Third India–Australia Annual Summit in Melbourne advances strategic partnership
The third India–Australia Annual Summit was held in Melbourne from 8 to 10 July 2026. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese led discussions, reviewing the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and signing agreements on civil nuclear energy, cyber technology and critical supply chains. The leaders also covered defence cooperation, trade and investment, and people-to-people ties. They highlighted progress on maritime security, science and technology collaboration, and the path toward a Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA). The summit reinforced shared commitments to energy security, digital resilience and greater regional cooperation within the Indo-Pacific.
Third summit took place in Melbourne (8–10 July 2026).
PM Modi and PM Albanese chaired discussions on the partnership.
MOUs signed on civil nuclear energy, cyber technology and supply chains.
Defence, trade, investment and people-to-people ties discussed.
CECA path and maritime, science collaborations emphasized.
EIU Liveability 2026: Copenhagen tops global rankings; Bengaluru featured among Indian cities
The Economist Intelligence Unit's Global Liveability Index 2026 ranked Copenhagen, Denmark, as the world's most liveable city for the second consecutive year, scoring 98 out of 100. The index covered 173 cities and assessed stability, healthcare, culture and environment, education and infrastructure. Copenhagen excelled in infrastructure and health systems, with Vienna and Zurich close behind. The report noted regional trends and pressures affecting rankings. Indian cities are included in the index; Bengaluru is cited in analyses of city performance. The index serves as a benchmark for urban policy and quality of life worldwide and informs government planning and investment decisions.
Copenhagen ranked 1st in the 2026 Liveability Index with 98/100.
Index covers 173 cities evaluating stability, healthcare, culture, environment, education and infrastructure.
Vienna and Zurich follow in the top tier.
Indian city Bengaluru is mentioned in the index analyses.
Index informs urban policy and investment decisions.
Thorium deposits identified in Gundlupet, Karnataka by GSI
Geological Survey of India identified thorium-bearing mineral deposits in Gundlupet taluk, Karnataka's Chamarajanagar district, in July 2026. The deposits extend across nearly 700 acres in Koothanur and surrounding villages, with about 20 acres designated as the core area for excavation and a mining auction. The discovery adds to India's resource base for thorium, viewed as a potential alternative in some reactor designs. Officials stressed that development would follow environmental clearances and international safeguards. The find could boost local employment and attract investment in mineral exploration and processing, aligning with national goals to diversify energy inputs and strengthen energy security.
GSI identified thorium-bearing deposits in Gundlupet taluk, July 2026.
Deposits span nearly 700 acres; core area ~20 acres for excavation.
Thorium could diversify energy inputs for certain reactors.
Development will follow environmental clearances and safeguards.
Potential to boost local employment and mineral investment.
Former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly was inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame in July 2026, becoming the 12th Indian cricketer to receive the honour. The selection recognises his prolific batting, fearless leadership and pivotal role in rebuilding the Indian team during the early 2000s. Ganguly captained India from 2000 to 2005, guiding the side to notable overseas success and laying the groundwork for future generations. The award was announced at the ICC's annual conference in Edinburgh. The honour adds a lasting chapter to Ganguly's legacy and cements his status as a key figure in Indian cricket history.
Ganguly inducted into ICC Hall of Fame in July 2026.
He is the 12th Indian cricketer honoured.
Recognised for batting records and bold leadership.
Captaincy tenure: 2000–2005 with significant impact.
Announcement made at ICC annual conference in Edinburgh.
ACITI launched to boost technology cooperation among India, Australia and Canada
India, Australia and Canada launched the Australia–Canada–India Technology and Innovation Partnership (ACITI) in July 2026 to boost cooperation in critical and emerging technologies. The partnership aims to strengthen research and development, support joint industrial projects and expand collaboration in artificial intelligence, clean energy, critical minerals, resilient supply chains and related technologies. Officials said ACITI will foster knowledge exchange across universities, research institutes and industry, while enabling faster piloting of new ideas. Activities will include joint funding calls, technology demonstrations and shared standards. The initiative aligns with national priorities in each country and seeks to diversify supply chains and reduce dependence on single-source suppliers. The partnership signals deeper trilateral cooperation in science and technology.
ACITI launched in July 2026 by India, Australia and Canada.