Prelims Current Affairs includes World Rural Development Day, Niti Aayog Roadmap For Global Ayurveda. E-Oci Card Launched, Employees’ Provident Funds (Epf) Scheme, 2026, International Renewable Energy Agency (Irena), Gujarat Police Launch ‘Operation Surakshit Cyberspace’, Assam Begins Commercial Matcha Tea Production, Borjuli Wetland Notified As Biodiversity Heritage Site & Vikram-1: India’s First Private Orbital Rocket

IMPORTANT DAYS 

1. WORLD RURAL DEVELOPMENT DAY

Current Context: World Rural Development Day is observed on 6 July to highlight the critical role of rural communities in global food security and poverty eradication.

ABOUT WORLD RURAL DEVELOPMENT DAY

• The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) proclaimed 6 July as World Rural Development Day through a resolution adopted in 2025.
• World Rural Development Day 2026 was observed for the first time on 6 July 2026, highlighting the importance of rural development in achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
• Objective:To raise awareness about challenges faced by rural communities and promote investment in rural development

POLITY

2. NITI AAYOG ROADMAP FOR GLOBAL AYURVEDA

Current Context: NITI Aayog released “Strategic Roadmap for Making Ayurveda Global”.

ABOUT THE ROADMAP

• The report presents a phased roadmap up to 2047 to transform Ayurveda from a traditional wellness system into a globally recognized, evidence-based healthcare system. It was prepared in collaboration with PwC India.
• Establish a Global Ayurveda Register (GAR) to create an internationally recognised registry of qualified Ayurveda practitioners.

Key Highlights:

• Formal recognition of Ayurveda in nearly 30 countries, proposes multi-country clinical trials for scientific validation
• Modernisation of Traditional Knowledge Digital Library, Patent watch mechanism for protection of traditional knowledge
• Trade & Exports: Ayush exports: US$1.09 billion (2014) to US$2.16 billion (2023)

Institutional Framework:

• Global Ayurveda Forum
• Ayurveda experience centres in Geneva, New York, London, Singapore, Tokyo

SCHEMES/PROGRAMMES

3. e-OCI CARD LAUNCHED

Current Context: Government launched Electronic Overseas Citizen of India (e-OCI) Card, allowing cardholders to carry digital OCI on smartphones.

ABOUT e-OCI CARD

• The initiative is aimed at improving services for the Indian diaspora through a secure, paperless, and fully digital OCI system.
• The e-OCI Card is part of the Government’s Digital India initiative and follows the reforms introduced under the Citizenship (Amendment) Rules, 2026.
• Portal:Official OCI Services Portal
• Eligibility:Existing OCI cardholders with valid OCI card and portal access

About OCI

• OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) is a form of permanent residency available to eligible Persons of Indian Origin.
• OCI holders receive:
• Lifelong multiple-entry visa to India.
• Exemption from registration with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) for any length of stay.
• Parity with NRIs in several economic, educational, and financial matters (except where specifically restricted).

OCI is NOT dual citizenship.

• OCI holders cannot: Vote in Indian elections, Contest elections, Hold constitutional or public offices, Acquire an Indian passport.

SCHEMES/PROGRAMMES

4. EMPLOYEES’ PROVIDENT FUNDS (EPF) SCHEME, 2026

Current Context: Ministry of Labour and Employment notified EPF Scheme, 2026, replacing EPF Scheme, 1952.

ABOUT EPF SCHEME, 2026

• The Employees’ Provident Funds (EPF) Scheme, 2026 is India’s principal retirement savings scheme for employees working in covered establishments.
• It is administered by the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) under the Ministry of Labour and Employment.
• The scheme has been framed under the Code on Social Security, 2020 to consolidate and modernise India’s social security laws.

Key Features:

• Seamless Continuity:Existing subscribers automatically continue
• Contribution:12% of wages (10% for notified establishments), mandatory up to ₹15,000/month
• Voluntary Higher Contributions:Employees may contribute above wage ceiling
• Digital Governance:Aadhaar-linked UAN; UPI withdrawals; WhatsApp services

About EPFO (Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation)

• Established: 1952
• Ministry of Labour and Employment
• Headquarters: New Delhi

REPORTS/INDICES

5. INTERNATIONAL RENEWABLE ENERGY AGENCY (IRENA)

Current Context: According to IRENA, renewable energy projects commissioned in 2025 helped avoid an estimated $480 billion in fossil fuel costs globally.

ABOUT Report

• Report Name: Renewable Power Generation Costs in 2025
• The report highlights that renewable energy has become the most cost-effective option for new electricity generation in most parts of the world, while also enhancing energy security and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
• Around 91% of newly commissioned utility-scale renewable power projects generated electricity at a lower cost than the cheapest new fossil fuel alternatives.
• Solar PV and onshore wind remained the least expensive sources of new electricity generation.
• Renewable energy costs have fallen significantly over the past decade due to:
• Supports achievement of SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

About  IRENA

• The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) is an intergovernmental organization that promotes the widespread adoption and sustainable use of renewable energy
• Established: 26 January 2009
• Came into Force: 8 July 2010
• Headquarters: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE)
• UN Observer:Official United Nations observer

STATE NEWS

6. GUJARAT POLICE LAUNCH ‘OPERATION SURAKSHIT CYBERSPACE’

Current Context: Gujarat Police launched 28-day campaign (1-28 July 2026) to improve online safety for women and children.

ABOUT OPERATION SURAKSHIT CYBERSPACE

• Identifying potential cybercrime victims via cyber intelligence
• Counselling at-risk individuals
• Rapid reporting via National Cyber Helpline
• Prompt registration and investigation
• Educate 25 lakh citizens on cyber safety
• Slogan:“Safety through awareness, investigation through technology, action through law, and a safer Gujarat through public participation.”

STATE NEWS

7. ASSAM BEGINS COMMERCIAL MATCHA TEA PRODUCTION

Current Context: Assam became first state in India to commercially produce Matcha tea at Chota Tingrai Tea Estate, Tinsukia.

ABOUT MATCHA TEA

• Matcha is a finely ground powder made from specially cultivated green tea leaves.
• Unlike conventional green tea, the entire leaf is consumed in powdered form, making it richer in nutrients.
• The tea plants are shade-grown for several weeks before harvesting to increase chlorophyll and amino acid content.
• Matcha has traditionally been associated with the Japanese tea ceremony.
• Marks India’s entry into the premium Matcha tea segment, traditionally dominated by Japan.
• Diversifies Assam’s tea industry beyond its globally renowned black tea.
• Aims to tap the rapidly growing international demand for premium green tea products amid a global shortage of Matcha.

GEOGRAPHY

8. BORJULI WETLAND NOTIFIED AS BIODIVERSITY HERITAGE SITE

Current Context: Borjuli wetland in Assam notified as Biodiversity Heritage Site.

ABOUT BORJULI WETLAND

• It is a freshwater wetland ecosystem and a natural habitat of Oryza rufipogon, the wild ancestor (progenitor) of cultivated rice (Oryza sativa)

Key Biological Characteristics:

• Home to Oryza rufipogon (ancestor of Oryza sativa)
• Natural disease and pest resistance
• High environmental tolerance (flooding, saline conditions)
• In-situ conservation backed by ICAR-NBPGR

ABOUT BIODIVERSITY HERITAGE SITES

• Statutory Foundation:Section 37, Biological Diversity Act, 2002
• Management:Local Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs)
• Technical Oversight:National Biodiversity Authority (NBA)

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

9. VIKRAM-1: INDIA’S FIRST PRIVATE ORBITAL ROCKET

Current Context: Skyroot Aerospace announced launch window for maiden test flight of Vikram-1

ABOUT VIKRAM-1

• Skyroot Aerospace, a Hyderabad-based space startup, is set to launch Vikram-1, India’s first privately developed orbital-class rocket, under Mission “Aagaman”.
• The maiden launch window is scheduled between 12 July and 4 August 2026 from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC-SHAR), Sriharikota.
• Mission Aagaman:
• Target Orbit:450 km LEO
• Payload:Up to 350 kg

Key Features:

• All-carbon composite structure
• In-house solid & liquid propulsion
• 3D-printed rocket engines
• High launch cadence design
• Evolution from Vikram-S (Mission Prarambh, Nov 2022)

Significance:

• Demonstrates private Indian companies can build and launch orbital rockets
• Strengthens India’s position in global small satellite launch market

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