Wednesday, 8 July 2026 Current Affairs, GK Notes & MCQ Quiz

Key developments in India’s governance, diplomacy, education, science, and environment.

Topics in this edition

  1. The UDISE Report 2025–26 (own page)
  2. IIM Bangalore Indonesia Campus (own page)
  3. Bridge Man of India – Girish Bharadwaj (own page)
  4. Prambanan Temple (own page)
  5. Mission Drishti: India's First OptoSAR Earth Observation Satellite (own page)
  6. The BrahMos Missile (own page)
  7. The Durand Cup (own page)
  8. The Himalayan Yak (own page)
  9. The Narmada River (own page)

Current affairs

The UDISE Report 2025–26

The UDISE+ Report shows improved school enrolment and reduced dropout rates across India.

Quick highlights

  • Dropout rates decreased to 8% at preparatory level.
  • Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) at secondary stage increased to 7%.
  • Enhanced digital infrastructure in schools.
  • Improved pupil-teacher ratios across the country.

Context

The Union Ministry of Education released the UDISE+ Report for 2025-26.

Key Facts

Covers over 14.8 lakh schools and 26 crore students.

Significance

Serves as a foundational analytical engine for educational policies.

Challenges / Way Forward

Addressing secondary-level retention and inclusivity for children with special needs.

Exam Angle

Relevant for GS-II on education and human resource development.

Remember this

  • UDISE+ covers 14.8 lakh schools.
  • Dropout rates at preparatory level are 8%.
  • GER at secondary stage is 7%.
  • Improved digital access in schools.

IIM Bangalore Indonesia Campus

IIM Bangalore to establish its first overseas campus in Indonesia to enhance management education.

Quick highlights

  • First international campus of IIM Bangalore.
  • Focus on executive education and later degree courses.
  • Courses will cover AI, digital transformation, and sustainability.
  • Strengthens India-Indonesia educational cooperation.

Context

Prime Minister Modi announced the establishment of IIM Bangalore's campus in Indonesia.

Key Facts

Located in the Singhasari Special Economic Zone.

Significance

Enhances India's soft power and educational influence in Southeast Asia.

Challenges / Way Forward

Ensuring quality and relevance of courses offered.

Exam Angle

Relevant for GS-II on education and international relations.

Remember this

  • First overseas campus of IIM Bangalore.
  • Located in Singhasari SEZ, Indonesia.
  • Focus on executive education initially.
  • Courses will include AI and sustainability.

Bridge Man of India – Girish Bharadwaj

Girish Bharadwaj, known for building low-cost suspension bridges in remote areas, has transformed lives.

Quick highlights

  • Constructed over 140 low-cost hanging bridges.
  • Awarded Padma Shri in 2017.
  • Focused on connecting remote villages.
  • Believed in serving the poorest first.

Context

Girish Bharadwaj's contributions to rural infrastructure.

Key Facts

Started with a footbridge in Karnataka in 1989.

Significance

Demonstrates the impact of engineering on rural development.

Challenges / Way Forward

Scaling up similar projects across India.

Exam Angle

Relevant for GS-I on society and development.

Remember this

  • Constructed over 140 bridges.
  • Awarded Padma Shri in 2017.
  • Focused on rural connectivity.
  • Started in Karnataka in 1989.

Prambanan Temple

International conservation project launched for the UNESCO-listed Prambanan Temple in Indonesia.

Quick highlights

  • Largest Hindu temple complex in Indonesia.
  • Restoration supported by India.
  • Constructed during the 8th and 9th centuries.
  • UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1991.

Context

Prime Minister Modi and Indonesian President launched a conservation project.

Key Facts

Constructed during the Sanjaya Dynasty.

Significance

Highlights India's cultural diplomacy.

Challenges / Way Forward

Ensuring sustainable restoration practices.

Exam Angle

Relevant for GS-I on art and culture.

Remember this

  • Largest Hindu temple complex in Indonesia.
  • Constructed in the 8th and 9th centuries.
  • UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Restoration supported by India.

Mission Drishti: India's First OptoSAR Earth Observation Satellite

India's first OptoSAR satellite, Mission Drishti, has lost communication after its launch.

Quick highlights

  • First satellite to combine optical and radar imaging.
  • Launched on May 3, 2026.
  • Developed by Bengaluru-based GalaxEye.
  • Strengthens border monitoring capabilities.

Context

Communication with Mission Drishti has been lost post-launch.

Key Facts

Weighs 190 kg and launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9.

Significance

Enhances India's surveillance capabilities.

Challenges / Way Forward

Addressing technical issues for future missions.

Exam Angle

Relevant for GS-III on science and technology.

Remember this

  • First OptoSAR satellite of India.
  • Lost communication post-launch.
  • Combines optical and radar imaging.
  • Launched on May 3, 2026.

The BrahMos Missile

Indonesia signs MoU with BrahMos Aerospace for procurement of coastal missile batteries.

Quick highlights

  • MoU for two coastal missile batteries worth $200 million.
  • Fastest operational cruise missile in the world.
  • Joint venture between India and Russia.
  • Key for India's defence export strategy.

Context

Indonesia signed an MoU with BrahMos Aerospace for missile procurement.

Key Facts

BrahMos operates at Mach 2.8.

Significance

Strengthens India's position in the global arms market.

Challenges / Way Forward

Navigating international regulatory frameworks.

Exam Angle

Relevant for GS-III on defence and security.

Remember this

  • MoU for $200 million with Indonesia.
  • Fastest cruise missile at Mach 2.8.
  • Joint venture between India and Russia.
  • Key for India's defence exports.

The Durand Cup

The President of India unveiled trophies for the upcoming 2026 Durand Cup.

Quick highlights

  • Founded in 1888 by Sir Henry Mortimer Durand.
  • Integrates clubs from ISL, I-League, and Armed Forces.
  • Features three distinct trophies for the winners.
  • Promotes football across multiple states.

Context

The President unveiled trophies for the 2026 Durand Cup.

Key Facts

Asia's oldest football tournament.

Significance

Promotes football culture in India.

Challenges / Way Forward

Enhancing participation and viewership.

Exam Angle

Relevant for GS-I on sports and culture.

Remember this

  • Founded in 1888.
  • Asia's oldest football tournament.
  • Three distinct trophies awarded.
  • Integrates ISL and I-League clubs.

The Himalayan Yak

Scientists developed an IoT-based collar system for Himalayan yaks to enhance monitoring.

Quick highlights

  • IoT collar system developed for monitoring.
  • Adapted to survive in extreme alpine conditions.
  • Provides milk, meat, and transport for communities.
  • Population concentrated in Ladakh and other Himalayan regions.

Context

Joint team developed IoT collars for Himalayan yaks.

Key Facts

Yaks thrive above 8,000 feet in cold climates.

Significance

Supports livelihoods in harsh environments.

Challenges / Way Forward

Ensuring sustainable practices in yak herding.

Exam Angle

Relevant for GS-III on biodiversity and conservation.

Remember this

  • IoT collars for monitoring yaks.
  • Adapted to high-altitude conditions.
  • Vital for Himalayan livelihoods.
  • Population concentrated in Ladakh.

The Narmada River

Historic agreement signed to resolve disputes over the Sardar Sarovar Project.

Quick highlights

  • Narmada is one of India's major rivers.
  • Agreement resolves long-standing disputes among states.
  • Strengthens irrigation and water supply across regions.
  • Enhances hydropower generation capabilities.

Context

Chief Ministers signed an agreement on the Narmada River.

Key Facts

Narmada flows westward, spanning 1,312 km.

Significance

Facilitates better resource management.

Challenges / Way Forward

Addressing environmental concerns and project delays.

Exam Angle

Relevant for GS-I on geography and resource management.

Remember this

  • Narmada spans 1,312 km.
  • Agreement resolves cost-sharing disputes.
  • Strengthens irrigation and hydropower.
  • Major west-flowing river in India.

General knowledge

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