1. India Hosts 11th BRICS Energy Ministers' Meeting – Gurugram (25–26 June 2026)
Why in News?
India is hosting the 11th BRICS Energy Ministers' Meeting at Gurugram on 25–26 June 2026 under its BRICS Chairship 2026. Energy ministers and senior officials from all 11 BRICS nations are participating.
Key Points
India's BRICS Chairship 2026 theme: "Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability (BRICS)"
Energy Track theme: "Energy for All", reflecting BRICS nations' commitment to universal energy access
Three core priorities of India's BRICS Energy Agenda:
Energy security and sustainability
Energy access and equity
Technology and innovation
BRICS currently comprises 11 countries: Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, UAE
The bloc represents nearly half the world's population and ~40% of global GDP
India is the world's 3rd-largest producer and consumer of electricity
India to showcase: International Solar Alliance (ISA), Global Biofuels Alliance (GBA), achievement of 50x solar expansion over a decade
India targets 410 GWh energy storage capacity by 2032; deployed over 60 million smart meters
Meeting aligns with India's Viksit Bharat 2047 energy security vision
Static Knowledge
BRICS was originally formed in 2009 as BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India, China); South Africa joined in 2010
The 6 new members (Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Indonesia) joined under the Johannesburg Declaration (2023)
India's solar capacity expanded more than 50 times over the past decade
International Solar Alliance (ISA) was jointly launched by India and France in 2015 at COP21, Paris
BRICS New Development Bank (NDB) is headquartered in Shanghai, China
2. GRSE Elevated to Navratna CPSE Status — India's 29th Navratna Company
Why in News?
The Department of Public Enterprises (DPE), Ministry of Finance, upgraded Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Limited from Miniratna Category-I to Navratna CPSE status on 19 June 2026. GRSE becomes India's 29th Navratna company.
Key Points
GRSE falls under the Ministry of Defence; headquartered in Kolkata, West Bengal
Revenue grew nearly 300%: from ₹1,754 crore (FY22) to ₹7,002 crore (FY26)
PAT increased approximately 294% to ₹748 crore in FY26
GRSE delivered 8 warships in FY26, including 3 on a single day (30 March 2026): P17A frigate INS Dunagiri, Survey Vessel (Large) INS Sanshodhak, and Anti-Submarine Warfare craft INS Agray
All three ships commissioned by PM Modi on 21 June 2026 at Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port
GRSE has delivered over 800 marine platforms, including 118 warships to Indian Navy, Coast Guard, and friendly foreign nations
Currently constructing 12 multi-purpose vessels for a German client (Make in India, Make for the World)
Only Indian shipyard specialising in research vessels
Navratna status benefits:
Investment up to ₹1,000 crore or 15% of net worth per project without prior government approval
Freedom to establish JVs, wholly-owned subsidiaries, strategic alliances
Authority to execute mergers and acquisitions up to prescribed ceiling
Static Knowledge
CPSE hierarchy: Maharatna → Navratna → Miniratna Category I → Miniratna Category II
Maharatna companies (currently 14) can invest up to ₹5,000 crore per project
GRSE was founded in 1884; taken over by the Government of India in 1960
India's first indigenous warship, INS Ajay, was built by GRSE in 1961
Defence Production and Export Promotion Policy (DPEPP) 2020 targets 25billionproductionand5 billion exports by 2025
3. India Becomes World's Top Ship Recycling Nation in 2025 (UNCTAD Report)
Why in News?
India achieved the No. 1 position globally in ship recycling in 2025, as per UNCTAD data released on 22 June 2026. This milestone was achieved five years ahead of the Maritime India Vision (MIV) 2030 target.
Key Points
India's global ship recycling share: 35.4% in 2025 (up from 30.1% in 2024)
Volume recycled: 2.99 million gross tons (GT) in 2025 — nearly 60% more than 1.86 million GT in 2024
Target under Maritime India Vision 2030 achieved ahead of schedule
Alang Ship Recycling Yard (Gujarat) is India's primary ship-breaking centre; 115 facilities upgraded to Hong Kong Convention (HKC) standards
India passed the Recycling of Ships Act, 2019 (based on HKC)
Per BIMCO forecast: 16,000+ ships to be recycled globally over the next decade; India positioned to recycle 500–600 vessels annually
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal (Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways — MoPSW) credited policy reforms and ease-of-doing-business initiatives
VOC Chidambaranar Port Authority (VOCPA), Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu — a model sustainable port:
45% reduction in net carbon emissions
Recognised as Scope-2 Emission Free Port
Published VOCPA Sustainability Report 2026: "Towards a Green Maritime Future"
IIM Calcutta released case study: "The Hydrogen Pivot: Orchestrating the Green Transition at VOCPA"
VOCPA is one of India's 12 major ports, named after freedom fighter V.O. Chidambaranar (Veer Vanathi Oruvan Chidambaranar)
Static Knowledge
UNCTAD (United Nations Conference on Trade and Development) — established 1964, HQ: Geneva
Hong Kong Convention (HKC) for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships — adopted 2009
India has 12 Major Ports administered by the Union Government under the Major Port Authorities Act, 2021
Maritime India Vision 2030 is the Government's roadmap for maritime infrastructure development and sustainability
Alang Ship Recycling Yard is located in Bhavnagar district, Gujarat
4. Amit Shah Launches 4 Digital Policing Apps – 26th All India Fingerprint Conference
Why in News?
Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched four AI-powered digital policing applications under the Integrated Criminal Justice System (ICJS) framework at the 26th All India Fingerprint Conference in New Delhi, aimed at faster investigation, prosecution, and conviction.
Key Points
Four applications launched:
NCRB-Abhigyan – AI-driven biometric identification system
Criminal Procedure Identification (CrPI) – Digital identity-based evidence collection
e-Prosecution 2.0 – Enhanced digital prosecution management
e-Forensics 2.0 – Integrated forensic data management
Developed by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), under Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA)
Goal: Complete the justice chain — FIR registration to conviction — within 3 years
The ICJS aims to digitally integrate police, forensic, prosecution, and judicial systems
Amit Shah also launched at the same event:
NAFEX.in — NAFED e-auction portal
DRISHTI, ERP, and NAFED KALYAN — cooperative sector digital initiatives
Criminal Procedure Identification Act 2022 enables collection of physical and biological samples from accused persons and other individuals for criminal proceedings
Static Knowledge
NCRB was established in 1986; publishes annual Crime in India Report
ICJS was conceptualised to link police, courts, prisons, prosecution, and forensics digitally
Criminal Procedure Identification Act, 2022 replaced the Identification of Prisoners Act, 1920
All India Fingerprint Conferences are a legacy platform of NCRB for sharing forensic best practices
India's prison population data, cybercrime statistics, and missing persons data are compiled by NCRB
5. Green Hydrogen Certification Portal of India (GHCI) Launched
Why in News?
Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi launched the Green Hydrogen Certification Portal of India (GHCI) to operationalise the Green Hydrogen Certification Scheme (GHCS) under the National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM).
Key Points
Developed by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE)
Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) is the designated nodal body for operationalising the certification process
Emission threshold for "Green" classification: ≤ 2 kg CO₂eq per kg of H₂ produced (averaged over 12 months)
Certificates are non-transferable and non-tradeable; cannot be used to claim carbon credits
Two certificate types:
Concept Certificate (Voluntary) — for pilot/early-stage projects
Facility-Level Certificate (Mandatory) — for operational production facilities
Portal enables traceability and verification of certified hydrogen production
MNRE announced ₹100 crore startup support fund; 9 startups approved for ₹22 crore
Contracts awarded to IOCL, BPCL, HPCL, NRL for supply of 30,000 MTPA of green hydrogen
6 states have adopted dedicated Green Hydrogen Policies; 7 others integrated provisions
India targets 5 MMT annual green hydrogen production by 2030 under NGHM
NGHM approved outlay: ₹19,744 crore
Static Knowledge
National Green Hydrogen Mission was launched in January 2023 with ₹19,744 crore outlay
SIGHT Programme (Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition) is the key component under NGHM
Green hydrogen is produced via electrolysis using renewable energy sources
BEE is under the Ministry of Power; established under Energy Conservation Act, 2001
India's Hydrogen target by 2030: 5 MMT production, potential to export 2 MMT
6. US Reverts INDOPACOM to PACOM — Strategic Implications for India
Why in News?
On 16 June 2026, the US Department of War (formerly Department of Defense) officially renamed US Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) back to US Pacific Command (PACOM), reversing the 2018 decision by Defence Secretary James Mattis. The move carries significant geopolitical implications for India.
Key Points
PACOM was originally established in 1947 by President Harry Truman — the oldest and largest US combatant command
2018 rename to INDOPACOM by then-Defence Secretary James Mattis recognised the Indian Ocean's growing strategic importance
The reversion was announced by US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth via an Office Memorandum
Area of responsibility remains unchanged — covers the Pacific from the US West Coast to India's western border (~52% of global surface area)
Geopolitical signals:
Reflects US-China rapprochement under Trump 2.0 administration
"G2 world order" concept floating — US-China dividing spheres of influence
Quad losing momentum — US 2026 National Defense Strategy does not mention Quad
Pete Hegseth's speech at Shangri-La Dialogue (May 2026) omitted "Indo-Pacific" strategy
India's concern: India's strategic significance in Washington's calculus is perceived to be diminishing
Statutory references to INDOPACOM remain in effect unless Congress acts — the change is secondary (similar to renaming Department of Defense to "Department of War")
India-China talks on normalisation: NSA Ajit Doval met Chinese FM Wang Yi on 22 June 2026
Static Knowledge
INDOPACOM was renamed in May 2018 at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii
The Quad comprises India, USA, Japan, and Australia — revived in 2017
India elevated ties with France to Special Global Strategic Partnership in February 2026
The Shangri-La Dialogue is Asia's premier defence summit, held annually in Singapore (organised by IISS, UK)
PACOM HQ: Camp H.M. Smith, Hawaii
7. QS World Future Skills Index 2027 — India Ranks 13th Globally
Why in News?
Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) released the QS World Future Skills Index 2027 evaluating 89 countries on workforce readiness and economic adaptability. India secured a strong global rank with high scores in AI-economy readiness.
India is 1st in South Asia and 1st among lower-middle-income countries
India identified as one of the fastest-growing economies over the next 10 years
Sub-rankings:
Skills Alignment: 18th
Academic Readiness: 22nd
Future of Work: 5th
Economic Transformation: 14th
Top 3 globally: USA (1st, 99.2), Australia (2nd, 97.5), UK (3rd, 96.6)
QS is headquartered in London, UK; CEO: Jessica Turner
This index is distinct from QS World University Rankings 2027 (released 19 June 2026, IIT Delhi topped India at 118th position)
Static Knowledge
QS (Quacquarelli Symonds) releases multiple rankings: World University Rankings, Subject Rankings, Employability Rankings, Sustainability Rankings, and now Future Skills Index
Skill India Mission was launched in 2015 under Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship
National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) is the nodal agency under Skill India Mission
New Education Policy (NEP) 2020 emphasises vocational education integration from Class 6 onwards
India's demographic dividend: Over 65% of India's population is below 35 years of age
President Droupadi Murmu conferred 65 Padma Awards at the Second Civil Investiture Ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan on 23 June 2026, including recognitions for Rohit Sharma, Alka Yagnik, Mammootty, and Vijay Amritraj.
Padma Awards are not given posthumously except in rare cases; the conferment ceremony is held at Rashtrapati Bhavan
9. Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar (PMRBP) 2026 — Nominations Open
Why in News?
The Ministry of Women and Child Development (MoWCD) has opened nominations for the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar (PMRBP) 2026 — India's highest civilian honour for children — with the deadline set for 31 July 2026.
Key Points
Eligible age: 5 to 18 years (as of 31 July 2026); must be Indian citizen and resident
The act/achievement must have occurred within 2 years of the nomination deadline
6 award categories: Bravery, Social Service, Environment, Sports, Art & Culture, Science & Technology
Award presented by the President of India on Veer Bal Diwas (26 December)
Veer Bal Diwas commemorates the martyrdom of Sahibzada Zorawar Singh and Sahibzada Fateh Singh (sons of Guru Gobind Singh)
Selection committee: Headed by Secretary, MoWCD; constituted by the Union Minister for WCD
Veer Bal Diwas was declared by PM Modi in 2022, replacing "Prakash Parv"
MoWCD also administers POSHAN Mission, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Mission Shakti, and PMMVY
The PMRBP was earlier known as the National Child Award for Exceptional Achievement
Maximum one award per child; a child may be nominated in multiple categories (only one accepted)
10. Spilomena malabarica — New Aphid Wasp Species Discovered in Kerala
Why in News?
Indian scientists discovered a new species of aphid wasp, Spilomena malabarica, from Kozhikode district, Kerala — significant for biodiversity documentation and biological pest control.
Key Points
Belongs to genus Spilomena; family Crabronidae (Pemphredonidae by some classifications)
Named after the Malabar region of Kerala where the type specimen was collected
It is the 11th Spilomena species reported from India and the 98th species known globally
Morphological features:
Tiny black-and-brown wasp, just over 3.5 mm in length
Unique wing venation: forewing with only one submarginal cell (rare in genus)
Closely related to Spilomena unus but differs in multiple morphological traits
Ecological role:
Natural predator of aphids and other plant pests
Supports biological pest control, reducing dependence on chemical pesticides
Contributes to ecological balance and sustainable agriculture
Static Knowledge
Biological Pest Control uses natural enemies (predators, parasitoids, pathogens) to regulate pest populations
Kerala's Malabar region is part of the Western Ghats — a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world's 36 biodiversity hotspots
Aphids (family Aphididae) are major agricultural pests affecting crops including wheat, sugarcane, and vegetables
India's Biological Diversity Act, 2002 governs access and benefit sharing related to biodiversity resources
Western Ghats hosts over 5,000 species of flowering plants, 139 mammal species, 508 bird species
11. National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI) — 23rd Foundation Day
Why in News?
NIXI celebrated its 23rd Foundation Day on 19 June 2026, reaffirming its role as a backbone of India's digital internet infrastructure.
Key Points
NIXI is a not-for-profit organisation under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY)
Incorporated as a Section 8 company under Companies Act, 2013
Primary functions:
Operates Internet Exchange Points (IXPs) across India — facilitates domestic internet traffic exchange
Manages India's .IN country-code Top-Level Domain (ccTLD)
Administers .भारत Internationalized Domain Name (IDN) in Hindi
Goal: Keep internet traffic within India to:
Reduce network latency
Improve internet speed and efficiency
Lower bandwidth and operational costs
IXPs benefit ISPs, content providers, data centres, and organisations with Autonomous System (AS) Numbers
Static Knowledge
NIXI was founded in 2003; registered under Section 25 of the Companies Act, 1956 (now Section 8)
.IN domain was introduced in 1989; managed by NIXI since 2005
MeitY was created in 2016 by bifurcating the Ministry of Communications and IT
Internet Exchange Points (IXPs) reduce international bandwidth costs significantly for domestic traffic
India has one of the world's largest internet user bases (~900 million users)
Prelims Practice MCQs
Which of the following correctly describes the significance of India's ship recycling achievement in 2025?
Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) was recently granted Navratna status. Which of the following statements about Navratna CPSEs is INCORRECT?
The Green Hydrogen Certification Scheme of India (GHCS) classifies hydrogen as "green" when the emission intensity is below which threshold?
With respect to the 11th BRICS Energy Ministers' Meeting (2026), consider the following: 1. It was held in Mumbai under India's BRICS Chairship 2026. 2. India's energy track theme is "Energy for All." 3. BRICS currently has 11 member nations. Which of the above statements are correct?
Spilomena malabarica, recently in news, is:
The US Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) was renamed back to PACOM in June 2026. When was INDOPACOM originally renamed from PACOM?
In the QS World Future Skills Index 2027, India's performance in which sub-index was the highest (i.e., best-ranked)?
Which of the following correctly describes Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar (PMRBP)?
The Alang Ship Recycling Yard, which is central to India's position as the world's leading ship recycling nation, is located in which state?
National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI) is responsible for managing which of the following? 1. .IN country-code Top-Level Domain; 2. .भारत Internationalized Domain Name; 3. Internet Exchange Points (IXPs) across India. Select the correct answer:
Consider the following pairs: Award — Recipient (Padma Awards 2026, 2nd Investiture Ceremony). Which pair is INCORRECT?
Under the CPSE hierarchy in India, which is the correct order from highest to lowest autonomy?
India's National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM) has set which of the following production targets?
The RBI Governor recently stated that discussion on interest rate hikes was "premature." What is the current repo rate as of June 2026?
V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority (VOCPA), recently in news for being a model green port, is located in which city?