National Economy & Policy

1. RBI Approves Large-Scale Trial of Polymer Currency Notes

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has received approval to conduct a large-scale field trial of 1 billion polymer banknotes each in ₹10 and ₹20 denominations. This initiative aims to evaluate whether polymer notes can replace traditional cotton-based paper currency in the future.

Polymer banknotes are made from a durable plastic substrate that is resistant to moisture, dirt, tearing, and counterfeiting. Many countries, including Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, have already adopted polymer currency due to its longer lifespan and enhanced security features.

The trial will assess the notes' durability under Indian climatic conditions, public acceptance, and overall cost-effectiveness. Although polymer notes are more expensive to manufacture initially, they last significantly longer than paper notes, reducing replacement costs over time. If the trial proves successful, India may gradually introduce polymer banknotes into wider circulation.

Key Highlights

• RBI to test 1 billion ₹10 polymer notes.
• RBI to test 1 billion ₹20 polymer notes.
• Expected to increase durability and reduce replacement costs.
• Improved resistance against counterfeit currency.
• Pilot testing before nationwide implementation.

2. India Adopts Producer Price Index (PPI) for GDP Deflation

India has officially shifted from using the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) to the Producer Price Index (PPI) for calculating GDP deflation. This marks a significant modernization of the country's national accounting framework.

GDP deflation measures changes in the prices of goods and services produced in the economy. The Producer Price Index records price changes at the producer or manufacturer level before products reach consumers. Experts believe PPI provides a more accurate reflection of production costs and industrial inflation than WPI.

The transition is expected to improve the precision of GDP estimates, align India with international statistical standards, and provide policymakers with better insights into production-sector inflation.

Key Highlights

• India replaces WPI-based GDP deflation with PPI.
• Better measurement of producer-level inflation.
• Enhances GDP estimation accuracy.
• Aligns India's statistical practices with global standards.

3. Ministry Launches Atmanirbhar Panchayat Programme

The Ministry of Panchayati Raj has launched the Atmanirbhar Panchayat Programme, accompanied by the introduction of the SAMARTH Portal, to strengthen grassroots governance across India.

The programme aims to modernize Panchayati Raj Institutions through digital technology, capacity building, transparent administration, and improved public service delivery. The SAMARTH Portal will provide training resources, governance tools, monitoring systems, and digital services to elected representatives and local officials.

The initiative seeks to create self-reliant village institutions capable of planning, implementing, and monitoring local development projects efficiently.

Key Highlights

• SAMARTH Portal launched.
• Digital governance for Panchayats.
• Capacity building for elected representatives.
• Improved transparency and accountability.
• Supports self-reliant rural governance.

Environment & Science

4. Seventh Draft Notification Issued for Western Ghats Ecologically Sensitive Area

The Ministry of Environment has reissued the 7th Draft Notification proposing an Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA) covering 56,825.7 square kilometres across six states in the Western Ghats.

The proposal aims to regulate environmentally harmful activities such as mining, quarrying, thermal power plants, and large-scale construction while allowing sustainable agriculture and eco-friendly development.

The Western Ghats are recognized as one of the world's eight "hottest biodiversity hotspots" and are home to thousands of endemic plant and animal species. The notification balances ecological conservation with local livelihoods through stakeholder consultations.

Key Highlights

• ESA area: 56,825.7 sq km.
• Covers six Western Ghats states.
• Restricts environmentally destructive activities.
• Protects biodiversity and ecosystems.
• Supports sustainable development.

5. International Tiger Day Celebrated on 29 July

India observed International Tiger Day on 29 July with renewed emphasis on community-based wildlife conservation. The Government launched the initiative titled "Tigers Outside Tiger Reserves" to protect tiger populations living beyond designated reserves.

India currently hosts nearly 75% of the world's wild tiger population, making tiger conservation a national priority. The initiative encourages local communities, forest departments, and conservation organizations to collaborate in protecting wildlife corridors and reducing human-animal conflict.

The programme also promotes awareness regarding habitat conservation, anti-poaching measures, and scientific monitoring of tiger populations.

Key Highlights

• Observed annually on 29 July.
• Focus on community participation.
• Launch of "Tigers Outside Tiger Reserves."
• Strengthening wildlife corridor protection.
• Reducing human-wildlife conflict.

6. Parliament Highlights Solar Power Curtailment

The Government informed Parliament that over 8,100 GWh of solar electricity generated between April and June 2026 could not be supplied to consumers due to grid infrastructure limitations.

Solar power curtailment occurs when electricity generation exceeds the capacity of transmission networks or demand. The issue highlights the urgent need for expansion of transmission infrastructure, battery storage systems, and smart grid technologies.

Experts believe strengthening the power grid will improve renewable energy integration and help India achieve its ambitious clean energy targets.

Key Highlights

• Over 8,100 GWh solar energy curtailed.
• Period: April–June 2026.
• Main reason: Grid infrastructure constraints.
• Calls for investment in transmission and storage.

Global Awards & Governance

7. Fields Medal 2026 Winners Announced

The prestigious Fields Medal 2026, often regarded as the "Nobel Prize of Mathematics," was awarded to Yu Deng, John Pardon, Jacob Tsimerman, and Hong Wang for their exceptional contributions to mathematics.

A historic milestone was achieved as Hong Wang became only the third woman in history to receive the Fields Medal, highlighting increasing diversity in the global mathematical community.

The Fields Medal is awarded every four years by the International Mathematical Union to mathematicians under the age of 40.

Key Highlights

• Winners: Yu Deng, John Pardon, Jacob Tsimerman, Hong Wang.
• Hong Wang becomes third female recipient.
• Award presented every four years.
• Highest international honour in mathematics.

8. France Restricts Social Media Access for Children Under 15

France has become the first European Union country to legally prohibit children below 15 years of age from using social media platforms without parental consent.

The legislation aims to safeguard children's mental health, reduce cyberbullying, prevent online addiction, and strengthen digital safety standards. Social media companies are expected to implement effective age-verification systems to comply with the law.

The move may influence similar child online safety regulations across Europe.

Key Highlights

• First EU nation to implement such a law.
• Applies to children below 15 years.
• Focus on online safety and mental health.
• Mandatory age verification by platforms.

Security & Local Governance

9. e-Zero FIR System Expanded Across 18 States and UTs

The Ministry of Home Affairs has implemented the e-Zero FIR System for cybercrime cases across 18 States and Union Territories.

The system enables victims to instantly register cybercrime complaints online without visiting police stations. It accelerates the freezing of fraudulent bank accounts and improves coordination between law enforcement agencies and financial institutions.

The initiative is expected to significantly reduce financial losses caused by online fraud and cybercrime.

Key Highlights

• Operational across 18 States and UTs.
• Faster registration of cybercrime complaints.
• Quick freezing of stolen funds.
• Improved digital policing.

10. Delhi Government Approves Lakshmi Yojana

The Delhi Government has approved Lakshmi Yojana, a financial assistance programme designed to support economically vulnerable women.

The scheme aims to strengthen women's financial independence by providing direct monetary assistance and promoting social welfare. It is expected to benefit thousands of women from low-income households and improve their economic security.

Key Highlights

• Financial support for economically weaker women.
• Promotes women's empowerment.
• Strengthens social security.

11. Operation Navajeevan-II Leads to Maoist Surrenders

Under Operation Navajeevan-II, 16 Maoist cadres surrendered before security forces in Jharkhand under the government's rehabilitation and surrender policy.

The operation provides surrendered extremists with rehabilitation assistance, vocational training, financial support, and opportunities for reintegration into mainstream society.

Officials stated that the initiative aims to weaken extremist networks while promoting long-term peace and development in affected regions.

Key Highlights

• 16 Maoists surrendered.
• Conducted in Jharkhand.
• Rehabilitation and reintegration programme.
• Supports peace and regional development.