Daily GK Update- 27th June, 2026

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India Participates as Permanent Observer at 56th OAS General Assembly in Panama: India participated as a Permanent Observer in the 56th General Assembly of the Organisation of American States (OAS), held in Panama City, Panama, with Ambassador Sumit Seth representing the country. The 56th OAS General Assembly was organised under the theme “The Americas United on the Bicentennial of the Amphictyonic Congress of Panama,” highlighting regional unity and cooperation across the Americas. India’s participation as a Permanent Observer reflects its commitment to strengthening diplomatic engagement and expanding political, economic, and multilateral cooperation with countries of the Americas.

 

2. MoRTH Signs MoU with BharatBenz to Accelerate Old Truck and Bus Replacement in Delhi-NCR: The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Daimler India Commercial Vehicles (BharatBenz) under the Centre’s old truck and bus replacement scheme for the Delhi-NCR region. Under the agreement, BharatBenz will offer an 8% discount on the ex-showroom price of eligible trucks and buses, while the Central Government will provide a 5% interest subvention and monthly fuel vouchers for five years. Participating State Governments will offer up to 100% concession on motor vehicle tax for 10 years and waive registration fees for eligible beneficiaries to encourage replacement of old commercial vehicles.

 

3. NCERT Introduces 1975 Emergency Chapter in Class 9 Textbook for the First Time: The National Council of Educational Research and Training has introduced a chapter on the 1975 Emergency in its Class 9 Social Science textbook, Understanding Society: India and Beyond, describing it as one of the major challenges to Indian democracy. This is the first time the Emergency has been included at the Class 9 level; previously, the topic was covered only in the Class 12 Political Science textbook. The textbook explains that rising unemployment, inflation, public dissatisfaction, and allegations of misgovernance led to widespread protests before the National Emergency was declared in June 1975 on the grounds of internal disturbance.

 

4. IRCTC Launches ‘Divine East Temple Tour’ on Bharat Gaurav Deluxe Tourist Train: IRCTC has launched the “Divine East Temple Tour” aboard the Bharat Gaurav Deluxe Tourist Train to promote pilgrimage, spiritual travel, and cultural tourism across eastern India. The 11-day rail tour will cover major religious and heritage destinations in Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, West Bengal, and Jharkhand, including Varanasi, Puri, Konark, Chilika, Bhubaneswar, Kolkata, Gangasagar, and Baidyanath Dham. The journey will commence from Safdarjung Railway Station, New Delhi, and conclude in Delhi on 5 October 2026, offering pilgrims a comprehensive spiritual tourism experience.

 

5. Gautam Adani Launches ‘Vande Bharatam’ to Empower Entrepreneurs and Grassroots Innovators Across India: Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani has launched ‘Vande Bharatam’, a nationwide initiative to identify, support, and nurture entrepreneurs, innovators, and grassroots changemakers across India. The programme aims to create an inclusive innovation ecosystem by covering all 36 States and Union Territories, over 800 districts, and enabling participation in multiple Indian languages. ‘Vande Bharatam’ seeks to empower local talent, encourage innovation at the grassroots level, and provide a national platform for transformative ideas with the potential to drive India’s development.

 

6. 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.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Amazon Announces Additional USD 13 Billion Investment in India: Amazon has announced an additional investment of USD 13 billion in India, increasing its total planned investment to over USD 48 billion during the 2026–2030 period. The investment announcement was made by Andy Jassy, Global CEO of Amazon, after his meeting with Narendra Modi in New Delhi. The fresh investment is expected to strengthen Amazon’s e-commerce, cloud computing, logistics, digital infrastructure, and technology operations in India while creating new employment opportunities.

 

2. Bangladesh Joins International Big Cat Alliance as 27th Member Country: Bangladesh has joined the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) as its 27th member country, strengthening international cooperation for big cat conservation. The IBCA, launched by India in 2024 and headquartered in New Delhi, aims to conserve seven big cat species—tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard, cheetah, jaguar, and puma—through global collaboration. The IBCA currently has 27 member countries out of 95 big cat range countries, while five additional countries participate as observers, reflecting growing global support for wildlife conservation.

 

3. ASSOCHAM and ACCI Sign MoU to Boost India–Afghanistan Trade and Investment Cooperation: The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India and the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen India–Afghanistan bilateral trade, investment, and business cooperation. The MoU was signed during the visit of an Afghan business delegation led by Sayed Mohammad Karim Hashemi and aims to establish a structured framework for trade, investment, entrepreneurship, innovation, and business-to-business (B2B) engagement. Under the agreement, both organisations will cooperate in information exchange, trade and investment facilitation, business matchmaking, delegation exchanges, joint conferences, exhibitions, and sector-specific interactions to deepen private-sector partnerships.

 

4. GMR Airports Takes Over Operations of Nagpur’s Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport: GMR Airports Limited has officially taken over the operations, management, development, and modernisation of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport, Nagpur, under a 30-year concession agreement signed with MIHAN India Ltd. (MIL). In the first phase, GMR will expand the passenger terminal to handle 3 million passengers annually, while future phases aim to increase the airport’s capacity to 30 million passengers per year, along with a new Air Traffic Control (ATC) tower and upgraded airside infrastructure. The modernisation project also includes a state-of-the-art cargo terminal with an annual handling capacity of 20,000 metric tonnes, strengthening Nagpur’s position as a major aviation and logistics hub in central India.

 

5. India Inaugurates World’s First Nuclear-Powered Copper-Chlorine Hydrogen Production Facility at Kalpakkam: Secretary, Department of Atomic Energy, Ajit Kumar Mohanty, inaugurated the world’s first Hydrogen Production Facility based on the Copper-Chlorine (Cu-Cl) Thermochemical Cycle at the Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR), Kalpakkam.

The facility utilizes nuclear process heat generated from the Fast Breeder Test Reactor (FBTR) to produce hydrogen, demonstrating an innovative approach to clean and carbon-free hydrogen production. The Cu-Cl thermochemical hydrogen production technology has been developed indigenously by the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Mumbai, and the project serves as a technology demonstrator for nuclear-powered hydrogen generation. The commissioning of the facility marks a major milestone in India’s clean energy transition, supporting energy security, decarbonisation goals, and sustainable development through the integration of nuclear energy with hydrogen production.

 

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.

 

7. India Restores Air Suvidha for Ebola-Affected Travellers: India reactivated the Air Suvidha portal as AIR SUVIDHA 2.0 on 25 June 2026 for passengers arriving from or transiting through Ebola-affected countries. The portal requires an online Self-Declaration Form before deboarding and records a 21-day travel and exposure history for public health screening at entry points. The World Health Organization declared the Ebola/Bundibugyo virus disease outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on 17 May 2026. A Public Health Emergency of International Concern, or PHEIC, is a formal WHO classification under the International Health Regulations for events that require coordinated international response.

OTHER UPDATES:

 

DEFENCE

 

1. Sea Drones Emerge as Key Defence Technology: Sea drones, also called unmanned maritime systems, are naval platforms that operate on the surface or underwater without an onboard crew. In June 2026, several countries used unmanned surface vessels, extra-large uncrewed underwater vehicles, and autonomous drone boats in military exercises, logistics missions, and rescue operations in the Indo-Pacific and the Middle East. Unmanned surface vessels (USVs) operate on the sea surface and can carry sensors, communications equipment, or weapons. Uncrewed underwater vehicles operate below the surface and are used for surveillance, strike missions, mine countermeasures, and logistics support. Extra-Large Uncrewed Underwater Vehicles (XLUUVs) are a larger class of underwater drones designed for long-range and heavy-payload missions.

 

SPORTS 

 

1. FIFA Suspends All Nepal Football Association Over Governance Violations: FIFA has suspended the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) with immediate effect from 24 June for violating FIFA statutes due to third-party interference in its governance. Following the suspension, Nepal’s national football teams and clubs are barred from participating in all FIFA and Asian Football Confederation (AFC) competitions until further notice. ANFA, its officials, and member associations will also lose access to FIFA and AFC funding, development programmes, and training opportunities until the governance issues are resolved and the suspension is lifted.

 

2. 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.

 

 

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. OpenAI Appoints Former Uber India Head Prabhjeet Singh as India Managing Director: OpenAI has appointed Prabhjeet Singh as its Managing Director (MD) for India, effective September 2026, to lead the company’s operations and growth in the Indian market. Prior to joining OpenAI, Prabhjeet Singh served as the President of Uber India and South Asia, bringing extensive experience in technology, business expansion, and digital innovation.

 

2. Centre Approves Chennai Intelligent Transport System: The Centre approved over ₹500 crore on 25 June 2026 for the Intelligent Transport System (ITS) project in the Chennai Metropolitan Area. The project has an estimated value of about ₹645.59 crore and is funded through a loan from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to the Centre. The contract for ₹530 crore was signed with L&T on 31 March 2023, and JICA approved it on 6 June 2023. The ITS for Chennai includes adaptive traffic signal control at 165 junctions, a traffic incident detection system at 58 locations, a variable message sign system at 17 places, and a red light violation detection system at 50 junctions. The system also includes junction improvements, camera installation, and signal replacement at selected intersections. As of 6 March 2026, civil work for junction improvements had been completed at 104 of the 165 identified junctions. The Greater Chennai Corporation expected full operation of the ITS by August 2026. A pilot project began in January 2024 at 17 locations.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Goldman Sachs Raises India’s 2026 GDP Growth Forecast to 6.8%: Goldman Sachs has raised India’s real GDP growth forecast for 2026 to 6.8% from 6.5%, citing lower crude oil prices and improving domestic macroeconomic conditions. The investment bank also reduced its inflation forecast to 4.4% and current account deficit estimate to 1.1% of GDP, following the decline in global oil prices after the US-Iran peace deal. The report noted that lower crude oil and urea prices are expected to reduce India’s energy import costs and fertiliser subsidy burden, though weather-related risks and earlier fuel price hikes may temporarily affect consumption.

 

2. Government Notifies 318 Works Under Rural Employment Framework: On 24 June 2026, the Government of India notified an interim list of 318 permissible works under the new rural employment framework. The framework will roll out on 1 July 2026 under the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025, which replaces the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act. The Ministry of Rural Development shared the interim list with states and other ministries on 24 June 2026 and sought views for additions based on local requirements. A high-level inter-ministerial consultation on the draft convergence framework was held on 24 and 25 June 2026 and was chaired by Rural Development Secretary Rohit Kansal. Representatives from 18 ministries and departments took part in the consultation.

 

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. COAS General Upendra Dwivedi Honours Colonel Dibya Shankar Bhattacharya (Retd.) with Commendation Card and Medal: Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Upendra Dwivedi honoured Dibya Shankar Bhattacharya with the COAS Commendation Card and Medal at a ceremony held in Tezpur. The award recognises Colonel Dibya Shankar Bhattacharya (Retd.) for his distinguished military service and his exceptional contributions to society after retirement, highlighting his continued commitment to nation-building.

 

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.