From a change of guard in Karnataka to a new investment index shaking up state rankings, July 2026 was packed with developments across politics, governance, infrastructure and sport. Here’s a quick recap of the month’s biggest stories.
Karnataka & State Politics
1. DK Shivakumar sworn in as Karnataka CM. DK Shivakumar took charge as Karnataka’s Chief Minister on June 3, 2026, ending months of a power tussle with Siddaramaiah that had simmered since late 2025.
2. Siddaramaiah bows out of 2028 race. On July 26, former CM Siddaramaiah announced he will not contest the 2028 Karnataka Assembly elections, citing his age, health, and what he called increasing corruption in politics. He said he will remain active in public life despite stepping back from electoral politics.
3. Karnataka ranks 9th in NITI Aayog’s new investment index. NITI Aayog’s first-ever Investment Friendliness Index 2026 placed Karnataka behind Gujarat, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu, sparking debate over whether the index fully captures the state’s tech and startup strengths.
4. Supreme Court upholds state gaming laws. The Supreme Court upheld Tamil Nadu and Karnataka’s online gaming laws, ruling that there is no fundamental right to gamble.
5. Kambala protest in Mysuru. Environmental groups and farmers’ organisations protested in Mysuru against a state government proposal to include Kambala in Mysuru Dasara 2026, citing water scarcity and environmental concerns.
National Politics & Governance
6. Monsoon Session sees repeated disruptions. Parliament’s Monsoon Session 2026 was marked by adjournments and opposition uproar, including protests linked to the “Chalo Sansad” march and a police crackdown on demonstrators.
7. Reservation and delimitation bills face a tough count. The NDA government faces a two-thirds majority hurdle in pushing through the Women’s Reservation and Delimitation Bills during the current session.
8. New Education Minister appointed. Pralhad Joshi was appointed India’s Education Minister after President Droupadi Murmu accepted Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation.
9. Census 2027 groundwork begins. The Self-Enumeration facility for the Houselisting and Housing phase of Census 2027 commenced in Tamil Nadu and Tripura.
10. Cabinet clears Semicon 2.0. The Union Cabinet approved “Semicon 2.0,” a policy aimed at strengthening India’s semiconductor design and manufacturing ecosystem.
Infrastructure & Economy
11. India’s first hydrogen train flagged off. PM Modi flagged off India’s first hydrogen-powered train, running between Jind and Sonipat in Haryana, alongside development projects worth around ₹14,700 crore in the region.
12. 75 stations get a makeover. PM Modi virtually inaugurated 75 redeveloped Amrit Bharat railway stations across the country, including sites in Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh.
13. Navy inducts new warship. INS Malvan, the second Mahe-class anti-submarine warfare vessel built by Cochin Shipyard, was delivered to the Indian Navy.
Sports
14. RCB lift second IPL title. Royal Challengers Bengaluru won their second Indian Premier League title in 2026, defeating Gujarat Titans in the final.
15. Team India’s England tour. The Indian cricket team toured England through July, playing a series of ODIs and T20Is as part of the 2026 home international season.
World
16. US Supreme Court upholds birthright citizenship. In a 6-3 ruling, the US Supreme Court struck down a 2025 executive order and upheld birthright citizenship under the 14th Amendment — a decision being closely watched by Indian families on H-1B visas.