Updates on 9 July 2026
All of July 2026 →IIT Madras and C-DAC to Manage National Bridge Health Monitoring Software
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is centralising the National Bridge Health Monitoring Software by involving IIT Madras and the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC). This system integrates sensor-based real-time monitoring of bridges across national highways to ensure safety and structural integrity. Road-owning agencies are directed to complete a nationwide digital inventory of bridges by September 30, 2026. The ministry will also implement competitive bidding for sensor supply, installation, and maintenance, and re-tender contracts where physical work has not started. This move follows recent bridge collapses in Gujarat and aims to standardise and enhance bridge health monitoring across the country.
India Launches Awiqli, World’s First Once-Weekly Basal Insulin
On 9 July 2026, India introduced Awiqli, the world's first once-weekly basal insulin developed by Novo Nordisk. This insulin contains insulin icodec and is approved in India for adults with both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. Awiqli reduces injection frequency from daily (365 injections/year) to weekly (52 injections/year), administered via a FlexTouch pen. The insulin icodec molecule binds to albumin, extending its action to seven days. The 700-unit pack is priced at Rs 2,611, about 30-40% less expensive per unit than existing daily basal insulin. India is the seventh country worldwide to launch this product. Clinical trials indicate glycaemic control comparable or better than daily basal insulin, with some increased hypoglycaemia risk among certain Type 1 patients. This launch addresses India's large diabetes burden and helps reduce insulin therapy initiation delays linked to injection fears.
Srikakulam to Get Airport Under UDAN Scheme
Srikakulam district in Andhra Pradesh is set to receive a greenfield airport under the Union Government's UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagarik) regional connectivity scheme. The proposed airport will be developed in Mandasa mandal of the Uddanam region, spanning 1,383 acres, planned to be developed in two phases with land acquisition underway and without relocating villages. This initiative aims to enhance air connectivity in the region, linked operationally to the near-completion Bhogapuram International Airport in Vizianagaram district. The UDAN scheme aims to develop 100 new airports between 2026 and 2036 with a budget of ₹28,840 crore, promoting regional air connectivity across India.
Tamil Nadu's S. Aswath Becomes India's 98th Chess Grandmaster
On 8 July 2026, 17-year-old S. Aswath from Nagercoil, Tamil Nadu, became India’s 98th chess Grandmaster by securing his third and final GM norm at the Pune International GM tournament. Aswath's journey included earning his first norm at the Grenke Open 2025 and his second at the First Saturday GM Round Robin in Budapest, where he also crossed the 2500 FIDE rating threshold. His achievement brings Tamil Nadu's count to 38 Grandmasters and positions India just two short of the 100 GM landmark. Aswath's dedication included a six-month break from classical chess to prepare for his Class X board exams, and his training at the Cape Chess Academy under his father and coach, A.C. Siva, was instrumental to his success.
DRDO Tests Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket with 60 km Strike Range
On 8 July 2026, DRDO successfully flight-tested the Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket (LRGR) for a user-defined minimum strike range of 60 km at the Integrated Test Range in Chandipur, Odisha. This test validated the rocket's precision and in-flight manoeuvrability using an operational Pinaka launcher. The Pinaka system, developed indigenously by DRDO laboratories including ARDE and HEMRL, is an essential multi-barrel rocket platform employed by the Indian Army. The successful trial supports plans to expand Pinaka rocket launcher regiments from current six-seven units to ten by 2026 and 22 in the long term, strengthening India's artillery capabilities.
Geneva to Host Global AI Summit in June 2027
Switzerland will host the Global AI Summit in Geneva on June 21-22, 2027. The summit serves as a key international platform to discuss AI governance, trustworthy and human-centred AI, and multilateral cooperation among governments, international organizations, scientists, businesses, and civil society. This summit follows previous editions held in Bletchley Park (2023), Seoul (2024), Paris (2025), and New Delhi (2026), with the United Arab Emirates scheduled to host in 2028. The International Telecommunication Union (ITU), a Geneva-based UN specialized agency, is an important background actor in AI governance.
India’s Peak Electricity Demand Expected to Reach 300 GW by FY 2027
India's peak electricity demand is projected to rise from 271 gigawatts (GW) in May 2026 to 300 GW in the fiscal year 2027. The available generation capacity currently stands at 284 GW, supporting the country's growing industrial, commercial, and digital infrastructure needs. Battery energy storage capacity has surged to 8.7 gigawatt-hours (GWh) in early 2026 and is expected to surpass 10 GWh by the end of the year. These developments highlight India's expanding power sector and its focus on integrating renewable and energy storage technologies for grid stability.
India's Higher Education Enrolment Crosses 4.5 Crore in 2023-24 with Female Participation Leading
In the academic year 2023-24, India's higher education enrolment surged to 4.5 crore students, marking a 31.5% increase since 2014-15. Female enrolment reached 2.24 crore, exceeding male enrolment and sustaining a Gender Parity Index (GPI) of 1.08 for the seventh consecutive year. Undergraduate courses formed over three-fourths of the enrolment, while STEM fields saw significant female participation at 44%. The data, released by the Union Ministry of Education on 8 July 2026 through the All India Survey on Higher Education, reflects the growing inclusivity and scale of Indian higher education.
Government Waives Customs Duty on Electronics Components until 2029
On 9 July 2026, the Indian government announced a waiver of basic customs duty on key electronic components used in the manufacture of display assemblies, lithium-ion cells, and inductor coil modules. This exemption, valid until 31 March 2029, covers inputs used in devices such as smartphones, laptops, wearables, smart TVs, automotive and medical devices, as well as wireless charging modules components. Implemented through three Finance Ministry notifications, this move supports the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme aimed at boosting domestic electronics manufacturing.
Launch of Australia–Canada–India Technology and Innovation Partnership (ACITI)
On 9 July 2026, India, Australia, and Canada launched the Australia–Canada–India Technology and Innovation Partnership (ACITI), a trilateral initiative focusing on collaboration in artificial intelligence, green energy technologies, critical minerals, and resilient supply chains. The partnership aims to leverage complementary strengths across the three nations to promote technology development, clean energy, and secure sourcing of critical minerals, supporting sustainable and resilient ecosystems, and advancing net-zero emissions efforts.
Gujarat Unveils Data Centre Policy 2026-29 to Boost Digital Infrastructure
On 9 July 2026, Gujarat launched its first Data Centre Policy 2026-29 aiming to attract investments worth ₹6 lakh crore and develop data centre capacity of 7.5 GW. Focusing on hyperscale data centres, cloud infrastructure, and AI-based digital services, the policy provides multiple incentives including capital and interest subsidies, power tariff subsidy at ₹1/unit for 20 years, 100% SGST and electricity duty reimbursement for 20 years, stamp duty exemption, and fast-tracked approvals. Projects must source at least 51% of their electricity from renewable energy. Dholera Special Investment Region is identified as the primary hyperscale data centre hub with an exclusive 2.5% capital subsidy on eligible investments. The plan includes establishing two cable landing stations to boost international digital connectivity.
Vice President Launches National Programme for High Seas Fisheries Authorisation
On 9 July 2026, the Vice President of India, C. P. Radhakrishnan, inaugurated a national programme to issue Letters of Authorisation (LoAs) to Indian-flagged fishing vessels for sustainable fishing in the high seas beyond the exclusive economic zone. The launch took place in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, alongside the unveiling of the Odisha Deep Sea Fishing Mission Document (2026–2036). This initiative strengthens regulated fishing operations through digital registration and monitoring under the Guidelines for Sustainable Harnessing of Fisheries in the High Seas, 2025, linking fisheries cooperatives and Fish Farmer Producer Organisations (FFPOs) for wider participation.