Asian Development Bank (ADB) targets USD 1 billion direct financing for India's private sector
Key Updates:
- India is the largest market for the private sector operations of the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
- The ADB expects to provide approximately USD 1 billion in direct financing this year to support projects aligned with India's development objectives.
- In 2025, the ADB provided over USD 4 billion for sovereign projects and over USD 1 billion for the private sector from its own capital, resulting in a total flow of USD 2 billion to the private sector.
- The ADB's financing focus areas include renewable and clean energy, green hydrogen, e-mobility, green data centres, urban infrastructure development, sustainable agriculture, and financial inclusion.
- Trade and supply chain financing recorded a 40 per cent increase in the first four months of 2026.
- The ADB and Standard Chartered Bank signed agreements to strengthen supply chain finance in India, featuring a risk participation arrangement through Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City) for US dollar transactions and a partial guarantee facility for onshore rupee transactions, focusing on distributor financing.
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The Asian Development Bank (ADB) signed a $10 million financing package with Schoolnet India Limited (SIL) to improve learning outcomes for 4.5 million students. The project aims to scale up digital learning…
Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary addressed the annual board of governors meeting of the Asian Development Bank (ADB). India urged the ADB to scale up its lending capacity to address global challenges…
S&P Global Market Intelligence (S&P) data as of March 31, 2026, shows that Kotak Mahindra Bank reported the highest leverage ratio of 16.56% among Asia-Pacific lenders with assets of at least $100 billion. HDFC Bank…
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Standard Chartered Bank signed agreements in Mumbai to strengthen supply chain finance in India through risk-sharing arrangements for US dollar and Indian rupee transactions. The…
Key Updates:
- The World Bank (WB) has cleared a $1.5 billion financing package to aid India's structural reforms and boost private sector-led job creation.
- The funding is provided under the WB's Development Policy Financing (DPF) operation to create job opportunities for about 11 million youths entering the labour market annually over the next two decades.
- The operation supports structural reforms including tax simplification, trade integration, next-generation goods and services tax, and inclusive Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) definitions.
- India's unemployment rate dropped from 6% in 2017-18 to 3.2% in 2023-24.
- India added 150 million net jobs between 2017-18 and 2023-24, with approximately 9 million women entering regular wage employment.
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Neelkanth Mishra was appointed as India's Executive Director at the World Bank, representing a South Asian constituency comprising India, Bangladesh, Bhutan and Sri Lanka. The appointment was approved by the Appointments…
The World Bank (WB) has raised India's growth forecast for FY27 to 6.6% from the 6.5% estimated in January. According to the Global Economic Prospects (GEP) report, India's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth is…
India approved the first withdrawal of ₹30 billion for the Maldives as part of its continuing economic and financial assistance. The funds are being released under the first drawdown of the South Asian Association for…
The World Bank (WB) has approved a USD 225 million loan for the highway modernisation project in Rajasthan. The project aims to benefit more than 3 million people and stimulate job creation across the agriculture…
Moody's Ratings flags fragmented water governance framework in India
Key Updates:
- Moody's Ratings report describes India's water management framework as fragmented, with governance dispersed across more than 28 states.
- Highly subsidised pricing, especially for agriculture which consumes about 80% of the country's freshwater, and slow reallocation among sectors increase fiscal and credit risks.
- Rapidly growing demand from data centers, driven by cloud computing and artificial intelligence, adds a further source of water-intensive industrial pressure.
- The fragmented framework can result in prolonged shortages, higher costs, greater industrial and public service disruptions, leading to sustained fiscal pressure and persistent credit strain.
- India has high credit exposure to heat stress, flooding, and monsoon variability, according to World Resources Institute findings cited by Moody's.
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The Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) was recognised among the top five utilities in the 'Utility of the Year' category at the Global Water Summit 2026 in Madrid, Spain. Other utilities in the category…
Moody's Ratings reduced India's FY27 real GDP growth projection to 6% from an earlier 6.8%. West Asia supplies around 55% of India's crude oil imports and over 90% of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).
The Government of India launched the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF)–Ministry of Jal Shakti MAHA Water Mission with a projected outlay of ₹200 crore over five years. The mission is jointly funded by ANRF…
Moody's Ratings (Moody's) has reduced India's GDP growth forecast for 2026 by 0.8 percentage points to 6 per cent. Moody's has lowered the GDP growth estimate for 2027 by 0.5 percentage points to 6 per cent.
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Sanjay Malhotra urges banks to leverage DPI stack for MSME credit access as credit outstanding reaches ₹36.79 trillion
Key Updates:
- Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Sanjay Malhotra urged banks and non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) to leverage the digital public infrastructure (DPI) stack including Account Aggregator (AA), Unified Lending Interface (ULI), Trade Receivables Discounting System (TReDS), GST data, and Aadhaar-enabled authentication to expand credit access for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
- He made the remarks in Kochi ahead of MSME Day, emphasizing that the aspiration of Viksit Bharat cannot be achieved without adequate financial support for MSMEs.
- MSMEs contribute 31% of India’s GDP, account for about 35% of manufacturing output, nearly half of the country’s merchandise exports, and support the livelihoods of over 320 million people.
- The Account Aggregator framework facilitated lending worth ₹3.5 trillion in FY26, and credit outstanding by scheduled commercial banks to MSMEs stood at ₹36.79 trillion as of December 31, 2025, with a healthy CAGR of 15% during the past five financial years.
- The credit gap for MSMEs has not been fully bridged despite progress, and government schemes such as MUDRA and Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE) have contributed to a significant rise in formal credit to the sector.
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The Union Cabinet approved the Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme (ECLGS) 5.0 on May 5, 2026, to provide credit support amid liquidity pressures from the West Asia crisis. As of June 9, 2026, the Ministry of Finance…
India has initiated a renewed agenda for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) cooperation under its 2026 chairship of BRICS. The Ministry of Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) is tasked with organising three…
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has cancelled the licence of Gokak, Karnataka-based Shree Mahalaxmi Urban Co-operative Credit Bank due to its worsening financial position. The RBI stated that the lender lacks adequate…
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issued revised Master Directions on Authorisation to Operate a Payment System under the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007, applicable to new applicants and existing Payment System…
Commerce Ministry records 15 per cent growth in merchandise exports for April-May 2026-27
Key Updates:
- India's merchandise exports grew by approximately 15 per cent during April-May 2026-27.
- The Commerce Ministry is scheduled to release the trade data for May on June 15.
- Merchandise exports in April rose by 13.78 per cent to USD 43.56 billion, marking the highest monthly outbound shipments in over four years.
- The growth in April shipments was primarily driven by petroleum products amid a surge in crude oil prices.
- The trade deficit widened to a three-month high of USD 28.38 billion in April due to an uptick in imports.
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The Income Tax Department reported net direct tax collections of ₹5,21,024.82 crore as of 17 June 2026 for the financial year 2026-27, marking a 14.64 per cent year-on-year growth. Gross direct tax collections for the…
The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) released the Economic and Social Survey of Asia and the Pacific 2026. India's economy is projected to grow at 6.4% in 2026 and 6.6% in…
The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) projected India’s economy to expand by 7.6% in the fiscal year (FY) 2025-26. The OECD expects India's growth to moderate to 6.1% in FY 2026-27 and reach…
India’s Index of Industrial Production (IIP) expanded 5.2% year-on-year in February 2026, up from 4.8% in January 2026. Manufacturing sector grew 6.0% in February 2026, contributing the largest share to overall…
Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) facilitates first export of dried whole egg powder from Odisha to Austria
Key Updates:
- The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, facilitated the first-ever commercial export shipment of dried whole egg powder from Balangir, Odisha, to Austria.
- The consignment, comprising 22.6 metric tonnes of dried whole egg powder, was exported by OVO Farm Pvt Ltd, an APEDA-registered exporter.
- The exporter established a state-of-the-art egg processing facility in Balangir in 2025.
- The processing unit is certified under FSSC 22000 Version 6 and holds HALAL and KOSHER certifications.
- The manufactured products comply with EIC standards and European Union hygiene requirements.
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Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker visited India from 14 to 18 April 2026, marking the first visit by an Austrian Chancellor in 40 years. The visit represents the first visit to Asia for Chancellor Stocker.
India and Austria signed and operationalised the FTM during the India-Austria Business Forum held in New Delhi. The event marked the first official visit by an Austrian Chancellor to India in over four decades.
The Uttar Pradesh (UP) government has initiated a programme to supply high-protein dairy products derived from indigenous cow breeds to the Indian Army. A premium dairy supplement known as Skyr, produced using Danish and…
The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has prohibited the export of raw, white, and refined sugar until September 30 to stabilise domestic prices. The export policy for sugar was amended from restricted to…
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issues revised guidelines for Lead Bank Scheme (LBS) after comprehensive review
Key Updates:
- The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued revised guidelines for the Lead Bank Scheme (LBS) superseding all earlier instructions on the subject.
- The LBS aims to coordinate activities of banks, governments, and development agencies to boost credit flow and expand access to financial services.
- The scheme has two key objectives: enhancing flow of credit to priority sectors for inclusive growth and deepening financial inclusion through improved access and usage of financial services.
- The revised framework introduces a three-tier structure comprising Block Level Bankers' Committees, District Consultative Committees, and State Level Bankers' Committees.
- The Lead Bank Scheme was introduced by RBI in December 1969; each Lead Bank will appoint a Lead District Manager to oversee implementation.
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The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) discontinued the requirement for commercial banks to maintain the Investment Fluctuation Reserve (IFR) effective from May 18, 2026. The IFR served as an additional buffer to hedge against…
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issued the 'Reserve Bank of India [Commercial Banks - Kisan Credit Card (KCC) Scheme] Directions, 2026', applicable from January 2026. Crop seasons under the KCC Scheme are standardised at…
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued final amendments permitting commercial banks to lend to Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) and Infrastructure Investment Trusts (InvITs). Overseas branches of Indian banks…
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has appointed Shri Gunveer Singh as the new Executive Director (ED). The RBI issued revised draft amendment directions regarding the Conduct of Regulated Entities in Recovery of Loans and…
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Revises Kisan Credit Card (KCC) Scheme Norms
Key Updates:
- The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issued the [Commercial Banks - Kisan Credit Card (KCC) Scheme] Directions, 2026, which will be effective from January 2027.
- The RBI has standardised the definition of crop seasons at twelve months for short duration crops and eighteen months for long duration crops to align with Income Recognition and Asset Classification (IRAC) norms.
- Banks are required to waive collateral security and margin requirements for agricultural and allied activity loans up to ₹2 lakh per borrower.
- The RBI allows the voluntary pledge of gold and silver as collateral for agriculture loans up to the ₹2 lakh limit without violating collateral-free lending guidelines.
- For KCC loans involving hypothecation of crops or stock with tie-up arrangements for recovery, banks may waive collateral security for amounts up to ₹3 lakh.
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The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issued the 'Reserve Bank of India [Commercial Banks - Kisan Credit Card (KCC) Scheme] Directions, 2026', applicable from January 2026. Crop seasons under the KCC Scheme are standardised at…
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issued revised Master Directions on Authorisation to Operate a Payment System under the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007, applicable to new applicants and existing Payment System…
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) imposed a monetary penalty of ₹10.10 lakh on City Union Bank for levying loan-related charges on agriculture advances qualifying as priority sector loans up to ₹25,000. The RBI penalised…
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issued the Digital Payments: E-mandate Framework, 2026, consolidating all existing guidelines on recurring digital payments into a single master framework. The framework applies to…
Jal Sanrakshit Haryana Project Approved with ₹4,000 Crore World Bank Loan
Key Updates:
- Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini announced the Jal Sanrakshit Haryana project, which has received a ₹4,000 crore loan from the World Bank (WB) out of a total project cost of ₹5,714 crore.
- The project will be implemented in phases between 2026 and 2032, covering 15 clusters spread across 48.94 lakh acres to make the state water-secure and self-reliant.
- The initiative includes the rehabilitation of 678 canals, with 106 restored via WB assistance at ₹2,484.87 crore, 293 through state funding at ₹2,230 crore, and 279 under National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) supported projects.
- The programme will rehabilitate 620 water channels, upgrade 120 micro-irrigation projects, reclaim 2 lakh acres of waterlogged land, and promote Direct Seeded Rice (DSR) on 5 lakh acres.
- Groundwater recharge will be strengthened through 147 water bodies in Bhiwani, Jind, Kaithal, Mahendragarh, Rewari, Charkhi Dadri, and Sirsa, while treated wastewater from Jind, Kaithal, and Dhanwapur in Gurugram will be reused for irrigation.
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The World Bank (WB) has approved a USD 225 million loan for the highway modernisation project in Rajasthan. The project aims to benefit more than 3 million people and stimulate job creation across the agriculture…
The World Bank launched the "Water Forward" programme to improve secure water access for one billion people within the next four years. The programme aims to expand reliable water services and strengthen systems against…
The Governor of Himachal Pradesh, Kavinder Gupta, described the proposed Chenab-Beas Link Tunnel Project as a significant initiative in the national interest. The project involves a total estimated budget outlay of…
The Maharashtra cabinet approved the High-Energy Medical Cyclotron Project (HEMCP) in Nagpur with an estimated budget of ₹300 crore. HEMCP will be funded on a 50:50 cost-sharing basis between the Medical Education…
Annapurna Yojana: ₹36,000 Crore Outlay
Key Updates:
- The West Bengal government announced the Annapurna Yojana with a budget outlay of ₹36,000 crore to provide higher monthly monetary assistance, replacing the Lakshmir Bhandar scheme.
- A budget of ₹550 crore has been allocated for an all-women free bus service.
- The government announced the provision of Ayushman Bharat cards for migrant labourers and the proposal of a welfare board for gig workers.
- Infrastructure developments include a new airport near Kolkata, a deep-sea port in Purba Medinipur, mini indoor stadiums in all assembly constituencies, and an Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) and an Indian Institute of Management (IIM) in North Bengal.
- The budget proposes one lakh government jobs with a 33 per cent quota for women and a 20 per cent hike in dearness allowance for government employees.
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The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in West Bengal will implement Annapurna Bhandar, a Direct-Benefit Transfer (DBT) scheme for women, from June 1. Eligible women under Annapurna Bhandar are expected to receive…
The West Bengal government approved the implementation of the 7th Pay Commission to revise salaries, pensions, and allowances for lakhs of state government employees and retirees. The decision was finalised during a…
The Government of West Bengal has revised the upper age limits for recruitment to state government posts across Group A, B, C, and D categories. The revised upper age limits are 41 years for Group A posts, 44 years for…
West Bengal will become the 36th State/UT to implement Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) on June 8. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) will be signed between the National Health Authority…
Government proposes 'Functional Urban Settlements' for urban classification
Key Updates:
- The National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA), under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, recommended a new national settlement classification framework called Functional Urban Settlements.
- The framework aims to accurately capture urbanisation occurring beyond existing Census Towns (population over 5,000) and Statutory Towns (with municipal entities).
- The new matrix utilizes night-time light (NTL) methods from satellite sensors to infer urban extent based on the spatial distribution and intensity of illuminated areas.
- Financial aid was announced in the last Budget for City Economic Regions (CERs), which serve as strategic economic hubs mapping integrated supply chains and labour markets beyond administrative borders.
- In Kerala, Statutory Towns increased from 63 to 93 in 2025, with 77 of 461 Census Towns upgraded to municipalities and 102 villages incorporated into urban local bodies.
- In Madhya Pradesh, Statutory Towns increased from 361 to 413, with 379 villages incorporated into nagar panchayats, 112 into municipalities, and 186 into municipal corporations between 2011 and 2025.
- The ministry is finalising a uniform classification for tier-2, 3, 4, and 5 cities and proposes to categorise tier-1 cities into three groups based on population.
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The National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA) was established in 1976. NIUA celebrated its Golden Jubilee under the theme Resilient Urban India @2047.
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) released the World Cities Report 2026 during the World Urban Forum (WUF13) held in Baku, Azerbaijan. Anacláudia Rossbach serves as the Executive Director of the…
The 13th BRICS Urbanisation Forum was inaugurated by the Union Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) on 11 June 2026 at Sushma Swaraj Bhavan, New Delhi. The forum was hosted under India's BRICS Chairship in 2026…
The Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) was recognised among the top five utilities in the 'Utility of the Year' category at the Global Water Summit 2026 in Madrid, Spain. Other utilities in the category…
CCPA imposes Rs 1 lakh penalty on Storia Foods and English Oven for misleading '100%' claims under Consumer Protection Act 2019
Key Updates:
- The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) imposed a penalty of Rs 1 lakh each on Storia Foods and Beverages Private Limited and Mrs. Bectors Food Specialities Limited (English Oven) for misleading '100%' claims on food labels.
- The action was taken under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 and the Guidelines for Prevention of Misleading Advertisements and Endorsements, 2022.
- Storia Foods claimed its products were '100% Tender Coconut Water' and '100%' fruit juices, but investigations revealed the coconut water was reconstituted from concentrate (9.6%) and contained preservative INS 202, contradicting the '100% Natural' claim.
- English Oven advertised '100% Atta Bread' and '100% Whole Wheat Bread', but the company admitted its bread contained only 87% whole wheat flour, and the CCPA found the combination with 'Zero Maida' created a false impression.
- The CCPA directed both companies to immediately withdraw the misleading claims from product packaging, websites, and all digital platforms.
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The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) issued notices to food business operators for violating the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, regarding misleading brand names, trade names, and product claims.…
The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) issued notices to Amazon, Flipkart, Meesho, and JioMart regarding the sale of an allegedly unregistered product called Cyclosinone Herbicide. The action followed concerns…
Indian Railways fined Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) ₹10 lakh after worms were found in curd served on train number 21896. The onboard service provider was penalised ₹50 lakh and its contract was…
World Food Safety Day is observed globally on 7 June 2026. The theme for 2026 is 'From Burden to Solutions – Safe Food Everywhere'.
Draft Telecommunications (Spectrum Assignment by Administrative Process) Rules, 2026: Administrative Assignment with Fixed Annual Fees
Key Updates:
- The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) notified the draft Telecommunications (Spectrum Assignment by Administrative Process) Rules, 2026, on June 17 to regulate satellite communication services.
- Satellite companies will be assigned radiowaves through an administrative process against a fixed annual fee ranging from ₹30,000 to ₹50 lakh per terminal and a non-refundable application fee of ₹1,000.
- The draft rules mandate that companies obtain security clearance even after the assignment of spectrum to roll out their services for end consumers.
- The rules bar satcom companies from connecting their networks with public networks, including public switched telephone networks and internet, without explicit permission from the Centre.
- The draft rules propose a 1 per cent revenue charge for satellite phone services while requiring companies to pay auction-linked market prices for radiowaves.
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The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) released the draft Telecommunications (Television, Radio and Associated Services) Rules, 2026, to bring television channels, radio stations, DTH operators, and other…
The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare issued a notification under the Drugs (Fifth Amendment) Rules, 2026, making all syrups, including cough syrups, available only on a doctor's prescription. The amendment…
Researchers from the University of Warsaw, Lodz University of Technology, Warsaw University of Technology, and the Polish Academy of Sciences developed a nanoscale structure to trap infrared light. The structure uses a…
The Union government has for the first time proposed dedicated Tar-balls Management Rules 2026 to manage weathered oil residue polluting India’s western coast. Tar balls are sticky lumps formed by weathering of oil from…
Key Updates:
- PM Modi commissioned three indigenously designed and built naval platforms – INS Dunagiri (Project 17A stealth frigate), INS Sanshodhak (Survey Vessel Large for hydrography), and INS Agray (Arnala-class Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft) – at Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata on June 21, 2026.
- INS Dunagiri is the fifth Project 17A stealth frigate equipped with BrahMos surface-to-surface missiles and the Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile system.
- The three vessels have indigenous content exceeding 75% and involved participation from more than 200 MSMEs, reflecting the objectives of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
- PM Modi announced a package of Rs 70,000 crore to strengthen India’s maritime sector.
- The vessels were designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau and constructed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata.
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The Indian Navy (IN) commissioned INS Agray, a new anti-submarine warship built mostly in India under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative. The vessel is one of eight new ships scheduled to replace the older Abhay-class…
Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Ltd (GRSE) delivered three frontline platforms to the Indian Navy. The delivered vessels include the guided missile frigate INS Dunagiri, the survey vessel INS Sanshodhak, and the…
The Indian Navy inducted three indigenously built vessels — Dunagiri, Sanshodhak and Agray — from Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata. Dunagiri is the fifth Nilgiri-class stealth frigate under…
Indian Navy took delivery of fourth Survey Vessel (Large) INS Sanshodhak on 30 March from Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata. Contract for four survey vessels was signed in October 2018 and project…
Key Updates:
- Taiwan's military commenced a five-day combat readiness exercise known as the Immediate Combat Readiness Exercise.
- The Ministry of National Defense (MND) designed the drill to transition from traditional scripted exercises to realistic combat-oriented scenarios.
- The exercise aims to improve command structures, joint operations coordination, logistical support systems, and overall combat effectiveness.
- Taiwan has recently utilised United States (US)-made High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) in its military exercises.
- The annual large-scale Han Kuang military exercises are scheduled to take place in August.
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The Indian Army conducted a live firing exercise named 'Brahmastra' at the Pokhran Firing Range in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, on 09 April 2026. The exercise demonstrated the combat capabilities of the Boeing AH-64 Apache, a…
The National Testing Agency (NTA) conducted a nationwide mock drill for the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination. More than 2.5 lakh security personnel participated in the drill across examination centres nationwide.
Satellite imagery reviewed by the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies shows rows of ageing J-6 aircraft positioned across at least six bases in Fujian and Guangdong provinces. Senior fellow J Michael Dahm said the…
Exercise Dweep Shakti was conducted from 24 to 28 March by the Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force. The tri-service exercise executed coordinated amphibious assaults, maritime dominance operations and complex…
United States clears $482.2 million support package for India's Apache helicopters and M777A2 howitzers on June 17, 2026
Key Updates:
- The United States (US) notified the sale of sustainment support services and related equipment for Apache helicopters and M777A2 Ultra-Light Howitzers to India at an estimated cost of $482.2 million.
- The Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) issued the arms sales notification under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) programme on June 17.
- Boeing Company and Lockheed Martin are the principal contractors for the Apache support deal, while BAE Systems will handle the M777A2 howitzer support.
- India previously purchased 28 AH-64E Apache helicopters from the US in two separate deals worth $2.2 billion for the Indian Air Force (IAF) and $930 million for the Indian Army.
- The Indian Army operates 145 M777A2 howitzers acquired under a $737 million contract through the FMS programme, with 120 units assembled domestically in partnership with Mahindra Defence Systems.
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The United States (US) cleared two military support packages worth $428 million for India through the Foreign Military Sale (FMS) mechanism. A package estimated at $198 million provides sustainment support for AH-64E…
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has granted in-principle clearance for a ₹500 crore National Military Drone Technology Hub at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur. The hub will provide end-to-end capabilities…
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) signed a ₹1,476 crore contract with Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL) to procure five ground-based mobile electronic systems for the Indian Army. The mobile electronic systems are intended to…
A United States (US) delegation led by chief negotiator Brendan Lynch will hold three-day talks with Indian trade officials in New Delhi starting Tuesday. The US administration launched investigations under Section 301…
Australia and Canada sign $2.5 billion over-the-horizon radar deal on 22 June 2026
Key Updates:
- Australia and Canada signed a $2.5 billion deal for Canada to acquire an over-the-horizon radar system, marking Australia's most valuable defence export ever.
- The radar system is modelled on Australia's Jindalee Operational Radar Network (JORN), which has provided 3,000 km of surveillance coverage for 40 years.
- Canada will use the radar to monitor the Arctic, and the project will be built by BAE Systems, which also maintains Australia's JORN.
- Canada has provisioned $6.5 billion in total for the project and will consider expanding the network in the future.
- Canada's secretary for defence procurement, Stephen Fuhr, also inspected Australia's Ghost Bat uncrewed aircraft, which has a range of about 3,700 km and can carry weapons.
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The Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) commissioned an X-band dual-polarisation Doppler Weather Radar in Mahabaleshwar under the Mission Mausam initiative. The radar is installed at the High Altitude Cloud…
The National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) will deploy a high-frequency (HF) radar along Puducherry's coastline. The radar will measure surface currents and waves up to 200 km offshore.
NASA and Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) joint mission NISAR obtained a radar image of Mount St. Helens on 10 November 2025. NISAR's radar penetrates clouds, enabling year-round monitoring of Earth's surface…
The International Cricket Council (ICC) suspended Cricket Canada from membership with immediate effect following Board meetings in Ahmedabad. The suspension follows allegations of corruption, match manipulation, and…
China imposes export controls on 10 United States defence and rare earths firms
Key Updates:
- China imposed export controls on 10 United States (US) companies involved in defence and rare earths mining.
- The action follows the US government blacklisting 80 companies, including Alibaba, Baidu, and BYD, for allegedly aiding the Chinese military.
- The 10 entities subject to export controls include Aveox, Oshkosh Defense, MP Materials, and USA Rare Earth.
- China's finance ministry banned public procurement agencies from purchasing products from 46 US firms, including Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, Boeing's defence division, General Dynamics, and Anduril Industries.
- The restrictions occur amid US arms sales to Taiwan, with a proposed US$14 billion arms package currently under review by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
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China will expand zero-tariff treatment to all African countries with diplomatic ties starting May 1. From May 1, 2026, to April 30, 2028, zero-tariff treatment will be granted to 20 African countries that are not…
The Government of India banned the export of raw and white sugar with immediate effect until 30 September 2026, or until further orders. The ban was implemented to rein in local sugar prices.
HSBC India Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index fell to 53.9 in March 2026 from 56.9 in February, the lowest since June 2022. Input cost inflation hit a 43-month high in March, driven by higher prices for aluminium…
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) imposed a monetary penalty of ₹41.80 lakh on Canara Bank. The penalty was levied for non-compliance with directions regarding Know Your Customer (KYC) and Unclaimed Deposits and…
UK and India host ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’ forum at House of Lords on June 19
Key Updates:
- A high-level forum to strengthen United Kingdom (UK)-India relations and support the ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’ vision was held at the House of Lords on June 19.
- The event was organised by the Non-Resident Indian (NRI) Association of UK.
- The forum focused on cooperation in the fields of trade, education, technology, and cultural exchange.
- The gathering brought together parliamentarians, diplomats, business leaders, and members of the Indian diaspora.
- Speakers expressed optimism regarding opportunities under the proposed UK-India free trade agreement.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired the 11th Governing Council Meeting of the National Institution for Transforming India (NITI Aayog) at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre in New Delhi. The meeting was held under…
The Union Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) hosted the inaugural BRICS MSME Forum 2026 in Agra on June 19. The forum aimed to discuss strategies for strengthening MSME ecosystems, promoting…
Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat), the flagship youth engagement platform of the Department of Youth Affairs, achieved a Guinness World Records title for the highest participation in an online quiz within one week. The record…
Prime Minister Narendra Modi disbursed incentives worth around ₹2,400 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana (PM-VBRY). PM-VBRY is an employment-linked incentive scheme aimed at supporting first-time…
India to host 11th BRICS Energy Ministers’ Meeting in Gurugram on June 25-26
Key Updates:
- India will host the 11th BRICS Energy Ministers’ Meeting in Gurugram, Haryana, on June 25-26 under its BRICS Chairship 2026.
- The meeting is guided by the theme Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability (BRICS), with the Energy Track theme being सर्वेषां ऊर्जम् (Energy for All).
- The BRICS group now comprises 11 member nations, representing nearly half of the world population and around 40 per cent of global Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
- India has structured the BRICS Energy Agenda around three key priorities: energy security and sustainability, energy access and equity, and technology and innovation.
- India has achieved a more than 50-fold increase in solar power capacity over the past decade and deployed over 60 million smart meters.
- The government has set a target of 410 GWh of energy storage capacity by 2032, expanded its transmission network, and accelerated Green Energy Corridors.
- India has implemented the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) and promoted regional grid connectivity through One Sun One World One Grid (OSOWOG).
- In the biofuels sector, India has achieved 20 per cent ethanol blending and introduced E85 fuel to diversify the energy mix and reduce emissions.
- India advocates for global clean energy cooperation through the International Solar Alliance (ISA) and the Global Biofuels Alliance (GBA).
- Ahead of the ministerial meeting, three virtual meetings of senior officials and two seminars on artificial intelligence and carbon capture technologies were conducted.
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Global energy transition readiness declined for the first time in over a decade, according to the World Economic Forum (WEF) Energy Transition Index 2026. India advanced two places to rank 70th among 120 countries…
British International Investment (BII) and Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP) have launched a $300 million renewable energy platform named North Star in India. BII and CIP will each commit up to $150 million to the…
India is hosting a BRICS senior officials meeting under its BRICS presidency that will see Iran and the UAE face to face for the first time since the West Asian conflict. The meeting agenda covers broader West Asian and…
Oil India Limited (OIL) signed a collaboration framework with the Petroleum Technology Research Centre (PTRC), Canada, on June 10 at the Global Energy Show 2026 in Calgary. The partnership focuses on carbon capture…
India Establishes 54 Biodiversity Heritage Sites under Biological Diversity Act 2002
Key Updates:
- India introduced Biodiversity Heritage Sites (BHS) under Section 37 of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, with the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) reporting 54 such sites as of March 2026.
- Nallur Tamarind Grove in Karnataka, declared in 2007, is India's first BHS and covers 54 acres with nearly 300 tamarind trees dating back to the Chola period.
- Ameenpur Lake in Telangana is the first water body to receive BHS status and serves as a habitat for migratory birds including Flamingos, Egrets, Herons, Kingfishers, and River Terns.
- Yaya Tso Lake in Ladakh, located at 4,820 metres above sea level, is proposed for BHS recognition and is a breeding ground for the Black-necked Crane, Bar-headed Goose, and Brahminy Duck.
- Key BHS include Majuli in Assam on the Brahmaputra River, Arittapatti in Tamil Nadu known for raptors like the Laggar Falcon and Shaheen Falcon, and Mahendragiri Hill in Odisha which represents nearly 40% of Odisha's flora.
- Other notable sites include Hogrekan in Karnataka, which acts as a wildlife corridor between Kudremukh and Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, and Gupteswar Forest in Odisha, home to the Mugger Crocodile and Kanger Valley Rock Gecko.
- The complete list of BHS mentioned includes Nallur Tamarind Grove, Hogrekan, University of Agricultural Sciences Bengaluru, Ambaraguda, Glory of Allapalli, Tonglu BHS, Dhotrey BHS, Dialong Village, Ameenpur Lake, Majuli, Ghariyal Rehabilitation Centre, Mandasaru, Gupteswar Forest, Mahendragiri Hill, Gandhamardan Hill, Patalkot, Asramam Kollam, Bambarde Myristica Swamps, Garo Hills, Arittapatti, Inland Mangrove of Guneri, Elathur Lake, Nagamalai Hillock, Canary Pahad, and Mawtneng.
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The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) released the People and Nature Report, the first assessment covering World Heritage Sites, Biosphere Reserves, and Global Geoparks. The report…
Padma Shri P L Gautam has been named as the Chair of the reconstituted Expert Committee on Agrobiodiversity under the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA). The committee has been reconstituted for a period of one year…
Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) started the tradition of World Cup mascots in 1966 with Willie. The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be jointly hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
Jai Prakash Narayan Bird Sanctuary, also known as Surha Tal, located in Ballia, Uttar Pradesh, has been designated as India's 100th Ramsar site. The announcement was made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 5 June…
Meghalaya State Zoo Records First Birth of Stump-Tailed Macaque
Key Updates:
- The Meghalaya State Zoo recorded the first-ever birth of a stump-tailed macaque (Macaca arctoides).
- The breeding pair was brought from the Aizawl Zoological Park in Mizoram through an animal exchange programme.
- The stump-tailed macaque is listed as 'vulnerable' on the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) Red List.
- The species faces threats from habitat loss, fragmentation, and human disturbances.
- The birth is part of scientifically managed ex-situ conservation programmes led by the state department of forests and environment.
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The National Family Health Survey-6 (NFHS-6) recorded a decline in stunting among children under five years in Meghalaya from 46.5% in NFHS-5 to 36.8%. NFHS-6 data shows that 76.4% of children in Meghalaya were breastfed…
Scientists from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) and the University of Calcutta discovered a new lynx spider species, Hamataliwa mawlyngot, in Meghalaya. The species was named after Mawlyngot village in the East…
Project Cheetah was launched on September 17, 2022, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marking the world's first intercontinental translocation of large carnivores with eight cheetahs from Namibia. The cheetah population…
Biruté Marija Filomena Galdikas, a pioneering Lithuanian-Canadian primatologist and conservationist, passed away on 24 March 2026 in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 79. She was a leading authority on orangutans…
Australia Confirms First Case of H5N1 Bird Flu
Key Updates:
- The H5N1 strain of bird flu has been confirmed for the first time in Australia, meaning the highly contagious variant has now reached every continent.
- The virus was detected in a migratory seabird, a brown skua, at the Cape Le Grand National Park near Esperance in Western Australia.
- The H5N1 strain was previously detected in October last year on the Heard and McDonald Islands, which are remote Australian territories in the southern Indian Ocean.
- A study estimated that over 75% of baby seals on Heard Island, approximately 13,000 out of 17,000, were killed by the H5N1 strain since last August.
- The H5N1 strain emerged in China in the late 1990s and can infect birds and other animals such as foxes, seals, and otters.
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The H5N1 avian influenza (H5N1) was detected in a brown skua bird on a remote beach at Cape Le Grand National Park near Esperance, Western Australia. This detection marks the first time the deadly H5 variant has reached…
Cyclone Narelle triggered a powerful dust storm that turned skies blood red over Shark Bay and Denham in Western Australia on March 28. The cyclone reached Category 4 intensity with wind gusts surpassing 200 km/h.
World Dengue Day is observed each year on 15 June. The theme for the observance is One World Against Dengue.
The African-origin Usutu virus was identified in blackbirds in Scotland for the first time in April. The primary vector for the Usutu virus is the brown-grey Culex pipiens mosquito, which is most active in warm…
India A defeats Sri Lanka A to win Tri-Nation Series
Key Updates:
- Vaibhav Sooryavanshi set a world record for the fastest List A half-century by scoring 50 runs in 11 balls during the Tri-Nation Series final against Sri Lanka A.
- The previous world record for the fastest List A fifty was held by Kaushalya Weeraratne, who scored a half-century in 12 balls for Ragama Cricket Club.
- Sooryavanshi surpassed the previous Indian record of a 15-ball fifty held by Sarfaraz Khan, achieved against Punjab in the Vijay Hazare Trophy.
- The final match was held at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, where the 15-year-old Sooryavanshi scored 94 runs off 29 deliveries.
- India A won the Tri-Nation Series by defeating Sri Lanka A by 66 runs in the final.
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Vaibhav Sooryavanshi of Rajasthan Royals (RR) broke the record for the most sixes hit by an Indian batter in a single Indian Premier League (IPL) season during the 2026 edition. The 15-year-old reached a total of 43…
Yashasvi Jaiswal and Urvil Patel jointly hold the record for the fastest half century in Indian Premier League (IPL) history, both achieving the feat in 13 balls. Yashasvi Jaiswal scored the 13-ball fifty for Rajasthan…
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) secured its second consecutive Indian Premier League (IPL) title by defeating Gujarat Titans (GT) by five wickets in the final. The final match was held at the Narendra Modi Stadium in…
Gurindervir Singh won the gold medal in the 100-metre sprint with a national record time of 10.09 seconds on 23 May 2026. The performance took place at the Birsa Munda Athletics Stadium in Ranchi during the 29th National…
Indian women's hockey team defeats New Zealand to win International Hockey Federation (FIH) Nations Cup
Key Updates:
- Indian women's hockey team won the International Hockey Federation (FIH) Nations Cup title by defeating New Zealand 2-0 in the final, earning promotion back to the FIH Pro League.
- Navneet Kaur and Sunelita Toppo scored in the first quarter for India, with Navneet converting a penalty corner in the 4th minute and Sunelita deflecting a drag flick from Deepika in the 15th minute.
- India remained unbeaten throughout the campaign: in Pool A, they defeated USA 3-2, Japan 2-1, and Uruguay 3-2.
- India registered a commanding 6-0 win over Chile in the semi-final.
- This is India's second Nations Cup title, having won the inaugural edition in 2022.
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Hockey India announced the Indian Women’s Team for the International Hockey Federation (FIH) Hockey Women’s Nations Cup New Zealand 2025-26. The tournament is scheduled to be held from June 15 to 21 in Auckland, New…
The Indian U-18 men's hockey team defeated Japan 4-1 in the final held in Kakamigahara, Japan, to win the U-18 Asia Cup 2026. Ashish Tani Purti was named Player of the Match in the final and finished as the tournament's…
The 8th annual Hockey India (HI) awards were held in New Delhi to recognise standout performances during the 2025 season. Hardik Singh and Navneet Kaur were conferred with the Balbir Singh Sr. Award for Player of the…
India defeated Bangladesh 3-1 in the final to win the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Women’s Championship 2026 title for a record sixth time. The final match of the tournament was held in Madgaon, Goa, where…
Harmanpreet Kaur becomes first cricketer to play 200 T20Is
Key Updates:
- India captain Harmanpreet Kaur became the first player across both women's and men's international cricket to play 200 T20 Internationals (T20Is) during a match against South Africa in Manchester.
- Kaur made her international debut in March 2009 against Pakistan in the One Day International (ODI) format and played her first T20I in June 2009 against England at Taunton.
- The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and teammates supported the captain, who was presented with a special jersey and cap by head coach Amol Muzumdar and vice-captain Smriti Mandhana.
- Other women cricketers with high T20I appearances include Suzie Bates (184), Danni Wyatt-Hodge (183), Ellyse Perry (177), and Smriti Mandhana (169).
- Men's players with high T20I appearances include Paul Stirling (163), Rohit Sharma (159), George Dockrell (157), Jos Buttler (155), and Mohammad Nabi (152).
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Indian all-rounder Deepti Sharma equalled the record of Jhulan Goswami for the most wickets in women's international cricket, with both players reaching a total of 355 wickets. Deepti Sharma achieved the feat by taking…
Bhuvneshwar Kumar reached 200 IPL wickets by dismissing Ayush Mhatre during RCB vs CSK on Sunday. He is the second bowler overall and the first fast bowler to reach the 200-wicket mark in IPL history.
Virat Kohli became the first batter to score 800 boundaries in the Indian Premier League (IPL). The milestone was achieved during a match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Gujarat Titans (GT) in Bengaluru.
Virat Kohli became the first player to reach the 9,000-run milestone in the Indian Premier League (IPL). The record was achieved during a match against Delhi Capitals (DC) at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.
Neeraj Chopra and Parul Chaudhary win top honours at Indian Athletics Awards
Key Updates:
- Neeraj Chopra and Parul Chaudhary were named the Best Male and Female Athletes of the Year at the inaugural Indian Athletics Awards, organised by the Athletics Federation of India (AFI).
- Legendary sprinter P T Usha was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award during the ceremony.
- Chopra recorded a best throw of 85.69m in the Doha Diamond League, finishing fourth in his first event of the 2026 season.
- Chopra had previously thrown 90.23m at the Doha Diamond League during the 2025 season, breaching the 90m mark.
- Parul Chaudhary, the national record holder in women's 3000m steeplechase, was recognised for her achievements over the past year.
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Sri Lankan Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage won the javelin throw event at the Doha Diamond League 2026 with a best throw of 88.68m. Grenada's Anderson Peters finished second with a throw of 86.38m, and American Curtis Thompson…
Murali Sreeshankar leapt 8.15m to win the men’s long jump at the opening Indian Athletics Series held at Kanteerava Stadium. Sreeshankar, representing NCOE Trivandrum, recorded his winning jump in his fourth attempt.
Odisha’s Sarun Payasingh won the men’s long jump with a leap of 7.46 m at the fourth leg of the Indian Athletics Series in Ranchi. Maharashtra’s Sarvesh Anil Kushare claimed the men’s high jump title clearing 2.19 m.
The 8th annual Hockey India (HI) awards were held in New Delhi to recognise standout performances during the 2025 season. Hardik Singh and Navneet Kaur were conferred with the Balbir Singh Sr. Award for Player of the…
India wins gold in women's 4x100m relay at Asian Relays Championships
Key Updates:
- India won the gold medal in the women’s 4x100m relay at the second edition of the Asian Relays Championships held in Shaoxing, China.
- The gold-winning women's 4x100m relay team comprised Srabani Nanda, SS Sneha, Sudeshna Shivankar, and Tamanna.
- The Indian women's 4x100m relay team clocked a season best of 43.85 seconds.
- The Indian mixed 4x400m relay team, consisting of Theerthesh Shetty, Poovamma MR, Bharath Sridhar, and Neeru Pathak, won the silver medal with a time of 3:17.06 seconds.
- The Indian mixed 4x100m relay team, consisting of Pranav Gaurav, Tamanna, Animesh Kujur, and SS Sneha, won the bronze medal.
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India's women's recurve team won the gold medal at the Archery World Cup Stage 2 in Shanghai by defeating China 5-4 (28-26) in a shoot-off. The gold-winning Indian team comprised Deepika Kumari, Ankita Bhakat, and Kumkum…
India won 19 medals, comprising 10 gold, 5 silver, and 4 bronze, at the 22nd Asian U20 Athletics Championships held in Hong Kong. Pooja Singh set a senior national record and a meet record in the women's high jump with a…
India topped the medal table at the inaugural World Yogasana Championships held in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, winning 114 medals, including 102 gold. Japan secured the second position with three gold, three silver, and five…
India secured four gold medals at the Commonwealth Youth and Junior Weightlifting Championships and the Universal Cup (Senior) held in Apia, Samoa. Sunil Singh won gold in the 65kg men's category with a total lift of…
Khurasani Imli of Mandu (Madhya Pradesh) awarded Geographical Indication (GI) tag
Key Updates:
- The Khurasani Imli, which is the fruit of the Baobab tree (Adansonia digitata), has been officially granted the Geographical Indication (GI) tag.
- The Baobab tree is not indigenous to India and was introduced to the Mandu region nearly six centuries ago by Afghan and Arab traders.
- Mandu is the only region in India to host a large population of naturally occurring Baobab trees, with an estimated count of more than 1,000 trees.
- The fruit is known for its tangy sweet-sour flavour and is a significant source of Vitamin C, antioxidants, and essential minerals.
- Local tribal communities have traditionally used the pulp, juice, and dried bark of the Baobab tree to treat ailments such as diabetes and digestive issues.
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The Nilgiris district administration and the Department of Horticulture (DoH) have launched a project to revive and promote the cultivation of native fruit trees in the region. One acre of land at the pomological station…
The traditional Tripura Sarinda, a stringed musical instrument associated with indigenous communities, has been granted the Geographical Indication (GI) tag. The GI recognition is intended to preserve folk traditions and…
Four products from Jharkhand have secured Geographical Indication (GI) status. The products granted the GI tag are Bhagaiya silk, Kuchai silk, Munda jewellery, and bamboo craft.
Appemidi mango received Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2009. A 30-km conservation march from Sarakuli village to Unchalli Falls assessed tree status during 30 March-1 April.
India becomes world's top ship recycling nation in 2025
Key Updates:
- India became the world's leading ship recycling nation in 2025, achieving a key target under the Maritime India Vision (MIV) 2030 five years ahead of schedule.
- According to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) report, India's share of global ship recycling rose to 35.4 per cent in 2025 from 30.1 per cent in 2024.
- The volume of ship recycling in India increased by nearly 60 per cent to 2.99 million gross tons (GT) in 2025 from 1.86 million GT in 2024.
- The government enacted the Recycling of Ships Act, 2019, aligning India's ship recycling ecosystem with the Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships (HKC), which India ratified in 2019.
- Financial assistance of Rs 53.5 crore was provided to modernise ship recycling yards, helping 115 facilities become HKC-compliant.
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The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) launched the Logistics Port Performance Index (LPPI) for FY 2024-25 under the Sagar Aankalan framework to benchmark the operational performance of Indian ports. The…
National Maritime Day is observed every year on April 5 to recognise India’s maritime heritage and the shipping industry’s role in trade and economic growth. The date marks the 1919 maiden voyage of the Indian-owned ship…
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved a ₹1,570 crore project to establish a ship repair facility at Vadinar, Gujarat. The project will be jointly implemented by the Deendayal Port Authority (DPA) and…
The Ministry of Mines approved 58 companies for participation under the incentive scheme for promotion of critical mineral recycling. The scheme has an outlay of ₹1,500 crore and is part of the National Critical Mineral…
12th International Day of Yoga observed on June 21, 2026
Key Updates:
- Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi led the national celebrations of the 12th International Day of Yoga (IDY) at Red Road in Kolkata.
- The theme for the IDY 2026 is Yoga for Healthy Ageing, highlighting the role of yoga in promoting physical health and mental well-being.
- The United Nations (UN) proclaimed June 21 as the IDY in 2014 following a proposal introduced during the 69th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA).
- The proposal for the IDY received unprecedented support from 175 member states of the UN.
- The first IDY was observed on June 21, 2015, acknowledging India’s contribution to global wellness and elevating yoga to a worldwide movement.
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International Yoga Day 2026 will be observed on June 21 to promote the ancient Indian practice of yoga for global health and well-being. The official theme for International Yoga Day 2026 is Yoga for Healthy Ageing…
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the first World Yogasana Championship 2026 in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. The championship features over 500 athletes from 78 nations, including Uganda, Zambia, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Kenya…
The main celebration of the International Day of Yoga 2026 will be held in Kolkata on June 21. The theme for the 2026 observance is Yoga for Healthy Ageing.
The International Festival of Yoga and Meditation 2026 is being organised across Ladakh from June 15 to 21 to mark the 12th United Nations (UN) International Day of Yoga. The National Institute of Sowa Rigpa (NISR), Leh…
Tushar Mehta Re-appointed Solicitor General
Key Updates:
- Tushar Mehta was re-appointed as Solicitor General (SG) for a period of three years or until further orders by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC).
- The ACC extended the tenure of Additional Solicitor Generals (ASG) Vikramjeet Banerjee, KM Nataraj, SV Raju, N Venkataraman, and Aishwarya Bhati for three years.
- ASG Chetan Sharma's term for the Delhi High Court was extended for six months effective from July 1.
- The team of ASGs in the Supreme Court includes S Dwarakanath, Archana Pathak Dave, Brijender Chahar, Rajkumar Bhaskar Thakare, Raghavendra P Shankar, Davinder Pal Singh, K Ravindra Kumar, and Anil Kaushik.
- SD Sanjay took charge as the Advocate General of Bihar on June 18.
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Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched two books authored by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta in New Delhi on 10 May 2026. The titles of the launched books are 'The Bench, the Bar, and the Bizarre' and 'The Lawful and the…
Hitesh Rameshchandra Joshi was appointed as the Chairman-cum-Managing Director (CMD) of the General Insurance Corporation of India (GIC Re). The appointment was approved by the Department of Financial Services (DFS)…
Jayen Mehta has been elected as the Chairman of the SPCDF. The election for the position of Chairman was conducted unanimously.
The Finance Ministry (FinMin) has notified the Principal Bench of the Goods and Services Tax Appellate Tribunal (GSTAT) as the National Appellate Authority for Advance Rulings. The notification is deemed to have come…
