English rendering of PM’s address in the 136th Episode of Mann Ki Baat on 26.07.2026

Key Highlights:

• The nation observed Kargil Vijay Diwas on July 26, commemorating the bravery of Indian soldiers.
• India is strengthening its defence capabilities with indigenous advancements like INS Mahendragiri, Pinaka Long-Range Guided Rocket, and Kusha missile.
• The Catch The Rain campaign is gaining momentum nationwide, focusing on water conservation and groundwater recharge.
• India achieved significant success in the Space sector with the launch of Vikram-1, the first private sector-developed rocket.
• Indian students excelled in the Science Olympiads, securing top ranks and multiple gold medals in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
• Traditional crafts like Kashmir's Vagu mat and Tripura's Chongpreng are being revived, promoting the Vocal for Local initiative.
• The Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam campaign saw record-breaking tree plantations, including over 3.5 lakh saplings in Ahmedabad in one hour.

Detailed Insights:

• A special Shaurya Vijay Yatra motorcycle rally from the National War Memorial to Kargil War Memorial was organized to honor martyrs.
• INS Mahendragiri, a modern warship, is designed and built in India with over 75% indigenous materials, symbolizing Atmanirbhar Bharat.
• Agreements for BrahMos and Astra missiles with Indonesia highlight growing global confidence in India's defence technology.
• The Catch The Rain campaign, active since July 4, involves rejuvenating old water bodies and tree plantation, with examples from Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh.
• PV Sindhu became the first Indian to win the Japan Open title in badminton, and the Indian women's cricket team secured a historic Test win at Lord's.
• The opening of the space sector to private enterprise has led to innovations like Vikram-1, developed by young innovators.
• Dr. Ronaldo Laishram, an astrophysicist, named a newly discovered galaxy cluster the Loktak Proto-cluster after Manipur's Loktak Lake.
• National Handloom Day (August 7) promotes the skills of weavers, with Khadi sales increasing six-fold over 12 years to ₹8,000 crore.
• The Waste to Wealth initiative in Sitamarhi, Bihar, converts 40 kg of single-use plastic into benches, promoting environmental awareness and local employment.
• The appeal for Ganesha idols made from local clay encourages eco-friendly practices and supports local artisans.
• The Har Ghar Tiranga campaign is set to continue with enthusiasm for Independence Day, uniting the nation.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Kargil Vijay Diwas: Commemorates India's victory over Pakistan in the Kargil War of 1999.
• Atmanirbhar Bharat: A vision for a self-reliant India, promoting indigenous production and reducing import dependence.
• Catch The Rain: A nationwide campaign to conserve rainwater, recharge groundwater, and rejuvenate water bodies.
• Vocal for Local: An initiative encouraging citizens to buy and promote locally manufactured products.
• Vikram-1: India's first rocket developed by the private sector, marking a significant step in space sector reforms.