Daily Current Affairs: 18 June, 2026

Q1. Who became the first footballer of Indian origin to start a match at a senior men’s FIFA World Cup 026?

(a) Yan Dhanda

(b) Sarpreet Singh

(c) Sunil Chhetri

(d) Baichung Bhutia

(e) Gurpreet Singh Sandhu

Answer: b

Solution:

• New Zealand attacking midfielder Sarpreet Singh created history by becoming the first footballer of Indian origin to start a FIFA World Cup match.
• He achieved the milestone during New Zealand’s Group-stage match against Iran at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, played in Los Angeles on 16 June 2026.
• The match ended in a 2–2 draw, with Sarpreet Singh making his FIFA World Cup debut.
• Born in Auckland, New Zealand, to Punjabi parents, the 27-year-old represented New Zealand on football’s biggest stage.
• Sarpreet Singh was included in the starting XI by New Zealand head coach Darren Bazeley.

Q2. According to the latest performance review released by the Ministry of Defence, India’s indigenous defence production reached an all-time high during the Financial Year (FY) 2025–26. What was the total value of defence production, and by what percentage did it increase compared to FY 2024–25?

(a) Rs. 1.54 lakh crore; 12.4% increase

(b) Rs. 1.78 lakh crore; 15.6% increase

(c) Rs. 1.95 lakh crore; 18.2% increase

(d) Rs. 1.78 lakh crore; 21.5% increase

(e) Rs. 2.10 lakh crore; 25.0% increase

Answer: b

Solution:

• India’s annual defence production reached an all-time high of ₹1.78 lakh crore during Financial Year (FY) 2025–26, reflecting the country’s growing self-reliance in the defence sector.
• Defence production registered a 15.6% increase over the previous year’s output of ₹1.54 lakh crore in FY 2024–25.
• Compared to FY 2020–21, when defence production stood at ₹84,643 crore, the output has increased by 110%.
• Since FY 2013–14, indigenous defence production has increased nearly fourfold, rising from ₹43,746 crore to ₹1.78 lakh crore.
• Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) and other Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) accounted for approximately 76% of the total defence production.
• The private sector contributed 24% of the total production, up from 22% in FY 2024–25, marking its highest-ever share in India’s defence manufacturing.
• The private sector’s contribution reached an all-time high of around ₹42,000 crore, highlighting its expanding role in the country’s defence industrial ecosystem.
• The robust growth in indigenous defence production has significantly contributed to India’s record defence exports of ₹38,424 crore during FY 2025–26.

Q3. What is the official global theme for the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought in 2026?

(a) Food, Feed, Fibre: Sustainable Production

(b) Rising up from drought together

(c) Her Land. Her Rights.

(d) Rangelands: Recognise. Respect. Restore.

(e) Conserving Land and Biodiversity

Answer: d

Solution:

• World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought is observed every year on 17 June to raise global awareness about the need for international cooperation in combating desertification, land degradation, and the impacts of drought.
• The day highlights that desertification can be effectively addressed through collective action, sustainable land management, and the active participation of governments, communities, and stakeholders.
• The theme for World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought 2026 is “Rangelands: Recognise. Respect. Restore.”
• The 2026 theme emphasizes the importance of recognizing the economic, ecological, and cultural value of rangelands, respecting the communities that manage them, and investing in the restoration of degraded rangeland ecosystems.
• During the 1992 Rio Earth Summit, desertification, climate change, and biodiversity loss were identified as three of the greatest global challenges to sustainable development.
• In 1994, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), the only legally binding international agreement that links environmental protection with sustainable land management and development.
• Through UNGA Resolution, the United Nations officially designated 17 June as the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought.
• In 2007, the UN General Assembly proclaimed 2010–2020 as the United Nations Decade for Deserts and the Fight against Desertification, led by the UNCCD Secretariat, to mobilize global action against land degradation.

Q4. In June 2026, the Intellectual Property India registry granted a prestigious Geographical Indication (GI) tag to a traditional stringed musical instrument called the “Sarinda”. This cultural artifact is closely tied to the craftsmanship and heritage of the indigenous communities of which Indian state?

(a) Assam

(b) Manipur

(c) Tripura

(d) Meghalaya

(e) Mizoram

Answer: c

Solution:

• In June 2026, Tripura Sarinda, a traditional stringed musical instrument of Tripura, was granted the prestigious Geographical Indication (GI) tag.
• The Tripura Sarinda is closely associated with the indigenous tribal communities of the state and holds immense cultural, artistic, and historical significance.
• The instrument is renowned for its distinctive craftsmanship, traditional design, and unique musical sound, making it an integral part of Tripura’s rich folk music tradition.
• The GI tag recognizes the instrument’s unique geographical origin and helps protect its authenticity and traditional manufacturing practices.

Q5. In June, 2026, the Government of India and the Government of Japan formally adopted the ‘Rule of Implementation’ of the Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM). Under which specific provision of the international Paris Agreement framework was this bilateral carbon market mechanism established?

(a) Article 4.4 concerning emission mitigation targets for developed country parties

(b) Article 6.2 concerning cooperative approaches involving the use of internationally transferred mitigation outcomes

(c) Article 9.1 concerning the mobilization of climate finance for developing economies

(d) Article 13.7 concerning the enhanced transparency framework for tracking national actions

(e) Article 15.2 concerning the establishment of a committee to facilitate treaty compliance

Answer: b

Solution:

• In June 2026, the Governments of India and Japan adopted the Rule of Implementation for the Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM) under Article 6.2 of the Paris Agreement of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
• The Rule of Implementation was adopted on 8 June 2026, marking an important step in operationalising the bilateral carbon credit mechanism between the two countries.
• The development follows the Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) signed by India and Japan in 2025, which established the framework for implementing the Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM).
• The Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM) aims to promote greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction and removal projects in India through the deployment of low-carbon and climate-friendly technologies.
• The mechanism supports the achievement of the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) of both India and Japan while promoting sustainable development.
• The Rule of Implementation provides a robust governance framework that includes:
  • Establishment of a Joint Committee comprising representatives from both governments.
  • Transparent procedures for project approval.
  • Third-party validation and verification of emission reduction projects.
  • Sustainable development safeguards.
  • National registries for tracking the issuance, transfer, and accounting of carbon credits.
• The implementation of the JCM is expected to encourage investment, technology transfer, and capacity building for projects involving clean and low-carbon technologies in India.

Q6. Which organization announced the launch of the inaugural Under-17 Women’s Youth League for  football in India?

(a) Reliance Foundation

(b) Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports

(c) All India Football Federation (AIFF)

(d) Indian Football Association (IFA)

(e) Women’s Football Football Committee (WFC)

Answer: c

Solution:

• In June 2026, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) announced the inaugural edition of the AIFF Under-17 Women’s Youth League, marking a major milestone in the development of women’s youth football in India.
• The tournament will be held from 18 July to 29 July 2026 at the RKM Football Academy, Narainpur, Chhattisgarh.
• The league is the first-ever national youth club competition for Under-17 women’s football teams in India.
• A total of 16 clubs from across the country will participate in the inaugural edition.

Q7. In June 2026, a milestone agreement was signed to set up CODENE (Centre for Design and Engineering in Nuclear Energy), India’s first dedicated Centre of Design Excellence in Nuclear Engineering. At which prominent educational institution’s campus will this advanced nuclear research center be physically established?

(a) Indian Institute of Technology, Hyderabad (IIT-H)

(b) Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay (IIT-B)

(c) Indian Institute of Technology, Madras (IIT-M)

(d) Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi (IIT-D)

(e) Indian Science Institute, Bengaluru (IISc)

Answer: a

Solution:

• In June 2026, the Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IIT Hyderabad) announced the establishment of CODENE (Centre for Design and Engineering in Nuclear Energy), which will be India’s first Centre of Design Excellence in Nuclear Engineering.
• The centre will be established at the IIT Hyderabad campus in Telangana.
• The initiative aims to strengthen India’s capabilities in nuclear engineering, advanced reactor design, and the application of cutting-edge digital engineering technologies in the nuclear sector.
• The establishment of CODENE was formalized through a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by:
  • Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IIT Hyderabad)
  • CEEPL India
  • Dassault Systèmes
• The MoU was signed during Bharat Innovates 2026, held in Nice, France, on 15 June 2026.
• CODENE will serve as a national centre for research, innovation, design, simulation, and engineering in nuclear technologies.
• The centre is expected to facilitate collaboration among academia, industry, and technology partners, while promoting advanced engineering solutions for India’s civil nuclear programme.

Q8. Which Indian company entered the global top 20 in the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) rankings for 2025?

(a) Tata Consultancy Services (TCS)

(b) Infosys

(c) Wipro

(d) Bharti Airtel

(e) Jio Platforms (JPL)

Answer: e

Solution:

• In June 2026, Jio Platforms Limited (JPL), the technology arm of Reliance Industries Limited (RIL), entered the Global Top 20 in the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) Rankings 2025 released by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).
• Jio Platforms became the only Indian technology company to feature among the Top 20 global Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) applicants.
• The achievement highlights Jio Platforms’ growing focus on innovation, research and development (R&D), and intellectual property creation.

Key Findings of the WIPO PCT Rankings 2025

Top Countries by PCT Applications

• China retained the top position with 73,718 PCT applications.
• United States ranked second with 52,617 applications.
• Japan secured the third position with 47,922 applications.
• India ranked 12th globally, filing 3,070 PCT applications in 2025.
• The top five countries together accounted for more than 78.2% of all PCT applications filed worldwide in 2025.

Top PCT Patent Applicants

• Huawei Technologies (China) remained the world’s largest PCT applicant for the ninth consecutive year, filing 7,523 applications.
• It was followed by:
  • Samsung Electronics (Republic of Korea) – 4,698 applications.
  • Qualcomm (United States) – 3,227 applications.

Top Public Research Organisation

• Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology (China) remained the leading government/public research organisation (PRO) with 342 published PCT applications in 2025.

Q9. In June 2026, Vice President of India, C. P. Radhakrishnan released the book ‘Agatthiyar – The Unifier’. Who are the original authors of this book?

(a) Professor Kalyani and O. Shama Bhat

(b) O. Shama Bhat and Dr. M. N. Sudha

(c) Dr. M. N. Sudha and Professor Kalyani

(d) C. P. Radhakrishnan and O. Shama Bhat

(e) Professor Kalyani and Kalaimagal

Answer: b

Solution:

• In June 2026, Vice President of India C. P. Radhakrishnan released the book Agatthiyar – The Unifier at a function held in New Delhi.
• The book has been authored by O. Shama Bhat and Dr. M. N. Sudha.
• It has been translated into Tamil by Professor Kalyani, making the work accessible to a wider readership.
• The book is published by Kalaimagal magazine, a renowned Tamil literary publication.
• Agatthiyar – The Unifier explores the life, philosophy, and enduring legacy of Sage Agatthiyar (Agastya), one of India’s most revered sages, highlighting his role in promoting cultural unity, knowledge, and spiritual traditions.

Q10. What is the designated official theme for the ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat Saptah’ campaign organised by Department of Social Justice and Empowerment in June, 2026?

(a) Say No to Drugs, Yes to Life

(b) Clean India, Healthy India

(c) Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan – Viksit Bharat Ki Pehchaan

(d) Substance Abuse Prevention and Youth Empowerment

(e) Healthy Lifestyles for a Developed Nation

Answer: c

Solution:

• The Department of Social Justice & Empowerment (DoSJE) is observing ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat Saptah’ from 17 June to 26 June 2026 across the country.
• The campaign is being organised under the theme “Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan – Viksit Bharat Ki Pehchaan.”
• The week-long observance aims to raise awareness about the harmful effects of substance abuse, promote drug-free lifestyles, and encourage community participation in building a healthier and addiction-free society.
• The programme is being conducted under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA), the Government of India’s flagship initiative to combat drug abuse through awareness generation, prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and capacity building.

National News

Ministry of Ayush Launches Yoga Park Portal to Promote Preventive Healthcare Across India

• The Ministry of Ayush has launched the Yoga Park Portal, a nationwide digital platform aimed at transforming existing public parks into community wellness hubs focused on yoga, meditation, and preventive healthcare.
• Launched during the International Day of Yoga 2026 countdown event in Khajuraho by Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ayush Prataprao Jadhav, the initiative also complements the revamped Yoga Sangam Portal.
• The portal enables local bodies, NGOs, RWAs, and corporate entities to convert parks into wellness spaces by providing guidelines, implementation resources, and registration support.
• Yoga Parks are designed to include dedicated yoga platforms, meditation zones, green landscapes, and open-air activity areas to encourage daily practice of healthy lifestyles across all age groups.
• The model promotes collaboration between urban local bodies, Panchayati Raj institutions, and CSR-funded corporate participation to ensure long-term sustainability. Overall, the initiative aims to integrate yoga into everyday life and strengthen preventive healthcare through accessible public infrastructure across India.

Doctor’s Prescription Now Mandatory for Cough Syrups in India

• The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has made a doctor’s prescription mandatory for the purchase of syrup-based medicines, including cough syrups, across India through the Drugs (Fifth Amendment) Rules, 2026, effective from 16 June 2026.
• Under the amendment, popular cough syrups such as Benadryl, Glycodin, Zedex, Tusq DX, Grilinctus, Cofsils Syrup, Himalaya Koflet Syrup, and Dabur Honitus can now be sold only against a valid prescription from a registered medical practitioner.
• The change was introduced by removing “syrups” from Schedule K of the Drugs Rules, 1945, which previously allowed many syrup formulations to be sold without a prescription.
• While syrup-based medicines now fall under stricter regulation, cough-relief products in the form of lozenges, tablets, and pills remain available over the counter. The measure aims to strengthen drug safety, curb misuse, improve monitoring of liquid medicines, and ensure proper medical supervision, particularly in light of concerns over contamination-related incidents and public health risks associated with syrup formulations.

Kishau Multi-Purpose Dam Project Explained: Key Details

• A major breakthrough has been achieved in the long-pending Kishau Multi-Purpose Dam Project, as six states—Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Rajasthan—agreed to move forward with a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) after a high-level meeting chaired by Amit Shah in New Delhi.
• The project aims to improve water availability and ecological health in the Yamuna River basin through regulated river flow, drinking water supply enhancement, and hydropower generation.
• Under the agreed funding model, the Central Government will provide 90% financial assistance for the water component, while the remaining 10% will be shared by the participating states.
• The project also includes a structured arrangement for equitable water distribution, with allocations supporting downstream states during dry seasons.
• Once signed, the MoU will be placed before the Union Cabinet for final approval. The initiative is expected to strengthen inter-state cooperation, improve water security for northern India, and support long-term river rejuvenation efforts, though its environmental impact will require careful implementation to maintain ecological balance.

State News

Assam Secures GI Tags for Four Traditional Products, Strengthening Cultural Heritage and Rural Economy

• Assam has strengthened its cultural and artisanal heritage with the grant of Geographical Indication (GI) tags to four traditional products—Karbi Anglong Handloom Products, Assam Bihu Pepa, Assam Bamboo Crafts, and Deuri Handloom Products. These additions raise the number of NABARD-supported GI-certified products in Assam to 12.
• Karbi Anglong Handloom Products are known for their vibrant indigenous designs, while the Bihu Pepa, made from buffalo horn, is an iconic instrument associated with Assam’s Bihu festival. Assam Bamboo Crafts highlight sustainable craftsmanship using locally available bamboo, and Deuri Handloom Products preserve the traditional weaving techniques and motifs of the Deuri community.
• A GI tag, granted under the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999, protects products whose qualities and reputation are linked to a specific region.
• Supported by National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development, these recognitions help preserve traditional knowledge, enhance market access, and strengthen rural livelihoods while promoting Assam’s rich cultural identity.

Maharashtra Approves ₹300 Crore Cyclotron Project in Nagpur to Strengthen Cancer Care

• The Maharashtra Cabinet has approved the High-Energy Medical Cyclotron Project (HEMCP) in Nagpur with an estimated investment of ₹300 crore to strengthen cancer diagnosis and treatment infrastructure in Central India.
• The project will establish a Radiopharmaceutical Innovation Hub for the local production of radioisotopes used in PET-CT scans, nuclear medicine, and cancer therapies, reducing dependence on supplies from major centers such as Mumbai and Hyderabad. Located on a 30-hectare site in Hingna Taluka, the facility will serve patients across Maharashtra and neighboring states within a 500-km radius.
• Implemented through Mahacare via a Special Purpose Vehicle under the Companies Act, 2013, the project will boost radiopharmaceutical research and healthcare capabilities.
• The Cabinet also approved the Maharashtra Rural Drinking Water Policy 2026, aligned with Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0, to ensure sustainable rural water supply through dedicated corpus funds, SCADA-based monitoring, GIS dashboards, and digital asset management.
• The policy introduces household water tariffs ranging from ₹150 to ₹400 per month, prioritizes Women Self-Help Groups and PACS in service delivery, and establishes a three-tier grievance redressal system supported by the Nal Jal Seva mobile app and Nal Jal Mitras.

Tripura’s Traditional Musical Instrument Sarinda Receives GI Tag Recognition

• Tripura has strengthened its cultural heritage with the grant of a Geographical Indication (GI) tag to the traditional musical instrument Tripura Sarinda. Announced by Manik Saha, the recognition acknowledges the instrument’s unique association with Tripura’s indigenous communities and its importance in preserving folk music, oral traditions, and cultural narratives.
• Handcrafted from a single block of wood with a hollow resonator, the Sarinda is played with a bow and is widely used during folk performances, community celebrations, and traditional ceremonies.
• The GI tag, granted under the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999, protects the instrument from unauthorized imitation and helps support local artisans while promoting Tripura’s cultural identity.
• With the inclusion of the Sarinda, Tripura now has four GI-tagged products: Tripura Queen Pineapple, Risha/Pachra (Rignai), Matabari Peda, and Tripura Sarinda, reflecting the state’s rich cultural diversity and traditional craftsmanship.

Guntur Lam Farm Releases Two New Chilli Varieties LCA-625 and LCA-643

• The Regional Horticultural Research Station (RHRS), Lam Farm, Guntur released two new chilli varieties—LCA-625 and LCA-643—on 16 June 2026 as alternatives to the popular Teja and Byadgi chilli types. LCA-625 is primarily a dry chilli variety with high pungency of 45,000–50,000 Scoville Heat Units (SHU) and a red colour value of 60–65 ASTA units, making it suitable for spice processing.
• LCA-643 is suitable for both green and dry chilli cultivation, producing light green fruits that turn bright red upon drying and resemble the Byadgi variety.
• It also shows moderate resistance to Gemini virus and performs well under black thrips infestation. Foundation seed sales began at Lam Farm on 16 June 2026 at ₹1,200 per kilogram, with purchases limited to 250 grams per farmer due to limited availability. Chilli, belonging to the Capsicum genus, is a major spice crop in India, with Andhra Pradesh being one of the country’s leading chilli-producing states.

International News

India and Japan Adopt Rules for Joint Crediting Mechanism Under Paris Agreement

• India and Japan have strengthened climate cooperation by adopting the Rules of Implementation for the Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM) under Article 6.2 of the Paris Agreement. The JCM is a bilateral carbon market framework through which one country supports low-carbon and emission-reduction projects in another via investment, technology transfer, and capacity building, with the resulting carbon credits shared between both countries.
• Following the Memorandum of Cooperation signed in 2025, the implementation rules adopted on 8 June 2026 establish procedures for project approval, registration, monitoring, validation, verification, and credit issuance, ensuring transparency and environmental integrity.
• Key provisions include a Joint Committee with representatives from both governments, independent third-party verification, sustainable development safeguards, national registries for tracking carbon credits, and robust monitoring of emission reductions.
• The framework aligns with Article 6.2 of the Paris Agreement, which enables voluntary international cooperation through internationally transferred mitigation outcomes (ITMOs), helping both nations achieve their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) while preventing double counting of emissions reductions.

India and Canada Launch Security Pact Talks, Aim to Finalise Trade Deal in 2026

• India and Canada have agreed to deepen bilateral cooperation by launching negotiations on a General Security of Information Agreement (GSOIA) and accelerating efforts to conclude a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) in 2026.
• The decisions were announced following a meeting between Narendra Modi and Mark Carney on the sidelines of the G7 Summit 2026. The proposed GSOIA will provide a framework for the secure exchange and protection of classified information, paving the way for closer cooperation in defense, intelligence, strategic planning, and national security.
• Both countries also reaffirmed their commitment to finalizing the CEPA, a comprehensive trade agreement aimed at boosting market access, investment flows, and economic integration.
• Discussions further focused on strengthening cooperation in energy and supply chains, particularly in LNG, LPG, metallurgical coal, critical minerals, and energy security. The leaders also reviewed collaboration in science and technology, innovation, education, skilled mobility, and research partnerships.
• Additionally, India expressed support for Canada’s bid to become a Dialogue Partner of the Indian Ocean Rim Association, reflecting growing cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region and broader strategic engagement between the two countries.

India joins G7 efforts in fight against Ebola outbreak, Cancer

• At the G7 Summit held in Evian-les-Bains in June 2026, India joined G7 nations and partner countries in supporting major global health initiatives aimed at combating the resurgence of Ebola in parts of Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda, while also strengthening international efforts against cancer.
• Along with countries such as Egypt, Kenya, and South Korea, India supported measures to enhance contact tracing, border health surveillance, community awareness, vaccine development, diagnostic capabilities, and research on rare Ebola strains.
• The summit also reaffirmed a long-term global commitment to cancer control, with India and Brazil advocating for early detection, affordable healthcare access, collaborative cancer research, and the responsible use of emerging medical technologies.
• In addition, leaders emphasized international development financing, support for vulnerable nations, and sustainable economic growth. India’s participation underscores its expanding role in global health diplomacy and multilateral cooperation to address pressing public health challenges.

Economy News

India’s trade surplus shifts towards Asia and Africa in early FY27

• India’s external trade in the early months of FY27 shows a clear geographical shift, with Asia and Africa emerging as key drivers of India’s growing trade surplus. Strong export growth to countries like Singapore, South Africa, Tanzania, and Sri Lanka has helped offset weaker or more uneven performance in traditional markets such as the United States and Europe.
• While India’s surplus with the US has narrowed due to rising imports, exports to some European countries like Italy and Spain have still expanded. At the same time, the trade deficit with China has widened sharply, reflecting continued dependence on Chinese imports in electronics and machinery.
• Overall, this realignment highlights India’s increasing diversification of export destinations, stronger South–South trade linkages, and evolving global supply chain dynamics. It also underscores both opportunities and challenges, including the need to reduce import dependence on China while sustaining export growth in emerging and developed markets.

18 states overshot fiscal deficit ceiling in FY25, shows CAG report

• The latest CAG review of state finances for FY25 highlights growing fiscal stress across India’s states, with 18 out of 28 states breaching the 3% fiscal deficit ceiling of GSDP prescribed under fiscal responsibility norms. The situation is particularly severe in states like Meghalaya (8.69%), Nagaland (6.14%), and Sikkim (5.59%), indicating strain comparable to pandemic-era levels.
• The report also flags rising debt concerns, noting that overall state liabilities have climbed to 27.89% of GSDP, while 13 states have crossed the recommended debt threshold. Revenue surpluses have declined, and several states have slipped into deficit due to high spending on salaries, pensions, subsidies, and interest payments, combined with slower revenue growth and increased borrowing.
• States such as Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Kerala, and Odisha show worsening fiscal indicators. The findings underline uneven fiscal health across India and point to the need for reforms in expenditure management, subsidy rationalisation, and improved revenue efficiency to ensure long-term fiscal sustainability.

Important Days News

World Crocodile Day 2026: Theme, Importance, Threats and India’s Conservation Success

• World Crocodile Day is observed annually on 17 June to raise awareness about the conservation of crocodiles and other crocodilian species, including the Gharial, alligators, and caimans, as well as the protection of their habitats. The theme for World Crocodile Day 2026, “Legacy in Every Scale,” highlights the remarkable evolutionary history of crocodilians, which have survived for over 200 million years, and emphasizes the responsibility of present generations to preserve their ecological legacy.
• Crocodiles, belonging to the order Crocodylia, are apex predators that play a vital role in maintaining healthy aquatic ecosystems by regulating prey populations and supporting biodiversity. Despite their resilience, they face threats such as habitat destruction, pollution, illegal hunting, human-wildlife conflict, and climate change.
• India is recognized as a global success story in crocodile conservation through initiatives such as the Crocodile Conservation Project (1975) and protected areas like Bhitarkanika National Park and National Chambal Sanctuary, which help conserve the country’s three native crocodilian species—the Mugger Crocodile, Saltwater Crocodile, and Gharial.