International Asteroid Day observed to boost planetary defence
International Asteroid Day is observed annually on 30 June. The United Nations recognises the day to raise awareness of asteroid impact hazards and planetary defence. The date also marks the 1908 Tunguska airburst in Siberia, one of the largest asteroid-related events in history. Space agencies and educational institutions organise lectures, simulations, and outreach activities in many countries, including India, to highlight monitoring systems for near-Earth objects and emergency response planning. The observance emphasizes international cooperation in tracking asteroids, sharing data, and developing mitigation strategies for potential threats.
Observed on 30 June every year
UN-recognised for planetary defence awareness
Commemorates 1908 Tunguska event
Involves space agencies and educational outreach
Encourages international data sharing and monitoring
Jun 30, 2026
Statistics Day 2026 Observed on 29 June
India observed the 20th Statistics Day on 29 June 2026 to commemorate the birth anniversary of Prof Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis. The day recognises his contributions to statistics, planning and national development. Government agencies, universities and research bodies organised seminars and awareness campaigns to highlight the role of data in policy-making and socio-economic planning. Officials emphasised continued investment in data systems, accuracy and dissemination to support evidence-based decisions across sectors and regions, reinforcing the importance of statistical literacy in governance.
Date observed: 29 June 2026
Occasion: 20th Statistics Day
Honoree: Prof Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis
Purpose: promote data in policy-making
Activities: seminars, campaigns, data literacy
Policy takeaway: invest in statistical capacity and data quality
National Statistics Day 2026 Celebrated Across India
National Statistics Day 2026 was celebrated across India on 29 June 2026 to honour Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis. The day emphasized the role of statistics in planning, governance and development. Organisers highlighted data literacy, use of administrative data and evidence-based policy, with seminars and activities organized by government agencies and academic institutions. Officials stressed continued investment in statistical capacity, data quality, and dissemination to support informed decision-making in multiple sectors, reinforcing the importance of a data-driven approach to national progress.
Date: 29 June 2026
Reason: Mahalanobis birthday celebration
Themes: data literacy and administrative data use
Observances: seminars, campaigns, research events
Policy emphasis: strengthen statistical capacity and data dissemination
National impact: supports evidence-based policymaking
Jun 28, 2026
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.
Jun 24, 2026
Ambubachi Mela 2026 begins at Kamakhya Temple amid large crowds in Guwahati
Ambubachi Mela 2026 began on 22 June at Maa Kamakhya Temple on Nilachal Hills, Guwahati, Assam. The festival is one of the largest religious gatherings in Northeast India, drawing lakhs of devotees, saints, and tantric followers. Authorities arranged crowd-management measures to handle the large turnout over the four-day event, which typically coincides with the annual menstruation ritual of the goddess Kamakhya. Pilgrims participate in darshan and rites, while security forces coordinate traffic and safety. The festival is a symbol of regional faith and tradition and contributes to local tourism and economy. The Ambubachi Mela is expected to run till 26 June 2026.
Date: 22–26 June 2026
Location: Maa Kamakhya Temple, Guwahati (Nilachal Hills)
Attendees: lakhs of devotees, saints, tantric followers
Security and crowd-management arrangements in place
Significance: annual menstruation ritual of goddess Kamakhya
Jun 22, 2026
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.
Theme of International Yoga Day 2026 announced
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.
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