Official releases, distilled into exam-ready intelligence.

The Ministry of Education’s press release outlines the nutritional standards under the PM POSHAN Scheme for government and aided schools. Primary‑class children must receive 450 kcal and 12 g protein per day, while upper‑primary children must receive 700 kcal and 20 g protein. Corresponding food‑grain, pulse, vegetable, oil and salt allocations are specified (100 g + 20 g + 50 g + 5 g for primary; 150 g + 30 g + 75 g + 7.5 g for upper‑primary). States/UTs implement the scheme, may customize menus with locally grown items, and receive a 5 % flexi component of the recurring budget for School Nutrition Gardens. NITI AAYOG’s 2025‑26 evaluation, cited by the Minister of State for Education, found a positive impact on child nutrition and learning outcomes.

The Union Agriculture Minister chaired a virtual review of Maharashtra’s Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) implementation. Maharashtra received a first installment of ₹335 crore and has utilised about ₹260 crore, surpassing the 75 percent utilisation benchmark, making it the first state eligible for the second installment of ₹335 crore. The Minister praised the state’s generation of Farmer IDs and the rapid transfer of approximately ₹14,000 crore in flood relief to farmers’ bank accounts within five days. He urged faster spending on Digital Agriculture, NHM, Seeds, Oilseeds and Agro‑forestry, and highlighted the need for accurate disclosures under PMFBY and Kisan Credit Card schemes.

The One Nation One Subscription (ONOS) Scheme, launched in January 2025, offers access to over 13,000 journals from 32 publishers to eligible higher‑education and research institutions. As of July 2026, 7,073 HEIs and 426 R&D institutions across India have been covered, including 305 HEIs and 5 R&D institutions in Andhra Pradesh (total 310). In Andhra Pradesh, around 3.11 lakh students and 6,974 faculty members have accessed journals, while 68 institutions (242 onboarded, 68 pending) await onboarding. The Ministry of Education, via INFLIBNET, conducts lectures, webinars and FAQs to promote awareness, especially in tier‑2/3 cities and institutions with limited digital access.

The Ministry of Minority Affairs reports that it is implementing schemes such as Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan (PM VIKAS), Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram (PMJVK) and low‑interest loans through the National Minorities Development & Finance Corporation (NMDFC) to improve the socio‑economic condition of minority groups, including Sikhs. Harjit Singh Grewal of the Sikh community has been appointed Chairperson of the National Commission for Minorities (NCM). The NCM has conducted a study on ‘Outreach to the Sikh community’ to identify gaps and suggest improvements. It also regularly organises Sarv Dharm Samvad inter‑faith dialogues and advises states/UTs to institutionalise such meetings to promote social harmony. This information was provided by Union Minister of Minority Affairs Shri Kiren Rijiju in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha.

The Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation released a trial Index of Services Production (ISP) on 14 July 2026, covering 19 sub‑sectors of the formal economy using monthly outward‑supply data from GST and other administrative sources. The trial ISP is intended to gather feedback from stakeholders, academicians and researchers, employing appropriate deflators and validation against secondary data. The ISP pertains to the formal sector, while the Annual Survey of Incorporated Service Sector Enterprises (ASISSE) covers incorporated services and the Annual Survey of Unincorporated Sector Enterprises (ASUSE) measures the unincorporated sector, publishing quarterly and annual results. The information was presented by Minister of State (Independent Charge) Rao Inderjit Singh in the Rajya Sabha.

The Department of Atomic Energy marked World Head and Neck Cancer Day (27 July 2026) with a workshop on oral and head‑and‑neck cancer screening and basic clinical management, organised by the Division of Implementation Science and Behavioural Research, Centre for Cancer Epidemiology, in partnership with Maharashtra’s Public Health Department. Held at ACTREC, Tata Memorial Centre, the event trained over 100 medical officers, clinicians, dentists and public‑health professionals from Thane, Palghar, Raigad, Mumbai and Navi Mumbai on evidence‑based screening, early detection and multidisciplinary care, aligning with the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non‑Communicable Diseases. The workshop highlighted India’s burden of >3.16 lakh new cases and 1.41 lakh deaths annually, underscoring the need for preventive and early‑diagnostic interventions.

The Government of Maharashtra has approved a Rs 22,425.39 crore development plan for the upcoming Nashik‑Trimbakeshwar Simhastha Kumbh Mela. The plan was sanctioned by the Chief Minister at an Apex Committee meeting on 13 March 2026. A 40‑member Apex Committee, chaired by the Chief Minister and including the Nashik Lok Sabha MP, has been constituted along with an Executive Committee for planning and a Kumbh Mela Ministers’ Committee for policy decisions. Additionally, the state has set up the Nashik‑Trimbakeshwar Simhastha Kumbh Mela Authority to coordinate inter‑departmental activities, manage funds and execute development works. The Ministry of Tourism noted that no proposal has been received from Maharashtra for central financial assistance, and Union Tourism Minister Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat conveyed this information in a Lok Sabha reply.

On 26 July 2026, the 27th Kargin Vijay Diwas was observed at the War Memorial, Guards Regiment Centre, Kamptee. Maj Gen Varun Malhotra, GOC Uttar Maharashtra and Gujarat Sub‑Area, laid a wreath on behalf of all ranks to honour the soldiers who fell in the 1999 Kargil War. The ceremony was attended by serving personnel, veterans, Veer Naris and civilian dignitaries and concluded with a pledge to uphold the Indian Army’s traditions. In parallel, Military Hospital Kamptee organised a blood‑donation camp with AIIMS Nagpur, a breast‑cancer screening camp and an HPV‑vaccination drive for families of army personnel.

The Employees' State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) reported that under the Scheme to Promote Registration of Employers/Employees (SPREE 2025) from July 2025 to January 2026, 1,38,718 new employers and 1,12,72,772 employees were added to ESI coverage. ESIC has undertaken initiatives to strengthen its healthcare infrastructure, including increasing bed capacity, procuring advanced medical equipment, setting up ICU/HDU facilities, operationalising new hospitals and dispensaries, empaneling private and super‑specialty hospitals, upgrading digital platforms for OPD appointments, introducing Aadhaar‑based authentication and online cash‑benefit claims, and collaborating with AB‑PMJAY for secondary and tertiary care where ESIC facilities are insufficient. New or upgraded hospitals have been operationalised at Ompora (J&K), Doddaballapur (Karnataka), Sriperumbudur (Tamil Nadu), Surat (Gujarat), Sanath Nagar (Telangana), Beltola (Assam) and Rajamahendravaram (Andhra Pradesh).

According to the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, 33 of the 37 State/UT legislatures have signed MoUs for the National e‑Vidhan Application (NeVA). Under the project, 21 legislative houses have been converted to digital legislatures. The NeVA project is funded at Rs 673.94 crore, with the Centre contributing Rs 423.60 crore, and Rs 23,58,20,600 has been sanctioned for the two houses of the Andhra Pradesh Legislature. A mid‑term evaluation states that digitisation has improved legislative efficiency, reduced reliance on paper, accelerated processing and dissemination of business, enhanced accessibility of information, and generated savings in printing, handling and storage. Technical support and capacity‑building are provided through the Central Project Management Unit in consultation with the respective legislatures.

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) secured a favourable arbitration outcome for the Bareilly‑Sitapur BOT project after the concessionaire, Bareilly Highways Project Limited, claimed about Rs 3,177 crore. The three‑member Arbitral Tribunal allowed only three claims totalling Rs 46 crore plus interest, rejecting the rest. The Tribunal upheld the 30 March 2015 Supplementary Agreement and found project delays concurrent, while NHAI’s counterclaims were not granted. The release also cites recent NHAI arbitration wins: Rs 1,202 crore in the Tumkur‑Chitradurga case (June 2026), Rs 819.96 crore in the Panipat‑Jalandhar case (April 2026), and Rs 54 lakh in the Kamrej‑Chalthan case (May 2026). These outcomes highlight NHAI’s emphasis on contractual discipline and protection of public funds in national highway projects.

The Ministry of Education disclosed that the Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India (PM SHRI) scheme, a centrally‑sponsored programme aimed at strengthening more than 14,500 schools, has so far selected 13,092 schools across States and Union Territories, including KVS, NVS and NCERT institutions. A written reply by Minister of State for Education, Shri Jayant Chaudhary, in Lok Sabha provided a state‑wise annexure listing the number of schools and teachers appointed for non‑Hindi native languages – Sanskrit, Urdu and regional languages – totalling 6,102 Sanskrit, 1,994 Urdu and 9,152 regional‑language teachers nationwide. The data reflects the scheme’s focus on multilingual education and its implementation status as of July 2026.

The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) reports that under the Skill India Mission, the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) 4.0 (since FY 2022‑23) emphasizes emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning, Robotics, Cloud Computing, IoT, Data Analytics, Cyber Security and Green Technologies. The Directorate General of Training (DGT) has created 170 NSQF‑compliant courses, including 32 new‑age/future‑skills courses under the Craftsmen Training Scheme (CTS) covering AI, Industrial Robotics, Cyber Security and Green Skills. Annexures list state‑wise numbers of candidates trained in AI‑related programmes under PMKVY 4.0, CTS/ITIs (2019‑2025) and the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS). The government also highlights regulatory and industry‑linkage measures such as the National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET), 36 Sector Skill Councils, MoUs with firms like IBM, Cisco, Microsoft and the PM‑SETU scheme for ITI upgradation.

The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) is implementing the Skill India Mission (SIM) to provide skill, re‑skill and up‑skill training across India, including Andhra Pradesh. Under flagship schemes – Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) and the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) – short‑term courses and apprenticeships are offered in GIS, spatial data management, drone technology, software development, telecommunications and electronics. IN‑SPACe, under the Department of Space, has introduced 11 short‑term space‑technology courses, training over 1,000 candidates nationwide. Annexure‑I lists state‑wise numbers of candidates trained and apprentices engaged in space and geospatial sectors for FY 2023‑24 to FY 2025‑26, while Annexure‑II provides the count of PMKVY training centres and NAPS establishments as of 30 June 2026. Annexure‑III enumerates 51 higher‑education institutions delivering space‑technology programmes across the country.

Under the Skill India Mission, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) is delivering skill, re‑skill and up‑skill training for the maritime sector through schemes such as PMKVY, JSS, NAPS and CTS. In Kasaragod district, 240 candidates have been trained under PMKVY, with 197 receiving certification. The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) has approved 171 Maritime Training Institutes (MTIs) and issued approved maritime courses aligned with the IMO’s STCW Convention. The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) has signed MoUs with 11 shipyards and 34 ITIs for 150‑hour on‑the‑job training, implemented Training‑of‑Trainers programmes, completed a skill‑gap study across nine shipyards, established the Indian Ship Technology Centre, and entered a skill‑development project with KOICA. These measures aim to enhance employability of coastal youth and build a globally competitive maritime workforce.

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Mumbai Branch Office held a hybrid Manak Manthan on 24 July 2026 to seek stakeholder input on two draft Indian Standards – ‘Plastic Containers for Microwave Use – Specification’ and ‘Plastic Feeding & Drinking Containers, Accessories & Cutleries for Infants – Specification’. The technical session was led by Scientist‑E/Director Shri Mahendar Singh Jakhar, who explained the quality, safety and performance provisions. Representatives from manufacturing firms, industry bodies, testing labs and other stakeholders participated both offline and online, offering observations and recommendations. The event aimed to incorporate stakeholder feedback into the standardisation process, reinforcing BIS’s objective of developing robust, relevant Indian Standards through participatory consultation.

The Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal, announced the creation of a task force to support India’s toy sector and launched a Toy Sector Playbook. The task force aims to achieve six objectives, including integration with global value chains, strengthening manufacturing, resolving bottlenecks, skill development, design and innovation, and improving ease of doing business, with a target of attaining a 5 % share of the global toy market by 2032. The playbook provides guidance on manufacturing ecosystems, standards, skills, innovation, intellectual property, and export opportunities. The sector currently comprises over 21,000 MSMEs, 770 DPIIT‑recognised startups, about 50 clusters and more than 1,800 BIS licencees.

The Kosi–Mechi Intra‑State Link Project has been placed under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayi Yojana – Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (PMKSY‑AIBP) with a balance cost of Rs 6,143.22 crore, of which Rs 3,652.56 crore is central assistance. The project, slated for completion by March 2029, includes remodeling of the Eastern Kosi Main Canal (KM 0.00‑41.30) at a contract value of Rs 2,639.80 crore and has achieved 8.5 % physical progress. India is in regular dialogue with Nepal on dam construction for flood control, with the Joint Project Office (JPO‑SKSKI) preparing DPRs for the Sapta‑Kosi and Sun‑Kosi Kamla Diversion multipurpose projects, where various surveys have been completed. No Indo‑Nepal Joint Committee meeting occurred in 2025‑26, and Rs 206.77 crore of central assistance has been released to Bihar under the Flood Management and Border Areas Programme over the last three years. No proposal for a permanent Kosi‑Gandak basin authority is under consideration.

The Ministry of Culture’s Museum Grant Scheme provides financial assistance for establishing new museums, upgrading existing ones, digitising collections, creating virtual museums and training museum professionals. Museums are classified into three categories – Category I (central/state‑owned museums in state capitals), Category II (other central/state‑owned museums) and Category III (societies, autonomous bodies, trusts, PSUs, academic institutions). Funding limits range from Rs 15 crore for Category I (new museums) to Rs 4 crore for Category III (development), with additional component‑wise assistance of up to Rs 50 lakh. Eligibility requires a minimum three‑year existence (relaxable), a substantial collection, and the ability to bear recurring costs. The scheme also supports digitisation and virtual museum projects, and the Ministry of Tourism promotes museums as tourism attractions.

The Ministry of Culture, via the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), maintains and upgrades museums and interpretation centres related to the Indian freedom movement. ASI conducts outreach programmes on occasions such as Independence Day, Republic Day, World Heritage Day, International Museum Day and collaborates with schools and heritage stakeholders to raise awareness among children and youth. The release provides an annexure listing several ASI‑administered museums (e.g., St. Fort George Museum, Chennai; 1857 Memorial Museum, Lucknow) with their years of establishment and financial expenditures for FY 2021‑2026, as well as details of exhibitions and digital initiatives by the National Council of Science Museums and other institutions. The information was supplied by Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in a Lok Sabha reply.