Daily Bulletin

The Union Government has announced that the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA) will be replaced by a new scheme, the Vikas Bharat-Rozgar Evam Aajeevika Mission (Rural), effective from July 1, 2026. The decision was communicated by Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and Rural Development, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, during a high-level meeting in New Delhi. The ministry also confirmed that technical issues in the MNREGA and PMAY-G systems for Assam have been resolved and funds allocated as per the state's demand.

The Ministry of Jal Shakti has signed reform-linked Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with Arunachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Tamil Nadu, Nagaland, and Puducherry under Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0. The agreements aim to institutionalise a Gram Panchayat-led, community-centric model for rural water governance. The focus is on ensuring the long-term sustainability of water infrastructure, functionality of tap connections, and fostering community ownership for water security.

The President of India has appointed Smt. Justice Meenakshi Madan Rai, a sitting judge of the Sikkim High Court, as the new Chief Justice of the Patna High Court, effective June 5, 2026. The appointment follows the retirement of the incumbent Chief Justice, Shri Justice Sangam Kumar Sahoo, on June 4, 2026. The appointment was made under the powers conferred by the Constitution of India.

The Ministry of Tribal Affairs conducted the 'Jan Bhagidari Abhiyan' from May 18-25, 2026, delivering government services directly to remote tribal communities as part of the Janjatiya Garima Utsav. The campaign organised over 57,000 outreach camps, resulting in over 90 lakh direct engagements with beneficiaries. Key services delivered included 1.76 lakh Ayushman Bharat enrolments, 2.27 lakh Aadhaar service interventions, and over 1.19 lakh Sickle Cell Disease screenings.

The Supreme Court of India has ruled that excluding married daughters from the eligibility criteria for compassionate appointment is unconstitutional. A bench of Justice P.S. Narasimha and Justice Alok Aradhe held that such an omission is "manifestly arbitrary, unjustified and constitutionally untenable." Compassionate appointment is a scheme providing a government job to a dependent family member of an employee who dies in service.

The Supreme Court has delivered a significant verdict on the online gaming industry, ruling on appeals against multiple high court judgments. The apex court's decision addresses two critical aspects: the legality of state-level bans on such games and the framework for their taxation, providing crucial legal clarity for the rapidly growing sector.

Amid a controversy over alleged irregularities in its Online Scrutiny Management (OSM) system, the government has appointed Shri Prashant Lokhande Sitaram as the new Chairman of the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), following the transfer of senior officials. A one-member committee has been formed to probe the system's procurement, while major opposition parties have deemed the transfers insufficient and demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Shri Dharmendra Pradhan.

The Trinamool Congress has submitted a new letter to the West Bengal Assembly Speaker to formally request the appointment of a Leader of the Opposition. This move follows a controversy over a prior resolution backing Shri Sobhandeb Chattopadhyay for the post, which was marred by allegations of forged signatures.

Several civil society groups in Mumbai have launched the Urban Reforms Collective (URC), a new platform dedicated to advocating for policy reforms in Indian cities. The URC aims to drive improvements in urban governance and promote sustainable development policies through coordinated engagement with governmental bodies.

The CBSE controversy was brought to the fore by blogger Shri Sarthak Sidhant, who presented his findings on the Online Scrutiny Management system's vulnerabilities before a Parliamentary Standing Committee. Concurrently, the National Students' Union of India (NSUI) has filed a PIL in the Delhi High Court seeking a judicial probe, while the CBSE reported that its re-evaluation portal was subjected to a 'barrage of cyberattacks'.

Smt. Shanimol Usman has been elected as the new Deputy Speaker of the Kerala Legislative Assembly, becoming the fourth woman to hold the post in the state's history and the first in over three decades. Her election took place during the first session of the assembly following the formation of the new government by the Congress-led United Democratic Front.

The Maharashtra state cabinet has approved a farm loan waiver scheme with an outlay of ?36,585 crore, set to benefit 5.6 million farmers. The scheme will write off outstanding short-term crop loans up to ?2 lakh disbursed between April 2019 and March 2025, and also includes an incentive grant for farmers who have regularly repaid their loans.

The India Meteorological Department has forecast a below-normal Southwest Monsoon for 2026, estimated at 90% of the Long Period Average, with a possible emergence of El Niño conditions. However, current water storage in the country's major reservoirs stands at 127% of the normal level for this period, providing a cushion for the upcoming Kharif season. In a review meeting, Union Agriculture Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan directed officials to prepare contingency plans focusing on seeds, water management, and alternative crops, while the IMD has indicated the monsoon's onset over Kerala is likely around June 4.

Union Minister Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia launched Mission "Senehjori" to develop Assam's Muga Silk, India's first GI-tagged silk, into a global luxury brand. With an estimated investment of ?396–411 crore over three years, the mission will strengthen the entire value chain from cultivation to export in key districts like Jorhat and Sualkuchi. The initiative aims to enhance producer incomes, enforce GI authentication, and establish digital traceability for the unique golden silk.

The Government of India has approved a revision of the base year for the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) from 2011-12 to 2022-23, with the new series set to be released on June 15, 2026. This major overhaul will see the WPI phased out over five years and replaced by a new Producer Price Index (PPI) system, aligning with global best practices. The updated index features an expanded commodity basket (from 697 to 957 items), includes renewable energy sources, and adopts improved methodologies such as chain-based compilation and Gross Value of Output for weight derivation.

The Unified Payments Interface (UPI) network recorded 23.20 billion transactions in May 2026, underscoring the sustained growth of digital payments in the country. Developed by the National Payments Corporation of India, UPI continues to be the dominant platform for real-time retail payments in India.

IndiGo has suspended its direct flight service between Mumbai and Manchester, citing 'unfavourable cost' as the primary reason. As part of this operational change, the airline will also return one of its six Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft, which was being operated on a damp lease from European carrier Norse Atlantic Airways.

The Enforcement Directorate has arrested four promoters of the real estate group Earth Infrastructures Ltd. under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. The arrests are linked to a probe into an alleged ?2,004-crore fraud affecting over 19,425 homebuyers, where the group allegedly collected funds for projects but siphoned off approximately ?467 crore, leaving them incomplete.

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) announced plans to strengthen centres at Assam Agricultural University to promote the state's rich biodiversity. As part of this initiative, an All India Coordinated Research Programme for Spices will be launched. Additionally, a Network Programme for the development of Assam's state flower, the 'Foxtail Orchid', will be established in collaboration with the Institute of Floriculture, Pune.

The Digital India BHASHINI Division, under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, has launched the VYOMA Innovation Challenge to foster the development of open-source, multilingual, voice-first AI solutions that can operate offline. In collaboration with Current AI and Kalpa Impact, the challenge invites innovators to build applications for sectors like education and healthcare, with prizes worth up to ?80 lakh for winning teams. The initiative builds upon the 'Sunno Sutra' handheld AI reference device.

Prasar Bharati's digital streaming platform, WAVES OTT, has surpassed 1 crore (10 million) registered users less than two years after its launch in November 2024. The public service platform, which offers free access to over 24,000 content titles and 140 live channels, has recorded over 1.4 crore downloads across more than 130 countries. The broadcaster has set a future target of reaching 2 crore registered users by March 2027.

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) released findings from independent drive tests in Sagar and Raigarh, Madhya Pradesh, assessing mobile network quality of service. Conducted in March 2026, the tests revealed significant variations in data speeds among operators, with Reliance Jio recording the highest average 5G/4G download throughput of 277.28 Mbps in Sagar and 172.64 Mbps in Raigarh. The evaluation covered key parameters like network coverage and call drop rates for all major service providers.

The Mizoram government has launched the Union Agriculture Ministry's 'Khet Bachao Abhiyan' to combat soil degradation. The month-long campaign aims to educate farmers on reducing the excessive use of chemical fertilisers and adopting soil test-based nutrient application, aligning with the Centre's National Mission on Natural Farming.

In a significant development for wildlife conservation, Tigress Zeenat has given birth to four cubs in Odisha's Similipal Tiger Reserve. Zeenat was translocated from Maharashtra's Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve in November 2024 as part of an inter-state initiative to strengthen the tiger gene pool in Similipal. The tigress and her cubs are reported to be healthy and are being monitored via GPS.

Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah met with a Nepalese delegation led by Shri Rabi Lamichhane, Chairman of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), in New Delhi on June 2, 2026. Shri Shah congratulated the RSP on its recent electoral victory and affirmed India's commitment to strengthening the special bilateral relationship. Both sides agreed to work collaboratively to enhance cooperation between the two nations.

The Deputy President of South Africa, H.E. Mr. Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile, met with President Smt. Droupadi Murmu in New Delhi on June 2, 2026, to review the bilateral Strategic Partnership. The leaders discussed strengthening ties, noting that bilateral trade currently stands at approximately USD 15.5 billion. They also reaffirmed their commitment to cooperation in multilateral forums like the G20 to represent the interests of the Global South.

India and the Sultanate of Oman are advancing negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) aimed at strengthening bilateral economic cooperation. The agreement is expected to significantly boost trade and investment by reducing tariffs and other non-tariff barriers. The CEPA is a key component of India's strategic engagement with the Gulf region.

Russia conducted a large-scale overnight military assault on Ukraine, deploying hundreds of drones and dozens of missiles against Kyiv and other major cities. According to official reports, the attacks resulted in the deaths of at least 21 civilians and injured over 100 others, causing significant infrastructural damage and widespread disruptions.

Tensions in the Middle East escalated after Israeli drone strikes in southern Lebanon resulted in the death of eight people. The attacks, which followed recent Israeli threats to target Beirut's southern suburbs, have heightened concerns of a wider regional conflict and prompted residents in the Lebanese capital to flee to safer locations.

India has strongly objected to references concerning Jammu and Kashmir in a joint communique issued by Pakistan and the European Union. The Ministry of External Affairs reiterated that J&K is an integral part of India and asserted that third parties have no locus standi in the matter, categorically rejecting what it termed as 'unwarranted references' to India's internal affairs.

Venezuela's interim President, Ms. Delcy Rodríguez, is scheduled for an official visit to India from June 3 to 7, 2026, to hold discussions focused on strengthening bilateral energy ties. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, Ms. Rodríguez is expected to hold high-level talks with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, a visit considered significant for India's energy import strategy.

The Ministry of External Affairs has reiterated India's position that there is no role for any third party in resolving its border issues with Nepal. The statement was a response to comments by a Nepali politician suggesting that Nepal was also in discussions with China and Britain, with the MEA underscoring the bilateral nature of the dispute resolution mechanism.

South Africa's Deputy President, Mr. Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile, met with India's Vice President, Shri C P Radhakrishnan, in New Delhi to discuss strengthening the bilateral partnership. The talks covered trade, investment, defence, and skills development, with India seeking South African cooperation for Project Cheetah and inviting the nation to join initiatives like the International Solar Alliance.

The Union Government announced several initiatives for Assam following a meeting between Union Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Chief Minister Shri Himanta Biswa Sarma. A special survey window will be opened to digitally register tea garden workers with new land rights (Patta) for eligibility under PMAY-G. Approvals were also granted for agricultural infrastructure, including testing labs and 1,500 bamboo polyhouses under the RKVY, while acknowledging the state's success in empowering over 9 lakh women under the 'Lakhpati Didi' initiative.

The Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment will hold a Central Advisory Committee meeting on June 3, 2026, to review the progress of the Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojana (PM-AJAY). Chaired by Union Minister Dr. Virendra Kumar, the meeting will assess the scheme which, since its launch in 2021-22, has benefited over 2.56 lakh Scheduled Caste individuals and developed 14,080 villages as 'Adarsh Grams'. A key agenda will be to strategise the development of the remaining 32,000 selected villages.

The Prime Minister's Office has announced ex-gratia financial assistance for the victims of a recent mishap in Surat district, Gujarat. An amount of ?2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) will be provided to the next of kin of each deceased individual. Additionally, ?50,000 will be given to each person who sustained injuries in the incident.

The Ministry of Tribal Affairs will host a National Conclave on June 3, 2026, to strengthen Integrated Tribal Development Agencies (ITDAs). During the event, President Smt. Droupadi Murmu will virtually inaugurate a Training Fab at IISc, Bengaluru, for semiconductor training for tribal students. The President will also inaugurate 75 Space Labs, supported by BPCL, across Eklavya Model Residential Schools to promote STEM education.

Union Minister for Social Justice & Empowerment, Dr. Virendra Kumar, will launch a booklet titled “From Aspiration to Achievement” on June 3, 2026, to showcase the success stories of entrepreneurs from Scheduled Castes and Backward Classes. The publication highlights the impact of government schemes such as the Venture Capital Funds for SCs and BCs, and the Ambedkar Social Innovation and Incubation Mission (ASIIM).

The PM Street Vendor's AtmaNirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi) scheme has completed six years of implementation, marking a significant milestone in the financial inclusion of the unorganised sector. Launched to provide collateral-free working capital loans to street vendors, the scheme has been instrumental in their economic empowerment and integration into the formal financial system.

As part of preparations for the Asian Games 2026, twenty-two rowers have been inducted into the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) Development Group. TOPS, a flagship program of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, provides financial assistance and world-class training to potential medal winners to equip them for international competition.

Noted education reformist Shri Sonam Wangchuk has announced his intention to join a protest in Delhi on June 6, organized by the 'Cockroach Janta Party'. The protest aims to demand accountability and reform in the education system, specifically highlighting recent controversies surrounding the NEET examination and the CBSE.

In a major law enforcement operation in Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh, 453 Nepali citizens, including 115 women, were rescued from an alleged networking fraud scheme. Following the rescue on May 29, all individuals were handed over to the District Police Office for further legal procedures and assistance.

According to the latest National Family Health Survey-6 (NFHS-6) data, Madhya Pradesh has reported the highest level of child malnutrition in India. The findings indicate that the state has historically struggled with this issue, with several of its districts consistently ranking among the worst performers on key nutritional indicators.

The Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Air Force (IAF) successfully flight-tested the indigenously developed RudraM-II Air-to-Surface Missile from an airborne platform. The missile, developed by Hyderabad's Research Centre Imarat, met all test objectives, including guidance and control algorithms, under extreme release conditions. The successful trial marks a significant step in the maturation of India's indigenous advanced weapon systems.

Indian Naval Ship Sudarshini concluded a four-day port call in Antigua as part of its 'Lokayan 26' expedition to engage with Caribbean nations and enhance maritime cooperation. The visit included interactions with dignitaries such as the Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, H.E. Mr Gaston Browne, and aligns with India's MAHASAGAR vision. The ship will now proceed to the United States for the International Naval Review and SAIL 250 celebrations.