India–Indonesia Hold 8th Joint Commission Meeting in New Delhi
India and Indonesia conducted the 8th India–Indonesia Joint Commission Meeting in New Delhi in June 2026. Co-chaired by India's External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar and Indonesia's Foreign Minister Sugiono, the talks reviewed bilateral cooperation across defence, trade, health, education, pharmaceuticals, housing, and the creative industries. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership established in 2018 and discussed steps to deepen cooperation in regional security, connectivity, and economic collaboration. Officials highlighted progress in defence exchanges, manufacturing linkages, and people-to-people ties, while acknowledging shared interests in stabilising the Indo-Pacific region. India and Indonesia celebrated 75 years of diplomatic relations in 2025, reinforcing long-standing friendship and a forward-looking agenda.
8th Joint Commission Meeting held in New Delhi in June 2026
Co-chaired by EAM Dr. S. Jaishankar and Indonesia's Sugiono
Reviewed defence, trade, health, education, pharmaceuticals, housing, and creative industries
Discussions on regional security, connectivity, and economic cooperation
75 years of diplomatic relations celebrated in 2025
India Hosts 11th BRICS Foreign Policy Dialogue in New Delhi
India hosted the 11th BRICS Foreign Policy Dialogue in New Delhi, marking continued engagement among BRICS partners in early June 2026. The discussions focused on multilateral cooperation, regional security, trade, and political coordination, with delegates emphasising dialogue and consensus-building amid diverse positions. The event underlined India's role as BRICS chair in 2026 and reflected broader efforts to expand the group's influence on global governance, infrastructure finance, and sustainable development. Participants highlighted the importance of enhanced people-to-people exchanges and practical cooperation across member states, including joint projects in connectivity and digital technology. The dialogue contributed to shaping BRICS' common lines ahead of major summits.
11th BRICS Foreign Policy Dialogue hosted in New Delhi
World Food Safety Day 2026 Highlights Safe Food Everywhere
World Food Safety Day 2026 was observed on 7 June to raise awareness about food safety issues globally. The theme 'From burden to solutions – safe food everywhere' underlines the role of data and science in guiding actions to prevent foodborne diseases. The campaign encourages governments, businesses, and consumers to work together to build safer food systems. Food safety is linked to public health, food security, and economic development. National authorities highlighted steps to improve surveillance, traceability, and risk communication, while international partners stressed the importance of safe consumption and responsible production. The day renews commitments to evidence-based policies and practical measures.
Observation date: 7 June 2026
Theme: From burden to solutions – safe food everywhere
Emphasizes data and science in food safety actions
Targets safer food systems involving governments, businesses, and consumers
Links food safety to health, security, and economy
Advocates surveillance, traceability, and risk communication
Kerala Launches HAWK Digital Wildlife Offence Management
Kerala launched HAWK (Hostile Activity Watch Kernel), India's first digital wildlife offence management system integrated with the judiciary. Developed by the Kerala Forest Department, HAWK connects forest enforcement records with court systems, enabling better monitoring and tracking of wildlife crime cases. The platform uses a centralised database to improve coordination among stakeholders, including police, forest personnel, and prosecutors. HAWK is expected to enhance transparency, efficiency, and timeliness in wildlife-law enforcement and to support conservation governance through data-driven decision making. The initiative aligns with national efforts to modernise protection measures and strengthen accountability in biodiversity preservation. Experts say it could serve as a model for other states.
HAWK is India's first digital wildlife offence system
Integrated with the judiciary by Kerala Forest Department
Shri Saurabh Vijay was appointed Chief Executive Officer of the IndiaAI Mission in June 2026. An Indian Administrative Service officer of the 1998 Maharashtra cadre, he previously served as Chief Executive Officer of the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI). The IndiaAI Mission aims to accelerate artificial intelligence adoption across sectors and to build a robust AI ecosystem in partnership with industry, academia, and government. Under his leadership, the mission is expected to advance AI innovation, research, and digital infrastructure, and to promote responsible and inclusive use of AI in governance, health, education, and public services across India and beyond.
Saurabh Vijay appointed CEO of IndiaAI Mission
IAS officer, 1998 Maharashtra cadre
Former UIDAI CEO
Mission aims to accelerate AI adoption across sectors
Focus on innovation, research, and digital infrastructure
Promotes responsible and inclusive AI in governance and public services
Ulaanbaatar Open 2026: India Wins 16 Medals, Eight Golds
India delivered a strong showing at the Ulaanbaatar Open 2026 wrestling tournament in Mongolia, the third UWW Ranking Series event of the season. Indian wrestlers collected a total of 16 medals, including eight golds, reflecting depth in senior and junior squads. Deepak won gold in the men's freestyle 61 kg division, while Dinesh Dhankhar topped the 125 kg event. Several other Indian grapplers earned silver and bronze medals across freestyle and Greco-Roman categories. The performance served as an important preparation for the 2026 Asian Games, with coaches citing improved conditioning, technique, and tactical readiness ahead of the continental competition. This result boosted India's confidence in team events.
India won 16 medals; eight golds
Deepak won men's freestyle 61 kg gold
Dinesh Dhankhar won 125 kg gold
Medals across freestyle and Greco-Roman events
Prep for 2026 Asian Games
Improved conditioning and technique noted by coaches
Alexander Zverev Wins Maiden Grand Slam at French Open
Alexander Zverev won his first Grand Slam title by claiming the French Open at Roland Garros, defeating Italy's Flavio Cobolli in a dramatic five-set final. The victory marked a long-awaited breakthrough for the German star, who had previously come close at major events. Zverev became the first German man to win the French Open since Henner Henkel in 1937, a milestone celebrated in German tennis and by fans worldwide. The triumph caps a year of resilience after injuries and personal challenges, reinforcing Zverev's status among the sport's elite and signaling a resurgence in his career as he chases further majors.
Zverev wins first Grand Slam title at Roland Garros
India Showcases TEJASTRA Next-gen Defence Laser System
During Prime Minister Modi's 6 June 2026 visit to New Delhi, India's defence establishment showcased TEJASTRA, a High Energy Laser System for counter-drone and air-defence roles, as part of a broader display of next-generation arsenal. The Hazira facility demonstration highlighted indigenous propulsion and related technologies, signaling progress toward self-reliant defence production. Officials stressed that TEJASTRA aligns with Make in India and 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' goals by reducing dependence on external suppliers for critical capabilities. Defence analysts noted that such demonstrations aim to boost strategic deterrence, spur private sector participation, and accelerate research in hypersonics and directed-energy weapons. The event signalled a push for domestic programmes and industry collaboration.
TEJASTRA laser system showcased in June 2026
Demonstration included indigenous propulsion tech
Aims to reduce reliance on external suppliers
Aligned with Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat
Intended to boost deterrence and private sector participation
Advances in hypersonics and directed-energy research cited
Han Seong-sook Nominated as South Korea's Prime Minister
South Korea nominated Han Seong-sook as its next Prime Minister in June 2026. She currently serves as the Minister for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises and Startups. The nomination comes as the government focuses on fostering economic innovation and entrepreneurship to drive growth and job creation. If approved by the National Assembly, Han would become the first woman to lead the country’s government in two decades. Her record includes pro-business reforms and support for small businesses, including policies to ease regulatory burdens and promote startups. Analysts expect her leadership to influence Korea's economic strategy, investment climate, and technology-driven development agenda. Her nomination follows a broader reform push to enhance competitiveness.
Han Seong-sook nominated as Prime Minister in June 2026
Currently Minister for SMEs and Startups
Approval pending from National Assembly
Would be first female PM in two decades if approved
Advocates pro-business reforms and startup support
Expected to influence Korea’s economic and tech policy
India–Nepal Link UPI with NPI for Cross-Border Remittances
India and Nepal announced the linkage of India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI) with Nepal's National Payments Interface (NPI) to facilitate cross-border personal remittances. The announcement was made during Nepal Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal's visit to New Delhi. The two sides also discussed strengthening economic cooperation and digital connectivity, including efforts to broaden financial inclusion. In addition, India handed over several post-earthquake reconstruction projects to Nepal, reflecting ongoing development assistance. The UPI–NPI linkage is expected to simplify remittance transfers, reduce costs, and accelerate digital financial inclusion for citizens and businesses on both sides, enabling faster, safer cross-border payments. Officials said the arrangement would support small exporters and migrant workers.
UPI linked with Nepal's NPI for cross-border remittances
Announced during Nepal's FM Shisir Khanal's visit to New Delhi
Aims to enhance financial inclusion and digital connectivity
India handed over post-earthquake reconstruction projects to Nepal
Expected to reduce remittance costs and processing time
Supports small exporters and migrant workers
Tamil Nadu Releases Cool Roof SOP on World Environment Day
Tamil Nadu released India's first state-level Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for Cool Roof Coating Applications on World Environment Day. The SOP, developed by the Tamil Nadu Green Climate Company and the Tamil Nadu Climate Change Mission, was prepared in collaboration with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). It standardises cool-roof implementation across homes, schools, and public buildings, with specifications on materials, application methods, and performance criteria. The framework supports climate resilience and sustainable urban development by reducing indoor temperatures, cutting energy use, and improving thermal comfort. Officials say the SOP could serve as a model for other states seeking heat-mitigation strategies.
First state-level SOP for Cool Roof Coating in India
Launched on World Environment Day by Tamil Nadu
Collaboration with UNEP and TN climate bodies
Standardises materials, methods, and performance
Aims to reduce indoor heat and energy use
Could serve as model for other states
PM Modi Inaugurates NAMO Airport Terminal at Daman
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the modern terminal building at Daman's NAMO Airport in June 2026, inaugurating a key project to strengthen air connectivity in the Union Territory. The terminal upgrade is part of a broader development push that includes improved passenger facilities, infrastructure, and connectivity. Officials described the facility as a catalyst for regional tourism, trade, and economic development, noting improved access to major cities such as Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and Delhi. The project aligns with national plans to expand domestic aviation and integrate hinterland regions into the national transport network, contributing to a faster, more connected Bharat. The ceremony marked another milestone in Modi government's push for regional accessibility.
Inauguration of NAMO Airport terminal in Daman
Part of broader infrastructure and connectivity push
Improves access to Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Delhi
Aligns with expansion of domestic aviation
Aims to boost regional tourism and trade
Symbolic milestone in regional accessibility drive