Last Updated: June 26, 2026 — Welcome to TheExamHub.in’s Daily Current Affairs 26 June 2026 edition. Today’s update brings you 12 important developments across national, international, banking, appointments, awards, and sports — all in one exam-ready article. From NMCG’s expansion of Urban River Management Plans and the launch of India’s first Index of Services Production, to Cristiano Ronaldo’s historic World Cup record and India’s FIH Women’s Nations Cup triumph, this edition covers everything you need for your preparation.
Whether you are preparing for UPSC Civil Services, IBPS PO, IBPS RRB, RBI Grade B, SSC CGL, or any State PSC examination, this Daily Current Affairs 26 June 2026 update gives you facts, context, and exam relevance in one place.
National News
1. NMCG Expands Urban River Management Plans Across Ganga Basin
The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), in collaboration with the National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA), has expanded Urban River Management Plans (URMPs) under the Namami Gange Programme. The initiative represents a shift from treating rivers as standalone conservation projects to integrating river health with the broader canvas of urban planning.
URMPs have been completed in 13 cities so far, while plans are underway for 27 cities in Phase-I and 33 cities in Phase-II. When both phases are complete, approximately 60 cities across the Ganga Basin will have dedicated urban river management frameworks.
The plans take a comprehensive approach, covering pollution control, flood management, wetland restoration, riverfront development, and community participation. What makes the URMPs distinctive is their use of both nature-based solutions and technology-driven interventions — recognising that India’s rivers cannot be cleaned without fundamentally rethinking how cities interact with them.
2. MoSPI to Launch Index of Services Production (ISP) for Measuring Services Sector Growth
The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) will launch the Index of Services Production (ISP) next month as a monthly indicator to track short-term growth in India’s formal services sector. The ISP, with base year 2024–25, will serve as the services-sector counterpart to the well-established Index of Industrial Production (IIP).
Trial indices will be released from 14 July 2026, with regular monthly releases following thereafter. The index will provide a high-frequency measure of services sector output, significantly improving economic forecasting, business cycle analysis, and policy decision-making.
Why does this matter? Because the services sector contributes over 50 percent of India’s Gross Value Added (GVA), yet there has been no single monthly indicator capturing its short-term performance. The manufacturing sector has had the IIP for decades. The services sector — which includes IT, finance, trade, hospitality, transport, and professional services — has had to rely on quarterly GDP data and scattered industry-specific indicators. The ISP fills this gap.
3. APEDA Completes First Cohort of BHARATI Programme to Boost Agri-Food Exports
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has successfully completed the first cohort of its flagship BHARATI (Bharat’s Hub for Agritech, Resilience, Advancement and Incubation for Export Innovation) programme. The initiative is designed to promote innovation-driven growth in India’s agri-food export sector and supports the national goal of achieving USD 50 billion in APEDA-scheduled product exports by 2030.
The results from the first cohort have been impressive. Within just three months of the programme’s launch, participating startups exported GI-tagged Jardalu mangoes to Dubai, millet-based products to New Zealand, and organic products to the UAE, EU, US, and UK.
BHARATI is not just an export promotion scheme — it is an incubation platform that helps startups develop export-oriented products, navigate regulatory requirements, access international markets, and scale their businesses.
4. MY Bharat Organises Week-long Vande Mataram Camp to Mark 150th Anniversary of National Song
MY Bharat, under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, is organising a week-long Vande Mataram Camp from 24–30 June 2026 at Brainware University to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the national song “Vande Mataram,” composed by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay.
The camp has brought together 150 youth participants from Gujarat, Meghalaya, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands under the theme “One Song, One Spirit, One Nation.” Participants will attend sessions on the history of Vande Mataram, constitutional and civic values, youth leadership, and contemporary issues.
Vande Mataram was first published in Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay’s novel Anandamath in 1882 and played a significant role in India’s freedom movement. Its 150th anniversary is an occasion to revisit its historical significance and its continuing relevance as a symbol of national unity.
5. Varanasi Launches India’s First Easy Connect Flight Under Hub-and-Spoke Model
Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu inaugurated the first Easy Connect flight from Varanasi’s Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, launching the Hub-and-Spoke model to provide seamless international connectivity via Delhi.
Under the Easy Connect initiative, passengers can complete check-in, baggage transfer, and immigration at their departure airport itself. This means a passenger flying from Varanasi to Dubai, for example, completes all formalities in Varanasi and simply walks to the connecting gate in Delhi — no repeated procedures, no baggage reclaims, no immigration queues at the hub airport.
The inaugural Air India flight AI1111 connects Varanasi to global destinations such as Dubai, Colombo, Jeddah, Riyadh, Kathmandu, and Phuket via Delhi. The Civil Aviation Minister noted that the number of operational airports in India has increased from 74 in 2014 to over 160, and announced that six more airports will be added to the Hub-and-Spoke network within the next six weeks.
6. Government Approves DISHA 2.0 Scheme to Enhance Access to Justice Across India
The Government of India has approved DISHA 2.0 (Designing Innovative Solutions for Holistic Access to Justice) for a five-year period from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2031. The scheme is a Central Sector Scheme of the Department of Justice, Ministry of Law and Justice, with a total outlay of ₹255 crore, fully funded through 100 percent Gross Budgetary Support.
The scheme has been approved by Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Law and Justice, Arjun Ram Meghwal, and is aligned with the 16th Finance Commission cycle (2026–2031). The primary objective is to ensure holistic and equitable access to justice, particularly for poor and vulnerable sections, with a target of reaching 3 crore beneficiaries by 2031.
Four Components of DISHA 2.0
| Component | Focus Area |
|---|---|
| Tele-Law | Providing legal advice and consultation through technology to citizens in remote and underserved areas |
| Nyaya Bandhu | Pro bono legal services through a panel of volunteer lawyers for those who cannot afford legal representation |
| Legal Literacy and Legal Awareness Programme (LLLAP) | Educating citizens about their legal rights and the mechanisms available for seeking justice |
| VIDHI Sanjeevani (New) | Newly introduced component — details expected with the scheme’s operational guidelines |
Banking and Financial News
7. PFRDA Launches AI-Powered ‘Pension Sahayak’ for Faster Grievance Redressal
The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) has launched the AI-enabled Pension Sahayak portal to provide faster, smarter, and citizen-centric pension grievance redressal. The platform integrates multiple pension services into a single digital ecosystem, improving accessibility and user experience for millions of pension subscribers across the country.
One of the most notable features of Pension Sahayak is its support for 22 Indian languages through Bhashini, the government’s AI-powered language translation platform. The portal also offers voice-based grievance filing, which is particularly beneficial for senior citizens and rural subscribers who may not be comfortable typing or navigating complex digital interfaces.
Appointment News
8. Mahesh Dixit Appointed as New Director of Intelligence Bureau
Mahesh Dixit, a 1993-batch IPS officer of the Andhra Pradesh cadre, has been appointed as the Director of the Intelligence Bureau (DIB). He will succeed Tapan Kumar Deka, who has served as DIB since 2022, with his tenure ending on 30 June 2026.
A medical doctor by education, Mahesh Dixit brings an unusual combination of scientific training and intelligence experience to the role. Over his career, he has headed the Jammu and Kashmir desk — one of the most sensitive assignments in the Indian intelligence establishment — and has served in Nagaland and Bihar.
About the Intelligence Bureau
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Established | 1887 (India’s oldest intelligence agency) |
| Parent Ministry | Ministry of Home Affairs |
| Headquarters | New Delhi |
| New Director | Mahesh Dixit (from 1 July 2026) |
Awards News
9. Viswanathan Anand Honoured with SJFI Medal
Five-time World Chess Champion Viswanathan Anand was honoured with the Sports Journalists’ Federation of India (SJFI) Medal at a ceremony held at the Madras Cricket Club in Chennai. The award ceremony was organised by the SJFI in partnership with the Tamil Nadu Sports Journalists’ Association (TNSJA).
Anand, who also serves as the FIDE Deputy President, joins a distinguished list of previous recipients that includes Sunil Gavaskar, Vijay Amritraj, Prakash Padukone, P.T. Usha, and Milkha Singh (posthumously).
Recent Awards at a Glance
| Award | Recipient |
|---|---|
| Wolf Prize in Physics | Jainendra K. Jain |
| Russia Grand Sand Master Cup 2026 | Sudarsan Pattnaik (first Indian to receive this award) |
| Slovakia’s Highest National Award — The Order of the White Double Cross (1st Class) | PM Narendra Modi |
| Princess of Asturias Award | Lionel Messi |
| Finacle Innovation Awards 2026 for Data Analytics Platform | J&K Bank |
Sports News
10. Cristiano Ronaldo Becomes First Player to Score in Six FIFA World Cups
Cristiano Ronaldo has achieved what no footballer has achieved before — scoring in six different FIFA World Cup editions. The 41-year-old Portuguese captain netted in the 6th minute against Uzbekistan, extending a World Cup scoring streak that began in 2006.
Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are the only players to have featured in six FIFA World Cups, but Ronaldo stands alone as the only one to have scored in every single edition — 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022, and 2026. It is a record that speaks not just to talent, but to extraordinary longevity, physical conditioning, and the relentless drive that has defined his career for over two decades.
11. India Wins Second FIH Women’s Nations Cup Title, Secures Pro League Promotion
India defeated hosts New Zealand 2-0 in the final to win the 2026 FIH Women’s Nations Cup, securing promotion to the FIH Women’s Pro League. This is India’s second Nations Cup title, and the victory confirms the Indian women’s hockey team’s status as a rising force in international hockey.
Lalremsiami was named Player of the Match, while Deepika finished as the joint-highest scorer of the tournament with six goals. India remained unbeaten throughout the tournament. Following the victory, Hockey India announced a ₹3 lakh cash reward for each player and ₹1.5 lakh for each support staff member.
Important Days
12. Important Days Observed from 24 to 25 June 2026
25 June — Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas
Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas is observed on 25 June to commemorate the 1975 Emergency, honour those who suffered during the period, and reaffirm the importance of safeguarding India’s democratic values and Constitution.
On 25 June 1975, a National Emergency was proclaimed under Article 352 by President Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed on the advice of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. The Emergency led to the suspension of fundamental rights, press censorship, and expanded executive powers.
To mark 50 years of the Emergency, the Ministry of Culture organised the closing ceremony of year-long commemorative events in New Delhi, featuring the ‘Samvidhan Hatya Diwas’ and ‘Long Live Democracy’ exhibitions and a screening of the short film Samvidhan Hatya Diwas.
24 June — Passport Seva Divas
Passport Seva Divas is observed every year on 24 June to commemorate the enactment of the Passport Act, 1967, and to celebrate improvements in passport and citizen services. The Ministry of External Affairs reaffirms its commitment to enhancing passport delivery through digital innovation, wider accessibility, and citizen-centric governance.
25 June — Day of the Seafarer
Day of the Seafarer is observed every year on 25 June to recognise the vital contribution of seafarers to global trade, the economy, and international maritime transport. The day was established by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in 2010, following its adoption at the Diplomatic Conference in Manila, Philippines.
Daily Current Affairs 26 June 2026 — Frequently Asked Questions
What are Urban River Management Plans (URMPs)?
URMPs are comprehensive plans developed under the Namami Gange Programme that integrate river conservation with urban planning. They cover pollution control, flood management, wetland restoration, riverfront development, and community participation. Plans have been completed for 13 cities, with work underway for approximately 60 cities across the Ganga Basin.
What is the Index of Services Production (ISP)?
The ISP is a new monthly indicator being launched by MoSPI to track short-term growth in India’s formal services sector. With base year 2024–25, it will serve as the services-sector counterpart to the Index of Industrial Production (IIP). Trial indices will be released from 14 July 2026.
What is the BHARATI programme?
BHARATI (Bharat’s Hub for Agritech, Resilience, Advancement and Incubation for Export Innovation) is an APEDA programme aimed at promoting innovation-driven growth in India’s agri-food export sector. It supports India’s goal of achieving USD 50 billion in APEDA-scheduled product exports by 2030.
What is the Easy Connect flight initiative?
Easy Connect is a Hub-and-Spoke model launched from Varanasi that allows passengers to complete check-in, baggage transfer, and immigration at their departure airport, ensuring seamless transit through hub airports. Six more airports will be added to the network within six weeks.
What is DISHA 2.0?
DISHA 2.0 (Designing Innovative Solutions for Holistic Access to Justice) is a ₹255 crore Central Sector Scheme approved for 2026–2031. It has four components — Tele-Law, Nyaya Bandhu, Legal Literacy and Awareness, and VIDHI Sanjeevani — and targets 3 crore beneficiaries by 2031.
Who is the new Director of the Intelligence Bureau?
Mahesh Dixit, a 1993-batch IPS officer of the Andhra Pradesh cadre, has been appointed as the new Director of the Intelligence Bureau, succeeding Tapan Kumar Deka from 1 July 2026.
What record did Cristiano Ronaldo set at the 2026 FIFA World Cup?
Cristiano Ronaldo became the first footballer to score in six different FIFA World Cup editions (2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022, and 2026) after netting for Portugal against Uzbekistan.
What is Pension Sahayak?
Pension Sahayak is an AI-powered grievance redressal portal launched by PFRDA. It supports 22 Indian languages through Bhashini and offers voice-based grievance filing, benefiting senior citizens and rural pension subscribers.
Conclusion
That wraps up our Daily Current Affairs 26 June 2026 update — 12 key developments across governance, economics, justice, aviation, banking, intelligence, awards, and sports. Today’s edition was unusually rich, spanning everything from river management and services sector statistics to aviation innovation, access to justice, AI-powered pension services, a new intelligence chief, and one of the greatest footballers in history rewriting the record book yet again.
For aspirants preparing for UPSC, banking, SSC, or any competitive examination, the breadth of topics in today’s update is a reminder that current affairs preparation cannot afford to be narrow. Bookmark TheExamHub.in and revisit our Daily Current Affairs 26 June 2026 section whenever you need a quick, reliable, and exam-focused revision.
We will be back tomorrow with another comprehensive update. Until then, keep reading, keep preparing, and keep moving forward.
Published by TheExamHub.in | June 26, 2026 | Sources: PIB Delhi, MoSPI, APEDA, Ministry of Civil Aviation, Ministry of Law and Justice, PFRDA, MHA, Hockey India
