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Current Affairs 24 July 2026
Income Tax Day 2026
Income Tax Day is observed every year on 24 July to commemorate the introduction of the income tax system in India. In 2026, the country marks 167 years since income tax was first introduced. The day recognizes the contribution of taxpayers towards nation-building and highlights the role of the taxation system in supporting economic growth, public welfare, and national development.
Historical Background
Income tax was introduced in India on 24 July 1860 by Sir James Wilson, who served as the first Finance Member of British India. The tax was introduced to strengthen government finances during a challenging economic period. Over the years, India’s taxation system has evolved significantly to meet the country’s growing developmental needs.
The observance of Income Tax Day was initiated by the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) in 2010 to create awareness about tax compliance and acknowledge the contribution of honest taxpayers.
Significance
Income Tax Day serves as an opportunity to educate citizens about the importance of paying taxes and maintaining financial transparency. Revenue collected through income tax supports infrastructure development, education, healthcare, defence, and various welfare schemes. The observance also reflects the government’s efforts to modernize tax administration through digital services and taxpayer-friendly reforms.
Today, income tax in India is governed by the Income-tax Act, 1961, while the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) functions as the apex body responsible for administering direct taxes in the country.
Key Points
- Observed on: 24 July
- 2026 marks: 167 years of Income Tax in India
- Introduced by: Sir James Wilson
- First introduced: 24 July 1860
- Income Tax Day started: 2010
- Administered by: Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT)
- Governing Law: Income-tax Act, 1961.
Naresh Pal Gangwar Appointed as Higher Education Secretary
The Central Government has appointed Naresh Pal Gangwar, a 1994-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the Rajasthan cadre, as the new Secretary of the Department of Higher Education under the Ministry of Education. The appointment forms part of a major administrative reshuffle aimed at strengthening governance and improving policy implementation in the education sector.
The appointment received approval from the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) on 23 July 2026. During the same administrative exercise, 13 secretaries were transferred across various ministries and departments. Gangwar succeeds Vineet Joshi, who has been transferred to the Department of Panchayati Raj.
Role of the Department of Higher Education
The Department of Higher Education is responsible for promoting quality higher education across the country. It oversees the functioning of Central Universities, coordinates with Institutions of National Importance, formulates policies related to higher and technical education, and supervises various regulatory bodies working in the higher education sector.
The appointment of a new secretary is expected to contribute to the effective implementation of educational reforms and strengthen coordination among educational institutions.
Key Points
- Appointed Officer: Naresh Pal Gangwar
- Cadre: Rajasthan IAS (1994 Batch)
- Position: Secretary, Department of Higher Education
- Approval: Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC)
- Predecessor: Vineet Joshi
- Ministry: Ministry of Education.
Union Cabinet Approves Anti-Paper Leak Bill
The Union Cabinet has approved a new Anti-Paper Leak Bill, which is scheduled to be introduced in Parliament during the Monsoon Session. The proposed legislation aims to strengthen the legal framework against examination malpractices such as paper leaks, impersonation, and unauthorized access to confidential examination materials.
The initiative comes in response to several incidents involving public examinations, including cases related to the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET). The government seeks to enhance the credibility and transparency of recruitment examinations and entrance tests conducted by public authorities.
Existing Legal Framework
India already has the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, which addresses offences related to examination fraud. The newly approved bill is expected to introduce stricter provisions or further strengthen the existing legal framework.
Strengthening Examination Security
To ensure fairness in examinations, various security measures have been introduced, including encrypted question papers, secure transportation, biometric verification of candidates, surveillance at examination centres, and the establishment of fast-track courts for speedy disposal of paper leak cases.
The proposed legislation demonstrates the government’s commitment to protecting the integrity of public examinations and ensuring equal opportunities for all candidates.
Key Points
- Approved by: Union Cabinet
- Purpose: Prevent paper leaks and examination fraud
- Related Law: Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024
- Major Measures: Fast-track courts, biometric verification, encrypted question papers, secure examination process.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Becomes Youngest Player to Score a T20I Fifty
Young Indian cricketer Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has created history by becoming the youngest batter to score a half-century in T20 International cricket. He achieved this remarkable feat during the first T20I against Zimbabwe in Harare on 23 July 2026.
The talented left-handed batter reached his fifty in just 19 deliveries, displaying exceptional confidence and aggressive stroke play despite playing only his fourth international match for India.
At the time of achieving the record, Vaibhav was 15 years and 118 days old, surpassing the previous record held by Louis Bruce of Gibraltar, who had scored a T20I fifty at the age of 16 years and 56 days against Malta in 2021.
This achievement highlights the emergence of a new generation of young Indian cricketers capable of performing at the highest level of international cricket.
Key Points
- Player: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
- Achievement: Youngest player to score a T20I fifty
- Opponent: Zimbabwe
- Venue: Harare
- Date: 23 July 2026
- Age: 15 years 118 days
- Previous Record Holder: Louis Bruce (Gibraltar).
India to Host International Type 1 Diabetes Summit 2026
India will host the International Type 1 Diabetes Summit 2026 in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, from 30 July to 1 August 2026. The summit was announced in New Delhi and is being organised through the joint efforts of The Friends of Mewar, Breakthrough T1D, and the William J. Clinton Foundation.
The three-day conference will bring together leading endocrinologists, healthcare professionals, researchers, policymakers, and patient advocates from India, the United States, and Australia to discuss advancements in the treatment and management of Type 1 diabetes.
Focus Areas
The summit will focus on improving access to insulin, promoting equitable healthcare, encouraging the adoption of diabetes technology, addressing mental health challenges associated with the disease, and exploring digital innovations in diabetes care.
The event is also associated with the recognition of Type 1 diabetes in children within India’s national health policy framework, emphasizing better diagnosis, treatment, and long-term disease management.
At the conclusion of the summit, the organisers are expected to announce the host city for the 2027 International Type 1 Diabetes Summit.
Key Points
- Venue: Jodhpur, Rajasthan
- Dates: 30 July–1 August 2026
- Organisers: The Friends of Mewar, Breakthrough T1D, William J. Clinton Foundation
- Focus: Insulin access, diabetes technology, mental health, digital healthcare
- Participants: India, United States, and Australia.
Viswanathan Anand Becomes FIDE Interim President
Five-time World Chess Champion Viswanathan Anand has assumed the role of Interim President of the International Chess Federation (FIDE) on 24 July 2026. He took over the responsibilities after Arkady Dvorkovich temporarily suspended his duties following sanctions imposed by the European Union and Switzerland.
FIDE, officially known by its French name Fédération Internationale des Échecs, is the global governing body responsible for regulating international chess competitions, maintaining player ratings, and organising World Championship events.
Viswanathan Anand was elected FIDE Deputy President in August 2022 and has played a significant role in promoting chess globally. Following his appointment as Interim President, Anand announced that he would not seek re-election for the Deputy President’s position and would continue supporting the organisation’s leadership during the upcoming FIDE elections in Samarkand.
His appointment marks an important moment for Indian chess, reflecting India’s growing influence in the international chess community.
Key Points
- Interim President: Viswanathan Anand
- Organisation: International Chess Federation (FIDE)
- Date of Appointment: 24 July 2026
- Previous President: Arkady Dvorkovich
- Deputy President Since: August 2022
- Significance: Strengthens India’s global presence in international chess administration.
Review Questions
- Income Tax Day is observed every year in India on:
A) 1 April
B) 15 August
C) 24 July
D) 26 January
Answer: C) 24 July - Income Tax was first introduced in India by:
A) Lord Curzon
B) Lord Canning
C) Sir James Wilson
D) Lord Ripon
Answer: C) Sir James Wilson - Naresh Pal Gangwar, appointed as Secretary of the Department of Higher
Education, belongs to which IAS cadre?
A) Uttar Pradesh
B) Madhya Pradesh
C) Haryana
D) Rajasthan
Answer: D) Rajasthan - The appointment of Naresh Pal Gangwar was approved by the:
A) Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
B) Election Commission of India
C) Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC)
D) NITI Aayog
Answer: C) Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) - The newly approved Anti-Paper Leak Bill primarily aims to:
A) Regulate private schools
B) Increase examination fees
C) Prevent paper leaks and unfair practices in public examinations
D) Introduce online education
Answer: C) Prevent paper leaks and unfair practices in public examinations - The existing central law dealing with examination fraud in India is:
A) Right to Education Act, 2009
B) National Education Policy, 2020
C) Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024
D) Information Technology Act, 2000
Answer: C) Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024 - Vaibhav Sooryavanshi became the youngest player to score a T20 International
fifty against:
A) South Africa
B) Sri Lanka
C) Bangladesh
D) Zimbabwe
Answer: D) Zimbabwe - The International Type 1 Diabetes Summit 2026 will be held in:
A) Jaipur
B) Udaipur
C) Jodhpur
D) Bhopal
Answer: C) Jodhpur - Which of the following organizations is one of the organisers of the International
Type 1 Diabetes Summit 2026?
A) UNICEF
B) WHO
C) Breakthrough T1D
D) UNESCO
Answer: C) Breakthrough T1D - Viswanathan Anand assumed the role of Interim President of:
A) International Olympic Committee (IOC)
B) International Cricket Council (ICC)
C) World Chess Championship Committee
D) International Chess Federation (FIDE)
Answer: D) International Chess Federation (FIDE)
