Daily Current Affairs- 30th June 2026

Daily Current Affairs- 30th June 2026

Rajasthan and Haryana Sign Historic Yamuna Water Project Agreement: Key Features, Benefits and Significance Explained

In the News: Rajasthan and Haryana signed an agreement in New Delhi for the construction and implementation of the Yamuna Water Project. The agreement was signed in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini and Union Jal Shakti Minister C. R. Patil. The project aims to resolve a nearly three-decade-old water-sharing issue between the two states.

Key Points:

• Basis of Agreement: The project is linked to the 1994 Memorandum of Understanding on sharing utilisable surface waters of the Upper Yamuna Basin. It will help Rajasthan use its allocated share of Yamuna water through a planned underground pipeline system from the Western Yamuna Canal.
• Water Supply Plan: Around 580 Million Cubic Metres of water will be supplied from the Yamuna Canal to Rajasthan from July to October. The water will be carried through three underground pipelines, each having a diameter of more than 3.6 metres.
• Beneficiary Areas: The project will supply drinking water to Sikar, Churu and Jhunjhunu districts of Rajasthan. It will also benefit the Bhiwani and Fatehabad areas of Haryana, making it a joint water-security initiative.
• Groundwater Recharge: The agreement provides for the storage of unused rainwater in large ponds. This is expected to support groundwater recharge and improve drinking water availability in arid and semi-arid regions.
• Administrative Framework: The agreement covers cost-sharing, water allocation, release protocols, maintenance and monitoring systems. It also includes transparency measures and a dispute-resolution mechanism for smoother implementation.

Project BRAHMANK of BRO Marks 16th Raising Day: Strengthening India’s Border Infrastructure

In the News: Project BRAHMANK of the Border Roads Organisation celebrated its 16th Raising Day on 29 June 2026 at Ranaghat in Arunachal Pradesh. The project has completed 15 years of service in strengthening strategic infrastructure and connectivity in the eastern border region. It works under BRO, which functions under the Ministry of Defence.

Key Points:

• Location and Area of Work: Project BRAHMANK is responsible for road infrastructure in Siang, East Siang, West Siang, Upper Siang and Shi-Yomi districts of Arunachal Pradesh.
  It also covers parts of Dhemaji district in Assam, making it important for connectivity in difficult terrain.
• Infrastructure Responsibility: The project maintains and develops about 811 km of roads and nearly 86 bridges. These structures include culverts, steel bridges and major arch bridges used for civilian as well as strategic movement.
• Major Engineering Works: Its important works include the 100-metre steel arch bridge over Siyom Nallah. Another major structure is the 165-metre PSC bridge over Simang Nallah on the Along–Yingkiong Road.
• FY 2025–26 Achievements: During 2025–26, Project BRAHMANK inaugurated 13 bridges with a total span of 390 metres. It also blacktopped 61 km of roads to NHDL specifications and developed helipads to improve regional connectivity.
• Raising Details: Project BRAHMANK was raised on 29 June 2011 at Ranaghat in East Siang district. It became fully functional on 3 December 2011 and has since supported Armed Forces mobility and village connectivity.

India’s First Offshore Airport Approved in Maharashtra: Location, Features, Benefits & Key Details

In the News: Maharashtra has approved the preparation of a Detailed Project Report for India’s first offshore airport. The proposed airport is planned near Kore Beach in Palghar district, off Maharashtra’s western coast. It is expected to become the third major airport serving the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.

Key Points:

• Proposed Location: The airport is planned near Kore Beach in Palghar district, close to the Vadhavan Port region. The site is significant because Palghar is emerging as a major infrastructure corridor north of Mumbai.
• Offshore Airport Model: An offshore airport is built on reclaimed land or an artificial island in the sea. This model is used where land availability is limited and urban airports face capacity pressure.
• Capacity and Role: The proposed airport is designed to handle around 90 million passengers annually. It is expected to ease pressure on Mumbai airport and complement the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport.
• Connectivity Links: The state has also asked officials to examine an extension of the Uttan-Virar Sea Link for connectivity to the airport site. The airport is planned along with Vadhavan Port and other transport links, strengthening multimodal connectivity.

Nadaprabhu Kempe Gowda

In the News: The Vice-President of India paid tribute to Nadaprabhu Sri Kempe Gowda on his 517th Birth Anniversary on 27 June 2026 in Bengaluru. Kempe Gowda is remembered as the founder of Bengaluru and a major figure in Karnataka’s history. His legacy was highlighted in relation to urban planning, inclusive governance and environmental conservation.

Key Points:

• Historical Identity: Nadaprabhu Kempe Gowda was a 16th-century ruler associated with the Vijayanagara Empire. He is widely credited with founding Bengaluru and shaping its early urban structure.

• Urban Planning Legacy: Kempe Gowda laid the foundation for planned urban development through markets, neighbourhoods, water systems and public spaces.
  His approach reflected early ideas of organised city-building and civic administration.
• Inclusive Governance: The Vice-President noted that Kempe Gowda envisioned a city where farmers, traders, artisans, scholars and people of different faiths could prosper together.
  This inclusive vision is linked with Bengaluru’s present identity as a diverse urban centre.
• Environmental Contribution: Kempe Gowda’s planning placed importance on water bodies and public water systems. This makes his legacy relevant to discussions on sustainable urban growth and water conservation.

Sushruta Statue Unveiled in Edinburgh

In the News: The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh in Scotland unveiled a bronze sculpture of Maharishi Sushruta, widely regarded as the Father of Surgery. The statue has been added to the College’s Heritage Collection and recognises the ancient Indian contribution to surgical knowledge. The event also marked the launch of new legacy initiatives connected with surgical education and global collaboration.

Key Points:

• Statue and Venue: The statue of Maharishi Sushruta was unveiled at the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, Scotland. It has been installed in the College’s historic Playfair Hall/Auditorium as part of its heritage collection. The bronze statue weighs around 90 kg and was unveiled as a tribute to India’s ancient medical traditions.
• About Sushruta: Maharishi Sushruta is associated with ancient Indian medicine and is widely remembered as the Father of Surgery. He is linked with the Sushruta Samhita, a classical Sanskrit medical treatise. The text is important for the history of surgery, surgical instruments, skin grafting and reconstructive procedures.
• Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh: The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, commonly known as RCSEd, was founded in 1505. It is regarded as the oldest surgical college in the world and is a major institution for surgical education, training and professional standards. Its location is Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom.
• Donor and Associated Initiatives: The sculpture was gifted to RCSEd by Professor Chandra Cheruvu and his family. Along with the statue, the College also announced the Cheruvu Family Professional Development Grants to support training and international development opportunities for surgeons. An annual Sushruta Lectureship was also announced to focus on medicine, surgery, ethics, compassion, leadership and global health.

India’s First 3D-Printed Artificial Reefs

In the News: Tamil Nadu is set to deploy India’s first 3D-printed artificial reef modules off the Ramanathapuram coast under the second phase of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana. The project will be used as a pilot to study the performance of six new reef designs. It aims to support marine habitat restoration, improve fish stocks and strengthen coastal biodiversity.

Key Points:

• Location: The reef modules will be deployed in coastal waters off the Ramanathapuram coast in Tamil Nadu. They are expected to be placed around two nautical miles offshore. This region has been selected as part of Tamil Nadu’s artificial reef programme.
• Developing Agencies: The modules were developed by Chennai-based startup Tvasta, an IIT Madras-incubated company. The project also involves the Visakhapatnam Regional Centre of ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute. ICAR-CMFRI has provided technical inputs for marine ecosystem suitability.
• Design Features: Each module weighs about one tonne and has complex shapes, crevices, folds and attachment surfaces. These features are intended to provide better shelter and settlement space for marine organisms. The modules are made without iron reinforcement and are designed to improve porosity.
• Scheme Linkage: Artificial reefs are promoted under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana to rejuvenate coastal fisheries. The Department of Fisheries has stated that these structures help rebuild fish stocks and enhance marine biodiversity. Tamil Nadu has the highest listed number of artificial reef sites under PMMSY among the coastal states shown on the official PMMSY portal.

General Dhiraj Seth Takes Charge as Chief of Army Staff

In the News: General Dhiraj Seth took charge as the 31st Chief of the Army Staff on June 30, 2026. He succeeded General Upendra Dwivedi, who retired after more than four decades of service. General Seth was serving as the Vice Chief of the Army Staff before taking over the top Army post.

Key Points:

• New Army Chief: General Dhiraj Seth has become the 31st Chief of the Army Staff of India. The Chief of the Army Staff heads the Indian Army and advises the government on Army-related operational and strategic matters. His appointment came into effect from the afternoon of June 30, 2026.
• Predecessor: He succeeded General Upendra Dwivedi, who had taken over as the 30th Chief of the Army Staff in June 2024. General Dwivedi retired on June 30, 2026, after completing his tenure. The change of command took place at a time of continuing military modernisation and restructuring.
• Service Background: General Seth belongs to the Armoured Corps and was commissioned into the Armoured Corps in December 1986. He is reported to be the first officer from the Armoured Corps to head the Indian Army since General Shankar Roy Chowdhary, who retired in 1997.
• Previous Appointments: Before becoming Army Chief, he served as the Vice Chief of the Army Staff. He has also held senior command appointments, including Southern Command and South Western Command. These commands have major operational relevance because of their location and responsibilities.
• Decorations and Rank: General Dhiraj Seth’s decorations include PVSM, UYSM and AVSM. These honours reflect distinguished service in the armed forces. His appointment is significant for questions related to defence appointments, service hierarchy and recent changes in India’s military leadership.