in News: Svarit Joshi won a gold medal at the International Physics Olympiad 2026, completing India's five-member gold-medal-winning team. The achievement marked India's finest performance in the history of the Olympiad. (affairscloud.com)
Important Facts: • Achievement: Gold Medal • Event: International Physics Olympiad • India won five gold medals

32. Pralhad Joshi

Why in News: Union Minister Pralhad Joshi inaugurated the White Rabbit Technology-based Indian Standard Time Distribution Demonstration Network in Bengaluru. The project supports the "One Nation, One Time" initiative by providing highly accurate indigenous time synchronisation for critical sectors. (affairscloud.com)
Important Facts: • Position: Union Minister • Initiative: One Nation, One Time • Technology: White Rabbit Time Distribution

33. Anurag Jain

Why in News: The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet appointed Anurag Jain (IAS, 1989 batch, Madhya Pradesh cadre) as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NITI Aayog for a period of two years. Before this appointment, he served as Secretary in the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). He has played an important role in industrial policy, infrastructure development, investment promotion and ease of doing business in India.
Important Facts: • New Role: CEO, NITI Aayog • Service: IAS (1989 Batch) • Cadre: Madhya Pradesh • Former Position: Secretary, DPIIT

34. Preeti Sudan

Why in News: Former Union Health Secretary Preeti Sudan assumed office as the Chairperson of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). She became one of the few women to head the constitutional body responsible for conducting India's Civil Services Examination and other central recruitment examinations.
Important Facts: • New Role: Chairperson, UPSC • Former Position: Union Health Secretary • Service: IAS (Retd.)

35. Narendra Modi

Why in News: Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off India's first hydrogen-powered train from Jind, Haryana, marking a major milestone in India's clean-energy transportation programme. The initiative supports the country's transition towards green mobility and sustainable railway infrastructure.
Important Facts: • Position: Prime Minister of India • Initiative: India's First Hydrogen Train • Location: Jind, Haryana

36. S. Somanath

Why in News: Former ISRO Chairman S. Somanath continued to remain in the national spotlight for his participation in various scientific and technology forums during July 2026, promoting India's achievements in space technology, launch vehicles and future human spaceflight missions. He also delivered lectures encouraging innovation among students and researchers.
Important Facts: • Former Chairman: ISRO • Field: Space Science • Known For: Chandrayaan-3 and Gaganyaan programmes

37. Pralhad Joshi

Why in News: Union Minister Pralhad Joshi continued to lead the implementation of India's 'One Nation, One Time' initiative through the launch of the White Rabbit Technology-based Indian Standard Time network. The initiative aims to provide highly accurate indigenous time synchronisation for banking, telecom, defence and digital infrastructure.
Important Facts: • Position: Union Minister • Initiative: One Nation, One Time • Technology: White Rabbit Time Distribution

38. Droupadi Murmu

Why in News: President Droupadi Murmu continued participating in programmes promoting traditional medicine, higher education and scientific research. During July 2026, she emphasised integrating India's traditional knowledge systems with modern technology and innovation for national development.
Important Facts: • Position: President of India • Focus Areas: Education, Ayurveda & Scientific Research

39. Amit Shah

Why in News: Union Home Minister Amit Shah reviewed several cooperative-sector reforms and highlighted the government's efforts to strengthen Primary Agricultural Credit Societies, digital cooperatives and farmer-centric institutions under the Ministry of Cooperation.
Important Facts: • Position: Union Home & Cooperation Minister • Focus: Cooperative Sector Reforms • Initiative: Sahakar Se Samriddhi

40. Mukesh Ambani

Why in News: Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani continued representing India on the International Telecommunication Union's AI for Good Global Commission, contributing to discussions on responsible Artificial Intelligence and technology-driven sustainable development.
Important Facts: • Position: Chairman, Reliance Industries • Organisation: ITU • Commission: AI for Good Global Commission

41. Nita Ambani

Why in News: Nita Ambani remained in the news after receiving international recognition for her philanthropic work in healthcare, education, sports and women empowerment. Her initiatives through Reliance Foundation continued to receive global appreciation during July 2026.
Important Facts: • Position: Founder & Chairperson, Reliance Foundation • Recognition: AAPI Humanitarian Award • Field: Philanthropy

42. Leander Paes

Why in News: Tennis icon Leander Paes began his role as Player Ambassador of the Asian Tennis Federation, promoting grassroots tennis, coaching programmes and youth participation across Asia. His appointment was welcomed by national tennis federations across the continent.
Important Facts: • Position: Player Ambassador • Organisation: Asian Tennis Federation • Olympic Bronze Medal: 1996

43. Varsha Ashok Aglawe

Why in News: Senior geoscientist Varsha Ashok Aglawe assumed charge as the 54th Director General of the Geological Survey of India (GSI). She created history by becoming the first woman to head the 176-year-old Geological Survey of India. She succeeded Asit Saha and has served in several important geological exploration and mineral-resource management assignments during her career.
Important Facts: • New Role: 54th Director General, GSI • First Woman DG of GSI • Organisation: Geological Survey of India • Succeeded: Asit Saha

44. Pralhad Joshi

Why in News: Following the resignation of the Union Education Minister, Pralhad Joshi was entrusted with the additional charge of the Ministry of Education while continuing to handle his existing ministerial portfolios. The appointment was approved by the President of India on the advice of the Prime Minister.
Important Facts: • Position: Union Minister • Additional Portfolio: Ministry of Education • Existing Ministries: Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, New & Renewable Energy

45. Saurabh Garg

Why in News: The Central Government extended the tenure of Saurabh Garg, Secretary, Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), by one more year until July 2027. The extension was granted to ensure continuity in statistical reforms and implementation of national data initiatives.
Important Facts: • Position: Secretary, MoSPI • Tenure Extended Till: July 2027 • Service: IAS

46. S. Somanath

Why in News: Former ISRO Chairman S. Somanath remained in the news after participating in national science and innovation programmes, where he encouraged students and researchers to contribute to India's future space missions, indigenous technology development and scientific innovation.
Important Facts: • Former Chairman: ISRO • Known For: Chandrayaan-3 & Gaganyaan • Field: Space Science

47. Tapan Deka

Why in News: Former Intelligence Bureau Director Tapan Deka remained in the news during discussions on India's internal security and intelligence reforms. His contributions to counter-terrorism and national security continued to be highlighted in strategic policy forums.
Important Facts: • Former Director: Intelligence Bureau • Field: Internal Security • Service: IPS

48. V. Kamakoti

Why in News: Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director of IIT Madras, remained in the spotlight for his leadership in promoting Artificial Intelligence, indigenous computing technologies and advanced engineering research. IIT Madras continued expanding innovation and startup initiatives under his leadership.
Important Facts: • Position: Director, IIT Madras • Field: Computer Science • Focus: AI & Advanced Technology

49. Anita Karwal

Why in News: Former Education Secretary Anita Karwal was recognised for her contribution to educational reforms and school education policy during discussions on governance and education in July 2026.
Important Facts: • Former Position: Education Secretary • Field: Education Administration • Service: IAS (Retd.)

50. Amrit Lal Meena

Why in News: Senior IAS officer Amrit Lal Meena remained in focus for his contribution to infrastructure planning, logistics and administrative reforms in the Government of India. His expertise in governance and project implementation continued to be recognised in national policy discussions.
Important Facts: • Service: IAS • Field: Logistics & Administration • Former Position: Secretary, Ministry of Coal

QUICK REVISION – PERSONS IN NEWS (JULY 2026)

• Narendra Modi – Received Indonesia's highest civilian honour Bintang Adipurna; first Indian PM to address the Indonesian Parliament.
• Amit Shah – Launched National Cooperative Database 3.0 and other cooperative initiatives.
• Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit – Became the 51st Vice Chief of the Air Staff.
• Bijay Kumar Mohanty – Assumed additional charge as CMD of IREDA.
• Sunil Bharti Mittal – Received the USISPF Leadership Award 2026.
• Praveen Shekhar & Barkha Subba – Received the Whitley Award (Green Oscar).
• Harshvardhan G. B. – Became India's 97th Chess Grandmaster.
• Dilip Asbe – Appointed to the SWIFT Supervisory Board.
• Alok Kumar Mittal – Appointed Director General of BPR&D.
• Amit Garg – Appointed Director of NCRB.
• Sujeet Pandey – Appointed Director of SVPNPA.
• Leander Paes – Appointed Player Ambassador of the Asian Tennis Federation.
• Aswath S – Became India's 98th Chess Grandmaster.
• Nita Ambani – Received international honours for philanthropy.
• Mukesh Ambani – Joined the ITU AI for Good Global Commission.
• Raghuram Rajan – Headed the US Federal Reserve's Balance Sheet Policy Task Force.
• Raj Chetty – Headed the Data Task Force of the US Federal Reserve review.
• Asha Sharma – Headed the Productivity and Jobs Task Force.
• Arjun Ram Meghwal – Launched the e-VSP legal publications portal.
• Kanishk Jain, Riddhesh Anant Bendale, Rishit Garg, Shresth Suraiya and Svarit Joshi – Won gold medals at the 56th International Physics Olympiad.
• Pralhad Joshi – Led the One Nation, One Time initiative and later received additional charge of the Ministry of Education.
• Anurag Jain – Appointed CEO of NITI Aayog.
• Preeti Sudan – Assumed office as Chairperson of UPSC.
• Varsha Ashok Aglawe – Became the first woman Director General of the Geological Survey of India.
• Saurabh Garg – Tenure as Statistics Secretary extended until July 2027.
• S. Somanath – Continued promoting India's space and innovation ecosystem.
• Tapan Deka – Featured in discussions on national security reforms.
• V. Kamakoti – Promoted AI and advanced technology research at IIT Madras.
• Anita Karwal – Recognised for contributions to education reforms.
• Amrit Lal Meena – Recognised for logistics and infrastructure governance.