The Election Commission of India (ECI) has sanctioned a one-time honorarium of Rs 6,000, in addition to the annual remuneration, for Booth Level Officers (BLOs) and BLO Supervisors engaged in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in several States and Union Territories, including Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh.

In an order issued on Tuesday night, the ECI cited the volume and nature of the work involved in the exercise. The honorarium will be paid in addition to the officials' annual remuneration.

“I am directed to convey that, considering the volume and nature of the work involved in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise, the Commission has approved the grant of a one-time honorarium of ₹6,000 to each BLO and BLO Supervisor engaged in the exercise, in addition to their annual remuneration. The instruction shall be brought to the notice of all concerned for compliance,” the order said.

In a major diplomatic push for regional stability, NSA Ajit Doval is set to host the fifth BIMSTEC National Security Advisers’ meeting in New Delhi on July 16. The high-level summit brings together key representatives from member nations—including Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand—to forge a united front against shared security challenges across the Bay of Bengal region. By gathering the top security minds of these seven nations, India aims to leverage the BIMSTEC platform to drive its “Neighbourhood First" and “Act East" foreign policy frameworks, transforming diplomatic alignment into robust, practical security cooperation.

Building on foundations laid in previous ministerial engagements, NSA Doval is expected to place collective counter-terrorism actions at the top of the agenda. Top government sources indicate that India will actively advocate for more effective, real-time intelligence-sharing mechanisms and highly coordinated responses to neutralise cross-border threats. Beyond the traditional scope of counter-terrorism, discussions will focus heavily on dismantling transnational organised crime networks that directly threaten regional peace, including drug trafficking, illicit arms smuggling, and human trafficking operations.

Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Dr. Virendra Kumar on Tuesday inaugurated the 31st edition of the Divya Kala Mela at Ravindra Sadan in Kolkata, describing the event as a national movement promoting self-reliance, dignity and economic empowerment for persons with disabilities (Divyangjan).

Addressing the gathering, the minister said, “When equal opportunities are provided, talent knows no boundaries,” adding that the Mela reflects Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas” by enabling Divyangjan to become equal partners in building an Atmanirbhar Bharat.

The eight-day event, being held from July 14 to 22, is the first Divya Kala Mela to be jointly organised by the Centre and the West Bengal government. Around 40 stalls, predominantly featuring artisans from West Bengal, have been set up to showcase handicrafts, artwork and other products created by Divyang entrepreneurs.

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Tuesday announced eight new structural reforms under the Centre’s ‘Reform Express’ initiative to modernise Indian Railways’ freight ecosystem, taking the total number of reforms implemented so far to 17 as part of the ministry’s target of introducing 52 reforms in 52 weeks.

Addressing the media at Rail Bhawan, Vaishnaw said the latest reforms are aimed at reducing logistics costs, improving supply chain efficiency, encouraging private investment, promoting cleaner freight transportation and accelerating project execution.

“The reforms announced earlier under the Reform Express initiative have already started yielding encouraging results. These new measures will further strengthen the railway ecosystem and build a future-ready freight network,” he said.

India has achieved significant milestones at the 49th Session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC49) held in Geneva in Switzerland. The session was organised from 6th to 10th of this month. Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has said that the Commission adopted seven Codex standards and guidelines developed under India’s chairmanship andco-chairmanship. It reinforces India’s contribution to the development of science-based international food standards. The Indian delegation, led by Rajit Punhani, Chief Executive Officer, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India participated actively in the Commission’sdeliberations along with technical experts.

In an another major achievement, the Commission approved India’s proposal to undertake new work for the development of a Codex Standard for Cashew Kernels. The Commission also adopted the Codex Standards for Dried Coriander Seeds and Fresh Curry Leaves, both developed under India’s chairmanship. The Standard for Dried Coriander Seeds would facilitate trade in one of the world’s most widely traded spices, while the Standard for Fresh Curry Leaves provides an international benchmark for this regionally important culinary herb. India has also been elected Co-Chair of the Electronic Working Group established regarding New Food Sources and Production Systems. It will review existing regulatory frameworks, identify gaps in Codex risk analysis principles, and consider the need for any future Codex guidance. The Ministry said that India remains committed to working closely with the Codex Alimentarius Commission, Food and Agriculture Oganisation, World Health Organisaiton and Member Countries in developing science-based, transparent and globally harmonized food standards that support food safety, consumer protection and fair trade.

Scientists at the Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS), Bengaluru, an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), have developed an advanced ammonia sensor capable of detecting toxic gas at extremely low concentrations while operating efficiently at room temperature.

The breakthrough technology is expected to improve workplace safety, environmental monitoring and public health by enabling portable, self-powered and wearable devices that can detect hazardous ammonia leaks in real time.

Ammonia is widely used in industries such as fertiliser manufacturing, refrigeration, chemical production and agriculture. However, accidental exposure to the gas can cause severe irritation to the eyes, skin and respiratory system, while prolonged exposure may result in serious health complications, making continuous monitoring essential.

Adani Airport Holdings Ltd. (AAHL) announced on Tuesday the commencement of scheduled international operations at Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), with Air India Express launching direct services between Navi Mumbai and Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), from July 15, 2026.

The thrice-weekly service opens NMIA's international network in less than 200 days after the airport commenced domestic operations on December 25, 2025.

Arun Bansal, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), AAHL, said, “The launch of our first scheduled international flight marks the beginning of a new phase in Navi Mumbai International Airport's journey. As we expand our network with more airline partners and destinations, our focus remains on delivering seamless operations and a world-class travel experience while strengthening Navi Mumbai's position as a preferred gateway for international travel."

The Delhi government has approved a law that will make time-bound service delivery into a public legal right, the CMO said on Wednesday.

The decision was taken in a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Tuesday.

The reform is aimed at strengthening transparency, accountability, and efficiency in delivery of government services, officials said.

"Under the leadership of Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, the Delhi Cabinet has approved the Delhi (Right of Citizen to Time Bound and Ease of Delivery of Services) Bill, 2026, replacing the 2011 law with a modern, technology-driven legal framework for citizen-centric governance," the Delhi CMO said in a post on X.

Amid escalating maritime security concerns in West Asia following attacks on two merchant vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal has launched a comprehensive ‘Seafarer-First’ initiative to safeguard Indian seafarers operating in the conflict-affected region. The Minister has directed a whole-of-government response to ensure their safety and welfare.

Chairing a high-level inter-ministerial review meeting in New Delhi, Mr Sonowal ordered real-time vessel-by-vessel monitoring, and the appointment of dedicated liaison officers for every affected Indian seafarer in the region. The Minister also ordered for round-the-clock coordination by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, in association with Ministry of External Affairs, Petroleum and Natural Gas, Chemicals and Fertilisers, the Indian Navy, the Directorate General of Shipping and Indian Missions in Iran and Oman.

Anushakti Vidhyut Nigam Limited (ASHVINI) is set to invite bids for the Nuclear Island Mega EPC Package (NIMEP) for the Mahi Banswara Rajasthan Atomic Power Project (MBRAPP) Units 1 to 4.

With an estimated value of over ₹28,000 crore, it will be the largest Nuclear Island EPC package ever issued for India's indigenous 700 MW Pressurised Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR) programme.Geographic Reference

ASHVINI is a joint venture of Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) and NTPC Limited. The upcoming tender is expected to create major business opportunities for engineering, manufacturing and infrastructure companies across the country.