Current Affairs Today

We are here for you to provide the important Recent and Latest Current Affairs June 18 2026, which have unique updates of Latest Current Affairs 2026 events from all newspapers such as The Hindu, The Economic Times, PIB, Times of India, PTI, Indian Express, Business Standard and all Government official websites.

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NATIONAL AFFAIRS

India & Japan Adopt Rules for Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM) under Paris Agreement to Boost Climate Cooperation 
In June 2026, India and Japan adopted the Rules of Implementation for the Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM) under Article 6.2 of the Paris Agreement of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). 

• The move strengthens India-Japan cooperation in climate action, Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emission reduction, carbon markets, and sustainable development.

About the JCM Under Paris Agreement:
Background:   The Paris Agreement (2015) under the UNFCCC aims to combat climate change. Countries submit Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) outlining their climate action and emission reduction targets.
Provision: Under Article 6.2 of the Paris Agreement, countries can cooperate through the transfer of internationally recognized carbon credits to achieve climate goals.
Framework:  India and Japan adopted the JCM Rules on 8 June 2026, following the Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) signed in 2025, to operationalise bilateral emission-reduction projects.
Mechanism:  The JCM is a bilateral carbon market mechanism that supports emission-reduction projects, low-carbon technologies, and carbon credit generation while contributing to the NDCs of India and Japan.

Six states agree to sign MoU for Kishau Multi-Purpose Dam Project
In June 2026, In a high-level meeting chaired by Union Minister Amit Shah, Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA) in New Delhi, Delhi, six northern states Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Rajasthan signed a comprehensive Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the implementation of Kishau Multipurpose Dam Project.

• The Kishau Multipurpose Dam Project (hydroelectric and water storage project) is planned on the Tons River, a tributary of the Yamuna with an estimated cost of around Rs 15,000 crore.
• The project spans the Uttarakhand–Himachal Pradesh border (Dehradun–Sirmour region), following the MoU, the project will be placed before the Union Cabinet for approval.

Meeting Outcome:
Funding: 90% of the water component cost of the Kishau Multipurpose Dam Project will be funded by the Central Government as Central Assistance, while the remaining 10% will be shared by the six participating states.
Allocation: The meeting agreed to allocate Himachal Pradesh’s share of water to Delhi and Rajasthan in exchange for cost-sharing of Himachal Pradesh’s portion of the power component.

• This decision advances efforts towards a cleaner and rejuvenated Yamuna River, ensuring increased flow of clean water.

CSIR Transfers 7 Technologies, Releases 10 BNDs & Hands Over 5 Quantum Components
In June 2026, the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), under the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR), Ministry of Science and Technology (MoS&T), organized a Technology Transfer and Bharatiya Nirdeshak Dravya (BND) Release Function at its Headquarters, New Delhi, Delhi.

• The function featured the transfer of 7 technologies to industry, the release of 10 BND reference materials, and the handover of 5 vapor cells for quantum sensing applications.

About CSIR Technology Transfer and BND Release Function:
7 Technology Transfer: The programme facilitated the commercialization of 7 indigenous technologies developed by CSIR-National Physical Laboratory (CSIR-NPL) and CSIR-Central Road Research Institute (CSIR-CRRI).
Release of 10 BND: The ten newly released BNDs comprise eight phytochemicals, one precious metal standard and one propane gas standard.
Handover of 5 vapour cells: Five vapor cells developed by the CSIR-NPL were handed over to the Solid-State Physics Laboratory (SSPL) of DRDO for use in quantum sensors, atomic clocks, magnetometers and strategic defence technologies.

MoRTH Signs First MoU with Ashok Leyland & Switch Mobility for Vehicle Replacement Scheme in Delhi-NCR
In June 2026, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) signed its first Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) under the vehicle replacement scheme with Ashok Leyland and its electric mobility subsidiary Switch Mobility, marking a key step towards reducing vehicular pollution in the National Capital Region (NCR).

• The two companies became the first Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to offer discounts for replacing old trucks and buses in Delhi-NCR.

About Vehicle Replacement Scheme:
Discount: Under the MoU, an 8% discount on ex-showroom prices will be provided for eligible trucks and buses, with Electric Vehicles (EV) discounts capped at the equivalent Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicle category based on Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) category.
Eligibility Framework: The scheme targets Bharat Stage-IV (BS-IV) and older vehicles in Delhi-NCR, offering incentives for replacement with BS-VI or electric vehicles supported by central, state, and OEM benefits.
Central Incentives: The Central Government will provide a 5% interest subvention on financing and fixed monthly fuel vouchers for five years to reduce operating costs.
State Benefits: Participating state governments will offer up to 100% motor vehicle tax concession for ten years along with a complete waiver of registration fees for eligible beneficiaries.

ISRO–DAE Develop Artificial Heating System for 200-Day Lunar Lander Life
In June 2026, V. Narayanan, Chairman of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), announced that ISRO, in collaboration with the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), is developing an advanced artificial heating system to extend the operational life of future lunar landers on the Moon to up to 200 days.
About Artificial Heating System:
Survival: The technology aims to significantly extend the operational life of lunar landers on the Moon from the current duration of around one lunar day (14 Earth days) to up to 200 days.
System: The technology will help lunar landers survive lunar nights with temperatures below –129 degree Celsius(°C) and provide continuous thermal support to protect onboard instruments and critical systems from harsh conditions.
Vikram Lander: The Vikram lander of Chandrayaan-3 successfully landed near the Moon’s south pole on 23 August 2023 and operated for one lunar day (about 14 Earth days) using solar power to carry out its surface mission.

MoD Grants In-Principle Approval for Rs 500 Crore National Military Drone Technology Hub at IIT-Kanpur
In June 2026, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) granted in-principle approval for a Rs 500 crore National Military Drone Technology Hub at Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IIT-K) in Uttar Pradesh (UP).

• This approval aims to strengthen India’s capabilities in advanced unmanned systems.

Key Details of Approval: 
Key Functions: The proposed facility is expected to offer a full-stack capability from design,test and certify military payloads, data links, ground stations and counter-drone systems.
Nodal Body: The Army Design Bureau (ADB) working directly under the Deputy Chief of Army Staff, Capability Development and Sustenance (DCOAS(CD&S)),  has been designated as the single point of contact to ensure coordination between IIT-K, UP government and MoD.

• Also, Under the guidance of MoD, ADB, UP government and IIT-K will nominate a nodal officer for stream-lined inter-departmental coordination.

Proposal Led by: The proposal was spearheaded by the UP Development Authority (UPEIDA), the main nodal agency for UP Defence Industrial Corridor (UP DIC), to establish UP as national hub for defence drone technologies and bolster UP DIC ecosystem.

Significance: The new facility is expected to boost indigenisation under Make-1 and Make-2 categories and reduce India’s imports reliance on critical drone sub-systems.

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

Uzbekistan Becomes 10th Member & First Central Asian Country to Join NDB
In June 2026, the Republic of Uzbekistan became the 10th member and shareholder of the New Development Bank (NDB) after ratifying the NDB Articles of Agreement (AoA), marking the first entry of a Central Asian country into the bank.
About Uzbekistan’s Membership:
Accession Law: Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev signed the law approving Uzbekistan’s accession to the NDB on May 21, 2026.
Projects: NDB plans to prepare its first projects in Uzbekistan, focusing on energy, water management, transport, municipal infrastructure and social infrastructure.
Mechanisms: The NDB will support projects through financing in national currencies, national procurement procedures, environmental risk assessment mechanisms, and efficient project preparation and implementation.

BANKING & FINANCE

RBI Issues Master Directions on Authorisation to Operate a Payment System
In June 2026, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issued the Master Directions on Authorisation to Operate a Payment System to establish a comprehensive framework for entities seeking to operate payment systems under the Payment and Settlement Systems (PSS) Act, 2007.
PSO Licensing Framework
Payment System Operator (PSO): An entity authorised by the RBI to operate a payment system that enables clearing, payment, or settlement of funds between participants.
Objective: The directions provide a unified framework covering eligibility criteria, authorisation, perpetual validity of licences, voluntary surrender, and cooling-off requirements.
Authorisation: Under Section 4 of the PSS Act, 2007, no person, other than the RBI, can commence or operate a payment system without obtaining prior authorisation from the RBI.

• Therefore, any entity intending to establish or operate a payment system must apply for authorisation under the PSS Act, 2007.

RBI Launches ‘RBI Reelathon 2026’ to Combat Cyber Financial Frauds in Kerala
In June 2026, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) launched RBI Reelathon 2026, a statewide cyber fraud awareness campaign across approximately 150 colleges in Kerala that promotes financial literacy, cyber hygiene, safe digital banking, smart borrowing, and vigilance against emerging online financial threats through student engagement and a reel-making competition.

• The initiative was inaugurated at the RBI Office, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, by Kerala Director General of Police (DGP) Ravada Chandrasekhar.

RBI Reelathon 2026:
Phases: The initiative targets students vulnerable to cyber frauds and is implemented through a three-phase programme comprising awareness sessions on financial literacy and safe digital practices, reel-making competitions on cyber-fraud-related themes, and a grand finale later in 2026 following multiple rounds of evaluation.
Rewards: The top three winners will receive cash prizes of Rs.75,000, Rs.50,000 and Rs.25,000 respectively, while the winning awareness content will be disseminated through the official social media platforms of RBI, Kerala Police, banks, colleges and partner institutions to maximize public outreach.
Cyber Frauds: Cyber financial frauds include investment scams, digital arrest scams, illegal loan applications, fake job offers, phishing attacks and mule account networks; prevention requires cyber hygiene and safe online practices, while timely reporting during the Golden Hour improves fund recovery, and mule accounts are used by cybercriminals to transfer or conceal illicit proceeds.

Bank of Baroda Launches ‘bob Golden Goal Deposit Scheme’ Offering Interest Rates up to 7.40% 
In June 2026, Bank of Baroda (BOB) launched the bob Golden Goal Deposit Scheme, a 555-day retail term deposit for deposits below Rs 3 crore, offering interest rates up to 7.40% per annum and aimed at providing attractive and stable returns.

• The scheme is available through branches, net banking and the bob World mobile application (app), and can be opened by individuals, joint account holders, clubs, associations, educational institutions, partnerships and other eligible entities.

About bob Golden Goal Deposit Scheme:
Features: The scheme has a fixed maturity period of 555 days, and non-callable deposits offer an additional 5 basis points (bps) over callable deposits in exchange for restricting premature withdrawals.
Returns: The callable deposit offers interest rates of 6.75% per annum (p.a.) for generalNon-Resident Ordinary (NRO), and Non-Resident External (NRE), 7.25% p.a. for resident senior citizens, and 7.35% p.a. for resident super senior citizens.The non-callable deposit offers 6.80% p.a. for General, NRO, and NRE customers, 7.30% p.a. for Resident Senior Citizens, and 7.40% p.a. for Resident Super Senior Citizens..
Exit: No penalty is applicable on deposits up to Rs. 5 lakh held for at least 12 months, while other premature closures attract penalties as per bank guidelines.

YES BANK & Northern Arc Capital Partner to Expand Credit Access and Digital Lending 
In June 2026, YES Bank Limited, an Indian private sector bank, and Northern Arc Capital Limited, a Non-Banking Finance Company (NBFC), formed a strategic partnership to expand formal credit access, digital lending, and investment opportunities across India.

• It supports Viksit Bharat 2047 by promoting financial inclusion and expanding technology-driven credit access to underserved segments.

Key Details of Partnership:
Objective: The partnership aims to expand formal credit access to underserved segments such as retail, Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME), and emerging borrowers, while strengthening scalable, tech-driven lending through integrated digital platforms for faster loan origination and distribution.
Integration: A key aspect of the collaboration is the integration of Northern Arc Capital’s lending technology platforms: nPOS, NIMBUS, and NuScore, with YES Bank’s digital lending architecture.
Investment & Wealth Solutions: The partnership integrates Northern Arc’s asset management and bond platforms into YES Bank’s ecosystem, providing customers access to structured credit products and alternative investment opportunities along with traditional lending services.

AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS

TIME’s 100 Most Influential People in Sports 2026: Smriti Mandhana Named as Only Indian
In June 2026, The 103-year-old global media brand TIME has released the inaugural edition of “TIME 100 Most Influential People in Sports 2026” list, recognising athletes, coaches, investors, and advocates who have made a significant impact on the world of sports. Smriti Mandhana, a two-time International Cricket Council (ICC) Women’s Cricketer of the Year award winner, emerged as the only Indian featured on the list. She was included in the “Titans” category alongside football stars Cristiano Ronaldo and Erling Haaland, and South African cricket captain Temba Bavuma.
Key Details of List:
Key Categories: The List has been divided into 04 different categories:  Leaders, Icons, Innovators, and Titans.
Women Representation: This year’s list features women making an impact across athletics, media, business, ownership, and the leadership including: Alex Morgan, Michele Kang, Clara Wu Tsai, Mellody Hobson, 6-time Winter Olympic Medallist Elana Meyers (the USA), among others.
Global Sports Personalities: Some of the global sports icons  featured in the list are: American basketball legend LeBron James (icons category), Cristiano Rolando (Titans); Gianni Infantino, President of International Federation of Association Football (FIFA), among others.

Tripura’s Tribal Musical Instrument ‘Sarinda’ Secured GI Tag
In June 2026, the Geographical Indication Registry (GIR) under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoC&I), granted Geographical Indication (GI) tag to Tripura’s tribal musical instrument ‘Sarinda’ also known as Sarinda Uakhrap, reflecting the dedication, craftsmanship and creativity of the artisans and musicians associated with the traditional instrument. 

• Following this latest recognition, the total number of GI-tagged products from Tripura now reaches 4.

About Sarinda:
Material: Tripura Sarinda, a traditional bowed string instrument, is specifically made from bamboo and is mainly used by most of the tribes.
Acoustic Feature: 65-70 centimeter (cm)-long musical instrument has an oval shaped void wooden vibrating chamber which is covered with thin skin.

• The strings of the instrument are either made of metal or of the thread Muga or animal gut.

Other 3 GI-tagged Products: The state has previously received GI tag recognition for Tripura Queen Pineapple, Risha/Pachra (Rignai) and Matabari Peda.

ACQUISITIONS & MERGERS

CCI Approves TVS Group-PGIM India Deal, Temasek-Romsons Investment and Kedaara Capital Stake Purchase in Axis Finance
In June 2026, the Competition Commission of India (CCI), under Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA), approved the acquisition of 100% shareholdings of PGIM India Asset Management Private Limited and PGIM India Trustees Private Limited (Targets) by TVS Emerald Limited and TVS Venu Management and Consultancy Services Private Limited (Acquirers).

• CCI also approved Temasek Holdings Private Limited’s (Singapore) investment in Romsons Group Private Limited (India) (Target) through Jongsong Investments Pvt. Ltd.,(Investor); and Kedaara Capital’s (Investor) proposed equity subscription in Axis Finance Limited (Target).

About the Approvals:
TVS-PGIM: The acquisition involves the complete purchase of the issued, subscribed, and paid-up share capital of PGIM India Asset Management Pvt Ltd and PGIM India Trustees Pvt Ltd, which provide wealth management services including mutual funds, portfolio management services, alternative investment funds (AIFs), and investment advisory services.
Temasek-Romsons: CCI approved the subscription of compulsorily convertible preference shares (CCPS) and acquisition of equity stake in Romsons Group by Jongsong Investments Pvt. Ltd., an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Temasek Holdings Pvt Ltd, as part of a restructuring and investment transaction aimed at supporting the medical devices and healthcare products manufacturer’s growth, innovation, and global expansion.
Kedaara Capital: CCI approved Kedaara Pearl Holding and Kedaara Capital Fund IV AIF’s investment of Rs. 750 crore in Axis Finance Limited through a preferential equity share subscription, securing a 5.08% stake at a post-money valuation of Rs.14,764 crore and marking the company’s largest primary capital raise as well as its first external investment.

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Indian Navy Decommissions ‘Sea King Mk42B Fleet’ After 36 Years of Service
In June 2026,the Indian Navy (IN) decommissioned its Sea King Mk42B helicopters, known as the ‘Flying Frigates’, after 36 years of distinguished service.

• Operated by Indian Naval Air Squadron (INAS 330), the fleet concluded its service with a final ceremonial flight from Indian Naval Ship (INS) Shikra, the Western Naval Command (WNC) base in Colaba, Mumbai, Maharashtra.

About Sea King Mk42B helicopters:
Background: The Sea King Bravo fleet, procured between 1989 and 1990, was inducted into IN to bolster its anti-submarine warfare capabilities.
Capabilities: These Sea King helicopters, equipped with advanced torpedoes, depth charges and missiles, were mainly used for anti-submarine warfare, anti-ship missions and search-and-rescue (SAR) operations.
Future Role: The retired Sea King Mk42B airframes will be repurposed as utility transport helicopters or used as test platforms for sensor and weapon trials, including the Naval Anti-Ship Missile (NASM) programme.

Drogo Aerospace delivers first batch of 41 JK 250e drones to Indian Army Under Rs 72 crore Contract
In June 2026, Drogo Aerospace Private Limited, formerly known as Drogo Drones Private Limited delivered the first batch of 41 JK 250e drones (electric drone) to the Indian Army (IA)’s Southern Command in Nashik, Maharashtra, under a Rs.72-crore contract for 217 drones.

• The remaining 176 drones are scheduled for delivery by August 2026, supporting the Army’s surveillance and reconnaissance missions.

About JK 250e Drone Project:
Overview: It is an indigenous unmanned aerial system developed by Drogo Aerospace Pvt Ltd for military Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) operations, designed to meet the frontline operational requirements of the IA.
Capability: The drone offers up to three hours of flight endurance on a single charge and is intended for surveillance, reconnaissance, tactical overwatch, border security, and critical military missions.
Indigenous: The drones are fully designed and manufactured in India, supporting Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiatives while strengthening domestic defence capabilities.
Drogo Aerospace: Headquartered in Madhapur, Hyderabad, Telangana, develops indigenous unmanned aerial systems, defence technologies, Artificial Intelligence (AI)-enabled aerial intelligence solutions, and advanced aerospace platforms for strategic and national security applications.

OBITUARY

Former Vice Chief of Army Staff Lt Gen Vijay Oberoi Passed Away at 84 
In June 2026, Lieutenant General (Lt Gen) Vijay Oberoi, former Vice Chief of Army Staff (VCOAS) of the Indian Army (IA), passed away at the age of 84.

• He was born on 29 September 1941 in Chakwal (present-day Pakistan), was widely recognized for spearheading post-Kargil reforms, revising Army doctrines, and championing the welfare of war-disabled soldiers

About Lt. Gen Vijay Oberoi:
Career:  Lt Gen Vijay Oberoi joined the Indian Army through the 1st Battalion, Maratha Light Infantry in 1961 and rose to the highest ranks despite losing his right leg in action in 1965.
Leadership:  He served as Director General of Military Operations (DGMO), General Officer Commanding (GOC) -in-C Army Training Command (ARTRAC), GOC-in-C Western Command, and Vice Chief of Army Staff (VCOAS) (2000–2001) before retiring on 30 September 2001.
Awards:  He was awarded  the Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM)1998, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM), Sena Medal (SM), and Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM) for his distinguished military service and devotion to duty.
Legacy: He led post-Kargil Army reforms and, after retirement, founded the Centre for Land Warfare Studies (CLAWS) and the War Wounded Foundation
Recognition:  Completed the Mumbai Marathon at age 72 with a prosthetic leg, showcasing exceptional resilience.

IMPORTANT DAYS

International Day of Family Remittances 2026 – June 16
The United Nations (UN)’s International Day of Family Remittances (IDFR) is annually observed across the globe on 16 June to acknowledge the sacrifices of migrant workers who send money back to their families.

• 2026 Theme: “Remittances for Rural Resilience, Entrepreneurship and Employment”

Background: 
Origin: IDFR was first observed on 16 June 2008 by IFAD in partnership with the World Bank.
Proclamation: In February 2015, IFAD officially declared 16 June as IDFR, following discussions at the 2014 Global Forum on Remittances and Development in Milan, Italy.
UNGA Recognition: In 2018, the UN General Assembly (UNGA) adopted Resolution A/RES/72/281, officially designating 16 June as the International Day of Family Remittances.
Campaign: The #FamilyRemittances Campaign 2020–2030 is a decade-long global initiative led by IFAD.

World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought 2026 – June 17
The United Nations(UN)’s World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought(WDCDD) is observed annually across the world on June 17 to raise awareness on tackling land degradation and promoting Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN), ensuring human activity does not harm land health.

• 2026 Theme:  “Rangelands: Recognize. Respect. Restore.”

Background:  
Establishment: The WDCDD was established by the UN General Assembly(UNGA) through Resolution A/RES/49/115 in 1994, following the 1992 Rio Earth Summit.

• First observed in 1995, it unites global stakeholders to address land degradation, poverty, and food insecurity.

Renamed and Global Hosting: Since 2019, it is also known as Desertification and Drought Day. The global observance is hosted each year by different countries in collaboration with the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) Secretariat.
Led by: The global observance is led by the Secretariat of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD).

• In 2026, June 17 marks the 32nd anniversary of UNCCD, established on June 17, 1994.

Host Country:  Kenya is hosting the global observance in 2026, marking the first time in nearly a decade that the event is being held in Africa.

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