Daily GK Update- 16th June, 2026

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Government to Set Up 700 SHE-MARTs and 1,000 Fulfilment Centres to Empower Women Entrepreneurs: The Government has announced the establishment of 700 SHE-MARTs and 1,000 District Fulfilment Centres to improve market access, branding, logistics, and distribution for women-led Self-Help Group (SHG) enterprises. The initiative is being implemented under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana–National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) to promote rural entrepreneurship, financial inclusion, and livelihood opportunities for women. These measures, along with the expansion of the e-Saras platform and the ‘Saras Aajeevika’ national brand, aim to accelerate progress toward the Government’s target of creating six crore ‘Lakhpati Didis’ across India.

 

2. Raja Parba Festival Celebrated in Odisha to Mark Monsoon and Mother Earth’s Fertility: Raja Parba is one of Odisha’s most significant and widely celebrated festivals, observed with great enthusiasm across the state. The festival symbolizes the onset of the monsoon season and celebrates the fertility and womanhood of Mother Earth, reflecting deep cultural and agricultural traditions.

 

3. Centre, Assam and Nagaland Sign Historic MoU for Oil and Natural Gas Exploration: The Centre signed a historic tripartite MoU with the Governments of Assam and Nagaland to facilitate the exploration and production of crude oil and natural gas in the two northeastern states. Signed in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the agreement is expected to remove key hurdles to energy exploration and accelerate economic development in the North-East through cooperative federalism. The initiative aims to strengthen India’s energy security and self-reliance by enhancing domestic oil and natural gas production amid growing global energy challenges.

 

4. Navitas Solar Plans ₹1,500 Crore Gujarat Expansion: Navitas Solar has planned an investment of about ₹1,500 crore in Gujarat for a 3.6 GW solar cell manufacturing facility. The project also includes a pilot wafer-and-ingot production line at the company’s existing Ankleshwar campus in Gujarat. The proposed facility is part of Navitas Solar’s entry into solar cell manufacturing. The first phase of the project is targeted for commissioning in 2027, subject to market conditions and project readiness. Civil work for the project, covering more than 10 lakh sq ft, is already underway. The capital expenditure plan uses a 70:30 debt-to-equity ratio. The funding mix includes loans from public sector banks, internal cash generation, and a proposed third equity round. The manufacturing line has a planned capacity of 3.6 GW.

 

5. Digital India BHASHINI, GeM sign MoU for multilingual access: The Digital India BHASHINI Division and the Government e-Marketplace signed a Memorandum of Understanding on 15 June 2026 to expand multilingual access in India’s public procurement ecosystem. The collaboration uses the BHASHINI Platform, which is India’s National Language Digital Public Infrastructure, for language-enabled digital services on GeM. The partnership operates under the “BHASHINI for Seva/Sanchalan—A BHASHINI Sahayogi Program”. It includes integration of AI-powered language technologies, translation application programming interfaces, domain-specific language models, and voice-enabled tools. The project is designed to support interaction in 22 officially recognised Indian languages and other regional languages through “Voice First” language technology infrastructure and Generative AI solutions. The collaboration also covers co-creation and deployment of multilingual digital public resources for GeM users.

 

6. India Extends Tenure of Ravi-Beas, Krishna Water Tribunals: India extended the tenure of the Ravi and Beas Waters Tribunal and the Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal by one year through gazette notifications issued on 15 June 2026. The Ravi and Beas Waters Tribunal was constituted in April 1986, and the Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal was formed in April 2004. Inter-State Water Dispute Tribunals are constituted under the Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956, for adjudication of disputes relating to the waters of inter-state rivers and river valleys. These tribunals examine claims of basin states, allocation of river waters, and related engineering or administrative issues. The Ravi and Beas Waters Tribunal is one of India’s oldest active water tribunals and has been in existence for 40 years. It adjudicates water-sharing disputes among Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan over Ravi-Beas waters. The tribunal submitted an initial report in 1987, but the matter remained pending after states sought clarifications on the findings.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Ministry of Ayush Sets Guinness World Record with 4.35 Lakh Viewers on Live Yoga Stream: Ministry of Ayush created a new Guinness World Record for the Most Viewers for a YouTube Live Yoga Stream, with 4,35,831 viewers joining a special global online Yoga session streamed live through the official Ministry of Ayush YouTube channel. The Ministry of Ayush recorded 4,35,831 verified viewers, surpassing the previous Guinness World Record of 2,46,252 viewers set in 2024.

 

2. Elon Musk Becomes World’s First Trillionaire as SpaceX Makes Record-Breaking Stock Market Debut: Elon Musk became the world’s first trillionaire after the successful stock market debut of SpaceX, pushing his net worth to approximately $1.11 trillion according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. SpaceX debuted on the Nasdaq stock exchange with a valuation of $2.2 trillion, making it one of the most valuable companies in the world and reflecting strong investor confidence in its space, telecommunications, and AI businesses. The SpaceX IPO raised $75 billion, and Musk’s 42% ownership stake in the company significantly contributed to his record-breaking wealth and continued status as the world’s richest person.

 

3. 15 June – World Wind Day: World Wind Day is observed every year on 15 June to raise awareness about the potential of wind energy as a clean, renewable, and sustainable source of power. Theme 2026 – Wind Energy: From Ambition to Acceleration World Wind Day is organized by the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) and WindEurope to promote the benefits and future prospects of wind power worldwide.

 

4. 15 June- World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD): World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) is observed every year on 15 June to raise awareness about the abuse, neglect, and exploitation of older persons worldwide. Theme 2026 – Beyond Awareness: Making Elder Abuse Prevention Work The day encourages governments, communities, and individuals to pay greater attention to the well-being, dignity, and adequate healthcare of elderly people.

 

5. Usutu Virus Detected in Scotland for First Time: Usutu virus (USUV), a mosquito-borne flavivirus, was identified in blackbirds in Scotland for the first time in summer 2025. Public announcements on the detection were made on 1 April 2026, after the virus was confirmed on the Isle of Arran. Usutu virus belongs to the genus Flavivirus and is transmitted mainly by mosquitoes. The virus was first identified in Africa and has been recorded in several European countries. It primarily infects wild birds, especially blackbirds, and it can also infect humans in rare cases. Local residents on the Isle of Arran reported blackbirds with neurological signs and dead birds. The Animal and Plant Health Agency’s national passive wild avian surveillance programme confirmed USUV RNA in two blackbirds by reverse transcription-PCR. The samples were examined through collaboration between APHA’s Vector-Borne Disease Group, SRUC Veterinary Services, and the Mosquito Scotland research programme at the University of Glasgow.

 

6. India, Slovakia Back UN Security Council Reforms: India and Slovakia issued a joint statement on 15 June 2026 in Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit. The statement called for comprehensive reforms of multilateral institutions, including the United Nations and the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), and reiterated support for India’s permanent membership in a reformed and expanded Council. The United Nations Security Council is one of the six principal organs of the United Nations, established under the UN Charter in 1945. It has 15 members, including 5 permanent members and 10 non-permanent members elected for two-year terms by the UN General Assembly. The joint statement called for expansion in both permanent and non-permanent categories. It also stated that the Council should become more representative, inclusive, effective, and aligned with contemporary geopolitical realities.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

DEFENCE

 

1. Indian Navy’s Sea King 42B Squadron Retires: The Indian Naval Air Squadron 330, known as “The Harpoons”, was number plated on 14 June 2026 after 55 years of service. The squadron was commissioned on 17 April 1971 at INS Garuda, Kochi, under Commander M. P. Wadhawan. The Sea King Bravo fleet retired on 14 June 2026 after 36 years of service, with a final ceremonial flight from INS Shikra, Mumbai. About eight Sea King Bravo helicopters remained in service at the time of retirement. The remaining Sea King Mk 42B airframes will be converted into utility “Barlies” or used as test beds for sensor and weapon trials. The Indian Navy has ordered 24 MH-60R Seahawk helicopters as an initial replacement, while the Indian Multi Role Helicopter and Deck Based MRH remain under development. The Sea King Mk 42B was used for anti-submarine warfare, anti-ship missions, and search-and-rescue operations. The helicopter also served in shipborne roles from Indian Navy platforms and shore bases.

 

2. INS Agray Joins Arnala-Class Anti-Submarine Fleet: INS Agray is the fifth ship of the Arnala class of Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC) for the Indian Navy. The vessel was launched on 13 March 2024 and delivered by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata, on 30 March 2026. The Indian Navy ordered eight ASW SWCs under a contract valued at ₹6,311.32 crore, signed on 29 April 2019. These ships are designed for shallow water operations, coastal surveillance, and mine detection and neutralisation. INS Agray has more than 80% indigenous content. The ship carries waterjet propulsion, which is used for manoeuvrability and lower noise levels, along with hull-mounted sonar, variable depth sonar, anti-submarine torpedoes, and rockets.

 

SPORTS 

 

1. Lewis Hamilton Claims First Ferrari Victory at Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix: Seven-time Formula One World Champion Lewis Hamilton secured his first victory with Ferrari at the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix, marking his 106th career win and first race triumph since the 2024 Belgian Grand Prix. Hamilton overtook pole-sitter George Russell through Ferrari’s superior pit-stop strategy, while championship leader Kimi Antonelli’s five-race winning streak ended after his Mercedes suffered a late mechanical failure.

 

2. Wimbledon Announces Record £64.2 Million Prize Fund Amid Players’ Revenue Share Demands’: Wimbledon organizers have announced a record prize fund of £64.2 million ($85.74 million) for the 2026 Championships, marking the largest annual increase in the tournament’s history. Players have sought a prize pool of around £70 million and some even restricted media appearances at the French Open while raising the possibility of future boycotts over revenue-sharing concerns.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. IndiaAI Mission Launches ‘Varya’, Indigenous Cost-Efficient Video AI Model: The IndiaAI Mission launched ‘Varya’, a distilled video AI model designed to make advanced video generation more affordable, accessible, and relevant for Indian users and enterprises. Developed by AI-native transformation company Avtaar with support from the IndiaAI Mission, Varya uses a distillation technique that reduces video generation from 50 steps to just 4 steps, making it up to 10 times more cost-efficient than several leading global models.

 

2. NASA Unveils Four-Member Crew for Artemis III Mission Scheduled for 2027 Launch: NASA announced the four-member prime crew for the Artemis III mission at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, with Randy Bresnik as Commander, Luca Parmitano as Pilot, and Andre Douglas and Frank Rubio as Mission Specialists. The Artemis III mission is scheduled for launch in late 2027 from the Kennedy Space Center, Florida, as part of NASA’s Artemis programme utilizing the Orion spacecraft and commercial human landing systems.

 

3. ISRO and DAE Develop Artificial Heating System for Long-Duration Lunar Missions: ISRO and the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) are jointly developing an advanced artificial heating system for future lunar missions. The technology aims to protect lunar landers from the extreme freezing temperatures experienced during the lunar night. The announcement was made during the CSIR-RISE Conclave held in Bengaluru.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. WPI Inflation Rises to 9.68% in May Amid Food and Fuel Price Surge: India’s Wholesale Price Index (WPI)-based inflation rose sharply to 9.68% in May 2026, up from 8.26% in April, marking the first inflation data released using the new base year 2022-23. The increase was driven by higher prices of food and fuel, with inflation in primary articles (4.99%), fuel & power (30.33%), and manufactured products (7.48%) all registering notable increases over April levels.

 

2. India Targets 155 GW Wind Energy Capacity by 2035: India has set a target of 155 GW installed wind energy capacity by 2035. India also has an interim target of 100 GW by 2030, and its installed wind capacity exceeded 56.1 GW as of 15 June 2026. Wind energy is a renewable energy source that uses wind turbines to convert kinetic energy into electricity. India is the world’s fourth-largest wind energy market by installed capacity. The country added 6.1 GW of new wind capacity in fiscal year 2025-26, which was a 46% year-on-year increase. WT-MARUT stands for Wind Turbine Materials and Resources Utility Tracker. It was launched on 15 June 2026 as India’s first dedicated digital platform for managing the wind energy supply chain. The portal is designed for supplier discovery, domestic manufacturing support, and supply-chain transparency.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Prime Minister Narendra Modi Conferred with Slovakia’s Highest National Award: Prime Minister Narendra Modi was awarded . The Order of the White Double Cross (1st Class), in recognition of his contributions to strengthening bilateral relations between India and Slovakia. The prestigious award was conferred by Slovak President Peter Pellegrini and represents the highest civilian and military state decoration awarded by Slovakia to foreign nationals.

 

Daily GK Update- 15th June, 2026

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. BRICS Agriculture Ministers’ Conference Begins in Indore: The two-day BRICS Agriculture Ministers’ Conference began in Indore under India’s presidency, with Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan emphasizing the spirit of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” and global cooperation in agriculture. The conference theme is “Food Security for the Future through Small Farmers, Women and Youth”, focusing on food security, climate change, digital technology, and the role of women farmers. India highlighted its agricultural achievements, including an average annual growth of 4.5% over the past decade and total food production reaching nearly 376 million tonnes, while stressing the importance of empowering small and marginal farmers.

 

2. IIT Bhubaneswar Develops ‘ArsenSafe’ Portable Device for Detecting Arsenic in Drinking Water: Indian Institute of Technology Bhubaneswar has developed “ArsenSafe”, a portable handheld device that can detect arsenic contamination in drinking water without the need for laboratory facilities. Developed by the Sensors and Spectroscopy Research Group of IIT Bhubaneswar in collaboration with incubated startup Nano Semic Pvt Ltd, the device provides a rapid, affordable, and highly sensitive solution for water quality testing. ArsenSafe enables on-site detection of arsenic contamination with minimal training, making it especially useful for improving access to safe drinking water in rural and resource-constrained areas.

 

3. 12 June – National Red Rose Day: National Red Rose Day is observed every year on 12 June to celebrate the beauty, fragrance, and symbolism of red roses. The red rose is widely recognized as a symbol of love, romance, passion, and respect, making it one of the most popular flowers worldwide. The day encourages people to express their feelings and appreciation by gifting red roses to loved ones, friends, and family members.

 

4. Government Releases Producer Price Index Data: India released Producer Price Index data for goods and services on 15 June 2026. The government also introduced a revised Wholesale Price Index series with a 2022-23 base year and announced a five-year transition towards the Producer Price Index framework. The Producer Price Index measures price changes at the producer level before goods and services reach final consumers. India’s new framework includes three indices: Output PPI, Trial Input PPI, and Service PPI. Output PPI captures prices received by domestic producers, while Trial Input PPI covers the manufacturing sector on an experimental basis. The Service PPI initially covers seven sectors. These sectors are banking, securities transactions, insurance, and management of pension funds, railways, air passenger transport, and telecom. The Service PPI is scheduled for quarterly release.

 

5. Telangana Launches Breakfast and Milk Scheme: Telangana launched its flagship Breakfast and Milk Scheme on 15 June 2026, when schools reopened after the summer vacation. The scheme covers students from pre-primary to Class XII in government schools and junior colleges across the state. The state has allocated an annual expenditure of ₹720 crore for the scheme. The allocation includes ₹540 crore for breakfast and ₹180 crore for milk and ragi malt supply. The scheme aims to benefit about 29 lakh students in government institutions. The first phase covers 1,302 educational institutions, including 1,269 government schools and 33 junior colleges. The initial rollout benefits around 1.44 lakh students across eight districts. The scheme is implemented with support from the Hare Krishna Movement Charitable Trust and Manna Trust.

 

6. Uttar Pradesh Launches Teacher Cashless Health Scheme Portal: The Uttar Pradesh government has launched a dedicated registration portal for the Chief Minister’s cashless medical scheme for teachers and their dependents. The portal, cmtcts.upsdc.gov.in, was rolled out on 6 June 2026 for basic education teachers under the education department. The Uttar Pradesh Cabinet approved the cashless medical treatment scheme on 29 January 2026 for teachers, non-teaching staff, and dependent family members in the Basic and Secondary Education Departments. The scheme covers about 11.95 lakh beneficiaries from basic education and 2.97 lakh beneficiaries from secondary education. By 10 March 2026, the scheme was extended to more than 2, 00,000 teaching and non-teaching staff in the higher education sector. The scheme was first announced by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Teachers’ Day, 5 September 2025.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. JNPA Retains India’s Top Container Port Status; Ranks 22nd Globally in CPPI 2025: Maharashtra’s Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) retained its status as India’s best-performing container port in the Container Port Performance Index (CPPI) 2025, improving its global rank to 22nd. The CPPI is jointly published by the World Bank and S&P Global Market Intelligence, and JNPA has been among the top 20 most improved ports globally over the last six years. Pipavav Port ranked 28th globally, overtaking Mundra Port (30th) to become India’s best-performing private container port in 2025. Visakhapatnam Port witnessed a major decline, falling 34 places to 104th position in 2025 from 19th place in 2023. Globally, Port of Fuzhou (China) topped the CPPI 2025 rankings, with Chinese ports occupying four of the top five positions, highlighting China’s dominance in container port performance.

 

2. Bharat Innovates 2026 Inaugurated by PM Modi and French President Macron in Nice: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron jointly inaugurated the first edition of Bharat Innovates 2026 at Nice, France, showcasing India’s commitment to fostering global innovation and DeepTech collaborations. Organised by the Ministry of Education, Bharat Innovates 2026 serves as a global platform connecting Indian DeepTech innovators with international stakeholders to promote innovation-driven partnerships and technological advancement.

 

3. India and France Launch ‘ATL Bridge’ to Boost Youth Innovation Collaboration: India and France launched the India-France ATL Bridge to strengthen bilateral innovation cooperation and foster collaboration among young innovators from both countries. The initiative will connect students through school-level innovation laboratories modeled on India’s successful Atal Tinkering Lab (ATL) framework. A Letter of Intent (LoI) was exchanged between the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog, and La Fondation Dassault Systèmes to formalize the partnership. Launched on the sidelines of Bharat Innovates 2026 in Nice, France, the initiative will establish France’s first School Innovation Lab based on the ATL model as part of the India-France Year of Innovation 2026.

 

4. 14 June – World Blood Donor Day: World Blood Donor Day is observed every year on 14 June to raise awareness about the need for safe blood and to thank voluntary, unpaid blood donors for their life-saving contributions. Theme 2026 – One Drop of Humanity. Give Blood. Save Lives. The day is celebrated on 14 June, the birth anniversary of Karl Landsteiner, who discovered the ABO blood group system and was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1930.

 

5. Telangana-Iran Agreement to Digitise Rare Manuscripts: The Department of Heritage Telangana signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Noor International Microfilm Centre, Iran Cultural House, Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran, New Delhi, on 15 June 2026 for the digitisation, preservation, conservation, and cataloguing of rare manuscripts, paintings, books, and archival records. The agreement covers about 737 manuscripts, 3,091 paintings, 14,522 library books, and 101 Dastawazats, which are archival records. The collaboration covers collections in Persian, Urdu, Arabic, and other languages. Experts from the Noor International Microfilm Centre will carry out digitisation, indexing, cataloguing, repair, and preservation work at no cost to the Telangana government, and the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran will bear the funding.

 

6. India Tests Long Range Land Attack Cruise Missile: India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully flight-tested the indigenously developed Long Range Land Attack Cruise Missile (LRLACM) on 15 June 2026 from Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the Odisha coast. The missile is designed as a long-range precision-strike weapon for the Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force. The LRLACM has an estimated range of 1,000 to 1,500 km. It has been developed entirely in India, with subsystems built by multiple DRDO laboratories and the Aeronautical Development Establishment in Bengaluru serving as the nodal laboratory. The missile draws on technologies matured under the Nirbhay programme. Indian industry partners also participated in the development of the system.

 

7. Swiss Voters Reject Population Cap Proposal: Swiss voters rejected a proposal on 14 June 2026 to cap the country’s population at 10 million by 2050. The initiative was called “No to a Switzerland of 10 Million” and “Sustainability Initiative”, and it was placed before voters as a national referendum. Final results showed about 54.79% to 55% of voters opposed the proposal, while 45.21% to 45% supported it. Voter turnout was around 58.86% in the referendum. Switzerland’s population stood at about 9.1 million at the end of 2025. The proposal was put forward by the right-wing Swiss People’s Party (SVP), which is one of the major political parties in Switzerland.

OTHER UPDATES:

 

DEFENCE

 

1. Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth Appointed Next Army Chief: The Government has appointed Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth as the next Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) with effect from 30 June, succeeding General Upendra Dwivedi. He is currently serving as the Vice Chief of the Army Staff. An alumnus of National Defence Academy, Lt Gen Seth was commissioned into the Armoured Corps in December 1986 and has nearly four decades of military experience across operational, strategic, capability development, and institutional domains.

 

2. INS Tarkash Arrives in Seychelles, Strengthening India–Seychelles Maritime Cooperation: INS Tarkash arrived at Port Victoria during its operational deployment to the South West Indian Ocean Region and escorted the Seychelles Coast Guard ship PS Zoroaster from India to Seychelles after its refit in Kolkata. The deployment highlights the strong maritime partnership between India and Seychelles, enhancing interoperability and cooperation to address shared maritime security challenges in the Indian Ocean Region.

 

3. INS Agray Joins Arnala-Class Anti-Submarine Fleet: INS Agray is the fifth ship of the Arnala class of Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC) for the Indian Navy. The vessel was launched on 13 March 2024 and delivered by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata, on 30 March 2026. The Indian Navy ordered eight ASW SWCs under a contract valued at ₹6,311.32 crore, signed on 29 April 2019. These ships are designed for shallow water operations, coastal surveillance, and mine detection and neutralisation. INS Agray has more than 80% indigenous content. The ship carries waterjet propulsion, which is used for manoeuvrability and lower noise levels, along with hull-mounted sonar, variable depth sonar, anti-submarine torpedoes, and rockets.

 

SPORTS 

 

1. Kane Williamson Retires from International Cricket: Kane Williamson announced his retirement from international cricket, bringing an end to a distinguished career spanning more than 15 years with the New Zealand national team. Williamson retires as New Zealand’s highest international run-scorer with 19,346 runs across all formats, including 9,500+ Test runs, 33 Test centuries, and six double centuries. As captain, he led New Zealand to the finals of the 2019 Cricket World Cup and 2021 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, and guided the team to victory in the inaugural ICC World Test Championship Final 2021.

 

2. Former Asian Games Gold Medallist and Shooting Coach Jaspal Rana Dies: Jaspal Rana, former Asian Games gold medallist and high-performance coach of Indian pistol shooters, passed away at the age of 49. He played a key role in strengthening India’s presence in international shooting. Rana won 15 Commonwealth Games medals (9 gold, 4 silver, 2 bronze) and received the Arjuna Award (1994), Padma Shri (1997), and Dronacharya Award (2020). He was also credited with helping Manu Bhaker win two bronze medals at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Oilseeds Kisaan Mitra: India Launches First Nationwide WhatsApp-Based AI Advisory for Oilseed Farmers: Oilseeds Kisaan Mitra is India’s first nationwide WhatsApp-based AI advisory service for oilseed farmers, developed by the ICAR-Indian Institute of Oilseeds Research (ICAR-IIOR), Hyderabad. The service was launched by the Secretary, DARE & Director General, ICAR during the National Oilseeds Conference held in New Delhi on 6 February 2026. It provides free, instant, and research-based crop advisory to oilseed farmers through WhatsApp in their preferred language, without requiring any additional app download.

 

2. BSNL and IIT Kanpur Join Hands to Develop Next-Generation Telecom Technologies: Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited and Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur signed an MoU to jointly research, develop, test, deploy, and commercialise next-generation telecom technologies. The collaboration will focus on advanced communication technologies and the development of future-ready telecom infrastructure tailored to India’s requirements.

The initiative supports the Government of India’s vision of strengthening digital infrastructure and expanding connectivity access across the country.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. World Bank Projects India to Remain Fastest-Growing Major Economy with 6.6% Growth in FY27: According to the latest Global Economic Prospects report by the World Bank, India is expected to remain the world’s fastest-growing major economy, with GDP growth projected at 6.6% in FY2026-27. India’s growth is estimated to moderate from 7.7% in FY2025-26 to 6.6% in FY2026-27 due to higher energy prices and rising input costs. The World Bank projects India’s growth to rebound to 7.2% in FY2027-28, supported by stronger domestic demand and improved export performance.

 

2. FSSAI Regulates Healthy and Organic Food Claims: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) regulates food labelling, brand names, and product claims under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. In June 2026, FSSAI issued notices to food business operators for using claims such as “healthy”, “organic”, “zero maida”, “true vitamin”, and “plant-based vegan” on packaged foods. The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, is the principal law for food safety regulation in India. FSSAI frames and enforces standards for food composition, labelling, advertising, and misleading claims under this law. Food labels in India are governed by the Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations, which require truthful product descriptions and clear ingredient disclosure. Trade names and brand names that create a false impression about a product’s nature can attract regulatory action.

 

Daily GK Update- 14th June, 2026

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Varanasi Becomes First City in India Under Easy Connect Model for Seamless International Travel: Varanasi has become the first city in India to be integrated under the Easy Connect flights model, enabling smoother international travel experience. Under this system, international passengers can complete immigration and baggage clearance before reaching Delhi, allowing seamless onward global connections without repeated formalities. The initiative supports India’s goal of becoming a global aviation hub and reflects PM Narendra Modi’s vision of expanding world-class connectivity beyond metro cities.

 

2. Kumar Shanker Appointed as New Managing Director of Indraprastha Gas Ltd : Kumar Shanker has been appointed as the new Managing Director (MD) of Indraprastha Gas Limited (IGL), North India’s largest city-gas distribution company. He succeeds Kamal Kishore Chatiwal, who will return to parent company GAIL after completing a three-year tenure at IGL. Before joining IGL, Kumar Shanker served as the Managing Director of Maharashtra Natural Gas Limited (MNGL), a joint venture of GAIL, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited, and the Maharashtra Government.

 

3. Sanjay Lohiya Nominated to RBI Central Board: The Central Government has nominated Sanjay Lohiya, Secretary of the Department of Financial Services (DFS), Ministry of Finance, as a director on the Central Board of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

He has replaced Nagaraju Maddirala on the RBI Central Board. The Department of Financial Services (DFS) functions under the Ministry of Finance and is responsible for matters related to banking, insurance, pensions, and financial sector administration in India.

 

4. KLF Nirmal Appoints Shreyanka Patil as Brand Ambassador: KLF Nirmal, a coconut hair oil brand, has appointed Indian women’s cricketer Shreyanka Patil as its brand ambassador for Karnataka. Shreyanka Patil is currently representing India in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, and her journey from grassroots cricket to the international stage has made her a role model for young girls across the state.

 

5. Gujarat to Unveil Industrial Policy 2026: Gujarat Government is scheduled to unveil the Industrial Policy-2026 on 15 June at Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi will launch the policy at a special programme. The policy document includes provisions for industrial investment, employment generation, innovation, and sector-specific incentives. Industrial policy is a government framework that sets rules, incentives, and sector priorities for manufacturing and investment. Gujarat’s Industrial Policy-2026 includes an ultra mega industrial unit category with a minimum investment of ₹10,000 crore and at least 3,000 jobs in designated thrust sectors. Units in this category may receive incentives up to 40% of capital investment through capital subsidies, interest subsidies, and power tariff support.

 

6. Maharashtra Plans Single Parent Child Admission Category: Maharashtra is considering a separate “Single Parent Child” category in college admission forms for higher and technical education. The proposal was discussed on 13 June 2026, and the Higher and Technical Education Minister, Chandrakant Patil, said that a high-level committee will be formed for implementation. The proposed system includes a dedicated column in admission forms for identifying students from single-parent households. The measure is intended for colleges and technical institutions in Maharashtra, which has a large higher education network under the state department. The proposal includes priority in hostel admissions, counselling services, and educational concessions for eligible students. The stated focus is on children of single mothers, who may receive support during the admission process and in campus accommodation.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India–Nepal Launch P2P Cross-Border Remittance Mechanism: India and Nepal have launched a Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Cross-Border Remittance Mechanism, enabling seamless and real-time money transfers between individuals in the two countries. The system links Unified Payments Interface (UPI) of India with Nepal’s National Payments Interface (NPI), facilitating instant cross-border transactions. The technical integration was successfully completed by NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL) and Nepal Clearing House Limited (NCHL). Under the P2P system, money can be transferred directly from one individual to another, such as an Indian tourist paying a Nepali shopkeeper or a Nepali worker in India sending money to family members in Nepal.

 

2. India Ranked 127th in Global Peace Index 2026; Iceland Retains Top Position: The Global Peace Index (GPI) 2026 is the 20th edition of the report and ranks 163 independent states and territories, covering 99.7% of the world’s population. Published by the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP), the GPI is recognised as the world’s leading measure of global peacefulness. India has been ranked 127th out of 163 countries in the GPI 2026. The ranking is based on 23 indicators grouped under Societal Safety and Security, Ongoing Domestic and International Conflict, and Militarisation. Iceland remains the most peaceful country in the world for the 19th consecutive year, followed by New Zealand, Switzerland, Slovenia, and Ireland.

 

3. Canada Introduces Bill to Restrict Social Media Access for Children –: Canada has introduced legislation that could prohibit children under 16 from having social media accounts, unless platforms can prove that their services are safe for young users. The proposed law targets seven categories of harmful content, including material that promotes self-harm, violence, hatred, and non-consensual intimate images, and requires platforms to demonstrate adequate safeguards. The legislation proposes the creation of a Digital Safety Commission of Canada to oversee online safety regulations. Canada joins countries such as Australia, Brazil, and Indonesia in pursuing age-based social media restrictions.

 

4. 11 June – International Day of Play: International Day of Play is observed annually on 11 June to promote and prioritize play as an essential part of children’s development and well-being. International Day of Play The 2026 theme is “Protect Play, Protect Childhood”, highlighting the importance of safeguarding opportunities for children to learn, grow, and thrive through play.

 

5. 12 June – World Day Against Child Labour 2026 : World Day Against Child Labour is observed every year on 12 June to raise awareness about the issue of child labour and encourage global action for its elimination. The theme for 2026 is “Red Card to Child Labour: Fair Play for Children, Decent Work for Adults”, emphasizing the importance of ending child labour while promoting decent employment opportunities for adults.

 

6. India, Nepal Discuss Janakpur-Ayodhya Rail Link: India and Nepal held the 10th Project Steering Committee meeting and the 8th Joint Working Group meeting on 11-12 June 2026 in Kathmandu to review cross-border railway cooperation. The discussions covered passenger train connectivity on the Janakpur-Ayodhya section, the Final Location Survey report for the proposed Raxaul-Kathmandu broad gauge railway link, and technical support for Nepal’s East-West Railway Link. The main agenda included Standard Operating Procedures for the commencement of passenger train services on the Janakpur-Ayodhya section. The Indian delegation included Rohit Rathish, Joint Secretary (DPA-III), Ministry of External Affairs, and Pradeep Ojha, Executive Director (Traffic Transportation-Freight), Ministry of Railways. Nepal’s side was led by Sushil Babu Dhakal, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport.

 

7. Prehistoric Cave Discovery in Northern Israel: Archaeologists announced a prehistoric cave in northern Israel near Fureidis, south of Haifa and close to the Zikhron Ya’akov interchange, on 11–12 June 2026. The cave dates to between 400,000 and 250,000 years ago and belongs to the Acheulo-Yabrudian culture of the late Lower Paleolithic period. The Lower Paleolithic era is the earliest division of the Old Stone Age and is associated with early stone tool industries. The Acheulo-Yabrudian culture is a Levantine archaeological culture dated to the transition between the Lower and Middle Paleolithic periods. The excavation is a joint project of the Israel Antiquities Authority and the University of Haifa, with support from Ayalon Highways Company. Dr. Kobi Vardi and Amit Gabbay of the Israel Antiquities Authority and Professor Ron Shimelmitz of the University of Haifa are among the researchers linked to the site.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

DEFENCE

 

1. Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth Appointed Next Chief of Army Staff: Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth was appointed as the next Chief of the Army Staff of India on 13 June 2026. He is scheduled to assume office on 30 June 2026 after the retirement of General Upendra Dwivedi, and his tenure is expected to continue until 31 August 2028. The Chief of Army Staff is the professional head of the Indian Army and one of the three service chiefs of the Indian Armed Forces. The office functions under the Ministry of Defence and is held by a four-star general. Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth served as the Vice Chief of the Army Staff from 1 April 2026 before his appointment as COAS. He was commissioned into the Armoured Corps in December 1986 after graduating from the National Defence Academy at Khadakwasla. Lt Gen Seth commanded two operational Army Commands on the western front, namely the South Western Command and the Southern Command. He also commanded an armoured regiment and a counter-insurgency force in Jammu and Kashmir.

 

2. UP Supplies Indigenous Cow-Milk Products to Indian Army: Uttar Pradesh has begun supplying indigenous cow-milk products, including Skyr, to the Indian Army as part of a dairy initiative linked with cow conservation, rural employment, and milk production. The products are prepared from milk of indigenous breeds such as Gir and Sahiwal, and the initiative uses advanced dairy technologies associated with Denmark and Iceland. Skyr is a premium dairy product that is high in protein and low in fat. It is a cultured milk product traditionally associated with Iceland, and modern processing methods have been adapted for Indian dairy production. The product supplied from Uttar Pradesh is marketed under the name Skyrrup. Gir and Sahiwal are among the best-known indigenous cattle breeds in India. Gir cattle are associated with Gujarat, while Sahiwal cattle are known for high milk yield and heat tolerance. Indigenous cow-based dairy units are used in several states for ghee, curd, paneer, and protein-rich milk products.

 

3. First Women NDA Cadets Join Indian Military Academy: President Droupadi Murmu reviewed the Passing Out Parade of the 158th Regular Course and the 141st Technical Graduate Course at the Indian Military Academy in Dehradun on 13 June 2026. The parade included nine women cadets from the National Defence Academy, who became the first women NDA batch to be commissioned as officers in the Indian Army. The Indian Military Academy is located in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, and it trains officer cadets for commissioning into the Indian Army. The academy conducts Passing Out Parades for regular and technical courses, which mark the completion of pre-commission training.

 

SPORTS 

 

1. FIFA World Cup 2026 Kicks Off in Mexico: The 2026 FIFA World Cup began on 12 June 2026 at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. The 2026 edition is the largest FIFA World Cup in history, featuring 48 teams and a record 104 matches, compared to 32 teams and 64 matches in previous tournaments. Only eight countries have won the FIFA World Cup so far: Brazil, Germany, Italy, Argentina, France, Uruguay, England, and Spain.

 

2. Sudarsan Pattnaik Wins Russia Grand Sand Master Cup 2026: Indian sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik won the Russia Grand Sand Master Cup 2026 on 12 and 13 June 2026. He became the first Indian to receive the award at the II International Festival of Sand Sculpture in the Kaliningrad Region of Russia. Sudarsan Pattnaik is an Indian sand artist known for large-scale sand sculptures on social and environmental themes. He is a recipient of the Padma Shri, which is one of India’s civilian honours. Pattnaik’s winning sculpture was a three-metre-tall artwork on climate change and global warming. The sculpture showed two faces of the Earth, one linked with environmental degradation and the other linked with afforestation and sustainable living. The Russia Grand Sand Master Cup is associated with the II International Festival of Sand Sculpture, which began on 11 June 2026. The festival brought together 12 sand sculptors from different countries.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. NLC India and CSIR-CECRI Join Hands to Develop Rare Earth Element Extraction Technologies: NLC India Limited (NLCIL) has signed an MoU with CSIR-Central Electrochemical Research Institute to collaborate on critical and strategic minerals beneficiation and extraction technologies. Under the agreement, both organizations will conduct studies on overburden materials and tailings from Neyveli Mines to assess the potential extraction and recovery of Rare Earth Elements (REEs) and other valuable trace elements.

 

2. TakeMe2Space Developing India’s First Star Tracker: TakeMe2Space (TM2Space) has announced the development of StarSense, which is set to become India’s first indigenous star tracker. The project has received support from the Technology Adoption Fund (TAF) of IN-SPACe. Star trackers are high-precision sensors that help satellites determine their exact orientation in space, providing single-digit arcsecond accuracy essential for advanced imaging and communication missions. At present, Indian satellite manufacturers rely heavily on imports of star trackers from the United States and Europe; the StarSense project aims to strengthen India’s self-reliance in critical space technologies.

 

3. ASI Finds Ancient Inscriptions in Nallamala Tiger Reserve : The Epigraphy Branch of the Archaeological Survey of India documented and copied 25 ancient inscriptions in the Nallamala Tiger Reserve Forest as part of an epigraphical survey completed on 13 June 2026. The inscriptions span nearly 1,400 years, from the 2nd century CE to the 16th century CE, and include records in Telugu, Kannada, Prakrit, and Brahmi script. Ancient rock art was identified near Alatam on the banks of the Krishna River inside the Nallamala Tiger Reserve. The rock art includes megalithic and early historic paintings, and preliminary assessment places it at about 1500 BCE. Rock art in India includes paintings, engravings, and petroglyphs found on rock shelters, cliffs, and boulders. The Krishna River basin has several archaeological sites associated with prehistoric and early historic human activity. The survey recorded material linked to the Satavahana, Eastern Chalukya, Reddy, Kalyani Chalukya, Potapi Chola, Kakatiya, and Vijayanagara periods. Brahmi is one of the earliest scripts used in the Indian subcontinent, and Prakrit was widely used in early inscriptions across ancient India.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Maharashtra to Introduce Women Farmers Empowerment Bill: The Maharashtra Women Farmers Empowerment Bill, 2026, is scheduled for introduction in the Monsoon Session of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly beginning on 22 June 2026. The Bill seeks independent legal recognition for women farmers and wider access to welfare schemes and institutional support in Maharashtra. Agriculture in Maharashtra employs a large number of women, and the state has cited a figure of over 81% women in the agricultural workforce. Many existing agricultural benefits in India are linked to land ownership, which affects access for women, tenant cultivators, landless farmers, farm labourers, and migrant workers. The draft Bill proposes a broader legal definition of a farmer. The proposed definition includes landowners, women engaged in animal husbandry, fisheries, and horticulture, as well as landless farmers, tenant cultivators, farm labourers, and migrant workers.

 

2. India Expands Trade Ties for 2047 Economy Goal: India has expanded its trade agreements with the European Union, New Zealand, the European Free Trade Association, Canada and the United States in 2026. These agreements form part of India’s trade strategy linked with the goal of building a $30 trillion economy by 2047. A Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is a treaty between two or more economies that reduces or removes customs duties on goods and, in some cases, eases rules on services, investment and market access. India and the European Union signed an FTA on 27 January 2026 after nearly two decades of negotiations. The India-EU FTA gives immediate duty-free access to 70.4% of Indian tariff lines. It covers more than 90.7% of India’s export value to the European Union, and full implementation is planned to raise duty-free access to 99%.

 

Daily GK Update- 13th June, 2026

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. ICMR and Gates Foundation Launch Anaemia Challenge: The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the Gates Foundation launched a ₹1 crore Grand Challenge in New Delhi on 13 June 2026 to develop iron-rich food products for anaemia control. The challenge seeks affordable, nutrient-dense prototypes for adolescent girls and women of reproductive age in India. Anaemia is a condition in which the blood has a lower than normal concentration of haemoglobin or red blood cells. In India, anaemia affects nearly one in two adolescent girls and women of reproductive age, which is about 50% of this population group. The challenge focuses on food-based solutions beyond conventional supplementation. The programme offers grants of up to ₹1 crore for prototype development over one year. It is open to researchers, startups, food companies, and non-profit organisations. Applications are accepted until 3 July 2026.

 

2. India Becomes Third-Largest Domestic Aviation Market: India became the world’s third-largest domestic aviation market in April 2024, with airline capacity of 15.6 million seats. The market moved ahead of Brazil and Indonesia and stood behind the United States and China in global domestic traffic. The domestic aviation market covers passenger air travel within the borders of a country. In this market, airline capacity is measured in seats available on scheduled flights during a given period. OAG is a global travel data and analytics company that tracks airline capacity and schedules. India ranked fifth in the overall global aviation market in 2024, which includes both domestic and international passenger traffic. In the domestic segment, India rose from fifth place a decade ago to third place in April 2024. The United States and China retained the first two positions in the domestic aviation market.

 

3. Mizoram Leads in Electoral Roll Digitisation: Mizoram has recorded 68.05% digitisation of enumeration forms under the third phase of the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls as of 12 June 2026. The state ranks first among 16 states and three Union Territories covered under the ongoing digitisation exercise. The Special Intensive Revision is an electoral roll update exercise conducted under the Election Commission of India. In Mizoram, the exercise began on 20 May 2026 and the enumeration phase is scheduled to continue until 28 June 2026. Khawzawl district recorded 96.16% digitisation of forms by 12 June 2026. Champhai district reached 92.57%, while Serchhip district reached 90.93% on the same date. Mizoram achieved 99.90% distribution of enumeration forms through 1,301 Block Level Officers by 12 June 2026. Block Level Officers are field-level officials used in electoral roll revision and voter enumeration work.

 

4. Odisha Announces Free Education from KG to PG: Odisha announced a plan on 12 June 2026 to provide free education from Kindergarten to Postgraduate level in all government institutions across the state. The measure covers institutions under the school and mass education department and the higher education department. Odisha already provides free education up to Class 10 in government institutions. The new proposal extends the coverage to higher secondary, undergraduate, and postgraduate levels in government-run institutions. The state government stated that the policy is intended to cover more than 10 lakh students. The annual cost of the higher education component is estimated at about ₹30 crore to the state exchequer. The modalities for the scheme are being prepared before cabinet approval and notification. The policy will apply only to government institutions and not to private educational institutions. Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced the measure during a press conference marking two years of the BJP government in the state. The announcement placed the education plan within the state’s wider administrative agenda.

 

5. Maharashtra to Introduce Women Farmers Empowerment Bill: The Maharashtra Women Farmers Empowerment Bill, 2026, is scheduled for introduction in the Monsoon Session of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly beginning on 22 June 2026. The Bill seeks independent legal recognition for women farmers and wider access to welfare schemes and institutional support in Maharashtra. Agriculture in Maharashtra employs a large number of women, and the state has cited a figure of over 81% women in the agricultural workforce. Many existing agricultural benefits in India are linked to land ownership, which affects access for women, tenant cultivators, landless farmers, farm labourers, and migrant workers.

 

6. Government Proposes Unified Broadcasting Rules Under Telecom Act: The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting released the draft Telecommunications (Television, Radio and Associated Services) Rules, 2026, on 12 June 2026 for public consultation. The draft proposes a single regulatory framework for television, radio, Direct-to-Home, Headend-in-the-Sky, community radio, and Internet Protocol Television services under the Telecommunications Act, 2023. The draft rules cover television channels, television channel distribution services, teleports, television news agencies, private radio services, and community radio services. These services have been regulated through separate policy guidelines for about two decades. The Telecommunications Act, 2023 replaced the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, which was a colonial-era law. The new Act provides the statutory basis for authorisation and regulation of telecom and related services in India.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Gene Shalit Dies at 100: Gene Shalit was an American film critic and television personality born in New York City on 25 March 1926. He died on 12 June 2026 at the age of 100. Gene Shalit joined NBC’s Today show as a contributor in 1970. He became the programme’s arts editor in 1973 and remained associated with the show until 2010. He served as a film critic and arts commentator for more than four decades. Shalit became known for his bushy mustache, distinctive eyeglasses, flamboyant bow ties, and unusual hair. His reviews used puns and wordplay, and many of them became known for their humorous phrasing.

 

2. David Hockney Dies: David Hockney, a British artist born in Bradford, West Yorkshire, died at the age of 88 on 11 June 2026 at his home in London. He was born on 9 July 1937 and died less than a month before his 89th birthday. David Hockney was one of the best-known figures in contemporary art across the 20th and 21st centuries. His career lasted for seven decades and included painting, collage, photography, and iPad drawings. Hockney became known for paintings of swimming pools and colourful landscapes. He also used multiple media in the same career, including collage, photography, and digital drawing on the iPad. At the time of his death, Hockney had a current exhibition at the Serpentine Gallery in London. Future exhibitions were planned at Tate in London and the Munch Museum in Oslo.

 

3. India Appoints Dinesh Trivedi as High Commissioner to Bangladesh: India appointed Dinesh Trivedi as High Commissioner to Bangladesh on 27 April 2026. He became the first political appointee to an ambassadorial post in South Asia in more than three decades. He received his Letters of Credence from President Droupadi Murmu on 5 June 2026 and assumed charge in Dhaka on 12 June 2026. The High Commissioner is the head of a diplomatic mission in a Commonwealth country, and India uses the title for its mission in Bangladesh. Letters of Credence are formal diplomatic documents issued by a head of state to accredit an envoy to another country. Dinesh Trivedi entered Bangladesh by road through the Benapole-Petrapole land port, which is a major India-Bangladesh border crossing.

 

4. China Rejects Indian Chilli Consignments: China rejected multiple consignments of Indian dried red chillies on 11 June 2026 and temporarily suspended three Indian exporting firms. The action followed detection of alleged excessive methamidophos, an organophosphate insecticide, in the consignments. Methamidophos is an organophosphate insecticide used against insect pests in agriculture. It is associated with nervous system disorders and is not approved for use in chilli cultivation in India. China is the largest importer of Indian red chillies, and India exported 2.36 lakh tonnes of red chillies to China in the 2024-25 financial year. Indian chilli exports form a significant share of India’s agricultural shipments to East Asia. China has increased scrutiny of imported food products through residue testing and compliance checks. In May 2026, China rejected 70 consignments of Indian non-Basmati rice over concerns related to genetically modified organisms.

 

5. Canada Launches Meningitis B Vaccination Drive : Canada has recorded a rise in invasive meningococcal disease, with provinces such as Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia and Manitoba expanding vaccination measures for students and young adults. Meningitis B is a bacterial infection caused by Neisseria meningitidis, and it is one of the main causes of invasive meningococcal disease in Canada. Prince Edward Island began urging Grade 12 students to receive free Meningitis B vaccines on 29 May 2026. Nurses visited schools in the province, and around 850 Grade 12 students received the vaccine over the previous few weeks. Nova Scotia started offering free Meningitis B vaccines in 2023 to new post-secondary students aged 25 and under who live in dormitories or residence halls, as well as to new military recruits. Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island are the only provinces that currently offer free Meningitis B vaccination for post-secondary students.

 

6. Thailand’s Princess Bajrakitiyabha Dies After Prolonged Coma: Princess Bajrakitiyabha Mahidol, the eldest daughter of King Maha Vajiralongkorn of Thailand, died on 12 June 2026 at the age of 47 after nearly four years in a coma. She had been under treatment at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital in Bangkok since 15 December 2022. The Thai monarchy is the constitutional monarchy of Thailand, and the reigning monarch in 2026 is King Maha Vajiralongkorn. Princess Bajrakitiyabha Mahidol was a member of the Chakri dynasty and held the title of princess in the Thai royal family. Princess Bajrakitiyabha collapsed in December 2022 while training her dogs in northeastern Thailand. Doctors treated her for a heart condition and infections, and her condition worsened in May 2026 because of multiple infections affecting several organs.

 

7. Trump Nominates Jay Clayton as Intelligence Chief: On 11 June 2026, President Donald Trump nominated Jay Clayton, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York and former chairman of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, for the post of Director of National Intelligence. The Director of National Intelligence coordinates the 18 intelligence agencies of the United States, including the Central Intelligence Agency and the National Security Agency. Jay Clayton served as chairman of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission from 2017 to 2020 during Donald Trump’s first term. As the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, he oversees cases related to terrorism, espionage, securities fraud, and public corruption. The Director of National Intelligence is the head of the United States Intelligence Community. The office was created by the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 after the September 2001 attacks and the 9/11 Commission report.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

DEFENCE

 

1. Railways Introduces Body-Worn Cameras for RPF Personnel: Indian Railways has introduced GPS-enabled body-worn cameras for Railway Protection Force personnel in the Samastipur division of the East Central Railway on 12 June 2026. The system adds 20 new devices to 37 already deployed and is used for surveillance, passenger safety, and monitoring of RPF personnel. Body-worn cameras are portable recording devices fixed on a uniform or body harness. In railway security, they are used by RPF personnel during patrolling, inspection, and crowd management in stations and trains. The cameras used by Indian Railways have included night vision, 32 GB storage, a 3000 mAh battery, and a wide-angle lens of 100 to 109 degrees. Some models can record continuously for five hours and have an eight-hour standby time, while footage can be transferred to a control room through a SIM card.

2. Rajnath Singh Inaugurates Advanced Weapon System Complex in Hyderabad: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated an Advanced Weapon System Complex at the Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Missile Complex within the Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL) in Hyderabad, Telangana, on 12 June 2026. The facility has been developed by the Missile Systems and Strategic Systems Cluster of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) for next-generation weapon development and indigenous missile and air defence capability. The Defence Research and Development Organisation is India’s premier defence research agency under the Ministry of Defence. It works through multiple clusters, including the Missile Systems and Strategic Systems Cluster, which handles missile, strategic, and related defence technologies.

 

3. India Advances Mission Sudarshan Chakra Missile Shield: India has advanced an indigenous multi-layer missile defence programme under Mission Sudarshan Chakra through a series of missile tests and new defence infrastructure developments in 2026. The programme covers ballistic missile defence, air defence, and anti-ship warfare systems for military and strategic installations. Ballistic missile defence is a system designed to detect, track, intercept, and destroy incoming ballistic missiles before they reach their targets. India’s evolving architecture includes interceptor missiles for threats in the Intermediate-Range Ballistic Missile class, which covers missiles with ranges between 2,000 km and 5,000 km. The Defence Research and Development Organisation conducted three consecutive missile flight tests on 10 and 11 June 2026. These trials validated technologies linked to India’s multi-layered ballistic missile defence architecture and anti-ship warfare capability.

 

4. DRDO Tests Ballistic Missile Defence and Anti-Ship Systems: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) conducted three consecutive missile flight tests on 10 and 11 June 2026. The trials included interceptor missiles for Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) and the maiden flight test of the Naval Anti-Ship Missile-Medium Range (NASM-MR). Ballistic Missile Defence is a system designed to detect, track, intercept, and destroy ballistic missiles before they reach their targets. The DRDO trials involved interceptor missiles meant to neutralise Intermediate-Range Ballistic Missiles (IRBMs), which have a range of 2,000 km to 5,000 km. These interceptor missiles can operate in exo-atmospheric and endo-atmospheric modes. Exo-atmospheric interception takes place outside the Earth’s atmosphere, while endo-atmospheric interception takes place within the atmosphere.

 

SPORTS 

 

1. Sudarsan Pattnaik Wins Russia Grand Sand Master Cup 2026: Indian sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik won the Russia Grand Sand Master Cup 2026 on 12 and 13 June 2026. He became the first Indian to receive the award at the II International Festival of Sand Sculpture in the Kaliningrad Region of Russia. Sudarsan Pattnaik is an Indian sand artist known for large-scale sand sculptures on social and environmental themes. He is a recipient of the Padma Shri, which is one of India’s civilian honours. The Russia Grand Sand Master Cup is associated with the II International Festival of Sand Sculpture, which began on 11 June 2026. The festival brought together 12 sand sculptors from different countries. Pattnaik’s winning sculpture was a three-metre-tall artwork on climate change and global warming. The sculpture showed two faces of the Earth, one linked with environmental degradation and the other linked with afforestation and sustainable living.

 

2. Indian Whiskies Win at San Francisco Spirits Competition: DeVANS GianChand Indian Single Malt Whisky won a Double Gold medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2026 on 11 June 2026. GianChand Manshaa, a peated expression from DeVANS Modern Breweries Ltd., won a Silver medal at the same competition. Both whiskies also received Silver medals at the International Spirits Challenge 2026. The San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC) is a global spirits competition held in the United States. It evaluates spirits through blind tasting by a judging panel and awards medals such as Gold, Silver, and Double Gold. A Double Gold medal at the SFWSC is awarded when every judge on the panel independently gives a spirit a Gold rating. This medal is used for spirits that receive unanimous top marks from the judges.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Japan’s H3 Rocket Returns With Low-Cost Variant: Japan’s H3 rocket returned to flight on 12 June 2026 from the Tanegashima Space Center in Kagoshima Prefecture with the debut of its low-cost “30 configuration”. The mission, called Flight 6, used three liquid-fuel LE-9 engines and no solid rocket boosters. The second stage reached the targeted orbit, and six small satellites developed by universities and other organisations were believed to have separated successfully. The H3 is Japan’s flagship launch vehicle and is co-developed by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. The “30 configuration” is a variant designed with three LE-9 engines and no solid rocket boosters. The H3 family includes multiple configurations for different payload requirements and launch costs. Flight 6 followed two previous mission failures in the H3 programme. The most recent failure occurred in December 2025 during Flight 8, when the rocket failed to place a navigation satellite into orbit because of a defect in the satellite mount. The June 2026 launch was originally scheduled for 10 June 2026 and was postponed because of adverse weather forecasts.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. India Expands Trade Ties for 2047 Economy Goal: India has expanded its trade agreements with the European Union, New Zealand, the European Free Trade Association, Canada and the United States in 2026. These agreements form part of India’s trade strategy linked with the goal of building a $30 trillion economy by 2047. A Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is a treaty between two or more economies that reduces or removes customs duties on goods and, in some cases, eases rules on services, investment and market access. India and the European Union signed an FTA on 27 January 2026 after nearly two decades of negotiations. The India-EU FTA gives immediate duty-free access to 70.4% of Indian tariff lines. It covers more than 90.7% of India’s export value to the European Union, and full implementation is planned to raise duty-free access to 99%.India and New Zealand signed an FTA on 27 April 2026. The agreement gives Indian exporters full duty-free access to the New Zealand market, while India will liberalise tariffs on about 70% of tariff lines covering 95% of bilateral trade.

 

2. UPI-NPI Corridor Launched for India-Nepal Remittances: India and Nepal launched a cross-border peer-to-peer remittance link by integrating the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) with Nepal’s National Payments Interface (NPI) on 6 June 2026. The system became operational on 6 June 2026 and was announced by India’s finance ministry on 11 June 2026. The Unified Payments Interface is India’s real-time payment system developed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI). The National Payments Interface is Nepal’s domestic digital payment system for bank transfers and wallet-based transactions. NPCI International Payments Ltd (NIPL), the international arm of NPCI, partnered with Nepal Clearing House Ltd (NCHL) to implement the payment link. The corridor uses mobile banking applications, UPI apps, and digital wallets for cross-border transfers.