Updates on 7 July 2026
All of July 2026 →IIM Bangalore to Open First Overseas Campus in Indonesia
On 7 July 2026, during PM Narendra Modi's visit to Jakarta, Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB) announced the establishment of its first international campus at the Singhasari Special Economic Zone, Malang, East Java, Indonesia. Developed in partnership with PT Intelegensia Grahatama, this campus will initiate executive education programs followed by full management degree programs focusing on global supply chain management, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, climate and sustainability, and healthcare management. This initiative aligns with India's National Education Policy 2020 encouraging internationalization of Indian higher education institutions, marking a significant milestone in expanding Indian higher education globally, alongside other Indian institutions with overseas campuses such as IIM Ahmedabad, IIT Madras, and IIT Delhi.
Uttar Pradesh Cabinet Approves Data Centre Policy 2026
On 6 July 2026, the Uttar Pradesh Cabinet chaired by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath approved the Data Centre Policy 2026, replacing the 2021 policy that expired on 27 January 2026. The new policy focuses on promoting AI-ready, energy-efficient, green data centres emphasizing GPU-based infrastructure, targeting an addition of over 2 gigawatts of capacity. The policy aims to attract investments exceeding Rs 2 lakh crore through fiscal incentives including capital and interest subsidies, concessions on land, stamp duty, and electricity charges. Special incentives apply to Tier-3 and Tier-4 data centres and regions like Bundelkhand and Purvanchal. The policy is expected to generate 7,500 long-term jobs and about 50,000 short-term jobs during the construction phase, supporting Uttar Pradesh's vision of becoming a one-trillion-dollar economy.
Uttar Pradesh Cabinet Approves Startup Policy 2026
On 6 July 2026, the Uttar Pradesh cabinet approved the Startup Policy 2026 to foster innovation and entrepreneurship in the state. Key features include establishing a Rs 1,000-crore fund for early-stage capital, seed funding up to Rs 15 lakh, prototype grants raised to Rs 10 lakh, and special incentives targeting deep-tech sectors such as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Robotics, and Aerospace. The policy also provides support for women entrepreneurs, economically weaker sections, persons with disabilities, transgender entrepreneurs, and emphasizes regional development in Purvanchal and Bundelkhand. The Uttar Pradesh Startup Mission was constituted as an autonomous entity led by the Chief Secretary to implement the policy, aligning with the state's plan to contribute significantly to India's $1 trillion economy target by 2030.
INS Mahendragiri to Join Indian Navy on July 11, 2026
INS Mahendragiri (F38), the sixth indigenous stealth frigate under Project 17A (Nilgiri-class), is set to be commissioned at Visakhapatnam on July 11, 2026. Designed by the Indian Navy's Warship Design Bureau and built by Mumbai-based Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited, the frigate features over 75% indigenous content. It will strengthen the Eastern Fleet under the Eastern Naval Command, enhancing India's naval capabilities with advanced stealth, automation, and weaponry systems. INS Mahendragiri embodies India's push for self-reliance in defense manufacturing, supporting the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
Centre Appoints New Chiefs of BPR&D, NCRB, and SVPNPA
On 6 July 2026, the Government of India appointed new heads for three key police institutions: Alok Kumar Mittal as Director General of the Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPR&D), Amit Garg as Director of the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), and Sujeet Pandey as Director of the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy (SVPNPA). These appointments were approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC), chaired by the Prime Minister. Amit Garg succeeded Alok Ranjan at the NCRB. The post of NCRB Director has been temporarily upgraded to the rank of Director General (DG) on a personal basis for this appointment. These leaders come from various Indian Police Service cadres and will serve fixed-duration terms that may be extended.
FSSAI Issues Notices to Heritage Foods, Dia Foods, and Cipzer Nutraceuticals Over Misleading Food Claims
On 6 July 2026, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) issued notices to Heritage Foods Limited, Dia Foods, and Cipzer Nutraceuticals for alleged misleading claims and violations of labelling regulations. Heritage Foods was flagged for incorrect use of terms like "Fresh Paneer" and "Healthy". Dia Foods faced scrutiny over unverified claims such as "all natural", "100% organic", and "vegan" on its chocolate spread. Cipzer Nutraceuticals was noticed for unverifiable claims including "FSSAI Approved" and health benefit assertions on its juice capsules. These actions reflect FSSAI’s enforcement role under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, emphasizing compliance with advertising and labelling rules essential for food safety and consumer protection.
Uttar Pradesh Renames Jalalabad to Parshurampuri
On 6 July 2026, the Uttar Pradesh Cabinet approved the renaming of Jalalabad town in Shahjahanpur district to Parshurampuri. The renaming reflects local historical beliefs linking the town as the birthplace of Lord Parshuram, the sixth avatar of Lord Vishnu. This change followed procedural approvals from local municipal resolutions, the state government, and the Ministry of Home Affairs. The municipal council will now be known as Parshurampuri Nagar Palika Parishad. This event highlights the administrative procedures involved in place-name changes and their cultural significance in India.
Gujarat Builds First Air-Filled Rubber Dams Using South Korean Technology
Gujarat is constructing two air-filled rubber dams—the Rajvasana dam in Chhota Udepur district and the Pathakwadi dam in Tapi district—using South Korean rubber bladder technology and SCADA automation. The combined projects cost over ₹162 crore and aim to improve water storage, irrigation, and flood management under the Centre’s Catch the Rain campaign. Rajvasana is 75% complete as of July 2026 and designed to irrigate 3,420 hectares; Pathakwadi is 90% complete and provides irrigation to 650 hectares.
Passing of Girish Bharadwaj, 'Bridge Man of India' and Padma Shri Awardee
Girish Bharadwaj, renowned as the ‘Bridge Man of India’ for his extensive work in building low-cost suspension bridges in rural India, died at 76 on 7 July 2026. An alumnus of PES College of Engineering, Mandya, he constructed over 140 bridges primarily in Karnataka, Kerala, Telangana, and Odisha, significantly enhancing connectivity in remote villages. Honored with the Padma Shri in 2017, his bridges linked isolated communities to essential services. His death marks the loss of a pioneering figure in rural infrastructure development.