1. SIPRI Yearbook 2026: India in Top 5 Military Spenders, 190 Nuclear Warheads
Why in News?
The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) released the SIPRI Yearbook 2026 — its annual assessment of armaments, disarmament, and international security — marking 60 years since SIPRI's founding in 1966. The report placed India among the world's top five military spenders and assessed a gradual expansion of its nuclear arsenal.
Key Points
India's defence expenditure reached USD 92.1 billion in 2025, an increase of 8.9% over 2024, ranking it 5th globally.
India's nuclear stockpile grew from approximately 180 warheads (2025) to ~190 warheads as of January 2026.
For the first time, SIPRI assessed India as having 12 operationally deployed nuclear warheads, a shift from earlier "stockpiled only" classification.
India's nuclear modernisation is increasingly focused on long-range delivery systems capable of striking targets across China, while Pakistan remains a planning focus.
Global top spenders (2025): USA – USD 954 billion (1st); China – USD 336 billion (2nd); Russia – USD 190 billion (3rd); India – USD 92.1 billion (5th).
Total global nuclear inventory (January 2026): ~12,187 warheads; ~9,745 in military stockpiles; ~4,012 deployed on missiles/aircraft.
All 9 nuclear-armed states — USA, Russia, UK, France, China, India, Pakistan, North Korea, Israel — continued nuclear modernisation in 2025.
Global military expenditure reached USD 2.9 trillion in 2025 (2.5% of global GDP) — the 11th consecutive year of increase.
China now holds ~620 warheads — the fastest-expanding nuclear arsenal globally; Pakistan holds ~170 warheads.
Operation Sindoor (India–Pakistan standoff, 2025) was noted in the SIPRI report as an unusual security episode in South Asia.
India remains the 2nd-largest importer of major arms globally (2021–25 period, 8.2% share).
Static Knowledge
SIPRI is headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden; founded in 1966.
India maintains a No First Use (NFU) nuclear doctrine and credible minimum deterrence posture.
India is not a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
India's nuclear programme is overseen by the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) and the Strategic Forces Command (SFC) under the Nuclear Command Authority.
The Nuclear Command Authority (NCA) is chaired by the Prime Minister of India.
The Ministry of Coal notified the Coal Exchange Rules, 2026 in the Official Gazette, establishing a framework for electronic, competitive coal trading in India. This marks a structural shift from the legacy "one-to-many" allocation model to a transparent "many-to-many" market-based platform.
Key Points
Rules notified under Section 18B of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, as amended by the MMDR Amendment Act, 2025.
The MMDR Amendment Act, 2025, introduced the concept of a Mineral Exchange and empowered the Centre to promote transparent trading.
Coal Controller Organisation (CCO) was designated in December 2025 as the nodal regulatory authority to register and regulate Coal Exchanges.
Exchange operators receive a 25-year registration; must maintain a minimum net worth of ₹50 crore.
Demutualised structure mandated — ownership and trading rights are separated to prevent conflicts of interest.
Every exchange must maintain a Settlement Guarantee Fund — at least 50% in safe/liquid instruments (Govt. securities, T-bills, scheduled bank deposits).
Electronic trading systems must maintain automated audit trails and a cybersecurity framework.
Existing electronic coal trading platforms must register as Coal Exchanges within 6 months of the first registered exchange commencing operations.
Public Sector Units (Coal India Limited, SCCL) will also participate in this competitive marketplace.
Static Knowledge
Coal India Limited (CIL) is the world's largest coal producer; a Navratna PSU under Ministry of Coal.
Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) is a joint venture of Government of Telangana and Government of India.
India is the world's 2nd largest coal consumer and producer.
The MMDR Act, 1957 is the primary legislation governing mining in India.
Coal accounts for over 50% of India's total energy production.
3. Union Cabinet Approves Ahmedabad Metro Phase 2A — Airport Connectivity Corridor
Why in News?
The Union Cabinet approved Phase 2A of the Ahmedabad Metro Rail Project on 10 June 2026, extending the metro network to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, improving urban mobility and multimodal integration in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
Key Points
Project extends 6.032 km from Koteshwar Road to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel (SVP) International Airport, Ahmedabad.
Estimated project cost: ₹2,169.04 crore (inclusive of interest during construction).
The corridor will have 5 stations: Ashram Road, Koteshwar Prachin Mandir, Sabarmati River, Sardar Nagar, and Airport.
Completion timeline: 4 years from date of Cabinet approval.
Upon completion, Ahmedabad–Gandhinagar Metro network will reach a total operational length of ~77.63 km.
Expected to generate ~2,000–2,500 jobs during construction and ~500 jobs in operations and maintenance.
The project supports urban rapid transit, electric mobility, and multimodal connectivity.
Static Knowledge
Ahmedabad is the largest city in Gujarat; also home to Sabarmati Ashram (Mahatma Gandhi's residence).
SVP International Airport is the main airport serving Ahmedabad; named after Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, India's first Home Minister and "Iron Man of India".
Metro rail projects in India are governed by the Metro Rail Policy 2017 and implemented under a Centre–State partnership.
Ahmedabad was India's first city to receive the UNESCO World Heritage City designation (2017).
GIFT City (Gujarat International Finance Tec-City) is located on the Ahmedabad–Gandhinagar corridor.
4. BHAVYA Portal Launched — 100 Industrial Parks Under ₹33,660 Crore Scheme
Why in News?
Union Minister Piyush Goyal (Ministry of Commerce & Industry) launched the BHAVYA Portal to operationalise the Bharat Audyogik Vikas Yojana (BHAVYA), India's flagship scheme for developing 100 world-class industrial parks.
Key Points
BHAVYA Scheme total outlay: ₹33,660 crore over 6 years.
Objective: Develop 100 investment-ready industrial parks integrating manufacturing, innovation, MSMEs, and startups.
Implementation model: 51:49 Centre–State Partnership via NICDC (National Industrial Corridor Development Corporation) under DPIIT, Ministry of Commerce & Industry.
Government of India support: Up to ₹1 crore per acre for core, value-added, and social infrastructure; up to 25% of project cost for external connectivity.
BHAVYA Portal functions as a unified digital platform for: DPR submission, project appraisal, evaluation, and real-time progress monitoring.
The portal leverages satellite-based land assessment, digital mapping, testing/certification, and innovation ecosystems.
Targets the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047 through industrial self-reliance and global competitiveness.
Static Knowledge
NICDC (National Industrial Corridor Development Corporation) was earlier known as DMIC Development Corporation.
India's major industrial corridors include: Delhi–Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC), Chennai–Bengaluru Industrial Corridor (CBIC), Amritsar–Kolkata Industrial Corridor (AKIC), and others.
DPIIT (Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade) is the nodal department for industrial policy and investment promotion under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry.
The Make in India initiative was launched in 2014 and covers 27 sectors.
India ranks 63rd in the World Bank Ease of Doing Business Index (last published 2020).
Nepal's Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal made a 3-day official visit to India (June 5–7, 2026) at the invitation of EAM Dr. S. Jaishankar, resulting in three significant bilateral outcomes with implications for India's Neighbourhood First Policy.
Key Points
Three major outcomes:
UPI–NPI Linkage: Person-to-Person (P2P) cross-border payment link established between India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and Nepal's National Payment Interface (NPI).
BHASHINI MoU: MoU signed between Digital India BHASHINI Division (DIBD, under MeitY) and Kathmandu University's Centre for DPI and AI — to co-develop multilingual language tech and Digital Public Infrastructure.
84 reconstruction projects (funded by India post-2015 Nepal earthquake) handed over to Nepal.
Nepal FM also met NSA Ajit Doval for high-level security discussions.
Bilateral discussions covered: development cooperation, connectivity, trade and transit, energy, and people-to-people ties.
India and Nepal share a 1,850 km open border under the 1950 Treaty of Peace and Friendship.
Nepal is crucial for India under the Neighbourhood First Policy and SAARC engagement.
Static Knowledge
India and Nepal share the longest land border; no visa required for Indian nationals to enter Nepal.
The 1950 Indo-Nepal Treaty of Peace and Friendship grants reciprocal rights of residence, property ownership, and participation in trade/commerce.
The 1996 Ganga Water Treaty between India and Bangladesh (not Nepal) is set to expire soon — a separate bilateral concern.
BHASHINI (BHArat ki bhaasha ke liye Speech Interface) — India's AI-led national language translation mission under MeitY.
UPI is regulated by NPCI (National Payments Corporation of India).
6. RBI Deputy Governor Swaminathan Janakiraman Reappointed for 2 Years
Why in News?
The Central Government reappointed Swaminathan Janakiraman as Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank of India for an additional two-year term, effective June 26, 2026, ensuring continuity in banking regulation and supervisory oversight.
Key Points
Reappointment effective from June 26, 2026 — for 2 years, or until further orders.
He was originally appointed on June 26, 2023 for a 3-year term, replacing MK Jain (former MD of IDBI Bank).
Before RBI, Janakiraman served as Managing Director, State Bank of India (SBI) (January 2021 – June 2023); 34+ years at SBI.
At RBI, he oversees: Department of Supervision and Inspection — a critical regulatory function.
RBI currently has 4 Deputy Governors: Swaminathan Janakiraman, Poonam Gupta, Shirish Chandra Murmu, and Rohit Jain.
RBI Governor: Sanjay Malhotra.
The reappointment aligns with the RBI's focus on digital transformation, evolving regulatory requirements, and financial resilience.
Static Knowledge
The RBI Act, 1934 mandates that RBI must have 4 Deputy Governors — two from within RBI's ranks, one commercial banker, and one economist (to lead monetary policy).
RBI was established on April 1, 1935 under the RBI Act, 1934; nationalised in 1949.
RBI's central office is in Mumbai (originally Kolkata).
The current RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra assumed charge on December 11, 2024, succeeding Shaktikanta Das.
NABARD, SIDBI, and NHB were established under RBI's supervision.
7. Madhya Pradesh Withdraws Two-Child Norm for Government Jobs
Why in News?
Madhya Pradesh became a significant state to formally rescind the two-child policy as an eligibility criterion for government employment, reflecting a broader national trend toward pronatalist policy shifts amid changing demographic realities.
Key Points
The MP government ordered the General Administration Department (GAD) to remove the two-child norm from both new recruitment eligibility and service conditions for existing government employees.
The policy reversal aligns with India's demographic shift — declining Total Fertility Rate (TFR) in several states, creating concerns about an ageing population.
Several other states including Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Assam have previously debated similar policies.
The two-child norm was originally introduced to discourage population growth; its removal signals a policy U-turn in favour of population stabilisation rather than reduction.
Constitutionally, family planning is a Concurrent List subject (Entry 20A, added by 42nd Constitutional Amendment, 1976).
Static Knowledge
India's National Population Policy was last issued in 2000, targeting Total Fertility Rate of 2.1 by 2010 (replacement level).
India's current TFR (National Family Health Survey-5, 2019–21): 2.0 — below the replacement level of 2.1.
42nd Constitutional Amendment (1976) added Article 51A (Fundamental Duties) and transferred several subjects (including population control) to Concurrent List.
The Supreme Court has held that the two-child norm for Panchayat elections (Haryana case) does not violate the Constitution (Javed vs. State of Haryana, 2003).
India surpassed China as the world's most populous nation in 2023 (UN estimate).
8. Textile PLI Scheme Round 3 — 22 New Applicants Approved
Why in News?
The Union government approved 22 new applicants under the third round of the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Textiles on 10 June 2026, expanding incentive-linked investments in man-made fibres (MMF) and technical textiles.
Key Points
The Textile PLI Scheme focuses on man-made fibres (MMF) apparel, MMF fabrics, and technical textiles — segments where India has historically lagged.
PLI for Textiles was approved in September 2021 with a total outlay of ₹10,683 crore over 5 years.
It targets global competitiveness in high-value textiles and is part of the broader PLI programme across 14 sectors.
Round 3 approval of 22 new applicants will drive fresh investments, additional manufacturing capacity, and export orientation.
India's textile and apparel industry is valued at ~USD 165 billion; it employs over 45 million people directly.
India is the 2nd largest exporter of textiles and garments globally.
Ministry of Textiles is the nodal ministry for the PLI Textile Scheme.
Static Knowledge
The PLI (Production Linked Incentive) Scheme was launched in 2020; covers 14 sectors including pharmaceuticals, electronics, textiles, food processing, automobiles, and advanced chemistry cells.
Technical textiles include products like airbags, surgical dressings, geotextiles, and filtration fabrics.
India's National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM) runs from 2020–2025 with an outlay of ₹1,480 crore.
India's largest textile clusters are in Surat (MMF), Tiruppur (knitwear), Ludhiana (woollens), and Panipat (recycled fibres).
The Samarth Scheme (Scheme for Capacity Building in Textile Sector) promotes skill development in textiles.
9. COP31 — Turkey-Australia Co-Presidency Proposes 35% Global Electrification Target by 2035
Why in News?
The COP31 co-presidency, jointly held by Turkey and Australia, proposed a global target to raise electricity's share of final energy demand to 35% by 2035, as part of accelerating energy transition efforts ahead of COP31 (scheduled in 2026).
Key Points
COP31 is scheduled to be held in 2026, co-hosted by Turkey and Australia.
The proposed 35% electrification target aims to significantly raise electricity's share of total final energy consumption — currently at approximately 20–22% globally.
The target aligns with the Paris Agreement goal of limiting global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.
Electricity from renewables (solar, wind, hydro) is increasingly central to decarbonising sectors like transport, heating, and industry.
The proposal was announced on June 9, 2026 and will feed into COP31 negotiations.
Previous COP milestones: COP28 (Dubai, 2023) — first explicit fossil fuel transition reference in a COP decision; COP29 (Baku, Azerbaijan, 2024) — climate finance; COP30 (Belém, Brazil, 2025).
Static Knowledge
COP (Conference of the Parties) meets annually under the UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change), adopted in 1992 at the Rio Earth Summit.
The Paris Agreement was adopted at COP21 (Paris, 2015) and entered into force in 2016.
India's NDC (Nationally Determined Contribution) targets: 50% of cumulative electric power installed from non-fossil sources by 2030; reduce GDP emission intensity by 45% by 2030 (from 2005 base).
UNFCCC Secretariat is located in Bonn, Germany.
India's National Solar Mission (part of National Action Plan on Climate Change, NAPCC) targets 280 GW solar capacity by 2030.
10. Regional Meteorological Centre Inaugurated in Lucknow
Why in News?
Union Minister of State (I/C) Jitendra Singh (Ministry of Earth Sciences) and UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath jointly inaugurated the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC), Lucknow — a significantly upgraded facility to serve UP, Uttarakhand, and adjoining regions.
Key Points
RMC Lucknow is upgraded from the Lucknow Meteorological Observatory established in 1894.
Functions: Impact-based weather forecasts, early warnings, disaster preparedness, aviation meteorology.
Under Mission Mausam (launched 2024, Ministry of Earth Sciences), India's DWR network will expand from 50 to ~100 radars over 2 years.
Mission Mausam uses AI/ML-enabled forecasting for improved accuracy and lead time.
Static Knowledge
India Meteorological Department (IMD) was established in 1875; headquartered in New Delhi.
IMD functions under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES).
Mission Mausam (2024) focuses on modernising weather observation networks and AI-based forecasting.
India's National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) works in coordination with IMD for early warning systems.
Doppler Weather Radar detects precipitation, storm structure, wind patterns, and can track cyclones — essential for India's cyclone-prone coastlines.
11. Kerala's Priyadarshini Scheme — Free Bus Travel for Women
Why in News?
The Kerala Cabinet approved the Priyadarshini Scheme on 10 June 2026, granting free travel for women on Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) ordinary services.
Key Points
Scheme name: Priyadarshini — free bus travel for women on KSRTC ordinary (non-express) services.
Aimed at improving mobility access, reducing financial burden, and supporting women's participation in economic activities.
Kerala is a leading state in gender indices; the scheme builds on its social welfare orientation.
KSRTC (Kerala State Road Transport Corporation) is one of India's largest state-run transport corporations.
Similar gender-sensitive transport schemes exist in Delhi, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh.
Static Knowledge
Kerala ranks 1st in India on the Gender Inequality Index (GII) among major states (lower score = better equality).
Kerala's literacy rate (2011 Census): 94% — highest in India.
KSRTC is headquartered in Thiruvananthapuram.
Kerala's Kudumbashree Mission is a world-renowned women-led poverty eradication programme.
12. RahVeer Scheme — Rapido Ties Up with MoRTH for Road Accident Victims
Why in News?
Rapido (Roppen Transportation Services Pvt. Ltd.) partnered with the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) to promote the RahVeer Scheme — a reward-based initiative for assisting road accident victims during the "Golden Hour."
Key Points
RahVeer Scheme launched: April 2025 by MoRTH.
Rewards eligible Good Samaritans with ₹25,000 and a certificate of appreciation for transporting road accident victims to hospital during the Golden Hour.
The scheme assures legal protection for Good Samaritans from police interrogation or legal hassle.
The Rapido–MoRTH initiative engaged 4 lakh+ Rapido captains across 400+ cities.
The initiative earned a Guinness World Record (GWR) — over 4 lakh captains simultaneously taking the RahVeer Pledge.
Agreement signed in the presence of Union Minister Nitin Gadkari and Aravind Sanka (Co-founder, Rapido).
Golden Hour in medical context: The critical first hour after trauma when emergency treatment can be life-saving.
Static Knowledge
The Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019 introduced provisions for protecting Good Samaritans.
India records ~1.5 lakh road accident deaths annually — one of the highest globally.
Good Samaritan Law in India: Protected under MoRTH guidelines (2015) and Motor Vehicles Amendment Act 2019.
MoRTH is headed by Minister Nitin Gadkari; it manages India's national highway network of over 1.46 lakh km.
The Union government approved a ₹1,359-crore project for four-laning the Nagaur–Bikaner stretch of National Highway 62 (NH-62) in Rajasthan on 10 June 2026.
Key Points
Project: Four-laning of NH-62 Nagaur–Bikaner stretch in Rajasthan.
Estimated project cost: ₹1,359 crore.
Improves strategic connectivity in western Rajasthan — a region of defence and economic significance (close to the India–Pakistan border area).
NH-62 connects Nagaur and Bikaner, both important historical and commercial cities of Rajasthan.
The project will enhance road quality, reduce travel time, and support logistics and defence mobility.
Static Knowledge
NHAI (National Highways Authority of India) is the nodal agency for NH development, under MoRTH.
Bikaner is known for the Junagarh Fort, camel breeding, and as India's largest district by area.
Rajasthan shares a 1,037 km border with Pakistan — strategic for BSF and defence logistics.
India's Bharatmala Pariyojana (Phase-I: ₹5.35 lakh crore) is the flagship highway development programme.
India's total National Highway network: >1.46 lakh km (as of 2024).
Important Reports, Indexes & Data
Report/Index
Released By
Key Finding
SIPRI Yearbook 2026
Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI)
India: 5th largest military spender (USD 92.1 bn); 190 nuclear warheads
Global Military Expenditure 2025
SIPRI
Global spending reached USD 2.9 trillion — 11th consecutive year of increase
Nuclear Inventory 2026
SIPRI
12,187 total warheads globally; 9,745 in military stockpiles
Important Appointments & Awards
Category
Name / Detail
RBI Deputy Governor (Reappointed)
Swaminathan Janakiraman (effective June 26, 2026 — 2 years)