National News:
- The Ministry of Finance has retained the interest rates on all Small Savings Schemes (SSS) unchanged for the July–September 2026 (Q2 FY27) quarter. This is the ninth consecutive quarter with no revision in interest rates. The decision covers schemes such as PPF, NSC, SCSS, Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana, KVP and other post office savings schemes, ensuring stable returns for investors.
- The Government of India has identified 25 out of 58 Tiger Reserves for priority intervention to reintroduce locally extinct tigers and restore declining tiger populations through a science-led conservation strategy. The initiative focuses on habitat restoration, biodiversity conservation, and strengthening long-term wildlife recovery.
- Defence Minister Rajnath Singh released the Delegation of Financial Powers (DFP)-2026 on 29 June 2026 to enhance the operational efficiency of DRDO. The reforms delegate greater financial powers to DRDO, enabling faster decision-making, timely execution of strategic defence R&D projects, and promoting innovation and self-reliance in defence technology.
- Haryana and Rajasthan signed an agreement on 29 June 2026 for the construction and implementation of the Yamuna Water Project in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The project aims to resolve the decades-old water dispute, supply about 580 million cubic metres (MCM) of Yamuna water to Rajasthan through underground pipelines, and improve drinking water availability in water-scarce regions of both states.
Banking:
- The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has constituted an expert group to review the debenture trusteeship framework and strengthen investor protection in the corporate bond market. The group will examine the roles, responsibilities, and regulatory framework of debenture trustees, recommend measures to improve governance, transparency, and efficiency, and submit its report within three months.
- SBI Life Insurance has partnered with Indian Institute of Technology Bombay to develop indigenous AI-powered cyber defence systems for the insurance sector. The collaboration aims to strengthen cybersecurity, detect and prevent cyber threats using Artificial Intelligence, enhance digital resilience, and promote indigenous technology under the Digital India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives.
Appointments:
- The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has reappointed Ravi Agrawal as Chairman of the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) for another six months from 1 July to 31 December 2026, ensuring continuity in tax administration and the implementation of direct tax reforms.
- Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit assumed charge as the Vice Chief of the Air Staff on 1 July 2026, succeeding Air Marshal Narmdeshwar Tiwari. He will assist the Chief of the Air Staff in enhancing the operational readiness and modernization of the Indian Air Force.
- Lieutenant General Rajesh Pushkar assumed charge as the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C) of the Indian Army's Southern Command on 1 July 2026, succeeding Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth.
- Air Marshal Jasvir Singh Mann assumed charge as the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C) of the Southern Air Command on 1 July 2026, succeeding Air Marshal Balakrishnan Manikantan.
- The Government of India has granted Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri a one-year extension beyond 14 July 2026, ensuring continuity in India's foreign policy and diplomatic engagements.
- The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) appointed Ravi Shankar as its Executive Director with effect from 1 July 2026. He will oversee key regulatory and supervisory functions of the central bank.
Important Days:
- International Day of Parliamentarism is observed every year on 30 June to commemorate the establishment of the Inter-Parliamentary Union in 1889. The day highlights the role of parliaments in promoting democracy, accountability, and effective governance.
- National Doctor's Day is observed in India every year on 1 July to honour the contributions of doctors and commemorate the birth and death anniversary of Bidhan Chandra Roy, a renowned physician and former Chief Minister of West Bengal.
- National Chartered Accountants Day is observed every year on 1 July to mark the foundation of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India in 1949. The day recognises the contribution of Chartered Accountants to financial reporting, auditing, taxation, and economic development.
Summit & Conferences:
- Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav inaugurated ASSOCHAM's National Conference on "Electric Mobility: Building India an Electric Mobility Hub for Viksit Bharat" in New Delhi. He emphasised that India's EV transition should focus on green growth, resilient infrastructure, battery recycling, sustainable manufacturing, and a circular economy. He also highlighted the PARIVESH portal for faster environmental clearances and reaffirmed the goal of making India a global leader in clean mobility under the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision.
Awards & Honours:
- Sunil Bharti Mittal, Chairman of Bharti Enterprises, was honoured with the 2026 USISPF Global Leadership Award for his outstanding contribution to strengthening India–US business and strategic relations. The award was presented by the U.S.-India Strategic Partnership Forum in Washington, D.C., on 30 June 2026.
Science & Technology:
- The Directorate General of Civil Aviation successfully conducted India's first Satellite Landing System (SLS) approach trial on an Airbus A320 using the GAGAN system at Udaipur Airport, Rajasthan, on 30 June 2026. The trial aims to improve aircraft landing accuracy, enhance aviation safety, and reduce dependence on ground-based navigation systems.
Obituaries
- Vijaya Mehta, renowned Marathi theatre director, actor, and Padma Shri awardee, passed away on 30 June 2026 at the age of 91. She was widely regarded as one of the pioneers of modern Indian theatre and made significant contributions to Marathi theatre and cinema.
