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Current Affairs 29 June 2026
Statistics Day 2026: Celebrating Two Decades of Data-Driven Development
India observed the 20th Statistics Day on 29 June 2026, marking twenty years of recognizing the importance of statistics in shaping national policies and development. The day is organized annually by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) to commemorate the birth anniversary of the legendary statistician Professor Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis, regarded as the architect of India’s modern statistical system.
Theme for 2026
The theme for this year’s celebration is “Unlocking the Potential of Administrative Data.” It highlights the increasing role of government-generated data in improving governance, strengthening public service delivery, and supporting evidence-based policymaking.
Legacy of Prof. P.C. Mahalanobis
Professor Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis made extraordinary contributions to statistics, economic planning, and scientific research in India. His achievements include:
- Established the Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) in 1931.
- Developed the internationally acclaimed Mahalanobis Distance (D² Statistic).
- Founded Sankhya, India’s premier journal of statistics.
- Introduced large-scale scientific sample survey techniques.
- Started the National Sample Survey (NSS) in 1950.
- Played a major role in preparing India’s Second Five-Year Plan.
- Honoured with the Padma Vibhushan in 1968 for his exceptional contributions.
Statistics Day serves as a reminder of the vital role of accurate data and statistical analysis in ensuring inclusive and sustainable national development.
Ben Stokes Announces Retirement from International Cricket
England’s celebrated all-rounder and captain Ben Stokes has announced his retirement from international cricket following the conclusion of the third Rothesay Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge. The announcement brings to a close one of the most remarkable international careers in modern cricket.
Stokes made his international debut in 2011, while his Test debut came during the 2013 Ashes series. Over nearly fifteen years, he established himself as one of England’s finest all-rounders, delivering memorable performances with both bat and ball while leading the national side with determination.
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed that the Trent Bridge Test will be his final appearance in international cricket, marking the end of a glorious career that inspired cricket fans around the world.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi Receives Seychelles’ Highest Civilian Honour
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with the prestigious “Guardian of the Blue Horizon” Presidential Honour by the President of Seychelles, Dr. Patrick Herminie, on 28 June 2026.
The award recognises India’s growing global leadership in environmental protection, climate action, sustainable development, and promotion of the Blue Economy under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership.
Several flagship initiatives have strengthened India’s global environmental commitments, including:
- International Solar Alliance (ISA)
- Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment)
- Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam
- International Big Cat Alliance
The honour also reflects the deepening strategic partnership between India and Seychelles.
UPI to Be Introduced in Seychelles by the End of 2026
India and Seychelles have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to introduce the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) in Seychelles by the end of 2026.
UPI is India’s real-time digital payment system that enables instant bank-to-bank money transfers through mobile applications. It was launched in 2016 and is operated by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) under the supervision of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
The agreement between NPCI and the Central Bank of Seychelles will facilitate the technical and regulatory framework needed to enable UPI transactions in the island nation. Once operational, Indian tourists and businesses will benefit from seamless cashless payments.
India has already expanded UPI connectivity to countries such as Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, France, Mauritius, and Sri Lanka, strengthening its global digital payment network.
Italy Becomes the Country with the Highest Number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Italy has become the world’s leading nation in terms of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, with a total of 61 recognised sites, the highest for any country.
Among these:
- 55 are Cultural Heritage Sites
- 6 are Natural Heritage Sites
This achievement reflects Italy’s rich historical, artistic, architectural, archaeological, and natural heritage. The latest inscription has further strengthened Italy’s status as one of the world’s foremost cultural tourism destinations.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites are locations recognised for their outstanding cultural or natural value and are protected for the benefit of future generations.
DIKSHA Declared India’s “One Nation, One Digital Platform” for School Education
The Government of India has officially recognised DIKSHA (Digital Infrastructure for Knowledge Sharing) as the country’s “One Nation, One Digital Platform” for school education.
Launched in 2017, DIKSHA is managed by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) with support from the Central Institute of Educational Technology (CIET).
The platform provides curriculum-based digital educational resources for students from the foundational stage to Class XII. Most States and Union Territories use DIKSHA to deliver digital learning content through a flexible federated model that allows local customisation.
Key Features of DIKSHA
- Educational content available in 36 Indian languages and 7 foreign languages.
- QR-code enabled textbooks for interactive learning.
- Digital resources including videos, 2D and 3D animations, augmented reality content, and virtual laboratories.
- Indian Sign Language videos and accessibility features for inclusive education.
- Teacher training and certification programmes such as NISHTHA.
- Support for differently abled learners through DAISY content and text-to-speech technology.
DIKSHA has emerged as a comprehensive digital ecosystem that supports students, teachers, and education boards across the country while promoting accessible and technology-driven learning.
Review Questions
1. Statistics Day is observed every year in India on which date?
A. 28 June
B. 29 June
C. 30 June
D. 1 July
Answer: B. 29 June
2. The theme of Statistics Day 2026 is:
A. Data for Sustainable Growth
B. Digital India through Statistics
C. Unlocking the Potential of Administrative Data
D. Statistics for Economic Development
Answer: C. Unlocking the Potential of Administrative Data
3. Who is known as the Father of Modern Statistics in India?
A. C. Rangarajan
B. P.C. Mahalanobis
C. M. Visvesvaraya
D. Vikram Sarabhai
Answer: B. P.C. Mahalanobis
4. Which institution was founded by Prof. P.C. Mahalanobis in 1931?
A. National Sample Survey
B. Indian Council of Social Science Research
C. Indian Statistical Institute (ISI)
D. NITI Aayog
Answer: C. Indian Statistical Institute (ISI)
5. England captain Ben Stokes announced his retirement from international cricket after which match?
A. ICC World Test Championship Final
B. First Test against Australia
C. Third Rothesay Test against New Zealand
D. ICC Champions Trophy Final
Answer: C. Third Rothesay Test against New Zealand
6. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with which prestigious honour by Seychelles?
A. Order of the Republic
B. Guardian of the Blue Horizon
C. Blue Ocean Medal
D. Order of National Merit
Answer: B. Guardian of the Blue Horizon
7. Which Indian digital payment system is expected to become operational in Seychelles by the end of 2026?
A. BHIM
B. RuPay
C. UPI
D. Aadhaar Pay
Answer: C. UPI
8. Which organisation operates the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) in India?
A. Reserve Bank of India
B. Ministry of Finance
C. National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI)
D. SEBI
Answer: C. National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI)
9. Which country has become the UNESCO World Heritage Capital with 61 World Heritage Sites?
A. China
B. Spain
C. Italy
D. France
Answer: C. Italy
10. DIKSHA has been designated by the Government of India as:
A. National Digital University
B. One Nation, One Digital Platform for School Education
C. National Teacher Training Portal
D. Digital India Education Mission
Answer: B. One Nation, One Digital Platform for School Education
