Daily Current Affairs – 23-06-2026

National News

Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) through its TTK Center for Rehabilitation Research and Device Development (TTK-R2D2) in collaboration with Thryv Mobility and under CSR support from Fiserv, developed ultra-lightweight “Opti On” wheelchairs. A total of 100 wheelchairs are being supplied to the Delhi R.R. (Research and Referral) Army Hospital under the Ministry of Defence, with the first batch of 25 wheelchairs handed over on June 22 in Chennai. The remaining 75 wheelchairs will be delivered in subsequent phases. The project involves key stakeholders including IIT Madras Professor Manish Anand, Thryv Mobility CEO Justin Jesudas, and Fiserv President Sachin Kulkarni, with the initiative aimed at providing advanced mobility solutions for rehabilitation purposes within armed forces medical services.

The National Medical Commission (NMC) announced that all post-graduate (PG) diploma medical courses in India will be discontinued from the 2027–28 academic year. As per the notification issued to medical colleges and institutions, the 2026–27 academic year will be the last year for admissions into PG diploma courses, after which no further admissions will be permitted. The courses will be phased out and converted into post-graduate degree programmes such as MD and MS. The decision was issued by the NMC Post Graduate Medical Education Board to standardize medical education and improve the quality and recognition of specialist medical training. Institutions have been directed to comply with the guidelines, and medical colleges may apply to the Medical Assessment and Rating Board (MARB) for conversion of diploma courses into degree courses.

The production growth of India’s eight core infrastructure sectors declined to 0.5 percent in May, marking the lowest level in seven months, according to data released by the Central Government. These sectors include coal, crude oil, natural gas, refinery products, fertilizers, steel, cement, and electricity, which together account for about 40.27 percent of the Index of Industrial Production (IIP). The growth had improved to 1.8 percent in April but declined again in May, compared to 1.2 percent in May of the previous year. Among the sectors, petroleum refinery products (28.04 percent weight in index) recorded a decline of 8.7 percent, while coal production fell by 9.3 percent, natural gas by 4.9 percent, crude oil by 4.6 percent, and fertilizers by 0.9 percent. In contrast, electricity generation increased by 8.7 percent, cement by 8.4 percent, and steel by 5 percent, preventing a sharper overall decline.

The ESAF Small Finance Bank, established in 2017, has achieved a milestone of ₹50,000 crore in total business in its 9th year of operation. The bank operates across 24 states and 2 Union Territories with 816 branches and 1,047 customer service centers, serving around 1.04 crore customers. This achievement highlights the bank’s expansion in financial services and customer base across India.

The BRICS National Security Advisers (NSA) meeting was held in New Delhi on June 22–23, chaired by India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval. The meeting focused on non-traditional security challenges and review of BRICS Joint Working Groups on Counter-Terrorism, with developments in West Asia forming the key backdrop. During the meeting, Ajit Doval held discussions with Ghadir Nezamipour, Deputy Secretary for Defence Affairs of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council (SNSC), Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, and Brazilian Secretary for Multilateral and Political Affairs Carlos Cozendey. Discussions included BRICS cooperation and India–Iran bilateral relations, along with review of recent developments in India–China relations and progress towards normalization. The Iranian delegation also held talks with the Chinese side on strengthening the Tehran–Beijing strategic partnership and regional stability cooperation.

The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) announced that facial recognition cameras installed at major airports in India will be linked to a proposed Data Fusion Centre in New Delhi, according to CISF Director General Praveer Ranjan. Around 1.5 lakh surveillance cameras across key installations in India will also be integrated with this centre to enable centralized monitoring. The system is intended to enhance real-time surveillance, suspect identification, and support to law enforcement agencies. The facial recognition system at six major airports will also be integrated with the National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID). The platform will facilitate access to multiple datasets including driving licence, vehicle registration, Aadhaar, airline data, bank records, travel details, financial intelligence reports, and social media data, as part of a broader security integration framework coordinated by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs.

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has formally transferred human skeletal remains excavated from the Rakhigarhi archaeological site in Haryana to the Anthropological Survey of India (AnSI) under the Union Ministry of Culture for detailed scientific study, following a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the two institutions. Rakhigarhi, spread over about 550 hectares, is recognised as the largest settlement of the Indus–Saraswati Civilisation, with evidence of continuous habitation from the Early Harappan to Mature Harappan phases. Excavations at Mound 7, identified as a burial site, yielded 56 skeletons, including a woman’s skeleton dated to around 4,600 years. The remains, including three complete skeletons and skeletal fragments, have been shifted to AnSI’s ancient human skeletal repository and laboratory in Kolkata for multidisciplinary research involving ancient DNA (aDNA) analysis, stable isotope studies, osteological assessment, palaeopathology, and environmental reconstruction, in collaboration with institutions including the Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences, University College London, and Banaras Hindu University.

The Khurasani Imli (Baobab fruit) from Mandu in Dhar district, Madhya Pradesh, has been granted a Geographical Indication (GI) tag. The fruit is rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants and is used in traditional medicine for treating digestive disorders. The Baobab tree, from which the fruit is obtained, is native to Africa and is popularly known as the “Upside-down Tree” due to its characteristic structure. It has a large water-storing trunk and drought-resistant nature. The Baobab tree is classified as a keystone species, meaning it has a disproportionately large impact on its ecosystem relative to its population size or biomass. It is found in parts of Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Karnataka.

Biochar is a carbon-rich material produced through pyrolysis (thermal decomposition) of biomass such as crop residues and organic waste under low-oxygen conditions. It is highlighted as a solution to convert agricultural residue burning in India into a useful resource that can improve soil health and generate income for farmers. Biochar is used as a soil amendment, a growing medium in vertical farming, and a carbon sequestration tool. It enhances soil fertility, supports the growth of nitrogen-fixing microorganisms, and improves water-holding capacity by retaining moisture for longer periods. It also contributes to carbon credit generation by converting agricultural waste into a productive resource.

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has issued draft Telecommunications (Spectrum Assignment by Administrative Process) Rules, 2026 under the Telecommunications Act, 2023, applicable to satellite communication (Satcom) operators such as Starlink and OneWeb. Under the draft rules, Satcom companies will require security clearance even after spectrum assignment before starting services, and the rollout of satellite phone and broadband services will require explicit approval from the Central Government. Spectrum will be assigned through an administrative (non-auction) process with prescribed fees as per the National Frequency Allocation Plan for International Mobile Telecommunication implementation. The framework aims to address concerns related to signal spillage across borders, cybersecurity, lawful interception, and national security.

The Central Government has launched the ‘Nirbhay Chetna’ programme to sensitise 17.5 lakh elected male representatives, as a flagship component of ‘Nirbhay Raho’. The programme is implemented by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj and funded through the Nirbhaya Fund. It focuses on awareness creation among men on gender equality and women’s safety. The initiative includes the creation of 28,500 master trainers at state, district, and block levels to implement a cascading training model for elected representatives across the country. The broader Nirbhay Raho framework also includes ‘Nirbhay Netri’ for capacity building and legal literacy of women leaders and ‘Nirbhay Drishti’ for strengthening village-level safety infrastructure.

International News

Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar visited Mongolia and South Korea on an official tour, arriving first in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, where he met Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khürelsükh and conveyed greetings from President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He also held discussions with Mongolian Foreign Minister Battsetseg Batmunkh on strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation in sectors including education, defence, culture, mining, clean energy, agricultural processing, and development projects. The visit followed the earlier state visit of the Mongolian President to India, contributing to enhanced India–Mongolia relations. Jaishankar was received by Munkhtushig Lkhanaajav, State Secretary of Mongolia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. After Mongolia, he is scheduled to visit South Korea, where he will meet Foreign Minister Cho Hyun and participate in the Jeju Forum for Peace and Prosperity, an international platform for discussions on global issues.

The United States issued an official notification through the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) regarding the sale of defence equipment and services to India worth approximately Rs 4,500 crore. The approval includes equipment and maintenance support for Apache AH-64E attack helicopters, which are operated by the Indian Army, and lightweight Howitzer artillery guns used for high-altitude ground-based targeting operations. The deal consists of two components, including Rs 1,873 crore for Apache helicopter equipment and services and Rs 2,175 crore for lightweight Howitzer artillery systems and services. The notification was published in the US Federal Register. The US Department of Defense stated that the supply will enhance India’s capability to address current and future threats and strengthen homeland defence capabilities, while maintaining regional military balance in South Asia.

The growth of India’s eight core industrial sectors declined to 0.5 percent in May 2026, marking the second lowest level in 21 months, according to data released by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry on the Index of Eight Core Industries. The data showed that five out of eight sectors contracted during the month. The only lower level in the past 21 months was recorded in October 2025, when growth contracted by 0.1 percent. Among key sectors, crude oil production fell by 4.6 percent, natural gas by 4.9 percent, coal by 9.3 percent, and petroleum refinery products by 8.7 percent, the worst performance in over three years, while fertilizers declined by 0.9 percent for the third consecutive month. In contrast, electricity (8.7 percent), cement (8.4 percent), and steel (5 percent) recorded positive growth. The eight core sectors together form a major component of India’s industrial output, and fluctuations in these sectors significantly impact overall industrial performance.

India and Israel held discussions on expanding defence and industrial cooperation during the visit of Major-General Amir Baram (Retd), Director-General of Israel’s Ministry of Defence, to India. He met Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in New Delhi, where discussions focused on strengthening cooperation under the India–Israel Special Strategic Partnership. The talks covered expansion of collaboration in defence manufacturing, technology, and joint projects, with emphasis on military technology, defence equipment, and research and development. Both sides reaffirmed the importance of deepening defence ties and exploring new areas of cooperation. Defence cooperation remains a key pillar of India–Israel bilateral relations, which has grown significantly in scope and scale in recent years.

Sports News

Spain football player Lamine Yamal became the 8th youngest goalscorer in FIFA World Cup history, scoring at the age of 18 years and 343 days. He also became the second youngest goalscorer in the ongoing World Cup tournament. The youngest goalscorer in the same tournament is Ibrahim Baye of Senegal, who scored at the age of 18 years and 143 days.

At the ISSF Junior World Shooting Championship held in Suhl, Germany, Indian shooter Pritam Kendre won the gold medal in the men’s 10m air rifle event, securing 251.3 points in the final. He had recently completed his 10th standard. Timofei Aleinikov of Russia won the silver medal, while Jens Oestli of Norway secured bronze. Another Indian shooter Piyush Sharma missed out on a medal. In the men’s team event, the Indian team was disqualified after equipment failure of Abhinav Shaw, with Pritam Kendre and Piyush Sharma also part of the team. In the women’s 25m pistol team event, the Indian team comprising Anjali Bhagwat, Parisha Gupta, and Nithila Christopher won the bronze medal with 1,713 points, while Russia won gold and silver. India has so far won 11 medals including 5 gold medals in the tournament.

American golfer Wyndham Clark won his second US Open golf title after a final-round battle at Shinnecock course, defeating fellow American Sam Burns by one stroke. Clark, who had previously won a major title in 2023, finished with a total score of 4-under 276 after shooting a 3-over 73 in the final round. He started the final day with a six-shot lead, which was reduced to one stroke before he recovered on the back nine to secure victory. The win was confirmed with a final-hole tap-in par. Clark earned a record prize of $4.5 million from a total purse of $22.5 million. Other top finishers included Sam Burns (277), Tom Kim (279), and Scottie Scheffler (280).

Former tennis player Serena Williams, who retired in 2022, has been awarded a wildcard entry for the Wimbledon grass-court championships starting in London. Wimbledon organisers released the initial list of wildcard entrants, in which Williams, a seven-time Wimbledon champion, is among the players selected for the women’s singles main draw. The wildcard allocation confirms her participation in the tournament despite retirement.

Tamil Nadu News

In Chennai, Tamil Nadu, the Director General of Police (DGP) office announced the introduction of a dedicated toll-free helpline number 1091 for the Singappen Special Action Force. The helpline is integrated with the state emergency response number 112 and will operate 24 hours a day. The system is designed to report incidents involving women and children, including harassment, domestic violence, sexual harassment, threats, and stalking. Calls made to 1091 will be handled by personnel at the State Police Control Room, and complaints will be forwarded to the respective district police control room and the nearest Singappen Action Force or patrol units for immediate response and action.

Personalities, Awards and Events

The Central Government has reappointed Tushar Mehta as Solicitor General of India for a further term of three years from July 1, as per an order issued by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) on June 20. The reappointment was approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet, ensuring continuity of the government’s legal representation in the Supreme Court and other constitutional courts. The Centre has also reappointed five Additional Solicitors General for the Supreme Court for a three-year term, including Vikramjit Banerjee, K.M. Nataraj, Suryaprakash V. Raju, N. Venkataraman, and Aishwarya Bhati.

Former Chairman of the US Federal Reserve, Alan Greenspan, died at the age of 100. He served as the Chairman of the Federal Reserve from August 1987 to January 2006, a period during which he had a significant influence on the US economy. He oversaw the second-longest economic expansion in US history, recording uninterrupted growth from March 1991 to March 2001. His tenure was marked by policies that supported sustained economic expansion and stability, and he was widely referred to as the “economic maestro.” Greenspan passed away at his home due to complications related to Parkinson’s Disease.

Reports and Indices

The Singapore Workplace Report 2026, jointly released by the Singapore Institute of Directors (SID) and Gallup, stated that Singapore has one of the lowest employee engagement levels globally, with only 14% of employees reporting motivation and commitment to their work in 2025. This is lower than the global average of 20% and the Southeast Asian average of 25%. The report noted that engagement levels in Singapore have remained largely unchanged since 2019. Comparative figures for 2025 show engagement levels of 9% in Vietnam, 25% in Malaysia, 27% in Indonesia, and 34% in Thailand. SID is the national association of company directors in Singapore. The report warned that low employee engagement may affect the country’s future competitiveness.