Current Affairs 18-07-26

1. NITI Aayog Investment Friendliness Index – Tamil Nadu Ranked 3rd

Why in News?

Tamil Nadu secured the 3rd position in NITI Aayog's Investment Friendliness Index 2026 with a score of 53.3, behind Gujarat (56.6) and Maharashtra (53.7). The report evaluated states based on their investment climate, governance, infrastructure, and ease of doing business.

Rank: Tamil Nadu ranked 3rd among all States and UTs with 53.3 points.

Top Performers: Gujarat secured 1st, followed by Maharashtra.

Strengths:

• Excellent industrial ecosystem.
• Strong physical infrastructure (roads, ports, logistics).
• High export competitiveness.

Digital Governance: The state's Biz Buddy digital grievance redressal system was appreciated for resolving investor issues efficiently.

Manufacturing Hub: Tamil Nadu continues to lead in automobiles, electronics, textiles, and renewable energy investments.

Concern Highlighted: The report pointed to high outstanding public debt liabilities, which could affect long-term fiscal sustainability.

Importance: The ranking helps identify reforms needed to improve India's investment ecosystem and attract domestic and foreign investments.

2. Madras High Court Orders Sealing of 21 Illegal Resorts near Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve

Why in News?

The Madras High Court directed the Erode District Administration to completely seal 21 unauthorized resorts functioning within the buffer zone of the Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve for violating environmental and wildlife protection norms.

Key Points

Total Resorts: 21 illegal resorts ordered to be sealed.

Location: They were operating inside the buffer zone of the Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve.

Reason: The resorts lacked necessary environmental and forest clearances.

Legal Concern: Commercial tourism in eco-sensitive zones threatens wildlife habitats and ecological balance.

About Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve:

• Located in Erode District, Tamil Nadu.
• Covers about 1,411 sq. km.
• Forms an important wildlife corridor between the Western and Eastern Ghats.

Wildlife: Home to tigers, elephants, leopards, gaur, and rich biodiversity.

Importance: Reinforces judicial efforts to protect protected forests and regulate eco-tourism.

3. Supreme Court to Examine Welfare Benefits for Deleted Voters

Why in News?

The Supreme Court agreed to examine whether individuals whose names were removed from electoral rolls during State Institutional Reviews (SIR) can legally be denied government welfare benefits.

Key Points

The case concerns the link between voter registration and welfare entitlements.

Some states reportedly denied welfare schemes after names were deleted from voter lists.

The Supreme Court will determine whether this practice is constitutionally valid.

Voting rights and welfare rights are governed by different legal frameworks.

Welfare schemes are generally based on eligibility criteria, not merely inclusion in electoral rolls.

The issue raises concerns about Article 14 (Equality) and Article 21 (Right to Life and Dignity).

The judgment could affect implementation of government welfare schemes across India.

4. India's First Hydrogen-Powered Train Flagged Off

Why in News?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off India's first hydrogen-powered train on the Jind–Sonipat route in Haryana, marking a significant milestone in Indian Railways' green transportation initiative.

Key Points

Route: Operates between Jind and Sonipat (Haryana).

Technology: Powered by hydrogen fuel cells, producing electricity through a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen.

Zero Emissions: The only by-product is water vapour, making it an environmentally friendly transport system.

Objective: Reduce dependence on diesel and support India's Net Zero and clean energy goals.

Benefits:

• Low carbon emissions.
• Reduced air pollution.
• Lower noise levels compared to diesel locomotives.

Indian Railways Initiative: Part of the plan to modernize rail transport using clean energy technologies.

Significance: Places India among countries adopting hydrogen-based railway technology, promoting sustainable public transportation.