Updates on 26 June 2026
All of June 2026 →India Expands QR Code Traceability for Critical Medicines including Vaccines and Anti-Cancer Drugs
On June 25, 2026, India's Union Health Ministry issued amendments to the Drugs Rules, 1945, to extend QR code-based traceability requirements to vaccines, anti-cancer medicines, antimicrobials including antibiotics, and narcotic and psychotropic drugs. These medicines have now been classified under Schedule H2, mandating manufacturers to print or affix QR codes on their packaging. The QR codes contain detailed product information and facilitate authentication, helping prevent counterfeit medicines and contribute to combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The rule's implementation is phased: from July 1, 2027, for vaccines, anti-cancer, narcotic and psychotropic drugs; and from July 1, 2028, for antimicrobials.
Mahesh Dixit Appointed New Director of Intelligence Bureau in India
Mahesh Dixit, a 1993-batch Indian Police Service officer from Andhra Pradesh cadre, was appointed as Director of the Intelligence Bureau (IB) on 25 June 2026. He assumes charge from 1 July 2026 for a two-year tenure, succeeding Tapan Kumar Deka. Dixit brings extensive experience in intelligence operations, counter-terrorism, and internal security. Notably, he led the Subsidiary Intelligence Bureau in Jammu and Kashmir during a sensitive period following the abrogation of Article 370. The IB is India's premier internal intelligence agency under the Ministry of Home Affairs, responsible for domestic intelligence and security.
Pax Silica Summit 2026: India and 34 Nations Sign Joint Statement on AI Opportunity
The second Pax Silica Summit was held in Washington, D.C., on 25-26 June 2026, where 35 nations, including India, signed the Joint Statement on AI Opportunity. This U.S.-led initiative aims to develop trusted and resilient supply chains for artificial intelligence technologies, focusing on semiconductor manufacturing, critical minerals, and advanced computing infrastructure. India's participation marks its strategic entry into global AI and tech supply chains, supported by its vast engineering talent and growing semiconductor manufacturing ambitions. The summit introduced significant initiatives like the Pax Pass platform to streamline AI goods movement and a $50 million U.S. commitment for workforce training through the Stanford-led Foundry School.
Ministry of External Affairs Conducts Toshakhana E-Auction under Revised 2024 Rules
In June 2026, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) conducted an e-auction of about 300 gifts from the Toshakhana, the official repository for gifts received by Indian public officials during foreign visits and diplomatic engagements. The auction ran from 8 June to 30 June 2026 and included items such as Rolex watches, silver daggers from Oman, gold jewellery, Apple MacBook Pros, and antique silver boxes, with prices ranging from Rs 2,385 to Rs 19 lakh. Proceeds from the auction were credited to the Consolidated Fund of India, the principal government account under Article 266 of the Indian Constitution. This auction reflects the implementation of the Toshakhana Rules, 2024, aimed at ensuring transparent and accountable management of government gifts.
Pharma Jan Samadhan and Pharma Sahi Daam portals integrated to form unified medicine pricing and grievance platform
On 23rd June 2026, the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers integrated the Pharma Jan Samadhan portal with the Pharma Sahi Daam portal, creating a single digital platform. This unified interface enables Indian citizens to check prices of scheduled and non-scheduled medicines and lodge complaints regarding overpricing or availability issues. The integration improves transparency, accountability, and public participation in medicine price regulation and is accessible via the Pharma Sahi Daam app and web portal.
India's Indigenous Netra AEW&C System Receives Final Operational Clearance in 2026
On June 25, 2026, India's indigenously developed Netra Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) system was awarded its Final Operational Clearance (FOC) by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). This milestone signifies the system's readiness for full operational deployment with the Indian Air Force (IAF). The Netra AEW&C, mounted on a modified Embraer ERJ-145 aircraft, enhances India's airborne surveillance, situational awareness, and battle management capabilities. It has already been effectively used in operations such as the 2019 Balakot strikes and Operation Sindoor. The indigenous development, beginning with approval in 2004 and initial operational clearance in 2017, marks a significant achievement in India's quest for defence self-reliance and advanced aerospace technologies.
APEDA Facilitates India's First Sea Export of Banganapalle Mangoes to Singapore
On June 25, 2026, India successfully completed its first commercial sea shipment of premium Banganapalle mangoes to Singapore, facilitated by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA). The 5 metric tonnes consignment, exported by Osum Food Solutions LLP, was sourced from Good Agricultural Practices-certified orchards in Andhra Pradesh and processed at an APEDA-recognised packhouse in Karnataka. The shipment arrived in excellent condition, reflecting the effectiveness of cold-chain infrastructure in sea freight exports. This export enabled farmers to earn about INR 50 per kilogram, approximately twice the domestic market price, enhancing their income and market reach.
India Hosts 11th BRICS Energy Ministers’ Meeting in Gurugram under BRICS Chairship 2026
On June 25, 2026, India convened the 11th BRICS Energy Ministers’ Meeting in Gurugram, Haryana, under its BRICS Chairship. Representatives from the five BRICS nations—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—attended to deliberate on global energy challenges and cooperation. Key outcomes included adoption of the 11th BRICS Energy Ministers’ Joint Communiqué and launching the BRICS Digital Centre of Excellence for Smart Grids and Energy Storage, advancing collaborative efforts in energy security, sustainability, and innovation.
Andhra Pradesh Approves Policy on Reuse of Treated Wastewater for Urban Local Bodies
On 26 June 2026, Andhra Pradesh approved the "Policy on Reuse of Treated Used Water, 2026" to bolster water security through sustainable wastewater management across all 123 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) in the state. The policy defines a framework for collection, treatment, allocation, pricing, monitoring, and reuse of treated wastewater for non-potable uses such as industrial processes, construction, landscaping, municipal services, and firefighting. It sets phased targets to ensure reuse meets at least 20% of urban water demand by 2030 and mandates specific reuse percentages for industries and thermal power plants near sewage treatment plants. The initiative aligns with the state’s Swarna Andhra Vision 2047, aiming at urban water conservation and climate resilience.
India Resumes Regular Tourist Visas for Bangladeshi Nationals from June 28, 2026
India announced on 25 June 2026 the resumption of regular tourist visa services for Bangladeshi citizens after nearly two years of suspension. Tourist visa applications will open from 28 June 2026 at five visa application centers in Dhaka, Rajshahi, Chattogram, Sylhet, and Khulna. The suspension was originally imposed in August 2024 following political unrest and attacks on Indian diplomatic missions in Bangladesh. India will continue to facilitate medical visas on humanitarian grounds. The resumption reflects improving bilateral ties under Bangladesh’s BNP-led government and aims to strengthen people-to-people connections between the two neighboring countries sharing a 4,096 km land border.
RBI Proposes to Widen Participation in India's Term Money Market
On June 25, 2026, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issued draft proposals to expand participation in the term money market by allowing non-banking financial companies (NBFCs), including housing finance companies (HFCs), All India Financial Institutions (AIFIs), and companies to participate as borrowers and/or lenders. The proposals also include extending market hours and implementing stricter reporting requirements to enhance liquidity and monetary policy transmission.
India Launches Hub-and-Spoke Aviation Model to Boost International Connectivity from Tier-2 and Tier-3 Cities
On 25 June 2026, India inaugurated a hub-and-spoke aviation model to enhance international air connectivity from Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. The first service under this model was an Air India Easy Connect flight from Varanasi to international destinations via Delhi. The model connects smaller airports (spokes) with major hubs located at Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad, enabling passengers to complete immigration and baggage formalities at their origin airport. The government plans to add six more destinations within six weeks, targeting coverage of 30 airports including Nagpur. This initiative aims to reduce dependence on foreign transit hubs and supports India's goal of becoming a global aviation hub by 2047 with potential economic benefits including the creation of 16 million direct and indirect jobs and a contribution of approximately USD 1.4 trillion to the economy by 2047.
China's 15th Five-Year Plan Targets 50% Non-Fossil Power Generation by 2030
China's 15th Five-Year Plan, jointly issued by the National Development and Reform Commission and the National Energy Administration in June 2026, sets an ambitious target to increase non-fossil fuel power generation to 50% by 2030, up from 41% in 2025. The plan also aims to raise the share of non-fossil energy in total energy consumption to 25% by 2030, up from 21.7% in 2025. It outlines major expansions in renewable capacity, hydrogen production, nuclear power, and energy storage infrastructure as part of China's strategy to transition to a cleaner energy system.