Weekly Current Affairs: June 22–28, 2026 — BRICS NSA & Energy Meetings, Padma Awards 2026, CPCL 28th Navratna, ISRO Semi-Cryogenic Test, Mahesh Dixit New IB Chief & Alan Greenspan Dies
Your verified, exam-ready digest for the week
📌Key Points at a Glance
- 1India hosted the BRICS National Security Advisers’ Meeting (June 22–23), chaired by NSA Ajit Doval under India’s 2026 BRICS Presidency, and the 11th BRICS Energy Ministers’ Meeting in Gurugram (June 25–26), themed "Sarveshaam Urjam (Energy for All)".
- 2The Ministry of Home Affairs amended the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Rules, 2011 via a gazette notification on June 22, tightening disclosure norms for NGOs receiving foreign funds.
- 3Chennai Petroleum Corporation Ltd (CPCL) became India’s 28th Navratna CPSE, granted by the Finance Ministry / Department of Public Enterprises.
- 4President Droupadi Murmu conferred 65 Padma Awards (2 Vibhushan, 7 Bhushan, 56 Shri) at the second 2026 Civil Investiture Ceremony on June 23; Padma Bhushan recipients included Mammootty, Alka Yagnik, Vijay Amritraj, Uday Kotak, and Piyush Pandey.
- 5Tushar Mehta was reappointed Solicitor General of India for three years from July 1, 2026 (approved by the ACC).
- 6Amit Shah launched NAFEX.in (a NAFED digital auction platform) on June 23, plus the NAFED-KALYAN Scholarship Scheme and the DRISHTI Portal.
- 7ISRO conducted the 8th hot test of its semi-cryogenic engine power head at 175 tonnes thrust (88% of target) at IPRC, Mahendragiri, on June 24 — the SE2000 engine will replace the L110 core stage of the LVM3.
- 8India became the world’s leading ship-recycling nation with a 35.4% global share in 2025 (UNCTAD report), meeting the Maritime India Vision 2030 target five years early.
- 9Senior IPS officer Mahesh Dixit (1993 batch) was appointed the new Director of the Intelligence Bureau, succeeding Tapan Kumar Deka.
- 10Amit Shah launched the Vision Document on Narcotics Control (2026–2029) at the 10th NCORD apex-level meeting on June 27.
- 11The DGCA conducted India’s first GAGAN-based satellite landing approach on a jet aircraft (an IndiGo Airbus A320) at Udaipur on June 27.
- 12Former US Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan — the "Maestro" who led the Fed from 1987 to 2006 — died on June 22, 2026, aged 100.
- 13Important days this week: World Rainforest Day (June 22), International Olympic Day (June 23), International Day of Women in Diplomacy (June 24), and Day of the Seafarer (June 25).
🏛️ National & Polity
MHA Amends Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Rules for NGOs
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs amended the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Rules, 2011 through a gazette notification on June 22, 2026, tightening disclosure, registration, renewal, and utilisation norms for entities receiving foreign funds under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010 (FCRA).
Key Facts
- Amended through a gazette notification dated June 22, 2026.
- NGOs must now specify exact activities from a defined Schedule — social, economic, educational, cultural, and religious.
- An additional fee applies for each extra state or purpose added to an application.
- Existing registrations get a one-year window to update declarations and comply.
- Nodal ministry: Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
📌 Why It Matters
The FCRA, regulation of foreign funding, and governance reforms are recurring topics for UPSC, SSC, and State PSC exams.
🧠 Static GK Connect
The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010 regulates the acceptance and utilisation of foreign contributions to ensure they do not affect national security, sovereignty, or public interest. It is administered by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Amit Shah Launches NAFEX.in Digital Agriculture Auction Platform
Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah launched NAFEX.in, a digital auction platform developed by the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (NAFED), to digitise agricultural commodity auctions and improve price discovery for farmers. He also launched the NAFED-KALYAN Scholarship Scheme and the DRISHTI Portal.
Key Facts
- Platform: NAFEX.in, developed by NAFED; launched by Amit Shah on June 23, 2026.
- Also launched: the NAFED-KALYAN Scholarship Scheme (for farmers’ children) and the DRISHTI Portal (for pulses and oilseeds inventory).
- Aim: a transparent, technology-driven agricultural marketplace with better price discovery.
- Nodal ministry: Ministry of Cooperation.
📌 Why It Matters
Cooperative-sector initiatives, NAFED, and agricultural marketing reforms are relevant for UPSC, Banking, and State PSC exams.
🧠 Static GK Connect
NAFED was established in 1958. The Ministry of Cooperation was created in 2021, with Amit Shah as the first Cooperation Minister. NAFED carries out price support operations on behalf of the government.
Amit Shah Launches Narcotics Control Vision Document 2026–2029
Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched the Vision Document on Narcotics Control (2026–2029) at the 10th apex-level meeting of the Narco-Coordination Centre (NCORD) in New Delhi, and inaugurated a Drug Disposal Fortnight to destroy seized narcotics.
Key Facts
- Vision Document on Narcotics Control (2026–2029) launched at the 10th NCORD apex-level meeting.
- Focus: demand reduction, supply reduction, rehabilitation, and tackling synthetic and darknet-enabled drug trafficking.
- A Drug Disposal Fortnight was inaugurated to destroy over 2.09 lakh kg of seized narcotics worth about ₹6,000 crore.
- Nodal body: the Narco-Coordination Centre (NCORD), under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
📌 Why It Matters
Internal-security initiatives, anti-narcotics policy, and NCORD are relevant for UPSC, Police, and State PSC exams.
🧠 Static GK Connect
The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), set up in 1986, is India’s nodal anti-drug law-enforcement agency under the Ministry of Home Affairs. The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985 governs narcotics control in India.
💰 Economy & Banking
🚀 Science & Tech
ISRO Conducts 175-Tonne Hot Test of Semi-Cryogenic Engine
ISRO successfully conducted a hot test of its semi-cryogenic engine Power Head Test Article (PHTA) at a thrust level of 175 tonnes (about 88% of target) at the ISRO Propulsion Complex (IPRC), Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu. It was the eighth test in the PHTA series and a key milestone in indigenous semi-cryogenic propulsion.
Key Facts
- Test on June 24, 2026 at IPRC, Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu; thrust level of 175 tonnes (about 88% of target).
- Eighth PHTA hot test; earlier tests were at 47% (94 tonnes) and 60% (120 tonnes); next target is the full 200-tonne thrust.
- The 2,000 kN-class SE2000 engine will power the SC120 stage and replace the L110 core stage of the LVM3.
- The engine uses cleaner propellants — Liquid Oxygen (LOX) and refined kerosene (Isrosene).
📌 Why It Matters
ISRO missions, launch vehicles, and propulsion technology are key Science & Technology topics for UPSC, SSC, and State PSC exams.
🧠 Static GK Connect
ISRO was founded in 1969 and is headquartered in Bengaluru. The LVM3 (formerly GSLV Mk III) is India’s heaviest operational launch vehicle, used for Chandrayaan-3 and the Gaganyaan programme.
India Conducts First GAGAN-Based Landing on a Jet Aircraft
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) conducted India’s first satellite-based landing system approach on a jet engine aircraft at Udaipur airport, using an IndiGo Airbus A320 guided by GAGAN, India’s satellite-based augmentation system.
Key Facts
- First satellite-based landing approach on a jet aircraft in India; June 27, 2026 at Udaipur airport.
- Aircraft: an IndiGo Airbus A320; conducted by the DGCA.
- System: GAGAN (GPS Aided GEO Augmented Navigation), jointly developed by ISRO and the Airports Authority of India (AAI).
- GAGAN supports LPV (Localiser Performance with Vertical Guidance) approaches, useful at airports without an Instrument Landing System.
📌 Why It Matters
GAGAN, satellite navigation, and civil-aviation technology are Science & Technology topics for UPSC, SSC, and State PSC exams.
🧠 Static GK Connect
GAGAN is India’s Satellite-Based Augmentation System (SBAS), developed by ISRO and the Airports Authority of India. The DGCA is India’s civil-aviation regulator under the Ministry of Civil Aviation.
🎖️ Awards & Honours
President Murmu Confers 65 Padma Awards at Second Investiture
President Droupadi Murmu conferred 65 Padma Awards at the second Civil Investiture Ceremony of 2026 at Rashtrapati Bhavan, comprising 2 Padma Vibhushan, 7 Padma Bhushan, and 56 Padma Shri. The first investiture ceremony of the year was held on May 25, 2026.
Key Facts
- 65 awards conferred: 2 Padma Vibhushan, 7 Padma Bhushan, and 56 Padma Shri.
- Padma Bhushan recipients included Mammootty, Alka Yagnik, Vijay Amritraj, Uday Kotak, and Piyush Pandey.
- Padma Vibhushan went to former Supreme Court judge K.T. Thomas and Malayalam journalist P. Narayanan.
- Cricketer Rohit Sharma and actors R. Madhavan and Satish Shah were among the awardees.
- A total of 131 Padma Awards were announced for 2026 on the eve of Republic Day.
📌 Why It Matters
Padma Awards, their categories, and notable recipients are very high-probability questions across SSC, Banking, Railway, and State PSC exams.
🧠 Static GK Connect
The Padma Awards were instituted in 1954 and are conferred in three categories — Padma Vibhushan (highest), Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri. They are announced annually on the eve of Republic Day. The Bharat Ratna is India’s highest civilian award.
👤 Appointments
Tushar Mehta Reappointed Solicitor General of India
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet reappointed senior advocate Tushar Mehta as Solicitor General of India for a further three-year term beginning July 1, 2026. He has held the post since 2018.
Key Facts
- Reappointed for three years from July 1, 2026; approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC).
- The Solicitor General is the second-highest law officer of India, after the Attorney General.
- Tushar Mehta has served as Solicitor General since 2018.
- The Solicitor General assists the Attorney General and represents the Union before the courts.
📌 Why It Matters
Law officers of India and key appointments are recurring questions in UPSC, SSC, and State PSC exams.
🧠 Static GK Connect
The Attorney General for India, appointed under Article 76 of the Constitution, is the highest law officer of the country. The Solicitor General and Additional Solicitors General are statutory posts that assist the Attorney General.
Mahesh Dixit Appointed Director of the Intelligence Bureau
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet approved the appointment of senior IPS officer Mahesh Dixit as the new Director of the Intelligence Bureau (IB), succeeding Tapan Kumar Deka. A 1993-batch IPS officer, Dixit was serving as Special Director in the IB and is to take charge around June 30, 2026.
Key Facts
- Mahesh Dixit, a 1993-batch IPS officer (Andhra Pradesh / Telangana cadre), is the new IB Director.
- He succeeds Tapan Kumar Deka, a 1988-batch IPS officer who had led the IB since 2022.
- Approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC).
- The Intelligence Bureau functions under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
📌 Why It Matters
Heads of key security and intelligence agencies are frequently asked appointment questions in UPSC, SSC, Police, and State PSC exams.
🧠 Static GK Connect
The Intelligence Bureau (IB), founded in 1887, is India’s internal intelligence agency under the Ministry of Home Affairs. The external intelligence agency is the Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW), which functions under the Cabinet Secretariat.
📊 Reports & Indices
India Becomes World’s Leading Ship-Recycling Nation
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways announced, citing a UNCTAD report, that India has become the world’s leading ship-recycling nation. India’s share of the global market rose to 35.4% in 2025 from 30.1% in 2024, meeting the Maritime India Vision 2030 target five years ahead of schedule.
Key Facts
- Global ship-recycling share: 35.4% in 2025, up from 30.1% in 2024; source: UNCTAD report.
- Recycling volume rose nearly 60% to 2.99 million gross tonnes (from 1.86 million GT).
- Maritime India Vision 2030 target achieved five years early.
- Union Minister: Sarbananda Sonowal; the Alang-Sosiya cluster in Gujarat is the world’s largest ship-recycling hub.
📌 Why It Matters
UNCTAD reports, maritime-sector data, and India’s global rankings are tested in UPSC, Banking, and SSC exams.
🧠 Static GK Connect
India enacted the Recycling of Ships Act, 2019, aligning with the Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships, which India ratified in 2019. UNCTAD (UN Conference on Trade and Development) is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland.
📅 Important Days
Important International Days Observed (June 22–28, 2026)
Several internationally observed days fell during this week, including World Rainforest Day, International Olympic Day, the International Day of Women in Diplomacy, and the Day of the Seafarer.
Key Facts
- World Rainforest Day — June 22; 2026 theme: "Rainforests: Our Life Support System".
- International Olympic Day — June 23 (marks the founding of the IOC on June 23, 1894).
- International Day of Women in Diplomacy — June 24 (a UN-recognised observance).
- Day of the Seafarer — June 25; 2026 theme: "Carrying world trade. Carrying the risks".
📌 Why It Matters
Important days, their dates, and themes are very common one-liner questions in SSC, Banking, Railway, and State PSC exams.
🧠 Static GK Connect
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) was founded on June 23, 1894 by Pierre de Coubertin and is headquartered in Lausanne, Switzerland. The Day of the Seafarer is led by the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
🕊️ Obituaries
Former US Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan Dies at 100
Alan Greenspan, who served as Chairman of the US Federal Reserve under four presidents from 1987 to 2006, died on June 22, 2026, at the age of 100, from complications of Parkinson’s disease.
Key Facts
- Died on June 22, 2026, aged 100.
- The 13th Chairman of the US Federal Reserve (1987–2006), under Reagan, G.H.W. Bush, Clinton, and G.W. Bush.
- His tenure was the second-longest in Fed history; he was nicknamed "the Maestro".
- He famously coined the phrase "irrational exuberance".
📌 Why It Matters
International obituaries and central-bank leaders are relevant for Banking and UPSC current-affairs sections.
🧠 Static GK Connect
The US Federal Reserve, established in 1913, is the central bank of the United States. India’s central bank is the Reserve Bank of India, established in 1935 and headquartered in Mumbai.
🤝 Summits & MoUs
India Hosts BRICS National Security Advisers’ Meeting in New Delhi
India hosted the BRICS National Security Advisers’ (NSA) Meeting on June 22–23, 2026, chaired by National Security Adviser Ajit Doval under India’s 2026 BRICS Presidency. NSAs and high representatives of member states deliberated on counter-terrorism, cyber security, and multilateral security governance.
Key Facts
- Host: India; chaired by National Security Adviser Ajit Doval.
- Held under India’s 2026 BRICS Presidency.
- Focus areas: counter-terrorism, cyber security, and multilateral governance.
- BRICS founding members: Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.
📌 Why It Matters
BRICS, its members, and India’s presidency are core International Relations topics for UPSC and State PSC exams.
🧠 Static GK Connect
BRICS began as BRIC in 2009; South Africa joined in 2010, and the bloc expanded further from 2024 with new members. The New Development Bank (NDB), the BRICS bank, is headquartered in Shanghai, China.
India Hosts 11th BRICS Energy Ministers’ Meeting in Gurugram
India hosted the 11th BRICS Energy Ministers’ Meeting on June 25–26, 2026 in Gurugram, Haryana, under the theme "Sarveshaam Urjam (Energy for All)," focusing on energy security, renewable energy, and sustainable development among BRICS nations.
Key Facts
- 11th edition; hosted by India under its 2026 BRICS Presidency.
- Venue: Gurugram, Haryana; dates: June 25–26, 2026.
- Theme: "Sarveshaam Urjam (Energy for All)".
- Focus: energy cooperation, energy security, renewable energy, and sustainable development.
📌 Why It Matters
BRICS ministerial meetings and India’s presidency themes are relevant International Relations and economy topics for UPSC and State PSC exams.
🧠 Static GK Connect
India holds the rotating BRICS Presidency in 2026 and is hosting multiple BRICS ministerial tracks through the year. BRICS originated as BRIC in 2009, with South Africa joining in 2010.
🧠 Static GK Refresher
Connect this week's news with evergreen facts that exams love
| News Item | Static Fact to Remember |
|---|---|
| India hosted the BRICS NSA Meeting and the 11th BRICS Energy Ministers’ Meeting under its 2026 Presidency. | BRICS began as BRIC in 2009; South Africa joined in 2010 and the bloc expanded further from 2024. The New Development Bank (NDB), the BRICS bank, is headquartered in Shanghai, China. |
| Tushar Mehta was reappointed Solicitor General of India. | The Attorney General for India (Article 76) is the highest law officer of the country; the Solicitor General is the second-highest, assisted by Additional Solicitors General. These are statutory posts. |
| CPCL became India’s 28th Navratna CPSE. | The Navratna scheme was introduced in 1997. CPSEs are graded into three tiers — Maharatna, Navratna, and Miniratna. A Navratna can invest up to ₹1,000 crore or 15% of net worth in a single project without prior approval. |
| President Murmu conferred 65 Padma Awards at the second 2026 investiture. | The Padma Awards were instituted in 1954 and are conferred in three categories — Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri — announced annually on the eve of Republic Day. The Bharat Ratna is India’s highest civilian award. |
| ISRO hot-tested its semi-cryogenic engine power head at 175 tonnes. | ISRO was founded in 1969 and is headquartered in Bengaluru. The LVM3 (formerly GSLV Mk III) is India’s heaviest operational launch vehicle, used for Chandrayaan-3 and the Gaganyaan programme. |
| India became the world’s leading ship-recycling nation with a 35.4% share. | India enacted the Recycling of Ships Act, 2019, aligned with the Hong Kong International Convention. The Alang-Sosiya cluster in Gujarat is the world’s largest ship-recycling hub. UNCTAD is headquartered in Geneva. |
| Mahesh Dixit was appointed Director of the Intelligence Bureau. | The Intelligence Bureau (IB), founded in 1887, is India’s internal intelligence agency under the Ministry of Home Affairs. The Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW) is the external intelligence agency, under the Cabinet Secretariat. |
| India conducted its first GAGAN-based landing approach on a jet aircraft at Udaipur. | GAGAN (GPS Aided GEO Augmented Navigation) is India’s Satellite-Based Augmentation System, jointly developed by ISRO and the Airports Authority of India. The DGCA regulates civil aviation under the Ministry of Civil Aviation. |
India hosted the BRICS NSA Meeting and the 11th BRICS Energy Ministers’ Meeting under its 2026 Presidency.
BRICS began as BRIC in 2009; South Africa joined in 2010 and the bloc expanded further from 2024. The New Development Bank (NDB), the BRICS bank, is headquartered in Shanghai, China.
Tushar Mehta was reappointed Solicitor General of India.
The Attorney General for India (Article 76) is the highest law officer of the country; the Solicitor General is the second-highest, assisted by Additional Solicitors General. These are statutory posts.
CPCL became India’s 28th Navratna CPSE.
The Navratna scheme was introduced in 1997. CPSEs are graded into three tiers — Maharatna, Navratna, and Miniratna. A Navratna can invest up to ₹1,000 crore or 15% of net worth in a single project without prior approval.
President Murmu conferred 65 Padma Awards at the second 2026 investiture.
The Padma Awards were instituted in 1954 and are conferred in three categories — Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri — announced annually on the eve of Republic Day. The Bharat Ratna is India’s highest civilian award.
ISRO hot-tested its semi-cryogenic engine power head at 175 tonnes.
ISRO was founded in 1969 and is headquartered in Bengaluru. The LVM3 (formerly GSLV Mk III) is India’s heaviest operational launch vehicle, used for Chandrayaan-3 and the Gaganyaan programme.
India became the world’s leading ship-recycling nation with a 35.4% share.
India enacted the Recycling of Ships Act, 2019, aligned with the Hong Kong International Convention. The Alang-Sosiya cluster in Gujarat is the world’s largest ship-recycling hub. UNCTAD is headquartered in Geneva.
Mahesh Dixit was appointed Director of the Intelligence Bureau.
The Intelligence Bureau (IB), founded in 1887, is India’s internal intelligence agency under the Ministry of Home Affairs. The Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW) is the external intelligence agency, under the Cabinet Secretariat.
India conducted its first GAGAN-based landing approach on a jet aircraft at Udaipur.
GAGAN (GPS Aided GEO Augmented Navigation) is India’s Satellite-Based Augmentation System, jointly developed by ISRO and the Airports Authority of India. The DGCA regulates civil aviation under the Ministry of Civil Aviation.
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