Weekly India Current Affairs
June 22 – June 28, 2026
Hello friends! Welcome back to our weekly current affairs roundup. This week has been packed with important developments across India. From high-stakes international trade negotiations to tragic domestic incidents, from sports triumphs to political shakeups – we have got it all covered for you. Let us dive straight into the biggest stories that made headlines this week!
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India-U.S. Trade Talks: Substantial Progress Made
This week saw some major movement on the India-U.S. trade deal front. U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer visited New Delhi for a two-day meeting with Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal from June 23-24. Both sides reviewed the core elements of the interim trade agreement and the broader Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA). While officials noted "substantial progress" in recent months, no specific deadlines were announced. The deal is crucial as Washington's temporary 10% tariff is set to expire on July 24.
- USTR Greer held multiple meetings with Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal during the June 23-24 visit
- Both countries reviewed market access, digital trade, and non-tariff barriers
- The interim deal requires only "final touches" according to government sources
- Congress urged the Centre not to rush into signing the agreement, claiming it might be tilted against India's interests
- Farmer groups in Punjab staged protests against the proposed deal, fearing adverse impacts on agriculture
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International Yoga Day: PM Modi Celebrates in Kolkata
On June 21, 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in the International Yoga Day celebrations in Kolkata. He emphasized that yoga has become the world's largest community celebration, uniting people across borders. "June 21, in some parts of the Earth marks the longest day, and because of International Yoga Day, this day has also become the day of the world's largest collective celebration," PM Modi said. The event highlighted India's cultural heritage and soft power on the global stage.
- PM Modi led celebrations in Kolkata for the 12th International Yoga Day
- Yoga unites everyone and brings people together, said the Prime Minister
- The event showcased India's cultural heritage and traditional practices
- Millions participated across the country in various yoga sessions
Tragedy Strikes: Kolkata Warehouse Collapse
A devastating incident occurred in Kolkata's Taratala area when an under-construction multi-storeyed warehouse collapsed on June 24. The death toll climbed to 16 workers by June 27, with several others injured. The structure was being built by a private operator on land leased from the Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port Authority. Rescue operations were immediately launched, with 33 people rescued from the rubble. West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari visited the site and assured that all agencies were working together.
- 16 workers died in the Taratala warehouse collapse
- 33 people were rescued from the accident site
- The building was under construction on port authority leased land
- CM Suvendu Adhikari visited the site and ordered rescue operations
- Several workers remain hospitalized with injuries
Ram Temple Donation Case: SIT Investigation Deepens
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing alleged irregularities in donations at the Ayodhya Ram Temple submitted its preliminary report to the Uttar Pradesh government this week. The SIT found large-scale procedural violations and instructed trust and temple functionaries not to leave Ayodhya. Investigators discovered discrepancies in documentation of offerings like gold, silver, and precious stones. The Ram Mandir Trust saw Champat Rai and Anil Mishra resign amid the controversy. The Congress has questioned the "silence" of PM Modi and CM Yogi on the matter.
- SIT submitted preliminary report to UP government on donation irregularities
- Trust functionaries barred from leaving Ayodhya during investigation
- Discrepancies found in documentation of precious offerings
- Champat Rai and Anil Mishra resigned from Ram Mandir Trust
- Congress demanded answers from PM Modi and CM Yogi Adityanath
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Political Shakeups: Shiv Sena Merger and Rajya Sabha Revelations
Maharashtra politics witnessed major drama this week as six Lok Sabha MPs from Shiv Sena (UBT) announced their merger with the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena. This development has significant implications for the state's political landscape. Meanwhile, an analysis by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) revealed that around 31% of sitting Rajya Sabha MPs have declared criminal cases against themselves, with 16% facing serious criminal charges. The analysis covered 226 of the 233 Rajya Sabha MPs.
- Six Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs merged with Eknath Shinde's faction
- Party leaders met Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to discuss the merger
- 31% of Rajya Sabha MPs have declared criminal cases
- 16% face serious criminal charges according to ADR report
- Four West Bengal seats in Rajya Sabha currently vacant
Defense and Foreign Affairs: Strategic Moves
India made significant strides in defense cooperation this week. NSA Ajit Doval engaged with BRICS counterparts on regional security and India-China relations. The Israel Ministry of Defence DG met Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to strengthen India-Israel defense cooperation. Additionally, India is in discussions with the UAE for the sale of BrahMos missile systems and the Akashteer air defense system. The U.S. Department of War notified Congress of $428 million in maintenance support for M777A2 howitzers and Apache helicopters operated by India.
- NSA Ajit Doval met BRICS counterparts to discuss regional security
- Israel reaffirmed commitment to expanding defense collaboration with India
- India-UAE BrahMos missile deal under active discussion
- $428 million U.S. defense package for Indian military hardware
- INS Udaygiri and INS Kavaratti docked in Vietnam for maritime cooperation
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Economy and Policy Updates
The economic front saw mixed signals this week. India's core sector growth slowed to 0.5% in May 2026, the second-lowest in 21 months. However, RBI MPC indicated that India's growth rate could top 7% if oil prices fall further. The government amended FCRA rules for NGOs receiving foreign funds, tightening norms. The CBSE announced re-valuation results for Class 12 students, bringing relief to many. Meanwhile, the NEET-UG re-examination was conducted smoothly across 5,440 centres after earlier controversies.
- Core sector growth hit 0.5% in May, second-slowest in 21 months
- RBI projects 7%+ growth if oil prices continue falling
- New FCRA rules tightened foreign funding norms for NGOs
- CBSE Class 12 re-valuation results declared
- NEET-UG retest conducted smoothly at 5,440 centres
- NTA dismissed fake videos claiming paper leaks
Legal and Judicial Developments
The Supreme Court delivered several important judgments this week. The apex court stayed the premature release of a Bowbazar blast convict and refused to entertain a plea against Collegium picks for Himachal Pradesh High Court judgeship. In a significant ruling, the SC backed eased NEET-SS cut-offs for government doctors, acknowledging they serve the public while studying. The Centre reappointed Solicitor General Tushar Mehta for three years, ensuring continuity in legal leadership.
- Supreme Court stayed release of Bowbazar blast convict
- SC backed reduced cut-offs for NEET-SS government doctors
- Tushar Mehta reappointed as Solicitor General for three years
- Five Additional Solicitors General also got extensions
- Collegium recommendations face limited judicial review
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Sports: FIFA World Cup 2026 Excitement
The FIFA World Cup 2026 continued to capture India's attention this week. Brazil beat Scotland 3-0 with Vinicius Junior scoring twice to reach the knockout stage. Argentina also advanced with Lionel Messi breaking multiple World Cup records. The Indian women's cricket team faced a must-win situation against Bangladesh in the T20 World Cup. In shooting, Indian athletes added four more medals at the ISSF Junior World Championship in Germany, topping the tally.
- Brazil defeated Scotland 3-0 to enter knockout stage
- Vinicius Junior scored twice, tied with Mbappe at four goals
- Lionel Messi broke World Cup records as Argentina advanced
- Indian shooters won four medals at ISSF Junior World Championship
- Indian women's cricket team played must-win T20 World Cup match
International Relations: Iran, China, and Beyond
On the global stage, Iran invited PM Modi to attend burial ceremonies of late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei, assassinated earlier this year. The invitation was conveyed on June 23, with ceremonies scheduled between July 3-9. China expressed readiness to work with India to enhance mutual trust, following a meeting between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and PM Modi. The U.S. struck Iran in response to a drone attack on a cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz, testing the interim peace deal.
- Iran invited PM Modi for Ayatollah Khamenei's burial ceremonies
- China ready to enhance mutual trust with India
- U.S. conducted strikes on Iran after cargo ship drone attack
- Oman opened temporary shipping routes through Strait of Hormuz
- India launched Operation Amistad to aid quake-hit Venezuela
State-Level Developments
Several states saw important developments this week. In West Bengal, the BJP government presented its maiden budget, with controversy erupting over midday meal schemes. Kerala proposed tax cuts for low-alcohol beverages in its revised budget. Odisha suspended four senior officials for over 1,678 mistakes in school textbooks. In Maharashtra, CM Fadnavis assured justice in the Pune trekker murder case, agreeing to a fast-track trial. Punjab saw protests against Himachal Pradesh's vehicle entry tax.
- West Bengal BJP government presented its first budget
- Kerala proposed liquor tax changes in revised budget
- Odisha suspended officials for textbook errors
- Maharashtra CM promised fast-track trial in Pune murder case
- Punjab residents protested Himachal entry tax
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Technology and Infrastructure
Infrastructure and technology saw notable progress. Indian Railways approved deployment of the automatic train protection system 'Kavach' on 631 route kilometres of East Coast Railway. ISRO is preparing for its next lunar mission with a rover to explore the Moon's south pole. The government launched an AI-powered platform to map supply chains and investment clusters. India's first indigenous hydrogen fuel cell bus was successfully tested, paving the way for clean public transport.
- Kavach system approved for 631 km of East Coast Railway
- ISRO preparing lunar mission with south pole rover
- AI platform launched for supply chain mapping
- Hydrogen fuel cell bus successfully tested in India
- Telegram access restored after NEET re-exam blocking expired
Social and Cultural News
The cultural scene saw both celebration and controversy. The Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA) leadership resigned amid internal turmoil. Actor Allu Arjun failed to appear before court in the Sandhya Theatre stampede case. In a heartwarming gesture, a New York bill to ban horse carriages was renamed after Indian teen Romanch Mahajan, who died in a Central Park incident. The Padma Awards 2026 were conferred at Rashtrapati Bhavan, recognizing exceptional service across fields.
- AMMA executive committee resigned amid internal disputes
- Allu Arjun's court hearing adjourned to July 6
- New York carriage bill renamed after Indian teenager Romanch Mahajan
- Padma Awards 2026 conferred at Rashtrapati Bhavan
- NCERT to restore Dancing Girl image in textbooks after criticism
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Security and Law Enforcement
Security agencies were active this week. Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced amendments to the NDPS Act to plug loopholes exploited by narco syndicates. The CRPF suspended a DIG-rank officer and transferred 20 others allegedly for voicing opinions against the CAPF Bill. Nirav Modi was ordered by a UK court to pay over $11.5 million to Bank of India. A Bengaluru court re-issued a non-bailable warrant against actor Prakash Raj in an electoral rolls case.
- Amit Shah announced NDPS Act amendments to combat drug syndicates
- CRPF officer suspended over CAPF Bill protests
- Nirav Modi liable for $11.5 million in UK court ruling
- NBW against Prakash Raj re-issued by Bengaluru court
- India slammed Pakistan at UNSC over Kashmir remarks
Conclusion
This week has been a rollercoaster of events for India. From the hopeful progress on the India-U.S. trade deal to the tragic Kolkata warehouse collapse, from International Yoga Day celebrations to serious political realignments – the news cycle has been relentless. As we move into the next week, all eyes will be on whether the trade deal gets finalized, how the Ram Temple investigation unfolds, and what the monsoon brings for our farmers.
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