NEWS 02-07-2026. News For 3rd-Jul (Friday) National 1.The IMD officially closed its June data confirming a massive 40% nationwide rainfall deficit. This officially makes June 2026 the third-driest June recorded in India over the past 100 years. The main causes cited by meteorologists are strengthening El Niño conditions and weak atmospheric low-pressure systems. 2. The Delhi Electric Vehicle Policy 2026 legally entered into force across the National Capital Territory on July 1, formalizing immediate road tax waivers for electric vehicles and implementing a progressive framework toward a 2028 registration cutoff for petrol two-wheelers. International 1. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi officially landed in New Delhi on July 1 to begin the 3-day bilateral summit (16th Indo Japan annual summit) alongside Prime Minister Narendra Modi, directly executing structured diplomatic talks on Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) frameworks. Defence 1. On July 1, Lt. Gen. Sandeep Jain (commissioned into the Mahar Regiment in 1988 with extensive high-altitude and UN mission operational history) officially assumed charge as the new Vice Chief of the Army Staff (VCOAS). 2. The Indian Navy successfully deployed its frontline naval assets to the Pacific Ocean as the world's largest international maritime warfare exercise, RIMPAC 2026, officially kicked off on schedule with over 30 participating nations. 3. General Dhiraj Seth officially assumed charge as the 31st Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) on June 30, succeeding General Upendra Dwivedi. Also, Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit took charge as the 51st Vice Chief of the Air Staff (VCAS) on 1st Jul 26. Sports 1. Long-jumper Murali Sreeshankar marked a successful competitive return by clinching Gold at the National Inter-State Championships in Bhubaneswar with an 8.38 m leap, officially logging the best jump by an Asian athlete this season. 2. Javelin thrower Rohit Yadav recorded a sensational lifetime personal best of 87.05 m on June 28, 2026, at the Inter-State Senior Athletics Championships in Bhubaneswar. It is a meet record and India's top throw of the 2026 season. < < Back