Daily filter — 7 July 2026
12 exam-worthy stories from the day's PIB releases · interactive view
📊 Reports & Indices · UPSC track
Education Ministry Releases Performance Grading Indices for 2025-26
The Ministry of Education released its 2025-26 reports on Performance Grading Index for States/UTs (PGI-S) and Districts (PGI-D).
- The PGI-S evaluates States/UTs with 1000 points across 70 indicators in 6 domains.
- The PGI-D evaluates Districts with 600 points across 70 indicators in 11 domains.
- Data for these indices are drawn from UDISE+, PARAKH Rashtriya Sarvekshan 2024, and other portals.
- India's education system has over 14.67 lakh schools and 24.72 crore students.
💡 Remember PGI-S (States) has 1000 points/6 domains, PGI-D (Districts) has 600 points/11 domains, both use 70 indicators for 2025-26.
Source: Ministry of Education · PIB PRID 2282148
📊 Reports & Indices · UPSC track
UDISE+ 2025-26 Report: Positive Trends in School Education
The **Ministry of Education** released the **UDISE+ 2025-26** report, highlighting improvements in various aspects of Indian school education.
- Total teachers increased by 8.3% in 2025-26 compared to 2022-23.
- Pupil-Teacher Ratio (PTR) improved to 10 at Foundational and 21 at Secondary levels.
- Preparatory dropout rate reduced from 2.3% (2024-25) to 1.8% (2025-26).
- Secondary dropout rate reduced from 8.2% (2024-25) to 7.0% (2025-26).
- Number of single teacher schools reduced by around 3% in 2025-26.
- Schools with computer access rose from 64.7% (2024-25) to 69.9% (2025-26).
💡 The UDISE+ 2025-26 report shows increases in teachers and infrastructure, while dropout rates, zero enrolment, and single-teacher schools decreased.
Source: Ministry of Education · PIB PRID 2282141
🔗 Economy · LAW track
CCI Approves Malabar Group Companies Merger with Malabar Gold
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) approved the merger of 51 **Malabar Group's** companies into **Malabar Gold and Diamonds Limited**.
- The CCI approved the merger on 07 JUL 2026.
- The merger involves 51 Malabar Group's companies (Transferor Companies).
- These companies will merge with Malabar Gold and Diamonds Limited (Transferee Company).
- Most Transferor Companies engage in the jewellery business.
- Malabar Gold and Diamonds Ltd. is the flagship company of Malabar Group.
💡 Remember: CCI approved the merger of 51 Malabar Group companies into Malabar Gold and Diamonds Limited.
Source: Competition Commission of India · PIB PRID 2282146
🤝 Economy · LAW track
CCI approves upGrad Education's acquisition of Sorting Hat Technologies
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved a merger in the education sector.
- CCI approved the acquisition of Sorting Hat Technologies shareholding.
- Sorting Hat Technologies will merge with and into upGrad Education Private Ltd.
- upGrad Education is active in formal and non-formal education sectors.
- Sorting Hat Technologies operates in the non-formal education sector.
💡 Remember: CCI cleared upGrad Education to acquire and merge with Sorting Hat Technologies.
Source: Competition Commission of India · PIB PRID 2282147
⚖️ Law & Judiciary · LAW track
NHRC to Hear Bonded Labour Cases in Haryana Brick Kilns
The **NHRC** will hold an online hearing on July 9, 2026, to address 86 cases of alleged bonded labour in **Haryana** brick kilns.
- NHRC, India will hear 86 alleged bonded labour cases online on July 9, 2026.
- The hearing will be chaired by Justice V. Ramasubramanian.
- It will review compliance with the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976.
- The NHRC monitors this Act as assigned by the Supreme Court on May 11, 1997.
- Focus areas include rehabilitation packages and e-Shram registrations.
💡 For the exam: Remember NHRC (monitoring Bonded Labour Act, 1976 since 1997) is addressing 86 cases in Haryana on July 9, 2026, reviewing rehabilitation and e-Shram.
Source: National Human Rights Commission · PIB PRID 2282026
🤝 International Relations · UPSC track
India-Indonesia Boost Strategic Partnership on State Visit
Prime Minister Modi visited Indonesia from July 6-8, 2026, strengthening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
- PM Modi visited Indonesia from 6-8 July 2026 at the invitation of President Prabowo Subianto.
- Bilateral talks covered political, defence, maritime, and economic cooperation on 7 July 2026.
- Leaders agreed to elevate defence cooperation, including BrahMos Missile System and Air-to-Air Missile Agreement.
- An International Liaison Officer from Indonesia was positioned at IFC-IOR Gurugram.
💡 Remember: Modi's 2026 Indonesia visit strengthened the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, boosting defence, maritime cooperation, and placing an ILO at IFC-IOR Gurugram.
Source: Prime Minister's Office · PIB PRID 2282084
🤝 International Relations · UPSC track
India and Indonesia Forge Extensive Partnerships Across Sectors
Prime Minister's visit on July 7, 2026, resulted in numerous agreements enhancing cooperation between India and Indonesia.
- Framework Agreement extended for Outer Space exploration for peaceful purposes.
- CDSCO and BPOM signed an MoU on Medical Products Regulation.
- MoU on cooperation in Minerals and Technology of Steel Supply Chain.
- Agreement on BrahMos Missile System and Air-to-Air Missile cooperation.
- MoU between ECI and General Elections Commission (KPU) of Indonesia.
- SAIL and Pt. Krakatau Steel formed a joint venture for stainless-steel slabs.
💡 For the exam: Remember the visit's broad scope: space, health, defense, steel, and electoral cooperation.
Source: Prime Minister's Office · PIB PRID 2281918
🌿 Environment · UPSC track
Mizoram Museum Becomes India's 21st Designated Biodiversity Repository
Mizoram University’s Natural History Museum is designated as India’s 21st repository under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002.
- The Natural History Museum (NHM), Mizoram University, Aizawl, was notified on 19 June 2026.
- It is designated under Section 39 of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002.
- NHM becomes India’s 21st Designated Repository.
- It will preserve specimens of flora like pteridophytes and macrofungi, and fauna like reptiles, amphibians.
- The museum is located within the Indo-Burma Biodiversity Hotspot.
- This strengthens National Biodiversity Target 4 of India’s National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (2024-2030).
💡 Remember: Mizoram's NHM is the 21st Designated Repository under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, strengthening biodiversity conservation in the Indo-Burma Hotspot.
Source: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change · PIB PRID 2281879
🤝 Law & Judiciary · UPSC track
Narmada Water Dispute: Four States Resolve Pending Payments Issue
A decades-old payment dispute related to the **Sardar Sarovar Project** among four Narmada beneficiary states was amicably resolved.
- Agreement settled pending payment issues among Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh.
- Dispute concerned cost-sharing for the construction of the Sardar Sarovar Project.
- Signed by respective Chief Ministers in New Delhi on July 7, 2026.
- Resolved through a one-time settlement of pending dues.
- Called a "shining example of cooperative federalism."
💡 For the exam: Remember the 4 Narmada beneficiary states (MH, GJ, RJ, MP) and the Sardar Sarovar Project as a recent example of cooperative federalism.
Source: Ministry of Home Affairs · PIB PRID 2282241
📊 Economy · UPSC track
New Index of Services Production (ISP) Base Year 2024-25
Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation (MoSPI) will launch a new monthly Index of Services Production (ISP).
- The ISP will have a base year of 2024-25 and be compiled monthly.
- It will use GST data, administrative datasets, and ASISSE for health and education.
- The Technical Advisory Committee (TAC-ISP) recommended a Laspeyres volume index.
- The ISP will complement the Index of Industrial Production (IIP), measuring short-term service sector movements.
- Trial ISP series expected to be released on 14th July 2026.
💡 The ISP (Base 2024-25), a monthly Laspeyres index, will integrate GST and other data to monitor India's service sector dynamics.
Source: Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation · PIB PRID 2282014
☔ Environment · UPSC track
High-Level Review on El Nino Impact and Preparedness
A high-level meeting reviewed India's preparedness for the potential impact of El Nino on various sectors and the ongoing monsoon season.
- Dr. P.K. Mishra, Principal Secretary to Prime Minister, chaired the meeting on July 7, 2026.
- IMD reported a -12% all-India rainfall deficit as of July 7, 2026, with weak to moderate El Nino expected in July and August.
- 262 vulnerable districts have updated District Agriculture Contingency Plans.
- ICAR issued SOPs for 'Managing El Nino Risks in Indian Agriculture' for Krishi Vigyan Kendras.
- Departments were urged to ensure fodder, drinking water, and essential commodity availability, especially in vulnerable areas.
💡 Remember El Nino's impact on agriculture and resources triggers coordinated government action and contingency plans.
Source: Prime Minister's Office · PIB PRID 2282256
🤝 International Relations · UPSC track
India and Costa Rica Hold First JETCO Meeting
India and Costa Rica conducted their inaugural Joint Economic and Trade Committee meeting to enhance bilateral economic cooperation.
- The 1st JETCO Meeting between India and Costa Rica was held virtually on 6-7 July 2026.
- Bilateral merchandise trade reached approximately USD 391 million in 2025–26.
- Co-chairs were Shri Vimal Anand (India) and Ms. Adriana Castro (Costa Rica).
- Discussions covered pharmaceuticals, digital technologies, and trade integration.
- The JETCO is key for reviewing trade and identifying new cooperation avenues.
💡 Remember: The 1st India-Costa Rica JETCO in 2026 reviewed $391M trade, focusing on tech and pharma.
Source: Ministry of Commerce & Industry · PIB PRID 2282288