📰 PIB Notes for UPSC – 23 June 2026
Daily PIB Current Affairs | UPSC & SSC Exam Preparation
Today's PIB Notes for UPSC covers 8 key topics —
Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar (Backgrounder),
GTE Exemption List Medical Devices, National Sports Board Recruitment,
Asian Games 2026 Fun Run Kerala, INCOIS El Niño Bulletin,
INS Udaygiri & Kavaratti at Vietnam + Tarkash at Mauritius,
NAFED's NAFEX.in Portal, and Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee Balidan Diwas.
Tap any option to instantly see the answer!
PIB Backgrounder – Ministry of W&CD
🏆 Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar (PMRBP) – Honouring Exceptional Children
📝 Key Notes
⭐ Prelims Extra Points
❓ MCQ Practice
- PMRBP = India's premier national honour for children aged 5 to 18 years.
- Conferred by Hon'ble President of India on Veer Bal Diwas (26 December).
- Award: Medal + Certificate + Citation.
- Since 2019 inception: 203 children awarded.
- Around 25 awards conferred annually across 6 categories:
- Bravery — selfless service / outstanding courage.
- Social Service — community mobilisation.
- Environment — consistent efforts on environmental issues.
- Sports — national/international achievements.
- Art and Culture — heritage promotion, music, dance, painting.
- Science and Technology — innovations, real-world solutions.
- Veer Bal Diwas (26 Dec): Honours Sahibzada Zorawar Singh (9) & Sahibzada Fateh Singh (7) — sons of Guru Gobind Singh; martyred on 26 Dec 1704.
- Veer Bal Diwas instituted in 2022 by PM Modi.
- Eligibility:
- Indian citizens & residents.
- Age 5-18 (as on 31 July 2026).
- Achievement within 2 years of nomination deadline.
- Not previous recipient.
- Nominations via https://awards.gov.in; self-nomination allowed.
- Awards Committee chaired by Secretary, Ministry of Women & Child Development.
- Travel: Round-trip economy for awardee + 2 parents; business class for Divyang awardees.
- Notable Awardees:
- Arnav Anupriya Maharshi (S&T 2025): AI-based hand paralysis rehabilitation tool.
- Aaditya Vijay Bramhane (Bravery 2024): Posthumous; saved drowning cousins.
- Aditya Pratap Singh Chauhan (Innovation 2023): "MICROPA" to filter microplastics.
203
Children Awarded since 2019
5-18
Eligible Age Group
6
Award Categories
26 Dec
Veer Bal Diwas
⭐ Prelims Extra Points
- Guru Gobind Singh (1666-1708): 10th & last human Sikh Guru; founded Khalsa Panth in 1699.
- Chaar Sahibzaade: Four sons of Guru Gobind Singh — Ajit, Jujhar (elder); Zorawar, Fateh (younger).
- Younger Sahibzadas martyred by Wazir Khan, Nawab of Sirhind, by being bricked alive.
- Khudiram Bose (1889-1908): Bengali revolutionary; executed at 18; one of youngest martyrs.
- Adi Shankara (8th century CE): Founder of Advaita Vedanta; mastered Vedas in childhood.
- Veer Bal Diwas: Announced by PM Modi on 9 Jan 2022 (Prakash Purab of Guru Gobind Singh).
- Ministry of Women & Child Development administers PMRBP.
❓ MCQ Practice
Q. Veer Bal Diwas, observed on 26 December, honours the martyrdom of the younger sons of which Sikh Guru?
Veer Bal Diwas (26 December) honours Sahibzada Zorawar Singh (9) and Sahibzada Fateh Singh (7) — younger sons of Guru Gobind Singh (10th Sikh Guru) — martyred on 26 Dec 1704 by Wazir Khan, Nawab of Sirhind. PMRBP awards are conferred on this day.
Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers
💉 GTE Exemption List of Medical Devices – Stakeholder Comments Invited
📝 Key Notes
⭐ Prelims Extra Points
❓ MCQ Practice
- Department of Pharmaceuticals invited comments on proposed amendments to Global Tender Enquiry (GTE) Exemption List of Medical Devices.
- Public Notice originally issued on 11 February 2026.
- Deadline for stakeholder comments: 15 July 2026.
- Stakeholders include: domestic manufacturers, importers, industry associations, procurement agencies, healthcare institutions.
- Email submission: usmedicaldevices@pharma-dept.gov.in.
- Initiative supports Make in India & Aatmanirbhar Bharat in medical devices sector.
⭐ Prelims Extra Points
- GTE = Global Tender Enquiry; allows bidding by foreign companies in govt procurement.
- GTE Exemption: Tenders below ₹200 crore restricted to Indian suppliers (under Public Procurement Order 2017 — DPIIT).
- Department of Pharmaceuticals: Under Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers; est. 2008.
- India's medical devices market: ~$14 billion; growing at 15%+ CAGR.
- PLI Scheme for Medical Devices: ₹3,420 crore outlay; 4 segments (cancer care, radiotherapy, anaesthetics, implants).
- 4 Medical Device Parks: Himachal, MP, Tamil Nadu, UP.
❓ MCQ Practice
Q. The Department of Pharmaceuticals functions under which Ministry?
The Department of Pharmaceuticals functions under the Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers; established in 2008. It handles pharma sector policies, PLI Schemes, and medical devices regulations including GTE Exemption List.
Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports
🏅 National Sports Board – Applications Invited for Chairperson & 2 Members
📝 Key Notes
⭐ Prelims Extra Points
❓ MCQ Practice
- Ministry invited applications for Chairperson + 2 Members of National Sports Board (NSB).
- Selection under provisions of National Sports Governance Act 2025 and National Sports Governance (NSB) Rules 2026.
- Appointment by Central Government based on recommendations of Search-cum-Selection Committee (under Rule 3(3) of NSB Rules 2026).
- Eligibility: persons of ability, integrity, standing with knowledge/practical experience in public administration, sports governance, sports law, etc.
- NSB Role:
- Central authority for granting recognition to National Sports Bodies (NSBs).
- Ensuring compliance with governance, financial & ethical standards.
- Online portal: https://sports.yas.gov.in/application_app.
- Last date: 22 July 2026.
⭐ Prelims Extra Points
- National Sports Governance Act 2025: Provides legal framework for governance of sports federations; aims at transparency, athlete welfare.
- NSFs = National Sports Federations; regulate respective sports at national level.
- Major NSFs: BCCI (cricket), AIFF (football), Hockey India, AFI (athletics), BAI (badminton).
- IOA = Indian Olympic Association; member of IOC; current President PT Usha (1st woman).
- SAI = Sports Authority of India; under MYAS; est. 1984.
- TOPS = Target Olympic Podium Scheme; for elite athletes preparing for Olympics/World Championships.
❓ MCQ Practice
Q. The National Sports Board (NSB) is being constituted under which Act?
The National Sports Board (NSB) is constituted under the National Sports Governance Act 2025 and NSB Rules 2026. NSB will be the central authority for recognising National Sports Bodies and ensuring governance, financial & ethical compliance.
Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports
🏃 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games Fun Run in Thiruvananthapuram | 40,000+ Participants
📝 Key Notes
⭐ Prelims Extra Points
❓ MCQ Practice
- India hosted first-ever 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games Fun Run at Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala on 23 June 2026.
- 40,000+ participants created history.
- Under Olympic Council of Asia's "Asian Games for All" initiative.
- Inaugurated by Union Sports Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya at University Stadium.
- Dignitaries: Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, CM Pinarayi Vijayan, LoP V.D. Satheesan, IOA President P.T. Usha.
- Kerala Statistics:
- 115 athletes from Kerala in Khelo India programme (incl. 69 women).
- 17 athletes from Kerala under Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS).
- India's Sports Goals (announced):
- Top 10 by 2036; Top 5 by 2047 sporting nations.
- India hosts Commonwealth Games 2030.
- Bid for 2036 Olympic Games.
- Asian Games 2026: To be held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
⭐ Prelims Extra Points
- Asian Games: Held every 4 years; organised by Olympic Council of Asia (OCA).
- OCA: HQ Kuwait; 45 member nations; est. 1982.
- 2026 Asian Games: 20th edition; Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
- 2030 Commonwealth Games: To be held in Ahmedabad, India (announced).
- 2022 Asian Games (Hangzhou): India won 107 medals (28 gold) — best-ever performance.
- Khelo India: Launched 2018; grassroots sports development.
- TOPS: Launched 2014; identifies elite athletes for Olympics medal contention.
❓ MCQ Practice
Q. The 2026 Asian Games will be hosted by which city/region?
The 2026 Asian Games (20th edition) will be hosted by Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. India's first-ever Asian Games Fun Run was held in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala with 40,000+ participants. India targets to be among Top 10 sporting nations by 2036 and Top 5 by 2047.
Ministry of Earth Sciences
🌊 INCOIS Launches Specialized El Niño Bulletins – Maritime Sectors Warning
📝 Key Notes
⭐ Prelims Extra Points
❓ MCQ Practice
- INCOIS started releasing Specialized El Niño Bulletins on 22 June 2026.
- First bulletin released by MP Konda Vishweshwar Reddy (Chevella constituency).
- El Niño event continues to develop; expected to peak Nov 2026 – Jan 2027.
- Sea Surface Temperature (SST) in Indian Ocean to remain higher than normal till April/May 2027.
- Marine ecosystem impacts (esp. March-May 2027):
- Increased coral reef bleaching.
- More marine heat waves.
- Reduction in fish catch — sardine & mackerel migrations.
- Fish may not reach desired sizes.
- Bay of Bengal: Sea state rough in monsoon; increased coastal erosion + flooding on east coast.
- Arabian Sea / West Coast: Calmer than usual; better window for marine operations; less coastal erosion.
- Next specialized bulletin: 2nd week of July 2026.
⭐ Prelims Extra Points
- INCOIS = Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services; Hyderabad; est. 1999; under MoES.
- El Niño: Warming of central & eastern Pacific Ocean (every 2-7 yrs); weakens monsoon in India.
- La Niña: Opposite of El Niño; cooling phase; strengthens Indian monsoon.
- ENSO = El Niño-Southern Oscillation; combined ocean-atmosphere phenomenon.
- IOD = Indian Ocean Dipole; analogous to ENSO in Indian Ocean.
- Coral Bleaching: Loss of symbiotic algae (zooxanthellae) due to heat stress; corals turn white.
- Marine Heatwaves: Prolonged anomalous warming of sea surface; harm marine biodiversity.
- INCOIS issues: Tsunami warnings, ocean state forecasts, PFZ (Potential Fishing Zone) advisories.
❓ MCQ Practice
Q. INCOIS, which has launched specialized El Niño bulletins, is headquartered in:
INCOIS (Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services) is headquartered in Hyderabad; established 1999; under Ministry of Earth Sciences. It issues tsunami warnings, ocean forecasts, PFZ advisories, and El Niño bulletins.
Ministry of Defence
⚓ Navy Deployments – INS Udaygiri/Kavaratti at Vietnam, INS Tarkash at Mauritius
📝 Key Notes
⭐ Prelims Extra Points
❓ MCQ Practice
- INS Udaygiri (stealth frigate) & INS Kavaratti (ASW corvette) arrived at Nha Rong Port, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on 22 June 2026.
- Led by RAdm Alok Ananda, Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet.
- Both ships indigenously designed & built.
- First major Indian Navy presence in Vietnam since Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (May 2026).
- Activities: Cross-deck exchanges, professional interactions, sports, community outreach.
- INS Tarkash (stealth frigate) departed Port Louis, Mauritius on 22 June 2026.
- Commanding Officer: Capt Rohit Mishra.
- Activities in Mauritius:
- Volleyball match with Mauritius National Coast Guard.
- Training capsules for MNCG personnel.
- Ship opened to ~450 visitors from Indian diaspora.
- Yoga session for MNCG on IDY 2026 (21 June).
- Calls on Mauritius Police Commissioner Rampersad Sooroojebally & HC Anurag Srivastava.
- Reaffirmed MAHASAGAR vision (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions).
⭐ Prelims Extra Points
- INS Udaygiri: Project 17A Nilgiri-class stealth frigate; built at MDL Mumbai.
- INS Kavaratti: Project 28 Kamorta-class ASW corvette; built at GRSE Kolkata.
- INS Tarkash: Talwar-class stealth frigate; built in Russia.
- India-Vietnam: Strategic Partnership 2007 → Comprehensive Strategic Partnership 2016 → Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership 2026.
- MAHASAGAR: Announced 2025; successor to SAGAR (2015) doctrine.
- Mauritius: Indian diaspora ~70% of population; strategic Indian Ocean partner.
- India-Mauritius Treaty 1948; India built first runway at Agalega Island (2024).
❓ MCQ Practice
Q. The MAHASAGAR vision, reaffirmed during INS Tarkash's Mauritius visit, stands for:
MAHASAGAR = Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions. Announced in 2025 by PM Modi as the successor to the SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) doctrine of 2015. It guides India's Indian Ocean Region engagement.
Ministry of Cooperation
🌾 Amit Shah Launches NAFED's E-Auction Portal NAFEX.in | Farmer Empowerment
📝 Key Notes
⭐ Prelims Extra Points
❓ MCQ Practice
- Union HM & Cooperation Minister Shri Amit Shah launched NAFED's e-auction portal NAFEX.in in New Delhi.
- NAFED = National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Ltd.
- 4 Major Initiatives launched:
- NAFEX.in — e-auction portal.
- DRISHTI.
- ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning).
- NAFED Kalyan.
- NAFED Performance:
- Serving 74 lakh+ farmers.
- Turnover: ₹20,000 Cr → ₹30,000 Cr; target ₹50,000 Cr in 2 years.
- Net Profit: ₹139 Cr → ₹405 Cr.
- Net Worth: ₹358 Cr → ₹2,050 Cr.
- Payment directly to farmers' bank accounts within 48 hours — eliminating middlemen.
- In 2 years, NCCF & NAFED will procure every grain of pulses directly from farmers.
- NAFED Scholarship: 1% of profits earmarked for higher education & career development of farmer family children.
- Areas: organic farming, seed production, retail, bio-fertilizer, food security, international trade.
- Day also marked Balidan Diwas of Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee; Shri Shah paid tributes.
74 Lakh+
Farmers Served
₹30,000 Cr
Current Turnover
₹405 Cr
Net Profit
48 Hours
Payment to Farmers
⭐ Prelims Extra Points
- NAFED: Established 2 October 1958; multi-state cooperative society; HQ: New Delhi.
- Ministry of Cooperation: Created in July 2021; first Minister Amit Shah.
- NCCF = National Cooperative Consumers' Federation of India Ltd; est. 1965.
- PSS = Price Support Scheme; under PM-AASHA; implemented by NAFED for pulses & oilseeds.
- MSP: Minimum Support Price; set by CACP; announced by CCEA.
- India's pulses production: ~26 million tonnes (2024-25); largest producer/consumer/importer globally.
- Other cooperatives: IFFCO (fertilizer), AMUL (dairy), KRIBHCO (fertilizer).
❓ MCQ Practice
Q. The Ministry of Cooperation was created in which year?
The Ministry of Cooperation was created in July 2021, with Shri Amit Shah as the first Minister. NAFED, established 1958, comes under this Ministry. Slogan: "Sahkar Se Samriddhi" (Prosperity through Cooperation).
Prime Minister's Office
🇮🇳 PM Pays Homage to Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee on Balidan Diwas (23 June)
📝 Key Notes
⭐ Prelims Extra Points
❓ MCQ Practice
- PM Narendra Modi paid homage to Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee on Balidan Diwas (23 June).
- PM described him as "distinguished patriot, scholar and statesman".
- Shared a Sanskrit Subhashitam: "न कर्मणा न प्रजया धनेन त्यागेनैके अमृतत्वमानशुः…"
- Subhashitam emphasises that immortality is attained through sacrifice and dedication, not deeds, wealth, or lineage.
- About Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee:
- Born 6 July 1901, Kolkata.
- Brilliant scholar; Calcutta University's youngest Vice Chancellor at 33.
- Founder of Bharatiya Jana Sangh (1951) — predecessor of BJP.
- First Industry Minister in independent India under Nehru.
- Resigned from Cabinet over Nehru-Liaquat Pact (1950).
- Fought against Article 370; raised slogan: "Ek Desh Mein Do Vidhan, Do Pradhan Aur Do Nishan – Nahi Chalenge".
- Arrested for entering Jammu & Kashmir without permit.
- Died in mysterious circumstances in Kashmir jail on 23 June 1953.
- Played key role in keeping West Bengal in India during Partition.
- Union HM Amit Shah noted: Article 370 abrogated in August 2019 — fulfilling his vision.
⭐ Prelims Extra Points
- Bharatiya Jana Sangh (BJS): Founded 21 Oct 1951; merged with Janata Party 1977; revived as BJP on 6 April 1980.
- Nehru-Liaquat Pact (1950): Bilateral treaty between India & Pakistan on minority rights.
- Article 370: Granted special status to J&K; abrogated on 5 August 2019.
- Article 35A: Defined "permanent residents" of J&K; also revoked in 2019.
- J&K Reorganisation Act 2019: Created UTs of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.
- SPM University: Several universities named after him.
- Akshardham temple in Delhi has a memorial dedicated to him.
❓ MCQ Practice
Q. Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee, whose Balidan Diwas is observed on 23 June, was the founder of which political party?
Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee founded Bharatiya Jana Sangh (BJS) on 21 October 1951 — predecessor to the present-day BJP (founded 6 April 1980). He died in Kashmir jail on 23 June 1953 while fighting for abrogation of Article 370.
PIB Notes for UPSC 23 June 2026
PIB Notes for UPSC 23 June 2026 covers eight important government initiatives, policy developments and national events relevant for UPSC Prelims and Mains preparation. Major topics include the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar (PMRBP), GTE Exemption List for Medical Devices, National Sports Board recruitment reforms, Asian Games 2026 Fun Run, INCOIS El Niño bulletin, INS Udaygiri and INS Kavaratti deployments, NAFED's NAFEX.in agricultural trade platform and Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee Balidan Diwas.
These topics are important for Governance, Social Justice, Sports Administration, Agriculture, Disaster Management, Maritime Security and Science & Technology. Aspirants should focus on both factual information and policy significance for examination purposes.
Important Topics Covered in Today's PIB Notes
- Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar (PMRBP)
- GTE Exemption List for Medical Devices
- National Sports Board Recruitment Reforms
- Asian Games 2026 Fun Run Initiative
- INCOIS El Niño Monitoring Bulletin
- INS Udaygiri and INS Kavaratti International Deployments
- NAFED's NAFEX.in Agricultural Export Platform
- Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee Balidan Diwas
Why Are These PIB Notes Important for UPSC?
PIB remains one of the most reliable government sources for UPSC preparation. Topics such as child welfare awards, sports governance, climate monitoring, agricultural marketing reforms and maritime diplomacy frequently appear in UPSC Prelims and Mains examinations.
The PM Rashtriya Bal Puraskar highlights child achievement and empowerment, while NAFEX demonstrates India's efforts to strengthen agricultural trade. The deployment of INS Udaygiri and INS Kavaratti reflects India's growing maritime engagement in the Indo-Pacific region.
Exam Relevance
- GS Paper II – Governance and Social Justice
- GS Paper III – Agriculture, Security and Disaster Management
- Science & Technology
- Current Affairs for UPSC Prelims
- Essay Preparation
- UPSC Interview and Personality Test
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar?
It is India's highest civilian award for children recognizing exceptional achievements in various fields.
What is NAFEX.in?
NAFEX.in is an agricultural trade platform developed by NAFED to facilitate transparent agricultural marketing and exports.
What is the role of INCOIS in El Niño monitoring?
INCOIS monitors oceanic and climatic conditions and provides forecasts related to El Niño and monsoon variability.
Why are INS Udaygiri and INS Kavaratti important?
These naval deployments strengthen India's maritime diplomacy, regional partnerships and Indo-Pacific security engagement.
Why are PIB Notes useful for UPSC preparation?
PIB provides authentic government information frequently used in UPSC Prelims, Mains and Interview stages.
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