INTERNATIONAL NEWS
India Plays Key Role at the 49th Codex Alimentarius Commission Session
• The 49th Session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC49) was held in Geneva, Switzerland, from 6–10 July 2026, with India playing a leading role in the adoption of international food standards.
• The Indian delegation, led by Rajit Punhani, Chief Executive Officer of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), contributed to the adoption of seven Codex standards and guidelines.
• The Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC), established jointly by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO), develops global standards for food safety, quality, and fair trade.
• India, as Chair, led the development and adoption of Codex standards for Dried Coriander Seeds and Fresh Curry Leaves.
• As Co-Chair, India also supported the adoption of five additional Codex texts covering Vanilla, Large Cardamom, safe water use in food processing, control of Campylobacter and Salmonella in chicken meat, and prepackaged food labelling.
• India’s proposal to initiate work on a dedicated Codex Standard for Cashew Kernels received approval during the session, marking another milestone in the country's food standards initiatives.
• India was elected Co-Chair of the Electronic Working Group on New Food Sources and Production Systems (NFPS), which focuses on technical standards for emerging food systems.
• Codex standards serve as internationally recognised benchmarks for food safety, quality assurance, labelling, and global food trade, while FSSAI, established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, is India’s statutory food regulatory authority.
India–UK CETA Opens New Opportunities for the Alcoholic Beverage Industry
• The Confederation of Indian Alcoholic Beverage Companies (CIABC) welcomed the implementation of the India–UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), which came into force on 15 July 2026.
• The India–UK CETA is a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) covering trade in goods and services, investment, and regulatory cooperation, with the objective of increasing bilateral trade from USD 60 billion to USD 100 billion.
• Under the agreement, nearly 99% of India’s exports receive zero-duty access to the UK market, improving export competitiveness.
• One of the key provisions is the reduction of import duty on Scotch whisky from 150% to 75% from 15 July 2026, with a phased reduction to 40% over the next 10 years.
• The Scotch Whisky Association estimates that the agreement could increase Scotch whisky exports to India by around £1 billion (US$1.34 billion) over the next five years.
• According to CIABC, lower import duties will help the Indian alcoholic beverage industry reduce input costs, despite challenges such as higher packaging expenses, rising logistics costs, and rupee depreciation.
• The industry body has also urged State Governments to withdraw tax and regulatory concessions granted to bottled-in-origin imported spirits to ensure a level playing field for Indian-Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) manufacturers.
• Scotch whisky is a protected Geographical Indication (GI) product of Scotland, while IMFL refers to alcoholic beverages manufactured and bottled in India under domestic or foreign brand names.
NATIONAL NEWS
India Prohibits Imports of Goods Produced Through Forced Labour
• On 13 July 2026, India issued a notification through the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) prohibiting the import of goods manufactured wholly or partly through forced labour.
• The restriction has been incorporated into the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP), 2023 through the newly inserted Paragraph 2.20B, marking India's first import measure specifically targeting forced labour.
• The DGFT, functioning under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, is responsible for administering India's foreign trade regulations and implementing the new provision.
• The notification adopts the definition of forced labour contained in the International Labour Organization (ILO) Forced Labour Convention, 1930 (Convention No. 29).
• Under the new framework, the DGFT is empowered to investigate allegations that imported goods have been produced using forced labour and recommend restrictions based on available evidence.
• The provisions will become effective 30 days after their publication in the Official Gazette, allowing time for compliance by importers and stakeholders.
• The measure strengthens India's trade compliance framework by aligning import regulations with international labour standards and promoting ethical supply chains.
• Approved by Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, the notification establishes a legal mechanism to prevent the entry of goods linked to forced labour into the Indian market.
India Crosses 100 Crore Social Security Beneficiaries
• By July 2026, India’s social security coverage crossed 100 crore beneficiaries, with official estimates indicating coverage of over 64% of the population in 2025.
• The expansion has been driven by labour welfare initiatives, digital registration platforms, and wider coverage under central social security schemes.
• India’s social security system provides protection against old age, sickness, disability, maternity, unemployment, and workplace injuries, primarily through institutions such as the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) and the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC).
• As of 14 July 2026, the EPFO had more than 8 crore active subscribers and 80 lakh pensioners, while the ESIC covered over 15 crore insured persons and their dependants.
• The e-Shram Portal, created as a national database for unorganised workers, had registered over 31.7 crore workers by 14 July 2026, helping connect them with various welfare schemes.
• The Government reported the creation of nearly 17 crore employment opportunities over the past decade and launched the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana to generate 3.5 crore formal sector jobs over the next two years through employment-linked incentives.
• The target of bringing 100 crore citizens under social security coverage, announced on 26 December 2025 with a deadline of March 2026, has now been achieved.
• Strengthened by contributory schemes, insurance-based protection, and digital worker databases, India’s expanding social security network has emerged as one of the world’s largest welfare coverage systems.
RANKING AND INDEX
MoSPI Releases India’s First Trial Index of Services Production (ISP)
• The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) released India’s first trial Index of Services Production (ISP) for April 2026 on 14 July 2026.
• The Index of Services Production (ISP) is a monthly indicator designed to measure short-term changes in the output of the formal services sector, complementing the Index of Industrial Production (IIP).
• The trial index covers 19 formal services sub-sectors, representing nearly 60% of India’s formal services economy, with 2024–25 adopted as the base year.
• In April 2026, 14 out of the 19 services sub-sectors recorded double-digit year-on-year growth compared to April 2025.
• Among the fastest-growing sectors were Accommodation and Food Services (37.2%), Retail Trade (30.8%), Administrative and Support Services (28.7%), and Real Estate (27.7%).
• In contrast, Air Transport registered a 13.9% decline, while Railway Transport recorded a marginal contraction of 0.4% during the same period.
• The Technical Advisory Committee on the Index of Services Production, constituted in May 2025, guided the development of the new statistical indicator, with monthly sub-sectoral indices scheduled for release on the 29th of every month.
• The ISP is being introduced as a trial statistical measure and is expected to support national accounts, economic analysis, and short-term assessment of the services sector before the launch of a comprehensive Services Production Index.
STATE NEWS
31st Divya Kala Mela Inaugurated in Kolkata
• The 31st Divya Kala Mela was inaugurated on 14 July 2026 at Ravindra Sadan, Kolkata, and will be held over eight days, concluding on 22 July 2026.
• The event was inaugurated by Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Virendra Kumar, highlighting the Government’s commitment to the empowerment of Divyang entrepreneurs.
• Divya Kala Mela is a national initiative that promotes the products and skills of persons with disabilities (Divyangjan) by providing them with a platform for marketing and entrepreneurship.
• Conceived in December 2022, the initiative has previously been organised in cities such as Srinagar, Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Guwahati, Ahmedabad, and Patna.
• The 2026 Kolkata edition is the first Divya Kala Mela jointly organised by the Central Government and the Government of West Bengal.
• Around 40 exhibition stalls have been established at the venue, with a significant number of participating artisans and entrepreneurs belonging to West Bengal.
• The Mela aims to promote self-reliance, economic empowerment, dignity, livelihood opportunities, and social inclusion for persons with disabilities.
• Besides showcasing handicrafts, artwork, and other products created by Divyang entrepreneurs, the event also supports market access, entrepreneurship development, and inclusive economic growth.
Odisha Cabinet Approves New Agricultural Marketing Law
• On 14 July 2026, the Odisha Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, approved a proposal to enact a new agricultural marketing law in the State.
• The proposed legislation seeks to repeal the Odisha Agricultural Produce Markets (OAPM) Act, 1956, which has been in force since 1957.
• The new framework aims to establish Odisha as a single unified agricultural market, removing geographical restrictions on the sale and purchase of agricultural produce and livestock.
• It introduces direct marketing, e-trading, and electronic auctions, providing farmers with wider marketing channels and improved price discovery.
• The proposed law provides for a single-point levy of market fees and a state-wide single trading licence, enabling traders to operate across the entire State under one authorisation.
• Warehouses, cold storages, and silos will be recognised as market sub-yards, strengthening agricultural infrastructure and improving post-harvest management.
• The reform is based on the Model Agricultural Produce and Livestock Marketing (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, 2017, which encourages competitive markets, private investment, and better market access for farmers.
• The proposed legislation is expected to modernise agricultural marketing in Odisha by promoting digital trading, efficient logistics, transparent transactions, and greater marketing opportunities for the farming community.
Delhi Unveils ‘Mayur’ as Mascot for Commonwealth Table Tennis Championships 2026
• Delhi unveiled ‘Mayur’ as the official mascot of the 22nd Commonwealth Table Tennis Championships 2026 on 14 July 2026.
• The championship will be held at Thyagaraj Stadium, Delhi, from 27 July to 2 August 2026.
• The Commonwealth Table Tennis Championships is an international tournament featuring table tennis players from Commonwealth countries, with the 2026 edition marking its 22nd edition.
• The event is being jointly organised by the Delhi Government and the Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI).
• Mayur, inspired by the peacock, India’s national bird, symbolises energy, hospitality, pride, and unity, reflecting the spirit of the championship.
• Thyagaraj Stadium, a prominent multi-purpose indoor sports venue in Delhi, has previously hosted several national and international sporting events.
• The tournament is expected to attract participants from over 35 countries, making it one of the major international table tennis events hosted by India.
• The championship reinforces Delhi’s position as a venue for global sporting events while highlighting the Table Tennis Federation of India’s role in organising international competitions in the country.
Delhi Cabinet Approves Right to Time-Bound Delivery of Services Bill, 2026
• On 14 July 2026, the Delhi Cabinet approved the Delhi (Right of Citizen to Time Bound and Ease of Delivery of Services) Bill, 2026, which seeks to make time-bound public service delivery a legal right for citizens.
• The proposed legislation will replace the Delhi Right of Citizens to Time-Bound Delivery of Services Act, 2011, with a more comprehensive and technology-driven framework.
• The Bill introduces an end-to-end digital service delivery system, enabling citizens to access government services through a streamlined online platform.
• It provides for an automatic escalation mechanism in cases of service delays and establishes an independent grievance redressal system to improve accountability.
• A key feature of the Bill is the proposed Delhi Right to Service Commission, which will oversee implementation, monitor compliance, and address public grievances.
• The legislation also includes penalty provisions for delays and non-compliance by officials and is expected to be introduced during the Monsoon Session of the Delhi Legislative Assembly.
• Earlier, on 23 June 2026, the Delhi Government added 23 new public services under the 2011 Act, increasing the total number of notified services to 584 across multiple departments, including Labour, Tourism, Delhi Jal Board, Energy, Excise, Forest, and the Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA).
• Newly notified services include registration under the Shops and Establishments Act within one day and approval of factory building plans within 15 days, reinforcing the government's focus on efficient, transparent, and citizen-centric governance.
Ladakh to Export First Fresh Apricot Consignment to the UAE
• Ladakh is set to export its first fresh apricot consignment to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on 14 July 2026, marking a significant step in the region’s horticultural exports.
• The shipment is part of a 1,000 metric tonne apricot export programme launched under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Ladakh Administration and Lulu Retail.
• The initiative includes the export of the GI-tagged Raktsey Karpo apricot along with the locally grown Halman apricot variety, both well suited to Ladakh’s cold desert climate.
• The programme is being implemented with the support of APEDA (Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority) and the Ministry of Food Processing Industries.
• Lulu Retail will procure apricots directly from farmers and manage their processing, packaging, branding, and marketing in international markets.
• A dedicated cargo aircraft is scheduled to transport the inaugural consignment from Delhi to the UAE on 14 July 2026.
• Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra reviewed preparations for procurement, grading, sorting, packaging, transportation, and export logistics ahead of the first shipment.
• The initiative aims to strengthen farmer market access, enhance value-added horticultural exports, and significantly increase Ladakh’s apricot exports from the approximately 1,500 kilograms exported over the previous two years to a target of 1,000 metric tonnes.
SUMMIT AND CONFERENCE
BRICS Labour and Employment Ministers’ Meeting 2026 Held in Hyderabad
• The BRICS Labour and Employment Ministers’ Meeting was held in Hyderabad, India, on 15 July 2026 under India’s BRICS Chairship 2026.
• Union Labour and Employment Minister Mansukh Mandaviya chaired the meeting, which brought together labour ministers and delegates from all BRICS member countries.
• The 2026 meeting was organised under the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability”, focusing on strengthening labour markets and workforce development.
• The Ministers adopted the BRICS Labour and Employment Ministers’ Declaration, highlighting resilient and inclusive labour markets, social security, formalisation of employment, women’s workforce participation, employability, and skill development.
• Discussions emphasised the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital technologies to improve productivity, workforce skills, social protection, and access to formal employment.
• The declaration also recognised gig workers and platform workers, stressing the need for digital inclusion, labour protection, and expanded social security coverage.
• During the meeting, India launched BRICS CONNECT, a collaborative initiative to promote capacity building, employability, and cooperation in emerging skills and technologies among BRICS nations.
• The event followed the 15th BRICS Trade Union Forum, held in Hyderabad on 14 July 2026, where trade union representatives advocated safeguards for the ethical use of AI in workplaces and highlighted the importance of worker welfare in the digital economy.
