The reports titled “Ease of Doing Research & Development in India” and “Survey Report on Ease of Doing R&D in India” were released on 9 April 2026 in New Delhi. The release was officiated by Shri Suman Bery, Vice…
NITI Aayog Releases 8th Trade Watch Quarterly Reporting USD 1.84 Trillion Total Trade
Key Updates:
- NITI Aayog Vice-Chairman Shri Ashok Kumar Lahiri released the 8th edition of the Trade Watch Quarterly for the fourth quarter (January–March 2026) of FY2025-26 in New Delhi.
- India's total goods and services trade grew 5.4 per cent year-on-year during FY2025-26 to reach USD 1.84 trillion, with exports rising 4.2 per cent and imports 6.5 per cent.
- India retained its position as the world's eighth-largest services exporter in 2025, recording a 10.3 per cent Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) in services exports between 2015 and 2025.
- The pharmaceutical sector exported USD 35.8 billion of products in 2025 against a global drug and Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) demand of approximately USD 1.3 trillion.
- Telangana, Gujarat, and Maharashtra emerged as the leading pillars of the Indian pharmaceutical industry, which remains dependent on China for raw materials and intermediates.
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NITI Aayog released a 10-year roadmap titled “Future of India’s Semiconductor Industry” to build a $120-150 billion domestic semiconductor value chain by 2035. The roadmap identifies five key pillars: frontier R&D and…
NITI Aayog has launched the Central Prabhari Officer (CPO) portal to strengthen real-time governance and improve coordination among stakeholders. The portal is designed to accelerate last-mile delivery under the…
Ashok Lahiri has been appointed as the Vice Chairman of the National Institution for Transforming India (NITI Aayog). Lahiri replaces Suman Bery in the role of Vice Chairman.
Andhra Pradesh Government launches India's first private gold mining project at Swarnagiri
Key Updates:
- The Andhra Pradesh government has launched India's first private gold mining project at Swarnagiri (formerly Jonnagiri) in the Kurnool district.
- The project is operated by Geomysore Services India Pvt Ltd (GMSI) with an investment of approximately ₹405 crore across nearly 598 hectares in Tuggali mandal.
- The mine is expected to produce 400 kg of gold during 2026-27, with annual output projected to increase to nearly one tonne and potentially two tonnes following the addition of a second processing unit.
- The state government expects annual revenue of ₹57 crore at a production level of 400 kg and up to ₹144 crore if output reaches 900 kg.
- Other gold-bearing areas under exploration in Andhra Pradesh include the Chigurgunta-Bisanatham block and sites in Anantapur district including Boksampalli, Ramagiri, and Javakula.
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The Jonnagiri project in Kurnool district, Andhra Pradesh, is India’s first large-scale private gold mine since Independence. Developed by Geomysore Services India Pvt Ltd, the project is scheduled to begin operations in…
The GoI has increased the effective import tax on gold and silver to 15% from the previous rate of 6%. The 15% duty structure comprises a 10% basic customs duty and a 5% Agriculture Infrastructure and Development Cess…
The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has authorised 15 banks to import both gold and silver and two banks to import only gold for a period of three years. The authorisation is effective from April 1, 2026, and…
The Government of India has raised the import duty on gold and silver to 15% from 6%, comprising a 10% basic customs duty and a 5% Agriculture Infrastructure and Development Cess. Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged…
Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) ranks India as world's second-largest fish producer
Key Updates:
- India produced 9 per cent of the world’s aquatic animals in 2024, making it the second-largest producer globally after China according to the State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture 2026 report.
- India led the world in inland water catches with a production of 2.2 million tonnes from rivers, lakes, and freshwater systems, ahead of Bangladesh.
- The country ranked second globally in aquaculture, contributing 12 per cent of the total farmed aquatic animal output.
- Global fisheries and aquaculture production reached a record high of 235 million tonnes in 2024, marking a 5.2 per cent rise from 2022.
- The FAO reported that the share of marine fish stocks within biologically sustainable levels declined to 62.4 per cent in 2023 from 64.5 per cent in 2021.
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A gas explosion occurred at the Liushenyu coal mine in Qinyuan County, Changzhi city, located in the Shanxi province of China. At least 90 people were killed, and 201 out of 247 workers who were underground were rescued.
The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) released the SIPRI Yearbook 2026 on June 8, estimating India's nuclear arsenal at approximately 190 warheads by early 2026. India's military expenditure…
The World Bank (WB) reports that global carbon pricing covers 29 per cent of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, with annual revenues from emissions trading systems (ETS) and carbon taxes exceeding $107 billion in 2025.…
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…
International Finance Corporation (IFC) commits USD 371 million to Sify for data centre expansion
Key Updates:
- The International Finance Corporation (IFC), a World Bank Group arm, has committed USD 371 million to Sify through a sustainability-linked loan.
- The investment is partnered with Sify Infinit Spaces Ltd (SISL), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sify Technologies Ltd.
- The funding will support the development of two AI-ready, energy-efficient data centres in Navi Mumbai and Chennai with a combined capacity of 103 MW.
- The IFC is working with SISL to mobilise an additional amount up to the Indian Rupee (INR) equivalent of USD 300 million for growth and expansion in India.
- India accounts for 20 per cent of global data consumption, with over 1.2 billion mobile subscribers and over 1 billion internet users.
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The International Finance Corporation (IFC), Siemens Financial Services and Fullerton Carbon Action Fund have announced an equity investment of $105 million in Hygenco Green Energies. The investment breakdown includes…
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…
ONESTRUCTION Inc., a Tottori-based Japanese construction technology firm, and DataKaveri Systems signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to integrate construction data into AI-ready urban data exchanges across Indian…
Saurabh Vijay, the current Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), will assume additional charge as the CEO of the India AI Mission. The India AI Mission is a strategic…
National Stock Exchange of India (NSE) signs MoU with Bharat Metal Exchange (BME) to boost non-ferrous metal derivatives
Key Updates:
- The National Stock Exchange of India (NSE) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bharat Metal Exchange Ltd. (BME), formerly known as Bombay Metal Exchange Ltd., to promote the development, awareness, and adoption of non-ferrous metal derivatives in India.
- BME has a history spanning more than nine decades and maintains an extensive network across the non-ferrous metals trade and industry ecosystem.
- The collaboration aims to increase market participation, strengthen price risk management practices, and support the development of hedging tools for stakeholders across the non-ferrous metals value chain.
- India is among the world's largest consumers of industrial metals, specifically copper, aluminium, zinc, lead, and nickel.
- NSE and BME will jointly conduct industry outreach programmes and develop products in the non-ferrous metals segment to encourage the adoption of exchange-based risk management solutions.
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National Stock Exchange of India Limited (NSE) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Steel Users Federation of India (SUFI) to collaborate on the development of the steel and relevant commodity…
National Stock Exchange of India (NSE) and Indian Gas Exchange Ltd (IGX) will introduce exchange-traded derivatives based on natural gas traded on the IGX platform. NSE will launch Indian natural gas derivative contracts…
On May 30, 2026, the National Institute of Securities Markets (NISM), established by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), partnered with Galgotias University in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh. The…
NLC India Ltd (NLCIL) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the CSIR-Central Electrochemical Research Institute (CSIR-CECRI), Karaikudi, to collaborate on critical and strategic mineral beneficiation and…
Nafed Initiatives: Direct Procurement of Pulses and Oilseeds to Reduce Import Dependence
Key Updates:
- Union Cooperation Minister Amit Shah directed the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation (Nafed) and National Cooperative Consumers' Federation (NCCF) to procure pulses and oilseeds directly from farmers to eliminate middlemen.
- The initiative aims to reduce India's annual imports of 6-7 million tonnes of pulses and 15-16 million tonnes of edible oils.
- A two-year deadline has been set for farmers to sell directly to the two cooperatives and receive payments without intermediaries.
- Nafed launched four initiatives: Nafex.in for transparent auctioning, Drishti for digital inventory management and ERP, a real-time data analysis tool, and the Nafed Kalyan Fund to support the careers of farmers' children.
- Nafed's annual turnover grew from ₹500 crore in 2013 to ₹30,000 crore in FY25, reaching 76 lakh farmers, with a future target of ₹50,000 crore.
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The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution expanded procurement operations under the PM-AASHA scheme in Chhattisgarh and launched the first structured pulse procurement in Bihar under the Atmanirbhar…
The Ministry of Cooperation organised the Second Regional Conference on Cooperative Reforms in Aizawl, Mizoram, to advance the "Sahkar se Samriddhi" vision. The conference included representatives from all North-Eastern…
The Department of Posts (DoP) signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India (TRIFED) to create a nationwide logistics backbone for tribal…
The Union Cabinet approved a nutrient-based subsidy (NBS) scheme worth Rs 41,534 crore for phosphatic and potassic fertilisers for the Kharif 2026 season from 1 April 2026 to 30 September 2026. Retail price of DAP…
Auto Mutation System and Paperless Registration 2.0 launched in Haryana to digitise land mutation process
Key Updates:
- Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini launched the Auto Mutation System and Paperless Registration 2.0 on Tuesday.
- Under the new system, residents are no longer required to submit separate applications for mutation of land records; mutation documents can be downloaded from home.
- The launch programme was attended by Revenue Minister Vipul Goel, Public Works Minister Ranbir Gangwa, and Additional Chief Secretary Sumita Misra.
- The Paperless Registration system was initially introduced on September 29, 2025 in Ladwa tehsil of Kurukshetra district and implemented across Haryana from November 1, 2025.
- The second phase, Paperless Registration 2.0, integrates mutation with property registration, features a simplified application form, and makes Aadhaar-based e-KYC mandatory for both parties to ensure 100% identity verification.
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Bhu-Aadhaar is a 14-digit Unique Land Parcel Identification Number (ULPIN) designed to provide every piece of land a unique digital identity based on its location. The ULPIN is managed by the Department of Land Resources…
Union Food Minister Pralhad Joshi launched the smart warehousing system of Central Warehousing Corporation (CWC) that uses modern technologies like AI and IoT to monitor inventory and real-time operations in 216 grain…
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…
Haryana Labour Minister Anil Vij announced the launch of the 'ShramMitra' app to digitise and modernise the labour market. The app is designed to transform the traditional labour chowk into a digital platform.
Odisha Development Projects and Tribal Welfare Initiatives worth ₹47,600 Crore
Key Updates:
- President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi inaugurated 60 projects and laid foundation stones for 12 projects worth ₹47,600 crore on 20 June 2026 in Rairangpur, Odisha.
- The development projects cover multiple sectors including energy, industrial infrastructure, road connectivity, drinking water, health, education, tourism, and irrigation.
- PM Narendra Modi announced that Pahadpur village in the Mayurbhanj district of Odisha will be developed as a Surya Gram (Solar Village).
- Tribal welfare initiatives highlighted include the Pradhan Mantri Van-Dhan Yojana (PMVDY) providing Minimum Support Price (MSP) for over 90 minor forest produce.
- The Government of India (GoI) is implementing the Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan (DAJGUA) to develop social infrastructure in tribal rural areas.
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The Art of Living, founded in 1981 by Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, celebrated its 45th anniversary and the 70th birthday of its founder at the Art of Living International Centre in Bengaluru. The PM MITRA Park at…
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Gujarat on May 10 and 11 to attend the Somnath Amrit Mahotsav. The Prime Minister will inaugurate the Sardar Dham in Vadodara, Gujarat, on the evening of May 11.
PM Modi will visit Gujarat on 31 March to inaugurate or lay foundation stone of developmental projects worth around Rs 19,000 crore in Vav-Tharad district. Vav-Tharad became Gujarat’s 34th district after being carved out…
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima at the Huis ten Bosch Palace in the Netherlands. Bilateral trade between India and the Netherlands was valued at USD 27.8 billion in 2024-25…
DISHA 2.0 Scheme: Rs 255 Crore Outlay for Access to Justice
Key Updates:
- The Union Ministry of Law and Justice approved the continuation of the Central Sector Scheme 'Designing Innovative Solutions for Holistic Access to Justice (DISHA)' as DISHA 2.0 for five years from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2031.
- DISHA 2.0 has a financial outlay of Rs 255 crore, fully funded through 100% Gross Budgetary Support of the Union Government.
- The scheme targets a cumulative outreach of 3 crore beneficiaries.
- It comprises four components: Tele-Law, Nyaya Bandhu, Legal Literacy and Legal Awareness Programme (LLLAP), and a new component VIDHI Sanjeevani (a digital platform with AI-powered Nyaya Setu chatbot).
- The earlier DISHA Scheme (2021-26) with an outlay of Rs 250 crore reached over 2.37 crore beneficiaries by 31 May 2026.
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President Draupadi Murmu approved the Union Cabinet's decision to increase the strength of the Supreme Court of India (SC) from 34 to 38 judges, including the Chief Justice of India (CJI). The increase was effected by…
Nyaya Setu, a voice-first multilingual AI legal assistant, was unveiled by the Vice-President of India, Shri C.P. Radhakrishnan, at the DISHA programme in Vigyan Bhawan. The chatbot was developed by the Digital India…
The Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) launched the National e-Governance Service Delivery Assessment (NeSDA) 2025 Portal to assess digital governance across States, Union Territories, and…
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved the Scheme for Assistance in Ration Transport and Handling-Income with Automation in PDS (SARTHAK-PDS) with a central outlay of ₹25,530 crore. The programme is…
Digital India BHASHINI and AISF MoU: Boosting Language Technology Ecosystem in Assam
Key Updates:
- The Digital India BHASHINI Division (DIBD) and the Assam Innovation & Startup Foundation (AISF) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote language technology and multilingual artificial intelligence (AI) solutions in Assam.
- The MoU was announced by the Ministry of Electronics & IT (MeitY).
- The partnership aims to promote generative AI solutions and governance in regional languages to strengthen innovation and digital inclusion across Assam.
- DIBD and AISF will collaborate under the BHASHINI Rajyam initiative to facilitate multilingual access to AISF programmes, initiatives, digital platforms, and services.
- The collaboration focuses on integrating language translation APIs, developing voice-enabled solutions, and strengthening linguistic data collection through Bhashadaan.
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The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) and the Digital India BHASHINI Division (DIBD) have signed an MoU to strengthen multilingual digital access across India's investment and business…
The Digital India BHASHINI Division (DIBD) and the Government e Marketplace (GeM) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) under the “BHASHINI for Seva/Sanchalan – A BHASHINI Sahayogi Program”. The initiative…
Digital India BHASHINI Division (DIBD) and Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) signed a strategic MoU under the initiative 'BHASHINI for Seva / Sanchalan – A BHASHINI Sahayogi Program'. The…
The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Chamber India to strengthen the nation's startup ecosystem and promote innovation-led growth. Under…
PFRDA launches 'Pension Sahayak' AI-enabled grievance redressal platform for pension subscribers
Key Updates:
- The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) launched the 'PFRDA Pension Sahayak' platform, an AI-enabled grievance redressal system for pension subscribers.
- The platform integrates multiple pension service touchpoints into a unified digital ecosystem, marking a significant step towards citizen-centric governance and digital transformation in the sector.
- It supports 22 Indian languages through integration with Bhashini and enables voice-based grievance filing, making pension services more inclusive and accessible.
- The platform incorporates an automated escalation mechanism whereby grievances not resolved within prescribed timelines are escalated automatically, enhancing accountability and ensuring timely resolution.
- The platform combines the principles of accessibility, transparency and accountability envisaged under the Centre's NextGen CPGRAMS with specialised pension-sector workflows, multilingual citizen interaction, integrated grievance handling and AI-enabled supervisory capabilities.
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The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) launched the StAR NPS platform on June 4, 2026, developed by BSE Technologies Private Limited (BTPL). The platform enables Points of Presence (PoPs) to…
Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) organised the APY Annual Felicitation Programme in New Delhi, recognising 53 APY Service Providers, 10 State Level Bankers' Committees, top 5 bank branches, and…
The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) issued a circular on May 14, 2026, relaxing rules for the surrender of annuity policies under the National Pension System (NPS). Surrender is now permitted in…
Digital India BHASHINI Division (DIBD) and Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) signed a strategic MoU under the initiative 'BHASHINI for Seva / Sanchalan – A BHASHINI Sahayogi Program'. The…
India hosts BRICS Heads of Space Agencies (HOSA) Meeting in Bengaluru on 24 June 2026
Key Updates:
- Union Minister Jitendra Singh proposed the concept of a BRICS Space Economy during the BRICS Heads of Space Agencies (HOSA) Meeting in Bengaluru.
- The meeting was hosted by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) under India's BRICS Chairship 2026.
- Participating nations included Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, South Africa, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
- The meeting reviewed the BRICS Remote Sensing Satellite Constellation (RSSC) and discussed the creation of a proposed BRICS Space Council.
- Delegates explored collaborations in space sustainability, debris-free missions, disaster management, Earth observation, capacity building, and knowledge sharing.
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The Brics Heads of Space Agencies (Hosa) meeting commenced as a two-day closed-door session in Bengaluru on June 23, 2026. The meeting is conducted under India's 2026 Brics chairship theme, “Building for Resilience…
On May 8, 2026, High Commissioner of India to South Africa Prabhat Kumar formally handed over a banner of the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA) to the South African Astronomical Observatory…
The Indian Space Industry E-Catalogue, India's first comprehensive digital repository of space-sector capabilities, was launched at the India Space Congress (ISC). The platform was developed by the Satcom Industry…
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…
IAEA chief says Iran nuclear inspections 'going to happen' without specific timeline
Key Updates:
- International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi stated that inspections at Iranian atomic sites were 'going to happen' but did not offer a specific timeline.
- The statement followed a preliminary deal signed between Tehran and Washington aimed at ending the Middle East war, which cited IAEA involvement in next steps on Iran's nuclear programme.
- Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi reiterated that no agreement had been reached on IAEA inspections of sites bombed by the United States and Israel.
- Since US-Israeli bombardments in June 2025, uncertainty has surrounded the status of hundreds of kilograms of Iran's highly enriched uranium stockpiles.
- Iran agreed in September to allow IAEA inspectors to return after settling on a new framework, and IAEA officials have visited the country, including a visit to the Bushehr nuclear power plant.
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The United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran signed the 'Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding' (MoU), a 14-point interim agreement to end hostilities and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The interim deal declares…
The 48th Meeting of National Representatives (NRM) of the Regional Cooperative Agreement (RCA) was hosted by the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) from 19–22 May 2026 in Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra. India formally assumed…
Kim Yo Jong, sister of leader Kim Jong Un, stated that North Korea's status as a nuclear power is absolutely non-negotiable. North Korea unveiled a new facility designed to enrich weapons-grade uranium to produce fuel…
Iran has proposed a 10-point peace plan to end the conflict as the United States (US) and Israel intensify military attacks on Iranian territory. US President Donald Trump set a deadline of 8:00 PM Washington time on…
India and China Discuss Normalisation of Ties During BRICS Meeting in New Delhi on 22 June 2026
Key Updates:
- Indian National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met on 22 June 2026 in New Delhi.
- The meeting was conducted on the sidelines of the BRICS National Security Advisers' meeting.
- India is the current chair of the BRICS group.
- The two leaders noted progress towards the gradual normalisation of bilateral ties, describing the talks as constructive and forward-looking.
- The founding members of BRICS are Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.
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The Government of Pakistan announced the issuance of a special PKR 75 commemorative coin to celebrate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations with China. The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) will make the coin available…
India and Sweden agreed to elevate their bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership during talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson. Prime Minister Modi was awarded the 'Royal…
India and China held the 35th meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation & Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC) in Beijing on May 27. The Indian delegation was led by Sujit Ghosh, Joint Secretary…
Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi visited Myanmar from May 2-5, 2026, to intensify the 'Act East Policy'. Admiral Tripathi met Admiral Htein Win, Commander-in-Chief of the Myanmar Navy, in Naypyitaw on…
Indian Naval Ships Udaygiri and Kavaratti conclude Vietnam port call, continue Southeast Asia deployment
Key Updates:
- Indian Naval Ships Udaygiri and Kavaratti departed Ho Chi Minh City on Wednesday after completing a successful port call to Vietnam.
- The ships were operating under the command of Rear Admiral Alok Ananda, Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet (FOCEF).
- Rear Admiral Ananda held discussions with senior officials of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee and the Vietnam People’s Navy on maritime cooperation and regional maritime security.
- The Indian delegation paid tribute to President Ho Chi Minh through a wreath-laying ceremony at his statue in Ho Chi Minh City.
- A joint yoga session was conducted onboard INS Kavaratti to mark the 12th International Day of Yoga, with participation from naval personnel of both countries.
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Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and General Phan Van Giang reviewed the bilateral partnership in maritime security, defence industry, training, and regional stability in Hanoi. The ministers virtually inaugurated a…
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will commission three indigenously built naval ships—Dunagiri, Sanshodhak, and Agray—at Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port in Kolkata. The vessels were designed by the Indian Navy's Warship Design…
The Indian Army and the Indian Navy (IN) signed a Memorandum of Association (MoA) on Affiliation to formalise structured cooperation between Army formations and naval ships and commands. The MoA was signed by Lt Gen VPS…
Union Minister for Defence Rajnath Singh held a bilateral meeting with Vietnam’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence, General Phan Van Giang, in New Delhi on 6 May 2026. The two nations signed 13…
India and Israel sign MoU to strengthen cooperation in public sector auditing
Key Updates:
- The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India and the Supreme Audit Institution (SAI) of Israel signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance cooperation in public sector auditing.
- The agreement was signed during a bilateral meeting between the CAG of India, K Sanjay Murthy, and the State Comptroller and Ombudsman of Israel, Matanyahu Englman.
- The MoU establishes a framework for the exchange of professional knowledge, methodologies, technical expertise, training opportunities, and best practices in public sector auditing.
- Matanyahu Englman, who also serves as the President of the European Organisation of Supreme Audit Institutions (EUROSAI), delivered a lecture on Artificial Intelligence in public sector auditing under the Dr BR Ambedkar Lecture Series.
- The engagement aims to promote transparency, accountability, good governance, and innovation in public administration while strengthening relations between India and Israel.
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The Quality Council of India (QCI) and the Footwear Design and Development Institute (FDDI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on June 12, 2026. The partnership aims to strengthen quality, testing, accreditation…
The Digital India BHASHINI Division (DIBD) and the Government e Marketplace (GeM) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) under the “BHASHINI for Seva/Sanchalan – A BHASHINI Sahayogi Program”. The initiative…
RITES Ltd, a transport infrastructure consultancy and engineering firm, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with CRISIL Ltd on Wednesday, May 27, 2026. The MoU aims to jointly develop integrated, data-driven…
Air India and Riyadh Air signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on June 4 to strengthen air connectivity between India and Saudi Arabia. The partnership introduces codeshare and interline agreements, allowing…
European Union and member nations join United States-led Pax Silica initiative to reduce AI supply chain dependence on China
Key Updates:
- The European Union (EU) and three nations, namely Germany, Greece, and the Netherlands, joined Pax Silica, a United States-led initiative.
- Pax Silica aims to secure artificial intelligence (AI) supply chains, including chips, rare earths, critical minerals, and energy, to reduce dependence on China.
- The initiative's membership has reached 24 countries, with Argentina, Chile, Costa Rica, Kazakhstan, and Panama joining this week.
- India joined the Pax Silica initiative earlier this year.
- The United States and Kazakhstan will create an economic security zone to expand opportunities for mineral security, similar to a zone being created with the Philippines.
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The Philippines has joined the United States (US)-led Pax Silica initiative as its 13th member to secure technology supply chains for semiconductors and Artificial Intelligence (AI). A 4,000-acre industrial hub will be…
India and the United States (US) signed a framework agreement titled Securing of Supply in the Mining and Processing of Critical Minerals and Rare Earths in New Delhi on 26 May 2026. The agreement was signed by External…
Anthropic is providing access to its Mythos Artificial Intelligence (AI) model to 150 organisations across more than 15 countries through an initiative called Project Glasswing. Mythos is an AI model specifically…
Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) signed an MoU with Blue Star Limited on 24 March 2026. The partnership targets startups, innovators, and entrepreneurs in HVAC technologies, digital…
United Nations Security Council adopts Resolution 2823 (2026) for peacekeeper safety on 23 June 2026
Key Updates:
- The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) unanimously adopted Resolution 2823 (2026) to facilitate the investigation and prosecution of perpetrators of crimes against United Nations (UN) peacekeepers.
- The text of the resolution was put forward by Denmark and Pakistan, two non-permanent members of the UNSC, and received support from more than 150 countries.
- Pakistan reported that nearly 4,500 UN blue helmets have lost their lives in the line of duty, including 183 personnel from Pakistan.
- The resolution requests the UN Secretary-General to designate a senior focal point on accountability for crimes against peacekeepers to bolster coordination and capacity.
- The UN Secretary-General is mandated to submit an annual report to the UNSC on the status of cases related to violence against peacekeepers, with the first report due within 120 days.
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SMPP, an Indian defence manufacturer, completed the delivery of 100 operational Peacekeeper (Agniveg) jet-based drones and six training drones to the Indian Army. The Peacekeeper (Agniveg) is a turbojet-powered kamikaze…
The UN Security Council (UNSC) postponed a scheduled Friday vote on a draft resolution brought by Bahrain to authorise defensive force to protect shipping in the Strait of Hormuz from Iranian attacks. The postponement…
Major Abhilasha Barak, an Indian peacekeeper serving with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), has been named the recipient of the 2025 United Nations Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award. She is…
India will hand over USD 2.5 million to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) as the first tranche of its annual USD 5 million contribution. India's Permanent Representative to the UN…
Canada and European Union (EU) Support United Nations (UN) Call to Action on Methane
Key Updates:
- Canada and the European Union (EU) welcomed the Call to Action on methane issued by the United Nations Secretary-General (UNSG) in June 2026.
- The Global Methane Pledge (GMP) target aims to reduce global methane emissions by at least 30% from 2020 levels by the year 2030.
- The GMP currently consists of 159 participating countries and the EU to catalyse progress on methane mitigation since its launch in 2021.
- The fossil fuel sector is identified as the area with the largest potential for immediate methane reductions to support global energy security.
- Canada and the European Commission urged all countries to strengthen methane mitigation efforts in the lead up to the COP31 summit.
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International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda is observed on 7 April every year. The 2026 commemoration at UN Headquarters included survivors Serge Gasore and Marcel Mutsindashyaka…
The International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict is observed on 19 June annually. In 2026, the United Nations (UN) Secretary-General António Guterres issued a message focusing on children…
World Portuguese Language Day is celebrated annually on 5 May to honour a language spoken by approximately 265 million people globally. United Nations (UN) Secretary-General António Guterres highlighted that the…
The 64th sessions of the Subsidiary Bodies (SB64) under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) took place in Bonn from 8 June to 18 June 2026. The Global Climate and Health Alliance (GCHA)…
The ePlane Company targets commercial production of eVTOL air ambulances by 2028
Key Updates:
- The ePlane Company, an Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras)-incubated start-up, aims to begin commercial production of electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) air ambulances by 2028.
- The company targets an initial manufacturing capacity of 80 aircraft per year, scaling to 300-400 annually within a few years and reaching 900 aircraft per year by 2031-32.
- The ePlane Company has secured a $1-billion order from ICATT to deliver air ambulances across India, with deliveries starting in 2027-28 to eventually deploy one aircraft in every district.
- Approximately 80 per cent of the aircraft's bill of materials is sourced domestically, though imported avionics and battery cells account for more than half of the component costs.
- The start-up is collaborating with NVIDIA to utilise the Omniverse platform for onboard sensor processing and digital twin simulations.
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Microsoft has unveiled a new quantum computing chip named Majorana 2, which was redesigned using Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools for materials science. The company aims to develop commercially useful quantum machines…
US-India-based space technology company Pixxel secured a contract from the US National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) under the Strategic Commercial Enhancements Commercial Solutions Opening programme. The contract focuses…
The roadmap is overseen by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (MAFW). It proposes the establishment of a National Mission on Cocoa.
Netrasemi, a Kerala-based semiconductor startup backed by Zoho, has developed the A2000 AI system-on-chip (SoC) using the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) 12nm process. The A2000 targets smart cameras…
Scientists discover 'ballista spider' that launches ants with 140 times force of gravity
Key Updates:
- The newly described spider, nicknamed the 'ballista spider', was discovered in the rainforests of far north Queensland, Australia.
- The spider uses a silk-powered trap that launches prey with accelerations reaching up to 1,367 metres per second squared, equivalent to 140 times Earth's gravity.
- The spider belongs to the genus Propostira in the cobweb spider family Theridiidae and specifically targets aggressive green tree ants (Oecophylla smaragdina).
- The trap is triggered by the ant itself when it bites a cone-shaped silk structure, releasing stored energy and launching the ant into the spider's web above.
- The discovery was published in the journal Current Biology under the title 'Ballistic high-powered spider webs overcome dangerous prey defenses'.
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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…
Two new species of jumping spiders belonging to the genus Mogrus have been discovered in India. The newly identified species are named Mogrus shushka and Mogrus pune.
The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) discovered two new spider species in northeast India. ZSI carried out a comprehensive taxonomic revision of Indian whip scorpions.
A new species of worm-eating snake, Trachischium lalremsangai, has been discovered in the jungles of Mizoram and Myanmar. The species was described in the Herpetozoa journal of the Austrian Herpetological Society by…
Advancements in Microdroplet Chemistry, Quantum Computing, and Materials Science
Key Updates:
- Microdroplet chemistry enables catalyst-free skeletal editing.
- Hydroxyl radicals power the transformation of aniline into pyridine.
- Classiq and Hatch completed a quantum-classical computational chemistry proof of concept (POC) in Singapore using Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Braket.
- Atomically precise nanoclusters, known as superatoms, mimic the chemistry of particular atoms without toxic or cost drawbacks.
- Refinity secured an exclusive license to Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) catalyst technology to convert olefins into circular hydrocarbon liquids.
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Scientists at the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) Central Rice Research Institute developed the world's first AI-designed genome-editing tool for plants. The tool functions as a molecular scalpel to…
Matt Brittin will assume office as BBC director general on 18 May. He succeeds Tim Davie, who announced resignation in November.
Marcia Lucas died at the age of 80 from metastatic cancer at her home in Rancho Mirage, California. She won the Academy Award for Best Film Editing for the 1977 film Star Wars, later renamed A New Hope, alongside Richard…
The Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune, and the Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES), Nainital, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on June 18 to establish a climate…
New Moth Genus Antaram idukki Discovered in Kerala's Idukki District
Key Updates:
- A new genus and species of tiger moth, named Antaram idukki, has been discovered in the Idukki district of Kerala in the southern Western Ghats.
- The species belongs to the subfamily Arctiinae (Erebidae) within the order Lepidoptera.
- The discovery was made by an international collaborative team including scientists from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) and the Natural History Museum, London.
- The research findings were published in the peer-reviewed Journal of the Lepidopterists’ Society.
- The discovery occurred in the Western Ghats, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the eight hottest hotspots of biological diversity.
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Fimbristylis wayanadensis, a grass-like sedge, was discovered in the high mountains of the Western Ghats in Wayanad district, Kerala. The plant was found during fieldwork in the Thollayiram forest and Chembra peak areas…
Scientists have recorded the presence of the invasive moth Phalera cf. bucephala, commonly known as the buff-tip moth, in the Suru Valley of the Kargil district in Ladakh. The research findings were published in the…
Two new species of jumping spiders belonging to the genus Mogrus have been discovered in India. The newly identified species are named Mogrus shushka and Mogrus pune.
A study conducted by the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) and Prof Ramkrishna More College has identified 191 species of cockroaches in India. The research highlights that 60% of the cockroach species found in the…
China's LineShine Supercomputer Tops Global TOP500 Ranking
Key Updates:
- China's LineShine supercomputer ranked first on the 67th TOP500 list, becoming the first system globally to exceed 2 exaflops in sustained performance.
- Deployed at the National Supercomputing Centre in Shenzhen, LineShine achieved a sustained double-precision performance of 2.19 exaflops.
- The ranking was released on 23 June during the 41st International Supercomputing Conference (ISC 2026) held in Hamburg, Germany.
- LineShine utilizes a full central processing unit (CPU) architecture with built-in AI acceleration units and requires approximately 42.2 megawatts of electricity.
- The top five publicly verified exascale supercomputers in the world are LineShine (China), El Capitan (USA), Frontier (USA), Aurora (USA), and Jupiter (Germany).
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The Shenzhou 21 crew, consisting of Zhang Lu, Wu Fei, and Zhang Hongzhang, set a record for the longest on-orbit stay by a Chinese crew after spending nearly seven months in space. The spacecraft landed at the Dongfeng…
Chinese researchers have developed a technology to convert nitrate-laden wastewater into ammonia for fertilisers. The process utilises Artificial Intelligence (AI) to identify a super-effective dual-atom catalyst.
South Korea entered the QS Executive MBA Rankings for the first time in 2026, with Korea University Business School placed 76th globally. Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) released the Executive MBA Rankings 2026.
The European Space Agency (ESA) and Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) jointly launched the Solar wind Magnetosphere Ionosphere Link Explorer (SMILE) mission. The SMILE spacecraft was launched using a Vega C rocket from…
Sports
Cristiano Ronaldo becomes first player to score in six FIFA World Cups
Key Updates:
- Cristiano Ronaldo became the first player to score in six different Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) World Cup tournaments.
- The record was achieved during Portugal's 2026 World Cup Group K match against Uzbekistan at Houston Stadium.
- Ronaldo scored in the 2006 (Germany), 2010 (South Africa), 2014 (Brazil), 2018 (Russia), 2022 (Qatar), and 2026 editions.
- Ronaldo is the all-time leading scorer in international football with 144 goals.
- The Portugal team is managed by Roberto Martinez.
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Lionel Messi became the all-time leading goalscorer at the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) men’s World Cup with 18 goals. Messi broke the 12-year record of 16 goals previously held by Miroslav…
Argentina inaugurated a 26-meter-tall statue of Lionel Messi in Cutral Co, Neuquén, marking the tallest tribute to the football legend worldwide. The artwork was created by local artist Aldo Beroisa and took nearly a…
Lionel Messi became the second footballer in history to reach billionaire status after Cristiano Ronaldo. According to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, Messi's net worth has surpassed $1 billion.
Argentina defeated Algeria 3-0 in their FIFA World Cup 2026 opener, with Lionel Messi scoring a hat-trick. The match was played at a venue in Kansas City, with more than 70,000 supporters in attendance.
India ranks 13th in Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World Future Skills Index 2027 released in June 2026
Key Updates:
- India is ranked 13th globally in the QS World Future Skills Index 2027 with an overall score of 89.4 out of 100, improving from 25th position in the 2025 pilot edition.
- The United States of America (USA) topped the global rankings, followed by Australia in second place and the United Kingdom (UK) in third place.
- The index evaluates the readiness of 89 countries based on four equally weighted indicators: Skills Alignment, Academic Readiness, Future of Work, and Economic Transformation.
- India secured the 5th position globally in the Future of Work indicator, 14th in Economic Transformation, 18th in Skills Alignment, and 22nd in Academic Readiness.
- The report identifies the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 as structurally sound and lists Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), and All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) as globally competitive institutions.
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The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) reported that Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) increased from 9,776 in 2014 to over 13,888. Access to skill development was widened through ITIs…
The ICRIER-Prosus Centre for Internet and Digital Economy (IPCIDE) released the State of India's Digital Economy (SIDE) 2026 report. India is ranked as the fifth most digitalised economy globally, improving from the…
Iceland has retained its position as the world's most peaceful country for the 19th consecutive year. The top 10 safest countries are Iceland, New Zealand, Switzerland, Slovenia, Ireland, Austria, Portugal, Singapore…
Maharashtra’s Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) climbed one place to rank 22nd globally in the World Bank’s Container Port Performance Index (CPPI) for 2025. The CPPI 2025, published by the World Bank and S&P Global…
International Day of Women in Diplomacy observed on June 24
Key Updates:
- The International Day of Women in Diplomacy is celebrated every year on June 24.
- The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) formally instituted the observance in 2022.
- The observance corresponds with the principles stated in Sustainable Development Goal 5 (SDG 5).
- The day aims to acknowledge and advance the role of women in international relations, peacebuilding, and global governance.
- Madeleine Albright and Indira Gandhi are cited as pioneering women who had a significant impact on foreign policy and international politics.
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The International Day for Women in Maritime is observed globally on 18 May every year. The theme for 2026 is "From Policy to Practice: Advancing Gender Equality for Maritime Excellence".
Olympic Day commemorates the founding of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) by Pierre de Coubertin at the Sorbonne in Paris on 23 June 1894. The first Olympic Day was celebrated on 23 June 1948, following a…
Telangana Formation Day is observed on June 2 to commemorate its creation as India's 29th state in 2014. The state was established following the passage of the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014, also known as the…
World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day 2026 is observed on Friday, May 8, 2026, commemorating the birth anniversary of Henry Dunant, founder of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). The theme for World Red…
Paschimbanga Divas observed on June 20 with theme “West Bengal: Heritage, Harmony and Development”
Key Updates:
- Paschimbanga Divas (West Bengal Day) was celebrated on June 20, 2026, at Tarakeswar, Hooghly, West Bengal.
- The theme for this year's Paschimbanga Divas is “West Bengal: Heritage, Harmony and Development”.
- The state-level celebrations were held at Tarakeswar, a location of historic significance associated with Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee.
- The 23rd instalment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) was released, with over ₹18,880 crore transferred to more than 9.44 crore farmers across the country.
- Under the PM Dhan Dhaanya Krishi Yojana, focused support to enhance agricultural productivity and storage infrastructure will be provided to four districts of West Bengal: Purulia, Darjeeling, Alipurduar, and Jhargram.
- Key infrastructure projects mentioned include the completion of Kolkata Metro's Orange Line work at Chingrighata Crossing, a new divisional railway hospital in Howrah, road overbridges in Purba Medinipur, and the Sankrail–Santragachi rail link project.
- Fisheries sector initiatives include the expansion of the Fraserganj Fishing Harbour in South 24 Parganas and the development of a modern fish market in Birbhum.
- The Government of India is implementing Mission Purvodaya to drive the development of Eastern India as a foundation for becoming a developed nation by 2047.
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The Art of Living, founded in 1981 by Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, celebrated its 45th anniversary and the 70th birthday of its founder at the Art of Living International Centre in Bengaluru. The PM MITRA Park at…
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Gujarat on May 10 and 11 to attend the Somnath Amrit Mahotsav. The Prime Minister will inaugurate the Sardar Dham in Vadodara, Gujarat, on the evening of May 11.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima at the Huis ten Bosch Palace in the Netherlands. Bilateral trade between India and the Netherlands was valued at USD 27.8 billion in 2024-25…
PM Modi will visit Gujarat on 31 March to inaugurate or lay foundation stone of developmental projects worth around Rs 19,000 crore in Vav-Tharad district. Vav-Tharad became Gujarat’s 34th district after being carved out…
Khurasani Imli of Mandu awarded Geographical Indication (GI) tag
Key Updates:
- Khurasani Imli, the fruit of the Baobab tree (Adansonia digitata) from Mandu, has been awarded the Geographical Indication (GI) tag.
- The Baobab tree is not indigenous to India and was introduced to Mandu nearly six centuries ago by Afghan and Arab traders.
- Mandu is the only region in India with a large population of this species, with more than 1,000 Baobab trees spread across the area.
- The fruit is rich in Vitamin C, antioxidants, and essential minerals, while its pulp, juice, and dried bark are used to treat diabetes, digestive ailments, fever, and fatigue.
- The horticulture and agriculture departments have initiated efforts to establish a cooperative society to organise the marketing of Baobab-based products.
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The Indori Malwi potato from Indore district was granted the Geographical Indication (GI) tag under the state government's "One District One Product" (ODOP) initiative. A total of 12 regional agricultural products from…
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…
Four iconic cultural and artisan products from Assam have been granted Geographical Indication (GI) status by the Geographical Indications Registry of the Government of India. The newly GI-tagged products are Karbi…
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.
Lok Sabha Speaker launches book on IIT ecosystem on June 20, 2026
Key Updates:
- Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla launched the book titled IIT – The Story of India’s Most Prestigious Educational Ecosystem in New Delhi.
- The book chronicles the journey and contributions of the Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT) to modern science and technology.
- The institutional network of the IIT began with the establishment of IIT Kharagpur and has since expanded to 23 institutions.
- The Speaker noted that the IIT ecosystem has fostered a culture of excellence, innovation, and global leadership in India.
- Faculty and alumni of the IIT have made significant contributions to sectors including space exploration, information technology, and digital transformation.
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Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla constituted the Empowerment of Women Committee for the year 2026-27 with effect from April 21, 2026. Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and Member of Parliament (MP) D Purandeswari has…
Vice President of India C. P. Radhakrishnan released the book titled The Library Man of India: The Story of P.N. Panicker at Uprashtrapati Bhavan. The book, which chronicles the life and contributions of P.N. Panicker…
Vice President of India and Chairman of the Rajya Sabha (RS) Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan released the book 'Tides of Time: Bharat’s History through Murals in Parliament' authored by Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament (MP)…
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla reconstituted four parliamentary committees for the 2026-27 financial year. The committees were officially reconstituted on May 1, 2026, and will serve till April 30, 2027.
International Day of the Celebration of the Solstice observed on June 21
Key Updates:
- The International Day of the Celebration of the Solstice is celebrated on June 21 and was added to the United Nations (UN) international days list in 2019.
- The day is designed to highlight the importance of the solstice in the culture of many indigenous peoples and to encourage cultural exchange.
- The international day was initiated by Bolivia, Chile, Ecuador, and Peru to draw attention to solstice celebrations.
- In northern Europe, the summer solstice is known as Midsummer, with specific names including Jaanipäev in Estonia, Ukon juhla or Juhnannus in Finland, Līgo Day and Jāņi Day in Latvia, and Midsommar in Sweden.
- Indigenous celebrations in South America include Inti Raymi in the Andes, We Tripantu or Wiñoy Tripantu by the Mapuche, and Willkakuti or Yasitata Guasú in other regions.
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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…
World Hydrography Day is observed on 21 June. The Royal Navy of Oman (RNO) marked World Hydrography Day through the Oman National Office.
International Picnic Day is observed annually on June 18. The National Park Service recorded 323 million visits across its system in 2025.
International Day for Dialogue Among Civilizations is observed globally on June 10 every year. The 2026 theme is 'Promoting Exchanges and Mutual Learning among Civilizations and Strengthening International Solidarity and…
World Music Day 2026 observed on 21 June with the theme of Independent Music
Key Updates:
- The 16th edition of Sourendro-Soumyojit's World Music Day Concert was organised on 21 June 2026 at the Netaji Indoor Stadium in Kolkata, West Bengal.
- The theme for the 2026 celebration was the spirit of independent music, curated by the pianist-vocalist duo Sourendro Mullick and Soumyojit Das.
- The concert featured a diverse lineup of Indian artists including Gulzar, Hariharan, Shankar Mahadevan, Shilpa Rao, Vishal Bhardwaj, Rekha Bhardwaj, Vishwa Mohan Bhatt, Anupam Roy, Kalpana Patowary, Parvathy Baul, Sid Sriram, Ayaan Ali Bangash, Nikhita Gandhi, and Benny Dayal.
- The event showcased India's regional musical heritage through performances by the Patachitra artists of Pingla, Thavil players of Kerala, and Bedabati from Manipur.
- Mr. Sundeep Bhutoria, a Trustee of the Prabha Khaitan Foundation, presented a painting of Kavi Guru Rabindranath Tagore by artist Suvaprasanna to the legendary lyricist Gulzar during the event.
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The Uttar Pradesh Sangeet Natak Akademi (SNA) Samman Ceremony 2026 was held at the Gandhi Auditorium of Jan Bhavan in Lucknow. A total of 51 distinguished artistes were honoured for their contributions to music, dance…
World Brain Tumour Day is observed annually on June 8 to raise awareness about brain tumours and their impact on patients and healthcare systems. The official theme for World Brain Tumour Day 2026 is A Closer Look, which…
World Oceans Day 2026 is observed on 8 June with the official United Nations (UN) theme Reimagine. The wider action theme for the year is Strong Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) for Our Blue Planet, which supports the…
World Day Against Speciesism is an annual observance held on June 5. The observance was initiated by animal rights advocates.
Sanjay Kumar Jain Resigned as Chairman and Managing Director of Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC)
Key Updates:
- Sanjay Kumar Jain resigned as the Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC).
- The Ministry of Railways approved the resignation with effect from July 20, 2026.
- The resignation was submitted on personal grounds.
- During his tenure, IRCTC progressed from Mini Ratna to Nav Ratna and from Schedule B to Schedule A.
- The resignation was reported in a regulatory filing under the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements Regulations.
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Dhanendra Kumar served as the first chairman of the Competition Commission of India (CCI). He was a 1968-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the Haryana cadre.
Kumar Mangalam Birla was appointed Non-Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors of Vodafone Idea Limited with effect from May 5, 2026. Ravinder Takkar stepped down as Non-Executive Chairman of Vodafone Idea Limited…
Amarendu Prakash submitted his resignation on 2 January 2026 and ceased to be a member of the SAIL board from 1 April 2026. The Ministry of Steel approved his resignation effective 1 April 2026.
Nitish Kumar submitted his resignation letter as Member of the Legislative Council (MLC) which was accepted by Council Chairman Awadhesh Narayan Singh. He was elected to the Rajya Sabha on March 16 and filed nomination…
President Droupadi Murmu Confers Padma Awards 2026
Key Updates:
- President Droupadi Murmu presented the Padma awards to 65 eminent personalities during the second civil investiture ceremony held on 23 June 2026 at the Gantantra Madap of Rashtrapati Bhavan.
- Former Supreme Court (SC) judge KT Thomas and eminent Malayalam journalist P Narayanan were conferred with the Padma Vibhushan for public affairs and literature and education, respectively.
- The Padma Bhushan was awarded to actor Mammootty, playback singer Alka Yagnik, tennis player Vijay Amritraj, American oncologist Dattatreyudu Nori, industrialist SKM Maeilanandhan, and social worker Vellappally Natesan.
- Rupi Soren received the Padma Bhushan on behalf of her late husband and JMM founder Shibu Soren during the ceremony.
- The government announced a total of 131 Padma awards for 2026, including five Padma Vibhushan awards, on the eve of Republic Day.
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President Droupadi Murmu to confer the Padma Awards on 65 distinguished personalities during the second Civil Investiture Ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan on June 23. The Padma Awards are announced annually on Republic Day…
President Droupadi Murmu conferred Padma Awards 2026 to 66 personalities at the first Civil Investiture Ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan. A total of 131 Padma awards were approved for 2026, comprising five Padma…
President Droupadi Murmu conferred Gallantry Awards to personnel of the Armed Forces, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), and State and Union Territory Police during the Defence Investiture Ceremony at Rashtrapati…
President Droupadi Murmu conferred 7 Kirti Chakras (2 posthumously), 15 Vir Chakras (3 posthumously), and 29 Shaurya Chakras (1 posthumously) to personnel of the defence forces, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), and…
BCA president Harsh Vardhan honoured with Global Prestige Award at House of Lords
Key Updates:
- Harsh Vardhan, President of the Bihar Cricket Association (BCA), was honoured with the Global Prestige Award at the House of Lords, UK Parliament, on June 20, 2026.
- The Global Prestige Award recognises distinguished individuals who have demonstrated leadership, innovation, and dedication towards global peace, justice, and development.
- The award ceremony was held under the theme 'Visionaries of Change: Charting the Course to Viksit Bharat 2047'.
- Harsh Vardhan became the youngest President in the history of the Bihar Cricket Association after being elected unopposed in September 2025.
- He dedicated the honour to the people of Bihar and India, emphasising the vision of building a strong sporting ecosystem for Viksit Bharat 2047.
- Under his leadership, Bihar cricket has focused on grassroots development, with emerging stars like Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Akshara Gupta, who scored an unbeaten 306 runs in a BCA Women's U-19 match.
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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)…
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with the Slovak Republic's highest State honour, the Order of the White Double Cross, First Class. The award was presented by Slovak President Peter Pellegrini during a special…
Stuti Pradhan from Sikkim has been chosen to represent India at the World Youth Parliament. She is a state-level winner of the Viksit Bharat Youth Parliament 2025.
Telugu actor Nandamuri Balakrishna was conferred with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the International Film Festival of Delhi (IFFD) 2026 for his five-decade contribution to the film industry. The award ceremony was…
Kunal Shah Appointed Head of WhatsApp
Key Updates:
- Kunal Shah has been appointed as the head of WhatsApp, succeeding Will Cathcart.
- Meta Platforms (Meta) invested $900 million (approximately Rs 8,550 crore) in CRED as part of the startup's Series H funding round.
- Meta acquired a minority stake of roughly 20 per cent in CRED, valuing the company at Rs 43,239 crore (around $4.5 billion) on a post-money basis.
- Miten Sampat has been named the interim Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of CRED.
- Will Cathcart, who led WhatsApp for seven years, is moving into a new role focused on artificial intelligence initiatives at Meta.
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Meta Superintelligence Labs (MSL) developed Muse Spark, the inaugural model of Meta’s new Muse AI family. Alexandr Wang leads MSL after Meta acquired his startup Scale AI in a multi-billion-dollar deal.
The Gujarat government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Meta Platforms Inc (Meta) in Gandhinagar to provide citizen-centric services via a WhatsApp chatbot. The initiative is part of the 'Sugam Digital…
Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan has been appointed as the brand ambassador for Visa in India. The partnership was launched through the #InfinitelyMore campaign.
Parminder Singh has been appointed as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Reliance Enterprise Intelligence Ltd (REIL). REIL is a joint venture between Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) and Meta Platforms.
