Updates on 1 June 2026
All of June 2026 →Malaysia enforces social media ban on users under 16 years from June 1, 2026
From June 1, 2026, Malaysia prohibits children below 16 years from registering or maintaining accounts on major social media platforms with at least 8 million Malaysian users, including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. Social media platforms are mandated under the Online Safety Act 2025 to implement age verification measures using government-issued identity documents such as MyKad or passports. Non-compliance with these rules can result in fines up to 10 million Malaysian ringgit (~2.5 million USD). This ban aims to protect children from online harm and is accompanied by a grace period for platforms to implement verification systems. Parents will not be penalized if their children bypass the law.
Bangladesh and Cyprus Compete for Presidency of 81st UN General Assembly Session
The election for the President of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly is set for 2 June 2026 at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. Bangladesh has nominated Dr. Khalilur Rahman, while Cyprus has nominated Ambassador Andreas Kakouris as candidates. According to the UN's established regional rotation system, the presidency for the 81st session will come from the Asia-Pacific Group. Bangladesh last held this post in 1986-87; Cyprus has never held it before. Informal interactive dialogues with candidates were conducted on 13 May 2026 to enhance transparency and engagement. The new session will open on 8 September 2026, with the high-level General Debate commencing on 22 September 2026.
Chenab–Beas Link Tunnel Project Approved in Himachal Pradesh
In May 2026, the Government of India approved the Chenab–Beas Link Tunnel project in Himachal Pradesh with an estimated cost of ₹2,352 crore. The project involves constructing an 8.7-kilometre tunnel to divert surplus water from the Chenab basin (part of the Indus river system) into the Beas river system. Managed by the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC), the project aims to enhance hydropower generation capacity by nearly 4,000 MW. Phase 1 includes building a 19-metre-high barrage on the Chandra river near Koksar village, a tributary of the Chenab in the western Himalayas. The project aligns with India's decision to place the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan in abeyance in April 2025. While an unofficial completion target of July 2029 has been mentioned, official sources have not confirmed this date.
India-Oman Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) Comes Into Force from June 1, 2026
The India-Oman CEPA, a comprehensive free trade agreement covering goods, services, investment, and trade facilitation, officially commenced on June 1, 2026. It grants India duty-free access on 98.08% of Oman's tariff lines, covering 99.38% of trade value based on 2022-23 averages. Key Indian exports benefiting include textiles, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, gems and jewellery, and medical devices. Oman gains duty concessions on 77.79% of India's tariff lines, covering 94.81% of India's imports from Oman. The agreement also facilitates professional mobility, increasing limits for intra-corporate transferees and easing temporary entry for business visitors and independent professionals.
Veteran Playback Singer Suman Kalyanpur Passes Away at 89
Suman Kalyanpur, a distinguished playback singer known for her work in Hindi, Marathi, Bengali, Kannada, and Assamese cinema, died on 31 May 2026 at her residence in Lokhandwala, Mumbai. A recipient of the Padma Bhushan in 2023, she had a prolific career spanning over six decades with famous songs such as 'Aajkal Tere Mere Pyar Ke Charche' and 'Na Na Karte Pyar Tumhin Se'. Her last rites were held at Pawan Hans crematorium in Mumbai. She was widely mourned by the music and film industry as well as government officials.