Current Affairs Capsule PDF (24 June 2026)

National News

Padma Awards 2026 Honor India’s Distinguished Achievers

President Droupadi Murmu conferred 65 Padma Awards during the second phase of the Padma Awards 2026 investiture ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The awards included 2 Padma Vibhushan, 7 Padma Bhushan, and 56 Padma Shri honors recognizing excellence in sports, cinema, music, literature, science, public affairs, and social service. Notable recipients included Rohit Sharma, R. Madhavan, Mammootty, Alka Yagnik, and Vijay Amritraj. Earlier, the government had announced a total of 131 Padma Awards. These prestigious civilian honors celebrate individuals whose exceptional contributions have significantly impacted society and inspired excellence across diverse fields, reflecting India’s commitment to recognizing distinguished service and national achievement.

IRCTC Chairman Sanjay Kumar Jain Resigns

IRCTC Chairman and Managing Director Sanjay Kumar Jain has resigned on personal grounds, with the Ministry of Railways approving his resignation effective July 20, 2026. During his tenure, IRCTC achieved significant milestones, including its elevation from Mini Ratna to Navratna status and advancement from Schedule B to Schedule A classification. Jain played a crucial role in expanding tourism packages, catering services, online ticketing platforms, and railway hospitality operations. He thanked employees, stakeholders, and the government for their support and assured a smooth transition. The Ministry is expected to appoint an interim chief until a permanent CMD is selected, ensuring continuity in IRCTC’s strategic initiatives and operations.

India Ranks 13th In Future Skills Index

India secured the 13th position globally in the QS World Future Skills Index 2027 with an impressive score of 89.4 out of 100. The index assessed 89 countries on their readiness for emerging technologies, artificial intelligence, and digital economies. India emerged as one of the strongest lower-middle-income economies, benefiting from a vast digital workforce, demographic advantage, thriving startup ecosystem, and growing AI adoption. The country ranked 5th in the Future of Work category and performed strongly in Academic Readiness, Skills Alignment, and Economic Transformation. The report highlighted India’s innovation-driven growth and government support for digital development, positioning the nation as a global leader in future workforce preparedness.

Bhu-Aadhaar Revolutionizes India’s Land Record System

The Unique Land Parcel Identification Number (ULPIN), known as Bhu-Aadhaar, is transforming India’s land governance framework through digitized and georeferenced land records. Implemented under the Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme, the 14-digit alphanumeric code provides every land parcel with a unique identity linked to precise spatial coordinates. More than 36 crore land parcels across 29 states and Union Territories have already been assigned ULPINs. Supported by technologies such as drone surveys, digital mapping, and geospatial systems, the initiative aims to reduce land disputes, improve transparency, modernize land administration, and strengthen ownership records. States including Maharashtra, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh are actively implementing the system.

Advanced Digital Policing Apps Launched Nationwide

India has launched four advanced digital policing applications—Abhigyan, Criminal Procedure Identification (CrPI), e-Prosecution 2.0, and e-Forensics 2.0—to modernize criminal investigations and judicial coordination. Integrated with the Integrated Criminal Justice System, these applications connect police, courts, prisons, prosecution departments, and forensic laboratories. Abhigyan allows smartphone-based fingerprint identification through a database containing over 1.29 crore records. CrPI supports facial recognition, iris matching, and DNA verification, while e-Forensics and e-Prosecution digitize evidence management and prosecution workflows. Together, these tools create a seamless digital ecosystem that improves efficiency, transparency, accountability, and coordination throughout the criminal justice process while enhancing investigative capabilities across India.

Aadhaar App Crosses 31 Million Downloads

The newly launched Aadhaar App developed by UIDAI has surpassed 31 million downloads within five months of its introduction, reflecting widespread public adoption. Available on Android and iOS platforms, the app provides secure digital identity management services including biometric lock and unlock, face authentication, QR-based Aadhaar sharing, authentication history tracking, and profile updates. Users can conveniently update mobile numbers and addresses without visiting Aadhaar centers, resulting in millions of successful updates. The platform enhances convenience, security, and efficiency while reducing reliance on physical service centers. UIDAI is gradually transitioning users from the older mAadhaar platform, making the new Aadhaar App the primary gateway for digital identity services.

State News

Rajasthan Forms Committee For Uniform Civil Code

The Rajasthan government has established a five-member committee led by former Supreme Court judge Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai to prepare a draft Uniform Civil Code (UCC) for the state. The committee will conduct extensive consultations with citizens, legal experts, religious leaders, women’s organizations, and community representatives across Rajasthan. A dedicated website will gather public suggestions and opinions. The proposed UCC seeks to create a common framework governing marriage, divorce, adoption, inheritance, and succession, replacing religion-based personal laws. Rooted in Article 44 of the Constitution, the initiative aims to promote gender equality, legal consistency, transparency, and simplified legal procedures while ensuring broad stakeholder participation throughout the drafting process.

Lakadong Turmeric Gains Global Recognition At G7

Lakadong Turmeric from Meghalaya’s Jaintia Hills has received international attention after being showcased at the 52nd G7 Summit 2026. The premium turmeric variety, awarded a Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2024, is renowned for its exceptionally high curcumin content of 7–12%, far exceeding ordinary turmeric varieties. Around 14,000 farmers across 43 villages cultivate the crop using traditional organic farming methods. To support production and value addition, the Northeast’s largest organic spice processing facility was recently inaugurated in Bhoirymbong. The recognition strengthens export prospects, protects the product from counterfeiting, and supports farmer incomes while contributing to India’s target of achieving one billion dollars in turmeric exports by 2030.

International News

European Union Joins Strategic Pax Silica Initiative

The European Union has officially joined the Pax Silica initiative, a United States-led framework focused on artificial intelligence, semiconductor supply chains, and critical technologies. Approved in June 2026, the partnership aims to enhance access to advanced AI hardware, strengthen supply chain resilience, promote innovation, and coordinate technology-related policies. The initiative covers semiconductors, digital infrastructure, critical minerals, energy security, computing systems, and export controls. As part of the agreement, the EU plans to purchase at least $40 billion worth of AI chips from the United States. Current participants include India, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and several European countries. Pax Silica seeks to build secure technology ecosystems and foster international industrial cooperation.

UN Chief Warns Of Escalating Climate Crisis

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has urged governments, industries, and technology companies to take immediate action against climate change. Speaking in London, he highlighted rising global temperatures, intensifying heatwaves, floods, droughts, and storms. Guterres launched a new UN Call to Action on Methane, emphasizing reductions in emissions from fossil fuels, agriculture, and waste management. He noted that methane is approximately 80 times more potent than carbon dioxide over a twenty-year period. Concerns were also raised regarding the environmental impact of artificial intelligence and data centers. Additionally, the Global Urban Data Centres Pact was launched with participation from 36 cities worldwide, promoting sustainable urban digital infrastructure and climate-resilient development strategies.

Banking & Economy News

SEBI Launches GARUDA For Faster AIF Approvals

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has introduced the GARUDA framework—Green Channel: AIF Rollout Upon Document Acknowledgement—to accelerate the launch of Alternative Investment Funds. The mechanism replaces traditional pre-clearance requirements with a document acknowledgment system, significantly reducing approval timelines. Regular AIF schemes can now launch within ten working days instead of thirty, while Accredited Investor-only schemes and Angel Funds may commence operations immediately after acknowledgment. GARUDA covers categories such as Large Value Funds, Accredited Investor Funds, Angel Funds, and Regular Funds. The initiative aims to improve ease of doing business, attract private investment, boost fundraising efficiency, reduce compliance burdens, and strengthen India’s rapidly growing alternative investment ecosystem.

NITI Aayog Highlights India’s Resilient Trade Growth

NITI Aayog’s eighth Trade Watch Quarterly reported strong resilience in India’s trade performance during January–March 2026 despite global economic uncertainties. India’s combined merchandise and services trade reached $1.84 trillion, reflecting 5.4 percent annual growth. Services exports increased by nine percent, helping maintain a healthy trade surplus and reinforcing India’s position as the world’s eighth-largest services exporter. The report highlighted the pharmaceutical sector’s crucial contribution to export earnings and healthcare security. Strong performance in information technology, business services, and digital industries supported growth. Despite geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions, India’s diversified export markets and robust services sector ensured stability and strengthened its role in global trade networks.

Science & Technology News

BRICS Space Agencies Meet In Bengaluru

India is hosting the BRICS Heads of Space Agencies Meeting 2026 in Bengaluru, bringing together representatives from all eleven BRICS member nations. Organized by ISRO and the Department of Space, the conference focuses on enhancing cooperation in satellite applications, Earth observation, space exploration, and emerging technologies. Major discussions include space sustainability, mitigation of space debris, responsible satellite deployment, and orbital congestion management. Delegates are also reviewing expansion plans for the BRICS Remote Sensing Satellite Constellation to improve disaster management, agriculture, climate monitoring, urban planning, and environmental protection. The proposed BRICS Space Council is another key agenda item aimed at strengthening policy coordination, technology sharing, and capacity-building among member nations.

China’s LineShine Becomes World’s Fastest Supercomputer

China’s LineShine supercomputer has secured the top position in the 67th edition of the TOP500 rankings, becoming the world’s most powerful supercomputer. Installed at the National Supercomputing Center in Shenzhen, LineShine achieved an extraordinary performance of 2.198 exaflops, surpassing the United States’ El Capitan system. The machine features a CPU-only architecture, approximately 13.79 million processing cores, and a custom 304-core processor. It consumes around 42.2 megawatts of power and is capable of performing more than two quintillion calculations per second. The achievement marks China’s return to the top of the rankings for the first time since 2017 and highlights rapid advancements in global high-performance computing technologies.

Defense News

India To Receive First Indigenous C295 Aircraft

India is set to receive its first domestically assembled Airbus C295 transport aircraft in September 2026, marking a major milestone in defense manufacturing and self-reliance. Produced by Tata Advanced Systems Limited in partnership with Airbus, it is the first military aircraft manufactured in India by a private-sector company. Under a ₹21,935-crore contract signed in 2021, 56 aircraft are being procured, with 40 being manufactured at the Tata Aircraft Complex in Vadodara. The versatile aircraft can carry 71 troops or 9 tonnes of cargo and supports troop transport, medical evacuation, disaster relief, and special missions. The program will replace the aging Avro fleet and strengthen indigenous aerospace capabilities.

Sports News

Cristiano Ronaldo Creates Historic World Cup Record

Cristiano Ronaldo created football history during the 2026 FIFA World Cup by becoming the first player to score in six different World Cup tournaments. The milestone came during Portugal’s emphatic 5–0 victory over Uzbekistan when Ronaldo scored in the sixth minute and later added another goal. At 41 years and 138 days old, he also became the second-oldest scorer in World Cup history. His goals mean he has now scored in the 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022, and 2026 editions of the tournament. Ronaldo’s World Cup tally reached 10 goals, surpassing Portuguese legend Eusébio’s previous national record of nine goals.

Important Days News

International Day Celebrates Women In Diplomacy 2026

The International Day of Women in Diplomacy is observed globally on June 24 to recognize and promote women’s contributions to diplomacy, peacebuilding, conflict resolution, and international cooperation. Established by the United Nations, the observance addresses the historic underrepresentation of women in diplomatic services and leadership positions. The day highlights the role of women as ambassadors, foreign ministers, peace negotiators, international organization leaders, and policy advisors. In 2026, its significance is heightened by global challenges such as climate change, migration, economic instability, and geopolitical conflicts. Educational programs, discussions, awareness campaigns, and recognition events are organized worldwide to encourage greater gender equality and inclusive decision-making in international affairs.

Obituaries News

Nobel Physicist François Englert Passes Away

François Englert, the renowned Belgian theoretical physicist and Nobel laureate, passed away on June 18, 2026, at the age of 93. Englert was best known for co-developing the Brout–Englert–Higgs mechanism in 1964 with Robert Brout, explaining how fundamental particles acquire mass through interaction with an invisible field. The theory was later validated by the discovery of the Higgs boson at CERN in 2012, completing a crucial component of the Standard Model of particle physics. Englert and Peter Higgs received the 2013 Nobel Prize in Physics for this groundbreaking work. His contributions profoundly shaped modern particle physics and continue influencing research into the universe’s fundamental structure.