Official releases, distilled into exam-ready intelligence.

The Union Minister of State for Tribal Affairs, Shri Durgadas Uikey, informed Parliament that the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM‑JANMAN) was launched on 15 Nov 2023 to improve socio‑economic conditions of the 75 PVTG communities across 18 states and one UT. In Odisha, 73,092 PVTG households (312,654 persons) have been identified via a habitation‑level data collection using the PM Gati Shakti mobile app. Financial progress for Odisha shows Rs 44.4 cr approved for Multi‑Purpose Centres, with Rs 12.68 cr released in 2023‑24 and Rs 23.92 cr in 2024‑25; Van Dhan Vikas Kendras received Rs 178.4 lac sanctioned in 2023‑24, with Rs 84.55 lac sanctioned and Rs 42.27 lac released in 2025‑26. District‑wise tables detail infrastructure interventions such as houses, roads, habitations, MPCs and VDVKs, indicating varying levels of sanction and completion across 14 districts.

The Union Minister of State for Tribal Affairs, Shri Durgadas Uikey, tabled the 2011 Census‑based Scheduled Tribe (ST) population for each Union Territory (UT): Jammu & Kashmir 12,75,106; Ladakh 2,18,193; Andaman & Nicobar Islands 28,530; Dadra & Nagar Haveli & Daman Diu 1,93,927; Lakshadweep 61,120. Chandigarh, Puducherry and Delhi have ‘NST’ (no notified STs). The Ministry highlighted ongoing schemes such as DAJGUA, PM JANMAN, EMRS, various scholarships, grants under Article 275(1), PMJVM, NSTFDC, VCF‑ST and TRI‑ECE, alongside convergence‑based infrastructure interventions. It clarified that no proposal exists to grant ST status to any community in Delhi, and explained the constitutional and procedural framework for ST status, including reservation provisions in political bodies and administrative services across UTs.

The Ministry of Tribal Affairs reported that it is monitoring the implementation of Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyaan (PM‑JANMAN) in Kerala through periodic reviews, field‑level monitoring and reports from the state government and implementing agencies. As of 30 June 2026, the annexure lists specific interventions such as houses sanctioned/completed under PMAY‑G, road kilometres under PMGSY, villages covered under various schemes, and electrification of households under MoP‑RDSS and MNRE. No specific representation or challenge to the scheme’s implementation in Kerala has been recorded. The Ministry has set up a national Project Monitoring Unit to coordinate with line ministries and state departments to ensure targets are met.

The Union Minister of State for Tribal Affairs stated that, according to the 2011 Census, Kerala’s Scheduled Tribe (ST) population is 4,84,839, representing 1.45 % of the state’s total population, with the highest numbers in Wayanad, Idukki, Palakkad, Kasaragod and Kannur. The Ministry of Tribal Affairs, monitoring the Forest Rights Act (2006) through monthly progress reports, has issued 2,923 Individual Forest Rights titles and 110 Community Forest Rights titles (total 3,033). Funds released to Kerala under the Tribal Sub‑Plan and related schemes from FY 2021‑22 to 2025‑26 amount to several hundred crore rupees, covering scholarships, research institute support, and the PM JANMAN scheme. The government also highlights the Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan (launched 2 Oct 2024) with a budget of ₹79,156 cr to address infrastructure and livelihood gaps for tribals.

The Ministry of Tribal Affairs is implementing the Eklavya Model Residential School (EMRS) scheme to deliver quality education to tribal students in their native environment while preserving local art and culture. EMRSs are set up in blocks with >50% ST population and at least 20,000 tribal persons (Census 2011). To date, 728 EMRSs have been approved, of which 508 are functional. Institutional reforms include the creation of the autonomous National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS), State EMRS Societies, District EMRS Committees, comprehensive operational guidelines, and a centralized staff recruitment mechanism (ESSE). Digital learning is being strengthened with 284 smart classrooms, digital boards, internet‑enabled labs and the Eklavya TV channel. Recurring grants are released directly to schools, and 9,111 teaching and non‑teaching staff have been recruited, with examinations underway for another 7,267 positions.

Union Minister of State for Tribal Affairs Shri Durgadas Uikey informed the Lok Sabha that representations from Van Gujjar communities of Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh concerning rights under the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006 (FRA) have been examined and forwarded to the respective State Governments and District Administrations. The Ministry reiterated that FRA implementation rests with states/UTs, has been urging them to comply, conducts regular review meetings, forwards grievances, and advises periodic training of Sub‑Divisional Level Committee and District Level Committee members, sharing training modules and pamphlets for capacity building.

The Ministry of Tribal Affairs, through the Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Vikas Mission (PMJVM) and its implementing agency TRIFED, procures and markets Minor Forest Produce (MFP) to generate tribal livelihoods. Procurement values fell from ₹2,900.33 lakh in 2021‑22 to ₹1,693.70 lakh in 2025‑26, while sales ranged between ₹3,386.92 lakh and ₹4,342.32 lakh over the same period. As of 2 July 2026, TRIFED holds unsold inventory worth ₹5,944.57 lakh, with 50.03 % older than three years. TRIFED’s interventions include value‑addition, packaging, branding and marketing support via 115 Tribes India outlets, exhibitions and e‑commerce platforms.

The Union Minister of State for Tribal Affairs, Shri Durgadas Uikey, told the Lok Sabha that Bundwan block in Purulia district, West Bengal, is the only block that meets the prescribed criteria for setting up an Eklavya Model Residential School (EMRS). The State Government has identified land for the school. The EMRS in Kalimpong is currently operating in an alternate building, with construction of a permanent structure underway. A total of Rs 20.91 crore has been approved for the Kalimpong EMRS, of which Rs 9.96 crore has already been released.

The Union Minister of State for Tribal Affairs announced that 156 villages across 7 blocks in Chamba district, Himachal Pradesh have been identified for development under the Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan (DAJGUA). The district has two Integrated Tribal Development Projects (ITDPs) – ITDP Bharmour (30 villages) and ITDP Pangi (48 villages). Funds approved amount to ₹551.11 lakh for Bharmour and ₹851.00 lakh for Pangi. Specific interventions include construction of classrooms, hostels, toilet blocks, repairs, a Tribal Multi‑Purpose Marketing Centre, and FRA, with total approved funds of ₹1,090.32 lakh. Year‑wise releases show ₹708.44 lakh in 2025‑26 and ₹381.88 lakh in 2026‑27, with none in 2023‑24 and 2024‑25.

The Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying is implementing the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) with a ₹20,750 crore outlay to develop fishing harbours and fish landing centres (FLCs) on a 60:40 centre‑state cost‑sharing basis. Under PMMSY, the National Roll‑out Plan for the Vessel Communication and Support System (VCSS) has been approved at a cost of ₹364 crore, aiming to install transponders in 1 lakh marine fishing vessels and launch the ‘Nabhmitra’ app, developed by ISRO, free for eligible fishermen. Of the 1,547 notified marine FLCs, 423 have been included in infrastructure development projects, selected based on vessel numbers, fisher dependence, landing volume and other techno‑financial criteria. Security personnel and arrangements at FLCs are coordinated by state/UT administrations with law‑enforcement agencies.

The Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas stated that the Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) programme’s rollout of the E20 blend was carried out after scientific validation and extensive stakeholder consultation involving NITI Aayog, automobile manufacturers, OMCs, ARAI, SIAM, IIP and other technical bodies. Laboratory studies and field trials by these agencies examined engine durability, drivability, startability, corrosion resistance, material compatibility, emissions and fuel efficiency, concluding that E20 is safe for legacy vehicles. The government cited large‑scale experience – about 8 crore vehicles daily, with over 20 crore two‑wheelers and 3 crore cars operating on E15‑E20 blends for more than two years – without evidence of widespread engine failure or abnormal wear. Manufacturers continue to honour warranties for vehicles using E20, reinforcing confidence in its safety and reliability.

The Ministry of Textiles will inaugurate the Centre of Excellence for Handloom Technology (CoE-HT) at IIT Delhi on 3 August 2026, with Union Minister Shri Giriraj Singh presiding. Funded with a Government of India investment of ₹11.99 crore, the centre aims to integrate handloom heritage with research, innovation and digital technologies. Over five years it will create a national digital repository, develop AI‑enabled tools, modernise looms, facilitate patents, incubate startups and train weavers and faculty. The launch will also unveil five flagship initiatives—Handloom 4.0, Handloom e‑Vidya, HandloomX, Kalagriha Handloom Studio, and Threads of Valour—targeting productivity, sustainability, entrepreneurship and circularity.

The Union Minister of State for Tribal Affairs, Shri Durgadas Uikey, stated in Lok Sabha that the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM‑JANMAN) was launched on 15 November 2023 to improve socio‑economic conditions of the 75 Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) communities across 18 states and one Union Territory. The mission targets basic amenities such as housing, drinking water, education, health, nutrition, road and telecom connectivity, electrification and livelihood opportunities through 11 interventions coordinated by nine line ministries. As of 30 June 2026, state‑wise data (Annexure I) show cumulative sanctions of 482,554 houses, 305,860 km of roads, 7,991.93 km of other works and 18,756 AWCs, among other metrics. A habitation‑level survey using the PM Gati Shakti mobile app has been undertaken to capture PVTG population and infrastructure gaps (Annexure II).

Rear Admiral Srinivas Maddula, VSM, took over as Commander of the Indian Navy’s Western Fleet on 27 July 2026, succeeding Vice Admiral Vivek Dahiya, NM. He was commissioned on 1 January 1994 and is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy, the U.S. Marine Corps Command and Staff College, and the Naval War College, Goa. His sea‑and‑shore postings include command of INS T‑80, INS Nipat, INS Godavari, INS Ganga, INS Trikand and the depot ship INS Kadamba. Earlier, he served as Assistant Chief of the Naval Staff (Foreign Cooperation and Intelligence) and as Flag Officer Sea Training in the Southern Naval Command, Kochi.

On 28 July 2026, the Anti‑Evasion Wing of the Central GST Commissionerate, Kolhapur, conducted simultaneous search and inspection operations on seven prominent builders and developers in Kolhapur. The raids, prompted by data‑analytics‑driven risk assessments, uncovered widespread non‑compliance with GST provisions, including ineligible availing and non‑reversal of Input Tax Credit, violation of procurement norms (minimum 80% of inputs and 100% of cement from registered suppliers), short payment of tax on construction services, and wrongful use of ITC to settle outward tax liabilities. Financial records, purchase registers, sales ledgers and digital evidence were seized, and the total quantum of evaded tax is being quantified. The Commissionerate reiterated its commitment to strict anti‑evasion measures and a level playing field for compliant taxpayers.

The Central Bureau of Investigation, in coordination with the Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Home Affairs and Maharashtra Police, secured the deportation of Red‑Notice subject Rahul Shamrao Kalokhe from Fiji to India on 30 July 2026. The fugitive was wanted for a large‑scale investment fraud involving false promises of high returns and misappropriation of investors’ money. After a Red Notice was issued via INTERPOL, the subject was located, arrested by Fijian authorities and escorted back to India. The release notes that, through such coordinated INTERPOL‑mediated efforts, more than 170 wanted criminals have been extradited to India in recent years.

The Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying is implementing the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) with a total outlay of Rs 20,750 crore (FY 2020‑21 to date) for fisheries development across India, including Odisha. In Odisha, projects worth Rs 1,086.51 crore (central share Rs 416.84 crore) have been approved, and the Paradip Fishing Harbour is being modernised at a cost of Rs 108.91 crore. Under the Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF), 13 projects in the state have been approved with a total cost of Rs 784.32 crore, of which Rs 286.39 crore is eligible for up to 3 % interest subvention. The state’s Mukhyamantri Maschyajibi Kalyan Yojana provides a livelihood assistance of Rs 15,000 per marine fisher family during the annual turtle‑conservation ban. Additionally, Odisha has undertaken deep‑sea fishing promotion, cold‑chain infrastructure (1,178 units including ice plants, fish kiosks and refrigerated vehicles), and a shrimp export cell offering up to 30‑35 % subsidy for processing units.

The Department of Atomic Energy disclosed that India currently operates 24 nuclear power reactors with a combined installed capacity of 8,780 MW. Data supplied in response to a Rajya Sabha question shows unit‑wise generation (in million units) for the fiscal years 2019‑20 to 2023‑24. Except for KAPS‑4, which entered commercial operation in March 2024, the average plant load factor (PLF) of nuclear stations (excluding major refurbishment periods) has been higher than the average all‑India thermal PLF (excluding gas‑based plants), as per a CEA report. The information was provided by Union Minister of State Dr Jitendra Singh in a written reply to the Parliament.

The Ministry of Culture, through the National Mission on Libraries (NML) Scheme’s ‘Setting up of NML Model Libraries’ component, has sanctioned financial assistance to one State Central Library and one District Library in each State/UT, plus six libraries identified by the Ministry (Annexure‑A). The release provides year‑wise budget allocations, funds released and actual expenditures from FY 2016‑17 to FY 2025‑26, showing variations in allocations and spending. The Ministry notes that libraries are a state subject under the Seventh Schedule and function under the administrative control of respective State/UT authorities. This information was supplied by Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha.

The Ministry of Culture reports that the Underwater Archaeology Wing of the Archaeological Survey of India is conducting research at Dwarka and Bet Dwarka (Gujarat), Mahabalipuram (Tamil Nadu) and Karaikal (Puducherry). Licences for underwater excavation have been granted to the Tamil Nadu State Department of Archaeology (Poompuhar) and to the Marine Archaeology Centre, National Institute of Oceanography (Bet Dwarka, Chhari and Gangata Bet, Gujarat). Budget allocations show Rs 75.40 million (2025‑26) and Rs 66.50 million (2026‑27) for the Wing, with expenditures of Rs 74.91 million and Rs 25.64 million respectively; Tamil Nadu earmarks Rs 7 crore and NIO Rs 20 lakh. A focused training programme has been launched and sites slated for exploration up to 2030 include Dwarka, Bet Dwarka, Vijay Durg, Janjira, Karaikal and Mahabalipuram, as disclosed by Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in the Rajya Sabha.