Thursday's Briefing

India's Outward FDI Falls 47.9% to $3 Billion in June 2026, RBI Data Shows

India's outward FDI fell 47.9% year-on-year to about $3 billion in June 2026, per RBI data, as global uncertainty made Indian firms cautious — key for GS Paper 3, Economy — external sector.

• India's outward FDI (OFDI) fell 47.9% year-on-year to about US$3 billion in June 2026, according to RBI data.
• June 2025 outward FDI stood at US$5.74 billion, making this one of the steepest year-on-year declines on record.
• Equity investment abroad totalled US$738 million in June 2026.

PLI Auto Scheme: 225 Manufacturing Units Set Up Across India, Maharashtra Leads

The Ministry of Heavy Industries told the Lok Sabha that 225 units have come up under the PLI Auto scheme, led by Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Haryana — key data for GS Paper 3, Economy on manufacturing and PLI.

• MHI told the Lok Sabha on 23 July 2026 that 225 manufacturing units have been set up nationwide under the PLI Auto scheme as of 31 March 2026.
• Maharashtra leads with 66 units, followed by Tamil Nadu (38), Haryana (35), and Karnataka (35).
• Uttar Pradesh (13), Gujarat (10), Uttarakhand (9), Rajasthan (7), Madhya Pradesh (6), and Telangana (5) round out the top ten states.

ARI Pune Discovers Five New Western Ghats Lichen Species Using DNA Analysis

Agharkar Research Institute scientists in Pune discovered five new lichen species of the genus Allographa in Kerala's Western Ghats using DNA-based molecular phylogenetics, relevant for UPSC GS Paper 3, Environment & Biodiversity.

• ARI Pune discovered five new lichen species of the genus Allographa in the Western Ghats of Kerala.
• The species are Allographa keralensis, A. nayakae, A. paraconsanguinea, A. persistinspersa and A. semicarbonisata.
• The discovery used molecular phylogenetic (DNA-based) study and was published in the journal Mycological Progress.

Mission Golden Spice: Meghalaya's Lakadong Turmeric Gets ₹175-Crore GI Boost

The Centre launched Mission Golden Spice, a ₹175.45-crore plan to develop Meghalaya's GI-tagged Lakadong turmeric, key for GS Paper 1 culture and GS Paper 3 agriculture & GI-tag preparation.

• Union Minister launches Mission 'Golden Spice', a ₹175.45-crore initiative for Meghalaya's GI-tagged Lakadong turmeric.
• Five-year roadmap (2025–2030) to be implemented across two phases.
• Lakadong turmeric currently grown on about 2,600 hectares with an annual yield of roughly 10,000 metric tonnes.

Andhra Pradesh UAE Food Cluster: APEDB's ₹100-Crore Chittoor Processing Push

Andhra Pradesh's APEDB has partnered with the UAE Food Cluster to build a ₹100-crore horticulture unit in Chittoor for mango, banana and cocoa exports — relevant for GS Paper 2 India–UAE ties and GS Paper 3 food processing.

• APEDB (Andhra Pradesh Economic Development Board) has partnered with the UAE Food Cluster to set up a horticultural food-processing cluster in the state.
• A ₹100-crore processing unit will be established at Gangadhara Nellore, Chittoor district.
• The unit will focus on mangoes, bananas and cocoa, targeting export to about 25 countries.

Sikkim Budget 2026-27: ₹19,215 Crore Outlay Puts Healthcare, Infrastructure and Welfare First

Sikkim's ₹19,215 crore FY 2026-27 budget prioritises healthcare, infrastructure and welfare, laid under Article 202 — directly relevant for GS Paper 2 Governance and GS Paper 3 state finances.

Paninian's Yantur: India's First Private Indigenous Turbofan Engine Takes Flight

Bengaluru startup Paninian unveiled Yantur, India's first private 4.5 kN turbofan engine, built for the Svayatt L1 autonomous cruise missile — a major step for GS Paper 3, Sci-Tech & Defence indigenisation.

ISRO Space Medicine Fellowship: HSFC Launches India's First Bioastronautics Programme

ISRO's Human Space Flight Centre has partnered with a medical institute to launch India's first indigenous space medicine fellowship, building expertise for Gaganyaan and beyond. Relevant for GS Paper 3, Sci-Tech — space.

INS Malvan Commissioned: Navy's 2nd Mahe-Class Anti-Submarine Warfare Ship Joins Fleet

The Indian Navy commissioned INS Malvan, the second Mahe-class Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft, at Karwar on 23 July 2026. Relevant for UPSC, UPPSC and state PSC aspirants in GS Paper 3 under Defence & Security.

Gems of India Challenge: MIB's Push to Spotlight Grassroots Digital Creators

The Ministry of I&B's Gems of India challenge finds grassroots creators showcasing district culture via MyWAVES videos, offering cash awards up to Rs 5 lakh — relevant for GS Paper 2 Governance and GS Paper 1 Society & culture.