Daily Bulletin

The Regional Passport Office in Pune has deployed a Passport Mobile Van to enhance service delivery and provide earlier appointment slots. This Ministry of External Affairs initiative will operate from the RPO's premises in Baner between July 15 and August 31, 2026. Applicants can book appointments for the mobile van under the 'NORMAL' scheme through the official Passport India website.

The Department of Posts (DoP) and the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to conduct a nationwide survey on mobile network performance in rural areas. Leveraging the DoP's extensive network, Gramin Dak Sevaks will use a TRAI-developed mobile application to collect data from over 5.68 lakh villages. This initiative aims to identify connectivity gaps and inform policy decisions to strengthen digital infrastructure.

Addressing Indian Administrative Service officers in Mussoorie, Union Minister of State Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasised that India's regional diversity must be a source of administrative strength. He urged officers to exchange best practices across states and highlighted the success of Mission Karmayogi in shifting governance from a rule-based to a role-based approach, fostering continuous learning for public officials.

The Union government reviewed preparations for the forthcoming Monsoon Session of Parliament in a meeting led by Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal and Dr. L. Murugan. The review, held in the Parliament House complex, focused on ensuring the smooth functioning of legislative business during the session.

The office of the Chief Electoral Officer of Punjab has organised two-day special electoral camps on July 11 and 12, 2026, as part of the ongoing 'SIR' program. The initiative aims to facilitate voter registration and address other electoral roll-related matters to enhance voter participation and ensure accuracy.

Union Education Minister Shri Dharmendra Pradhan has ordered a high-level probe into the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) over alleged procedural irregularities. The inquiry will specifically examine the process by which a contract was awarded to a firm for supplying Maplitho paper for the 2026-27 academic year, following which the firm was blacklisted.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed a chargesheet against suspended Kolkata police officer Shri Shantanu Sinha Biswas under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The charges pertain to his alleged involvement in a multi-crore property grabbing and land deals case in West Bengal.

The West Bengal government is set to enforce a new anti-crime law from July 13, 2026, aimed at tackling organised crime in the state. A key provision of the legislation grants authorities the power of preventive detention to pre-empt criminal activities.

The Calcutta High Court has directed Trinamool Congress leader Shri Abhishek Banerjee to provide his voice sample on July 15 in connection with a poll speech investigation. The court issued the directive after questioning his alleged non-cooperation with the probe.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has nominated Shri Neeraj Kumar Sinha as its candidate for the Bankipur assembly by-election in Bihar, after its initial candidate, Shri Abhishek Kumar Sinha, withdrew citing family reasons. Shri Neeraj Kumar Sinha will now contest against Jan Suraaj founder Shri Prashant Kishor.

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has clarified that third-party applications cannot block or filter calls originating from the '1600' and '140' number series as spam. The authority stated that such calls can only be blocked by registering on the official Do Not Disturb (DND) registry, aiming to streamline regulations for unsolicited commercial communications.

The Trinamool Congress is facing a major split after 19 of its Lok Sabha MPs formed a breakaway faction and sought formal recognition from the Speaker. The party's strength in the Rajya Sabha has also diminished from 13 to 10 following the resignation of three MPs who subsequently joined the BJP. In a related development, Shri Ritabrata Banerjee from the rebel faction has been named the Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal assembly.

The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has amended the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules to tighten regulations on medicinal formulations with high alcohol content. These products have been moved from Schedule K to the more stringent Schedule H1, mandating that they can only be sold by licensed entities with a valid prescription from a registered medical practitioner to curb potential misuse.

The biopic 'Satluj', based on the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, has become a focal point in the debate on artistic freedom after the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) reportedly stalled its release on the ZEE5 streaming platform. The incident has raised questions regarding the regulatory powers of the statutory certification body.

Trinamool Congress leader Shri Derek O'Brien has questioned the freezing of his party's bank accounts by central agencies, contrasting the action with alleged financial irregularities in the Ram Temple's donation management. He publicly questioned when the Enforcement Directorate would investigate the temple's funds, echoing broader opposition demands for a judicial probe.

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust is reportedly considering amending its bylaws to appoint a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for improved financial oversight. The move follows an ongoing embezzlement investigation, in which authorities recently recovered an additional ₹45,000 from an accused, and aims to introduce professional management of the trust's funds.

In his first official visit to Karur, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay addressed the stampede that killed 41 people at his party's rally last year. He accused the previous DMK government of attempting to gain "political mileage" from the tragedy and questioned the adequacy of security provided by the Karur Police at the time.

The Department of Commerce organised a 'Chintan Shivir' in New Delhi to formulate a roadmap for achieving USD 150 billion in electronics exports by 2030. Commerce Secretary Shri Rajesh Agrawal emphasised the need for a stable and predictable policy framework to attract global value chains. Key discussions focused on integrating Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) into these value chains and harmonising HS Codes to streamline exports.

The Government of India has approved financial support of ₹5,629 crore to implement the Amended BharatNet Programme in Gujarat. An addendum to the agreement was signed by the Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN), the Government of Gujarat, Gujarat Fibre Grid Network Limited (GFGNL), and BSNL. The project aims to connect 14,287 Gram Panchayats and provide on-demand connectivity to 3,895 villages, facilitating over five lakh rural home fibre connections. The DBN, formerly the Universal Service Obligation Fund, is the central body for implementing the programme.

The Ministry of Textiles will launch the ‘What Is It Made Of?’ Textile Waste Innovation Challenge as part of its ‘Weave The Future 4.0 – Upcycling Edition’ event in New Delhi. The initiative aims to find sustainable solutions for the estimated 70.73 lakh tonnes of textile waste generated annually in India. The challenge seeks to promote circularity by connecting artisans, designers, and industry to transform textile waste into economic value.

The 15th round of the Commercial Coal Blocks' Auction received robust industry participation, with 21 bids submitted for 8 of the 23 coal blocks on offer. A total of 16 companies, including four first-time bidders, participated in the process. The bids will now undergo technical evaluation before proceeding to the electronic auction stage, reinforcing industry confidence in the commercial coal mining sector.

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has exempted units in the International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) at GIFT City from the licensing requirement under the Coastal Shipping Act, 2025. This reform allows these units to charter foreign vessels for EXIM and international trade without a licence from the Director General of Shipping. The move aims to position GIFT City as a global maritime leasing and financing hub, without altering the existing cabotage regime for coastal trade.

Kolkata Metro achieved a major construction milestone with the successful breakthrough of a Tunnel Boring Machine at Victoria Metro Station, completing the Khidderpore-Victoria underground tunnel on the Joka-Esplanade Corridor. This progress is part of a broader expansion, with 45 km of new metro lines commissioned since 2014. Union Minister for Railways Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw also announced the planned induction of approximately 60 new-generation metro trains over the next four to five years.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) successfully raised ₹32,000 crore for the government through an auction of dated securities on July 10, 2026. The auction, which was fully underwritten by Primary Dealers, included three securities maturing in 2034, 2046, and 2063. The cut-off yields were set at 7.3580%, 7.4112%, and 7.4295% respectively, indicating the returns expected by investors.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) injected ₹75,000.10 crore into the banking system through a 3-day Variable Rate Repo (VRR) auction. The auction was heavily oversubscribed, with the RBI receiving bids aggregating to ₹1,15,680 crore against a notified amount of ₹75,000 crore, indicating strong demand for short-term liquidity. The cut-off rate was set at 6.74%.

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) issued a new circular outlining the framework for mutual funds to avail an intraday borrowing facility. The regulatory update, issued on July 10, 2026, is expected to enhance liquidity management for Asset Management Companies (AMCs) by providing clear guidelines for short-term borrowing within a trading day.

Contributions to Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) in the mutual fund industry recorded a month-on-month increase of 2.7% in June 2026. The data indicates sustained retail investor confidence in equity markets and reflects a broader trend of the financialisation of domestic savings.

The Government of Jharkhand, under Chief Minister Shri Hemant Soren, has initiated discussions with global firms and industry bodies to attract investment and promote tourism. The initiative is a key component of the state's strategy to enhance its economic profile and develop industrial and tourism infrastructure.

The Union Government has clarified that E25 fuel, a blend of 25% ethanol with petrol, is currently in a testing phase and not yet available for public use. This is part of the Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme, which aims to reduce import dependency and vehicular emissions, with E20 fuel already being rolled out nationwide.

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Telecommunications Standards Development Society, India (TSDSI) to advance the Bharat 6G Mission. The agreement aims to promote indigenous innovation and increase Indian participation in global standardisation bodies like 3GPP and ITU. Under the Technology Development and Investment Promotion (TDIP) Scheme, the MoU provides financial support, including membership subsidies of up to 98% for startups and MSMEs.

The Technology Advisory Group, chaired by Principal Scientific Adviser Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood, met to discuss a strategic roadmap for India's telecom sector. The group focused on building indigenous capabilities in priority areas such as 6G, AI-native networks, and satellite communications. It also deliberated on establishing a dedicated "Communication Technology Task Force" to strengthen the national innovation ecosystem from research to commercialisation.

State-owned telecom operator Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has launched a new satellite phone priced at ₹1,34,166, inclusive of taxes. The device is designed to provide connectivity in remote areas and during natural disasters by operating independently of terrestrial mobile towers.

The Balod district administration in Chhattisgarh has successfully created 2.85 lakh water conservation and recharge structures in a significant environmental achievement. The initiative is aimed at mitigating water scarcity and improving the groundwater table in the region, serving as a model for large-scale water management.

A global report on urban climate risks has identified Ahmedabad as the world's second most heat-risk city, with a total of 14 Indian cities, including Bengaluru, featuring in the top 50. The study highlights that over 95% of the most vulnerable urban centres are located in South and Southeast Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa.

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has ordered a halt to all activities at three major cricket stadiums in Mumbai, Raipur, and Jaipur due to the unauthorised extraction of groundwater. The directive was issued after the Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) informed the tribunal that the stadiums had failed to respond to official notices regarding their water usage.

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the Uttarakhand Pollution Control Board (UKPCB) to verify the 'Consent to Operate' status of 49 hotels in Mussoorie. The UKPCB has been mandated to submit a comprehensive compliance report within six weeks, highlighting the tribunal's focus on environmental regulations in ecologically sensitive areas.

The ice lingam at the Amarnath cave shrine has melted by over 90% just days after the annual pilgrimage began on July 3, 2026. Experts and officials attribute the rapid melting to the impacts of climate change, highlighting the vulnerability of Himalayan ecosystems and religious sites to rising global temperatures.

The government of Venezuela has formally extended its gratitude to India for providing timely humanitarian assistance following recent earthquakes. The aid was delivered under India's support mission codenamed 'Operation Amistad', highlighting the nation's role as a first responder in international crises.

Palestinian Authority President Mr. Mahmoud Abbas has announced that legislative elections will be conducted in late November 2026. This marks a significant political development, as it will be the first time such polls are held in the Palestinian territories since 2006, aiming to renew the mandate of the Palestinian Legislative Council.

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi arrived in Auckland for a historic two-day visit, marking the first such prime ministerial visit from India to New Zealand in four decades. The visit, which is the final leg of a three-nation tour, aims to strengthen bilateral cooperation in trade, security, and strategic initiatives within the Indo-Pacific. As a welcoming gesture, Auckland's iconic Sky Tower was illuminated in the colours of the Indian tricolour.

An Indian diplomat lodged a formal protest at an event in Bangladesh over the display of an incorrect map of India that did not accurately depict Jammu and Kashmir. In response, former Bangladeshi High Commissioner to India, Ambassador Tariq Karim, stated the map was for “representational purposes only.” The incident highlights India's firm diplomatic stance on matters concerning its territorial integrity.

During his visit to Melbourne, Australia, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi was heckled by a far-right protestor shouting anti-immigration slogans from a hotel balcony. The individual was promptly removed by local police, drawing attention to security protocols for visiting dignitaries.

Senior Congress leader Shri Jairam Ramesh has stated that the approval for Australian uranium sales to India was granted by Australia's ruling party in 2011, providing historical context to the India-Australia Civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreement. His comments sought to clarify that the agreement was not a recent diplomatic breakthrough achieved by the current government.

During an address in Australia, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi employed the Hindi idiom 'one and one make eleven' to describe the synergistic India-Australia partnership. He stated that the collaboration results in a multiplied strength, underscoring the deepening strategic relationship between the two nations.

The Ministry of Coal has notified 'SECL Ke Sushrut', a flagship Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative by South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL), in the Gazette of India. This makes it the first CSR scheme of any Coal Public Sector Undertaking to receive such a notification, enabling Aadhaar authentication for beneficiaries. Launched in 2023, the scheme provides free residential coaching for the NEET medical entrance exam to meritorious students from SECL's operational areas in Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh.

The government has approved the establishment of the Surat ITI Cluster in Gujarat under the Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs (PM-SETU) scheme. The project, with a budget of approximately ₹240 crore over five years, will be led by ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India as the Anchor Industry Partner. The initiative aims to enroll 25,000 trainees and create 3,528 additional seats in fields like advanced manufacturing and Industry 4.0.

The Sports Injury Centre at Safdarjung Hospital and the Sports Authority of India (SAI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding to create an integrated healthcare ecosystem for Indian athletes. The collaboration aims to enhance injury prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation. It will also foster joint research to develop India-specific, evidence-based sports medicine protocols.

The Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment will hold a National Mass Pledge Against Drug Abuse on August 18, 2026, to mark the 6th anniversary of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA). Launched in 2020, the campaign has expanded nationwide, reaching over 29.26 crore individuals and facilitating treatment for 28.30 lakh persons affected by substance abuse. The anniversary event will also promote the drug de-addiction helpline number 14446.

An investigation has revealed a proliferation of misleading weight-loss products on major e-commerce platforms like Flipkart and Amazon, driven by high demand for GLP-1 agonist drugs. These unregulated products often mimic the names of approved medications such as Ozempic, raising significant concerns about consumer health and the need for stricter oversight of online marketplaces.

The family of a medical student from Kerala, who was killed in Uzbekistan, has alleged that a classmate was responsible and had attempted to force her to convert her religion. The victim's parents have formally requested the investigation be transferred to Kerala and the accused be extradited to India to face legal proceedings.

A Class 8 student in Bengaluru has died by suicide, with the family alleging persistent harassment by school staff over homework as the cause. A formal complaint has been lodged against the school personnel, bringing renewed focus to student mental health and the accountability of educational institutions.

The Indian Navy is set to commission its sixth Project 17A indigenous stealth frigate, INS Mahendragiri, at the Eastern Fleet in Visakhapatnam on July 11, 2026. Speaking ahead of the ceremony, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh described India as the primary guarantor of peace in the Indian Ocean Region, highlighting that over 90 percent of the nation's trade by volume passes through these sea lanes. Designed by the Navy's Warship Design Bureau and built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited, the frigate features over 75 percent indigenous content, underscoring the 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' initiative.

In a high-level review of coastal security, Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah directed the strengthening of security at ports, fishing harbours, and fish landing centres. He mandated that all ports under the new Bureau of Port Security (BoPS) framework must have container scanning facilities and that only licensed private agencies with CISF-trained personnel handle security. Additionally, he called for the extensive promotion of the ISRO-developed 'Nabhmitra' app for fishermen's safety.

In a video statement, Hizbul Mujahideen commander Shamsheer Khan has reportedly acknowledged the presence of a significant number of Pakistani terrorists buried in Kashmir's graveyards. The admission underscores the persistent challenge of cross-border terrorism and the role of Pakistan-based militant outfits in the Union Territory.

An illegal 40-foot pipeline connected to a main crude oil line of the Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) was discovered in Rajasthan’s Tonk district, exposing a major oil theft operation. The illicit connection was found after IOCL officials detected an abnormal pressure drop in the supply network, highlighting significant security vulnerabilities in the nation's energy infrastructure.

Matthew VanDyke, an American national arrested for allegedly training anti-India terror groups, has filed a plea in a Delhi court requesting an 'American-style diet' in Tihar Jail. The plea claims the standard jail food is too spicy and oily, and comes in a case where he was arrested along with six Ukrainian nationals.

Western Coalfields Limited (WCL) has secured the highest number of 5-Star rated mines in the Ministry of Coal's Star Rating Assessment for the financial year 2024–25. Seven WCL mines, including the Patansaongi Underground Mine in Nagpur Area, earned the top rating based on parameters such as scientific mining practices, occupational safety, and environmental management.

The Financial Intelligence Unit–India (FIU-IND) secured the runner-up position at the Best Egmont Case Award 2026 in Baku, Azerbaijan. The recognition was for an operational case that uncovered a sophisticated money laundering network involving cyber fraud proceeds of approximately ₹868 crore, over 5,000 mule bank accounts, and complex cross-jurisdictional cryptocurrency transactions. The investigation led to significant enforcement action by the Directorate of Enforcement.

A senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader from Maharashtra has publicly acknowledged a delay by the Union Government in posthumously conferring the Bharat Ratna on Vinayak Damodar Savarkar. The statement follows a resolution moved in the Maharashtra assembly in March seeking India's highest civilian award for the freedom fighter.