Good morning, students! Today is June 29, 2026. In today's assembly, we bring you important news from across India and the world. Learn about the government's bilateral cooperation with Seychelles, bullet corridor, amazing performance by long jumper Ancy Sojan, and much more. Stay informed and inspired!
📍 Major National News Headlines
- Prime Minister Modi becomes the first Indian PM to address the Seychelles Parliament.
- India and Seychelles sign 19 agreements to strengthen bilateral cooperation.
- MEA issues advisory for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra pilgrims stranded in Nepal over visa delays.
- Government announces the proposed Delhi–Varanasi bullet train corridor with a travel time of about 1 hour 40 minutes.
- IMD forecasts heavy rainfall and thunderstorms across several parts of India as the monsoon advances.
- Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan calls for collective action to build a drug-free India.
- In his Mann Ki Baat address, Prime Minister Modi highlighted India's progress in defence self-reliance,
- Opposition parties and the Editors Guild of India raised concerns over the passport renewal issue of former editor R. Rajagopal
🌍 International Affairs
- Japan was struck by a 6.1-magnitude earthquake, with no tsunami warning issued.
- A severe heatwave across Europe has pushed temperatures to record highs, prompting health alerts in several countries.
- Six terrorists were killed after an attack on a Pakistan Army base in Karachi.
- Sheikh Hasina said she plans to return to Bangladesh this year.
- Tensions in the Middle East remain high following exchanges involving Iran, the United States, and regional countries.
🏭 Industry, Schemes & Economy
- Commerce Ministry to hold a stakeholder meeting on SEZ policy reforms on 30 June.
- Government to discuss measures for achieving the $2 trillion exports target at the upcoming Board of Trade meeting.
- India plans to prioritise Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with Qatar and Bahrain to strengthen trade ties.
- Deloitte report says India's debt market needs reforms to support the next phase of economic growth.
- Prime Minister Modi highlights new opportunities for India–Seychelles industrial and economic cooperation.
- Active monsoon expected to boost Kharif crop sowing and support India's agricultural economy.
🏆 Sports Updates
- India crashed out of the Women's T20 World Cup after a six-wicket defeat to Australia.
- Ireland stunned India with a 2-0 T20I series victory, winning the second match by one run.
- The FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 continues today with Brazil vs Japan, Germany vs Paraguay, and Netherlands vs Morocco.
- Indian long jumper Ancy Sojan broke the 22-year-old national record with a jump of 6.88 metres.
- The Global Chess League Season 4 player draft takes place today in Mumbai, with Magnus Carlsen returning and Divya Deshmukh set to make her debut.
🔬 Science & Technology
- ISRO successfully conducted a key test of its semi-cryogenic engine, marking progress toward next-generation launch vehicles.
- India's Gaganyaan mission preparations advanced with further astronaut training and system validation tests.
- Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science developed a new AI-based tool for faster and more accurate disease detection.
- The Government expanded the use of AI-powered digital public services to improve governance and citizen service delivery.
- Indian scientists intensified monsoon monitoring using advanced weather satellites and AI-based forecasting systems to improve rainfall predictions.
📜 On This Day in History
- 1613: Globe Theatre fire – The original Globe Theatre, associated with William Shakespeare, was destroyed by fire during a performance of Henry VIII.
- 2007: Apple iPhone was officially launched in the United States, revolutionizing the smartphone industry.
- 2008: Wimbledon Championships 2008 Men's Singles Final between Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer began the tournament that ended with one of the greatest tennis finals in history.
- 1975: Steve Wozniak tested the first prototype of the computer that later became the Apple I.
- Every Year on 29 June: National Statistics Day (India) is observed in India to commemorate the birth anniversary of renowned statistician P. C. Mahalanobis and promote the importance of statistics in policymaking and development.
💡 Thought of the Day
"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world."
— Nelson Mandela
📖 Word of the Day
Ubiquitous (Adjective)
Meaning: Present or found everywhere.
Example: "Smartphones have become ubiquitous in modern society."
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How many agreements were signed between India and Seychelles?
India and Seychelles signed 19 agreements to strengthen bilateral cooperation.
Which two cities will be connected by the proposed bullet train corridor?
The Delhi–Varanasi Bullet Train Corridor is expected to reduce travel time between Jewar and Lucknow to 1 hour and 40 minutes.
What Made-in-India vessel did Prime Minister Modi hand over to Seychelles?
Prime Minister Modi handed over the Made-in-India Fast Patrol Vessel 'PS LESPWAR' to Seychelles.
Who called for collective action to build a drug-free India?
Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan called for collective action to build a drug-free India.
In which programme did Prime Minister Modi highlight India's progress in defence self-reliance?
Prime Minister Modi highlighted India's progress in defence self-reliance during his Mann Ki Baat address.
Sources: Headlines compiled from Akashvani / All India Radio evening bulletin (June 28, 2026), plus Times of India, Hindustan Times, The Hindu, BBC World, Economic Times, ESPN, and Wikipedia 'On This Day' — all curated by EduSaint Editorial for school assembly use on June 29, 2026.
