National News
The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Marks 12 Years of Skill India Transformation and Growth
The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) marked 12 years of the Skill India initiative, highlighting its contribution to building a skilled and future-ready workforce aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. Over the past decade, the initiative has expanded vocational education, apprenticeships, entrepreneurship, and digital skilling across India. The number of Industrial Training Institutes increased from 9,776 in 2014 to 13,888 in 2026, while over 56.08 lakh apprentices participated since 2016 and more than 1.64 crore candidates were trained under Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana. The Skill India Digital Hub has registered over 1.5 crore users and offers 1,000+ courses in 23 languages. MSDE has also promoted AI-focused initiatives such as SOAR, recorded over 4.5 lakh AI-course enrollments, announced 30 Skill India International Centres, and improved India’s WorldSkills ranking from 29th in 2015 to 13th in 2024, strengthening India’s global talent footprint.
Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje Represents India at 114th ILO Conference in Geneva
Union Minister of State for Labour and Employment and MSME, Shobha Karandlaje, led India’s delegation at the 114th International Labour Conference in Geneva on 9 June 2026. India reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive growth, gender equality, social dialogue, workforce welfare, skill development, and digital transformation in labour services. During the conference, India showcased its digital platforms for employment services, worker registration, and skill matching. Bilateral meetings with Nepal, Angola, Mauritius, and labour ministers from France, the UK, South Korea, the US, and Canada focused on labour mobility, skill development, digital governance, social protection, and overseas employment opportunities for Indian professionals. India emphasized legal migration pathways and mutual recognition of skills to enhance global workforce mobility. The conference, organized by the International Labour Organization, serves as the world’s premier forum for labour standards, employment policies, and workers’ rights, bringing together governments, employers, and workers from 187 member states.
State News
Ahmedabad Street Food Vendors to Display QR Codes for Hygiene Checks
The Gujarat Information Commission has directed the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) to improve transparency and food safety by making vendor information accessible through QR codes displayed at street food stalls across Ahmedabad. Under the digital registration system, vendors register online by providing details such as name, mobile number, business name, address, and ward information. The system records GPS-based locations and generates a unique QR-coded certificate that must be displayed at the stall. Consumers can scan the QR code to verify vendor registration, view business details, submit cleanliness ratings, provide feedback, and report hygiene concerns directly to authorities. So far, over 8,700 vendors have registered, more than 7,200 stalls have installed QR stickers, and over 1,700 pani puri vendors are covered. Originating from an RTI application, the initiative promotes accountability, citizen participation, food safety compliance, and stronger public health governance in the city.
Union Cabinet Approves Ahmedabad Metro Airport Link Under Phase 2A
The Union Cabinet approved Ahmedabad Metro Phase 2A on 10 June 2026, a ₹2,169.04 crore project that will extend the Ahmedabad Metro by 6.032 km from Koteshwar Road to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The corridor will feature five stations—four elevated (Ashram Road, Koteshwar Prachin Mandir, Sabarmati River, and Sardar Nagar) and one underground station at the airport. Scheduled for completion within four years, the project aims to improve airport connectivity, reduce road congestion, enhance urban mobility, and provide an environmentally friendly transport option. Upon completion, the Ahmedabad-Gandhinagar Metro network will expand to 77.63 km. The metro link is expected to improve connectivity between residential, commercial, and transport hubs while supporting the growing population of the region. The project will also generate significant employment, creating 2,000–2,500 jobs during construction and around 500 permanent jobs in operations and maintenance, while boosting economic development along the corridor.
Kerala Reports Fresh Nipah Virus Case: Symptoms, Prevention and Key Facts
Kerala has intensified surveillance after a suspected case of Nipah Virus Infection was reported in Kozhikode district. A 43-year-old businessman from Feroke tested positive in a preliminary examination and is currently on ventilator support, while samples have been sent to National Institute of Virology for confirmation. Health authorities have launched contact tracing, quarantine measures, and enhanced monitoring to prevent a possible outbreak. Nipah virus is a highly infectious zoonotic disease primarily transmitted from fruit bats (flying foxes) to humans and can also spread between humans. The virus can cause severe respiratory illness, encephalitis (brain inflammation), neurological complications, and death in severe cases. Common symptoms include fever, headache, muscle pain, sore throat, and respiratory problems, while advanced cases may lead to seizures, confusion, coma, and encephalitis. Authorities advise avoiding contact with bats and sick animals, maintaining hygiene, washing fruits thoroughly, and following infection-control measures to reduce transmission risks.
Kerala Approves Priyadarshini Free Travel Scheme for Women and Transgender Persons
The Kerala Cabinet has approved the Priyadarshini Free Travel Scheme, which will provide free travel for women and transgender persons on Kerala State Road Transport Corporation ordinary bus services from 15 June 2026. The scheme aims to improve mobility, reduce transportation costs, and enhance access to education, healthcare, employment, and other essential services. A key feature is its universal coverage, with benefits available to all women and transgender persons regardless of age, income, or social category. The initiative will initially operate on ordinary KSRTC buses and undergo a 100-day trial period to assess its impact on passenger traffic and finances, with possible future expansion to other bus categories. The scheme is expected to cost over ₹60 crore per month and ₹750–800 crore annually, with the state government compensating KSRTC for revenue losses. It is designed to promote gender equality, social inclusion, economic empowerment, and greater use of public transport across Kerala.
Assam and European Union Launch Blue Valley Cluster to Boost Innovation and Sustainable Industries
The Government of Assam and the European Union launched the Blue Valley Cluster in Guwahati on 10 June 2026 to promote sustainable industrial development in the Flavours, Fragrances, and AYUSH sectors. The initiative aims to build sustainable value chains, foster innovation and entrepreneurship, strengthen industrial partnerships, and enhance exports from Assam and the North-East. It focuses on high-potential products such as agarwood, essential oils, natural fragrances, herbal products, traditional medicines, and wellness solutions. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma highlighted opportunities for collaboration with Europe in sectors including semiconductors, electronics, tea, organic foods, and AYUSH products. The cluster is expected to benefit farmers, self-help groups, startups, and businesses by connecting them with global markets. During the event, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between Assam Industrial Development Corporation Limited and the Federation of European Businesses in India to promote investment, technology transfer, and economic cooperation.
Operation Milap: Gujarat Police Trace 1,470 Missing Persons in One Month
The Gujarat Police successfully traced 1,470 missing persons during Operation Milap, a month-long statewide campaign launched on 7 May 2026 to locate missing individuals, reunite families, and strengthen public trust in law enforcement. The initiative reviewed both recent and long-pending cases, addressing a broader challenge in which over 24,767 people have been reported missing in Gujarat since 2007. Police combined technical intelligence, mobile and digital data analysis, social media monitoring, field investigations, witness verification, and interstate coordination to solve cases. Of the 1,470 people traced, 852 were women, 342 men, 234 minor girls, and 42 minor boys, highlighting the vulnerability of women and adolescent girls. Investigations identified causes such as romantic relationships, family conflicts, educational setbacks, domestic disputes, and labour migration. Surat City Police led recovery efforts with 341 traced cases. Missing persons were also located in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Assam, Jharkhand, and West Bengal.
International News
Refugee Numbers Fall for First Time in a Decade, But Millions Remain Displaced Worldwide
According to the latest report by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, global refugee numbers declined by 3% to 41.6 million at the end of 2025, marking the first decrease in more than a decade. The decline was mainly driven by large-scale returns to countries such as Afghanistan, Syria, and Sudan, with 14.7 million people returning home, including 4.4 million refugees and 10.3 million internally displaced persons. However, nearly 70% of refugees remain in prolonged displacement situations, facing limited access to jobs, education, and long-term solutions. Afghanistan recorded about 2.9 million returns, while Syria saw 1.3 million returns in 2025. The report also highlighted a sharp decline in refugee resettlement, with only 81,800 refugees resettled. UNHCR’s “50 by 35” initiative aims to halve refugee dependence on aid by 2035 through greater self-reliance, employment, education, and sustainable integration opportunities.
India Pledges $2.5 Million to UNRWA, Backs Two-State Solution
India has announced a contribution of $2.5 million to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East as the first tranche of its annual $5 million assistance, reaffirming support for Palestinian refugees amid the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The funding will help UNRWA provide education, healthcare, humanitarian aid, social welfare services, and emergency relief. At the United Nations Security Council, India’s Permanent Representative, Harish Parvathaneni, reiterated that a two-state solution remains the only viable path to resolving the Israel-Palestine conflict. India emphasized the need for a sovereign and independent Palestine coexisting peacefully with Israel within secure and recognized borders. It also called for a sustained ceasefire in Gaza, unhindered humanitarian access, protection of civilians, and renewed peace negotiations. India has increased its annual UNRWA contribution from $1.25 million to $5 million since 2018 following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s historic visit to Palestine.
Banking News
Government Extends CGSMFI-2.0 Till August 2026, Raises Loan Limit for Large MFIs
The Government of India has extended the Credit Guarantee Scheme for Microfinance Institutions-2.0 (CGSMFI-2.0) until 31 August 2026 and increased the maximum loan limit for large NBFC-MFIs and MFIs from ₹300 crore to ₹1,000 crore (subject to a 20% AUM ceiling). Launched on 20 March 2026 and implemented through the National Credit Guarantee Trustee Company Limited (NCGTC), the scheme provides credit guarantee support to lending institutions, covering expected loan losses on microfinance lending to small borrowers. So far, ₹770 crore worth of loans have been sanctioned under the scheme. The initiative aims to strengthen financial inclusion by improving credit access for low-income households, women entrepreneurs, and small businesses that lack formal banking access. Guarantee coverage ranges from 80% for small NBFC-MFIs/MFIs, 75% for medium, and 70% for large institutions, with a 0.50% annual guarantee fee. The extension is expected to boost credit flow, enhance lender confidence, and support the ₹20,000 crore credit target for the microfinance ecosystem.
ECLGS 5.0 Crosses 1 Lakh Guarantees, Covers ₹48,484 Crore in Loans: Key Highlights
The Government of India’s Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme 5.0 (ECLGS 5.0) has crossed a major milestone, with 1,06,549 guarantees issued and loans worth ₹48,484.26 crore covered since its approval by the Union Cabinet on 5 May 2026. Introduced to help businesses facing financial stress due to geopolitical uncertainties arising from the West Asia crisis, the scheme aims to provide additional credit support through government-backed guarantees. MSMEs have emerged as the primary beneficiaries, accounting for 96% of guarantees by number and 86% by value. The scheme offers 100% guarantee coverage for MSMEs and 90% for non-MSME borrowers, encouraging lenders to extend credit with reduced risk. Public Sector Banks have played a key role, issuing 96% of total guarantees. Implemented through banks, RRBs, SFBs, and NBFCs, ECLGS 5.0 seeks to maintain credit flow, address liquidity challenges, protect jobs, and strengthen business resilience during economic disruptions.
Business News
President Approves REC-PFC Merger to Create Power Sector Lending Giant
President Droupadi Murmu has approved the merger of REC Limited with Power Finance Corporation, creating a stronger public-sector financial institution focused on financing India’s energy and infrastructure sectors. The merger follows PFC’s acquisition of the Government of India’s 52.63% stake in REC for ₹14,500 crore in 2019. Under the merger, all assets, liabilities, rights, and obligations of REC will transfer to PFC, and REC will cease to exist as a separate legal entity under the Companies Act, 2013. The move aligns with the government’s strategy to consolidate public-sector financial institutions and improve efficiency. Announced as part of broader restructuring plans highlighted in the Union Budget 2026, the merger is expected to enhance operational efficiency, strengthen lending capacity for power projects, reduce duplication, support energy-transition initiatives, and provide greater financial resources for infrastructure development. Power Finance Corporation, established in 1986, is one of India’s leading infrastructure finance companies.
Appointments News
India Appoints New Envoys to Côte d’Ivoire and São Tomé & Príncipe
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has appointed two senior Indian Foreign Service officers as India’s new ambassadors to African nations, reinforcing the country’s growing engagement with Africa. Lakshmanan Ramesh Babu, currently serving as Consul General of India in Atlanta, has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to Côte d’Ivoire. Meanwhile, Vinay Kumar, who was serving as Director in the MEA, has been appointed Ambassador to the Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe. Both diplomats are expected to assume their assignments shortly. These appointments reflect India’s commitment to strengthening diplomatic and economic ties with African countries through cooperation in trade, investment, energy security, maritime affairs, technology, capacity building, development assistance, and multilateral engagement. The move aligns with India’s broader strategy of enhancing partnerships and South-South cooperation across the African continent.
Defense News
MoD Signs ₹449 Crore Contract for Indigenous GNSS Jammers for Indian Navy
The Ministry of Defence has signed a ₹449 crore contract with Accord Software and Systems Private Limited (ASSPL) for the procurement of 20 Enhanced Capability Global Navigation Satellite System (ECGNSS) Jammers for the Indian Navy. The agreement, signed on 10 June 2026 in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, falls under the Buy (Indian-IDDM) category, which prioritizes indigenously designed, developed, and manufactured defence equipment. The project mandates a minimum of 75% indigenous content, supporting Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives. ECGNSS Jammers are advanced electronic warfare systems designed to disrupt enemy satellite navigation by degrading signal acquisition, interfering with tracking, and conducting spoofing and deceptive jamming operations. As modern military forces rely heavily on navigation systems such as GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and BeiDou, these jammers will enhance India’s maritime security, naval operational safety, and electronic warfare capabilities.
Science & Technology News
Indigenous HPV Test Validated by AIIMS and ICMR
Researchers from All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Indian Council of Medical Research institutes, and the International Agency for Research on Cancer have validated India’s indigenous HPV screening test, Truenat HR-HPV-Plus, marking a major breakthrough in women’s healthcare and cervical cancer prevention. Developed by Molbio Diagnostics, the test was the only indigenous HPV DNA test among four evaluated that fully met WHO and IARC international validation standards. It detects eight high-risk HPV types responsible for nearly 95% of cervical cancer cases and demonstrated accuracy and reproducibility comparable to globally validated tests. The study evaluated 1,159 cervical samples, including precancerous lesions and confirmed cancer cases, under the Department of Biotechnology-BIRAC’s Grand Challenges India initiative. The affordable, point-of-care test can be deployed at district and sub-district healthcare facilities, improving access to cervical cancer screening, especially in rural areas, and supporting India’s cervical cancer elimination goals.
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