In Current Affairs for 02 July 2026, we will see the latest national and international current affairs news. These important current affairs will be beneficial for your upcoming NDA, CDS, CDS OTA, AFCAT, TA, Agniveer Army, Agniveer Navy, Agniveer Air Force, Women Military Police, INET, MNS, ACC exams, SCO, PCSL, CAPF, and SSB interviews, and direct entries for Army, Navy, and Air Force like SSC Tech, TGC, JAG, NCC, TES, 10+2 Cadet. Download a PDF file about current events at the end of this article. Let us now see the Current Affairs.
Current Affairs 02 July 2026
Ravi Agrawal Reappointed as CBDT Chairman
The Central Government has extended the tenure of Ravi Agrawal as the Chairman of the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) for an additional six months. His renewed term became effective from 1 July 2026 and will continue until 31 December 2026, or until further orders issued by the government.
The extension was approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC), ensuring continuity in the administration of India’s direct tax system.
About the CBDT
The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) is the highest policy-making authority for direct taxation in India. It functions under the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance, and derives its powers from the Income-tax Act, 1961.
Major Functions of CBDT
- Formulates policies relating to direct taxes.
- Oversees the administration of income tax laws.
- Improves tax collection and compliance.
- Introduces taxpayer-friendly reforms.
- Prevents tax evasion and promotes transparency.
- Modernizes tax administration through digital initiatives.
The extension of the Chairman’s tenure is expected to support the ongoing reforms in India’s taxation framework.
Akashvani Celebrates 90 Years of India’s Musical Heritage
As Akashvani completes 90 years of public service broadcasting, it has launched Swar Prerna Veethika, a permanent photo gallery dedicated to India’s legendary musicians. The initiative comes ahead of the centenary of radio broadcasting in India, which will be celebrated in 2027.
The gallery was inaugurated by Padma Vibhushan Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia at the Akashvani Rang Bhavan Auditorium in New Delhi.
Purpose of Swar Prerna Veethika
The gallery honours renowned musicians whose performances on Akashvani have played a significant role in preserving and promoting India’s rich musical traditions. It reflects the broadcaster’s long-standing contribution to Indian classical, devotional, and folk music.
Digital Expansion of Akashvani
To connect with younger audiences, Akashvani has strengthened its digital presence by launching dedicated online music channels.
Major Digital Music Channels
- Raagam – A 24×7 channel dedicated to Hindustani classical music.
- Aaradhana – A round-the-clock devotional music channel featuring spiritual and religious compositions.
These initiatives aim to preserve India’s cultural heritage while making it accessible through modern digital platforms.
Van Mahotsav 2026: India’s Festival of Forests
Van Mahotsav, India’s annual tree plantation festival, is observed every year from 1 July to 7 July. The nationwide campaign was launched in 1950 by K. M. Munshi, then Union Minister for Agriculture and Food, to encourage environmental conservation through large-scale tree planting.
Known as the “Festival of Forests,” Van Mahotsav promotes afforestation, biodiversity conservation, and public participation in protecting the environment.
Highlights of Van Mahotsav 2026
The 77th Van Mahotsav began on 1 July 2026 with plantation drives across several states.
- Manipur launched its campaign under the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 3.0 initiative, targeting the plantation of around 15 lakh saplings.
- Assam also commenced statewide plantation activities.
- The Delhi Government announced a phased plantation drive of 70 lakh saplings, supported by live telecasts from multiple plantation sites.
India’s Forest Cover
According to the India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2023, India’s forest and tree cover reached 25.17% of the country’s geographical area.
- Total forest and tree cover: 827,357 square kilometres
- Increase since 2021: 1,445 square kilometres
The report reflects steady progress in India’s efforts towards ecological conservation.
Union Cabinet Approves ₹14,115 Crore Highway Projects
On 1 July 2026, the Union Cabinet approved two major highway infrastructure projects worth approximately ₹14,115 crore to improve urban mobility and regional connectivity.
Delhi Underground Tunnel
The first project is an 8.1-kilometre six-lane tunnel on NH-148AE, connecting the Dwarka Expressway with Nelson Mandela Marg in Vasant Kunj.
Key Features
- Estimated project cost: ₹6,969.67 crore
- Construction under the Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM)
- Expected completion period: Five years
- Includes a 3.14-kilometre twin-tube tunnel beneath the Southern Ridge Forest
- Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) technology will be used for underground construction
Kanpur–Kabrai Greenfield Highway
The second project involves the construction of a 117.7-kilometre access-controlled highway in Uttar Pradesh.
Highlights
- Estimated cost: ₹7,145.14 crore
- Four to six lanes
- Part of the Bhopal–Kanpur Economic Corridor
- Expected to improve freight movement and regional economic development
Odisha Launches Deep Sea Fishing Mission
The Odisha Cabinet has approved the Deep Sea Fishing Mission, a long-term initiative aimed at strengthening marine fisheries and promoting the blue economy.
The programme will be implemented from 2026 to 2036 with an estimated investment of approximately ₹2,295 crore.
Objectives of the Mission
- Promote sustainable deep-sea fishing practices.
- Expand marine fisheries infrastructure.
- Increase seafood exports.
- Improve the livelihoods of coastal communities.
- Encourage modern fishing technologies.
Expected Outcomes by 2036
- Additional 2 lakh metric tonnes of annual marine fish production.
- Creation of over 50,000 employment opportunities.
- Marine exports worth around ₹5,000 crore annually.
A dedicated Blue Economy Hub (B-Hub) will serve as the centre for research, innovation, skill development, and coordination of the mission.
The initiative aligns with India’s broader vision of sustainable utilization of marine resources while supporting economic growth.
India and Japan Sign First Defence Co-development Agreement
India and Japan signed their first-ever defence co-development agreement on 2 July 2026 during the 16th India-Japan Annual Summit held in New Delhi.
The agreement focuses on the joint development of the UNICORN (Unified Complex Radio Antenna) Mast for naval warships.
About the UNICORN Mast
The Unified Complex Radio Antenna (UNICORN) is an advanced integrated mast that combines multiple communication and electronic systems into a single structure.
Advantages
- Improves the stealth capability of naval vessels.
- Integrates communication, radar, and electronic warfare systems.
- Reduces radar signature.
- Enhances operational efficiency of warships.
Significance of the Agreement
The agreement represents a major milestone in India-Japan defence cooperation and strengthens collaboration in:
- Maritime security.
- Defence technology development.
- Supply-chain resilience.
- Strategic autonomy.
- Advanced defence manufacturing.
During the summit, both countries also expanded cooperation in artificial intelligence, economic security, healthcare, critical minerals, and clean energy, reflecting the growing depth of their strategic partnership.
Review Questions
1. The Central Government has extended the tenure of Ravi Agrawal as the Chairman of which organization?
A) Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC)
B) Finance Commission
C) Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT)
D) Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)
Answer: C) Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT)
2. The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) functions under which ministry?
A) Ministry of Commerce and Industry
B) Ministry of Corporate Affairs
C) Ministry of Home Affairs
D) Ministry of Finance (Department of Revenue)
Answer: D) Ministry of Finance (Department of Revenue)
3. Akashvani launched ‘Swar Prerna Veethika’ to commemorate:
A) 75 years of Independence
B) 100 years of AIR
C) 90 years of public service broadcasting
D) 50 years of Doordarshan
Answer: C) 90 years of public service broadcasting
4. Which of the following is Akashvani’s 24×7 digital channel dedicated to Hindustani classical music?
A) Sangeet
B) Aaradhana
C) Surdhara
D) Raagam
Answer: D) Raagam
5. Van Mahotsav is celebrated every year during which period?
A) 5–11 June
B) 15–21 August
C) 1–7 July
D) 1–7 September
Answer: C) 1–7 July
6. According to the India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2023, India’s forest and tree cover is approximately:
A) 21.75%
B) 23.84%
C) 25.17%
D) 27.90%
Answer: C) 25.17%
7. The Union Cabinet approved the construction of an 8.1-km road tunnel connecting the Dwarka Expressway with:
A) India Gate
B) AIIMS Delhi
C) Connaught Place
D) Nelson Mandela Marg, Vasant Kunj
Answer: D) Nelson Mandela Marg, Vasant Kunj
8. Odisha’s Deep Sea Fishing Mission aims to create more than how many jobs by 2036?
A) 20,000
B) 35,000
C) 50,000
D) 1,00,000
Answer: C) 50,000
9. India and Japan signed their first defence co-development agreement for the joint development of which naval system?
A) BrahMos Missile
B) Akash Air Defence System
C) Varunastra Torpedo
D) UNICORN (Unified Complex Radio Antenna) Mast
Answer:D) UNICORN (Unified Complex Radio Antenna) Mast
10. The UNICORN Mast developed jointly by India and Japan is primarily designed to:
A) Launch ballistic missiles
B) Detect submarines underwater
C) Improve the stealth capability of naval warships by integrating multiple antennas
D) Manufacture aircraft engines
Answer: C) Improve the stealth capability of naval warships by integrating multiple antennas
