Daily Current Affairs- 8th July 2026

Daily Current Affairs- 8th July 2026

India, Indonesia Seal BrahMos and Astra Missile Deals, Sign 14 Strategic Agreements

In the News: India and Indonesia signed key defence agreements covering the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile system and the Astra beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile. The agreements were finalised during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Indonesia and his talks with President Prabowo Subianto. The two countries also signed 14 agreements across defence, maritime security, critical minerals, agriculture, digital payments, telecommunications and other sectors.

Key Points:

• Defence Cooperation: The defence agreements include cooperation on the BrahMos missile system and Astra air-to-air missile. BrahMos is a supersonic cruise missile, while Astra is an indigenous beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile. These agreements mark a major expansion of India’s defence partnership with Indonesia.
• Indo-Pacific Context: India and Indonesia reaffirmed their support for a free, open, transparent, rules-based and inclusive Indo-Pacific region. Both countries are important maritime partners with shared interests in regional stability and sea-lane security. Their cooperation is also connected with the 2018 Shared Vision on Maritime Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.
• Strategic Agreements: The 14 agreements covered critical minerals, steel supply chains, maritime security, medicines, education, outer space, research, innovation, telecommunications and food security. Cooperation in critical minerals is important for manufacturing, clean energy technologies and supply-chain stability. The agreements broaden the partnership beyond defence alone.
• Economic and Digital Cooperation: The two sides welcomed progress on Local Currency Transactions between the Reserve Bank of India and Bank Indonesia. They also discussed cross-border QR payment linkage and digital network cooperation based on India’s ONDC framework. These measures can support trade, tourism, MSMEs and financial connectivity.
• Maritime Linkages: Indonesia welcomed India’s interest in the integrated development of Sabang Port. Both sides discussed connectivity between India’s Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Indonesia’s Sumatra region. The cooperation also covers cruise tourism, shipbuilding, marine industries and offshore energy services.

Kamarajar Port Becomes India’s Second Major Port with 18-Metre Draft Capability

In the News: Kamarajar Port Limited has become India’s second major port, after Visakhapatnam Port, to offer an operational draft of 18 metres. The milestone was achieved after completion of the ₹440 crore Capital Dredging Phase VI project. The upgraded draft capability will allow the port to handle fully laden Capesize vessels and strengthen India’s maritime logistics capacity.

Key Points:

•  Major Port Milestone: Kamarajar Port has become the second major port in India to provide an 18-metre operational draft. Visakhapatnam Port was the first major port to achieve this capability. The enhanced draft allows larger vessels to safely enter and operate at the port.
• Capesize Vessel Handling: The new draft capability enables Kamarajar Port to handle fully laden Capesize vessels. These vessels are large bulk carriers generally used for transporting coal, iron ore and other heavy cargo. This improves the port’s ability to manage high-volume maritime trade.
• Dredging Project: The Capital Dredging Phase VI project involved deepening the outer approach channel, inner entrance channel, harbour basin and berth-side areas. These works were required to support safe navigation for larger vessels. The project was completed at an estimated cost of ₹440 crore.
• Economic Importance: Larger vessels help reduce logistics costs through economies of scale. The upgrade can improve cargo-handling efficiency and increase the overall capacity of the port. This is important for India’s export-import trade and bulk cargo movement.
• Maritime Infrastructure Push: The development aligns with India’s broader focus on port modernisation and maritime infrastructure. It supports the objectives of Maritime India Vision 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047. The upgrade strengthens India’s competitiveness in global shipping and port-led development.

Indian Contingent to Showcase Sustainable Jute Apparel at Commonwealth Games 2026

In the News: The Indian contingent at the Commonwealth Games 2026 will wear jute-viscose blended apparel developed by the National Jute Board under the Ministry of Textiles. The Games will be held in Glasgow, Scotland, from July 23 to August 2, 2026. The official kit unveiling and send-off ceremony was held in New Delhi on July 2026.

Key Points:

• Jute-Based Apparel: The Indian contingent will wear apparel made from jute-viscose blended fabric. The fabric has been developed by the National Jute Board under the Ministry of Textiles. This gives national and international visibility to jute as a sustainable textile material.
• Institutions Involved: The fabric was developed by the National Jute Board with support from Gloster Jute Mills, Kolkata. The apparel was designed by the National Institute of Fashion Technology, New Delhi. The initiative brings together textile institutions, industry and sports representation.
• Sustainability Feature: The jute-viscose blended fabric is biodegradable and promotes the use of natural fibres. It reflects India’s focus on sustainable textiles and eco-friendly alternatives. The initiative also highlights the potential of jute beyond traditional packaging and household products.
• First-Time Milestone: This will be the first time jute-based apparel is showcased at an international multi-sport event. The apparel was earlier displayed during the National Jute Board Foundation Day celebrations in Patna on April 1, 2026. The Indian Olympic Association later approved its use by the Indian contingent.
• Commonwealth Games 2026: The Commonwealth Games 2026 will be held in Glasgow, Scotland. India will be represented by a 124-member contingent, including 78 male and 46 female athletes. The use of jute apparel links India’s sports presence with sustainable textile promotion and jute-sector diversification.

India’s Bid for UNSC Non-Permanent Seat for 2028-29

In the News: India is set to formally launch its campaign for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the 2028-29 term. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s July 2026 visit to New York is linked with the launch of India’s official campaign for the UNSC tenure. India had earlier declared its candidature in 2022 after completing its 2021-22 term as an elected member of the Council.

Key Points:

• India’s Candidature: India is seeking election as a non-permanent member of the UNSC for the 2028-29 term. If elected, it would mark India’s ninth term as an elected member of the Security Council. India last served on the Council during 2021-22, when it also held the monthly rotating presidency twice.
• UNSC Composition: The Security Council has 15 members, comprising five permanent members and ten non-permanent members. The permanent members are China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States. The ten elected members serve two-year terms and do not possess veto power.
• Election Process: Non-permanent members are elected by the United Nations General Assembly for a two-year term. A candidate requires a two-thirds majority of members present and voting. Elections are usually held before the term begins, and five of the ten non-permanent seats are filled every year.
• Regional Group Factor: UNSC non-permanent seats are distributed among regional groups. India contests from the Asia-Pacific Group, where diplomatic support from member states is crucial. Regional endorsement often plays an important role before the final vote in the General Assembly.
• Reform Context: India’s campaign is also connected with its larger demand for UNSC reform. India has repeatedly argued that the Council’s present structure does not reflect contemporary geopolitical realities. Its claim is strengthened by its population size, peacekeeping role, Global South outreach and growing economic profile.

World Bank Income Classification: India Remains Lower-Middle-Income

In the News: The World Bank’s latest income classification for FY2027 has kept India in the lower-middle-income category. The classification was updated on July 1, 2026, using 2025 Gross National Income per capita data. India’s GNI per capita under the Atlas method was listed at USD 2,760 for 2025, keeping it within the lower-middle-income range.

Key Points:

• Basis of Classification: The World Bank classifies economies into four income groups: low income, lower-middle income, upper-middle income and high income. The classification is updated every year on July 1. It is based on the previous calendar year’s GNI per capita, calculated in U.S. dollars through the Atlas method.
• India’s Current Category: For FY2027, lower-middle-income economies are those with GNI per capita between USD 1,176 and USD 4,635. India remains in this bracket with a GNI per capita of USD 2,760. This places India below the upper-middle-income threshold of USD 4,636.
• Atlas Method: The World Bank uses the Atlas method to reduce the impact of short-term exchange-rate fluctuations in cross-country income comparisons. It converts national income into U.S. dollars using an adjusted conversion factor. This makes GNI per capita more stable for international classification purposes.
• Countries Moving Up: In the 2026-27 update, six countries moved to a higher income category. Jordan, Micronesia, the Philippines, Sri Lanka and Viet Nam moved from lower-middle to upper-middle income, while Togo moved from low income to lower-middle income. No assessed country moved down in this update.