Daily Current Affairs- 14th June 2026

Daily Current Affairs- 14th June 2026

Resettlement Census Notified for Great Nicobar Project

In the News: The Andaman and Nicobar Islands Administration has notified the beginning of the Rehabilitation and Resettlement census in Great Nicobar Island. The census is linked to the trunk infrastructure component of the Great Nicobar mega-infrastructure project. The exercise will help identify affected families and prepare the basis for rehabilitation, compensation and resettlement support.

Key Pointes:

• Rehabilitation and Resettlement Census: The census is meant to identify families and persons likely to be affected by the project. Affected families may have to submit land records, identity documents, islander certificates and other proof-related documents. Such surveys are important before land acquisition or project-related displacement.
• About the Great Nicobar Project: The project includes an International Container Transhipment Terminal, greenfield airport, power plant and township. It is planned as a major infrastructure and maritime development project in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The project aims to strengthen India’s port capacity and reduce dependence on foreign transshipment hubs.
• Strategic Importance of Great Nicobar: Great Nicobar lies close to major international shipping routes in the Indian Ocean region. Its location gives it importance for maritime surveillance and strategic presence. Improved infrastructure may strengthen India’s connectivity with Southeast Asia and the wider Indo-Pacific region.
• Tribal and Social Concerns:  Great Nicobar is associated with vulnerable tribal communities such as the Shompen and Nicobarese. Any development activity in the region must consider tribal rights, customary practices and livelihood protection. Rehabilitation and resettlement become important because infrastructure projects can affect land, livelihood and local ecology.
• Environmental and Governance Dimension: Large infrastructure projects require environmental and coastal regulation clearances. Great Nicobar has forests, coastal ecosystems and biodiversity-rich areas. The local administration is responsible for conducting surveys, verifying claims and ensuring compliance with rehabilitation norms.

Indian Army unveils new uniform policy, phases out colonial-era practices

In the News: The Indian Army has introduced a new uniform policy through Army Uniforms-2026. The updated rules aim to standardise dress regulations and phase out several colonial-era practices. The policy also introduces Indian-style formal wear, modifies ceremonial practices and lays down clearer grooming and conduct standards.

Key Pointes:

• Army Uniforms-2026 Manual: The new manual updates the rules related to dress, ceremonies and grooming for Army personnel. It seeks to bring uniformity in how different ranks wear ceremonial, formal and service uniforms. Uniform regulations reflect discipline, hierarchy and the professional identity of the armed forces.
• Introduction of Bandi Jacket: Officers may now wear closed-neck bandi jackets as part of formal civil dress. The jacket is expected to be sober, solid-coloured and paired with formal trousers and closed footwear. The inclusion of Indian-style formal wear marks a move towards greater cultural rootedness in military dress norms.
• Changes in Ceremonial Practices: Reviewing Officers will no longer be required to carry swords during parades. Certain colonial-era accessories such as pouch belts have been removed from specific mess dress categories. The changes retain military dignity while reducing outdated ceremonial elements.
• Phasing Out Colonial-Era Practices: Archaic colonial references and symbols are being reduced from Army dress regulations. The policy fits into the broader effort to align military traditions with Indian identity and post-colonial institutional reform. Such changes show how armed forces preserve tradition while updating practices for modern India.
• Grooming and Conduct Rules: The rules prohibit unauthorised tattoos, body piercings, radical hairstyles and visible electronic gadgets in uniform. Unauthorised use of uniform in protests or political gatherings is also restricted. These provisions reinforce the apolitical, disciplined and professional character of the Indian Army.

India, Nepal Discuss Janakpur-Ayodhya Rail Link

In the News:  India and Nepal recently discussed cross-border railway cooperation, including the proposed passenger train service between Janakpur in Nepal and Ayodhya in India. The talks were held during the 10th Project Steering Committee meeting and the 8th Joint Working Group meeting in Kathmandu on June 11 and 12, 2026. The discussion focused on operational procedures, ongoing rail projects and future connectivity between the two countries.

Key Points:

• Janakpur-Ayodhya Passenger Link: The proposed passenger train service aims to connect Janakpur in Nepal with Ayodhya in India. The route has cultural and religious importance because both places are associated with the Ramayana tradition. It can also strengthen pilgrimage tourism between the two countries.
• Bilateral Railway Mechanism: The discussions were held under two bilateral platforms, the Project Steering Committee and the Joint Working Group. These mechanisms review railway cooperation, project progress, technical issues and operational coordination between India and Nepal.
• Standard Operating Procedures: One major point of discussion was the preparation of Standard Operating Procedures for starting passenger services on the Janakpur-Ayodhya section. Such procedures are needed for train movement, passenger handling, security checks and coordination between railway authorities.
• Other Rail Projects: The meetings also reviewed the Raxaul-Kathmandu broad-gauge railway link and other cross-border rail projects. These projects are important for improving physical connectivity between Nepal and India’s border states.

US-Iran ceasefire: Nuclear issue postponed, why next 60 days are crucial

In the News: The United States and Iran have reached a preliminary framework to reduce hostilities, reopen the Strait of Hormuz and move towards further negotiations. The agreement leaves the most sensitive issue, Iran’s nuclear programme, for discussions during a 60-day ceasefire window. This period is crucial because sanctions relief, uranium enrichment limits and the shape of a final deal remain unresolved.

Key Points:

• Preliminary Ceasefire Framework: The framework seeks to halt military operations and reduce tensions in West Asia. It is expected to create space for diplomatic engagement between the United States and Iran after a period of escalation.

• Strait of Hormuz Reopening: A major part of the arrangement is the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important energy shipping routes. Any disruption in this route can affect global oil and gas supplies and increase energy prices.
• Nuclear Issue Deferred: The agreement does not immediately settle Iran’s nuclear programme. Further talks are expected to focus on uranium enrichment, nuclear stockpiles and restrictions on expansion of nuclear facilities.
• Sanctions and Frozen Assets: The draft arrangement reportedly includes possible oil-sanctions waivers, no new sanctions before a final agreement and discussions on the release of frozen Iranian assets. These financial measures are closely linked to Iran’s willingness to accept nuclear limits.
• Importance of the 60-Day Window: The 60-day ceasefire period is not a final settlement but a diplomatic testing phase. If the two sides fail to resolve nuclear and sanctions-related issues within this period, tensions may return and the agreement may remain fragile.

Modi, Macron inaugurate innovation conference in Nice

In the News: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron jointly inaugurated Bharat Innovates 2026 in Nice, France, on June 14, 2026. The event showcases India’s deep-tech innovators, start-ups and higher education institutions before global investors and industry leaders. It forms part of the India-France Year of Innovation and highlights the technology dimension of the bilateral partnership.

Key Points:

• Bharat Innovates 2026: Bharat Innovates 2026 is being organised by the Union Ministry of Education in Nice, France. The event brings Indian innovators, start-ups, investors, corporates and higher education institutions onto a common international platform.
• Focus on Deep Technology: The conference covers sectors such as advanced computing, semiconductors, space technology, biotechnology, energy, healthcare and manufacturing. These sectors are important because they influence future industrial capacity and technology leadership.
• India-France Year of Innovation: The event is linked to the India-France Year of Innovation, which gives it a wider diplomatic and economic context. It shows that innovation has become a major pillar of the India-France strategic partnership.
• Start-up and Investor Linkages: The platform aims to connect Indian start-ups with global investors, research institutions, universities and industry partners. Such engagement can help start-ups access funding, technology partnerships and international markets.
• Bilateral Technology Partnership: India and France already cooperate in areas such as defence, space, civil nuclear energy and climate action. Bharat Innovates adds a stronger innovation and deep-tech dimension to this partnership.