Updates on 17 July 2026
All of July 2026 →INS Malvan to Join Indian Navy on 22 July 2026
INS Malvan, the second vessel of the Mahe-class Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC), will be commissioned into the Indian Navy on 22 July 2026. Built by Cochin Shipyard Limited in Kochi and delivered on 31 March 2026, INS Malvan features over 80% indigenous content, supporting India's Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative. Designed for operations in shallow coastal waters, it is equipped with advanced sensors, waterjet propulsion, torpedoes, and multifunctional anti-submarine rockets. The ship will replace the older Abhay-class corvettes, enhancing India’s coastal anti-submarine warfare capabilities.
CDSCO Approves Wegovy (Semaglutide) for Treating Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis (MASH)
India's Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) approved Novo Nordisk's Wegovy (semaglutide 2.4 mg injection) on 17 July 2026 for treatment of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) with moderate to advanced liver fibrosis in adults. The approval, supported by the ESSENCE clinical trial, marks Wegovy as the first GLP-1 receptor agonist globally approved for noncirrhotic MASH. Prior approvals include chronic weight management in India (2022), and MASH treatments in the US (2025) and Canada (conditional, 2025). Emcure Pharmaceuticals markets semaglutide as Poviztra in India, having reduced its price substantially in April 2026. MASH is linked to metabolic diseases highly prevalent in India.
Delhi–Amritsar–Katra Expressway Inaugurated by PM Narendra Modi
On 17 July 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated initial Packages 1 to 6 of the Delhi–Amritsar–Katra Expressway, covering over 188 km in Haryana and Punjab. This 667 km greenfield access-controlled highway under the Bharatmala Pariyojana connects Delhi, Amritsar, and Katra across Haryana, Punjab, and Jammu & Kashmir. The expressway is expected to reduce travel times drastically—Delhi to Katra from 14 to about 6 hours and Delhi to Amritsar from about 8 to 4 hours—while decongesting NH-44. The project is implemented by the National Highway Authority of India to promote improved connectivity and regional development.
Goa Bird Checklist Crosses 500 Species Mark
On 16 July 2026, Goa’s bird checklist reached 502 documented species in its eighth edition, published as a peer-reviewed paper in the Indian BIRDS Journal. Goa now hosts about 40% of India's total bird species within its 3,702 sq km area. Five new species were added, including the Greylag Goose and Red-crested Pochard. Earlier in 2026, Goa became the second Indian state to publish a comprehensive bird atlas, reflecting its rich avifaunal diversity and conservation efforts.
Centre launches global trade guidebook for Indian MSMEs
On 16 July 2026, the Centre for Trade and Investment Law at the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade, in collaboration with the Confederation of Indian Industry, launched a comprehensive guidebook titled "Going Global: A Practical Guide for Indian MSMEs" in New Delhi. This guidebook serves as a practical resource for Indian Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) aiming to explore and expand global market opportunities. It covers key areas such as export opportunities, international market access requirements, trade intelligence tools, compliance with international standards, and sustainability norms, addressing major challenges faced by MSMEs in international trade.
ICAR Unveils 'Viksit Krishi' Roadmap for 2047 on its 98th Foundation Day
On 16 July 2026, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) celebrated its 98th Foundation Day by releasing a comprehensive roadmap entitled 'Viksit Krishi' aligned with the 'Viksit Bharat 2047' vision. This roadmap aims to foster climate-resilient agriculture, enhance technology adoption, and expand outreach to 100 million farmers by 2047. Key initiatives include the development of 100 Climate Smart Villages, launching the One Institute-One Grand Innovation program, establishing an Open Digital Knowledge Platform, and plans to generate ₹10,000 crore internally by 2029 through technology commercialization. ICAR also announced 43 new crop varieties, 17 technologies, and 14 publications focusing on high-yield, disease-resistant, and nutrient-rich crops alongside livestock and fisheries vaccines.
Amrit Bharat Station Scheme: Inauguration of 75 Redeveloped Railway Stations
On July 17, 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will virtually inaugurate 75 redeveloped railway stations across 20 Indian states under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. The main ceremony will be anchored at Jalandhar Cantt station in Punjab, which has been redeveloped at a cost of ₹125 crore. The scheme, launched in December 2022 by the Ministry of Railways, aims to redevelop 1,338 stations nationwide, emphasizing multimodal connectivity, improved accessibility, and modernized passenger amenities.
Indian Air Force Rafale Jets Join Multinational Exercise Pitch Black 2026 in Australia
On 17 July 2026, the Indian Air Force (IAF) deployed its contingent for Exercise Pitch Black 2026 in Australia, marking the first participation of Rafale fighter jets in this major multinational air combat exercise. The IAF contingent includes four Rafale jets, two C-17 Globemaster III transport aircraft, and more than 120 Air Warriors. Exercise Pitch Black 2026, hosted by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), runs from 20 July to 7 August 2026 at RAAF Bases Darwin, Tindal, and Amberley in northern Australia. The exercise involves approximately 20 nations, up to 100 jet aircraft, and 2,500 personnel, focusing on complex air combat training, interoperability drills, and operations including fifth-generation F-35 stealth fighters. The Indian High Commission in Canberra welcomed the IAF contingent, underscoring growing India-Australia defence cooperation.
FDA Approves First Oral PCSK9 Inhibitor, Lipfendra, for Cholesterol Management
On 16 July 2026, the U.S. FDA approved Lipfendra (enlicitide), the first oral PCSK9 inhibitor, to lower LDL cholesterol in adults with hypercholesterolaemia, including those with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia. It offers a once-daily 20 mg tablet alternative to injectable PCSK9 inhibitors and demonstrated significant LDL-C reductions in Phase 3 trials.
NASA's James Webb Space Telescope Discovers New Exoplanet Beta Pictoris d
On 15 July 2026, scientists announced the discovery of Beta Pictoris d, a new giant exoplanet in the young Beta Pictoris star system, located about 63 light-years from Earth. The discovery was made using data from NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope and the European Southern Observatory’s Very Large Telescope in Chile, identifying the planet via its atmospheric carbon monoxide signature through infrared spectroscopy. Beta Pictoris d is estimated to have a mass between two and 2.4 times that of Jupiter, orbits at approximately 30 astronomical units from its star, and is one of the lightest exoplanets ever directly imaged. This discovery enhances our understanding of planetary formation in young stellar systems.
UK Launches Storm Fighter Loyal Wingman Programme
On 16 July 2026, the United Kingdom launched the Storm Fighter programme to develop autonomous loyal wingman drones that will collaborate with crewed combat aircraft such as Typhoon, F-35, and the future Tempest fighter jets. Funded by £300 million from the UK Defence Investment Plan, the programme builds on prior developments like the StormShroud autonomous drone and includes early drone concepts named Storm Chrome and Storm Fire. It complements efforts to advance sixth-generation fighter technologies within the UK and its international partners through initiatives like the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP).
Indian Navy Receives 21st MH-60R Seahawk Helicopter in Kochi
In July 2026, the Indian Navy inducted its 21st MH-60R Seahawk helicopter at INS Garuda, Kochi. These helicopters were ordered from the United States under a Foreign Military Sales contract signed in February 2020 for 24 units, with an approximate total value of USD 2.6 billion. The MH-60R is a multi-role maritime helicopter capable of anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, search and rescue, and special operations support. A sustainment package worth about Rs 7,995 crore was signed in December 2025 to ensure maintenance and operational availability of the fleet. India is also considering additional orders to meet an estimated requirement of over 100 helicopters.