Updates on 25 June 2026
All of June 2026 →Jammu and Kashmir Seeks UNESCO Recognition for Sufiyana Music
In June 2026, Jammu and Kashmir formally sought UNESCO recognition for Sufiyana music, also known as Sufiana Mausiqi or Sufiana Kalam, proposing its inclusion in the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list. This initiative was prepared by the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), Kashmir chapter, to safeguard and promote this classical Kashmiri musical tradition with origins dating to the 15th century.
Bangladesh Joins International Big Cat Alliance as 27th Member
On 24 June 2026, Bangladesh became the 27th member of the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA), a treaty-based inter-governmental organization headquartered in New Delhi, India. The IBCA, established as a treaty-based entity in January 2025 and launched by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in April 2023, focuses on the conservation of seven big cat species including tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard, cheetah, jaguar, and puma. Bangladesh's decision, approved by its cabinet on 22 May 2026, underscores its commitment to protecting the Bengal tiger population primarily found in the Sundarbans mangrove ecosystem shared with India. The alliance facilitates cooperation among member countries to combat poaching and illegal wildlife trade, promoting habitat conservation through shared expertise and resources.
NASA's Swift Boost Mission to Save Aging Space Telescope
NASA is set to launch the Swift Boost mission on June 27, 2026, to extend the life of the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory, a space telescope launched in November 2004 to study gamma-ray bursts and other cosmic phenomena. The observatory is losing altitude due to atmospheric drag intensified by increased solar activity and faces re-entry risk by late 2026. Using a robotic servicing spacecraft named LINK, launched on a Northrop Grumman Pegasus XL rocket via Stargazer aircraft from Kwajalein Atoll, NASA aims to rendezvous, capture, and boost the observatory's orbit, extending its scientific operations potentially by 5 to 10 years. This mission represents NASA's first robotic orbital servicing of a scientific satellite, demonstrating innovative technology for future space exploration.
India-US Interim Trade Agreement and Bilateral Trade Talks in 2026
In June 2026, India and the United States engaged in critical discussions aimed at advancing an interim trade agreement and the broader Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) initiated in February 2025. The interim agreement serves as a temporary framework facilitating tariff concessions and market access ahead of a comprehensive trade pact. The talks encompassed issues such as tariff structures, non-tariff barriers, digital trade, and supply chain resilience. The United States Trade Representative Jamieson Greer led U.S. negotiations in New Delhi from 22 to 24 June 2026. While significant progress was reported, no final deadline for concluding the interim deal or the full BTA was announced. The trade engagement supports the strategic Mission 500 goal to elevate bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030.
India's Launch and Push for e-Zero FIR System to Combat High-Value Cyber Financial Frauds
On 24 June 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi directed the nationwide implementation of the integrated digital e-Zero FIR system for cyber financial fraud cases exceeding ₹10 lakh. Linked to the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C) under the Ministry of Home Affairs, this system allows automatic conversion of verified cyber fraud complaints filed through the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal or helpline 1930 into Zero FIRs. This initiative ensures faster registration disregarding territorial jurisdiction, duty transfer to the competent police station, and prompt investigation, enhancing asset recovery efforts during the 'golden hour'. Currently operational in nine states including Delhi and Assam, the e-Zero FIR scheme aims to provide an efficient, cross-border capable digital platform to clamp down on cyber fraudsters.
RBI Retains ₹1 Lakh Crore Asset Threshold for NBFC Upper Layer Classification
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has retained ₹1 lakh crore as the asset-size threshold for classifying Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) into the Upper Layer (NBFC-UL) under its scale-based regulatory framework, effective from June 24, 2026. This updated regulation simplifies previous multi-parametric criteria, focusing solely on asset size for transparency and predictability. The threshold will be reviewed every three years to reflect economic changes. Government-owned NBFCs such as REC, Power Finance Corporation, and Housing and Urban Development Corporation are included in the upper layer but exempt from mandatory stock exchange listing. RBI also raised the large exposure limit for Infrastructure Finance Companies in the upper layer from 35% to 45% of Tier 1 capital to support infrastructure funding needs.
India's Ambitious Target of 100 GW Pumped Storage Hydropower by 2035-36
India aims to commission 100 gigawatts (GW) of pumped storage hydropower capacity by the financial year 2035-36 as part of its strategy to enhance energy storage capacity and ensure grid reliability amid rising renewable energy integration. As of early 2026, India has about 7.2 GW of operational pumped storage capacity and plans an extensive expansion driven by government policies and significant investments. This technology plays a critical role in balancing supply-demand fluctuations, supporting the transition to clean energy, and meeting the country’s non-fossil fuel capacity goal of 500 GW by 2030.
NASA Perseverance Rover Detects Complex Organic Carbon in Martian Rocks
On 24 June 2026, NASA’s Perseverance rover identified complex macromolecular carbon in two mudstone samples from the Bright Angel outcrop in Jezero Crater on Mars. This represents the most robust detection of organic material on natural rock surfaces on Mars to date. The findings highlight possible preservation of ancient organic matter associated with minerals deposited at different times, which may provide insights into past habitability.
India-South Korea Cooperation Strengthened at Jeju Forum and Bilateral Talks in 2026
In June 2026, India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar called for stronger cooperation with South Korea during his keynote address at the Jeju Forum for Peace and Prosperity in South Korea. The forum gathered diverse stakeholders to discuss peace and regional cooperation in a fragmented world. Bilateral talks with South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun focused on expanding strategic ties across trade, shipbuilding, technology, defense, clean energy, fintech, and culture. Both countries committed to increasing bilateral trade from $27 billion in 2026 to $50 billion by 2030 and highlighted complementarities from 'ships to chips'. Jaishankar outlined priorities including resilient supply chains, reformed multilateralism, and support for the Global South. This partnership reflects India’s growing global engagement and strategic diplomacy in the Indo-Pacific context.
Indian Pharmacopoeia 2026 Introduces First-Ever Blood and Blood Component Standards
The Indian Pharmacopoeia 2026, the 10th edition released on 2 January 2026 by Union Health Minister J. P. Nadda, is the first pharmacopoeia worldwide to establish legally binding, exclusive standards for blood and blood components. These standards, comprising 20 new and 2 revised monographs, align with national and international guidelines, supporting quality assurance in blood transfusion services and reducing transfusion-transmitted infections. The Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission, an autonomous body under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare headquartered in Ghaziabad, is responsible for developing these standards and organized a national conference in June 2026 to facilitate their implementation and awareness.
India's Bid to Host 2036 Olympics: Timeline and Process
India officially entered the race to host the 2036 Summer Olympic Games by submitting a Letter of Intent in 2024, with Ahmedabad proposed as the host city. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) approved a revised host selection process in June 2026, introducing a new Strategic Dialogue phase to enhance transparency and ensure better financial and operational guarantees. The host city will be elected in mid-2029 after sequential phases: Continuous Dialogue (ongoing since 2024), Strategic Dialogue (starting March 2027), and Targeted Dialogue (expected late 2028). India is among several interested countries, including Qatar, Turkey, and South Africa.
2026 Venezuela Earthquakes: Major Twin Shocks and International Response
On 24 June 2026, two powerful earthquakes of magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 struck western Venezuela near Montalbán and Yumare, west of Caracas. These major seismic events caused extensive damage in Caracas and other parts of Venezuela, resulting in at least 32 deaths and hundreds of injuries. Acting President Delcy Rodríguez declared a state of emergency thereafter. The main international airport at Maiquetia was severely damaged and had to close. The United States Geological Survey estimated potential fatalities might range between 10,000 and 100,000. International aid offers followed quickly, with India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi among the first to extend support along with other countries including the United States.
CBI Launches Operation Chakra-VI to Combat Digital Arrest Fraud Across 16 Indian States
On 25 June 2026, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) initiated Operation Chakra-VI targeting digital arrest fraud networks operating in India. The operation involved coordinated raids in over 80 locations across 16 states and deployed 60 special teams. The crackdown led to the arrests of two individuals linked to shell companies and mule bank accounts used for laundering approximately ₹2 crore. A fake website mimicking the Supreme Court of India was unearthed, which was used to deceive victims. This operation is part of an ongoing probe into more than 200 cases of digital arrest scams affecting victims domestically and internationally.
Centre Approves ₹500 Crore for Chennai Intelligent Transport System Project
On 25 June 2026, the Government of India approved funding exceeding ₹500 crore for the Intelligent Transport System (ITS) project in the Chennai Metropolitan Area. The ₹645.59 crore project is funded through a loan from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and awarded to Larsen & Toubro (L&T) for implementation. It encompasses adaptive traffic signal controls, traffic incident detection, red light violation detection, and variable message sign systems to improve urban traffic management. Key infrastructure upgrades and pilot testing have been underway with full operation expected by August 2026.
Sea Drones as Emerging Key Defence Technology in 2026
Sea drones, or unmanned maritime systems, have become significant in naval operations worldwide in 2026. These include unmanned surface vessels (USVs), uncrewed underwater vehicles (UUVs), and extra-large uncrewed underwater vehicles (XLUUVs). Notably, the US Navy's Task Force 59 actively deployed such drones in military, rescue, and logistic exercises in the Indo-Pacific and Middle East. The Ukrainian-developed Magura-class USVs have been tested for maritime strike, notably by US special forces in the Philippines. At the multinational RIMPAC 2026 exercise, autonomous surface vessels are showcased for multinational logistics and interoperability. The global maritime autonomous defense market is rapidly growing, with an estimated value of $3.8 billion in 2025, projected to reach $12.1 billion by 2034.
Indian Passport Not Conclusive Proof of Citizenship: Government Clarification on Passport Seva Divas 2026
On 24 June 2026, during the 14th Passport Seva Divas, the Ministry of External Affairs reiterated that an Indian passport, while issued only to citizens, is primarily a travel document and does not serve as conclusive proof of Indian citizenship. The Passports Act, 1967 permits issuing passports to non-citizens in the public interest. Citizenship is legally governed by the Citizenship Act, 1955, with courts requiring multiple documents such as birth certificates and citizenship certificates for conclusive proof. The Supreme Court and Bombay High Court have clarified that documents like Aadhaar and passports confirm identity, not citizenship status.
India Reactivates Air Suvidha 2.0 Portal for Passengers from Ebola-Affected Countries
On 25 June 2026, India relaunched the Air Suvidha 2.0 portal as a mandatory digital platform for international travelers originating from or transiting through Ebola-affected regions, particularly the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda. This portal requires a health self-declaration including a detailed 21-day travel and exposure history, facilitating efficient health screening at entry points. The step follows WHO's declaration of the Ebola outbreak as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) on 17 May 2026, aiming to strengthen India's public health response by integrating data sharing among multiple agencies such as the Airport Health Officer, Bureau of Immigration, Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme, and State Surveillance Officers. Alongside this, India pledged USD 10 million and dispatched 45 tonnes of medical supplies to affected African nations to support outbreak preparedness and response.
Notification of 318 Permissible Works Under India’s New Rural Employment Framework
On 24 June 2026, the Government of India issued an interim list of 318 permissible works under the newly enacted Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025, replacing the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). The Act guarantees 125 days of wage employment per rural household annually, up from 100 days under MGNREGA. The listed works fall under four thematic areas: water security, core rural infrastructure, rural livelihoods, and mitigation of extreme weather events. Implementation begins on 1 July 2026, with a new funding pattern where general states share costs 60:40 between Centre and States, and Northeastern/Himalayan states have a 90:10 ratio. Digital monitoring, biometric verification, and geospatial tracking are mandated for transparency and efficiency.