Current Affairs Capsule PDF (27 June 2026)

National News

Mahesh Dixit Appointed New Intelligence Bureau Director

The Government of India has appointed Mahesh Dixit, a 1993-batch IPS officer of the Telangana cadre, as the new Director of the Intelligence Bureau (IB), succeeding Tapan Kumar Deka, whose extended tenure concludes after leading the agency since July 2022. The appointment was approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC). Dixit previously served as Special Director at the IB Headquarters and headed the Subsidiary Intelligence Bureau in Srinagar, handling intelligence and counter-terrorism operations. Functioning under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), the Intelligence Bureau is India’s oldest internal intelligence agency, responsible for domestic intelligence collection, counter-intelligence, counter-terrorism, monitoring internal security threats, assessing extremist activities, and providing security assessments for governments, VIPs, and strategic installations.

Vision Document Targets Drug-Free India By 2029

Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched the Vision Document on Narcotics Control (2026–2029) during the 10th Apex-Level Meeting of the Narco-Coordination Centre (NCORD) in New Delhi, presenting a comprehensive roadmap for achieving a drug-free India. The strategy focuses on demand reduction, supply reduction, rehabilitation, awareness generation, inter-agency coordination, and tackling synthetic drugs and darknet-enabled trafficking through advanced technology. Shah described drug abuse as a serious threat to national security, economic stability, and youth welfare. He noted that synthetic drug seizures increased from 2.6 million kg (2004–2014) to 11.8 million kg (2014–2026). He also inaugurated a Drug Disposal Fortnight, during which over 2.09 lakh kg of seized narcotics worth ₹6,000 crore will be destroyed.

State News

Odisha Launches GO-EAST Industrial Growth Initiative

The Odisha Government has launched the GO-EAST (Government of Odisha Eastern Investment Accelerator and Special Task Force) initiative and amended the Industrial Policy Resolution (IPR) 2022 to accelerate industrial development and attract new investments. Announced by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi during the CII Eastern Region Council Meeting in Bhubaneswar, the initiative aims to speed up project approvals, promote manufacturing, and ensure balanced regional development. GO-EAST features a single-window clearance system, real-time investment tracking, a dedicated GO-EAST Cell, and the Go SWIFT digital monitoring platform for transparency and faster implementation. The revised IPR offers additional incentives for non-mineral industries in 15 backward districts. The government also signed MoUs worth ₹24,823 crore with seven companies across chemicals, power, green energy, textiles, and steel sectors.

Punjab Notifies New Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme

The Punjab Government has notified the Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) [VB-G RAM G] Scheme, Punjab 2026, effective from 1 July 2026 across all notified rural areas. Introduced under the Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025, the scheme replaces the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) framework in the state. It guarantees 125 days of wage employment annually for rural households willing to undertake unskilled manual work, compared to 100 days under MGNREGA. Following a 60:40 Centre-State funding pattern, the scheme aims to enhance rural employment, strengthen livelihoods, promote convergence of welfare programmes, and contribute to the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047.

Business News

Uber India President Prabhjeet Singh Steps Down

Prabhjeet Singh, President of Uber India and South Asia, has resigned after completing a decade with the company. He joined Uber in August 2015 as General Manager and Head of Strategy for India and became President in June 2020. Before Uber, he worked as an Associate Partner at McKinsey & Company. During his leadership, Uber expanded significantly across Tier-II and Tier-III cities, launched services including Uber Moto, Uber Auto, Intercity Travel, and Multi-Modal Mobility Solutions, and strengthened partnerships with fleet operators such as Everest Fleet. He also led the integration of metro ticket booking into the Uber app. Uber credited him with strengthening business operations, driving innovation, and establishing a strong foundation for sustained regional growth.

International News

India Joins Global AI Opportunity Declaration

India has joined 34 other countries in endorsing the Joint Statement of AI Opportunity at the Second Pax Silica Summit in Washington, D.C., reaffirming its commitment to global cooperation in Artificial Intelligence (AI). The declaration promotes trusted AI supply chains, resilient semiconductor ecosystems, private sector investment, innovation-friendly regulations, digital infrastructure, entrepreneurship, research, and responsible AI development. The Pax Silica Initiative, launched by the United States in December 2025, aims to strengthen AI technology supply chains through international collaboration among governments and industry. India officially joined the initiative during the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi in February 2026, supporting secure infrastructure, skilled workforce development, diversified technology ecosystems, and sustainable AI growth worldwide.

India Launches Operation Amistad For Venezuela Relief

India has launched Operation Amistad, a Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) mission to assist Venezuela following the devastating 24 June 2026 earthquake that caused extensive casualties and infrastructure damage. Demonstrating India’s role as a global first responder, the Indian Air Force (IAF) deployed two C-17 Globemaster aircraft carrying approximately 30 tonnes of relief supplies, 6 tonnes of medical equipment, portable BHISHM Cube hospitals, and emergency medical support. A 41–42 member rescue and medical team has been deployed to conduct search and rescue operations, provide emergency healthcare, and coordinate with Venezuelan authorities. India also expressed condolences and reaffirmed its commitment to providing continued humanitarian assistance during the recovery process.

India Promotes Mango Exports In Nordic Region

India has organized its first-ever mango promotion events in the Nordic region, held in Reykjavik and Akureyri, Iceland, through the Embassy of India and the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA). The initiative aims to expand India’s agricultural exports into premium Northern European markets. Four popular Indian mango varieties—Dasheri, Chausa, Langra, and Kesar—were showcased, highlighting their distinctive taste, aroma, and quality, with Kesar known as the “Queen of Mangoes.” Discussions also focused on opportunities under the India–EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) to enhance trade. Iceland imported mangoes worth approximately USD 3.3 million in 2025, offering promising export potential for Indian producers.

Japan Prime Minister To Visit India In July

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi will visit New Delhi from 1–3 July 2026 on her first official visit to India after assuming office, following an invitation from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. During the visit, both leaders will participate in the 16th India-Japan Annual Summit, reviewing progress made since the 15th Summit held in Tokyo in August 2025. Discussions will focus on defence cooperation, economic partnership, infrastructure development, technology, digital innovation, clean energy, green hydrogen, and renewable energy. The visit highlights the growing India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership. Both countries also cooperate through the QUAD, G20, and other international platforms to strengthen Indo-Pacific stability, resilient supply chains, and reforms in global governance.

SCO Women’s Forum Highlights Women-Led Development

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Women’s Forum 2026 was held on 26 June 2026 in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic, bringing together member countries to promote women’s leadership, gender equality, and inclusive socio-economic development. Union Minister for Women and Child Development Annpurna Devi represented India through a video message, highlighting India’s women-led development model. She showcased flagship initiatives including Mission Shakti, Mission Poshan 2.0, and a network of over 100 million women associated with 9 million Self-Help Groups (SHGs). India also highlighted the Lakhpati Didi Initiative, under which over 30 million women have achieved annual household incomes of at least ₹1 lakh. Hosted by Kyrgyzstan, the forum supported the SCO Development Strategy 2035 through cooperation in education, health, livelihoods, and women’s empowerment.

Awards News

Indian Schools Shine In Global Education Awards

India has achieved a remarkable distinction at the World’s Best School Prizes 2026, with seven schools shortlisted among the Top 10 finalists across five award categories, the highest representation by any country since the awards were introduced. Organized by T4 Education, a UK-based organization, the awards recognize excellence in innovation, leadership, environmental action, community collaboration, and overcoming adversity, rather than focusing solely on academic performance. Among the shortlisted schools are PCMC Chhatrapati Shahuji Maharaj English Medium School, Pune, and Army Goodwill School, Wuzur, Anantnag, under the Innovation category. Established after the COVID-19 pandemic, the awards celebrate transformative educational practices worldwide. The final winners, selected by an independent Judging Academy, will be announced in November 2026, highlighting India’s growing influence in global education.

Defense News

IAF Integrates BrahMos Missile With Su-30MKI Fleet

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has significantly enhanced its long-range strike capability by integrating the air-launched BrahMos supersonic cruise missile with around 40 Su-30MKI fighter aircraft, according to BrahMos Aerospace. Manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) under licence, the Su-30MKI forms the backbone of the IAF’s fighter fleet. The integration enables stand-off precision strikes against land and maritime targets from beyond enemy air defence ranges. The BrahMos missile has a strike range of approximately 450 kilometres, travels at nearly Mach 2.8–3.0, and weighs around 2.5 tonnes. Meanwhile, BrahMos-NG (Next Generation) is under development by BrahMos Aerospace and DRDO, featuring a lighter design, improved avionics, and AI-enabled guidance for greater operational flexibility.

India Conducts First GAGAN Satellite Landing Approach

India has successfully conducted its first satellite-based GAGAN landing approach on a jet aircraft at Udaipur Airport, marking a major milestone in aviation navigation. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) carried out the demonstration using an IndiGo Airbus A320 equipped with GAGAN (GPS Aided GEO Augmented Navigation), India’s indigenous Satellite-Based Augmentation System (SBAS) jointly developed by ISRO and the Airports Authority of India (AAI). GAGAN improves GPS accuracy to nearly three metres and enables Localiser Performance with Vertical Guidance (LPV) approaches, allowing safe landings at airports without Instrument Landing Systems. The DGCA has mandated GAGAN-compatible equipment for aircraft registered after 1 July 2021, enhancing aviation safety and air traffic efficiency.

HELINA Missile Strengthens Indigenous Defence Capability

HELINA (Helicopter-launched Nag) is an indigenously developed third-generation anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) designed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) for helicopter platforms. Equipped with fire-and-forget capability, an Imaging Infrared (IIR) seeker, and lock-on-before-launch technology, it can engage armoured targets between 500 metres and 7 kilometres in both direct-hit and top-attack modes. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is preparing the first live-fire trials from the Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand after successful testing from the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) in 2022. Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) has received orders worth over ₹1,347 crore for launchers and associated equipment, strengthening India’s defence indigenisation and self-reliance.

Nuclear Hydrogen Plant Marks Global First For India

India has commissioned the world’s first hydrogen production facility based on nuclear process heat at the Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR), Kalpakkam. The facility was inaugurated by Department of Atomic Energy Secretary Ajit Kumar Mohanty and developed by the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) using the indigenous Copper-Chlorine (Cu-Cl) Thermochemical Cycle. It utilizes high-temperature heat from the Fast Breeder Test Reactor (FBTR) instead of electricity to produce clean hydrogen with almost zero carbon emissions. The technology operates through recyclable chemical reactions at around 500°C, improving efficiency over conventional methods. The project supports India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission, strengthens energy security, promotes decarbonization, and advances the country’s three-stage nuclear power programme.

Important Days News

World MSME Day Highlights Global Small Businesses

Every year on 27 June, the world observes World MSME Day to recognize the significant contribution of Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) to economic growth, employment generation, innovation, and sustainable development. The 2026 theme, “Empowering MSMEs through Innovation and Sustainable Industrial Development,” highlights digital transformation, artificial intelligence, green innovation, and supportive policies for small businesses. Established by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in 2017, the observance aligns with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. MSMEs account for over 90% of businesses worldwide, contribute substantially to GDP and employment, and promote inclusive growth. Despite challenges such as limited finance, infrastructure gaps, and the digital divide, technology, e-commerce, AI, and sustainable practices continue creating new opportunities while supporting multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).