JUNE 26, 2026 CURRENT AFFAIRS
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Banda Singh Bahadur in Focus Union Home Minister paid tribute to Banda Singh Bahadur on his martyrdom day. Banda Singh Bahadur (1670–1716) » Early life: Born as Lachman Dev in Rajouri (Jammu & Kashmir); became disciple of Guru Gobind Singh and came to be known as Banda Singh Bahadur. » Great Sikh warrior and commander of the Khalsa army. » Martyrdom: Captured by Farrukhsiyar, refused forced conversion despite torture, martyred at Mehrauli, Delhi. Key Contributions » Military Achievements: Defeated the Mughals and liberated large parts of North India from oppressive Mughal rule, established Khalsa rule in Punjab. » Key Reforms: o Abolished the Zamindari system, granted property rights directly to tillers of the land. o Introduced Nanak Shahi coins symbolising Sikh sovereignty. Values: Courage, Sacrifice, leadership etc. |
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Centre Plans Fresh Foodgrain Allocation for Antyodaya Scheme It proposed amending the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013 to change the foodgrain entitlement for AAY households. Key Proposals » Introduction of per person entitlement: 7 kg per beneficiary per month. o Aligns allocations closer to actual household nutritional ICMR guidelines (~7.5 kg of cereals per adult per month). » Retains a maximum cap of 35 kg per household, even if the family has more than five members. » Rationale: The amendment seeks to address inequities related to household size. o Present household-based entitlement results in smaller households receiving higher foodgrains per person compared to large households. NFSA, 2013 » Rights-based approach to food security: Legally entitles eligible households to subsidised foodgrains. » Objectives: o Ensure food and nutritional security through affordable access to food. o Shift food security from a welfare-based to a legal entitlement framework. o Improve nutrition through a life-cycle approach. » Coverage: Covers 75% of the rural and 50% of the urban population (about two-thirds of India''s population and ~81.35 crore persons (Census 2011)). » Beneficiaries are classified into:
» Entitlements:
Other categories included » Pregnant women and lactating mothers. » Children through Anganwadi Centres (ICDS) and Mid-Day Meal Scheme (PM POSHAN). » Higher nutritional norms for malnourished children. » Maternity benefit of at least ₹6,000 for pregnant and lactating women. |
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Challenges of Inter-State River Water Sharing Factors responsible for the disputes » Geographical: Upper riparian states enjoy greater access and control of river water. » State Reorganisation: Post-independence state boundaries overlooked river basin-based distribution. » Constitutional Ambiguity: Entry 56 (Union List) and Entry 17 (State List) create a regulatory overlap, impacting accountability for interstate river water. » Rising Demand & Changing Water Use: Population growth, climate change, unsustainable agriculture, rapid urbanisation, industrial use. » Others: Delays and lack of expertise in Tribunals; Lack of Reliable Data, Identity politicsetc. Way Forward » Cooperative Federalism: Promote regular inter-state dialogue, with the Union Government acting as a facilitator; establish a Forum for Dialogue on ISWDs under NITI Aayog. » Policy Interventions: Bring ISWDs under the Inter-State Council (Article 263); amend the Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956 to strengthen tribunal functioning. » Integrated River Basin Management: Use technology like AI for river basin data, flow and water-use planning. » Sustainable Water Use: Promote natural farming, precision agriculture, rainwater harvesting through initiatives like Catch the Rain. » Stakeholder Engagement: Community participation and traditional water Key Features: |
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Hurun Index 2026: The State of Unicorns India with 61 unicorns, slipped one place to 4th position in the Hurun Global Unicorn Index 2026. Global Unicorn Index 2026 » Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become the primary driver of global startup growth, pushing the number of unicorns to a record 1,603. (combined valuation of $8 trillion) » AI unicorns now account for 36 per cent of the total value of all unicorns worldwide. » India: most valuable unicorns are Zerodha, Zepto, Razorpay. o Bengaluru remained India''s unicorn capital with 25 unicorns, followed by Mumbai with 13. o Diaspora: Indians co-founded 156 unicorns outside India. |
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India’s Global Tourism Push Government reaffirmed its commitment to reforms aimed at making India a globally competitive tourism destination. Current Status of Tourism Sector » Economic Impact: Tourism contributes US$231.6 billion to the national economy. o In 2024, India’s Foreign Exchange Earnings (FEEs) from tourism reached US$ 35.016 billion. » Global Ranking: In 2024, India welcomed 20.6 million international arrivals, improving its global rank from 25th (2016) to 20th. o India also ranks 8th among world’s top tourism economies and WEF’s biennial Travel and Tourism Development Index (TTDI) 2024 ranks India 39th globally. » Destination Infrastructure: Over 100 tourist destinations have been upgraded along with operationalisation of 517 new air routes, development of 157 airports etc. Significance of Tourism » Economic & Employment Driver: Generates livelihoods across hotels, transport, handicrafts, tour guides, and small local businesses. » Inclusive Regional Growth: Promotes investment and economic development in rural, remote and emerging destinations. » Soft Power & Cultural Diplomacy: Strengthens India''s global image through cultural exchange and Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) tourism. » Supports Viksit Bharat@2047: Integrates economic growth with cultural preservation and sustainable community development. Government Initiatives » Swadesh Darshan (2014/2.0): 76 projects worth ₹5,000+ crore with Swadesh Darshan 2.0 emphasizing sustainable and immersive tourism experiences. » Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD): Invested ₹1,700+ crore across 54 projects to promote spiritual tourism by upgrading major pilgrimage sites. » Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI): 40 projects across 23 states with ₹3,295.76 crore to develop iconic tourism destinations. » Connectivity & Digital Tourism: Improved access through Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik (UDAN), Vande Bharat trains, highways, airports, along with the e-Tourist Visa, National Integrated Database of Hospitality Industry (NIDHI) etc. |
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India’s Netra AEW&C: Redefining Aerial Surveillance DRDO has achieved Final Operational Clearance (FOC) for the indigenous Netra Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) system. » AEW&C System consists of sensors mounted on an aircraft, for locating and providing early warning of airborne & sea surface targets and hostile emissions. » Initial Operational Clearance (IOC) for Netra was accorded in 2015, inducted into the IAF in 2017. Netra AEW&C System » Indigenously developed by DRDO''s Centre for Airborne Systems with IAF and Indian industry. » Platform: Mounted on Brazilian Embraer EMB-145I aircraft. » Features: Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, Identification Friend or Foe (IFF), secure electronic and communication support, improved low-flying target detection, etc. » Significance: India''s "eye in the sky" for airborne and maritime surveillance; made India the 5th country with indigenous AEW&C capability. » Operational Record: Proved effective during 2019 Balakot strikes, Operation Sindoor (2025). |
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India’s Rare Golden Langur in Focus Seven Golden Langurs rescued from an alleged interstate wildlife trafficking network in Assam were released in Sikhna Jwhwlao National Park. Golden Langur (Trachypithecus geei) » Conservation Status: o IUCN: Endangered o Wildlife Protection Act,1972: Schedule-I o CITES: Appendix I » Distribution: Endemic to Bhutan, Northeastern India (Assam). o Confined between Manas River in the east, Sankosh in the west and Brahmaputra in the south along the Indo-Bhutan border. » Habitat: Moist evergreen forests, riverine, and moist deciduous forests, temperate and subalpine forests and occasionally in degraded habitats with secondary growth. » Characteristics: Leaf eating primates having a ruminant like multi-chambered stomach; diurnal in habit (active during day); arboreal (live on trees) and come to the ground occasionally. » Threats: Habitat destruction, trafficking etc. |
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Jeju Forum: Shaping Asia’s Future India''s External Affairs Minister recently addressed Jeju Forum for Peace and Prosperity 2026 highlighting need for strengthening cooperation between India and South Korea. Jeju Forum » Origin: Launched in 2001 (formerly Jeju Peace Forum) as a global dialogue platform. » Objective: Promotes peace and international cooperation to address global challenges. » Hosted By: South Korea''s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Jeju Special Self-Governing Province, International Peace Foundation, and East Asia Foundation; organized by the Jeju Peace Institute. » Significance: Brings together global leaders and experts to discuss geopolitical, climate, and technology challenges. |
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Netra Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) system DRDO has achieved Final Operational Clearance (FOC) for the indigenous Netra Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) system. » AEW&C System consists of sensors mounted on an aircraft, for locating and providing early warning of airborne & sea surface targets and hostile emissions. » Initial Operational Clearance (IOC) for Netra was accorded in 2015, inducted into the IAF in 2017. Netra AEW&C System » Indigenously developed by DRDO''s Centre for Airborne Systems with IAF and Indian industry. » Platform: Mounted on Brazilian Embraer EMB-145I aircraft. » Features: Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, Identification Friend or Foe (IFF), secure electronic and communication support, improved low-flying target detection, etc. » Significance: India''s "eye in the sky" for airborne and maritime surveillance; made India the 5th country with indigenous AEW&C capability. » Operational Record: Proved effective during 2019 Balakot strikes, Operation Sindoor (2025). |
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Particulate Pollution: The Invisible Threat According to a study, Delhi’s air quality consistently misses WHO air quality guidelines. WHO air quality guidelines » Air pollutants measured include PM2.5 and PM10 (particles with an aerodynamic diameter of equal or less than 2.5, and 10 micrometre respectively), ozone (O3), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO) and sulfur dioxide (SO2). » Pollutant and Guideline Level o PM₂.₅: 5 µg/m³ (annual), 15 µg/m³ (24-hour) o PM₁₀: 15 µg/m³ (annual), 45 µg/m³ (24-hour) o Ozone (O₃): 60 µg/m³ (peak season), 100 µg/m³ (8-hour) o NO₂: 10 µg/m³ (annual), 25 µg/m³ (24-hour) o SO₂: 40 µg/m³ (24-hour) o CO: 4 mg/m³ (24-hour) |
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Proof of Citizenship: Legal Framework and Challenges Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) states that a passport is primarily a "travel document", not a conclusive proof of citizenship. » Under Section 20 of Passports Act, Centre may issue passports to non-citizens in public interest. Proof of Citizenship » No Single Document: India has no universal document as definitive proof of citizenship. » Aadhaar: Identity document, not proof of citizenship. » Electoral Roll: Creates a presumption of citizenship, but is not conclusive proof; held in Lal Babu Hussein v. Electoral Registration Officer (1995). » Citizenship Certificate: Issued mainly to those acquiring citizenship by registration or naturalisation. |
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The Fury of Fuego Volcano Volcán de Fuego volcano in Guatemala recently experienced a violent eruption. Fuego Volcano » Location: southwest of Guatemala City; one of three stratovolcanoes overlooking Antigua. » Type: Active stratovolcano (composite volcano), 3,799 m high. » Formed by: Subduction of Cocos Plate beneath Caribbean Plate; part of Central American volcanic arc. » Geology: Developed after the collapse of the ancestral Meseta volcano (~8,500 years ago); predominantly basaltic eruptions. » Eruption Style: Mainly Vulcanian and Strombolian. » Hazards: Produces ashfalls, lava flows, pyroclastic flows, and lahars; the 2018 eruption killed 100+ people and devastated nearby communities. |
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Twin Tremors Hit Venezuela » Two powerful earthquakes (Magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5), known as doublets, struck western Venezuela near Yumare, about 160 km west of Caracas region. » In a typical earthquake sequence, the larger quake is followed by a series of smaller aftershocks. » Doublets, however, are generally defined as earthquakes of similar magnitude that originate from distinct but closely related ruptures and occur in quick succession. » The doublets reflect a complex rupture interaction, where the first rupture transfers stress to a nearby fault segment, triggering the second major earthquake. » Venezuela''s high seismic vulnerability stems from its location on the active Caribbean–South American plate boundary with multiple active strike-slip fault systems including Boconó, San Sebastián. Earthquake » It is the sudden shaking of the Earth''s surface caused by the sudden release of energy when rocks on either side of a fault slip past each other. » The point inside the Earth where the rupture begins is called the Hypocentre (Focus). » The point directly above the hypocentre on the Earth''s surface is called the Epicentre. » Major Earthquake prone Areas around the world » Pacific Ring of Fire (Japan, Indonesia, Philippines, New Zealand, Alaska, Chile, Peru) » Alpide Belt (Turkey, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Himalayas, Myanmar) » Caribbean Plate Boundary (Venezuela, Haiti, Dominican Republic) » East African Rift System (Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda) » San Andreas Fault (California, USA) |
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Understanding India’s Emergency Provisions The Ministry of Culture commemorated Samvidhan Hatya Diwas to mark the completion of fifty years of the National Emergency imposed in 1975. National Emergency Provisions in Indian Constitution » Article: Covered under Article 352. » Ground for Declaration: War and external aggression (External Emergency) or armed rebellion (Internal Emergency). o 44th Constitutional Amendment Act replaced ‘internal disturbance’ as a ground for emergency with ‘armed rebellion’. » Applicability: Entire country or only a part of it. » Declaration Made so Far: o External Emergency: 1962 (Chinese Aggression) and 1971 (Indo- Pak War). o Internal Emergency: 1975. |
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Union Minister Highlights Technology’s Role in Modern Warfare The Union Minister highlighted that the future of national security will be shaped by the convergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Quantum Technologies, Biotechnology and Space capabilities. Role of Technology in National Security » Artificial Intelligence (AI): Enables faster decision-making, intelligent surveillance, predictive policing, autonomous weapons, and multi-sensor data integration; example- o South Korea: Uses AI-powered patrol vehicles with voice recognition and real-time analytics. » Cyber Technology: Strengthens secure military communications and network-centric warfare. o For example, Indian Navy uses indigenous Software Defined Radios (SDRs) and the Naval Unified Domain (NUD) and Indian Air Force operates Air Force Network (AFNET). » Quantum Technology: Provides quantum-secure communication, post-quantum cryptography, and advanced sensing (e.g., Indian Navy developing quantum sensors for deep-sea submarine detection). » Biotechnology & Space: Enhances preparedness against biological threats, while space assets support surveillance, satellite communications, and precision operations. Government Initiatives » Institutional Framework: Established Defence AI Council (DAIC), Defence AI Project Agency (DAIPA), and Defence Cyber Agency (DCyA). » R&D & Innovation: iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence), Technology Development Fund, and National Quantum Mission (2023). » Internal Security: Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems (CCTNS) and National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID). » Service-Specific Tech Hubs: Army''s AI Centre of Excellence & Quantum Lab (MCTE); Navy''s AI & Big Data Lab (INS Valsura) and WESEE. |