1. KARGIL VIJAY DIWAS CELEBRATED ON 26TH ANNIVERSARY
Subject: National/Defence
- Nationwide Commemoration: India marks the 26th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas on July 26, 2025, honoring the victory in the 1999 Kargil War against Pakistan.
- Tributes to Martyrs: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh pay homage to fallen soldiers at the Kargil War Memorial in Dras, Ladakh.
- Operation Vijay: The Indian Army’s Operation Vijay successfully recaptured strategic heights in Kargil, showcasing bravery under extreme conditions.
- Defence Reforms Highlighted: The government emphasizes ongoing military modernization, including indigenous projects like the Prachand Light Combat Helicopter.
- Public Engagement: Nationwide events, including school programs and veteran felicitations, promote awareness of soldiers’ sacrifices.
- Concepts: National Security: Kargil War underscored the need for robust border defence and intelligence coordination.
- Agnipath Scheme: Discussions on the scheme’s role in building a future-ready, youthful armed force gain traction during the event.
2. TAMIL NADU OPPOSES MEKEDATU PROJECT IN CAUVERY DISPUTE
Subject: Polity/National Issues
- State’s Stance: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin reiterates opposition to Karnataka’s Mekedatu dam project during a state assembly session.
- Inter-State Water Dispute: The project, proposed at the Cauvery-Arkavathi confluence, is seen as a threat to Tamil Nadu’s water share.
- Legal Framework: Tamil Nadu cites the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal (CWDT) award and Supreme Court rulings to protect its irrigation needs.
- Farmer Protests: Farmers’ associations in the Cauvery delta region stage demonstrations, urging central intervention.
- Centre’s Role: The Union Jal Shakti Ministry is urged to mediate, with Tamil Nadu seeking inclusion in the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) discussions.
- Concepts: Federalism: Balancing state rights in inter-state river disputes under Article 262.
- Environmental Concerns: The dam’s potential ecological impact on the Cauvery basin fuels Tamil Nadu’s resistance.
3. INDIA-MALDIVES SIGN LINE OF CREDIT AGREEMENT
Subject: International/Economy
- Bilateral Boost: India extends a ₹4,850 crore Line of Credit to the Maldives to support infrastructure projects, signed on July 26, 2025.
- Strategic Partnership: The agreement strengthens India’s influence in the Indian Ocean Region amid China’s growing presence.
- Key Projects: Funds will support road connectivity, renewable energy, and tourism infrastructure in the Maldives.
- Economic Diplomacy: The deal aligns with India’s Neighbourhood First Policy and SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision.
- Defence Cooperation: Alongside economic aid, India and Maldives discuss maritime security collaboration to counter piracy.
- Concepts: Soft Power: India leverages economic assistance to foster regional goodwill.
- Geopolitical Context: The agreement counters Maldives’ earlier pivot towards China under a previous administration.
4. TAMIL NADU’S TEXTILE HUB GETS CENTRAL APPROVAL
Subject: Economy
- PM MITRA Park: The Union Government approves a ₹1,894 crore plan for the PM MITRA Textile Park in Virudhunagar, Tamil Nadu, announced on July 26, 2025.
- Job Creation: The park is expected to generate 2 lakh direct and indirect jobs, boosting the state’s textile sector.
- Global Competitiveness: The project aims to position Tamil Nadu as a global textile hub with advanced manufacturing facilities.
- State Support: Tamil Nadu’s Space Industrial Policy complements the textile initiative, attracting ₹10,000 crore in investments.
- Sustainability Focus: The park will incorporate eco-friendly technologies, aligning with India’s green manufacturing goals.
- Concepts: Cooperative Federalism: Central-state collaboration drives industrial growth.
- Economic Multiplier Effect: The park is set to enhance ancillary industries like logistics and dyeing.
5. INDIA TEST-FIRES UAV-LAUNCHED PRECISION GUIDED MISSILE
Subject: Defence
- Milestone Achievement: India successfully test-fires the UAV-Launched Precision Guided Missile (ULPGM)-V3 at Kurnool’s National Open Area Range on July 26, 2025.
- DRDO Innovation: Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the missile enhances unmanned aerial combat capabilities.
- Strategic Advantage: The ULPGM-V3 enables precise strikes on enemy targets, reducing reliance on manned missions.
- Aatmanirbhar Bharat: The test underscores India’s push for indigenous defence technology under the Make in India initiative.
- Global Standing: The missile positions India alongside nations like the US and China in advanced UAV weaponry.
- Concepts: Defence Modernization: Integration of AI and precision tech in military systems.
- No First Use Policy: The missile aligns with India’s non-nuclear, conventional deterrence strategy.
