Daily Bulletin

The Ministry of Panchayati Raj has launched the 'DAANVEER' initiative, a citizen participation platform to strengthen digital infrastructure in Gram Panchayats. The platform allows citizens and organisations to voluntarily contribute computers through the 'Meri Panchayat' mobile application. It provides a transparent, end-to-end digital mechanism, integrating with the DigiHaat marketplace for quality-verified hardware and enabling donors to track their contributions from dispatch to installation.

The government is reinforcing its policy of mother tongue-based education, as recommended by the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. In a significant step, the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has translated textbooks for several grades into all 22 Scheduled Languages. This initiative is supported by the DIKSHA platform, which hosts resources in 135 languages, and the development of 121 primers for foundational literacy in various local Indian languages.

The Ministry of Education has filled 32,114 posts, including 18,757 faculty positions, in Central Higher Educational Institutions (CHEIs) under a mission-mode recruitment drive initiated in August 2021. The special drive was undertaken to fill backlog vacancies, including those reserved for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes.

The Ministry of Education has selected 13,092 schools nationwide under the Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India (PM SHRI) scheme. This centrally sponsored scheme, with an implementation timeline from 2022-23 to 2026-27, aims to develop over 14,500 institutions as exemplar schools that showcase all components of the National Education Policy 2020.

The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) has introduced several student-centric reforms for NEET UG Counselling 2026 to enhance transparency and convenience. Key changes include a one-time physical reporting framework that allows online seat upgradation until the third round and an online resignation facility. Additionally, designated assessment centres for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) have been increased from 16 to 61, and the admission process for the NRI category has been fully digitised.

The government is reinforcing the implementation of the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, through timely central financial assistance to states. The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has released ₹30.52 crores to Telangana for the financial year 2026-27 under the relevant Centrally Sponsored Scheme to support the Act's enforcement.

The Lok Sabha has passed the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, which seeks to amend the parent Act of 2024. The legislation introduces stringent penalties to deter exam malpractices, including imprisonment for up to ten years and fines up to ten crore rupees, along with provisions for the seizure of properties belonging to convicted offenders.

The Rajya Sabha has passed the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, which grants the national song, 'Vande Mataram', the same statutory protection as the National Anthem, 'Jana Gana Mana'. This legislation accords equal legal standing to the national song, making any disrespect towards it a punishable offence under the existing Act.

The Lok Sabha has passed the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Bill, a new legislation aimed at curbing malpractices in public recruitment and entrance tests. The bill introduces stringent penalties, including significant fines and imprisonment, for individuals and organised syndicates involved in leaking question papers, aiming to restore integrity in the examination system.

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju clarified in Parliament that operational orders for firing during law and order situations are not issued by the Home Minister or any other minister. He affirmed that such decisions are made by competent authorities on the ground, strictly following established legal protocols and assessing the immediate circumstances.

The Lok Sabha has passed the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, which strengthens the existing 2024 Act by increasing the maximum jail term for offenders to 10 years and imposing a fine of up to ₹50 lakh. However, RSP MP Shri N.K. Premachandran criticised the bill as "cosmetic and an eyewash." In a related statement, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh informed Parliament that the NEET-UG paper leak case was transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on May 12, four days after initial information was received.

Following a recent controversy, technology company Meta has formally assured the Union Ministry of Information Technology that it will implement stricter content moderation protocols for prominent accounts. This measure includes additional oversight for posts by high-profile individuals, including the Prime Minister of India, to enhance the integrity of information shared on its platforms.

Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare, Shri Bhagirath Choudhary, has refunded a subsidy of ₹99 lakh that he had received for his cucumber farm. The information was provided to the Lok Sabha in a written reply by Minister of State Shri Anurag Thakur, who confirmed that Shri Choudhary had returned the amount to the concerned bank.

Shri Indra Hang Subba, a Member of Parliament from the Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM), an ally of the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA), defended recent nationwide student protests in the Lok Sabha. He described the demonstrations as a "wake-up call" that reflects the growing frustration of aspirants across the country.

Recent police action against student protestors led to a major uproar in Parliament. In the Lok Sabha, Congress leader Shri Rahul Gandhi alleged that Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah ordered the use of force, a claim the government denied, with Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh stating that only tear gas was used. In the Rajya Sabha, Congress President Shri Mallikarjun Kharge questioned police action at the CPI(M) headquarters, which Union Minister Shri J.P. Nadda defended as a necessary law and order measure.

A Delhi court has stayed a non-bailable warrant that had been issued against student leader Aishe Ghosh in connection with a 2021 case. The warrant was related to a case registered at the Barakhamba Road Police Station following a demonstration, and the judicial stay provides temporary relief to Ms. Ghosh.

Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari, confirmed that 11 ministry officials have been removed from their posts to enforce accountability for recent infrastructure failures. The action follows a series of collapses involving bridges, flyovers, and highway sections, highlighting the government's focus on quality control in national projects.

The Rajya Sabha has passed a bill to make any intentional insult to the national song, 'Vande Mataram', a criminal offence, punishable by up to three years in jail, a fine, or both. The legislation was passed amidst a walkout by opposition parties and must now be approved by the Lok Sabha and receive presidential assent to become law.

Authorities have implemented a traffic management plan for the annual Kanwar Mela, barring pilgrim vehicles from the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway. During the pilgrimage's peak days, National Highway 58 (NH-58) will be closed to general traffic and its lanes will be exclusively dedicated to the movement of 'kanwariyas'.

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognizance of deaths following a factory blast in Assam. The Commission has issued notices to the Chief Secretary of Assam and the concerned Senior Superintendent of Police, directing them to submit a detailed report on the incident within two weeks.

Goa Chief Minister Shri Pramod Sawant criticised recent student agitations in the state regarding the NEET exam, stating they had "stooped to the lowest intellectual level." Speaking at the Goa Shiksha Samagam 2026, he questioned the display of placards demanding the release of activist Umar Khalid, arguing it diverted the protest from its original purpose.

Union Minister Shri Piyush Goyal outlined India's economic trajectory, noting a GDP growth of 7.7% last year and 7.8% in the last quarter, reinforcing its status as the world's fastest-growing large economy. Despite global uncertainties, merchandise exports have reportedly grown by 15% in the current fiscal year. To further boost trade, India has concluded nine Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with 38 developed economies, expanding market access to a combined GDP of nearly US$60 trillion.

Under the centrally sponsored Samagra Shiksha scheme, the central share allocated to states and Union Territories for strengthening school education infrastructure was ₹47,67,633.57 lakh for the financial year 2025-26. The total expenditure, including the state share, was recorded at ₹58,54,423.27 lakh for the same period.

The government is enhancing employability through a multi-pronged skilling ecosystem. Under the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS), approximately 17.22 lakh apprentices were engaged between FY 2021-22 and 2025-26, with the government releasing ₹2892.75 crore for stipend support. To further integrate industry needs, the University Grants Commission (UGC) and AICTE have introduced guidelines for an Apprenticeship Embedded Degree Programme, while the new SWAYAM Plus portal offers over 500 industry-led courses for upskilling.

The Department of Telecommunications and the Government of Madhya Pradesh are set to sign a Memorandum of Understanding on July 30, 2026, to establish India's first Telecom Manufacturing Zone (TMZ) in Gwalior. The initiative, part of the 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' vision, aims to create a world-class ecosystem for manufacturing telecom equipment and attract investment.

The Ministry of Heavy Industries held a pre-bid conference for a global tender under the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for Advanced Chemistry Cells (ACC). The tender aims to select manufacturers to establish a cumulative 10 GWh of ACC manufacturing capacity for Grid Scale Stationary Storage Applications, with participation from 29 prospective bidders.

The Indian Rupee strengthened against the U.S. dollar, appreciating by 21 paise in the foreign exchange market on July 29, 2026. This upward movement in the domestic currency's value is attributed to positive market sentiments and impacts the country's import costs and foreign currency reserves.

Global crude oil prices surged by more than 4%, driven by escalating conflict in West Asia. The significant price jump reflects market concerns over potential disruptions to the global oil supply chain and could have inflationary implications for oil-importing nations like India by increasing the national import bill.

The Bihar state cabinet has approved a proposal for the reopening of closed sugar mills within the state, as part of 25 proposals cleared in a recent meeting. The decision is aimed at reviving the local sugar industry, generating employment, and boosting the agrarian economy of Bihar.

Domestic market prices for both gold and silver recorded a downward trend on July 29, 2026, influenced by fluctuations in international commodity markets. The decline in the value of precious metals has implications for investors and the domestic jewellery industry.

Farmers in Madhya Pradesh marched to Bhopal demanding complete procurement of their moong crop at the Minimum Support Price (MSP). The protestors also called for resolving technical issues with the e-token system for procurement and sought assurances on the timely availability of fertilisers, causing significant traffic disruptions.

The government has launched several initiatives to foster a deep-tech ecosystem, including a ₹1 lakh crore Research, Development and Innovation Fund to provide long-term, low-cost capital. Under the IndiaAI Mission, 38,000 GPUs have been onboarded to support startups. Additionally, a second Semiconductor Mission has been launched with an allocation of approximately US$12-13 billion to bolster domestic manufacturing capabilities.

The CSIR–Institute of Minerals & Materials Technology (CSIR-IMMT) in Bhubaneswar inaugurated its Advanced E-Learning Centre on July 27, 2026. Launched under the CSIR Integrated Skill Initiative, the centre is equipped with modern digital infrastructure to deliver high-quality online and hybrid training programmes, aiming to enhance skill development for students, researchers, and industry personnel.

In line with the National Education Policy 2020, the Ministry of Education is integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into school education, supported by the IndiaAI Mission. Teacher capacity is being built through the NISHTHA programme, which includes dedicated modules on AI. The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has also conducted AI-related training for over 96,000 participants to equip educators with competencies for AI-assisted pedagogy.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation informed the Rajya Sabha that no abnormality was found in the fuel control switch (FCS) locking mechanism of the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner fleet. The examination was conducted at the Original Equipment Manufacturer's facility following a directive from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The FCS is a key component in the ongoing investigation into the Air India crash in Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025.

The flood situation in Odisha has become severe, resulting in four fatalities and affecting an estimated four lakh people across multiple districts. Continuous heavy rainfall has caused several rivers to breach their danger levels, prompting extensive rescue and relief operations by disaster management teams.

The death toll from ongoing floods in Odisha has risen to five, with all fatalities reported from the Keonjhar district. The Balasore district is the most severely affected region, where the deluge has impacted a total of 109,429 people according to official reports.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has formally reiterated India's sovereign position, stating that the entire Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, including the area referred to as Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), are integral and inalienable parts of the country.

The United Nations Human Rights (UNHR) office has voiced significant concern over Islamabad's reported crackdown on protesters in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). The UN body has called for restraint and a thorough investigation into the reported violence and casualties resulting from actions by Pakistani forces.

Iran has officially claimed to have targeted a United States air base and other military installations located in Jordan. This act represents a major escalation in regional hostilities and has drawn widespread international attention due to its potential to further destabilise the West Asia region.

The Chief Minister of Tripura has sent a consignment of the state's renowned pineapples to Bangladesh's Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina, continuing an annual tradition. This diplomatic gesture, often termed 'pineapple diplomacy', aims to foster goodwill and strengthen bilateral relations between India and Bangladesh.

The Government of Bangladesh is considering an invitation from Prime Minister Narendra Modi for its Prime Minister to attend the upcoming 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi. According to Bangladesh's Foreign Minister, Khalilur Rahman, the invitation is under review, signalling ongoing diplomatic dialogue regarding Bangladesh's potential participation as an invitee.

The Embassy of India in the United States has formally reiterated India's position on Kashmir, rejecting terms such as 'Pakistani Kashmir'. The diplomatic mission clarified that the only correct terminology for the territories illegally held by Pakistan is 'Pakistan-occupied Kashmir', and asserted that the Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh are an integral part of India.

The Government of India is in diplomatic contact with Ukrainian authorities to ensure the safety of 13 Indian seafarers stranded aboard the vessel MV AMIR1 at the Chornomorsk port. This engagement follows recent attacks on merchant vessels in the Black Sea region, which have reportedly resulted in the deaths of five Indian seafarers and left two others missing.

Union Health Minister Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda called for a 'Jan Andolan' (people's movement) to achieve a TB Mukt Bharat by 2030, highlighting significant progress in the national elimination programme. According to the WHO Global TB Report 2025, India recorded a 21% decline in tuberculosis incidence between 2015 and 2024, nearly double the global average. This effort is supported by indigenous technologies, including TruNat machines for detecting Multi-Drug Resistant TB and nearly 3,000 AI-enabled handheld X-ray units for early diagnosis in remote areas.

Under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban (PMAY-U) and its successor, over 127 lakh houses have been sanctioned for eligible urban beneficiaries, of which more than 99 lakh have been completed. The scheme has significantly empowered vulnerable sections, with beneficiaries including over 21 lakh from the Scheduled Caste category and nearly 50 lakh from Other Backward Classes. Furthermore, it has promoted women's empowerment, with over one crore houses sanctioned in the name of women or under joint ownership.

The Ministry of Education is implementing the National Initiative for Proficiency in Reading with Understanding and Numeracy (NIPUN Bharat Mission) to ensure all children achieve foundational literacy and numeracy by Grade 2. Key initiatives under the mission include 'Vidya Pravesh', a play-based school preparation module for Grade 1, and 'Jaadui Pitara', a collection of learning materials for children aged 3 to 6. To support educators, over 15.57 lakh users have completed online training on Foundational Literacy and Numeracy through the NISHTHA programme on the DIKSHA platform.

To enhance digital education in rural and remote areas, the Ministry of Education has equipped nearly all Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs) with smart classrooms and reliable internet connectivity. Digital learning is being strengthened through the extensive use of platforms such as DIKSHA, PM eVIDYA, and SWAYAM, in line with the objectives of the National Education Policy 2020.

The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has launched two one-time settlement schemes, operational for six months from June 29, 2026. The first, VISHWAS, 2026, aims to resolve pending disputes related to damages and penalties under the EPF Act, 1952, at reduced rates. The second, AMNESTY, 2026, allows establishments with PF trusts recognised under the Income Tax Act to regularise their status and gain retrospective exemption under the EPF Act.

The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment is strengthening the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (NMBA) by integrating Panchayati Raj Institutions into grassroots drug prevention efforts. Panchayat Resource Persons are being engaged as 'Nasha Mukti Mitras' to promote awareness and the national de-addiction helpline (14446). Under the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR), Himachal Pradesh received ₹1.34 crore in financial assistance for 2025–26.

The Union Health Minister conducted a comprehensive review of the preparedness for the upcoming National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET-UG) counselling. The high-level meeting focused on implementing measures to ensure a transparent, fair, and efficient counselling and seat allocation process for all medical aspirants.

On World Hepatitis Day, India's strategy to eliminate viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030 was highlighted, in line with World Health Organization targets. The national programme focuses on enhancing public awareness and scaling up screening and diagnostic facilities to ensure early detection, prevention, and treatment of the disease.

The Government of West Bengal is set to launch a pilot project on August 1, 2026, to modify the mid-day meal scheme in parts of Kolkata. Under this initiative, the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) will provide vegetarian 'Satvik' meals, while eggs will continue to be served separately by local Self-Help Groups to maintain nutritional standards.

The Government of Tamil Nadu is considering a proposal to include chicken biryani once a week in the state's school mid-day meal programme to enhance its nutritional value and appeal. State minister Shri Rajmohan also raised concerns about the Union government allegedly withholding educational funds over policy and language disputes.

The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) has adopted a charter of seven core demands, including a law guaranteeing Minimum Support Price (MSP), a complete farm-debt waiver, and the withdrawal of the four new Labour Codes. The farmers' body announced a nationwide protest at 1,000 locations on August 10 and a sustained agitation from November 26. It also passed resolutions demanding land for a memorial to farmers who died during the 2020-21 protests and a comprehensive disaster-management framework for crop and livestock losses.

A court in Palghar, Maharashtra, has sentenced a Nepalese national to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment for kidnapping a 13-year-old girl in 2018 and committing aggravated penetrative sexual assault. The accused was found guilty under Section 363 of the Indian Penal Code and Section 6 of the POCSO Act. The court also directed that a proposal for financial compensation to the victim be sent under the Manodhairya Scheme.

On the sixth anniversary of the National Education Policy (NEP), Goa Chief Minister Shri Pramod Sawant stated that Goa is leading the country in its implementation. He highlighted that the policy aims to create culturally rooted students and emphasizes life skills and critical thinking from Class 8, asserting that technology like Artificial Intelligence would upgrade, not replace, teachers.

Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh inaugurated a new Department of Military Medicine at the Command Hospital in Lucknow. This specialised department is part of ongoing efforts to modernise military healthcare and is intended to enhance medical care, research, and training for the armed forces.

The Supreme Court of India has ruled that Indian Air Force (IAF) personnel do not possess an 'unqualified right' to leave the service at will to take up civilian employment. The court upheld existing Air Force regulations, clarifying that the requirement for personnel to seek prior approval before leaving is a substantive condition of service, reinforcing the operational readiness of the armed forces.

Eight Maoist cadres, active in Jharkhand and carrying a collective bounty of ₹49 lakh, have surrendered to authorities in Chhattisgarh. The individuals, all associated with the banned Communist Party of India (Maoist), surrendered under the state government’s surrender and rehabilitation policy.

In Manipur's Noney district, an exchange of gunfire occurred between security forces and Naga volunteers during a search operation. Following the incident, a Naga civil society organisation alleged excessive action by state commandos and announced a shutdown in protest, highlighting the persistent security challenges in the state.

Indian athlete Gulveer secured the Silver medal in the Men’s 10,000-metre event at the Commonwealth Games 2026, held in Glasgow. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi extended his congratulations to Gulveer for the achievement, lauding his commitment and dedication.

At the Commonwealth Games 2026, nine Indian boxers have secured medals for the country by advancing to the semi-finals of their respective events. This achievement guarantees a minimum of a bronze medal for each of the nine athletes, significantly boosting India's overall medal tally.

The Indian men's and women's table tennis teams have advanced to the finals at the ongoing Commonwealth Games 2026. Both teams secured their places in the gold medal matches after registering victories over their English opponents in the semi-finals, thereby assuring at least two silver medals for India.

The Indian shooting team concluded its campaign at the ISSF World Cup with a total of four medals. This performance underscores the consistent success of Indian shooters at premier international competitions and reinforces the country's status as a formidable force in the sport.

At the World Junior Squash Championships, both the Indian boys' and girls' teams have advanced to the quarterfinals. Their progression to the knockout stage of the tournament highlights the growing depth of young talent in Indian squash.