World Rainforest Day 2026 observed on 22 June.
Important Days
Dated: 2026-06-22
World Rainforest Day was observed on 22 June 2026 to raise awareness about the ecological importance of rainforests, the threats they face and the urgent need for conservation and sustainable management.
It is a global initiative coordinated by the Rainforest Partnership and supported by governments, organisations and communities worldwide to protect and restore rainforests.
Key Highlights:
Date: World Rainforest Day is observed annually on 22 June.
Objective: The day promotes awareness, education and action to conserve and restore rainforests.
Ecological Role: Rainforests support biodiversity, regulate climate, store carbon and maintain water cycles.
Threats: Deforestation, land-use change, illegal logging, agriculture expansion and climate change endanger rainforests.
Significance: The observance strengthens global commitment to rainforest conservation, indigenous rights and climate action.
About Rainforest Partnership :-
Headquarters:, Austin, Texas, USA
Mission:, Protect and restore rainforests through community-led action
Focus:, Rainforest conservation, climate and indigenous rights
Nature:, Global non-profit organisation
Indian jurist Bimal N. Patel elected Judge of International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS).
Appointments
Dated: 2026-06-22
Indian jurist Bimal N. Patel was elected as a Judge of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) for a nine-year term.
ITLOS is an independent judicial body established under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) to adjudicate disputes related to the interpretation and application of the convention, including matters of maritime boundaries, navigation, marine environment and resource exploitation.
Key Highlights:
Appointee: Bimal N. Patel was elected as a Judge of ITLOS.
Term: The judicial term is for nine years.
Tribunal: ITLOS is based in Hamburg, Germany and functions under UNCLOS.
Indian Representation: The election reflects India's growing role in international legal institutions and maritime law.
Significance: The appointment strengthens India's contribution to global maritime dispute resolution and ocean governance.
About ITLOS :-
Full Name:, International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea
Established:, 1996
Headquarters:, Hamburg, Germany
Legal Framework:, United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)
I4C launches Grievance Redressal Mechanism and Money Restoration Module against cyber fraud.
National Affairs
Dated: 2026-06-22
The Ministry of Home Affairs' Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) launched a Grievance Redressal Mechanism (GRM) and a Money Restoration Module (MRM) to strengthen action against cyber fraud and financial scams.
The initiative aims to improve complaint handling, accelerate investigation, enhance victim support and increase the recovery of fraudulently transferred funds through a more coordinated and efficient system.
Key Highlights:
Agency: I4C launched the GRM and Money Restoration Module.
Purpose: The system aims to improve response to cyber fraud and enhance fund recovery.
Function: GRM streamlines grievance handling while MRM focuses on restoring money lost through fraud.
Cyber Security: The initiative supports India's efforts to counter online financial crime and protect citizens.
Significance: It strengthens cybersecurity infrastructure and improves public trust in digital financial systems.
About I4C :-
Full Name:, Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre
Ministry:, Ministry of Home Affairs
Role:, Coordination against cyber crime and cyber fraud
Nodal Agency:, National cyber-security and cyber-crime coordination body
World Economic Forum releases Energy Transition Index 2026; India ranked 70th.
Economy & Business
Dated: 2026-06-22
The World Economic Forum (WEF) released the Energy Transition Index (ETI) 2026, in which India ranked 70th globally with an overall score of 54.9%.
Sweden secured the top position. The index evaluates countries on energy-system performance, including a clean-energy mix, access and affordability, and progress toward net-zero emissions.
Key Highlights:
Index: WEF released the Energy Transition Index 2026.
India's Rank: India was placed 70th globally.
Score: India achieved an overall score of 54.9%.
Top Performer: Sweden ranked first in the index.
Evaluation Parameters: The index assesses energy performance, clean-energy transition, affordability and sustainability.
Significance: The ranking highlights India's progress in energy transition and identifies areas needing further improvement.
About World Economic Forum :-
Established:, 1971
Headquarters:, Cologny, Geneva, Switzerland
Founder:, Klaus Schwab
Nature:, International organisation for public–private cooperation
World Bank approves Rs. 4,000 crore loan for Haryana's Jal Sanrakshit Haryana project.
Economy & Business
Dated: 2026-06-22
The World Bank approved a Rs. 4,000 crore loan for Haryana's Jal Sanrakshit Haryana project, aimed at improving water-resource management, groundwater sustainability, irrigation efficiency and climate-resilient water infrastructure.
The project supports long-term water security, improved agricultural productivity and sustainable use of water resources in the state.
Key Highlights:
Funding Agency: The World Bank approved the loan.
Amount: Rs. 4,000 crore was approved for the project.
State: Haryana is the implementing state for Jal Sanrakshit Haryana.
Objectives: The project focuses on water conservation, groundwater management, irrigation modernisation and climate resilience.
Significance: It supports sustainable water management and agricultural security in a water-stressed region.
About World Bank :-
Established:, 1944
Headquarters:, Washington, D.C., USA
Group Type:, International financial institution
Focus:, Development financing and poverty reduction
ADB signs USD 10 million financing package with Schoolnet India for digital classrooms.
Economy & Business
Dated: 2026-06-22
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) signed a USD 10 million financing package with Schoolnet India Limited to establish 58,000 digital classrooms across India.
The project aims to improve access to digital education, enhance learning outcomes, strengthen school infrastructure and support equitable quality education, especially in underserved regions.
Key Highlights:
Funding Agency: ADB signed the financing package.
Amount: USD 10 million was allocated for the project.
Partner: Schoolnet India Limited is the implementing partner.
Target: The project aims to set up 58,000 digital classrooms.
Significance: The initiative supports digital education, technology-enabled learning and improved educational equity.
About Asian Development Bank :-
Established:, 1966
Headquarters:, Mandaluyong, Philippines
Focus:, Development financing in Asia and the Pacific
Membership:, 68 member countries
India wins FIH Women's Hockey Series 2026 final.
Sports
Dated: 2026-06-22
India won the FIH Women's Hockey Series 2026 final, marking a significant achievement in women's hockey.
The victory strengthens India's standing in international women's hockey, improves team confidence and supports preparation for higher-level tournaments such as the Hockey Pro League and future global competitions.
Key Highlights:
Tournament: India won the FIH Women's Hockey Series 2026 final.
Sport: The event is governed by the International Hockey Federation (FIH).
Team Performance: The win reflects strong team coordination, tactical play and improved fitness levels.
Development: Success in such series supports pathway progression towards major global tournaments.
Significance: The victory boosts morale and enhances India's reputation in international women's hockey.
About FIH :-
Full Name:, International Hockey Federation
Established:, 1924
Headquarters:, Lausanne, Switzerland
Role:, Global governing body for field hockey
EPFO approves 8.25% interest rate on PF deposits for 2025–26.
Economy & Business
Dated: 2026-06-22
The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) approved an 8.25% annual interest rate on Provident Fund deposits for the financial year 2025–26.
The decision affects more than 24 crore EPFO subscribers and provides retirement savings with a government-backed, tax-efficient long-term investment avenue.
Key Highlights:
Organisation: EPFO approved the interest rate.
Interest Rate: 8.25% was approved for PF deposits for 2025–26.
Beneficiaries: Over 24 crore EPFO subscribers are affected by the decision.
Financial Year: The rate applies to 2025–26.
Significance: The rate provides a stable, government-backed return for millions of workers' retirement savings.
About EPFO :-
Full Name:, Employees' Provident Fund Organisation
Administrative Ministry:, Ministry of Labour and Employment
Established Under:, Employees' Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952
Headquarters:, New Delhi
Supreme Court declares right to safe footpath access as a fundamental right.
National Affairs
Dated: 2026-06-22
Supreme Court of India declared that the right to walk safely on footpaths is a fundamental right of citizens under Article 21 of the Constitution.
The judgment emphasises that safe pedestrian infrastructure is essential for life, liberty and dignity, and directs authorities to ensure footpaths are accessible, obstacle-free and properly maintained for public use.
Key Highlights:
Court: Supreme Court of India delivered the judgment.
Constitutional Basis: The right is recognised under Article 21 (Right to Life and Personal Liberty).
Pedestrian Safety: Safe footpaths are essential for citizen safety, accessibility and urban mobility.
Government Duty: Authorities must ensure footpaths are maintained, unobstructed and usable by all citizens.
Significance: The ruling strengthens urban governance, pedestrian rights and inclusive city planning.
About Article 21 :-
Constitution:, Constitution of India
Right:, Protection of Life and Personal Liberty
Interpretation:, Expanded to include various facets of dignified living
Enforceable Against:, State and its instrumentalities
Assam and European Union sign MoU to develop Blue Valley Cluster for sustainable industries.
National Affairs
Dated: 2026-06-22
Assam and the European Union (EU) signed a Memorandum of Understanding to develop the Blue Valley Cluster, a sustainable industrial and innovation hub aimed at promoting green manufacturing, clean technologies and environmentally responsible industrial growth in the state.
Key Highlights:
Partners: Assam Government and European Union signed the MoU.
Project: Blue Valley Cluster will focus on sustainable industries and innovation.
Objectives: Promote green manufacturing, clean technology and eco-friendly industrial development.
Significance: The initiative supports sustainable economic growth, technology transfer and environmental protection in Assam.
About Assam :-
Capital:, Dispur (Guwahati)
Chief Minister:, Himanta Biswa Sarma
Governor:, Lakshman Prasad Acharya
Major Products:, Tea, oil, natural gas and silk
Uzbekistan joins New Development Bank (NDB) as a new member.
International Affairs
Dated: 2026-06-22
Uzbekistan became a new member of the New Development Bank (NDB), the multilateral development bank established by the BRICS nations.
The membership expands the bank's geographical footprint and strengthens cooperation in infrastructure, sustainable development and project financing among member countries.
Key Highlights:
New Member: Uzbekistan joined the New Development Bank.
Bank: NDB was established by BRICS countries.
Focus: Infrastructure, sustainable development and project financing.
Significance: The expansion strengthens NDB's global role and enhances development cooperation among member states.
About New Development Bank :-
Established:, 2015
Headquarters:, Shanghai, China
Founding Members:, Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa
Focus:, Infrastructure and sustainable development projects
CPCL and GRSE granted Navratna status by Government of India.
Economy & Business
Dated: 2026-06-22
The Government of India granted Navratna status to Chennai Petroleum Corporation Limited (CPCL) and Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited (GRSE), enhancing their operational and financial autonomy.
Navratna status allows public-sector enterprises greater flexibility in decision-making, capital expenditure and strategic investments, strengthening their competitiveness and efficiency.
Key Highlights:
Companies: CPCL and GRSE were granted Navratna status.
Authority: Government of India conferred the status.
Benefits: Greater autonomy in investments, capital expenditure and operational decisions.
Significance: Navratna status enhances competitiveness, efficiency and growth potential of public-sector companies.
About CPCL :-
Full Name:, Chennai Petroleum Corporation Limited
Sector:, Oil and Gas
Parent Company:, Indian Oil Corporation Limited
Location:, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
About GRSE :-
Full Name:, Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited
Sector:, Defence and Shipbuilding
Parent Company:, Ministry of Defence
Location:, Kolkata, West Bengal
Delhi NCR launches Fleet Renewal Scheme for cleaner public transport.
National Affairs
Dated: 2026-06-22
The Delhi NCR region launched a Fleet Renewal Scheme aimed at replacing older, high-emission buses with newer, cleaner and more fuel-efficient vehicles.
The initiative seeks to reduce air pollution, improve public-transport quality and support the transition to sustainable urban mobility.
Key Highlights:
Region: Delhi NCR launched the Fleet Renewal Scheme.
Objective: Replace old buses with cleaner, fuel-efficient vehicles.
Environmental Goal: Reduce vehicular emissions and improve air quality.
Significance: The scheme supports cleaner public transport, reduced pollution and sustainable urban mobility.
About Delhi NCR :-
Full Name:, National Capital Region
Includes:, Delhi and surrounding areas in Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan
Planning Body:, National Capital Region Planning Board
Focus:, Coordinated development and infrastructure planning
Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology and ARIES collaborate on Long-Term Climate Observation Station.
Science & Technology
Dated: 2026-06-22
The Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) and Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES) collaborated to establish a Long-Term Climate Observation Station.
The facility aims to improve climate monitoring, atmospheric research, weather prediction and understanding of long-term climate trends affecting India and the surrounding region.
Key Highlights:
Collaborators: IITM and ARIES established the climate observation station.
Purpose: Enhance long-term climate monitoring and atmospheric research.
Scientific Role: Supports weather prediction, climate studies and environmental monitoring.
Significance: The station strengthens India's climate-research infrastructure and improves understanding of regional climate dynamics.
About IITM :-
Full Name:, Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology
Location:, Pune, Maharashtra
Ministry:, Ministry of Earth Sciences
Focus:, Tropical meteorology and climate research
About ARIES :-
Full Name:, Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences
Location:, Nainital, Uttarakhand
Focus:, Astronomy, astrophysics and atmospheric sciences
Smart Warehousing System launched for modern food grain storage infrastructure.
Economy & Business
Dated: 2026-06-22
A Smart Warehousing System was launched to modernise food grain storage infrastructure with advanced monitoring, temperature control, humidity management and digital tracking capabilities.
The initiative aims to reduce post-harvest losses, improve grain quality, enhance supply-chain efficiency and strengthen India's food-security infrastructure.
Key Highlights:
System: Smart Warehousing System for food grain storage.
Features: Advanced monitoring, temperature and humidity control, and digital tracking.
Objective: Reduce post-harvest losses and improve grain quality and supply-chain efficiency.
Significance: The system strengthens food-security infrastructure and modernises agricultural storage.
About Food Corporation of India :-
Established:, 1965
Headquarters:, New Delhi
Ministry:, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution
Role:, Food procurement, storage and distribution
GeM and CSC partner to establish GeM Suvidha Kendras for wider public procurement access.
Economy & Business
Dated: 2026-06-22
Government e Marketplace (GeM) and CSC e-Governance Services India Limited (CSC) partnered to establish GeM Suvidha Kendras across India.
The initiative aims to expand access to government procurement, support MSMEs and local sellers, and simplify the onboarding and transaction process for public procurement through common service centres.
Key Highlights:
Partners: GeM and CSC signed the partnership.
Initiative: GeM Suvidha Kendras will be established across India.
Objective: Expand public procurement access and support MSMEs and local sellers.
Significance: The partnership strengthens digital procurement, financial inclusion and ease of doing business for small enterprises.
About GeM :-
Full Name:, Government e Marketplace
Ministry:, Ministry of Commerce and Industry
Role:, Online public procurement platform
Launched:, 2016
About CSC :-
Full Name:, CSC e-Governance Services India Limited
Role:, Delivery of digital services in rural and remote areas
Network:, Common Service Centres across India