Current Affairs - July 27, 2026 Current Affairs

EbixCash World Money became the first non-bank entity in India to receive a perpetual Authorised Dealer Category-II (AD Category-II) license from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). This license enables the company to provide cross-border trade-related remittance services in addition to family remittances under the regulatory framework of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), 1999. The approval is expected to benefit Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) by allowing them to make outward trade remittances directly without depending on traditional commercial banks. The milestone reflects the RBI's regulated approach to expanding foreign exchange services while maintaining compliance and financial stability.

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting mandated that all operational private FM radio channels in India must broadcast at least 20% of their daily content in the local language of the city they serve. The initiative aims to promote regional languages, preserve local culture, traditions, and folk music, and strengthen community engagement. Announced on July 24, 2026, the policy applies to 386 operational private FM channels. It is part of the Phase-III FM expansion policy, which also encourages broadcasting in aspirational districts and Left Wing Extremism (LWE)-affected areas while supporting faster infrastructure rollout through the use of Prasar Bharati towers.

The 'Weaves of India' Handloom Festival was inaugurated in New Delhi at the Central Cottage Industries Emporium by the Ministry of Textiles as part of the celebrations leading up to the 12th National Handloom Day. The festival showcases a wide range of GI-tagged handloom products, including Pashmina shawls, Kanjeevaram silk, Chanderi sarees, Pochampally ikat, and Muga silk. More than 150 master weavers and National Handicraft Awardees participate, providing a direct platform to connect with urban buyers. All displayed products carry the Handloom Mark and Silk Mark, ensuring authenticity and quality while promoting India's rich handloom heritage.

Rajasthan launched the Water Plan 2047 under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma to strengthen long-term water security across the state. The roadmap integrates the Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project (ERCP) with the Parbati-Kalisindh-Chambal river interlinking project to improve water availability. It also aims to achieve 100% drip and sprinkler-based micro-irrigation in desert districts by 2035, mandates rooftop rainwater harvesting systems for commercial and institutional buildings, and proposes transferring surplus river water from southern Rajasthan to arid western regions. The comprehensive plan focuses on sustainable water management, agricultural development, and improved access to water for future generations.

Uttarakhand has launched an initiative to radio-collar herd-leading elephants ahead of the 2027 Haridwar Kumbh Mela to improve public safety and reduce human-elephant conflict. The project is being implemented by the Uttarakhand Forest Department in collaboration with the Wildlife Institute of India (WII). Real-time tracking of elephant movements will help forest officials issue timely warnings, guide elephants away from populated areas, and respond quickly during the large gathering of pilgrims. The initiative also supports wildlife conservation by protecting elephants while ensuring safer management of one of India's most important elephant corridors near Rajaji National Park.

Solar-electric passenger boats were launched on the River Ganga in Varanasi by the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) in collaboration with the Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department. The initiative introduces zero-emission electric catamarans to replace diesel-powered boats across 84 historic ghats, promoting clean and sustainable river transport. Each boat can carry 50 passengers, travels at a speed of 10 knots, and uses fast-charging solar docks. The project is part of the Jal Marg Vikas Project on National Waterway-1 (Haldia to Prayagraj) and aims to reduce over 1,200 tonnes of carbon emissions while preventing oil pollution in the sacred Ganga River.

The Mahatma Jyotirao Phule Jan Arogya Yojana (MJPJAY) is a flagship health insurance scheme implemented by the Government of Maharashtra to provide cashless medical treatment to eligible families. Launched in 2012, the scheme covers hospitalisation expenses up to ₹1.5 lakh per family annually, with coverage increasing to ₹2.5 lakh for organ transplants. Families eligible under both MJPJAY and Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY can receive combined health insurance coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per year. The scheme includes 996 medical procedures across 34 specialities and is available through empanelled government and private hospitals, ensuring affordable and accessible healthcare for beneficiaries.

Sarnath was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List during the 48th session of the World Heritage Committee held on July 26, 2026. With this recognition, Sarnath became India's 45th UNESCO World Heritage Site and the country's 36th Cultural World Heritage Site. Located near Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, Sarnath is one of Buddhism's holiest places, where Gautama Buddha delivered his first sermon to his first five disciples after attaining enlightenment. The site is renowned for monuments such as the Dhamek Stupa, Chaukhandi Stupa, Mulagandhakuti Vihara, and the Lion Capital of Ashoka, which serves as India's National Emblem.

Raja Muthupandi won the silver medal in the men's 65kg weightlifting event at the Commonwealth Games 2026 held in Glasgow. He achieved a total lift of 286kg across the snatch and clean & jerk events. Despite recovering from an early failed attempt and briefly setting a Commonwealth Games record in the clean & jerk, he finished behind Malaysia's Aznil Bin Bidin Muhamed, who secured the gold with a Games record total of 299kg. Raja's remarkable comeback from a serious elbow injury and years of perseverance made his silver medal a significant achievement, further strengthening India's impressive weightlifting medal tally at the Games.

CRPF Foundation Day is observed every year on July 27 to commemorate the establishment of the Central Reserve Police Force, which was originally formed in 1939 as the Crown Representative’s Police. In 2026, the force celebrated its 87th Foundation Day, recognising the courage, sacrifice, and dedication of CRPF personnel. The CRPF plays a crucial role in maintaining internal security, conducting counter-terrorism and anti-insurgency operations, ensuring peaceful elections, controlling riots, protecting vital installations, and providing disaster relief. It also participates in United Nations peacekeeping missions, reflecting India's commitment to global peace and security.