1 India develops first indigenously developed expendable turbo jet engine in 350 kgf thrust class
The first indigenously developed 350 kg thrust class ” expendable turbo jet engine ,” designed by DRDO ‘s Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) , has been successfully developed. GTRE selected Azad Engineering of Hyderabad as its industry partner for the manufacture and assembly of this engine . On July 22, 2026, Azad Engineering successfully assembled and delivered this engine to GTRE; this represents a major milestone for India’s aerospace and defense ecosystem . This delivery is the culmination of years of precision engineering, advanced manufacturing, and close collaboration between India’s scientific and industrial communities. Jet engine technology, which very few countries have mastered, is considered one of the most advanced engineering fields in the world. It requires exceptional precision, advanced metallurgy, and stringent manufacturing standards. The delivery of such a complex system based on a DRDO design demonstrates the growing technological capabilities of the Indian defense industry. Mr. Rakesh Chopdar, CEO, Azad Engineering handed over the engine to Dr. K. Rajalakshmi Menon, Distinguished Scientist and Director General (Aeronautical Systems) and Dr. S.V. Ramanamurthy, Distinguished Scientist and Director, GTRE.
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) conducted the first successful flight test of the long-range surface-to-air missile ” Kusha ” on July 23, 2026, from the APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the Odisha coast . During the test, the missile system successfully intercepted an electronic target simulating a high-speed and high-altitude aerial threat, demonstrating its capability. According to the DRDO, the “Kusha” missile system is capable of neutralizing a variety of aerial threats, including fighter aircraft, missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and large enemy aircraft, at long ranges and varying altitudes. All major components of the system, including the missile, radar, and command and control center, have been jointly developed by various DRDO laboratories and industry partners.
3 Anurag Jain will be the new CEO of NITI Aayog.
4 India and Panama agree on maritime security cooperation
On July 22 , India and Panama agreed to enhance cooperation in maritime security . The Panama Canal in Panama is a major hub for global maritime trade and is considered the gateway to Latin America and the Caribbean . Following this agreement, India’s Directorate General of Shipping and the Panama Maritime Authority will work together. Following this agreement, the two countries will work together to strengthen partnerships in port development, logistics, shipping, and maritime transport . This partnership primarily focuses on logistics, digital innovation, and global connectivity. Cooperation will be enhanced in maritime education and skills, and seafarer training. The Panama Canal is a vital waterway for global trade, and this partnership will benefit Indian exporters. As part of digital maritime transformation, collaboration will be conducted on technologies such as AI, smart port logistics, and maritime single window technologies. This agreement also proposes increased cooperation on green ship recycling, modern warehousing, and maritime infrastructure development.
On July 23rd , DRDO and Adani Defence and Aerospace signed a major MoU for the next-generation Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C-MKII) program . The MoU aims to strengthen the Indian Air Force’s air surveillance, early warning, and command control capabilities. DRDO will lead the technical design, research, and development of the program, while Adani Defence and Aerospace will handle the production and integration of the AEW&C-MKII. The AEW&C Mk-II platform will be equipped with a modern AESA radar, long-range surveillance capabilities, and a network-centric warfare system. DRDO has also signed a deal with AI Engineering Services Limited (AIESL) to convert six Airbus A321 aircraft to a ‘green configuration’ for military use . These aircraft will be converted to the Netra Mk II Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) system. The program will also provide logistics, maintenance, repair, overhaul (MRO), and technical support for approximately 30 years. Its objective is to detect enemy aircraft, missiles, and drones at long range and to assist in command and control during air strikes. So far, only five countries, including the United States, France, Israel, China, and Sweden, have developed indigenous AEW&C capabilities. With the AEW&C-MKII program, India will also join the ranks.
Gandhi Medical College in Bhopal , the capital of Madhya Pradesh, has developed a new artificial intelligence (AI)-based technology for the early detection of oral cancer. The design of this technology has been patented by the Government of India. The college’s Department of Dental Surgery has also developed an AI-based mobile app called ” Mukh Arogya .” This app will help in early oral cancer screening. It can be used by ASHA workers, community health officers, and health workers at primary health centers. People living in rural and remote areas are expected to benefit especially. Patients can be immediately referred to specialist doctors upon detection of early symptoms. This will help initiate timely treatment and is likely to reduce serious cases.
7 Union Minister of AYUSH Shri Prataprao Jadhav inaugurated ‘Prakriti Cafe’ at AYUSH Bhawan
Union Minister of State for AYUSH (Independent Charge) and Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Shri Prataprao Jadhav inaugurated the ‘ Prakriti Café ‘ at AYUSH Bhawan . This is the first-of-its-kind workplace initiative of the Ministry of AYUSH, aimed at promoting healthy dietary habits inspired by the ‘ AYUSH Aahar ‘ (Ayush Diet). The Café offers a wide range of fresh and nutritious food options inspired by the ‘AYUSH Aahar’ (Ayush Diet) initiative. The initiative aims to promote healthy eating habits based on India’s traditional knowledge systems and also to create greater awareness about the importance of food and nutrition for a healthy and balanced lifestyle.
8 Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya participated in the Glasgow Commonwealth Games.
On July 23 , Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, participated in the Commonwealth Sports Ministers’ Meeting in Glasgow . Sports Ministers from all participating Commonwealth countries attended the meeting. At the meeting, Dr. Mandaviya held talks with Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Ayorkor-Botchway , highlighting major sports reforms in India, such as the Khelo India Policy and the Asmita League . The meeting also discussed hosting the Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad in 2030. India also expressed its desire to chair the Commonwealth Advisory Body on Sport (CABOS) for the 2026–2030 term. Mandaviya will participate in various ceremonies during the Glasgow Commonwealth Games 2026. After successfully landing in the Pacific Ocean, Mandaviya will participate in various ceremonies during the 2026 Commonwealth Games.