Current Affairs 16 July 2026

Government Clears Dixon-Vivo Partnership for Smartphone Manufacturing.

Government approved the Dixon Technologies–Vivo Mobile India joint venture for smartphone and electronic device manufacturing.
Equity shareholding: Dixon Technologies 51% and Vivo Mobile India 49%.
The venture will operate as an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) for smartphones and electronics.
Approval granted by DPIIT, Ministry of Commerce and Industry under Press Note 3 regulations.
Customs duty exemptions extended on 85 capital goods for lithium-ion cell manufacturing until March 2029.

Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy inaugurated an 84,000 m³ RCC Water Reservoir at IISCO Steel Plant, Burnpur (West Bengal).
The reservoir will support COB-10 and the 4.08 MTPA expansion project.
It features a closed-loop water circulation system through a new Booster Pump House.
IISCO Steel Plant achieved 2.9 million tonnes of hot metal production in FY 2025-26.
The plant recorded 108% of rated Hot Metal capacity and 109% of Saleable Steel capacity.

QCI and NSIC signed a five-year MoU in New Delhi to improve MSME competitiveness and global standards.
The partnership will promote MSME Sustainable Certification, digital market access, and export promotion.
MSMEs will be supported through MSME Global Mart, ONDC integration, and the Single Point Registration Scheme.
Focus on technical strengthening through NABL accreditation, assessments, and capacity building.
Joint Coordination Committee formed to monitor implementation and progress.

CeNS Bengaluru scientists developed an advanced wearable ammonia sensor for real-time toxic gas detection.
The sensor uses a vanadium oxide–vanadium sulfide (VOx/VS₂) hybrid structure.
It can detect ultra-low ammonia levels of 319 parts per billion at room temperature.
The sensor is self-powered using a flexible piezoelectric nanogenerator that harvests energy from body movements.
Designed for smart wearables and electronic textiles for personal safety applications.

Delhi CM Rekha Gupta unveiled Mayur, the official mascot of the 22nd Commonwealth Table Tennis Championship 2026.
The tournament will be held from July 27 to August 2, 2026 at Thyagraj Stadium, Delhi.
Mayur is inspired by the Indian Peacock and represents unity, friendship, and sportsmanship.
The event is jointly organized by the Delhi Government and TTFI.
Over 35 Commonwealth nations are expected to participate.