BRICS National Security Advisers’ Meeting hosted by India
India hosted the BRICS National Security Advisers’ Meeting in June 2026. The two-day gathering was chaired by India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and included security chiefs from eleven BRICS member countries. The theme centered on non-traditional security challenges facing the world today. Delegates discussed cyber threats, terrorism financing, and transnational crime, while reviewing cooperation frameworks across economics and information sharing. The talks aimed to align positions ahead of the BRICS Summit later in 2026. Officials stressed pragmatic, action-oriented cooperation with respect for sovereignty and the importance of expanding people-to-people contacts and intelligence-sharing mechanisms.
Two-day meeting in June 2026; chaired by Ajit Doval.
Attended by security chiefs from 11 BRICS members.
Theme: Non-traditional security challenges.
Discussions on cyber threats, terrorism financing, cross-border crime.
Aimed to align BRICS positions ahead of the September summit.
BRICS NSA meeting to be hosted by India on 22–23 June 2026
India will host the BRICS National Security Advisers meeting on 22–23 June 2026 in New Delhi to set the security agenda ahead of the BRICS Summit later this year. The meeting will be chaired by National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, with security chiefs from BRICS member states in attendance. Discussions will cover non-traditional threats, information sharing, cyber security, and coordinated responses to terrorism and illicit finance. The talks also aim to deliver outputs for the September BRICS Summit. Observers expect concrete recommendations to advance cooperation while respecting sovereignty and enhancing collective security among BRICS partners.
Dates: 22–23 June 2026; venue: New Delhi.
Chaired by National Security Adviser Ajit Doval.
Participants: security chiefs from 11 BRICS members.
Topics: non-traditional threats, cyber security, information sharing.
Ladakh bans identified single-use plastics and littering
Ladakh, a Union Territory, banned identified single-use plastic items and littering in June 2026. Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena issued the order, covering individuals, hotels, eateries and other commercial establishments across the region. Inspections and penalties are part of the enforcement, with direct action against violators. The move supports environmental protection and aligns with national efforts to reduce plastic waste while protecting the unique ecosystem and tourism appeal of Ladakh. Compliance will be monitored, and further guidelines may be issued as needed to ensure clean and sustainable spaces for residents and visitors alike. The ban may set a precedent for other destinations.
Ban covers single-use plastics and littering in Ladakh.
Order issued by Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena.
Applies to individuals and commercial establishments.
India wins FIH Women’s Nations Cup 2026, earns Pro League promotion
India won the FIH Women’s Nations Cup 2026, defeating hosts New Zealand 2–0 in the final in New Zealand. The team remained unbeaten throughout the tournament and had earlier defeated Chile 6–0 in the semi‑final. This victory secures India’s promotion to the FIH Women’s Pro League for the 2026–27 season, strengthening the country’s standing in international women’s hockey. Players and coaches celebrated the achievement as a milestone for Indian women’s hockey, highlighting improvements in domestic training and youth development programs. The result could boost investment and participation in women’s sports across India.
India defeated New Zealand 2–0 in the final.
Unbeaten throughout the Nations Cup; beat Chile 6–0 in semi-final.
Promotion to FIH Women’s Pro League 2026–27 earned.
Win signals progress in Indian women’s hockey development.
Positive impact on participation and investment in women’s sports.
Jonathan the Seychelles giant tortoise recognised as world’s oldest living land animal
Jonathan the Seychelles giant tortoise, living on Saint Helena, has been recognised as the world’s oldest known living land animal. Born around 1832, he is estimated to be about 194 years old in 2026. The tortoise has withstood changes on the remote island and remains a symbol of longevity. In June 2026, Jonathan was named a Guinness World Records Icon for his remarkable lifespan. He is cared for by keepers at the Saint Helena Government's education and environment service, preserving a living link to the island’s natural history and to global discussions on longevity in living beings.
Jonathan is a Seychelles giant tortoise based on Saint Helena.
Born around 1832; age estimated at 194 in 2026.
Recognised as a Guinness World Records Icon in June 2026.
Symbol of longevity and resilience for researchers and visitors.
Cared for by Saint Helena Government's education and environment service.
Vivek Aggarwal appointed FATF Vice President
Senior Indian bureaucrat Vivek Aggarwal has been appointed as the Vice President of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) for the 2026–27 term. He will assume the role from July 2026 to June 2027, marking the first time India holds this influential global post. FATF is the international watchdog for money laundering and terrorist financing. The appointment is viewed as a milestone for India’s role in shaping global financial security standards. The government praised the decision, which could bolster India's influence on international norms and strengthen cooperation on compliance and surveillance to curb illicit finance.
Aggarwal appointed FATF Vice President for 2026–27.
Term: July 2026 to June 2027; first Indian VP at FATF.
FATF oversees anti-money laundering and counter-terror financing.
Strengthens India’s role in global financial governance.
May enhance international cooperation on compliance.
International Yoga Day is celebrated annually on 21 June to promote yoga benefits. The 2026 theme is 'Yoga for Healthy Ageing', highlighting yoga as a tool for longevity, mobility and mental well‑being across all ages. Governments, schools and wellness groups organize events to encourage lifelong wellness. India’s Ayush Ministry coordinates national observances and works with states for mass sessions, conferences, and public programs. The IDY observance emphasizes preventive care and inclusive participation, with global attendance and continued UN support since 2014.
IDY is observed on 21 June each year.
2026 theme: 'Yoga for Healthy Ageing'.
Focus on mobility, balance and mental well-being.
Ayush Ministry coordinates national programs in India.
Global participation supported by United Nations.
International Yoga Day 2026 celebrated globally with theme 'Yoga for Healthy Ageing'
International Yoga Day 2026 was celebrated globally on 21 June, with numerous events and programs under the official theme 'Yoga for Healthy Ageing'. The theme emphasizes longevity, mobility and mental well-being across all ages. In India, the Ayush Ministry coordinated national programs, including mass sessions and conferences in multiple cities, showcasing preventive care and inclusive participation. The observance highlights yoga’s role in public health and active aging, with the United Nations backing the annual celebration since 2014. Communities worldwide participated to promote well-being, resilience, and social cohesion through structured yoga activities and education.
IDY 2026 date: 21 June; global observance.
Theme: 'Yoga for Healthy Ageing'.
Ayush Ministry led national programs in India.
UN-backed observance promoting health and inclusivity.
Events aimed at all ages to encourage lifelong practice.
Odisha to host India’s first coal-to-ammonium nitrate plant
India's first commercial-scale coal-to-ammonium nitrate project will be built in Lakhanpur, Jharsuguda district, Odisha. The Rs 25,016 crore facility aims to convert domestic coal into high-value industrial chemicals such as ammonium nitrate. The foundation stone was laid virtually in June 2026 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu, signaling strong central-state collaboration for industrial growth. The plant is expected to boost domestic chemical manufacturing and reduce import dependence, while creating jobs and integrating with regional energy and mineral corridors in eastern India. Project timelines and commissioning dates will be announced by officials at a later date.
Location: Lakhanpur, Jharsuguda district, Odisha.
First commercial-scale coal-to-ammonium nitrate plant in India.
Project cost: Rs 25,016 crore.
Foundation stone laid virtually in June 2026 by PM Modi and President Murmu.
Aims to boost domestic chemical manufacturing and reduce imports.
Nirbhay Chetna initiative launched under Nirbhaya Fund
The Ministry of Panchayati Raj launched the Nirbhay Chetna initiative under the Nirbhaya Fund to promote women's safety, rights and gender equality. The programme targets male elected representatives at the grassroots level to shift attitudes through awareness and capacity-building. A three-day Training of Trainers programme was held in New Delhi in June 2026, aiming to foster gender-responsive governance at the village level. If successful, the scheme could be scaled nationwide, with ongoing monitoring to assess changes in governance and safety protocols within panchayats and local bodies.
Initiative targets male elected representatives at the grassroots level.
Three-day Training of Trainers programme conducted in New Delhi, June 2026.
Aims to promote women's safety, rights and gender equality.
Part of the Nirbhaya Fund under gender-responsive governance.
Foundation stone laid for Shri Ambabai Temple Development Plan
Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah laid the foundation stone for the Shri Ambabai Mahalaxmi Temple Development Plan in Kolhapur, Maharashtra. The project costs Rs 1,445.97 crore and aims to enhance pilgrim facilities while preserving the temple’s heritage. Upgrades will include better access, parking, drainage and security arrangements during peak festival seasons. The development aligns with broader heritage-conservation efforts and is expected to boost religious tourism in western Maharashtra. Local communities anticipate improved amenities for devotees while safeguarding centuries-old architectural values. State government will later announce construction timelines and funding milestones.
Foundation stone by Amit Shah in Kolhapur, Maharashtra.
Project cost: Rs 1,445.97 crore.
Aims to improve pilgrim facilities and preserve heritage.
Upgrades include access, parking, drainage and security.
Expected to boost religious tourism and preserve architecture.
Professor Bimal N. Patel has been elected as a judge of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) for the 2026–2035 term. He was India's candidate for the post. ITLOS resolves disputes concerning the interpretation and application of UNCLOS. Patel’s election strengthens India's representation in international maritime law institutions and highlights ongoing cooperation between India and global legal bodies. ITLOS judges serve nine-year terms, and Patel will sit among judges from various nations, contributing to maritime jurisprudence and ocean governance on issues such as freedom of navigation, resource exploitation, and environmental protection.
Patel elected as ITLOS judge for 2026–2035.
India’s candidate for the post; strengthens maritime law presence.
ITLOS deals with UNCLOS interpretation and application.
Nine-year term for ITLOS judges.
Enhances India’s role in international ocean governance.
+91-85588-96644
