INTERNATIONAL NEWS
Bangladesh Becomes the 27th Member of the International Big Cat Alliance
• Bangladesh officially joined the International Big Cat Alliance on 24 June 2026, becoming the 27th member nation of the global conservation initiative.
• The IBCA is a treaty-based intergovernmental international organisation headquartered in New Delhi, India, dedicated to strengthening cooperation in big cat conservation.
• The alliance was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in April 2023 during the 50th anniversary celebrations of Project Tiger and attained full treaty-based legal status on 23 January 2025.
• The IBCA works for the conservation of seven big cat species—tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard, cheetah, jaguar, and puma—through international collaboration and knowledge sharing.
• Bangladesh approved its accession on 22 May 2026 following a proposal from its Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
• India extended the invitation for Bangladesh’s membership after discussions between Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma and Bangladesh’s Environment Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo in April 2026.
• Bangladesh’s participation is significant as the Bengal tiger inhabits the Sundarbans, the world's largest mangrove forest shared by India and Bangladesh, making transboundary conservation essential.
• As a treaty-based organisation, the IBCA promotes international cooperation, scientific research, technical assistance, and capacity building to strengthen the long-term conservation of big cat species across member countries.
UN Security Council Adopts Resolution 2823 (2026) on Protection of Peacekeepers
• The United Nations Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution 2823 (2026) on 23 June 2026, focusing on strengthening accountability for crimes against UN peacekeepers.
• The resolution was co-authored by Denmark and Pakistan, during their 2025–2026 tenure as members of the Security Council.
• It aims to enhance mechanisms for identification, investigation, and prosecution of individuals responsible for attacks on peacekeepers deployed under UN mandates.
• The framework covers serious offences against peacekeepers, including killings, attacks, abductions, and other forms of violence occurring in mission areas.
• The resolution reaffirms the primary responsibility of host states to investigate such crimes and ensure prosecution under national and international law.
• It requests the UN Secretary-General to appoint a senior focal point on accountability for crimes against peacekeepers to improve coordination and oversight.
• Member states have also been asked to submit an annual report on investigations and prosecutions, with the first report due within 120 days of adoption.
• The resolution builds on earlier measures such as UNSC Resolution 2518 (2020) on peacekeeper safety and Resolution 2589 (2021) (authored by India), reinforcing the UN’s long-standing framework for protecting personnel engaged in peacekeeping operations.
UN Chief Launches Global Methane and AI Environmental Initiatives in London
• António Guterres addressed London Climate Action Week at Guildhall, London on 23 June 2026, announcing major global environmental initiatives.
• He launched a Global Call to Action on Methane, urging countries and industries to accelerate efforts to reduce methane emissions, particularly from the oil and gas sector.
• Methane is a highly potent greenhouse gas, with short-term warming impact significantly higher than carbon dioxide, making it a critical target in climate mitigation strategies.
• The oil and gas industry contributes heavily to methane emissions through leaks, venting, and flaring, although many of these emissions can be reduced using existing technologies.
• The UN Chief called for a global standard to achieve near-zero methane emissions, highlighting that substantial reductions are technically feasible across the production chain.
• He also cited large-scale gas flaring (about 167 billion cubic metres in 2025), stressing the need to eliminate wasteful burning of natural gas at extraction sites.
• Alongside methane action, he announced the AI Environmental Transparency Initiative, which will require major AI firms to disclose their carbon, water, and land footprints.
• The initiative also calls for AI data centres to transition to 100% renewable energy by 2030, as global energy demand from AI infrastructure is projected to rise sharply due to expanding computing, cooling, and data storage needs.
India Rejects Pakistan’s Remarks on Kashmir at UN Forum
• India objected on 24 June 2026 to Pakistan raising the Kashmir issue at a United Nations forum in New York, reiterating its long-standing constitutional position.
• India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Parvathaneni Harish, stated that the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir is an internal matter of India.
• India maintains that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral and inalienable part of the country, following the reorganisation of the former State under the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019.
• The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) serves as the principal deliberative body of the UN, while the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is responsible for maintaining international peace and security.
• An Arria-formula meeting is an informal UNSC consultation mechanism that allows members to interact with invited experts and stakeholders outside formal Security Council proceedings.
• Chapter VI of the UN Charter encourages the peaceful settlement of disputes through methods such as negotiation, mediation, conciliation, arbitration, and judicial settlement.
• The UN Security Council consists of 15 members, including five permanent members—China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States—and 10 non-permanent members elected for two-year terms.
• India has consistently rejected Pakistan’s attempts to internationalise the Kashmir issue and has reiterated its position that areas under Pakistan’s illegal occupation remain an integral part of India.
IAEA Plans Inspection of Iran’s Nuclear Enrichment Sites
• The International Atomic Energy Agency announced on 24 June 2026 that its inspectors will visit Iran’s nuclear enrichment facilities following developments in U.S.–Iran nuclear negotiations.
• IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi made the announcement in Tokyo, stating that inspections would be carried out under IAEA safeguards.
• Established in 1957 and headquartered in Vienna, Austria, the IAEA serves as the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog, promoting the peaceful use of nuclear energy.
• The agency implements safeguards under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), 1968, verifying nuclear materials and monitoring compliance with international obligations.
• The IAEA’s immediate priority is to verify the location of Iran’s enriched uranium and coordinate inspection schedules with Iranian authorities within a 60-day timeframe.
• Iran maintains that its nuclear programme is intended for peaceful purposes, although it is the only country known to have enriched uranium up to 60% without a declared nuclear weapons programme.
• Following the 2025 Iran conflict, Tehran restricted IAEA access to certain enrichment sites, while routine inspections continued at facilities such as the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant.
• The proposed interim U.S.–Iran arrangement includes IAEA supervision of nuclear activities, discussions on lifting sanctions on Iran’s oil exports, and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, although Iran has denied making any new commitment regarding inspections of damaged nuclear facilities.
NATIONAL NEWS
NITI Aayog Releases 8th Edition of Trade Watch Quarterly
• NITI Aayog released the 8th edition of the Trade Watch Quarterly on 23 June 2026 in New Delhi, analysing trade trends for Q4 of FY 2025–26 (January–March 2026).
• The publication reviews India’s merchandise trade, services trade, and overall external sector performance, along with key developments in the global trading environment.
• During Q4 FY 2025–26, India’s combined merchandise and services trade increased by 5.4% year-on-year, reaching US$1.84 trillion.
• Services exports grew by 9.0%, exceeding the pace of import growth and helping India maintain a healthy services trade surplus.
• The pharmaceutical sector is the special theme of this edition, highlighting its growing importance in exports, global competitiveness, and healthcare security.
• The report notes that India remained the world’s eighth-largest exporter of services in 2025, reflecting the strength of its services sector.
• While merchandise exports showed moderate growth, imports increased during the quarter, with the overall composition of India’s trade remaining broadly stable.
• The report highlights the need for greater trade diversification, stating that supply disruptions arising from the West Asia crisis reinforce the importance of expanding both import sources and export markets.
PM Directs Nationwide Rollout of e-Zero FIR System for Cyber Fraud Cases
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired the 52nd PRAGATI meeting on 24 June 2026 and directed all States to implement the integrated digital e-Zero FIR system for cyber financial fraud cases.
• The e-Zero FIR mechanism converts verified cyber fraud complaints into Zero FIRs, enabling immediate registration before transfer to the police station having territorial jurisdiction.
• The system is integrated with the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre under the Ministry of Home Affairs to strengthen cybercrime response and investigation.
• The initiative covers cyber financial fraud complaints exceeding ₹10 lakh reported through the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP) or the 1930 cybercrime helpline.
• A Zero FIR allows registration of a cognisable offence at any police station, ensuring prompt initiation of investigation without jurisdictional delays.
• The National Cybercrime Reporting Portal and 1930 helpline serve as the primary platforms for reporting cyber offences and enabling swift action to minimise financial losses.
• The Prime Minister directed the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) to coordinate with Chief Secretaries and Directors General of Police (DGPs) of all States for the nationwide rollout of the system.
• The e-Zero FIR initiative aims to ensure rapid action during the “golden hour” of asset recovery, especially in cyber fraud cases involving interstate and cross-border financial transactions.
MHA Notifies Tenth Amendment to FCRA Rules, 2011 (2026)
• The Ministry of Home Affairs issued amendments to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Rules, 2011 on 22–23 June 2026, marking the 10th amendment under the FCRA framework.
• The changes operate under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010, which governs receipt and utilisation of foreign donations by associations, trusts, and NGOs in India.
• Under the revised rules, organisations with foreign nationals (other than Persons of Indian Origin) as key functionaries are generally ineligible for registration or prior permission, except in specific government-approved cases.
• The definition of “key functionary” has been expanded to include company directors, partners, trustees, Karta of Hindu Undivided Families, and individuals controlling management of organisations.
• NGOs must now select their objectives from a predefined list of 105 approved activities, covering religious, cultural, economic, educational, and social sectors.
• The rules require organisations to specify operational States or Union Territories and disclose social media accounts during registration or renewal applications.
• The amended framework mandates full disclosure of ultimate donors, especially where funds are routed through intermediaries such as Donor Advised Funds or remittance vehicles.
• A minimum utilisation of ₹10 lakh of foreign contribution in the preceding two financial years is required for renewal, along with a ₹300 fee per additional State/UT or activity, while penalties for violations may extend up to 30% of misused funds or ₹1 lakh (whichever is higher).
STATE NEWS
Haryana Launches Auto Mutation System and Paperless Registration 2.0
• Haryana launched the Auto Mutation System and Paperless Registration 2.0 on 23 June 2026 to modernise land records and property registration.
• The initiative integrates property registration directly with mutation, removing the need for a separate mutation application after a transaction is completed.
• Mutation in land records refers to updating revenue records after events like sale, inheritance, partition, or transfer, and is primarily used for administrative record-keeping rather than establishing ownership title.
• The upgraded system enables online downloading of mutation documents, real-time tracking, and fully digital workflows for land record management.
• It incorporates Aadhaar-based e-KYC, biometric authentication, digital signatures, and QR-code verification to ensure secure and transparent processing.
• Administrative approvals such as DTP clearances and NOCs are also processed digitally under the new end-to-end paperless system.
• Processing timelines have been significantly reduced—non-partition cases are cleared within 24 hours, while partition-related cases are disposed of within 10 days.
• The system was initially piloted in Ladwa tehsil (Kurukshetra) on 29 September 2025, expanded statewide from 1 November 2025, and has already helped reduce the mutation backlog from nearly five lakh to about 50,000 cases.
Lakadong Turmeric: GI-Tagged High-Curcumin Spice from Meghalaya
• Lakadong Turmeric is a Geographical Indication (GI)-tagged turmeric variety from the Jaintia Hills of Meghalaya, recognised in 2024 for its distinctive quality and high curcumin content.
• It is cultivated in the Lakadong region under traditional organic farming practices, making it closely linked with local agro-ecological conditions and indigenous farming systems.
• The product is protected under the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999, which safeguards region-specific goods with unique characteristics.
• Lakadong Turmeric is known for its high curcumin content (7%–12%), significantly higher than many commercial varieties, which typically contain around 2%–3%.
• Curcumin is the key bioactive compound in turmeric and is widely used across food, nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries for its functional properties.
• Approximately 14,000 farmers across 43 villages in the Lakadong belt are involved in its cultivation, making it an important livelihood-supporting crop in the region.
• A major infrastructure boost came on 19 June 2026, with the inauguration of the North East’s largest organic spice processing unit at Bhoirymbong in Ri-Bhoi district, aimed at value addition and processing of turmeric.
• Lakadong Turmeric is also being promoted in global markets, with India targeting USD 1 billion turmeric exports by 2030, and it was showcased among Indian agricultural products at the 52nd G7 Summit in Évian, France.
RANKING AND INDEX
India Secures 13th Position Globally in QS World Future Skills Index 2027
• India ranked 13th worldwide in AI-economy readiness in the QS World Future Skills Index 2027, released by QS Quacquarelli Symonds on 23 June 2026.
• The country achieved an overall score of 89.4 out of 100, reflecting strong preparedness for future skill requirements and AI-driven economic transformation.
• India performed exceptionally well in the Future of Work category, securing the 5th global rank with a score of 96.0.
• The index evaluates countries on their ability to adapt to emerging technologies through education systems, workforce readiness, and digital capabilities.
• India recorded notable strengths in Economic Transformation and Academic Readiness, highlighting its growing capacity to support innovation and technological advancement.
• Skills Alignment was identified as an area requiring further improvement to better match workforce skills with evolving industry demands.
• India was the only South Asian nation among the top 15 countries in the 2027 rankings, underlining its leadership in the region's future-skills ecosystem.
• The report estimated that effective adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) could contribute nearly US$500 billion to India's economy by 2030, reinforcing the importance of continued investment in future-ready skills and workforce development.
SUMMIT AND CONFERENCE
12th India–EU Human Rights Dialogue Held in New Delhi
• The 12th India–EU Human Rights Dialogue was held in New Delhi on 24 June 2026, strengthening cooperation on human rights between India and the European Union.
• The dialogue was co-chaired by Piyush Srivastava and Hervé Delphin.
• The India–EU Human Rights Dialogue serves as a bilateral platform for discussions on civil, political, social, economic, and cultural rights, along with issues relating to discrimination, migration, and fundamental freedoms.
• Key topics during the 2026 meeting included gender rights, LGBTQI+ rights, child rights, and the protection of vulnerable sections of society.
• Both sides also exchanged views on the freedom, independence, and diversity of civil society organisations, journalists, as well as the rights to freedom of association and peaceful assembly.
• India and the European Union reaffirmed their commitment to the development of trustworthy, sustainable, and human-centric Artificial Intelligence (AI).
• The discussions also referred to the AI Impact Summit 2026, hosted by India, highlighting AI governance as an emerging area of bilateral cooperation.
• The dialogue forms part of the broader India–EU Strategic Partnership, building on the outcomes of the 16th India–EU Summit held in New Delhi in January 2026, with the next Human Rights Dialogue scheduled for 2027.
SPORTS
IOC Approves Revised Host Selection Process for the 2036 Olympic Games
• The International Olympic Committee approved a revised host selection process for the 2036 Olympic Games during its 146th Session held in Lausanne on 24 June 2026.
• Under the new framework, the host city for the 2036 Olympics will be elected in mid-2029, following a structured multi-stage evaluation process.
• The revised model consists of three phases—Continuous Dialogue, Strategic Dialogue, and Targeted Dialogue—to enhance transparency and improve the selection process.
• India entered the bidding process in 2024 by submitting a Letter of Intent and is currently participating in the Continuous Dialogue phase.
• Ahmedabad has been proposed as India’s candidate host city for the 2036 Summer Olympic Games.
• The Strategic Dialogue phase, beginning in March 2027, will require shortlisted candidates to submit the Future Host Questionnaire and key financial guarantees.
• The Targeted Dialogue phase is expected to commence in late 2028, during which the IOC will engage with preferred host candidates before the final vote.
• Besides India, Qatar, Turkey, and South Africa are among the countries associated with the race to host the 2036 Olympic Games, reflecting strong global interest in the event.
