The Prime Minister’s Office, under the chairmanship of Principal Secretary Dr. P.K. Mishra, held a high-level meeting to review national preparedness for the potential impact of El Niño. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) reported an all-India rainfall deficit of -12% as of July 7 and forecast a weak to moderate El Niño. Dr. Mishra directed ministries to work with states to monitor vulnerable districts and manage resources, noting that contingency plans for 262 districts have been updated.
Daily Bulletin
“The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance.”
— Alan Watts
—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
The Union Ministry of Railways has announced the construction of a new railway station on the Sikar–Ringas section in Rajasthan to improve connectivity for pilgrims visiting the Shri Khatu Shyam Ji Temple. The station, to be located approximately 11 kilometres from the temple, will feature modern passenger amenities and architecture reflecting Rajasthan's heritage. The project aims to enhance regional connectivity, promote tourism, and stimulate the local economy by providing safer travel for devotees.
The Union Ministry of Education has established the National Academic Depository (NAD), a digital framework for storing and verifying academic awards, implemented via the DigiLocker platform. Governed by the University Grants Commission (UGC) under the Information Technology Act, 2000, NAD integrates with the Academic Bank of Credits (ABC) and the Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry (APAAR). This ecosystem supports the academic mobility goals of the National Education Policy 2020.
The Union Ministry of Education has released the Performance Grading Index 2.0 for States/UTs (PGI-S) and the Performance Grading Index for Districts (PGI-D) for the year 2025-26. These comprehensive indices evaluate the performance of the school education system across India on parameters such as Learning Outcomes, Access, and Infrastructure. The PGI-S framework uses 70 indicators with a total weightage of 1000 points, while the PGI-D framework uses 70 indicators with a weightage of 600 points.
The four stakeholder states of the Narmada Project—Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra—have signed an agreement to resolve long-pending issues. Facilitated by Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah, the consensus settles outstanding financial dues mandated by the Narmada Water Disputes Tribunal Award and also addresses matters of displacement and compensation for project-affected populations.
The Bombay High Court observed that recurrent flooding in Mumbai is a "creation of our own" and cannot be solely blamed on the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). The court highlighted that rampant encroachments, such as the conversion of footpaths into food stalls, block drains and significantly contribute to waterlogging.
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has ordered the removal of the film 'Satluj' from the streaming platform Zee5, citing pro-Khalistani content. The directive was issued using the emergency powers of Section 69A of the Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000, to regulate online content deemed a threat to national security.
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has issued a notice to Meta, directing it to disable Instagram advertisements allegedly promoting Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse Material (CSEAM). Following a BBC investigation, the company has until July 11 to provide a detailed explanation, while Meta has called the allegations "categorically inaccurate."
The Government of Tripura has mandated that classes in all schools across the state will commence with the singing of the full version of the national song, "Vande Mataram". According to Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha, the measure aims to promote nationalistic values among students.
A protest march involving an estimated 15,000 people is scheduled towards the Vidhan Bhavan in Mumbai over the delay in naming the Navi Mumbai International Airport. Demonstrators are demanding the airport be named after the late farmers' and workers' leader, D.B. Patil.
The Delhi High Court has ordered the restoration of the X social media account of the satirical group 'Cockroach Janta Party', which was blocked by the government in the context of the NEET re-examination. The government had contended that the account's posts "could have created chaos," but the court's decision reaffirms principles of free speech in relation to the regulation of online content.
The Supreme Court of India declined to entertain a plea from the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) seeking judicial restraint against political leader Vijay, asserting that the court cannot be transformed into a 'political fora'. The bench refused to issue orders curtailing free speech and also clarified that it would not contradict its earlier directive for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the Karur stampede.
In a significant ruling on professional conduct, the Supreme Court of India has held that a representative body of banks cannot blacklist lawyers by maintaining a 'caution list'. The Court clarified that such disciplinary powers over legal practitioners are vested exclusively with statutory bodies like the Bar Council, and not with financial institutions.
Economy
Kamarajar Port has become India's second Major Port to achieve an 18-metre draft, enabling it to handle fully laden Capesize vessels up to 1,70,000 DWT. This capability was achieved after the completion of the Capital Dredging Phase VI project, executed with an investment of approximately ₹440 crore. The enhancement is expected to lower logistics costs, improve cargo-handling efficiency, and boost India's maritime competitiveness in line with the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.
The 17th Toy Biz International B2B Expo in New Delhi highlighted the Indian toy industry's shift towards indigenous manufacturing, with a focus on educational and STEM-based products. The event, which grew to over 400 stalls, showcased the impact of government initiatives like the Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE). Such schemes are enabling MSMEs to expand production and leverage trade fairs to reach international buyers.
The Union Minister of Textiles will inaugurate ‘Indie Haat 2026’ on July 13, an event celebrating India's handloom and handicraft heritage at the National Crafts Museum in New Delhi. Organised in conjunction with Bharat Tex 2026, the event will feature products from 48 artisans and 12 design-led brands, curated by the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT). The initiative aims to provide direct market linkages for craftspersons with international buyers, supporting the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' campaign.
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved the merger of 51 companies belonging to the Malabar Group with their flagship entity, Malabar Gold and Diamonds Limited. The proposed combination involves consolidating these entities, most of which are engaged in the jewellery business, into the transferee company. This move marks a significant consolidation within one of India's major jewellery manufacturing and retail groups.
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved the acquisition of a certain shareholding in Sorting Hat Technologies Private Limited, followed by its merger into upGrad Education Private Limited. Sorting Hat Technologies operates primarily in the non-formal education sector, while the acquirer, upGrad Education, has a presence in both formal and non-formal education. The transaction represents a notable consolidation within the Indian ed-tech industry.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has launched two quarterly surveys for the second quarter (Q2) of 2026-27. The 115th round of the Industrial Outlook Survey (IOS) will capture the business sentiment of Indian manufacturing companies. Concurrently, the 50th round of the Services and Infrastructure Outlook Survey (SIOS) will gather qualitative assessments of the business climate from companies in these respective sectors.
The Indian Rupee appreciated by 44 paise against the US dollar on July 7, 2026, closing at a rate of 94.96. This significant gain for the domestic currency reflects positive sentiment in the foreign exchange market.
According to Union Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, government policies have enabled Indian toy manufacturers to compete more effectively in the global market. These strategic interventions have reportedly fostered a conducive ecosystem for local producers, leading to increased domestic manufacturing and a stronger international presence for Indian toys.
Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Shri Hardeep Singh Puri, affirmed that India has maintained an uninterrupted supply of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) nationwide. This stability was attributed to a dual strategy of enhancing domestic production capacity and conducting effective diplomatic engagements to secure energy resources.
Union Minister Shri Hardeep Singh Puri confirmed that automobile manufacturers have expressed no operational difficulties with E20 fuel, which is petrol blended with 20% ethanol. He stated that the government is taking a cautious approach towards E25 fuel, with tests underway, as part of a phased strategy to increase biofuel adoption.
Saudi Arabian low-cost carrier flyadeal has commenced its operations in India, launching its inaugural daily direct flight service between Hyderabad and Riyadh. The entry of the new airline is expected to enhance air connectivity and increase affordable travel options for passengers between India and the Middle East.
Science & Technology
Union Minister Shri Nitin Gadkari outlined a vision for Delhi's public transport to run on hydrogen produced from segregated municipal waste. He noted that 8 million tonnes of landfill waste have already been used in expressway construction, supporting the goal to eliminate garbage nationwide by 2027.
Environment
Olectra Greentech Limited and Montra Electric have signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways to join the PARIVARTAN scheme. This initiative incentivises the replacement of old, polluting trucks and buses in the Delhi-NCR region. Under the scheme, these Original Equipment Manufacturers will offer an 8% discount on the ex-showroom price of eligible vehicles, bringing the total market coverage by participating OEMs to over 95%.
The Government of Sikkim has launched a significant ecological drive for the revival and conservation of Himalayan oak forests. The initiative focuses on large-scale reforestation and protection measures to restore the unique ecosystem supported by these native forests, underscoring the state's commitment to preserving its biodiversity.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast heavy rainfall across several parts of North and South India over the next four days. The alert serves as an official warning for state disaster management authorities to prepare for potential weather-related disruptions.
The Natural History Museum in Aizawl, Mizoram, has been notified as India’s 21st 'designated repository'. Under this status, the museum is now mandated to ensure the safe custody of important biological materials and voucher specimens, enhancing its role in biodiversity conservation and research in the North-Eastern region.
Amidst heavy monsoon rains, a major landslide struck a tunnel project site in Kalladi, near Meppady in Kerala's Wayanad district, resulting in at least four fatalities and leaving several workers missing. The India Meteorological Department subsequently issued a 'red alert' for the district, indicating the likelihood of extremely heavy rainfall. Local authorities have registered a case and launched a comprehensive rescue and investigation operation into the disaster.
International Relations
India and Costa Rica conducted their first virtual Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO) meeting on July 6-7, 2026, to strengthen bilateral economic cooperation. The dialogue, co-chaired by senior commerce ministry officials from both nations, noted the steady growth in bilateral trade, which reached approximately USD 391 million in 2025–26. Both sides agreed to enhance collaboration in key sectors such as pharmaceuticals, digital technologies, and manufacturing.
During his visit to Indonesia, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addressed the Indian diaspora in Jakarta, highlighting India's progress in lifting over 250 million people out of poverty. In a subsequent address to the Indonesian Parliament, he unveiled the “Ganga–Mahakam Vision”, a five-pillared framework to elevate the bilateral partnership, aligning India's 'Viksit Bharat 2047' with Indonesia's 'Emas 2045' goals. As part of this vision, he proposed enhanced cooperation in space technology, including assistance for a satellite launch facility, and invited Indonesia to partner in the National Maritime Heritage Complex project at Lothal, Gujarat.
The civic administrations of Bengaluru, India, and Melbourne, Australia, have launched a partnership to collaborate on smart city innovations. Announced during Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s visit to Australia, this municipal-level cooperation aims to create a framework for sharing best practices in urban development and technology exchange.
Two explosions in Damascus, the capital of Syria, resulted in injuries to 18 people, including four police officers. The incident reportedly occurred shortly before a scheduled meeting involving French President Emmanuel Macron, raising security concerns in the region.
In an interview ahead of a high-level visit, Shri Nagesh Singh, the High Commissioner of India to Australia, discussed the agenda for the Prime Minister's upcoming trip to Melbourne. The discussion highlighted the diplomatic significance of the visit, which is expected to further strengthen the India-Australia strategic partnership.
During Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's state visit to Jakarta, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto emphasized the deep cultural ties between the two nations. In a public address, President Subianto remarked on his personal connection, stating he has "Indian DNA" and expressing his fondness for Indian music, underscoring the role of soft power in bilateral relations.
Speaking in Indonesia, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi highlighted the historical contribution of former Odisha Chief Minister Shri Biju Patnaik to India-Indonesia relations. He recounted Shri Patnaik's role in safely evacuating Indonesia's then-Prime Minister Sutan Sjahrir during their independence struggle, reinforcing deep-rooted diplomatic ties.
Social Issues
The Union Minister for Tribal Affairs launched TribeX, a digital learning platform dedicated to tribal arts, culture, and traditional knowledge, in Bhubaneswar. The platform will offer free certificate courses and UGC-recognized diploma programmes. To support this initiative, the Ministry of Tribal Affairs signed MoUs with Sampurnanand Sanskrit Vishwavidyalaya for content development and with KIIT Technology Business Incubator to identify and mentor tribal entrepreneurs.
The Unified District Information System for Education Plus (UDISE+) 2025-26 report, released by the Ministry of Education, highlights significant improvements in the school education system. The number of teachers increased by 8.3% to 1.02 crore, improving the Pupil-Teacher Ratio, while the secondary level dropout rate fell from 8.2% to 7.0%. The Gross Enrolment Ratio at the secondary level rose to 71.7%, and school infrastructure saw progress, with 69.9% of schools now having computer access.
The official apparel for the Indian contingent at the Commonwealth Games 2026 will be crafted from a unique jute-viscose blended fabric. This initiative aims to promote India's indigenous and sustainable textile heritage on an international sporting platform.
The Assam government informed the state assembly that 14,823 cases were registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act between 2021 and 2025. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma assured the house of the government's commitment to implementing stringent measures to eradicate the drug menace.
A case of alleged dowry death has been registered in Delhi's Lodhi Road area following the suicide of a newly married woman, highlighting the persistence of dowry-related violence. According to a complaint filed by the victim's family, she was subjected to sustained harassment for not bringing sufficient dowry. The incident has prompted a police investigation into the allegations of abuse and coercion.
Defence & Security
India and Rwanda have agreed to expand their bilateral defence partnership following the second Joint Defence Cooperation Committee (JDCC) meeting in New Delhi. The dialogue, co-chaired by Joint Secretary Shri Amitabh Prasad and Rwandan Brigadier General Louis Kanobayier, concluded with an agreement to enhance cooperation in military training, joint exercises, and defence industries. An implementation plan with specific timelines was also finalised to guide future collaboration.
Security operations are ongoing in Manipur following an insurgent ambush that resulted in the death of two Assam Rifles personnel. The incident underscores the persistent security challenges in the region, with a wreath-laying ceremony for the fallen soldiers scheduled at Imphal International Airport.
A man in Kerala has been arrested and charged under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) for allegedly posting provocative social media comments. The remarks, deemed to incite religious hatred, were made in reference to the daughter of a victim of a terrorist attack in Pahalgam.
The Gujarat High Court has upheld a 2022 special court verdict in the 2008 Ahmedabad serial blasts case, confirming the death sentence for 38 convicts and life imprisonment for 11 others. A division bench comprising Justice AY Kogje and Justice SJ Dave affirmed the trial court's decision, which was the first instance in Indian judicial history of capital punishment being awarded to such a large number of convicts in a single case. The High Court also directed the state government to provide higher compensation to the victims of the attack.
India and Indonesia have finalised significant defence agreements for the supply of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles and Astra beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles, deepening the strategic partnership between the two nations. Following the conclusion of the deals, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto reiterated a shared commitment to maintaining a rules-based international order in the Indo-Pacific region.
Awards & Honours
The University of Kashmir, Srinagar, has won the first position in the 17th National Youth Parliament Competition, 2024-25, for Universities and Colleges. The winning team was awarded the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Running Parliamentary Shield and Trophy at a ceremony in New Delhi. Organised by the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, the competition saw participation from 51 universities and aims to inculcate democratic values among the youth.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been conferred with the 'Bintang Adipurna of the Republic of Indonesia', the highest civilian honour of Indonesia. The prestigious award, also known as the 'Medal of Honour', was bestowed in recognition of his significant contributions to strengthening the bilateral relationship between the two countries.