NATIONAL UPDATES:
1. NMCG Expands Urban River Management Plans Across Ganga Basin: The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), in collaboration with the National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA), has expanded Urban River Management Plans (URMPs) under the Namami Gange Programme. URMPs have been completed in 13 cities, while plans are underway for 27 cities in Phase-I and 33 cities in Phase-II, covering around 60 cities across the Ganga Basin. The initiative integrates river conservation with urban planning through pollution control, flood management, wetland restoration, riverfront development, and community participation using nature-based and technology-driven solutions.
2. MoSPI to Launch Index of Services Production (ISP) for Measuring Services Sector Growth: The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) will launch the Index of Services Production (ISP) next month as a monthly indicator to track short-term growth in India’s formal services sector. The ISP, with base year 2024–25, will serve as the services-sector counterpart to the Index of Industrial Production (IIP), with trial indices to be released from 14 July 2026 and regular monthly releases thereafter. The index will provide a high-frequency measure of services sector output, improving economic forecasting, business cycle analysis, and policy decision-making, as the services sector contributes over 50% of India’s Gross Value Added (GVA).
3. APEDA Successfully Concludes First Cohort of BHARATI Programme to Boost Agri-Food Exports: APEDA has successfully completed the first cohort of its flagship BHARATI (Bharat’s Hub for Agritech, Resilience, Advancement and Incubation for Export Innovation) programme, aimed at promoting innovation-driven growth in India’s agri-food export sector. The initiative supports India’s goal of achieving USD 50 billion in APEDA-scheduled product exports by 2030, while helping startups scale export-oriented businesses. Within three months of its launch, participating startups exported GI-tagged Jardalu mangoes to Dubai, millet-based products to New Zealand, and organic products to the UAE, EU, US, and UK, strengthening India’s agri-food export ecosystem.
4. MY Bharat Organises Week-long Vande Mataram Camp to Mark 150th Anniversary of the National Song: MY Bharat, under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, is organising a week-long Vande Mataram Camp from 24–30 June 2026 at Brainware University to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the national song “Vande Mataram“, composed by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay. The camp has brought together 150 youth participants from Gujarat, Meghalaya, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands under the theme “One Song, One Spirit, One Nation.” The initiative aims to promote national integration, patriotism, constitutional values, cultural heritage, and strengthen the spirit of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat through cultural exchanges and youth interaction. Participants will attend sessions on the history of Vande Mataram, constitutional and civic values, youth leadership, and contemporary issues, helping nurture responsible citizens while fostering national unity and social harmony.
5. Government Approves DISHA 2.0 Scheme to Enhance Access to Justice Across India: The Government of India has approved DISHA 2.0 (Designing Innovative Solutions for Holistic Access to Justice) for a five-year period (1 April 2026 – 31 March 2031). DISHA 2.0 is a Central Sector Scheme of the Department of Justice, Ministry of Law and Justice, with a total outlay of ₹255 crore, fully funded through 100% Gross Budgetary Support (GBS). The scheme has been approved by Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Law and Justice, Arjun Ram Meghwal, and is aligned with the 16th Finance Commission cycle (2026–2031). The primary objective of DISHA 2.0 is to ensure holistic and equitable access to justice, particularly for poor and vulnerable sections, with a target of reaching 3 crore beneficiaries by 2031. DISHA 2.0 comprises four key components: Tele-Law, Nyaya Bandhu, Legal Literacy and Legal Awareness Programme (LLLAP), and the newly introduced VIDHI Sanjeevani.
6. Mahesh Dixit Appointed as New Director of Intelligence Bureau (IB): Mahesh Dixit, a 1993-batch IPS officer of the Andhra Pradesh cadre, has been appointed as the Director of the Intelligence Bureau (DIB). He will succeed Tapan Kumar Deka, who has served as the Director of the Intelligence Bureau since 2022, with his tenure ending on 30 June. A medical doctor by education, Mahesh Dixit has previously headed the Jammu & Kashmir desk and served in Nagaland and Bihar during his career.
7. 25 June – Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas: Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas is observed on 25 June to commemorate the 1975 Emergency, honour those who suffered during the period, and reaffirm the importance of safeguarding India’s democratic values and Constitution. On 25 June 1975, a National Emergency was proclaimed under Article 352 by President Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed on the advice of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, leading to the suspension of fundamental rights, press censorship, and expanded executive powers. To mark 50 years of the Emergency, the Ministry of Culture is organising the closing ceremony of year-long commemorative events in New Delhi, featuring the ‘Samvidhan Hatya Diwas’ and ‘Long Live Democracy’ exhibitions and a screening of the short film Samvidhan Hatya Diwas.
8. 24 June – Passport Seva Divas: Passport Seva Divas is observed every year on 24 June to commemorate the enactment of the Passport Act, 1967, and to celebrate improvements in passport and citizen services. The day highlights the Passport Seva Programme, which aims to provide efficient, transparent, and technology-driven passport services to Indian citizens. On this occasion, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) reaffirms its commitment to enhancing passport delivery through digital innovation, wider accessibility, and citizen-centric governance.
INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:
1. 25 June – Day of the Seafarer: Day of the Seafarer is observed every year on 25 June to recognize the vital contribution of seafarers to global trade, the economy, and international maritime transport. The day was established by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in 2010 following its adoption at the 2010 Diplomatic Conference in Manila, Philippines. The observance highlights the importance of safe working conditions, seafarers’ welfare, and gender equality in the maritime sector, while acknowledging the challenges faced by seafarers worldwide.
2. J&K Seeks UNESCO Recognition for Sufiyana Music: Jammu and Kashmir sought UNESCO recognition for Sufiyana music, also called Sufiyana Mousiqi or Sufiana Kalam, for inclusion in the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list in June 2026. The proposal was prepared by the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage, Kashmir chapter. The Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list is maintained by UNESCO for living traditions, performing arts, social practices, rituals, knowledge systems, and craftsmanship. UNESCO uses nomination files that document origin, community practice, transmission, safeguarding measures, and cultural significance. The framework includes requirements for documentation and measures for preservation and intergenerational transmission.
3. Bangladesh Joins International Big Cat Alliance: Bangladesh joined the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) on 24 June 2026 as its 27th member nation. The IBCA is a treaty-based inter-governmental international organisation and legal entity headquartered in New Delhi, India. The IBCA was launched in April 2023 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the commemoration of 50 years of Project Tiger. It became a full-fledged treaty-based international organisation and legal entity on 23 January 2025. The alliance works for the conservation of seven big cat species: tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard, cheetah, jaguar and puma. Bangladesh’s cabinet approved the decision to join the IBCA on 22 May 2026 after a proposal from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. India, a founding member of the alliance, invited Bangladesh to become a full member after discussions between Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma and Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo on 8 and 9 April 2026.
4. India, US Advance Interim Trade Agreement Talks: India and the United States held discussions on an interim trade agreement and the broader Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) during a visit by U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer to New Delhi from 22 to 24 June 2026. Both sides noted substantial progress in recent negotiations, while no deadline was announced for the interim deal or the comprehensive BTA as of 24 June 2026. An interim trade agreement is a temporary trade arrangement that can cover tariff concessions, market access, and sector-specific commitments before a full free trade agreement or comprehensive trade pact is concluded. In this case, the interim arrangement was framed in February 2026, with an initial target of April-May 2026 for completion.
5. PM Pushes e-Zero FIR Rollout for Cybercrime: On 24 June 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired the 52nd PRAGATI meeting and directed states to implement the integrated digital e-Zero FIR system for cyber fraud cases. The system is linked to the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre under the Ministry of Home Affairs and is designed for high-value cyber financial fraud complaints. The e-Zero FIR is a digital mechanism that converts verified cyber financial fraud complaints into Zero FIRs. A Zero FIR can be registered at any police station, regardless of territorial jurisdiction, before transfer to the competent police station for investigation. The system is meant for complaints of financial fraud above ₹10 lakh that are filed through the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal or the helpline number 1930. It supports faster registration of cases and immediate initiation of investigation in cyber fraud matters.
6. Indian Pharmacopoeia 2026 sets blood standards: The Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP) 2026 is the first pharmacopoeia in the world to set exclusive standards for blood and blood components. It was released on 2 January 2026 in New Delhi by Union Health Minister J. P. Nadda. The 10th edition of the Indian Pharmacopoeia includes 20 new monographs and 2 revised monographs for blood-related quality standards. The new standards cover blood and blood components used in transfusion services. These standards are legally enforceable in India and are aligned with the Directorate General of Health Services manual and other international guidelines. The standards are intended to support quality assurance in blood banking and to reduce blood transfusion-transmitted infections.
OTHER UPDATES:
DEFENCE
1. IAF Sukhoi Fleet Carries BrahMos Missiles: As of 25 June 2026, about 40 Indian Air Force Su-30MKI fighters have been integrated with BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles. The Indian Air Force has a total Su-30MKI fleet of 270 aircraft, and the air-launched BrahMos variant is adapted for carriage by the fighter after aircraft modifications. The Su-30MKI is a twin-engine, multirole fighter aircraft developed by Sukhoi and built in India under licence by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. The BrahMos-A is an air-launched version of the BrahMos cruise missile, which is a joint India-Russia weapon system developed by BrahMos Aerospace and the Defence Research and Development Organisation. The BrahMos missile is a supersonic cruise missile that can be launched from land, sea, air, and submarine platforms. The air-launched version weighs about 2.5 tonnes and requires structural and avionics changes in the aircraft for safe carriage and release.
SPORTS
1. Cristiano Ronaldo Becomes First Player to Score in Six FIFA World Cups: Cristiano Ronaldo became the first footballer to score in six different FIFA World Cup editions after netting for Portugal against Uzbekistan. The 41-year-old scored in the 6th minute, extending his World Cup scoring streak that began in 2006. Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are the only players to feature in six FIFA World Cups, but Ronaldo is the only one to have scored in every edition (2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022, and 2026).
2. India Wins Second FIH Women’s Nations Cup Title, Secures Pro League Promotion: India defeated New Zealand 2-0 in the final to win the 2026 FIH Women’s Nations Cup, securing promotion to the FIH Women’s Pro League. Lalremsiami was named Player of the Match, while Deepika finished as the joint-highest scorer of the tournament with six goals. India remained unbeaten throughout the tournament and, after the victory, Hockey India announced a ₹3 lakh cash reward for each player and ₹1.5 lakh for each support staff member.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
1. Varanasi Launches India’s First Easy Connect Flight Under Hub-and-Spoke Model: Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu inaugurated the first Easy Connect flight from Varanasi’s Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, launching the Hub-and-Spoke model to provide seamless international connectivity via Delhi. Under the Easy Connect initiative, passengers can complete check-in, baggage transfer, and immigration at their departure airport, ensuring hassle-free transit through hub airports without repeated procedures. The inaugural Air India flight AI1111 connects Varanasi to global destinations such as Dubai, Colombo, Jeddah, Riyadh, Kathmandu, and Phuket via Delhi, improving international access for passengers from non-metro cities. The Minister said the number of operational airports in India has increased from 74 in 2014 to over 160, and announced that six more airports will be added to the Hub-and-Spoke network within the next six weeks.
2. NASA Plans Swift Boost Mission for Telescope Rescue: NASA is preparing the Swift Boost mission to raise the orbit of the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory, a space telescope launched in November 2004. The observatory is losing altitude because of atmospheric drag linked to increased solar activity, and it could re-enter Earth’s atmosphere by late 2026. The mission is scheduled for launch on 27 June 2026 aboard a Northrop Grumman Pegasus XL rocket. The rocket will be carried by a Stargazer aircraft that will take off from Kwajalein Atoll in the Pacific Ocean. The mission uses a robotic servicing spacecraft named LINK, developed by Arizona-based Katalyst Space Technologies. NASA awarded a $30 million contract for the project in September 2025, and the spacecraft was built in 250 days.
BANKING AND FINANCE
1. PFRDA Launches AI-Powered ‘Pension Sahayak’ for Faster Grievance Redressal: PFRDA has launched the AI-enabled ‘Pension Sahayak’ portal to provide faster, smarter, and citizen-centric pension grievance redressal. The platform integrates multiple pension services into a single digital ecosystem, improving accessibility and user experience. It supports 22 Indian languages through Bhashini and offers voice-based grievance filing, benefiting senior citizens and rural subscribers.
AWARDS AND HONOURS
1. Viswanathan Anand Honoured with Prestigious SJFI Medal: Five-time World Chess Champion Viswanathan Anand was honoured with the Sports Journalists’ Federation of India (SJFI) Medal at a ceremony held at the Madras Cricket Club in Chennai. The award ceremony was organised by the Sports Journalists’ Federation of India (SJFI) in partnership with the Tamil Nadu Sports Journalists’ Association (TNSJA). FIDE Deputy President Viswanathan Anand joins distinguished recipients such as Sunil Gavaskar, Vijay Amritraj, Prakash Padukone, P.T. Usha, and Milkha Singh (posthumously).
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