Daily Bulletin

The Election Commission of India (ECI) held its first All India Media Conference in New Delhi, themed “Connecting stakeholders, strengthening democracy: Role of media in elections.” Addressing over 380 media professionals, Chief Election Commissioner Shri Gyanesh Kumar affirmed that Indian elections are conducted with utmost transparency. He highlighted the robustness of the electoral rolls, which comprise nearly 95 crore voters and are concurrently audited by over 12 lakh Booth Level Officers and 15 lakh Booth Level Agents to ensure grassroots-level integrity.

The National Committee on Dam Safety (NCDS), in its 12th meeting, resolved to formulate new regulations for the surveillance and security of specified dams under the Dam Safety Act, 2021. The committee reviewed recent failures, including the Teesta Stage-III dam in Sikkim, and directed states to complete mandatory safety evaluations by December 2026. To enhance technical capacity, the NCDS will continue supporting post-graduate programmes at IIT Roorkee and IISc Bengaluru for working engineers.

The Vice-President of India, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, released the book “RSS @100: A Century of Service, Unity & Sacrifice” at Uprashtrapati Bhavan. Authored by Shri Shyam Jaju and Shri Anupam Trivedi, the book commemorates the centenary of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). The event was also attended by Union Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh.

The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has imposed a penalty of ₹1 lakh on SpiceJet Limited for employing deceptive 'dark patterns' on its online booking platform. The authority found that the airline engaged in 'forced action' by auto-enrolling customers into a loyalty program without explicit consent, a violation of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, and the Guidelines for Prevention and Regulation of Dark Patterns, 2023.

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for development projects worth over ₹4,700 crore in Chandigarh. Key projects include the inauguration of a 300-bed Advanced Mother and Child Centre at PGIMER and a six-lane greenfield highway connecting IT City to Kurali. The foundation was also laid for a 150-bed Critical Care Block at PGIMER under the Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM).

The National Health Authority (NHA) is charting the next phase of its flagship schemes, noting that the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) has facilitated cashless treatments worth over ₹1.91 lakh crore. Concurrently, the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) has created over 94 crore ABHA numbers. The NHA is now rolling out new initiatives, including Aarogya Setu 2.0 and the National Health Claims Exchange (NHCX), to create a seamless digital health ecosystem.

During an address in Chandigarh, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi highlighted significant improvements in national health infrastructure, noting that the number of medical colleges has increased from 387 in 2014 to 818 today. He also stated that over 90% of childbirths now occur in institutional settings, contributing to an 86% decline in the maternal mortality rate. Approval has also been granted for a new MBBS college at PGIMER, Chandigarh.

As part of the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated 75 redeveloped railway stations across the country. This major infrastructure initiative aims to modernise stations with world-class passenger amenities, improved accessibility, and integrated urban development. The scheme envisions transforming railway stations into vibrant city centres.

The Government of India has notified new provisions under the Anti-Doping Act, 2022, to strengthen the country's commitment to clean sport. These measures provide a more robust legal framework for the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) to conduct testing and investigations, further aligning India's regulations with the code established by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).

The Maharashtra Legislature has formally committed to adopting the National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA) to create a paperless legislative environment. A Memorandum of Understanding is set to be signed between the Union Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs and the state government. NeVA, a Mission Mode Project under the Digital India Programme with a total outlay of ₹673.94 crore, aims to digitize all 37 State and UT Legislatures on a single platform.

The Delhi High Court has denied interim bail to Jawad Siddiqui, the chairman of Al Falah University, in connection with cases filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). Mr. Siddiqui had sought temporary release on compassionate grounds, citing his wife's critical health. The court's decision ensures he will remain in custody as the investigation proceeds.

Shri Anurag Kumar, a former special director of the Intelligence Bureau, has been appointed as the new Commissioner of Delhi Police. He succeeds Shri Satish Golcha, who had held the position since August 22, 2025. The appointment has drawn political commentary from the Aam Aadmi Party.

The Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has revised the licence fees for General Pool Residential Accommodation (GPRA) for central government employees, effective from July 1, 2026. The new rates are applicable to all categories of quarters from Type-I to Type-VIII and will impact the housing-related deductions for residing officials.

The Indian National Congress is reportedly aligning with civil society movements, including those led by activist Sonam Wangchuk, around a common agenda demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Shri Dharmendra Pradhan. This engagement is being viewed as part of the opposition party's strategy on issues concerning education policy and alleged irregularities.

The Supreme Court of India strongly admonished a doctor and a hospital for allegedly denying medical care to a four-year-old rape victim, questioning if the refusal stemmed from the victim's poverty. A three-judge bench made the observations during a hearing, underscoring judicial scrutiny over the ethical duties of medical professionals and the right to healthcare for vulnerable sections of society.

The Union government has listed seven bills, including proposals related to Income-tax and National Honours, for consideration and passing during the upcoming monsoon session of Parliament. To build consensus on its legislative agenda, the government has convened an all-party meeting for Sunday, July 19, 2026.

Shri Tukaram Mundhe, the new Commissioner of Maharashtra's Food and Drug Administration (FDA), has initiated extensive food safety raids across the state targeting wholesalers and manufacturers. An IAS officer known for his strict administrative style, Shri Mundhe has been transferred 25 times in his 21-year career.

The Union government failed to pass the constitutional amendment bill for women's reservation during the recent Budget session of Parliament. The proposed legislation, which links the policy's implementation to the completion of the delimitation exercise, did not secure the requisite two-thirds majority in the House.

The district administration in Dhar, Madhya Pradesh, has stated that it will study the recent Supreme Court order concerning the Bhojshala-Kamal Maula Mosque complex. Following a review of the apex court's directives, appropriate steps will be taken to implement the order while ensuring public peace.

The Delhi High Court has issued a notice to the Delhi Police seeking its response to a bail plea filed by activist Sharjeel Imam in a case related to the 2020 Delhi riots. Mr. Imam has been charged under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), and the next hearing is scheduled for August 27.

The Supreme Court of India has modified an Orissa High Court order, upholding a temporary stay on the release of an animated film until the conclusion of the Rath Yatra festival. The apex court's bench permitted the film's nationwide release on or after July 28, balancing freedom of expression with religious sensitivities.

The Supreme Court of India has ruled that an accused can be convicted for murder even if the victim's body is never found. The Court observed that the absence of a body does not preclude a murder conviction, reinforcing the principle that strong circumstantial evidence can be sufficient to establish guilt in homicide cases.

The third edition of Bharat Tex 2026, a global textile exposition, concluded in New Delhi, attracting over 6,000 buyers from 130 countries and 1.3 lakh trade visitors. The event showcased the entire textile value chain, from traditional crafts like the 800-year-old Tikuli art to modern circular economy models. Enterprises such as ReFiber presented technology-enabled systems for recycling post-consumer textile waste, drawing significant international interest in green business collaborations.

NITI Aayog has released the inaugural “Investment Friendliness Index (IFI)” report, benchmarking the investment ecosystem across all States and Union Territories. Based on eight pillars, the index aims to foster competitive federalism and encourage state-level reforms. Gujarat, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Goa, and Odisha were ranked as 'Top Performers', with Gujarat also securing the top position among Large States.

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has initiated preparations for the second edition of the World Audio-Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES), scheduled for 2027 in Mumbai. A central government delegation met with the Maharashtra Chief Minister to coordinate efforts for the global summit, which will cover films, music, gaming, and animation. The inaugural edition of WAVES was held in May 2025.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) conducted a 3-day Variable Rate Repo (VRR) auction on July 17, 2026, as part of its liquidity management operations. The auction, held under the Liquidity Adjustment Facility (LAF), is a key monetary policy tool used by the central bank to inject short-term liquidity into the banking system and manage day-to-day financial mismatches.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has extended the validity of its Directions for The Konark Urban Co-operative Bank Ltd., Ulhasnagar. This regulatory action, taken under Section 35A of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949, means that operational restrictions on the bank will continue for a further specified period to protect the interests of its depositors.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI), on behalf of the central government, will conduct an underwriting auction for the sale of Government Securities (G-Secs) with a total notified amount of ₹32,000 crore. This auction is an integral part of the government's market borrowing programme to finance its fiscal deficit.

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has extended the facility for creating standing instructions for Systematic Withdrawal Plans (SWP) and Systematic Transfer Plans (STP) to mutual fund units held in dematerialised (demat) form. This measure is aimed at enhancing convenience and streamlining the investment process for investors who use demat accounts for their mutual fund holdings.

The credit rating agency CRISIL has upgraded the ratings for several Vedanta Group companies, lifting the rating for the flagship firm, Vedanta Limited, to its highest level in over a decade. The upgrade follows a recent demerger and reflects increased confidence in the group's financial stability and debt-servicing capabilities post-restructuring.

A multi-institutional meeting was held in Kargil to identify science and technology interventions for the region's sustainable development. Organised by CSIR-NIScPR and others, the event explored technologies to enhance livelihoods, such as dehumidified drying for crops and food processing to boost rural entrepreneurship. Key priority areas identified for S&T intervention include protected cultivation, water resource management, eco-tourism, and the potential for Heeng (asafoetida) cultivation.

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi flagged off India’s first indigenously developed hydrogen-powered train from Jind, Haryana, on July 17, 2026. The train is scheduled to operate on the Jind-Sonipat route, marking a significant milestone in the country's pursuit of green mobility under the 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' initiative. This launch represents a key advancement in the Indian Railways' strategy to reduce its carbon footprint using clean energy technologies.

The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has approved a new indication for the drug Wegovy, a 2.4 mg semaglutide injection manufactured by Novo Nordisk. The approval permits its use in adult patients for treating noncirrhotic metabolic dysfunction associated steatohepatitis (MASH), a severe form of fatty liver disease, expanding its application beyond weight-loss treatment in India.

The Department of Space has directed Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) centres to tighten rules for personnel exits, instructing them not to routinely accept resignation or voluntary retirement requests from Group 'A' scientific and technical staff. This policy aims to curb attrition and retain critical talent following recent mass appeals from employees to leave the organisation.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast heavy rainfall for the Sub-Himalayan regions of West Bengal and Sikkim over the next two days. The weather alert warns of potential disruptions due to intense precipitation, and authorities have advised residents in the affected areas to take necessary precautions.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for Uttarakhand, warning of heavy rainfall and a significant risk of flash floods and landslides. The alert comes as the Kedarnath Yatra resumed after a five-hour halt caused by a rain-triggered landslide. A separate yellow alert has also been announced for Himachal Pradesh, with authorities advising caution for tourists and residents.

Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal, held strategic discussions in Finland to deepen the bilateral economic partnership. He met with the leadership of Nokia Corporation to discuss collaboration in 5G and 6G technologies, and with the VTT Technical Research Centre to explore partnerships in innovation and clean technologies. Engagements with KONE Corporation and the Kemppi Group focused on attracting investment in India's smart infrastructure and advanced manufacturing sectors.

The Ministry of External Affairs has confirmed that Japan will provide the E20 series of Shinkansen trains for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail corridor. According to the Ministry, bilateral discussions on the flagship infrastructure project are progressing, with the delivery of the advanced bullet trains anticipated in the early 2030s.

The European Union has voiced serious concerns regarding the human rights situation in Pakistan and has called on Islamabad to adhere to its international commitments. The EU has explicitly linked Pakistan's continued access to trade benefits under the new Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP) framework to its compliance with international human rights conventions.

The Government of India has confirmed it is examining an official extradition request from Bangladesh for its former Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina. The request was made by the new government in Dhaka, which came to power earlier this year. According to reports, Sheikh Hasina's presence in India has become a point of contention in the bilateral relationship.

India is engaging with United States authorities over new, stricter visa regulations that are reportedly affecting Indian students, exchange visitors, and journalists. The Indian government's diplomatic engagement aims to address concerns arising from the new rules, which could impose restrictions on the duration of stay for a significant number of Indian nationals.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has confirmed that the India-operated Shahid Beheshti terminal at Iran's Chabahar port was not damaged during recent US air strikes in the region. MEA Spokesperson Shri Randhir Jaiswal reiterated India's position that civilian infrastructure should not be targeted. The statement is significant as the budgetary allocation for the port was reduced from a revised ₹400 crore in 2025-26 to nil for the 2026-27 fiscal year.

India has rejected Pakistan's protest over a joint statement issued with Japan that explicitly condemned "cross-border terrorism from Pakistan." The statement was released following a meeting between Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Japan’s Minister for Economic Security, Ms. Sanae Takaichi, underscoring a unified stance by the two nations against regional terrorism.

A diplomatic issue has arisen over the Mumbai-Ahmedabad high-speed rail project, with Japan's former Justice Minister, Mr. Hideki Makihara, criticising India for project delays which he termed 'sheer recklessness'. India's Ministry of External Affairs has officially responded to the criticism from the member of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party, addressing concerns about the pace of the flagship bilateral initiative.

A new bill backed by 60 United States Senators proposes the imposition of 100% tariffs on countries, including India and China, that purchase Russian oil. The legislative proposal signals growing pressure within the U.S. Congress to penalize nations for their continued energy trade with Russia.

Under the Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojana (PM-AJAY), 16,759 villages with significant Scheduled Caste populations have been developed as 'Adarsh Grams' (model villages). The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment reported that 46,782 development works have been completed, benefiting over 47.59 lakh citizens. A new allocation of ₹22.50 crore for FY 2026-27 has also been made for constructing hostels for 750 SC students.

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognizance of the death of a worker who inhaled toxic gases while cleaning a sewage treatment plant in Hisar, Haryana. The Commission has issued notices to the Haryana Chief Secretary and the Hisar Superintendent of Police, demanding a detailed report within two weeks on the investigation, compensation provided to the victim's family, and the health status of another injured worker.

The National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP) has notified 16 new competency-based curricula, including for the Diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology (DMLT), which will be mandatory from the 2027-28 academic year. This comprehensive reform aims to standardize education in fields such as Physiotherapy and Optometry, aligning it with national priorities and international standards to support the creation of one lakh additional healthcare professionals over five years.

The Ministry of Labour & Employment conducted an awareness session for trade union representatives on the SAMADHAN Portal 2.0, a digital platform for labour grievance redressal. The portal facilitates the online filing of industrial disputes and claims under the new Labour Codes, offering real-time status tracking. Over 30 representatives from major unions, including INTUC, BMS, and CITU, participated in the session.

The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has launched a new scheme named VISHWAS to facilitate the amicable settlement of disputes concerning damages and penalties. The initiative aims to reduce litigation and encourage compliance by providing a resolution mechanism for establishments with pending dues, thereby improving the ease of doing business.

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has reported that the re-examination for NEET-UG 2026, held on June 21, recorded the second-lowest attendance rate in the examination's history under the agency. Despite the lower participation, the qualifying cut-off for the medical entrance test was the highest ever declared, amidst ongoing scrutiny regarding the examination's conduct.

Educator and Magsaysay awardee Sonam Wangchuk's indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi, entered its 20th day. He is protesting to demand the resignation of the Union Education Minister over alleged irregularities in national examinations and has called for a public march to Parliament on July 20. A medical bulletin stated that Mr. Wangchuk has lost approximately 9.5 kilograms and is showing signs of mild dehydration.

Activists from the All India Students' Association (AISA) are continuing a parallel hunger strike at Jantar Mantar, stating it is in solidarity with Sonam Wangchuk's protest for constitutional safeguards for Ladakh. Despite medical reports indicating a deterioration in their vital signs, the activists have resolved to continue their protest to highlight the demands for Ladakh's inclusion in the Sixth Schedule and the granting of statehood.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has claimed responsibility for launching a series of retaliatory strikes targeting United States military facilities in Syria, Kuwait, and Oman. The claim, reported on July 17, 2026, represents a significant escalation of geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, with the IRGC framing the action as a response to prior events in the region.

In a major operation in Jodhpur, police arrested a former National Security Guard (NSG) commando in connection with a drug trafficking network. Authorities seized ₹1.6 crore in cash and 8 kilograms of opium latex during the raid, along with a vehicle allegedly used for trafficking.

The Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has arrested five more individuals allegedly linked to a Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror module, bringing the total number of arrests in the case to 13. The accused, booked under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), were allegedly learning to manufacture IEDs and had procured materials for the purpose. The ATS recovered a JeM flag, books by its founder, and ₹1.3 lakh in cash.

The Indian Navy has received another MH-60R Seahawk multi-role helicopter at the naval air station in Kochi as part of a defence deal with the United States. With two more helicopters expected to be delivered this week, the induction will further augment the Navy's anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare capabilities.

The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) is conducting specialised gender sensitisation and crowd management training for its elite Commando Battalions for Resolute Action (CoBRA) units ahead of their first-ever deployment in Manipur. This operational posting marks a shift for the CoBRA units, which have traditionally been engaged in anti-Naxal operations.

Sir Garfield Sobers, the legendary West Indies cricketer widely regarded as one of the greatest all-rounders in the sport's history, has passed away at the age of 89. In a distinguished career spanning from 1954 to 1974, he played 93 Tests, scoring 8,032 runs and taking 235 wickets.