- In 2025–26, the Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (DoAFW) released the Second Advance Estimates projecting horticulture production at 3,777.76 lakh tonnes (377.78 MT). The total horticulture area is estimated at 301.51 lakh hectares, reflecting India’s vast cultivation base. Compared to 2024–25, production shows a modest increase of 1.09 lakh tonnes, indicating steady growth.
- On June 10, 2026, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw (Railways, Information & Broadcasting, Electronics & IT) virtually inaugurated a new 20 kW Akashvani FM transmitter at Ramgarh in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, and announced major tech initiatives for Jaipur including AI Labs.
- The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), via its Indian Institute of Oilseeds Research (IIOR) in Hyderabad, launched ‘Oilseeds Kisaan Mitra’ — India's first nationwide WhatsApp-based AI advisory service for oilseed farmers.
- On June 12–13, 2026, Sudarsan Pattnaik, world‑renowned sand artist from Odisha, became the first Indian to win the Russia Grand Sand Master Cup. The victory came at the II International Festival of Sand Sculpture held in the Kaliningrad Region, Russia.
- The World Economic Forum (WEF) announced its 2026 Technology Pioneers cohort, featuring 100 early-stage startups from 23 countries. Nine are from India, highlighting the country's growing strength in deep tech, space, climate, and AI infrastructure.
- On June 14, 2026, Elon Musk’s net worth hit $1.1 trillion, making him the world’s first trillionaire on paper. This followed SpaceX’s record IPO, priced at $135 per share, raising $75 billion from 555.6 million shares. SpaceX’s valuation opened at $1.96 trillion, with stock closing at $160.95, under ticker SPC.
- In April 2026, the World Bank South Asia Economic Update raised India’s FY27 GDP forecast to 6.6%, up from 6.3%. India’s FY26 growth is expected at 7.6%, higher than 7.1% in FY25, confirming its strong momentum. The upgrade reflects robust domestic demand, resilient exports, private consumption, low inflation, and GST rationalization.
- On June 10, 2026, NLC India Limited (NLCIL) and CSIR-CECRI (Central Electrochemical Research Institute) signed an MoU at Neyveli, Tamil Nadu, to collaborate on extracting Rare Earth Elements (REEs) and other critical minerals from mining waste.
- On June 12, 2026, Kane Williamson retired from international cricket at age 35, ending a 16‑year career (2010–2026). He scored 19,346 runs, becoming New Zealand’s all‑time highest run‑getter, with 48 international centuries. As captain, he led NZ to the 2021 World Test Championship title, a historic achievement.
- On June 10, 2026, Tata Advanced Systems Ltd (TASL) and Airbus completed the maiden test flight of India’s first ‘Made in India’ C295 aircraft at Vadodara, Gujarat. The aircraft was assembled at the Final Assembly Line (FAL) in Vadodara, under the Tata–Airbus defence partnership.
- On June 13, 2026, the world observed International Albinism Awareness Day (IAAD), proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in 2014. The day promotes the rights, dignity, and well‑being of persons with albinism, raising awareness about this genetic condition. The 2026 theme was “Proudly in My Skin: Celebrating All Skin Tones”, emphasizing inclusion and acceptance.
- On June 15, 2026, the world celebrated the 18th Global Wind Day, first launched in Europe in 2007 and global since 2009. The 2026 theme was “Our Wind, Our Community”, highlighting how wind energy benefits local communities. In India, the conference theme was “Wind Energy: From Ambition to Acceleration”, stressing faster renewable adoption.
- On June 10, 2026, the Government of India nominated Sanjay Lohiya, a 1994‑batch IAS officer (Assam–Meghalaya cadre), as Director on the Central Boards of RBI and SBI. He has been serving as Secretary, Department of Financial Services (DFS) since June 1, 2026. The appointment took effect on June 11, 2026, ensuring immediate continuity. He succeeds Nagaraju Maddirala, who retired in May 2026.
- On June 15, 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred Slovakia’s highest national award – Order of the White Double Cross (1st Class). The honor was presented by Slovak President Peter Pellegrini during a ceremony in Bratislava. It is the highest civilian and military decoration, awarded exclusively to foreign citizens.
- On June 11, 2026, Padma Shri Jaspal Rana, India’s legendary pistol shooter, passed away at 49 in Max Hospital, New Delhi due to cardiac complications. Known as the “Golden Boy of Indian Shooting” and “Pride of Uttarakhand”, he was a former Asian Games gold medallist and multiple CWG champion.
- On June 11, 2026, Thailand’s Princess Bajrakitiyabha Mahidol, UN Goodwill Ambassador, passed away at 47 in Chulalongkorn Hospital, Bangkok. Affectionately known as “Princess Bha”, she had been in a coma for nearly 3–4 years since collapsing in December 2022.
Questions:
Q.1 The World Bank South Asia Economic Update revised India's FY27 Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth forecast to:a) 6.3%
b) 6.4%
c) 6.6%
d) 6.8%
Answer: c) The World Bank raised India's FY27 GDP growth forecast from 6.3% to 6.6%.
Q.2 Sudarsan Pattnaik became the first Indian to win which prestigious international sand art title in 2026?
a) World Sand Artist Award
b) European Sand Sculpture Prize
c) Russia Grand Sand Master Cup
d) Global Sand Art Trophy
Answer: c) Pattnaik won the title at the II International Festival of Sand Sculpture in Russia.
