Top Current Affairs Highlights – 13 July 2026
Keeping up with the latest current affairs is important for candidates preparing for UPSC, SSC, Banking, Railway, Defence, State PSC, Police, and other competitive examinations. Below are today’s important national updates explained in a simple and exam-oriented format.
1. Government Exempts GIFT City Maritime Units from Shipping Licences
Why in News?
The Government of India has announced a major policy reform by exempting eligible units operating in the International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) at GIFT City from obtaining certain shipping licences while chartering foreign vessels for international trade.
Key Highlights
- The exemption has been granted under Section 11 of the Coastal Shipping Act, 2025.
- It is applicable to eligible IFSC units located in GIFT City, Gujarat.
- Companies can now charter foreign vessels for EXIM cargo and international shipping without obtaining specified licences.
- The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways introduced this reform to simplify maritime regulations.
- The move is expected to strengthen GIFT City as India’s leading global maritime services and ship leasing destination.
- Existing cabotage rules related to domestic coastal shipping remain unchanged.
- The reform is expected to attract international shipping companies, investors and financial institutions.
- It also supports India’s long-term maritime growth strategy and Ease of Doing Business initiatives.
Why is this Important?
The exemption will encourage ship leasing, maritime financing and global shipping business to operate through GIFT City. It is another important step towards making India an international financial and maritime hub.
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Quick Summary
2. India Extends Anti-Dumping Duty on Seamless Steel Tubes from China
Why in News?
The Government has decided to continue the anti-dumping duty on seamless steel tubes imported from China after reviewing its impact on the domestic steel industry.
Important Points
- The anti-dumping duty will remain effective until 27 January 2027.
- The decision covers products classified under Customs Tariff Heading 7304.
- The duty applies to seamless steel tubes having an outer diameter of up to 355.6 mm.
- The extension follows recommendations made after a sunset review conducted by the Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR).
- The review concluded that removing the duty may lead to continued dumping and financial injury to Indian manufacturers.
- The measure protects domestic steel producers from unfair pricing practices.
- It also promotes healthy competition and supports India’s manufacturing sector.
Why is Anti-Dumping Duty Imposed?
Anti-dumping duty is imposed when imported goods are sold at prices lower than their normal market value, harming domestic industries. It helps maintain fair competition in international trade.
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3. Indian Air Force Retains Third Position in Global Air Power Rankings 2026
Why in News?
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has once again secured the third position in the WDMMA 2026 Global Air Power Rankings, highlighting India’s growing military strength.
Major Highlights
- The IAF retained the 3rd position globally.
- Only the United States Air Force and the Russian Air Force ranked ahead of India.
- The Indian Air Force remained ahead of China’s PLAAF for the fifth consecutive year.
- The ranking is based on the True Value Rating (TVR) methodology.
- The IAF currently operates nearly 1,716 military aircraft.
- Its fleet includes around 542 fighter aircraft.
- It also operates approximately 498 helicopters.
- The force has 282 transport aircraft and 374 trainer aircraft.
- It additionally possesses 20 special mission aircraft.
- The ranking reflects India’s operational capability, modernization and increasing indigenous defence production.
- Challenges remain in expanding fighter squadrons, AWACS platforms and aerial refuelling capabilities.
Why is this Ranking Significant?
The ranking demonstrates India’s growing air combat capability and reflects years of modernization, indigenous defence manufacturing and improved operational readiness.
4. INS Mahendragiri Officially Joins the Indian Navy’s Eastern Fleet
Why in News?
The Indian Navy inducted INS Mahendragiri into its Eastern Fleet, marking the successful completion of the prestigious Project 17A stealth frigate programme.
Important Highlights
- INS Mahendragiri joined the Eastern Fleet on 11 July 2026.
- It is the sixth and final stealth frigate developed under Project 17A.
- The warship was commissioned at Visakhapatnam.
- It was designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau.
- The vessel was constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Mumbai.
- The frigate contains more than 75% indigenous content.
- It features advanced stealth technology, automation systems and network-centric warfare capabilities.
- The ship can perform anti-air, anti-surface, anti-submarine and electronic warfare missions.
- It will also participate in maritime security, surveillance, humanitarian assistance, disaster relief and search & rescue operations.
- The induction strengthens India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative in defence manufacturing.
Importance for Exams
INS Mahendragiri represents India’s increasing self-reliance in warship construction and significantly boosts the operational capability of the Indian Navy in the Indo-Pacific region.
Quick Revision Points
- ✔ GIFT City IFSC units exempted from certain shipping licences.
- ✔ Anti-dumping duty on Chinese seamless steel tubes extended till 27 January 2027.
- ✔ Indian Air Force retained 3rd position in WDMMA Global Air Power Rankings 2026.
- ✔ INS Mahendragiri became the final Project 17A stealth frigate inducted into the Indian Navy.
Why These Current Affairs Matter
These developments are highly relevant for UPSC, SSC CGL, CHSL, MTS, Railway, Banking, Defence, State PSC, Police, CUET, NDA, CDS and other competitive examinations. Questions related to government policies, defence, economy, maritime affairs and international trade are frequently asked in both prelims and mains examinations.