Daily Current Affairs and GK Updates (16th June, 2026) |

National News

BRICS adopts Indore Declaration

The 16th BRICS Agriculture Ministers’ Meeting, held in Indore on 12–13 June 2026 under India’s chairship, concluded with the unanimous adoption of the Indore Declaration. The declaration focuses on strengthening food security, nutrition, climate-resilient agriculture, agricultural trade, farmer welfare, and digital agriculture. Special emphasis has been placed on small and marginal farmers, women, and youth. Four priority areas include food security, agricultural cooperation, sustainable farming, and innovation in food systems. The meeting also launched four major institutional initiatives, including networks on agro-ecology, digital agriculture, farmers’ rights in seed systems, and cooperation on agro-inputs and genetic resources among BRICS nations.

India Extends Ravi-Beas and Krishna Water Tribunals: Key Facts, Purpose

The Government of India extended the tenure of the Ravi and Beas Waters Tribunal and the Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal by one year in June 2026 to continue resolving long-pending inter-state water-sharing disputes. Constituted under the Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956, these tribunals address water allocation issues among multiple states. The Ravi-Beas Tribunal deals with disputes involving Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan, while the Krishna Tribunal oversees water-sharing among Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Telangana. The extension highlights the government’s commitment to resolving disputes through legal and institutional mechanisms, promoting cooperative federalism, equitable water distribution, and sustainable development.

Indian Railways Expands Kavach 4.0 Safety System

Indian Railways approved a major expansion of Kavach 4.0, its indigenous Automatic Train Protection system, on 15 June 2026. The system prevents train collisions, overspeeding, and Signal Passing at Danger (SPAD) through real-time monitoring and automatic braking. The rollout covers major railway divisions including Ahmedabad and Ambala, along with high-density corridors in southern India. The expansion is supported by an LTE-based communication network project worth over ₹1,200 crore, enhancing train-to-control centre connectivity. Earlier approvals for installing Kavach on 232 locomotives further strengthen the initiative, making it a key component of India’s railway modernization and safety enhancement programme.

India Targets 155 GW Wind Energy Capacity by 2035

India has set a target of achieving 155 GW of installed wind energy capacity by 2035, with an interim goal of 100 GW by 2030. As of June 2026, the country’s wind capacity exceeded 56.1 GW, making India the world’s fourth-largest wind energy market. At the Global Wind Day Conference in Goa, the government highlighted a 46% annual growth rate in FY 2025–26 and launched the WT-MARUT portal to improve supply-chain transparency and domestic manufacturing. Wind energy remains central to India’s clean energy transition, supporting energy security, emission reduction, green jobs, and long-term sustainability objectives.

Mumbai Hosts 19th International Film Festival as Global Cinema Community Gathers for MIFF 2026

The 19th Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF) 2026 commenced on 15 June in Mumbai under the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC). Recognized as Asia’s premier festival for non-feature cinema, MIFF showcases documentaries, short fiction films, animation, and digital storytelling. A major highlight this year is the inclusion of AI-generated films, reflecting the growing role of artificial intelligence in filmmaking. The event has attracted filmmakers, artists, and delegates from across the globe. Prominent personalities from cinema and public life attended the inauguration, reinforcing MIFF’s importance as a platform for innovation, creativity, cultural exchange, and emerging storytelling technologies.

Centre Blocks Telegram Access Till June 22 Ahead of NEET UG 2026 Re-Examination

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology temporarily restricted access to Telegram across India until 22 June 2026 ahead of the NEET (UG) 2026 re-examination scheduled for 21 June. Acting on recommendations from the National Testing Agency, the move aims to prevent the circulation of fake question papers, answer keys, and misleading content. The restriction was reportedly imposed under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000. Authorities also directed Telegram to disable its message-editing feature until 30 June. The decision is intended to maintain examination integrity, support investigations into alleged malpractice, and strengthen public confidence in the examination process.

International News

Who Is Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf? Iran’s Influential Politician and Key Figure in US-Iran Peace Talks

Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf is one of Iran’s most influential political leaders and currently serves as Speaker of Parliament. Born in 1961, he began his career in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps during the Iran-Iraq War and later held senior military, security, and administrative positions. He served as Tehran’s police chief and mayor before entering parliamentary leadership. Known for his administrative capabilities and political influence, Ghalibaf has contested multiple presidential elections and remains a key figure in policymaking and foreign affairs. His extensive network within Iran’s governing institutions positions him as an important actor in shaping the nation’s political and strategic future.

PM Modi’s Historic Slovakia Visit: India and Slovakia Elevate Ties to Comprehensive Partnership

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s state visit to Slovakia on 15 June 2026 marked the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister since Slovakia’s independence in 1993. During the visit, bilateral relations were elevated to a Comprehensive Partnership. India and Slovakia signed 11 agreements covering defence, labour mobility, digital technologies, higher education, research, healthcare, tourism, and scientific cooperation. Key outcomes included collaboration in artificial intelligence, partnerships between leading educational institutions, and mechanisms for counter-terrorism cooperation and consular dialogue. The visit opened a new chapter in bilateral relations and reflected a shared commitment to long-term cooperation in strategic, technological, and economic sectors.

Economy News

India’s Bioeconomy Jumps from $10 Billion to $190 Billion as India’s Science Ecosystem Reaches New Heights

India’s bioeconomy has grown dramatically from approximately $10 billion in 2014 to over $190 billion in 2026, according to Union Minister Jitendra Singh. Driven by advancements in biotechnology, healthcare, genomics, precision medicine, and vaccine development, the sector is projected to reach $300 billion by 2030. India’s expanding science ecosystem includes over 400 space startups, major achievements such as Chandrayaan-3, and future plans for a Bharatiya Antariksh Station by 2035. Initiatives like the National Quantum Mission, Deep Ocean Mission, and Mission Mausam are further strengthening innovation. These developments position India as a leading knowledge-based economy and global innovation hub.

India Launches New Wholesale Price Index Series with Base Year 2022-23: Key Changes Explained

India introduced a revised Wholesale Price Index (WPI) series with 2022–23 as the new base year, replacing the 2011–12 series to modernize inflation measurement. The updated WPI expands the commodity basket from 697 to 957 items and includes renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and nuclear power. The government also launched new Producer Price Indices, including Output Producer Price Index and Input Producer Price Index, to better capture producer-level inflation trends. WPI inflation rose to 9.68% in May 2026, driven largely by Fuel and Power inflation. Both old and new series will run simultaneously for five years.

Banking News

RBI Eases Investment Rules for NRIs and OCIs: Designated Repatriable Rupee Accounts Allowed

The Reserve Bank of India has amended FEMA regulations to simplify investment procedures for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs), and other overseas investors. The reforms introduce designated repatriable rupee accounts, enabling seamless investment transactions, receipt of dividends and interest, and easy repatriation of funds. The changes reduce compliance requirements, streamline reporting procedures, and expand certain investment facilities to all eligible Persons Resident Outside India. By making India’s financial markets more accessible and investor-friendly, the measures are expected to attract greater foreign capital inflows, deepen market participation, and strengthen the country’s overall investment ecosystem.

Awards News

PM Narendra Modi Receives Slovakia’s Highest National Award

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred Slovakia’s highest national honour, the Order of the White Double Cross (1st Class), by President Peter Pellegrini during his historic visit to Bratislava on 15 June 2026. The award recognizes his contributions to strengthening India-Slovakia relations and promoting international cooperation. Modi dedicated the honour to the people of India and described it as a symbol of the friendship and trust between the two nations. This became the 33rd international award received by him from a foreign country and coincided with the elevation of bilateral relations to a Comprehensive Partnership.

World’s Most Beautiful Airports 2026: India’s Navi Mumbai and Guwahati Airports Make the Prestigious List

Navi Mumbai International Airport Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 of Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati were included in the Prix Versailles World’s Most Beautiful Airports List 2026. Presented annually at UNESCO headquarters, the award recognizes excellence in architecture, sustainability, and passenger experience. Navi Mumbai Airport was selected for its lotus-inspired design, advanced technology integration, and efficient passenger flow systems. Guwahati Airport earned recognition for its Bamboo Orchid-inspired architecture reflecting Northeast India’s cultural heritage and environmental sustainability. The honour highlights India’s growing focus on world-class airport infrastructure, smart technology, and sustainable development.

Defense News

DRDO Successfully Tests Long Range Land Attack Cruise Missile (LRLACM) in Odisha

The Defence Research and Development Organisation successfully tested the Long Range Land Attack Cruise Missile (LRLACM) from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island, Odisha, on 15 June 2026. The indigenously developed missile is designed for precision strikes against strategic land targets over long distances. Unlike ballistic missiles, it flies at low altitudes along a guided path, making detection and interception difficult. Developed with significant participation from Indian industry, the missile strengthens India’s indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities and long-range strike potential. The successful trial marks a major advancement in India’s strategic deterrence and modern warfare preparedness.

INS Agray Joins Arnala-Class Anti-Submarine Fleet of the Indian Navy

The Indian Navy inducted INS Agray, the fifth vessel of the Arnala-class Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft programme, strengthening coastal defence and maritime security capabilities. Built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers, the vessel is part of an eight-ship project approved in 2019. Designed for anti-submarine warfare, coastal surveillance, mine-laying, and mine-neutralization missions, INS Agray features over 80% indigenous content. Equipped with advanced sonar systems, torpedoes, rockets, and waterjet propulsion technology, the vessel offers enhanced manoeuvrability, stealth, and operational effectiveness, supporting India’s maritime security objectives and the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

Sports News

Union Government Constitutes Search-cum-Selection Committee for National Sports Board Under NSG Act 2025

The Union Government constituted a five-member Search-cum-Selection Committee under the National Sports Governance Act, 2025, to recommend candidates for the Chairperson and Members of the National Sports Board. Chaired by T. V. Somanathan, the committee includes experts from public administration and sports. The National Sports Board will function as India’s apex sports governance regulator, responsible for recognizing national sports bodies, ensuring financial transparency, monitoring governance standards, and promoting accountability. The committee’s formation marks the first major step toward implementing sports governance reforms and creating a more professional, transparent, and accountable sporting ecosystem.

Smriti Mandhana Becomes Only Indian in TIME100 Most Influential People in Sports 2026

Indian cricketer Smriti Mandhana was named in the TIME100 Most Influential People in Sports 2026 list, becoming the only Indian featured in the prestigious ranking. The vice-captain of the Indian women’s cricket team earned recognition for her exceptional batting achievements, including becoming the first Indian woman to score centuries in all three international formats and holding a joint record for the most centuries in women’s international cricket. Her leadership success in domestic and international cricket further enhanced her reputation. The recognition underscores the growing global prominence of women’s cricket and India’s influence in the sport.

Science & Technology News

What is Kali365? Inside the New Phishing Threat

The FBI has warned about Kali365, a sophisticated Phishing-as-a-Service platform targeting Microsoft 365 users through device code authentication attacks. Instead of stealing passwords, attackers capture OAuth access and refresh tokens, allowing them to bypass multi-factor authentication and maintain account access even after password changes. First identified in April 2026, Kali365 provides phishing templates, automated tools, and monitoring dashboards through Telegram channels. The FBI advises organizations to restrict device code authentication, strengthen access controls, monitor login activity, and audit authentication systems regularly. The case highlights the growing sophistication of cybercrime services and cloud-based identity threats.

IIT Bombay Launches BharatGen

India launched BharatGen, a sovereign multilingual artificial intelligence ecosystem led by IIT Bombay under the IndiaAI Mission. Supported by the ₹10,000 crore IndiaAI Mission, BharatGen is designed to process and generate content across all 22 scheduled Indian languages. Developed through collaboration among leading institutions, including IIT Madras, IIT Mandi, and IIIT Hyderabad, the platform supports speech recognition, document intelligence, multilingual content generation, and text-to-speech technologies. BharatGen aims to strengthen India’s digital sovereignty, reduce dependence on foreign AI platforms, and promote AI-driven innovation across governance, healthcare, education, agriculture, and public service delivery.

What Is Usutu Virus? Scotland Reports First-Ever Detection in Blackbirds

Usutu virus (USUV), a mosquito-borne flavivirus related to dengue, yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis, and West Nile virus, has been detected in Scotland for the first time. The virus was found in blackbirds on the Isle of Arran during wildlife surveillance programmes. Primarily affecting birds, especially blackbirds, USUV can cause neurological symptoms and mortality, while human infections are generally rare and mild. Genetic analysis identified the virus as belonging to the Africa 3.2 lineage. The detection highlights the importance of continued monitoring of mosquito populations and wildlife to identify emerging zoonotic diseases and assess ecological health risks.

ISRO Develops Lunar Lander Capable of Surviving 200-Day Moon Missions

ISRO is developing an advanced lunar lander capable of surviving and operating on the Moon for 100–200 days, significantly longer than the Chandrayaan-3 Vikram lander, which functioned for one lunar day. Developed in collaboration with the Department of Atomic Energy, the lander will incorporate advanced heating and thermal management systems to withstand extreme lunar night temperatures below –100°C. The mission aims to enable extended scientific exploration of the Moon’s south polar region, including studies of water ice and lunar geology. The project aligns with India’s Space Vision 2047, which includes a space station by 2035 and a crewed lunar mission by 2040.