Clarity 4 Sure · Revision Sheet

June 2026 — exam-ready facts

520 items from 20 days · NABARD Grade A · RBI Grade B · SEBI Grade A

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20days covered

520topics

26topics a day

10hto revise once

Where June 2026 put its weight

Facts To Remember 174

Banking/Finance 51

Agriculture 18

National Affairs 14

1. Lieutenant-General Dhiraj Seth named next Army Chief 9

National News 5

Revise the longest bars first — that is where the paper is most likely to come from.

How to use this sheet

1 Cover the right column Read only the topic name and try to recall the facts before you look.

2 Mark what you missed Anything you could not recall is what the exam will find first.

3 Write one answer Pick one topic and write 150 words on it. That is what converts marks.

Numbers worth remembering

₹10 lakhGold Award incentive: trophy, citation, and ₹10 lakh cash incentive for further technologica…

10 per centJPMorgan GBI-EM Global Diversified Index: India included June 2024 onwards, phased over 10 m…

1.19 per centThe 2024 ICRIER study found less than 1.19 per cent of available bandwidth was used in rural…

35.4%India's share of global ship recycling increased to 35.4% in 2025 from 30.1% in 2024.

2.99 millionIndia recycled approximately 2.99 million gross tons (GT) of shipping volume, a 60% surge ov…

3 croreOver 3 crore women entrepreneurs have already been mobilised by 2026.

80 croreTarget (Phase 1): 80 crore (800 million) saplings by March 2025.

77 per centBy end-March, India held about 880.52 metric tonnes of gold, with 77 per cent held domestica…

5.00 per centThe standing deposit facility (SDF) rate stands at 5.00 per cent, and the MSF rate and bank…

21 per centIndia's weight in the MSCI Global Standard Index has fallen from about 21 per cent in Septem…

49 per centThe aggregate bank exposure to a single REIT or InvIT and its SPVs/holding companies cannot…

6.6 per centThe World Bank has projected India's GDP growth at 6.6 per cent for FY27, up by 10 bps from…

Pulled straight out of this month's own facts. If a figure here is new to you, go back and read that item in full.

General · 44

India's First SkyCast System at IGI Airport, New Delhi

Mission Mausam was approved by the Government of India in September 2024.
The system continuously monitors atmospheric conditions up to an altitude of about 3 kilometres.
Mission Mausam is a flagship initiative of the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) approved in September 2024, to make India weather-ready and climate-smart by upgrading its weather observation, modelling, and forecasting capabilities. The mission aims to build a world-class observation network of radars, wind profilers, balloons, ocean buoys, and satellites, deploy advanced numerical weather prediction models, and develop AI and Machine Learning-based forecasting tools to deliver hyperlocal, sector-specific weather forecasts for agriculture, aviation, disaster management, urban planning, water resources, and public health. The mission also focuses on specific weather phenomena like fog, thunderstorms, heatwaves, cold waves, and extreme rainfall, which cause major disruption and damage in India. Its implementing agencies include the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM, Pune), the National Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasting (NCMRWF), and other MoES institutions. SkyCast is one of the first major operational deliverables under Mission Mausam, focused on aviation weather.
(c) Pollutants like PM2.5, PM10, NO2, and SO2 mix and disperse within the ABL. In winter, the ABL becomes shallow (cold ground compresses it), trapping pollution near the surface, which is why Delhi's winter pollution is so severe.

Instrument	What it does
Radar Wind Profiler	Measures wind speed, direction, and vertical motion in the lower atmosphere
SODAR (Sound Detection and Ranging)	Uses sound waves to study wind, turbulence, and boundary-layer behaviour
Microwave Radiometer	Measures temperature and humidity profiles vertically through the atmosphere
Ground-based Fog Aerosol Spectrometer (GFAS)	Studies fog droplet sizes and aerosol-fog interactions
CL61 Lidar-based Ceilometer	Uses laser pulses to map the vertical structure and density of fog and clouds

Sakura Science Programme 2026

Since India's inclusion, a total of 674 Indian students and 96 supervisors have visited Japan under this framework.
Q3. With reference to the National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship (NMMS) Scheme, consider the following statements:
(a), Statements 1, 2, 3 are correct. Statement 4 is wrong; the Sakura Science Programme explicitly includes a cultural exchange component, with immersive experiences to help students appreciate Japan's history and social fabric, alongside scientific learning.
The Department of School Education and Literacy (DoSEL), under the Ministry of Education, has flagged off a contingent of 56 Indian school students to Japan under the Sakura Science Programme 2026. The programme, originally launched as the Japan-Asia Youth Exchange Program in Science, is an international youth exchange initiative funded and implemented by the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), a leading public agency under Japan's Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT). It invites bright young minds from across the world to Japan for short-term visits that combine hands-on experience of Japan's cutting-edge science and technology with immersion in Japanese culture, history, and society.

Union Minister Launches Logistics Port Performance Index (LPPI) and Four Digital Maritime Reforms

India has aligned its Recycling of Ships Act, 2019, with the Hong Kong Convention.
The 24x7 e-Navik Grievance Redressal Module is a global welfare interface for Indian seafarers.
The Unified Ship Recycling Portal allows shipowners who recycle vessels at Hong Kong Convention-compliant Indian yards to receive a credit note worth 40 per cent of the ship's scrap value.
Occasion: 37th Foundation Day of Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA).

#	Initiative	What it does
1	Logistics Port Performance Index (LPPI)	Benchmarks Indian ports across three cargo segments
2	24x7 e-Navik Grievance Redressal Module	Global grievance channel for Indian seafarers
3	e-Samudra Ship Registration Module	Digitises ship registration under the Indian flag
4	Medical Practitioner Module	Verified database of doctors certifying maritime crew fitness
5	Unified Ship Recycling Portal (Credit Note Module)	Links eco-compliant ship recycling to new shipbuilding incentives

New Frog Species "Amolops Kamal" Discovered

(a), Statements 1, 2, 3 are correct. Statement 4 is wrong; the regulator of stock markets and securities in India is SEBI, NOT the ZSI. ZSI is a biodiversity and animal taxonomy research institute, not a financial regulator.
(a), Statements 1, 2, 3 are correct. Statement 4 is wrong; cryptic species are quite common in amphibians, and recognising them is significantly raising biodiversity estimates in many parts of the world, including Northeast India.
Year of field discovery: August 2024.
ZSI was established in 1916 and is headquartered in Kolkata.

India's Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR)

India's MMR has marginally improved from 88 in 2021-23 to 87 in 2022-24 as per the latest SRS bulletin.
The Maternal Mortality Rate is calculated per 1,00,000 women of reproductive age (15-49 years), not per 1,00,000 live births.
India's Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR), defined as the number of maternal deaths per 1,00,000 live births, has improved by just one point from 88 in 2021-23 to 87 in 2022-24, according to the latest Sample Registration System (SRS) bulletin released by the Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner, Ministry of Home Affairs. The headline is a near-stall in national progress, after two decades of sharp improvement, with India having cut MMR from 212 in 2007-09 to 88 in 2020-22, putting the country on track for the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 3.1) target of reducing the global MMR to less than 70 by 2030.
Latest value (2022-24): 87.

Period	MMR (per 1,00,000 live births)
2007-09	212
2020-22	88
2021-23	88
2022-24	87

Forbes World's Top 10 Richest People (June 2026)

Forbes: an American business magazine founded in 1917 by B. C. Forbes and Walter Drey; headquartered in Jersey City, New Jersey, USA.
Forbes is famous for several global lists, including the World's Billionaires list, Forbes 400 (richest Americans), Global 2000 (largest public companies), Most Powerful People, and Best Countries for Business.
Forbes is an American business magazine and global media company founded in 1917 by B. C. Forbes and Walter Drey.
Forbes publishes lists such as the World's Billionaires, Forbes 400, Forbes Global 2000, Most Powerful People, and Forbes 30 Under 30.

Rank	Person	Net Worth (USD billion)	Source / Company
1	Elon Musk	835	Tesla, SpaceX
2	Larry Page	309	Alphabet (Google) co-founder
3	Sergey Brin	285	Alphabet (Google) co-founder
4	Jeff Bezos	277	Amazon, Blue Origin founder
5	Larry Ellison	276	Oracle co-founder and Chairman
6	Michael Dell	260.1	Dell Technologies
7	Mark Zuckerberg	206.1	Meta Platforms (Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp)
8	Jensen Huang	193.7	NVIDIA CEO
9	Bernard Arnault	149.1	LVMH (Louis Vuitton, Dior, etc.)
10	Steve Ballmer	143.5	Former CEO, Microsoft

Jai Prakash Narayan Bird Sanctuary (Surha Tal), Ballia, Becomes India's 100th Ramsar Site on World Environment Day

The first Ramsar Sites in India were designated in 1981: Chilika Lake (Odisha) and Keoladeo National Park (Rajasthan).
The 2026 theme focuses on ecological restoration and biodiversity (specifics may vary by host country).
Chilika Lake in Odisha and Keoladeo National Park in Rajasthan were among India's first Ramsar Sites, designated in 1981.
The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands is an international treaty signed in 1971 in the city of Ramsar, Iran, and entered into force in 1975.

Indicator	Detail
New Ramsar Site	Jai Prakash Narayan Bird Sanctuary (Surha Tal)
Location	Ballia district, Uttar Pradesh
Type of wetland	Freshwater wetland in the middle stretch of the Ganga River basin
India's Ramsar Site count	100 (Surha Tal is the 100th)
Uttar Pradesh's Ramsar Site count	13 (Surha Tal is UP's 13th)
Date of designation	5 June 2026, World Environment Day
Underlying treaty	Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, 1971

Panchayat Advancement Index (PAI) Wins Gold at National Awards for e-Governance 2026

Gold Award incentive: trophy, citation, and ₹10 lakh cash incentive for further technological scaling and R&D.
Award: Gold Award at the National Awards for e-Governance 2026.
PAI 2.0 evaluates over 6 lakh Gram Panchayats.
The 17 SDGs are mapped into 9 thematic clusters for village-level action.

Exam	Relevance
UPSC Prelims	GS Paper II on Panchayati Raj, Governance, Government Schemes (PAI, LSDGs, e-Governance Awards)
UPSC Mains	GS Paper II on Governance, Panchayati Raj, Welfare, Federalism; GS Paper III on Sustainable Development
BPSC and State PCS	Polity, Panchayati Raj, Governance, Current Affairs
Banking and NABARD	General Awareness on rural development
NABARD Grade A	Very high importance, rural development, Panchayati Raj, SDGs

India Wins SAFF Women's Championship 2026

India won the first five consecutive editions from 2010 to 2019.
(c), Statements 1, 2, 3 are correct; Statement 4 is wrong because the tournament is held approximately every two years.
Event: SAFF Women's Championship 2026 (8th edition).
Bangladesh won the 2022 and 2024 editions before India reclaimed the title in 2026.

Exam	Relevance
UPSC Prelims	GS Paper I on Sports (SAFF, AIFF, FIFA); GS Paper II on Regional groupings (SAFF)
UPSC Mains	GS Paper I on Sports and Women's Empowerment; GS Paper II on Regional cooperation
BPSC and State PCS	Sports, Current Affairs
Banking and NABARD	General Awareness

e-Jagriti Platform Wins Silver Award at National Awards for e-Governance 2026

CCPA (Central Consumer Protection Authority): A regulator established under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, with powers to investigate, recall products, and act against misleading ads.
Launched on: 1 January 2025.
e-Jagriti was launched by the Department of Consumer Affairs on 1 January 2025.
Award: Silver Award at the National Awards for e-Governance 2026.

Union Minister Piyush Goyal Launches BHAVYA Portal

The scheme has a total outlay of ₹33,660 crore.
(c), Statements 1, 2, 3 are correct; Statement 4 is wrong because the scheme is administered by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, not the Ministry of External Affairs.
Total outlay: ₹33,660 crore (Cabinet-approved).
Aim: Build 100 world-class industrial parks across India.

10th anniversary of the Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA)

Launched on: 9 June 2016.
JSSK (Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakaram), launched in 2011, offers free transport, drugs, diagnostics, and delivery services.
10th anniversary theme: "10 Years of PMSMA, A Decade of Care".
(Statement 4 is wrong; the scheme is implemented by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, NOT the Ministry of External Affairs.)

Land Port Management System (LPMS)

(c), Statements 1, 2, 3 are correct; Statement 4 is wrong because LPAI is under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Set up under the Land Ports Authority of India Act, 2010.
LPAI is a statutory body set up under the Land Ports Authority of India Act, 2010.
(Statement 4 is wrong; the LPAI is under the Ministry of Home Affairs, NOT the Ministry of Civil Aviation.)

Bloomberg Global Aggregate Bond Index

JPMorgan GBI-EM Global Diversified Index: India included June 2024 onwards, phased over 10 months to reach 10 per cent weight.
India was included in the JPMorgan GBI-EM Global Diversified Index starting in June 2024.
Estimated index weight for India: 7-10 per cent of the Emerging Market component (about 0.6 to 1.0 per cent of the overall index in practice).
India was the first country to be included in the JPMorgan GBI-EM Global Diversified Index when it was launched in the 1990s.

Exam	Relevance
UPSC Prelims	GS Paper III on Indian Economy (Bond Index, G-secs, FAR, FPI, Capital Flows)
UPSC Mains	GS Paper III on Indian Economy, External sector, Monetary policy, Capital markets
BPSC and State PCS	Economy, Capital markets, Current Affairs
Banking (RBI Gr B, SBI PO, IBPS, NABARD)	Very high importance, G-secs, bond markets, FAR, FPI
RBI Grade B	Core area on external sector and monetary policy
SEBI Grade A and IRDAI Grade A	Capital markets, FPI flows, bond markets

LPMS Inaugurated as "Vinimay" at Vigyan Bhawan

(c), Statements 1, 2, 3 are correct; Statement 4 is wrong because Vinimay is under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Unique Identification Authority of India, established under the Aadhaar Act, 2016.
The Land Ports Authority of India (LPAI) was set up under the Land Ports Authority of India Act, 2010.
(Statement 4 is wrong; the LPMS and Vinimay are under the Ministry of Home Affairs, NOT the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.)

Centre Announces 16 Winners of 29th National Awards for e-Governance (NAeG) 2026

Launched by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in 2019-20.
Launched by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare as part of the Digital Agriculture Mission (DAM).
First awards: 1996-97.
The awards have been instituted in 2026 for the first time, with no earlier editions.

Exam	Relevance
UPSC Prelims	GS Paper II on Government Schemes (NAeG, Agri Stack, e-Jagriti, eSanjeevani); GS Paper III on Science and Technology
UPSC Mains	GS Paper II on Government policies, e-Governance; GS Paper III on Digital Public Infrastructure
BPSC and State PCS	Schemes, e-Governance, Current Affairs
Banking and NABARD	General Awareness on digital governance
RBI Grade B	Digital economy and governance
NABARD Grade A	Agri Stack, rural digital initiatives
SEBI Grade A and IRDAI Grade A	Digital governance awareness

US Attacks on Ships with Indian Crew in Gulf of Oman and Strait of Hormuz

The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS, 1982) guarantees neutral commercial vessels the right of innocent passage through: International waters. Key international straits like the Strait of Hormuz.
About 21 million barrels per day of crude oil and condensates pass through, representing about 20-25 per cent of global liquid petroleum trade.
80 per cent of crude transiting Hormuz goes to Asian markets (China, India, Japan, South Korea).
About 20-25 per cent of global oil trade passes through this strait.

Global Startup Ecosystem Report (GSER) 2026

Founded: 2011.
Founded: 2008.
Its ecosystem value grew 190 per cent since 2021 vs global average of 149 per cent.
GSER 2026 evaluates ecosystems on 6 success factors: performance, funding, market reach, talent, AI-native cluster, and R&D.

Rank	Ecosystem	Country	Change
1	Silicon Valley	USA	Unchanged
2	New York City	USA	Unchanged
3	London	UK	Unchanged
4	Boston	USA	-
5	Los Angeles	USA	-

UNICEF's Children's Climate Risk Report 2026

Founded: 1946 (in response to post-WWII child welfare crisis).
Title: Children's Climate Risk Report (CCRR) 2026.
Builds on: 2021 report "Climate Crisis is a Child Rights Crisis".
The report was released on 16 June 2026 by UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell.

Hazard	India's Score
Extreme heat	10/10 (maximum)
Air pollution	9.94/10
Drought	8.84/10

Air Cushion Vehicle (ACV) H-561

Established: 18 August 1978 under the Coast Guard Act, 1978.
First delivery: June 2026.
The contract was signed on 24 October 2024 between the Ministry of Defence and Chowgule & Company.
The Indian Coast Guard was established in 1978 under the Coast Guard Act, 1978.

VivaTech 2026

Edition: 10th anniversary (founded 2016).
Off-site event: Champs-Élysées open-air technology showcase on 14 June 2026 (150,000 visitors).
Country of the Year 2026: Germany (first European nation).
India was the first "Country of the Year" at VivaTech in 2022.

Year	Engagement
2021	PM Modi delivered keynote (during COVID-19)
2022	India became first "Country of the Year"
2026	AI Country Partner; PM Modi participated again; India-France Year of Innovation

BharatNet's Last-Mile Crisis

Aim: Up-gradation of existing BharatNet Phase-I and Phase-II network. Connection to remaining/balance GPs. Last-mile FTTH connectivity (target: 1.5 crore FTTH connections).
Launched: 25 October 2011 (Union Cabinet approval).
Established: 25 February 2012.
The 2024 ICRIER study found less than 1.19 per cent of available bandwidth was used in rural areas.

Exam	Relevance
UPSC Prelims	GS Paper III on Indian Economy (Digital Infrastructure, E-Governance); GS Paper II on Government Schemes
UPSC Mains	GS Paper III on Indian Economy, Digital India; GS Paper II on Government Policies, E-Governance
BPSC and State PCS	Digital India, E-Governance, Current Affairs
Banking and NABARD	Digital banking, financial inclusion
RBI Grade B	Digital banking, financial inclusion
NABARD Grade A	Very high importance, rural connectivity, digital infrastructure

ASI Transfers Rakhigarhi Skeletal Remains to AnSI

Established: 1945 (carved out of Zoological Survey of India).
Mandate: Under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (AMASR) Act, 1958.
Established: 1861 by Alexander Cunningham (under Lord Canning).
(c), Statements 1, 2, 3 are correct; Statement 4 is wrong because Vasant Shinde and Narasimhan were co-first authors.

Phase	Period	Characteristics
Early Harappan	5500–2600 BCE	Regional cultures, beginnings of urbanism
Mature Harappan	2600–1900 BCE	Peak urban phase, planned cities, script
Late Harappan	1900–1300 BCE	Decline, regionalisation

IAS e-Civil List 2026

It includes information on IAS officers appointed through the Civil Services Examination since 1969.
Mission Karmayogi: Civil services capacity building (launched 2020).
Established: 1858 as Indian Civil Service (ICS).
(Statement 4 is wrong; the IAS e-Civil List is published by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) under the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, NOT the Ministry of Home Affairs.)

INS Dunagiri, INS Sanshodhak, and INS Agray into Indian Navy at Kolkata

First in Class: INS Arnala (lead ship, commissioned 2025).
Force Accretion 2026: 19 warships planned for commissioning — largest in Navy's history.
Maritime Vision 2030: Aims for 170+ warship Navy by 2030.
The Indian Navy plans to commission 19 warships in 2026, the largest annual force accretion in its history.

Feature	Details
Type	Stealth Guided-Missile Frigate
Class	Nilgiri-class (Project 17A)
Position in Class	5th of 7 Project 17A frigates to be commissioned
Built by	GRSE, Kolkata (2nd Project 17A built by GRSE)
Predecessor Class	Shivalik-class (Project 17)
Build Time	80 months (improved from 93 months for lead ship INS Nilgiri)
Propulsion	CODOG (Combined Diesel or Gas)
Indigenous Content	~75%

The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA)

APEDA is a statutory body established under the APEDA Act of 1985.
The APEDA Act came into effect on 13 February 1986.
3 Members of Parliament (2 from Lok Sabha + 1 from Rajya Sabha).
8 members from Central Ministries.

Feature	Details
Type	Statutory body (apex export-promotion authority)
Established Under	APEDA Act, 1985 (Act 2 of 1986)
Act Passed	December 1985
Came into Effect	13 February 1986
Parent Ministry	Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India
Department	Department of Commerce
HQ	New Delhi
Chairman	Shri Abhishek Dev, IAS (since 1 April 2024)
Replaced	Processed Food Export Promotion Council (PFEPC)

India Becomes World's Top Ship Recycling Nation in 2025

Established: 1983 (first ship MV Kota Tenjong, beached on 13 February 1983).
Launched: 2021 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Achievement: Target met in 2025, five years ahead of schedule.
India's share of global ship recycling increased to 35.4% in 2025 from 30.1% in 2024.

16th BRICS National Security Advisers' Meeting Begins in New Delhi

Vision: People-centric and humanity-first approach by PM Modi articulated at 17th BRICS Summit, Rio de Janeiro (July 2025).
2011: 3rd Summit at Sanya, China — first as BRICS.
2026: India holds Chairship; 18th Summit at New Delhi (12–13 Sept).
The first BRIC Summit was held in Yekaterinburg, Russia, in 2009.

#	Country	Joined
1	Brazil	Founding (2006/2009)
2	Russia	Founding (2006/2009)
3	India	Founding (2006/2009)
4	China	Founding (2006/2009)
5	South Africa	2010 (BRIC → BRICS)
6	Egypt	1 January 2024
7	Ethiopia	1 January 2024
8	Iran	1 January 2024
9	United Arab Emirates (UAE)	1 January 2024
10	Indonesia	6 January 2025
11	Saudi Arabia	2025 (formally became member)

Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA)

The proposed PES framework is being implemented under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002.
The 2024 draft, for the first time, allows the Centre to notify ESA boundaries in a phased, state-wise manner.
The Kasturirangan Working Group (2012–13) proposed that only the 40% natural landscape (~60,000 sq km) be declared as ESA, excluding the 60% cultural landscape.
(Statement 4 is wrong; the proposed PES framework will be implemented under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 framework for ESAs, NOT the Biological Diversity Act, 2002.)

Feature	Details
Length	~1,500 km along India's western coast
Total Area	~1,60,000 sq km
Spread	Six states (Gujarat to Tamil Nadu)
UNESCO World Heritage	Inscribed 2012 (39 component sites)
Biodiversity Hotspots Rank	One of the 8 "hottest hotspots" of biological diversity globally
Geological Age	Older than the Himalayas
Endemic Species	~5,000 flowering plants, 325+ globally threatened species, ~290 freshwater fishes, ~219 amphibians, ~227 reptiles
Rivers Originated	Godavari, Krishna, Kaveri, Tungabhadra, Periyar, Vaigai
Monsoon Role	Acts as barrier channelling SW monsoon rainfall onto coastal plains

Centre Tightens FCRA Rules

The amendments were notified by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs on 22 June 2026.
Administrative expenses cap: 20% of foreign contribution received (down from 50% in 2010).
(c), Statements 1, 2, 3 are correct; Statement 4 is wrong because 2020 Amendment prohibited transfers.
The Act replaced the original Foreign Contribution Regulation Act, 1976, which was enacted during the Emergency period.

Feature	Previous Framework	New Framework
Activity Specification	Broad category-level approval	Specific list of activities per category (prescribed Schedule)
Geographical Scope	Pan-India registration	State/UT-specific declaration
Disclosure	Limited	Mandatory disclosure of social media, websites, publications
Fees	Single registration fee	Separate fee per category and per State/UT (additional ₹300 each)
Compliance for Existing NGOs	No standardised review	One-year window to align with new norms
Penalty for Violation	Variable	Minimum fine of ₹1 lakh
Key Functionary	Office-bearers and directors	Broadened to include trustees, partners, Karta of HUFs, governing body members, and any controlling person
Foreign Nationals as Functionaries	Permitted	Ordinarily not eligible (except PIOs)
Publications Disclosure	Not mandatory	Mandatory — books, magazines, articles
Religious Activities	Broadly defined	Explicit list; conversion EXCLUDED
Utilisation Threshold	Not specified	75% of received foreign funds must be utilised before next instalment

President Droupadi Murmu Visits Kuno National Park

The first batch of 8 cheetahs was brought from Namibia, followed by 12 cheetahs from South Africa in February 2023.
The first batch was brought from Namibia in September 2022.
What: A statutory body under the MoEFCC, established under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 (as amended in 2006); implements Project Tiger and Project Cheetah; sets standards for tiger reserves and big cat conservation.
Where: HQ in New Delhi; oversees 57 tiger reserves and the two cheetah reintroduction sites (Kuno NP, Gandhi Sagar WLS) across India.

Banking (RBI Gr B, SBI PO, IBPS, NABARD)	General Awareness on Kuno, Project Cheetah, Conservation
NABARD Grade A	Very high importance, Direct subject — Wildlife, conservation, rural communities

India Becomes World's Top Ship Recycling Nation in 2025 with 35.4% Global Market Share

The MIV 2030 is implemented by the Ministry of External Affairs.
India emerged as the world's top ship recycling nation in 2025, with a global market share of 35.4%.
India recycled approximately 2.99 million gross tons (GT) of shipping volume, a 60% surge over 2024.
India achieved the Maritime India Vision (MIV) 2030 ship recycling target three years behind schedule.

Metric	Value
Global Rank	1st (Top ship recycling nation)
Global Market Share (2025)	35.4% (up from 30.1% in 2024)
Volume Recycled (2025)	2.99 million GT
Volume Recycled (2024)	1.86 million GT
Year-on-Year Growth	+60%
HKC-Compliant Facilities	115

Union Home Minister Amit Shah Launches NAFED's Digital Auction Portal "NAFEX.in"

What: A Central Sector Scheme set up in 2014–15 with a corpus of ₹500 crore (subsequently augmented) to regulate price volatility of agricultural and horticultural commodities like onions, pulses, potatoes; procures, stocks, and releases to manage prices.
The Ministry of Cooperation administers the Companies Act, 2013.
Q5. With reference to the NAFED-KALYAN Scholarship Scheme launched on 23 June 2026, consider the following statements:
Under the scheme, 1% of NAFED's annual profits will be earmarked for scholarships.

#	Initiative	Purpose
1	NAFEX.in	Digital auction portal for transparent agricultural commodity trading
2	DRISHTI Portal	Integrated inventory management for pulses and oilseeds
3	Saksham ERP	Enterprise Resource Planning for organisational efficiency
4	NAFED-KALYAN Scholarship Scheme	1% of NAFED's profits for scholarships and career development of farmers' children

ASI Uncovers Three 16th-Century Trilingual Inscriptions at Sadasivakona in Seshachalam Forest, Tirupati

A powerful South Indian Hindu empire (1336–1646 CE) that dominated the Deccan plateau and peninsular India (except Kerala); founded in 1336 by Harihara I and Bukka Raya I of the Sangama Dynasty with support of saint Vidyaranya; capital at Vijayanagara (Hampi), an iconic city described by Persian envoy Abdur Razzaq (1443) as "such that the pupil of the eye has never seen such a place like it"; reached its zenith under Krishna Deva Raya (1509–1529) of the Tuluva dynasty; ended its effective political dominance with the catastrophic defeat at the Battle of Talikota (1565); the ruined capital, Hampi, was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986.
Hampi was inscribed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage site in 1986.
Number of Inscriptions: 3 rare epigraphical records.
Date: 16th century CE (Vijayanagara era).

Aspect	Detail
Site	Sadasivakona (under-explored sacred site)
Forest Range	Seshachalam reserve forest
District	Tirupati district
State	Andhra Pradesh
Region	Eastern Ghats (Saptagiri / Seven Hills cluster)
Earlier Surveys	Nallamala Hills (by the same team)

AIR SUVIDHA 2.0 Portal

What: A legally binding multilateral framework adopted by the 58th World Health Assembly in 2005 (entered into force 15 June 2007); requires WHO Member States to detect, assess, notify, and report public health events of international concern; provides the legal basis for PHEIC declarations and coordinated international response; revised after the 2003 SARS outbreak to address modern transboundary health threats; further amended in June 2024 (post-COVID) to introduce "Pandemic Emergency" category and strengthen WHO mandates.
What: The operator of Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA), New Delhi; a public-private partnership joint venture of GMR Group (64%), Airports Authority of India (26%), and Fraport AG (10%); IGIA is India's busiest airport and a major international hub; DIAL's concession period extends to 2036 with possible extension.
The AIR SUVIDHA 2.0 portal is exclusively for domestic air travellers within India.
International arriving passengers must submit a mandatory online Health Self-Declaration covering a 21-day travel history, exposure history, and related symptoms.

Feature	Detail
Type	Web-based Passenger Health Self-Declaration Portal
Mode	Fully Contactless and Paperless
Mandatory For	All International Arriving Passengers
Self-Declaration Form (SDF) Coverage	21-day travel history + exposure history + related symptoms
Submission Window	Up to 24 hours in advance of arrival in India
Recommended Timing	Before flight boarding / during web check-in
Verification on Arrival	Show downloaded SDF (PDF or QR receipt) at International Travel Health Desk or Immigration counter
Integration	Real-time data sharing with multiple agencies

UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) List

Current Chief Minister of J&K (since 16 October 2024); first CM after Article 370 abrogation in 2019; National Conference (NC) leader; previous CM tenure: 2009-2015.
(c), Statements 1, 2, 3 are correct; Statement 4 is wrong because maqams are Persian, not Carnatic.
Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Mr. Omar Abdullah has formally forwarded a proposal to the Union Ministry of Culture — through a formal letter to Union Minister of Culture and Tourism Mr. Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in June 2026 — to nominate Kashmir's Sufiyana Music for inclusion in UNESCO's "Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) of Humanity", a list maintained under the UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (2003). Kashmir's Sufiyana Music (also known as Sufiyana Mausiqi or Sufiyana Kalam) is a distinctive form of classical choral ensemble music — a highly structured, mystical art form that blends devotional poetry, classical melody, and philosophy, serving as a unique bridge between Persian, Central Asian, and Indian classical musical systems. The art form is entirely indigenous and exclusive to the Kashmir Valley in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, and is historically preserved and carried forward by a select few surviving gharanas (traditional musical lineages or schools) located across Budgam, Srinagar, and Anantnag districts.
Where: Administered by UNESCO HQ in Paris, France; India ratified the convention in 2005.

Aspect	Detail
Origins	14th-15th centuries
Continuum	Continuum of pre-Islamic musical practices in Kashmir
Synthesis	Persian + Islamic + Shaivite philosophical thought
Influences From	Iran, Bukhara, Samarkand (Central Asia)
Carriers	Sufi saints, scholars, artisans, musicians
Royal Patronage	Sultanate, Mughal, Afghan, and Dogra periods

Gramin Vikas Sammelan (RGVS) 2026

The 6 crore Lakhpati Didi target was announced by PM Modi in his Independence Day 2024 speech.
Over 3 crore women entrepreneurs have already been mobilised by 2026.
The launch is aligned with India's broader vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 and the 6 crore Lakhpati Didi target.
The RGVS 2026 will be organised by the Reserve Bank of India.

Category	Detail
Union Minister	Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan (Rural Development & Agriculture)
Ministers of State (MoS)	Rural Development
State Rural Development Ministers	From all states/UTs
Senior Officials	Central + State Governments
State Rural Livelihood Missions (SRLMs)	Representatives
Other Stakeholders	Industry, NGOs, Academia, SHG leaders

Govt Launches AI-Enabled "Rural Internal Audit Portal"

Established: 1976.
Statutory basis: VB-G RAM G Act, 2025 (assented by President).
VB-G RAM G is statutorily backed by the VB-G RAM G Act, 2025.
It replaces the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), 2005.

Entity	Role
Office of the Chief Controller of Accounts (CCA), MoRD	Conceptualised the Portal
Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD)	Implementing ministry
National Informatics Centre (NIC)	Developed + hosts the digital platform

DIKSHA (Digital Infrastructure for Knowledge Sharing)

Launched: 5 September 2017 (Teachers' Day) by VP Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu.
Components: DIKSHA (One Nation, One Digital Platform). One Class, One Channel — 12 DTH-TV channels for Classes 1-12. Radio, Community Radio, Podcasts (Shiksha Vani). Special e-content for visually + hearing impaired. Top 100 university online courses.
Top 100 university online courses.
The Press Information Bureau (PIB) on 28 June 2026 released a comprehensive backgrounder on DIKSHA — Digital Infrastructure for Knowledge Sharing — the Government of India's national digital platform for school education. Launched on 5 September 2017 (Teachers' Day) by then Vice-President Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu, DIKSHA is spearheaded by NCERT in collaboration with the Central Institute of Educational Technology (CIET) under the Ministry of Education, and is hosted on NIC infrastructure. It is built on Sunbird, an MIT-licensed open-source technology stack with 100+ micro-services. DIKSHA is a key component of the PM e-Vidya initiative (declared part of Atmanirbhar Bharat in May 2020) and was declared "One Nation, One Digital Platform" for school education. The platform now supports 135 languages (128 Indian + 7 foreign), hosts over 614 Virtual Laboratories, and has been adopted by all States, Union Territories, CBSE, NIOS, and Kendriya Vidyalayas. The platform is explicitly recognised in NEP 2020 clauses 2.60 and 23.60 as the national repository for foundational literacy and numeracy and teacher professional development content.

Feature	Detail
QR-Coded Energised Textbooks	Physical NCERT books → linked to videos, interactives, teacher guides
Media-Rich Content	2D/3D animations, AR experiences, simulations, virtual labs, sign language videos
Inclusive Features	DAISY format (Digital Accessible Information System), text-to-speech, Indian Sign Language (ISL) videos for differently-abled learners
Practice + Assessment	Unlimited practice questions, adaptive assessments, competency-based question banks
Teacher Professional Development	Via NISHTHA + state-specific TPD modules — self-paced, certified training
Offline Access	Content downloadable; preloaded on Smart Class boards by States/UTs
Virtual Laboratories	614+ virtual labs for critical thinking, creativity
Mobile App	Available on Android + iOS for students, teachers, parents
PM e-Vidya DTH-TV Integration	One Class, One Channel (Classes 1-12); QR-linked to DIKSHA

Captive-Bred, Radio-Tagged White-Rumped Vulture (Gyps bengalensis)

Part of: Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve (India's first BR, 1986).
WRV Population in MTR: 49-104 individuals across nesting colonies (Manigandan et al., 2023); 36 active nesting pairs documented (Venkitachalam & Senthilnathan, 2016); ~68 nests in adjoining Nilgiri North Forest Division (Ramakrishnan et al., 2014).
Notable Role: First documented vulture decline in 1999; leads vulture conservation breeding programme since early 2000s.
A 2008 study estimated vulture decline caused ~₹2.3 lakh crore in economic losses in India over a decade.

Aspect	Detail
Scientific Name	Gyps bengalensis
Family	Accipitridae (Old World vultures)
IUCN Status	Critically Endangered (since 2000)
CITES	Appendix II
Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972	Schedule I (highest protection)
Population Decline	>99% in South Asia since 1990s
Main Cause	Diclofenac + other NSAIDs in veterinary use
Diet	Exclusively carrion (scavenger)
Breeding	October-April; monogamous; 1 nestling/year
Size	Smallest among Gyps species

Jonathan the Giant Tortoise

Jonathan is a Seychelles giant tortoise (Aldabrachelys gigantea hololissa) estimated to be 194 years old in 2026.
During his State Visit to Seychelles on 28 June 2026, PM Modi visited the Seychelles National Botanical Garden in Victoria, where he interacted with and fed native giant tortoises and planted a Coco de Mer palm sapling. The visit drew global attention to the Seychelles giant tortoise (Aldabrachelys gigantea) — particularly to Jonathan, the world's oldest known living land animal at an estimated 194 years (as of 2026), recognised by Guinness World Records. Important: Jonathan does NOT live in Seychelles — he lives on the grounds of Plantation House (Governor's Residence) on Saint Helena, a British Overseas Territory in the South Atlantic — where he was brought from Seychelles in 1882 as a gift to the Governor (already "fully mature" at ~50 years, implying birth no later than 1832). On 17 June 2026, Guinness World Records designated Jonathan a "Guinness Icon", joining the likes of John Cena and Shohei Ohtani. Giant tortoises function as ecosystem engineers in their native island habitats — clearing brush, dispersing seeds, modifying landscapes.
Jonathan currently lives on the grounds of Plantation House on Saint Helena, a British Overseas Territory in the South Atlantic.
The Aldabra Atoll in Seychelles is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the primary wild sanctuary, hosting approximately 100,000 individuals.

Aspect	Detail
Species	Seychelles giant tortoise (Aldabrachelys gigantea hololissa) — sub-species of Aldabra giant tortoise
Estimated Birth	c. 1832 (Governor of Saint Helena assigned symbolic birthday: 4 December 1832)
Estimated Age (2026)	194 years
Current Home	Plantation House (Governor's Residence), Saint Helena (British Overseas Territory, South Atlantic)
Brought from Seychelles to St Helena	1882 (at full maturity, ~50 years old)
Guinness Record	Oldest living land animal (since 2022, surpassing Tu'i Malila of Tonga who died in 1966 aged 189)
Guinness Icon Status	17 June 2026

PM Modi Conferred Seychelles' Highest Presidential Distinction "Guardian of the Blue Horizon"

Launched by: PM Modi at COP27 (20 October 2022), Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt.
Launched by: PM Modi on 5 June 2024 (World Environment Day).
Target (Phase 1): 80 crore (800 million) saplings by March 2025.
Launched by: PM Modi on 9 April 2023 at "Project Tiger 50" celebration in Mysuru.

Pillar	Detail
Blue Economy	India's strategic push under MAHASAGAR (2025) + SAGAR (2015) visions — clean ocean trade, maritime safety, ocean resource protection
SIDS Support	India as trusted partner to Small Island Developing States like Seychelles
International Solar Alliance (ISA)	Co-founded with France in November 2015; scaling solar power globally
Mission LiFE	Lifestyle for Environment — launched 20 October 2022 by PM Modi at COP27; "Pro-Planet People" movement
"Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam"	Plant a Tree for Mother — afforestation drive launched 5 June 2024 (World Environment Day)
International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA)	Conservation alliance for 7 big cat species; launched 9 April 2023 by PM Modi at "Project Tiger 50" celebration in Mysuru

Delegation of Financial Powers to DRDO (DFP-2026)

Established: 1958.
DFP-2026 was released by the Reserve Bank of India.
Q1. With reference to the Delegation of Financial Powers to DRDO (DFP-2026), consider the following statements:
(c) — Statement 4 wrong: Powers subject to funds + rules; no unrestricted autonomy.

Feature	Detail
Trial + Testing Provisions	Dedicated financial provisions for trial campaigns, testing and evaluation activities
Pre-Project R&D	Authorises sanctioning of pre-project R&D initiatives
EMR Grants	Segregated under separate schedule — Extra-Mural Research (EMR) Projects
DIA-CoE Grants	Segregated under separate schedule — Defence Innovation Accelerator-Centres of Excellence (DIA-CoE)
Functional Empowerment	Enhanced at various levels within Department of Defence R&D
Safeguards	Powers subject to (a) availability of funds + (b) compliance with existing rules/regulations

Govt Launches "PM Family Care Tracker (PM-FCT)" + Health Passports

Launched: 27 September 2021 by PM Modi.
Central scheme approved by Union Cabinet on 16 August 2023.
The ABHA ID was launched on 27 September 2021 as part of the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM).
Target Group: Pregnant women, newborns, infants, children, adolescents up to 18 years.

Stage	Tracking
Pregnancy	Antenatal care (ANC)
Birth	Birth Registration Number + ABHA issuance
Newborn	Postnatal care, BCG immunisation
Infancy	Full immunisation, growth monitoring
Childhood	Nutrition, anganwadi enrolment, school enrolment + attendance
Adolescence	Adolescent health services up to age 18

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Banking/Finance · 51

RBI Issues Master Direction on Expected Credit Loss (ECL) Provisioning

A World Bank survey of IFRS 9 supervisors found that data quality was the single biggest implementation failure across jurisdictions.
The Expected Credit Loss approach is based on global accounting standard IFRS 9 and its Indian counterpart Ind AS 109.
Implementation deadline: April 2027.
The implementation deadline for Indian banks is April 2027.

Feature	Earlier Rule-Based	New ECL Framework
Trigger for provisioning	Loan turns bad and stays unpaid for a certain period	Forward-looking estimate, before actual loss
Basis for amount	Fixed proportions set by RBI norms	Forecasts of future losses
Inputs considered	Mainly days overdue	Loan health, stress scenarios, recovery assumptions
Frequency of judgment	Periodic and mechanical	Continuous and analytical
Earnings volatility	Lower, but provisioning often delayed	Higher, but more honest in real time

RBI Explores Universal "Kill Switch" and "Switch On/Switch Off" Facility

The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) functions under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
The national helpline number for reporting financial cyber frauds in India is 1930.
The Reserve Bank-Integrated Ombudsman Scheme provides a unified grievance redressal mechanism for customers of RBI-regulated entities.
Mule accounts are bank accounts used by criminals to receive, hold, and move fraudulently obtained money, often without the original account holder fully understanding their role. In a typical cyber fraud, the victim is tricked into transferring money to a mule account, after which the funds are rapidly moved through a chain of further mule accounts, often into wallets, gaming credits, or cryptocurrency, to make the money trail very hard to trace. Mule accounts are created in two main ways: (a) knowingly, when a person sells or rents out their bank account to fraudsters for a small fee (a serious offence in itself); or (b) unknowingly, when fraudsters open accounts using fake or stolen identity documents and forged KYC details. Tackling mule accounts is one of the biggest priorities for the RBI, banks, the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) under the Ministry of Home Affairs, and financial intelligence agencies. Tools like the Kill Switch help by stopping the original transfer before money even reaches the mule chain.

Facility	Function
Kill Switch	Instantly freezes all financial operations and fund transfers from a user's account or wallet
Switch On/Switch Off	Lets users selectively enable or disable specific transaction channels (UPI, IMPS, international cards, etc.)

Government to Replace Wholesale Price Index (WPI) with Producer Price Index (PPI)

The RBI's Monetary Policy Committee targets the Consumer Price Index (Combined) inflation at 4 per cent, with a tolerance band of +/- 2 percentage points.
WPI in India does not cover services, while the new PPI includes a Services PPI starting with 7 sectors in Phase 1.
The Government of India has decided to phase out the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) over the next five years and gradually replace it with a more comprehensive Producer Price Index (PPI). From 15 June 2026, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry will release: (a) a revised WPI series with the new base year 2022-23 (replacing the current 2011-12 base year); and (b) a new PPI series with three sub-indices: Output PPI, Trial Input PPI, and Services PPI. The Services PPI will, in its first phase, cover seven service sectors: banking, securities transactions, insurance, management of pension funds, railways, air passenger transport, and telecom.
The new PPI series will be launched from 15 June 2026.

Indicator	Detail
Released by	Office of the Economic Adviser, DPIIT, Ministry of Commerce and Industry
Current base year	2011-12 (to be revised to 2022-23)
Frequency	Monthly, released around the 14th of every month
Coverage	Goods only, no services
Total items	697 items in the existing series

RBI Reportedly Sold About USD 12 Billion in Gold to Shield Foreign-Currency Assets

(a), Statements 1, 2, 3 are correct; Statement 4 is wrong because SDRs are created by the IMF, not the World Bank.
By end-March, India held about 880.52 metric tonnes of gold, with 77 per cent held domestically.
Which of the above are correct? (a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 1, 3 and 4 only (c) 2 and 4 only (d) 1 and 4 only (e) All four (Statement 4 is wrong; SDRs are created by the IMF, NOT the World Bank.)
India's overseas gold reserves are mainly held with the Bank of England and the Bank for International Settlements (BIS).

DFS Launches "Common Landing Portal" for Unclaimed Financial Assets

Launched by: DFS, Ministry of Finance.
The Depositor Education and Awareness (DEA) Fund is a fund maintained by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) under Section 26A of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949, where banks are required to transfer the credit balance of any deposit account that has remained inoperative for 10 years or more. Once a deposit is transferred to the DEA Fund, the bank continues to owe the depositor the amount, but the money is parked with the RBI, which uses the interest earned for promoting depositor education and awareness, research on banking and financial sector issues, and other depositor-protection activities.
If the rightful depositor or legal heir comes forward at any time, the bank is obligated to pay the amount (with applicable interest), and the bank then claims a refund from the DEA Fund. The RBI also runs the UDGAM portal (launched August 2023), a centralised web portal where citizens can search across multiple banks for unclaimed deposits using their name and a few identifying details, instead of going to each bank separately. The Common Landing Portal launched by DFS now sits on top of these systems, providing a single front door for unclaimed assets across multiple sectors, not just banking.

Feature	Detail
Single entry point	One landing portal instead of multiple regulator-wise portals
Searchable categories	Bank deposits, insurance claims, shares and dividends, mutual fund investments
Aim	Easier access, transparency, citizen convenience
Alignment	Viksit Bharat 2047, financial inclusion, public awareness

RBI Annual Report 2025-26

India's real GDP growth for 2026-27 has been projected at 9.5 per cent in the RBI's report.
India's real GDP grew at 7.6 per cent in 2025-26, up from 7.1 per cent in 2024-25.
Headline CPI inflation moderated sharply to 2.1 per cent in 2025-26 from 4.6 per cent in the previous fiscal year.
The Current Account Deficit (CAD) was contained at about 1.0 per cent of GDP during April-December 2025.

RBI Eases Foreign Borrowing Rules for PSUs, FCNR(B) Deposits and FII Investment Limits

Step 1: Cheaper dollar loans for PSUs. PSU companies borrowing in dollars get a subsidised hedging cost from the RBI till 30 September 2026, making dollar loans cheaper.
Step 5: Faster export earnings repatriation. Exporters now have to bring back their export earnings within 9 months, restored from the 15 months allowed in November 2025.
(a), Statements 1, 2, 3 are correct; Statement 4 is wrong because the FAR is governed by the RBI, not the Ministry of External Affairs.
Step 3: More bond access for foreigners. Under the Fully Accessible Route (FAR), foreigners can now buy new 15-, 30-, and 40-year government bonds freely. Short-term, concentration, and single-security limits have also been removed.

ADB and Standard Chartered Sign Agreements to Strengthen Supply Chain Finance in India

Established in 1966, headquartered in Manila, Philippines.
Formed in 1969 through the merger of The Standard Bank of British South Africa and The Chartered Bank of India, Australia and China.
Regulated by the International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA), set up in 2020 under the IFSCA Act, 2019.
It was formed in 1969 through the merger of the Standard Bank of British South Africa and the Chartered Bank of India, Australia and China.

Indicator	Detail
Partners	Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Standard Chartered Bank
Month and venue of signing	June 2026, Mumbai (Maharashtra)
Signed by (ADB)	Bhargav Dasgupta, Vice-President, ADB
Signed by (Standard Chartered)	P.D. Singh, CEO, Standard Chartered Bank India and South Asia
Objective	Address financing gaps and strengthen risk-sharing in supply chain finance in India
USD-denominated transactions arrangement	Risk Participation Arrangement (RPA) through GIFT City, Gujarat
INR onshore transactions arrangement	Partial Guarantee Facility (PGF) agreement
Coverage	Both domestic and cross-border trade

India Launches UPI Payments in Cambodia Through NPCI-ACLEDA Bank Partnership

Civilization shaped over 2,000 years by Indian and Chinese cultural, religious, and architectural influences.
(a), Statements 1, 2, 4 are correct; Statement 3 is wrong because UPI's expansion has involved partnerships across many regions, not just European central banks.
The launch is the result of a partnership between the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) and ACLEDA Bank.
Q2. With reference to the location and borders of Cambodia, consider the following statements:

RBI MPC Holds Repo Rate at 5.25 %

Other rates: The Standing Deposit Facility (SDF) rate stays at 5.00 per cent, and both the Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) rate and the Bank Rate stay at 5.50 per cent.
The standing deposit facility (SDF) rate stands at 5.00 per cent, and the MSF rate and bank rate stand at 5.50 per cent.
Real GDP growth for 2026-27 has been revised down to 6.6 per cent from 6.9 per cent.
CPI inflation for 2026-27 has been raised to 5.1 per cent.

Banking (RBI Gr B, SBI PO, IBPS, NABARD)	Very high importance, MPC decisions, rates, inflation framework
RBI Grade B	Core area, Economic and Social Issues, Finance and Management

RBI to Release Updated List of Upper Layer NBFCs Soon

Upper Layer (NBFC-UL): NBFCs identified by the RBI as systemically significant, based on size, interconnectedness, complexity, and supervisory inputs. They face the strictest regulation, close to bank-like norms, and are required to be listed within 3 years.
Mandatory listing within 3 years of identification (deadline for the current batch was September 2025).
They are regulated by the RBI under the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934.
NBFCs are regulated by the Reserve Bank of India under the RBI Act, 1934.

PFRDA Launches "StAR NPS" Platform for Digital Onboarding

Established as a regulator through the PFRDA Act, 2013.
Offers tax benefits under Sections 80CCD(1), 80CCD(1B), and 80CCD(2) of the Income Tax Act.
PFRDA is a statutory body under the Ministry of Finance, established by the PFRDA Act, 2013.
Eligible to Resident Indian individuals aged 18 to 85 years (under the current framework).

Indicator	Detail
Launching authority	PFRDA (Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority)
Ministry	Ministry of Finance
Platform name	StAR NPS
Developer	Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) Technologies Private Limited (BTPL)
Channel for onboarding	Points of Presence (PoPs) and their network of pension agents
Eligibility (StAR NPS)	Resident Indians aged 18 to 85 years
Sandbox framework effective date	2 June 2026
Sandbox eligibility	PFRDA-registered intermediaries and eligible non-registered entities including fintech firms
Minimum net worth for non-registered applicants	₹10 lakh
Restriction on non-registered sandbox participants	Their innovations must not handle subscriber contributions, funds, or any other data

The RBI's Urban Consumer Confidence Survey (UCCS) and Rural Consumer Confidence Survey (RCCS)

Future Expectations Index (FEI): slipped to 118.7 (vs 120.2), lowest since September 2023.
The Future Expectations Index (FEI) slipped to 118.7, the lowest level since September 2023.
Rural FEI: down sharply to 119.3 (vs 125.1), reflecting weaker expectations across most parameters.
Urban: Median inflation perception: up to 7.8 per cent (vs 7.2 per cent). Three-month ahead expectations: 9.3 per cent (up 80 bps). One-year ahead expectations: 9.3 per cent (up 50 bps).

Exam	Relevance
UPSC Prelims	GS Paper III on Indian Economy (RBI surveys, Consumer sentiment, Inflation expectations)
UPSC Mains	GS Paper III on Indian Economy, Growth, Inflation, Monetary policy
BPSC and State PCS	Economy, Banking, Current Affairs
Banking (RBI Gr B, SBI PO, IBPS, NABARD)	Very high importance, RBI surveys, inflation expectations, sentiment
RBI Grade B	Core area, Economic and Social Issues, Finance and Management
SEBI Grade A and IRDAI Grade A	Macroeconomic awareness, household sentiment

Foreign Currency Non-Resident (Bank)

The hedging cost (about 3 per cent) usually eats into the bank's spread.
Maximum: 5 years.
Banks raising dollar deposits in India have to hedge the currency risk because they will pay back in dollars in 3 to 5 years, but use the funds in rupees in the meantime.
India's FCNR(B) mobilisation collapsed in FY26, with banks raising only about USD 946 million versus USD 7 billion in FY25.

India Slips to 7th in Global Market Cap Rankings

India's weight in the MSCI Global Standard Index has fallen from about 21 per cent in September 2024 to about 12.3 per cent.
September 2024: about 21 per cent.
Foreign investors have withdrawn about USD 26.4 billion from Indian stocks so far in 2026.
Latest: down sharply to 12.3 per cent.

Exam	Relevance
UPSC Prelims	GS Paper III on Indian Economy (Capital Markets, Global Indices, FPI flows)
UPSC Mains	GS Paper III on Indian Economy, External sector, Capital markets, Global integration
BPSC and State PCS	Economy, Capital Markets, Current Affairs
Banking (RBI Gr B, SBI PO, IBPS, NABARD)	Very high importance, FPI flows, capital markets, global rankings
RBI Grade B	Core area on capital markets, external sector
SEBI Grade A	Very high importance, capital markets, MSCI, FPI rules
IRDAI Grade A	Capital market awareness

RBI Opens a USD-Rupee Swap Window at Fixed 1.5 Per Cent Cost

The bank commits to buy back the same amount of dollars from the RBI at the end of the swap period (up to 5 years).
The RBI's swap window covers PSU ECBs and bank OFCBs with at least 3-year maturity.
Cost: Fixed at 1.5 per cent per annum, compounded semi-annually.
Available maturities: Up to 5 years.

RBI Imposes ₹41.80 Lakh Penalty on Canara Bank for KYC and Account Classification Lapses

The penalty of ₹41.80 lakh has been imposed under the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.
The Banking Regulation Act, 1949 empowers the RBI to regulate, supervise, and inspect banks.
Under RBI rules: A savings or current account becomes inoperative if there has been no customer-induced transaction for more than 2 years. System-generated entries like bank-credited interest or charges do not count as customer-induced transactions.
Founded in 1906 at Mangaluru by Ammembal Subba Rao Pai.

India 5th Largest Military Spender at USD 92.1 Billion: SIPRI

Year-on-year growth: 8.9 per cent vs 2024.
Nuclear arsenal: 180 warheads in 2025, rising to 190 as of January 2026.
India's defence expenditure reached USD 92.1 billion in 2025, an 8.9 per cent rise over 2024.
Top Global Military Spenders (2025)

RBI Recognises Sahamati Foundation as Self-Regulatory Organisation (SRO) for Account Aggregator (AA) Ecosystem

Launched by the RBI under the NBFC-Account Aggregator (NBFC-AA) framework, 2016.
(a), Statements 1, 2, 3 are correct; Statement 4 is wrong because the AA framework covers banks, mutual funds, insurance companies, pension funds, and NBFCs.
(a), Statements 1, 2, 3 are correct; Statement 4 is wrong because SROs operate under the regulator's oversight.
Live network launched in September 2021.

Exam	Relevance
UPSC Prelims	GS Paper II on Statutory and Regulatory bodies (RBI, SRO); GS Paper III on Indian Economy (DPI, AA framework)
UPSC Mains	GS Paper II on Government policies; GS Paper III on Indian Economy, Financial Inclusion, Data Governance
BPSC and State PCS	Economy, Banking, Current Affairs
Banking (RBI Gr B, SBI PO, IBPS, NABARD)	Very high importance, AA framework, SROs, DPI, fintech
RBI Grade B	Core area on banking and DPI
SEBI Grade A and IRDAI Grade A	Financial regulation, SROs, data governance

RBI Issues Draft CCR Framework Aligned with Global Standards

Basel II (2004): Added market risk, operational risk, and three pillars.
(c), Statements 1, 2, 3 are correct; Statement 4 is wrong because the draft specifically covers bank exposures to CCPs.
(Statement 4 is wrong; the draft specifically covers capital requirements for bank exposures to Central Counterparties (CCPs).)
Public feedback window: Open until 1 July 2026.

Exam	Relevance
UPSC Prelims	GS Paper III on Indian Economy (RBI, CCR, Derivatives, Basel III, CCPs)
UPSC Mains	GS Paper III on Indian Economy, Banking, Financial Stability, Derivatives
BPSC and State PCS	Economy, Banking, Current Affairs
Banking (RBI Gr B, SBI PO, IBPS, NABARD)	Very high importance, CCR, Basel III, Derivatives, CCPs
RBI Grade B	Core area on banking and financial regulation

RBI Cancels Registration of 135 NBFCs

They are regulated by the RBI under the RBI Act, 1934.
NBFCs are regulated by the Reserve Bank of India under the RBI Act, 1934.
13 NBFCs voluntarily surrendered their CoRs.
NBFC-Base Layer (NBFC-BL): NBFCs not accepting public deposits (NBFC-ND) with asset size below ₹1,000 crore. P2P lending platforms, Account Aggregators, NOFHCs, and NBFCs with no public funds and no customer interface.

RBI Finalises Norms for Bank Lending to REITs and InvITs

Earlier draft: Required REITs/InvITs to complete 3 years of operations to be eligible for bank finance.
The sub-limit for REIT exposure is capped at a prudential ceiling of 10 per cent of the bank's capital base.
The aggregate bank exposure to a single REIT or InvIT and its SPVs/holding companies cannot exceed 49 per cent of the trust's asset value.
Bank exposures to REITs will generally be treated as Commercial Real Estate (CRE) exposures, with a risk weight of 100 per cent.

EAC-PM Paper Flags Regional Imbalances in Priority Sector Lending

State Bank of India's direct PSL exposure was around 26.5 per cent, with greater reliance on PSLCs.
Introduced based on the recommendations of the Raghuram Rajan Committee, 2008.
PSLCs were introduced based on the recommendations of the Raghuram Rajan Committee on Financial Sector Reforms (2008).
Fewer than 10 per cent of districts account for over 45 per cent of all PSL advances.

SEBI Proposes Overhaul of Executive Remuneration Disclosures by Mutual Fund AMCs

Portfolio Management Services (PMS) in India typically require a minimum investment of ₹50 lakh.
Approved and regulated by SEBI under the SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulations, 1996.
Regulator: SEBI under the SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulations, 1996.
The proposal makes scheme-level fund manager remuneration available only on request to investors in that scheme.

Foreign Currency Non-Resident (Bank) or FCNR(B)

Maturity: 1 to 5 years (current swap scheme focuses on 3 to 5 years).
Step 2 (Spot Transaction, First Leg): The commercial bank sells these dollars to the RBI once a week in multiples of USD 1 million, at the official daily FBIL Reference Rate.
Step 3 (Forward Buyback, Second Leg): The bank simultaneously agrees to buy back the same amount of dollars from the RBI at the end of the 3- to 5-year maturity period.
Step 4 (Concessional Par Pricing): The buyback rate is the same as the first leg (par pricing). This means the RBI absorbs the entire forward premium, eliminating the bank's operational hedging cost (about 3.5 per cent).

Feature	FCNR(B)	NRE	NRO
Currency	Foreign currency	Indian Rupees	Indian Rupees
Repatriability	Fully repatriable	Fully repatriable	Limited (up to USD 1 mn/year)
Tax on interest	Tax-free in India	Tax-free in India	Taxable in India
Currency risk	Borne by bank	Borne by depositor	Borne by depositor
CRR and SLR	Exempt	Subject	Subject
Type	Fixed deposit only	Savings and FD	Savings, FD, current

FCRA Amendment Bill, 2026

The FCRA, 2010 is administered by the Ministry of External Affairs.
(a), Statements 1, 2, 3 are correct; Statement 4 is wrong because FCRA is administered by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Existing law: Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010.
The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010 (replacing the earlier 1976 Act) regulates the acceptance and utilisation of foreign contributions by individuals, associations, and companies in India.

India to Grow at 6.6 Per Cent in FY27, World Bank Raises Forecast

The World Bank has cut its 2026 global growth projection to 2.5 per cent from 2.9 per cent in 2025.
Founded in 1944 at the Bretton Woods Conference (along with the IMF).
The World Bank has projected India's GDP growth at 6.6 per cent for FY27, up by 10 bps from its January projection.
The World Bank has projected India's GDP growth at 7.2 per cent for FY28, up by 60 bps.

RBI's OFCB Swap Facility to Cut Banks' Funding Costs by 200-250 bps

Credit growth was 17.7 per cent year-on-year by 31 May 2026.
Deposit growth was 12.2 per cent year-on-year by 31 May 2026.
Commercial Paper (CP): A short-term, unsecured promissory note issued by corporates, primary dealers, and all-India financial institutions, typically with maturity of 7 days to 1 year.
The swap rate is fixed at 1.5 per cent per annum, compounded semi-annually.

Banking (RBI Gr B, SBI PO, IBPS, NABARD)	Very high importance, OFCB, ECB, CD, CP, Tier 1 capital, AD-I banks
RBI Grade B	Core area on external sector and banking
SEBI Grade A and IRDAI Grade A	Capital markets and banking awareness

RBI's Responsible Business Conduct Second Amendment Directions, 2026

DICGC: For bank deposit insurance (up to ₹5 lakh per depositor per bank).
Digital Lending Guidelines (2022): For regulating digital lenders and LSPs.
CCPA (Central Consumer Protection Authority) had banned 13 specific dark patterns in November 2023 under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.
CCPA (Central Consumer Protection Authority): For unfair trade practices and dark patterns under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.

Banking (RBI Gr B, SBI PO, IBPS, NABARD)	Very high importance, RBI norms, mis-selling, BC, LSP, DSA, dark patterns, bundling
RBI Grade B	Core area on banking regulation and consumer protection

RBI Issues Master Directions on Authorisation to Operate a Payment System

Established under the RBI Act, 1934; began operations on 1 April 1935.
Founded: 2008.
An entity authorised by the RBI to operate a payment system under the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007 (PSS Act).
Payment System Operator (PSO): An entity authorised by the RBI to operate a payment system under the PSS Act, 2007.

SEBI Eyes Five-Day FPI Onboarding Timeline

Regulated by SEBI under the SEBI (Foreign Portfolio Investors) Regulations, 2019.
Founded: November 1996.
FII (Foreign Institutional Investor): An older term for foreign investors; largely merged with FPI under the 2014 framework.
NSDL (National Securities Depository Limited): India's first and largest securities depository, established in November 1996, headquartered in Mumbai.

SEBI Grade A

Very high importance, FPI regulations, capital markets, custodians

RBI Imposes Restrictions on Mogaveera Co-operative Bank for 6 Months

This is the standard insurance limit under the DICGC Act, 1961, raised from ₹1 lakh to ₹5 lakh in 2020.
Banking Regulation (Amendment) Act, 2020: Strengthened RBI's powers over co-operative banks, especially after the PMC Bank crisis.
Banking Regulation (Amendment) Act, 2020: An amendment that strengthened RBI's powers over co-operative banks, including mergers, amalgamations, and reconstruction schemes.
DICGC (Amendment) Act, 2021: An amendment that allowed depositors to receive deposit insurance within 90 days of a bank coming under moratorium or restrictions.

RBI Grade B

Core area on banking regulation, co-operative banks, DICGC

IRDAI Proposes Major Amendments to Insurance Registration Regulations Following 100% FDI Limit Increase

The Union Budget 2025-26 raised the FDI limit in insurance from 74 per cent to 100 per cent.
Insurance for All by 2047: IRDAI's vision for universal insurance coverage.
FDI in insurance was first allowed at 26 per cent in 2000.
The FDI limit was raised to 49 per cent in 2015.

Central Banks to Raise Gold Reserves Over One Year: WGC 2026 Survey

Founded: 1987.
Launched in 2015 by the Government of India through the RBI.
Edition: 2026 Central Bank Gold Reserves (CBGR) survey.
Members: Over 30 leading gold mining companies.

Period	RBI's Gold Reserves
FY24	822.1 tonnes
FY25	879.58 tonnes
FY26	880.52 tonnes
FY24 to FY26 increase	~58.4 tonnes

Marine Insurance

Launched in 2025-26 by the Government of India through the General Insurance Council (GIC) of India and other Indian insurers.
Founded: 1972.
Current Chairperson: Ajay Seth (since January 2025).
Statutory body under the IRDA Act, 1999.

IRDAI Grade A

Very high importance, BMIP, marine insurance, GIC Re, reinsurance

RBI Lowers Capital Requirement on ECLGS 5.0 Exposures

A central government scheme that provides a 100 per cent guarantee to lenders (banks and NBFCs) on emergency loans to businesses affected by crises.
Founded: 2014.
Founded: 1987 (as Credit Rating Information Services of India Limited).
Allows lenders to assign zero per cent risk weight for up to 75 per cent of the guaranteed portion of ECLGS 5.0 loans.

Version	Launched	Purpose	Coverage
ECLGS 1.0	May 2020	COVID-19 relief, MSMEs and businesses	Loans up to ₹3 lakh crore guarantee
ECLGS 2.0	November 2020	Expanded to 26 stressed sectors and healthcare	Increased coverage
ECLGS 3.0	March 2021	Covered hospitality, travel, tourism	Tenure increased to 6 years
ECLGS 4.0	April 2021	Healthcare sector for oxygen, vaccines	Specific to medical infra
ECLGS 5.0	2026	West Asia conflict relief for affected businesses	New iteration for current crisis

SEBI Allows AIFs to Retain Proceeds Beyond Fund Life: Introduces "Inoperative Fund" Framework

Established: 1988, became statutory in 1992.
Current Chairperson: Tuhin Kanta Pandey (since February 2025).
The current SEBI Chairperson (as of 2026) is Tuhin Kanta Pandey.
75 per cent of investors by value must consent.

SEBI Grade A

Very high importance, core area on SEBI, AIFs, capital markets

NPCI Unveils Drunix

Founded: 2008.
Released: 2016.
Drunix is an open-source, enterprise-grade blockchain platform released by NPCI in June 2026.
NPCI was founded in 2008 and is headquartered in Mumbai.

Initiative	Purpose
Falcon	Production-grade blockchain network management and orchestration (NPCI's 1st blockchain open-source contribution)
Drunix	Core blockchain runtime and transaction processing layer (NPCI's 2nd open-source contribution in blockchain)
FiMi	NPCI's open-source initiative
Vigil-AI	NPCI's AI-based initiative

RBI Temporarily Withdraws Interest Rate Ceilings on FCNR(B) and NRE Deposits to Attract NRI Funds

Restrictions on interest rates for NRE deposits of 3 years and above have also been removed till 30 September 2026.
Section 35A of Banking Regulation Act, 1949.
Key ARRs: SOFR (Secured Overnight Financing Rate): For USD (replaced USD LIBOR on 30 June 2023). SONIA (Sterling Overnight Index Average): For GBP (LIBOR ceased 31 December 2021). TONA (Tokyo Overnight Average Rate): For JPY. €STR (Euro Short-Term Rate): For EUR. SARON (Swiss Average Rate Overnight): For CHF.
SONIA (Sterling Overnight Index Average): For GBP (LIBOR ceased 31 December 2021).

Maturity	Previous Ceiling
3-5 years	Overnight ARR/swap rate + 350 bps
1 year to less than 3 years	Overnight ARR/swap rate + 250 bps (still applicable)

RBI Master Directions on Authorisation to Operate a Payment System (PSO)

Payment and Settlement Systems (PSS) Act, 2007: The primary legislation governing payment systems in India, providing RBI with regulatory and supervisory powers.
(Statement 4 is wrong; RBI retains revocation powers under Section 8 of PSS Act 2007.)
No entity, other than RBI, can operate a payment system without prior RBI authorisation (Section 4, PSS Act 2007).
Payment System Operator (PSO): An entity authorised by RBI under Section 4 of PSS Act, 2007 to operate a payment system that enables clearing, payment, or settlement of funds between participants.

Category	Cooling-Off Period
Revoked by RBI	1 year
Not renewed	1 year
Voluntarily surrendered	1 year
Application rejected	1 year

RBI Reelathon 2026

The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) operates under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
The top three winners will receive cash prizes of ₹75,000, ₹50,000, and ₹25,000.
In June 2026, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) launched 'RBI Reelathon 2026', a state-wide cyber financial fraud awareness campaign across approximately 150 colleges in Kerala. The initiative promotes financial literacy, cyber hygiene, safe digital banking, smart borrowing, and vigilance against emerging online financial threats through student engagement and a reel-making competition. It was inaugurated on 16 June 2026 at the RBI Office, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, by Kerala Director General of Police (DGP) Ravada Chandrasekhar. The campaign is implemented through a three-phase programme: awareness sessions, reel-making competitions, and a grand finale. The top three winners will receive cash prizes of ₹75,000, ₹50,000, and ₹25,000.
Held later in 2026.

Rank	Prize Amount
1st	₹75,000
2nd	₹50,000
3rd	₹25,000

BCRC Seeks Grandfathering as RBI's BC Recertification Rule Nears

Founded: 1928 as Indian Institute of Bankers (IIB).
FI-Index (2025): 67 (up 24.3 per cent since 2021).
Launched by RBI: 2006.
Status (March 2025): Number of BSBDAs: 72.4 crore (up 2.6 per cent YoY). Aggregate balance: ₹3.3 trillion (up 9.5 per cent). Majority channelised through BC model.

SEBI Approves Wider Use of Intraday Borrowing by Mutual Funds for Liquidity Management

Established: 12 April 1988 (non-statutory); statutory powers via SEBI Act, 1992.
It was granted statutory powers through the SEBI Act, 1992.
Maximum borrowing: Up to 20% of scheme's net assets.
Industry size: Average AUM ≈ ₹82 lakh crore (as of April 2026).

Feature	Previous Framework	Revised Framework
Purposes Permitted	Redemption/unitholder payouts only	Trade settlements, forex, MTM derivatives, repayment of borrowings, redemptions
Receivable Basis	Only guaranteed receivables (GoI, RBI, CCIL)	Expected inflows including non-guaranteed (secondary market, maturity proceeds)
Borrowing Cap	Limited to guaranteed receivables	Can exceed receivables if repaid by end-of-day
Use as Leverage	Restricted	Explicitly prohibited as leverage
Cost Bearer	AMC	AMC (no change; investors protected)
Existing 20% Cap	Applies	Continues to apply for unitholder payouts

RBI Defers Revised Kisan Credit Card (KCC) Directions Implementation to 1 January 2027

Launched: August 1998.
Loan Limit Under MISS (Budget 2025-26): Raised from ₹3 lakh to ₹5 lakh.
The Union Budget 2025-26 raised the MISS loan limit from ₹3 lakh to ₹5 lakh.
The KCC Scheme was launched in August 1998.

Clarification	Details
SoF Continuity	If Scale of Finance is not revised for a subsequent year, banks should continue with existing SoF; no automatic increase in drawing limits.
SoF Determination	KCC loans require SoF determined by State Level Technical Committees (SLTC) or District Level Technical Committees (DLTC).
Term Loans > 6 Years	Treated as separate credit facilities outside KCC framework.
Loan Accounts	Banks may maintain separate accounts for short-term (working capital) and long-term (investment) components.
Insurance Premiums	Explicit borrower consent at the application stage required.

RBI Issues Final TReDS Master Direction, 2026

Under the Budget 2025-26 revised norms, a Micro enterprise has investment up to ₹2.5 crore and turnover up to ₹10 crore.
TReDS was launched by the Reserve Bank of India in 2018.
TReDS operates under the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007.
MSMEs are classified under the MSMED Act, 2006, based on investment in plant/machinery and turnover.

Feature	Details
Minimum Net Worth	₹25 crore
Certification Required	Statutory auditor's certificate (prescribed format)
Alignment	Aligned with other non-bank Payment System Operators (PSOs)
Compliance Deadline for Existing Entities	31 March 2028

RBI Clarifies FCNR(B) Swap Facility

Interest income from FCNR(B) deposits is tax-exempt under Section 10(15)(iv)(fa) of the Income Tax Act, 1961 for NRIs and RNORs.
Brokerages estimate that NRIs could earn 15–27% annual returns under the leveraged FCNR(B) scheme.
Banks such as Yes Bank, Canara Bank, and South Indian Bank have raised FCNR(B) interest rates to as high as 7.1% on major foreign currencies.
What: A term deposit account for NRIs in freely convertible foreign currencies (USD, GBP, EUR, JPY, AUD, CAD, etc.) held at Indian scheduled banks; tenure 1–5 years; interest income tax-exempt under Section 10(15)(iv)(fa) of Income Tax Act, 1961 for NRIs and RNORs; principal and interest fully repatriable; protects against rupee depreciation (deposit and payout in foreign currency); insured under DICGC up to ₹5 lakh.

Feature	NRE	NRO	FCNR(B)
Currency	INR	INR	Foreign currency
Source of Funds	Foreign income only	Foreign + Indian income	Foreign income only
Repatriability	Fully repatriable	Up to USD 1 mn/year	Fully repatriable
Currency Risk	Yes (INR depreciation)	Yes	NO (deposit in foreign currency)
Tax Treatment	Tax-free (NRI status)	Taxable	Tax-free (NRI/RNOR status)
Account Type	Savings & Term	Savings & Term	Term only
Tenor	Up to 10 years	Flexible	1–5 years
DICGC Insurance	₹5 lakh	₹5 lakh	NOT covered (per some sources) / ₹5 lakh (per others)

RBI Revises NBFC Norms

The mandatory listing rule was first introduced after the IL&FS crisis of 2008.
(c), Statements 1, 2, 3 are correct; Statement 4 is wrong because RBI (not Ministry of Finance) administers SBR.
Where: Issued by RBI from Mumbai; applicable to all NBFCs registered in India under the RBI Act, 1934.
Asset size ≥ ₹1 lakh crore (₹1 trillion) based on latest audited balance sheet.

Change	Earlier	Revised (24 June 2026)
Upper Layer Identification	Parametric scoring methodology + Top 10 by asset size	Simple ₹1 lakh crore (₹1 trillion) asset-size threshold
Government-owned NBFC Concentration Risk	Exemptions available	Exemptions WITHDRAWN — same limits as private NBFCs
Bank-Group NBFCs	Regulated as per their SBR layer	Must follow commercial bank norms if same activity as parent bank
NBFC-IFC Large Exposure Limit (Group of Connected Counterparties)	35%	45% of eligible capital base
NBFC-IFC Exposure with State Government Guarantee	Subject to prudential limits	Exempted (20% risk weight)
Review of Asset-Size Threshold	—	Every 3 years
Identification Frequency	—	Annual

RBI Releases Draft Guidance on Model Risk Management (MRMF) for AI/ML Models

What: RBI's medium-term strategic framework (2024–2029) that outlines regulatory and supervisory priorities, including digital innovation, AI governance, financial inclusion, cybersecurity, monetary policy modernisation.
On finalisation, the new Guidance will supersede Chapter-3 (Credit Risk Models) of RBI's Guidance Note on Credit Risk Management dated 12 October 2002.
What: An RBI-constituted committee that submitted its report in August 2025 on responsible AI deployment in India's financial sector; proposed AI governance principles, explainability standards, human oversight mechanisms, and AI ethics norms; chaired by an external expert.
It also follows the August 2025 report of the Committee on FREE-AI (Framework for Responsible and Ethical Enablement of AI).

Pillar	Requirement
1. Board Accountability	Board-approved MRMF; periodic review; approve risk appetite and tolerance for model risk; scenario analysis and stress testing
2. Three Lines of Defence (3LoD)	1st: Model owners; 2nd: Independent validation function; 3rd: Internal audit
3. Model Inventory	Maintain comprehensive inventories (active, inactive, decommissioned); no model deployed without formal documentation
4. Risk-Tiered Classification	Every model assigned a risk level (high, medium, low)
5. Independent Validation	High-risk models validated before deployment
6. Ongoing Monitoring	Regular performance review, drift detection, recalibration
7. Audit Trail	Complete documentation of model development, validation, and deployment

RBI Drops Separate Onshore-Offshore Foreign Exchange Position Calculation

What: A special economic zone for financial services, established under the Special Economic Zones Act, 2005; allows deemed offshore jurisdiction within India; GIFT City IFSC in Gandhinagar, Gujarat is India's first and only IFSC; IBUs (IFSC Banking Units) of Indian and foreign banks operate there.
Where: GIFT City, Gandhinagar, Gujarat; regulated by the International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA), established under the IFSCA Act, 2019, headquartered in GIFT City.
The IFSC is regulated by the International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA), established under the IFSCA Act, 2019.
What: The primary global standard setter for prudential regulation of banks; comprises 45 members from 28 jurisdictions; sets standards for capital adequacy (Basel I, II, III, IV), liquidity, market risk, operational risk, foreign-exchange risk.

Change	Earlier Framework	Revised Framework (1 April 2027)
NOP Calculation	Separate onshore + offshore positions	Single unified NOP covering all operations
Structural FX Positions	Generally included in NOP	Can be excluded (case-by-case, no prior RBI approval)
Capital in Overseas Subsidiaries	Included in NOP	Can be excluded (in foreign currency)
Derivative Spot Rate	FEDAI guidelines	Financial benchmarks administered by authorised benchmark administrators
Derivative Measurement	With present-value adjustment	Without present-value adjustment (current spot rates)
Shorthand Method (Gold)	Combined with FX	Gold treated separately
Consolidated Capital Charge	Required	Retained; internal limits allowed as proxy for marginal overseas operations
Application of Exemptions	Required prior RBI approval (draft)	Case-by-case (no prior approval required)

RBI’s revised Upper Layer NBFC rules

What is NBFC-UL? Systemically important NBFCs with assets ≥ ₹1 lakh crore; subject to bank-like prudential norms + mandatory listing in 3 years.
What is a CIC? NBFC holding ≥90% net assets in group-company securities; min ₹100 crore; under Master Direction — CIC, 2016.
What is the Large Exposure Framework (LEF)? RBI's prudential norm capping a bank/NBFC's exposure to a single counterparty or group; NBFC-IFC limit now 45% (raised from 35%).
Tata Sons was first designated as an Upper-Layer NBFC in September 2022.

Change	Detail
Mandatory Listing	Within 3 years of NBFC-UL identification
Govt-Owned NBFC Listing Exemption	Exempted (developmental mandate)
Govt NBFC Concentration-Risk Exemption	WITHDRAWN — same exposure framework as private NBFCs
Bank-Owned NBFCs	Must follow commercial bank norms for same activities; retains SBR layer classification (prevents regulatory arbitrage)
NBFC-IFC (Infra Finance Co.) LEF Limit	Raised from 35% to 45% of eligible capital base
Enhanced Oversight	CET-1 capital, LCR, exposure norms, stress tests, disclosures

RBI's New "Capital Market Exposure" Framework

Aggregate CME of a bank is capped at 40% of net worth (with sub-limits on direct + indirect exposures).
Bank funding for market-makers is permitted against 100% cash or cash equivalents.
The brokers proposed bank-credit treatment for liquidity providers linked to SPAN utilisation below 50% of margin.
Bank guarantees account for approximately ₹1.2 trillion of the ₹11-12 trillion collateral pool maintained with clearing corporations.

Element	Norm
Eligibility	Only SEBI-registered + regulated CMIs in compliance with prudential norms
Treatment	All exposures to CMIs = Capital Market Exposure (CME)
Collateral	100% (Fully Secured) for all credit facilities, including intraday
Eligible Collateral	Eligible securities + cash + permissible financial assets + immovable property + receivables + bank guarantees + SBLC
Excluded as Collateral	Commercial Paper + Non-Convertible Debentures of original/initial maturity ≤ 1 year
Proprietary Trading Funding	PROHIBITED (banks shall NOT provide finance to CMIs for acquiring securities on their own account)
Limited Exception	Market-makers can be funded — but against 100% cash or cash equivalents
Intraday Facilities	Permitted at 50% collateral minimum for centrally cleared client trades
Group/Promoter Collateral	Acceptable if unencumbered + exclusively charged + legally enforceable
Counterparty Limits	Required at counterparty + aggregate level under Large Exposure Framework (LEF)

Facts To Remember · 174

MoH&FW Releases 10th National Health Accounts Estimates for FY23

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoH&FW) released the 10th National Health Accounts (NHA) Estimates for Financial Year 2022-23 (FY23), highlighting a major increase in Government Health Expenditure (GHE). The report stated that GHE rose from Rs.1.30 lakh crore in 2013-14 to Rs.3.85 lakh crore in FY23, reflecting increased public investment in India’s healthcare sector. India’s Total Health Expenditure (THE) for FY23 was estimated at Rs.8.81 lakh crore, accounting for 3.37% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

DARPG Launches NeSDA 2025 Portal for Digital Governance Assessment

The Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) launched the National e-Governance Service Delivery Assessment (NeSDA) 2025 Portal to evaluate digital public service delivery mechanisms across India. The biennial assessment framework measures the effectiveness of Government-to-Citizen (G2C) and Government-to-Business (G2B) e-governance services. The portal will assess central, state, Union Territory, and city-level digital service platforms across sectors such as education, transport, labour, tourism, finance, and public grievances.

WBGB and Canara HSBC Life Insurance Partner for Rural Insurance Expansion

West Bengal Gramin Bank partnered with Canara HSBC Life Insurance to strengthen life insurance penetration in rural and semi-urban regions of West Bengal. Through WBGB’s network of 960 branches, customers will gain access to protection, savings, and wealth creation insurance products. The partnership aims to improve financial security and insurance accessibility in underserved areas.

DBJ Partners with HDFC Capital for Affordable Housing Projects

Development Bank of Japan entered into a strategic partnership with HDFC Capital Advisors Limited to invest in affordable and mid-income housing projects across India. The collaboration targets a corpus of USD 1 billion through the H-DREAM Fund, marking DBJ’s first real estate investment in India. The investment will support large-scale housing development under the GIFT City offshore investment framework.

Red Balloon Aerospace Launches India’s First Indigenous Stratospheric SPB

Indian startup Red Balloon Aerospace Private Limited launched India’s first indigenous Stratospheric Super Pressure Balloon (SPB) named “VISTA” under Mission SANA in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh. The platform ascended to nearly 25 kilometres above Earth carrying payloads related to biological experiments, propulsion systems, navigation technologies, and earth observation sensors. India joined the United States, France, Japan, and China among nations possessing indigenous SPB capability.

Urdu Poet Bashir Badr Passes Away

Renowned Urdu poet and Padma Shri awardee Bashir Badr passed away at the age of 91 in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. He was awarded the Padma Shri in 1999 for his contribution to literature and education. His celebrated collection of ghazals earned him the Sahitya Akademi Award in Urdu literature.

International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers 2026 Observed on May 29

International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers was observed globally on May 29 with the theme “Invest in Peace”. The day honours the service and sacrifice of UN peacekeepers worldwide and commemorates the first UN peacekeeping mission launched in 1948 under the United Nations Truce Supervision Organization.

International Everest Day 2026 Observed on May 29

International Everest Day was observed globally on May 29 to commemorate the first successful ascent of Mount Everest by Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay in 1953. The observance celebrates courage, resilience, and human endurance while honouring mountaineering achievements worldwide.

West Bengal Government Begins Annapurna Yojana Enrolment

The Government of West Bengal started the enrolment process for the Annapurna Yojana aimed at supporting women without fixed income sources. Eligible women aged between 25 and 60 years can apply through online and offline modes for monthly financial assistance. The enrolment drive will continue for 90 days across municipalities and wards in the state.

Dr. Jitendra Singh Inaugurates India’s First ‘SkyCast’ Aviation Weather Monitoring System

Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh inaugurated India’s first ‘SkyCast’ aviation weather monitoring system at the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport in New Delhi. Developed under Mission Mausam, the system makes India the 19th country globally to deploy an integrated aviation weather monitoring platform. SkyCast aims to improve aviation safety and reduce fog-related disruptions through real-time weather monitoring and advance forecasting alerts of up to three hours.

NITI Aayog Releases 10-Year Roadmap for India’s Semiconductor Industry

NITI Aayog’s Frontier Tech Hub released India’s first comprehensive semiconductor roadmap titled “Future of India’s Semiconductor Industry”. The roadmap outlines a long-term strategy to build a USD 120–150 billion semiconductor value chain by 2035 and position India as a major global hub for chip manufacturing, design, packaging, and testing. The report projects India could capture 10–13% of the global semiconductor market by 2035 through a ‘More-than-Moore’ manufacturing strategy.

MCA Expands CSR Rules to Include ZCZP Instruments on Social Stock Exchanges

The Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) amended the Companies Act CSR framework by including subscription to Zero Coupon Zero Principal (ZCZP) Instruments listed on Social Stock Exchanges (SSEs) as an eligible Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activity. The reform allows companies to channel CSR funds towards eligible not-for-profit organizations through regulated financial instruments. CSR spending through ZCZP instruments has been capped at 10% of annual CSR expenditure.

Former Congress MP K. P. Dhanapalan Passes Away

Senior Congress leader and former Member of Parliament K. P. Dhanapalan passed away at the age of 76 in Kerala. He served as MP from Chalakudy between 2009 and 2014 and held several important positions in the Congress party and cooperative sector in Kerala.

Rajnath Singh Releases Commemorative Volume on ‘Operation Sindoor’

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh released a commemorative volume titled “Operation Sindoor” documenting testimonies and experiences of 100 Indian Armed Forces personnel involved in the operation. The publication highlights India’s integrated multi-domain warfare capabilities demonstrated during the operation launched after the Pahalgam terror attack in 2025.

Assam Launches ‘Mission Senehjori’ to Promote Muga Silk Ecosystem

Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma launched ‘Mission Senehjori’, a cluster-based initiative to transform Assam’s traditional Muga silk industry into a globally competitive luxury textile ecosystem. The three-year programme (2026–2028), with an investment of around Rs.396–411 crore, aims to create a premium, traceable, and export-oriented Muga silk economy under the unified brand identity ‘Senehjori’.

MoE Launches Prime Minister Research Chair (PMRC) Scheme 2026

The Ministry of Education (MoE) launched the Prime Minister Research Chair (PMRC) Scheme 2026 to attract accomplished Indian-origin researchers, scientists, and technologists from across the world into India’s research ecosystem. The scheme focuses on 13 priority sectors including Artificial Intelligence (AI), semiconductors, quantum computing, biotechnology, healthcare, cybersecurity, climate change, defence, and advanced manufacturing.

BHASHINI Launches ‘VYOMA Innovation Challenge’ for Multilingual AI Solutions

The Digital India BHASHINI Division under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) launched the ‘VYOMA Innovation Challenge’ to promote development of multilingual, voice-first, and open-source Artificial Intelligence (AI) solutions. The initiative encourages AI applications in sectors such as education, healthcare, agriculture, governance, and public services, especially for offline and low-connectivity environments. Winning teams may receive prizes of up to Rs.80 lakh and opportunities for government deployment.

India Issues Letter of Request to France for 114 Rafale Fighter Jets

The Government of India issued a Letter of Request (LoR) to France for the acquisition of 114 Rafale fighter aircraft for the Indian Air Force (IAF) under a proposed government-to-government defence deal worth around Rs.3.25 lakh crore. The deal forms part of India’s Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) programme aimed at addressing the IAF’s declining squadron strength. Around 94 Rafale jets are proposed to be manufactured in India by Dassault Aviation in partnership with an Indian company, while the first Rafale-M jets are expected to arrive by 2028.

Ministry of Education Launches Prime Minister Research Chair (PMRC) Scheme 2026

The Ministry of Education launched the Prime Minister Research Chair (PMRC) Scheme 2026 to attract distinguished Indian-origin researchers, scientists, and technologists from across the world into India’s research ecosystem. The scheme focuses on priority sectors such as Artificial Intelligence, semiconductors, cybersecurity, biotechnology, climate change, quantum computing, healthcare, and defence technologies. Seven premier institutions have been designated as Lead Institutions for implementation of the programme.

BHASHINI Launches ‘VYOMA Innovation Challenge’ for Multilingual AI Solutions

The Digital India BHASHINI Division under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology launched the ‘VYOMA Innovation Challenge’ to promote development of multilingual, voice-first, open-source Artificial Intelligence solutions for low-connectivity environments. The challenge is built around the ‘Sunno Sutra’ handheld AI device and focuses on AI applications in education, healthcare, agriculture, governance, and public services. Winning teams can receive prizes of up to Rs.80 lakh and opportunities for deployment with government departments.

Cabinet Approves Rs. 9,585 Crore Vehicle Replacement Scheme for Delhi-NCR

The Union Cabinet approved a two-year Rs. 9,585 crore scheme to replace 2.07 lakh BS-IV and older trucks and buses in Delhi-NCR with BS-VI-compliant or electric vehicles. The initiative aims to reduce vehicular pollution, improve air quality, and modernize commercial transport fleets across Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh. Benefits include interest subvention, fuel vouchers, tax concessions, registration fee waivers, and manufacturer discounts on eligible vehicles.

Cabinet Approves Rs. 10,000 Crore ATF Price Stabilisation Fund

The Union Cabinet approved a Rs. 10,000 crore Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) Price Stabilisation Fund to support Indian airlines affected by rising global fuel prices. The scheme will provide interest-free advances to Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) and ensure stable ATF pricing for airline operators. A recovery mechanism will return excess support funds to the Consolidated Fund of India when fuel prices decline.

UNGA Elects Five New Non-Permanent Members to UNSC

The United Nations General Assembly elected Austria, Kyrgyzstan, Portugal, Trinidad and Tobago, and Zimbabwe as non-permanent members of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the 2027–2028 term. Kyrgyzstan secured its first-ever membership of the Security Council since joining the United Nations in 1992.

mOECD Raises India’s FY27 GDP Growth Forecast to 6.3%

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) raised India’s FY27 GDP growth forecast by 20 basis points to 6.3% in its latest Economic Outlook report. The report projects GDP growth of 7.6% in FY26 and 6.4% in FY28 while forecasting inflation at 4.8% in FY27.

Mette Frederiksen Secures Third Consecutive Term as Denmark PM

Mette Frederiksen secured a third consecutive term as Prime Minister of Denmark after forming a new centre-left coalition government following the 2026 parliamentary elections.

GQG Partners Sells Stake in GMR Airports

American investment firm GQG Partners sold a 1.85% stake in GMR Airports Limited for Rs. 1,906 crore through open market transactions. The stake was acquired by Fidelity International through its investment funds.

KS Bharat Retires from International Cricket

Kona Srikar Bharat announced retirement from international cricket after representing India in seven Test matches. He will now pursue opportunities in overseas T20 leagues while continuing domestic cricket commitments.

Former CBFC Chairman Pahlaj Nihalani Passes Away

Veteran film producer and former CBFC Chairman Pahlaj Nihalani passed away at the age of 76. He was known for producing several successful Bollywood films and served as CBFC Chairperson from 2015 to 2017.

International Level Crossing Awareness Day 2026 – June 5

International Level Crossing Awareness Day (ILCAD) was observed on June 5 under the slogan “Alert Today, Safe Tomorrow”. The observance promotes safety at railway crossings and encourages responsible behaviour among road and rail users.

CCEA Approves Four National Highway Projects Worth Rs.24,249 Crore Across Four States

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved four major National Highway projects worth over Rs.24,249 crore across Odisha, Telangana, Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh. Covering more than 700 kilometres, the projects aim to improve regional connectivity, reduce travel time, ease congestion, and strengthen logistics infrastructure under the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan. The projects include a coastal highway in Odisha, highway upgrades in Madhya Pradesh and Bihar, and four-laning of key highway corridors in Telangana.

17 Projects Selected for National Awards for e-Governance 2026

The Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) announced the winners of the 29th National Awards for e-Governance (NAeG) 2026, selecting 17 projects across seven categories. The awards recognize excellence in digital governance, innovation, and technology-driven public service delivery by central ministries, states, union territories, districts, organizations, and Gram Panchayats.

Major Prabhat Mishra Wins Two Prestigious Awards at US Army CGSOC

Major Prabhat Mishra of the Indian Army received the Birrer-Brookes Award for Outstanding Master of Military Arts and Science Thesis and the General Douglas MacArthur Military Leadership Writing Award at the United States Army Command and General Staff College (CGSOC). He became the first Indian officer to win both honours simultaneously and secured fourth rank among 1,185 officers in the programme.

KS Bharat Announces Retirement from International Cricket

Indian wicketkeeper-batter Kona Srikar Bharat, popularly known as KS Bharat, announced his retirement from international cricket. He represented India in seven Test matches between 2023 and 2024 and was part of the 2023 World Test Championship Final squad. He will now pursue opportunities in overseas T20 leagues.

Former CBFC Chairman Pahlaj Nihalani Passes Away

Veteran film producer and former CBFC Chairman Pahlaj Nihalani passed away at the age of 76. He was known for producing several successful Hindi films and served as Chairperson of the Central Board of Film Certification from 2015 to 2017.

International Level Crossing Awareness Day 2026 Observed on June 5

International Level Crossing Awareness Day (ILCAD) was observed globally on 5 June 2026 with the slogan “Alert Today, Safe Tomorrow”. The observance promotes safe behaviour at railway level crossings and aims to reduce accidents involving road and rail transport intersections.

Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit to be next Vice-Chief of Air Staff

Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, a distinguished fighter pilot and test pilot, has been appointed the next Vice-Chief of the Air Staff (VCAS) and will assume office on July 1. He succeeds Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor.

Cabinet Approves Rs 9,585 Crore Scheme to Replace Old Vehicles in Delhi-NCR

The Union Cabinet approved a two-year Rs 9,585 crore scheme to replace 2.07 lakh BS-IV and older trucks and buses in Delhi-NCR with BS-VI-compliant or electric vehicles. The initiative aims to reduce vehicular emissions, improve air quality, and modernize commercial transport fleets across Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh. The scheme offers interest subvention, fuel vouchers, tax concessions, registration fee waivers, and discounts from vehicle manufacturers.

UNGA Elects Five New Non-Permanent Members to UNSC

The United Nations General Assembly elected Austria, Kyrgyzstan, Portugal, Trinidad and Tobago, and Zimbabwe as non-permanent members of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the 2027–2028 term. Kyrgyzstan secured its first-ever seat on the UNSC since joining the United Nations in 1992.

OECD Raises India’s FY27 Growth Forecast to 6.3%

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) increased India’s GDP growth forecast for FY27 to 6.3%, up from its earlier estimate of 6.1%. The report projects India’s economy to remain among the fastest-growing major economies despite global uncertainties and higher energy prices.

Mette Frederiksen Begins Third Consecutive Term as Denmark PM

Mette Frederiksen secured a third consecutive term as Prime Minister of Denmark after successfully forming a new centre-left coalition government following the 2026 parliamentary elections.

GQG Partners Sells Stake in GMR Airports

American investment firm GQG Partners sold a 1.85% stake in GMR Airports Limited for Rs 1,906 crore through open market transactions. The stake was acquired by Fidelity International through its investment fund.

Cabinet Approves ₹9,585 Crore Vehicle Replacement Scheme for Delhi-NCR

The Union Cabinet approved a two-year ₹9,585 crore scheme to replace 2.07 lakh BS-IV and older trucks and buses in Delhi-NCR with BS-VI compliant or electric vehicles. The initiative aims to reduce vehicular emissions, improve air quality, and modernize commercial fleets across Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh.

Cabinet Approves ₹10,000 Crore ATF Price Stabilisation Fund for Airlines

The Union Cabinet approved a ₹10,000 crore Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) Price Stabilisation Fund to support Indian airlines affected by rising global fuel prices. The scheme will provide budgetary support to Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) and ensure greater pricing stability for domestic and international airline operations.

UNGA Elects Five New Non-Permanent Members to UNSC

The United Nations General Assembly elected Austria, Kyrgyzstan, Portugal, Trinidad and Tobago, and Zimbabwe as non-permanent members of the United Nations Security Council for the 2027–2028 term. Kyrgyzstan secured its first-ever seat on the Security Council since joining the United Nations in 1992.

OECD Raises India’s FY27 Growth Forecast to 6.3%

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development increased India’s FY27 GDP growth forecast to 6.3%, up from 6.1% projected earlier. The report also estimated India’s GDP growth at 7.6% in FY26 and projected inflation at 4.8% in FY27.

Lionel Messi Becomes First Footballer to Win Princess of Asturias Award

Lionel Messi became the first footballer to receive the Princess of Asturias Award for Sports. The award recognises his sporting achievements, global influence, and charitable contributions in education and healthcare.

Mette Frederiksen Begins Third Consecutive Term as Denmark PM

Mette Frederiksen secured a third consecutive term as Prime Minister of Denmark after successfully forming a new centre-left coalition government following the 2026 parliamentary elections.

GQG Partners Sells Stake in GMR Airports

American investment firm GQG Partners sold a 1.85% stake in GMR Airports Limited worth ₹1,906 crore to Fidelity International through open market transactions. Following the sale, GQG’s holding in the company declined significantly.

CCEA Approves Four National Highway Projects Worth ₹24,249 Crore Across Four States

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved four major National Highway projects worth ₹24,249 crore across Odisha, Telangana, Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh. Covering over 700 km, the projects aim to improve regional connectivity, reduce congestion, shorten travel time, and strengthen logistics infrastructure under the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan.

Ministry of Education Launches PM Research Chair Scheme 2026

The Ministry of Education launched the Prime Minister Research Chair (PMRC) Scheme 2026 to attract accomplished Indian-origin researchers, scientists, and technologists from around the world. The initiative focuses on strengthening India’s research and innovation ecosystem across priority sectors such as Artificial Intelligence, semiconductors, quantum computing, healthcare, biotechnology, climate change, and defence technologies.

KS Bharat Announces Retirement from International Cricket

Indian wicketkeeper-batter K. S. Bharat announced his retirement from international cricket after representing India in seven Test matches. He will now pursue opportunities in overseas T20 leagues while continuing his involvement in domestic cricket.

CCEA Approves ₹24,249 Crore National Highway Projects Across Four States

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved four major National Highway projects worth ₹24,249 crore across Odisha, Telangana, Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh. Covering more than 700 km, the projects aim to improve regional connectivity, reduce travel time, ease congestion, and strengthen logistics infrastructure under the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan.

SoftBank Sells 3.25% Stake in Lenskart

SoftBank Group sold a 3.25% stake in Lenskart Solutions through an open market transaction worth ₹2,873 crore. The transaction reduced SoftBank’s shareholding in the eyewear company while generating substantial returns on its investment.

KS Bharat Retires from International Cricket

Indian wicketkeeper-batter K. S. Bharat announced his retirement from international cricket after representing India in seven Test matches. He will now pursue opportunities in overseas T20 leagues.

Former Lok Sabha Secretary-General Subhash C. Kashyap Passes Away

Renowned constitutional expert, author, and former Lok Sabha Secretary-General Subhash C. Kashyap passed away at the age of 97. He was widely respected for his contributions to parliamentary affairs, constitutional studies, and democratic governance.

Former CBFC Chairman Pahlaj Nihalani Passes Away

Veteran film producer and former Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) Chairman Pahlaj Nihalani passed away at the age of 76. He was known for producing several successful Bollywood films and for his leadership in the Indian film industry.

International Day for the Fight Against IUU Fishing Observed

The International Day for the Fight Against Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing was observed on 5 June 2026. The day highlights the need to combat illegal fishing practices and promote sustainable marine resource management.

International Level Crossing Awareness Day 2026 Observed

International Level Crossing Awareness Day (ILCAD) was observed on 5 June 2026 with the theme “Alert Today, Safe Tomorrow.” The observance promotes awareness about railway crossing safety and encourages responsible road-user behaviour.

Jhansi first UP district with ‘no child labour in its 496 villages’

In line with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s announcement to make Uttar Pradesh child labour-free by 2027, Jhansi is set to become the first district of the state where all 496 of its gram panchayats would be declared child labour-free. Meanwhile, the district is also gearing up to eradicate child labour from its urban areas.

Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda Launches ‘10 Years of PMSMA – A Decade of Care’ Celebrations

Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda launched nationwide celebrations marking the completion of 10 years of the Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA). The programme, launched in 2016, provides free and comprehensive antenatal care services to pregnant women on the 9th day of every month.

Government Approves 96 Companies Under Textile PLI Scheme

The Ministry of Textiles approved 22 new applicants under Round-3 of the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Textiles. With this, a total of 96 companies have been selected under the scheme, expected to attract investments of ₹12,822 crore and strengthen India's position in technical textiles and man-made fibre manufacturing.

Government Extends CGSMFI-2.0 Till August 2026

The Government of India extended the Credit Guarantee Scheme for Microfinance Institutions (CGSMFI-2.0) until 31 August 2026 or until guarantees worth ₹20,000 crore are issued. The government also increased the loan limit for large NBFC-MFIs from ₹300 crore to ₹1,000 crore.

Ministry of Defence Signs ₹449 Crore Deal for ECGNSS Jammers

The Ministry of Defence signed a ₹449 crore contract with Accord Software and Systems Private Limited for the procurement of 20 Enhanced Capability Global Navigation Satellite System (ECGNSS) Jammers for the Indian Navy. The systems will strengthen electronic warfare capabilities and protect naval assets from satellite-based threats.

Sangeet Natak Akademi Announces Fellowships and Awards

The Sangeet Natak Akademi elected seven eminent artists as Fellows and announced 108 Akademi Awards for 2024 and 2025. The awards recognize outstanding contributions in music, dance, theatre, folk arts, puppetry, and performing arts scholarship.

Indian-Origin Scientist Gautam Dey Wins EMBO Gold Medal 2026

Gautam Dey received the prestigious EMBO Gold Medal 2026 for his research on the evolutionary origins of nuclear organization and cell division. He currently works at the European Molecular Biology Laboratory.

CCI Approves Additional Stake Acquisition in Shriram Life Insurance

The Competition Commission of India approved Sanlam Emerging Markets’ acquisition of an additional 2.80% stake in Shriram Life Insurance Company through a preferential issue worth approximately ₹220.88 crore.

ADIA Arm Plans Sale of 2.3% Stake in Lenskart

Platinum Jasmine A 2018 Trust, backed by the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, announced plans to sell a 2.3% stake in Lenskart Solutions through a block deal valued at approximately ₹1,944 crore.

International Day of Play 2026 Observed

The International Day of Play was observed on 11 June 2026 with the theme “Protect Play, Protect Childhood.” The observance highlights the importance of play in children's learning, development, and well-being.

World Day Against Child Labour 2026 Observed

World Day Against Child Labour was observed on 12 June 2026 under the theme “Red Card to Child Labour: Fair Play for Children, Decent Work for Adults.” The day promotes global efforts to eliminate child labour and protect children's rights.

Theme of International Day of Yoga 2026 Announced as “Yoga for Healthy Ageing”

Union AYUSH Minister Prataprao Jadhav announced that the theme of International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2026 will be “Yoga for Healthy Ageing.” Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lead the main national event in Kolkata on 21 June 2026.

Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth Appointed as Chief of Army Staff

The Government of India appointed Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth as the next Chief of the Army Staff with effect from 30 June 2026. He is currently serving as the Vice Chief of the Army Staff and will succeed General Upendra Dwivedi.

NIUA Celebrates 50 Years of India’s Urban Transformation Journey

The National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA) celebrated its golden jubilee under the theme “Resilient Urban India @2047” in New Delhi. The event featured the launch of several publications and the National Urban Learning Platform to strengthen urban governance and capacity building.

Ministry of Defence Commissions First Batch of NDA-Trained Women Officers

The Ministry of Defence commissioned the first batch of 17 women cadets trained at the National Defence Academy (NDA) into the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force. The milestone marks a significant step in advancing gender inclusion and equal opportunity within India’s armed forces.

Sudarsan Pattnaik Becomes First Indian to Win Russia Grand Sand Master Cup

Padma Shri awardee Sudarsan Pattnaik became the first Indian to win the Russia Grand Sand Master Cup 2026. His award-winning sculpture highlighted the themes of climate change, global warming, and environmental conservation.

Lewis Hamilton Secures First Ferrari Victory at Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix

Lewis Hamilton won the 2026 Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix, securing his first Formula One victory for Scuderia Ferrari. The triumph marked the 106th race win of his Formula One career.

World Blood Donor Day 2026 Observed on 14 June

World Blood Donor Day was observed on 14 June 2026 with the campaign theme “One Drop of Humanity. Give Blood. Save Lives.” The day recognises voluntary blood donors and promotes awareness about the importance of safe and adequate blood supplies worldwide.

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day 2026 Observed on 15 June

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day was observed on 15 June 2026 under the theme “Beyond Awareness: Making Elder Abuse Prevention Work.” The observance aims to raise awareness about elder abuse and promote the dignity, rights, and well-being of older persons worldwide.

India’s Rainfall Deficit Reaches 35%; Centre Orders Contingency Plans

India’s nationwide monsoon rainfall deficit widened to 35% in June 2026 as monsoon progress stalled across several regions. Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan directed states to prepare crop-wise contingency plans, monitor rainfall-deficit districts, and encourage cultivation of cotton and pulses. Around 150–200 districts have been placed under priority monitoring.

Lt Vishal Kumar Receives Sword of Honour at IMA Passing Out Parade

President Droupadi Murmu awarded the Sword of Honour and President’s Gold Medal to Lieutenant Vishal Kumar at the Indian Military Academy Passing Out Parade 2026. He secured first position in the overall Order of Merit and emerged as the best all-round officer cadet.

Sarvam AI Becomes India’s 130th Unicorn

Sarvam AI became India’s 130th unicorn after raising USD 234 million in a Series B funding round. The funding raised the company’s valuation to USD 1.5 billion, making it India’s only AI startup to achieve unicorn status in 2026.

Global Wind Day 2026 Observed

Global Wind Day was observed on 15 June 2026 with the theme “Our Wind, Our Community.” The day promotes awareness about wind energy as a clean, renewable, and sustainable source of power.

Kerala Launches ‘Priyadarshini’ Free Bus Travel Scheme

Kerala launched the ‘Priyadarshini’ scheme, providing free travel for women and transgender persons on 3,125 Kerala State Road Transport Corporation buses. The initiative aims to improve mobility, reduce transportation costs, and promote social and economic inclusion.

Indian Railways approves ₹755 crore Champa-Korba Third Line Project of SECR

Indian Railways has approved the Champa-Korba Third Line Project of South East Central Railway (SECR) of 42 kilometres at an estimated cost of 755 crore rupees.

Bank of Baroda Launches ‘bob Golden Goal Deposit Scheme’

Bank of Baroda launched the bob Golden Goal Deposit Scheme, a special 555-day retail term deposit for deposits below ₹3 crore. The scheme offers interest rates up to 7.40% per annum, providing stable returns in a changing interest-rate environment.

NCRPB Approves Development of Four ‘Namo Cities’

The National Capital Region Planning Board approved plans to develop four greenfield Namo Cities across Delhi-NCR. These cities aim to promote balanced regional growth and modern urban infrastructure under the Regional Plan 2041.

PM Narendra Modi Visits France

Prime Minister Narendra Modi undertook a six-day visit to France, focusing on innovation, strategic cooperation, and technology partnerships. Key outcomes included the India-France Innovation Roadmap 2030 and expansion of UPI in France.

World Crocodile Day 2026 Observed

World Crocodile Day was observed on 17 June 2026 with the theme “Legacy in Every Scale.” The day highlights crocodile conservation and protection of aquatic ecosystems.

International Day for Countering Hate Speech Observed

The United Nations observed the International Day for Countering Hate Speech on 18 June 2026 with the theme “Hate Speech and Artificial Intelligence.”

Sustainable Gastronomy Day 2026 Observed

Sustainable Gastronomy Day was observed on 18 June 2026 to promote sustainable food systems, biodiversity conservation, and responsible consumption.

MoRTH Signs First Vehicle Replacement Scheme MoU

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways signed its first MoU under the vehicle replacement scheme with Ashok Leyland and Switch Mobility to reduce vehicular pollution in Delhi-NCR.

MoD Approves ₹500 Crore Military Drone Hub at IIT Kanpur

The Ministry of Defence approved a ₹500 crore National Military Drone Technology Hub at Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur to boost indigenous drone capabilities.

Uzbekistan Becomes 10th Member of NDB

Uzbekistan became the 10th member of the New Development Bank (NDB), becoming the first Central Asian nation to join the institution.

Smriti Mandhana Named in TIME 100 Sports List

Smriti Mandhana became the only Indian featured in TIME 100 Most Influential People in Sports 2026.

Indian Navy Decommissions Sea King Mk42B Fleet

The Indian Navy decommissioned the Sea King Mk42B helicopters after 36 years of service in anti-submarine warfare and search-and-rescue missions.

Drogo Aerospace Delivers 41 JK 250e Drones to Indian Army

Drogo Aerospace delivered the first batch of 41 JK 250e drones to the Indian Army under a ₹72 crore contract.

International Day of Family Remittances 2026 Observed

The International Day of Family Remittances was observed on 16 June 2026 with the theme “Remittances for Rural Resilience, Entrepreneurship and Employment.”

World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought Observed

The World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought was observed on 17 June 2026 with the theme “Rangelands: Recognize. Respect. Restore.”

PM Narendra Modi Visits Slovakia

Narendra Modi visited Slovakia in June 2026 to strengthen bilateral relations. During the visit, he received Slovakia’s highest civilian honour, and both countries elevated ties to a Comprehensive Partnership.

WEF Energy Transition Index 2026 Released

The World Economic Forum released the Energy Transition Index 2026, ranking Sweden first globally. India improved to 70th position, reflecting progress in clean energy transition.

ADB Funds Digital Education Infrastructure in India

The Asian Development Bank partnered with Schoolnet India Limited with a USD 10 million package to expand digital learning infrastructure. The project will support digital classrooms, computer labs, and teacher training in government schools.

BITS Pilani and Axis Bank to Build ₹100 Crore Innovation Park

Birla Institute of Technology and Science Pilani and Axis Bank signed an agreement to establish a ₹100 crore innovation park in Hyderabad. The facility will support deep-tech, healthcare, biotech, and startup innovation.

RBI Extends Keki Mistry’s Tenure as HDFC Bank Chairman

The Reserve Bank of India extended the tenure of Keki Mistry as Interim Chairman of HDFC Bank until September 2026.

Saibal Chattopadhyay Appointed NSC Chairperson

The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet approved the appointment of Saibal Chattopadhyay as Chairperson of the National Statistical Commission. The commission ensures quality, transparency, and coordination in India’s statistical system.

Bimal N. Patel Elected ITLOS Judge

Indian jurist Bimal N. Patel was elected judge of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea for the 2026–2035 term, representing India in global maritime legal affairs.

Indian Coast Guard Inducts First Indigenous Hovercraft

The Indian Coast Guard inducted H-561, its first indigenous Air Cushion Vehicle (hovercraft), in Goa. The vehicle enhances coastal surveillance, search-and-rescue, and maritime security.

KSSL Unveils Simha 4×4 Armoured Vehicle

Kalyani Strategic Systems Limited unveiled the Simha 4×4 Light Armoured Multi-Purpose Vehicle at Eurosatory 2026. The vehicle is designed for reconnaissance, border security, and urban warfare missions.

World Autistic Pride Day 2026 Observed

World Autistic Pride Day was observed on 18 June with the theme “Acceptance, Inclusion, and Autistic Identity.” The day promotes awareness, inclusion, and neurodiversity.

India Becomes FATF Vice-President for the First Time

India assumed the Vice-Presidency of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) for the first time, marking a major milestone in global financial governance. Vivek Aggarwal was appointed as FATF Vice-President for the July 2026–June 2027 term, strengthening India’s role in combating money laundering and terror financing.

India Launches First Digital Space Industry Repository

India launched its first digital space-sector capabilities repository, the Indian Space Industry E-Catalogue, during the Indian Space Congress 2026. The platform connects over 200 verified space and defence companies to promote collaboration and business development in the Indian space ecosystem.

52nd G7 Summit Held in France

The 52nd G7 Summit was held in France under the theme “Working Together to Address Major International Challenges.” Leaders discussed energy security, geopolitical conflicts, critical minerals, and global economic stability.

BSE Launches India’s First Saatvik Index

Bombay Stock Exchange launched BSE Saatvik 100, India’s first Saatvik index, promoting ethical and value-based investing. The index offers investors a benchmark aligned with Saatvik principles.

Federal Bank Launches FCNR Max Deposit Scheme

Federal Bank launched the FCNR Max Deposit Scheme, offering up to 6.25% annual interest on USD deposits for NRIs, aimed at boosting foreign currency inflows into India.

Neeraj Chopra Finishes 4th at Doha Diamond League

Neeraj Chopra finished fourth in the men’s javelin event at the Doha Diamond League 2026 with a best throw of 85.69 metres.

International Day for Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict Observed

The UN observed this day on 19 June 2026 with the theme “Conflict-Related Sexual Violence Against Children: Safeguarding Futures and Empowering Caregivers.” It promotes awareness and justice for survivors of conflict-related sexual violence.

Maharashtra Partners with Google for AI Teacher Training

Maharashtra partnered with Google to train over 4 lakh teachers in AI and digital skills, supporting technology-enabled education under NEP 2020.

19th Mumbai International Film Festival Concludes; Polish Documentary Silver Wins Golden Conch

The 19th Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF 2026) concluded in Mumbai, where Polish documentary Silver won the prestigious Golden Conch Award. Maharashtra Governor Jishnu Dev Varma described MIFF as one of the world’s leading festivals for non-fiction cinema, highlighting its contribution to documentary and short filmmaking.

India to Host 11th BRICS Energy Ministers’ Meeting

India will host the 11th BRICS Energy Ministers’ Meeting in Gurugram, Haryana, on 25–26 June 2026 under its BRICS Chairship. The meeting will focus on energy security, clean energy transition, and sustainable cooperation among BRICS nations.

First Batch of Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2026 Pilgrims Crosses into China

The first batch of pilgrims undertaking the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2026 crossed into China through the Nathu La Pass, marking the start of their sacred pilgrimage to Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar.

World Bank Approves USD 1.5 Billion Loan to India

The World Bank approved a USD 1.5 billion loan to India to support structural reforms aimed at boosting private sector-led job creation and accelerating long-term economic growth.

Indian Women’s Hockey Team Wins FIH Women’s Nations Cup

India women's national field hockey team won the FIH Women’s Nations Cup 2025–26 by defeating New Zealand 2–0 in the final. The victory secured India’s promotion to the FIH Pro League 2026–27.

World Refugee Day 2026 Observed

World Refugee Day was observed on 20 June 2026 with the theme “Until Everyone Is Safe.” The day honors the resilience of refugees displaced by conflict and persecution.

International Day of Yoga 2026 Observed

International Day of Yoga was celebrated on 21 June 2026 with the theme “Yoga for Healthy Ageing.” The global observance highlighted yoga’s benefits for physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

World Hydrography Day 2026 Observed

World Hydrography Day was observed on 21 June 2026 with the theme “Transforming how ocean data is shared.” The day emphasizes hydrography’s importance in navigation, marine resource management, and ocean safety.

PM Narendra Modi Visits Odisha for Development Projects

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Odisha on 20 June 2026 to participate in major development and infrastructure events. Along with President Droupadi Murmu, he inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for projects worth over ₹47,600 crore.

PM Modi Visits West Bengal for Development Initiatives

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited West Bengal from 20–21 June 2026 to attend Paschimbanga Divas celebrations and launch multiple development projects. He also released the 23rd installment of the PM-KISAN scheme.

DISHA 2.0 Scheme Approved to Strengthen Digital Justice Delivery

Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal approved DISHA 2.0 with an outlay of ₹255 crore for 2026–2031. The scheme aims to improve digital access to justice and benefit nearly 3 crore citizens across India.

World Bank Approves USD 1.5 Billion for India’s Structural Reforms

The World Bank approved USD 1.5 billion for India’s structural reforms to support private sector-led job creation and economic growth. The initiative aims to generate employment for nearly 11 million youth annually.

World Bank Approves ₹4,000 Crore Loan for Haryana Water Project

The World Bank approved a ₹4,000 crore loan for the Jal Sanrakshit Haryana Project. The project aims to improve water management and conservation across 48.94 lakh acres in Haryana.

Harsh Vardhan Receives Global Prestige Award

Harsh Vardhan received the Global Prestige Award at the UK Parliament for contributions toward the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision. The recognition honoured leadership in development and innovation.

India Wins Gold in Women’s 4×100m Relay

India won gold in the women’s 4×100m relay at the Asian Relays Championships 2026 in China. The Indian team clocked 43.85 seconds to finish ahead of China and Thailand.

International Day of the Celebration of Solstice Observed

The International Day of the Celebration of the Solstice was observed on 21 June 2026 to highlight the cultural and astronomical significance of solstices across civilizations worldwide.

World Music Day 2026 Observed

World Music Day was observed on 21 June 2026 with the theme “Music for Peace.” The day promotes unity, creativity, and peace through music.

PM Narendra Modi Visits Odisha for Development Projects

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Odisha on 20 June 2026 to participate in major development and infrastructure events. Along with President Droupadi Murmu, he inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for projects worth over ₹47,600 crore.

PM Modi Visits West Bengal for Development Initiatives

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited West Bengal from 20–21 June 2026 to attend Paschimbanga Divas celebrations and launch multiple development projects. He also released the 23rd installment of PM-KISAN.

DISHA 2.0 Scheme Approved to Strengthen Digital Justice Delivery

Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal approved DISHA 2.0 with an outlay of ₹255 crore for 2026–2031. The scheme aims to improve digital access to justice and benefit nearly 3 crore citizens across India.

World Bank Approves USD 1.5 Billion for India’s Structural Reforms

World Bank approved USD 1.5 billion for India’s structural reforms to support private sector-led job creation and economic growth. The initiative aims to generate employment for nearly 11 million youth annually.

World Bank Approves ₹4,000 Crore Loan for Haryana Water Project

World Bank approved a ₹4,000 crore loan for the Jal Sanrakshit Haryana Project. The project aims to improve water management and conservation across 48.94 lakh acres in Haryana.

Harsh Vardhan Receives Global Prestige Award

Harsh Vardhan received the Global Prestige Award at the UK Parliament for contributions toward the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision. The recognition honoured leadership in development and innovation.

India Wins Gold in Women’s 4×100m Relay

India won gold in the women’s 4×100m relay at the Asian Relays Championships 2026 in China. The Indian team clocked 43.85 seconds to finish ahead of China and Thailand.

International Day of the Celebration of Solstice Observed

The International Day of the Celebration of the Solstice was observed on 21 June 2026 to highlight the cultural and astronomical significance of solstices across civilizations worldwide.

World Music Day 2026 Observed

World Music Day was observed on 21 June 2026 with the theme “Music for Peace.” The day promotes unity, creativity, and peace through music.

AI Opportunity Statement Signed by 35 Nations at Pax Silica Summit

India joined 34 other nations in signing a US-led AI statement at the 2nd Pax Silica Summit in Washington D.C. The initiative aims to build trusted and resilient supply chains for AI technologies. It focuses on critical sectors like semiconductors, energy, and advanced manufacturing.

Paisabazaar and SBM Bank Launch FD-Backed Credit Card

Paisabazaar and SBM Bank India launched a secured FD-backed credit card. The card helps users build credit history while earning cashback. Customers can start with deposits as low as Rs 2,000.

World Vitiligo Day Observed on June 25

World Vitiligo Day raises awareness about vitiligo and promotes social inclusion. The 2026 theme is “From Stigma to Strength.” It emphasizes dignity, awareness, and support for affected individuals.

NITI Aayog Releases 8th Trade Watch Quarterly

NITI Aayog released the 8th edition of Trade Watch Quarterly for Q4 FY26. The report highlights pharmaceutical trade and API dependence. India’s total trade grew 5.4% to USD 1.84 trillion.

India Launches First Hub-and-Spoke Flight from Varanasi

India inaugurated its first hub-and-spoke flight model from Varanasi under Air India’s Easy Connect initiative. The system improves international connectivity from tier-2 and tier-3 cities. It simplifies baggage and immigration processes.

China’s LineShine Tops TOP500 Supercomputer Rankings

China’s LineShine became the world’s most powerful supercomputer in 2026. It replaced the US system El Capitan at the top of TOP500 rankings. India’s Shakti Cloud ranked 32nd globally.

Bangladesh Joins International Big Cat Alliance

Bangladesh became the 27th member of India’s International Big Cat Alliance. The move strengthens regional conservation efforts for tigers and leopards. It also enhances anti-poaching and ecosystem cooperation.

USA Announces Defence Support Package for India

United States approved a USD 482.2 million support package for India’s Apache helicopters and M777 howitzers. The package improves maintenance and operational readiness. It strengthens India-US defence cooperation.

S&P Cuts India’s FY27 Growth Forecast to 6.6%

S&P Global Ratings reduced India’s GDP growth forecast for FY27 to 6.6%. The downgrade reflects energy stress, weaker monsoon, and slowing global demand. Inflation is expected to remain elevated.

Honda Gets Approval to Increase Stake in Astemo

Honda Motor Co. received CCI approval to raise its stake in Astemo to 61%. The acquisition gives Honda controlling ownership. It strengthens Honda’s long-term mobility strategy.

FIE and FAI Sign MoU to Promote Fencing in India

International Fencing Federation signed an MoU with Fencing Association of India. The partnership aims to improve athlete development and public engagement. It supports India’s preparation for LA 2028.

Ethan Vaz and Harshavardhan Become India’s 96th and 97th Grandmasters

Ethan Vaz and G. B. Harshavardhan became India’s 96th and 97th Chess Grandmasters. Ethan secured his final GM norm at the Sarajevo GM tournament while remaining unbeaten. Their achievement strengthens India’s rising global chess dominance.

Amazon to Invest USD 48 Billion in India by 2030

Amazon announced a USD 48 billion investment in India to expand AI, cloud, e-commerce, and logistics infrastructure. The investment includes AWS data center expansion and new fulfillment centers. It is expected to boost jobs, exports, and AI adoption.

MAHE Achieves Top Ranking in THE Sustainability Impact Ratings

Manipal Academy of Higher Education secured the top global rank in SDG-5 (Gender Equality) in THE Sustainability Impact Ratings 2026. The ranking measures universities’ contributions to UN SDGs. MAHE retained its place in the 101–200 global overall band.

RBI Revises Upper Layer Classification for NBFCs

Reserve Bank of India revised the framework for identifying Upper Layer NBFCs. NBFCs with assets above Rs 1 lakh crore will now automatically enter the upper layer. This enhances regulatory oversight for systemically important financial institutions.

ADB Approves USD 42.2 Million Loan for Bamboo Industry

Asian Development Bank approved a USD 42.2 million loan to support bamboo development in Northeast India. The funding will promote cultivation, value-chain development, and women-led enterprises. It aligns with India’s National Bamboo Mission.

Goldman Sachs Raises India’s GDP Forecast to 6.8%

Goldman Sachs raised India’s CY26 GDP growth forecast to 6.8%. The revision reflects improved macroeconomic conditions and lower inflation expectations. It also projects stronger balance-of-payments performance.

Jaime de la Espriella Wins Colombia Presidential Election

Jaime Abelardo de la Espriella won Colombia’s presidential runoff election. He defeated Iván Cepeda and will assume office in August 2026. His victory marks a major political shift in Colombia.

India Tops ISSF Junior World Championship Medal Tally

India topped the medal tally at the ISSF Junior World Championship 2026 with 25 medals. India secured 7 gold, 8 silver, and 10 bronze medals. The performance highlights India’s growing strength in shooting sports.

World Refrigeration Day Observed on June 26

World Refrigeration Day highlights the importance of refrigeration and cooling technologies. The 2026 theme is “Cool Intelligence.” It promotes sustainable cooling and energy-efficient innovation.

International Day of Deafblindness Observed on June 27

The day raises awareness about deafblindness and challenges faced by affected individuals. It promotes inclusion, accessibility, and equal rights. The UN officially recognized the observance in 2025.

Government Launches Revamped Anaemia Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan

Ministry of Health and Family Welfare launched the revamped Anaemia Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan. The programme introduces a new 7x7x7 strategy and T4 approach—Test, Treat, Talk, and Track. It expands into a technology-enabled, people-centric health mission.

Tiger Reintroduction in Sariska Completes 18 Years

Bhupender Yadav congratulated citizens on 18 years of tiger reintroduction in Sariska Tiger Reserve. The milestone reflects India’s successful wildlife conservation efforts. Sariska remains a key example of tiger restoration.

Shivraj Singh Chouhan to Chair National Rural Development Conference 2026

Shivraj Singh Chouhan will chair the National Rural Development Conference 2026 in New Delhi. The conference will focus on rural development strategies and policy coordination. It aims to accelerate inclusive rural growth.

Amit Shah Launches Cooperative Taxi Service ‘Bharat Taxi’

Amit Shah launched cooperative ride-hailing service Bharat Taxi in Gujarat. The platform will expand to 500 cities and towns over the next two years. It aims to promote cooperative entrepreneurship in mobility services.

Amit Shah Chairs 10th Apex-Level NCORD Meeting in New Delhi

Amit Shah chaired the 10th Apex-Level Meeting of the Narco-Coordination Centre in New Delhi. A vision document on narcotics control and the NCB Annual Report 2025 were released. The meeting also launched a nationwide drug disposal campaign targeting seized narcotics worth ₹6,000 crore.

GBU Partners for Mission ShakthiSAT Lunar Initiative

Gautam Buddha University partnered with IN-SPACe and Space Kidz India for Mission ShakthiSAT. The mission aims to empower 12,000 girls from 108 countries in space technology and STEM education. It supports women-led leadership in global space research.

IIT Delhi and Sorbonne University Launch Joint Degree Programmes

Indian Institute of Technology Delhi and Sorbonne University announced joint Master’s and PhD programmes from 2026. The collaboration expands research in biological sciences, AI, robotics, and materials science. It deepens Indo-French academic cooperation.

Two Indian Women Win 2026 Green Oscar Awards

Parveen Sheikh and Barkha Subba won the 2026 Whitley Awards, known as the Green Oscars. They were honored for protecting endangered bird and amphibian species. Their work highlights India’s grassroots conservation success.

ISRO Conducts Record Test of Next-Generation Rocket Engine

Indian Space Research Organisation successfully tested a semi-cryogenic rocket engine at 88% target thrust. The engine will power the SC120 propulsion stage of future launch vehicles. It is expected to enhance payload capacity and efficiency.

Ethan Vaz and Harshavardhan Become India’s 96th and 97th Grandmasters

Ethan Vaz and G. B. Harshavardhan became India’s 96th and 97th Chess Grandmasters. Ethan secured his final GM norm in Sarajevo while Harshavardhan achieved his title in Chennai. Their success reflects India’s growing chess excellence.

World MSME Day Observed on June 27

World MSME Day recognizes the contribution of micro, small, and medium enterprises to innovation and economic growth. The 2026 theme is “Empowering MSMEs through Innovation and Sustainable Industrial Development.” It highlights MSMEs’ role in achieving SDGs.

World Allergy Week Observed from June 21–27

World Allergy Organization observed World Allergy Week from June 21 to 27. The 2026 theme is “Allergy Care Is Essential Care.” The campaign raises awareness about allergic diseases and healthcare access.

Agriculture · 18

Ministry of Agriculture to Run "Khet Bachao Abhiyan"

The Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare will conduct a month-long, nationwide "Khet Bachao Abhiyan" from 1 to 30 June 2026, designed as an agricultural awareness and outreach campaign that combines sustainable farming practices, soil health improvement, and stronger farm-level decision-making. The campaign's main objectives are: (a) to promote the balanced and judicious use of fertilizers based on soil health and scientific recommendations, and (b) to provide weather-based, region-specific farm advisories, while linking farmers to the wider basket of government schemes and agricultural support.
Duration: 1-30 June 2026.
Run by: Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India.
(a) Balanced and judicious fertilizer use based on soil health. (b) Region-specific, weather-based advisories for farmers. (c) Scheme convergence for farmer support. (d) Stronger farm-level decision-making.

Feature	Detail
Balanced fertilizer use	Soil-test based, INM-oriented; promote organic, bio-, and green manures
Climate-smart advisories	Guidance on crops, diversification, water, weather risks
Institutional participation	Panchayats, KVKs, ICAR, State Governments, Agriculture Departments
Panchayat-centric	Village-level implementation with community leaders
Scheme convergence	PM-KISAN, KCC, Pulses-Oilseeds Mission, Oil Palm Mission, Cotton Mission, mechanisation, water conservation

APCNF Wins the 2026 Food Planet Prize for Transforming Food Systems Through Natural Farming

Launched by the Government of Andhra Pradesh in 2016.
The 2026 award has been won by India's Andhra Pradesh Community Managed Natural Farming (APCNF) programme.
Established by Sweden's Curt Bergfors Foundation.
Aims to shift Andhra Pradesh's farmers from chemical-input-based agriculture to natural farming, based on principles like Jeevamrutham, Beejamrutham, and Acchadana (mulching).

Indicator	Detail
Award	Food Planet Prize 2026
Award venue	Båstad, Sweden
Awarding body	Curt Bergfors Foundation, Sweden
Winner	Andhra Pradesh Community Managed Natural Farming (APCNF) programme, India
Implementing agency for APCNF	Rythu Sadhikara Samstha (RySS), under Andhra Pradesh's agriculture department
APCNF launch year	2016
Grand prize amount	USD 1.5 million
Prize for specialised international finalists	USD 150,000 each

Urea Subsidy Reform Long Overdue

Launched in April 2010 for non-urea fertilisers, mainly P (phosphorus) and K (potassium)-based fertilisers like DAP, MOP, and complexes.
The Nutrient-Based Subsidy (NBS) was launched in April 2010 for non-urea fertilisers.
Urea is heavily subsidised, with the government bearing about 90 per cent of the actual market cost.
About 20 to 25 per cent of global oil and a large share of LNG trade passes through this chokepoint.

NABARD Grade A

Very high importance, agriculture, soil health, rural economy

Chhattisgarh CM Vishnu Deo Sai's Village Visits

Launched in April 2025 under the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti.
Aims to modernise irrigation infrastructure with pressurised irrigation, micro-irrigation, GIS-based water budgeting, and Water Users' Committee management.
SAMRIDHI-M-CAD (Modernisation of Command Area Development) for irrigation, launched in April 2025 under the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti.
Recognised under the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999.

NABARD Grade A

Very high importance, irrigation, agriculture, GI tags, rural welfare

Indian Agri-Tech and Water-Tech Startups Must Move Beyond Basic Problem-Solving: NITI Aayog Official

AIM was launched in 2016 to promote innovation and entrepreneurship in India.
Established on 1 January 2015, replacing the Planning Commission.
Launched in 2016.
The Indo-Denmark Green Strategic Partnership, announced in 2020, covers areas like renewable energy, water, climate, and sustainable agriculture.

NABARD Grade A

Very high importance, agri-tech, water, rural innovation

Oilseeds Kisaan Mitra: India's First WhatsApp-Based AI Advisory Service for Oilseed Farmers

Two key components: NMEO-Oil Palm (2021): Focused on oil palm cultivation, especially in the North East and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. NMEO-Oilseeds (2024): Focused on oilseeds like soybean, mustard, groundnut, sesame, and others.
NMEO-Oilseeds (2024): Focused on oilseeds like soybean, mustard, groundnut, sesame, and others.
Founded in 1929 as the Imperial Council of Agricultural Research.
National Mission on Edible Oils (NMEO): A central mission to boost domestic edible oil production, with NMEO-Oil Palm (2021) and NMEO-Oilseeds (2024).

NABARD Grade A

Very high importance, agriculture, oilseeds, ICAR, rural extension

NBA Reconstitutes Expert Committee on Agrobiodiversity Under Section 13(1) of Biological Diversity Act, 2002

Statutory basis: Section 13(1) of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002.
Statutory autonomous body established in 2003 under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002.
Biological Diversity (Amendment) Act, 2023 was passed in 2023.
National Biodiversity Authority (NBA): A statutory body established in 2003 under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, headquartered in Chennai.

NABARD Grade A

Very high importance, biodiversity, agriculture, genetic resources

Telangana Bans Paraquat Herbicide; Spotlight on Deadly Weed Killer

Insecticides Act, 1968: India's main law for regulating pesticides.
Pesticides Management Bill, 2020: A proposed replacement for the Insecticides Act, still pending.
Anupam Verma Committee Report (2015): Recommended review of 66 pesticides banned or restricted in other countries; 18 banned, 6 phased out by 2020.
States can impose temporary bans under Section 27 of the Insecticides Act, 1968, for up to 60 days, extendable to 90 days by the central government.

NABARD Grade A

Very high importance, pesticide use, sustainable agriculture, rural health

ANNAM.AI and Syngenta Partnership for AI-Driven Climate-Smart Agriculture

Founded: 2000 (via merger of Novartis Agribusiness and Zeneca Agrochemicals).
IndiaAI Mission (2024) includes agriculture as one of the focus areas.
About 50 per cent of India's workforce is in agriculture.
Agriculture contributes about 18 per cent of India's GDP.

NABARD Grade A

Very high importance, AI in agriculture, climate-smart agriculture

Watershed Development Component of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (WDC-PMKSY 2.0)

Project period: 2021-2026 (5 years).
Predecessor schemes: Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP): Launched 2009-10. Merged with PMKSY as WDC-PMKSY: 2015-16.
Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP): Launched 2009-10.
Launched: 5 June 2024 by PM Narendra Modi on World Environment Day.

Area Type	Old Unit Cost	New Unit Cost
Plain areas	₹12,000/ha	₹22,000/ha
Difficult/LWE areas	₹15,000/ha	₹28,000/ha

Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY)

Launched: 1996 by Ministry of Water Resources.
Launched: 1 July 2015.
Initial outlay (2015-2020): ₹50,000 crore (5 years).
Launched: 1996.

Region	Centre	State
General states	75%	25%
North-Eastern + Hilly states	90%	10%

Smart Seed Coating Technology

Established: 1977 as National Research Centre for Oilseeds Crops.
Founded: 16 July 1929 as Imperial Council of Agricultural Research.
Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses (October 2025).
Mission SEHAT (May 2026): For nutritional convergence.

NABARD Grade A

Very high importance, agriculture, rural innovation, seed systems

GeM Suvidha Kendras (GSKs)

Expansion of 2022 GeM-CSC partnership.
Launched: 9 August 2016.
Major statistics (mid-2026 approximate): GMV (Gross Merchandise Value): ₹10+ lakh crore cumulative. Buyers: 75,000+ government organisations. Sellers: 2.2 crore+. Products and services: 12,000+ categories.
Established: 2009.

NABARD Grade A

Very high importance, MSME, rural commerce, financial inclusion

APEDA Facilitates First Commercial Export of GI-Tagged Rewa Sundarja Mango

Established: 13 February 1986 under the APEDA Act, 1985 (Act No. 2 of 1986).
Central Scheme: "Formation and Promotion of 10,000 FPOs" (launched 29 February 2020, ₹6,865 crore outlay).
Total India agri exports in FY 2024-25 stood at approximately USD 51.9 billion, with APEDA accounting for about 55%.
Full Title: Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999.

Exam	Relevance
NABARD Grade A	Critical — Direct subject — APEDA, FPOs, agri-exports, rural value chains

NABARD-BIRD Three-Day Training on "Geographical Indications (GI) and Post-GI Initiatives for Livelihood" Begins at Namsai, Arunachal Pradesh

Full Form: Bankers Institute of Rural Development.
Three BIRD institutes: BIRD Lucknow — premier/apex training institute (est. 1983). BIRD Kolkata — focuses on Eastern + North-Eastern Region (est. 1984). BIRD Mangaluru — third institute (est. November 1984).
BIRD Lucknow — premier/apex training institute (est. 1983).
BIRD Kolkata — focuses on Eastern + North-Eastern Region (est. 1984).

Role	Detail
GI Registration Facilitation	Helping FPOs/artisans apply for GI tags
Post-GI Interventions	Capacity building, branding, packaging, quality standardisation, market linkages, IPR awareness
FPO Support	Equity grants, refinance, training
Rural Livelihood Promotion	Income enhancement for farmers, artisans, producer groups

"Jasdan Patari" Traditional Wooden Handicraft from Rajkot District, Gujarat Receives Geographical Indication (GI) Tag

The centuries-old "Jasdan Patari" handicraft of Jasdan town and taluka, Rajkot district, Gujarat has been officially granted Geographical Indication (GI) tag registration in June 2026 — adding another distinctive product to Saurashtra's cultural heritage. The Patari (also called Patara) is a brass-ribbed wooden chest typically made of teak wood with 8+ drawers, traditionally covered with brass and copper (now also white metal), strengthened with thick black metal pieces and embossed with thin white metal decoration. Used historically for storage and as dowry/trousseau carriers, fine examples can be seen in the Hingolgadh Castle and Gondal Palace museum collections. The GI tag recognises Jasdan as a leading craft centre for embellished wooden chests and ornate jewel boxes, strengthening the rural artisan economy and adding to Gujarat's growing GI basket, which already includes Sankheda Furniture, Kutch Embroidery, Rajkot Patola, Patan Patola, Tangaliya Shawl, Kutch Ajrakh, Gir Kesar Mango, Bhalia Wheat, and others.
Smaller versions of pataras and jewel boxes also sold at Udhyog Bharati and Khadi Plaza, Gondal.
It is a brass-ribbed wooden chest typically made of teak wood, with eight or more drawers.
It has been traditionally used for storage and as dowry/trousseau carriers.

Aspect	Detail
Type	Brass-ribbed wooden chest with embellishments
Local Names	Patara / Patari
Primary Material	Teak wood
Metal Embellishments	Traditionally brass + copper; now also white metal
Strengthening	Thick black metal pieces on edges
Decoration	Thin white metal pieces embossed on wood
Lining	Brass strips + brass stoppers
Traditional Use	Storage + dowry/trousseau carriers
Museum Collections	Hingolgadh Castle and Gondal Palace

SOMS 2026: 4th Edition of Speciality Fertilizer Summit + B2B Expo

Full Form: Soluble, Organic, Micronutrient & Bio-Stimulant Fertilizers Summit + B2B Expo.
Issued under Section 3 of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955.
SOMS 2026 is the 4th edition of the Speciality Fertilizer Summit + B2B Expo.
The FCO 1985 was issued under Section 3 of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955.

Session	Detail
The Big Debate (Day 1)	Linkages in fertilizer distribution + agri-startup readiness
Policy Reform	Industry views on FCO 1985, ECA 1955
Subsidy Reform	Specialty fertilizers as solution to subsidy burden
Panel Discussions	Fertilizer startups, innovation, policy reforms, manufacturing challenges, roadmap
Agri-Journalism Awards	First-ever by SFIA — English, Hindi, Gujarati, Marathi
Student/Researcher Platform	Showcase innovations + research

AgriStack: India's Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) for Agriculture

Compared to: Often called the "UPI of Indian agriculture" or "Aadhaar of farmers" (FM Nirmala Sitharaman in Budget 2026: "one of the next UPI initiatives").
Launched: 16 August 2024 by Govt of India.
The Government targets covering 30 crore farm plots across 604 districts by the Kharif 2026 season.
Approximately 5.4 lakh of 6.75 lakh villages have been geo-referenced, with full coverage targeted by March 2027.

Registry	Detail	Target
1. Farmers' Registry	Single verified digital Farmer ID linked to land + livestock + family details	11 crore Farmer IDs (8.62 crore created so far)
2. Crop Sown Registry	Dynamic record of crops planted, season-wise, via mobile Digital Crop Survey (DCS)	30 crore farm plots, 604 districts by Kharif 2026
3. Geo-Referenced Village Maps	Cadastral maps with GPS coordinates for every farm plot	5.4 lakh of 6.75 lakh villages done; full by March 2027

National Affairs · 14

India Receives Fourth S-400 Squadron from Russia

Very long-range missile (up to 400 km), capable of engaging high-altitude, high-value targets like AWACS aircraft and refuelling tankers.
India has received the fourth S-400 air defence squadron from Russia in May 2026.
The S-400 deal between India and Russia was signed in 2018 for five regimental systems, worth USD 5.43 billion.
The fifth and final S-400 squadron under the contract is expected to be delivered in 2027.

Feature	Detail
Type	Long-range surface-to-air missile (SAM) system
Maximum range	About 400 km (longest-range variant)
Engagement altitude	From a few metres to 30+ km
Targets	Aircraft, drones, cruise missiles, short and intermediate-range ballistic missiles
Simultaneous targets	Can track 300+ targets and engage multiple simultaneously
Multi-layered missiles	Different missiles for short, medium, long, and very-long range
Mobility	Highly mobile, road-based; can deploy and relocate quickly

Prime Minister Research Chair (PMRC) Scheme 2026

Scheme: Prime Minister Research Chair (PMRC) Scheme 2026.
The Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) was set up under the ANRF Act, 2023, and is chaired by the Prime Minister.
The scheme will link global Indian talent with the country’s rapidly expanding research, development, innovation and technology ecosystem across 13 thematic areas of national priority, including Advanced Computing, Semiconductors and Cybersecurity.
Budget estimate: about ₹200 crore for multi-year research grants, relocation, fellowships, and lab infrastructure.

Category	Areas
Computing and Tech (4)	Advanced Computing (AI, Quantum, Supercomputing), Semiconductors, Next-Generation Communications, Cybersecurity
Industrial and Infrastructure (4)	Manufacturing and Industry 4.0, Advanced Materials and Critical Minerals, Space and Defence, Atomic Energy
Sustainability and Biology (5)	Energy, Sustainability and Climate Change, Biotechnology, Healthcare and MedTech, Agri and Food Technologies, Blue Economy

Mission Senehjori Launched

Launched on: 2 June 2026.
Mission Senehjori was launched in June 2026 to transform Assam's Muga silk into a global luxury brand.
The mission targets annual Muga silk exports of over 2,000 kg by 2028.
Geographical Indications in India are governed by the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999.

Indicator	Detail
Produced exclusively in	Assam (a globally unique product)
Colour	Natural golden tint, brightens with age
Geographical Indication (GI) tag	Yes (since 2007)
Host plants	Som (Persea bombycina) and Soalu (Litsea polyantha) trees
Current rearer-weaver income (annual)	About ₹18,000 to ₹21,000

Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Emerges as Nationwide Movement Promoting Girl Child Empowerment

UNDP Gender Inequality Index 2024: India improved in recent years.
Launched: 22 January 2015 at Panipat, Haryana by PM Narendra Modi.
Girls' enrolment at secondary level: increased from 75.51 per cent (2014-15) to 80.2 per cent (2024-25) per UDISE data.
Census 2011 Child Sex Ratio (0-6 years): 919 girls per 1,000 boys.

Exam	Relevance
UPSC Prelims	GS Paper II on Government Schemes (BBBP, SSY, Mission Shakti, PMMVY); GS Paper I on Society
UPSC Mains	GS Paper II on Welfare, Women and Child; GS Paper I on Society, Gender
BPSC and State PCS	Schemes, Women and Child, Current Affairs
Banking and NABARD	General Awareness on schemes
SSC, Insurance, Railway	Static and Current GK on BBBP, SRB, CSR, PCPNDT

India-France Strategic Partnership

First crewed mission: Planned around 2026-27.
Bhutan: (2021, first international).
Founded: 2017 by Xavier Niel.
Founded: 1967.

BRICS Indore Declaration

First BRIC Summit: 2009 (without South Africa).
The first BRIC Summit was held in 2009, with South Africa joining in 2011 to make it BRICS.
The 15th BRICS Summit in Johannesburg in August 2023 invited 6 new members.
The Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers' Rights (PPV&FR) Act was enacted in 2001.

Jharkhand's Four Traditional Products Receive Geographical Indication (GI) Tag

Famous Munda leader: Birsa Munda (1875-1900), tribal freedom fighter.
Birsa Munda (1875-1900) was a Munda tribal freedom fighter.
Birsa Munda's birth anniversary (15 November) is celebrated as Janjatiya Gaurav Divas since 2021.
Darjeeling Tea was India's first registered GI product, registered in 2004-05.

Kaziranga's First Scientific Assessment of Greater Hog Badger

Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I: Highest protection (e.g., tigers, rhinos, hog badgers). Schedule II: High protection. Schedule III: Lesser protection. Schedule IV: Plants.
Biological Diversity Act, 2002: For biodiversity conservation and benefit-sharing.
India's Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I (highest legal protection).
Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980: For forest land use.

India Gets Its First Guided Missile Prostate Cancer Therapy: Novartis Launches Pluvicto

Combines two components: A targeting molecule that binds to PSMA (Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen), a protein found in large quantities on many prostate cancer cells. The radioactive isotope Lu-177 (Lutetium-177) that delivers targeted radiation.
The radioactive isotope Lu-177 (Lutetium-177) that delivers targeted radiation.
Other examples: Lutathera (Lu-177 dotatate) for neuroendocrine tumours.
India supplies about 20 per cent of global generic medicines.

India and Slovakia Elevate Ties to Comprehensive Partnership

Significance: First visit by an Indian PM since the founding of Slovakia in 1993.
Founded: 1 January 1993 (after the peaceful "Velvet Divorce" that split Czechoslovakia into Czech Republic and Slovakia).
Established in 1999 through UNSC Resolution 1267.
This is the first visit by an Indian PM to Slovakia since the country's founding in 1993.

Super El Niño 2026-27

Founded: 1970.
Occurs every 3-7 years.
Cycle frequency: Every 2-7 years.
NOAA placed the odds at 63 per cent that it will intensify into a very strong or super El Niño by winter.

Exam	Relevance
UPSC Prelims	GS Paper I on Geography (El Niño, ENSO, Monsoon); GS Paper III on Environment, Disaster Management
UPSC Mains	GS Paper I on Geography, Climate; GS Paper III on Environment, Agriculture, Food Security
BPSC and State PCS	Geography, Environment, Current Affairs
Banking and NABARD	Macroeconomic awareness, agriculture
RBI Grade B	Inflation, agricultural economy
NABARD Grade A	Very high importance, agriculture, monsoon, climate

The Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM)

Established: 2013.
India aims to reduce emissions intensity of GDP by 45 per cent by 2030 (from 2005 levels).
India targets 50 per cent of cumulative installed electric power capacity from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030.
Partner countries: Now 32, including India (31st), Indonesia, Vietnam, Ethiopia, Mongolia, Kenya, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Costa Rica, Laos, Maldives, Mexico, Chile, Saudi Arabia, and others.

Kashmir Saffron: GI-Tagged Premium Spice Surges Amid West Asia Crisis

Governing law: Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999.
GI Tags are governed by the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999.
Validity: 10 years (renewable).
Crocin (18-22 per cent) gives saffron its golden-yellow color and antioxidant properties.

Component	Kashmir Saffron	Function
Crocin	18-22 per cent	Carotenoid pigment, gives golden-yellow color, antioxidant properties
Safranal	0.8-1.2 per cent	Organic compound responsible for warm, honey-like, earth-toned aroma
Picrocrocin	8-12 per cent	Provides characteristic bitter flavor

The Kishau Multi-Purpose Dam

The Ministry of Environment and Forests had initially approved the project in 2018.
Centre: 90 per cent of water component cost as central assistance grant.
Six states: Share remaining 10 per cent.
The dam is 236 metres high with an estimated cost of ₹11,500 crore.

1. Lieutenant-General Dhiraj Seth named next Army Chief · 9

Skill India Completes 12 Years, Emerges as a Global Skilling Leader

The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship completed 12 years of the Skill India Mission, highlighting the growth of one of the world’s largest skilling ecosystems. The initiative has expanded vocational training, apprenticeships, entrepreneurship support, digital skilling, and global workforce mobility across India.

Government Releases Second Advance Estimates of Horticulture Production 2025–26

The Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare released the Second Advance Estimates of Horticulture Crops for 2025–26, projecting total horticulture production at 3,777.76 lakh tonnes. The estimates indicate higher production of fruits, vegetables, flowers, and medicinal crops compared to the previous year.

IN-SPACe Selects Three Space Startups Under Technology Adoption Fund Scheme

IN-SPACe selected Astrobase Space Technologies, SatSure Analytics India, and TM2SPACE Technologies as the first beneficiaries under its Technology Adoption Fund scheme. The startups will develop advanced space technologies, including rocket engines, Earth observation AI models, and indigenous star-tracker systems.

WEF Selects Nine Indian Startups in 2026 Technology Pioneers Cohort

The World Economic Forum included nine Indian startups in its 2026 Technology Pioneers cohort. The selected companies were recognized for innovations in artificial intelligence, climate technology, biotechnology, space technology, and advanced manufacturing.

World Bank Raises India’s FY27 GDP Growth Forecast to 6.6%

The World Bank increased India’s GDP growth projection for FY27 to 6.6% in its Global Economic Prospects Report. India is expected to remain one of the fastest-growing major economies and continue to drive economic growth in South Asia.

Elon Musk Becomes World’s First Trillionaire on Paper

Elon Musk became the world’s first trillionaire on paper following SpaceX’s record-breaking USD 75 billion Initial Public Offering. The listing significantly increased the valuation of SpaceX and boosted Musk’s estimated net worth beyond USD 1 trillion.

Sanjay Lohiya Appointed Director on RBI and SBI Boards

The Government of India nominated Sanjay Lohiya, Secretary of the Department of Financial Services, as a Non-Executive Director on the Central Boards of the Reserve Bank of India and State Bank of India. The appointment became effective from 11 June 2026.

Padma Shri and Shooting Legend Jaspal Rana Passes Away

Renowned Indian shooter, coach, and Padma Shri awardee Jaspal Rana passed away at the age of 49. He was one of India’s most decorated pistol shooters and played a key role in mentoring several international medal-winning athletes.

International Albinism Awareness Day 2026 Observed

International Albinism Awareness Day was observed on 13 June 2026 with the theme “Proudly in My Skin: Celebrating All Skin Tones.” The day promotes awareness, inclusion, dignity, and equal rights for persons with albinism worldwide.

National News · 5

Slovakia's Highest Honour Conferred on PM Modi

Founded: 1 January 1993 (after the Velvet Divorce that split Czechoslovakia).
Other State Honours Conferred on PM Modi (2026)
Q3. With reference to PM Modi's state honours in 2026, consider the following statements:
(c), Statements 1, 2, 3 are correct; Statement 4 is wrong because PM Modi was conferred with the First Class.

Nation	Highest State Award
Slovak Republic	The Order of the White Double Cross, First Class
Dominica	Dominica Award of Honour
Guyana	The Order of Excellence
Barbados	Honorary Freedom of Barbados

The Great Indian Bustard (GIB)

Launched: 2013-14 as a Central scheme.
Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I (highest legal protection in India).
The GIB is protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
WII was founded in 1982 under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.

The 52nd G7 Summit

First Summit: 1975 in Rambouillet, France.
The first G7 Summit was held in 1975 in Rambouillet, France.
G20 Summit in Delhi in September 2023.
The summit was held in Evian, France, from 15-17 June 2026.

WT-MARUT: India's First Wind Turbine Supply Chain Management Portal Launched

Green Hydrogen Mission (2023): ₹19,744 crore budget.
Founded: 2005.
Wind equipment exports crossed ₹12,000 crore in FY 2025-26.
India aims to capture 10 per cent of global wind turbine exports by 2030 and 20 per cent by 2040.

The 'Dancing Girl' of Mohenjo-daro

Discovered: 1926 by John Marshall.
Marshall was British archaeologist and Director-General of the Archaeological Survey of India (1902-1928).
The Dancing Girl is a bronze statuette discovered at Mohenjo-daro in 1926 by John Marshall.
Excavated primarily in the 1920s by John Marshall, Ernest Mackay, Rakhal Das Banerji.

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Clarity 4 Sure · c4scourses.in · +91 87086 52887 · compiled 24 September 2026