🇮🇳 National News
In June 2026, the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) inaugurated the world’s first Hydrogen Production Facility based on the Copper–Chlorine (Cu–Cl) Thermochemical Cycle utilising nuclear process heat from the Fast Breeder Test Reactor (FBTR), at the Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR), Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu. This first-of-its-kind facility integrates nuclear process heat with hydrogen generation, enabling large-scale, carbon-free hydrogen production without greenhouse gas emissions.
| Key Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Inaugurated by | Dr. Ajit Kumar Mohanty, Secretary, DAE & Chairman, AEC |
| In presence of | Sreekumar G. Pillai, Director, IGCAR |
| Technology | Cu–Cl Thermochemical Cycle using nuclear process heat (FBTR) |
| Developed by | BARC & IGCAR — jointly; indigenously developed |
| Location | IGCAR, Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu (under DAE) |
- World’s First: First-ever integration of nuclear process heat with hydrogen generation via the Cu–Cl Thermochemical Cycle — a landmark in clean energy.
- Significance: Enables large-scale, carbon-free hydrogen production; eliminates greenhouse gas emissions; reduces fossil fuel dependence.
- IGCAR: Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research; Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu; under DAE.
- BARC: Bhabha Atomic Research Centre — co-developed with IGCAR; fully indigenously built.
- AEC: Atomic Energy Commission — chaired by Dr. Ajit Kumar Mohanty (also DAE Secretary).
Unlike conventional electrolysis (which uses electricity), the Copper–Chlorine (Cu–Cl) Thermochemical Cycle uses heat from nuclear reactors to split water into hydrogen and oxygen — making it far more energy-efficient. By harnessing the FBTR’s nuclear process heat, this facility achieves what no other facility in the world has done before, positioning India as a global pioneer in clean hydrogen technology.
World’s first nuclear process heat-based hydrogen production facility at IGCAR, Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu. Technology: Cu–Cl Thermochemical Cycle + FBTR. Inaugurated by Dr. Ajit Kumar Mohanty (Secretary, DAE; Chairman, AEC). Jointly developed by BARC & IGCAR (indigenous). IGCAR Director: Sreekumar G. Pillai.
On 25 June 2026, Amazon announced an investment of USD 48 billion in India during 2026–2030 to strengthen its e-commerce, Artificial Intelligence (AI), cloud computing, and logistics operations. The announcement followed a meeting between Andy Jassy (President & CEO, Amazon) and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi.
| Commitment | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total investment (2026–2030) | USD 48 billion |
| AI & cloud infrastructure | USD 13 billion |
| Earlier commitment (2025) | USD 35 billion |
| AWS data centres | Mumbai (Maharashtra) & Hyderabad (Telangana) |
| Fulfilment centres (2026) | 20+ new |
| Last-mile delivery stations (2026) | 100+ |
| Jobs supported by 2030 | 3.8 million |
| E-commerce exports enabled | USD 80 billion |
| Small businesses benefiting from AI | 15 million |
| Govt school students (AI education) | 4 million |
- Andy Jassy — President & CEO, Amazon; met PM Modi in New Delhi prior to the announcement.
- AWS (Amazon Web Services) — cloud arm; data centres to expand in Mumbai and Hyderabad.
- Cumulative commitment: Builds on Amazon’s earlier USD 35 billion investment from 2025; total now stands at USD 83 billion+.
Amazon — USD 48 billion in India (2026–2030); USD 13 billion for AI & cloud. Meeting: Andy Jassy (President & CEO, Amazon) + PM Modi, New Delhi. AWS data centres: Mumbai & Hyderabad. By 2030: 3.8 million jobs; USD 80 billion e-commerce exports; AI for 15 million SMBs and 4 million govt school students. Earlier (2025): USD 35 billion.
In June 2026, Herbalife International India Private Limited, in partnership with IIT Madras (IIT-M), launched India’s first Centre of Excellence (CoE) on plant cell fermentation technology at IIT-M Research Park, Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
- Launched in presence of: Dr. N. Kalaisevi, Director General of CSIR and Secretary of DSIR; Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director of IIT-M.
- Purpose: National hub for R&D in plant cell fermentation; sustainable and scalable production of herbal biomass, enriched herbal extracts, and high-value phytochemicals.
- Key equipment: Customised plant cell bioreactors; advanced analytical platforms; pilot-scale processing facilities.
- IIT Madras: Established 1959; Chennai, Tamil Nadu; under Ministry of Education.
- CSIR: Council of Scientific & Industrial Research; DG: Dr. N. Kalaisevi.
- DSIR: Department of Scientific & Industrial Research; Secretary: Dr. N. Kalaisevi.
Herbalife + IIT Madras — India’s first CoE on plant cell fermentation technology; IIT-M Research Park, Chennai. In presence of: Dr. N. Kalaisevi (DG, CSIR; Secretary, DSIR) and Prof. V. Kamakoti (Director, IIT-M). IIT-M est.: 1959; under Ministry of Education.
In June 2026, IIT Bombay and the State University of New York (SUNY) Old Westbury signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) in New York, USA to strengthen collaboration in engineering, AI, multidisciplinary research, and higher education.
- Signed by: Shireesh Kedare (Director, IIT Bombay) and Timothy E. Sams (President, SUNY Old Westbury).
- Witnessed by: Binaya Pradhan, Consul General of India in New York.
- Overseas campus: IIT Bombay will establish its first overseas sub-campus at SUNY Old Westbury, Long Island, New York; first academic session: 2027.
- Significance: Advances National Education Policy (NEP) 2020; strengthens India–USA collaboration in higher education, research, and innovation.
IIT Bombay + SUNY Old Westbury sign LoI in New York. Signed by: Shireesh Kedare (Director, IIT Bombay) & Timothy E. Sams (President, SUNY Old Westbury). Witnessed by: Binaya Pradhan (Consul General of India, New York). First overseas sub-campus at SUNY Old Westbury, Long Island, New York; first session: 2027. Aligns with NEP 2020.
🌐 International News
In June 2026, Times Higher Education (THE) released the 8th edition of Sustainability Impact Ratings 2026, announced at the Global Sustainable Development Congress in Jakarta, Indonesia. The University of Manchester, UK secured the top overall position. India’s Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) secured 1st rank in SDG-5 (Gender Equality) and retained its place in the 101–200 global band.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Edition | 8th (2026) |
| Announced at | Global Sustainable Development Congress, Jakarta, Indonesia |
| Top overall university | University of Manchester, UK |
| India highlight | MAHE — 1st in SDG-5 (Gender Equality); 101–200 global band |
| Universities evaluated | 1,646 from 116 countries/territories |
| SDG tables assessed | 17 individual SDG tables + 1 overall ranking |
| New entrants 2026 | Mali, Nicaragua, Niger, Tajikistan |
- Purpose: Only global ranking measuring how universities advance sustainability in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- Scale: 1,646 universities from 116 countries/territories evaluated across 17 individual SDG tables and one overall ranking.
- MAHE: Manipal Academy of Higher Education; Manipal, Karnataka; ranked 1st globally in SDG-5 (Gender Equality).
- New entrants 2026: Mali, Nicaragua, Niger, and Tajikistan made their debut in the global rankings.
- THE: Times Higher Education — UK-based higher education data provider and ranking organisation.
THE Sustainability Impact Ratings 2026 — 8th edition; announced at Global Sustainable Development Congress, Jakarta. Overall top: University of Manchester, UK. India: MAHE (Manipal, Karnataka) ranked 1st in SDG-5 (Gender Equality); in 101–200 band. Evaluated 1,646 universities from 116 countries. New entrants: Mali, Nicaragua, Niger, Tajikistan.
💼 Banking & Economy
In June 2026, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issued revised directions — ‘RBI (Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFC) – Registration, Exemptions and Framework for Scale Based Regulation) Second Amendment Directions, 2026’ — effective from 24 June 2026. Under the revised framework, NBFCs with an asset size of Rs 1 lakh crore or more will be automatically classified as NBFC–Upper Layer (NBFC-UL).
| Parameter | Earlier Framework | Revised Framework |
|---|---|---|
| UL Classification basis | Parameter-based assessment model | Absolute asset size ≥ Rs 1 lakh crore |
| Threshold review cycle | Every 5 years (proposed) | Every 3 years |
| Government NBFCs | Only Base or Middle Layer | Included in UL if threshold met |
| Stock exchange listing | Required within 3 years | Not required (for Govt NBFCs) |
- Key change: Replaced old parameter-based model with a single, objective Rs 1 lakh crore absolute asset-size criterion for NBFC-UL classification.
- Government NBFCs: Now included in the Upper Layer if threshold is met — a major policy shift; not required to list on exchanges within 3 years.
- RBI: Reserve Bank of India; HQ: Mumbai; Established: 1 April 1935; Nationalised: 1 January 1949.
RBI’s Scale-Based Regulation (SBR) classifies NBFCs into: Base Layer (BL), Middle Layer (ML), Upper Layer (UL), and Top Layer (TL) — based on size, activity, and risk. The Upper Layer attracts the most stringent norms, including enhanced disclosures and (now revised) listing requirements. The new amendment simplifies UL entry to a single Rs 1 lakh crore threshold, replacing the earlier complex parameter matrix.
RBI revises NBFC framework (effective 24 June 2026): NBFCs with assets ≥ Rs 1 lakh crore → automatically NBFC–Upper Layer (NBFC-UL). Replaces parameter-based model. Threshold reviewed every 3 years (earlier: 5 years). Govt NBFCs now included in UL; not required to list within 3 years. RBI HQ: Mumbai; Est.: 1 April 1935; Nationalised: 1 January 1949.
In June 2026, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) approved a USD 42.2 million Small Expenditure Financing Facility (SEFF) to support the bamboo industry in the North Eastern Region (NER) of India, aligned with the Government of India’s National Bamboo Mission (NBM).
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Loan amount | USD 42.2 million (SEFF) |
| Aligned scheme | National Bamboo Mission (NBM) |
| States covered | Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura |
| Women focus | ≥1 women-led manufacturing facility per target state |
| ADB HQ | Manila, Philippines |
| ADB established | 1966 (India is a founding member) |
- Coverage: 6 NE states — Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Tripura.
- Structure: Multiple sub-loans for community-based projects covering bamboo cultivation, production, and marketing.
- Women empowerment: At least one women-led manufacturing facility in each of the 6 target states.
- National Bamboo Mission (NBM): Government of India scheme to promote bamboo cultivation and market development nationwide.
ADB approves USD 42.2 million SEFF for bamboo industry in North-East India. Aligned with National Bamboo Mission (NBM). Covers 6 NE states: Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura. Women focus: ≥1 women-led facility per state. ADB HQ: Manila, Philippines; Est.: 1966; India = founding member.
In June 2026, Goldman Sachs, in its report titled ‘India: Improved Macro Outlook after the USA-Iran Deal’, raised India’s Calendar Year 2026 (CY26) real GDP growth forecast by 30 basis points (bps) from 6.5% to 6.8%.
| Indicator | Revised Forecast | Change |
|---|---|---|
| CY26 GDP growth | 6.8% | ↑ 30 bps (from 6.5%) |
| FY27 GDP growth | 6.5% | ↑ 40 bps |
| Q1 CY26 GDP (actual) | 7.8% YoY | ~50 bps above estimate |
| Retail inflation (CY26) | 4.4% | ↓ 20 bps |
| Core goods inflation (CY26) | 3.2% | ↓ 30 bps |
| Current Account Deficit (CAD) | 1.1% of GDP | ↓ 20 bps |
| Balance of Payments surplus | 0.7% of GDP | Expected |
- Report trigger: Improved macro outlook following the USA-Iran ceasefire deal, which eased energy supply disruptions and boosted India’s near-term economic prospects.
- Q1 CY26: India’s real GDP grew 7.8% YoY (January–March 2026) — approximately 50 bps above Goldman’s earlier estimate.
- Inflation outlook: Retail inflation lowered to 4.4% (down 20 bps); core goods inflation to 3.2% (down 30 bps) for CY26.
- External sector: CAD projected at 1.1% of GDP; BoP surplus expected at 0.7% of GDP.
Goldman Sachs raises CY26 GDP forecast by 30 bps to 6.8%; FY27 raised by 40 bps to 6.5%. Report: ‘India: Improved Macro Outlook after the USA-Iran Deal’. Q1 CY26 actual GDP: 7.8% YoY. Retail inflation: 4.4% (↓ 20 bps); core goods: 3.2% (↓ 30 bps). CAD: 1.1%; BoP surplus: 0.7% of GDP.
🏆 Awards & Recognitions
In June 2026, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) announced the 71st International Meteorological Organization (IMO) Prize to French meteorologist Dr. Florence Rabier, for pioneering contributions to Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) and operational meteorology.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Prize | 71st IMO Prize |
| Awarded by | World Meteorological Organization (WMO) |
| Awardee | Dr. Florence Rabier (France) |
| Former role | Director-General, ECMWF (2016–2025) |
| Current role | President, European Meteorological Society (EMS), 2026 |
| Other position | Non-Executive Director (NED), UK Met Office |
| Prize lecture | 20th World Meteorological Congress (Cg-20), 2027 |
| WMO HQ | Geneva, Switzerland (est. 1950) |
- Contributions: Advanced Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP); transformed satellite observation data assimilation; introduced AI-based forecasting.
- ECMWF: European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts — Dr. Rabier served as its Director-General from 2016 to 2025.
- Prize lecture: To be delivered at the 20th World Meteorological Congress (Cg-20) in 2027.
- WMO: World Meteorological Organization; HQ: Geneva, Switzerland; Established: 1950.
71st IMO Prize → Dr. Florence Rabier (France) by WMO. Former DG of ECMWF (2016–2025); current President, European Meteorological Society (EMS), 2026. Contributions: NWP, satellite data assimilation, AI-based forecasting. Prize lecture at 20th World Meteorological Congress (Cg-20), 2027. WMO HQ: Geneva, Switzerland; Est.: 1950.
👔 Appointments
In June 2026, Jaime Abelardo de la Espriella — a political newcomer backed by the Defenders of the Homeland (Defensores de la Patria) alliance — won Colombia’s presidential runoff election, defeating left-wing candidate Iván Cepeda of the Historic Pact, to become President-elect of Colombia for the 2026–2030 term.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Winner | Jaime Abelardo de la Espriella (Defensores de la Patria) |
| Vote share | 49.66% |
| Runner-up | Iván Cepeda (Historic Pact) — 48.70% |
| Term | 2026–2030 (assumes office 7 August 2026) |
| Vice President-elect | José Manuel Restrepo Abondano |
| Incumbent (outgoing) | President Gustavo Petro |
| Capital | Bogotá |
| Official language | Spanish |
- Jaime de la Espriella: Political newcomer; backed by the Defensores de la Patria alliance; won with a margin of ~1 percentage point.
- Vice President-elect: José Manuel Restrepo Abondano (former cabinet minister).
- Assumes office: 7 August 2026; succeeds incumbent President Gustavo Petro.
- Colombia: Capital: Bogotá; Official language: Spanish; located in South America.
Jaime Abelardo de la Espriella wins Colombia’s presidential runoff; vote share: 49.66% vs Iván Cepeda’s 48.70%. Alliance: Defensores de la Patria. VP-elect: José Manuel Restrepo Abondano. Assumes office: 7 August 2026; succeeds Gustavo Petro. Term: 2026–2030. Colombia capital: Bogotá.
In June 2026, Dr. U.P. Rajeev was appointed as Director of the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala — one of the key centres of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). He succeeds Dr. A. Rajarajan, who retired upon reaching the age of superannuation (60 years).
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| New Director, VSSC | Dr. U.P. Rajeev |
| Predecessor | Dr. A. Rajarajan (retired) |
| Prior role | Associate Director (R&D), VSSC |
| Specialisation | Rocket control and guidance systems; launch vehicle mission design |
| VSSC HQ | Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala |
| VSSC established | 1963 (as TERLS — Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station) |
| VSSC function | ISRO’s premier centre for launch vehicle design and development |
- Background: Decades of experience in rocket control and guidance systems; led mission design and simulation of major ISRO launch vehicles.
- Prior role: Associate Director (Research and Development), VSSC.
- VSSC: Established in 1963 as Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station (TERLS); later renamed Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre; ISRO’s premier centre for launch vehicle design and development; HQ: Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.
Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), named after the father of India’s space programme, is responsible for designing and developing India’s launch vehicles — including PSLV, GSLV, and the human-rated HLVM3 for Gaganyaan. It was founded in 1963 at Thumba, Thiruvananthapuram, where India’s first sounding rocket was launched with NASA cooperation.
Dr. U.P. Rajeev appointed Director, VSSC (Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala). Succeeds Dr. A. Rajarajan (retired). Earlier role: Associate Director (R&D), VSSC. VSSC established: 1963 (as TERLS). VSSC function: ISRO’s launch vehicle design & development centre.
🎯 Sports, Obituary & Books
The International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) Junior World Championship Rifle/Pistol/Shotgun 2026 (5th edition) was held in Suhl, Germany from 16–26 June 2026. India topped the medal tally with an outstanding 25 medals — 7 Gold, 8 Silver, 10 Bronze.
| Rank | Country/Team | Gold | Silver | Bronze | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | India | 7 | 8 | 10 | 25 |
| 2 | Individual Neutral Athletes (AIN) | 6 | 5 | 3 | 14 |
| 3 | Italy | 6 | 2 | 2 | 10 |
- Venue: Suhl, Germany | Dates: 16–26 June 2026 | Edition: 5th
- India’s contingent: 84-member team; 800+ shooters from 70 countries participated.
- Events: Olympic and non-Olympic rifle, pistol, and shotgun events; individual, mixed team, and men’s/women’s team formats.
- ISSF: International Shooting Sport Federation; Junior category is for athletes under 21 years as of 31 December of competition year.
ISSF Junior World Championship 2026 — 5th edition; Suhl, Germany; 16–26 June 2026. India topped medal tally: 25 medals (7G, 8S, 10B). 2nd: AIN (14 medals); 3rd: Italy (10 medals). India contingent: 84 members; total participants: 800+ from 70 countries. ISSF junior category: under 21 years.
In June 2026, veteran Tamil filmmaker, actor, screenwriter, and director Krishnaswamy Bhagyaraj passed away at the age of 73 in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. He was born on 7 January 1953 in Gobichettipalayam, Erode district, Tamil Nadu.
- Career: Began as assistant director under Bharathiraja; acting debut in ’16 Vayathinile’ (1977); directed more than 25 films; acted in over 75 films.
- Directorial debut: ‘Suvarilladha Chiththirangal’ (1979).
- Title: Known as ‘Screenplay King’ — one of few filmmakers to handle story, screenplay, dialogues, direction, and lead acting simultaneously.
- Legacy: Several of his films were remade in Hindi and Telugu.
K. Bhagyaraj (Krishnaswamy Bhagyaraj) — veteran Tamil filmmaker-actor; passed away at 73. Born: 7 January 1953, Gobichettipalayam, Erode, Tamil Nadu. Known as ‘Screenplay King’. Debut: ’16 Vayathinile’ (1977). Directorial debut: ‘Suvarilladha Chiththirangal’ (1979). Directed 25+ films; acted in 75+ films. Mentor: Bharathiraja.
In June 2026, Air Chief Marshal (ACM) Amar Preet Singh, Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), released Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla’s memoir — ‘The Second Orbit: Belief of a Man… Dreams of 1.4 Billion Hearts’ — in New Delhi, commemorating the first anniversary of his Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station (ISS).
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Book title | ‘The Second Orbit: Belief of a Man… Dreams of 1.4 Billion Hearts’ |
| Author | Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla (IAF) |
| Released by | Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh (Chief of the Air Staff) |
| Publisher | Vintage Books under Penguin Random House India |
| Occasion | 1st anniversary of Axiom-4 (ISS) mission |
| Shukla’s distinction | First Indian to visit the ISS; awarded Ashoka Chakra (Republic Day 2026) |
- Content: Chronicles Shukla’s journey from IAF fighter pilot to astronaut; covers astronaut selection, training, life aboard the ISS, and personal reflections.
- About Shubhanshu Shukla: First Indian to visit the ISS; IAF fighter pilot and ISRO astronaut; conferred Ashoka Chakra (India’s highest peacetime gallantry award) on Republic Day 2026.
- Event attended by: Sanjay Kumar (Secretary, School Education, MoE) and Seema Jain (Member Finance, Department of Space).
- Publisher: Vintage Books under Penguin Random House India.
Book: ‘The Second Orbit’ by Gp Capt Shubhanshu Shukla. Released by ACM Amar Preet Singh (Chief of the Air Staff, IAF). Publisher: Vintage Books / Penguin Random House India. Occasion: 1st anniversary of Axiom-4 (ISS) mission. Shukla = First Indian to visit ISS; awarded Ashoka Chakra (Republic Day 2026). Event also attended by: Sanjay Kumar (Secy, School Education) and Seema Jain (Member Finance, Dept of Space).
In June 2026, Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan released the book ‘Sanskritir Ratna Bhandar: Bhaowaiyar Itibritto’ (translated: Bhawaiya: A Cultural Treasure and Its Historical Journey) at Uprashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Book title (original) | Sanskritir Ratna Bhandar: Bhaowaiyar Itibritto |
| Book title (translated) | Bhawaiya: A Cultural Treasure and Its Historical Journey |
| Released by | Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan |
| Venue | Uprashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi |
| Authors | Jayanta Kumar Roy (MP, Lok Sabha) and Sangita Roy |
| Publisher | Katha-O-Kahini |
| Subject | Bhawaiya — traditional folk music of North Bengal, Assam, and adjoining regions |
- Authors: Jayanta Kumar Roy, MP (Lok Sabha) and Sangita Roy.
- Subject: Cultural heritage of Bhawaiya — a traditional folk music genre of North Bengal, Assam, and adjoining regions; reflects rural life and Koch Rajbanshi community culture.
- Publisher: Katha-O-Kahini.
- Venue: Uprashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi.
Book: ‘Sanskritir Ratna Bhandar: Bhaowaiyar Itibritto’ (on Bhawaiya folk music). Released by VP C.P. Radhakrishnan at Uprashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi. Authors: Jayanta Kumar Roy (MP, Lok Sabha) & Sangita Roy. Publisher: Katha-O-Kahini. Subject: Bhawaiya — folk music of North Bengal & Assam; linked to Koch Rajbanshi community culture.
📅 Important Days
World Refrigeration Day (WRD) is observed annually on 26 June to raise awareness about Refrigeration, Air-Conditioning and Heat Pump (RACHP) technologies and sustainable cooling solutions. The 2026 theme is ‘Cool Intelligence’.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Day | World Refrigeration Day (WRD) |
| Date | 26 June (annually) |
| 2026 Theme | ‘Cool Intelligence’ |
| Full form — RACHP | Refrigeration, Air-Conditioning and Heat Pump |
| Established | 2019 by Stephen Gill (former President, Institute of Refrigeration, UK) |
| First observed | 26 June 2019 |
| 2026 Campaign | UNEP OzonAction — ‘Five Days of Cool Intelligence’ (22–26 June 2026) |
- Established: 2019 by Stephen Gill, former President of the Institute of Refrigeration, United Kingdom.
- RACHP: Refrigeration, Air-Conditioning and Heat Pump — the technology cluster WRD promotes.
- 2026 Campaign: UNEP’s OzonAction organised ‘Five Days of Cool Intelligence’ from 22–26 June 2026.
World Refrigeration Day: 26 June | 2026 theme: ‘Cool Intelligence’. Established: 2019 by Stephen Gill (former President, Institute of Refrigeration, UK). First observed: 26 June 2019. RACHP = Refrigeration, Air-Conditioning and Heat Pump. 2026 campaign: UNEP OzonAction — ‘Five Days of Cool Intelligence’ (22–26 June 2026).
The United Nations’ International Day of Deafblindness is observed on 27 June to promote global awareness about deafblindness — a unique disability caused by the combined loss of vision and hearing, significantly affecting communication, mobility, and access to information. Deafblind International Awareness Week 2026 runs from 25 June to 1 July 2026.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Day | International Day of Deafblindness |
| Date | 27 June (annually) |
| UN Resolution | A/RES/79/294 (adopted by UNGA, 16 June 2025) |
| Presented by | Hrvoje Ćurić Hrvatinić (Croatia) |
| First observance | 27 June 2025 (1st ever) |
| Honours | Helen Keller’s 145th birth anniversary |
| Historical origin | 1984 — President Ronald Reagan declared DeafBlind Awareness Week |
| Key declaration | Declaration on Rights of Deaf-Blind Persons, Sweden, 1989 |
| Awareness week 2026 | 25 June – 1 July 2026 |
- UN Resolution: A/RES/79/294 — adopted by the UNGA on 16 June 2025; officially proclaimed 27 June as International Day of Deafblindness.
- Presented by: Hrvoje Ćurić Hrvatinić of Croatia to the UN.
- Helen Keller: The date honours Helen Keller’s 145th birth anniversary — the most iconic deafblind personality in history.
- Historical origin: Awareness movement began in 1984 when President Ronald Reagan proclaimed DeafBlind Awareness Week. Declaration on Rights of Deaf-Blind Persons adopted in Sweden, 1989.
Helen Keller (1880–1968) — American author, disability rights activist, and political activist — was both deaf and blind from the age of 19 months. Her life, and the extraordinary work of her teacher Anne Sullivan, became a global symbol of human resilience. The 27 June date honours her 145th birth anniversary in 2026, making her the inspiration for this first UN international day dedicated to deafblindness.
International Day of Deafblindness: 27 June. UN Resolution: A/RES/79/294 (UNGA, 16 June 2025). Presented to UN by Hrvoje Ćurić Hrvatinić (Croatia). Honours Helen Keller’s 145th birth anniversary. First observance: 27 June 2025. Origin: 1984 (Ronald Reagan — DeafBlind Awareness Week); 1989 (Declaration on Rights of Deaf-Blind Persons, Sweden). Awareness week 2026: 25 June – 1 July 2026.
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