Current Affairs 07 July 2026

India and Mali Hold First-Ever Trade Forum in Bamako.

• India and Mali launched the first India–Mali Forum for the Promotion of Exports in Bamako on 4 July 2026.
• Theme: Reinforcing Trade and Strategic Partnerships.
• Bilateral trade: Reached $326.61 million in FY 2025-26 (55% increase).
• Mali exports to India: Cotton, leather, cashew, lead, gum arabic, and sesame.
• India exports to Mali: Pharmaceuticals, cotton fabrics, two- and three-wheelers, and bicycles.
• DFTP Scheme highlighted as a key driver for boosting trade.
• Mali announced an investment forum on 3–4 December 2026 under Vision Mali 2063.

India-Israel Bilateral Investment Agreement Comes Into Effect.

• Agreement between India and Israel to promote bilateral investments.
• Managed by the Department of Economic Affairs (DEA), Ministry of Finance.
• Provides a secure and predictable investment environment.
• Balances investor protection with India’s policy-making rights.
• Based on modern principles of international investment law.

India Takes Chair of 9th UNCTAD IGE Session on Consumer Protection.

• India will chair the 9th Session of the Intergovernmental Group of Experts (IGE) on Consumer Protection Law and Policy.
• Venue: Palais des Nations, Geneva, Switzerland.
• Organized by: UNCTAD (United Nations Trade and Development).
• Key event: Launch of UN Principles for Consumer Product Safety.
• Topics discussed: Consumer protection laws, sustainable consumption, and cross-border dispute resolution.
• e-Jagriti: AI-enabled platform for online consumer complaints and case management.
• NCH: Resolved 1.47 lakh grievances and facilitated refunds of over ₹91.77 crore.

India’s CG Semi OSAT Semiconductor Plant Begins Operations in Sanand.

• PM Narendra Modi inaugurated the CG Semi OSAT facility in Sanand, Gujarat.
• Current capacity: 20 crore units annually; target capacity 500 crore units annually.
• Foundation stone laid in 2024; chip testing started in August 2025.
• Developed through collaboration between India, Japan, and Thailand.
• Strengthens the Semicon India Programme and semiconductor supply chain.
• Located in the Sanand semiconductor cluster with companies like Micron and Kaynes.
• Supports Design in India and Make in India initiatives.

India Unveils Digital OCI Card to Simplify Services for Overseas Citizens.

• Launched by the Bureau of Immigration on 3 July 2026.
• e-OCI card is the digital version of the physical OCI booklet.
• Can be stored on smartphones for easy access and portability.
• Accepted at Immigration Check Posts and by airlines as proof of OCI status.
• Available through the OCI Services Portal.
• Physical OCI booklet remains valid; e-OCI is an additional facility.
• Objective: Digitize services, simplify travel documentation, and reduce loss of physical cards.
• OCI Scheme: Introduced in August 2005 under the Citizenship Act, 1955.