NATIONAL UPDATES:
1. India Launches WT-MARUT Portal to Strengthen Wind Energy Supply Chain: Union Minister Pralhad Joshi launched the Wind Turbine Supply Chain Management (WT-MARUT) Portal during the Global Wind Day 2026 National Conference in Goa. Developed by MNRE and IWTMA, it is India’s first dedicated digital platform for managing the wind energy supply chain. The portal aims to improve transparency in component sourcing, provide easier access to domestic suppliers, and enhance data security, supporting the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative in the renewable energy sector. India added a record 6.1 GW of wind power capacity in FY 2025-26, taking the total installed wind energy capacity beyond 56.1 GW and strengthening its position as the world’s fourth-largest wind energy market. Exports of wind turbines and components also exceeded ₹12,000 crore during the fiscal year.
2. Telangana Launches Breakfast and Milk Scheme for School Students: The Telangana Government launched its flagship Breakfast and Milk Scheme on 15 June 2026, covering students from pre-primary to Class XII in government schools and junior colleges across the state. The state has allocated ₹720 crore annually for the scheme, including ₹540 crore for breakfast and ₹180 crore for milk and ragi malt, aiming to benefit nearly 29 lakh students. In the first phase, the scheme covers 1,302 educational institutions and benefits around 1.44 lakh students across eight districts, providing nutritious meals such as dosa, millet idli, upma, milk, and ragi malt to improve student health and learning outcomes.
3. Four Assam Products Receive Geographical Indication (GI) Tags: Assam’s rich cultural heritage received a major boost as four traditional products were granted Geographical Indication (GI) tags: Bah Silpa (Assamese Bamboo Craft), Karbi Anglong Handloom, Bihu Pepa, and Deori Handloom Products. The GI tag provides legal recognition and protection to these unique products, highlighting their distinct origin, traditional craftsmanship, and cultural significance.
4. Tamil Nadu Revises Cooperative Crop Loan Waiver Scheme for Farmers: Tamil Nadu has announced a revised cooperative crop loan waiver scheme for farmers who borrowed from cooperative banks between 1 May 2025 and 28 February 2026. The scheme provides a full waiver for crop loans up to ₹75,000. Farmers with crop loans above ₹75,000 will receive a partial waiver of ₹35,000, reducing their repayment burden while extending financial support to a larger number of beneficiaries. The scheme applies to loans taken from the state’s cooperative banking network, which includes Primary Agricultural Cooperative Banks (PACBs), District Central Cooperative Banks (DCCBs), and the Tamil Nadu State Apex Cooperative Bank, helping strengthen agricultural credit and support seasonal farming activities.
5. India Launches WT-MARUT Portal to Strengthen Wind Energy Supply Chain: India has set a target of achieving 155 GW of installed wind energy capacity by 2035, with an interim target of 100 GW by 2030. As of 15 June 2026, the country’s installed wind power capacity has crossed 56.1 GW. India is the world’s fourth-largest wind energy market by installed capacity and added 6.1 GW of new wind power capacity in FY 2025–26, marking a 46% year-on-year growth. On 15 June 2026, India launched WT-MARUT (Wind Turbine Materials and Resources Utility Tracker), the country’s first dedicated digital platform for managing the wind energy supply chain, promoting supplier discovery, domestic manufacturing, and supply-chain transparency. The government’s wind energy strategy prioritises domestic sourcing and manufacturing of key wind turbine components—including blades, towers, nacelles, gearboxes, generators, and control systems—to reduce import dependence and strengthen India’s renewable energy manufacturing ecosystem.
6. Scientists Discover New Forester Moth in Kali Tiger Reserve: Scientists from the western regional centre of the Zoological Survey of India in Pune announced a new forester moth species from Karnataka’s Kali Tiger Reserve on 17 June 2026. The species has been named Mimeusemia kali Kalawate & László, 2026, and it is the first addition to the genus Mimeusemia in nearly 30 years. Forester moths belong to the family Zygaenidae, which includes day-flying moths found in several parts of Asia, Europe, and Africa. The genus Mimeusemia now includes 30 taxa worldwide, with 23 species and seven subspecies. Mimeusemia kali was distinguished from related species by its physical characteristics, reproductive structures, and genetic features. The species description was published in the international journal Zootaxa.
7. Four New Namo Cities Proposed Under NCR Regional Plan 2041: Four new greenfield cities, called Namo Cities or Namo Nodes, are proposed under the National Capital Region Regional Plan 2041. The proposal was announced on 16 June 2026 after the 42nd board meeting of the NCR Planning Board, which functions under the National Capital Region Planning Board Act, 1985. The National Capital Region is a planning region that includes Delhi and adjoining districts of Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and, in earlier planning frameworks, parts of neighbouring states. The NCR Planning Board prepares regional plans for land use, transport, urban growth, and infrastructure coordination across the region.
INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:
1. U.K. to Ban Social Media Use for Children Under 16: The United Kingdom government has announced a ban on social media use for children under the age of 16, aiming to protect young users from harmful online content and excessive screen time. The proposed ban is expected to come into effect early next year and has generated mixed reactions, with some supporting stronger online protections for children while others questioning the effectiveness of a blanket restriction.
2. India’s Unemployment Rate Rises to 5.5% in May 2026: According to the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) released by the Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation, India’s overall unemployment rate increased to 5% in May 2026, up from 5.2% in April 2026. Rural unemployment rose from 4.6% to 5.1%, while urban unemployment declined slightly from 6.6% to 6.4%. Among urban residents aged 15 years and above, the unemployment rate was 8.2% for females and 5.9% for males.
3. 16 June – International Day of Family Remittances (IDFR): International Day of Family Remittances (IDFR) is observed every year on 16 June to recognise the vital contributions of migrant workers who send money (remittances) to support their families and communities in their home countries. Established by the United Nations and the International Fund for Agricultural Development, the observance aims to encourage safer, faster, and more affordable cross-border money transfers worldwide.
4. 17 June – World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought: World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought is observed every year on 17 June to raise global awareness about the need to prevent desertification, land degradation, and drought, while promoting sustainable land management. Theme 2026 – Rangelands: Recognise. Respect. Restore The day was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 1994 following the adoption of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD).
5. World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought Observed in India: The World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought was observed on 17 June 2026 across 813 project areas under the Watershed Development Component of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana 2.0 (WDC-PMKSY 2.0) in India. The programme is implemented by the Watershed Management Division of the Department of Land Resources under the Ministry of Rural Development. WDC-PMKSY 2.0 is a watershed development programme for the period 2021-2026. It aims to cover 49.50 lakh hectares of degraded land with a financial outlay of Rs. 8,134 crore. The programme includes soil conservation, water conservation, and land restoration activities in watershed areas.
6. India-UK Free Trade Agreement to take effect from July 15: The India-UK Free Trade Agreement is scheduled to enter into force on 15 July 2026. The agreement was signed on 24 July 2025 after both sides reached agreement in principle on 6 May 2025. The India-UK Free Trade Agreement was formally signed by India’s Commerce Ministry and UK officials on 24 July 2025. The two governments confirmed on 17 June 2026 that domestic and procedural formalities for implementation had been completed. The agreement includes tariff reductions on several goods traded between India and the United Kingdom. India’s whisky tariff is set to fall from 150% to 40%, and automotive tariffs will reduce from 100% to 10% under a quota mechanism. The United Kingdom will reduce tariffs on Indian exports such as clothing, footwear, and certain food products. The agreement also covers trade in goods and market access measures between the two countries.
7. US renames Indo-Pacific Command back to Pacific Command: The United States renamed the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command back to the U.S. Pacific Command on June 16 or June 17, 2026, depending on the local time of the announcement. The command was first established as the U.S. Pacific Command on January 1, 1947, by President Harry S. Truman. The command used the name U.S. Pacific Command until May 2018, when it was renamed U.S. Indo-Pacific Command under Defence Secretary Jim Mattis. The 2018 change aligned the command’s title with the term Indo-Pacific, which links the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean in strategic geography. The U.S. Pacific Command is one of the unified combatant commands of the United States Armed Forces. It is the oldest and largest of these commands and is headquartered at Camp H. M. Smith in Hawaii.
OTHER UPDATES:
DEFENCE
1. National Military Drone Technology Hub to be Set Up at IIT Kanpur: The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has granted in-principle approval for the establishment of a National Military Drone Technology Hub at Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, aimed at advancing indigenous military drone technologies and innovation. The proposed hub will be developed with an estimated investment of ₹500 crore, based on a proposal prepared by the Uttar Pradesh Expressways Industrial Development Authority, the nodal agency for the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor.
2. India and Thailand Hold 10th Defence Dialogue: The 10th Thailand-India Defence Dialogue was held in Bangkok on 16 June 2026. The dialogue reviewed bilateral defence cooperation, military-to-military engagements, capacity-building initiatives, training exchanges, maritime cooperation, and regional security issues in the Indo-Pacific region. The dialogue was co-chaired by Admiral Nuttapol Diewvanich, Deputy Permanent Secretary for Defence of Thailand, and Satyajit Mohanty, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Defence of India. The two sides discussed defence manufacturing, research, innovation, and capability development. India and Thailand elevated their bilateral ties to a formal Strategic Partnership in 2025. The two countries also discussed cooperation under regional and multilateral defence frameworks, including ASEAN-led mechanisms.
3. India’s Defence Production Reaches Record High: India’s annual defence production reached ₹1.78 lakh crore in Financial Year 2025-26. The figure was ₹84,643 crore in FY 2020-21 and ₹43,746 crore in FY 2013-14. Defence production includes the manufacture of weapons, platforms, systems, ammunition, and related equipment for the armed forces. India’s defence industrial base includes Defence Public Sector Undertakings, ordnance factories, and private sector manufacturers. Defence Public Sector Undertakings and other public sector units contributed about 76% of total defence production in FY 2025-26. The private sector’s share rose to nearly ₹42,000 crore in FY 2025-26, which was 24% of total production.
SPORTS
1. India Names 24-Member Squad for Historic Senior Asian Fencing Championships 2026 in Delhi: The Fencing Association of India (FAI) has announced a 24-member Indian squad (12 men and 12 women) for the 26th Senior Asian Fencing Championships 2026, scheduled to be held in Delhi from June 19–24, 2026. India will achieve a historic first by hosting the Senior Asian Fencing Championships, with participation from over 30 countries and more than 400 elite fencers across Asia. The Indian team will be led by C. A. Bhavani Devi, India’s first and only fencing Olympian, who remains the country’s most prominent figure in the sport.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
1. IIT Hyderabad to Establish India’s First Centre of Design Excellence in Nuclear Engineering: The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT Hyderabad) will establish CODENE (Centre of Design Excellence in Nuclear Engineering), which will be India’s first dedicated centre focused on advanced design and innovation in nuclear engineering. IIT Hyderabad signed a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with CEEPL India and Dassault Systèmes during Bharat Innovates 2026 held in Nice. The initiative supports India’s expanding civil nuclear sector following the Shanti Act and aligns with the government’s ambitious target of achieving 100 GW of nuclear power capacity by 2047, creating demand for highly skilled nuclear engineering professionals.
2. India Post Launches Drone-Powered Mail Delivery in Himachal Pradesh.: Union Minister for Communications Jyotiraditya Scindia launched the drone-based mail transmission service of the Department of Posts in Himachal Pradesh, with the first route connecting Mandi Head Post Office and Rehardhar Branch Post Office. The initiative aims to improve postal connectivity in remote and difficult terrains. The Ministry of Communications plans to expand the service to around 150 identified routes in Himachal Pradesh and Assam over the next 2–3 months. The drone service has reduced mail delivery time on the 12-km Mandi–Rehardhar route from more than two hours to about seven minutes, significantly enhancing the speed and efficiency of postal operations.
3. Sarvam Becomes India’s Newest AI Unicorn: Bengaluru-based AI startup Sarvam has raised $234 million in a fresh funding round, taking its valuation to $1.5 billion and becoming India’s newest AI unicorn. The company aims to expand the funding round to $300 million. The funding round is led by HCLTech, which is investing $150 million as a strategic investor, with participation from existing investors including Bessemer Venture Partners, Khosla Ventures, and Peak XV Partners.
BANKING AND FINANCE
1. Government Launches OFS for GIC Re, Shares Drop Over 6%: Shares of General Insurance Corporation of India (GIC Re) declined by over 6% in early trading after the Government of India announced an Offer for Sale (OFS) to divest its stake in the state-owned reinsurer. Under the OFS, the government plans to sell up to 2% stake (3.51 crore shares) in GIC Re during June 16–17, 2026, with an option to offload an additional 3% stake. If the additional option is exercised, the total government divestment in GIC Re could reach 5%, making it a significant stake sale aimed at enhancing market participation and raising resources.
2. Odisha Clears ₹76,612-Crore Investment Proposals: Odisha’s High-Level Clearance Authority approved 20 industrial projects on 17 June 2026. The proposals involve a cumulative investment of ₹76,611.86 crore and are linked to 50,517 proposed jobs across nine districts. Tata Power Renewable Energy Limited received approval for a ₹10,000 crore facility in Ganjam for ingot, wafers, and Solar PV cells. The project is projected to create 5,000 jobs. Rashmi Metallurgical received approval for a ₹15,000 crore integrated steel plant of 4 MTPA capacity in Jajpur, with 11,000 jobs linked to the project. Shyam Metalics received approval for a ₹7,580 crore steel unit in Sambalpur. The Odisha High-Level Clearance Authority is the state-level body that clears large industrial proposals. It is chaired by the Chief Minister of Odisha. The authority handles projects with high investment value and multi-district industrial impact.
3. Madhya Pradesh to Introduce UCC Bill in Assembly: On 17 June 2026, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav announced that a Uniform Civil Code Bill would be introduced in the Monsoon Session of the Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly. The session is scheduled from 20 July to 24 July 2026 and is expected to include the first supplementary budget for 2026-27. A six-member high-level committee was formed by the Madhya Pradesh Government in April 2026 to draft the Bill. The committee is headed by retired Supreme Court Judge Justice Ranjana Prasad Desai and has been asked to submit a detailed report within 60 days. The committee has visited different parts of Madhya Pradesh to collect suggestions from people of different religions. It is also studying the models adopted by Uttarakhand and Gujarat, which are ruled by the Bharatiya Janata Party.
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