Daily Bulletin

June 26, 202668 itemsPUBLISHED

“The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance.”

— Alan Watts

Polity & Governance

The Ministry of Culture commemorated ‘Samvidhan Hatya Diwas’ in New Delhi to mark the 50th anniversary of the 1975 Emergency, reinforcing awareness of constitutional values. The event featured an exhibition titled “Long Live Democracy” and a felicitation ceremony for the Digital District Repository (DDR) initiative, which documents district-level stories of India’s freedom struggle. Veteran freedom fighters Shri Sheshrao Laxmanrao Khot and Shri Yeddula Suryanarayana Reddy were honoured for their contributions.

The Department of Administrative Reforms & Public Grievances (DARPG) conducted the 37th National Good Governance Webinar, focusing on the sustainability and replication of a Prime Minister's Award-winning initiative from Nashik District, Maharashtra. Officials, including the former District Magistrate of Nashik, presented strategies for replicating the initiative's success in other districts.

A First Information Report (FIR) has been registered concerning the alleged embezzlement of donations for the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. The action was initiated based on the findings of a report submitted by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted by the Uttar Pradesh government to probe the financial irregularities.

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The Union government observed the anniversary of the 1975 National Emergency with special broadcasts titled "Samvidhan Hatya Diwas: Safeguarding Democracy and Constitutional Values." Concurrently, Union Minister Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat commented on the inclusion of the Emergency as a topic in Class 9 NCERT textbooks, describing it as a dark chapter in Indian democracy, to educate students on its historical significance.

A government broadcast highlighted the significance of the PRAGATI (Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation) platform, a key ICT-based tool for monitoring and reviewing major government projects. The programme emphasised PRAGATI's central role in expediting infrastructure development to achieve the national vision of 'Viksit Bharat'.

Senior Indian Police Service officer Shri Mahesh Dixit has been appointed as the new Director of the Intelligence Bureau (IB). An officer of the Andhra Pradesh cadre currently serving as a special director within the IB, he is set to succeed the incumbent chief, Shri Tapan Deka, upon the completion of his tenure.

Ladakhi innovator and education reformist Shri Sonam Wangchuk has announced plans to begin a hunger strike on June 28, 2026, to press for demands related to education and constitutional safeguards for Ladakh. The protest is part of a larger movement seeking the inclusion of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.

The government has increased fees for passport-related services, affecting both new applications and renewals. As part of the revision, the fee for obtaining a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) has been raised from ₹500 to ₹750, impacting citizens requiring police verification for overseas employment and visas.

The Gujarat High Court has quashed specific charges in a 2018 cheating case concerning the Gujarat Public Service Commission (GPSC) examinations. While charges under Section 188 of the Indian Penal Code and Section 66-E of the Information Technology Act were nullified, the court has permitted the investigation into the alleged cheating to continue under other applicable laws.

Former Aam Aadmi Party member Raghav Chadha has sought the registration of an FIR against Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann over a controversy involving a video related to Sikh Gurus. Mr. Chadha alleges the video has hurt community sentiments and has accused the AAP of fabricating a related forensic report.

Former bureaucrat Sujata Pandian, wife of senior BJD leader V.K. Pandian, has officially joined the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) in Odisha. Her induction comes amid speculation regarding the party's future leadership, though former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has insisted that he will continue to lead the BJD.

The Indian National Congress has announced a 40-day nationwide campaign, ‘Chhatron ki Goonj’, beginning June 30, 2026, to demand the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The campaign is a response to alleged irregularities in the NEET examination and calls for a comprehensive overhaul of examination procedures.

Speculation about a potential reshuffle of the Union Cabinet has intensified following a meeting between Union Home Minister Amit Shah and the President of India. Internal deliberations within the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) suggest the anticipated changes could be substantial and based on a performance assessment of current ministers.

The Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) in Tamil Nadu has conducted searches at the premises of former state minister E.V. Velu and 11 other individuals in connection with an alleged corruption case. The investigation pertains to irregularities in the awarding of roadwork contracts.

The Union government has launched an upgraded, contactless Air Suvidha portal for the mandatory health screening of international travellers arriving from Ebola-affected nations. The initiative aims to strengthen public health surveillance at Points of Entry and facilitate the collection of passenger health information to monitor and contain the potential spread of the virus.

The Government of India has clarified that an Indian passport is not definitive proof of citizenship, citing the Passports Act of 1967 and a Bombay High Court ruling. The government emphasised that this is a long-standing legal principle and does not represent a recent policy change, defining the passport primarily as a travel document.

The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has introduced a new chapter titled ‘Challenge to Democracy’ in its revised Class 9 Social Science textbook, focusing on the 1975 Emergency. The chapter describes the period as a major challenge to Indian democracy, highlighting the suspension of fundamental rights and the strain on democratic institutions. This curriculum update has sparked a political debate regarding the portrayal of critical historical events in school textbooks.

The Chhattisgarh state government has amended its mining regulations to curb illegal extraction by introducing stricter penalties and enhanced enforcement measures. The policy revision aims to improve transparency in the sector and augment state revenue by strengthening administrative control over the unauthorised mining of minerals.

Amid the ongoing controversy over alleged irregularities in the NEET-UG examination, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has accused the opposition of misleading students and creating fear. His statement comes as the government faces persistent calls for his resignation over the purported paper leak, which has ignited a national debate on the integrity of competitive examinations.

Economy

The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has notified the Transition Facilitation (Quality Control) Order, 2026, to strengthen the national quality ecosystem. The order introduces a risk-based compliance mechanism, allowing domestic industries to procure supplies from manufacturers licensed under Scheme II of the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018. This provides an alternative to the mandatory Scheme I (ISI Mark Scheme), aiming to support technological advancement and domestic supply chains.

The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises will celebrate 'MSME Day 2026-Udyami Bharat' on June 27, 2026, in New Delhi, an event set to be presided over by the Vice President of India. The event will feature the launch of several digital initiatives to empower MSMEs, including the PMEGP 2.0 and SAMADHAAN 2.0 portals for streamlined financing and grievance redressal. Additionally, the MSME Global Mart 2.0 portal, integrated with ONDC, and a multilingual ecosystem developed with BHASHINI will be unveiled to enhance market access and digital inclusion.

Ponduru Khadi, a traditional hand-spun and handwoven textile from Andhra Pradesh's Srikakulam district, has been granted the Geographical Indication (GI) tag. The recognition, facilitated by the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), is expected to protect the authenticity of the textile, promote its unique heritage, and improve the livelihoods of the local artisans involved in its production.

The National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC) has been upgraded from a Schedule 'B' to a Schedule 'A' category Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE). The upgrade, announced by the Ministry of MSME, acknowledges NSIC's growing contribution to the MSME sector and will provide it with greater operational and financial autonomy.

India's steel sector showed steady growth in May 2026, with crude steel production rising by 1.9% year-on-year to 14.1 million tonnes. Domestic consumption of finished steel grew by 9.3% to 14.4 Mt, though the country remained a net importer as imports surged by 62.5%. During April-May 2026, China was the largest source of imports, while the UAE was the top export destination.

The government has restored the supply of non-domestic packed Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) to pre-crisis levels, removing all sectoral restrictions imposed during the West Asia crisis. Additionally, the supply of bulk LPG for industrial and commercial users has been relaxed by 50% of previous consumption levels, following an improvement in the domestic and international supply situation.

Domestic consumption of stainless steel in India recorded a significant year-on-year increase of 55.7% in May 2026, reaching 482.5 thousand tonnes. This surge in demand was accompanied by a sharp rise in imports, which grew by 193.5%. Conversely, stainless steel exports declined by 30.0% during the same period, indicating strong domestic absorption.

India's total telephone subscriber base reached 1,343.10 million at the end of May 2026, with the overall tele-density rising to 94.02%. A significant urban-rural divide persists, with urban tele-density at 152.80% compared to 60.83% in rural areas. Private service providers held a dominant market share of 92.71% in the wireless segment.

India's broadband subscriber base grew to 1,080.15 million by the end of May 2026, with the top five service providers holding a collective market share of 98.59%. The adoption of Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) technology showed strong growth, with the number of 5G FWA subscribers increasing to 12.73 million during the month.

The Government of India, in consultation with the Reserve Bank of India, has released the auction calendar for Treasury Bills for the third quarter of 2026. A total of ₹3,36,000 crore is scheduled to be raised through weekly auctions of 91-day, 182-day, and 364-day bills between July and September 2026.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued the Master Direction – Reserve Bank of India (Credit Derivatives) Directions, 2026. This comprehensive regulatory framework governs transactions in credit derivative instruments, aiming to foster a robust and stable market while ensuring effective risk management for participants.

The Reserve Bank of India has published the indicative calendar for market borrowings by State Governments and Union Territories for the second quarter of the fiscal year (July-September 2026). The calendar provides a schedule for the issuance of State Development Loans (SDLs), offering transparency to help market participants plan their financial activities.

Reserve Bank of India Governor, Shri Shaktikanta Das, held a consultative meeting with representatives of various export organisations in Mumbai. The discussions focused on key issues facing the sector, including challenges related to trade finance, foreign exchange management, and the global economic environment, to gather feedback for informed policy-making.

The Reserve Bank of India has released the draft Master Direction on Call, Notice, and Term Money Markets for public feedback. The proposed regulatory framework aims to govern the functioning of these critical short-term inter-bank markets by streamlining operational guidelines to enhance market integrity, transparency, and financial stability.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has imposed a monetary penalty on The Nabapalli Cooperative Bank Limited, West Bengal, for non-compliance with regulatory directives under the Banking Regulation Act, 1949. The action follows a statutory inspection that revealed specific violations, underscoring the central bank's supervisory focus on governance within the cooperative banking sector.

In a separate regulatory action, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has levied a monetary penalty on The Modern Co-operative Bank Limited in Chalisgaon, Maharashtra, for failing to adhere to specific RBI directions. This measure highlights the central bank's ongoing efforts to strengthen the operational and financial health of urban cooperative banks to safeguard depositor interests.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has released a draft Master Direction, titled the 'Reserve Bank of India (Secondary Market Transactions in Government Securities) Directions, 2026', to establish a comprehensive framework for such transactions. The central bank has invited comments and feedback on the draft from banks, market participants, and other stakeholders.

As part of the central government's market borrowing programme, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced an underwriting auction for the sale of Government of India securities. The auction, scheduled for June 25, 2026, has a total notified amount of ₹28,000 crore.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) conducted a Variable Rate Repo (VRR) auction through which banks borrowed a total of ₹16,800 crore. VRR auctions are a key monetary policy tool used by the central bank to manage short-term liquidity and ensure stability in the financial markets.

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The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has attached 23 properties across three states in connection with the Loni Urban Chit Fund case. The action is part of an ongoing investigation into an alleged financial fraud exceeding ₹419 crore, which has reportedly impacted over 1.6 lakh depositors. The attachment of assets is a critical step towards recovering funds for the victims of the scheme.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation has launched a 'hub-and-spoke' model to improve air connectivity, with the first implementation at the airport in Varanasi. According to Union Minister Shri Ram Mohan Naidu, this model will be extended to six more airports in the next six weeks to enhance regional air travel by channelling traffic through central hubs.

Amazon has announced an increased investment commitment in India, pledging an additional $48 billion by 2030 to expand its Artificial Intelligence and cloud computing infrastructure. The announcement was made by CEO Andy Jassy, highlighting the company's focus on India's growing digital economy. This new pledge builds upon the $40 billion Amazon has invested in the country since 2010.

The Government of India has withdrawn supply restrictions on commercial Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), directing Oil Marketing Companies to resume normal supply to non-domestic consumers like hotels and restaurants. The decision is reportedly influenced by expectations of a de-escalation in global geopolitical tensions.

The Union government is considering a directive for airlines to review fuel surcharges and other additional prices, contingent on the stabilisation of global crude oil rates. This potential move aims to pass on the benefits of lower fuel costs to consumers, as the government currently reviews Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) prices on a fortnightly basis.

Science & Technology

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has activated Intra-Circle Roaming (ICR) in four districts of Arunachal Pradesh until June 28, 2026, to ensure uninterrupted connectivity following network disruptions from heavy rainfall. The measure, implemented in Keyi Panyor, Lower Subansiri, Upper Subansiri, and West Siang districts, allows mobile subscribers to automatically connect to any available network, which is critical for disaster response operations.

A study in the journal Cell has revealed that deep-sea isopods can survive for five years without food due to unique adaptations. Research led by the Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, identified a massive stomach, a drastically lowered metabolism, and a unique gene, ND1, which helps regulate energy expenditure in their cold, deep-sea environment.

Environment

The Ministry of Jal Shakti has extended the deadline for citizen feedback on the Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari (JSJB) 2.0 Portal to July 31, 2026. The portal allows citizens to provide inputs on water conservation structures to enhance transparency and community ownership. As of May 31, 2026, over 1.5 crore rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge, and water storage structures have been reported nationwide under the initiative.

As part of its green steel initiatives, SAIL's Bhilai Steel Plant has received an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) certification for its TMT Bars, enhancing their environmental credibility. The plant is also advancing sustainable energy with its 15 MW floating solar project, which generates approximately 34.25 million units of clean power annually.

Seven endangered golden langurs, rescued from an alleged interstate wildlife trafficking network, have been released back into the wild in Assam. The primates were recovered by the Assam Police in Chirang district, marking a significant step in the conservation efforts for the species, which is threatened by the illegal wildlife trade.

International Relations

Union Minister for Commerce and Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal, has described the forthcoming India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) as the most comprehensive trade pact India has negotiated to date. Speaking at the India Global Forum in London, he stated the agreement would act as a force multiplier for the global economy, while reviewing preparedness for its implementation.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Russia is redeploying a significant portion of its air defence systems to protect primary targets, including Moscow. This strategic shift is reportedly a direct response to successful long-range drone attacks by Ukrainian forces, indicating a change in Russia's defensive priorities to safeguard key domestic assets.

The Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) has suspended the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) due to significant governance violations. The decision by world football's governing body will prevent Nepal from participating in international competitions until the identified governance issues are addressed to FIFA's satisfaction.

India is set to scale up its visa services in Bangladesh, with the resumption of tourist visa applications scheduled to begin on June 28, 2026. This initiative marks a significant step towards restoring normal visa operations and is aimed at facilitating smoother travel and strengthening people-to-people ties between the two nations.

In a significant diplomatic gesture, India has appointed Shri Dinesh Trivedi as its new envoy to Bangladesh and accorded him the rank of a cabinet minister. This elevation highlights the high priority New Delhi places on its bilateral relationship with Dhaka and is seen as a key step in strengthening diplomatic ties.

Bangladesh has formally described India's explanation as "unsatisfactory" regarding the detention of Mr. Zahed Ur Rahman, an adviser to the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, at a New Delhi airport on June 14. The incident has prompted a diplomatic exchange between the two neighbouring countries.

India's passport has strengthened its global standing, climbing 10 places to rank 75th in the latest global passport index. This marks a significant improvement from its 85th position in the 2025 rankings, reflecting an increase in the number of destinations accessible to Indian passport holders without a prior visa.

Social Issues

The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship will host 'Kaushal Mahotsav- Warangal 2026' in Telangana on June 27, 2026. The event aims to provide over 5,000 employment and apprenticeship opportunities for local youth, with more than 50 leading employers from sectors like manufacturing, IT-ITeS, and healthcare conducting on-the-spot interviews.

Under a special drive to clear pending labour cases, the Office of the Chief Labour Commissioner (Central) facilitated the resolution of disputes involving Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) Ltd. In proceedings held in New Delhi, 23 cases were resolved, resulting in a disbursement of ₹10,32,484 to 12 workers, with an emphasis on adherence to the Code on Wages, 2019.

The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has launched two new initiatives under its 'Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat' campaign on the Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat) portal. A National Nasha Mukti Quiz will be conducted to raise awareness about substance abuse, alongside a nationwide crowdsourcing initiative for a Nasha Mukti Anthem to promote a drug-free India.

Vice-President Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan released the book Sanskritir Ratna Bhandar: Bhaowaiyar Itibritto, which documents the history of the Bhawaiya folk music of North Bengal's Koch Rajbanshi community. During the event, he stated that India’s ancient traditions, such as Yoga and the principles of Mission LiFE, offer solutions to contemporary global challenges and are central to the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.

The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) has announced the upcoming 'Kaushal Mahotsav, Warangal 2026' in Telangana. The event is part of a government initiative to promote skill development and create local employment opportunities by connecting job seekers with potential employers and vocational training programmes.

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Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, has stressed the need for early awareness among athletes to promote clean sport. He stated that educating young sportspersons about the consequences of doping is fundamental to upholding the integrity of sports and is a key part of the government's strategy for a drug-free sporting environment.

The West Bengal government is facing criticism from opposition parties over the alleged removal of eggs from the Mid-Day Meal scheme. The opposition has termed the move an imposition of vegetarianism, while the ruling Trinamool Congress has asserted its commitment to providing adequate nutrition to children.

A special Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) court in Pune has convicted a 65-year-old man for the rape and murder of a three-and-a-half-year-old girl. The court observed that the case falls into the 'rarest of rare' category, warranting capital punishment, and has reserved its order on the quantum of punishment for June 29.

Defence & Security

The Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) has handed over the Final Operational Clearance (FOC) certificate for the indigenous 'Netra' Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) system to the Indian Air Force (IAF). This milestone signifies that the system, lauded for its reliability during key operations like the Balakot strikes, is fully operational, marking a strategic advancement in India's airborne surveillance and self-reliance capabilities.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy has issued a directive requiring all vessels to use only officially designated routes while transiting the Strait of Hormuz. The measure aims to regulate maritime traffic and enhance security in the strategically vital chokepoint, a key global artery for oil transportation.

India will hand over a patrol vessel to the Republic of Seychelles as part of ongoing efforts to enhance maritime security cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region. The vessel is scheduled to be formally handed over by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi during his official visit, aiming to bolster Seychelles' maritime surveillance capabilities.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has launched a large-scale nationwide operation against organised cybercrime, deploying 60 teams to conduct raids at 80 locations. The coordinated action spanned 16 states and Union Territories, underscoring the agency's focus on dismantling sophisticated cybercriminal networks.

Awards & Honours

Dr. Rajendra Prasad Kendriya Vidyalaya, located in the President's Estate, New Delhi, has won the first prize in the 36th National Youth Parliament Competition, 2025–26 for Kendriya Vidyalayas. The school was awarded the “Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Running Parliamentary Shield” at a function organised by the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs. The competition witnessed participation from 200 Kendriya Vidyalayas across 25 regions.

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