Current Affairs - July 30, 2026 Current Affairs

Burj Khalifa became the first tourist attraction in the United Arab Emirates to accept UPI for online ticket bookings on July 29, 2026. The initiative was launched through a partnership between NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL), NEOPAY, and Emaar Entertainment. It marked the first use of UPI for e-commerce transactions in the GCC region, enabling Indian travellers to purchase tickets in Indian currency through UPI apps before arriving in Dubai. This development expands the global reach of India's digital payment ecosystem.

Himachal Pradesh launched the Mukhyamantri Machhuara Samman Nidhi Yojana on July 29, 2026, under the leadership of Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu. The scheme provides annual financial assistance of ₹3,500 to eligible fishermen to support their household needs during the closed fishing season. Around 3,700 fisherman families dependent on major reservoirs such as Gobind Sagar, Pong Dam, Kol Dam, Chamera, and Ranjit Sagar are expected to benefit. The state has allocated an annual budget of approximately ₹1.20 crore for the scheme, which also promotes sustainable fisheries by supporting fishermen during the breeding season when fishing is prohibited.

Odisha signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with HCL Technologies and Sarvam AI on July 24, 2026, for a proposed investment exceeding ₹15,000 crore to strengthen the state's IT and Artificial Intelligence ecosystem. The project includes establishing a tech hub in Khurda district, a ₹14,257 crore AI Data Centre, and a Global Delivery Centre with an investment of ₹730 crore by HCL Technologies. The initiative also includes the Odisha Sovereign AI Park to support high-performance computing infrastructure and is expected to generate over 6,000 direct jobs. It aims to provide AI services in Odia and other Indian languages using indigenous AI technology.

IIT Ropar designed and deployed the ANNAM.AI AI-powered hyper-local weather intelligence system for the Kerala government's climate-smart agriculture initiative launched on July 28, 2026. Introduced as part of the state's 100-day action plan, the system provides real-time weather data and localised advisories to help farmers make informed decisions regarding sowing, irrigation, harvesting, and crop protection. The initiative aims to enhance agricultural resilience, reduce crop losses, and improve farm productivity through data-driven decision-making. Established in 2008 in Rupnagar, Punjab, IIT Ropar is one of India's second-generation Indian Institutes of Technology operating under the Ministry of Education.

Telangana authorised the issuance of the Telangana Family Register Certificate through the MeeSeva platform on July 28, 2026, to ensure uniform verification of family records across the state. Issued by the Revenue Department, the electronic Family Register captures details such as Aadhaar number, date of birth, gender, and relationship to the head of the family, with the Family Register Identification Number matching the family's Ration Card Number. Citizens can obtain the certificate through MeeSeva centres or mobile applications by paying a user fee of ₹62. The certificate is also recognised by the Election Commission of India as one of the accepted documents for the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.

The Toy Sector Task Force, announced by Union Minister Piyush Goyal on July 27, 2026, has set a target of achieving a 5% share in the global toy market by 2032. The initiative aims to strengthen India's toy manufacturing ecosystem by integrating with global value chains, promoting innovation and design, resolving supply chain bottlenecks, and developing a skilled workforce. A comprehensive Toy Sector Playbook has also been launched to guide MSMEs, startups, and investors on manufacturing standards, intellectual property, compliance, and export opportunities. The initiative is expected to enhance India's competitiveness and establish the country as a major global toy manufacturing hub.

State Bank of India (SBI) is set to become the first Indian bank in 2026 to issue Basel III-compliant Additional Tier-I (AT-1) Perpetual Bonds. Through this issuance, SBI plans to raise ₹5,000 crore as part of its ₹60,000 crore capital-raising programme for FY 2026–27. The bonds will include a five-year call option, subject to regulatory approval. AT-1 Perpetual Bonds help banks strengthen their capital base, improve the Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR), comply with Basel III regulations, and enhance their capacity to absorb financial losses. The initiative will also support SBI's future lending, business expansion, and long-term financial resilience.

Maharashtra became the first state in India to qualify for the second instalment of Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) funds after achieving more than 75% utilisation of the first instalment within the stipulated time. The state received ₹335 crore as the first instalment, utilised approximately ₹260 crore, and became eligible for another ₹335 crore. Maharashtra also demonstrated strong performance in Farmer ID generation and the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH). Additionally, it provided ₹14,000 crore in direct financial assistance to flood-affected farmers through bank transfers within five days, showcasing efficient implementation of agricultural support initiatives.

Venezuela formally notified the United Nations of its decision to withdraw from the Rome Statute, the treaty that established the International Criminal Court (ICC). The announcement was made by Foreign Minister Felix Plasencia on the instructions of Interim President Delcy Rodríguez. The Venezuelan government cited concerns over the ICC's alleged geographical bias and questioned its impartiality. Under Article 127 of the Rome Statute, the withdrawal will take effect one year after notification and will not affect investigations already underway. Therefore, the ICC's ongoing investigation into alleged crimes against humanity in Venezuela, initiated in 2021, will continue despite the country's withdrawal.

Axis Finance Limited (AFL), a wholly owned subsidiary of Axis Bank, launched the in-house digital lending platform 'Axis Finance Drishti' in July 2026. Developed as a Business Rules Engine (BRE), the platform automates and standardises credit decision-making using advanced analytics, statistical scorecards, and multiple data sources for accurate risk assessment. It supports real-time decision-making and Straight-Through Processing (STP), improving lending speed, consistency, and operational efficiency. In its first phase, the platform has been deployed for Personal Loans, Business Loans, Loan Against Property (LAP), and Disha Home Loans, enabling faster and data-driven loan approvals.