Daily Bulletin

The National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET) has recognised several institutions as 'Awarding Bodies', authorising them to issue certifications aligned with the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF). The newly recognised bodies include the National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (NIRD&PR), NITTTR Kolkata, the NIIT Foundation, and the Central Hindi Training Institute (CHTI), which will offer qualifications in areas ranging from pest management and AI tools to Hindi stenography. Additionally, the Nettur Technical Training Foundation (NTTF) was upgraded to an 'Awarding Body (Dual)' with pan-India jurisdiction.

The Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) has constructed a total of 7,97,020 km of rural roads and connected 1,62,876 habitations since its inception, as of July 16, 2026. The scheme's funding pattern is a 60:40 ratio between the Centre and States, with a more favourable 90:10 ratio for North-Eastern and Himalayan states. To ensure inclusive development, PMGSY guidelines relax population norms for connectivity in Tribal, North-Eastern, Himalayan, and Left Wing Extremism-affected areas.

The Ministry of Rural Development has announced that all States and Union Territories have notified their respective schemes under the Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB–GRAM–G) Act, 2025. The implementation of this new rural employment and livelihood mission commenced nationwide on July 1, 2026. The central government is continuously reviewing the preparedness of states for its successful rollout.

The Union Government has expressed its readiness to hold a discussion in Parliament on the alleged irregularities in the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), with Prime Minister Narendra Modi assuring strict action against those responsible. The statement by Union Minister Jitendra Singh comes amidst persistent demands from the opposition for a debate. The issue has also seen political escalation, with former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik calling for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who in turn accused the opposition of politicising the matter.

Union Minister of State for Personnel, Dr. Jitendra Singh, has stated that the next generation of governance reforms must be driven by evidence-based decision-making. He emphasised leveraging data and analytics for formulating effective public policies and enhancing service delivery, aiming to foster a more transparent, efficient, and citizen-centric administrative system.

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has announced plans to consult with civil society organisations on online child safety. Concurrently, the ministry will commission a comprehensive study to assess the harms children face on social media platforms, aiming to gather data to inform future policies and regulatory frameworks.

The Delhi High Court has declined to suspend the conviction of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Pradeep Singh in a case of celebratory firing. A trial court had previously convicted Mr. Singh under Section 304 Part II of the Indian Penal Code (culpable homicide not amounting to murder) and provisions of the Arms Act.

A third judge of the Supreme Court has recused themselves from hearing the bail plea of lawyer Surendra Gadling. Following the recusal, the matter will now be placed before the Chief Justice of India for the constitution of a new bench to hear the petition.

A delegation of Left parliamentarians visited student protestors at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi, to express solidarity over alleged irregularities in the education sector. The MPs demanded that Union Home Minister Amit Shah make a statement in Parliament regarding police action during a recent student march. The delegation alleged excessive force by the Delhi Police, which operates under the Union Home Ministry, and reiterated the Opposition's demand for the resignation of the Home and Education Ministers.

The Union Government has informed the Supreme Court that a new Tribunal Reforms Bill is likely to be introduced in the ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament. Attorney General R. Venkataramani made the submission before a bench hearing petitions concerning the functioning of and vacancies in various central tribunals.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and other party members were detained by police during a protest near the Prime Minister's residence in Delhi. The demonstration was organised to oppose the police crackdown on the 'Chalo Sansad' march, part of a larger agitation concerning the 'Common Job Portal'. Mr. Gandhi stated the protest was held after the government reportedly refused to discuss the issue in Parliament.

The Uttarakhand High Court strongly rebuked the state police for detaining a political leader supporting activist Sonam Wangchuk's protest, terming the action 'gunda gardi'. The court questioned the legal basis for the detention and expressed concern that police may be prioritising the government's image over citizens' constitutional rights.

The Delhi High Court has permitted activist Sonam Wangchuk to be transferred to a private hospital for medical treatment, citing his fundamental right to health. A two-judge bench directed his transfer from a government facility to Medanta hospital in Gurugram. The court also instructed the private hospital to form a dedicated panel of doctors to supervise his care.

The Supreme Court has declined to stay a Kerala High Court order that imposed restrictions on the Kerala Waqf Board. However, the apex court modified the directive by removing the condition that the Board must operate under the supervision of a Joint Secretary, thereby clarifying the extent of judicial oversight on the statutory body's administrative functions.

The Shiv Sena (UBT) has challenged the Lok Sabha Speaker's decision recognising the merger of its MPs with a rival faction in the Supreme Court. The petition, filed by the party's parliamentary leader Arvind Sawant, was mentioned for an urgent hearing. The case pertains to the interpretation of the anti-defection law under the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution.

The Delhi Police have registered four cases, with two more pending, in connection with violence during the recent 'Chalo Sansad' march. Protestors are accused of unlawful assembly, disrupting public order, and damaging public property. The action follows clashes between demonstrators and security forces in the national capital.

The Union Ministry of Tourism has sanctioned the 'Ex-INS Guldar Underwater Museum, Artificial Reef, and Submarine Tourism' project in Sindhudurg, Maharashtra, with a total outlay of ₹46.91 crore. Approved under the Special Assistance to the States for Capital Investment (SASCI) scheme for FY 2024-25, the initiative aims to enhance marine tourism. The project is expected to be completed by March 31, 2028, and is projected to generate approximately 800 direct jobs within a decade of its completion.

The Ministry of Rural Development has been allocated a total of ₹2,31,423.14 crore in the Budget Estimate for the financial year 2026-27. Within this allocation, the Department of Rural Development is set to receive ₹2,28,768.81 crore. These funds are designated for various centrally sponsored schemes and will be released to states based on fund utilisation and adherence to programme guidelines.

The Central Government has increased the Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) for sugarcane to ₹365 per quintal for the 2026-27 sugar season, up from ₹355 in the previous season. This comes as sugarcane production in Maharashtra is estimated to have increased to 1,316.49 lakh tonnes in 2025-26 from 1,099.70 lakh tonnes in 2024-25. In the recently concluded season, Maharashtra's sugar mills recorded an average recovery rate of 11.26% and disbursed approximately 99.6% of the FRP due to farmers.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has released draft rules for public comment aimed at rationalising the Foreign Exchange Management (Non-Debt Instruments) Rules, 2019. This initiative seeks to simplify and update the regulatory framework governing foreign investment in non-debt instruments. The proposed changes are part of the central bank's ongoing efforts to improve the ease of doing business and streamline foreign exchange regulations.

To manage short-term liquidity, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) conducted a 3-day Variable Rate Repo (VRR) auction on July 21, 2026. Against a notified amount of ₹75,000 crore, the central bank received bids amounting to ₹98,500 crore, indicating strong demand for funds. The liquidity was infused at a weighted average rate of 6.52%.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has fixed the premature redemption price for Sovereign Gold Bond (SGB) 2019-20 Series-VIII at ₹7,458 per gram of gold, with the redemption date set for July 21, 2026. The price is calculated based on the simple average of the closing price of 999 purity gold for the three business days preceding the redemption date.

The Government of India, through the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), conducted a 'switch' operation of its securities on July 21, 2026. The debt management exercise involved converting securities worth ₹12,000 crore from a short-term paper maturing in 2027 to a long-term security maturing in 2040. This operation aims to smoothen the government's redemption profile and manage its long-term interest payment liabilities.

India's overseas direct investment (ODI) outflow stood at USD 4.85 billion in June 2026, a decrease from the USD 5.30 billion recorded in June of the previous year, according to data from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). The investment comprised USD 3.10 billion in equity, USD 0.95 billion in loans, and USD 0.80 billion in the form of guarantees issued by Indian firms for their overseas ventures.

Twelve state governments successfully raised an aggregate amount of ₹28,500 crore from the market through an auction of State Government Securities, also known as State Development Loans (SDLs), on July 21, 2026. The auction, facilitated by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), involved securities with tenures ranging from 10 to 20 years. The funds will be used by the states to finance their fiscal deficits and developmental expenditures.

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has issued a new circular outlining certification requirements for individuals and entities involved in the distribution of Specialized Investment Funds (SIFs). The regulatory update, dated July 21, 2026, aims to enhance investor protection by ensuring distributors possess the necessary competence to advise on these complex financial products. The circular specifies the qualifications and examination standards that must be met to engage in the distribution of SIFs.

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has operationalised the freezing of securities holdings of promoters and promoter groups at the International Securities Identification Number (ISIN) level. This measure, implemented under Regulation 24(i)(ea) of the SEBI (Buy-back of Securities) Regulations, 2018, is intended to prevent promoters from participating in a company's buy-back offer through the open market, thereby ensuring a more equitable process for all shareholders.

Foreign exchange inflows under a special swap scheme initiated by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) have exceeded 20 billion US dollars. The scheme was introduced to bolster the country's foreign exchange reserves and stabilise the rupee. The significant inflow is seen as an indicator of strong investor confidence and the effectiveness of the central bank's monetary management.

Global crude oil prices surged on July 21, 2026, primarily attributed to escalating geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions in key producing regions. This development raises concerns for major oil-importing nations like India, as it could potentially impact the domestic inflation rate, current account deficit, and retail fuel prices.

The government is promoting a strategic vision titled 'Bio-economy 2035: India's Roadmap for a Green Economy', which outlines a plan to transition towards a sustainable, bio-based economy. As discussed in the 'Manthan' programme, the roadmap aims to leverage biotechnology and renewable biological resources to promote bio-manufacturing and align India's economic development with environmental sustainability goals by 2035.

A government discussion, titled 'Strengthening India’s Infrastructure Base: Core Industry Growth & Investment Potential', highlighted the strategic focus on bolstering national infrastructure to foster growth in core industries. The strategy involves fast-tracking key projects in sectors like energy, transport, and logistics to create a favourable environment for both domestic and foreign investment, thereby enhancing the nation's economic competitiveness.

Farmers from Punjab and Haryana, under the banner of ‘Desh Bachao Morcha’, conducted a ‘Kisan Mahapanchayat’ at Kisan Ghat in Delhi. The protest was organised primarily to voice opposition to a proposed India-US trade deal, highlighting concerns within the agricultural sector over the potential impact of international trade agreements.

India has approved its first dengue vaccine, Qdenga, for use in individuals aged 4 to 60 years. The approval marks a significant public health development in the country's fight against the vector-borne disease. The vaccination schedule consists of two injectable doses administered three months apart.

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in the National Capital Region reviewed enforcement actions during its 135th Enforcement Task Force meeting. Between July 1 and July 13, 2026, flying squads conducted 175 inspections covering construction sites, industrial units, and diesel generator sets, leading to closure proposals and the imposition of Environmental Compensation. Cumulatively, as of July 20, 2026, the Commission's squads have inspected 27,925 entities and issued 1,803 closure directions.

In response to the potential impact of El Niño, the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare is implementing contingency measures across the country. District Agriculture Contingency Plans have been updated for 342 districts, and farmers have been advised to sow short-duration alternative crops. To support disaster management, Maharashtra has been allocated ₹5,718 crore under the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) for the fiscal year 2026-27, which includes a Central Share of ₹4,288.50 crore.

Severe monsoon floods in Assam have resulted in nearly a dozen deaths and have displaced over 3.63 lakh individuals across 15 districts. The inundation, caused primarily by the overflowing Brahmaputra river and its tributaries, continues to pose a significant challenge to the state's disaster management authorities.

At least ten people were killed after a landslide caused the collapse of an under-construction tunnel for the NHPC Teesta Stage VI Hydroelectric Project in Namchi district, Sikkim. The incident at the Samardung project site trapped several workers. Following the tragedy, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee spoke with her Sikkim counterpart, Prem Singh Tamang, and offered assistance, as some of the affected workers were reportedly from West Bengal.

A Supreme Court-constituted high-powered committee has invited public feedback on the definition and delineation of the Aravalli hill range, providing a 21-day window for submissions. The committee, headed by the Director General of the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education, was formed to independently review the central government's report on the Aravallis and is mandated to submit its findings by August 31, 2026.

The monsoon has revived in Rajasthan after a two-week hiatus, with heavy rainfall recorded in several eastern districts. Sikar received the highest rainfall of 10 cm in a 24-hour period. Despite the revival, the state water resources department reported that Rajasthan remains in a deficit rainfall category, having received 20.25% below-normal precipitation as of July 20.

As part of its 2026 BRICS Chairship, India hosted the 8th Meeting of BRICS Heads of Prosecution Services in a virtual format from July 20-21, 2026. Presided over by the Attorney General for India, Shri R. Venkataramani, the meeting focused on exchanging best practices in criminal adjudication. Key deliberations included the digitisation of criminal procedures, managing electronic evidence, and developing a BRICS Model Framework for Judicial Cooperation to combat transnational crimes.

India is set to host the Sixteenth BRICS Health Ministers' Meeting in Chandigarh from July 22–24, 2026, as part of its ongoing BRICS Chairship. The meeting, chaired by the Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, will focus on nine priority areas, including the BRICS TB Research Network and digital health architecture. Notably, India has introduced two new priorities for this year: the BRICS Mission for Healthy Lifestyle and the Promotion of Mental Wellness.

In a historic first state visit by an Indian President to North Macedonia, Smt. Droupadi Murmu addressed the Assembly of the Republic in Skopje, highlighting the centuries-old civilisational links between the two nations. President Murmu emphasised the role of shared values, yoga, and cinema in deepening bilateral relations. Following the visit, both countries agreed to enhance cooperation, with a specific focus on strengthening trade and collaboration in other key sectors.

Tensions between the United States and Iran have escalated, with reports of military strikes being exchanged for the tenth consecutive day. The conflict is concentrated around the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global energy supplies, deepening the regional crisis and raising international concerns over stability and freedom of navigation.

The appointment of new spokespersons by Bangladesh to its diplomatic missions in New Delhi and Kolkata has reportedly drawn concern in India. The appointees have been linked to previous social media activity allegedly critical of India, a development being monitored for its potential implications on bilateral diplomatic discourse.

External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar is scheduled to visit Manila, Philippines, from July 22-23, 2026, to participate in foreign ministers' meetings under the ASEAN framework. He is also expected to hold discussions with his counterparts from the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) member nations on the sidelines of the event.

National Security Advisor Shri Ajit Doval held a high-level meeting with Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan in Riyadh to discuss strategic issues. The talks on July 20, 2026, focused on energy security and the prevailing geopolitical situation in West Asia, reaffirming the ongoing strategic dialogue between the two nations.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has condemned a Russian missile strike on a commercial vessel near Ukraine's Odesa port, which killed four Indian seafarers among at least ten fatalities. The MEA termed the targeting of commercial shipping deplorable and confirmed its mission in Ukraine is providing assistance. In response, the Kremlin stated it is in communication with its Indian partners regarding the incident aboard the Guinea Bissau-flagged vessel.

According to data presented in the Lok Sabha, 332 sanitation workers have died while undertaking hazardous cleaning of sewers and septic tanks across 18 States and Union Territories between January 1, 2021, and June 30, 2026. The government also informed that 193 First Information Reports (FIRs) have been registered in the last five years against agencies and officials for violating the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013.

The Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) has organised 10.05 crore rural households into 92 lakh Self-Help Groups (SHGs). An independent impact study in 2025 found that the mission increased household incomes by an average of 9.5% and per capita consumption by 6–11%. To enhance market access for SHG products, the Ministry of Rural Development is promoting the 'Saras' brand and has established the eSaras e-commerce platform, alongside partnerships with major online retailers.

Under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G), a total of 3.10 crore houses have been completed against a cumulative target of 4.18 crore as of July 16, 2026. The Central Government released ₹1,34,242.45 crore for the scheme between FY 2021-22 and 2025-26. A 2026 evaluation by the Indian Institute of Management-Ahmedabad (IIM-A) affirmed the scheme's positive impact on living standards, sanitation, and health outcomes, while also noting a reduction in houselessness and distress migration in rural areas.

The government has stated that there is no proposal to revise the central assistance rates for the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP), which were last updated in 2012. However, states are providing significant top-up amounts, ranging from ₹50 to ₹5,700 per month, to enhance pension benefits for the elderly, widows, and disabled persons. This federal approach combines central support with state-specific initiatives to provide social security to approximately 9 crore beneficiaries nationwide.

The Delhi government has allocated internship seats to 275 foreign medical graduates across 12 of its hospitals, enabling them to complete their mandatory one-year Compulsory Rotating Medical Internship. This initiative addresses a crucial requirement for medical students educated abroad to become eligible to practice in India.

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee issued an advisory reminding students and staff to refrain from participating in political activities on campus without prior permission, citing existing conduct rules. Responding to criticism amidst ongoing campus debates, the institute clarified on July 21 that the circular is a routine advisory issued annually and not a new policy.

A protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, which included students who recently appeared for the NEET-UG re-examination, reportedly resulted in injuries following a stampede-like situation. The demonstration was organised by a group named the 'Cockroach Janta Party' to voice grievances related to the examination.

Police in Mysuru, Karnataka, have arrested three individuals for the alleged gang-rape of a 30-year-old tribal woman from West Bengal. The incident reportedly occurred after the woman was abducted from T Narasipura town. An FIR has been registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, marking an application of the new criminal law.

The Punjab Police announced that it had foiled a potential terror conspiracy with the arrest of 17 individuals associated with a nascent terror module. The security forces dismantled the module through an intelligence-led operation, highlighting proactive measures being taken by state law enforcement to counter subversive activities.

In Manipur, 46 insurgents belonging to a banned outfit have surrendered to government authorities, handing over 28 weapons. Under the official rehabilitation scheme, each individual is eligible to receive one-time financial assistance of ₹4 lakh to support their reintegration into mainstream society.

Five eastern states—Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, and West Bengal—have resolved to enhance inter-state coordination to combat Left-Wing Extremism and organised crime. The decision was taken at the Eastern Regional Police Coordination Committee meeting in Bhubaneswar, where the states agreed on continuous intelligence sharing and adopting advanced technology to address security challenges.

The Supreme Court has agreed to hear a plea by the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorist Squad challenging a Bombay High Court order that absolved BrahMos aerospace engineer Nishant Agarwal of espionage charges. A bench issued a notice on the plea, scheduling the matter for hearing on August 31, 2026. Mr. Agarwal was previously convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment by a Nagpur court under the Official Secrets Act, 1923, for allegedly leaking sensitive technical information to Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence.