Daily Bulletin

Union Education Minister Shri Dharmendra Pradhan chaired a two-day conclave of State and UT Education Ministers to review the implementation of Centrally Sponsored Schemes. The meeting focused on strengthening initiatives such as Samagra Shiksha, PM SHRI, and PM POSHAN in alignment with the National Education Policy 2020. The Minister emphasised Centre-State collaboration and urged states to promote the use of mother tongue to improve foundational literacy and numeracy.

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi chaired a high-level meeting to review progress towards 'Viksit Bharat' goals, emphasising a 'whole-of-government' approach. Key directives included promoting the PM-KUSUM scheme to transform agriculture, undertaking a global mapping of skill requirements, and establishing an institutional mechanism to combat drug abuse. The Prime Minister also called for an integrated strategy to position India as a global sports hub by fostering sports tourism and technology startups.

The government has reinforced the regulatory framework for the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), clarifying it as a transparency mechanism rather than a prohibition. In 2024-25, registered associations received approximately ₹22,963 crore in foreign contributions. The proposed Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, introduces a 'Designated Authority' to manage assets of deregistered NGOs and mandates central approval for state-level investigations. Concurrently, the notified Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Rules, 2026, require NGOs to demonstrate a minimum utilisation of ₹10 lakh in foreign funds for renewal and to disclose the ultimate foreign donor.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, chairing a high-level review of the Viksit Bharat goals, emphasised that the vision must transform into a 'Jan Andolan' (mass movement) with the youth as its foundation. The review focused on progress in rural development, agriculture, and social welfare, with the Prime Minister underscoring that citizen welfare must remain central to all reforms.

The Government of Chhattisgarh has announced a 10% reservation for former 'Agniveers' in direct recruitment for positions within the state's police and forest departments. This policy is intended to provide post-service employment avenues for personnel who have completed their tour of duty under the central government's Agnipath scheme.

Both Houses of Parliament, the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, were adjourned for the day on July 22, 2026, following disruptions by opposition parties. The proceedings were stalled by protests over several issues, including the alleged NEET paper leak and the ensuing student agitations.

A protest by a group identified as the 'CJP' near Sansad Marg in New Delhi escalated into clashes with police, leading to the use of tear gas and a suspension of internet services in the area. The unrest, which resulted in injuries to five Delhi Police personnel, was reportedly triggered by a social media post from a Rapid Action Force (RAF) officer.

The Union Government has stated its readiness to discuss the alleged NEET paper leak in Parliament, while questioning what it termed "selective" outrage from the opposition by citing paper leaks in non-BJP ruled states. In response, opposition MPs protested in Parliament wearing black armbands, with Congress leader Shri Rahul Gandhi describing the Union Education Minister as 'incapable'.

Authorities in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, seized a significant quantity of counterfeit medicines and manufacturing equipment in a raid. The operation uncovered fake drugs being sold under the names of reputed pharmaceutical companies, highlighting the public health threat from illicit drug manufacturing.

The Odisha police have summoned former IAS officer Shri V.K. Pandian for questioning in connection with a case involving missing inquiry reports. He has been directed to appear before the Assistant Commissioner of Police in Bhubaneswar on July 25 as part of an investigation into administrative matters from the previous government's tenure.

The Association of Indian Universities (AIU) has issued an advisory to member institutions, urging them to counsel students to prioritise their studies and not divert their energy towards demonstrations. The communication aims to ensure the continuity of academic activities amidst ongoing nationwide student protests.

An FIR has been filed in Goa against organisers of a candlelight march held in support of a satirical political entity named the 'Cockroach Janta Party'. The protest was a reaction to a Goa BJP leader reportedly referring to protesters as "cockroaches," raising questions about the limits of political satire and freedom of expression.

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has issued a new policy to institutionalise the monitoring of social media for public grievances. Under the new circular, citizens posting actionable complaints online will be directed to use the official 'Rajmargyatra' mobile application to create a structured and trackable redressal system.

A tribunal has quashed penalties imposed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on businessman Shri Lalit Modi in a case related to alleged financial irregularities in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Following the verdict, Shri Modi, who has been abroad for a prolonged period, expressed his intention to return to India.

The 'Chhatra Jan Pratinidhi' (CJP), a student body, declined an invitation from Union Minister Shri J.P. Nadda for a dialogue at his residence regarding the NEET issue. The CJP insisted that any discussion must be held at a neutral venue, such as the Jantar Mantar protest site.

Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP, Shri Kalyan Banerjee, has been suspended from the Lok Sabha for the remainder of the Monsoon Session. The disciplinary action was taken following allegations of misogynistic conduct towards a fellow party MP, Smt. Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar.

The Uttarakhand government has announced the establishment of a Sanskrit Commission to promote the development of the language. To help frame the commission's structure and mandate, the government has invited suggestions from scholars, teachers, and academic institutions, with a submission deadline of August 10.

The Delhi High Court has directed authorities to preserve CCTV footage related to a protest where police brutality was alleged. The court mandated that the video evidence be secured in accordance with the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) of the Delhi Police or the Union government, ensuring its availability for judicial proceedings.

The National Students' Union of India (NSUI) has demanded a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) into the recognition process of the Institute of Town Planners, India (ITPI). Citing concerns over the legal framework governing planning institutions, the NSUI also called for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) has called for the formation of a high-level government committee to deliberate on comprehensive reforms for competitive examinations in India. The demand from the RSS-affiliated student body comes in response to recent controversies over examination integrity and widespread student protests.

The Monsoon session of the 18th Uttar Pradesh State Assembly is scheduled to be held from August 3 to August 6, 2026. According to Assembly Speaker Satish Mahana, the state government will present its supplementary budget for the 2026-27 financial year during this session.

The Telangana High Court has scheduled a hearing for July 27, 2026, on a petition by a trainee Indian Police Service (IPS) officer to quash an FIR against him. The officer is accused of stalking and harassing a female colleague at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy, with charges filed under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Information Technology Act.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in an address to National Democratic Alliance (NDA) MPs, urged them to 'win the trust of youth' amid the ongoing controversy over examination paper leaks. He described the issue as a 'menace run by gangs' and called for stringent punishment for those involved, while advising MPs to counter the Opposition's 'conspiracies' on the matter.

Opposition Members of Parliament observed a 'Black Day' during the Monsoon Session to protest against alleged police brutality on student demonstrators and the government's handling of examination-related issues. The unified protest aimed to draw national attention to the recent student agitations and what the Opposition termed a crisis in the country's education system.

The Union government is set to hold formal talks with activist Sonam Wangchuk, a key leader of the 'Campaign for Just and Peaceful' (CJP) protest. According to a CJP spokesperson, the government initiated the offer for dialogue, marking a significant development following an intensification of the protest movement.

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved the acquisition of 100% equity share capital of NCR Atleos Corporation by The Brink's Company. NCR Atleos, a financial technology firm involved in ATM hardware and software, will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Brink's Company, a global provider of cash management services. The transaction consolidates Brink's position in the Indian ATM and cash management sector.

A commercial shipment of 12.5 tonnes of Dashehari and Langra mangoes was successfully exported by sea from Amroha, Uttar Pradesh, to Dubai, UAE. The export utilized a new sea route protocol developed by ICAR–Central Institute for Subtropical Horticulture (ICAR-CISH) and APEDA. Despite a 25-day transit, nearly 90% of the fruit remained marketable, demonstrating a cost-effective alternative to air freight that increased farmers' income by approximately ₹15–20 per kg.

A high-level committee has submitted its report to address the falling incomes of Totapuri mango farmers in Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka. A key recommendation is to mandate a 22-25% real pulp content in mango-based beverages to boost domestic demand. Other long-term measures include forming a Central Coordination and Price Stabilisation Committee, rejuvenating old orchards, and promoting value-added products like 'mango butter' from seed kernels.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced the conduction of a 2-day Variable Rate Repo (VRR) auction on July 22, 2026. The auction, held under the central bank's Liquidity Adjustment Facility (LAF), is a key monetary policy tool used by the RBI to inject short-term liquidity into the banking system. This measure is intended to manage evolving liquidity conditions in the financial markets.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced the redemption price for the premature withdrawal of the Sovereign Gold Bond (SGB) 2018-19 Series-V, with the designated date set for July 22, 2026. The SGB scheme permits investors an early exit option on specific dates following the fifth year of the bond's tenure.

The West Bengal government has officially constituted the Seventh Pay Commission to review the existing pay structures for state government employees. The commission is tasked with recommending revisions for salaries, allowances, and other benefits.

The Union Government informed the Lok Sabha that onion prices in Maharashtra have fallen below the farmers' cost of production, causing significant financial distress. In response, farmer associations are demanding government procurement at a minimum price of ₹3,000 per 100 kg or compensatory financial support.

The West Bengal government has announced a phased rollout of smart electricity meters for all consumers across the state to modernise its power distribution system. The initiative, however, will not apply to Kolkata, where power is supplied by the private utility company CESC.

The Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research (INSPIRE) Programme has supported over 3.75 lakh students and researchers in the last five years, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh informed the Lok Sabha. In 2025-26 alone, 49,805 students were supported under INSPIRE-MANAK, 24,276 received scholarships for higher education, and 3,841 researchers were awarded fellowships. The programme aims to foster scientific talent with a special focus on rural and aspirational districts.

The Bharat 6G Alliance (B6GA), a collaborative platform for industry and academia, has expanded to 90 members and submitted a report titled Spectrum Roadmap for 6G in India to the Department of Telecommunications. Concurrently, the government has approved a project to establish a 6G Terahertz testbed at the Society for Applied Microwave Electronics Engineering & Research (SAMEER) in Kolkata. These initiatives are aimed at strengthening domestic research in line with India's 6G Vision.

The Union Ministry of Coal released AAROH: Annual Report on Mine Closure, India's first comprehensive report on scientific mine closure and repurposing. The report, developed by the Coal Controller Organisation, documents the successful transformation of 42 scientifically closed coal mines. The government has set a target to close an additional 147 mines in the next three years, supported by a dedicated corpus of over USD 5 billion (approximately ₹40,000 crore).

The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) has disbursed ₹6.67 crore to 11 cotton-growing states under the Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) mechanism for conservation and livelihood support. This is part of a ₹7.62 crore benefit-sharing amount realised from M/s Bayer Science & Innovation Pvt. Ltd. for its research involving 25,431 cotton varieties. The funds were allocated based on each state's area under cotton cultivation, with Maharashtra receiving the largest share of ₹2.41 crore.

Under the Swachh Bharat Mission–Urban 2.0, the Nagpur Municipal Corporation has successfully remediated the Bhandewadi legacy dumpsite, processing over 10 lakh metric tons of accumulated waste. The initiative has reclaimed approximately 55 acres of valuable urban land, which has been transformed into an integrated Municipal Solid Waste Processing Facility. This project aligns with the national 'Lakshya Zero Dumpsite' goal and promotes a circular economy model.

Climate activist Shri Sonam Wangchuk, on an indefinite hunger strike over the NEET issue and for environmental protection for Ladakh, stated he would end his fast if the government assures no legal action will be taken against student protesters. A delegation of Opposition MPs met him at the hospital, acknowledging his dedication and appealing for him to end the fast for health reasons.

Severe floods in Assam have claimed 31 lives this season and affected approximately 5.65 lakh people across 12 districts. According to the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA), the state government has announced an ex gratia payment of ₹4 lakh to the next of kin of each deceased, as 872 villages remain submerged and 24,210.35 hectares of cropland have been damaged.

The Bombay High Court has granted permission for the felling of 21,022 trees in Maharashtra's Palghar district to facilitate the construction of electricity transmission lines. The court's order was contingent on an assurance that the unsatisfactory state of previous mangrove re-plantation efforts in the area would be rectified.

United Nations Climate Chief Simon Stiell has described climate action as a 'game-changing' opportunity for India, emphasizing the country's pivotal role ahead of the upcoming COP31 climate conference. Mr. Stiell commended India's rapid expansion of renewable energy capacity and its leadership on key environmental issues, highlighting significant international expectations.

The Ministry of Coal signed an Implementation Agreement with Germany's Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) for technical cooperation on scientific mine closure. The project, part of the Indo-German Green and Sustainable Development Partnership, is co-financed by the European Union with a total volume of EUR 10 million until 2030. This partnership aims to facilitate the exchange of global best practices in the mining sector over the next four years.

India and Panama have agreed to deepen their maritime partnership, with a focus on logistics, digital innovation, and global connectivity. During a meeting between Union Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal and Panama's Foreign Minister, Mr. Javier Martínez-Acha Vásquez, both nations identified maritime security, skilling, and digital transformation as key areas for cooperation. The partnership reinforces Panama's role as a strategic gateway for India to Latin America and the Caribbean.

As part of its BRICS Presidency 2026, India hosted the virtual International Governing Board meeting of the BRICS Network University on July 21, 2026. A significant outcome was the proposal to include 'Traditional and Indigenous Knowledge Systems' as a new International Thematic Group, which received broad support from member countries. The board also adopted the BRICS Network University International Governing Board Declaration and reviewed the Action Plan for 2025–2028.

Under its BRICS Chairship, India hosted the BRICS Senior Officials' Meeting for health in Chandigarh, outlining nine priority areas for cooperation. During the meeting, India introduced two flagship initiatives: the BRICS Mission for Healthy Lifestyle and the proposed BRICS Network of Centres of Excellence for Mental Health. These initiatives aim to deepen cooperation among member nations on preventive healthcare and specialised mental health services.

President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu, unveiled a bust of Mahatma Gandhi at the Museum of the City of Skopje in North Macedonia on July 22, 2026. The event, attended by President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova of North Macedonia, was presented as a symbol of friendship between the two nations. During her state visit, President Murmu also paid respects at the Memorial of Mother Teresa, who was born in Skopje.

During an official visit by the President of India to the Republic of North Macedonia, both nations are working to expand bilateral cooperation in technology, trade, and diplomacy. According to Shri Arun Kumar Sahu, Ambassador of India to North Macedonia, the high-level engagement on July 22, 2026, is aimed at significantly strengthening diplomatic and economic ties with the Balkan nation.

The United States has condemned Yemen's Houthi rebels for threatening commercial shipping in the Red Sea following the group's announcement of a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia. The office of U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also held Iran responsible for the escalating situation in the strategic maritime corridor.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting with United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio on July 23, 2026. The high-level diplomatic talks will take place on the sidelines of the ongoing Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) multilateral summit in the Philippines.

A 10% tariff on most Indian goods, imposed by the former Trump administration in the United States, is set to expire on July 24, 2026. The future of the trade measure remains uncertain, with potential outcomes including its extension, modification under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, or replacement with a new instrument.

The foreign ministers of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) nations—India, Australia, Japan, and the United States—convened in Manila to discuss regional maritime security. Held amidst recent confrontations between the Philippines and China in the South China Sea, the meeting saw the members reaffirm their commitment to a rules-based maritime order and stability in the Indo-Pacific.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar raised the issue of the recent deaths of four Indian crew members in the Black Sea during a meeting with his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov. The discussion, which also included a review of bilateral relations, took place on the sidelines of the ASEAN-related meetings in Manila, Philippines.

In a meeting with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar reiterated India's stance that peace and tranquility along the border are an essential prerequisite for the normalisation of bilateral relations. The discussion took place on the sidelines of ASEAN-related meetings in the Philippines, continuing high-level dialogue on the long-standing border dispute.

The Union Ministry of Coal and Mines virtually inaugurated 'Coal NEER' plants, an initiative by Coal India Limited subsidiaries to purify mine discharge water into safe, bottled drinking water. Marketed under the brand name 'Coal Neer', the project aligns with the 'Waste to Wealth' mission. It aims to provide affordable drinking water to communities in mining regions and create livelihood opportunities for local Self Help Groups.

Tripartite Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed to promote skill development and employment for families rehabilitated from the Jharia coalfield region in Dhanbad. The MoUs, involving Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL), Jharia Rehabilitation and Development Authority (JRDA), Hindalco Industries, and Rajdhani Universal Fabrics, aim to establish an Industry-Linked Skill Centre for apparel manufacturing and an integrated technical textile ecosystem.

The government is promoting re-employment for senior citizens through the National Career Service (NCS) Portal, Union Minister Dr. Virendra Kumar informed the Rajya Sabha. Citing the UNFPA-India's India Ageing Report 2023, he noted the elderly population is projected to rise from 10.4% in 2022 to 20.8% by 2050. Currently, 1.89 lakh senior citizen job seekers are registered on the NCS portal, which lists 1.68 lakh suitable vacancies.

The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment is implementing the Atal Vayo Abhyudaya Yojana (AVYAY) for the welfare of senior citizens across the country. The umbrella scheme includes the Integrated Programme for Senior Citizens (IPSrC) for establishing old age homes, the Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (RVY) for providing assisted-living devices to BPL seniors, and the Elderline national helpline (14567) for information and support.

The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities is implementing several key initiatives for the welfare of Divyangjan. These include the ADIP scheme for providing aids and appliances, a comprehensive scholarship programme for students from pre-matric to doctoral levels, and the National Action Plan for Skill Development for PwDs. The Unique Disability ID (UDID) scheme is also being implemented to create a national database and issue universal disability certificates.

The ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition (NIN)-led 'Let's Fix Our Food' Consortium has released a policy document to promote healthier diets for children and adolescents. Key recommendations include establishing healthy school food policies, implementing mandatory front-of-pack nutrition labelling, and regulating the marketing of unhealthy foods. The consortium also launched knowledge products such as the Nutrition Environment Assessment Toolkit for Schools (NEAT-S) to support these policy goals.

Nursing aspirants in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, protested outside the residence of the state's Health Minister, Shri Subodh Uniyal, demanding a year-wise recruitment process. The demonstration escalated when one of the aspirants consumed phenyl in an act of protest.

Veteran social activist Shri Anna Hazare wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding the NEET controversy, urging for the resignation of the responsible minister. His letter also expressed grave concern over reports of 22 students dying by suicide following the examination's cancellation.

The death toll from a tunnel explosion in South Sikkim has risen to 15, with 12 workers still missing. Rescue operations are being severely hampered by the presence of toxic gases, mud, and darkness, raising critical concerns about worker safety in major infrastructure projects.

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) signed two major contracts for its Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) MK-II programme on July 22, 2026. The Centre for Air Borne Systems (CABS) contracted AI Engineering Services Limited (AIESL) for the conversion of six A321 aircraft. A separate contract was signed with Adani Defence Systems and Technologies (ADSTL) as the Development Cum Production Partner for the aircraft's mission systems, significantly enhancing India's indigenous air defence capabilities.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh lauded the 'Samudra Pradakshina' naval expedition as a significant testament to India's 'Nari Shakti' (women's power). The statement highlights the increasingly prominent role of women within the Indian armed forces, particularly in challenging maritime operations.

In a joint operation, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and Manipur Police arrested an alleged drug supplier wanted in multiple cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. The accused was reportedly part of a Myanmar-based syndicate trafficking narcotics, including methamphetamine and heroin, into India through the Northeast.

A civilian, identified as Aashiq Hussain Qureshi, was killed in a terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir on July 22, 2026. The incident marks the first fatal terror attack in the region since the 2025 Pahalgam attack that killed 26 tourists, raising fresh security concerns in the Union Territory.

A bridge in Manipur's Kamjong district, constructed under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), was destroyed in an explosion set off by unidentified individuals. State police are investigating the act of sabotage, which occurred amid continued unrest in the region.

The Chief of the Air Staff has stated that India's 'Atmanirbharta' (self-reliance) initiative in defence must align with technological advancements, cautioning that there is no strategic value in producing obsolete technology. This statement underscores the Indian Air Force's focus on acquiring modern systems, with indigenisation efforts exemplified by assets like INS Malvan, a vessel built by Cochin Shipyard for littoral operations.

A Jammu and Kashmir police officer, Aashiq Hussain Qureshi, was killed in a terrorist attack, underscoring the persistent security challenges in the region. The incident is reportedly the first such attack since a major incident in Pahalgam in the previous year that claimed 26 lives.