📰 PIB Notes for UPSC – 21 June 2026
Daily PIB Current Affairs | UPSC & SSC Exam Preparation
Today's PIB Notes for UPSC covers 7 key topics —
India's Space Odyssey (12 years), MIFF 2026 Bharati Aur Bibo,
INS Dunagiri/Sanshodhak/Agray Commissioning, IDY 2026 Kolkata,
PMVBRY Youth Empowerment, India at FATF Vice-Presidency,
and 12 Years of Pension Reforms.
Simplified notes + prelims points + interactive MCQ —
ideal for UPSC Prelims, Mains & SSC CGL.
PIB Backgrounder – Dept. of Space
🚀 India's Space Odyssey – Building India's Space Future | 12 Years
📝 Key Notes
⭐ Prelims Extra Points
❓ MCQ Practice
- Space startups: 1 (2014) → 400+ (Feb 2026); investment exceeded $500 million; ~$150 million in 2025.
- Space Economy: $8 billion currently (2-3% global share); target → $40-45 billion by 2035; 8% global share by 2030.
- Lunar Missions:
- Chandrayaan-1 (2008): Discovered water molecules on Moon.
- Chandrayaan-3 (23 Aug 2023): First country to soft-land near Moon's South Pole at 69.3°S; Vikram lander confirmed Sulphur.
- Chandrayaan-4 (2027): Lunar sample return mission.
- Chandrayaan-5/LUPEX: ISRO + JAXA; H3 rocket; 2027-28.
- Mangalyaan (24 Sep 2014): India = 1st nation to reach Mars on maiden attempt; 4th space agency after NASA, Roscosmos, ESA.
- Aditya-L1 (2023): India's 1st solar mission at Sun-Earth L1 Lagrange Point (1.5 million km); 27 TB+ solar data released.
- SPADEX (Jan 2025): India = 4th nation after US, Russia, China for autonomous docking; indigenous Bharatiya Docking System.
- Venus Orbiter Mission: Targeted March 2028; aerobraking technology.
- Gaganyaan: Approved Jan 2019; 3 astronauts to 400 km orbit; final phase 2025.
- Axiom-4 Mission: Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla aboard SpaceX Dragon (25 June 2025); 7 microgravity experiments; concluded 15 July 2025.
- Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS): First module BAS-01 by 2028; 5-module station in LEO.
- NavIC: India's indigenous navigation; covers India + 1,500 km; NVS-01 (May 2023), NVS-02 (Jan 2025).
- FDI Policy 2024: Up to 100% FDI; 74% automatic route for satellite manufacturing; 49% for launch vehicles.
- NSIL Revenue: ₹321.77 Cr (FY 2021-22) → ₹3,246.09 Cr (FY 2024-25).
- NISAR Mission (30 July 2025): ISRO + NASA on GSLV-F16; Earth observation.
- Foreign Satellites Launched: 35 (1990s-2014) → 399 (post-2014 to March 2026).
- NGLV: Next Gen Launch Vehicle; 30 tons to LEO; reusable variant under development.
- 2nd Spaceport: Kulasekarapattinam, Tamil Nadu (SSLV); first launch FY 2026-27.
- 3rd Launch Pad: Sriharikota approved Jan 2025; ₹3,984.86 crore.
- VIKRAM3201: India's 1st fully indigenous 32-bit space microprocessor (ISRO + SCL Chandigarh).
400+
Space Startups (Feb 2026)
$8 Bn
Current Space Economy
$40-45 Bn
Target by 2035
399
Foreign Satellites (post-2014)
300+
Space Cooperation Agreements
61
Partner Countries
⭐ Prelims Extra Points
- Indian Space Policy 2023: Enabled private participation across space value chain.
- IN-SPACe = Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre; est. 2022; single-window for private sector.
- NSIL = NewSpace India Ltd; est. 2019; commercial arm of ISRO; HQ: Bengaluru.
- L1 Lagrange Point: One of 5 points where gravitational forces of Sun & Earth balance; ideal for solar observation.
- South Asia Satellite (GSAT-9): Launched 5 May 2017; 2,230 kg; ₹450 crore gift to SAARC neighbours; 12 Ku-band transponders; Pakistan opted out.
- BIMSTEC Space Programme: Led by NESAC (North Eastern Space Applications Centre), Shillong.
- TRISHNA: ISRO + CNES (France); 2026 launch; thermal infrared imaging.
- RLV-TD: Reusable Launch Vehicle Tech Demo; first tested 23 May 2016 from Sriharikota.
- Aryabhata: India's 1st satellite; launched by USSR in 1975.
- Rakesh Sharma: 1st Indian in space; aboard Soyuz T-11 (1984).
❓ MCQ Practice
Q. With the success of SPADEX Mission in January 2025, India became which number nation to demonstrate autonomous docking in space?
With SPADEX success (Jan 2025), India became the 4th nation after USA, Russia, and China to demonstrate autonomous docking and undocking. India also developed indigenous Bharatiya Docking System for upcoming BAS, Chandrayaan-4 and Gaganyaan missions.
Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
🎬 MIFF 2026 – World Premiere of "Bharati Aur Bibo" Animated Series
📝 Key Notes
⭐ Prelims Extra Points
❓ MCQ Practice
- 19th MIFF 2026, Mumbai: World Premiere of "Bharati Aur Bibo" on 21 June 2026.
- Producer: NFDC + Puppetica Media; Director: Sneha Ravishankar; Hindi animation series.
- "Bibo" = female version of Bharat; magical companion of young Bharati.
- Refrain: "Nari mein Devi mein, mujhse hai sabkuch, mujhme hai sabkuch".
- Profiles 4 women icons of India:
- Ahilyabai Holkar: Maratha queen of Indore; administrative wisdom & diplomacy.
- Rani Durgavati: Gondwana queen; defied Mughal Akbar; Jabalpur's Rani Durgavati University honours her.
- Rani Rashmoni: Kolkata social reformer; challenged East India Company; built Dakshineshwar temple; worked with Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar on anti-polygamy law.
- Saalumarada Thimmakka: Karnataka environmentalist; planted/nurtured hundreds of trees; Padma Shri awardee.
- Format = edutainment for young minds; honest portrayals of widowhood, marriage, emotional costs.
⭐ Prelims Extra Points
- NFDC = National Film Development Corporation; under MIB; promotes good cinema.
- Ahilyabai Holkar (1725-1795): Holkar queen of Malwa; rebuilt Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Somnath Temple.
- Rani Durgavati (1524-1564): Ruled Gondwana; preferred death over surrender to Mughals.
- Rani Rashmoni (1793-1861): Built Dakshineshwar Kali Temple (1855); patron of Ramakrishna Paramahamsa.
- Saalumarada Thimmakka: "Vriksha Mata"; planted 385+ banyan trees on Hulikal-Kudur road, Karnataka; Padma Shri 2019.
- MIFF = biennial; organised by Films Division under MIB; Asia's premier non-feature festival.
❓ MCQ Practice
Q. Rani Rashmoni, featured in the animated series "Bharati Aur Bibo", is best known for:
Rani Rashmoni (1793-1861) was a Kolkata social reformer who built the Dakshineshwar Kali Temple (1855), challenged the East India Company, and worked with Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar on social reforms including the anti-polygamy law. Other options refer to Rani Durgavati (A), Ahilyabai Holkar (C), and Saalumarada Thimmakka (D).
Ministry of Defence
⚓ PM Modi Commissions INS Dunagiri, INS Sanshodhak & INS Agray in Kolkata
📝 Key Notes
⭐ Prelims Extra Points
❓ MCQ Practice
- PM Shri Narendra Modi commissioned 3 frontline platforms at Kolkata, West Bengal on 21 June 2026.
- Built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE); designed by Warship Design Bureau; 75%+ indigenous content.
- 200+ MSMEs contributed to construction.
- 2nd tri-commissioning of independent India; 1st was at Mumbai 17 months earlier.
- INS Dunagiri:
- 5th Nilgiri-class stealth frigate under Project 17A.
- 2nd of class built by GRSE; modular construction.
- Supersonic surface-to-surface missiles; MR Gun; CIWS; advanced ASW.
- Integrated Platform Management System; helicopter operations.
- INS Sanshodhak:
- 4th Survey Vessel (Large) class ship.
- Hydrographic + oceanographic systems; 4 Survey Motor Boats (SMBs).
- Dual-role: Hospital Ship configuration; helicopter ops.
- Aligned with MAHASAGAR vision.
- Coincides with World Hydrography Day (21 June).
- INS Agray:
- 5th Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC).
- Sonar, Torpedoes, Anti-Submarine Rockets, Combat Management System.
- Waterjet-powered for littoral waters.
- Defence Production: ₹40,000 Cr (2014) → ₹1.8 lakh crore (now).
- 40+ warships/submarines inducted in past few years; 45 major platforms under construction.
- ₹70,000 crore incentive package for shipping sector.
- Dignitaries: WB Governor RN Ravi, CM Suvendu Adhikari, CNS Admiral Krishna Swaminathan.
75%+
Indigenous Content
200+
MSMEs Involved
₹1.8 L Cr
Defence Production
₹70,000 Cr
Shipping Incentive
⭐ Prelims Extra Points
- Project 17A: Nilgiri-class stealth frigates; successor to Shivalik-class; built at MDL Mumbai & GRSE Kolkata.
- GRSE: Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers; Miniratna; Kolkata; under MoD.
- MAHASAGAR: Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions; successor to SAGAR doctrine.
- SAGAR: Security and Growth for All in the Region; launched 2015.
- World Hydrography Day: 21 June; observed by International Hydrographic Organization (IHO).
- Chief of Naval Staff: Admiral Krishna Swaminathan.
- HADR = Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief.
❓ MCQ Practice
Q. INS Dunagiri, commissioned in June 2026, is the fifth ship under which project?
INS Dunagiri is the 5th Nilgiri-class stealth frigate under Project 17A and the 2nd of class built by GRSE. Project 15B = Visakhapatnam-class destroyers; Project 75I = next-gen submarines; Project 28 = Kamorta-class corvettes.
Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports
🧘 PM Leads 12th IDY 2026 from Kolkata | Yoga for Healthy Ageing
📝 Key Notes
⭐ Prelims Extra Points
❓ MCQ Practice
- 12th International Day of Yoga on 21 June 2026; PM Modi led nationwide celebrations from Kolkata.
- Theme 2026: "Yoga for Healthy Ageing".
- In Delhi: Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya + actor Akshay Kumar led event at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium; ~3,000 participants.
- Organised by Fit India Movement under Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports.
- Yoga sessions at SAI centres, National Centres of Excellence, SAI Training Centres, Khelo India institutions — lakhs joined.
- Anshuka Parwani: Renowned yoga & wellness instructor; led Common Yoga Protocol; felicitated as Fit India Icon.
- Akshay Kumar also felicitated as Fit India Icon.
- Athletes from World Yogasana Sport Championship, Ahmedabad felicitated as Fit India Champions.
- Mallakhamb demonstration showcased India's traditional fitness practices.
- Convergence of Fit India, MY Bharat & Yogasana Bharat initiatives.
⭐ Prelims Extra Points
- Fit India Movement: Launched 29 Aug 2019 by PM Modi (National Sports Day).
- SAI = Sports Authority of India; under MYAS; HQ: New Delhi; est. 1984.
- Khelo India: Launched 2018; revive sports culture at grassroots.
- MY Bharat = Mera Yuva Bharat; autonomous body; technology-driven youth platform.
- Mallakhamb: Traditional Indian sport; gymnast performs poses on vertical pole/rope; declared MP's state sport.
- National Sports Day: 29 August (Major Dhyan Chand's birthday).
- IDY declared by UNGA in 2014 (PM Modi at 69th UNGA); first observed 21 June 2015.
❓ MCQ Practice
Q. The Fit India Movement was launched by PM Modi on which day?
The Fit India Movement was launched by PM Modi on 29 August 2019 — National Sports Day (Major Dhyan Chand's birth anniversary). It is under Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports and promotes fitness as part of daily life.
Prime Minister's Office
💼 PM Shares Article on PMVBRY – Youth Empowerment for Viksit Bharat
📝 Key Notes
⭐ Prelims Extra Points
❓ MCQ Practice
- PM Narendra Modi shared an article by Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya on 19 June 2026.
- Article focus: Empowering youth with opportunities = core vision of Viksit Bharat.
- PMVBRY = Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana.
- Objective: Foster large-scale job creation and transformation.
- Acts as enabler for young minds to become active participants in nation-building.
- Reflects government's youth-centric policy approach for Viksit Bharat 2047.
⭐ Prelims Extra Points
- Viksit Bharat 2047: Vision to make India a developed nation by centenary of Independence (2047).
- Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya: Union Minister of Labour & Employment + Youth Affairs & Sports.
- Demographic Dividend: India has ~65% population under 35 years; world's largest youth population.
- Other youth schemes: PMKVY (Skill India), Startup India, Stand-Up India, PM Internship Scheme.
- NSDC = National Skill Development Corporation; PPP body under MSDE.
❓ MCQ Practice
Q. PMVBRY (Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana) is primarily aimed at:
PMVBRY = Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana — designed to foster large-scale job creation and youth empowerment, enabling young minds to be active participants in nation-building towards Viksit Bharat 2047.
Ministry of Finance
🌐 India to Assume FATF Vice-Presidency for First Time | Vivek Aggarwal
📝 Key Notes
⭐ Prelims Extra Points
❓ MCQ Practice
- Shri Vivek Aggarwal (1994-batch IAS, MP cadre; Secretary, Ministry of Culture) elected FATF Vice-President.
- First time India will hold FATF Vice-Presidency.
- Term: July 2026 – June 2027.
- Elected by FATF Plenary from among its members; assists President.
- Reflects India's strong showing in recent Mutual Evaluation.
- India's leadership in shaping global policy on virtual asset service providers (VASPs) & digital payments.
- Arvind Shrivatsava: Revenue Secretary; called it proud milestone.
- FATF Global Network = 200+ jurisdictions.
⭐ Prelims Extra Points
- FATF = Financial Action Task Force; established 1989 by G7 in Paris; sets global AML/CFT standards.
- HQ: Paris, France; Secretariat at OECD.
- Focus areas: Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing, Proliferation Financing.
- Members: 40 (including India since 2010) + 2 regional organisations (EC, GCC).
- FATF Lists: Black List (high-risk jurisdictions) & Grey List (jurisdictions under increased monitoring).
- FATF Presidency: 2-year term; Vice-President assists.
- India's AML/CFT laws: PMLA 2002; UAPA 1967; FEMA 1999.
- FIU-IND = Financial Intelligence Unit-India; under Dept. of Revenue, Ministry of Finance.
❓ MCQ Practice
Q. The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) is headquartered in which city?
FATF is headquartered in Paris, France; established 1989 by G7; sets global standards for AML/CFT/proliferation financing. India joined FATF in 2010. Vivek Aggarwal = first-ever Indian Vice-President (July 2026-June 2027).
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions
👴 12 Years of Pension Reforms – Digital Empowerment of Pensioners
📝 Key Notes
⭐ Prelims Extra Points
❓ MCQ Practice
- Department: DoPPW (Department of Pension & Pensioners' Welfare).
- Jeevan Pramaan: Aadhaar-based Digital Life Certificate (DLC) launched 2014.
- Face Authentication technology added in 2021; submit life certificate via smartphone.
- DLC Campaign 4.0 (November 2025): Generated 1.91 crore+ Digital Life Certificates.
- Of these, 57 lakh+ by Central Government pensioners.
- 57 Pensioners' Welfare Associations (PWAs) function as extended arm of DoPPW.
- PWAs help with: dissemination, service access, grievance redressal, DLC campaigns.
- 13 Bankers' Awareness Programmes (BAPs) conducted with pension disbursing banks.
- Pensioners' Awareness Programmes (PAPs): Educate on pension rules, digital services, welfare initiatives.
- 4 Nationwide DLC Campaigns since 2022.
1.91 Cr+
DLCs (Campaign 4.0)
57 Lakh+
Central Govt Pensioner DLCs
57
PWAs
13
Bankers' Awareness Programmes
⭐ Prelims Extra Points
- Jeevan Pramaan: Launched 10 Nov 2014 by PM Modi; biometric-enabled DLC; saves pensioners from visiting banks.
- DoPPW: Under Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions; PM holds portfolio.
- Pension Schemes:
- NPS (National Pension System) — for govt employees post-2004.
- UPS (Unified Pension Scheme) — launched 2024; effective April 2025.
- OPS (Old Pension Scheme) — pre-2004 govt employees.
- APY (Atal Pension Yojana) — launched 2015; for unorganised sector.
- PFRDA = Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority; statutory body est. 2013.
- CPENGRAMS = Centralised Pension Grievance Redress and Monitoring System.
❓ MCQ Practice
Q. Jeevan Pramaan, the Aadhaar-based Digital Life Certificate for pensioners, was launched in which year?
Jeevan Pramaan = Aadhaar-based Digital Life Certificate launched in 2014 by PM Modi. Face Authentication added in 2021. DLC Campaign 4.0 (Nov 2025) generated 1.91 crore+ certificates including 57 lakh+ by Central Govt pensioners.
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PIB Notes for UPSC – 21 June 2026
PIB Notes for UPSC 21 June 2026 covers seven important current affairs topics from government releases and official policy updates. Today's notes include International Day of Yoga 2026 celebrations, India's Space Programme milestones, FATF Vice-Presidency developments, PMVBRY youth empowerment initiatives, commissioning of INS platforms, MIFF 2026 and major pension reform achievements.
These PIB-based current affairs notes are useful for UPSC Prelims, UPSC Mains, TNPSC, SSC, Banking, Railway and other competitive examinations. The content is simplified for quick revision while retaining important facts and examination relevance.
Important Topics Covered Today
- International Day of Yoga 2026 celebrations
- India's Space Odyssey and space achievements
- India's FATF Vice-Presidency role
- PMVBRY and youth empowerment initiatives
- INS Dunagiri, Sanshodhak and Agray commissioning
- MIFF 2026 and cultural development initiatives
- Twelve years of pension sector reforms
Why Are PIB Notes Important for UPSC?
Press Information Bureau releases are among the most reliable sources for government policies, schemes, international engagements and development programmes. Questions in UPSC and State PSC examinations are frequently based on PIB updates.
Regular PIB note revision helps aspirants strengthen governance, social justice, economy, science and technology, international relations and public policy preparation.
Exam Relevance
- UPSC Prelims Current Affairs
- GS Paper II – Governance and Social Justice
- GS Paper III – Science and Technology
- Essay and Interview Preparation
- TNPSC, SSC, Banking and Railway Exams
Frequently Asked Questions
Are PIB Notes important for UPSC preparation?
Yes. PIB releases provide authentic information on government policies, schemes and national initiatives frequently asked in UPSC examinations.
What topics are covered in today's PIB Notes?
Today's notes cover International Day of Yoga 2026, FATF Vice-Presidency, India's Space Programme, PMVBRY, MIFF 2026 and pension reforms.
Can TNPSC and SSC aspirants use PIB Notes?
Yes. Many PIB topics are relevant for TNPSC, SSC, Banking, Railway and other competitive examinations.
How often should PIB Notes be revised?
Daily revision is recommended to stay updated with government initiatives and important policy developments.
Are PIB Notes useful for UPSC Mains?
Yes. PIB content provides official data, policy perspectives and governance insights useful for answer writing and essay preparation.
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