India Prime National Desk /Saturday July 18, 2026/ time 7.55 AM IST . Top national and important updates include: Skyroot Aerospace has successfully launched Vikram-1, marking it as India’s first privately developed orbital rocket in a historic breakthrough for the nation’s space sector
- Sonam Wangchuk Hospitalized: On the 21st day of his indefinite hunger strike at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, climate activist Sonam Wangchuk was shifted to the hospital due to deteriorating health [0.29]. He has received mounting support from several opposition parties
- Infrastructure & Logistics: Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off India’s first hydrogen-powered train in Haryana [0.23] and unveiled the first operational stretch of the ₹4,700-crore Delhi–Amritsar–Katra Expressway [0.18]. Additionally, 75 redeveloped Amrit Bharat railway stations were officially inaugurated.
- Diplomatic Responses: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) rejected allegations made by a former Japanese minister claiming recklessness and delays regarding India’s bullet train project [0.20]. New Delhi also responded cautiously to a proposed U.S. Senate bill seeking a 100% tariff on nations purchasing Russian crude oil [0.10].
- Judicial Directive: The Supreme Court of India sharply criticized the Indian Railways for referring to individuals as “second-class” passengers, stating that such terminology is offensive to the spirit of the Constitution and evokes deep-rooted historical class divisions.
- Monsoon & Severe Weather: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued orange alerts for multiple states as torrential monsoon rains continued to lash parts of Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and the Northeast [0.12]. Extreme rainfall has submerged roads and forced suspension of traffic on key routes, such as the Teesta River highway.
- Cricket Updates: Amid strong social media rumors suggesting that the Lord’s match would be Rohit Sharma’s last ODI, the BCCI Secretary officially cleared the air, clarifying that he will continue to represent India
India Prime National Desk /Today’s National Top Trending Headlines
Updated
- Sonam Wangchuk’s Health Deteriorates on Day 19 of Hunger Strike: The Delhi High Court has directed the Centre and Delhi government to implement daily medical monitoring for climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, whose health has significantly weakened after losing over 9 kg during an indefinite fast. The High Court emphasized that “life is precious” and urged authorities to do whatever it takes to ensure his safety [0.30].
- Supreme Court Weighs in on CBSE Three-Language Policy: Justice Nagarathna of the Supreme Court stated that a third language should stop in Class 9 rather than start in Class 9, cautioning the Centre and CBSE against introducing new language requirements so late in secondary education [0.20]. [1]
- India Warns Shipping Firms and Protects Sailors Amid Hormuz Conflict: Following intensifying U.S. airstrikes against Iranian capabilities, the Indian government has advised local shipping firms not to deploy Indian sailors on vessels transiting through the high-risk Strait of Hormuz [0.20]. Simultaneously, the PMO has ordered ministries to systematically map out high-reliance imports to cut exposure to foreign economic shocks [0.30]. [1]
- Cabinet Clears Mega ₹1.9 Lakh-Crore High-Tech Infrastructure Push: The Union Cabinet has approved massive expansions under Mobile PLI 2.0 and Semicon 2.0 aimed at securing domestic semiconductor chip sovereignty and expanding local electronics manufacturing. Furthermore, a ₹25,000 crore development corridor for Varanasi’s Ganga and Varuna rivers was cleared. [1, 2, 3]
- India-UK Free Trade Agreement Kicks Off: The landmark India-UK Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement (CETA) has formally entered into effect, promising significant tariff reductions, services sector boosts, and immediate market benefits for Indian MSMEs and farmers. [1, 2, 3]
- CBI Uncovers Massive Extent of NEET-UG Paper Leak: In the ongoing investigation into the NEET exam fraud, the CBI revealed that a coaching center owner paid ₹5 lakh to procure leaked master question sets in Latur, matching 111 questions from the actual exam. Meanwhile, the Rouse Avenue Court has reserved its order on the bail pleas of the accused until July 22. [1, 2]
- India’s First Hydrogen Train Set to Debut: Marking a milestone in green rail mobility, Indian Railways announced the upcoming deployment of the nation’s first-ever hydrogen-powered train as it celebrates 173 years of operations. [1, 2]
- Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA): Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed great enthusiasm over the implementation of the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). This landmark pact will guarantee nearly 99% zero-duty market access for Indian exports, significantly boosting international trade.
- India Semiconductor Mission Phase 2: In a major push for domestic tech manufacturing, the Union Cabinet has officially approved the second phase of the ‘India Semiconductor Mission.’ This phase will see a massive investment of ₹1.27 lakh crore into the chip manufacturing ecosystem.
- Farmers’ Protest: Under the banner of the ‘Desh Bachao Morcha’, farmers in Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh are organizing widespread demonstrations and motorcycle rallies to protest against the proposed India-US trade deal.
- Madhya Pradesh Political Shift: Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has stripped State Minister Lakhan Patel of his charge of the Animal Husbandry and Dairy Development Department. This sudden administrative shuffle has triggered intense discussions across political circles.
