National and International Affairs
Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation accepted; Pralhad Joshi given Education Ministry charge
25 July 2026 | Press Information Bureau
A PIB press communique of 25 July 2026 said the President, as advised by the Prime Minister, accepted the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan from the Union Council of Ministers with immediate effect under clause (2) of Article 75 of the Constitution.
The President also directed that Cabinet Minister Pralhad Joshi be assigned the charge of the Ministry of Education in addition to his existing portfolio. A PIB communique of 24 July 2026 had likewise recorded the acceptance of the resignation of Ravneet Singh from the Union Council of Ministers.
Key facts- Resignation accepted: Dharmendra Pradhan
- Additional charge of Education: Pralhad Joshi
- Provision: Article 75(2), Constitution
- Earlier (24 July): Ravneet Singh's resignation accepted
Exam takeaway: Article 75(2) says Ministers hold office during the pleasure of the President.
Quick revision: Pradhan resigns; Joshi gets Education charge (PIB, 25 July 2026).
Press Information Bureau original sourceNational and International Affairs
DRI seizes over 27 kg smuggled gold in nationwide operations; 12 arrested
25 July 2026 | Press Information Bureau
PIB said the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) carried out intelligence-led operations across the country that led to the seizure of over 27 kg of foreign-origin smuggled gold and the arrest of 12 persons.
At Mumbai, DRI intercepted three passengers arriving from Addis Ababa on 23-24 July 2026 and recovered 6 gold bars weighing about 12 kg concealed in the ceiling panels of an aircraft's rear lavatory.
Key facts- Gold seized: over 27 kg
- Persons arrested: 12
- Agency: Directorate of Revenue Intelligence
- Mumbai recovery: 6 bars, about 12 kg
Exam takeaway: DRI is the apex anti-smuggling agency under the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs.
Quick revision: DRI seizes 27 kg gold, 12 arrested (PIB, 25 July 2026).
Press Information Bureau original sourceReports, Indices, Science and Technology
India's forex reserves at USD 676,237 million (week ended 17 July 2026)
24 July 2026 | Reserve Bank of India
This item is carried forward from the RBI Weekly Statistical Supplement released on 24 July 2026 and reported in the 25 July edition. Total foreign exchange reserves stood at Rs 65,11,163 crore (USD 676,237 million) as on 17 July 2026.
The reserves rose by USD 1,080 million over the week, and were lower by USD 14,871 million than at end-March 2026.
Key facts- Total reserves (17 July 2026): USD 676,237 million
- Weekly change: up USD 1,080 million
- Versus end-March 2026: down USD 14,871 million
- Source: RBI Weekly Statistical Supplement
Exam takeaway: Reserves comprise foreign currency assets, gold, SDRs and the reserve position in the IMF.
Quick revision: Forex reserves USD 676,237 million as on 17 July 2026 (RBI WSS).
Reserve Bank of India original source