Bangladesh Joins International Big Cat Alliance as 27th Member
Bangladesh formally joined the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) in June 2026, becoming its 27th member. The IBCA is a treaty-based global network led by India for the conservation of big cats, including tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard, cheetah, jaguar and puma. The expansion strengthens regional cooperation to protect habitat, combat illegal wildlife trade, and share best practices in monitoring and rescue. Bangladesh's accession extends cross-border conservation efforts across South Asia and complements existing programs in India, Nepal and Bhutan. The move highlights India's leadership role in regional biodiversity initiatives and its engagement with neighbouring countries on wildlife protection; Must-know within last 48 hours: Bangladesh joined IBCA, expanding regional cooperation.
Bangladesh joined IBCA in June 2026 as the 27th member.
IBCA is a treaty-based alliance led by India for big-cat conservation.
Species covered include tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard, cheetah, jaguar and puma.
Expansion enhances regional cooperation on habitat protection and anti-poaching.
Hemis Festival 2026 Celebrated at Hemis Monastery in Ladakh
Hemis Festival 2026 was celebrated at the Hemis Monastery in Ladakh in June 2026. The two-day Buddhist festival marks the birth anniversary of Guru Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rinpoche, who is revered in Tibetan Buddhism. The ceremony featured sacred Cham masked dances, prayers, monastic rituals, and colourful displays of Ladakhi Buddhist culture. Pilgrims from across Ladakh and visitors from other Indian states attended, observing centuries-old ritual music and storytelling performed on the monastery hills above the Indus valley. Officials described Hemis as a major spiritual site that supports monastic education and regional tourism, reflecting the enduring Buddhist heritage of the Himalayas; Must-know within last 48 hours: Ladakh authorities announced crowd-management and security arrangements for the festival.
Hemis Monastery, Ladakh, hosted the two-day festival in June 2026.
The festival commemorates the birth anniversary of Guru Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche).
Cham masked dances, prayers, and Ladakhi cultural displays featured prominently.
The festival site sits above the Indus valley, highlighting Himalayan Buddhist heritage and regional tourism.
Start Run, Stop Drugs Campaign Launched in Tamil Nadu on 26 June
The Start Run, Stop Drugs anti-drug awareness run was organised in Tamil Nadu on 26 June 2026. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay flagged off the event at Marina Beach, Chennai, to mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. The campaign aimed to spread awareness about the dangers of drug abuse and promote a drug-free society. It involved local volunteers, school groups, and civil society organisations who carried banners and conducted community outreach. Health officials used the run to emphasize prevention, early intervention, and access to rehabilitation services, aligning with national efforts to curb illicit drug trade; Must-know within last 48 hours: Event linked to 26 June observance.
Event held in Tamil Nadu on 26 June 2026.
CM C. Joseph Vijay flagged off the run at Marina Beach, Chennai.
Campaign focused on awareness, prevention, and rehabilitation access.
Involvement of volunteers, schools, and civil society groups.
International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking Observed on 26 June 2026
The International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking is observed every year on 26 June. It was established by the United Nations to strengthen global action against drug abuse and illicit drug trade. The 2026 campaign theme focused on persistent drug-related issues, new challenges such as synthetic drugs, and innovative responses including prevention programs and cross-border cooperation. Governments and civil society organizations organised awareness campaigns, school programs, and community outreach to reduce demand and supply. In India, central and state agencies continue efforts to reduce drug use, improve rehabilitation services, and strengthen border controls to curb trafficking. The day underscores global action for safer communities; Must-know within last 48 hours: 26 June 2026 marked the observance.
Observed annually on 26 June by the United Nations.
2026 theme addressed persistence of drug issues and new challenges like synthetics.
Awareness campaigns, school programs, and community outreach were organized.
India continues preventive, rehabilitation, and border-control efforts against trafficking.
Vice-President Releases Book on Bhawaiya Folk Tradition
Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan released the book "Sanskritir Ratna Bhandar: Bhaowaiyar Itibritto" at Uprashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi, in June 2026. The publication highlights the cultural journey of the Bhawaiya folk tradition, a distinctive musical form of North Bengal, and focuses on the Koch Rajbanshi community and its heritage. The release underscores government interest in documenting and promoting regional art, language, and music. Bhawaiya songs describe everyday life, trade, and love stories along the Brahmaputra and Tea belt. The book adds to scholarly resources for researchers, students, and cultural enthusiasts in India and beyond; Must-know within last 48 hours: Government attention to North Bengal culture.
Book title: Sanskritir Ratna Bhandar: Bhaowaiyar Itibritto.
Focus on Bhawaiya folk tradition and North Bengal's cultural heritage.
Highlights Koch Rajbanshi community and regional art.
Release by the Vice-President at Uprashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi.