Current Affairs - Places

New Delhi hosted the three-day AI Champions for Digital Governance Summit from July 13 to 15, 2026. The event was organised to strengthen artificial intelligence capabilities among public-sector leaders and featured training on Generative AI, Prompt Engineering, Data Extraction, and the practical use of the Claude AI model for administrative tasks. Organised through the collaboration of the India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC), the Standing Conference of Public Enterprises (SCOPE), and the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA), the summit marked the first-ever training programme conducted by LBSNAA in New Delhi.

Haldwani became the location of Uttarakhand’s first Geographical Indications (GI) Products Gallery, inaugurated at the Uttarakhand Forest Training Academy on July 14, 2026. The gallery showcases more than 30 GI-tagged products representing the state's rich agricultural heritage and traditional handicrafts. Exhibits include Tejpat, Munsiyari white rajma, Almora Lakhori chilli, Berinag tea, Aipan art, Ringal bamboo craft, and Chamoli wooden Ramman masks. The initiative promotes awareness of authentic regional products, supports local artisans and farmers, and helps preserve Uttarakhand’s unique cultural and traditional heritage.

New Delhi hosted the All India Water Secretaries’ Conference organised by the Department of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation under the Ministry of Jal Shakti. Chaired by the Union Minister of Jal Shakti, Shri C. R. Patil, the conference focused on scientific water resource management, groundwater conservation, dam safety, and evidence-based policymaking. Key discussions included the nationwide #CatchTheRain 2026 campaign, progress of irrigation and water bodies censuses, reuse of treated water, groundwater conservation measures, and implementation of the State Water Reforms Framework across all States and Union Territories.

The 84,000 cubic metre Reinforced Cement Concrete (RCC) water reservoir was inaugurated at the IISCO Steel Plant in Burnpur by Union Minister for Steel and Heavy Industries H.D. Kumaraswamy. The reservoir is designed to meet the water requirements of COB-10 and the future 4.08 MTPA expansion project through a closed-loop water circulation system supported by a newly constructed Booster Pump House. The plant also achieved significant production milestones during FY 2025–26, increased capital expenditure, and introduced measures to enhance procurement transparency, digital technology adoption, and workforce safety.

The unveiling of the statue of renowned social reformer Mannathu Padmanabhan and the inauguration of the Mannam Smrithi Mandapam took place in New Delhi at the Mannam International Centre in Dwarka. The event was organised by the Nair Service Society (NSS), Delhi, and attended by Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan, along with other dignitaries. The memorial honours Padmanabhan's lifelong efforts toward social justice, equality, and reform. The ceremony also included a tree plantation drive under the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign, highlighting the importance of environmental conservation alongside commemorating his legacy.