Current Affairs 09 July 2026

UNCTAD Reports 6% Rise in Global FDI to $1.6 Trillion in 2025.

• UNCTAD reported that global Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) increased by 6% to $1.6 trillion in 2025, ending a two-year decline.
• Developed economies recorded an 11% increase in FDI inflows, while developing economies saw 2% growth.
• Around 80% of global FDI was concentrated in the top 20 recipient countries.
• Greenfield projects in strategic sectors accounted for 44% of the total greenfield investment value.
• UNCTAD was established in 1964 and is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland.

GIFT City and Da Nang Financial Hub Sign Cooperation Agreement.

• GIFT City signed an MoU with Vietnam International Financial Center–Da Nang (VIFC-DN) on 7 July 2026.
• Objective: Promote investment, institutional knowledge exchange, and cross-border business cooperation.
• Focus areas include fintech, digital innovation, and capacity building.
• GIFT City will share its experience in developing an International Financial Services Centre (IFSC).
• GIFT City also signed MoUs to strengthen its ecosystem, including partnerships for Global Capability Centres (GCCs) and urban planning.
• GIFT City is India’s first operational IFSC, located in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.

Gujarat Introduces First Air-Filled Rubber Dams with South Korean Technology.

• Gujarat announced its first two air-filled rubber dams using South Korean technology.
• Locations:
• Rajvasana Dam on the Heran River, Chhota Udepur.
• Pathakwadi Dam on the Ambika River, Tapi.
• Total investment: Over ₹162 crore.
• Technology uses air-filled rubber bladders imported from South Korea.
• Equipped with SCADA-based automation for automatic inflation and deflation.
• Each dam will store 3.5 Million Cubic Metres (MCM) of water.
• Objectives: Improve groundwater recharge, irrigation, and flood management.
• Part of the Catch the Rain campaign.

Uttar Pradesh Cabinet Approves New Startup and Data Centre Policies.

• UP Cabinet approved Startup Policy-2026 and Data Centre Policy-2026.
• Startup support:
• Sustenance allowance increased to ₹20,000/month for 2 years.
• Prototype grant: ₹10 lakh; seed funding: ₹15 lakh.
• Up to ₹2 crore support for patents and certifications.
• Focus on AI, robotics, quantum technology, and space technology startups.
• Establishment of Deep-Tech U-Hub and 20 Centres of Excellence.
• Data Centre Policy: Target of 2 GW additional capacity and investment of ₹2 lakh crore+.

IIM Bangalore Expands Globally with First Overseas Campus in Indonesia.

• IIM Bangalore will set up its first overseas campus in Malang, Indonesia.
• Campus location: Singhasari Special Economic Zone (SEZ).
• Implemented through an MoU between IIM Bangalore and PT Intelegensia Grahatama (PT IGT).
• Phase 1: Executive education programmes for senior professionals.
• Phase 2: Launch of full-fledged degree programmes.
• Focus areas: AI, digital transformation, global supply chains, healthcare management, climate, and sustainability.
• Initiative aligns with NEP 2020 promoting internationalisation of Indian higher education.