Current Affairs 27 July 2026

Sarnath Inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

• Sarnath (Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh) has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
• Becomes India’s 44th UNESCO World Heritage Site and 36th Cultural Site.
• It is the place where Gautama Buddha delivered his first sermon (Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta).
• Major monuments include the Dhamek Stupa, Chaukhandi Stupa, and ancient monastery ruins.
• Home to the Lion Capital of Ashoka, India’s National Emblem.

NSE Launches India’s First Domestic Natural Gas Futures Contract.

• NSE launched India’s first domestic benchmark-based Natural Gas Futures Contract.
• The contract is linked to the Indian Gas Exchange (IGX) price index, replacing dependence on foreign benchmarks.
• Traded in 1,250 MMBtu contract size with cash settlement.
• Supports India’s goal of increasing natural gas’s share in the energy mix from 6% to 15% by 2030.

SpaceX Successfully Launches 13th Starship Test Mission.

• SpaceX successfully conducted the 13th orbital test flight of Starship from Starbase, Texas.
• Deployed 20 Starlink V2 Mini satellites into Low Earth Orbit (LEO).
• Super Heavy booster was successfully recovered using Mechazilla launch tower arms.
• Demonstrated in-space re-ignition of Raptor vacuum engines.
• Supports NASA’s Artemis III and IV human lunar mission objectives.

Indian Railways Introduces AI-Based Stain Detection Pilot Project.

• Indian Railways introduced an AI-powered stain detection system in mechanized laundries.
• Uses computer vision, optical sensors, and deep learning to inspect linen quality.
• Detects stains on bedsheets, towels, and pillow covers before passenger use.
• Reduces manual inspection time by 70% and cleanliness complaints by 50%.
• Pilot launched in Northern Railway laundries, with plans for expansion to 85+ mechanized laundries.

SEBI Overhauls PMS Framework With New Regulatory Changes.

• Microsoft India and FITT, IIT Delhi launched UNNATI AI 2.0 (Unnati se Pragati).
• A CSR initiative to expand AI adoption and innovation in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities.
• Focuses on AI skilling, startup incubation, mentorship, and commercialization.
• Supports AI solutions in healthcare, education, agriculture, and sustainability.
• The first edition accelerated 10 startups, trained 1,000+ AI developers, and created 200+ tech jobs.