Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off India's first hydrogen train on the Jind–Sonipat route in Haryana.
The initiative marks a major step towards cleaner rail transport and supports India's transition to low-carbon mobility through the use of hydrogen-based propulsion technology.

Key Highlights:
Route: India's first hydrogen train was flagged off on the Jind–Sonipat route in Haryana.
Clean Energy: Hydrogen trains use hydrogen fuel cells to generate electricity for propulsion and can reduce dependence on diesel-powered rail services.
Environmental Benefit: The technology can lower carbon emissions and local air pollution, as hydrogen fuel-cell systems primarily emit water vapour.
Railway Modernisation: The initiative is part of Indian Railways' efforts to adopt green technologies, improve energy efficiency and modernise rail transport.
Significance: The project supports India's clean-energy transition and demonstrates the potential of hydrogen as a fuel for future mobility.

About Indian Railways :-
Headquarters:, New Delhi
Parent Ministry:, Ministry of Railways
Railway Minister:, Ashwini Vaishnaw
Founded:, 1853

Sabarimala Temple in Kerala reopened for devotees for its scheduled pilgrimage period and rituals.
The temple is one of the most important pilgrimage centres in South India and is dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, drawing devotees from across the country during major religious observances, particularly the Mandala–Makaravilakku pilgrimage season.

Key Highlights:
Location: Sabarimala Temple is located in the Pathanamthitta district of Kerala.
Presiding Deity: The temple is dedicated to Lord Ayyappa.
Pilgrimage: Devotees undertake a disciplined pilgrimage involving vows, austerity and traditional practices before visiting the shrine.
Season: The temple receives a large number of pilgrims during the Mandala–Makaravilakku season.
Significance: Sabarimala is among India's most visited pilgrimage sites and has deep religious and cultural importance in Kerala and beyond.

About Kerala :-
Capital:, Thiruvananthapuram
Chief Minister:, Pinarayi Vijayan
Governor:, Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar
State Formation Day:, 1 November 1956

The Government launched the Mobile Phone Manufacturing Scheme to strengthen domestic production of mobile phones, electronic components and related supply chains in India.
The scheme aims to increase value addition, attract investment, generate employment, reduce import dependence and make India a major global hub for mobile-phone manufacturing.

Key Highlights:
Objective: The scheme seeks to expand domestic mobile-phone manufacturing and strengthen India's electronics-production ecosystem.
Value Addition: It encourages manufacturing of components, sub-assemblies and high-value parts within India instead of relying mainly on imports.
Investment: The initiative is expected to attract domestic and global manufacturers to establish or expand production facilities in India.
Employment: Mobile manufacturing can generate jobs in assembly, component production, logistics, repair, design, testing and associated services.
Exports: The scheme supports India's goal of increasing mobile-phone exports and integration with global electronics supply chains.
Significance: It aligns with Make in India, Atmanirbhar Bharat and the broader objective of making India an electronics-manufacturing hub.

About Make in India :-
Launched:, 2014
Objective:, Promote manufacturing and investment in India
Administrative Department:, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade
Focus:, Manufacturing, innovation and investment

India Mining Week 2026 was organised to bring together policymakers, mining companies, technology providers, researchers, investors and other stakeholders to discuss the future of India's mining sector.
The event focused on sustainable mining, critical minerals, technological innovation, mineral exploration, safety, responsible resource use and the role of mining in India's economic development.

Key Highlights:
Focus: India Mining Week 2026 focused on the development of a sustainable, efficient and technology-driven mining sector.
Critical Minerals: The event highlighted the importance of critical minerals for clean energy, electric vehicles, renewable technologies, electronics and strategic industries.
Technology: Discussions covered digital mining, automation, artificial intelligence, remote sensing, geospatial technology and improved safety systems.
Sustainability: The programme emphasised responsible mining, environmental protection, mine reclamation and community development around mining regions.
Economic Role: Mining supplies essential raw materials for infrastructure, manufacturing, energy security and industrial growth.
Significance: The event supports India's objective of securing mineral resources while ensuring sustainable development and technological advancement.

About Ministry of Mines :-
Headquarters:, New Delhi
Union Minister:, G. Kishan Reddy
Role:, Policy and development of mineral resources
Key Focus:, Mineral exploration and sustainable mining

CapaCITIES is a climate programme aimed at strengthening the capacity of cities to plan, finance and implement climate-resilient and low-carbon urban development initiatives.
The programme focuses on helping urban local bodies address climate risks through improved planning, data-based decision-making, institutional capacity, green infrastructure and sustainable service delivery.

Key Highlights:
Programme Focus: CapaCITIES supports cities in developing climate-resilient, inclusive and sustainable urban systems.
Capacity Building: It aims to enhance the technical, institutional and financial capacities of urban local bodies and city-level stakeholders.
Climate Action: The programme supports local climate planning, emissions reduction, adaptation measures and risk-informed infrastructure development.
Urban Challenges: Cities face increasing risks from heatwaves, flooding, water stress, air pollution, extreme rainfall and other climate-related events.
Significance: Strengthening local capacity is essential because cities play a major role in implementing climate action and protecting vulnerable communities.

About Climate-Resilient Cities :-
Meaning:, Cities capable of preparing for, responding to and recovering from climate-related shocks
Key Areas:, Water, housing, transport, energy, health and waste management
Approach:, Low-carbon and climate-adaptive planning
Goal:, Sustainable and inclusive urban development

Jagannath Rath Yatra was held in Puri, Odisha, one of India's most prominent religious and cultural festivals.
During the annual festival, the deities Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and ???? Subhadra are taken in grand chariots from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple, attracting devotees from across India and abroad.

Key Highlights:
Location: The famous Rath Yatra is organised in Puri, Odisha.
Deities: The procession features Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and ???? Subhadra.
Chariots: The deities travel in specially constructed wooden chariots pulled by devotees.
Route: The annual journey begins at the Jagannath Temple and proceeds to the Gundicha Temple.
Cultural Significance: Rath Yatra reflects the rich religious traditions, art, craftsmanship and cultural heritage of Odisha.
Significance: The festival is associated with devotion, inclusivity and the belief that the deities come out to bless all devotees.

About Jagannath Temple :-
Location:, Puri, Odisha
Deity:, Lord Jagannath
Built By:, King Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva
Architecture:, Kalinga architecture

World Day for International Justice was observed on 17 July 2026 to promote international criminal justice, accountability for grave crimes and support for victims of atrocities.
The day commemorates the adoption of the Rome Statute, the treaty that established the International Criminal Court as a permanent court for prosecuting the most serious international crimes.

Key Highlights:
Date: World Day for International Justice is observed annually on 17 July.
Rome Statute: The day marks the adoption of the Rome Statute on 17 July 1998.
International Criminal Court: The Rome Statute established the International Criminal Court to deal with genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and the crime of aggression.
Objective: The observance promotes accountability, rule of law, justice for victims and prevention of impunity for serious international crimes.
Significance: The day reminds the international community of the importance of justice in supporting peace, human rights and dignity.

About International Criminal Court :-
Established:, 2002
Headquarters:, The Hague, Netherlands
Governing Treaty:, Rome Statute
Jurisdiction:, Genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and aggression

Former ISRO Chairman S. Somanath joined Agnikul Cosmos, an Indian space-technology startup developing launch vehicles and space-access solutions.
His association is expected to support the company with strategic guidance, technical expertise and institutional experience in India's growing private-space sector.

Key Highlights:
New Association: Former ISRO Chairman S. Somanath joined Agnikul Cosmos.
Company Focus: Agnikul Cosmos develops launch-vehicle technologies and aims to provide flexible and affordable access to space.
Private Space Sector: India's space reforms have enabled private companies to participate in launch services, satellite development, data applications and space technology innovation.
Expertise: S. Somanath brings extensive experience in launch vehicles, space missions, propulsion systems and space-programme management.
Significance: His association highlights increasing collaboration between experienced public-sector space leaders and India's emerging private-space ecosystem.

About Agnikul Cosmos :-
Founded:, 2017
Headquarters:, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Sector:, Space technology
Known For:, Agnibaan launch vehicle

The Union Cabinet approved Semicon 2.0 with an outlay of Rs. 1.27 lakh crore to strengthen India's semiconductor ecosystem.
The programme aims to expand domestic semiconductor manufacturing, chip design, research, talent development, supply-chain resilience and the production of advanced electronic components in India.

Key Highlights:
Outlay: Semicon 2.0 was approved with a total outlay of Rs. 1.27 lakh crore.
Objective: The programme aims to build a strong and self-reliant semiconductor ecosystem in India.
Manufacturing Focus: It supports semiconductor fabrication, chip packaging, testing, design and related electronics manufacturing capabilities.
Innovation Support: The initiative will promote research, design innovation, skilled manpower and startup participation in the semiconductor sector.
Strategic Importance: Semiconductors are essential for electronics, telecommunications, automobiles, defence systems, artificial intelligence, medical devices and digital infrastructure.
Significance: The programme supports India's objective of reducing import dependence and becoming a global hub for semiconductor manufacturing and design.

About India Semiconductor Mission :-
Launched:, 2021
Administrative Ministry:, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology
Objective:, Building a semiconductor and display manufacturing ecosystem
Headquarters:, New Delhi

Bagai silk, Kuchai silk and Munda jewellery of Jharkhand received Geographical Indication (GI) tags, recognising their distinctive geographical origin, traditional knowledge, cultural association and unique production methods.
The recognition is expected to help preserve local craftsmanship, protect producers from unauthorised use of the product names and improve market access for artisans, weavers and tribal communities.

Key Highlights:
GI Products: Bagai silk, Kuchai silk and Munda jewellery are the Jharkhand products recognised with GI tags.
Silk Heritage: Bagai and Kuchai silk represent traditional silk-based weaving and textile heritage associated with local communities.
Munda Jewellery: Munda jewellery reflects the craftsmanship, cultural identity and traditional ornamental practices of the Munda tribal community.
GI Protection: A GI tag protects products whose quality, reputation or characteristics are linked to a particular geographical origin.
Economic Benefit: GI recognition can strengthen branding, raise product value and support livelihoods of local artisans, weavers and producers.
Significance: The GI tags promote Jharkhand's indigenous cultural heritage and encourage preservation of traditional skills and rural enterprises.

About Geographical Indication Registry :-
Location:, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Legal Framework:, Geographical Indications of Goods Act, 1999
Purpose:, Protection of geographically linked products
Administered By:, Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks

Ukraine's parliament, the Verkhovna Rada, appointed Serhii Koretskyi as the country's new Prime Minister during a major government reshuffle.
Koretskyi, an energy-sector executive who previously led Ukraine's state-owned energy company Naftogaz, was approved to lead the government as the country continued to face the challenges of war, reconstruction, energy security and economic stability.

Key Highlights:
Appointment: Ukraine's parliament appointed Serhii Koretskyi as the new Prime Minister.
Parliament: The Verkhovna Rada is the unicameral parliament of Ukraine and approves the appointment of the Prime Minister.
Professional Background: Koretskyi is an energy-sector executive and previously headed Naftogaz, Ukraine's state-owned national oil and gas company.
Government Context: The appointment was part of a broader government reshuffle amid continuing national-security, economic and reconstruction challenges.
Policy Priorities: The new government faces key priorities related to defence, energy resilience, public finances, international support and post-war reconstruction planning.
Significance: The appointment brings an energy-sector professional into Ukraine's top executive office at a time when energy security is central to national resilience.

About Ukraine :-
Capital:, Kyiv
Currency:, Ukrainian hryvnia
President:, Volodymyr Zelenskyy
Parliament:, Verkhovna Rada