June 2026 Current Affairs Compilation — Hindi & English

On 20 June 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of India's first commercial-scale coal-to-ammonium nitrate (coal gasification) project at Lakhanpur in Odisha's Jharsuguda district. The Rs 25,016 crore project is being developed by Bharat Coal Gasification and Chemicals Limited (BCGCL), a joint venture between BHEL and Coal India Limited. The plant will produce 2,000 tonnes of ammonium nitrate per day using indigenous coal gasification technology, reducing import dependence and boosting domestic chemical production. The project advances India's self-reliance goals in critical industrial inputs. Exam relevance: India's first commercial-scale coal-to-ammonium nitrate project (Rs 25,016 crore) is at Lakhanpur, Jharsuguda (Odisha), built by BCGCL, a BHEL-Coal India joint venture, with 2,000 tonnes daily capacity.

On 20 June 2026 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai, India beat Afghanistan by 9 wickets in the third ODI to complete a 3-0 series whitewash. Prasidh Krishna took a maiden ODI five-wicket haul (5 for 23) as Afghanistan were bowled out for 218, despite Hashmatullah Shahidi's 102. Yashasvi Jaiswal scored a century to anchor the chase, with India reaching 224 for 1 in just 28.4 overs. The dominant performance underlined India's strength in the 50-over format ahead of upcoming international fixtures. Exam relevance: India whitewashed Afghanistan 3-0 in the June 2026 ODI series; Prasidh Krishna took his maiden ODI five-wicket haul (5/23) and Yashasvi Jaiswal scored a century in the third ODI at Chennai.

The Reserve Bank of India approved a record surplus (dividend) transfer of Rs 2.87 lakh crore to the Union government for FY26, decided at the 623rd meeting of the Central Board chaired by Governor Sanjay Malhotra. This surpasses the FY25 payout of Rs 2.69 lakh crore. The RBI's balance sheet expanded 20.61% to Rs 91.97 lakh crore as of 31 March 2026. The Contingent Risk Buffer (CRB) was maintained at 6.5% of balance sheet size, with Rs 1,09,379.64 crore transferred to it. The surplus boosts the government's fiscal position. Exam relevance: RBI's record FY26 surplus transfer to the Centre was Rs 2.87 lakh crore; the RBI Governor is Sanjay Malhotra and the CRB was kept at 6.5%.

Vivek Aggarwal, a 1994-batch IAS officer and Secretary in the Ministry of Culture, was elected Vice-President of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) for the term July 2026 to June 2027. This is the first time India has secured the FATF Vice-Presidency. The decision was taken at the FATF Plenary held in Paris from 17-19 June 2026. Aggarwal had earlier headed India's FATF delegation and the Financial Intelligence Unit-India (FIU-IND). FATF is the global watchdog on money laundering and terror financing, headquartered in Paris. Exam relevance: Vivek Aggarwal (1994-batch IAS) is the first Indian elected FATF Vice-President (term July 2026-June 2027); FATF is headquartered in Paris and combats money laundering and terror financing.

Indian legal scholar Bimal N. Patel was elected a judge of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) for a nine-year term (2026-2035), securing 115 of 168 valid votes at the 36th Meeting of States Parties to UNCLOS held at UN Headquarters in New York from 15-19 June 2026. He will take office on 1 October 2026, succeeding India's Neeru Chadha. Patel is Vice-Chancellor of Rashtriya Raksha University and a member of the International Law Commission. ITLOS, based in Hamburg, Germany, was established under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Exam relevance: Bimal N. Patel was elected ITLOS judge (2026-2035) with 115/168 votes; ITLOS is based in Hamburg and established under UNCLOS.

On 21 June 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi commissioned three indigenously built naval platforms at Kolkata, all designed by the Navy's Warship Design Bureau and built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE). INS Dunagiri is the fifth Project 17A stealth frigate, armed with BrahMos surface-to-surface missiles and a Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile system. INS Sanshodhak is the fourth Survey Vessel (Large), and INS Agray is the fourth Arnala-class Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft. Indigenous content exceeds 75%, with over 200 MSMEs involved, strengthening Make in India and maritime security. Exam relevance: INS Dunagiri is the 5th Project 17A stealth frigate, built by GRSE Kolkata and armed with BrahMos missiles; all three platforms were commissioned on 21 June 2026 with over 75% indigenous content.

Indian-origin theoretical physicist Jainendra K. Jain, Evan Pugh University Professor at Pennsylvania State University, became the first person of Indian origin to receive the Wolf Prize in Physics, reported around 19-20 June 2026. He was honoured for his 1989 discovery of 'composite fermions', which explained the fractional quantum Hall effect; the patterns are known as 'Jain sequences' or 'Jain states'. Born near Sambhar in Rajasthan, he holds a master's degree from IIT Kanpur. The prize was presented by Israeli President Isaac Herzog. The Wolf Prize is among the most prestigious global science awards. Exam relevance: Jainendra K. Jain is the first Indian-origin laureate of the Wolf Prize in Physics, recognised for discovering 'composite fermions' (1989).

The 12th International Day of Yoga (IDY) was observed on 21 June 2026 under the theme 'Yoga for Healthy Ageing'. Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the main national event from the iconic Red Road in Kolkata, West Bengal. The Ministry of Culture organised special IDY programmes at 100 iconic locations across the country, while yoga sessions were held at thousands of venues worldwide. International Day of Yoga is celebrated every year on 21 June, the summer solstice, since 2015, following a United Nations resolution proposed by India. The annual theme highlights yoga's role in physical and mental well-being. Exam relevance: Remember the 2026 theme 'Yoga for Healthy Ageing', the main venue (Red Road, Kolkata), and that IDY is observed on 21 June since 2015 on the summer solstice.

India’s defence expenditure rose by about 8.9% to an estimated $92.1 billion in 2025, making it the world’s fifth-largest military spender. The rise reflects continued modernisation and indigenisation of defence production under initiatives such as Make in India. Exam relevance: defence-spending rankings are a recurring economy/defence GK topic.

Veteran Indian Foreign Service diplomat Vipul has been appointed as India’s next Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, a key partner in West Asia for energy security, trade and the Indian diaspora. Exam relevance: key diplomatic appointments are regularly asked in the appointments section.

According to the SIPRI (Stockholm International Peace Research Institute) Yearbook 2026, India’s nuclear arsenal is estimated at about 190 warheads as of January 2026, slightly ahead of Pakistan’s estimated 170. The report notes both countries continue to modernise their nuclear capabilities, with India focusing on longer-range, more survivable delivery systems. Exam relevance: SIPRI is a frequently asked source for defence and international-affairs questions.

A farmer from Tamil Nadu has been recognised by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) as a ‘Soil Farmer Hero’ for outstanding success in sustainable, soil-friendly farming practices. Exam relevance: international recognition of Indians is a frequent awards-section topic.

The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) launched the VAANI 3.0 scheme to strengthen the use of Indian languages in technical and higher education, in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020’s emphasis on learning in the mother tongue. Exam relevance: AICTE schemes and NEP-linked initiatives are common in the schemes section.

The World Day Against Child Labour was observed on 12 June 2026 with the football-inspired theme "Red card to child labour: Fair play for children, decent work for adults". The ILO, which instituted the day in 2002, used the 2026 campaign to demand quality education, universal social protection, decent adult wages and tougher enforcement so that children stay in classrooms, not workplaces. The year also marks the anniversary of ILO Convention No. 182 on the worst forms of child labour — notable as the first ILO convention ratified universally by all member states. EXAM ANGLE: Date — 12 June; started by ILO in 2002; 2026 theme — Red card to child labour; linked instrument — ILO Convention 182.

The Ministry of External Affairs announced on 11 June 2026 that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will travel to France and Slovakia from 13 to 18 June, attending the 52nd G7 Summit at Evian, France, on 16–17 June as a partner-country leader. This marks India's 13th participation in a G7 summit and Modi's seventh consecutive appearance. He first visits Nice on 13–14 June for talks with President Emmanuel Macron under the India-France Special Global Strategic Partnership, and will also join the VivaTech startup summit in Paris. Summit sessions cover rebuilding international solidarity, balanced economic growth and safe rollout of artificial intelligence. EXAM ANGLE: G7 has seven members — India attends only as an invited partner nation. 52nd summit — Evian, France, 16-17 June 2026.

The 23rd FIFA World Cup began on 11 June 2026 with co-host Mexico beating South Africa 2-0 in the opening match in Mexico City. Julian Quinones scored in the 9th minute and veteran striker Raul Jimenez headed in the second goal in the 67th minute. This edition is historic on several counts: it is the first World Cup hosted jointly by three nations — the United States, Canada and Mexico — and the first to feature an expanded field of 48 teams instead of 32. Mexico also became the first country to host the men's World Cup three times (1970, 1986, 2026). The final is scheduled for 19 July 2026 in New Jersey, USA. EXAM ANGLE: 23rd edition; hosts — USA, Canada, Mexico; 48 teams (first time); final — 19 July 2026, New Jersey.

In its June 2026 Global Economic Prospects report, the World Bank revised India's growth projection for 2026 upward to 6.6 per cent from the 6.5 per cent estimated in January, and sharply raised the 2027 figure to 7.2 per cent from 6.6 per cent, with 7 per cent pencilled in for 2028. Deputy Chief Economist Ayhan Kose attributed the upgrade to domestic demand momentum strong enough to offset the drag from the Middle East conflict. India retains its tag as the fastest-growing major economy, while South Asia stays the fastest-growing region despite regional growth easing to 6.3 per cent from 7 per cent in 2025. Globally, the Bank expects expansion to slow to 2.5 per cent in 2026 — the weakest pace since the Covid-19 shock. EXAM ANGLE: Report — Global Economic Prospects (World Bank, twice a year); India 2026 — 6.6%; global 2026 — 2.5%.

Economists polled by Reuters expect India's retail inflation for May 2026 to climb to roughly 4 per cent, a clear jump from April's 3.48 per cent and the first reading in this cycle to sit right at the RBI's medium-term target. The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) is releasing the official CPI numbers on 12 June 2026. Three pressures are at work: seasonal summer vegetable prices (April already saw tomatoes up over 35 per cent year-on-year), costlier fuel with Brent crude crossing 97 dollars a barrel amid the Gulf conflict, and a weaker rupee near 95.4 per dollar that makes imported crude and edible oils dearer. EXAM ANGLE: CPI is compiled by MoSPI; the RBI targets 4 per cent inflation within a 2–6 per cent band.

Under Round 3 of the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for textiles, the government approved a fresh set of companies, taking the total to 96 participants with committed investments of Rs 12,822.67 crore, announced in the week ending 12 June 2026. The selected firms are expected to generate about 36,217 jobs across the textile value chain. The scheme targets three segments — man-made fibre (MMF) apparel, MMF fabrics and technical textiles — areas where India wants to reduce import dependence and compete globally beyond traditional cotton products. EXAM ANGLE: PLI Textiles — Ministry of Textiles; Round 3 totals — 96 companies, Rs 12,822.67 crore investment, ~36,217 expected jobs; focus — MMF and technical textiles.

The International Day of Play was observed on 11 June 2026 with the theme "Protect Play, Protect Childhood", highlighting that play is not a luxury but a child's right, essential for learning, mental health and social development. The observance is among the UN's newest international days — created by a General Assembly resolution adopted in March 2024 — and was first celebrated on 11 June 2024, making 2026 its third edition. UNICEF leads global advocacy, pressing governments to safeguard time, space and safety for children's play amid conflicts, screen overuse and academic pressure. EXAM ANGLE: Date — 11 June; established — 2024 (UNGA resolution, March 2024); 2026 theme — Protect Play, Protect Childhood.

The Union Cabinet on 10 June 2026 approved Phase 2(A) of the Ahmedabad Metro Rail Project in Gujarat. The new corridor will run 6.032 km from Koteshwar Road to Ahmedabad Airport, at an estimated cost of Rs 2,169.04 crore, finally linking the city's metro network to its airport. The extension builds on the existing Ahmedabad–Gandhinagar metro system and is expected to ease road congestion on the airport route while boosting public-transport ridership. EXAM ANGLE: Project — Ahmedabad Metro Phase 2(A); length — 6.032 km; route — Koteshwar Road to Ahmedabad Airport; cost — Rs 2,169.04 crore; approved by the Union Cabinet on 10 June 2026.

On 10 June 2026 the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by PM Narendra Modi, sanctioned construction of a Central Government General Pool Office Accommodation (CGGPOA) and General Pool Residential Accommodation (GPRA) campus at Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh's capital city. The combined outlay is Rs 2,533 crore — roughly Rs 1,299 crore for office blocks and Rs 1,235 crore for residential quarters — and the campus is expected to house around 8,000 central government officials. The decision strengthens the Centre's administrative presence in Amaravati as the city's capital infrastructure is rebuilt. EXAM ANGLE: Approving body CCEA, date 10 June 2026, location Amaravati (Andhra Pradesh), total cost Rs 2,533 crore.

On 10 June 2026, the Ministry of Defence concluded a Rs 449-crore contract with Bengaluru-based Accord Software and Systems Pvt Ltd for 20 Enhanced Capability Global Navigation Satellite System (ECGNSS) jammers meant for the Indian Navy. Signed in New Delhi in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, the deal falls under the Buy (Indian-IDDM) route — Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured — and mandates at least 75 per cent indigenous content. The equipment can degrade an adversary receiver's ability to acquire and track satellite navigation signals and can also carry out deceptive jamming or spoofing, blinding hostile navigation at sea. EXAM ANGLE: ECGNSS jammers, Buy (Indian-IDDM) category, 75 per cent local content, Atmanirbhar Bharat in defence electronics.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the Land Port Management System, named VINIMAY, in New Delhi on 9 June 2026. The platform digitises operations at land ports run by the Land Ports Authority of India, replacing paper-based processes for cargo clearance and passenger movement along land borders with Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan and Myanmar. By tracking trucks, consignments and travellers on a single dashboard, VINIMAY aims to cut delays in overland trade while tightening border security against unauthorised crossings. EXAM ANGLE: VINIMAY = Land Port Management System (LPMS), launched 9 June 2026, Ministry of Home Affairs, implemented through the Land Ports Authority of India (LPAI), which functions under MHA.

India's Zojila Tunnel project achieved its final breakthrough on 9 June 2026 at Meenamarg in Ladakh's Kargil district, with Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari witnessing the blast that connected the full bore. The 13.153-km horseshoe-shaped tunnel between Baltal (near Sonmarg) and Meenamarg is India's longest and highest road tunnel and Asia's longest bi-directional single-tube tunnel, built at about 11,578 feet in the seismically active Himalayas. It will give all-weather connectivity on the Srinagar–Kargil–Leh axis, which currently stays cut off for nearly seven months each winter, and will shrink the Zojila Pass crossing from around 3.5 hours to roughly 15-20 minutes. Public opening is targeted around February 2028. EXAM ANGLE: 13.153 km; Baltal–Meenamarg; India's longest road tunnel; Asia's longest bi-directional single-tube tunnel; Srinagar–Kargil–Leh axis.

On 9 June 2026, NASA announced the four astronauts for its Artemis III mission, a key step in the programme to return humans to the Moon. The crew comprises commander Randy Bresnik, mission specialists Frank Rubio and Andre Douglas (all NASA), and pilot Luca Parmitano of the European Space Agency (ESA), making it an international crew. Frank Rubio holds the American single-flight duration record of 371 days aboard the International Space Station. Artemis III, expected to launch in 2027, will operate in Earth orbit to test docking with commercially built lunar landers from SpaceX and Blue Origin, paving the way for the Artemis IV crewed Moon landing targeted for 2028. EXAM ANGLE: Artemis programme — NASA's Moon-return missions; Artemis III crew includes an ESA astronaut; Rubio's 371-day US record.

Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda launched nationwide celebrations on 9 June 2026 to mark a decade of the Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA), releasing a commemorative Rs 75 coin and a Rs 5 postal stamp in New Delhi. PMSMA, started on 9 June 2016, guarantees free, assured antenatal check-ups to pregnant women on the 9th of every month at government facilities, focusing on second and third trimesters to detect high-risk pregnancies early. The campaign theme is "10 Years of PMSMA – A Decade of Care". EXAM ANGLE: Scheme — PMSMA; ministry — Health and Family Welfare; launched 2016; ANC day — 9th of each month; 10-year celebration — 9 June 2026.

West Asia saw a sharp flare-up on 8 June 2026 when Israel carried out airstrikes on central and western Iran in reply to Iranian missile fire, with explosions reported from Tehran, Isfahan and Tabriz. Crude prices jumped more than 3 per cent on fears the conflict could choke supplies, with Brent trading near 97 dollars a barrel. US President Donald Trump telephoned Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu urging restraint, and both Iran and Israel subsequently announced they had suspended attacks following his appeal to immediately stop shooting. A tentative US-Iran ceasefire-extension deal negotiated the previous week remains unfinalised. EXAM ANGLE: For India the episode matters through costlier oil imports, pressure on the rupee, and risks around the Strait of Hormuz — a frequent GK question area.

The UN's mid-year climate negotiations — the 64th session of the UNFCCC Subsidiary Bodies (SB64) — opened on 8 June 2026 at the World Conference Center in Bonn, Germany, and will run until 18 June. This is the first multilateral climate meeting since COP30 in Belem, Brazil (November 2025), and it sets the agenda for COP31, to be held in Antalya, Turkiye, later in 2026. UNFCCC Executive Secretary Simon Stiell opened the session, with adaptation indicators, climate finance and the fossil-fuel transition dominating the talks. India, defending the equity principle and common but differentiated responsibilities, pushed back against attempts to impose new climate obligations on developing countries. EXAM ANGLE: SB64 = SBI 64 + SBSTA 64, Bonn, 8-18 June 2026; COP30 — Belem (Brazil); COP31 — Antalya (Turkiye).

President Droupadi Murmu conferred 51 gallantry awards at Phase-I of the Defence Investiture Ceremony 2026, held at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi on 8 June 2026. The honours included 7 Kirti Chakras (2 posthumous), 15 Vir Chakras (3 posthumous) and 29 Shaurya Chakras (1 posthumous), given to personnel of the armed forces, Central Armed Police Forces and state police for exceptional courage in the line of duty. Notably, Air Commodore Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair, one of India's Gaganyaan astronaut-designates (Gaganyatris), was among the Kirti Chakra recipients. EXAM ANGLE: The Kirti Chakra is India's second-highest peacetime gallantry award, after the Ashoka Chakra.

The United Nations marked World Oceans Day on 8 June 2026 with the theme "Reimagine", a call to rethink humanity's relationship with the ocean — moving beyond exploitation toward restoration and protection. A parallel action theme, "Strong Marine Protected Areas for Our Blue Planet", urges countries to expand and properly enforce marine protected areas, supporting the global 30x30 target of conserving 30% of the ocean by 2030. The day traces back to the 1992 Rio Earth Summit proposal and was formally recognised by UN General Assembly resolution A/RES/63/111 (December 2008), with the first UN observance on 8 June 2009. EXAM ANGLE: 8 June; 2026 UN theme — Reimagine; first UN observance — 2009.

The French Open 2026 (Roland Garros, Paris) concluded with two first-time Grand Slam champions. In the men's singles final on 7 June, Germany's Alexander Zverev beat Italy's Flavio Cobolli 6-1, 4-6, 6-4, 6-7(5), 6-1 to win his maiden major after three earlier runner-up finishes. He became the first German man to win a Grand Slam singles title since Boris Becker in 1996, and the first player outside Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz to take a slam since 2023. A day earlier, Russia's 19-year-old Mirra Andreeva defeated Poland's Maja Chwalinska 6-3, 6-2 to win the women's crown, becoming the youngest Roland Garros women's champion since Monica Seles in 1992. EXAM ANGLE: French Open 2026 — men's winner Zverev (Germany), women's winner Andreeva (Russia); surface — clay; venue — Roland Garros, Paris.

World Food Safety Day was observed globally on 7 June 2026 under the theme "From burden to solutions – safe food everywhere", chosen jointly by the WHO and FAO. The 2026 theme stresses using data on foodborne illness — which affects an estimated 600 million people a year worldwide — to design targeted, cost-effective fixes rather than merely counting the burden. The day was instituted by UN General Assembly resolution A/RES/73/250 adopted on 20 December 2018, and was first observed on 7 June 2019. EXAM ANGLE: Date — 7 June; 2026 theme — From burden to solutions: safe food everywhere; lead agencies — WHO and FAO (Codex Alimentarius); first observance — 2019.

The Indian women's football team won the SAFF Women's Championship 2026 on 6 June, defeating defending champions Bangladesh 3-1 in the final at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Margao (Goa). This is India's record sixth title in the competition and ends a seven-year wait, as the team had last won the trophy in 2019. Pyari Xaxa put India ahead in the 42nd minute, Sanfida Nongrum doubled the lead soon after half-time, and Lynda Kom Serto made it 3-1 in the 82nd minute. Sanfida Nongrum was named Most Valuable Player of the tournament, while Panthoi Chanu was adjudged the best goalkeeper. EXAM ANGLE: SAFF Women's Championship 2026 — winner India, runner-up Bangladesh, venue Margao (Goa).

Why in news: World Environment Day is observed every year on 5 June — and 2026 is no exception. KEY FACTS • It is led by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and was first held in 1974. • The 2026 theme is "Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future.", with the campaign rallying call #NowForClimate. • The global host for 2026 is Azerbaijan, with main events in Baku — reflecting its COP29 presidency (Baku, November 2024). • India observes the day with government programmes, tree plantation drives and school/college activities. EXAM ANGLE: Remember "World Environment Day = 5 June, UNEP, since 1974." Each year, note the theme and host country — both are commonly asked.

Why in news: The National Awards for e-Governance 2026 were announced, recognising 17 projects and initiatives across seven categories. KEY FACTS • The awards honour exemplary work in digital governance and citizen-centric public service delivery. • They are conferred under the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG). • e-Governance means using information technology to deliver government services more transparently and efficiently (e.g., DigiLocker, UMANG, e-District). EXAM ANGLE: Link e-governance to "minimum government, maximum governance" and Digital India; remember DARPG administers these awards.

Why in news: More than 565 Indian peacekeepers serving with the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) were awarded the UN Medal of Honour. KEY FACTS • The contingent included 53 women peacekeepers. • India is among the largest contributors of troops to United Nations peacekeeping missions. • UN peacekeepers are known as "Blue Helmets" for their distinctive headgear. EXAM ANGLE: Remember India is a leading troop contributor to UN peacekeeping; UNMISS = UN Mission in South Sudan.

Why in news: The Ministry of Commerce and Industry announced a revision of the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) base year from 2011-12 to 2022-23, with a phased introduction of a Producer Price Index (PPI). KEY FACTS • The commodity basket has been expanded to 957 items (up from 697), making the index more representative of the current economy. • WPI measures inflation at the wholesale level; CPI measures it at the retail (consumer) level. • A PPI tracks the average change in selling prices received by domestic producers. EXAM ANGLE: Updating the base year keeps an index accurate. Remember WPI = wholesale, CPI = retail, PPI = producer prices.

Why in news: The Rudraprayag district administration (Uttarakhand) launched a "Carry Me Back" waste-management initiative at the Kedarnath shrine. KEY FACTS • Pilgrims are given bags to collect their dry waste and carry it back to lower altitudes for proper disposal. • The aim is to reduce waste accumulation and pollution in the fragile high-altitude Himalayan ecosystem. • It is a behaviour-change model for eco-friendly pilgrimage and sustainable tourism. EXAM ANGLE: A good example of decentralised, community-driven waste management in ecologically sensitive areas.

Why in news: The Andhra Pradesh Community Managed Natural Farming (APCNF) programme won the global Food Planet Prize 2026, announced in Båstad, Sweden. KEY FACTS • Prize money is about USD 1.5 million; the programme was chosen from over 1,000 nominations. • It covers around 1.8 million farming families, supported by about 3.4 lakh women's self-help groups. • Natural farming avoids synthetic chemical fertilizers and pesticides, using local bio-inputs instead. EXAM ANGLE: Natural/chemical-free farming is a recurring theme; link APCNF to Andhra Pradesh and the Food Planet Prize.

Why in news: The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship launched the Navachar Mantra initiative. KEY FACTS • A nationwide incubation programme to support grassroots innovators aged 18-55 years. • It focuses on aspirational districts, helping local talent turn ideas into enterprises. • Applications are submitted through a digital portal (deadline announced as 5 July 2026). EXAM ANGLE: Links to skilling, entrepreneurship and the Aspirational Districts Programme — recurring governance themes.

Why in news: The Delhi High Court directed search engines (including Google and Indian Kanoon) to de-index name-based search results for people who were acquitted or whose civil disputes were settled. KEY FACTS • The court held that permanent digital searchability of such records violates informational privacy. • It relied on the right to privacy recognised in the K.S. Puttaswamy v. Union of India (2017) judgment, under Article 21 (right to life and personal liberty). • The "Right to Be Forgotten" lets individuals seek removal of outdated/irrelevant personal information online. EXAM ANGLE: Link this to Article 21 and the Puttaswamy (Right to Privacy) judgment — a recurring polity theme.

Why in news: India launched its first Model Border Village project at Chumur, a remote settlement in eastern Ladakh near the Line of Actual Control (LAC). KEY FACTS • The aim is to build strong infrastructure (roads, power, water, connectivity) in frontier villages and stem out-migration from border areas. • Well-developed border villages also strengthen national security by keeping the frontier populated and connected. • It aligns with the spirit of the Vibrant Villages Programme for border-area development. EXAM ANGLE: Connect this to the LAC (India-China de facto boundary) and the Vibrant Villages Programme — border development is a recurring theme.

Why in news: A NITI Aayog Frontier Tech report highlighted India's heavy dependence on imported semiconductors and called for building domestic chip-fabrication capacity. KEY FACTS • India imports nearly 90% of its semiconductors, largely from East Asia — a strategic vulnerability. • Chips are critical for electronics, defence systems and the digital economy, so local fabrication supports national security and cuts import costs. • The Semicon India Programme has an outlay of about ₹76,000 crore to build a chip ecosystem. EXAM ANGLE: Remember "Semicon India = ₹76,000 crore" and that India imports ~90% of chips — a common economy/science linkage.

Why in news: The Union Minister of Science & Technology launched the MAHA Water Mission, a national platform for water innovation. KEY FACTS • It links academia, startups and industry to validate and deploy water technologies. • Funding: about ₹200 crore over five years, jointly supported by the ANRF (Anusandhan National Research Foundation) and the Ministry of Jal Shakti; consortia can get up to ₹20 crore. • Focus areas: drinking water, resource management, water quality and climate resilience. EXAM ANGLE: Aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 6 (clean water and sanitation). Remember the funding partners (ANRF + Jal Shakti).

Why in news: A renewed roadmap focused on making green hydrogen commercially viable for Indian industry, under the National Green Hydrogen Mission. KEY FACTS • Target: 5 million metric tonnes (MMT) of annual green-hydrogen production by 2030. • Strategy: cut delivered cost via modular electrolysers and create demand through "hydrogen valleys". • Expected impact: around ₹8 lakh crore investment, about ₹1 lakh crore in fossil-fuel import savings, and roughly 6 lakh jobs by 2030. EXAM ANGLE: Green hydrogen is made by splitting water using renewable electricity (electrolysis) — zero carbon. Remember the 2030 target (5 MMT) and the Mission name.

Why in news: Admiral Krishna Swaminathan assumed charge as the Chief of the Naval Staff (Navy Chief). KEY FACTS • He earlier served as Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command (headquartered in Mumbai). • His stated priorities include inducting indigenous technology and strengthening modern/asymmetric warfare capabilities. • The Chief of the Naval Staff heads the Indian Navy, one of the three armed services under the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS). EXAM ANGLE: Defence appointments are frequently asked — link the name to the post (Navy Chief / Chief of the Naval Staff).

Why in news: India signed a strategic agreement (about ₹5,800 crore) to export BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles to Vietnam, with similar talks reported with Indonesia. KEY FACTS • BrahMos is built by BrahMos Aerospace, a India–Russia joint venture; the name combines the Brahmaputra and Moskva rivers. • It is a supersonic cruise missile flying at about Mach 2.8 and can be launched from land, sea and air. • The deal boosts India's defence exports and strategic ties in the Indo-Pacific. EXAM ANGLE: Remember BrahMos = India + Russia joint venture, supersonic cruise missile; growing defence-export story.

Why in news: PM SVANidhi (Prime Minister Street Vendor's AtmaNirbhar Nidhi) completed six years of operation on 1 June 2026. KEY FACTS • Launched in June 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic to help street vendors restart work. • Provides collateral-free working-capital loans (starting at ₹10,000, rising on timely repayment). • Implemented by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA). THE NUMBERS (6 years) • Over 75.5 lakh street vendors supported; about ₹17,800 crore disbursed. • Around 55 lakh vendors now use digital payments. • Roughly 46% of beneficiaries are women and about 70% belong to marginalised communities. EXAM ANGLE: A flagship urban-livelihood and financial-inclusion scheme — remember the launching ministry (MoHUA) and that loans are collateral-free.