India and the European Union conducted the third meeting of the India–EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC) in Brussels in July 2026. The TTC remains a key platform for bilateral cooperation on trade, technology and security. Discussions covered artificial intelligence, semiconductors, clean technologies, and other emerging technologies. The ministerial‑level session was chaired by senior representatives from India and the European Commission, rather than by top political leaders. The TTC seeks to deepen cooperation on critical technologies and supply chains, with ongoing workstreams and potential new projects announced for the coming year.
Third TTC meeting held in Brussels (July 2026)
Focus on trade, technology and security cooperation
Topics include AI, semiconductors, clean tech
Ministerial level, not PM/EC President, presided
Aims to advance bilateral collaboration and supply chains
S. Somanath Joins Agnikul Cosmos as Board Observer
Former ISRO Chairman S. Somanath has joined Chennai-based private space startup Agnikul Cosmos as an observer on its Board of Directors. The appointment aims to leverage his strategic insights as Agnikul advances its launch programmes. Agnikul is preparing Mission 02, which seeks to demonstrate orbital-class booster recovery and the use of a rocket upper stage as an in‑orbit platform. The move underscores greater collaboration between India’s public space heritage and private space enterprises. Somanath’s leadership at ISRO, including program development, safety, and policy initiatives, is expected to inform governance, risk management, and roadmap alignment for Agnikul. The industry views this as a sign of a maturing private space ecosystem in India.
Somanath appointed as observer on Agnikul Cosmos Board
Mission 02 targets orbital-class booster recovery
Rocket upper stage to serve as an in‑orbit platform
Indicates strengthened public‑private space collaboration
Somanath’s ISRO experience to guide governance and risk
Agnikul’s launch roadmap may benefit from strategic insights
Norway’s Rogfast Undersea Tunnel to Be World’s Longest
Norway's Rogfast undersea road tunnel is projected to become the world's longest and deepest when completed. The nearly 27‑kilometre tunnel will run beneath the Boknafjord and reach depths around 392 metres below sea level. It is part of the E39 coastal highway project and aims to replace ferry segments along the route. The project demonstrates advanced tunneling techniques and significant civil engineering effort, with completion targeted around 2033. The Rogfast tunnel is designed to improve coastal connectivity, reduce travel times, and enhance disaster resilience and freight efficiency in coastal Norway.
Rogfast undersea tunnel to become longest/deepest
Nearly 27 km long; depth ~392 metres
Part of Norway’s E39 coastal highway project
Aims to replace ferry segments and boost connectivity
Target completion around 2033
New Monkey Species Colobus congoensis Identified
Researchers have identified a new African monkey species named Colobus congoensis, locally known as Likweli, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The species inhabits forested areas of the Congo Basin near Lomami National Park. It is distinguished by dark fur, orange‑cream facial markings, and distinctive vocalisations. Genetic analyses confirm it represents a distinct evolutionary lineage among colobus monkeys. The discovery enhances biodiversity knowledge in Central Africa and informs conservation planning for tropical forest ecosystems and primate populations.
New species Colobus congoensis identified
Locally called Likweli; in Congo Basin near Lomami NP
Distinct dark fur and orange‑cream facial markings
The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) organized a two‑day Strategic Infrastructure Conclave in New Delhi during July 2026. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated the event and stressed the enduring importance of robust physical infrastructure in modern warfare. He noted that roads, tunnels, airfields and other strategic assets remain critical even as military technology evolves. The conclave showcased BRO’s adoption of modern technologies for infrastructure development in strategically important areas, including digital mapping, autonomous equipment, and smart monitoring. Participants discussed cross‑border connectivity, border outposts, and rapid deployment capabilities to strengthen national security and disaster response readiness.
World Day for International Justice Observed on July 17
World Day for International Justice, also called International Justice Day, is observed annually on 17 July. The date marks the Rome Statute’s adoption in 1998, which established the legal foundation of the International Criminal Court. The observance promotes accountability for serious international crimes and justice for victims. It highlights global efforts to combat genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and aggression, and encourages cooperation between States, international tribunals, and national courts to pursue justice and provide redress for victims.
Observed annually on 17 July
Marks Rome Statute adoption (1998) and ICC foundation
Focus on accountability for grave international crimes
Promotes victim justice and international cooperation
The Centre for Trade and Investment Law (CTIL), with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), released a guidebook titled Going Global: A Practical Guide for Indian MSMEs. The publication helps Indian micro, small and medium enterprises explore international markets and make informed export decisions. It covers market analysis, standards and certification requirements, and methods for identifying potential buyers. The guide also highlights freely available tools to reduce the cost of international market research. By outlining practical steps, templates, and best practices, the publication aims to empower MSMEs to plan and execute export ventures more efficiently.
CTIL and CII co‑publish Going Global for Indian MSMEs
Covers market analysis, standards, and certification
Guides on identifying international buyers
Highlights cost‑reducing tools for market research
Aims to boost MSME exports and global reach
Practical templates and step‑by‑step guidance
Kaushal Setu and Kaushal Sarathi Portals Launched in Uttar Pradesh
In July 2026, the Government of Uttar Pradesh launched the Kaushal Setu and Kaushal Sarathi portals to strengthen the state’s skill‑development ecosystem. Kaushal Setu digitalizes registration and empanelment of training partners, while Kaushal Sarathi provides information on training centres, courses, and opportunities. The portals aim to improve transparency, accessibility, and coordination in vocational training across UP, linking stakeholders with government schemes and industry needs. The initiative forms part of UP’s broader push to accelerate deep‑tech and industry‑relevant skilling in a fast‑growing economy.
Kaushal Setu and Kaushal Sarathi portals launched
Digital registration and empanelment for training partners
Info on training centres, courses, opportunities
Aims to improve transparency and coordination in UP skilling
UP Launches Kaushal Setu and Kaushal Sarathi Portals for Skill Development (World Youth Skills Day 2026)
Uttar Pradesh marked World Youth Skills Day 2026 by launching Kaushal Setu and Kaushal Sarathi portals to digitalise skill development. Kaushal Setu enables online registration and empanelment of training partners, while Kaushal Sarathi provides information on training centres, courses and opportunities, aiming to improve accessibility and transparency in vocational training across the state. Officials emphasised streamlined onboarding, better alignment with industry needs, and easier monitoring of outcomes through these platforms. The rollout aligns with UP’s broader aim to build a robust, tech‑driven skilling ecosystem.
World Youth Skills Day 2026 launch date linked to UP portals
Kaushal Setu: online registration and empanelment
Kaushal Sarathi: info on centres, courses, opportunities
Intended to improve accessibility, transparency, and outcomes
Supports UP’s deep‑tech skilling and industry alignment
Sources: Free Press Journal, Srishti IAS, Invest UP