1.Odisha has achieved a landmark recognition by securing a place among the top five states in NITI Aayog’s Investment Friendliness Index 2026.

2.The Public Health Director of Odisha, Dr Rabindranath Mishra, confirmed that three people have tested positive for COVID‑19 in the state. He clarified that the situation remains under control.

3. SJTA secures five key trademarks to safeguard Heritage five crucial applications have been approved for publication in the upcoming Trademark Journal. These include:Jagannath Dham,Shreekhetra,Mahaprasad,Nilachakra and Koili Baikuntha

4.With the latest revision, the DA has been increased from 257% to 262% of the combined Basic Pay and Grade Pay, with retrospective effect from January 1, 2026.

5.With July 1, 2026 fixed as the qualifying date, the SIR campaign is in full swing. To fast-track the process and eliminate errors, the CEO’s office has deputed high-level officers to physically review progress in the field from July 20 to July 29.

6.Prominent activist Sonam Wangchuk broke his 26-day hunger strike on Thursday at Medanta hospital.

7.Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday announced the establishment of fast-track courts to ensure speedy trials in paper leak case.

8.The Delhi High Court on Wednesday directed authorities to preserve CCTV footage, videography and all other relevant records linked to the alleged police action during the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP).

9.Indian Railways has emerged as a global leader in railway electrification, completing 99.6% of its broad‑gauge network, second only to Switzerland’s fully electrified system.

10.The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has given a clean chit to Sanjeev Kumar alias Sanjeev Mukhiya in the NEET-UG 2024 paper leak case.

11.The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) Thursday gave a nationwide call for peaceful protests July 24.

12.Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis Thursday termed "completely wrong" the behavior of a police driver seen in a viral video threatening student protesters with false narcotics charges.

13.India made the perfect start to the three-match T20I series against Zimbabwe, registering a convincing 7-wicket victory in the opening encounter at Harare Sports Club on Thursday.

14.The Sri Lankan Navy has arrested nine Indian fishermen and seized their fishing trawler for allegedly crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) and engaging in illegal fishing in Sri Lankan territorial waters.

15.Nepal government Wednesday formally approved the withdrawal of the 3 per cent equity tax imposed on private education and health sectors following widespread public criticism.