Daily Current Affairs 26th July 2025, Important News Headlines (Daily GK Update)

National News

India’s First Hydrogen-Powered Train Coach Successfully Tested

• India has successfully tested its first hydrogen-powered train coach at ICF Chennai, marking its entry into the group of nations using hydrogen rail technology.
• Under the Hydrogen for Heritage initiative, Indian Railways plans to run 35 hydrogen trains, each costing ₹80 crore, with ₹70 crore for supporting infrastructure.
• A pilot project on the Jind–Sonipat section is also underway.
• The 1,200 HP hydrogen train in development reinforces India’s vision of net-zero emissions and green transport innovation.

India & Maldives Celebrate 60 Years of Friendship With Stunning Stamp Release!

• The 60th anniversary of India-Maldives diplomatic ties was marked by the release of commemorative stamps by PM Modi and President Muizzu.
• The stamps showcased the Indian Uru boat and Maldivian Vadhu Dhoni, representing the shared maritime culture, historical Indian Ocean trade, and the deep bilateral relationship established since 1965. India was one of the first nations to recognize Maldives’ independence.
• These stamps symbolize the mutual heritage, regional cooperation, and strengthening of people-to-people ties.

PM Modi’s ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ Gift to King Charles III – Strengthening Green Diplomacy

• PM Modi gifted a Sonoma dove tree sapling to King Charles III at Sandringham Estate under the initiative ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’, promoting environmental awareness and India-UK green diplomacy.
• The tree, known for its early and beautiful flowering, will be planted in autumn.
• This initiative aims to encourage tree plantation, honour mothers, and strengthen bilateral ties on shared ecological values.
• Other key topics discussed included CETA, Yoga, Ayurveda, and people-to-people connections through sports.

State News

Madhya Pradesh Unveils Monthly Assistance for Unemployed Youth: A Step Towards Inclusive Welfare

• The Madhya Pradesh government has introduced a new monthly stipend scheme offering ₹6,000 to unemployed women and ₹5,000 to men, tied to internships in registered industries.
• It builds upon the Ladli Behna Yojana, aims to enhance skill development, and supports local job creation via industrial expansion in areas like Acharpura. Over 1,600 jobs are expected initially.
• This initiative blends social welfare with industrial growth, with a focus on gender inclusion, economic self-reliance, and youth empowerment.

International News

India Extends ₹4,850 Crore Line of Credit to Maldives – Strengthening Bilateral Ties

• India extended a ₹4,850 crore Line of Credit to the Maldives during PM Modi’s state visit in July 2025, reinforcing the Neighbourhood First and MAHASAGAR vision.
• Talks for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) were launched.
• A key development was the restructuring of earlier credit terms, reducing the Maldives’ debt repayment burden by 40%.
• This outreach reflects India’s role as a development partner, aiding infrastructure and regional security in the face of geopolitical competition with China.

Awards News

ISRO Chief Dr. V Narayanan Honoured with GP Birla Memorial Award

• Dr. V. Narayanan, ISRO Chairman, was awarded the GP Birla Memorial Award 2025 for his pivotal role in advancing India’s space programme, especially in cryogenic propulsion and strategic missions.
• The award, previously called the Lifetime Achievement Award, has been conferred on Nobel Laureates and iconic scientists like Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam and Dr. Venkataraman Ramakrishnan, showcasing its prestige and global relevance.

Geetanjali Shree Wins PEN Translates Award for ‘Once Elephants Lived Here

• Geetanjali Shree, the celebrated Hindi author, has won the PEN Translates Award 2025 for her book Once Elephants Lived Here, translated into English by Daisy Rockwell.
• The award, conferred by English PEN, recognizes outstanding literary translations and highlights voices from 13 languages across 11 regions.
• This recognition boosts Hindi literature, promotes linguistic diversity, and strengthens India’s global cultural presence.

Appointments News

Prof Uma Kanjilal Appointed as First Woman Vice-Chancellor of IGNOU

• Prof Uma Kanjilal, a veteran in Open and Distance Learning (ODL), has become the first woman Vice-Chancellor of IGNOU since its inception in 1985.
• With 36+ years of experience, she is known for her digital education initiatives, notably as National Coordinator of SWAYAM and SWAYAM PRABHA.
• Her international experience, including a Fulbright Fellowship and work with UNRWA, adds to her global academic perspective.
• Her appointment is a historic milestone for IGNOU and a significant step toward inclusive, technology-driven education in India.

Defense News

India–Singapore Joint Military Exercise ‘Bold Kurukshetra 2025’

• India and Singapore launched the joint military exercise ‘Bold Kurukshetra 2025’ in Jodhpur, focusing on urban warfare, counter-terrorism, and interoperability.
• The drill uses modern weaponry, real-time simulations, and advanced communication systems, reinforcing defence cooperation under India’s Act East Policy.
• This exercise showcases growing regional strategic synergy and highlights the importance of coordinated action in complex battlefield scenarios.

Sports News

From Yorkshire to Glory: Joe Root Now Test Cricket’s No. 2 Run Scorer!

• Joe Root has become the second-highest run-getter in Test cricket, surpassing Dravid, Kallis, and Ponting in a single innings at Old Trafford.
• With 38 centuries (equal to Sangakkara) and 104 fifties, he is second only to Tendulkar in both major milestones.
• Root also became the first batter to score 1,000+ Test runs at Old Trafford, solidifying his status as a modern legend of the game.
• His form has been particularly dominant in the last five years, marked by consistency and big hundreds.

Riley Powell Defeats Pankaj Advani at IBSF World 6-Red Snooker Championship 2025

• Riley Powell, a 16-year-old Welsh cueist, defeated Pankaj Advani in the final of the IBSF World 6-Red Snooker Championship 2025 held in Manama, Bahrain, with a 5-4 victory.
• Advani, on his 40th birthday, was denied his 29th world title.
• The win is a major milestone for Powell and reflects the rise of young global talent in snooker.

Tanvi & Vennala Smash Records – India’s Golden Badminton Moment!

• India made history at the Badminton Asia Junior Championships 2025 as Tanvi Sharma and Vennala Kalagotla became the first Indian women’s singles duo to win medals at the same edition.
• Tanvi, the junior World No. 1, showcased dominance with straight-game victories, while Vennala, ranked World No. 103, showed resilience in tight matches.
• This unprecedented feat highlights India’s rising stature in junior women’s badminton and marks a significant milestone in the nation’s sporting achievements.

India’s First Gold at FISU World University Games 2025 in Archery

• India won its first gold medal at the FISU World University Games 2025 as Parneet Kaur and Kushal Dalal triumphed in the compound mixed team archery event.
• India also secured a silver in compound men’s team and a bronze in compound women’s team.
• This performance boosts India’s prospects ahead of the LA 2028 Olympics, where compound archery will debut.
• The event underscores the rising standards in university-level sports, especially for women athletes and non-mainstream sports.

Important Days News

World Mangrove Day: Preserving Nature’s Coastal Guardians

• World Mangrove Day is celebrated every year on July 26, established by UNESCO in 2015. Mangrove forests, found in tropical coastal areas, are known for their salt-tolerant roots, biodiversity, and carbon sequestration abilities.
• They act as natural barriers against tsunamis and storms. Major threats include shrimp farming, logging, and urban development.
• Observing the day includes plantation drives, awareness programs, and supporting sustainable livelihoods.
• The Sundarbans is the world’s largest mangrove forest, and mangroves play a vital role in climate regulation and marine conservation.

Current Affairs Today | 26 July Current Affairs 2025 | Daily Current Affairs By Ashish Gautam