Updates on 30 June 2026
All of June 2026 →MWA Discovers New Millisecond Pulsar PSR J0125−5854 in Binary System
Astronomers using the Murchison Widefield Array (MWA) have discovered a new millisecond pulsar, PSR J0125−5854, as part of the Southern-sky MWA Rapid Two-metre (SMART) survey. The discovery, published on 17 June 2026 and accepted by The Astrophysical Journal Letters, reports a pulsar with a spin period of approximately 24.6 milliseconds and a dispersion measure of 11.66 pc cm⁻³. Located at an estimated distance between 0.5 and 1 kiloparsec from Earth, follow-up observations using MWA and MeerKAT telescopes reveal it is in a binary system with a long orbital period of about 833.6 ± 0.04 days. The orbit is nearly circular with an eccentricity of 0.0052 ± 0.0006. The companion star's minimum mass is about 0.4152 ± 0.0001 solar masses, consistent with a helium white dwarf. This discovery exemplifies the MWA's capabilities as a precursor for the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) and the SMART survey's effectiveness in detecting millisecond pulsars at low radio frequencies.
Sujalam Sufalam Jal Abhiyan Enhances Water Storage Capacity in Gujarat
Gujarat's Sujalam Sufalam Jal Abhiyan, a key water conservation campaign linked to the Catch the Rain initiative, has significantly boosted the state's water storage capacity. In 2026 alone, the campaign raised the capacity by 20,789 lakh cubic feet, contributing to a cumulative increase of 1,38,039 lakh cubic feet over eight years. Implemented through coordinated efforts of state departments and public participation, the campaign involves pond deepening, check dam desilting and repair, and groundwater recharge, generating over 2.30 lakh man-days of employment in 2026. Launched by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, the initiative reflects Gujarat's focused drive towards sustainable water management and has earned national recognition including SKOCH awards.
Improvement Notice Mechanism Introduced under Legal Metrology Act, 2009
On 29 June 2026, the Department of Consumer Affairs introduced an Improvement Notice mechanism under the Legal Metrology Act, 2009 through the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2026. This mechanism allows regulated entities such as manufacturers, importers, packers, dealers, and MSMEs to rectify first-time procedural or regulatory non-compliances before facing penal action. A Legal Metrology Officer issues an Improvement Notice identifying the deficiency and grants a reasonable timeframe for correction. If remedied timely, penal proceedings can be avoided, promoting ease of doing business and trust-based compliance while maintaining strict action against fraud and repeated violations.
Launch of SUMAN Roadmap 2030 to Strengthen Maternal and Newborn Healthcare in India
On June 29, 2026, Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda launched the SUMAN Roadmap 2030, a strategic national framework aimed at reducing maternal and newborn mortality in India. The roadmap aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) targets for 2030 and focuses on strengthening healthcare across the life cycle, improving infrastructure, and enhancing community participation in 130 high-burden districts in 13 states.
Union Cabinet Approves Additional ₹30,000 Crore Investment in NIIF in June 2026
On 29 June 2026, the Union Cabinet approved an additional ₹30,000 crore investment into the National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF), doubling the government’s total commitment to ₹60,000 crore. This allocation supports the launch of NIIF Infrastructure Fund II with a target corpus of approximately ₹30,000 crore, focusing on key sectors such as transportation, energy, digital infrastructure, urban infrastructure, and electric mobility. NIIF is a sovereign-anchored investment platform where the Government of India holds a 49% stake and manages around ₹40,000 crore in capital commitments across multiple funds and strategies.
Ayushman Sarathi PM-JAY Chatbot Launched for Accessible Healthcare Services
On 29 June 2026, Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda launched the Ayushman Sarathi PM-JAY Chatbot in New Delhi. This WhatsApp-based chatbot, developed by the National Health Authority under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, provides 24×7 digital access to Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) services. It enables beneficiaries to check eligibility, apply for and download Ayushman cards, complete eKYC, link Aadhaar, access treatment history, find empanelled hospitals nearby, and register grievances, facilitating cashless healthcare at approved hospitals.
India wins five medals at Global Skills Challenge Australia 2026
In June 2026, India secured a total of five medals at the Global Skills Challenge held in Australia, winning three golds, one silver, and one bronze. This competition was a preparatory event for the 48th WorldSkills Competition due to be held in Shanghai later in 2026. Indian competitors from various states showcased their skills in diverse fields like Additive Manufacturing, Cloud Computing, and Health and Social Care, among others.
National Study on Low Participation in Gram Sabha Scheduled for Release in 2026
The National Institute of Rural Development & Panchayati Raj (NIRD&PR), under the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, plans to release a comprehensive report titled "Low Participation in Gram Sabha across States and Union Territories" on 30 June 2026 in New Delhi. The study is based on extensive fieldwork involving about 7,790 respondents across approximately 400 Gram Panchayats in 26 states and Union Territories, including PESA areas and women-led Gram Panchayats. It examines various factors affecting Gram Sabha participation, including awareness levels, communication systems, inclusiveness, governance responsiveness, infrastructure availability, and citizen perceptions, with the goal of recommending measures to strengthen participatory democracy and grassroots governance.
Project BRAHMANK Marks 16th Raising Day Bolstering Arunachal Pradesh's Border Infrastructure
Project BRAHMANK, operated by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), celebrated its 16th Raising Day on June 29, 2026, at Ranaghat, Arunachal Pradesh. Since its commissioning in December 2011, the project has substantially improved strategic infrastructure across difficult terrains in Arunachal Pradesh and parts of Assam, maintaining 811 km of roads and 86 bridges. In the financial year 2025-26, the project completed 13 new bridges spanning 390 metres and blacktopped 61 km of roads to National Highway Double Lane standards, enhancing accessibility in border districts and supporting both military operations and civilian connectivity.
General Dhiraj Seth Appointed 31st Chief of the Army Staff
On 30 June 2026, General Dhiraj Seth assumed charge as the 31st Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) of India, succeeding General Upendra Dwivedi who retired the same day. General Seth was commissioned into the Armoured Corps in December 1986 after graduating from the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla. His nearly four-decade-long career includes commanding an Armoured Regiment in the Desert Sector, a Counter-Insurgency Force in Jammu and Kashmir, and two operational Army Commands — South Western and Southern Commands. He is the first officer from the Armoured Corps to become COAS since 1997. His tenure is scheduled until 31 August 2028.
Defence Investiture Ceremony 2026: President Murmu confers 105 Distinguished Service Decorations
On 29-30 June 2026, President Droupadi Murmu awarded 105 distinguished service decorations at the Defence Investiture Ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi. The ceremony recognized exceptional service from personnel of the Armed Forces and Indian Coast Guard, presenting 7 Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medals, 30 Param Vishisht Seva Medals, 12 Uttam Yudh Seva Medals, and 56 Ati Vishisht Seva Medals. Notable recipients included Lieutenant General Rajiv Ghai and Air Marshal Awadhesh Kumar Bharti for their roles in Operation Sindoor, Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth, the Army Chief-designate, and Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, Vice Chief of the Air Staff-designate. The ceremony was attended by dignitaries such as Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who highlighted the valor and distinguished service of the awardees across war, conflict, and peacetime.
Indian Air Force Concludes Fifth Warfare & Aerospace Strategy Programme (WASP)
The Indian Air Force successfully concluded the fifth edition of its Warfare & Aerospace Strategy Programme (WASP) with a Capstone Seminar held on 29 June 2026 in New Delhi. The six-month Professional Military Education programme is jointly conducted by the Centre for Aerospace Power and Strategic Studies (CAPSS), New Delhi, and the College of Air Warfare (CAW), Hyderabad. WASP aims to broaden the strategic vision of mid-ranking officers from the Indian Air Force, Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Ministry of Defence civilians, equipping them with advanced understanding of geopolitics, aerospace power, and military strategy. The programme featured presentations on aerospace power's evolution and future innovation, and the inaugural WASP CAW Journal was released during the event. The Indian Air Force plans to extend invitations to friendly foreign countries in future editions of the programme.
Indian Army Duo Wins India's First Ever Gold at World Rowing Cup 2026
On June 27, 2026, Indian soldiers Havildars Lakshay and Ujjwal Kumar Singh won India's first-ever gold medal at the World Rowing Cup during Stage 3 held in Lucerne, Switzerland. Competing in the Lightweight Men’s Double Sculls (LM2x) event, the duo clocked 6 minutes and 26.09 seconds, narrowly beating Hong Kong and the Netherlands in a photo finish. This marks a historic milestone for Indian rowing and highlights the growing competitiveness of Indian rowers on the international stage, nurtured largely within the Indian armed forces' sports infrastructure, especially the Army Rowing Node in Pune.
India and Saudi Arabia Sign MoU for Cooperation in Water Resource Management
On 29 June 2026, India and Saudi Arabia signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen collaboration in water resource management. The agreement was formalized at the inaugural Saudi Water Week conference in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The MoU aims to foster cooperation in water resources planning, sustainable water management, irrigation systems, capacity building, and exchange of best practices. This pact signifies a significant step in advancing the India-Saudi Arabia strategic partnership and addresses long-term water security challenges in arid regions.