Introduction

Current Affairs 15 July 2026 brings together the most important developments from National Affairs, Economy, Science & Technology, Environment, International Relations, and Government Schemes that are highly relevant for competitive examinations. Today's Latest Current Affairs 2026 include the PM Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) Scheme, India's first Green Hydrogen Train, United Nations AI Governance Report, Gaganyaan Mission, Forest Ecosystem Services Study, Standing Deposit Facility (SDF), and the GI Tag for Jodhpuri Mojari. These topics are particularly important for UPSC, SSC, Banking, Railways, RBI, Insurance, Defence, and State PSC aspirants.

Detailed Current Affairs - 15 July 2026

National Affairs

PM Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) Scheme Crosses 2 Lakh Credit-Linked Beneficiaries

Why in News

The PM Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) Scheme has crossed the milestone of 2 lakh credit-linked beneficiaries, demonstrating significant progress in formalising India's unorganised food processing sector. The scheme has leveraged investments exceeding ₹20,300 crore, while nearly 90% of beneficiaries are first-generation entrepreneurs.

Launched under the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan, the scheme focuses on improving access to finance, technology, branding, market linkages, and quality standards for micro food processing enterprises.

Key Highlights

• More than 2 lakh enterprises have received credit-linked financial assistance.
• ₹20,300 crore+ investments have been mobilised.
• Around 44% beneficiaries are women entrepreneurs.
• Over 75,000 enterprises have obtained Udyam, GST, and FSSAI registrations.
• The scheme follows the One District One Product (ODOP) approach.
• Credit-linked subsidy of 35% (up to ₹10 lakh) is provided.
• SHGs, FPOs, and cooperatives receive seed capital and capacity-building support.
• Branding, packaging, certification, and market linkage assistance are also provided.

India to Launch First Green Hydrogen Train

Why in News

India will launch its first Green Hydrogen-powered Train on 17 July 2026 from Jind, Haryana under the Hydrogen for Heritage Project. The initiative marks a significant milestone towards clean mobility and zero-emission railway transportation.

The project aligns with India's Net Zero 2070, National Green Hydrogen Mission, and railway decarbonisation targets.

Key Highlights

• India's first hydrogen-powered passenger train.
• Implemented under Hydrogen for Heritage Project.
• Around 35 hydrogen trains are planned.
• Estimated cost: ₹80 crore per train.
• Hydrogen fuel cells produce only water vapour as emission.
• Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries store surplus power.
• Supports India's clean energy transition.
• Reduces dependence on imported fossil fuels.

Environment & Ecology

India's Forest Ecosystem Services Valued at US$2.5 Trillion Annually

Why in News

A recent national-level study has estimated that India's forests generate ecosystem services worth nearly US$2.5 trillion annually, highlighting the enormous ecological and economic value of forests beyond timber production.

Key Highlights

• Total ecosystem value estimated at US$2.5 trillion annually.
• Tropical Dry Deciduous Forests contribute the highest value.
• Mangrove ecosystems rank second.
• Cultural ecosystem services exceed provisioning services.
• Population growth negatively impacts ecosystem value.
• Natural forests provide significantly higher ecosystem benefits than monoculture plantations.
• Study recommends strengthening CAMPA.
• Expansion of Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) has been suggested.

International Affairs

UN Report Calls for Urgent Global AI Governance

Why in News

A preliminary report by the United Nations Independent International Scientific Panel on AI has warned that advances in Artificial Intelligence are outpacing governance mechanisms, scientific understanding, and global regulatory frameworks.

Key Highlights

• US and China control nearly 90% of global AI computing power.
• Agentic AI poses significant cybersecurity risks.
• AI-generated deepfakes threaten democratic processes.
• Increase observed in AI-generated CSAM.
• Linguistic bias affects low-resource languages.
• Calls for independent AI testing.
• Recommends AI regulation based on system architecture.
• Advocates a UN-led global AI governance platform.

Science & Technology

ISRO Successfully Tests Gaganyaan Crew Module Systems

Why in News

ISRO successfully conducted three major qualification tests for the Gaganyaan Crew Module, strengthening preparations for India's first human spaceflight mission.

Key Highlights

• Tests validated splashdown recovery systems.
• Crew Module Up-righting System tested.
• Umbilical separation system successfully qualified.
• Apex cover separation test completed.
• Mission aims to send 3 astronauts into Low Earth Orbit.
• Launch vehicle: Human Rated LVM3 (HLVM3).

Japan Successfully Tests Reusable Rocket Prototype

Key Highlights

• JAXA completed its first lift-off and landing test.
• Demonstrates reusable launch vehicle capability.
• Reduces launch costs significantly.
• Supports sustainable space missions.
• India's RLV Programme is pursuing similar technology.

Economy & Banking

RBI Absorbs ₹1.67 Lakh Crore Through Standing Deposit Facility

Key Highlights

• RBI absorbed ₹1.67 lakh crore via SDF.
• Introduced in 2022.
• Collateral-free liquidity absorption mechanism.
• Forms the lower bound of the Liquidity Adjustment Facility (LAF) corridor.
• Available to all eligible LAF participants.

Government Schemes

eSaras Platform Strengthens Rural Women Entrepreneurship

Key Highlights

• Official e-commerce platform under DAY-NRLM.
• Operated by the Ministry of Rural Development.
• Connects SHG products with customers nationwide.
• Promotes rural handicrafts, food products, and handlooms.

Geography

Paizhen Fault Raises Concerns for Brahmaputra Mega Dam

Key Highlights

• Located in eastern Himalayan tectonic region.
• Formed by collision of Indian and Eurasian Plates.
• Active since the Early Pleistocene.
• Could impact China's hydropower project stability.

Places in News

Vietnam

Important Facts

• Capital: Hanoi
• Political System: One-party Communist State
• Major Rivers: Mekong and Red River
• Highest Mountain Chain: Annam Cordillera
• Borders China, Laos, Cambodia, South China Sea and Gulf of Thailand.

Miscellaneous

China Imposes Temporary Export Ban on Helium

• India remains 100% import dependent.
• Helium is extracted mainly from natural gas.
• Used in MRI, semiconductors, rockets, fibre optics and quantum computing.
• Major producers are USA and Qatar.

Jodhpuri Mojari Receives GI Tag

• Traditional leather footwear from Jodhpur, Rajasthan.
• Crafted by the Jinagar community.
• Protected under the GI Act, 1999.
• Registration administered by GI Registry, Chennai.

Today's Current Affairs One-Liners - 15 July 2026

National Affairs

• PMFME Scheme has crossed 2 lakh credit-linked beneficiaries, mobilising over ₹20,300 crore in investments.
• India will launch its first Green Hydrogen Train on 17 July 2026 under the Hydrogen for Heritage Project.
• eSaras continues promoting rural entrepreneurship through SHG-based digital commerce.

Economy & Banking

• RBI absorbed ₹1.67 lakh crore using the Standing Deposit Facility (SDF).
• SDF is a collateral-free liquidity absorption tool introduced in 2022.

Environment

• India's forest ecosystem services are valued at US$2.5 trillion annually.
• Tropical Dry Deciduous Forests contribute the highest ecosystem value.

Science & Technology

• ISRO successfully completed three qualification tests for Gaganyaan Crew Module systems.
• Japan's JAXA successfully tested its reusable rocket prototype.

International Affairs

• United Nations has called for stronger global AI governance mechanisms.
• China temporarily banned Helium exports, affecting global supplies.

Geography

• Paizhen Fault beneath Tibet may impact the Brahmaputra hydropower project.
• Vietnam remains important due to the recent speedboat accident involving Indian tourists.

Art & Culture

• Jodhpuri Mojari has received the Geographical Indication (GI) Tag.