Raksha Mantri Announces Indian Coast Guard Policy Reforms

Exam-focused facts from the 30 July 2026 current affairs briefing.

Key facts

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh announced two policy reforms for the Indian Coast Guard on July 28, 2026.
The first reform introduces a gender-neutral framework for officer induction and career progression, allowing women to join through Short Service Appointment (SSA) and Permanent Appointment (PA) streams.
The reform also opens the SSA entry route for male candidates and allows existing women officers to convert from SSA to PA or seek promotion to higher ranks.
The second reform simplifies ex-gratia compensation for families of Coast Guard personnel missing at sea by empowering the competent authority to declare them 'presumed dead' for processing benefits.
The revised procedure aims to reduce administrative delays and provide timely financial relief to bereaved families.