Newspaper-based news digest for the RPSC RAS exam, dated 17 July 2026.
International Relations & Energy
India and China are the top users of the Strait of Hormuz as Iran's new passage authority regulates Gulf shipping
Three weeks of data from 17 June show that about 40% of vessels seeking to cross the Strait of Hormuz were bound to or from India and China.
After the recent US–Iran hostilities, Iran set up a Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA) to regulate maritime traffic; around 200 non-Iranian vessels coordinated passage permits and insurance with it.
The Strait of Hormuz, between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, is a strategic chokepoint carrying a large share of the world's seaborne oil.
India, heavily dependent on Gulf energy and trade corridors, has a direct stake in keeping the Strait open and shipping insured.
Source: Persian Gulf Strait Authority / Ministry of External Affairs, July 2026
Infrastructure, Science & Technology
PM flags off India's first hydrogen-powered train and dedicates about Rs 15,000 crore of projects in Haryana
The Prime Minister flagged off India's first hydrogen fuel-cell train, running between Jind and Sonipat in Haryana.
The train draws electricity from a hydrogen–oxygen reaction and emits only water vapour; it is billed among the world's most powerful (about 3,200 hp) and highest passenger-capacity (about 2,600) hydrogen trains.
Alongside, projects worth about Rs 15,000 crore were dedicated or foundation-stoned, including the Delhi–Amritsar–Katra Expressway, the Jind–Gohana and Ambala–Kala Amb national highways, and new medical colleges.
The move aligns with the National Green Hydrogen Mission and Indian Railways' goal of cutting carbon emissions.
Source: Ministry of Railways / PIB, July 2026
Polity & Governance
Delhi High Court orders daily monitoring of activist Sonam Wangchuk's health as his hunger strike continues
The Delhi High Court directed the Centre to ensure daily monitoring of activist Sonam Wangchuk's health by government doctors, observing that "the life of any citizen is precious."
Wangchuk has been on a hunger strike at Jantar Mantar since 28 June, in a protest linked to an alleged NEET-UG question-paper leak.
The protesters have demanded the resignation of the Union Education Minister; several Opposition parties have rallied behind the activist.
The court asked the government to intervene with "full, proper and necessary aid" if his condition required it.
Source: Delhi High Court, July 2026
Economy & International Relations
US moves on new tariffs: a Section 301 action on about 60 countries and a Bill targeting buyers of Russian oil
The US Trade Representative proposed tariffs on about 60 countries under Section 301 of the US Trade Act, 1974, linked to forced labour in supply chains; India has sought a review of the proposed tariffs.
A separate Bill in the US Congress would impose steep tariffs on countries buying Russian oil — reportedly including India, China, Slovakia, Hungary and Azerbaijan.
A 10% US 'universal' tariff can be levied for at most 150 days without Congressional approval, a window ending around 24 July, keeping pressure on for a trade deal.
India's crude imports from Russia touched record levels in June; New Delhi is negotiating while protecting its energy and trade interests.
Source: Office of the US Trade Representative / Ministry of Commerce & Industry, July 2026
International Relations
US tightens visa duration for foreign students, journalists and exchange visitors
The US administration moved to shrink the visa duration for international students and members of the media, replacing open-ended stays with a fixed time period.
The Department of Homeland Security's rule affects F visas (students) and J visas (cultural-exchange and media visitors).
Applicants would have to seek fresh extensions rather than remain for the full duration of their programme.
The change is part of a wider immigration tightening and could affect a large number of India-origin students and professionals.
Source: US Department of Homeland Security, July 2026
Rajasthan · Polity
Rajasthan Assembly marks 75 years; Lok Sabha Speaker and Vice-President call for dignity in legislative conduct
The Rajasthan Legislative Assembly marked 75 years with a 'Vidhayi Gaurav' (legislative pride) event under an Amrit Mahotsav in Jaipur.
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla told members that differences and tension are natural, but they should not show on one's face or disrupt the House.
Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan said dignity in conduct is essential, and that the strength of democratic institutions lies not only in the Constitution but in the conduct of those who run them.
Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma and Assembly Speaker Vasudev Devnani attended; former Speakers and members were honoured.
Source: Rajasthan Legislative Assembly, July 2026
Rajasthan · Local Government
Rajasthan High Court: not holding panchayat and municipal-body elections violates its orders
The Rajasthan High Court held that the failure to conduct pending panchayat raj and urban local-body elections violates its earlier directions.
The court had asked that the elections be held by 31 July and pulled up the State Government and the OBC commission to clarify their position.
Elections to several bodies have been delayed, with the terms of elected councils lapsing and administrators appointed in the interim.
Timely elections to panchayats and municipalities are constitutionally mandated under the 73rd and 74th Amendments and are conducted by the State Election Commission.