Daily Bulletin

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) completed immediate remedial measures on the Mahalaxmi Bridge on the Mumbai–Ahmedabad National Highway (NH-48) on July 3, 2026. The NHAI clarified that the distress was localised to the wearing coat due to heavy rains and was not a structural failure.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) conducted a conference for over 260 Media and Communication Officers, where Chief Election Commissioner Shri Gyanesh Kumar emphasised the need for proactive media engagement to counter false narratives. Election Commissioner Dr. Vivek Joshi highlighted the emerging challenges of AI and deepfakes, urging officials to leverage Electoral Literacy Clubs (ELCs) to build trust and engage young voters in the electoral process.

Speaking at the 80th Foundation Day of Organiser Weekly, Vice-President of India Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan stated that press freedom is meaningful only when exercised with courage and responsibility. He cited the publication's opposition to censorship during the Emergency as a landmark event that reinforced media freedom. The Vice-President asserted that a courageous and responsible press is essential for a flourishing democracy.

The Ministry of Law and Justice will host a two-day 'Reforms Utsav & Chintan Shivir 2026' in Mount Abu, Rajasthan, to review legal reforms and formulate a future roadmap for a citizen-centric legal system. The event will feature brainstorming sessions on key areas such as Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR) and the use of Artificial Intelligence in governance, culminating in a Vision Document with concrete action points.

The Union Government has directed Apple and Google to remove seven mobile applications designed to remotely stall e-rickshaws, citing public safety risks. The government has warned that non-compliance could be considered a legal violation, potentially leading to the withdrawal of the legal immunity these platforms enjoy as intermediaries under Indian law.

The Chhattisgarh High Court has ruled that no child can be forced to recite Hindu prayers in schools, addressing a controversy over a government directive. The judgment underscores the principles of religious freedom within educational institutions, and the court has permitted petitioners to file a new plea if any instance of forced recitation is observed in the future.

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has directed Meta to submit a detailed explanation within three days regarding its proposed 'usernames' feature for WhatsApp. Citing privacy and safety concerns such as potential impersonation, the government has also instructed the company not to roll out the feature in India until consultations are completed.

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has been directed to summon representatives from Meta following a BBC investigation that found paid advertisements on Instagram promoting child sexual abuse material (CSAM) in India. The government will seek a formal explanation from Meta regarding the issue and the remedial steps taken.

The Chief Minister of Delhi, Smt. Rekha Gupta, has launched 'Delhi Next', a new civic-tech initiative designed to integrate youth-led technological innovations into the city's governance. Under this programme, ideas and solutions developed during the 'Delhi Next' hackathon will be selected for pilot implementation by the government to address urban challenges.

The Supreme Court of India, while refusing to send an individual back to jail in the Sonam Raghuvanshi case, observed that it would adopt a 'balanced approach' even in cases involving heinous crimes. The bench's articulation highlights the judiciary's commitment to a nuanced application of justice, weighing punitive measures against other legal and humane factors.

Following allegations of financial irregularities in donations for the Ram Temple, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has called for a thorough investigation. Separately, the Congress party has demanded a Supreme Court-monitored probe, with General Secretary Shri K.C. Venugopal expressing a lack of faith in the existing Special Investigation Team (SIT).

Trinamool Congress leader Shri Abhishek Banerjee has accused West Bengal's state law enforcement agencies of targeted harassment, alleging that approximately 25 individuals associated with his office have been summoned or detained by the Special Task Force (STF) and the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) without proper legal notices.

The Madras High Court has denied anticipatory bail to a Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) MLA in a case involving alleged defamatory remarks against Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Shri C. Joseph Vijay. While delivering the order, the court emphasised the importance of respecting the constitutional office of the Chief Minister.

The central government has directed the removal of three battery management system applications—'Bat BMS', 'Lossigy', and 'Epochiion'—following widespread complaints from e-rickshaw drivers. The action was prompted by viral videos and reports demonstrating that these Chinese-made apps could be used to remotely disable vehicles, posing significant safety and security risks. The directive aims to address the technological vulnerability that allowed third parties to halt the e-rickshaws mid-journey.

The Supreme Court of India has stayed an audit of Delhi's private power distribution companies (discoms) by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG). This order temporarily halts the financial scrutiny that was a key agenda item for the Delhi government. The decision marks a significant development in the ongoing legal discourse concerning the oversight of private utilities operating in the national capital.

The Supreme Court of India has issued a notice on an appeal by the Meghalaya government challenging the bail granted to Sonam Raghuvanshi, accused in a murder case. While expressing prima facie reservations about the High Court's bail order, which was based on a typographical error citing an incorrect section of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the apex court declined to stay the bail as the accused had already been released. The matter has been scheduled for a further hearing on July 9, 2026.

The Bombay High Court has observed that raising anti-government slogans cannot be a valid ground for externing a citizen from an area. While hearing a petition challenging an externment order issued for shouting political slogans, the court questioned the legal basis of the action, noting that such expressions do not inherently constitute a threat to public peace. The judicial remark reinforces the fundamental right to freedom of speech and expression and cautions against the potential misuse of administrative powers to stifle dissent.

The Supreme Court of India has ruled that an investigating agency's failure to supply additional copies of a chargesheet does not grant an accused the right to default bail. The Court clarified that the statutory right under Section 167(2) of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) is contingent only upon the non-filing of the primary chargesheet within the prescribed time limit. The judgment provides a significant clarification on the procedural requirements for securing default bail.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced an underwriting auction for the sale of Government of India securities scheduled for July 3, 2026. The total notified amount for the securities being auctioned is ₹34,000 crore, as part of the central government's market borrowing programme.

The Board of Trade, chaired by the Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, has set an ambitious export target of USD 1 trillion for India, comprising USD 530 billion in merchandise and USD 470 billion in services. To achieve this, the government announced a 90-Day Export Drive under the Districts as Export Hubs initiative and highlighted the Export Promotion Mission (EPM), with an outlay of over ₹25,000 crore, to support MSMEs. The meeting also reviewed the progress of key schemes, noting that procurement via the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) has crossed ₹5 lakh crore.

The Sixteenth Finance Commission has recommended a total financial devolution of ₹4,35,236 crore to Rural Local Bodies for the five-year period from 2026-27 to 2030-31, an 84 percent increase over the previous commission's allocation. Following this, the Ministry of Panchayati Raj held a national workshop to discuss implementation and urged states to enhance preparedness for performance-based grants. The government is also promoting an integrated digital ecosystem, including the SAMARTH Panchayat Portal, to improve financial administration and transparency in Panchayati Raj Institutions.

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW) conducted an industry consultation on the proposed Maritime Investment Fund (MIF) in Mumbai. The fund, a key component of the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, is being established to mobilise long-term institutional capital and provide patient equity capital for commercially viable projects in the maritime sector, including ports, shipping, and green initiatives.

In a significant step for 'Atmanirbhar Bharat', the first India-made export-import shipping container for global major A.P. Moller–Maersk was unveiled in Dadri, Uttar Pradesh. Following this, Maersk placed an order for an additional 1,000 'Made-in-India' containers. This initiative is supported by the Container Manufacturing Promotion Scheme (CMPS), which has an outlay of ₹10,000 crore to boost domestic production capacity.

The West Bengal government has initiated a process for major policy reforms to boost industrialisation in the state. A four-member committee, headed by the state's new Industries Minister, Shri Tapas Ray, has been established to formulate and propose a new industrial policy aimed at creating a more favourable environment for investment and economic growth.

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the Pachpadra refinery and lay the foundation stone for Phase-2 of the Jaipur Metro Rail project in Rajasthan. The event, part of a broader initiative to launch several key development projects, aims to significantly boost the state's industrial capacity and enhance its urban transport infrastructure.

A Phase III clinical trial by researchers at the Tata Memorial Centre (TMC) has validated the efficacy of Carica papaya leaf extract in managing chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia. The study, published in JCO Global Oncology, found that the extract significantly accelerates platelet count recovery in cancer patients, offering an affordable supportive care intervention.

The Mormugao Port Authority (MPA) signed a strategic agreement with technology firm Egreen Quanta to jointly develop and pilot Quantum-Enhanced Maritime Logistics Optimization solutions. The initiative aims to deploy quantum technology for advanced vessel scheduling and cargo handling, aligning with national programs like Sagarmala and PM Gati Shakti.

The Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) has launched three major initiatives to strengthen the evidence-based Ayurveda research ecosystem. The initiatives, unveiled during its 5th Executive Committee Meeting, include a new textbook on Research Methodology for postgraduate scholars, the 'CCRAS PRAYATNA 2026–27' programme to promote scientific writing, and a comprehensive CCRAS Digital Ecosystem Dashboard.

The Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying concluded a five-day national mock drill, ‘Pashujanya Yudh Abhyas’, in Madhya Pradesh to test India's preparedness for zoonotic disease outbreaks. Conducted under the National One Health Mission, the exercise simulated an Influenza A (H1N1) outbreak in animals, validating the entire emergency response chain from surveillance and diagnosis to containment operations with multi-agency participation.

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has initiated an investigation into an alleged data breach involving a supplier for an upcoming iPhone model. The probe was launched following reports that sensitive details concerning the device, sourced from a Tata group company, were leaked and made available on the dark web. A senior MeitY official has confirmed that the government is actively examining the matter to ascertain the extent and impact of the breach.

The Supreme Court has taken cognisance of the risks associated with 'AI hallucination' after six non-existent legal precedents, generated by an AI tool, were cited in an insolvency case. In response, the apex court has initiated the process of framing draft rules to govern the use of artificial intelligence by legal professionals. The move is intended to uphold the integrity of judicial proceedings by ensuring the accuracy of information submitted to the courts.

Union Ministers Shri Amit Shah and Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan co-chaired a high-level meeting to review the impact of below-normal rainfall caused by the El Niño phenomenon. Officials were directed to monitor water reservoirs and advise farmers on sowing low-water-consuming crops like millets and pulses, while an Inter-Ministerial Central Team will be sent to Assam and Arunachal Pradesh to assess recent flood damage.

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has ordered an independent inquiry into alleged irregularities in the granting of mining permissions near the Sariska Tiger Reserve in Rajasthan. To facilitate the probe into the potential adverse environmental impact on the ecologically sensitive zone, the NGT has constituted a joint committee.

A controversy has emerged between Member of Parliament Smt. Maneka Gandhi and several Jain organisations over the trade of peacock feathers. Smt. Gandhi reiterated her long-held position that the legal provision permitting trade in naturally shed feathers is often used as a cover for the illegal poaching of peacocks. She noted that she had previously presented evidence on this issue and suggested amendments to the Wildlife Protection Act to enhance protection for India's national bird.

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has forecast that the El Niño weather phenomenon will intensify in the coming months, increasing the probability of extreme weather events worldwide. For India, a strong El Niño is historically correlated with a deficient southwest monsoon, raising concerns over potential impacts on agriculture, water resources, and the broader economy. The forecast underscores the growing risks posed by climate variability.

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will undertake a three-nation tour to Indonesia, Australia, and New Zealand from July 6 to 11, 2026. The visit will include bilateral discussions with his counterparts, including Indonesian President H.E. Mr. Prabowo Subianto and Australian Prime Minister the Honourable Anthony Albanese MP. The state visit to New Zealand is particularly significant, marking the first by an Indian Prime Minister in four decades.

India and Mali held their inaugural Forum for the Promotion of Exports in Bamako, aiming to strengthen bilateral trade, which surpassed US$326.61 million in FY 2025–26, a 55 percent increase year-on-year. The forum identified priority sectors for cooperation, including cotton, mining, and pharmaceuticals. As a key outcome, Mali announced it will host a dedicated investment forum on December 3-4, 2026, to present bankable projects to international investors.

The Government of India has formally requested Venezuelan authorities to investigate the death of Indian seafarer Rakesh Chauhan, after an autopsy revealed that several of his organs were missing. While the initial death certificate cited a heart attack, the subsequent findings have prompted the Indian government to seek an urgent and comprehensive probe into the circumstances surrounding his death.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has formally stated that the Indus Waters Treaty currently "stands in abeyance," attributing this position to Pakistan's "continued sponsorship of cross-border terrorism." This statement reaffirms India's policy of linking the operational status of the bilateral water-sharing agreement to the regional security situation.

The Government of India has issued an 11-point travel advisory for its citizens travelling to Thailand, outlining new mandatory requirements. As per the guidelines, Indian travellers must carry a minimum of 20,000 Thai Baht (TBH) for expenses and possess confirmed return flight tickets to be presented to Thai authorities upon arrival.

India is deepening its strategic partnership with Indonesia by promoting its Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) model, with a focus on systems like the Unified Payments Interface (UPI). The collaboration also involves assisting Indonesia in developing digital commerce networks inspired by India's Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC). This initiative is aimed at enhancing economic integration and digital connectivity between the two nations, reflecting India's growing role in global digital diplomacy.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to make his first official visit to New Zealand, aiming to strengthen bilateral relations and advance negotiations for a comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The high-level visit comes at a time when New Zealand is reportedly considering stricter immigration rules for Indian nationals, an issue that may feature in the discussions. The engagement is seen as a crucial step towards enhancing economic and diplomatic ties between the two countries.

The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has extended its Employees' Enrolment Campaign until October 31, 2026, offering a final opportunity for employers to enroll left-out employees. The campaign allows for voluntary declaration of eligible employees not covered between April 1, 2009, and March 31, 2026, with a waiver of the employee's share of past contributions.

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognizance of the alleged inhuman treatment of toddlers at a creche in a Bengaluru-based IT company. Citing a serious violation of human rights, the Commission has issued notices to the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police of Karnataka, demanding a detailed report within two weeks.

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognizance of alleged medical negligence at a civil hospital in Sagar district, Madhya Pradesh, where a toddler reportedly lost his eyesight after being administered nasal drops in his eyes. Viewing this as a serious violation of human rights, the NHRC has issued a notice to the Madhya Pradesh Chief Secretary, demanding a detailed report within two weeks.

The annual Amarnath Yatra has commenced, with the first group of pilgrims departing from the Jammu base camp for the holy cave shrine in Jammu and Kashmir. On the occasion, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addressed the devotees and outlined 'five resolutions' for them to observe during the pilgrimage. The yatra, a significant religious event, is being conducted under extensive security arrangements.

The annual Amarnath Yatra commenced on July 3, 2026, with the government implementing comprehensive arrangements to ensure pilgrim safety. According to the Union Home Minister, these measures include a multi-layer security grid along the entire pilgrimage route. A QR code-based registration system has also been established, complemented by robust facilities for accommodation, healthcare, and disaster management.

The Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has arrested eight individuals in connection with an alleged terror conspiracy linked to the proscribed organisation Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). According to an official statement, the suspects were actively working to establish a JeM network in Gujarat by recruiting new members and propagating the outfit's extremist ideology.

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has approved military procurements worth approximately ₹52,000 crore to enhance the capabilities of the armed forces. The approved items include several indigenous systems such as the Akash Tarang electronic warfare suite, Man Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (MPATGM), and Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missiles (MRSAM).

The Rajasthan Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has detained several individuals and conducted raids across multiple locations in connection with a Pakistani intelligence handler, identified as Shahzad Bhatti. The operation was initiated based on intelligence inputs about individuals in Rajasthan allegedly associated with the handler's social media network. This action highlights the ongoing efforts by security agencies to counter cross-border espionage and dismantle terror-related networks.

On the 80th Foundation Day of Organiser Weekly, Vice-President Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan released two books: 'Hindutva Discourse After Independence – Reading With Organiser Pages' and 'Temples Beyond Bharat'. The Vice-President lauded the publication's historical role in strengthening media freedom.