SNIPPETS 04 JULY 2026

National Doctors' Day: Celebrated annually on – July 1 (1st celebrated in 1991)+ Instituted by – Indian Medical Association+ Commemoration of – Birth and death anniversary of Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy+ He was a legendary physician, freedom fighter, and former West Bengal Chief Minister+ Significance – It recognizes the immense value and tireless service of doctors in improving public health.

Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory Telescope: NASA is set to launch a daring robotic rescue mission for its aging Swift observatory telescope+ Launched in – 2004+ Location – Placed at 600 kilometers in low Earth orbit+ Objective – To deploy instruments designed for gamma-ray burst studies, X-ray astronomy, and ultraviolet observations+ Significance – It unveils possibilities in spacecraft management.

Wheat: Wheat procurement rose 17% to over 35 million tonne (MT) in the 2026-27 rabi marketing season, surpassing target of 34.5 MT+ Wheat is a primary global cereal grain and a staple food+ Type – Rabi crop in India+ Optimum conditions – 16°C to 21°C during growth, 25°C for ripening, Moderate rainfall (750 mm to 1000 mm) and cool, dry winter, Thrives in well-drained, fertile loam to clay-loam soils