Space & Industry: India’s first privately developed orbital rocket, Skyroot’s Vikram-1, reached orbit after a swift launch process, putting the country in a small club of nations with private orbital capability and spotlighting India’s fast-growing space ecosystem. Clean Transport: PM Modi inaugurated India’s first domestically built hydrogen-powered train, “NaMo Green Rail,” in Haryana, with pilot hydrogen storage and refuelling infrastructure aimed at greener rail. Rail Mega-Project: Work ramps up on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train as a second TBM begins excavating for India’s first undersea railway tunnel segment beneath Thane Creek. Digital Testing: India moves IELTS fully digital from September 2026, shifting Listening/Reading/Writing to computer-based tests while keeping in-person Speaking. Tech & Consumer: Apple Music and Apple One prices rise in India, with new monthly tiers announced. China-Philippines Tensions: Manila’s cabinet and foreign affairs officials condemn China Daily’s AI-generated racist “monkey” video targeting Filipinos and the West Philippine Sea arbitration. China Disaster Watch: Heavy rain-linked landslides in Chongqing leave at least 8 dead and dozens missing as rescue teams continue. Sports: PV Sindhu reaches the Japan Open final after Chen Yufei withdrew with injury; India also names Mirabai Chanu and Lovlina Borgohain as Commonwealth Games flag and baton bearers.