India's Index of Industrial Production grows 5.1 percent in May 2026.

Dated: 30 June 2026

The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation released quick estimates of the Index of Industrial Production for May 2026 on 29 June 2026. The IIP recorded year-on-year growth of 5.1 percent. The new series uses 2022-23 as its base year and Output Producer Price Index as a deflator for value-based items.

Key Points:
•   IIP grew 5.1 percent in May 2026.
•   The base year was revised to 2022-23.
•   Manufacturing grew by 5.5 percent.
•   Electricity and gas supply grew by 9.9 percent.
•   Capital goods recorded the highest use-based growth of 12.9 percent.
•   Mining and quarrying contracted by 1.6 percent.

Additional Information:
•   Electrical equipment led manufacturing growth at 20.8 percent.
•   Motor vehicles grew by 14.5 percent.
•   MoSPI changed the deflator from WPI to Output PPI for value-based items.

Ashok Vaswani to step down as Kotak Mahindra Bank CEO.

Dated: 30 June 2026

Ashok Vaswani, Managing Director and CEO of Kotak Mahindra Bank, announced on 27 June 2026 that he will step down on completion of his term on 31 December 2026. Vaswani previously served as CEO of Barclays UK and held senior leadership positions at Citigroup and Barclays.

Key Points:
•   Ashok Vaswani will step down as Kotak Mahindra Bank MD and CEO.
•   His term will end on 31 December 2026.
•   He was formerly CEO of Barclays UK.
•   He held senior roles at Citigroup and Barclays.
•   Kotak Mahindra Bank is India's fourth-largest private-sector lender.
•   The bank is headquartered in Mumbai.

Additional Information:
•   Kotak Mahindra Bank was established in 2003.
•   It was the first Indian NBFC converted into a commercial bank.
•   The bank was founded by Uday Kotak.

Rajasthan and Haryana sign Yamuna Water Project agreement.

Dated: 30 June 2026

Rajasthan and Haryana signed an agreement in New Delhi on 29 June 2026 for construction and implementation of the Yamuna Water Project. The project will supply about 580 million cubic metres of water from the Yamuna Canal to Rajasthan through three underground pipelines. It resolves a water dispute that had continued for almost 30 years.

Key Points:
•   The agreement was signed by Rajasthan and Haryana.
•   About 580 MCM water will be supplied to Rajasthan.
•   Water will be conveyed through three underground pipelines.
•   Each pipeline will have a diameter of more than 3.6 metres.
•   Water transfer is planned from July to October annually.
•   The project benefits Sikar, Churu, Jhunjhunu, Bhiwani and Fatehabad.

Additional Information:
•   The project follows the 1994 Upper Yamuna Basin water-sharing MoU.
•   The Central Water Commission prepared the agreement framework.
•   CWC was established in 1945 and is headquartered in New Delhi.

Eight newly elected MPs take oath as Rajya Sabha members.

Dated: 30 June 2026

Rajya Sabha Chairman C. P. Radhakrishnan administered the oath to eight newly elected Members of Parliament on 29 June 2026. Mallikarjun Kharge took the oath in Hindi in the Chairman's chamber, while the remaining seven members took oath in the Rajya Sabha chamber.

Key Points:
•   Eight newly elected members took oath as Rajya Sabha MPs.
•   C. P. Radhakrishnan administered the oath.
•   Mallikarjun Kharge took oath in Hindi.
•   New members included representatives from Gujarat, Manipur, Maharashtra, Karnataka and Rajasthan.
•   Gujarat elected Jitendra Meghjibhai Kanzariya and Mansingh Meraman Parmar.
•   Other members included Sharda Devi, Rajendra Hiralal Jain, M Nagaraja and Alka Singh.

Additional Information:
•   Rajya Sabha is the Council of States and the Upper House of Parliament.
•   It is a permanent House and cannot be dissolved.
•   Members have a six-year term, with one-third retiring every two years.

DIKSHA designated as One Nation, One Digital Platform for schools.

Dated: 30 June 2026

The Centre designated DIKSHA as India's One Nation, One Digital Platform for school education on 28 June 2026. The platform provides curriculum-linked digital resources nationwide and is led by NCERT in collaboration with CIET. It connects printed textbooks with interactive digital resources through QR-coded Energised Textbooks.

Key Points:
•   DIKSHA was designated as the national digital platform for school education.
•   NCERT leads implementation with CIET.
•   QR-coded textbooks link NCERT books to digital learning material.
•   The platform provides DAISY format and text-to-speech tools for differently-abled learners.
•   It offers Indian Sign Language videos, virtual labs and 3D animations.
•   States and Union Territories can customise content in regional languages.

Additional Information:
•   DIKSHA was launched in 2017.
•   NISHTHA teacher-training programme is facilitated through the platform.
•   NCERT was established in 1961 and is headquartered in New Delhi.

Improvement Notice mechanism introduced under Legal Metrology Act.

Dated: 30 June 2026

The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution introduced the Improvement Notice mechanism under the Legal Metrology Act, 2009 on 29 June 2026. The mechanism allows businesses to rectify first-time procedural or regulatory non-compliance within a prescribed period before penal action begins. It was introduced through the Jan Vishwas Amendment of Provisions Act, 2026.

Key Points:
•   The mechanism applies to first-time procedural or regulatory violations.
•   It gives businesses time to correct deficiencies before penal proceedings.
•   It applies to MSMEs, manufacturers, importers, packers, dealers and traders.
•   A Legal Metrology Officer issues the improvement notice.
•   It covers violations related to standards, model approvals and non-standard measures.
•   Repeated violations and fraud remain subject to enforcement action.

Additional Information:
•   The Legal Metrology Act, 2009 replaced the Standards of Weights and Measures Act, 1976.
•   It regulates weights, measures and packaged commodities.
•   Jan Vishwas reforms focus on decriminalising minor offences.

Defence Minister releases Delegation of Financial Powers to DRDO 2026 framework.

Dated: 30 June 2026

The Defence Minister released the Delegation of Financial Powers to DRDO framework, DFP-2026, on 29 June 2026. The framework aims to accelerate delivery of strategic research and development projects by improving functional empowerment and accountability in the Department of Defence R&D. It also provides financial structures for testing, evaluation and selected research streams.

Key Points:
•   DFP-2026 aims to speed up strategic defence R&D projects.
•   It permits sanctioning of pre-project R&D initiatives.
•   It provides funds for trial campaigns, tests and evaluation activities.
•   It includes provisions for Extra-Mural Research projects.
•   It covers DIA-CoE and Technology Development Fund projects.
•   The framework promotes collaboration among DRDO, industry and academia.

Additional Information:
•   DRDO was established in 1958.
•   It functions under the Ministry of Defence.
•   DRDO headquarters is in New Delhi.

Indian Army to operationalise first Integrated Battle Groups.

Dated: 30 June 2026

The Indian Army is set to operationalise its first Integrated Battle Groups from the Panagarh-based XVII Corps on 1 July 2026. Five units, including four IBGs and one fire-support group, will be created under the XVII Mountain Strike Corps. The IBGs are designed as agile and self-contained brigade-sized units for rapid deployment in mountainous terrain.

Key Points:
•   The first IBGs will be operationalised from XVII Corps at Panagarh.
•   Five units include four IBGs and one fire-support group.
•   Each IBG will have more than 5,000 troops and 12-13 units.
•   Each unit will be commanded by a Major General-rank officer.
•   IBGs include infantry, artillery, EME, combat engineers and field hospital elements.
•   They are designed to reduce mobilisation time in mountain operations.

Additional Information:
•   The IBG concept was proposed by former Army Chief General Bipin Rawat.
•   It was test-bedded at IX Corps in 2019.
•   XVII Mountain Strike Corps is India's first strike corps dedicated to the China border.

PM Modi attends Seychelles' 50th Independence Day as Guest of Honour.

Dated: 30 June 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the 50th Independence Day celebrations of Seychelles as the Guest of Honour on 29 June 2026. He became the first Indian Prime Minister to attend the country's Independence Day celebrations. The event also marked 50 years of diplomatic ties between India and Seychelles.

Key Points:
•   PM Modi attended Seychelles' Independence Day celebrations as Guest of Honour.
•   He was the first Indian Prime Minister to attend the event.
•   The celebrations marked 50 years of Seychelles' independence.
•   It also marked 50 years of India-Seychelles diplomatic relations.
•   An Indian Armed Forces contingent participated in the parade in Victoria.
•   INS Tarkash and INS Ikshak docked at Port Victoria for the occasion.

Additional Information:
•   Seychelles is an archipelago in the Indian Ocean.
•   Victoria is the capital of Seychelles.
•   The currency of Seychelles is the Seychellois Rupee.

UPI to become operational in Seychelles by the end of 2026.

Dated: 30 June 2026

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri announced that the Unified Payments Interface will become operational in Seychelles by the end of 2026. The initiative is part of growing India-Seychelles cooperation in digital connectivity, health, education, renewable energy and maritime security.

Key Points:
•   UPI will be operational in Seychelles by the end of 2026.
•   The announcement was made by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri.
•   Seychelles uses 90 annual slots under the ITEC programme.
•   Cooperation includes health, education and renewable energy.
•   Maritime security cooperation focuses on illegal fishing, drug trafficking and piracy.
•   Both countries are exploring a Comprehensive Economic Partnership.

Additional Information:
•   UPI is India's instant digital payments system.
•   ITEC stands for Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation.
•   Victoria is the capital of Seychelles.

SUMAN Roadmap 2030 released at 16th CCHFW Conference.

Dated: 30 June 2026

Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda released the SUMAN Roadmap 2030 at the 16th Conference of the Central Council of Health and Family Welfare on 30 June 2026. The roadmap aims to reduce maternal mortality ratio to below 70 per 100,000 live births by 2030 and ensure zero preventable maternal and newborn deaths.

Key Points:
•   SUMAN Roadmap 2030 was released by J.P. Nadda.
•   It targets MMR below 70 per 100,000 live births by 2030.
•   It covers 130 districts across 13 high-focus states.
•   It seeks zero preventable maternal and newborn deaths.
•   SUMAN Panchayat promotes antenatal care and institutional deliveries.
•   JANANI portal will support AI-enabled monitoring.

Additional Information:
•   SUMAN stands for Surakshit Matritva Aashwasan.
•   It provides zero-cost, dignified healthcare to women and newborns in public facilities.
•   The target is aligned with SDG 3.1.

Maharashtra approves DPR for India's first offshore airport in Palghar.

Dated: 30 June 2026

The Maharashtra government approved preparation of a Detailed Project Report for India's first offshore airport in Palghar on 28 June 2026. The airport is proposed near Kore beach and will be managed by Maharashtra Airport Development Corporation as part of the broader Vadhvan port development.

Key Points:
•   The project is proposed near Kore beach in Palghar district.
•   It will be India's first offshore airport project.
•   MADC will oversee the project.
•   The airport is planned with two runways.
•   It will help manage overflow from Mumbai airports.
•   It will connect through the proposed Uttan-Virar sea-link extension.

Additional Information:
•   MADC was established in 2002 and is headquartered in Mumbai.
•   Vadhvan Port is planned as India's 13th major port.
•   Palghar is located in Maharashtra.

MoPR releases report on low Gram Sabha participation.

Dated: 30 June 2026

The Ministry of Panchayati Raj released the National Study Report titled Low Participation in Gram Sabha Across States and Union Territories in New Delhi. The report was prepared by the National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj and studies barriers to participatory democracy and grassroots governance.

Key Points:
•   The report was prepared by NIRD&PR.
•   It covered 26 states and Union Territories.
•   The study included PESA and women-led Gram Panchayats.
•   It covered about 7,790 respondents.
•   Field research was conducted in around 400 Gram Panchayats.
•   The objective is to strengthen participatory democracy and rural governance.

Additional Information:
•   The report was released by Dr. R. Balasubramaniam, Member, NITI Aayog.
•   PESA stands for Panchayats Extension to Scheduled Areas.
•   Gram Sabha is the foundation of local self-government in rural India.

Pollution-eating bacteria Brachybacterium netajii discovered in Hooghly River.

Dated: 30 June 2026

Researchers discovered a new pollution-eating bacterial species, Brachybacterium netajii, in the Hooghly River of West Bengal on 26 June 2026. The species can degrade p-nitrophenol, a toxic industrial chemical, and use it as a carbon and energy source. It was named after Subhas Chandra Bose, known as Netaji.

Key Points:
•   The bacteria was discovered in the Hooghly River, West Bengal.
•   It degrades p-nitrophenol, a toxic industrial chemical.
•   It uses p-nitrophenol as a carbon and energy source.
•   It withstands arsenic, cadmium, lead and mercury.
•   It is halotolerant and can tolerate salinity up to 9 percent.
•   It was named in honour of Subhas Chandra Bose.

Additional Information:
•   The discovery involved Netaji Mahavidyalaya, University of Burdwan, IIT BHU and Hiroshima University.
•   Its genome produces ectoine, which protects against environmental stress.
•   The discovery has potential for environmental biotechnology and bioremediation.

ISRO tests 175-tonne semi-cryogenic engine PHTA at Mahendragiri.

Dated: 30 June 2026

ISRO successfully conducted the eighth hot test of the Semi-Cryogenic Engine Power Head Test Article at 175 tonnes thrust on 24 June 2026. The test was conducted at the ISRO Propulsion Complex in Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu. The engine uses Liquid Oxygen and Isrosene and is being developed to replace the L110 core stage of the LVM3 launch vehicle.

Key Points:
•   The eighth PHTA hot test achieved 175 tonnes thrust.
•   The test was held at IPRC, Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu.
•   It achieved 88 percent thrust level.
•   The engine uses Liquid Oxygen and Isrosene as propellants.
•   SE2000 is a 2000 kN-class engine for the SC120 stage.
•   It will replace the L110 core stage of LVM3 to increase payload capability.

Additional Information:
•   PHTA includes all engine systems except the thrust chamber.
•   Main turbopumps delivered 400 and 500 bar outlet pressures.
•   LOX and Isrosene are cleaner and non-toxic propellants.

INST Mohali develops BDIM additive for durable zinc batteries.

Dated: 30 June 2026

Scientists at INST Mohali developed BDIM, a new electrolyte additive, to improve the safety and lifespan of Aqueous Zinc Ion Batteries on 29 June 2026. BDIM regulates the Inner Helmholtz Plane on zinc surfaces and suppresses hydrogen evolution, corrosion and zinc dendrite growth.

Key Points:
•   BDIM improves safety and durability of aqueous zinc-ion batteries.
•   It selectively adsorbs on the zinc metal surface.
•   It displaces water molecules from the electrode interface.
•   It reduces hydrogen evolution, corrosion and zinc dendrites.
•   The work used ultramicroelectrode and fast-scan cyclic voltammetry techniques.
•   It can support grid-scale energy storage and renewable-energy infrastructure.

Additional Information:
•   BDIM stands for 1,3-bis (1,3-dicarboxypropyl)-1H-imidazole-3-ium chloride.
•   The research was led by Dr. Ramendra Sundar Dey.
•   Zinc-ion batteries are a low-cost alternative to lithium-ion batteries.

US, Israel and Lebanon sign Trilateral Framework Agreement.

Dated: 30 June 2026

The United States, Israel and Lebanon signed a Trilateral Framework Agreement in Washington, DC, on 26 June 2026 to establish a peace process and address security in West Asia. The agreement provides for Lebanese forces taking control of territory and progressive redeployment of Israeli forces from Lebanon.

Key Points:
•   The agreement was signed by the US, Israel and Lebanon.
•   It provides a process for Lebanese forces to take control of Lebanese territory.
•   Israeli redeployment depends on verified disarmament of non-state armed groups.
•   The agreement specifically refers to Hezbollah disarmament.
•   A US-supported military coordination group will oversee implementation.
•   The US committed 100 million dollars in humanitarian assistance to Lebanon.

Additional Information:
•   Two pilot zones were identified for Israeli withdrawal and Lebanese takeover.
•   Israel had withdrawn from one designated zone.
•   The agreement concerns security in West Asia.

DMRC wins UITP Achievement Award for Operational Excellence.

Dated: 30 June 2026

Delhi Metro Rail Corporation won the UITP Achievement Award in the Operational Excellence category in Brussels on 23 June 2026. The award recognised DMRC's smart door-to-door travel service and sustainable urban-transport initiatives. The DMRC Sarthi App supports real-time travel information and integrated ticket booking.

Key Points:
•   DMRC won the UITP Achievement Award in Operational Excellence.
•   The award ceremony was held in Brussels.
•   It recognised innovation and impact in public transport services.
•   DMRC introduced a smart door-to-door travel service.
•   DMRC Sarthi is an AI-based travel-information platform.
•   The service integrates first and last-mile connectivity.

Additional Information:
•   The app enables quick updates and ticket booking.
•   It offers a single fare system for the complete journey.
•   UITP is associated with public transport systems globally.