🇮🇳 National News
India achieved a major milestone by testing its first hydrogen-fueled train coach at the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai.
This places India among select nations exploring hydrogen-based railway systems.
Key details:
- Part of ‘Hydrogen for Heritage’ programme
- Plans to introduce 35 hydrogen-powered trains
- Each train costs ₹80 crore + ₹70 crore for infrastructure
- Pilot initiative on Jind–Sonipat route
- 1,200 horsepower hydrogen train
Exemplifies India’s commitment to green mobility and its vision for carbon neutrality.
As part of the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ initiative, PM Modi gifted King Charles III a sapling of the Sonoma dove tree at Sandringham Estate.
The tree, celebrated for its early bloom, will be planted in the upcoming autumn season.
Discussions also covered:
- Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA)
- Yoga and Ayurveda
- Building stronger ties through sports and cultural exchanges
The gesture advocates environmental stewardship, motherly reverence, and enhances green diplomacy between India and the UK.
The Madhya Pradesh government launched a monthly stipend program for unemployed individuals engaged in internships with recognized industries.
| Category | Monthly Stipend |
|---|---|
| Women | ₹6,000 |
| Men | ₹5,000 |
Builds upon the existing Ladli Behna Yojana and focuses on industrial hubs like Acharpura.
An estimated 1,600 jobs expected initially, focusing on inclusivity, gender empowerment, and local employment generation.
Dr. V. Narayanan, Chairman of ISRO, received the prestigious GP Birla Memorial Award 2025 for his groundbreaking contributions to India’s space missions, especially in cryogenics.
The award, formerly titled the Lifetime Achievement Award, has been given to stalwarts like:
- Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam
- Nobel laureate Dr. Venkatraman Ramakrishnan
It stands as a globally respected honor in scientific achievement.
Hindi author Geetanjali Shree was recognized with the PEN Translates Award for her work Once Elephants Lived Here, translated into English by Daisy Rockwell.
The award, presented by English PEN, celebrates excellence in literary translation.
This year included works from 13 languages across 11 regions. The accolade highlights India’s cultural richness and strengthens the global presence of Hindi literature.
The joint exercise was held in Jodhpur and emphasized urban combat, counter-terrorism, and interoperability between forces.
Key features:
- State-of-the-art arms
- Live simulation
- Modern communication tools
This collaboration aligns with India’s Act East Policy and reflects robust regional defense cooperation.
English cricketer Joe Root surpassed legends like Rahul Dravid, Jacques Kallis, and Ricky Ponting to become the second-highest run-scorer in Test cricket.
Key statistics:
- 38 Test centuries (equal to Kumar Sangakkara)
- 104 fifties – trailing only Sachin Tendulkar
- First to score over 1,000 Test runs at Old Trafford
His consistency over the past five years underscores his legendary stature in modern-day cricket.
At the IBSF World 6-Red Snooker Championship 2025 in Manama, Bahrain, teenager Riley Powell of Wales triumphed over Indian veteran Pankaj Advani with a 5–4 win.
The final coincided with Advani’s 40th birthday, where he narrowly missed clinching his 29th world title.
Powell’s win highlights the emerging global talent in the sport.
🌐 International News
During PM Modi’s July 2025 visit to Maldives, India extended a financial credit of ₹4,850 crore, reinforcing its “Neighbourhood First” and MAHASAGAR strategies.
Key developments:
- Negotiations initiated for Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT)
- Easing of past credit terms – 40% reduction in Maldives’ debt repayment obligation
The move strengthens India’s role as a regional development ally amid strategic challenges from China.
PM Narendra Modi and President Mohamed Muizzu unveiled special commemorative stamps to celebrate six decades of India-Maldives friendship.
The stamps feature the Indian “Uru” and Maldivian “Vadhu Dhoni” boats – symbols of the nations’ intertwined maritime cultures and historical Indian Ocean trade routes.
India was one of the earliest countries to acknowledge Maldives’ independence in 1965. The stamp release honors mutual heritage and promotes stronger regional and people-to-people relations.
👔 Appointments
Prof Uma Kanjilal has made history by becoming the first woman to lead IGNOU since its foundation in 1985.
Key credentials:
- 36+ years in Open and Distance Learning (ODL)
- Played crucial role in SWAYAM and SWAYAM PRABHA national digital education platforms
- Global experience includes Fulbright Fellowship and work with UNRWA
Her appointment is a landmark moment in higher education innovation and inclusivity.
📅 Important Days
Kargil Vijay Diwas 2025 is observed on July 26 every year in memory of soldiers who sacrificed their lives in the Kargil War. In 2025, it marks 26 years since the Kargil War of 1999.
Historical background:
- Armed conflict between India and Pakistan in Kargil district of Jammu & Kashmir
- Around 5,000 Pakistani troops and militants infiltrated Indian territory
- Goal was to claim Siachen Glacier and draw international attention to Kashmir dispute
- Conflict took place along the Line of Control (LOC)
Celebrates the victory of the Indian Armed Forces over Pakistan during the war, which took place between May and July 1999.
World Mangrove Day, declared by UNESCO in 2015, is observed on July 26 to celebrate mangrove ecosystems found in tropical coastal regions.
Mangrove significance:
- Known for salt-tolerant roots and rich biodiversity
- Help mitigate climate change
- Protect shorelines from natural disasters
The Sundarbans remains the largest mangrove forest globally. The observance promotes conservation through plantation drives, awareness campaigns, and eco-friendly coastal livelihoods.
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