The United States has announced a landmark 30-year civil nuclear cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia, allowing the Kingdom to develop a civilian nuclear energy programme with US technology and investment. The deal comes at a time of heightened tensions with Iran over its nuclear activities and regional security concerns.

Under the agreement, US companies will help Saudi Arabia build nuclear reactors and strengthen its nuclear energy infrastructure. The deal aims to deepen the US-Saudi strategic partnership, reduce Saudi dependence on fossil fuels, and limit Chinese and Russian influence in the Kingdom's nuclear sector.

India's first indigenous hydrogen-powered train has recorded a successful start to its operations, covering around 900 km in its first five days on the Jind–Sonipat route in Haryana. The milestone marks a significant step in Indian Railways' transition towards clean and sustainable transportation.

Powered by a 1,200 kW hydrogen fuel-cell propulsion system, the train generates electricity through a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, emitting only water vapour as a by-product. The pilot project is supported by dedicated hydrogen production, storage, and refuelling infrastructure at Jind, along with advanced safety systems such as hydrogen leak detectors and flame sensors.

If the pilot continues to perform well, Indian Railways is expected to consider expanding hydrogen-powered train services to other suitable routes.

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned on 25 July 2026 amid nationwide student protests over the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak. In his resignation letter, Pradhan stated that he was stepping down to prevent the controversy from being exploited further and to uphold public trust in the education system.

Mains Relevance (GS-II: Governance )

Issues Highlighted:

1.Integrity and transparency of public examinations.
2.Accountability of institutions conducting competitive exams.
3.Need for technology-driven, secure examination systems.
4.Strengthening governance and restoring public confidence in educational institutions.

The key takeaway is that the resignation reflects the principle of political accountability, where a minister may step down because of failures within their department, regardless of whether they are personally implicated in the alleged wrongdoing.

The Ancient Buddhist Site of Sarnath in Uttar Pradesh has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List during the 48th session of the World Heritage Committee held in Busan, Republic of Korea. With this recognition, India now has 45 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, strengthening its position among the countries with the highest number of globally recognized heritage sites.
Sarnath is one of the holiest places in Buddhism, as it is where Gautama Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment at Bodh Gaya, an event known as the "First Turning of the Wheel of Dharma (Dharmachakra Pravartana)." It also marks the establishment of the Buddhist Sangha (monastic community). The site includes significant monuments such as the Dhamek Stupa, Chaukhandi Stupa, the Ashokan Pillar, monasteries, temples, and archaeological remains spanning several centuries

Olympic medallist Mirabai Chanu opened India's gold medal account at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow by winning the women's 48 kg weightlifting event. Chanu produced a record-breaking performance, setting new Commonwealth Games marks while securing her third consecutive Commonwealth Games gold medal. Her victory gave India a perfect start to its campaign and reaffirmed her status as one of the country's greatest weightlifters.

Q. 1 Consider the following statements regarding Jet Streams :

1.Jet streams generally flow from west to east.
2.The northward shift of the Subtropical Westerly Jet indicates the onset of the Southwest Monsoon over India.
3.Polar Front Jet Stream has a more stable position than the Subtropical Westerly Jet.

Q 2 .
During winter, the Subtropical Westerly Jet Stream generally flows:

A. Along the southern slopes of the Himalayas
B. Along the northern edge of the Tibetan Plateau
C. Along the Equator
D. Over the Indian Ocean only

Learn Beyond the Poll !
The detailed explanation for today's question is available in the link below. https://www.clearias.com/jet-streams/

Q 1
Consider the following statements:

1. The Governor may address either House of a bicameral State Legislature separately.
2. The Governor may address both Houses assembled together.
3. The Governor may send messages only to the House in which a Bill is pending.
4. The House receiving the Governor's message must consider the matter with all convenient despatch.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

Consider the following statements:

1. The Vinaya Pitaka was first recited by Upali.
2. The Sutta Pitaka was first recited by Ananda.
3. The Abhidhamma Pitaka was codified during the Third Buddhist Council.
4. The Kathavatthu forms part of the Abhidhamma Pitaka.


Which of the statements given above are correct?