Updates on 13 June 2026
All of June 2026 →First Women NDA Cadets Commissioned as Indian Army Officers in Historic 2026 Parade
On 13 June 2026, nine women cadets from the National Defence Academy (NDA) were commissioned as officers in the Indian Army during the Passing Out Parade at the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun. This event marked the first time women from the NDA batch were commissioned in the Indian Army, following a Supreme Court order in August 2021 allowing women to appear for the NDA entrance examination. The parade included a total of 515 cadets, among them 481 Indian Gentleman Cadets and 34 foreign cadets from 16 countries. Additionally, five women from the first NDA women batch were commissioned into the Indian Air Force at the Air Force Academy (AFA) in Dundigal, Hyderabad. The event represents a significant milestone for gender inclusivity in the Indian Armed Forces, with women receiving permanent commissions from day one through the NDA-IMA and NDA-AFA routes.
Uttar Pradesh Starts Supplying Indigenous Cow Milk Products to Indian Army
Uttar Pradesh has launched a novel dairy initiative supplying protein-rich indigenous cow milk products, including Skyr, to the Indian Army. The products derive from native cattle breeds such as Gir and Sahiwal using advanced dairy technologies inspired by Denmark and Iceland. Launched under Operation-4 on 18 May 2026, this programme promotes cow conservation, rural employment, and Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) goals by subsidizing dairy units and integrating indigenous breeds into defence and urban supply chains.
Prehistoric Acheulo-Yabrudian Cave Discovered Near Fureidis, Israel
Archaeologists uncovered a prehistoric cave near Fureidis, northern Israel, dating from 400,000 to 250,000 years ago, linked to the Acheulo-Yabrudian culture of the late Lower Paleolithic period. This rare site contains advanced flint tools such as handaxes, scrapers, and blades, along with animal remains and evidence of prolonged human occupation and fire use. The discovery offers crucial insights into early human technological, social, and cultural evolution in the Levant, particularly the transition toward larger groups and more complex behaviors preceding the dominance of Neanderthals and modern humans.
India-Nepal Discussions on Janakpur-Ayodhya Rail Link and Passenger Services
On June 11-12, 2026, India and Nepal held their 10th Project Steering Committee and 8th Joint Working Group meetings in Kathmandu, focusing on cross-border railway cooperation. Key agenda included operationalizing passenger train services on the culturally significant Janakpur-Ayodhya section, connecting Janakpur in Nepal (associated with Goddess Sita) with Ayodhya in India (associated with Lord Ram). The meetings also reviewed progress on other cross-border railway projects including the proposed Raxaul-Kathmandu broad gauge link and the Jaynagar-Bijalpura-Bardibas and Jogbani-Biratnagar broad gauge lines supported by Indian grants. Discussions included finalizing Standard Operating Procedures for passenger train service commencement to enhance bilateral connectivity and cultural exchange.
Maharashtra Considers 'Single Parent Child' Category in College Admissions
On 13 June 2026, Maharashtra's Higher and Technical Education Minister, Chandrakant Patil, announced a proposal to introduce a separate "Single Parent Child" category in college admission forms for higher and technical education institutions across Maharashtra. A high-level committee will be set up to implement this initiative, which aims to identify and support students from single-parent households, especially children of single mothers. Supportive measures under consideration include priority in hostel admissions, counselling services, and educational concessions. An online meeting with principals of approximately 1,500 colleges is scheduled for 17 June 2026 to discuss registration procedures and ground-level challenges. The initiative is part of a broader state policy for single women and is based on a survey estimating about 14,000 such students across Maharashtra's colleges and universities.
ASI Discovers 25 Ancient Inscriptions and Rock Art in Nallamala Tiger Reserve
In June 2026, the Epigraphy Branch of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) conducted a three-day epigraphical survey in the Nallamala Tiger Reserve, documenting 25 inscriptions spanning from the 2nd century CE to the 16th century CE. These inscriptions are written in Telugu, Kannada, Prakrit, and Brahmi scripts and are linked to dynasties such as the Satavahanas, Eastern Chalukyas, Kalyani Chalukyas, Potapi Cholas, Kakatiyas, Reddy rulers, and the Vijayanagara Empire. Additionally, ancient rock art dating approximately to 1500 BCE was discovered near Alatam on the banks of the Krishna River within the reserve. This survey enriches understanding of the region’s political, cultural, and linguistic history across more than a millennium.
Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth Appointed as India’s Next Chief of Army Staff
On 13 June 2026, Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth was appointed as the next Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) of India, assuming office on 30 June 2026 following the retirement of General Upendra Dwivedi. With nearly four decades of military experience, Lt Gen Seth has commanded multiple key formations, including the South Western and Southern Army Commands. An alumnus of the National Defence Academy, he was commissioned into the Armoured Corps in December 1986. Known for his expertise in operational, strategic, and technological domains, he is the first Armoured Corps officer appointed Army Chief in 30 years.
Kerala Vision 2031: A Roadmap to Becoming India's Most Women-Friendly State
Kerala's United Democratic Front (UDF) government has unveiled Vision 2031, a comprehensive policy roadmap aiming to make Kerala the most women-friendly state in India. It focuses on enhancing women's safety, public transportation, domestic violence prevention, gender budgeting, and women-inclusive tourism. Key features include proposed fast-track trials for crimes against women modeled after Andhra Pradesh's Disha Act, increased women police stations, a Distress Alert App for emergencies, pink night buses, and free travel for women and transgender persons on state buses from June 15, 2026. The Vision also promotes safe travel amenities for women and integrates gender budgeting with a Rs. 5,586.99 crore allocation for 2026-27, part of a Rs. 25,401 crore plan outlay.
Gujarat to Unveil Industrial Policy 2026 on June 15
The Government of Gujarat is set to launch its Industrial Policy 2026 on June 15 at Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar. The policy aims to accelerate industrial growth, attract investments, promote innovation, generate employment, and strengthen Gujarat's status as a leading industrial and investment destination in India. It expands the number of thrust sectors from 9 to 16, introduces an 'ultra mega' industrial unit category requiring a minimum investment of ₹10,000 crore and creation of at least 3,000 jobs, with incentives up to 40% of capital investment. Project THRIVE is included, focusing on relocating industries from municipal limits to reduce urban congestion, with provisions for financial incentives and expedited approvals.
ICMR and Gates Foundation Launch ₹1 Crore Grand Challenge to Develop Iron-Rich Foods for Anaemia Control
On 13 June 2026, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation launched a Grand Challenge in New Delhi with an allocation of ₹1 crore to develop iron-rich, nutrient-dense food products aimed at controlling anaemia among adolescent girls and women of reproductive age in India. This initiative targets affordable, consumer-friendly prototypes providing 4–5 mg of iron per serving, focusing on food-based solutions beyond conventional supplementation. Applications are open to researchers, startups, food companies, and non-profit organizations until 3 July 2026.
David Hockney, Legendary British Artist, Dies at Age 88
David Hockney, a seminal figure in contemporary British art, passed away on 11 June 2026 at his London home aged 88. Born on 9 July 1937 in Bradford, West Yorkshire, his artistic career spanned over seven decades. Hockney was internationally renowned for his vibrant paintings, particularly of swimming pools and California landscapes, along with his pioneering use of collage, photography, and digital iPad drawings. At the time of his death, a major exhibition of his works was ongoing at the Serpentine Gallery, London, with further shows planned at Tate London and the Munch Museum in Oslo, reflecting his lasting global influence.
Gene Shalit: Legendary 'Today' Show Film Critic Dies at 100
Gene Shalit, an iconic American film critic and television personality, passed away peacefully on June 12, 2026, at the age of 100. Born on March 25, 1926, in New York City, he had a remarkable career spanning over four decades, primarily known for his work on NBC's 'Today' show. Joining as a contributor in 1970, Shalit became the show's arts editor in 1973 and remained until his retirement in 2010. He was famous for his bushy mustache, distinctive eyeglasses, and colorful bow ties, as well as his witty film reviews laden with puns. His work significantly influenced film criticism on television and popular culture.
DRDO Successfully Conducts Missile Flight Tests Validating Ballistic Missile Defence & Naval Anti-Ship Missile
On 10-11 June 2026, India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) conducted three consecutive missile tests including interceptor missiles for Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) targeting Intermediate-Range Ballistic Missiles (2000-5000 km) in exo- and endo-atmospheric phases. Additionally, the maiden flight test of the Naval Anti-Ship Missile-Medium Range (NASM-MR) was successfully demonstrated. These tests place India among the few nations with advanced missile defence capabilities. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO for strengthening India's aerial and maritime defence preparedness.
India Advances Mission Sudarshan Chakra Multi-layer Missile Defence Programme in 2026
In mid-2026, India advanced its indigenous multi-layer missile defence initiative, Mission Sudarshan Chakra, with successful missile tests including ballistic missile interceptors and anti-ship missiles. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) tested two interceptor missiles and the Naval Anti-Ship Missile–Medium Range (NASM-MR) from Chandipur, Odisha, validating key technologies for integrated ballistic missile and air defence. Announced on 15 August 2025, Mission Sudarshan Chakra aims to establish a multi-tiered shield by 2035 to protect military bases, critical infrastructure, and civilian establishments. Integral to this vision is Project Kusha, a long-range surface-to-air missile system with three variants covering ranges from 150 km to up to 400 km, designed to strengthen India's aerial defence capabilities against advanced threats.
Rajnath Singh Inaugurates Advanced Weapon System Complex at DRDO's Missile Complex in Hyderabad
On 12 June 2026, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated the Advanced Weapon System Complex at the Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Missile Complex within the Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL) in Hyderabad, Telangana. Developed by the Missile Systems and Strategic Systems Cluster of DRDO, this facility aims to advance India's next-generation indigenous missile and air defence capabilities, strengthening the nation's strategic autonomy and defence manufacturing capacity.
Maharashtra Women Farmers Empowerment Bill, 2026 to Recognize Women Farmers Legally
The Maharashtra government is set to introduce the Maharashtra Women Farmers Empowerment Bill, 2026, during the Monsoon Session beginning June 22, 2026. The Bill aims to grant independent legal recognition to women farmers and broaden their access to state government welfare schemes, loans, subsidies, and institutional support. It proposes a broader definition of 'farmer' to not only include landowners but also women engaged in allied agricultural activities such as animal husbandry, fisheries, horticulture, as well as landless cultivators, tenant farmers, farm laborers, and migrant workers. This recognizes the fact that women constitute over 81% of Maharashtra's agricultural workforce but face exclusion due to land ownership linked benefits. The Bill includes provisions for a digital system to facilitate access to benefits and proposes the creation of a Maharashtra State Women Farmers Fund and a State-Level Monitoring Committee headed by the Chief Secretary.
Odisha Announces Free Education from KG to PG in Government Institutions
On 12 June 2026, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced a comprehensive policy to provide free education from Kindergarten (KG) to Postgraduate (PG) level in all government educational institutions across the state. This initiative extends the existing free education provision, which previously covered only up to Class 10, now including higher secondary, undergraduate, and postgraduate education, targeting over 10 lakh students, primarily benefiting economically weaker sections and girls. The plan includes recruiting 45,000 additional teachers over three years to support implementation and aligns with the state's adoption of the National Education Policy 2020 and expansion of educational infrastructure.
Indian Railways Introduces GPS-Enabled Body-Worn Cameras for RPF Personnel
On 12 June 2026, Indian Railways deployed GPS-enabled body-worn cameras for Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel in the Samastipur division of East Central Railway. These devices enhance railway security by recording activities during patrolling, passenger supervision, and crowd management. The cameras feature night vision, wide-angle lenses (100–109 degrees), 32 GB storage, and a 3000 mAh battery supporting up to five hours of continuous recording. The initiative aids in crime prevention such as eve-teasing, chain snatching, molestation, and child trafficking, while also enabling location tracking through GPS, with footage admissible as court evidence.
Mizoram Leads in Electoral Roll Digitisation during Special Intensive Revision 2026
As of 12 June 2026, Mizoram tops the list among 16 states and three Union Territories with 68.05% digitisation of enumeration forms under the third phase of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The exercise, which started on 20 May 2026 and continues until 28 June 2026, aims to update the voter list by including eligible voters and removing ineligible entries. Districts like Khawzawl, Champhai, and Serchhip have achieved digitisation rates above 90%. The process is supported by 1,301 Block Level Officers (BLOs), who assist in form distribution and voter verification at the grassroots level, indicating the state's robust approach to maintaining accurate and updated electoral rolls ahead of upcoming elections.