Daily Bulletin

The Office of the Attorney General for India issued a clarification refuting media reports that the government's 20% Ethanol Blended Petrol (E20) Programme was described as an "experiment" in the Supreme Court. The statement clarified that the Attorney General's submission on June 30, 2026, pertained to transferring related petitions to the apex court to avoid conflicting decisions, and affirmed that the E20 programme is a national policy initiative.

In its 198th meeting, the Employees' State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) approved several key initiatives to expand social security and healthcare services. The Corporation will now directly manage all its new hospitals to ensure standardised quality of care and will integrate Ayush services in collaboration with the Ministry of Ayush. The Atal Beemit Vyakti Kalyan Yojana (ABVKY), an unemployment allowance scheme, was extended for another year until June 30, 2027. Additionally, approvals were granted for new medical and dental colleges, five new Sub-Regional Offices, and the framing of the new Employees' State Insurance (General) Regulations, 2026.

NITI Aayog Member Dr. R. Balasubramaniam released the National Study Report on 'Low Participation in Gram Sabha across States and Union Territories'. Prepared by the National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (NIRD&PR), the report analyses barriers to citizen engagement and provides evidence-based policy recommendations to strengthen grassroots democracy and make Gram Sabhas more inclusive.

The Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025, came into force nationwide on July 1, 2026, enhancing the statutory wage employment guarantee for eligible rural households from 100 to 125 days. To facilitate its implementation, the central government has made an interim allocation of ₹95,692.31 crore to all States and Union Territories. The Act prioritises the creation of durable community assets and women's empowerment.

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi held an interaction with secretaries of various government ministries to discuss deregulation and reforms aimed at improving the Ease of Doing Business and Ease of Living. He emphasised promoting Aatmanirbharta (self-reliance) and adopting a 'whole-of-government' approach to break departmental silos for integrated planning.

Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah launched the FCRA 2.0 portal and the e-OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) card on June 30, 2026. The new portal is an updated digital platform for managing compliance under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, while the e-OCI card provides a digital version of the identity document for registered Overseas Citizens of India.

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi chaired a high-level meeting with secretaries of various government ministries to review the 'Viksit Bharat' agenda. The discussions focused on accelerating administrative reforms, including deregulation and systemic improvements to enhance the 'Ease of Doing Business' by reducing compliance burdens.

In its 198th meeting chaired by Union Minister for Labour & Employment Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, the Employees' State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) decided to directly manage all its upcoming and newly commissioned hospitals. This policy aims to standardise and ensure high-quality healthcare services for beneficiaries nationwide. Hospitals currently managed by state governments will remain so unless the respective state opts for a handover to ESIC.

The ESIC has approved the establishment of five new Sub-Regional Offices in Meghalaya, Bilaspur (Chhattisgarh), Rajkot (Gujarat), Jamshedpur (Jharkhand), and Jabalpur (Madhya Pradesh). This expansion aims to enhance service delivery in anticipation of the implementation of the Code on Social Security, 2020.

The ESIC board has approved the formulation of the Employees' State Insurance (General) Regulations, 2026. Framed under the Code on Social Security, 2020, these new regulations will replace the existing 1950 regulations to align the ESI scheme's framework with the new national code.

The Ministry of Panchayati Raj has released a national study report titled “Low Participation in Gram Sabha across States and Union Territories”. Prepared by the National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (NIRD&PR), the report analyses survey data from nearly 7,800 respondents to identify barriers to citizen engagement and recommend policies to strengthen grassroots democracy.

The Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) [VB-G RAM G] Act, 2025, is set to be implemented nationwide from July 1, 2026, increasing the guaranteed wage employment for eligible rural households from 100 to 125 days annually. An interim allocation of ₹95,692.31 crore has been released to states, with the national launch event scheduled for July 2 in Tirupati district, Andhra Pradesh.

The Gujarat High Court has ruled that the mere registration of a marriage does not validate it under the Hindu Marriage Act without the performance of essential ceremonies. The court emphasised that traditional rituals, particularly the 'saptapadi', are an indispensable requirement, clarifying that legal registration serves as proof but cannot replace sacramental rites.

The Gujarat High Court has denied bail to suspended IAS officer K. Rajesh in a bribery case linked to money laundering. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) alleged the officer's involvement in a bribery network for issuing weapon licenses and converting land use, presenting digital evidence to the court.

Activist Umar Khalid has been held in Delhi's Tihar Jail as an undertrial prisoner since September 2020, charged under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) in connection with the Delhi riots conspiracy case. The case has drawn attention due to the extended period of incarceration without the commencement of a trial.

The Kerala Legislative Assembly has unanimously passed a resolution, with the exception of the BJP, demanding that the Central Government reform the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) and other national entrance examinations. Citing recent irregularities, the resolution was supported by both the ruling LDF and the opposition UDF.

Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah launched the new FCRA 2.0 portal and the e-OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) card to improve transparency and efficiency. The upgraded portal for the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act aims to streamline registration and compliance for NGOs receiving foreign funds as part of the government's effort to create a more accountable system.

Student activist Umar Khalid, arrested in 2020 in connection with the Delhi riots conspiracy case, has spoken about the psychological toll of his prolonged detention. In his first interview after nearly six years as an undertrial prisoner in Tihar Jail, Mr. Khalid's case has drawn attention to the judicial process and timelines for cases filed under stringent laws.

The Government of Tamil Nadu has announced a new policy to exclusively procure air-conditioned buses for its public transport fleet in all future acquisitions. According to the state's Transport Minister, the directive aims to significantly improve the quality and comfort of public transportation services for commuters across the state.

The Supreme Court of India has sought a response from the Rajasthan government on a plea by self-styled godman Asaram challenging his rape conviction, which was earlier upheld by the High Court. While issuing the notice, the apex court clarified that no interim relief, including bail, would be considered before hearing the state's arguments.

The Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare reported a significant decline in the area sown under Kharif crops as of June 26, 2026. The total sown area stood at 182.72 lakh hectares, a decrease of 53.74 lakh hectares compared to the same period in 2025. Major reductions were observed in oilseeds (19.42 lakh hectares) and cotton (15.70 lakh hectares), with rice and pulses also registering a decline.

NITI Aayog and the Ministry of Tourism jointly launched a report titled ‘Unlocking Growth in Tourism and Hospitality Sector’ on June 30, 2026. The report outlines a roadmap for simplifying regulations and improving the ease of doing business to attract investments. Aligned with the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision, its recommendations focus on reducing compliance burdens and creating an enabling ecosystem for sustainable tourism-led growth.

Union Minister for MSME, Shri Jitan Ram Manjhi, conducted a high-level review of MSME schemes in Ladakh, becoming the first MSME Minister to visit the Union Territory. During the meeting in Leh, he emphasised promoting sustainable economic development through MSMEs, which are well-suited for ecologically sensitive regions. The Minister assured stakeholders that issues related to credit access and market linkages would be addressed.

Indian Railways has approved the doubling of the 44.40 km Mansi-Saharsa railway section in Bihar at an estimated cost of ₹499 crore. The project aims to address the current line capacity utilisation of 108.11% on this critical single-line corridor, augmenting capacity for both passenger and freight traffic and reducing operational bottlenecks in the region.

The Ministry of Tourism signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Google India Pvt. Ltd. to enhance the digital promotion of Indian tourism. The non-commercial agreement aims to leverage Google's digital ecosystem and data insights to boost the visibility of destinations under the Incredible India initiative. The collaboration will also include capacity-building programmes for ministry officials on digital marketing and emerging technologies.

The Ministry of Finance reported that the Government of India's total receipts up to May 2026 stood at ₹7,18,669 crore, or 19.7% of the Budget Estimates for 2026-27. During the same period, total expenditure reached ₹8,81,023 crore (16.5% of BE), while tax devolution to State Governments was ₹1,75,557 crore, an increase of ₹12,086 crore over the previous year.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has released its 33rd Financial Stability Report (FSR) for June 2026. The biannual publication presents the collective assessment of the Financial Stability and Development Council (FSDC) on risks to the nation's financial stability and evaluates the resilience of the Indian financial system.

According to data from the Reserve Bank of India, key monetary policy transmission indicators remained stable in June 2026, with the one-year median Marginal Cost of Funds based Lending Rate (MCLR) unchanged at 8.85%. For May 2026, the Weighted Average Lending Rate on fresh rupee loans stood at 9.52%, while the Weighted Average Domestic Term Deposit Rate on fresh deposits was 6.50%.

India’s net international financial liabilities decreased by USD 12.4 billion during the quarter ending March 2026 to stand at USD 379.5 billion, as per data from the Reserve Bank of India. The decline was driven by a larger increase in Indian residents' overseas financial assets (USD 30.1 billion) compared to the rise in foreign-owned assets in India (USD 17.7 billion).

Indian Railways has approved a project to install a 48-Fibre Optical Fiber Cable (OFC) network across the South Eastern Railway zone. This infrastructure upgrade is intended to modernise the communication backbone, thereby enhancing operational efficiency and bolstering safety and signalling systems.

India’s net external liabilities declined to 209.9 billion US dollars at the end of March 2026, according to official data. This figure, representing the difference between the country's external financial assets and liabilities, serves as a key indicator of India's international investment position.

The NITI Aayog, in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, has launched a report titled “Unlocking Growth in Tourism and Hospitality Sector”. The report presents a roadmap to simplify regulations, improve the ease of doing business, and attract investments to expand accommodation capacity, aligning with the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision.

The Union Government's total receipts for the first two months of FY 2026-27 stood at ₹7,18,669 crore, or 19.7% of the annual Budget Estimates, according to data from the Ministry of Finance. Total expenditure was ₹8,81,023 crore (16.5% of BE), which included ₹1,75,557 crore transferred to State Governments as their share of taxes.

A report by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has highlighted the Indian economy's continued vulnerability to energy price shocks due to its high dependence on imports. The report identifies the ongoing conflict in West Asia as a significant source of global uncertainty that could impact India's macroeconomic stability and inflation management.

External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, speaking at the Human Resource Mobility Forum, emphasised the need for India to prepare its workforce for both emerging and traditional sectors. He stated that skilling and reskilling are essential to harness the country's demographic dividend and meet the demands of a changing global economy.

The UBS Global Wealth Report 2025 has placed India among nations with the highest income inequality, noting a considerable widening of the gap between the wealthy and the poor since 2020. While average wealth per individual has risen, the report highlights a simultaneous and substantial increase in the number of millionaires, underscoring the growing economic disparity.

The Government's flagship Digital India programme recently marked its ninth anniversary, highlighting significant milestones in the nation's digital transformation. The Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has become the world's largest real-time payment system, recording 24,000 crore transactions in the past year. Furthermore, the DigiLocker platform now hosts over 850 crore documents, streamlining digital verification for citizens.

The Supreme Court has ordered a status quo on ethanol allocation to Oil Marketing Companies after the Union Government described its ethanol-blending policy as an "experiment." The government's submission came during a hearing of a plea by Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) challenging a Karnataka High Court order to increase ethanol allocation for 2025-26. Definitive results of the blending policy are expected next year.

Driven by surging market prices, Indians have reportedly sold approximately 50 tonnes of old gold in the last three months. This trend marks a shift in consumer behaviour, with individuals liquidating holdings for cash to realise profits, rather than following the traditional practice of exchanging old jewellery for new.

The Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS), in collaboration with IIT Madras, announced the winners of its Innovation Challenge for rural solutions. Under the Jal Jeevan Mission, awards for portable water quality testing were given to Chembiosens Pvt. Ltd., Jaljyoti Process Pvt. Ltd., and Plastic Surge Industries Pvt. Ltd. For cost-effective plastic waste management under the Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen), the winners were Crosslinx Pvt. Ltd., BiGlyso Pvt. Ltd., and Vigya Crafts Pvt. Ltd.

A project worth ₹432 crore has been sanctioned by Indian Railways to replace outdated relay-based interlocking systems with modern Electronic Interlocking at 27 stations in the Asansol Division. This upgrade on High Density Network routes is part of a larger initiative to implement advanced signalling systems for enhanced safety, operational reliability, and increased line capacity.

Indian Railways has approved a ₹200 crore project to lay a 48-Fibre Optical Fibre Cable network across 1,696.2 Route Kilometres of the South Eastern Railway. The project will cover four divisions, significantly strengthening the digital communication backbone to support modern railway technologies, improve operational control, and enhance the overall safety and efficiency of train services.

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has mandated that designs for all major bridges on national highways must be vetted by the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs). This policy establishes an independent review process to enhance structural safety, quality control, and the long-term durability of critical infrastructure projects.

The onset of the monsoon in Delhi is anticipated around July 3-4, 2026, which is expected to provide relief from prevailing heatwave-like conditions. According to meteorologists, the advance is linked to a cyclonic circulation over the Bay of Bengal that is forecast to move westwards, bringing rains to the northern plains.

Delhi recorded a Heat Index, or 'real feel' temperature, of 53°C on June 30, 2026, despite the actual air temperature being around 40°C, due to high humidity. This phenomenon was caused by the convergence of hot, dry winds from the west and moisture-laden winds from the Arabian Sea, which impairs the body's ability to cool itself through perspiration.

India's first eight-lane expressway tunnel built beneath a tiger reserve is set to open in Kota, Rajasthan, balancing infrastructure development with wildlife conservation. The project features twin tubes, each with four lanes, designed to facilitate high-volume traffic while minimising ecological disruption in the sensitive habitat.

India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI) was formally launched in Greece, marking a significant step in its global expansion. The launch, a partnership between NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL) and Eurobank, was witnessed by Union Commerce Minister Shri Piyush Goyal in Athens. This collaboration enables eligible customers to conduct instant, secure, and low-cost fund transfers, strengthening bilateral economic ties.

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi held a telephonic conversation with the President of Iran, H.E. Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian, on June 30, 2026. The leaders discussed recent developments in West Asia, with Shri Modi reiterating India's position that regional issues must be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy. He also emphasised the need to safeguard freedom of navigation and commerce in the region.

Indian Naval Ships Udaygiri, Kavaratti, and Shakti, part of the Eastern Fleet, concluded a port call at Sattahip, Thailand, on June 29, 2026. The visit aimed to strengthen the maritime partnership between India and Thailand through professional exchanges and operational interactions. This deployment is part of India's 'MAHASAGAR' vision, which promotes security and growth for all in the maritime region.

The Embassy of India in Kathmandu organised the second edition of the Indian Ambassador's Cricket Tournament at the Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground. The tournament, held from June 27-29, 2026, is a sports diplomacy initiative aimed at strengthening people-to-people ties between India and Nepal.

United Kingdom's caretaker Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, has announced a strategic defence plan to significantly enhance the country's drone warfare capabilities. The initiative aims to position the UK as a leading global power in unmanned aerial combat technology.

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi held a telephone conversation with the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, H.E. Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian, to discuss recent developments in West Asia. The Prime Minister reiterated India’s consistent position that all issues must be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy to ensure lasting peace, stability, and freedom of navigation in the region.

Japan's Prime Minister, Ms. Sanae Takaichi, will undertake an official visit to India from July 1-3, 2026, for a summit with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. Discussions will focus on enhancing cooperation in economic and energy security, artificial intelligence, and defence, with Ms. Takaichi being accompanied by a business delegation of over 100 leaders.

All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) President Asaduddin Owaisi criticised senior BJP leader Ram Madhav's participation in 'Track 2' diplomatic talks with Pakistani delegates. Mr. Owaisi contended that such unofficial engagements are perceived differently when undertaken by a BJP leader compared to Indian Muslims, who he claimed would face pejorative labelling for similar actions. 'Track 2' diplomacy involves non-governmental dialogues for confidence-building.

During an official visit to Seychelles, Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in 'handloom diplomacy' by presenting specially curated gifts to President Patrick Herminie. The items, showcasing India's rich craft traditions, were aimed at reinforcing the deep-rooted cultural ties and shared environmental values between the two nations, thereby strengthening bilateral relations.

Indian-American Congressman Ro Khanna of the Democratic Party has asserted that U.S.-India relations are at their lowest point in 30 years. In a statement underscoring the perceived strain in bilateral ties, Mr. Khanna suggested consulting India's External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar, to corroborate his assessment.

India has strongly endorsed the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), calling the global watchdog an "indispensable" part of the international framework against terrorism financing. In a veiled reference to Pakistan, New Delhi stated that attempts to question the FATF's impartial procedures often reflect a fear of scrutiny over compliance with global anti-terror financing standards.

The sixth phase of the Yuva Sangam programme, a flagship initiative under Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat, has successfully concluded. Organised by the Department of Higher Education, the programme facilitated 22 exposure tours for over 1,100 youth delegates across paired states between May and June 2026. The initiative aims to foster national integration by providing immersive cultural and developmental experiences.

Union Minister Shri Jayant Chaudhary launched the IndiaSkills Competition 2026–27, a national platform for youth to showcase their talent in 63 industry-relevant skill categories. Organised by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship with the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), the competition aims to identify talent for global events like the WorldSkills Competition. Registrations are open on the Skill India Digital Hub.

The ESIC has approved the extension of the Atal Beemit Vyakti Kalyan Yojana (ABVKY) for an additional year, until June 30, 2027. The scheme provides an unemployment allowance to Insured Persons covered under the ESI Act, offering financial relief to workers who have lost their employment.

The ESIC approved several healthcare infrastructure upgrades, including the establishment of Occupational Disease Centres in five cities and the expansion of its Tirunelveli hospital from 100 to 150 beds. A new Radiation Oncology Block will also be set up at the ESIC Medical College & Hospital in Joka, Kolkata, to enhance cancer care facilities.

To expand medical education, the ESIC has granted in-principle approval to establish a new Dental College in New Delhi and a new ESIC Medical College in Haridwar, Uttarakhand. The Haridwar college will have an annual intake of 50 MBBS students, with admissions set to begin from the academic year 2027–28.

The ESIC has approved a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Ayush to integrate traditional medicine into its healthcare system. The collaboration will establish a framework for promoting and building capacity for Ayush services within ESIC facilities to provide holistic care for beneficiaries.

The Ministry of Education has concluded Phase VI of the Yuva Sangam programme, a flagship initiative under the Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat mission. The final phase involved over 1,100 youth delegates participating in 22 exposure tours across paired states to foster national integration and cultural exchange.

A special court in Thane, Maharashtra, sentenced a man to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment for raping a minor, reinforcing a key principle of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. The court dismissed the defence's claim of a consensual 'love affair,' affirming that the consent of a minor below the age of 18 is legally immaterial and that any sexual intercourse constitutes statutory rape.

The National Family Health Survey-6 (NFHS-6) has revealed a significant surge in spousal violence in Kerala, with the rate among married women nearly doubling to 17.7%. This finding starkly contrasts with the declining national trend and highlights a worrying social regression in a state recognised for its high social development indicators.

Authorities in Tamil Nadu have launched an investigation into the death of a woman following a home birth allegedly attempted based on advice from online videos. The woman's husband has been booked in connection with the incident, which highlights the public health dangers posed by medical misinformation circulating on social media.

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) successfully dismantled a trans-border gold smuggling syndicate in Delhi, seizing 15 kilograms of smuggled gold. The operation highlights the agency's continued efforts to combat the illicit flow of precious metals into the country.

The Assam Rifles has commenced a biometric registration drive for displaced Myanmar nationals in Manipur's Kamjong district, successfully enrolling approximately 500 individuals. This initiative aims to create an official database for effective monitoring, security management, and administration of humanitarian aid for those who have crossed the border.

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has dismantled a trans-border gold smuggling syndicate operating in Delhi, seizing 15 kilograms of gold in a major operation. This action underscores the agency's ongoing efforts to curb illicit financial activities and combat organised crime.

Indian Naval Ships Udaygiri, Kavaratti, and Shakti of the Eastern Fleet concluded a port call at Sattahip, Thailand, as part of a deployment in South East Asia. The visit involved professional exchanges with the Royal Thai Navy, advancing India's vision of MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions).

Authorities have finalised enhanced security and logistical arrangements for the annual Amarnath Yatra, with accommodation prepared for up to 55,000 pilgrims. The first convoy is set to be flagged off by Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, chairman of the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB). To ensure safety, pilgrims have been strictly advised to adhere to the prescribed travel timings.