Punjab Daily Current Affairs: 18/07/2026

Punjab Schemes & Policies in News 🏛️

The Punjab Cabinet has recently approved a series of welfare-centric policies, most notably the Ordinance to Cap Private School Fee Hikes. Under this ordinance, the annual fee increase for private schools and colleges is strictly capped at 5%. This move is aimed at protecting parents from exorbitant education costs. Additionally, the government has waived fees for 120 Doorstep Services, including essential documents like caste, residence, and birth certificates, to improve ease of living under the 'Sarkar Aapke Dwar' initiative.

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Exam-Oriented Current Affairs & Key Facts 📝

• Polity & Governance: The Cabinet approved an amendment to regularize unauthorized colonies across the state, providing a pathway for legal infrastructure development.
• Economy & Industrial Reforms: Industrial plots can now be converted from leasehold to freehold by paying a nominal 5% fee, a significant move to boost the ease of doing business in Punjab.
• Education & Transport: Free bus travel has been approved for NEET-UG candidates and one attendant in Punjab Roadways and PRTC buses for their examination commute.
• Employment: The Cabinet cleared recruitment for various posts, including Lecturers and Junior Engineers (JE), to fill critical vacancies in state departments.

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One-Liner Revision Notes ⚡

• The Punjab Cabinet has capped annual private school fee hikes at 5%.
• 120 doorstep services in Punjab are now fee-free for citizens.
• NEET candidates and one attendant are eligible for free travel in state-run buses.
• The fee for converting leasehold industrial land to freehold has been set at 5%.
• The Punjab government has approved a special ordinance to regulate school fee structures.
• Recruitment drives for JE and Lecturer positions have been cleared for various departments.
• Fees for caste, residence, and birth certificates have been completely waived ahead of the SIR process.
• The Cabinet has summoned a meeting regarding controversial Sikh legislation following Akal Takht's directive.

MCQs from Current Affairs ❓

Q1: What is the maximum annual percentage increase allowed for private school fees in Punjab as per the latest ordinance?

• A) 7%
• B) 5%
• C) 10%
• D) 3%

Q2: How many doorstep services have had their fees waived by the Punjab Cabinet recently?

• A) 50
• B) 100
• C) 120
• D) 150

Q3: The Punjab Cabinet recently approved the conversion of industrial plots from leasehold to freehold for a fee of:

• A) 2%
• B) 5%
• C) 8%
• D) 10%

Q4: Under which article of the Indian Constitution can the Punjab Governor promulgate an ordinance?

• A) Article 123
• B) Article 213
• C) Article 163
• D) Article 356

Q5: Which examination's candidates have been granted free travel in state-run buses by the Punjab Government?

• A) JEE Main
• B) UPSC CSE
• C) NEET-UG
• D) CLAT