Daily Bulletin

The fourth National Conference on Responsible Business Conduct (NCRBC) 2026 concluded in New Delhi, focusing on strengthening Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) integration in India. In his valedictory address, former Supreme Court Judge, Hon'ble Justice Shri Abhay S. Oka, emphasised that the right to a pollution-free environment under Article 21 is fundamental to the 'Viksit Bharat' vision. Deliberations also highlighted the need to evolve the Business Responsibility and Sustainability Reporting (BRSR) framework with sector-specific guidelines.

In Siliguri, West Bengal, Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah chaired a high-level meeting to review the implementation of the three new criminal laws: the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam. The meeting, held at the Uttarkanya complex, also assessed the progress of the birth and death registration system in the state.

The Department of Youth Affairs commenced its fourth 'Chintan Shivir' in Lucknow with the theme "Viksit Yuva for Viksit Bharat" to strategize youth empowerment. Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya announced the expansion of the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue (VBYLD) to state levels, aiming to nurture one lakh young leaders. The shivir also focuses on strengthening the Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat) platform and its “Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat” campaign.

The Lok Sabha Speaker has approved a request for separate seating arrangements for 20 rebel Trinamool Congress (TMC) Members of Parliament. This decision formalises their position as a distinct political group within the House following their recent move to join the Nationalist Congress Party of India (NCPI).

The Maharashtra state government has approved the 'Agri-Hackathon' as a permanent, state-wide scheme to foster innovation in the agricultural sector. The initiative aims to provide a continuous platform for students, researchers, and startups to develop technology-based solutions for farming challenges, thereby systematically improving agricultural productivity and farmer incomes.

Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla has formally approved the merger of rebel MPs from the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena faction with the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena. In a separate decision, the Speaker also recognised the merger of rebel Trinamool Congress MPs with the Nationalist Congress Party of India (NCPI), formalising party splits ahead of the monsoon session.

The Supreme Court of India has observed that the use of abusive language during an altercation does not automatically constitute a criminal offence under obscenity laws. The ruling clarifies the legal distinction between vulgar speech and obscenity, which requires a prurient or lascivious context to be considered a crime.

Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi criticised the central government over the alleged removal of activist Sonam Wangchuk from his protest site at Jantar Mantar. Meanwhile, Mr. Wangchuk's wife, Gitanjali Angmo, confirmed that a planned protest march to Parliament will proceed on July 20 to press for the demands of statehood for Ladakh and its inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.

The Bar Council of India (BCI) has promulgated new social media regulations for lawyers and law students nationwide. The rules explicitly prohibit the creation and circulation of video 'reels' or other content recorded within court premises. Furthermore, the regulations forbid any social media content that is deemed to mock, criticise, or scandalise the courts, the judiciary, or individual judges.

Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk was removed by the Delhi Police from his protest site at Jantar Mantar and subsequently admitted to Safdarjung hospital. Reports indicate he was taken away by plainclothes officers concealed under white sheets. In response, the Citizens for Justice and Peace (CJP) has announced an indefinite hunger strike, while Mr. Wangchuk's wife has stated that no medical treatment should be administered without the family's consent.

In a nationwide crackdown on precious metals smuggling, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) seized 15 kg of foreign-origin gold, 20 kg of silver, and ₹2.20 crore in cash between July 15-17, 2026. The seized metals are valued at approximately ₹22 crore, and thirteen individuals were arrested, including three airport staff in Mumbai for facilitating the smuggling of 5 kg of gold dust.

Shri Vivek Nishant Nath has assumed charge as the Director (Commercial) of NMDC Limited, India's largest iron ore producer. Shri Nath previously served as Chief General Manager at Odisha Mining Corporation Limited (OMC), where he was instrumental in increasing iron ore sales from 12.33 million tonnes in FY21 to 38.26 million tonnes in FY26. His appointment supports NMDC's vision of becoming a 100 million tonne mining company.

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has extended the exemption from the Approved List of Models & Manufacturers (ALMM) List-II for solar PV cells. Net-metering and Open Access renewable energy projects can now be commissioned without adhering to the list until December 31, 2026, providing relief to project developers and aiming to boost domestic module manufacturing.

Union Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah will perform the Bhoomi Pujan for the world’s largest curd production plant in Kolkata on July 19, 2026, as part of a broader push for the cooperative sector in West Bengal. The Amul Bengal Dairy Project involves an investment of ₹700 crore and is expected to benefit over 1.25 lakh milk producers. During his visit, the Minister will also launch the e-RCS portal for digital administration and inaugurate warehouses under the world’s largest grain storage programme.

Union Minister for Railways Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw flagged off the inaugural Ramnagar-Dehradun Express, the first direct train service connecting the Kumaon and Garhwal regions of Uttarakhand. The bi-weekly service is expected to boost tourism and local connectivity. It was also announced that 11 stations in the state are being redeveloped under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme.

The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) facilitated the first-ever export shipment of premium fruits from Jammu & Kashmir to Singapore. The consignment included 'Areko Cherries' and 'Scentrose Plums' from Shopian and Pulwama, an initiative expected to provide growers with over 50 percent higher returns and establish J&K as a global source for high-value temperate fruits.

NITI Aayog has launched its Investment Friendliness Index 2026, a new initiative to foster competitive federalism and attract investment across states and union territories. The index evaluates regions on various parameters, including their business ecosystem and policy frameworks, to encourage reforms that enhance their attractiveness for both domestic and foreign investors.

Global crude oil prices have surged by approximately 16 percent amid escalating geopolitical tensions between the United States and Iran in the Strait of Hormuz. The conflict has raised significant concerns about potential disruptions to global oil supply chains, which is expected to exert inflationary pressure on oil-importing economies like India.

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi dedicated 75 redeveloped railway stations across 20 states to the nation under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. The stations were modernised at a combined cost of approximately ₹1,570 crore. The scheme, launched in December 2022, aims to redevelop 1,340 stations into modern transit hubs, with work now completed at a total of 261 stations nationwide.

The Namo Bharat rail corridor is set to be extended from Meerut to Rishikesh, a development expected to reduce travel time along the nearly 230-kilometre route to approximately three hours. The semi-high-speed train service, with an operational capability of up to 160 kmph, aims to enhance regional connectivity and stimulate economic activity.

M.K. Surana, a former Chairman of Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL), has stated that blending ethanol with petrol is unlikely to lower retail fuel prices for consumers. Addressing the public debate on E20 petrol, Mr. Surana explained that the cost dynamics of ethanol procurement and blending do not necessarily translate into reduced prices at the pump, adding an expert perspective to the national conversation on India's biofuel policy.

A significant milestone was achieved in the Mumbai–Ahmedabad Bullet Train Project as the second Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) commenced excavation for India’s first undersea rail tunnel on July 18, 2026. The TBM, with a 13.6-meter diameter cutterhead, began its 7 km drive beneath Thane Creek, marking progress in the 21 km underground section of the high-speed rail corridor.

In a landmark achievement for India's space sector, private company Skyroot Aerospace successfully launched its Vikram-1 orbital vehicle from Sriharikota, marking the country's first private orbital launch. The mission, named 'Aagaman', placed its payloads into Low Earth Orbit. The 22-metre-tall rocket features an all-carbon composite structure and 100% 3D-printed liquid engines, demonstrating critical indigenous technologies.

Union Minister Shri Pralhad Joshi commissioned the White Rabbit Technology-based Indian Standard Time (IST) Dissemination Demonstration Network in Bengaluru on July 16, 2026. Developed jointly by the Department of Consumer Affairs, CSIR-NPL, and ISRO, the network provides highly accurate and secure time synchronisation for critical sectors like banking and telecommunications, as part of the "One Nation, One Time" initiative.

Apple Inc. is adapting its 'Apple Intelligence' suite for the Chinese market by partnering with local firms, including Alibaba for its Qwen AI model and Baidu. This strategy of using localised AI models is a response to China's stringent regulatory environment, reflecting a broader trend of global technology companies creating region-specific solutions to comply with domestic data and security laws.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for extremely heavy rainfall in West Bengal, Sikkim, and Uttarakhand. The alert warns of a high risk of flooding, landslides, and significant disruption to transport and communication, prompting state authorities to activate emergency response mechanisms.

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has ordered the sealing of wells in Odisha's Sukinda valley due to severe contamination from hexavalent chromium. The valley, located in Jajpur district, is of critical national importance as it holds approximately 97% of India’s total chromite reserves and is the exclusive source for 100% of the country's chrome ore production.

Recent floods in Assam have affected nearly 16,000 people in Dhemaji district, underscoring the state's extreme vulnerability, with nearly 40% of its total area being flood-prone. Experts attribute the recurring disaster to the Brahmaputra river's high sediment load, exacerbated by upstream deforestation, and the limited efficacy of aging embankment systems against the river's avulsive nature.

Union Minister for Commerce and Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal, addressed the India–Estonia Business Forum in Tallinn, calling for deeper bilateral collaboration in trade, investment, and technology. During his official visit, Shri Goyal highlighted India's economic transformation and investment opportunities to an audience that included Estonia's Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Mr. Margus Tsahkna, aiming to foster partnerships in sectors like digital technologies and advanced manufacturing.

Overnight Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian territory on July 18, 2026, resulted in eight fatalities and over 60 injuries, according to Russian officials. The strikes reportedly targeted significant economic infrastructure, including two large warehouses belonging to a major Russian online retailer, marking a continuation of cross-border attacks in the ongoing conflict.

Iran has suspended its commitments under the recently signed Islamabad Memorandum amid an escalating conflict with the United States in the Strait of Hormuz. The announcement, made by Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs on July 18, 2026, follows recent attacks on key infrastructure and signals a significant deterioration in regional stability.

The Government of India is actively engaged in discussions with United States authorities to address complications faced by Indian citizens due to revised American visa policies. The diplomatic engagement aims to mitigate difficulties and streamline the visa application process, underscoring the government's focus on ensuring smooth mobility for its citizens in a key partner country.

The National Commission for Safai Karamcharis (NCSK) has directed the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) to regularise the services of 28 pending malaria department employees within one month. The commission also mandated the initiation of recruitment for Temporary Muster Roll (TMR) Safai Karamcharis and stressed the complete transition to mechanised sewer cleaning to achieve zero manual scavenging.

The Prime Minister's Office has announced an ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the next of kin of each deceased in a fireworks factory mishap in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Additionally, ₹50,000 will be provided to each person injured in the incident.

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) announced the results for the inaugural Class 10 Second Board Examination, with the overall pass percentage for the 2026 batch standing at 96.78%. A total of 6,63,777 candidates appeared for the second exam, and of the 5,13,955 students who took it specifically for score improvement, 59.95% were successful.

A blast at an alleged illegal firecracker factory in Ahmedabad's Ramtol area resulted in nine deaths and seven injuries on July 18, 2026. The incident has drawn attention to the public safety risks associated with unregulated industrial activities in residential areas.

Following the re-examination for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), necessitated by allegations of irregularities, top-ranking candidates have reported an increased difficulty level. Gaurav Singh, who secured All India Rank 9, commented that the re-conducted paper was significantly tougher than the previous one, reflecting a notable change in the assessment standard for the crucial medical entrance test.

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) conducted nationwide operations between July 15-17, 2026, seizing significant contraband. Key recoveries include 15 kg of Methamphetamine tablets from Myanmar in Mizoram, 85 lakh foreign-made cigarettes valued at ₹20 crore in Mumbai, and two drone-dropped Pakistan-made pistols in the Amritsar sector, leading to the arrest of five individuals.

Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah reviewed advanced indigenous technologies for border security at the Jhumagachh Border Outpost in Siliguri, West Bengal. He inspected a radio-based fence breach detection system and an infra-red alarm system as part of the government's initiative to create 'Smart Borders'. During the visit, Shri Shah also laid the e-foundation stone for Border Security Force (BSF) infrastructure projects worth approximately ₹77 crore to strengthen security along the India-Bangladesh border.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has initiated a probe into a blast in a residential area of Kolkata that injured one person. An NIA team collected samples from the site for forensic analysis to identify the explosives used, indicating a potential high-level security concern.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested two more individuals in connection with the abduction and killing of six Naga persons in Manipur. The case relates to an incident on May 13 where twenty Nagas were abducted following a twin ambush in the Kangpokpi and Noney districts, marking a development in the probe into the state's ethnic violence.

Veteran weightlifter Mirabai Chanu and Olympic medalist boxer Lovlina Borgohain have been selected as India’s flag and baton bearers, respectively, for the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Games 2026. They will lead the Indian contingent during the opening parade of the games.

The 72nd National Film Awards for 2024 were announced, with the Hindi film 'Article 370' winning the Best Feature Film award (Swarna Kamal). Yami Gautam was honoured as Best Actress for her role in the film, while the Best Actor award was shared by Mammootty for 'Bramayugam' (Malayalam) and Kartik Aaryan for 'Chandu Champion' (Hindi). Rajkumar Periasamy won Best Direction for 'Amaran' (Tamil), and 'Kalki 2898 AD' (Telugu) was named the Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment.