Current Affairs 15 June 2026

National Affairs

Skill India Completes 12 Years, Emerging as a Global Skilling Leader
In June 2026, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MoSDE) marked the 12th anniversary of its Skill India initiative, celebrating its evolution into one of the world’s largest and most diverse skilling ecosystems.

• Integrated Framework: The Ministry has built a robust ecosystem combining vocational education, industry-led training, apprenticeships, and global workforce mobility.
• Global Scale: Driven by sustained reforms and partnerships, Skill India has become a global leader in workforce development and employability.
• Infrastructure Growth: The number of Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) has surged from 9,776 in 2014 to over 13,888, vastly expanding nationwide access to skill development.

DoAFW Releases Second Advance Estimates of Horticulture 2025–26
The Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (DoAFW) released its Second Advance Estimates for 2025–26, projecting India's total horticulture production at 3,777.76 lakh tonnes (LT) across 301.51 lakh hectares.

• Fruits: Production is estimated at 1,214.75 LT (a 3.25% increase), led by a higher output of bananas, mangoes, apples, papayas, and guavas.
• Vegetables: Area is projected at 118.79 lakh hectares with production hitting 2,210 LT (a 1.47% increase), driven by notable growth in potatoes (598.89 LT) and tomatoes (214.61 LT).
• Onion: The cultivation area is expected to rise by 2.31% to 20.14 lakh hectares, while production remains stable at 307.37 LT.

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw Inaugurates FM Transmitter & Announces AI Labs
Union Minister for Electronics & IT, Ashwini Vaishnaw, virtually inaugurated a 20 kW Akashvani FM Transmitter at Ramgarh in Jaisalmer, bringing the total number of FM transmitters in Rajasthan to 39.

• 20-kW FM Transmitter: Designed to strengthen information dissemination in border regions, it provides radio coverage within an 80 km radius (covering nearly 20,000 sq. km).
• Key Announcements (MNIT Jaipur): The Minister announced the establishment of an Advanced Quantum Lab (for Quantum Key Distribution and computing), an AI Lab for research innovation, and a Makers Lab for hands-on software/hardware training.

IN-SPACe Selects 3 Space Startups for Funding under TAF Scheme
The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) selected three non-governmental entities (NGEs) for funding under its Technology Adoption Fund (TAF) scheme following a rigorous multi-stage evaluation.

• Astrobase Space Technologies: Tasked with developing an 800 kN high-thrust, reusable closed-cycle liquid rocket engine for medium-to-heavy launch vehicles.
• SatSure Analytics India: Will build "Dhaarini," a Large Earth Observation Model (LOM) serving as India’s foundational AI platform for remote-sensing applications in agriculture and disaster management.
• TM2SPACE Technologies: Tasked with developing an indigenous AI-supported star tracker system for high-resolution imaging.
• Gujarat Partnership: IN-SPACe also signed an agreement with the Gujarat government to develop a Common Technical Facility (CTF) for the space-tech sector, providing up to ₹100 crore in financial support.

GoI, Assam, and Nagaland Sign Tripartite MoU to Boost Oil and Gas Production
The Government of India, alongside the states of Assam and Nagaland, signed a landmark tripartite MoU in New Delhi to facilitate mineral oil operations along the Assam–Nagaland boundary.

• Key Leaders Present: Signed in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma, and Nagaland CM Neiphiu Rio.
• The Framework: Establishes a coordinated operational framework to ensure secure hydrocarbon operations and promote investment in the upstream petroleum sector.
• Significance: Aims to revive oil and gas production in Nagaland after a 31-year gap, unlocking the Northeast’s rich hydrocarbon resources and generating regional employment.

ICAR Launches ‘Oilseeds Kisaan Mitra’ to Provide 24×7 AI Advisory to Farmers
The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) highlighted the successful adoption of ‘Oilseeds Kisaan Mitra,’ India’s first nationwide WhatsApp-based AI advisory platform tailored for oilseed farmers.

• The Platform: A 24×7 AI-powered chatbot that delivers instant scientific advisory services without the need to download any additional applications.
• Developer: Created by the ICAR–Indian Institute of Oilseeds Research (ICAR-IIOR) based in Hyderabad.
• Scope: Supports multiple Indian languages and provides expert guidance on major crops like groundnut, mustard, sesame, sunflower, soybean, and niger.

NLCIL & CSIR-CECRI Sign MoU for REE Extraction from Mining Waste
NLC India Limited (NLCIL) signed an MoU with CSIR-CECRI to develop advanced technologies for extracting Rare Earth Elements (REEs) and critical minerals from mining waste.

• Objective: To promote sustainable resource recovery and reduce India's import dependence by utilizing overburden, tailings, and secondary resources from NLCIL’s mines.
• Significance: The initiative will strengthen India’s resource security under the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM).
• Other MoA Signed: Separately, CSIR-CRRI signed an MoA with the UP Public Works Department and SPA New Delhi to implement a greening and paving framework for urban roads in the UP-NCR region.

International Affairs

WEF’s 2026 Tech Pioneers Cohort: 9 Indian Companies Among 100 Startups
The World Economic Forum (WEF) released its 2026 Technology Pioneers cohort, featuring 100 early-stage startups from 23 countries driving breakthroughs in AI, energy, space, and quantum computing.

• India’s Representation: 9 Indian startups made the prestigious 2026 list. This brings the total number of Indian firms recognized in WEF cohorts to 28 (including Agnikul Cosmos, Cropin, and Digantara).
• Top 3 Countries: The USA leads with 43 startups, followed by China (10) and the UK (8).
• Engagement: The selected companies will actively contribute to WEF initiatives over a two-year engagement program.

Economy & Business

World Bank Raises India’s GDP Forecast to 6.6% for FY27
In its June 2026 Global Economic Prospects (GEP) report, the World Bank raised India’s economic growth projection for FY27 by 10 basis points to 6.6%, solidifying its position as a global growth leader.

• GDP Projections: India’s economy is expected to grow by 6.6% in FY27 (moderating from an estimated 7.7% in FY26) before rebounding to a robust 7.2% in FY28.
• Growth Leader: India will remain among the fastest-growing major economies globally, heavily anchoring growth in the South Asian region.
• Global Growth: The World Bank projects global growth to slow to 2.5% in 2026 (the lowest since the pandemic), before recovering slightly to 2.8% in 2027.

Awards & Recognitions

Elon Musk Becomes World’s First Trillionaire Following SpaceX’s $75 Billion IPO
SpaceX CEO Elon Musk became the world’s first paper trillionaire after SpaceX raised a historic $75 billion in its June 2026 Initial Public Offering (IPO) on the Nasdaq, surpassing the 2019 Saudi Aramco IPO.

• Record Valuation: The company sold 555.6 million Class A shares at $135 each, pushing SpaceX’s total valuation to an unprecedented $1.77 trillion.
• Wealth Calculation: Musk’s stake in SpaceX is now valued at ~$866.5 billion. Combined with his Tesla holdings (~$286.2 billion), his paper net worth crossed the $1.1 trillion mark.
• Control: Musk retains 84.4% voting power. Certain stock awards remain contingent on future milestones, such as establishing a permanent Mars colony.

Appointments & Resignations

GoI Nominates DFS Secretary Sanjay Lohiya as Director on RBI & SBI Boards
The Government of India officially nominated Sanjay Lohiya, Secretary of the Department of Financial Services (DFS), as a Non-Executive Director on the Central Boards of the RBI and the State Bank of India (SBI).

• Profile: A 1994-batch IAS officer of the Assam-Meghalaya Cadre. He succeeded M. Nagaraju as DFS Secretary on June 1, 2026.
• Previous Roles: Served as Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Mines, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, and Director in the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).

Acquisitions & Mergers

President Approves Merger of REC Ltd with PFC to Create Unified Power Financing Entity
President Droupadi Murmu approved the formal merger of REC Limited into the Power Finance Corporation (PFC), officially consolidating India's public sector power financing institutions.

• Background: In March 2019, state-owned PFC acquired the GoI’s 52.63% stake in REC for ₹14,500 crore, making it a subsidiary.
• Merger Structure: Under Sections 230–232 of the Companies Act, all assets and liabilities of REC will transfer to PFC. REC will cease to exist as a separate entity.
• Budget Push: The merger aligns with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s Union Budget 2026 announcement to restructure and scale public-sector NBFCs for maximum efficiency.

Science & Technology

Tata & Airbus Complete 1st Test Flight of Maiden ‘Made in India’ C295 Aircraft
Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) and Airbus SE successfully executed the first test flight of India’s domestically manufactured Airbus C295 military transport aircraft from the Final Assembly Line in Vadodara, Gujarat.

• The Project: Part of a ₹21,935-crore MoD contract to supply 56 aircraft to the IAF (16 fly-away from Spain, and 40 assembled in India by 2031).
• Objective: To replace the IAF's aging Avro-748 and Antonov An-32 fleets, strengthening indigenous aerospace manufacturing for military and humanitarian missions.
• Partnership: Executed via the Tata Aircraft Complex Final Assembly Line, inaugurated earlier by PM Narendra Modi and Spanish PM Pedro Sánchez.

Sports

Former New Zealand Captain Kane Williamson Announces Retirement
Kane Williamson, one of the greatest batsmen and captains of his generation, announced his retirement from international cricket, concluding a brilliant 16-year career.

• The Record: Retires as New Zealand’s all-time leading run-scorer with 19,346 international runs, 48 centuries, and six double-centuries across 378 matches.
• Statistics: Amassed 9,515 runs in Tests, 7,256 runs in ODIs, and 2,575 runs in T20Is. He captained the 'Black Caps' to their maiden ICC World Test Championship title in 2021.
• Recognition: Awarded ICC Cricketer of the Year (2015), ICC Test Player of the Year (2019), and won the Sir Richard Hadlee Medal four times.

Obituary

Padma Shri Jaspal Rana, Former Asian Games Gold Medallist, Passes Away
Renowned Indian shooting coach and former Asian Games gold medallist Jaspal Rana passed away at the age of 49 in New Delhi.

• Athletic Profile: A dominant force in international pistol shooting throughout the 1990s and 2000s, holding one of India's most decorated athletic resumes.
• Coaching Legacy: Served as India’s high-performance pistol coach, mentoring top athletes like Manu Bhaker (playing a pivotal role in her Paris 2024 Olympic bronze medals) and Saurabh Chaudhary.
• Awards: Conferred the Arjuna Award (1994), Padma Shri (2002), and the Dronacharya Award (2020).

Thailand’s Princess Bajrakitiyabha Mahidol Passes Away
Princess Bajrakitiyabha Mahidol, a distinguished lawyer, diplomat, and the eldest child of Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn, passed away at the age of 47 in Bangkok.

• Diplomatic Role: Served as Thailand’s Ambassador to Austria and was appointed a UNODC Goodwill Ambassador in 2017.
• Key Contributions: Widely recognized for her work in justice reform and women’s rights. She played a crucial role in adopting the UN Bangkok Rules for the treatment of female prisoners and launched the "Kamlangjai" campaign to empower imprisoned women.

Important Days at a Glance

Current Affairs 15 June 2026 Oneliner Question Answer

1. Which ministry completed 12 years of the Skill India initiative in June 2026?
Answer: Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MoSDE).

2. According to the Second Advance Estimates 2025–26, what is India's projected horticulture production?
Answer: 3,777.76 lakh tonnes.

3. Which Union Minister inaugurated the 20-kW Akashvani FM Transmitter at Ramgarh, Jaisalmer?
Answer: Ashwini Vaishnaw.

4. How many FM transmitters are now operational in Rajasthan after the inauguration of the new transmitter?
Answer: 39 FM transmitters.

5. How many space startups were selected by IN-SPACe for funding under the Technology Adoption Fund (TAF) Scheme?
Answer: Three startups.

6. Which startup will develop the 'Dhaarini' Large Earth Observation Model under the TAF Scheme?
Answer: SatSure Analytics India Pvt. Ltd.

7. Which two states signed a tripartite MoU with the Government of India to boost oil and gas production?
Answer: Assam and Nagaland.

8. Which AI-powered WhatsApp advisory platform was launched by ICAR for oilseed farmers?
Answer: Oilseeds Kisaan Mitra.

9. Which two organizations signed an MoU to extract Rare Earth Elements (REEs) from mining waste?
Answer: NLC India Limited (NLCIL) and CSIR-Central Electrochemical Research Institute (CSIR-CECRI).

10. How many Indian startups were selected in the WEF Technology Pioneers Cohort 2026?
Answer: Nine startups.

11. According to the World Bank, what is India's GDP growth forecast for FY27?
Answer: 6.6%.

12. Who became the world's first trillionaire on paper following SpaceX's record IPO?
Answer: Elon Musk.

13. Who was nominated as a Non-Executive Director on the Central Boards of RBI and SBI?
Answer: Sanjay Lohiya.

14. Which two public sector financial institutions are being merged to create a unified power financing entity?
Answer: REC Limited and Power Finance Corporation (PFC).

15. Which companies completed the first test flight of India's first domestically manufactured C295 aircraft?
Answer: Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) and Airbus.

16. Which former New Zealand captain announced his retirement from international cricket in June 2026?
Answer: Kane Williamson.

17. Which former Indian shooting coach and Padma Shri awardee passed away in June 2026?
Answer: Jaspal Rana.

18. Which Thailand princess and UNODC Goodwill Ambassador passed away in June 2026?
Answer: Princess Bajrakitiyabha Mahidol.

19. International Albinism Awareness Day is observed annually on which date?
Answer: 13 June.

20. What is the theme of International Albinism Awareness Day 2026?
Answer: “Proudly in My Skin: Celebrating All Skin Tones.”