01International Relations·2 min read
President Murmu's Romania Visit: India-Romania Business Forum 2026 Explained
President Droupadi Murmu became the first Indian head of state to visit Romania in three decades, addressing the India-Romania Business Forum in Bucharest on July 24, 2026. She flagged the India-EU Free Trade Agreement as a springboard for deeper trade and investment ties. Relevant for UPSC, UPPSC, and state PSC aspirants in GS Paper 2 under India and its Neighbourhood/Bilateral Relations.
- President Droupadi Murmu is the first Indian head of state to visit Romania in over three decades, concluding a three-nation State Visit on July 25, 2026.
- She addressed the India-Romania Business Forum in Bucharest on July 24, 2026, calling Romania a 'natural and valuable partner'.
- The visit leveraged the newly concluded India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) as a springboard for deeper trade and investment.
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02Polity & Governance·2 min read
Supreme Court Hears Government Response on Marriage Equality Review Petitions
A Supreme Court Bench led by the Chief Justice of India heard the Union government's response to review petitions against the 2023 judgment declining marriage equality for same-sex couples, on July 24, 2026. The government cited a high-level committee examining administrative protections for queer couples without amending personal laws. Relevant for UPSC, UPPSC, and state PSC aspirants in GS Paper 2 under Polity and Fundamental Rights.
- Supreme Court Bench led by the CJI heard the government's response on marriage equality review petitions on July 24, 2026.
- Government cited a high-level committee examining administrative recognition for same-sex couples without amending personal laws.
- Court directed the committee's report be placed at the next hearing and asked it to cover inheritance, medical decision-making, and pension rights.
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03Polity & Governance·2 min read
Dharmendra Pradhan Resigns as Union Education Minister Amid NEET-UG Paper Leak Protests
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned on July 25, 2026, submitting his resignation to PM Modi amid a month-long Jantar Mantar protest over NEET-UG paper leaks; the government accepted CJP's demands and Pralhad Joshi was named interim minister. Relevant for UPSC, UPPSC, and state PSC aspirants in GS Paper 2 under Council of Ministers and Governance.
- Dharmendra Pradhan resigned as Union Education Minister around 2:29 PM IST on July 25, 2026.
- Submitted his resignation to PM Modi, citing the need to keep students out of "confusion."
- Resignation followed a month-long Jantar Mantar protest led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP).
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04Science & Technology·2 min read
DRDO's Indigenous 350-kg Thrust Turbojet Engine: A Big Leap for India's Missiles
DRDO's Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) received India's first fully indigenous 350-kg thrust class Expendable Turbo Jet Engine, delivered by Hyderabad-based Azad Engineering on July 22, 2026. The engine, called the Advanced Turbo Gas Generator (ATGG), will power the NASM-MR anti-ship missile and future drones. Relevant for UPSC, UPPSC, and state PSC aspirants in GS Paper 3 under Science and Technology/Defence Indigenisation.
- DRDO's GTRE received India's first fully indigenous 350-kg thrust class Expendable Turbo Jet Engine, delivered July 22, 2026.
- Manufacturing/assembly partner: Azad Engineering, Hyderabad; engine designated the Advanced Turbo Gas Generator (ATGG).
- Single-spool design: four-stage axial-flow compressor, annular combustor, uncooled turbine, fixed exit-area nozzle.
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05Internal Security·2 min read
Positive Indigenisation Lists: Defence Self-Reliance Ahead of Kargil Vijay Diwas 2026
Ahead of the 27th Kargil Vijay Diwas on July 26, 2026, the Defence Ministry highlighted that five Positive Indigenisation Lists covering 5,012 DPSU items have been notified, with over 15,700 items indigenised in five years and nearly 88% of ammunition variants now domestically produced. Relevant for UPSC, UPPSC, and state PSC aspirants in GS Paper 3 under Defence and Security.
- 27th Kargil Vijay Diwas falls on July 26, 2026, commemorating India's 1999 victory in Operation Vijay.
- Five Positive Indigenisation Lists (PILs) covering 5,012 DPSU items have been notified as of May 2026.
- Over 15,700 items indigenised across the armed forces and DPSUs in the past five years.
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