📊 Index & Rankings
The Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP) released the Global Peace Index (GPI) 2026 — its 20th edition — covering 163 countries and territories representing approximately 99.7% of the world’s population. The report’s headline finding is that global peacefulness has deteriorated for the 12th consecutive year, driven primarily by armed conflict, with 61 active state-based conflicts — the highest since World War II.
| Rank | Country | Notable |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | Iceland | Most peaceful — 19th consecutive year; no standing army |
| 2nd | New Zealand | – |
| 3rd | Switzerland | – |
| 4th | Slovenia | – |
| 5th | Singapore | – |
| 127th | India | Slipped from 115th (GPI 2025); ‘Ongoing Conflict’ down 9.2% |
| Last (163rd) | Russia | Least peaceful country globally |
- Publisher: Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP) — HQ: Sydney, Australia; offices in New York, The Hague, Abuja, Nairobi, and Manila; first published in 2007.
- India’s performance: Ranked 127th out of 163 — slipped from 115th in GPI 2025; overall peacefulness score deteriorated by 2.9%; key drivers: increase in internal conflict deaths and worsening relations with neighbouring countries.
- South Asia: Recorded the sharpest deterioration in peacefulness among all global regions.
- Major conflicts driving decline: Civil war in Sudan, war in Ukraine, and the 2026 Iran War.
- Economic cost of violence: Increased by 3.2% to USD 21.81 trillion in 2025 — equivalent to 10.5% of global GDP.
- Countries in external conflict: Nearly doubled — from 59 (2008) to 103 (2026).
- 3 Assessment Domains: Societal Safety & Security; Ongoing Conflict; Militarisation — across 23 qualitative and quantitative indicators.
GPI 2026 = 20th edition; publisher: IEP (Sydney); first published 2007; covers 163 countries. Most peaceful: Iceland (19th consecutive year). 2nd: New Zealand; 3rd: Switzerland; 5th: Singapore. Least peaceful: Russia. India: 127th (was 115th in 2025; deteriorated 2.9%). South Asia = sharpest regional decline. Global peacefulness down for 12th consecutive year. Economic cost of violence: USD 21.81 trillion (10.5% of global GDP). Active state-based conflicts: 61 — highest since WW II.
🇮🇳 National News
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron jointly inaugurated ‘Bharat Innovates 2026’ on 14 June 2026 at the Palais des Expositions, Nice, France. This is the maiden edition of the landmark three-day innovation conclave (14–16 June 2026), organised by the Ministry of Education, Government of India, under the India-France Year of Innovation 2026. The conclave showcases India’s rapidly growing deep-tech and startup ecosystem to global investors, industry leaders, and academic institutions.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Organiser | Ministry of Education, Government of India |
| Venue | Palais des Expositions, Nice, France |
| Duration | 14–16 June 2026 (3 days) |
| Indian Startups | ~120 deep-tech startups |
| HEIs | ~15 Higher Education Institutions (incl. IITs) |
| Investors | 500+ venture capital firms and investors |
| Sectors | 13 strategic sectors — AI, semiconductors, space, biotech, energy, healthcare, clean energy, defence & more |
- PM Modi’s statement: ‘India’s Reform Express will not stop; it will continue to run.’
- Macron’s statement: ‘India is spearheading global innovation.’
- Strategic backdrop: India and France elevated their relationship to ‘Special Global Strategic Partnership’ in 1998; Bharat Innovates is a key initiative under the India-France Year of Innovation 2026.
- PM Modi’s broader Europe tour: Visits to Slovakia (14–16 June); G7 Summit in Evian (16–17 June); VivaTech Paris (18 June) — all part of the same 6-day tour.
Bharat Innovates 2026: jointly inaugurated by PM Modi + Macron on 14 June 2026 in Nice, France (Palais des Expositions). Organised by Ministry of Education. Maiden edition; 3-day conclave (14–16 June). Framework: India-France Year of Innovation 2026. India-France relations: Special Global Strategic Partnership (1998). PM Modi also attending G7 Summit, Evian (16–17 June) and VivaTech Paris (18 June).
Air India (Tata Group) opened bookings for its first flights under the Government of India’s hub-and-spoke aviation connectivity model, branding them as ‘Easy Connect’ flights. Varanasi (Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport) has become the first city in India to be integrated under this model, with service commencing on 25 June 2026.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Lead Carrier | Air India (Tata Group) |
| First City | Varanasi (Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport) |
| Service Start | 25 June 2026 |
| Flight Number | AI1111 (Varanasi → Delhi; departs 09:50, arrives 11:00 daily) |
| Through Check-in | Baggage checked at Varanasi to final international destination — no re-collection at Delhi |
| Immigration | International immigration completed at Varanasi itself (not at Delhi hub) |
| Destinations | 17 int’l destinations within 4 hrs of Delhi: London Heathrow, Frankfurt, Milan, Rome, Zurich, Singapore, Dubai, Riyadh & more |
- DigiYatra: Indian nationals must register on the DigiYatra platform; non-Indian nationals complete immigration at Delhi.
- Significance: Makes international connectivity seamless from Tier-2/Tier-3 cities; supports India’s goal of becoming a global aviation hub; aligned with PM Modi’s vision of world-class connectivity beyond metros.
Air India ‘Easy Connect’: First city — Varanasi (LBS International Airport); service from 25 June 2026. Model: GoI hub-and-spoke; hub = Delhi. Key features: through check-in (baggage to final destination) + immigration at origin city. Flight: AI1111. 17 international destinations accessible within 4 hrs via Delhi. Platform: DigiYatra.
In June 2026, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) marked 12 years of the Skill India initiative, celebrating its growth into one of the world’s largest and most diverse skilling ecosystems through sustained reforms and global partnerships.
- Key Achievement — ITIs: Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) increased from 9,776 (2014) to over 13,888, expanding access to skill development nationwide.
- Integrated Framework: Combines vocational education, industry-led training, apprenticeships, entrepreneurship, digital infrastructure, and global workforce mobility.
- Ministry: Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE).
- Flagship Schemes: Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY); Jan Shikshan Sansthan (JSS); National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS).
Skill India: 12 years (June 2026). Ministry: MSDE. ITIs: 9,776 (2014) → 13,888+. Flagship schemes: PMKVY, JSS, NAPS. One of world’s largest skilling ecosystems.
💼 Business & Economy
The Government of India (GoI), through the Ministry of Finance (MoF), announced the extension of the Credit Guarantee Scheme for Microfinance Institutions-2.0 (CGSMFI-2.0) until 31 August 2026, or until guarantees worth Rs 20,000 crore are issued. Simultaneously, the maximum loan limit for Large-Sized NBFC-MFIs was raised from Rs 300 crore to Rs 1,000 crore (subject to 20% of their Assets Under Management).
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Scheme | Credit Guarantee Scheme for MFIs-2.0 (CGSMFI-2.0) |
| Extended Until | 31 August 2026 OR Rs 20,000 crore in guarantees issued |
| Loan Limit Enhanced | Large NBFC-MFIs: Rs 300 crore → Rs 1,000 crore (subject to 20% of AUM) |
| Guarantee Fee | 0.50% p.a. on sanctioned amount (Year 1); on outstanding amount thereafter |
| Coverage — Small MFIs | 80% |
| Coverage — Medium MFIs | 75% |
| Coverage — Large MFIs | 70% |
| Interest Cap | MLIs to NBFC-MFIs: EBLR or MCLR + 2% p.a.; on-lending: 1% below institution’s avg. lending rate (prev. 6 months) |
CGSMFI-2.0 extended to 31 August 2026 or Rs 20,000 crore (whichever earlier). Loan limit for Large NBFC-MFIs: Rs 300 cr → Rs 1,000 cr (20% of AUM cap). Coverage: 80% (small), 75% (medium), 70% (large). Guarantee fee: 0.50% p.a. Purpose: microfinance credit access at bottom of pyramid.
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) signed a contract worth Rs 449 crore with Accord Software and Systems Private Limited (ASSPL), Bengaluru, Karnataka, for the procurement of 20 Enhanced Capability Global Navigation Satellite System (ECGNSS) Jammers for the Indian Navy (IN). The contract was signed under the Buy Indian — IDDM (Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured) category with 75% indigenous content.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Contract Value | Rs 449 crore |
| Vendor | ASSPL (Accord Software & Systems Pvt Ltd) — est. 1991, Bengaluru, Karnataka |
| Equipment | 20 ECGNSS Jammers for Indian Navy |
| Category | Buy Indian — IDDM; 75% indigenous content |
| Signed in Presence of | Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, New Delhi |
| Capability | Disrupts enemy GNSS via spoofing & deceptive jamming; enhances Electronic Warfare (EW) capability |
The ECGNSS Jammer protects Indian Navy ships from satellite-based tracking and targeting threats by disrupting enemy GNSS navigation. The IDDM category reinforces Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India in critical Electronic Warfare systems.
MoD contract: Rs 449 crore with ASSPL (Bengaluru). Equipment: 20 ECGNSS Jammers for Indian Navy. Category: Buy Indian — IDDM (75% indigenous content). Signed before Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh. ASSPL: est. 1991; specialises in GNSS and navigation solutions. Capability: Electronic Warfare (EW) — spoofing and deceptive jamming.
🌐 International News
New Zealand batting great Kane Williamson announced his retirement from international cricket with immediate effect on 12 June 2026, mid-way through New Zealand’s Test series against England. The announcement ends a distinguished 16-year international career (debut: 2010) spanning 378 international matches across all formats. He departs as New Zealand’s all-time highest run-scorer.
| Format | Runs | Centuries | Key Stat |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 9,515 | 33 | Just short of 10,000-run milestone |
| ODIs | 7,256 | 15 | Average: 48.69 |
| T20Is | 2,575 | – | Retired from T20Is: Nov 2025 |
| Total | 19,346 | – | NZ all-time highest |
- Announcement date: 12 June 2026; announced by New Zealand Cricket (NZC).
- Captaincy legacy: Led NZ in 40 Tests (22W/10L/8D), 91 ODIs (46W/40L/1T), 75 T20Is (39W/34L/1T).
- Greatest milestone: Captained New Zealand to the inaugural ICC World Test Championship (WTC) title, defeating India in the 2021 WTC Final at Southampton.
- Fab Four: Member of cricket’s ‘Fab Four’ alongside Virat Kohli, Steve Smith, and Joe Root.
- Post-retirement: Will continue in T20 franchise leagues; strategic advisor at Lucknow Super Giants (IPL).
Williamson captained New Zealand to victory in the inaugural ICC World Test Championship Final (2021) at The Ageas Bowl, Southampton, defeating India. This remains New Zealand cricket’s greatest achievement in the modern era.
Kane Williamson retired 12 June 2026 (mid-series vs England). Career: 16 years (debut 2010); 378 international matches. Total runs: 19,346 — NZ all-time highest. Tests: 9,515 runs, 33 centuries. Fab Four: Williamson, Kohli, Smith, Root. Greatest achievement: 2021 WTC Final win vs India (Southampton). Post-retirement: Lucknow Super Giants (IPL) strategic advisor.
👔 Appointments
The Government of India (GoI), with the approval of President Droupadi Murmu, appointed Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth, PVSM, UYSM, AVSM as the next Chief of Army Staff (CoAS) in the substantive rank of General, effective from the afternoon of 30 June 2026. The announcement was made by the Ministry of Defence on 13 June 2026. He will be the 31st Chief of Army Staff of the Indian Army, succeeding the incumbent Gen Upendra Dwivedi, PVSM, AVSM upon his retirement.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Appointee | Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth, PVSM, UYSM, AVSM |
| Numerical Position | 31st Chief of Army Staff (CoAS) of Indian Army |
| Effective Date | Afternoon of 30 June 2026 |
| Expected Tenure | Until 31 August 2028 |
| Corps | Armoured Corps — first Armoured Corps officer as CoAS in ~29 years |
| Last Armoured Corps CoAS | Gen Shankar Roy Chowdhury (retired 1997) |
| Commissioning | 20 December 1986, IMA Dehradun — 2nd Lancers (Gardner’s Horse) |
| Current Role | 49th Vice Chief of Army Staff (VCAS) since 1 April 2026 |
| Predecessor | Gen Upendra Dwivedi, PVSM, AVSM (retiring) |
- Notable Commands: 1st Horse (Skinner’s Horse); XXI (Sudarshan Chakra) Corps; Delhi Area; South Western Command; Southern Command (GOC-in-C: July 2024 – March 2026).
- Family Legacy: Son of Lt Gen Krishna Mohan Seth (Retd), former Adjutant-General and Governor.
- Awards: Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM); Uttam Yudh Seva Medal (UYSM); Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM).
Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth = 31st CoAS; effective 30 June 2026; approved by President Droupadi Murmu; announced by MoD on 13 June 2026. Currently 49th VCAS (since 1 April 2026). Corps: Armoured Corps — first such CoAS in ~29 years (last: Gen Shankar Roy Chowdhury, 1997). Commissioned: 20 Dec 1986, IMA Dehradun. Awards: PVSM, UYSM, AVSM. Tenure: till 31 August 2028. Predecessor: Gen Upendra Dwivedi.
Padma Shri awardee and renowned Odisha-based sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik created history by winning the prestigious Grand Sand Master Cup 2026 at the II International Festival of Sand Sculpture held in Kaliningrad, Russia. He became the first Indian to receive this distinguished international honour. The competition, which commenced on 11 June 2026, featured 12 leading sand artists from across the world, and Pattnaik was unanimously selected by the jury.
| Award / Honour | Year | Distinction |
|---|---|---|
| Padma Shri | 2014 | Govt of India civilian honour |
| Italian Sand Art Award (Lecce) | 2019 | First Indian to win |
| Golden Sand Master Award, Russia | 2024 | – |
| Fred Darrington Sand Master Award, London | 2025 | – |
| Grand Sand Master Cup, Russia | 2026 | First Indian to win |
- Winning theme: Global warming and climate change — highlighted the vital role of trees in carbon absorption, oxygen release, water conservation, and soil protection.
- Home base: Odisha; based in Bhubaneswar.
- Art focus: Large-scale sand sculptures addressing social, environmental, and humanitarian themes — has placed Indian sand art prominently on the world stage.
Sudarsan Pattnaik won Grand Sand Master Cup 2026 (Kaliningrad, Russia) — first Indian to do so. Competition: II International Festival of Sand Sculpture; commenced 11 June 2026; 12 artists; unanimously selected. Theme: global warming & climate change. State: Odisha (Bhubaneswar). Awards: Padma Shri (2014); Italian Sand Art Award (2019 — first Indian); Golden Sand Master Award Russia (2024); Fred Darrington Award London (2025).
🔬 Science & Technology
NASA announced the four-member crew for the Artemis III mission, planned for late 2027. Crucially, this will be a two-week Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) mission — without approaching the Moon — to test docking between SpaceX’s Starship Human Landing System (HLS), Blue Origin’s Blue Moon lander, and NASA’s Orion capsule (launched on the Space Launch System / SLS). It is a crucial prerequisite for future crewed lunar landings.
| Crew Member | Country / Agency | Notable |
|---|---|---|
| Randy Bresnik (Commander) | USA / NASA | Veteran test pilot |
| Andre Douglas | USA / NASA | First spaceflight |
| Frank Rubio | USA / NASA | USA record: longest continuous ISS stay (371 days) |
| Luca Parmitano | Italy / ESA | First ESA astronaut & second non-USA astronaut in Artemis; veteran of two prior missions |
- Mission profile: Two-week LEO docking test — NOT a lunar landing; tests interoperability of SpaceX Starship (HLS), Blue Origin Blue Moon, and NASA Orion + SLS.
- Planned date: Late 2027 (Artemis III was originally planned as the first crewed lunar landing; mission profile revised to LEO docking test first).
- India connection: India is an Artemis Accords signatory (2023); ISRO and NASA have ongoing cooperation under the Artemis framework.
Artemis I (2022): Uncrewed lunar flyby. Artemis II (April 2026): First crewed lunar flyby in 50+ years. Artemis III (late 2027): LEO docking test (Starship HLS + Blue Moon + Orion). Crewed lunar south pole landing is now expected in a subsequent Artemis mission. Artemis IV: targeted by 2028.
Artemis III crew: Randy Bresnik (Commander), Andre Douglas (1st spaceflight), Frank Rubio (US record: 371-day ISS stay), Luca Parmitano (Italy/ESA — 1st ESA + 2nd non-USA in Artemis). Mission: LEO docking test (NOT lunar landing); planned late 2027. Vehicles: SpaceX Starship HLS + Blue Origin Blue Moon + Orion/SLS. India: Artemis Accords signatory (2023).
📅 Important Days
International Albinism Awareness Day (IAAD) was observed on 13 June 2026. The United Nations (UN) marks this day every year on 13 June to raise awareness about albinism and promote the rights, dignity, and inclusion of persons with albinism worldwide.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| 2026 Theme | ‘Proudly in My Skin: Celebrating All Skin Tones’ |
| Date | 13 June (annually) |
| First UN Resolution | UNHRC resolution A/HRC/23/13 — adopted 13 June 2013 |
| UNGA Proclamation | A/RES/69/170 — 18 December 2014 |
| First Observance | 13 June 2015 |
| Key Advocate | Ikponwosa Ero — first-ever UN Independent Expert on rights of persons with albinism |
- WHO Classification: Albinism is a congenital disorder characterised by the absence of melanin pigment in the skin, hair, and eyes.
- Global concern: Persons with albinism (PWA) face severe discrimination, violent attacks, and social stigma — particularly in Africa.
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) falls on 15 June annually. First launched on 15 June 2006 by INPEA (International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse) and WHO at the United Nations. 2026 Theme: ‘Beyond Awareness: Making Elder Abuse Prevention Work’. Observance colour: purple.
IAAD 2026 Theme: ‘Proudly in My Skin: Celebrating All Skin Tones’. Date: 13 June (annually). First observance: 13 June 2015. UNHRC resolution: A/HRC/23/13 (13 June 2013); UNGA proclamation: A/RES/69/170 (18 Dec 2014). Key advocate: Ikponwosa Ero (first UN Independent Expert on albinism). WHO: albinism = congenital disorder; absence of melanin. WEAAD: 15 June 2026; Theme: ‘Beyond Awareness: Making Elder Abuse Prevention Work’; launched 2006 (INPEA + WHO); colour: purple.
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