Daily Bulletin

July 29, 202666 itemsPUBLISHED

“The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance.”

— Alan Watts

Polity & Governance

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi chaired a high-level meeting with government secretaries to review the future action agenda, emphasizing the need to break administrative silos for integrated outcomes. He directed that technological self-reliance and cybersecurity be prioritised, and called for new academic courses to be designed in partnership with industry to meet emerging skill requirements. The Prime Minister also stressed the importance of proactive communication to counter misinformation on strategic national initiatives.

To mark the completion of four years of her presidency, President Smt Droupadi Murmu launched several new initiatives at Rashtrapati Bhavan. These include an application-based e-Audio Guide for visitors, the 'Bachpan Bal Parisar' for children residing in the President’s Estate, and RAAHI (Rashtrapati Bhavan Access And Heritage Interconnector), a fare-free electric bus service operated entirely by women to promote green and inclusive mobility.

Vice President of India, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, released a set of five books published by the Publications Division chronicling the first four years of Smt Droupadi Murmu's presidency. The publications, which include Rashtrapati Bhavan: Rashtra Ka Bhavan, Seva aur Samvedana, and an Odia compilation titled Ama Rastrapati Ama Gourav, document the key initiatives and events of her term.

The Department of Administrative Reforms & Public Grievances (DARPG) conducted the 38th National Good Governance Webinar, focusing on the sustainability and replication of initiatives awarded under the Prime Minister's Awards. The session featured a presentation on Uttar Pradesh's award-winning 'Solar-Powered Water Schemes' implemented under the National Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM).

The Government of Goa has officially transferred the management of ESI Hospital, Margao to the Employees' State Insurance Corporation (ESIC). The hospital will now function as an ESIC facility and is slated for an upgrade into an ESIC Medical College & Hospital to enhance healthcare infrastructure in the state.

The government has introduced the PM e-Bus Sewa-Payment Security Mechanism (PSM) Scheme with an outlay of ₹3,435.33 crore. Notified in October 2024, the scheme aims to provide a payment security mechanism to e-bus operators to mitigate risks from potential payment defaults by Public Transport Authorities and thereby encourage private sector participation.

The Lok Sabha has taken up the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026 for consideration and passing. The bill seeks to fortify the existing 2024 Act by proposing the establishment of fast-track courts and significantly enhanced penalties for malpractices, including imprisonment up to ten years and fines up to ₹10 crore.

The Lok Sabha has taken up the Public Examinations (Amendment) Bill, 2026, for consideration and passing. The proposed legislation seeks to enhance transparency and curb malpractices by introducing stricter punishments for leaking question papers and includes provisions for establishing fast-track courts to ensure speedy trials.

In West Bengal, the state Health Department has conducted a series of raids targeting an alleged blood-trafficking racket. The operation aims to dismantle a network involved in the illegal procurement and sale of blood, underscoring the government's commitment to curbing illicit activities in the healthcare sector.

To commemorate the completion of four years of her presidency, Smt Droupadi Murmu launched several new initiatives at Rashtrapati Bhavan. These include the 'Bachpan Bal Parisar' for children, the RAAHI fare-free electric bus service operated by women, the third edition of the e-Upahaar auction of presidential gifts, and an application-based e-Audio Guide for visitors. Additionally, publications chronicling her tenure, such as 'Rashtrapati Bhavan: Rashtra Ka Bhavan', were released.

The government has appointed two dedicated prosecutors, Senior Public Prosecutor VK Pathak and Public Prosecutor Arjun Anand, to the fast-track court established to hear cases related to recent national examination paper leaks. The appointments are intended to ensure specialised legal representation for the State's case in the proceedings presided over by Special Judge Anu Grover Baliga.

The Delhi government has approved the 'Lakshmi Yojana', a new welfare scheme to provide eligible women with a monthly financial assistance of ₹2,500. The registration process for the scheme is scheduled to begin on August 1, 2026, with the government aiming to disburse the first instalment by the occasion of Raksha Bandhan following the verification of applications.

A new bill to amend the anti-paper leak law of 2004 is being debated in the Lok Sabha during the current Monsoon Session. The proposed 2026 legislation introduces stringent punitive measures, including a maximum jail term of 10 years and a fine of up to ₹50 lakh. The bill also seeks to mandate a two-month deadline for investigations and provide statutory backing to fast-track courts.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Thiru M.K. Vijay has written to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, formally registering the state's opposition to Karnataka's proposed Mekedatu dam project. The Chief Minister urged the Centre to ensure that any decision on the project aligns with the final award of the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal (CWDT), highlighting the long-standing inter-state dispute over the river's waters.

The Delhi High Court has suspended the prison sentence of Bihar BJP leader Mr. Raju Pal Singh, who was convicted by a trial court on July 4, 2026. The trial court's original judgment had made strong observations against 'gun culture'. The suspension allows Mr. Singh to remain out of custody while his appeal against the conviction is being heard.

The Rajasthan High Court has ruled that a teacher's reprimand of a student for disciplinary reasons cannot be legally treated as abetment of suicide. The court delivered the judgment while quashing criminal proceedings against teachers who were accused after a student had alleged harassment in a suicide note. This decision clarifies the legal distinction between educational disciplinary action and a criminal act.

A section of a newly constructed bridge on the Dehradun-Paonta Sahib Highway in Uttarakhand, built at a cost of ₹16 crore, collapsed following heavy rainfall. The state's Public Works Department Secretary, Mr. Pankaj Kumar Pandey, assured that the main bridge structure remains safe and that only a portion of the connecting approach road had caved in. The incident has prompted an inquiry and raised concerns about infrastructure quality.

The Maharashtra government, under Chief Minister Shri Devendra Fadnavis, has ordered the withdrawal of cases filed against youths during various student protests in the state. This decision is conditional upon receiving the necessary permissions from the respective courts where the cases are currently pending.

Rajasthan Chief Minister Shri Bhajanlal Sharma stated that his government has provided over 1.78 lakh government jobs in the last two-and-a-half years, with recruitment for 51,000 posts underway. To curb examination malpractices, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) was formed, leading to the arrest of 569 individuals.

A chargesheet has been filed against eight former panchayat officials in Chhattisgarh's Kanker district for alleged corruption in the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) scheme. Investigators allege that the officials engaged in fraudulent procurement by not adhering to prescribed tendering and purchase procedures.

The Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP) held statewide protests in Andhra Pradesh, demanding a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into alleged irregularities in the DSC-2025 teacher recruitment process. The opposition party also alleged a decline of 5.5 lakh in government school enrolment. The ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP) has refuted the claims, stating the recruitment process was transparent and upheld by the High Court.

Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan has urged his Tamil Nadu counterpart, C Joseph Vijay, to ease restrictions on the inter-state transport of construction materials. In a letter, Mr. Satheesan highlighted that the curbs have adversely affected National Highway projects in Kerala, which depend on aggregates from Tamil Nadu, and called for a resolution in the spirit of cooperative federalism.

The Union Ministry of Information Technology has summoned senior global executives from Meta, including public policy head Mr. Joel Kaplan and Instagram chief Mr. Adam Mosseri. The summons were issued over concerns regarding the company's non-compliance with India's Information Technology (IT) Rules and the proliferation of synthetically generated content on its platforms.

The Supreme Court of India, responding to petitions on alleged police excesses during recent national examination protests, has directed authorities to refrain from coercive action against student protesters. The Court ordered the release of detained minors and those with no prior criminal records, while also indicating that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) may be formed to ensure a fair probe into both the alleged excesses and attacks on police personnel.

Economy

Union Minister Shri Amit Shah virtually inaugurated 'Sahakar Bhavan', the new headquarters of the Jamnagar District Cooperative Bank in Gujarat, constructed at a cost of ₹25 crore. The Minister highlighted the bank's strong financial health, noting its zero gross Non-Performing Assets (NPA), total deposits of approximately ₹135 crore, and disbursed loans amounting to ₹780 crore. The bank currently serves over 1.5 lakh members through its 40 branches.

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has granted approval for the amalgamation of Go Digit Infoworks Services Private Limited with its subsidiary, Go Digit General Insurance Limited. As per the combination, the holding company will merge into Go Digit General Insurance, with the latter emerging as the surviving entity.

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved the acquisition of units of Oaktree Capital Group Holdings, L.P. and Oaktree Equity Plan, L.P. by Brookfield Asset Management Ltd. The transaction involves the indirect acquisition of the Oaktree operating group, which provides alternative investment management services.

The Ministry of Heavy Industries has launched the PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE) Scheme with a total outlay of ₹10,900 crore, effective from April 2024 to March 2028. For FY 2024-25, the scheme provides demand-side incentives such as ₹5,000 per kWh for electric two-wheelers, capped at ₹10,000 per vehicle, to accelerate EV adoption and build a domestic manufacturing ecosystem.

Under the PM E-DRIVE scheme, 23,22,878 electric vehicles have been incentivised as of July 22, 2026, with ₹2,281.94 crore reimbursed to manufacturers. The scheme has also allocated ₹2,000 crore for deploying Electric Vehicle Public Charging Stations (EVPCS), with ₹689 crore already approved for 6,562 chargers. In public transport, Letters of Confirmation have been issued for 13,800 of the 14,000 e-buses allocated under the scheme.

The government's Production Linked Incentive schemes are strengthening domestic EV manufacturing. The PLI Scheme for Automobile and Auto Component Industry (₹25,938 crore outlay) has attracted ₹44,326 crore in investment and created 67,820 jobs. Concurrently, the PLI Scheme for National Programme on Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) Battery Storage (₹18,100 crore outlay) has drawn ₹5,180 crore in investment and established a 1.4 GWh Giga-Scale ACC manufacturing plant.

The Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles (FAME) India Scheme Phase-II, with a budget of ₹11,500 crore, concluded on March 31, 2024. Over its five-year tenure, the scheme provided significant impetus to the EV sector by supporting the sale of approximately 16.72 lakh electric vehicles and the deployment of 5,197 electric buses.

The Ministry of Heavy Industries has clarified that the ₹912.50 crore allocated for public EV charging stations under the FAME-II scheme was pan-India, with no state-specific quotas. As of July 1, 2026, West Bengal has 463 operational charging stations, while the new PM E-DRIVE scheme has allocated a further ₹2,000 crore for nationwide charging infrastructure.

The Ministry of Heavy Industries has notified a new 'Scheme to Promote Manufacturing of Sintered Rare Earth Permanent Magnet' with a financial outlay of ₹7,280 crore. The initiative aims to establish a domestic manufacturing capacity of 6,000 Metric Tons per annum (MTPA) to enhance India's self-reliance in this critical sector.

India's industrial output, measured by the Index of Industrial Production, expanded by 7.3% in June 2026 on an annual basis. This growth rate marks a 23-month high, signalling a robust recovery in the nation's industrial and manufacturing sectors and providing a positive outlook for economic activity in the second quarter of the fiscal year.

The Indian Rupee appreciated by four paise against the US dollar in the foreign exchange market on July 28, 2026. The marginal gain reflects prevailing market sentiments and capital flows, and is being closely monitored by importers and exporters amid global economic trends.

Union Minister Shri Amit Shah inaugurated 'Sahakar Bhavan', the new ₹25 crore headquarters of the Jamnagar District Cooperative Bank in Gujarat. He highlighted the bank's zero Non-Performing Assets (NPA) status and reiterated the government's 'Sahkar Se Samriddhi' vision, which includes plans to establish over two lakh new Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) and dairy cooperatives nationwide.

The Union government has detailed the PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE) Scheme, which has a total financial outlay of ₹10,900 crore and will be implemented from April 1, 2024, to March 31, 2028. The scheme provides incentives such as ₹5,000 per kWh for electric two-wheelers (capped at ₹10,000) and e-rickshaws (capped at ₹25,000), limited to 15% of the ex-factory price. As of July 22, 2026, the scheme has supported 23,22,878 electric vehicles, with ₹2,281.94 crore reimbursed to manufacturers.

To bolster the electric mobility ecosystem, the PM E-DRIVE Scheme has allocated ₹2,000 crore for Electric Vehicle Public Charging Stations, with ₹689 crore already approved for 6,562 chargers. This is complemented by the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for the 'National Programme on Advanced Chemistry Cells (ACC) Battery Storage', launched with an outlay of ₹18,100 crore to establish 50 GWh of domestic battery manufacturing capacity. Sustainable lifecycle management is addressed through the Battery Waste Management Rules, 2022.

The planting of summer-sown (Kharif) crops has accelerated significantly following a revival in monsoon rains, according to the Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare. As of July 24, 2026, farmers had planted crops on 78.7 million hectares, narrowing the sowing deficit to less than 5% compared to the 82.6 million hectares covered in the same period last year. The area under rice cultivation stood at 23.4 million hectares.

The Rajasthan government is promoting youth entrepreneurship through its 'Rajasthan Startup' initiative, which has registered 4,623 startups to date. According to Chief Minister Shri Bhajanlal Sharma, financial assistance of ₹34 crore has been provided to 1,062 of these startups from the i-Start fund to foster innovation and self-employment.

Science & Technology

A review of the Bharat 6G Alliance (B6GA) assessed progress on the 'Bharat 6G Vision' document, which aims to position India as a key 6G contributor by 2030. The meeting highlighted India's growing influence in global standard bodies like the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), with its technical contributions surging from 196 in 2020 to 2,943 in 2025. The 5G Lab Excellence Awards were also presented, with the Indian Institute of Information Technology, Design and Manufacturing (IIITDM), Kurnool, winning all four categories.

Under Phase-II of the Scheme on Enhancement of Competitiveness in the Indian Capital Goods Sector, the government is establishing four Smart Advanced Manufacturing and Rapid Transformation Hub (SAMARTH) Centres to promote Industry 4.0. The initiative also includes the creation of 10 cluster Industry 4.0 Experience Centres nationwide at a project cost of ₹35 crore.

Union Minister Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia reviewed the progress of the Bharat 6G Alliance (B6GA), reaffirming the goal of positioning India as a leading contributor to 6G technology by 2030. It was reported that B6GA member organisations collectively hold over 7,700 patents related to 5G and 6G, and Indian participation in the global 3GPP standards body has more than doubled since 2020.

Environment

The Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) reviewed Delhi's 'Special Campaign for Removal of Legacy Dust', directing it to be a sustained, phased exercise. While the Rohini Zone removed 2,950.40 Metric Tonnes of dust, the review noted operational challenges on narrow roads. The Commission has mandated all concerned agencies to prioritise end-to-end paving and greening of roads, including the use of soil-trapping plant species to minimise dust re-suspension.

The National Zoological Park in New Delhi celebrated World Nature Conservation Day with a plastic removal drive, during which sanitation workers collected approximately 230 kg of plastic waste from the premises. The event also included an interactive awareness session for visitors on the LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) initiative, focusing on waste segregation and responsible consumption.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a formal warning for very heavy rainfall across Chhattisgarh, East Madhya Pradesh, and the Vidarbha region of Maharashtra for July 28, 2026. The alert, associated with an active monsoon system over Central India, calls for heightened preparedness from local authorities due to the risk of flooding and related disruptions.

The state of Odisha is experiencing a severe flood situation due to incessant monsoon rainfall, causing several major rivers to flow in spate and inundate low-lying areas. The state government and disaster response forces are actively engaged in rescue and relief operations to manage the crisis.

The Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) reviewed Delhi's 'Special Campaign for Removal of Legacy Dust', directing the MCD to treat it as a sustained, phased exercise. The Commission noted that the Rohini Zone alone had cleared 2,950.40 metric tonnes of dust and instructed agencies to prioritize end-to-end paving and greening of roadsides for effective air pollution control.

A deep depression over the northwest Bay of Bengal has triggered heavy to very heavy rainfall across several parts of Odisha. According to meteorological reports, the Baleshwar district was particularly affected, recording an exceptionally high rainfall of 246mm, underscoring the region's vulnerability to intense monsoon-related weather events.

International Relations

Union Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal conducted a comprehensive review of safety and welfare measures for Indian seafarers in conflict-affected regions, directing constant coordination between the Ministry of External Affairs, the Directorate General of Shipping, and Indian Missions. The government has strengthened its support framework with a fully operational 24x7 grievance cell, integrated mental health counselling for seafarers and their families, and mandatory pre-departure orientation programmes on operational risks.

The Government of India has strongly condemned the 'assembly elections' conducted in Pakistan Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (POJK), describing the exercise as an attempt by Pakistan to camouflage its illegal occupation. The statement reaffirms India's consistent position that the entire Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh are an integral part of the country and that such actions by Pakistan lack any legal or political legitimacy.

In a significant boost to bilateral trade, India's first commercial freight train successfully reached Nepal. The train, carrying a consignment of canola, marks a new chapter in the economic partnership between the two countries and is expected to streamline the movement of goods and reduce logistics costs.

A powerful earthquake of magnitude 7.1 struck southern Japan, causing significant infrastructure damage and power outages. A tsunami advisory was issued for coastal areas following the seismic event, which has led to widespread disruption and emergency response operations.

The Government of India is actively coordinating with Ukrainian authorities in an effort to locate two Indian seafarers who have gone missing in the region. This diplomatic engagement is consistent with India's broader foreign policy stance, which has repeatedly condemned recent attacks on merchant vessels in critical maritime zones, including the Black Sea and the Persian Gulf.

India has strongly condemned the recent elections in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), describing them as a "sham" and a "cosmetic exercise" designed to conceal Pakistan's illegal occupation. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson, Shri Randhir Jaiswal, stated that the polls are an attempt to cover up the region's economic exploitation and denial of fundamental rights, asserting that widespread protests are a direct result of Pakistan's administrative oppression.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has officially rejected Pakistan's recent claims regarding the legacy of the Indus Valley Civilisation, characterising them as "desperate, fake attempts." Responding to queries about Islamabad's references to the ancient civilisation, the MEA spokesperson firmly rebuffed the assertions, reinforcing India's position on the shared cultural and historical heritage of the subcontinent.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has reiterated India's demand that Pakistan must cease its support for cross-border terrorism. MEA Spokesperson Mr. Randhir Jaiswal stated that all Indians, including the youth, want an end to terror sponsorship. This reaffirms India's official position that meaningful dialogue is contingent upon Pakistan taking credible and irreversible action against terrorist networks on its soil.

Social Issues

The government is implementing the Atal Vayo Abhyudaya Yojana (AVYAY) to ensure the welfare of senior citizens. Since October 2021, the 'Elderline' national helpline (14567) has assisted over 8.41 lakh individuals, while the Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (RVY) sub-scheme has provided free assisted-living devices to 7,68,749 beneficiaries. The yojana also supports geriatric caregiver training and provides equity support of up to ₹1 crore each to nine start-ups through the SAGE initiative.

The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has proposed the continuation of the Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojana (PM-AJAY) from 2026-27 to 2030-31, following a positive impact evaluation by NITI Aayog. Since its launch in 2021-22, the Centre has released ₹4,276.62 crores for the socio-economic development of Scheduled Caste communities. Under the scheme, National Cadet Corps (NCC) coverage is also being expanded in 263 identified government schools in SC-concentrated areas.

The Delhi government has approved a new financial scheme aimed at the economic and social empowerment of women in the national capital. The initiative is designed to provide financial assistance and create opportunities to enhance the self-sufficiency and welfare of women, as part of the government's broader policy to promote gender equality.

On World Hepatitis Day, observed on July 28, 2026, India's comprehensive strategy to combat the disease under the National Viral Hepatitis Control Program was highlighted. The focus on prevention, screening, and treatment underscores the public health priority of eliminating viral hepatitis in the country.

While hearing a domestic dispute case, the Karnataka High Court questioned whether a mother-in-law asking her daughter-in-law to perform household chores could legally constitute harassment and cruelty. The judicial observation came in response to a woman's plea against her in-laws, highlighting the ongoing legal interpretation of cruelty within the framework of domestic relations law.

Defence & Security

Union Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal reviewed the safety and welfare of Indian seafarers amid geopolitical tensions, directing agencies to maintain constant coordination to prevent mariners from being caught in crossfire. Key measures include integrating mental health services into the seafarer welfare framework and mandating structured pre-departure orientation by placement licensees to inform seafarers of operational risks.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has transferred the investigation of a recent Improvised Explosive Device (IED) blast in Nagaland to the National Investigation Agency (NIA). The decision was formally communicated to the state police headquarters. The blast under investigation had resulted in the death of one soldier from the Assam Rifles.

Awards & Honours

An Indian duo secured a Bronze medal in the 10m air rifle mixed team event at an ongoing International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) competition. This victory adds to India's medal tally and highlights the strong performance of its shooters on the international stage.

📡NewsOnAIR

The Indian Institute of Information Technology, Design and Manufacturing (IIITDM), Kurnool, achieved a clean sweep at the 5G Lab Excellence Awards for the period of January to June 2026. The institute secured the first position in all four categories: Lab Excellence, Utilisation Excellence, Engagement Excellence, and Innovation Excellence.

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