Lighthouse Prep · Current Affairs

July 2026 Current Affairs

The important news of July 2026 for competitive exams, sorted by topic: 481 stories from 30 daily digests, with National, Economy and International news making up most of it. Each story below has a short summary, what to note for exams, and a link to its full entry with practice MCQs and sources.

Top stories of July 2026

The month's biggest exam-relevant stories.

Rajya Sabha Passes Anti-Paper Leak Bill Amid Opposition Walkout

On Day 9 of the Monsoon Session 2026, the Rajya Sabha passed the Anti-Paper Leak Bill despite an Opposition walkout during the voting. The bill aims to address the issue of paper leaks in examinations.

Legislative measures against examination paper leaks and parliamentary proceedings during the Monsoon Session 2026.

Rajya Sabha · Anti-Paper Leak Bill · Opposition · Jitendra Singh · Kharge

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Indian Rupee Appreciates Sharply Against US Dollar in July 2026

In late July 2026, the Indian rupee showed significant appreciation against the US dollar, rising from 96.28 to 95.64 within a few days. The rupee gained 28 paise to 96.25 on July 27 morning, surged 61 paise to settle at 95.92 later that day, and further appreciated by 54 paise to close at 95.99 on July 27.

Recent trends in the Indian rupee's exchange rate against the US dollar and factors influencing currency movements.

Indian rupee · US dollar · Forex traders · domestic equities · interbank foreign exchange

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Skyroot Aerospace's Vikram-1 Completes India's First Private Orbital Launch

Skyroot Aerospace's Vikram-1 rocket successfully completed India's first private orbital launch on July 18, 2026. The launch, named 'Mission Aagaman,' deployed multiple technology demonstration payloads and commemorative postcards from astronauts and Prime Minister Modi into low Earth orbit.

India's first private orbital rocket launch and its significance in space technology.

Skyroot Aerospace · Vikram-1 · Mission Aagaman · Prime Minister Modi · low Earth orbit

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NIA Charges Hafiz Saeed and LeT, TRF in Pahalgam Terror Attack

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed a chargesheet in the Special Court, Jammu, naming Hafiz Saeed as an accused in the Pahalgam terror attack. Saeed is charged both in his individual capacity and as the chief of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and the terrorist group TRF.

Details of the NIA chargesheet against Hafiz Saeed and the role of LeT and TRF in the Pahalgam terror attack are important for terrorism and national security topics.

Hafiz Saeed · NIA · Pahalgam terror attack · Lashkar-e-Taiba · TRF

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IMD Warns of Extreme Rain as Deep Depression Hits Odisha-West Bengal Coasts

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings of extreme rainfall due to a deep depression over the Odisha and West Bengal coasts. This weather system has caused heavy rain across several states including Maharashtra, Odisha, Goa, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and West Bengal.

Recent meteorological developments, monsoon patterns, and their impact on Indian states.

India Meteorological Department · Odisha · West Bengal · Deep Depression · Monsoon

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PM Modi appoints Nandan Nilekani to lead exam reforms task force

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced a high-powered task force on exam reforms headed by Infosys co-founder and IIT Bombay graduate Nandan Nilekani. The task force aims to enhance the integrity, reliability, and transparency of the examination system by making it leak-proof and technology-driven.

The leadership and objectives of the newly formed exam reforms task force.

Nandan Nilekani · PM Narendra Modi · exam reforms · Infosys · IIT Bombay

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National

The most important of 126 National stories this month.

Supreme Court Stays Delhi HC Order Declaring NSE Public Authority Under RTI Act

The Supreme Court of India has stayed the Delhi High Court's order that declared the National Stock Exchange of India (NSEI) as a 'public authority' under the Right to Information (RTI) Act.

The Supreme Court's intervention in classifying NSE under the RTI Act and the criteria for public authority.

Supreme Court · Delhi High Court · National Stock Exchange of India · RTI Act · Central Information Commission

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Parliament Monsoon Session Day 4 Adjourned Amid NEET Protests

On Day 4 of the 2026 Monsoon Session of Parliament, both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha were adjourned for the day without any transaction of business due to protests by the Opposition over the NEET exam issue.

Parliamentary disruptions during the Monsoon Session related to NEET protests and key political demands.

Parliament · Monsoon Session 2026 · NEET exam · Kiren Rijiju · Kharge

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Mumbai Man Dies Falling into Open Manhole During Monsoon; BMC Suspends Four Officials

During the monsoon rains in Mumbai starting late June 2026, a man tragically died after falling into an open manhole in Chandivali. This incident marked the third rain-related casualty in the city.

Recent monsoon-related incidents in Mumbai and government responses to urban safety issues.

Mumbai · BMC · Maharashtra government · monsoon · manhole

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Supreme Court Closes Criminal Proceedings Against Ex-PM Manmohan Singh in Coal Block Case

The Supreme Court of India has closed the criminal proceedings against former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in the coal block allocation case.

Supreme Court's decision to close criminal proceedings against a former Prime Minister in a high-profile coal block allocation case.

Supreme Court · Manmohan Singh · coal block allocation case · CBI · criminal proceedings

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Economy

The most important of 112 Economy stories this month.

India’s Core Sector Growth Hits Five-Month High of 5% in June 2026

India's core sector growth rose to a five-month high of 5% in June 2026, according to the newly released Index of Core Industries. The updated index features a revised base year of 2022-23, includes iron ore as the ninth sector, and has revised weightages.

The new base year, inclusion of iron ore, and the growth rate of India's core sectors in June 2026.

core sector · Index of Core Industries · iron ore · crude oil · natural gas

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RBI Governor Flags West Asia Crisis and Uncertain Monsoon as Major Risks to Indian Economy

RBI Governor Malhotra highlighted the ongoing crisis in West Asia and an uncertain monsoon season as the biggest risks to India's economic growth. Despite these challenges, the Indian rupee has remained relatively stable against a stronger US dollar.

Major external and climatic risks to India's economy as identified by the RBI Governor.

RBI Governor Malhotra · West Asia crisis · Indian economy · monsoon · rupee

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Union Cabinet Approves ₹62,500 Crore Mobile Manufacturing Scheme

The Union Cabinet has approved a ₹62,500 crore Mobile Phone Manufacturing Scheme aimed at boosting domestic production, exports, and local value addition in the mobile phone sector.

Government initiatives to boost mobile phone manufacturing and exports in India.

Union Cabinet · Mobile Phone Manufacturing Scheme · ₹62,500 crore · Indian-brand phones · exports

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India's Edible Oil Import Bill May Rise to ₹1.75 Lakh Crore in 2025-26

India's edible oil import bill is expected to increase by 9% to reach ₹1.75 lakh crore in the 2025-26 marketing year ending October. This follows a 20% rise in the import bill during the first eight months of the year.

The projected rise in India's edible oil import bill and related economic concerns.

edible oil · import bill · 2025-26 · Solvent Extractors' Association · SEA

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Banking & Finance

The most important of 20 Banking & Finance stories this month.

Bank of Baroda Faces 1TB Data Breach Linked to Employee Email

Bank of Baroda experienced a 1TB data breach linked to a compromised employee email. Documents such as branch audit reports, loan appraisal files, vigilance records, and customer account-opening forms have been leaked online.

Recent major data breaches in Indian banks and their impact on customer data security.

Bank of Baroda · data breach · employee email · branch audit reports · loan appraisal files

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Q1 FY27 Profits Rise for UCO Bank, IndusInd Bank, and Mahindra Finance

In Q1 FY27, UCO Bank reported an 8% increase in net profit to ₹656 crore, driven by higher operating profit and lower provisions. IndusInd Bank's profit after tax rose 47% due to lower costs and provisions for bad loans.

Recent quarterly financial performance of major Indian banks and financial services companies.

UCO Bank · IndusInd Bank · Mahindra Finance · Q1 FY27 · net profit

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Dhanlaxmi Bank Reports ₹24.91 Crore Net Profit in Q1FY27 with 17% Deposit Growth

Dhanlaxmi Bank recorded a net profit of ₹24.91 crore in the first quarter of FY27, more than doubling from the previous year. The bank's total deposits grew by 17% to ₹19,404 crore as of June 30, 2026, up from ₹16,570 crore in June 2025.

Recent financial performance and growth metrics of Indian banks like Dhanlaxmi Bank.

Dhanlaxmi Bank · net profit · Q1FY27 · total deposits · gross NPA

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PFRDA Opens On-Tap Registration for Pension Fund Managers Under NPS

The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) has introduced an on-tap registration process for pension fund managers under the National Pension System (NPS) and Unified Pension Scheme.

Regulatory changes in pension fund management under NPS by PFRDA.

PFRDA · National Pension System · Unified Pension Scheme · pension fund managers · on-tap registration

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International

The most important of 71 International stories this month.

US and Saudi Arabia Announce Civilian Nuclear Energy Deal

The United States and Saudi Arabia have announced a civilian nuclear deal that will enable Saudi Arabia to develop a civilian nuclear energy program using US technology. American companies are expected to build nuclear reactors in Saudi Arabia, generating contracts worth tens of billions of dollars over the coming decades.

The details and implications of the US-Saudi Arabia civilian nuclear energy agreement.

United States · Saudi Arabia · civilian nuclear deal · US Energy Department · nuclear reactors

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EU Fines Google $1 Billion for Violating Digital Markets Act

The European Union fined Alphabet Inc.'s Google €890 million (approximately $1 billion) for breaching the bloc's Digital Markets Act. The fine targets Google's practices related to its Play app store and search services.

Recent EU regulatory actions against Big Tech companies like Google under the Digital Markets Act.

Google · Alphabet Inc. · European Union · Digital Markets Act · Play app store

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PM Modi to Make Maiden Visit to New Zealand After India-NZ FTA

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to make his first visit to New Zealand next week. This visit marks his first meeting with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon following the signing of the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) in April 2026.

The significance of PM Modi's maiden visit to New Zealand and the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement.

PM Narendra Modi · New Zealand · Christopher Luxon · India-New Zealand FTA · Free Trade Agreement

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India Summons Russian Diplomat Over Attack Killing Four Indian Seafarers Off Ukraine Coast

India summoned the Russian Chargé d'Affaires following an attack on the vessel MV Golden Leo off the coast of Ukraine that resulted in the deaths of four Indian seafarers. The vessel had 17 crew members, including five Indian nationals.

India's diplomatic response to attacks on its nationals abroad and related international incidents.

Russia · Ukraine · MV Golden Leo · Ministry of External Affairs · Indian seafarers

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Science & Tech

The most important of 22 Science & Tech stories this month.

Over 100 Scientists Quit ISRO Amid Retention Challenges

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is facing a significant challenge in retaining experienced scientists, with over 100 resignations or voluntary retirements occurring in recent months.

Recent challenges faced by ISRO in retaining scientists and measures taken by the Department of Space.

ISRO · Indian Space Research Organisation · Department of Space · DoS · Gaganyaan

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Apple Commits Over $30 Billion to Broadcom for US-Made Chip Production

Apple has announced a significant expansion of its partnership with Broadcom, committing over $30 billion to produce 15 billion chips made in the United States. This deal aims to boost US chip manufacturing capacity.

Apple's investment in US chip manufacturing and its partnership with Broadcom.

Apple · Broadcom · US-made chips · Tim Cook · Donald Trump

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Meta in talks to lease AI computing power to Anthropic in $10 billion deal

Meta is negotiating a potential deal to lease its AI computing power to Anthropic, which could be worth $10 billion. This deal would transform Meta's excess AI computing capacity, previously considered a liability, into a significant revenue opportunity.

Major tech companies' strategic partnerships and AI computing power deals.

Meta · Anthropic · AI computing power · deal · technology

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NASA Astronaut Anil Menon and Two Russians Reach International Space Station

On July 14, 2026, NASA astronaut Anil Menon along with Russian cosmonauts Pyotr Dubrov and Anna Kikina lifted off from Baikonur aboard a Roscosmos spacecraft. The launch occurred at 8:17 pm IST as the International Space Station (ISS) flew over the cosmodrome.

Recent space missions involving Indian-origin astronauts and international collaboration on the ISS.

Anil Menon · Pyotr Dubrov · Anna Kikina · Roscosmos · International Space Station

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Environment

The most important of 12 Environment stories this month.

IMD Forecasts Below-Normal Rainfall for India in July After Driest June

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted below-normal rainfall for India in July 2026. This forecast comes after June 2026 recorded the driest rainfall in more than a decade and the fifth-driest since 1901, with south-west monsoon rainfall 39.8% below the Long Period Average (LPA).

Recent monsoon rainfall trends and IMD forecasts for India.

India Meteorological Department · IMD · south-west monsoon · rainfall deficit · Long Period Average

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IMD Issues Red Alert for Himachal Pradesh Amid Intensifying Monsoon

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Himachal Pradesh due to very heavy rainfall expected at isolated places. Additionally, yellow alerts have been issued for Delhi and other states as the monsoon intensifies across India.

Recent weather alerts issued by IMD and their regional impact during the monsoon season.

India Meteorological Department · IMD · Himachal Pradesh · Jammu and Kashmir · Delhi

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Heavy Rain Triggers Landslide Scare in Shimla's Sanjauli Area

Continuous heavy rainfall over 36 hours caused a major landslide scare in Shimla's Sanjauli area. The rain-triggered slope collapse threatened houses, forcing residents to spend the night outdoors due to fears of their homes collapsing. Locals attributed the danger to construction activities carried out despite the monsoon ban.

Recent environmental disasters and their causes in Indian hill stations.

Shimla · Sanjauli · landslide · heavy rainfall · monsoon ban

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Supreme Court Panel Invites Public Feedback on Aravalli Hills Conservation

The Supreme Court of India has constituted a committee to oversee the conservation of the Aravalli Hills and has opened a 21-day window for public suggestions and feedback. This initiative aims to involve citizens in the protection of the ecologically sensitive Aravalli region.

The Supreme Court's role in environmental conservation and public participation mechanisms.

Supreme Court · Aravalli Hills · committee · public feedback · ex-government officers

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Government Schemes

The most important of 22 Government Schemes stories this month.

Indian Government Summons Meta Over Instagram Ads Promoting Child Sexual Abuse Material

The Indian government, led by IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, has directed officials to summon Meta regarding Instagram advertisements promoting child sexual abuse material. This action follows concerns raised about WhatsApp's new username feature, which the government believes could increase cybercrimes and online fraud.

Government actions against social media platforms for promoting illegal content and cybercrime prevention measures.

Meta · Instagram · WhatsApp · Ashwini Vaishnaw · Indian government

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Maharashtra Begins Rollout of Farmer Loan Waiver Scheme with First Beneficiaries

Maharashtra has started the rollout of its Farmer Loan Waiver Scheme by releasing the first beneficiary list. The initial list includes 500 eligible farmers. Beneficiary details will be published at the village level in Gram Panchayats, executive cooperative society offices, and respective bank branches.

Details of Maharashtra's Farmer Loan Waiver Scheme rollout and beneficiary identification process.

Maharashtra · Farmer Loan Waiver Scheme · Gram Panchayat · Aadhaar · DBT

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Centre Launches VB-G-RAM-G Scheme with ₹25,863 Crore for Rural Jobs

The Government of India has introduced the VB-G-RAM-G rural employment scheme nationwide, replacing MGNREGA. The transition has been seamless, offering higher wages and longer employment guarantees.

The new rural employment scheme VB-G-RAM-G, its features, and funding details.

VB-G-RAM-G · MGNREGA · Centre · ₹25,863 crore · rural employment

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Centre Implements Enhanced Credit Guarantee Scheme for MSMEs

The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) in India has launched an enhanced Credit Guarantee Scheme. This scheme aims to provide collateral-free loans to micro and small enterprises, supporting their growth and fostering innovation nationwide.

Government initiatives to support MSMEs through credit guarantee schemes.

MSME Ministry · Credit Guarantee Scheme · micro enterprises · small enterprises · collateral-free loans

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Defence

Cochin Shipyard Launches Seventh Anti-Submarine Warfare Vessel for Indian Navy

Cochin Shipyard has launched the seventh anti-submarine warfare (ASW) vessel for the Indian Navy. These ASW ships are designed to conduct anti-submarine operations in coastal waters and perform low intensity maritime mine laying operations.

Recent developments in Indian naval defense capabilities and shipbuilding achievements.

Cochin Shipyard · Indian Navy · anti-submarine warfare · ASW vessels · coastal waters

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Lockheed Martin Acquires Ultra Maritime for $3.45 Billion in Naval Defence Expansion

Lockheed Martin has acquired Ultra Maritime in a $3.45 billion deal aimed at strengthening its naval defence capabilities. This acquisition occurs amid a global increase in military spending, benefiting defence companies worldwide.

Major defence acquisitions and their impact on global military spending trends.

Lockheed Martin · Ultra Maritime · naval defence · military spending

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Gen Upendra Dwivedi Retires, Gen Dhiraj Seth Becomes 31st Army Chief

General Upendra Dwivedi retired as the 30th Chief of the Army Staff on Tuesday. At his farewell, he stated that future wars will be 'joint, integrated and theatre-oriented'. The command was handed over to General Dhiraj Seth, who took charge as the 31st Army Chief during a ceremonial event held in New Delhi.

Recent changes in Indian Army leadership and future warfare concepts highlighted by the outgoing Army Chief.

General Upendra Dwivedi · General Dhiraj Seth · Army Chief · New Delhi · Indian Army

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Sports

The most important of 68 Sports stories this month.

Lovepreet Singh Wins Silver in 110+kg Weightlifting at Commonwealth Games

At the Commonwealth Games, Indian weightlifter Lovepreet Singh secured the silver medal in the 110+kg category. The competition saw a dramatic shift when the pre-event favourite, Sanele Mao of Samoa, failed all three attempts at 175kg in the snatch, leading to his elimination.

Recent Indian medalists and key events in the Commonwealth Games weightlifting category.

Lovepreet Singh · Commonwealth Games · Sanele Mao · Liti · weightlifting

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England Defeats France 6-4 in Record-Breaking FIFA World Cup Bronze Match

In a thrilling FIFA World Cup bronze medal match, England defeated France 6-4 in a record 10-goal game. Bukayo Saka scored a hat-trick to lead England's victory.

The record-breaking scoreline and key players in the FIFA World Cup bronze medal match.

England · France · FIFA World Cup · Bukayo Saka · Kylian Mbappe

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Belgium Stages Dramatic 3-2 Comeback Win Over Senegal in World Cup Round of 32

In the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 match held in Seattle, Belgium achieved a remarkable comeback by defeating Senegal 3-2. The winning goal came from a penalty scored at 124:44 minutes, deep into extra time.

The teams involved, match outcome, and significance of the comeback in the 2026 FIFA World Cup knockout stage.

Belgium · Senegal · FIFA World Cup 2026 · Seattle · Round of 32

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Stephen Fleming appointed England Test coach; Joe Root reappointed captain

England Cricket has appointed New Zealander Stephen Fleming as the new Test coach. Joe Root has been reappointed as the England Test captain. Root expressed enthusiasm about leading the next generation of players, mentioning his recent experience working with Brendon McCullum.

Recent appointments in England's Test cricket team leadership.

Stephen Fleming · Joe Root · England Test cricket · Brendon McCullum · New Zealand

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Tamil Nadu

The most important of 23 Tamil Nadu stories this month.

Tamil Nadu CM Vijay Completes Census Self-Enumeration, Appeals for Public Participation

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Mr. Vijay has officially completed his self-enumeration process for the Census 2027. Following this, Governor Mr. Arlekar appealed to every household in Tamil Nadu to provide complete and accurate information and to extend full cooperation to the Census authorities.

The Census 2027 self-enumeration process and the roles of Tamil Nadu's CM and Governor in promoting public participation.

Tamil Nadu · Chief Minister Vijay · Governor Arlekar · Census 2027 · self-enumeration

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Census 2027: Tamil Nadu Prepares for Its Largest Population Headcount

Tamil Nadu is gearing up for Census 2027, which will be the state's biggest population headcount to date. The census aims to provide comprehensive demographic data crucial for planning and development.

The significance and scale of Census 2027 in Tamil Nadu and its impact on policy and planning.

Census 2027 · Tamil Nadu · population headcount · demographic data · enumeration

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Madras High Court restrains ECI from notifying Tamil Nadu bypolls till July 31

The Madras High Court, through Chief Justices Sushrut Arvind Dharmadhikari and Justice G. Arul Murugan, has issued an interim injunction restraining the Election Commission of India from notifying by-elections in five Tamil Nadu Assembly constituencies: Tiruchi East, Perundurai, Ambasamudram, Viralimalai, and Karur.

Judiciary's role in election processes and recent developments in Tamil Nadu bypolls.

Madras High Court · Election Commission of India · Tamil Nadu · Tiruchi East · Perundurai

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Madras High Court Grants Anticipatory Bail to Senthilbalaji and Brother in ₹35 Crore MLA Bribery Case

The Madras High Court, presided over by Justice G.K. Ilanthiraiyan, granted anticipatory bail to Senthilbalaji and his brother Ashok Kumar in the ₹35 crore MLA bribery case. The court directed both to appear before the investigating officer twice daily and cooperate with the investigation until further orders.

Details of high-profile anticipatory bail cases and judicial directions in Tamil Nadu are relevant for legal and current affairs exams.

Madras High Court · Senthilbalaji · Ashok Kumar · Justice G.K. Ilanthiraiyan · ₹35 crore MLA bribery case

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All 30 daily digests for July 2026

Every item in full, with its sources and practice MCQs.