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Daily Current Affairs Digest | 22nd July 2026
Daily Current Affairs Digest | 22nd July 2026
India Leads the 16th BRICS Health Ministers’ Meeting
India is hosting the 16th BRICS Health Ministers’ Meeting in Chandigarh from 22 to 24 July 2026, under the chairmanship of Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare J.P. Nadda.
The meeting seeks to advance the healthcare priorities of the Global South through greater cooperation in pandemic preparedness, digital health, tuberculosis control, mental wellness, affordable medicines and resilient public-health systems.
The participating countries are expected to adopt a joint declaration supporting Universal Health Coverage, equitable access to medical products and the health-related targets of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The meeting also provides an important platform for strengthening pharmaceutical collaboration, health research and the exchange of effective public-health practices among BRICS nations.
President Murmu Calls for Stronger India–North Macedonia Partnership
President Droupadi Murmu, during her visit to Skopje, called upon India and North Macedonia to expand bilateral cooperation through investment, technology, innovation and institutional partnerships.
Addressing the India–North Macedonia Business Forum on 21 July 2026, the President highlighted opportunities for collaboration in pharmaceuticals, healthcare, renewable energy, digital innovation, artificial intelligence, agro-processing and start-ups.
She encouraged companies from both countries to explore joint manufacturing, technology transfer and investment partnerships. President Murmu also invited North Macedonia to participate in India-supported global initiatives relating to digital public infrastructure, renewable energy, disaster-resilient infrastructure and biofuels.
INS Malvan Commissioned at Karwar
The Indian Navy commissioned INS Malvan, the second vessel of the Mahe-class Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft, at the naval base in Karwar on 22 July 2026.
Constructed by Cochin Shipyard Limited, the vessel contains more than 80% indigenous components, demonstrating India’s growing capabilities in domestic defence manufacturing under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
INS Malvan is equipped with advanced underwater-surveillance systems, an RBU-6000 anti-submarine rocket launcher, DRDO-developed torpedoes and a modern sonar suite. The vessel is designed to undertake anti-submarine operations, mine-laying missions, coastal surveillance and search-and-rescue activities in shallow waters.
Its commissioning will strengthen India’s coastal defence, littoral security and maritime domain awareness while reducing dependence on imported naval technology.
Uttar Pradesh Approves Rani Lakshmibai Scooty Yojana
The Uttar Pradesh government has approved the guidelines for the Rani Lakshmibai Scooty Yojana, an initiative intended to promote women’s education and mobility.
Under the scheme, free scooters will be provided to the top 5% of eligible female graduates. The assistance package will include the cost of the scooter, registration, insurance, helmet, accessories and an initial fuel allowance.
The programme is expected to benefit meritorious young women, particularly those from rural and economically disadvantaged backgrounds. By addressing transportation-related difficulties, the initiative seeks to improve women’s access to higher education, employment and professional-development opportunities.
India Reaffirms Support for a Rules-Based Global Trading System
India has reaffirmed its commitment to a transparent, inclusive, non-discriminatory and rules-based international trading system during its eighth Trade Policy Review at the World Trade Organization.
Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agarwal highlighted India’s expanding network of trade agreements, liberalised foreign-investment policies, digital transformation and growing contribution to South–South cooperation.
India also emphasised that global trade rules must remain development-oriented and responsive to the needs of emerging and developing economies. The review underscores India’s increasingly influential position in shaping the future architecture of global commerce.
Five New Lichen Species Discovered in the Western Ghats
Researchers have discovered five previously unknown species of Allographa lichen-forming fungi in the Western Ghats, one of the world’s most important biodiversity hotspots.
Scientists from the MACS–Agharkar Research Institute, Pune, used a combination of classical taxonomy and molecular phylogenetic analysis to identify and classify the newly discovered species.
Lichens are highly sensitive to environmental disturbances and atmospheric pollution. They therefore serve as important indicators of air quality, ecological stability and forest health. The discovery will strengthen biodiversity documentation, conservation planning and long-term environmental monitoring in the Western Ghats and other forest ecosystems across India.
More Than Three Crore People Covered Under NSAP
The National Social Assistance Programme currently provides pension assistance to more than three crore elderly persons, widows and persons with disabilities belonging to Below Poverty Line households.
State-funded pension programmes cover an additional 5.9 crore beneficiaries. Although the central pension contribution has remained unchanged since 2012, states and Union Territories provide supplementary assistance ranging from ₹50 to ₹5,700 per month. In several states, the combined average monthly pension is approximately ₹1,100.
The Union Government has clarified that there is presently no proposal to revise the central pension rates under the programme.
National Database Strengthens Action Against Sexual Offenders
India’s National Database on Sexual Offenders, established by the National Crime Records Bureau in 2018, supports authorised law-enforcement agencies in identifying accused persons, repeat offenders and individuals convicted of sexual offences.
The restricted database assists police agencies in investigation, background verification and the monitoring of cases involving sexual offences, including offences registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act.
The database operates within a broader digital law-enforcement ecosystem supported by the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems and the Inter-Operable Criminal Justice System. Citizen reporting mechanisms, including the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal and helpline number 1930, further support action against cybercrime and online child sexual exploitation.
