Official releases, distilled into exam-ready intelligence.

The 135th meeting of the Enforcement Task Force (ETF) of the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) for the NCR reviewed enforcement actions for the period 01‑07‑2026 to 13‑07‑2026. In 14 days, CAQM’s Flying Squads conducted 175 inspections covering 17 construction‑demolition sites, 90 industrial units and 68 diesel‑generator inspections. Based on violations, proposals were made for one project/industry closure, sealing of 19 DG sets, nine compliance orders and four Environmental Compensation impositions. The ETF noted 25 resumption orders issued after compliance verification (2 in Delhi, 11 in Haryana, 10 in Uttar Pradesh, 2 in Rajasthan). Cumulative inspections total 27,925 units with 1,803 closure directions and 1,446 resumption orders. The Ghaziabad road redevelopment was found fully compliant with CAQM’s Standard Framework, underscoring the emphasis on road‑dust mitigation.

The Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying reports that under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), Integrated Modern Coastal Villages are being developed at a unit cost of ₹750 lakh to boost livelihoods through sustainable practices. A separate component creates Climate‑Resilient Coastal Fishermen Villages (CRCFV) at ₹200 lakh per village, fully funded by the Government of India. Andhra Pradesh has identified 15 villages, with a total project cost of ₹30 crore approved and ₹15 crore released so far. Interventions include jetty extensions, fish‑drying platforms, solar drying units, seaweed farms, GPS units, life‑saving equipment and other climate‑resilient assets. The PMMSY scheme is extended up to 30 September 2026.

India Post, Mumbai Region has begun a three‑week Aadhaar Mobile Update (MBU) Campaign in schools and educational institutions of Mumbai city and suburbs, starting on 20 July 2026. The campaign uses specially deployed Mobile Biometric Update units to provide Aadhaar enrolment, biometric updates, demographic corrections and mobile number updates on‑site for students and young citizens. Postmaster General Ms Kaiya Arora highlighted India Post’s role as a trusted service provider in the digital‑governance ecosystem, leveraging its network and last‑mile connectivity to bring identity services to the doorstep of citizens.

The Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying reports that under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), projects worth Rs 544.86 crore were approved from FY 2021‑22 to FY 2025‑26 for the formation of 2,195 Fish Farmers Producer Organisations (FFPOs). This includes 195 new FFPOs and the conversion of 2,000 existing Primary Fisheries Cooperative Societies (PFCSs) into FFPOs. To date, 2,104 FFPOs have been formed nationwide, with 192 in Andhra Pradesh. In Andhra Pradesh, 10 new FFPOs received Rs 328.20 lakh in support, and 182 existing PFCSs were converted into FFPOs with an investment of Rs 963.73 lakh, covering management costs and equity grants. A total of 39,022 members are associated with these FFPOs in the state.

Researchers from the MACS Agharkar Research Institute, Pune, using combined morphological and multi‑locus DNA sequencing (mtSSU, nrLSU, RPB2), discovered and described five new lichen‑forming fungal species of the genus Allographa from the Western Ghats. The study, the first comprehensive molecular phylogenetic investigation of Allographa in this region, also generated new molecular data for several known species and highlighted that morphologically similar species may not be closely related. An updated checklist and molecular reference sequences were compiled, providing a baseline for biodiversity assessments, conservation planning, and future taxonomic work.

The Ministry of Cooperation, together with CSC e‑Governance Services India Limited, has integrated eligible Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) in Andhra Pradesh as Common Service Centres (CSCs). A total of 1,958 PACS have been onboarded, of which 1,869 are currently active, delivering digital services such as banking, insurance, Aadhaar‑linked services, utility bill payments, PAN card issuance, agricultural and allied services, and other G2C/B2C offerings. Performance is tracked through periodic review meetings and status reports from CSC SPV. The annexed district‑wise data shows active PACS ranging from 1 in some districts to 403 in Krishna district, with 89 PACS inactive overall. The information was provided by Union Minister for Home and Cooperation Shri Amit Shah in a Lok Sabha written reply.

The Ministry of Cooperation’s ‘Meri Samiti Mera Patal’ initiative, conceptualised and launched by the Regional Institute of Cooperative Management (RICM), Chandigarh under the National Council for Cooperative Training (NCCT), aims to empower Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) and Multi‑purpose Cooperative Societies (MPCS). It creates digital profiles for each society, establishing a centralized, transparent, real‑time data system to aid informed decision‑making. The programme covers Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Delhi, Chandigarh and Leh‑Ladakh. No proposal exists to expand the portal nationwide. Benefits highlighted include enhanced identity and transparency, greater public visibility, and real‑time data access. The information was provided by Union Minister for Home and Cooperation Shri Amit Shah in a Lok Sabha reply.

Under the National Ayush Mission (NAM), 12,500 Ayush Health & Wellness Centres (now called Ayushman Arogya Mandir) have been approved for operationalisation by upgrading 10,941 Ayush dispensaries and 1,559 Sub‑Health Centres, all reported functional. A total allocation of Rs 1872.71 crore has been released, of which Rs 1802.15 crore was utilised over the last two financial years. The Government’s co‑location strategy has placed Ayush facilities in 6,302 Primary Health Centres, 3,191 Community Health Centres and 475 District Hospitals as of 31‑Dec‑2025. Quality‑control measures include mandatory compliance with the Drugs & Cosmetics Act, 1940, GMP under Schedule T, and the operation of 118 private and 34 state drug‑testing labs. The Ministry of Ayush also runs schemes for medicinal‑plant conservation and the Ayush Quality Mark Programme launched on 19‑Dec‑2025.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has announced a new recruitment category for former Agniveers (Ex‑Agniveers) for the posts of Constable (General Duty) in Central Armed Police Forces and Rifleman in Assam Rifles. Fifty percent of the vacancies are reserved for Ex‑Agniveers, with a three‑year relaxation in the prescribed upper age limit and an additional five‑year relaxation for the first batch. Candidates in this category are exempted from the Physical Standards Test, Physical Efficiency Test and the written examination. A dedicated Ex‑Agniveer wing under the Ministry has been set up to coordinate their further progression, although the first batch has not yet completed its term of engagement.

The Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare released data on the progress of area coverage under Kharif crops as on 17 July 2026. The table lists normal area (2020‑21 to 2024‑25) and the final area coverage for 2025, along with area sown in 2026 and 2025 and the change between the two years. Overall, total Kharif area increased from 658.19 lakh ha in 2025 to 700.47 lakh ha in 2026, a rise of 42.28 lakh ha. However, most individual crops such as rice, pulses, coarse cereals, oilseeds and cotton show a decline in area sown in 2026 compared with 2025, while sugarcane recorded a modest increase of 0.86 lakh ha.

The Rajya Sabha Committee on Subordinate Legislation, chaired by Shri Milind Murli Deora, submitted its 257th report on 21 July 2026, examining four 2024 Competition Commission of India (CCI) regulations and guidelines. The Committee observed a need for periodic review of the competition law framework, enhanced advocacy and outreach especially for MSMEs and start‑ups, and more vigorous enforcement to deter repeated violations. It highlighted the importance of transparent penalty calculations, capacity‑building for officers, and stronger coordination with other sectoral regulators through mechanisms such as MoUs. The report and its recommendations are available on the Rajya Sabha website.

The Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying reports that, under the Blue Revolution and Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), the Department of Fisheries approved projects in Odisha worth ₹1,567.96 crore (central share ₹549.58 crore) from 2014‑15 to 2025‑26. An additional ₹784.32 crore (interest subvention ₹286.39 crore) was approved under the Fisheries and Infrastructure Development Fund, with two projects (₹8.26 crore) in Balasore District. The state’s Mukhyamantri Matsyajibi Kalyan Yojana (MMKY) is also being implemented. Major activities in Balasore include the Chandipur Fishing Harbour (₹49.94 crore), a wholesale fish market at Basta (₹78.20 crore), climate‑resilient coastal villages, cold‑storage units, sea‑cage culture, and hatcheries. Total allocation for Balasore since 2014‑15 is ₹250.71 crore, of which ₹214.45 crore (86 %) has been utilized.

The Ayush Grid project, described as the IT backbone of the AYUSH sector, has created 24 e‑governance platforms. The master portal (MAISP) integrates all AYUSH applications, and an AI‑enabled chatbot (beta) assists users. The Ayush Hospital Management Information System (AHMIS) has digitised 5,386 AYUSH health facilities, enabling electronic health records and referrals. The Swasthya Assessment Scale (SAS) has onboarded 1,335 doctors from 221 facilities for holistic health assessments. GIS mapping via the PM GatiShakti portal has charted 6,002 AYUSH facilities. Additionally, the Yoga Portal’s Yoga Sangam event on International Day of Yoga 2026 recorded over 7.6 lakh organisations and 8 lakh photographs, illustrating extensive digital outreach.

The Supreme Court, via its order dated 25 May 2026 in Suo Motu Writ Petition (Civil) No. 10 of 2025, has constituted a High‑Powered Committee (HPC) to examine matters relating to the Aravalli Hills and Ranges and ancillary issues. The HPC must submit a comprehensive report to the Court by 31 August 2026. It has invited representations, suggestions and inputs from stakeholders—including states (NCT Delhi, Rajasthan, Haryana, Gujarat), environmentalists, conservationists, NGOs, mining lease‑holders, project proponents, villagers, farmers, mine workers, local communities and any interested persons—supported by documentary evidence where possible. Submissions are to be sent via email (mshpcaravalli@gmail.com) or a designated Google Form within 21 days of the notice’s publication (21 July 2026).

The Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying informed Parliament that the Government is undertaking multiple measures to strengthen the dairy and livestock sector. There is no proposal to introduce a Minimum Support Price for milk; prices remain market‑driven by cooperatives and private dairies. The Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF) is financing dairy and meat processing units, feed plants and related infrastructure, with 113 projects in Maharashtra approved for ₹4,700.13 crore and an interest subvention of ₹123.46 crore. The National Digital Livestock Mission assigns a 12‑digit Tag ID to each animal and records vaccination, breeding and treatment data using AES‑256 encryption, though Mobile Veterinary Units are not yet linked to the portal. Existing schemes such as the National Livestock Mission, Livestock Health and Disease Control Programme and AHIDF aim to boost production, farmer incomes and rural employment.

Under the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for Textiles, 170 companies have been approved. By 31 March 2026, these firms have invested ₹8,117.64 crore and created 33,427 jobs. State‑wise, Gujarat leads with 46 companies, ₹1,903.38 crore investment and 4,493 jobs; Tamil Tamil Nadu follows with 17 firms, ₹1,277.16 crore and 7,930 jobs; Karnataka has 6 firms, ₹1,515.99 crore and 5,611 jobs. Other states contribute smaller shares of investment and employment as detailed in the release.

The Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA), under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, inaugurated the eighth batch (2026–28) of its Post Graduate Insolvency Programme (PGIP). The two‑year residential programme, launched in 2019, aims to create a skilled cadre of insolvency and restructuring professionals through a multidisciplinary curriculum covering law, finance, management, valuation, technology and ethics. The inaugural address was delivered by Justice Ashok Bhushan, former NCLAT chair and former Supreme Court judge, who highlighted the transformative impact of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016. Shri Ravi Mittal, Chairperson of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India, emphasized the programme’s role in producing competent insolvency and resolution professionals, while IICA officials outlined recent innovations such as AI‑enabled learning and research incentives.

The Ministry of Fisheries, Government of India approved Karnataka’s Modernisation and Upgradation of Mangaluru Fishing Harbour in 2024, allocating Rs 37.47 crore (central share Rs 22.48 crore) under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). The state reports 25 % physical progress and expenditure of Rs 6.31 crore, aiming to provide berthing for 1,600 vessels and benefit about 18,000 fishers, with pending works slated for completion by 21 May 2027. Across Karnataka, PMMSY projects total Rs 1,053.60 crore (2020‑21 to 2026‑27) covering 212 beneficiaries in three coastal districts, including deep‑sea vessels and cold‑chain assets. The information was conveyed by Fisheries Minister Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh in Lok Sabha.

The Department of Fisheries is implementing the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) with a total outlay of Rs 20,990.79 crore from FY 2020‑21 to date. For Uttar Pradesh, proposals approved under PMMSY amount to Rs 1,294.32 crore, with a central share of Rs 412.30 crore, and Rs 336.61 crore has been released to the state for FY 2020‑21 to 2026‑27. In Chandauli district, 10 PMMSY projects have been executed, benefiting 229 farmers. The district has 447 Gram Sabha ponds (427.15 ha); 421 ponds (417.24 ha) are leased for aquaculture, and fisheries activities are ongoing in 5 of its 8 reservoirs.

The National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC), under the Ministry of Cooperation, is implementing the fully funded Yuva Sahakar and Swayam Shakti schemes. Yuva Sahakar aims to encourage newly formed cooperative societies with innovative ideas, while Swayam Shakti seeks to provide affordable, cost‑effective financial services to the poor, including women Self‑Help Groups, to promote sustainable livelihoods. No cooperative from the Hisar Lok Sabha constituency in Haryana has submitted a proposal. NCDC monitors implementation through 19 regional and 9 sub‑offices, conducting periodic field visits to ensure timely credit flow. The information was provided by Union Minister for Home and Cooperation Amit Shah in a Lok Sabha reply.