Updates on 18 July 2026
All of July 2026 →Andhra Pradesh Notifies Common Zoning Regulations 2026
On 18 July 2026, Andhra Pradesh introduced the Common Zoning Regulations 2026 to establish a unified land-use and urban development policy across the state, excluding the capital city area. This regulation replaces previous frameworks, consolidating 16 land-use categories into 9 standard zones such as residential, commercial, industrial, and agricultural. The new approach uses a zone-wise negative-list system, allowing all compatible activities unless explicitly prohibited. Additionally, an Implementation Committee for the Amaravati Economic Region was formed, and the Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Master Plan 2041 was approved, marking significant steps in regional spatial planning in Andhra Pradesh.
Bar Council of India Issues Social Media Rules for Advocates
On 17 July 2026, the Bar Council of India (BCI) issued comprehensive social media guidelines applicable to advocates, law students, and interns. These rules regulate digital ethics, court decorum, confidentiality, and professional conduct related to social media activity. Notably, the circular prohibits recording or posting promotional content within court premises and restricts the use of legal attire on social media except during authorized ceremonial occasions. Violations may result in disciplinary or contempt proceedings, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the dignity of the legal profession on digital platforms.
72nd National Film Awards 2026 Announced
The 72nd National Film Awards, announced on 18 July 2026 in New Delhi, honored excellence in Indian cinema for films certified in 2024. These prestigious government awards, presented by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, recognize multiple categories across feature films, non-feature films, and writing on cinema in various Indian languages. The jury was led by filmmaker Jayaraj. Notable winners include 'Article 370' (Best Feature Film), joint Best Actors Mammootty and Kartik Aaryan, and 'Chalchitra Ekhon' as Best Bengali Film.
Harjit Singh Grewal Appointed Chairperson of National Commission for Minorities in July 2026
On 16 July 2026, Harjit Singh Grewal was appointed Chairperson of the National Commission for Minorities (NCM) by the Ministry of Minority Affairs. This appointment filled the vacancy since April 2025 after Iqbal Singh Lalpura’s tenure ended. The NCM is a statutory body under the National Commission for Minorities Act, 1992, tasked with safeguarding the rights of notified minority communities in India. Alongside Grewal, Munawari Begum was appointed Vice-Chairperson and Glenn E. Souza Ticlo as a member, increasing the commission’s working strength to four. Grewal’s tenure is for three years or until further orders. This leadership change is significant for oversight and policy advice related to minority communities in India.
Mobile Phone Manufacturing Scheme (MPMS) Approved by Union Cabinet
On 15 July 2026, the Union Cabinet approved the Mobile Phone Manufacturing Scheme (MPMS) with a budgetary outlay of ₹62,500 crore. The scheme will run for five years from FY 2026-27 to FY 2030-31 and replaces the Production Linked Incentive Scheme for Large Scale Electronics Manufacturing, which ended on 31 March 2026. MPMS aims to enhance mobile phone production in India, increase domestic sourcing of components, promote research and development linked to Indian brands, and strengthen the electronics supply chain. It targets cumulative production worth ₹39 lakh crore and exports valued at ₹15 lakh crore over its tenure, along with generation of approximately 60,000 direct jobs.
IFSCA Revises Credit Rating Framework for GIFT City IFSC
The International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) revised the credit rating framework for Credit Rating Agencies (CRAs) operating within the Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City) International Financial Services Centre (IFSC). Effective from 16 July 2026, the revised framework mandates CRAs to provide rating rationales and allows issuers to review factual errors prior to publication. The revision strengthens transparency, record-keeping, and aligns IFSC regulations with international standards prescribed by the International Organisation of Securities Commissions (IOSCO). This update enhances the credibility and oversight of credit ratings within India’s first operational IFSC, regulated by IFSCA under the 2019 Act.
National Mission for Clean Ganga Drafts Small River Rejuvenation Framework
The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), operating under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, has proposed a draft policy titled the Small River Rejuvenation (SRR) Framework to restore smaller rivers in India. This framework differentiates itself from large river conservation models like that of the Ganga basin by emphasizing local, nature-based interventions, scientific assessments including hydrological, hydrogeological, ecological, and water quality analyses, along with Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping. It focuses on pollution control, ecological restoration, and sustainable management of river flow, providing tailored approaches for rural and urban small rivers. The framework intends to utilize existing Central and State government schemes for funding, avoiding standalone high-cost infrastructure projects, and highlights community participation as a key element for river maintenance and protection.
NITI Aayog Releases Investment Friendliness Index 2026 Ranking Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu Top States
On 17 July 2026, NITI Aayog published the Investment Friendliness Index 2026, ranking 28 Indian States and 8 Union Territories on investment-related conditions based on eight pillars including infrastructure, business climate, resources, government policy, regulatory ease, institutional environment, financial health, and environmental resilience. Gujarat secured first place with a score of 56.6, followed by Maharashtra (53.7) and Tamil Nadu (53.3). Goa and Odisha were also among the top performers, while Lakshadweep, Ladakh, and Andaman & Nicobar Islands ranked among the lowest.
Indian Air Force Deploys Rafale Jets for Exercise Pitch Black 2026 in Australia
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is participating in Exercise Pitch Black 2026, a major multinational air combat exercise held in northern Australia from 20 July to 7 August 2026. Marking the first time the IAF has deployed Rafale fighter jets for this exercise, India is sending four Rafale jets, two C-17 transport aircraft, and over 120 personnel. Hosted by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) across bases in Darwin, Tindal, and Amberley, the exercise includes nearly 100 aircraft from 19 to 20 allied and partner nations. Objectives include enhancing interoperability, operational cooperation, combat flying skills, and exchanging best practices among participating air forces.
India commissions first geothermal wells in Puga Valley, Ladakh
On 17 July 2026, India commissioned its first and deepest geothermal wells in the Puga Valley of Ladakh, inaugurated by Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena. Two wells, each drilled to 1,000 metres at an altitude over 14,000 feet, are part of a 1 MW pilot geothermal power project led by the ONGC Energy Centre. Temperatures up to 135°C were recorded at 400 metres depth. The project experienced delays due to an expired memorandum of understanding but resumed after renewal in June 2026. This initiative marks a significant step in harnessing geothermal energy in India's Union Territory of Ladakh, known for its geothermal potential and cold desert climate.
UK Nationalises British Steel from Jingye Group
On 16 July 2026, the United Kingdom government nationalised British Steel, transferring ownership from Jingye Group, a Chinese company, to public ownership under the Steel Industry (Nationalisation) Act 2026. This move aimed to protect the UK’s last primary steelmaking plant at Scunthorpe, preserve key industrial capacity, and safeguard around 2,700 jobs.
Vikram-1: India's First Private Orbital Rocket Launched Successfully
On 18 July 2026, India achieved a landmark in its private space sector with the successful launch of Vikram-1, the nation's first privately developed orbital-class rocket by Hyderabad-based Skyroot Aerospace. The four-stage rocket took off from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, carrying multiple payloads into a 450 km Low Earth Orbit at 60-degree inclination. This mission established India as the third country globally, after the USA and China, to have private orbital launch capability, marking a major advancement in India's space commercialization under the Indian Space Policy 2023.
World Listening Day: Celebrating Acoustic Ecology on 18 July
World Listening Day is observed every year on 18 July to promote awareness of acoustic ecology—the study of the relationship between humans and their environment through sound. Established in 2010 by the World Listening Project (founded in 2008), the day commemorates the birthday of Raymond Murray Schafer, a Canadian composer, author, and environmentalist who pioneered this field. The 2024 theme, “Listening to the Weave of Time,” emphasizes the cultural and environmental significance of sound. Activities such as soundwalks, field recording, and educational seminars are held to foster sonic stewardship and environmental responsibility.