Current Affairs — 04 June 2026

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.