1 Navi Mumbai and Guwahati airports are among the world’s most beautiful airports.
Terminal 1 of Navi Mumbai International Airport and Terminal 2 of Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, Guwahati have been included in the ‘ Prix Versailles ‘ list of the world’s most beautiful airports 2026. Both these airports are operated by Adani Airport Holdings Limited (AAHL) , India’s largest private airport operator . The Paris-based ‘Prix Versailles’ is one of the world’s leading annual architecture and design awards. The ‘Prix Versailles’ honours newly built airports and terminals for their modern design.
The World Economic Forum (WEF) released its new 2026 Technology Pioneers Group . It selected 100 early-stage companies from 23 countries that are transforming industry and society through disruptive innovations in areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), energy, quantum computing, biotechnology, climate innovation, space, and advanced manufacturing. This year’s Technology Group list included nine Indian startups (compared to 10 in the 2025 list). This brings the total number of Indian companies included in the WEF group to 28, including Agnikul Cosmos, Cropin, Digantara , and others.
2026 Technology Pioneers Group: Indian Startups
Bellatrix Aerospace manufactures advanced satellite propulsion systems.
Dhruva Space provides end-to-end space engineering solutions.
OrbitAID develops technology for in-orbit satellite servicing and refueling. Sarla Aviation – designs electric air taxis for urban mobility. Varaha – develops technology-based climate and carbon reduction solutions.
Autonomize AI – builds AI infrastructure for the healthcare industry.
Airbound – innovates ultra-lightweight and efficient drone delivery technology. BorderPlus – focuses on secure network infrastructure and technology. The United States (USA) has the highest number of tech startups
on the 2026 list (43 startups), followed by China (10), India (9), and the United Kingdom (UK) (8) .
Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) has emerged as India’s best-performing container port in the Container Port Performance Index (CPPI) 2025 , jointly released by the World Bank and S&P Global Market Intelligence. This edition of the Container Port Performance Index (CPPI) is being published for the sixth consecutive year. This time, JNPA has improved its global ranking to 22nd place, reaffirming its leadership in container handling capacity. CPPI 2025 has recognized JNPA as India’s best-performing container port for another consecutive year. World Bank Container Port Performance Index 2025 : Ranking of India’s top ports Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority: 22nd Pipavav Port: 28th Mundra Port: 30th Kandla: 82nd Kamarajar: 85th Visakhapatnam Port: 104th
4 Jagannath Temple becomes the first temple in the country to get a trademark
In a first for an Indian religious site, the Shri Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) has obtained trademark protection for key words and symbols . The protected words (protection of specific words) are Patit Pavan (Savior of the Fallen) and Ananda Bazaar (a place to eat sacred Mahaprasad inside the temple) . The protected logo (protection of visual symbols/design) is the Neelachakra (the sacred eight-spoked metal disc placed on the temple’s pinnacle). Chief Administrator of the Shri Jagannath Temple Administration, Arabinda Padhi, stated that the temple administration had noticed that some individuals and organizations were using these sacred religious names and symbols for commercial purposes. To prevent their misuse, the Temple Management Committee decided to obtain trademark protection for words and symbols deeply associated with Lord Jagannath and authorized the Chief Administrator to take necessary steps. As part of this, the administration applied for trademark registration for 29 names, words, and symbols associated with the Jagannath tradition. Padhi said that in the first phase, logomark registrations have been approved for the Neelachakra logo and the wordmarks “Anand Bazaar” and “Patitapavan.” This development comes a day after the West Bengal government announced that the “Dham” symbol would be removed from the Lord Jagannath Temple in Digha; the temple was inaugurated by former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in April last year.
5 ‘Tripura Sarinda’ gets GI tag
The awarding of the Geographical Indication (GI) tag to Tripura ‘s traditional musical instrument, the Tripura Sarinda, has given a boost to the state’s rich cultural heritage. This wooden and stringed instrument is deeply connected with the state’s indigenous communities and tribal people, known for its distinctive craftsmanship and cultural significance. It is hoped that the GI tag will help preserve and promote Tripura’s folk traditions, while also giving the instrument national and international recognition.
6 ‘VB-Jiramji’ to start in Andhra Pradesh from July 1
Union Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that the ‘ Vikas Bharat – Rozgar and Aajeevika Mission (Gramin) – VB-GRAMJI’ will be launched nationally in Andhra Pradesh on July 1. Chouhan made the remarks during a meeting with Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan in New Delhi.
7 Union Minister Pralhad Joshi launched the WT-Marut portal
Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Pralhad Joshi, launched the Wind Turbine Supply Chain Management (WT-Marut) portal during the Global Wind Day 2026 National Conference in Goa . This will boost India’s renewable energy sector. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy and the Wind Turbine Manufacturers Association of India jointly developed the WT-Marut portal. It is the country’s first dedicated digital platform aimed at streamlining the wind energy supply chain. This initiative is expected to promote transparency in component availability, facilitate access to domestic suppliers, enhance data security, and further the government’s vision of a self-reliant India. Mr. Joshi highlighted India’s rapid growth in the wind energy sector. He stated that a record 6.1 GW of wind power capacity will be added in FY 2025-26, registering a growth of 46% per annum. With total installed wind power capacity crossing the milestone of 56.1 GW, India has consolidated its position as the fourth largest wind power market in the world.
8 Union Health Ministry’s big decision: Cough syrup will no longer be available without a doctor’s prescription.
The Central Government has taken significant steps to protect the health of the general public, especially children, by imposing strict regulations on the sale of cough syrups . It is now impossible to purchase cough syrup without a doctor’s prescription. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has amended the Drugs Rules, 1945. This change was notified through Gazette Notification GSR 927 (E).
Key changes: – The word “syrup” has been removed
from entry 13 of Schedule A or K of the Drugs Rules, 1945. – The exemption for selling cough syrup without a license in small villages with a population of less than 1,000 has been completely eliminated. – Cough syrups will now be sold only from licensed pharmacies. – A valid doctor’s prescription has been made mandatory.
9 India to host Fencing Championship 2026
India will host the Asian Senior Fencing Championships 2026 for the first time. The championship will be held from June 19th to 24th at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi . Top fencers from over 30 countries across Asia and Oceania will participate. Oceania comprises Australia, New Zealand, and more than 14 independent countries, along with over 10,000 small islands. The championship will be jointly organized by the Fencing Association of India (FAI) and the Fencing Confederation of Asia. The championship will feature matches in three categories: foil, épée, and sabre. The championship will be held in both men’s and women’s categories. This will be the largest international fencing championship ever held in India.
10 Niki Poonacha won the ATP Challenger doubles title
On June 16 , Indian tennis player Niki Poonacha won her first ATP Challenger doubles title in Lyon, France . Niki, along with Thai partner Prachuay Isaro, won the title. In the final, they defeated Skandor Mansouri and Maximilian Neuchrist 6-0, 6-1. This is Niki’s 10th career title. Niki started playing tennis at the age of 9, and her father was her first coach. During her junior career, Niki won the ITF Junior Grade 4 singles title in Chennai. In 2018, Niki won her first ITF singles title by winning the Indonesia F3 Futures tournament. In 2019, Niki achieved a career-best ATP singles ranking of world No. 605. Niki won her first ATP Challenger doubles title in 2023 at the Presidents Cup with SD Prajwal Dev. In May 2024, Nicky achieved an ATP doubles world ranking of 98. In 2025, Nicky won the men’s doubles gold medal at the 38th National Games. In 2026, Nicky qualified for the main draw of the 2026 Australian Open.