Banking and RBI
Forex reserves fall to US$ 671.63 billion as on 12 June 2026
20 June 2026 | Reserve Bank of India
The RBI's Weekly Statistical Supplement extract released on 19 June 2026 shows total foreign exchange reserves at US$ 671,625 million (Rs 63,88,464 crore) as on 12 June 2026, a fall of US$ 9,985 million over the week.
Foreign currency assets were US$ 544,290 million, up US$ 846 million over the week; the fall in total reserves is therefore mainly from gold, which stood at US$ 103,821 million (Rs 9,87,517 crore). The RBI also announced an overnight VRR auction of Rs 1,25,000 crore for 22 June 2026, with reversal on 23 June.
Key facts- Total reserves: US$ 671,625 mn (12 June), down US$ 9,985 mn on the week
- Foreign currency assets: US$ 544,290 mn, up US$ 846 mn
- Gold: US$ 103,821 mn
- Overnight VRR 22 June: Rs 1,25,000 crore
Exam takeaway: Reserves change with RBI forex operations and valuation changes in gold and currencies.
Quick revision: Forex reserves US$ 671.63 bn on 12 June 2026, down US$ 9.99 bn (RBI WSS).
Reserve Bank of India original sourceGovernment Schemes
Health Ministry bans 16 irrational Fixed Dose Combinations under Section 26A
20 June 2026 | Press Information Bureau
PIB said the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare issued notifications under Section 26A of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, prohibiting manufacture for sale, sale and distribution for human use of 16 Fixed Dose Combinations (FDCs), with immediate effect.
The decision follows Supreme Court directions for a comprehensive FDC review. The Drugs Technical Advisory Board's Expert Committee found these FDCs lacked therapeutic justification and posed risks not justified by benefit.
Key facts- Action: 16 FDCs prohibited under Section 26A, Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940
- Effect: immediate
- Basis: DTAB Expert Committee review, per Supreme Court direction
- Ministry: Health and Family Welfare
Exam takeaway: An FDC combines two or more active drugs in a fixed ratio in one dosage form.
Quick revision: 16 FDCs banned under Section 26A, 20 June 2026 (PIB).
Press Information Bureau original sourceNational and International Affairs
President Murmu and PM Modi lay foundation of BCGCL Coal-to-Ammonium Nitrate Project in Odisha
20 June 2026 | Press Information Bureau
PIB said President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi remotely laid the foundation stone of the Coal-to-Ammonium Nitrate Project of Bharat Coal Gasification & Chemicals Limited (BCGCL) on 20 June 2026 at Lakhanpur, Jharsuguda district, Odisha.
The project is a joint venture involving Coal India. The release describes it as a step towards energy security, technological self-reliance and sustainable use of domestic coal. Coal and Mines Minister G. Kishan Reddy briefed the press at the site.
Key facts- Project: BCGCL Coal-to-Ammonium Nitrate Project
- Location: Lakhanpur, Jharsuguda, Odisha
- Foundation laid: 20 June 2026, by President and PM remotely
- Minister: G. Kishan Reddy (Coal and Mines)
Exam takeaway: Coal gasification converts coal into syngas used for chemicals and fertiliser inputs.
Quick revision: BCGCL coal-to-ammonium nitrate project foundation laid in Odisha, 20 June 2026 (PIB).
Press Information Bureau original source