Daily Current Affairs – 21-06-2026

Tamil Nadu News

Chennai Port Luxury Cruise Passenger Terminal Inauguration

At the Chennai Port Chennai Port, a state-of-the-art luxury cruise passenger terminal with world-class infrastructure was inaugurated, marking the start of the June–August luxury cruise tourism season; the terminal, located in the western side of the port, has an area of 4,103 sq. m, capacity to handle 800 passengers per hour, and facilities including air-conditioning, integrated single-window system for customs and immigration, security systems, luggage scanners, lounges, escalators, and cafeteria; following this, the luxury cruise ship MV Empress MV Empress arrived carrying 1,800 passengers, and the Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation (TTDC) Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation provided cultural reception; passengers were processed at the terminal and the ship operation included a total handling of 3,600 passengers in a single day; the cruise ship is scheduled to undertake 21 voyages during the season, connecting international ports in Sri Lanka including Hambantota, Trincomalee, and Kankesanthurai, and domestic destinations such as Visakhapatnam and Puducherry, strengthening Chennai Port’s role as a major cruise gateway.

Tamil Development Academy Releases Tamil Equivalents for 22 Foreign Words

The Tamil Development Academy Tamil Development Academy has released Tamil equivalents for 22 newly used foreign language words under the ‘Sol Pudhidhu’ scheme, aimed at providing pure Tamil words for English and other foreign terms, and the 14th meeting of the scheme was held in Chennai Chennai under the chairmanship of M. Rajendran, where professors including M. Ramasamy, Ilangovan, and T. Kamali participated, and the finalized Tamil equivalents include Vegetarian Hotel – Kaaikari Unavagam, Non-Vegetarian Hotel – Meenkari Unavagam, Bike Ride – Undhuruli Payanam, Bike Tour – Undhuruli Ula, Bike Taxi – Vaadagai Undhuruli, Hand Band – Kaipattai, Community Villa Plot – Samoogach Seermanai, Delimitation – Maruvaraiyarai, Digital Hub – Minnanu Inaiya Maiyam, Prebiotic – Nannuyirootti, Review of Related Literature – Mun Aaivu Paarvai, Sense of Serenity – Aalmana Amaidhi, UPI (Unique Payment Interface) – Thanitha Panam Vazhangidai Mugam, Peri-urban – Puranagar, Stand-up Comedy – Thaninabar Nagaichuvai, Black Comedy – Karungoothu Nagai, Sketch Comedy – Chithirak Kurunagai, Surreal Comedy – Iyal Migai Nagai, Cringe Comedy – Kadi Nagai, Prebiotic Atmosphere – Uyir Munvali Mandalam, and Pub – Mayakka Maiyam, as part of efforts to standardize Tamil terminology for modern usage.

National News

Ban on Single-Use Plastic in Ladakh

A ban on single-use plastic items has been imposed in the Union Territory of Ladakh Ladakh, and the order was issued by Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena Vinai Kumar Saxena, with provisions stating that individuals, restaurants, and commercial establishments found using, selling, or storing single-use plastic will be fined ₹10,000, and those found littering in public places will be fined ₹5,000, while enforcement powers have been given to field-level officials including Block Development Officers (BDOs), Tehsildars, Municipal Officers, Forest Range Officers, and Forest Guards to detect violations and impose penalties, and the implementation aims to strengthen monitoring in both populated areas and remote tourist locations due to increasing plastic waste in the ecologically sensitive region of Leh Leh.

Induction of Three Advanced Warships into Indian Navy

The Prime Minister Narendra Modi Narendra Modi will dedicate three advanced warships—INS Dunagiri, INS Agray, and INS Sanshodhak—to the nation at a ceremony held at the Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, with the ships designed by the Indian Navy Warship Design Bureau under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, and constructed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers, Kolkata; among the vessels, INS Dunagiri is a stealth-capable warship equipped with BrahMos supersonic missiles and medium-range air defence systems, INS Agray is an Arnala-class anti-submarine warfare shallow water craft, and INS Sanshodhak is a large hydrographic survey vessel designed for mapping coastal and deep-sea areas, marking the simultaneous induction of three frontline warships with different operational roles into the Indian Navy.

Railway Ticketless Travel Penalty Doubled in India

In Indian Railways Indian Railways, the fine for traveling without a valid ticket has been doubled with effect from June 20, where passengers traveling in suburban electric trains without a ₹10 ticket will now be fined ₹500 instead of ₹250, and in express trains passengers traveling without a ₹600 ticket will face fines up to ₹1,620 after doubling of penalty, while penalties for entering platforms without a valid platform ticket, selling items such as drinking water on platforms, and other violations have also been increased; the Railway Protection Force (RPF) Railway Protection Force has been authorized to impose and collect fines on the spot for violations including traveling in women’s coaches, disabled persons’ coaches, smoking in railway station premises, and carrying unauthorized items, with smoking in railway station premises now attracting a fine increased from ₹100 to ₹2,000, unauthorized weapons in train coaches punishable with a fine increased from ₹2,000 to ₹10,000, and fines of ₹2,000 imposed for unauthorized passenger solicitation such as forcing auto travel or compulsory purchases at railway stations.

FSSAI Tightens Scrutiny on ‘Natural’ and ‘Healthy’ Food Labels

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) Food Safety and Standards Authority of India has intensified scrutiny of food product labelling and advertising claims such as “natural”, “healthy”, “heart-friendly”, and “no added sugar”, flagging several food and nutraceutical products for potentially misleading branding under existing food safety regulations, including claims like “organic”, “zero maida”, and “100% natural”; the regulator issued notices to products including mango juice claiming “no added sugar” despite containing sugarcane juice, instant noodles, natural paneer branding, nutraceuticals, whey protein, herbal products, tofu claiming “anti-cancer properties”, and cooking oil marketed as “heart pro”, while also issuing separate notices to Param Dairy and Bikanervala over quality and hygiene concerns; the move aims to strengthen enforcement of food labelling standards and ensure accurate representation of nutritional claims in the market.

India’s First 3D-Printed Artificial Coral Reefs Deployed off Ramanathapuram

Tamil Nadu is set to deploy India’s first 3D-printed artificial reef modules in coastal waters off Ramanathapuram under the second phase of Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) for marine habitat restoration, with the installation serving as a pilot project. The initiative involves six reef designs developed by Chennai-based startup Tvasta, incubated at IIT Madras, in collaboration with ICAR–Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), Visakhapatnam Regional Centre, led by principal scientist Dr Joe K Kizhakudan. Each module weighs around one tonne and is designed with complex geometries, multiple crevices and increased porosity to support marine biodiversity including corals and sponges, and is manufactured without iron reinforcement. The modules will be deployed about two nautical miles off the coast. The project is implemented across Tamil Nadu’s 213 artificial reef sites with joint funding from the Centre and State in a 60:40 ratio, covering coastal districts including Ramanathapuram, Tiruvarur, Thanjavur and Pudukkottai, aiming to enhance fish habitats and marine ecosystem restoration.

Human Activity Identified as Key Driver of India’s Extreme Weather (IIT Delhi Study)

A study published in Environmental Research Letters by researchers from IIT Delhi and KSMDB College, Kollam has found that human activity is the primary driver of India’s increasing extreme rainfall and flooding events. The researchers analysed rainfall data from 1905 to 2014 and used the “fingerprinting” technique to identify human influence by separating natural climate variability such as El Niño from anthropogenic factors using climate models and observations. The study identified a competing influence between greenhouse gases, which increase atmospheric warming, and aerosols from vehicles and industries, which can reduce rainfall by blocking sunlight. The strongest impact was observed in West Central India, where an increase in extreme precipitation trends was linked mainly to greenhouse gas forcing. The study also notes that changes in air pollution levels may reduce the cooling effect of aerosols, potentially exposing stronger greenhouse gas-driven warming effects and increasing extreme rainfall events. It further states that historical rainfall patterns may no longer reliably represent future risk, and that extreme rainfall conditions are no longer stationary in a warming climate.

International News

Iran Closes Strait of Hormuz Amid Israel–Lebanon Conflict

The government of Iran Iran announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz Strait of Hormuz, stating that the decision was taken after Israeli forces carried out attacks on Lebanon, which Iran described as a violation of the peace agreement that had been signed earlier between Iran and the United States, where US President Donald Trump Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian Masoud Pezeshkian had signed a 14-point peace agreement, after which the Strait of Hormuz had been reopened for shipping and oil tanker movement with a temporary fee exemption for 60 days, and normal shipping had resumed; following the reported Israeli attack on Lebanon Lebanon, Iran declared the closure of the strategic strait as a first response and warned of further measures if violations continue, while also stating that talks between Iran and US delegations are scheduled in Switzerland.

Centre Bans 16 Fixed-Dose Combination (FDC) Drugs in India

The Central Government of India Government of India has banned the manufacture, sale, and distribution of 16 Fixed-Dose Combination (FDC) drugs under Section 26A of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, following recommendations of an expert committee formed under the Drugs Technical Advisory Board (DTAB), after review directed by the Supreme Court of India Supreme Court of India, and the decision was taken due to lack of therapeutic justification, lack of proven benefit, and possible side effects; FDC drugs refer to combinations of two or more active pharmaceutical ingredients in fixed proportions, and the banned combinations include drugs used for pain relief, antibiotics, muscle relaxants, dermatological and cosmetic preparations, including combinations such as Acetylsalicylic acid with Ethoheptazine, Dicyclomine–Paracetamol–Clidinium bromide, Dicyclomine–Paracetamol–Chlordiazepoxide, Gliclazide with Chromium picolinate, Paracetamol with Lignocaine, antibiotic combinations such as Amoxicillin with Serratiopeptidase, Amoxicillin with Cloxacillin, Ceftriaxone with Probenecid, Cefuroxime with Serratiopeptidase, and skin-care formulations containing Aloe vera with ingredients like Vitamin E, Jojoba oil, Tea tree oil, and D-Panthenol; state drug controllers and enforcement agencies have been instructed to ensure strict implementation of the ban across India.

Sports News

India Tops Medal Tally at ISSF Junior World Cup Shooting

At the ISSF Junior World Cup Shooting Championship held in Suhl, Germany Suhl, Indian shooters Sameer and Rohit Kanyan won gold medals, with Sameer securing gold in the men’s 25m Rapid Fire Pistol event with 28 hits and Rohit Kanyan winning gold in the men’s 50m Rifle 3 Positions event, while Prachi Shekhawat secured silver in the women’s 50m Rifle 3 Positions with 354.7 points; in team events, the Indian team comprising Rohit Kanyan, Vedant Nitin, and Haritesh won bronze in the 50m Rifle 3 Positions team event, and the team of Sameer, Abhinav Choudhary, and Sahil Choudhary won bronze in the 25m Rapid Fire Pistol team event, taking India’s total medal tally to 8 medals (4 gold, 1 silver, 3 bronze), with India India topping the medal standings after winning 5 medals on the second day.

India Enters Final of FIH Women’s Nations Cup After 6–0 Win Over Chile

In the FIH Women’s Nations Cup Hockey Tournament organized by the International Hockey Federation (FIH) International Hockey Federation held in Auckland, New Zealand Auckland, the Indian Women’s Hockey Team India Women's Hockey Team qualified for the final after defeating Chile Chile by 6–0 in the semi-final, where India topped Group A with three wins before entering the knockout stage; in the match, Navneet Kaur scored in the 6th minute through a penalty corner and added a second goal in the 13th minute assisted by captain Salima Tete, while drag-flicker Deepika scored in the 14th and 18th minutes, Neha converted a penalty corner in the 32nd minute, and Rutuja Pisal scored in the 39th minute, with goalkeeper Savita ensuring defensive stability, marking India’s dominant performance to reach the final.

Joe Root becomes second batter to cross 14,000 runs in Test cricket

In the second Test match between England and New Zealand at The Oval, London, England’s stand-in captain Joe Root crossed the milestone of 14,000 Test runs, becoming only the second cricketer after Sachin Tendulkar to achieve the feat. England, chasing a target of 463 runs, were reduced to 182/5 on Day 4, with Root unbeaten on 75 runs alongside debutant Jordan Cox. At tea, England had slipped to 54/3, with Root earlier surviving a dropped chance off Kyle Jamieson. His second run in the innings brought up the milestone. New Zealand, led by significant contributions from Nicholls (126), Rachin Ravindra (76), and Mitchell (68), posted scores of 391 and 362, while England scored 291 and 182/5. As of Day 4, Joe Root’s Test record stood at 165 matches, 302 innings, 14,073 runs, highest score 262, average 50.98, with 41 centuries and 67 half-centuries.

States’ News

Andhra Pradesh Integrates Canva AI Tool for Government Schools

The Andhra Pradesh Government Government of Andhra Pradesh has signed a strategic partnership with Canva Canva through the School Education Department and Samagra Shiksha to provide access to an AI-based design and learning tool for all government school students, teachers, and education department officials as part of efforts to transform public education through technology; the platform will be integrated with the state’s LEAP (Learning Excellence in Andhra Pradesh) App, Google Workspace ecosystem, and Chromebooks used in schools, and teachers will receive phased capacity-building support through a Training of Trainers model, with the initiative aimed at promoting responsible and effective use of AI tools in classrooms and strengthening digital learning infrastructure in schools.

Gujarat Emerges as Major Dolphin Habitat with 680 Dolphins Recorded

Gujarat has recorded more than 680 dolphins along its 4,087 km coastline, as per a recent survey, highlighting its growing importance in marine biodiversity conservation; the highest concentration was found in the Gulf of Kutch, where the Marine National Park and Marine Sanctuary area (Okha to Navlakhi) covering 1,384 sq km recorded 498 dolphins, while the northern Gulf of Kutch under the Kutch Circle covering 1,821 sq km recorded 168 dolphins, and additional sightings include 10 dolphins in Bhavnagar (494 sq km) and 4 dolphins in Morbi (388 sq km); the report states that dolphins are protected marine mammals playing a key role in maintaining the marine food chain, and rising dolphin populations have supported marine tourism in locations such as Shivrajpur and Poshitra, strengthening Gujarat’s position as a key dolphin habitat in India.

Madhya Pradesh Tops List of Stolen ASI Artefacts Over Six Decades

At least 488 artefacts, mainly sculptures and idols, have been stolen from monuments under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) across 19 states and 3 Union Territories over the past six decades, with around 420 artefacts still untraced or unrecovered. Among states, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh together account for nearly 65% of total theft cases, with a combined total of 319 stolen artefacts, while Madhya Pradesh alone reports 142 cases, followed by Rajasthan with 91 and Uttar Pradesh with 86. The list, updated till 2024, includes reported cases of theft from temples, forts, museums, and sculpture sheds since the 1960s, with the oldest recorded case dating to 1961, when 15 Buddha and Bodhisattva sculptures were stolen from the Nalanda Museum, Bihar, and none were recovered. The largest single theft occurred in 1983 in Uttar Pradesh’s Ahichhatra antiquity godown, involving 44 artefacts, with only two recovered. ASI officials stated that recovery is difficult due to lack of documentation and photographs for many artefacts under its monitoring of 3,697 monuments, and noted that recent thefts have not been reported while efforts continue to retrieve smuggled antiquities.

Personalities, Awards and Events

Zelenskyy Returns Poland’s Highest Honour Amid WWII History Dispute

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy returned Poland’s highest state honour, the Order of the White Eagle, after Polish President Karol Nawrocki withdrew the award amid a dispute linked to World War II historical issues. The honour was originally conferred in 2023 by former Polish President Andrzej Duda for services to security, resilience and human rights. The dispute emerged after Zelenskyy issued a decree on May 26 naming a unit of Ukraine’s Special Operations Forces after the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA), a group accused in Poland of mass killings during World War II. Following this, Poland’s leadership decided to revoke the award, leading Zelenskyy to return it, stating that it represented recognition of the Ukrainian people and armed forces. Subsequently, Ukrainian officials also returned Polish awards in response. Poland reiterated its support for Ukraine in its defence against Russia, while highlighting historical concerns regarding UPA-linked events during World War II.

Tamil Nadu Wins SKOCH Award 2026 for Education Schemes

The Tamil Nadu School Education Department has been awarded the SKOCH Award 2026 for three key initiatives — VETRI Palligal, TN SPARK, and Tamil Nadu Model Schools, which recognise governance innovations with large-scale measurable outcomes. VETRI Palligal is a flagship programme for talent identification and competitive examination support for government school students, expanded to 59,270 students across 339 hub schools in 236 blocks. Under TN SPARK, government school students are trained in artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, coding and digital skills, with over 5,000 schools converted into AI learning centres, benefiting 3.53 lakh students and training 6,000 teachers. The Tamil Nadu Model Schools scheme provides fully state-funded residential academic support for high-performing government school students aspiring for admission to premier institutions, covering 11,885 residential students across all 38 districts, with over 1,300 students gaining admission annually to leading institutions. The award recognises the administrative and educational reforms implemented by the Tamil Nadu School Education Department.

Neeraj Chopra and Parul Chaudhary win top honours at Indian Athletics Awards

The inaugural Indian Athletics Awards held in New Delhi recognised leading Indian track and field athletes, where Neeraj Chopra was named Athlete of the Year 2025 (men) by the Athletics Federation of India (AFI). Parul Chaudhary, national record holder in 3,000m steeplechase and 5,000m, was awarded Athlete of the Year 2025 (women). The event also conferred Emerging Athlete (women) award to Pooja (high jump) and Emerging Athlete (men) award to Shahnavaz Khan (long jump). Parvir Singh was named Best Coach, and Reliance Foundation received the Best Sponsor award. Odisha was recognised as the Best State for supporting athletes, while Tamil Nadu was awarded Best State Association. Dr. Kuldeep Singh received the Best Technical Official award. The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to IOA President P.T. Usha, Anju Bobby George, G.S. Randhawa, and Bahadur Singh Chauhan. The awards highlighted achievements in Indian athletics across track and field events.

Important Days

International Day of Yoga (June 21)

The International Day of Yoga is observed every year on June 21. It was declared by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in 2014 following a proposal by India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the United Nations. The first International Yoga Day was observed in 2015. The day highlights the importance of Yoga, an ancient Indian practice that promotes physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. The celebration aims to raise global awareness about the benefits of yoga and encourage its practice worldwide.