World Population Day: Observed on – July 11+ Designated by – United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)+ To focus public attention on population-related issues like family planning, maternal health, gender equality, and sustainable development+ Theme for 2026 – “Realizing the hopes and aspirations of young people – today and for the future.”+ The global population is about 8.2–8.3 billion, with India the largest, followed by China and the United States.

Australia–Canada–India Technology and Innovation Partnership (ACITI): Recently, the trilateral partnership countries signed the Australia–Canada–India Technology and Innovation Partnership (ACITI) MoU+ To boost collaboration in critical and emerging technologies while complementing existing bilateral initiatives between the three countries+ To leverage the strengths of three countries to drive green energy innovation, resilient supply chains and critical minerals+ To support net zero goals and promote greater diversification of supply chains for a secure, sustainable and resilient future.

Aldrin Pesticide: Kota mugger crocodile deaths: Banned pesticide Aldrin found in Chandraloi River; forest department denies responsibility+ Aldrin – A pesticide from the organochlorine group, listed as banned; its manufacture, import, and use were banned in India in the 1990s+ Reason for Ban – It persists in the environment for a long time and pollutes soil and water+ It gradually accumulates in the food chain cause serious adverse effects on the nervous system of humans and wildlife+ Chandraloi River – It is a small perennial tributary of Chambal River in Rajasthan.