Morning Brief: AMCA Prototype Race Begins; Canada Finally Admits To Khalistani Infestation It Long Denied; India Tops In New Entrants To World University Rankings; And More

Kick-start your morning with Swarajya’s Morning Brief – your news fix, curated for clarity and insight.

AMCA Prototype Race Begins, First Bidders’ Meet Set For July

India has formally launched the race to build prototypes for its fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), with the government inviting bids from domestic companies for the landmark defence project. The first bidders’ meet will take place in early July to clarify technical and procedural details before the August 16 submission deadline.

Backed by a Rs 15,000-crore prototype budget, the project aims to deliver a stealthy, next-gen fighter by the mid-2030s, with firms required to prove deep capabilities in aerospace engineering, manufacturing, and systems integration. Likely contenders include HAL, Tata Advanced Systems, Adani Defence, and L&T.

Canada Finally Admits To Khalistani Infestation It Long Denied

After years of denial and diplomatic friction, Canada’s intelligence agency has finally admitted that Khalistani extremists are using the country as a base to promote, fund, and plan violent activities targeting India. The Canadian Security Intelligence Service's annual report directly acknowledges that pro-Khalistan extremist networks remain active and pose a security threat, validating long-standing Indian concerns.

This came just as security agencies braced for disruptive protests during PM Modi’s G7 visit, with Indian officials warning their Canadian counterparts of potential threats. With its sanctimonious lectures on free speech now ringing hollow, Canada is being forced to confront the cost of turning a blind eye to this menace.

India Tops In New Entrants To QS World University Rankings 2026

India recorded the highest number of new entries in the QS World University Rankings 2026, with eight institutions making their debut, taking the total to 54—up from just 11 a decade ago. This marks a 390 per cent rise, the fastest among G20 nations, making India the fourth most represented country after the US, UK, and China.

IIT Delhi led the Indian pack at joint 123rd, followed by IIT Bombay (129th) and IIT Madras (180th), while five Indian institutions featured in the global top 100 for employer reputation. Indian universities are advancing in citations, sustainability, and international research, though challenges persist in attracting international students and improving faculty-student ratios—only O P Jindal Global University featured in the global top 350 on that front.

Other Developments

India’s Gold Reserves Hit Record High

India’s gold reserves have reached an all-time high of 879.58 tonnes, with the RBI ramping up purchases amid growing global scepticism about dollar-denominated assets. Gold now makes up 12 per cent of India’s net foreign assets, up from 8.3 per cent a year ago, driven by a combination of strategic buying and rising prices.

The trend reflects a broader global shift, as central banks worldwide have bought over 1,000 tonnes of gold annually for three consecutive years, according to the World Gold Council. With 73 per cent of central banks expecting a decline in dollar holdings over the next five years, gold is emerging as a preferred hedge, alongside modest increases in euro and renminbi assets.

Black Box Of Crashed Air India Boeing 787 Headed To US

India will send the black box of the crashed Air India Boeing 787 to the US for analysis, as local labs are not equipped to retrieve data from recorders damaged in the post-crash fire. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) in Washington will attempt to extract data from the flight data recorder (FDR) and cockpit voice recorder (CVR), under the supervision of Indian officials.

The crash, which occurred seconds after takeoff from Ahmedabad and claimed 274 lives, is being investigated for possible flap or landing gear malfunctions, system failures, or fuel contamination. The UK’s investigation team will also join due to the presence of British nationals on board. Data recovery could take days or months depending on the chip damage, and the black box is expected to yield critical clues through pilot audio and technical readings.

Trump Keeps World Guessing on Iran Strike

US President Donald Trump said Wednesday (18 June) he had not yet made a final call on joining Israeli strikes against Iran’s nuclear facilities, even as Iran’s supreme leader warned of “irreparable” consequences if the US intervenes. “I may do it. I may not do it,” Trump told reporters, adding that he prefers making such decisions “one second before it’s due” to stay flexible in a fast-moving situation.

While Israel continues its sixth day of strikes and Iran fires missiles in retaliation, conflicting signals emerged from Tehran—its top leader rejected US demands, but a senior diplomat indicated willingness to negotiate. Trump floated the possibility of Vice President JD Vance or envoy Steve Witkoff meeting Iranian officials, as Washington weighs diplomacy alongside military options. Meanwhile, the US embassy in Israel has begun evacuating American citizens amid fears of wider regional escalation.

US Courts Pakistan Army Chief on Iran

Donald Trump hosted Pakistan’s army chief, General Asim Munir, for lunch at the White House—an implicit recognition of Munir’s authority and a likely move to secure Pakistan’s support in the event of US military action against Iran. Pakistan shares a border with Iran in Balochistan, where local insurgents have long battled the Pakistan Army.

Reports suggest Pakistan’s economic fragility makes it susceptible to pressure or transactional deals, with previous military rulers having leveraged ties with Washington for aid. Despite public statements from Pakistan’s civilian leadership condemning Israeli “aggression,” Trump may be seeking Munir’s cooperation for potential access to bases or logistical support if tensions with Iran escalate.

From The States

Language Row Erupts As Maharashtra Brings Back Hindi 

The Maharashtra government has reintroduced Hindi as the third language for students in Classes 1 to 5, triggering backlash from the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) and Marathi language activists, who termed it a “backdoor” attempt to impose Hindi. A revised government resolution issued Tuesday (17 June) allows Hindi to be taught as the third language but stops short of making it mandatory.

Students may opt for another language if at least 20 choose it, but critics argue the move threatens the prominence of Marathi in the education system. MNS chief Raj Thackeray warned that such policies could erode Marathi literature and culture, accusing the BJP-led government of undermining regional identity.

Centre Goes Beyond Budget Pledge To Fund Amaravati Projects

In a major boost to Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu’s Amaravati vision, the Centre has approved direct funding for two major infrastructure projects — a common central secretariat and a residential complex — in the state’s proposed capital. The Rs 2,787-crore plan marks the Centre’s first direct investment in Amaravati.

The Rs 1,458-crore secretariat and Rs 1,329-crore housing project will be located in the Velagapudi government zone along the Krishna river. Until now, the Centre had supported Amaravati through loans exceeding Rs 26,000 crore.

Top Maoist Leaders Killed Near Andhra-Odisha Border

Three senior Maoist leaders, including Andhra Odisha Border Special Zonal Committee secretary Uday and East Division secretary Aruna, were killed by security forces in a major encounter in Alluri Sitharama Raju district near the Andhra-Odisha border, officials said on Wednesday. The rebels carried multi-crore bounties on their heads and were key figures in the Naxal hierarchy.

The operation follows a series of intensified anti-Maoist campaigns across affected states. Last week, four Maoists were gunned down in Maharashtra’s Gadchiroli district during a joint CRPF–C60 commando operation. In an even bigger blow to the insurgency, 27 Maoists — including CPI-Maoist general secretary Basavaraju — were killed in Chhattisgarh’s Abujmarh forests in one of the largest operations in recent years.

You’re all caught up—until next time.