Daily Bulletin

The first phase of the 2026 Char Dham Yatra helicopter operations concluded successfully, facilitating travel for 67,064 pilgrims through 12,032 shuttle departures. To ensure safety, the government operationalised Air Traffic Control services at Sahastradhara and Sersi, installed five Automatic Weather Observation Systems, and mandated a minimum of 750 hours of hill flying experience for pilots.

Vice-President of India, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, attended the 517th Birth Anniversary of Nadaprabhu Sri Kempegowda in Bengaluru, lauding him as a visionary administrator. He highlighted Kempegowda's contributions to planned urban development and sustainable practices, such as an interconnected lake network, as foundational to modern India's 'Viksit Bharat' vision.

The BharatNet project has significantly enhanced rural digital connectivity, connecting 2.18 lakh Gram Panchayats with high-speed broadband as of March 2026. This expansion of digital infrastructure has contributed to the growth of India's total broadband subscribers to 106.58 crore, strengthening the delivery of e-governance and other digital services in rural areas.

The Jan Dhan-Aadhaar-Mobile (JAM) Trinity has facilitated Direct Benefit Transfers worth over ₹51 lakh crore to 176 crore citizens, enhancing financial inclusion. In public procurement, the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) has achieved a cumulative Gross Merchandise Value of over ₹18.4 lakh crore, while the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) has expanded to 5 lakh sellers across 1,000 cities.

A new regulatory framework for online gaming has been established with the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act coming into force on May 1, 2026. Following the Act's enactment, the Online Gaming Authority of India was constituted in April 2026 to provide structured and balanced regulation for the sector.

The Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh has officially launched a new state-led initiative, 'Operation Arunoday', in the Tawang district. The operation was flagged off in the strategic border region, marking the formal commencement of its implementation. While specific objectives were not immediately detailed, the initiative represents a significant governmental programme in the state.

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra trust has confirmed the resignations of its General Secretary, Shri Champat Rai, and a trustee, Dr. Anil Mishra. The resignations follow an ongoing investigation into the management of donations for the temple in Ayodhya. The trust stated that all donated assets are secure and expressed that it was 'shocked, hurt, and deeply saddened' by the developments.

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi is scheduled to address the nation in the 135th episode of his monthly radio programme, 'Mann Ki Baat'. The programme serves as a regular platform for the Prime Minister to communicate with citizens on various social and national issues.

The Maharashtra government has postponed the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) 2026, scheduled for June 28, following an alleged paper leak. Chief Minister Shri Devendra Fadnavis has ordered a probe by a Special Investigation Team (SIT), and three suspects have been arrested in Bhiwandi. The decision affects over 4.28 lakh registered candidates and adds to the ongoing scrutiny of the integrity of public examinations.

The Indian National Congress has launched a nationwide campaign titled ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ (Voice of Students), with the stated objective of achieving a comprehensive overhaul of the country's education system. Senior party leader Shri Rahul Gandhi has urged party members to actively support the initiative to highlight issues within the educational sector.

A controversy has emerged over a ₹99 lakh subsidy granted to Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare, Shri Bhagirath Choudhary, from the ministry he heads, prompting allegations of a 'conflict of interest'. Shri Choudhary defended the subsidy, stating he had applied for it in 2018 as a farmer, before his ministerial appointment, and that the process was transparent.

Following the collapse of an under-construction warehouse in Taratala, Kolkata, which resulted in at least 16 deaths and 17 injuries, a formal complaint has been lodged against the city's former mayor, Shri Firhad Hakim. The incident has placed the regulatory oversight of construction activities and adherence to safety norms under intense scrutiny.

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has issued new guidelines directing all central government ministries to strengthen their cybersecurity defences against AI-related threats. The directive mandates that Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) conduct regular security assessments of their products and maintain a transparent record of all software components to enhance accountability.

The West Bengal government is scheduled to table two significant bills in the state legislative assembly: one aimed at curbing anti-social activities and a state-specific bill concerning the Uniform Civil Code (UCC). The introduction of a state-level UCC bill is a notable development amid the ongoing national debate on the subject.

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) seized Chinese-origin firecrackers valued at approximately ₹35 crore at Chennai and Mumbai ports. The contraband, smuggled by being mis-declared as "Trolley Bags" and "Sprayers", led to the arrest of 12 individuals. The import of firecrackers is 'Restricted' under the Foreign Trade Policy, requiring licences from both the DGFT and PESO.

Union Minister Shri Amit Shah launched 'Bharat Taxi', a cooperative-based mobility platform in Gujarat, under the 'Sahakar Se Samriddhi' vision. The initiative aims to make drivers, or 'Sarathis', owners and shareholders in the venture, with over 7 lakh Sarathis already associated nationwide. The service will initially operate in major Gujarat cities before expanding to over 500 cities within two years.

India's electronics manufacturing sector has expanded to an industry valued at over ₹12 lakh crore, making electronics the country's third-largest export category. This growth has established India as the world's second-largest manufacturer of mobile phones, marking a significant achievement of the Digital India initiative.

The Unified Payments Interface (UPI), completing a decade in 2026, recorded over 24,162 crore transactions in FY 2025-26, accounting for 81% of India's digital payments. India's leadership in real-time digital payments is expanding globally, with UPI now operational in nine countries, including the UAE, Singapore, France, and most recently, Cambodia.

India's startup ecosystem demonstrated robust growth in FY 2025-26, with over 55,200 new entities certified by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). Direct employment generated by recognised startups reached 23.36 lakh, a 36.1% year-on-year increase, contributing to India's improved rank of 38 in the 2025 Global Innovation Index.

On International MSME Day, the government launched several digital initiatives, including the PMEGP 2.0 and SAMADHAAN 2.0 portals to streamline credit access and payment monitoring. A multilingual access initiative was also unveiled, making MSME ministry portals available in all 22 Scheduled Indian languages with AI-enabled voice grievance redressal to enhance digital inclusion.

The National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC) was officially felicitated on its upgradation from a Schedule ‘B’ to a Schedule ‘A’ Central Public Sector Enterprise. The elevation, announced during the 'MSME Day 2026' event, acknowledges NSIC's expanded operational and financial autonomy in fostering the growth of the MSME sector.

Union Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated Goa's new Captain of Ports Terminal Building in Panaji, constructed at a cost of ₹48.87 crore. During the event, he also announced that the proposed Goa Water Metro project has been accorded Phase-I implementation priority to provide a sustainable urban mobility solution for the state.

The Reserve Bank of India's Nagpur Regional Office conducted the Vidarbha Specific Training for Empowering MSMEs (VSTEM) programme in Bhandara to mark International MSME Day. The event, attended by over 180 entrepreneurs, focused on the importance of formalisation and improved access to institutional credit for strengthening the regional MSME ecosystem.

India's foreign exchange reserves increased by $963 million to reach over $672 billion for the week ending June 20, 2026. This rise in reserves strengthens the country's external financial position and enhances its ability to manage currency volatility. The data reflects a positive trend contributing to macroeconomic stability.

The investment banking firm Goldman Sachs has revised its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth forecast for India upwards to 6.8% for the year 2026. The optimistic projection is attributed to factors such as strong domestic demand and sustained investment momentum, reflecting growing confidence in the Indian economy's resilience.

Hoteliers in Karnataka are demanding a rollback in the price of commercial Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) cylinders, which has reportedly surged to ₹3,198. Industry representatives argue the price has nearly doubled in a few months, a trend inconsistent with the recent decline in global crude oil rates, and have highlighted this inflation as a significant financial burden.

Under the Digital India programme, the government is bolstering high-tech capabilities through the IndiaAI Mission, with an outlay of over ₹10,372 crore, and the India Semiconductor Mission. Key initiatives include establishing a shared compute facility with over 45,000 GPUs and approving 12 semiconductor manufacturing projects with an investment pipeline of approximately ₹1.64 lakh crore.

The Genome India Mission has completed the genome sequencing of over 10,000 individuals, a significant milestone towards creating one of the world's largest genomic databases. The initiative aims to leverage India's unique genetic diversity to accelerate the country's transition towards precision medicine and develop patient-centric therapies for genetic and rare diseases.

Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh announced that Indian researchers have successfully demonstrated indigenous gene therapy for haemophilia. This achievement underscores India's growing capability in developing homegrown solutions for complex health challenges, with gene therapy and nuclear medicine emerging as transformative areas for targeted, patient-specific treatments.

Union Minister of State for Agriculture, Shri Ram Nath Thakur, reviewed advanced agricultural technologies at the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) in Baramati. He inspected Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based models for sugarcane and banana cultivation, developed in collaboration with Microsoft, and emphasised the need for farmers to adopt natural farming for long-term soil health.

An earthquake of magnitude 6.2, with its epicentre in Afghanistan, caused tremors across several parts of North India, including Delhi-NCR and Srinagar. The seismic event was also felt in neighbouring Pakistan, highlighting the seismic vulnerability of the Hindu Kush Himalayan region.

OpenAI has appointed former Uber India head Prabhjeet Singh as its first Managing Director for India, marking a significant expansion of its operations in the country. The strategic appointment is aimed at deepening market penetration for its AI technologies while strengthening controls against their misuse.

Weather authorities have forecast heavy rainfall across 15 districts in Tamil Nadu, including Chennai and Coimbatore, from June 28. An advisory has been issued to fishermen, warning them against venturing into the sea due to anticipated squally winds with speeds of 45 to 55 kilometres per hour over the southwest and adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal.

India is expanding its global leadership in Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), having signed Memoranda of Understanding with 24 countries for cooperation on the India Stack as of February 2026. This global outreach was bolstered by the launch of the Global DPI Repository during India's G20 Presidency, aimed at sharing its digital identity, payment, and data exchange systems.

Union Minister Shri Piyush Goyal led a business plenary in London to promote engagement between Indian and UK firms under the India–UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). During the event, four knowledge reports were launched by FICCI, CII, UKIBC–HSBC, and CareEdge to provide businesses, particularly MSMEs, with practical guidance on leveraging the trade agreement.

As India assumes the BRICS Chairship in 2026, Union Minister Shri Manohar Lal Khattar outlined a vision to place the Global South at the center of a secure and sustainable global energy future. The approach emphasises resilient energy systems built on strong domestic policies and enhanced international partnerships to advocate for an equitable energy framework for developing nations.

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has commenced a three-day official visit to Seychelles, where he will be the Guest of Honour at the nation's National Day celebrations. The visit, at the invitation of Seychelles President Wavel Ramkalawan, aims to deepen bilateral cooperation and maritime security in the Indian Ocean, aligning with India's strategic 'Vision SAGAR' (Security and Growth for All in the Region) policy.

A fragile ceasefire in West Asia, brokered two weeks ago to end a four-month conflict, is under severe pressure following a series of retaliatory strikes between the United States and Iran. These developments threaten to undermine diplomatic efforts aimed at de-escalating tensions and restoring stability to the region.

According to official data, three more vessels have safely transited the Strait of Hormuz amid heightened regional tensions. A total of 16 vessels of Indian interest remain positioned in the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, on standby for potential evacuation operations of Indian nationals if required.

In a published opinion editorial, Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi criticised the central government's foreign policy on the Gaza conflict, terming it "India's silence." She argued that this diplomatic posture has yielded no substantial gains and asserted that the scale of child casualties in the conflict suggests they are a deliberate target.

The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) organised the Kaushal Mahotsav – Warangal 2026, where over 1,000 young job seekers from Telangana received on-the-spot job offers. The event, which saw participation from over 90 employers, also aimed to raise awareness about government skilling initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY).

Digital platforms have significantly expanded access to public services, with the eSanjeevani telemedicine platform facilitating over 48 crore consultations as of June 2026. In education, the DIKSHA platform has registered over 2 crore users, while the Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry (APAAR) has generated over 33.74 crore unique digital academic IDs for students.

The mid-day meal menu in West Bengal has been altered, with eggs being replaced by vegetarian protein sources such as paneer, rajma, and soya. This change to the school nutrition programme has drawn commentary from nutrition experts regarding the potential health implications for children, centring on the nutritional value of eggs and the impact of their substitution in the government-funded scheme.

Authorities in Kerala conducted a raid on a residence in Cherkala following allegations of fraudulent medical treatment and the practice of black magic under the guise of religion. The joint operation was carried out by local police and officials from the state's Health Department, highlighting state efforts to curb superstitious practices and unscientific healing methods.

The Government of Odisha has facilitated the return of 62 of its migrant workers from Tamil Nadu following a recent gas leak incident. A majority of the returnees, 58 individuals, are from Keonjhar district. This action underscores the state's response mechanism for ensuring the safety of its migrant population.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in Pune, Maharashtra, has identified 12 bottles of the skincare product Cetaphil as 'spurious'. The counterfeit products were found with misleading labels indicating a manufacturing date of December 2025 and an expiry date of December 2028. The seizure highlights the ongoing challenge of tackling counterfeit consumer goods.

The Indian Coast Guard commissioned a new-generation Fast Patrol Vessel, ICGS Akshay, into its fleet at a ceremony at Goa Shipyard Limited. Designed and constructed indigenously, the vessel enhances the Coast Guard's capabilities in maritime law enforcement, coastal security, and search and rescue operations. The induction marks a significant step in India's self-reliance in defence manufacturing under the 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' initiative.

The Ministry of Defence issued a clarification regarding Operation Sindoor, stating that the sacrifice of six soldiers was formally acknowledged well before recent media reports, with gallantry awards announced on August 14, 2025. The Ministry also addressed a misrepresentation of the Raksha Mantri's parliamentary address, clarifying that a remark about no soldier losing his life was a specific rebuttal to a false narrative circulating at that time.

The Indian Navy's indigenously built Survey Vessel Large, INS Ikshak, arrived at Port Victoria, Seychelles, as part of its operational deployment to the South West Indian Ocean Region. The visit, coinciding with Seychelles' 50th National Day, reaffirms India's commitment to regional maritime security under its MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) vision.

A contingent of the Indian Navy's Eastern Fleet, comprising INS Udaygiri, Kavaratti, and Shakti, arrived at Sattahip, Thailand, for a port call. The visit is part of an operational deployment to South East Asia and will include professional exchanges with the Royal Thai Navy to strengthen maritime cooperation and interoperability between the two nations.

A militant chief in Manipur has been remanded to a four-day police custody in connection with cases registered under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). The custody was sought by the Sub-Divisional Police Officer of Singjamei to facilitate further investigation as part of ongoing security operations against insurgency in the state.

Security forces in Assam's Tinsukia district have arrested two operatives of the United Liberation Front of Asom-Independent (ULFA-I) and recovered arms from their possession. According to police, the arrested individuals had allegedly planned to carry out indiscriminate firing and grenade attacks targeting civilians. The operation is part of continued counter-insurgency efforts in the region.

The Delhi Police have arrested an individual named Dixit in connection with an alleged bank fraud case amounting to ₹18 crore. The accused had been absconding for nine years since 2017, after escaping from the custody of the Uttar Pradesh Police, and was subsequently declared a proclaimed offender by a Delhi court.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed a chargesheet against three more individuals, including an absconding doctor, in connection with the Red Fort blast case. The accused have been charged under various sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), marking a significant advancement in the investigation.

The Indian team has secured a place in the quarterfinals of the Badminton Asia Junior Mixed Team Championships being held in Yatsushiro, Japan. This performance ensures their contention for a medal at the continental tournament and highlights the nation's emerging talent in the sport.

Indian badminton players Devika Sihag, Rounak Chouhan, and Kidambi Srikanth have advanced to the semifinals of the US Open Badminton tournament in their respective events. Their progression underscores a strong performance by the Indian contingent at the international competition.