Daily GK Update- 26th June, 2026

 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).

 

Daily GK Update- 25th June, 2026

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. 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. The Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission is an autonomous institution under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. It develops and revises pharmacopoeial standards in India with expert inputs from across the country. The Commission is based at Ghaziabad in Uttar Pradesh.

 

2. India Targets 100 GW Pumped Storage Capacity: India is targeting 100 gigawatts of pumped storage hydropower capacity by the financial year 2035-36. The Central Electricity Authority under the Ministry of Power has prepared a national roadmap for this target, and the 2026 Global Hydropower Outlook of the International Hydropower Association was released on 24 June 2026. As of December 2025, India had 10 pumped storage projects in operation with a combined capacity of about 7.2 GW. Another 10 projects with a combined capacity of 11.6 GW were under construction. India added 4,267 MW of hydropower in 2025 and reached a total installed hydropower capacity of 56,336 MW. The country’s total installed hydropower capacity, including pumped storage, stood at 50.91 GW on 10 January 2026, with pumped storage accounting for 7,175.6 MW.

 

3.  Governor Calls Rate Hike Talk Premature: Reserve Bank of India Governor Sanjay Malhotra said on 24 June 2026 that discussion on interest rate hikes was premature. The statement came after the Reserve Bank of India’s Monetary Policy Committee kept the repo rate unchanged at 5.25% on 5 June 2026. The repo rate is the rate at which the Reserve Bank of India lends short-term funds to commercial banks against government securities. The Monetary Policy Committee voted unanimously to retain the repo rate at 5.25% after cumulative rate cuts of 1 percentage point since February 2025. The Governor described the policy stance as neutral, which is one of the standard monetary policy stances used by central banks. The Monetary Policy Committee revised India’s gross domestic product growth forecast for fiscal year 2027 to 6.6% from 6.9%. The inflation projection for fiscal year 2027 was raised to 5.1% from 4.6%. The Reserve Bank of India monitors inflation through consumer price trends, food prices, fuel prices, and core inflation.

 

4. NAFED, NCCF to Procure Pulses and Oilseeds Directly: On 23 June 2026, the Union Cooperation Minister directed the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation (NAFED) and the National Cooperative Consumers’ Federation (NCCF) to procure pulses and oilseeds directly from farmers. The directive covers direct payment into farmers’ bank accounts and a two-year implementation target up to June 2028. Four initiatives were launched in New Delhi on 23 June 2026. Nafex.in is a digital auction platform for procured pulses and oilseeds, while DRISHTI is an inventory management system for pulses and oilseeds. ERP is an enterprise resource planning system for organisational management. NAFED Kalyan is a scholarship programme linked to higher education and career development for children from farming families.

 

5. PM Modi Meets IAS Trainees on Policy Impact: Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with 183 Indian Administrative Service officer trainees from the 2024 batch in New Delhi on 23 June 2026. The trainees were serving as Assistant Secretaries in various ministries and departments at the time of the interaction. Data-driven governance uses measurable indicators, administrative records, and service delivery data for policy monitoring. In public administration, data is used for tracking implementation, identifying gaps, and reviewing outcomes across schemes and departments. IAS probationers are often attached to Union ministries and departments as Assistant Secretaries during field and secretariat training. This phase is used to familiarise officers with file processing, inter-ministerial coordination, and administrative procedures.

 

6. Government Defends E20 Fuel Programme: The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas of India reaffirmed on 23 and 24 June 2026 that the ethanol-blending-programme/">Ethanol Blending Programme is scientifically validated and continuously monitored. The programme introduced 20% ethanol-blended petrol, known as E20, from 2023 onwards. E20 fuel contains 20% ethanol and 80% petrol by volume. Ethanol has lower energy content per litre than petrol, and the government has linked the reported mileage dip to this property rather than to vehicle damage. The government has stated that no widespread cases of engine failure or vehicle breakdown directly attributable to ethanol blending have been reported since E20 was introduced. Claims that E20 fuel can invalidate vehicle insurance were also clarified with stakeholders and found to be incorrect on 24 June 2026.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. PM Modi Offers Assistance After Venezuela Earthquake: Two earthquakes of magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 struck western Venezuela on 24 June 2026. The epicentres were reported near Montalbán and Yumare, west of Caracas, and damage was reported in the Venezuelan capital. Acting President Delcy Rodríguez declared a state of emergency in Venezuela on 25 June 2026. The main international airport at Maiquetia was closed after severe damage, and early reports mentioned at least 32 deaths and hundreds of injuries. The United States Geological Survey estimated that fatalities from the earthquakes could range from 10,000 to 100,000. Collapsed buildings were reported in Caracas, which is the capital of Venezuela. An earthquake is a sudden shaking of the Earth’s crust caused by the release of energy along faults or plate boundaries. Magnitude is measured on seismic scales, and a magnitude 7.0 or higher is classified as a major earthquake.

 

2. 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.

 

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. 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.

Sufiyana music is a classical art form of Kashmir that dates back to the 15th century. It is rooted in Sufi thought and combines devotional poetry, classical melody, and philosophical themes. The tradition is associated with Kashmir’s musical heritage and is performed in a classical framework. 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.

 

5. India Objects to Pakistan Remarks on Jammu and Kashmir at UN: India objected on 24 June 2026 to Pakistan raising the Kashmir issue at a United Nations forum in New York. India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, stated that the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir is an internal matter of India. India has maintained that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral and inalienable part of India. The Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir was formed after the reorganisation of the former State of Jammu and Kashmir in 2019 under the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019. Chapter VI of the UN Charter deals with the pacific settlement of disputes through negotiation, mediation, conciliation, arbitration, and judicial settlement. The UN Security Council has 15 members, including 5 permanent members and 10 non-permanent members elected for two-year terms.

 

6. India, China Discuss Gradual Normalisation of Ties: India and China discussed gradual normalisation of bilateral ties in New Delhi on 22 June 2026, when Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on the sidelines of the 16th Meeting of BRICS National Security Advisors and High Representatives on National Security. The two sides referred to progress in bilateral relations, while India and China also kept communication channels on border issues open and generally stable. The Special Representatives mechanism on the China-India Boundary Question is a formal dialogue channel between the two countries on boundary-related issues. India and China are preparing for the 25th round of Talks Between the Special Representatives of China and India on the Boundary Question.

 

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.

 

2. IAEA Plans Inspections of Iran Nuclear Sites: The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is the United Nations nuclear watchdog established in 1957 and headquartered in Vienna, Austria. On 24 June 2026, IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi stated in Tokyo that IAEA inspectors will visit Iranian nuclear enrichment sites. The statement came after an interim United States-Iran deal that includes IAEA supervision of nuclear activities. The IAEA has said that its immediate priority is to confirm the location of Iran’s enriched uranium. The agency plans to coordinate with Iran on dates and technical details within a 60-day timeframe. Since the 12-day war on Iran in 2025, Tehran has blocked IAEA access to enrichment sites, while routine inspections have continued at other facilities such as the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant.

 

3. Indian Navy Ships Visit Vietnam for Maritime Cooperation: Indian Navy warships INS Udaygiri and INS Kavaratti arrived at Nha Rong Port in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, on 22 June 2026. The deployment is a three-day goodwill and operational visit to Southeast Asia and is scheduled to end on 24 June 2026. Personnel of the Vietnam People’s Navy, representatives of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, and port authorities gave a ceremonial welcome to the ships. One account of the deployment also names INS Taragiri as part of the task group, while INS Kavaratti is mentioned at a separate port in Ho Chi Minh City.

 

SPORTS 

 

1. India’s 2036 Olympic Bid Process to Conclude in 2029: The International Olympic Committee approved a revised host selection process for the 2036 Olympic Games at its 146th Session in Lausanne on 24 June 2026. The host city for the 2036 Olympic Games will be elected in mid-2029, and India is in the Continuous Dialogue phase after submitting a Letter of Intent in 2024. The International Olympic Committee uses a multi-stage process for selecting Olympic hosts. The revised framework for 2036 includes Continuous Dialogue, Strategic Dialogue, and Targeted Dialogue phases. The Strategic Dialogue phase is scheduled to begin in March 2027, and the Targeted Dialogue phase is expected in late 2028. India formally entered the 2036 Olympic bid process in 2024 through a Letter of Intent. Ahmedabad is the proposed host city for India’s bid, and India is one of the countries linked to the 2036 race.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. 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.

 

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.

 

3. ePlane Company Targets Commercial Production by 2028: The ePlane Company, incubated at IIT Madras, has completed assembly of its full-scale electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, the e200X prototype (PT-01), in Chennai. The prototype has entered the ground testing phase, and the company has set commercial production for 2028 with an initial output of 80 aircraft a year. In February 2025, the company signed a deal valued at over USD 1 billion to supply 788 air ambulances to ICATT. Deliveries under this agreement are expected to begin between 2027 and 2028. The company was also planning a Series C funding round of USD 40 million to USD 50 million, with Speciale Invest expected to co-lead. The company has raised approximately USD 21 million for its eVTOL programme.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. RBI Retains ₹1 Lakh Crore Threshold for NBFC Upper Layer: The Reserve Bank of India retained the ₹1 lakh crore asset-size threshold for classifying Non-Banking Financial Companies into the Upper Layer, or NBFC-UL, under its scale-based regulation framework. The revised rules came into effect on 24 June 2026 and use asset size as the main criterion for identification of NBFC-UL entities. NBFCs are classified by the Reserve Bank of India into layers for regulatory purposes. The Upper Layer includes NBFCs selected annually by the central bank for enhanced regulatory requirements, and the latest framework replaces the earlier parametric scoring method with a simpler asset-size criterion. The ₹1 lakh crore threshold for NBFC-UL will now be reviewed every three years. The earlier proposal had suggested a five-year review cycle, but the final rule shortens the interval to respond to changes in growth, inflation, and risk profiles.

Daily GK Update- 24th June, 2026

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India Becomes World’s Top Ship Recycling Nation in 2025: India became the world’s top ship recycling nation in 2025, with its global share rising from 30.1% in 2024 to 35.4%, according to the UNCTAD report. Ship recycling in India increased by nearly 60%, reaching 2.99 million gross tonnes in 2025 compared to 1.86 million gross tonnes in 2024. India achieved the Maritime India Vision 2030 target of becoming the world’s leading ship recycling nation five years ahead of schedule, reinforcing its position as a global hub for sustainable ship recycling

 

2. Annual Ambubachi Mela Begins at Kamakhya Temple in Assam: The annual Ambubachi Mela will commence at the Kamakhya Temple, located on the Nilachal Hills in Guwahati. Ambubachi Mela celebrates the annual menstrual cycle of Goddess Kamakhya and is one of the most significant religious festivals in eastern India.

 

3. UCO Bank Appoints Rajendra Kumar Saboo as Additional MD & CEO: UCO Bank has appointed Rajendra Kumar Saboo, its Executive Director, as the additional Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer (MD & CEO). Saboo has been given the additional charge following the completion of former MD & CEO Ashwani Kumar’s tenure on 31 May 2026. Rajendra Kumar Saboo, who joined UCO Bank as Executive Director in November 2022, will serve as MD & CEO until 31 August 2026, a regular appointment, or further orders, whichever is earlier.

 

4. Tushar Mehta Reappointed as Solicitor General of India for Three More Years: The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the reappointment of Tushar Mehta as the Solicitor General of India for a three-year term, effective 1 July 2026. The Solicitor General of India is the second-highest law officer of the Union Government after the Attorney General for India. Tushar Mehta first assumed office in October 2018, and his fresh tenure will extend his total service as Solicitor General to 11 years.

 

5. Ladakh Gets Two High-Altitude Flower Fields: Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena laid the foundation stone for two high-altitude flower fields in Leh district, Ladakh, on 22 June 2026. The projects are being developed at Choglamsar and Stakna and are described as the first of their kind in India. Floriculture is the cultivation of flowers and ornamental plants for commercial and decorative use. The two Ladakh projects are designed to promote floriculture, diversify biodiversity, and create livelihood opportunities for farmers in a cold desert region. A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Department of Agriculture, UT Ladakh, and the CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, Palampur, for scientific and technical support. The sites will function as demonstration centres for lilies, gladioli, and tulips before transfer to farmer cooperatives for commercial cultivation.

 

6. Gujarat Grants 20% Reservation for Ex-Agniveers: Gujarat announced a 20% reservation for former Agniveers in direct recruitment to Class III posts in state government departments on 22 June 2026. The policy covers posts in the state police armed units, the State Reserve Police Force, the jail department, and the forest guard cadres. Former Agniveers will be exempt from physical efficiency tests in the covered recruitments. They will also receive age relaxation of up to three years beyond the standard upper age limit, while members of the first Agniveer batch will get relaxation of up to five years. The reservation applies to several Class III posts in Gujarat. These posts include Armed Police Sub-Inspector, Armed Police Constable, SRP Platoon Commander, Police Constable, Jailer Group-2, Jail Sepoy, Forest Guard (Class III), and Forester (Class III).

 

7. Indori Malwi Potato, Garadu and Balam kakdi from Madhya Pradesh Get GI Tag: The Indori Malwi potato received the Geographical Indication tag after notification by the Registrar of Geographical Indication, Chennai, on 13 June 2026. The potato is one of 12 regional agricultural products from Madhya Pradesh that received GI certification from 18 proposed items. A Geographical Indication tag is a form of intellectual property protection used for goods that have a specific geographical origin and qualities, reputation, or characteristics linked to that origin. In India, GI registration is governed by the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999. The Malwi potato is known for low sugar and low starch content. It retains a white colour after frying and is used for chips and French fries. The crop is also used in Indore’s street food items such as Aloo Chaat, Poha, Aloo Bada, and Khopra Petis.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. APEDA Facilitates First-Ever Export of Dried Whole Egg Powder from Odisha to Austria: APEDA facilitated the first-ever export of 22.6 metric tonnes of dried whole egg powder from Balangir, Odisha, to Austria, marking a major milestone for India’s value-added poultry exports. The consignment was exported by OVO Farm Pvt. Ltd., an APEDA-registered exporter, from its state-of-the-art egg processing facility established in Balangir in 2025. The processing unit meets EU hygiene norms, EIC standards, is certified under FSSC 22000 Version 6, and holds HALAL and KOSHER certifications, boosting India’s access to premium global markets.

 

2. Keir Starmer Resigns as UK Prime Minister: Keir Starmer has announced his resignation as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and leader of the Labour Party. With Starmer’s resignation, the United Kingdom is set to have its seventh Prime Minister in a decade this year, reflecting continued political turnover.

 

3. Colombia Elects Abelardo De La Espriella as New President: Colombia has elected Abelardo De La Espriella as its new President, succeeding Gustavo Petro. Gustavo Petro was Colombia’s first left-wing President, marking a significant political shift before the election of his successor.

 

4. India-UAE BrahMos and Akashteer Talks: India and the United Arab Emirates are in early-stage discussions on the possible sale of Indian defence systems, including the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile and the Akashteer air defence control system. BrahMos is a joint project of India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation and Russia’s NPO Mashinostroyeniya, while Akashteer is an automated air defence system developed in India. Akashteer is a fully automated, AI-enabled air defence control and reporting system. Bharat Electronics Limited developed the system in collaboration with the Defence Research and Development Organisation and the Indian Army. The system is designed for integrated air picture generation and air defence coordination.

 

5. Haldia Seaport Designated as Immigration Post: An immigration post is a notified entry or exit point where immigration clearance is carried out for foreign nationals and Indian citizens travelling across international borders. In India, immigration posts function under the Immigration Act, 1983, and are administered through the Bureau of Immigration under the Ministry of Home Affairs. The Haldia Dock Complex began international operations in 1977. It was built in 1968 to reduce the load on Kolkata Port, which is one of the major ports on the eastern coast of India. Haldia is located in Purba Medinipur district in West Bengal and serves as a riverine port connected to the Hooghly estuary.

 

6. Haj Policy 2027 Announced: The Ministry of Minority Affairs announced the Haj Policy 2027 on 22 June 2026. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju unveiled the policy, and applications for Haj 2027 from India opened on the same day through the Haj Committee of India portal and the Haj Suvidha App. The Haj Policy 2027 continues pilgrim-centric measures introduced in Haj 2026. These measures include sofa-cum-beds in Mina, high-speed train travel between Makkah and Madinah, hotel-style accommodation in Makkah, and the 20-day Short Haj Package. The State Haj Inspector ratio has been revised from one inspector for every 150 pilgrims to one for every 135 pilgrims. This ratio is used for on-ground assistance and coordination during the pilgrimage. The Indian Haj quota is expected to remain in a 70:30 ratio between the Haj Committee of India and private tour operators. The proposed allocation includes 122,518 seats for the Haj Committee of India and 52,507 seats for private tour operators, against a total of 175,025 pilgrims in the previous year.

 

7. Lakadong Turmeric Gains Global Recognition: Lakadong Turmeric is a turmeric variety from the Jaintia Hills in Meghalaya and received Geographical Indication status in 2024. It is known for curcumin content of about 7% to 12%, compared with 2% to 3% in many commercial turmeric varieties. Lakadong Turmeric is linked to the Jaintia Hills region of Meghalaya, where it is cultivated in traditional organic farming systems. A Geographical Indication tag is used in India under the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999, for products associated with a specific place and quality. Curcumin is the principal bioactive compound in turmeric and is used in food, nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. Lakadong Turmeric has higher curcumin levels than many other turmeric varieties, and this chemical profile is a key feature in its market demand.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

DEFENCE

 

1. Ajit Doval Hosts BRICS National Security Advisers’ Meeting in New Delhi: Ajit Doval hosted the meeting of National Security Advisers (NSAs) of BRICS countries in New Delhi. India’s 2026 BRICS Chairship is being conducted under the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation, and Sustainability.”

 

2. Warship Builder GRSE Granted Navratna Status, Becomes 29th Navratna CPSE: Defence PSU Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) has been granted ‘Navratna’ status by the Department of Public Enterprises (DPE), becoming the 29th Navratna Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE). The Navratna status provides GRSE with greater financial and operational autonomy, enabling it to undertake larger investments and strategic expansion. GRSE has delivered 118 warships, including 80 to the Indian Navy, making it the largest warship supplier to the Indian Navy, Coast Guard, and friendly foreign countries.

 

3. PM Modi Commissions Three Indigenous Naval Platforms: Prime Minister Narendra Modi commissioned three indigenously built Indian Navy platforms – INS Dunagiri, INS Sanshodhak, and INS Agray – in Kolkata, highlighting India’s new vision for the shipbuilding sector. The three warships, built with over 75% indigenous content, will strengthen India’s combat operations, hydrographic surveying, anti-submarine warfare, and coastal defence capabilities. The Prime Minister said shipbuilding, ship repair, and Maintenance, Repair & Operations (MRO) are being developed as a national mission to boost self-reliance, create lakhs of jobs, and strengthen the maritime economy.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Amit Shah Launches NAFED’s Digital Auction Portal NAFEX.in: Amit Shah launched NAFED’s digital auction portal, NAFEX.in, in New Delhi to promote transparency, efficiency, and technology-driven reforms in the cooperative sector. Along with NAFEX.in, he unveiled the NAFED-KALYAN Scholarship Scheme for farmers’ children, the DRISHTI Portal for pulses and oilseeds inventory management, and an ERP Portal to improve NAFED’s organisational efficiency.

in is designed to provide a transparent digital platform for agricultural produce auctions, benefiting farmers, member institutions, and other stakeholders by streamlining auction processes. These initiatives support the government’s vision of “Sahkar Se Samriddhi”, strengthening cooperative institutions through digital innovation, transparency, and farmer-centric reforms.

 

2. Cyber Crime Centre Warns of Boss Scam: The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), under the Ministry of Home Affairs, issued an advisory on 22 June 2026 on a cyber fraud called the “Boss Scam” or CEO impersonation fraud. The scam uses malicious archive files, malware infection, and account impersonation to trigger unauthorised financial transfers through email and WhatsApp. Cybercriminals send malicious archive files through email or WhatsApp and present them as urgent regulatory or compliance documents. When a victim opens the file on a Windows device, malware can infect the system and hijack active Web WhatsApp sessions. The fraudster then uses the genuine WhatsApp account of the executive to send transfer instructions. Some cases involve impersonation of regulators such as the Reserve Bank of India to create pressure for immediate action. The fraud depends on urgency, authority, and digital account compromise.

 

3. Four Digital Policing Apps Launched in India: India launched four digital policing applications on 22 June 2026 in New Delhi. The applications are Abhigyan, Criminal Procedure Identification (CrPI), e-prosecution 2.0, and e-forensics 2.0. They are linked to the Integrated Criminal Justice System (ICJS), which connects police, courts, prisons, and forensic systems through digital platforms. The Integrated Criminal Justice System (ICJS) is a digital framework for data sharing among criminal justice institutions in India. It is used to connect policing, criminal identification, forensic examination, and prosecution management. The system supports electronic workflows in criminal investigation and case processing.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. India’s Core Sector Growth Slows to 0.5% in May 2026: India’s Index of Eight Core Industries (ICI) recorded 5% growth in May 2026, marking the second-slowest growth in the last 21 months, with only October 2025 (-0.1%) performing worse. Five of the eight core sectors registered negative growth in May 2026, including crude oil (-4.6%), natural gas (-4.9%), refinery products (-8.7%), coal (-9.3%), and fertilisers (-0.9%). The sharp decline in refinery products was the worst in 3.5 years, attributed partly to the West Asia crisis, while lower crude prices, higher imports, and weaker petro-product exports also impacted production. Steel (5%), cement (8.4%), and electricity (8.7%) were the only core sectors to record positive growth during May 2026.

 

2. SEBI Approves GARUDA Green-Channel Framework for AIFs: The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) approved the GARUDA framework for Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs) on 19 June 2026 through amendments to the SEBI (Alternative Investment Funds) Regulations, 2012. GARUDA stands for “Green-Channel: AIF Rollout Upon Document Acknowledgement” and applies to the launch process of AIF schemes in India. Under GARUDA, the launch timeline for Regular Schemes of AIFs has been reduced to 10 working days from the earlier waiting period of about 30 days. Accredited Investor-only schemes and Angel Funds can launch immediately after SEBI acknowledges their documents.

 

 

 

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Jainendra K. Jain Becomes First Indian-Origin Scientist to Win Wolf Prize in Physics: US-based Indian-origin theoretical physicist Jainendra K. Jain became the first person of Indian origin to receive the Wolf Prize in Physics for his pioneering discovery of composite fermions. Jain was honoured for revolutionising the understanding of the fractional quantum Hall effect and advancing research on two-dimensional electron systems. Presented by Israeli President Isaac Herzog in Jerusalem, the Wolf Prize, awarded annually since 1978, is among the world’s most prestigious scientific honours, with 27 Physics laureates later receiving the Nobel Prize.

 

2. 19th Mumbai International Film Festival 2026 Concludes with Golden Conch Awards: The 19th Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF 2026) concluded in Mumbai, with Jishnu Dev Varma presiding over the closing ceremony. MIFF is one of the world’s most prestigious film festivals dedicated to Documentary, Short Fiction, and Animation Films. In the International Competition, the Polish documentary “Silver” won the Golden Conch for Best Documentary, while “Maya’s Song” and “Under The Snow” received the Silver Conch for Best Animation and Best Short Fiction Film, respectively. In the National Competition, “Armstrong from Angalamman Kovil Street” won the Silver Conch for Best Animation Film.