Daily Bulletin

The National Academy of Direct Taxes (NADT), Nagpur, inaugurated "Uttarayan 2026," a seven-week Orientation Programme for 106 newly promoted Assistant Commissioners of Income Tax, on July 16, 2026. The programme, attended by a diverse cohort including 22 lady officers from 20 States and 2 Union Territories, aims to equip these seasoned professionals with advanced modules on direct tax laws, corporate accounting, and e-governance initiatives for higher leadership roles.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Government of Rajasthan jointly organised a "Videsh Sampark Programme" on July 16, 2026. This initiative aims to reinforce cooperative federalism by facilitating enhanced engagement and coordination between the central and state governments on foreign policy matters.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Government of Rajasthan jointly organised a 'Videsh Sampark Programme'. This initiative exemplifies cooperative federalism by actively involving state governments in the nation's foreign policy and diplomatic outreach. The programme aims to leverage the unique strengths of states to enhance engagement with the Indian diaspora and promote international economic partnerships.

The ongoing protest led by activist Sonam Wangchuk continues to gain political attention, with the central demand being the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah commented on the government's failure to engage with the activist. Supporting the protest, the CJP has announced a planned march to the Parliament on Monday, July 20, 2026, to escalate pressure on the government regarding their demands.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee commented on the resignation of Trinamool Congress Rajya Sabha MP, Smt. Koel Mallick. Following the film artist's meeting with a BJP leader and subsequent resignation, Ms. Banerjee stated that those under pressure should quit their posts before July 21. This statement alludes to potential external influences on her party's parliamentarians.

The Indian National Congress has officially appealed to Ladakhi climate activist Shri Sonam Wangchuk to conclude his ongoing hunger strike, citing serious concerns for his health. In a statement, Congress General Secretary (Organisation) Shri K. C. Venugopal expressed solidarity with the activist's cause. Shri Wangchuk's fast is aimed at demanding statehood for Ladakh and its inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.

The Uttarakhand High Court has ruled that the mere smell of alcohol on a person's breath is insufficient evidence to prove a charge of drunk driving. The court observed that for a conviction, the prosecution must conclusively prove that the alcohol level in the accused's blood exceeded the permissible limit as stipulated under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. This judgment reinforces the legal requirement for scientific evidence over subjective observation in such cases.

The Supreme Court of India, while hearing a plea to revive a protest case against Punjab Chief Minister Shri Bhagwant Mann, observed that sloganeering ('naare-baazi') is a common form of protest. The case pertains to a protest in January 2020, where Shri Mann and other Aam Aadmi Party leaders demonstrated against a power tariff hike. The court's remark provides a judicial perspective on the nature of political expression and dissent in a democracy.