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CURRENT AFFAIRS : BANKING, FINANCE & BUSINESS

Reserve Bank of India Introduces Credit Derivatives Directions, 2026 with Expanded Risk Management Measures

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued the "Master Directions – RBI (Credit Derivatives) Directions, 2026" to deepen India's corporate bond market and expand the range of credit risk-management tools available to market participants.
• The Directions have been issued under Section 45W of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934, and came into effect from 25 June 2026.
• The revised framework introduces new credit derivative products, including Total Return Swaps (TRS) linked to corporate bonds and credit index derivatives, to enhance market efficiency and risk management.
• A Total Return Swap (TRS) is a credit derivative in which one party transfers the total economic return (income and capital gains/losses) of an underlying asset, such as a corporate bond, to another party.
• The new framework allows Residents as well as Persons Resident Outside India to participate in the credit derivatives market, broadening the investor base.
• To strengthen market governance, the RBI has mandated the establishment of a Credit Derivatives Determinations Committee under the Fixed Income Money Market and Derivatives Association of India (FIMMDA).

Paisabazaar Partners with SBM Bank India to Launch SBM Paisabazaar Paisa+ Credit Card

• Paisabazaar, India's largest financial marketplace, in partnership with SBM Bank (India) Limited, has launched the SBM Paisabazaar Paisa+ Credit Card, a Fixed Deposit (FD)-backed secured credit card.
• The SBM Paisabazaar Paisa+ Credit Card is designed to help users build or improve their credit profile while earning cashback rewards on everyday spending.
• The card is a secured credit card, where the credit limit is backed by a Fixed Deposit (FD), making it suitable for first-time credit users and individuals with limited credit history.
• Customers can open a Fixed Deposit (FD) starting from ₹2,000 to obtain the SBM Paisabazaar Paisa+ Credit Card.
• The Fixed Deposit (FD) linked to the card offers an interest rate of up to 7% per annum (p.a.), allowing users to earn returns while maintaining their credit limit.
• The credit card provides 1.5% cashback on online spends for customers maintaining FDs above ₹10,000.
• Cardholders also receive 1.0% cashback on offline purchases and Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transactions above ₹2,000, irrespective of the FD amount.
• The annual fee for the SBM Paisabazaar Paisa+ Credit Card is ₹499, with no joining fee.

About SBM Bank (India) Limited :

• SBM Bank (India) Limited is headquartered in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
• SBM Bank (India) Limited is the first foreign bank to receive a Universal Banking Licence from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) under the Wholly Owned Subsidiary (WOS) Model.
• SBM Bank (India) Limited is a subsidiary of SBM Holdings Ltd., Mauritius.

LEXI Granted In-Principle Approval by International Financial Services Centres Authority to Offer Cross-Border Payment Services from GIFT-IFSC

• LEXI Money IFSC Private Limited (LEXI), an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered trade and payments platform, has received in-principle approval from the International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) to operate as a Payment Service Provider (PSP) at GIFT-IFSC.
• With this approval, LEXI joins a select group of fintech companies authorised to provide cross-border payment services from the Gujarat International Finance Tec-City International Financial Services Centre (GIFT-IFSC) in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
• The in-principle approval aims to strengthen AI-powered cross-border payment infrastructure and simplify international trade and payment solutions for Indian exporters.
• The approval represents the first regulatory milestone, and LEXI must obtain the Certificate of Authorisation (CoA) from the IFSCA before commencing operations at GIFT-IFSC.
• As a Payment Service Provider (PSP), LEXI will facilitate secure, efficient, and technology-driven international payment services through GIFT-IFSC.
• The International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) is the regulatory authority responsible for supervising and regulating financial services in International Financial Services Centres (IFSCs) in India.
• Gujarat International Finance Tec-City International Financial Services Centre (GIFT-IFSC) was established in 2015 at Gandhinagar, Gujarat, and is India's first International Financial Services Centre (IFSC).

National Payments Corporation of India Approves jUMPP as Third Party Application Provider for UPI Payments

• jUMPP, an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven fintech platform, has received approval from the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) to operate as a Third Party Application Provider (TPAP).
• The NPCI approval enables jUMPP to integrate Unified Payments Interface (UPI) payment capabilities directly into its mobile application (app).
• With UPI integration, users will be able to perform Peer-to-Peer (P2P) money transfers, merchant payments, bill payments, and mobile recharges seamlessly through the jUMPP app.
• As a Third Party Application Provider (TPAP), jUMPP will facilitate UPI transactions through YES Bank Limited, which will act as its Payment Service Provider (PSP) bank.
• jUMPP has also partnered with YES Bank Limited for banking services and Bharat Bill Payment System (BBPS)-related services.

What is a third-party application provider?

• A Third-Party Application Provider (TPAP) is an entity that provides UPI-compliant applications (apps) to end-user customers for facilitating Unified Payments Interface (UPI)-based digital payment transactions.
• TPAP applications include mobile wallets, merchant apps, and other digital payment platforms that utilize the UPI ecosystem for seamless fund transfers and payments.
• The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), the umbrella organisation for operating retail payment and settlement systems in India, owns and operates the UPI platform.
• TPAPs leverage the UPI infrastructure developed by NPCI and work in collaboration with Payment Service Providers (PSPs) and partner banks to process and facilitate UPI transactions.
• Payment Service Providers (PSPs) are banks that connect TPAPs to the UPI network, enabling secure processing of customer payment transactions.
• TPAPs are responsible for ensuring that their UPI applications comply with the security standards, technical requirements, and compliance guidelines prescribed by NPCI.

About jUMPP :

• jUMPP was founded in 2025 by Sarvjeet Singh Virk and is focused on providing AI-powered digital financial services.
• Apart from digital payments, jUMPP currently offers investment products such as Digital Gold, Mutual Funds (MFs), and Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) through its platform.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : INTERNATIONAL NEWS

35 Countries Adopt AI Statement to Strengthen Trusted Supply Chains at Pax Silica Summit

• Thirty-five (35) countries, including India, signed the Statement on Artificial Intelligence (AI), a United States of America (USA)-led initiative aimed at building trusted and resilient supply chains to support AI technologies.
• The Statement on AI was signed during the 2nd Pax Silica Summit, held from 25–26 June 2026 in Washington, D.C., USA.
• The two-day summit was hosted by Jacob Helberg, Secretary of Economic Affairs, US Department of State.
• The Indian delegation at the summit was led by Krishnan, Secretary, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), along with representatives from Indian industry.
• The initiative seeks to strengthen secure, trusted, and resilient global supply chains for critical Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies and related sectors.
• During the summit, the initiative expanded with the participation of Argentina, Germany, the Netherlands, Chile, Costa Rica, Greece, Kazakhstan, Panama, and the European Union (EU).
• Pax Silica is a flagship initiative of the US Department of State focused on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and supply chain security.
• The term "Pax" is a historical Latin word that signifies peace, stability, and prosperity.
• The Pax Silica initiative covers key strategic sectors, including critical minerals, energy, advanced manufacturing, semiconductors, Artificial Intelligence (AI), infrastructure, and logistics.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: NATIONAL AND STATE NEWS

Rajolibanda Diversion Scheme in Focus over Tungabhadra Water-Sharing Dispute

• The Rajolibanda Diversion Scheme (RDS) is an interstate irrigation project built across the Tungabhadra River, a major tributary of the Krishna River.
• The scheme provides irrigation water to Telangana, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh, supporting agriculture and rural livelihoods.
• The project recently came into focus after Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy urged the Central Government to find a permanent solution to the Tungabhadra River water-sharing dispute.
• The issue was raised during the inauguration of the 33 newly installed spillway crest gates at the Tungabhadra Dam in Hosapete, Karnataka.
• The event was attended by Union Minister of Jal Shakti C. R. Patil, Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, Karnataka Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar, and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu.
• The scheme was developed to provide irrigation to drought-prone regions, improve agricultural productivity, ensure equitable sharing of Tungabhadra River water, and support sustainable water management.
• Under the existing water-sharing arrangement, Telangana has been allocated 17.9 Thousand Million Cubic Feet (TMCFT) of water through the scheme.
• According to Telangana, only 5–6 TMCFT of the allocated water is currently being utilised, while nearly 10 TMCFT remains unutilised due to operational and infrastructure-related issues.
• The participating states discussed measures such as de-silting the Tungabhadra Reservoir, improving canal infrastructure, examining the construction of a balancing reservoir at Navali, and strengthening interstate coordination for efficient water management.

RECENT NEWS

• Telangana has taken a major step towards global urban development by engaging international partners at the World Economic Forum 2026. In a key outcome, the UAE and Telangana agreed to explore collaboration for developing Bharat Future City, envisioned as a net-zero, future-ready smart city and a cornerstone of the state’s long-term growth strategy

Government Revises Passport Fees Effective from 1 July 2026

• The Government of India revised the passport fee structure with effect from 1 July 2026, marking the first revision since 2012.
• The revised charges apply to fresh passports, renewals, Tatkal applications, replacement of lost or damaged passports, and passports for minors.
• The revision has been made under the Passport Rules, 1980 to meet the increasing cost of passport processing and service delivery.
• The validity of passports remains unchanged, with 10 years for adults, while the validity for minors will continue as per existing rules.

About Passport Seva Programme

• Ministry: Ministry of External Affairs
• Launched: 2010
• Objective: To provide efficient, transparent and citizen-centric passport services through technology-enabled delivery.

India Plans Seven New Bullet Train Corridors; National High-Speed Rail Corporation Limited to Develop Indigenous B35 Train

• The National High-Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL) is planning to expand India's high-speed rail network through seven proposed bullet train corridors connecting major metropolitan cities.
• The corporation has initiated the development of the indigenous B35 Bullet Train, which will be designed and manufactured in India.
• The B35 Bullet Train will have a maximum design speed of 350 kilometres per hour and an operational speed of 320 kilometres per hour.
• The train will feature advanced signalling systems, modern train control technology, enhanced passenger safety, and improved comfort.
• The proposed high-speed rail network is expected to significantly reduce travel time, improve regional connectivity, promote indigenous high-speed rail technology, generate employment, and reduce dependence on short-haul flights.

• India's first Mumbai–Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor is currently under construction.
• The corridor has a total length of 508 kilometres.
• The first operational section between Surat and Vapi (97 kilometres) is expected to be commissioned by August 2027.

About National High-Speed Rail Corporation Limited

• Established: 2016
• Headquarters: New Delhi
• Administrative Ministry: Ministry of Railways
• Objective: Planning, construction, and operation of high-speed rail projects in India.

Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas Introduces New Regulations for Domestic Liquefied Petroleum Gas Consumers

• The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas introduced new regulations for domestic Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) consumers under the Petroleum Gas (Regulation of Supply and Distribution) Amendment Order, 2026 and the Natural Gas and Petroleum Products Distribution Order, 2026.
• The new regulations aim to prevent dual domestic gas connections, curb commercial misuse of subsidized LPG cylinders, promote the adoption of Piped Natural Gas (PNG), and improve transparency in gas distribution.
• The rules apply to domestic consumers of Indane, BharatGas, and HP Gas, particularly in areas where Piped Natural Gas infrastructure is available.
• Under the 30-Day Rule, consumers who obtain a new Piped Natural Gas connection must surrender their domestic Liquefied Petroleum Gas connection within 30 days after the PNG connection becomes operational.
• Failure to surrender the LPG connection within the stipulated period may result in blocking of the LPG account, preventing future cylinder refills.
• Under the 90-Day Rule, households residing in areas already covered by Piped Natural Gas networks will receive notices to shift to PNG within 30 to 90 days.
• Consumers who fail to switch to PNG within the prescribed period may have their domestic Liquefied Petroleum Gas supply suspended or discontinued, subject to applicable rules.
• The regulations do not apply to households located in areas where Piped Natural Gas infrastructure is unavailable.
• Exemptions are also available for buildings where Piped Natural Gas pipelines cannot be installed due to structural constraints.
• Consumers surrendering their LPG connection can obtain a Transfer Voucher (TV), enabling them to restore the connection later without paying a fresh security deposit or new connection charges.
• The policy aims to eliminate duplicate gas connections, reduce Liquefied Petroleum Gas imports, promote cleaner energy, and ensure efficient utilization of the country's gas infrastructure.

About Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas

• Union Minister: Hardeep Singh Puri
• Minister of State: Suresh Gopi
• Headquarters: New Delhi

Gujarat's Mukhyamantri Kisan Sahay Yojana Provides Financial Assistance to Farmers Affected by Natural Calamities

• The Government of Gujarat launched the Mukhyamantri Kisan Sahay Yojana (MKSY) in 2020 to provide financial assistance to farmers whose Kharif crops are damaged due to natural calamities.
• The scheme provides compensation without charging any insurance premium, unlike conventional crop insurance schemes.
• Farmers with 33% to 60% crop loss are eligible for financial assistance of Rs. 20,000 per hectare.
• Farmers with more than 60% crop loss receive Rs. 25,000 per hectare.
• The financial assistance is available for a maximum of 4 hectares per farmer.
• The scheme covers crop losses caused by floods, droughts, cyclones, heavy rainfall, and unseasonal rainfall.
• The financial assistance is transferred directly to beneficiaries' bank accounts through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
• Since its launch, the scheme has benefited nearly 50 lakh farmers across Gujarat.
• Farmers claiming benefits under the scheme should not avail benefits under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana for the same crop and season.

About Mukhyamantri Kisan Sahay Yojana

• Launched: 2020
• State: Gujarat
• Beneficiaries: Farmers cultivating Kharif crops
• Maximum Coverage: 4 hectares
• Mode of Benefit Transfer: Direct Benefit Transfer

About Gujarat:

• Chief Minister: Bhupendra Patel
• Governor: Acharya Devvrat
• Capital: Gandhinagar
• National Parks: Gir National Park, Blackbuck National Park, Vansda National Park, Marine National Park
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary, Velavadar Blackbuck Sanctuary, Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary, Barda Wildlife Sanctuary, Purna Wildlife Sanctuary

RECENT NEWS

• The Gujarat State Police has traced 1,470 missing persons during a month long statewide campaign called Operation Milap. It was launched on 7th of May, 2026 and the special drive focused on locating missing individuals, reuniting the with their families and strengthen the public trust in law enforcement. 

India Hosts 11th BRICS Energy Ministers' Meeting 2026

• India hosted the 11th BRICS Energy Ministers' Meeting in Gurugram, Haryana, under its BRICS Chairship 2026.
• The meeting was organised under the theme "Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability."
• The Energy Track Theme was "सर्वेषां ऊर्जम् (Energy for All)."
• The meeting was attended by Energy Ministers, Vice Ministers, senior officials, and representatives of the International Solar Alliance, Global Biofuels Alliance, and New Development Bank.
• The discussions focused on energy security and sustainability, energy access and equity, and technology and innovation.
• Key areas of cooperation included smart grids, energy storage, hydrogen value chains, Artificial Intelligence, biofuels, carbon capture technologies, digitalisation, critical minerals, and grid modernisation.
• India highlighted that it is the world's third-largest producer and consumer of electricity.
• India's installed power generation capacity has reached nearly 540 Gigawatts, with more than 50% coming from non-fossil fuel sources.
• India's solar power capacity has increased from around 3 Gigawatts in 2014 to over 154 Gigawatts.
• India also announced targets of over 400 Gigawatt-hours of energy storage capacity by 2032 and 100 Gigawatts of nuclear power capacity by 2047.
• During the meeting, the BRICS Digital Centre of Excellence for Smart Grids and Energy Storage was launched under the BRICS Energy Research Cooperation Platform.
• The Ministers adopted the BRICS Guiding Principles on Smart Grids and Energy Storage and welcomed the BRICS Joint Report on Hydrogen Value Chains 2026.
• The meeting concluded with the adoption of the 11th BRICS Energy Ministers' Joint Communiqué, reaffirming cooperation in renewable energy, hydrogen, biofuels, energy storage, critical minerals, carbon capture, and affordable clean energy.

RECENT NEWS

• Bengaluru India hosting the BRICS Heads of Space Agencies (HOSA) Meeting 2026. This meeting brings together the senior representatives and heads of space agencies from all the eleven BRICS member nations.

Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment Launches SHATAYU Dashboard for Elderly Care

• The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment launched the SHATAYU (Senior Holistic Care Assistance and Training for Your Utility) Dashboard.
• The dashboard aims to strengthen elderly care services by connecting trained geriatric caregivers with senior citizens requiring professional care and assistance.
• It serves as a centralized digital platform for registering certified geriatric caregivers across India.
• The initiative seeks to improve access to quality elderly care, promote an inclusive and age-friendly support system, and strengthen the country's elderly care ecosystem.
• The dashboard is managed by the National Institute of Social Defence (NISD) under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
• The National Institute of Social Defence is responsible for training geriatric caregivers under various Government programmes.
• Caregivers who completed geriatric caregiver training during 2023-24 and earlier have also been invited to register on the dashboard.
• The Ministry stated that technical teams are continuously verifying registrations and improving data quality to ensure the platform remains accurate and user-friendly.
• The Ministry clarified that the concentration of caregivers from certain districts is due to the location of training centres and advised the public not to rely on misleading social media claims regarding the portal.

 CURRENT AFFAIRS : APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

Appointments Committee of the Cabinet Appoints Mahesh Dixit as New Director of the Intelligence Bureau

• The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the appointment of Mahesh Dixit as the next Director of the Intelligence Bureau (IB), India's premier internal intelligence agency.
• Mahesh Dixit is a 1993-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer and is currently serving as the Special Director and second-in-command of the Intelligence Bureau (IB).
• He will assume office as Director, Intelligence Bureau (IB) for a two-year tenure from the date of assuming charge or until further orders, whichever is earlier.
• Mahesh Dixit will succeed Tapan Kumar Deka, a 1988-batch IPS officer, who has been serving as Director of the Intelligence Bureau since July 2022, with his second extended tenure ending on 30 June 2026.
• Before joining the Indian Police Service (IPS), Mahesh Dixit qualified as a medical doctor, making him one of India's experienced intelligence officers with expertise in counter-terrorism, national security, and intelligence operations.
• He was promoted as Additional Director of IB in 2022 and as Special Director of IB in 2024, becoming the agency's second-highest-ranking officer.
• Before his posting at the IB Headquarters in New Delhi, Mahesh Dixit headed the Subsidiary Intelligence Bureau (SIB) in Jammu & Kashmir.
• Mahesh Dixit played a key role in intelligence assessment and security planning during the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019 in Jammu & Kashmir.
• He also supervised major intelligence responsibilities during the G20 Tourism Working Group Meeting held in Srinagar in 2023.
• The appointment has been approved by the ACC through an extension in service under Fundamental Rule (FR) 56(d) and Rule 16(1A) of the All India Services (Death-cum-Retirement Benefits) Rules, 1958.
• During his distinguished career, Mahesh Dixit has been honoured with the President's Police Medal for Distinguished Service (2016), the Police Medal for Meritorious Service (2009), and the Police Antrik Suraksha Seva Padak (2004).

About Intelligence Bureau :

• Formed : 23 December 1887
• Headquarters : New Delhi, Delhi, India
• Parent agency : Ministry of Home Affairs
• The Intelligence Bureau (IB) is India's premier internal intelligence agency, responsible for internal security, counter-terrorism, counter-intelligence, and national security assessments.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : DEFENCE NEWS

Goa-Built ICGS Akshay Commissioned into Bharatiya Tatrakshak

• Bharatiya Tatrakshak (Indian Coast Guard) achieved another milestone in its force modernisation with the commissioning of the ICGS Akshay, a new-generation Fast Patrol Vessel (FPV), on 27 June 2026 at Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL), Goa.
• The vessel is named "Akshay", which means "Indestructible", symbolising the enduring spirit, resilience, and unwavering commitment of Bharatiya Tatrakshak towards safeguarding India's maritime interests.
• ICGS Akshay enhances the operational capability of the Bharatiya Tatrakshak by strengthening maritime security, coastal surveillance, and protection of India's vast maritime domain.
• The Fast Patrol Vessel (FPV) is equipped to undertake maritime law enforcement, coastal security, search and rescue (SAR), marine environmental protection, and assistance to mariners in distress.
• ICGS Akshay was commissioned by Parama Sen, Additional Secretary (Personnel), Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance.
• The commissioning ceremony was held in the presence of Inspector General Bhisham Sharma, Commander, Coast Guard Region (West), Inspector General Jyotindra Singh, Deputy Director General (HRD), and other senior dignitaries from the Central and State Governments.
• ICGS Akshay has been designed and constructed by Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL), highlighting India's growing indigenous shipbuilding capability.
• The induction of ICGS Akshay reflects the Government of India's commitment to Aatmanirbhar Bharat by promoting self-reliance in defence manufacturing and strengthening the domestic maritime ecosystem.

Indian Navy’s INS Ikshak Arrives in Seychelles on Operational Deployment

• INS Ikshak, the Indian Navy's indigenously built Survey Vessel Large (SVL), arrived at Port Victoria, Seychelles, on 26 June 2026 as part of its operational deployment to the South West Indian Ocean Region.
• The visit coincides with the 50th National Day celebrations of Seychelles, highlighting the strong maritime partnership and long-standing friendship between India and Seychelles.
• During the port call, INS Ikshak will participate in the National Day celebrations and hold professional interactions with the Seychelles Defence Forces to enhance maritime cooperation and interoperability.
• As part of its community outreach initiatives, the ship will organize medical camps and distribute essential supplies, strengthening goodwill and people-to-people ties between the two countries.
• INS Ikshak will also be open to visitors, providing an opportunity to witness the Indian Navy's capabilities and its commitment to regional maritime security, safety, and cooperation.
• The deployment of INS Ikshak reaffirms India's commitment to strengthening maritime partnerships with friendly nations and promoting peace, security, and stability in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
• The mission aligns with MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions), India's vision for enhancing regional maritime cooperation and collective security.

Indian Naval Ships Udaygiri, Kavaratti, and Shakti Arrive in Thailand as Part of South East Asia Deployment

• Indian Naval Ships (INS) Udaygiri, Kavaratti, and Shakti of the Eastern Fleet arrived at Sattahip, Thailand, as part of their operational deployment to the South East Asia Region.
• The deployment was led by Rear Admiral (RAdm) Alok Ananda, Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet (FOCEF).
• The Indian Naval ships were received by the Royal Thai Navy, reflecting the strong and long-standing maritime partnership between India and Thailand.
• The port call is part of India's continued maritime engagement with South East Asian nations to strengthen regional maritime cooperation.
• The visit includes professional exchanges, cross-deck visits, operational interactions, sporting engagements, and community outreach programmes to enhance navy-to-navy cooperation and interoperability.
• The port call aims to strengthen camaraderie, mutual cooperation, and bilateral maritime ties between India and Thailand.
• The deployment showcases the indigenous design, modular construction, and state-of-the-art technology of Indian Naval ships, highlighting India's growing defence manufacturing capabilities.
• The visit reinforces India's position as a reliable defence and maritime partner in the Indo-Pacific Region.

INS Sudarshini Docks at Baltimore as Part of Landmark Lokayan 26 Voyage

• Indian Navy's Sail Training Ship (STS) INS Sudarshini arrived at the Port of Baltimore, Maryland, USA, on 26 June 2026 as part of the landmark Lokayan 26 transoceanic expedition.
• The voyage from Norfolk to Baltimore included transit through the historic Chesapeake & Delaware (C&D) Canal, passing beneath major mid-Atlantic bridges.
• The visit of INS Sudarshini highlights India's rich maritime heritage and strengthens the enduring friendship and maritime cooperation between the Indian Navy and the United States Navy (US Navy).
• During its stay in Baltimore, the ship will participate in maritime engagement programmes and community outreach activities ahead of the Sail250 Maryland celebrations, marking the 250th anniversary of the United States.
• Before arriving in Baltimore, INS Sudarshini participated in the Sail250 Virginia celebrations held in Norfolk from 19–23 June 2026.
• During the Sail250 Virginia celebrations, INS Sudarshini joined tall ships from across the world and represented India in the Parade of Sail and the City Crew Parade.
• The Lokayan 26 expedition covered over 13,000 nautical miles in five months, sailing from Kochi (India) to Norfolk (USA), showcasing India's long-standing seafaring traditions.
• The voyage reflects the Indian philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (The World is One Family) by promoting friendship, cooperation, mutual trust, and maritime diplomacy across the oceans.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Defence Research and Development Organisation-Developed HELINA is India’s Indigenous Third-Generation Fire-and-Forget Anti-Tank Missile

• HELINA (Helicopter-launched Nag) is an indigenously developed, third-generation, fire-and-forget Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM) developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

Key Highlights :

• HELINA is the helicopter-launched version of the Nag Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM) and is designed to destroy armoured vehicles, battle tanks, and reinforced bunkers.
• The Indian Air Force (IAF) version of the missile is called Dhruvastra, while another ATGM version can also be fired by soldiers.
• HELINA uses a high-resolution Imaging Infrared (IIR) Seeker with Lock-on Before Launch (LOBL) capability, enabling the missile to identify and track targets using their heat signatures.
• As a fire-and-forget missile, HELINA locks onto the target before launch and requires no further guidance from the helicopter after firing, allowing the launch platform to move to safety.
• The missile has an operational range of 500 metres to 7 kilometres and is capable of engaging targets in both Direct Attack Mode and Top Attack Mode.
• In Top Attack Mode, the missile climbs after launch and strikes the top armour of tanks, which is the weakest protected area, making it highly effective against heavily armoured vehicles.
• HELINA is capable of day-and-night operations and performs effectively in all weather conditions, including mountainous terrain.
• The missile is designed to defeat tanks equipped with both conventional armour and Explosive Reactive Armour (ERA).
• HELINA measures 94 metres in length, has a 150 millimetre diameter, and weighs 44 kilograms.
• The missile system is fitted with two twin launchers, one on each side of the helicopter, enabling it to carry a total of eight HELINA missiles.
• HELINA is integrated with rotary-wing platforms such as the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) and the Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand.
• User Validation Trials of HELINA were successfully conducted in April 2022 at high-altitude ranges by the DRDO, Indian Army, and Indian Air Force using the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH).
• Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is preparing the first live-fire trials of HELINA from the Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand, following earlier successful trials from the ALH.
• Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) received an order worth ₹1,109.37 crore from HAL to supply HELINA missile launchers.
• The order also includes ₹238.34 crore for Line Replaceable Units (LRUs) and the Countermeasure Dispensing System (CMDS), with an execution period of 24–60 months.
• The Countermeasure Dispensing System (CMDS) is a self-defence system used on military aircraft to protect against radar-guided and heat-seeking missiles by deploying defensive decoys.
• The Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand has been inducted by both the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force, with HELINA serving as its primary anti-armour weapon.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: AWARDS AND HONOURS

Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh Releases Memoir of Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla

• Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, released the memoir of Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, titled "The Second Orbit: Belief of a Man… Dreams of 1.4 billion Hearts", at an event held in New Delhi.
• The memoir chronicles Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla's journey from an Indian Air Force fighter pilot to an astronaut, including his mission to the International Space Station as part of the Axiom-4 Mission.
• The book highlights his selection as an astronaut, training, mission preparation, experiences aboard the International Space Station, and personal reflections on representing India in space.
• The event also marked the first anniversary of the Axiom-4 Mission, which was launched.
• Students from various schools attended the event and interacted with Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who shared his experiences of space travel and inspired young minds to pursue careers in science and space exploration.
• The memoir showcases India's growing participation in human spaceflight and highlights the country's progress in space exploration.

Daily CA One- Liner: June 28 & 29

• The Rajolibanda Diversion Scheme (RDS) is an interstate irrigation project built across the Tungabhadra River, a major tributary of the Krishna River
• The Government of India revised the passport fee structure with effect from 1 July 2026, marking the first revision since 2012
• The National High-Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL) is planning to expand India's high-speed rail network through seven proposed bullet train corridors connecting major metropolitan cities
• The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas introduced new regulations for domestic Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) consumers under the Petroleum Gas (Regulation of Supply and Distribution) Amendment Order, 2026 and the Natural Gas and Petroleum Products Distribution Order, 2026
• The Government of Gujarat launched the Mukhyamantri Kisan Sahay Yojana (MKSY) in 2020 to provide financial assistance to farmers whose Kharif crops are damaged due to natural calamities
• India hosted the 11th BRICS Energy Ministers' Meeting in Gurugram, Haryana, under its BRICS Chairship 2026
• The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment launched the SHATAYU (Senior Holistic Care Assistance and Training for Your Utility) Dashboard
• Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, released the memoir of Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, titled "The Second Orbit: Belief of a Man… Dreams of 1.4 billion Hearts", at an event held in New Delhi.
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued the "Master Directions – RBI (Credit Derivatives) Directions, 2026" to deepen India's corporate bond market and expand the range of credit risk-management tools available to market participants.
• Paisabazaar, India's largest financial marketplace, in partnership with SBM Bank (India) Limited, has launched the SBM Paisabazaar Paisa+ Credit Card, a Fixed Deposit (FD)-backed secured credit card.
• LEXI Money IFSC Private Limited (LEXI), an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered trade and payments platform, has received in-principle approval from the International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) to operate as a Payment Service Provider (PSP) at GIFT-IFSC.
• jUMPP, an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven fintech platform, has received approval from the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) to operate as a Third Party Application Provider (TPAP).
• Thirty-five (35) countries, including India, signed the Statement on Artificial Intelligence (AI), a United States of America (USA)-led initiative aimed at building trusted and resilient supply chains to support AI technologies.
• The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the appointment of Mahesh Dixit as the next Director of the Intelligence Bureau (IB), India's premier internal intelligence agency.
• Bharatiya Tatrakshak (Indian Coast Guard) achieved another milestone in its force modernisation with the commissioning of the ICGS Akshay, a new-generation Fast Patrol Vessel (FPV), on 27 June 2026 at Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL), Goa.
• INS Ikshak, the Indian Navy's indigenously built Survey Vessel Large (SVL), arrived at Port Victoria, Seychelles, on 26 June 2026 as part of its operational deployment to the South West Indian Ocean Region.
• Indian Naval Ships (INS) Udaygiri, Kavaratti, and Shakti of the Eastern Fleet arrived at Sattahip, Thailand, as part of their operational deployment to the South East Asia Region.
• Indian Navy's Sail Training Ship (STS) INS Sudarshini arrived at the Port of Baltimore, Maryland, USA, on 26 June 2026 as part of the landmark Lokayan 26 transoceanic expedition.
• HELINA (Helicopter-launched Nag) is an indigenously developed, third-generation, fire-and-forget Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM) developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).