Good morning, students! Today is July 8, 2026.In today's assembly, we bring you the latest news from India and around the world. Learn about the Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Indonesia, India's growing economy, UPI's expansion to Indonesia, exciting sports highlights, and the latest discoveries in science and technology. Stay informed and inspired!
📍 Major National News Headlines
- PM Narendra Modi and Indonesia sign key agreements to strengthen defence, trade, and maritime cooperation.
- Indonesia agrees to purchase India's BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles.
- PM Modi pays tribute to Biju Patnaik for his historic role in strengthening India–Indonesia relations.
- India to launch its first Monthly Index of Services Production (ISP) on July 14.
- PMO holds meeting to review impact of El Nino and preparedness measures.
- UPI is set to expand to Indonesia, making digital payments easier for travellers and businesses.
- India plans to create its first strategic LNG reserves to enhance energy security.
- A Gujarat-bound Qatari LNG vessel carrying four Indian crew members was hit in a suspected drone attack near the Strait of Hormuz.
- PM Modi says India's rapidly growing economy is playing a major role in driving global growth.
- Indian participants at CWG 2026 to wear jute-viscose blended apparel .
🌍 International Affairs
- Civic administrations of Melbourne and Bengaluru partners in pioneering smart city innovations.
- U.S., Japan and South Korea strengthen Indo-Pacific cooperation at the NATO Summit.
- Zelensky presses NATO for air defence systems after intense Russian strikes.
- Global shipping companies have increased security after recent attacks near the Strait of Hormuz.
- The United Nations urged countries to accelerate renewable energy adoption to meet global climate goals.
- China announced new economic measures to boost growth and attract foreign investment.
- World leaders called for stronger international cooperation to tackle climate change and global security challenges.
- The United States, Japan, and regional allies reaffirmed their commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.
🏭 Industry, Schemes & Economy
- India climbs global manufacturing rankings, driven by the PLI Scheme and the China+1 strategy.
- India will launch its first Monthly Index of Services Production (ISP) on 14 July to track the performance of the services sector.
- The Economic Advisory Council to the PM recommends periodic revision of women-focused cash transfer schemes to keep pace with inflation.
- An EAC-PM study says direct cash transfers to women improve household savings and spending.
- India's economy continues to show strong growth momentum, supported by manufacturing, services, and infrastructure development.
🏆 Sports Updates
- In Men’s Cricket, India take on hosts England in the 3rd T20 International of 5-match series in Nottingham tonight.
- President Droupadi Murmu flags off trophies of Durand Cup tournament 2026 in New Delhi.
- India bags 20 medals at Under-20 Asian Wrestling Championships.
- Defending champion Jannik Sinner storms into Men’s Singles semifinal.
- Belgium and Spain advance to FIFA World Cup quarter-finals.
- Argentina beat Egypt 3-2 after dramatic fightback in Round of 16.
- Portugal was eliminated from the FIFA World Cup 2026 after a 1–0 defeat to Spain in the Round of 16.
- Switzerland will face Colombia for a place in the quarter-finals today.
- Novak Djokovic advanced to the Wimbledon 2026 semi-finals after winning his quarter-final match.
🔬 Science & Technology
- Euclid telescope discovers the 2 most ancient monster black holes in the universe,each brighter than a trillion suns.
- Scientists take another step towards creating lab-made life by developing the most lifelike synthetic cell yet.
- New targeted drugs are replacing chemotherapy for some aggressive breast cancer patients, offering more personalized treatment.
- The world's first diamond is set to travel to space aboard India's Vikram-1 rocket to test its potential for future space technologies.
- The United Nations launches the 'AI for Good Global Commission' to promote the safe and responsible development of artificial intelligence.
- The James Webb Space Telescope has created its largest-ever map of the universe, revealing previously hidden regions of space.
- Physicists have captured the closest-ever view of a black hole's event horizon, opening new possibilities for space research.
- Scientists report promising results from the first experiment to thicken Arctic sea ice, offering a potential new tool against climate change.
- ISRO's Chandrayaan-3 mission continues to deliver new discoveries, revealing fresh clues about the Moon's geological history.
📜 On This Day in History
💡 Thought of the Day
"Learning never exhausts the mind."
— Leonardo da Vinci
📖 Word of the Day
Pragmatic (Adjective)
Meaning: Dealing with things in a practical way.
Example: "She took a pragmatic approach to solving the problem."
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Which countries signed key agreements to strengthen defence, trade, and maritime cooperation?
India and Indonesia signed key agreements to strengthen defence, trade, and maritime cooperation.
What new economic index will India launch on July 14?
India will launch its first Monthly Index of Services Production (ISP) on July 14 to measure the performance of the services sector.
Why did Prime Minister Narendra Modi pay tribute to Biju Patnaik?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Biju Patnaik for his historic role in strengthening India–Indonesia relations.
Which countries strengthened Indo-Pacific cooperation at the NATO Summit?
The United States, Japan, and South Korea strengthened Indo-Pacific cooperation at the NATO Summit.
What achievement has the James Webb Space Telescope accomplished?
The James Webb Space Telescope has created its largest-ever map of the universe, revealing previously hidden regions of space.
Sources: Headlines compiled from Akashvani / All India Radio evening bulletin (July 7, 2026), plus Times of India, Hindustan Times, The Hindu, BBC World, Economic Times, ESPN, and Wikipedia 'On This Day' — all curated by EduSaint Editorial for school assembly use on July 8, 2026.
