Daily Bulletin

The Ministry of Minority Affairs has announced the Haj Policy 2027 and opened the application process via the Haj Committee of India portal and the 'Haj Suvidha App'. The policy retains the 70:30 quota between the Haj Committee (1,22,518 seats) and private operators (52,507 seats). Pilgrim-centric reforms include an improved State Haj Inspector ratio of one for every 135 pilgrims, the addition of Kolkata as an embarkation point, and plans for AI-based pilgrim management.

Union Minister of State Dr Jitendra Singh launched the IAS e-Civil List 2026, the 71st edition of the Civil List and the sixth in a digital e-book format. The list, a key governance tool for administrative planning, confirms that 5,755 Indian Administrative Service officers are in position against a total authorised strength of 7,026 as of January 1, 2026.

The government has reiterated its commitment to the welfare of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) personnel through initiatives such as cashless healthcare via Ayushman CAPF and transparent housing allotment through the CAPF e-Awas portal. Mental health support through 'Project MANN' was also highlighted as a key measure.

Following a tragic fire in Lucknow's Aliganj area that claimed 15 lives, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has ordered a probe by a Special Investigation Team (SIT), which is mandated to submit its report within seven days. The state government has announced an ex-gratia payment of ₹5 lakh for the next of kin of each deceased, with the Prime Minister's Office also announcing separate financial assistance.

A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been constituted to probe allegations of financial misappropriation involving large sums of donation money at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. The probe follows claims that funds collected from devotees were not properly accounted for, prompting demands for a thorough investigation.

The Madras High Court has directed the governments of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry to submit detailed reports on the implementation of their respective stray dog management policies. The directive follows a suo motu cognizance of the issue, aiming to ensure effective measures are in place for public safety and animal welfare.

The Madhya Pradesh government has mandated that major temples in the state will now accept donations exclusively through online payment methods. Temple administrations have been directed to promote the use of QR code systems to facilitate the transition, a policy aimed at increasing transparency in temple finances.

In a significant political realignment in Maharashtra, six Lok Sabha Members of Parliament from the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) faction have officially joined the rival Shiv Sena led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. This defection reduces the parliamentary strength of the Uddhav Thackeray-led group in the Lok Sabha to three members.