Daily GK Update- 23rd June, 2026

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. I4C Launches Two New Portals for Cyber Fraud Victims: The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has launched two new portals—Grievance Redressal Mechanism (GRM) and Money Restoration Module (MRM)—to provide faster assistance to cyber fraud victims. The new portals aim to strengthen coordination among police, banks, and the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP), enabling quicker grievance redressal and restoration of funds lost in cyber fraud cases.

 

2. GeM Signs MoU with CSC-SPV to Expand Government Procurement Access: The Government e-Marketplace (GeM) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with CSC Governance Services India Limited (CSC-SPV) to improve access to government procurement opportunities, particularly in rural and underserved areas. Under the partnership, 50 GeM Suvidha Kendras (GSKs) will be established on a pilot basis through the Common Services Centre (CSC) network to assist sellers and service providers in using the GeM portal.  The pilot centres will be set up across Delhi-NCR, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Telangana, and West Bengal, expanding GeM’s outreach across the country.

 

3. Dr. Saibal Chattopadhyay Appointed Chairperson of National Statistical Commission: The Government of India has appointed Saibal Chattopadhyay as the Chairperson of the National Statistical Commission (NSC). Other newly appointed members include Prof. Shubhabrata Das, Shri Satyendra Bahadur Singh, and Dr. Madhavan Mukund. The National Statistical Commission (NSC) serves as the nodal body for core statistical activities in India and is responsible for formulating national statistical policies and setting statistical standards.

 

4. Prof. Bimal N. Patel Elected Judge of ITLOS: Professor Bimal N. Patel has been elected as a Judge of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) for the 2026–2035 term, marking a significant achievement for India in international law. The Government of India thanked the member states for their support and confidence in India’s candidature for the prestigious international judicial body. Govt Forms Search-cum-Selection Committee for National Sports Board Appointments

 

5. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla Launches Book on India’s Prestigious IIT Ecosystem: Om Birla, the Lok Sabha Speaker, launched the book “IIT – The Story of India’s Most Prestigious Educational Ecosystem”, highlighting the evolution and achievements of the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs). India’s IIT journey began with the Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, and the country now has 23 IITs spread across different states.

 

6. Functional Urban Settlements Category Under Consideration: India uses administrative and population-based criteria to classify urban areas, and a new category for functional urban settlements is under consideration in 2026. The existing framework includes Census Towns with a population above 5,000 and Statutory Towns with municipal bodies. Urban classification in India is linked to the Census of India and municipal administration. Census Towns are settlements that meet population, density, and workforce criteria, while Statutory Towns are notified urban local bodies under state law. The Degree of Urbanisation framework is a statistical method used by the United Nations and other agencies to classify settlements by built-up density and contiguity. A modified version of this framework has been applied in India to identify urban settlements outside the existing administrative system.

 

7. Moody’s Flags Risks in India’s Water Management Framework: Moody’s Ratings flagged India’s water management framework on 22 June 2026 as fragmented and inflexible. The assessment linked water governance, fiscal stress, and credit risk in a country where state governments control most water policy and administration. Water governance in India is dispersed across more than 28 states, and state governments hold major responsibility for water management. India’s federal structure gives states control over irrigation, drinking water, and many local water-related decisions. Agriculture consumes about 80% of India’s freshwater. Water pricing for agriculture remains limited in flexibility, and subsidies are common in many states. Slow reallocation of water between sectors affects supply management in regions with competing domestic, agricultural, and industrial demand.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India Improves Rank in WEF Energy Transition Index 2026: India improved its position by two places to rank 70th in the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Energy Transition Index (ETI) 2026, emerging as one of the strongest performers in the global transition towards cleaner energy. While Sweden, Finland, and Denmark retained the top three positions in the ETI 2026, global readiness for the clean energy transition declined for the first time in over a decade.

 

2. 21 June – World Hydrography Day: World Hydrography Day is observed every year on 21 June to highlight the importance of hydrography in ensuring safe navigation, marine conservation, and sustainable use of oceans and waterways. Theme 2026 – Transforming How Ocean Data Is Shared The day is organized by the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO), which was established in 1921 and is headquartered in Monaco.

 

3. 22 June – World Rainforest Day: World Rainforest Day is observed every year on 22 June to raise awareness about the importance of rainforests in maintaining biodiversity, regulating the global climate, and supporting millions of people and wildlife. Theme 2026 – The Forest Within You Rainforests cover only about 6% of the Earth’s land surface but are home to more than half of the world’s terrestrial plant and animal species, making them vital ecosystems.

4. 23 June – International Olympic Day: International Olympic Day is observed every year on 23 June to promote the Olympic values of excellence, friendship, and respect, while encouraging people of all ages to participate in sports and physical activity. The day commemorates the founding of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on 23 June 1894 in Paris, marking the beginning of the modern Olympic Movement.

 

5. Canada Acquires Arctic Over-the-Horizon Radar System: Canada finalised an agreement on 22 June 2026 with Australia and BAE Systems Australia for the acquisition of an Arctic Over-the-Horizon Radar (A-OTHR) system. The contract value is $2.5 billion, and the system is linked to Canada’s NORAD modernisation programme and Arctic surveillance requirements. Arctic Over-the-Horizon Radar is a long-range radar system that uses high-frequency radio waves reflected from the ionosphere to detect objects beyond the line of sight. The A-OTHR system is designed to monitor aircraft and missile threats over Canada’s Arctic and Far North. The Australian A-OTHR technology is derived from the Jindalee Operational Radar Network, commonly known as JORN. JORN is Australia’s over-the-horizon radar network and is regarded as the basis of the export version sold to Canada.

 

6. Australia Confirms First Mainland H5N1 Case: Australia confirmed its first mainland case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 on 20 June 2026 in a brown skua found dead in Cape Le Grand National Park near Esperance in southern Western Australia. The virus was identified as the clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 lineage after testing by the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO). Australia had previously detected H5N1 on Heard Island, a sub-Antarctic Australian territory, in late 2025. The mainland detections prompted tightened biosecurity measures at farms, testing of shorebirds, vaccination of vulnerable species, and emergency response exercises. As of 22 June 2026, authorities had not found evidence of mass mortalities in wildlife or spread to poultry or agricultural systems.

 

7. World Bank Approves $1.5 Billion for India Jobs: The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors approved $1.5 billion in financing for India on 18 June 2026. The financing is linked to the Boosting Job Creation in the Private Sector Development Policy Financing (DPF) Operation, which supports structural reforms for private sector-led job creation and economic growth. India consolidated 29 labour laws into four Labour Codes in November 2025. The four codes are the Code on Wages, the Industrial Relations Code, the Code on Social Security, and the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code. The reform package also includes tax simplification, trade integration, and regulatory changes related to the ease of doing business. The supported areas include labour market participation for women, reduction of barriers to entrepreneurship, and streamlining of trade and investment procedures.

 

 

 

 

 

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

DEFENCE

 

1. US Approves Support Package for India’s Apaches and M777 Systems: The United States approved a military support package for India on 22 June 2026 for sustainment services linked to AH-64E Apache attack helicopters and M777A2 Ultra-Light Howitzers. The total estimated value of the package is USD 482.2 million, and the support covers equipment already in service with the Indian armed forces. The AH-64E Apache is a twin-engine attack helicopter developed by Boeing for anti-armour, reconnaissance, and close air support roles. The sustainment package for the Apache fleet is estimated at USD 198.2 million and includes ancillary items, spare parts, repair and return services, training, technical assistance, field service representatives, and depot-level capability.

 

SPORTS 

 

1. National Sports Board Search-cum-Selection Committee: The Government of India has constituted a Search-cum-Selection Committee to recommend suitable candidates for the posts of Chairperson and Members of the National Sports Board. The committee will be headed by Cabinet Secretary Dr. T.V. Somanathan, who will oversee the selection process for the Board’s leadership.

 

2. India Wins Women’s 4x100m Relay Gold: India won the gold medal in the women’s 4x100m relay at the Asian Relays Championships 2026 in Shangyu, China, on 21 June 2026. The Indian quartet of Srabani Nanda, Sneha SS, Sudeshna Shivankar, and Tamanna clocked 43.85 seconds, which was a season-best timing for the team. India won a silver medal in the mixed 4x400m relay with MR Poovamma, Neeru Pathak, Theerthesh P Shetty, and Barath Sridhar. The team finished in 3:17.06, which placed it behind the gold medallist in the event. India also won a bronze medal in the mixed 4x100m relay through Animesh Kujur, Pranav Gurav, Tamanna, and Sneha Shanuvalli. The quartet finished in 41.47 seconds.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Smart Warehousing System Launched for Foodgrain Storage: Union Minister Pralhad Joshi launched the Smart Warehousing System in New Delhi to enable real-time monitoring of foodgrain stocks and warehouse operations. The system leverages Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) to enhance warehouse management, improve efficiency, and ensure better storage of foodgrains. The Smart Warehousing System has already been implemented in 215 warehouses of the Central Warehousing Corporation (CWC), and the Food Corporation of India (FCI) plans to expand it to 150 more warehouses by October 2026.

2. ICAR-CIBA Demonstrates Blue Swimmer Crab Farming: The ICAR-Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture (ICAR-CIBA) in Chennai demonstrated Blue Swimmer Crab farming technology for the first time in India on 22 June 2026. The species is scientifically known as Portunus reticulatus, and the trial used institute-produced hatchery seed and a pelleted feed named BSCrabPlus. ICAR-CIBA has standardised a technology package for Blue Swimmer Crab aquaculture. The package includes hatchery seed production protocols, nursery rearing methods, and grow-out farming practices. The institute also developed BSCrabPlus, a scientifically formulated pelleted feed for the species.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. World Bank Approves 4,000 Crore Loan for ‘Jal Sanrakshit Haryana’ Project: The World Bank has approved a ₹4,000 crore loan for the ₹5,714 crore ‘Jal Sanrakshit Haryana’ Project, which aims to make Haryana self-reliant in the water sector through sustainable water management. The project covers 15 water management clusters spread across 48.94 lakh acres, focusing on efficient water conservation, irrigation, and equitable water distribution across the state.

 

2. ADB Partners with Schoolnet India to Boost Digital Learning: The Asian Development Bank has partnered with Schoolnet India Limited through a USD 10 million financing package to strengthen digital learning infrastructure in 30,000 government schools, benefiting around 4.5 million students. The Schoolnet Digital Learning Project aims to bridge India’s digital education gap by establishing computer laboratories in at least 1,000 schools and setting up 58,000 digital classrooms, in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. According to ADB, only 26% of K–12 schools in India currently have computer laboratories, while just 29% have smart classrooms, highlighting the need for improved digital infrastructure in education.

 

3. BITS Pilani and Axis Bank Partner for Innovation Park: BITS Pilani and Axis Bank have signed an agreement to establish the Axis Bank–BITS Industry Research, Technology and Innovation Park at the BITS Pilani Hyderabad Campus. The project will be developed with a ₹100 crore Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) grant from Axis Bank, aiming to promote industry-academia collaboration, research, technology development, and innovation.

Daily GK Update- 22nd June, 2026

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Govt launches Nirbhay Chetna training module in New Delhi: The Ministry of Panchayati Raj organised a three-day Training of Trainers (ToT) programme on Nirbhay Chetna in New Delhi and launched the Nirbhay Chetna training module under the Nirbhaya Fund project. Nirbhay Chetna is a national initiative under the Nirbhay Raho programme (launched on 11 March 2026) aimed at sensitising men on women’s safety, security, dignity, and gender-responsive governance at the grassroots level through Panchayats. The pilot programme trained around 40 Master Trainers from six states—Assam, Chhattisgarh, Himachal Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, and Uttarakhand—and is part of a nationwide plan to develop 28,500 Master Trainers who will train over 17 lakh male elected representatives across India.

 

2. IIT Delhi Emerges as India’s Highest-Ranked Institution in QS Rankings 2027 World University: Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT Delhi) has emerged as India’s highest-ranked education and research institution in the QS World University Rankings 2027, securing the 118th position globally, improving from 123rd in the previous edition. The QS (Quacquarelli Symonds) World University Rankings 2027 assessed more than 1,500 universities across 106 countries and territories, making it one of the world’s most comprehensive higher education rankings. A total of 52 Indian universities featured in the QS World University Rankings 2027, reflecting the growing global presence of India’s higher education institutions. With its 118th global rank, IIT Delhi has equalled the highest-ever QS World University Ranking achieved by an Indian institution, reinforcing its leadership in education, research, and innovation.

 

3. India to Host 11th BRICS Energy Ministers’ Meeting: India will host the 11th BRICS Energy Ministers’ Meeting in Gurugram on 25–26 June 2026 under its BRICS Chairship 2026. The meeting will focus on three key priorities: Energy Security and Sustainability, Energy Access and Equity, and Technology and Innovation, with participation from Energy Ministers and senior officials of all 11 BRICS member countries. Guided by the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability,” the meeting will strengthen energy cooperation and provide a platform for India to advance the priorities of the Global South and promote an inclusive global energy future.

 

4. PM Modi Leads International Yoga Day in Kolkata: Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the 12th International Day of Yoga celebrations at Red Road in Kolkata on 21 June 2026. The event included a mass yoga session with thousands of participants and synchronised yoga programmes at multiple locations in the city. The theme for 2026 was “Yoga for Healthy Ageing”. Yoga is a physical, mental and spiritual discipline that originated in ancient India and includes postures, breathing exercises and meditation. During the Kolkata session, the Prime Minister participated in yoga postures and assisted participants in correcting their poses during the 40-minute programme. The venue at Red Road was expected to host about 35,000 participants, while nearly 10 lakh people were expected to join synchronised sessions across Kolkata.

5. India Plans Clean Energy Showcase at BRICS Meet: India will host the 11th BRICS Energy Ministers’ Meeting in Gurugram, Haryana, on 25-26 June 2026 under its BRICS Chairship 2026. The Energy Track theme is “सर्वेषां ऊर्जम्” and it is linked with the phrase “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability (BRICS)”. BRICS is a grouping of major emerging economies that includes Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. The BRICS Energy Ministers’ Meeting is a ministerial-level forum for cooperation on energy security, energy access, technology and sustainability. India’s energy agenda for its BRICS presidency has three priorities: energy security and sustainability, energy access and equity, and technology and innovation. BRICS nations accounted for 51% of global solar electricity generation in 2024, compared with 15% a decade earlier.

 

6. Centre Reappoints Tushar Mehta as Solicitor General: The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet approved the re-appointment of Senior Advocate Tushar Mehta as the Solicitor General of India for a further term of three years on 20 June 2026. His fresh term begins on 1 July 2026, and it extends his tenure as the Union Government’s second-highest law officer. The Solicitor General of India is the second-highest law officer in the Union Government after the Attorney General for India. The office is part of the Union’s law officer system, which also includes Additional Solicitors General and other government counsel. The same approval covered the re-appointment of five Additional Solicitors General for the Supreme Court for three years. Vikramjit Banerjee and K.M. Nataraj begin their new terms on 1 July 2026, while Suryaprakash V. Raju, N. Venkataraman, and Aishwarya Bhati begin their terms on 30 June 2026.

 

7. House of Lords Hosts Viksit Bharat 2047 Forum: The House of Lords in London hosted a “Viksit Bharat 2047” forum on 19 June 2026. The forum was organised by the NRI Association of UK and brought together parliamentarians, diplomats, business leaders, and members of the Indian diaspora. The International Conclave on Good Governance 2024 used “Viksit Bharat 2047” as its theme and held sessions at the House of Lords, House of Commons, London City Hall, and Brent Civic Centre from 11 to 13 September 2024. The General Counsels’ Association of India held a conference in London on 5 June 2026 on “India—UK Partnership” and “Building the Legal Ecosystem for Viksit Bharat 2047.”

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. UAE Sets Minimum Age of 15 for Personal Social Media Accounts: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has fixed 15 years as the minimum age for creating and using personal social media accounts, becoming the first Arab country to introduce such a nationwide regulation. The rule applies to all major social media platforms operating in or targeting users in the UAE, including Meta Platforms’s Facebook and Instagram, as well as TikTok and YouTube. The initiative aims to promote safer online environments for children, strengthen digital safety, and encourage responsible use of social media among young users.

2. 18 June – Autistic Pride Day: Autistic Pride Day is observed every year on 18 June to celebrate the identity, strengths, and contributions of autistic individuals while promoting acceptance, inclusion, and respect for neurodiversity. Theme 2026 – Recognition, Representation, and Reform The day was first celebrated in 2005 by the Aspies For Freedom (AFF), an autism rights organisation, to encourage autistic people to take pride in their identity.

 

3. 18 June – International Picnic Day: International Picnic Day is celebrated every year on 18 June to encourage people to spend time outdoors with family and friends, promoting relaxation, recreation, and healthy social interaction. The day highlights the importance of outdoor activities, strengthening family and community bonds, reducing stress, and fostering appreciation for nature and the environment.

 

4. 19 June – World Sickle Cell Awareness Day: World Sickle Cell Awareness Day is observed every year on 19 June to raise awareness about Sickle cell disease, promote early diagnosis, improve treatment, and support individuals and families affected by the disorder. Theme 2026 – Closing the Survival Gap: Equity in Sickle Cell Disease The day was officially designated by the United Nations General Assembly in 2008 to recognize sickle cell disease as a global public health concern and encourage international efforts to address it.

 

5. 19 June – World Sauntering Day: World Sauntering Day is celebrated every year on 19 June to encourage people to slow down, take leisurely walks, and enjoy the journey rather than rushing through life. The day was created in the 1970s by W. T. Rabe to promote the idea of “sauntering” as a relaxed alternative to the fast-paced lifestyle and the growing popularity of jogging.

 

6. 20 June – World Refugee Day: World Refugee Day is observed every year on 20 June to honour the courage and resilience of refugees who have been forced to flee their homes due to conflict, persecution, violence, or natural disasters. Theme 2026 – Until Everyone Is Safe The day was established by the United Nations in 2001, marking the 50th anniversary of the 1951 Refugee Convention, to raise awareness about the rights and protection of refugees worldwide.

 

7. 21 June – World Music Day: World Music Day is celebrated every year on 21 June to promote the universal language of music, encourage amateur and professional musicians, and make music accessible to everyone through free public performances. Theme 2026 – One World, One Music, One Heart and Music of India The celebration originated in France in 1982 as Fête de la Musique, an initiative launched by the French Ministry of Culture, and is now observed in over 120 countries worldwide.

 

 

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

DEFENCE

 

1. Taiwan Launches Combat Readiness Drill: Taiwan’s military launched a five-day Immediate Combat Readiness Exercise on 22 June 2026 across the island. The drill runs until 26 June 2026 and includes rapid mobilisation, battlefield deployment, joint operations, command coordination, logistical sustainment, and battlefield preparation. The exercise uses real personnel, actual terrain, and operational equipment. It is structured around realistic war scenarios and tests the transition from peacetime to wartime operations. Units are moving to designated defensive positions during the drill. Combat units from the 269th Mechanised Infantry Brigade took part in the exercise. CM32, CM33, and CM34 Clouded Leopard eight-wheeled armoured vehicles were observed moving to defensive positions in Qingpu, Taoyuan. The Clouded Leopard series is a family of armoured fighting vehicles used by Taiwan’s Army.

 

2. US Approves Support Package for India’s Apaches and M777 Systems: The United States approved a military support package for India on 22 June 2026 for sustainment services linked to AH-64E Apache attack helicopters and M777A2 Ultra-Light Howitzers. The total estimated value of the package is USD 482.2 million, and the support covers equipment already in service with the Indian armed forces. The AH-64E Apache is a twin-engine attack helicopter developed by Boeing for anti-armour, reconnaissance, and close air support roles. The sustainment package for the Apache fleet is estimated at USD 198.2 million and includes ancillary items, spare parts, repair and return services, training, technical assistance, field service representatives, and depot-level capability.

 

SPORTS 

 

1. India Wins 12 Medals at 56th Grand Prix Usti nad Labem: India delivered a dominant performance at the 56th Grand Prix Usti nad Labem in Czechia, finishing with 12 medals, including 8 gold, 3 silver, and 1 bronze, ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Games. The women’s team won 4 gold and 1 silver, with Lovlina Borgohain (75 kg), Preeti Pawar (54 kg), Sakshi Chaudhary (51 kg), and Priya Ghanghas (60 kg) clinching gold medals, while Parveen Hooda (65 kg) secured silver. The men’s team also claimed 4 gold medals, with Jadumani Singh (55 kg), Sachin (60 kg), Ankush (80 kg), and Narender (+90 kg) emerging champions in their respective weight categories. Additional medals came from Aditya Pratap Yadav (65 kg) and Kapil Pokhariya (90 kg), who won silver, while Sumit Kundu (70 kg) earned a bronze medal, completing India’s successful campaign.

 

2. India Wins FIH Women’s Nations Cup 2026: India defeated hosts New Zealand 2-0 in the final at Auckland to win its second FIH Women’s Nations Cup title and secured promotion to the FIH Women’s Pro League for the next season. Navneet Kaur and Sunelita Toppo scored the goals in the final, while Lalremsiami was named Player of the Match, and Deepika finished as the joint-highest scorer of the tournament with 6 goals. India remained unbeaten throughout the tournament, defeating the USA, Japan, Uruguay, and Chile, and Hockey India announced a cash reward of ₹3 lakh for each player and ₹1.5 lakh for each support staff member in recognition of the team’s achievement.

 

3. Neeraj Chopra Finishes Fourth at Doha Diamond League: Neeraj Chopra finished fourth at the Doha Diamond League with a best throw of 85.69 metres, marking his first competition of the season after recovering from a back injury. Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage won the event with a throw of 88.68 metres, while Anderson Peters (86.38 m) and Curtis Thompson (85.99 m) finished second and third, respectively. Despite missing the podium, Neeraj Chopra surpassed the 82.61-metre qualifying mark set by the Athletics Federation of India for the 2026 Commonwealth Games and has already been named in India’s 32-member squad for the Games to be held in Glasgow from 23 July to 2 August 2026.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Draft Satcom Spectrum Rules Add Security Clearance Layer: India’s Department of Telecom (DoT) published the draft Telecommunications (Spectrum Assignment by Administrative Process) Rules, 2026, on 17 June 2026. The draft rules propose administrative assignment of satellite communication spectrum and add security clearance requirements for satcom operators before service rollout in India. The draft rules cover satellite communication services such as satellite phone and broadband. They apply to operators including Starlink, Eutelsat OneWeb, and Jio Satcom, which need spectrum assignment for commercial operations in India. Under the draft framework, a DoT licence alone will not be sufficient for launching satcom services. Operators will need explicit security clearance from the central government even after spectrum assignment.

 

2. Australia Confirms First Mainland H5N1 Case: Australia confirmed its first mainland case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 on 20 June 2026 in a brown skua found dead in Cape Le Grand National Park near Esperance in southern Western Australia. The virus was identified as the clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 lineage after testing by the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO). Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) is a severe form of bird flu caused by influenza A viruses. H5N1 is a subtype of influenza A virus that affects birds and can infect some mammals. The clade 2.3.4.4b lineage has been detected in multiple regions outside Australia in recent years.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. RBI Exempts Long-Term NRE Deposits from CRR and SLR Requirements: Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has exempted banks from maintaining Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) and Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR) on fresh Non-Resident (External) Rupee (NRE) term deposits with a tenor of three years or more, mobilised between 19 June 2026 and 30 September 2026. The RBI had earlier announced a similar exemption for fresh 3–5 year Foreign Currency Non-Resident (Bank) [FCNR(B)] deposits, as part of its temporary measures to attract foreign capital inflows. Under existing norms, banks are required to maintain a CRR of 3% and an SLR of 18% of their deposits. The exemption allows banks to deploy the entire proceeds of eligible deposits without maintaining these reserve requirements. The move is expected to enable banks to offer higher interest rates on eligible NRE and FCNR(B) deposits, improve foreign currency inflows, enhance liquidity, and support credit growth in the economy.

 

2. RBI Revises Lead Bank Scheme Guidelines: The Reserve Bank of India issued a revised circular on the Lead Bank Scheme on 19 June 2026 through Press Release 2026-2027/502. The circular supersedes earlier instructions on the Lead Bank Scheme and sets revised norms for district-level credit planning, committee meetings, and financial inclusion work. The revised guidelines formalise Block Level Bankers’ Committees as the base of a three-tier credit planning system. Block plans feed into district plans and then into state plans through District Consultative Committees, District Level Review Committees, and State Level Bankers’ Committees. Uniform timelines now apply to meetings of Block Level Bankers’ Committees, District Consultative Committees, District Level Review Committees, and State Level Bankers’ Committees. The framework also requires agenda papers, minutes, and action-taken records to follow stricter timelines. 

 

Daily GK Update- 21st June, 2026

  NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India–UK Free Trade Agreement to Come into Force on 15 July 2026: The India–UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) will enter into force on 15 July 2026, after being signed on 24 July 2025, with both countries completing all domestic and procedural formalities on 17 June 2026. Under the agreement, India will reduce whisky tariffs from 150% to 40% and automotive tariffs from 100% to 10% (under a quota system), while the UK will lower tariffs on Indian exports such as clothing, footwear, and selected food products. The FTA is expected to boost bilateral trade by £25.5 billion annually in the long term and contribute £4.8 billion to the UK economy, with businesses set to begin trading under the new rules from 15 July 2026.

 

2. NHAI Launches Rajasthan’s First MLFF-Based Tolling System: National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has launched Rajasthan’s first Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF)-based tolling system at the Daulatpura Toll Plaza on the Delhi–Jaipur section of NH-48, enabling barrier-free toll collection. The MLFF system combines Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology with FASTag-based electronic toll collection, allowing vehicles to pass through toll plazas without stopping and with minimal human intervention. The system reduces waiting time, fuel consumption, and vehicular emissions, while improving traffic flow. NHAI also plans to upgrade the Shahjahanpur and Manoharpur toll plazas on NH-48 to the MLFF system for seamless commuting.

 

3. PhonePe Introduces ₹100 Quarterly Fee for Inactive Wallets: PhonePe has introduced a wallet inactivity maintenance fee of ₹100 per quarter for inactive wallets, with the amount being deducted from the existing wallet balance. A PhonePe Wallet will be classified as inactive if no financial transaction is made through the wallet for 365 consecutive days. Activities such as UPI payments, bill payments, app logins, non-wallet transactions, or KYC updates do not count as wallet activity. Before levying the fee, PhonePe will notify users multiple times over a 15-day period and provide steps to reactivate the wallet. If the wallet balance is less than ₹100, the remaining balance will be deducted, but the wallet balance will never become negative.

 

4. BSE Launches Saatvik 100 Index: BSE Index Services Pvt. Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of BSE Ltd., launched the BSE Saatvik 100 recently. The index is India’s first Saatvik index and it tracks 100 companies selected from the broader BSE 500 Index on the basis of defined Saatvik principles. The index can act as a benchmark for passive investment products in India. These products include Exchange-Traded Funds, index funds, Portfolio Management Services, and mutual fund schemes. The index is designed for investors who follow value-based and philosophy-driven investment principles.

 

5. India Declares Naxalism Effectively Ended: India became effectively free from Naxalism on 31 March 2026, after nearly six decades of Left-Wing Extremism in several parts of central and eastern India. The movement began with the Naxalbari uprising in West Bengal in 1967 and later came under the banner of the Communist Party of India (Maoist) in 2004. Left-Wing Extremism, or LWE, refers to armed insurgent activity influenced by Maoist ideology and revolutionary politics. The Red Corridor is the term used for districts affected by Naxal violence across states such as Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, Bihar, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

 

6. Supreme Court Declares Footpath Walking a Fundamental Right: The Supreme Court of India declared the freedom to walk on demarcated and well-maintained footpaths a fundamental right on 19 June 2026. The ruling linked this right with Article 19(1)(d), Article 19(1)(a), Article 19(1)(b), Article 19(1)(c), and Article 21 of the Constitution of India. Article 19(1)(d) guarantees the right to move freely throughout the territory of India. Article 21 protects life and personal liberty, and the judgment treated safe pedestrian movement as part of these constitutional protections. The bench stated that the movement of motorised vehicles cannot override the right of pedestrians to use footpaths that are demarcated and maintained.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. UAE Launches First Retail T-Sukuk Programme: T-Sukuk are Islamic financial certificates that represent ownership in an underlying asset, project, or investment activity. The UAE Retail T-Sukuk is issued by the Government of the UAE through the Ministry of Finance in collaboration with the Central Bank of the UAE. The instrument is denominated in UAE dirhams and carries a maturity period of two years. The first issuance opens for subscription at 8 am on 24 June 2026 and closes at 5 pm on 30 June 2026. Eligible investors must hold a valid Emirates ID and a valid Dubai Financial Market National Investor Number. Professional investors are excluded from this retail programme. The minimum investment amount is Dh1,000.

 

2. Centre Reaffirms Article 371 Safeguards for Ladakh: Ladakh is under discussion for constitutional safeguards under Article 371, a group of special provisions in the Constitution of India that apply to selected States and regions. The Ministry of Home Affairs held a sub-committee meeting on Ladakh on 22 May 2026 with representatives of the Ladakh Apex Body and the Kargil Democratic Alliance. Article 371 belongs to Part XXI of the Constitution of India, which contains special provisions for certain States. Article 371 and its related clauses, such as Article 371A, Article 371F and Article 371G, provide region-specific constitutional arrangements for land, employment, culture, and administrative matters in some States.

 

3. QS World University Rankings 2027: The QS World University Rankings 2027 were released in June 2026 and assessed more than 1,500 institutions across 106 countries and territories. Massachusetts Institute of Technology ranked first for the 15th consecutive year, while Imperial College London and Stanford University shared second place. The QS World University Rankings are annual global university rankings published by Quacquarelli Symonds. The rankings use indicators such as academic reputation, employer reputation, faculty-student ratio, citations per faculty, international faculty ratio, and international student ratio.

 

4. Average 30,500 Pedestrians Died Annually in Road Accidents Between 2019 and 2024: More than 180,000 pedestrians were killed in road crashes across India between 2019 and 2024, with an average of over 30,500 deaths a year. The National Highway network accounted for nearly 31% of all pedestrian fatalities in India during the same period. In 2024, 7,080 pedestrians were killed in traffic crashes in the United States, while the Governors Highway Safety Association projected 7,148 deaths for the same year. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recorded a 3.9% decline from 2023, and 2024 became the second consecutive year of decrease.

 

5. BRICS MSME Forum Calls for Stronger Cooperation: The Inaugural BRICS MSME Forum 2026 was held in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, on 19-20 June 2026 under the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Government of India. The forum brought together representatives from BRICS member and partner countries to discuss cooperation in the MSME sector. BRICS is an intergovernmental grouping of major emerging economies, and MSME refers to micro, small and medium enterprises. The BRICS MSME Forum is linked to policy discussions on finance, technology, sustainability, entrepreneurship development, and market access for small businesses.

 

6. India Targets Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination by 2047: India has set a national target to eliminate sickle cell anaemia by 2047 under the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission. The mission was launched on 1 July 2023 from Shahdol district in Madhya Pradesh and covers screening, diagnosis, counselling, and care for affected populations. Sickle cell anaemia is an inherited blood disorder caused by abnormal haemoglobin, known as haemoglobin S. The disease can cause red blood cells to become rigid and sickle-shaped, which affects oxygen transport in the body. Sickle cell disease is inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern, and carriers may not show symptoms.

OTHER UPDATES:

 

DEFENCE

 

1. Ex-Agniveers Get 20% Reservation in Delhi Government Jobs: Delhi Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu directed a 20% reservation for ex-Agniveers in Group ‘C’ posts in Delhi government departments and agencies on 18 June 2026. The order covers direct recruitment in operational services, including police constables, firemen, jail warders, and forest and wildlife guards. The Delhi administration set 30 June 2026 as the deadline for departments to complete the required changes in their Recruitment Rules. The decision was taken in a high-level meeting chaired by the Delhi Lieutenant Governor and attended by Chief Secretary Rajeev Verma and Delhi Police Commissioner Satish Golcha.

 

2. Three New Naval Warships to Join Indian Navy: The Indian Navy will commission three indigenously built warships on 21 June 2026 in Kolkata. The vessels are INS Dunagiri, INS Agray and INS Sanshodhak, and all three were designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau and built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata. INS Dunagiri is the fifth stealth frigate under Project 17A and the second ship of this class built by GRSE. Project 17A frigates are guided-missile warships designed for surface warfare, anti-air warfare and anti-submarine warfare. INS Dunagiri carries BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, advanced air defence systems and anti-submarine weapons. Project 17A is a follow-on programme to the Shivalik-class frigates and includes stealth features, modern sensors and integrated combat systems.

 

3. Defence Ministry Signs Gas Turbine Contract for Navy: The Ministry of Defence signed a contract with Bharat Forge Limited on 19 June 2026 for the procurement of 12 sets of 1.25 MW Marine Gas Turbine Generators for the Indian Navy. The contract value is about Rs 425 crore, and the agreement was signed in New Delhi in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh. Marine gas turbine generators are onboard power generation systems used on warships and other naval platforms. A gas turbine generator converts fuel energy into mechanical energy and then into electrical power for shipboard systems.

 

SPORTS 

 

1. Mexico Becomes First Team to Reach FIFA World Cup 2026 Knockout Round of 32: Mexico became the first team to qualify for the knockout Round of 32 at the FIFA World Cup 2026 after defeating South Korea 1–0 at Guadalajara Stadium, Mexico. The match remained goalless in the first half, with the decisive goal coming in the 50th minute when Luis Romo capitalized on a defensive error involving South Korean goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu and defender Lee Gi-hyuk.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. H5 Bird Flu Detected in Western Australia: A suspected case of H5 bird flu was confirmed in a migratory wild seabird in Western Australia on 19 June 2026. The bird was a brown skua found at Cape Le Grand National Park near Esperance, about 700 km south-east of Perth, and it died on 14 June 2026. Western Australian authorities carried out preliminary testing on 18 June 2026, and the sample returned a suspected positive result for avian influenza. The sample was sent to the CSIRO Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness in Geelong for confirmatory testing, with results expected on 20 June 2026. A second sick sub-Antarctic migratory bird, a giant petrel, was found in the same area and is also being tested for avian influenza.

2. Kudankulam Unit-5 Gets Reactor Vessel Installed: The Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited completed the installation of the Reactor Pressure Vessel at Unit-5 of the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project in Tamil Nadu. The 320-tonne vessel was installed after Major Equipment Erection clearance from the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board on 2 May 2026. The Reactor Pressure Vessel is the main pressure boundary of a nuclear reactor. It contains the reactor core, where nuclear fission takes place in a controlled environment. In pressurised water reactor designs, the vessel also supports the reactor internals and coolant circulation systems.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Centre Approves ₹22 Crore Support for Startups Under National Green Hydrogen Mission: The Central Government has approved the first tranche of ₹22 crore for nine startups under the ₹100 crore startup support programme of the National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM) to promote innovation in the green hydrogen sector. Union Minister Pralhad Joshi launched the Green Hydrogen Certification Portal of India (GHCI) to facilitate certification and regulatory compliance under the Green Hydrogen Certification Scheme of India. Launched in 2023 with an outlay of ₹19,744 crore, the National Green Hydrogen Mission aims to achieve at least 5 million metric tonnes of annual green hydrogen production capacity by 2030, with several states already introducing dedicated green hydrogen policies.

 

2. PM to Disburse ₹2,400 Crore under PM-Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will disburse ₹2,400 crore under the PM-Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana (PM-VBRY) through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to benefit over 15 lakh beneficiaries. Since August 2025, the scheme has brought over 63 lakh employees into the formal workforce, with nearly 30% being women, while over 80% of the incentivised establishments are small enterprises employing fewer than 25 workers. Youth securing their first government job will receive an incentive of up to ₹15,000 in two installments, promoting employment generation and strengthening small and emerging enterprises.

 

3. PM Modi to Lay Foundation Stone for ₹25,016 Crore Coal Gasification Project in Odisha: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lay the foundation stone for a ₹25,016 crore coal gasification project at Lakhanpur, Jharsuguda (Odisha). The project will be developed by Bharat Coal Gasification and Chemicals Limited (BCGCL), a joint venture of Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) and Coal India Limited (CIL). The facility will be India’s first commercial-scale coal-to-ammonium nitrate plant, producing 2,000 tonnes of ammonium nitrate per day using indigenously developed coal gasification technology by BHEL, strengthening India’s energy security and reducing import dependence. Spread across 350 acres, the project has received all statutory clearances and ₹1,350 crore under the government’s coal gasification incentive scheme. It is expected to serve as a model for future coal gasification projects in the country.

 

Daily GK Update- 20th June, 2026

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Centre Approves ₹22 Crore Support for Startups Under National Green Hydrogen Mission: The Central Government has approved the first tranche of ₹22 crore for nine startups under the ₹100 crore startup support programme of the National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM) to promote innovation in the green hydrogen sector. Union Minister Pralhad Joshi launched the Green Hydrogen Certification Portal of India (GHCI) to facilitate certification and regulatory compliance under the Green Hydrogen Certification Scheme of India. Launched in 2023 with an outlay of ₹19,744 crore, the National Green Hydrogen Mission aims to achieve at least 5 million metric tonnes of annual green hydrogen production capacity by 2030, with several states already introducing dedicated green hydrogen policies.

 

2. PM to Disburse ₹2,400 Crore under PM-Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will disburse ₹2,400 crore under the PM-Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana (PM-VBRY) through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to benefit over 15 lakh beneficiaries. Since August 2025, the scheme has brought over 63 lakh employees into the formal workforce, with nearly 30% being women, while over 80% of the incentivised establishments are small enterprises employing fewer than 25 workers. Youth securing their first government job will receive an incentive of up to ₹15,000 in two installments, promoting employment generation and strengthening small and emerging enterprises.

 

3. PM Modi to Lay Foundation Stone for ₹25,016 Crore Coal Gasification Project in Odisha: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lay the foundation stone for a ₹25,016 crore coal gasification project at Lakhanpur, Jharsuguda (Odisha). The project will be developed by Bharat Coal Gasification and Chemicals Limited (BCGCL), a joint venture of Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) and Coal India Limited (CIL). The facility will be India’s first commercial-scale coal-to-ammonium nitrate plant, producing 2,000 tonnes of ammonium nitrate per day using indigenously developed coal gasification technology by BHEL, strengthening India’s energy security and reducing import dependence. Spread across 350 acres, the project has received all statutory clearances and ₹1,350 crore under the government’s coal gasification incentive scheme. It is expected to serve as a model for future coal gasification projects in the country.

 

4. Chennai Petroleum Corporation Upgraded to Navratna CPSE: Chennai Petroleum Corporation Limited (CPCL), a Central Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, has been granted ‘Navratna’ status by the Union Government, becoming the 28th Navratna CPSE in India. The upgradation to Navratna status was approved by the Union Finance Minister, giving CPCL greater financial and operational autonomy to undertake strategic investments and business decisions.

 

5. GIC Re Appoints Hitesh Rameshchandra Joshi as Chairman-cum-Managing Director: General Insurance Corporation of India (GIC Re) has appointed Hitesh Rameshchandra Joshi as its Chairman-cum-Managing Director (CMD). Joshi had been serving as the interim CMD since October 2025 following the completion of Narayanan Ramaswamy’s tenure and now assumes full leadership as the insurance and reinsurance sector undergoes rapid transformation driven by technology and evolving risks.

 

6. India to assume Vice-Presidency of FATF for the first time: India has been elected as the Vice President of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) for the first time, strengthening its role in the global fight against money laundering and terrorist financing. Vivek Aggarwal, a 1994-batch IAS officer of the Madhya Pradesh cadre and currently Secretary, Ministry of Culture, will serve as FATF Vice President from July 2026 to June 2027. India became a full member of FATF in 2010.

Ministry Handling FATF Matters: Department of Revenue, Ministry of Financ

 

7. Indian Jurist Bimal Patel Elected to ITLOS: Indian jurist Bimal N. Patel was elected as a Judge of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) on 19 June 2026. He secured 115 votes out of 168 valid votes cast by member states at the United Nations Headquarters in New York during the 36th Meeting of States Parties to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). ITLOS is an independent judicial body established under UNCLOS, which was adopted in 1982 and entered into force in 1994. The tribunal is based in Hamburg, Germany, and it deals with disputes arising out of the interpretation and application of the law of the sea.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India–UK Free Trade Agreement to Come into Force on 15 July 2026: The India–UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) will enter into force on 15 July 2026, after being signed on 24 July 2025, with both countries completing all domestic and procedural formalities on 17 June 2026. Under the agreement, India will reduce whisky tariffs from 150% to 40% and automotive tariffs from 100% to 10% (under a quota system), while the UK will lower tariffs on Indian exports such as clothing, footwear, and selected food products. The FTA is expected to boost bilateral trade by £25.5 billion annually in the long term and contribute £4.8 billion to the UK economy, with businesses set to begin trading under the new rules from 15 July 2026.

 

2. UAE Launches First Retail T-Sukuk Programme: The United Arab Emirates Ministry of Finance launched its first Sovereign Retail T-Sukuk programme on 17 June 2026. The instrument is a government-backed, Shariah-compliant investment product for UAE nationals and residents. T-Sukuk are Islamic financial certificates that represent ownership in an underlying asset, project, or investment activity. The UAE Retail T-Sukuk is issued by the Government of the UAE through the Ministry of Finance in collaboration with the Central Bank of the UAE. The instrument is denominated in UAE dirhams and carries a maturity period of two years. The first issuance opens for subscription at 8 am on 24 June 2026 and closes at 5 pm on 30 June 2026. Eligible investors must hold a valid Emirates ID and a valid Dubai Financial Market National Investor Number. Professional investors are excluded from this retail programme. The minimum investment amount is Dh1,000.

 

3. Jonathan Becomes World’s Oldest Known Land Animal: The Seychelles giant tortoise is a large tortoise species native to the Seychelles archipelago in the Indian Ocean. The scientific name Aldabrachelys gigantea hololissa is used for a Seychelles giant tortoise lineage associated with the Aldabra and Seychelles tortoise group. Jonathan has lost his eyesight due to cataracts and has also lost his sense of smell, but he retains excellent hearing. In April 2026, the Saint Helena government confirmed that he was alive after a social media hoax claimed that he had died. Jonathan met Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh, in January 2024. His long lifespan places him among the best-known individual tortoises in modern zoological records.

 

4. India Declares Naxalism Effectively Ended: India became effectively free from Naxalism on 31 March 2026, after nearly six decades of Left-Wing Extremism in several parts of central and eastern India. The movement began with the Naxalbari uprising in West Bengal in 1967 and later came under the banner of the Communist Party of India (Maoist) in 2004. Left-Wing Extremism, or LWE, refers to armed insurgent activity influenced by Maoist ideology and revolutionary politics. The Red Corridor is the term used for districts affected by Naxal violence across states such as Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, Bihar, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

 

5. H5 Bird Flu Detected in Western Australia: A suspected case of H5 bird flu was confirmed in a migratory wild seabird in Western Australia on 19 June 2026. The bird was a brown skua found at Cape Le Grand National Park near Esperance, about 700 km south-east of Perth, and it died on 14 June 2026. Western Australian authorities carried out preliminary testing on 18 June 2026, and the sample returned a suspected positive result for avian influenza. The sample was sent to the CSIRO Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness in Geelong for confirmatory testing, with results expected on 20 June 2026. A second sick sub-Antarctic migratory bird, a giant petrel, was found in the same area and is also being tested for avian influenza.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

DEFENCE

 

1. Indian Army Contingent Departs for Multinational Military Exercise KHAAN QUEST 2026 in Mongolia: The Indian Army contingent will participate in the multilateral military exercise KHAAN QUEST 2026, scheduled from 20 June to 3 July 2026 at the Five Hills Training Area, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. Exercise KHAAN QUEST began as a bilateral exercise between the United States and Mongolia in 2003 and became a multilateral peacekeeping exercise in 2006. The 2026 edition marks the 23rd iteration, while the previous edition was held in Mongolia from 14–28 June 2025.

 

2. Former Vice Chief of Army Staff Lt Gen Vijay Oberoi Passes Away: Lieutenant General Vijay Oberoi, former Vice Chief of Army Staff, passed away. He retired from the Indian Army on 30 September 2001 after a distinguished military career. During the 1965 India–Pakistan War, he was seriously injured in Jammu & Kashmir and lost his right leg, yet continued to serve the nation with exceptional courage and dedication.

 

SPORTS 

 

1. Akshara Gupta Smashes Unbeaten Triple Century in Bihar Women’s U-19 One-Day Trophy: Akshara Gupta, a 19-year-old batter, scored an unbeaten 306 runs off just 126 balls in the Women’s Under-19 One-Day Trophy organised by the Bihar Cricket Association in Bhagalpur, smashing 55 fours and 8 sixes. Powered by Akshara’s historic triple century, her team posted a massive 450 runs in 40 overs, before bowling out the opposition for 121 runs to register a dominant victory. Akshara’s innings is regarded as one of the highest individual scores in Indian women’s domestic cricket, ranking second only to Ira Gupta’s record-breaking innings.

 

2. Mexico Becomes First Team to Reach FIFA World Cup 2026 Knockout Round of 32: Mexico became the first team to qualify for the knockout Round of 32 at the FIFA World Cup 2026 after defeating South Korea 1–0 at Guadalajara Stadium, Mexico. The match remained goalless in the first half, with the decisive goal coming in the 50th minute when Luis Romo capitalized on a defensive error involving South Korean goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu and defender Lee Gi-hyuk.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. NHAI Launches Rajasthan’s First MLFF-Based Tolling System: National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has launched Rajasthan’s first Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF)-based tolling system at the Daulatpura Toll Plaza on the Delhi–Jaipur section of NH-48, enabling barrier-free toll collection. The MLFF system combines Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology with FASTag-based electronic toll collection, allowing vehicles to pass through toll plazas without stopping and with minimal human intervention. The system reduces waiting time, fuel consumption, and vehicular emissions, while improving traffic flow. NHAI also plans to upgrade the Shahjahanpur and Manoharpur toll plazas on NH-48 to the MLFF system for seamless commuting.

 

2. Amaravati Quantum Valley Achieves 4 Kelvin Cooling Milestone: Amaravati Quantum Valley (AQV) achieved 4 Kelvin, or -269°C, cooling on 19 June 2026 using an indigenous dilution refrigerator at the Quantum Reference Facility in Medha Towers, Amaravati. The facility is part of India’s quantum technology ecosystem and is linked to indigenous development in cryogenic technologies. 4 Kelvin is a cryogenic temperature used in laboratories for testing superconducting devices, quantum sensors, cryogenic electronics, single-photon detectors, and other quantum components. A dilution refrigerator is a cryogenic system that uses a mixture of helium-3 and helium-4 to reach temperatures below 1 Kelvin in advanced research setups.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. YES Bank Partners with Northern Arc Capital to Expand Formal Credit Access Across India: YES Bank and Northern Arc Capital have entered into a strategic partnership to expand access to formal credit across India by leveraging their combined lending expertise and distribution network. The collaboration aims to provide loans to retail customers, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), and underserved borrowers, promoting greater financial inclusion and supporting inclusive economic growth.

 

2. SBI Board approves ₹60,000 crore fundraising plan for Financial Year 2026-27: State Bank of India (SBI) has approved a fundraising plan of up to ₹60,000 crore for FY 2026–27 to strengthen its capital base and support future business growth. The funds will be raised in Indian rupees or other convertible currencies through debt instruments, long-term bonds, Basel III-compliant Additional Tier 1 (AT1) bonds, and Tier 2 bonds. The fundraising will be executed through public issues or private placements, targeting domestic and international investors, subject to Government of India approval wherever required.

 

3. PhonePe Introduces ₹100 Quarterly Fee for Inactive Wallets: PhonePe has introduced a wallet inactivity maintenance fee of ₹100 per quarter for inactive wallets, with the amount being deducted from the existing wallet balance. A PhonePe Wallet will be classified as inactive if no financial transaction is made through the wallet for 365 consecutive days. Activities such as UPI payments, bill payments, app logins, non-wallet transactions, or KYC updates do not count as wallet activity. Before levying the fee, PhonePe will notify users multiple times over a 15-day period and provide steps to reactivate the wallet. If the wallet balance is less than ₹100, the remaining balance will be deducted, but the wallet balance will never become negative.