Daily Bulletin

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan chaired a high-level meeting to review the preparations for the upcoming NEET-UG re-examination. The Minister stressed the importance of a transparent and efficient process to ensure the flawless execution of the test and uphold the integrity of the national medical entrance examination.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested Indian Administrative Service officer Ram Kumar Singh in Panchkula in connection with a case involving the alleged misappropriation of municipal funds. The investigation pertains to financial irregularities that reportedly occurred during the officer's tenure in the municipal administration.

In the biennial elections to the Karnataka Legislative Council, the Indian National Congress secured a significant victory over the Bharatiya Janata Party. The polling was conducted by Members of the Legislative Assembly for seven vacant seats in the state's upper house.

The Government of Odisha has initiated disciplinary action against 128 medical professionals, including medical officers and dental surgeons, for unauthorised absence from duty for over five years. This measure aims to enforce service discipline and address manpower shortages in the state's public health sector.

Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda chaired a high-level meeting to review preparedness for controlling vector-borne diseases ahead of the monsoon season. He directed states and union territories to strengthen surveillance, ensure hospital readiness, and intensify vector control activities to prevent outbreaks.

In the Rajya Sabha elections for two seats from Jharkhand, Baidyanath Ram of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) and Parimal Nathwani, an Independent candidate supported by the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), were declared winners. Mr. Ram secured 30 first-preference votes and Mr. Nathwani won with 28 votes, while the Congress party has alleged cross-voting and the use of money to influence the outcome.

On Goa Revolution Day, police detained several individuals protesting a government project, drawing criticism from the opposition. Congress leader Yuri Alemao accused the state government of suppressing dissent, sparking a political controversy over the right to protest and development policies in the state.

K. Laltluangkima, a spokesperson for the Zoram People's Movement (ZPM), has been elected as the new member of the Rajya Sabha from Mizoram. He secured a decisive victory with 26 out of 36 votes for the state's sole seat in the Upper House, succeeding the outgoing Mizo National Front MP.

A political controversy has emerged in West Bengal over an International Yoga Day event, following allegations of mandatory attendance for government employees. The Calcutta High Court intervened, clarifying that the government order does not make participation compulsory and directed police to ensure alternative routes during a related road closure.

A significant rift has emerged within the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) party, as six of its nine Lok Sabha MPs abstained from a parliamentary party meeting in New Delhi. This absence occurs amidst internal concerns over a potential merger with the Congress party and reports of Y-plus security being extended to rebel leaders.

During a hearing on the NEET re-examination, the Delhi High Court questioned a proposed blanket ban on Telegram, noting it would affect 150 million users. In response, the Union government, represented by the Solicitor General, argued for suspending the application, citing its sophisticated bot infrastructure as a preferred tool for illicit activities, including coordinating terrorist acts and leaking examination papers.

The Calcutta High Court rejected a plea by a Trinamool Congress legislator for an interim order against the recognition of Shri Ritabrata Banerjee as the Leader of the Opposition in West Bengal. The court upheld the West Bengal Assembly Speaker's decision of June 3, 2024, which remains in effect pending further legal proceedings.

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat has stated that Maharana Pratap defeated Emperor Akbar's forces in the Battle of Haldighati, fought in 1576. The statement introduces a contested interpretation of the historical event, where Mughal troops were led by Raja Man Singh of Amber, into the public discourse.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has cancelled the licence of Shree Mahalaxmi Urban Co-operative Credit Bank Ltd., located in Gokak, Karnataka, with effect from the close of business on June 18, 2026. Consequently, the bank is prohibited from conducting banking business, including the acceptance and repayment of deposits as defined under the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.

A new report from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) indicates that Asia experienced severe climate impacts in 2023, including extreme heat, anomalous rainfall, and significant glacier loss. The report highlights that the continent's annual mean surface air temperature for the year was between the second and fourth warmest on record, underscoring the accelerating effects of climate change.

Addressing the 10th edition of the VivaTech summit in Paris, Prime Minister Narendra Modi projected India as a global hub for innovation, stating that technology's potential for progress is realised only when it is democratised. In conjunction with the summit, the Prime Minister also held high-level meetings with French industry leaders to discuss collaborations in manufacturing, Artificial Intelligence, and sustainability.

Bangladesh is experiencing a severe measles outbreak, with the total death toll reaching 666, according to the country's Directorate General of Health Services. In the 24-hour period ending on the morning of June 18, 2026, five additional child deaths were reported, highlighting the escalating public health crisis.

The Islamabad High Court has directed Pakistani authorities to arrange a meeting between former Prime Minister Imran Khan, his wife Bushra Bibi, and their legal counsel within seven days. This judicial directive is a significant development in the legal proceedings related to the ongoing Al-Qadir Trust case.

French President Emmanuel Macron has announced his intention to visit India in February 2027, following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent trip to France. This planned high-level engagement signifies the continued strengthening of the strategic partnership between the two nations.

Following a bilateral meeting at the G7 Summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and United States President Donald Trump have directed their officials to fast-track the finalisation of the India-US bilateral trade agreement. The proposed Free Trade Agreement is reportedly in its final stages of negotiation.

Following a peace deal signed between the United States and Iran, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that Israel will not withdraw its troops from southern Lebanon. Mr. Netanyahu stated that Israel is not bound by the agreement and will maintain its security presence to protect its northern region.

China's top diplomat, Wang Yi, is scheduled to visit India on June 22-23 to participate in a BRICS security meeting. In his capacity as director of the office of the central commission for foreign affairs, Mr. Wang also functions as China's de facto National Security Adviser.

The Union Ministry of Shipping has reported that no Indian-flagged ship has exited the Persian Gulf since the departure of the LNG carrier 'Disha' amid security concerns in the region. The government is coordinating across multiple ministries to facilitate the safe return of Indian vessels.

The United States military conducted strikes on three ships off Oman, targeting 'shadow fleets' that use 'flags of convenience' to hide ownership. Two of the vessels were already under U.S. sanctions. The attack resulted in the deaths of three seafarers, including Indian national Aditya Sharma, prompting his father to appeal to the Prime Minister for enhanced safety measures for Indian sailors in international waters.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to lead the main event for the International Day of Yoga in Kolkata on June 21, 2026. The selection of Kolkata as the venue for the primary national event is significant for promoting the government's health and wellness initiative in the eastern part of the country.

Ahead of the International Day of Yoga, Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary of the Ministry of Ayush, outlined the government's preparations and initiatives to promote yoga for holistic health. The ministry's role is central to the global popularisation of traditional Indian wellness practices.

The civil rights group Citizens for Justice and Peace (CJP) has received police approval to hold a protest in Delhi on June 20, 2026. The demonstration will address recurring examination paper leaks and an increase in student suicides, with the group renewing its call for the resignation of the Union Education Minister.

In Thane, Maharashtra, a 26-year-old woman died by suicide 45 days after her wedding, leading to the arrest of her husband, a doctor, and two family members. The accused have been charged with abetment of suicide in connection with a dowry harassment case.

Indian Railways has issued an eviction notice to the Ganj Shaheeda mosque near the Kashi railway station, requiring the premises to be vacated for a planned station expansion. The mosque's governing body has contested the directive, describing the notice as 'illegal'.

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi announced that up to 3 crore new ration cards can be issued to eligible beneficiaries under the National Food Security Act. This capacity was created after state governments conducted a verification drive that led to the cancellation of approximately 2 crore ineligible or duplicate ration cards.

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has confirmed that the NEET re-examination will proceed as scheduled, amid reports of at least 11 aspirant suicides following the paper leak controversy. The NTA has issued an advisory for students to remain calm and has provided a stress helpline for support.

Students at the Government Medical College in Sheopur, Madhya Pradesh, have launched a social media campaign to highlight inadequate facilities and a severe faculty crisis. The protest points to a significant staffing shortage, with only 22 of the 118 sanctioned teaching positions currently filled at the institution.

In a joint operation in Manipur, security forces have neutralised an armed cadre of the United Kuki National Army. This action is part of the ongoing counter-insurgency measures aimed at restoring peace and stability in the state.

The Lieutenant Governor of Delhi has set a deadline of June 30, 2024, for implementing a 10% horizontal reservation for former Agniveers in specific Group ‘C’ government posts. The quota will apply to roles such as police constables, firemen, jail warders, and forest guards within the Delhi administration.

The Indian women's hockey team secured the top position in Pool A of the FIH Women’s Nations Cup by defeating Uruguay 3-2. This victory ensures their advancement in the tournament, which serves as a key qualifier for the FIH Pro League.

Minister of State for Defence, Raksha Khadse, reviewed the preparations for the Asian Senior Fencing Championships, scheduled to be held in Delhi. The review focused on ensuring all logistical and organisational aspects are in place for the successful hosting of the international event.

In badminton, Indian players Ashmita Chaliha and Anmol Kharb have advanced to the women’s singles quarter-finals of the Macau Open. Both shuttlers displayed strong performances to progress to the next round of the tournament.

French-Algerian artist Kader Attia has been appointed curator of the Kochi-Muziris Biennale, becoming the first non-Indian to hold the prestigious position. Mr. Attia is known for his artistic work that explores the impact of Western modernism and colonialism on non-Western cultures.