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29 Jul 2026, 04:36 PM
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Daily Current Affairs 22 July
DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS
22 JULY 2026
Comprehensive, exam-oriented daily compilation featuring analysis of key national and international developments.
Polity, Governance & Social Issues
Social Protest
22 July 2026
Gond and Kol Tribes Hold 'Chita Andolan' (Pyre Protest) Opposing Ken-Betwa Link Project
- The Protest: Tribal communities, primarily the Gond and Kol peoples, staged a unique symbolic protest named **'Chita Andolan' (Pyre Protest)** in Madhya Pradesh's Chhatarpur and Panna districts.
- Key Grievance: Protesters lay on symbolic funeral pyres to protest displacement and inadequate compensation from the construction of the 77-meter-high Daudhan Dam, which threatens to submerge 24 villages.
- Agitation Status: Jai Kisan Sangathan founder Amit Bhatnagar ended his 18-day hunger strike on July 23, 2026, after local authorities agreed to conduct fresh verification lists. The movement has transitioned into the **'Chulhabandi Andolan'** (kitchen boycott).
STATIC GK & EXAM FACTS
Ken-Betwa Link Project (KBLP): India's first major inter-basin river-linking project, transferring surplus water from the Ken River (MP) to the Betwa River (UP). It will submerge a significant portion of the **Panna Tiger Reserve**.
National Policy, Energy & Agriculture
Mission Golden Spice
22 July 2026
Integrated Lakadong Turmeric Value Chain Enhancement Project Launched
- Mission Golden Spice: Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia and Meghalaya CM Conrad Sangma launched the **Rs. 175.45 crore** "Integrated Lakadong Turmeric Value Chain Enhancement Project" (2025-2030) in New Delhi.
- Targets: Aims to expand cultivation area from 2,500 to **7,000 hectares** by 2030, targeting an annual yield of 49,400 metric tonnes and benefiting 17,500 women farmers in the Jaintia Hills.
- Income Boost: Targets raising farm-gate prices from Rs. 30-40/kg to **Rs. 80/kg** by establishing advanced processing and curcumin extraction centers.
STATIC GK & EXAM FACTS
Lakadong Turmeric: Native to Meghalaya (specifically Jaintia Hills), holds a **GI tag**. Renowned globally for its exceptionally high **curcumin content (7% to 12%)**, compared to the normal average of 2-4%.
Hydro Energy
22 July 2026
Arunachal Pradesh signs MoU for India's First River Kinetic Energy Demonstration Project
- Norwegian Tie-up: The Government of Arunachal Pradesh signed an MoU with Norwegian firm **Tidal Sail AS** to deploy India's first **River Kinetic Energy (RKE)** project.
- Damless Power: The **500 kW demonstration plant** will generate electricity directly from the natural flow of river currents using submerged turbines, avoiding dams or ecological disruption.
- Implementation: Being executed by the **Centre for Earth Sciences & Himalayan Studies (CES&HS)** as part of the India-Norway Green Partnership, supported by MNRE.
STATIC GK & EXAM FACTS
Arunachal Pradesh: CM: Pema Khandu | Governor: Lt. Gen. K.T. Parnaik. Norwegian technology utilizes a passive hydrofoil system to capture flow energy efficiently.
National Flag Day
22 July 2026
National Flag Day Observed Across India on July 22
- Commemoration: Celebrated annually on July 22 to mark the historic adoption of the Indian National Flag by the Constituent Assembly on July 22, 1947.
- Design History: The Tricolor was designed by Pingali Venkayya. It became the official flag of the Dominion of India on August 15, 1947, and later the Republic of India.
- Significance: Represents the struggle for freedom, sovereignty, and unity. The ratio of the flag's width to its length is 2:3, with the Ashoka Chakra in Navy Blue.
STATIC GK & EXAM FACTS
Flag Code of India: Governs the usage and display of the National Flag. In 2022, the code was amended to allow the flag to be flown day and night and made of polyester.
Energy Storage
22 July 2026
India's First Utility-Scale Vanadium Redox Flow Battery Energy Storage System (VRFB BESS) to be Set Up in Gujarat
- Utility-Scale Battery: India's first utility-scale vanadium redox flow battery energy storage system (VRFB BESS) is scheduled to be set up at the Khavda Renewable Energy Park in Gujarat.
- Technological Advantages: Flow batteries provide longer life, higher safety, and are ideal for storing large-scale solar and wind energy for the national grid.
- Strategic Purpose: Supports India's transition to stable, round-the-clock green energy, reducing transmission congestion and grid instability.
STATIC GK & EXAM FACTS
Khavda Park: Located in the Rann of Kutch, Gujarat. It is set to become the world's largest hybrid renewable energy park with a planned capacity of 30 GW.
Science, Health & Technology
Dengue Vaccine
22 July 2026
CDSCO and DCGI Approve India's First Dengue Vaccine 'QDENGA' (TAK-003)
- Approval: The Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) and Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) granted market authorization for 'QDENGA' (TAK-003).
- Administration: Developed by Takeda, it is a live-attenuated tetravalent dengue vaccine approved for individuals aged 4 to 60 years. Administered in two doses three months apart.
- International Compliance: Holds WHO prequalification, enabling distribution by international bodies like UNICEF.
STATIC GK & EXAM FACTS
Dengue Virus: Transmitted by *Aedes aegypti* mosquitoes. There are four serotypes (DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, DENV-4). Qdenga triggers antibody production against all four.
Linguistic Museum
22 July 2026
Amit Shah Inaugurates 'Shabdalok' - India's First Immersive Language Museum in Kolkata
- Linguistic Heritage: Union Minister Amit Shah inaugurated Phase I of 'Shabdalok' (Museum of Word) at the Belvedere House in the National Library campus, Kolkata.
- Features: Built at a cost of Rs. 41 crore, it houses 9 galleries showcasing nearly 380 Indian languages (including 121 from the Census 2011).
- Digital Presentation: Uses AR/VR, holograms, and interactive displays to tell the story of India's written and spoken traditions.
STATIC GK & EXAM FACTS
National Library of India: The largest library in India by volume. Formed in 1953 by renaming the Imperial Library, which was founded in 1891.
Global AI
22 July 2026
China Launches the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO) in Shanghai
- New Global Body: Headquartered in Shanghai, the **World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO)** was officially established with a founding agreement signed by **29 countries**.
- Objective: Aims to foster global cooperation and inclusive governance in AI, ensuring that benefits are shared equitably, particularly with the Global South.
- Commitments: China has pledged to provide 5,000 AI training opportunities and joint research projects for developing nations over the next five years.
STATIC GK & EXAM FACTS
WAICO Founding Members: Diverse group including China, Russia, Brazil, South Africa, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, and Indonesia. Proposed initially at the 2025 World AI Conference.
Sports, Appointments & Awards
Badminton
22 July 2026
Peacko Unveiled as Mascot for BWF World Championships New Delhi 2026
- Mascot Unveiling: The Badminton World Federation (BWF) and Badminton Association of India (BAI) unveiled **'Peacko'** (inspired by the peacock, India's national bird) as the official mascot.
- Event Host: The BWF World Championships 2026 will be hosted in New Delhi, marking the first time India is hosting the flagship event since 2009.
- Mascot Spirit: Peacko represents grace, agility, and sportsmanship.
STATIC GK & EXAM FACTS
BWF: Badminton World Federation is headquartered in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. President: Poul-Erik Hรธyer Larsen.
Appointment
22 July 2026
Rahul Himalian Appointed as Additional Chairman & Managing Director of IRCTC
- Additional CMD: **Rahul Himalian** was appointed as the Additional Chairman & Managing Director (CMD) of Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC).
- Responsibilities: Succeeded the outgoing administration to lead the public sector undertaking, managing rail catering, tourism, and internet ticketing.
STATIC GK & EXAM FACTS
IRCTC: Established in 1999 as a public sector undertaking under the Ministry of Railways. Headquartered in New Delhi. It is a Miniratna Class-I PSU.
Sports History
22 July 2026
Rohit Sharma Becomes First Indian to Score an ODI Century at Lord's
- Historical Century: Captain Rohit Sharma scored **138 runs off 110 balls** (17 fours, 5 sixes) against England, becoming the first Indian in cricket history to score an ODI century at Lord's Cricket Ground.
- Age Record: At **39 years and 80 days**, he became the oldest Indian to score an ODI century and the oldest Indian to score a century in any international format.
- England Dominance: Marked his **8th ODI century in England**, the most by any visiting batsman in a single host nation. India lost the match by 27 runs, chasing 388.
STATIC GK & EXAM FACTS
Previous Record: The highest ODI score by an Indian at Lord's prior to this was **Sourav Ganguly's 90** in 2004. Lord's is known as the "Home of Cricket".
ECOWAS Chairman
22 July 2026
Senegal's President Bassirou Faye Elected as New ECOWAS Chairman
- Regional Leadership: Senegal's President **Bassirou Diomaye Faye** was elected Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) during its 69th Ordinary Session in Freetown, Sierra Leone.
- ECOWAS Milestones: Succeeded Julius Maada Bio (President of Sierra Leone). Marks the **first time** Senegal has assumed the chairmanship since the regional bloc was founded in 1975.
- Commission Lead: Biram Diop was appointed as the new President of the ECOWAS Commission for the 2026-2030 term.
STATIC GK & EXAM FACTS
ECOWAS: Headquartered in Abuja, Nigeria, composed of 15 West African countries. Bassirou Faye became Africa's youngest elected president in early 2024 at age 44.
National Award
22 July 2026
NSA Ajit Doval Selected for Lokmanya Tilak National Award 2026
- NSA Selection: India's National Security Advisor (NSA) **Ajit Doval** was selected for the prestigious **Lokmanya Tilak National Award 2026** by the Lokmanya Tilak Trust.
- Recognition: Conferred for his outstanding contributions to India's national security, border defence, and counter-terrorism initiatives.
- Award Ceremony: Union Home Minister Amit Shah will present the award on **August 1, 2026** in Pune on Bal Gangadhar Tilak's 106th death anniversary.
STATIC GK & EXAM FACTS
Lokmanya Tilak National Award: Instituted in 1983. The first recipient was socialist leader **S.M. Joshi**. It includes a citation and a cash prize of Rs. 1 lakh. Previous winners include PM Narendra Modi (2023).
Chess Grandmaster
22 July 2026
Rathanvel V.S. Becomes India's 99th Chess Grandmaster
- Grandmaster Title: Coimbatore's **Rathanvel V.S.** crossed the 2500 Elo rating threshold at the 3rd Guwahati Smart City International Open in Assam to officially become India's 99th Grandmaster.
- Long Journey: The 2001-born player completed his required three Grandmaster norms in 2022, but spent nearly four years working to break the 2500 Elo mark.
- Milestone: Leaves India just one step away from achieving the historic milestone of 100 Grandmasters.
STATIC GK & EXAM FACTS
FIDE Titles: The Grandmaster (GM) title is awarded by FIDE, the international chess governing body. It requires a rating of 2500 and three GM norms.
โก ONE-LINER QUICK REVISION POINTERS (22 JULY 2026)
- Mission Golden Spice: Rs. 175.45 crore roadmap launched to scale Meghalaya's GI-tagged high-curcumin Lakadong Turmeric.
- Chita Andolan: Symbolic funeral pyre protests held in MP by Gond and Kol tribes against the Ken-Betwa Link Project.
- Rohit Sharma Lord's: First Indian to score an ODI century at Lord's (138 off 110 balls); also became oldest Indian to score an international century.
- River Kinetic Energy: Arunachal Pradesh partners with Norwegian firm Tidal Sail AS for India's first dam-free 500 kW river kinetic power project.
- National Flag Day: Celebrated on July 22, marking the Constituent Assembly's adoption of the Tricolor in 1947.
- Vanadium BESS: India's first utility-scale Vanadium flow battery storage to be set up at Gujarat's Khavda Park.
- Qdenga Vaccine: CDSCO/DCGI cleared Qdenga (TAK-003) as India's first approved dengue vaccine for age group 4 to 60.
- BWF Mascot: 'Peacko' (inspired by the peacock) unveiled as the official mascot for the 2026 World Championships in New Delhi.
- Shabdalok Museum: Phase I of India's first immersive language museum inaugurated by Amit Shah in Kolkata.
- IRCTC CMD: Rahul Himalian appointed as the Additional Chairman & Managing Director of IRCTC.
- WAICO: China launched the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization in Shanghai with 29 founding nations.
- ECOWAS: Senegal's President Bassirou Faye elected as the new Chairman of the West African bloc in Freetown.
- Ajit Doval: National Security Advisor chosen for the Lokmanya Tilak National Award 2026.
- Rathanvel V.S.: Coimbatore chess player became India's 99th Grandmaster at the Guwahati Open.
Appendix: Governors & Swearing-In Dates of States & UTs
| S.No. | State / UT | Chief Minister / Administrator | Governor / Lt. Governor | Swearing-In Date / Taking Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Andhra Pradesh | N. Chandrababu Naidu | S. Abdul Nazeer | 12 June 2024 |
| 2 | Arunachal Pradesh | Pema Khandu | Lt. Gen. Kaiwalya Trivikram Parnaik | 13 June 2024 |
| 3 | Assam | Himanta Biswa Sarma | Lakshman Prasad Acharya | 10 May 2021 / 30 July 2024 |
| 4 | Bihar | Nitish Kumar | Rajendra Arlekar | 28 January 2024 / 17 February 2023 |
| 5 | Chhattisgarh | Vishnu Deo Sai | Ramen Deka | 13 December 2023 / 31 July 2024 |
| 6 | Goa | Pramod Sawant | P.S. Sreedharan Pillai | 28 March 2022 / 15 July 2021 |
| 7 | Gujarat | Bhupendra Patel | Acharya Devvrat | 12 December 2022 / 22 July 2019 |
| 8 | Haryana | Nayab Singh Saini | Bandaru Dattatreya | 17 October 2024 / 15 July 2021 |
| 9 | Himachal Pradesh | Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu | Shiv Pratap Shukla | 11 December 2022 / 18 February 2023 |
| 10 | Jharkhand | Hemant Soren | Santosh Kumar Gangwar | 28 November 2024 / 31 July 2024 |
| 11 | Karnataka | Siddaramaiah | Thaawarchand Gehlot | 20 May 2023 / 11 July 2021 |
| 12 | Kerala | Pinarayi Vijayan | Arif Mohammad Khan | 20 May 2021 / 06 September 2019 |
| 13 | Madhya Pradesh | Mohan Yadav | Mangubhai C. Patel | 13 December 2023 / 08 July 2021 |
| 14 | Maharashtra | Devendra Fadnavis | C.P. Radhakrishnan | 05 December 2024 / 31 July 2024 |
| 15 | Manipur | N. Biren Singh | Lakshman Prasad Acharya (Addl. Charge) | 21 March 2022 / 31 July 2024 |
| 16 | Meghalaya | Conrad Sangma | CH Vijayashankar | 07 March 2023 / 30 July 2024 |
| 17 | Mizoram | Lalduhoma | Kambhampati Hari Babu | 08 December 2023 / 19 July 2021 |
| 18 | Nagaland | Neiphiu Rio | La. Ganesan | 07 March 2023 / 20 February 2023 |
| 19 | Odisha | Mohan Charan Majhi | Raghubar Das | 12 June 2024 / 31 October 2023 |
| 20 | Punjab | Bhagwant Mann | Gulab Chand Kataria | 16 March 2022 / 31 July 2024 |
| 21 | Rajasthan | Bhajan Lal Sharma | Haribhau Kisanrao Bagde | 15 December 2023 / 31 July 2024 |
| 22 | Sikkim | Prem Singh Tamang | Om Prakash Mathur | 10 June 2024 / 31 July 2024 |
| 23 | Tamil Nadu | M.K. Stalin | R.N. Ravi | 07 May 2021 / 18 September 2021 |
| 24 | Telangana | A. Revanth Reddy | Jishnu Dev Varma | 07 December 2023 / 31 July 2024 |
| 25 | Tripura | Manik Saha | N. Indrasena Reddy | 08 March 2023 / 26 October 2023 |
| 26 | Uttar Pradesh | Yogi Adityanath | Anandiben Patel | 25 March 2022 / 29 July 2019 |
| 27 | Uttarakhand | Pushkar Singh Dhami | Lt. Gen. Gurmit Singh | 23 March 2022 / 15 September 2021 |
| 28 | West Bengal | Mamata Banerjee | C.V. Ananda Bose | 05 May 2021 / 23 November 2022 |
| UNION TERRITORIES | ||||
| 29 | Andaman & Nicobar Islands | -- | Admiral D.K. Joshi (Lt. Governor) | 08 October 2017 |
| 30 | Chandigarh | -- | Gulab Chand Kataria (Administrator) | 31 July 2024 |
| 31 | Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu | -- | Praful Patel (Administrator) | 26 January 2020 |
| 32 | Delhi (NCT) | Atishi Marlena | Vinai Kumar Saxena (Lt. Governor) | 21 September 2024 / 26 May 2022 |
| 33 | Jammu & Kashmir | Omar Abdullah | Manoj Sinha (Lt. Governor) | 16 October 2024 / 07 August 2020 |
| 34 | Ladakh | -- | Brig. (Dr.) B.D. Mishra (Lt. Governor) | 12 February 2023 |
| 35 | Lakshadweep | -- | Praful Patel (Administrator) | 05 December 2020 |
| 36 | Puducherry | N. Rangasamy | K. Kailashnathan (Lt. Governor) | 07 May 2021 / 07 August 2024 |