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.

New 84,000 m³ Water Reservoir Commissioned at IISCO Steel Plant in Burnpur.

• 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 Partner to Enhance MSME Quality and Market Access.

• 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 Unveils Next-Generation Wearable Ammonia Sensor.

• 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 Unveils Mayur Mascot for 2026 Commonwealth Table Tennis Championships.

• 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.