“IMPORTANT DAYS”

International Day of Cooperatives 2026

On 4th of July, 2026, International Day of Cooperatives observed all around the world. For the year 2026, United Nations has officially announced the theme called “Cooperatives for a Peaceful World!”. This theme highlights the vital role of cooperative enterprises in advancing social justice, inclusion and solidarity worldwide. This day is celebrated every year on the first Saturday of July and it brings together governments, cooperative organizations, businesses, and communities worldwide to recognize the contribution of cooperatives. Theme : “Cooperatives for a Peaceful World!”

“AWARDS”

International Booker Prize Renamed as Bukhman International Booker Prize with Doubled Prize Money

In 2027, the International Booker Prize will officially to be renamed as the Bukhman International Booker Prize after a decade-long funding agreement with Bukhman Philanthropies. Alongside the new name, the annual award money will also double to £100,000, making it as one of the richest international literary prizes.

India Launches e-OCI Card

The Government of India has launched the Electronic Overseas Citizen of India (e-OCI) Card, it will allow eligible OCI cardholders to carry a secure digital version of their OCI card on their smartphones. This new e-OCI facility eliminates the need to carry the physical OCI booklet during travel and ensuring seamless access to the immigration and airline verification. Although the traditional OCI booklet remains as fully valid and digital version offers greater convenience for the millions of Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) living around the world.

“APPOINTMENTS”

Anupam Misra Takes Charge as CMD of Hindustan Copper Limited

Anupam Misra has assumed charge as the new Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of Hindustan Copper Limited (HCL), succeeding Sanjiv Kumar Singh. Sanjiv Kumar Singh retired (superannuated) on June 30, after which Anupam Misra officially took over the leadership of HCL.

Somnath Ghosh Appointed as India’s Next High Commissioner to Malaysia

The Government of India has appointed Somnath Ghosh, a 1997-batch Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer, as the next High Commissioner of India to Malaysia. Currently serving as the Consul General of India in Chicago, Somnath Ghosh is expected to assume his new diplomatic assignment in Malaysia shortly, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

 “NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL NEWS”

Centre notifies minimum wage ₹300/day under VB-G RAM G

The Central Government has notified revised wage rates under the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025 (VB-G RAM G), which came into force on 1 July 2026, replacing MGNREGA. The national average daily wage has been increased to ₹327.4 from ₹298.8 under the repealed MGNREGA, reflecting an average hike of over 10%. A new interim base wage rate of ₹300 per day has been introduced, ensuring that no notified wage under the scheme falls below this level.

West Bengal’s Jalbhara Sandesh, Janai’s Manohara and Balagarh’s Traditional Boats Receive GI Tags

West Bengal’s another three products got the GI Tag recognition for Chandannagar’s Jalbhara Sandesh, Janai’s Manohara, and Balagarh’s traditional wooden boats, it was awarded by the Government of India. This recognition protects the authenticity of these iconic products and it promoting their unique identity in the domestic and international markets.