Dear Readers, get to know the daily current affairs today covering all the National & International Events provided here in this article. Current Affairs is an important topic in various competitive exams like IBPS/SBI/PO/Clerk and other competitive exams. To score better in this section, be updated with the daily happenings. Check the Daily Current Affairs June 2026 updates here. Revision is very important in remembering current affairs. Candidates after learning the Daily current affairs  17th June 2026, can test their knowledge by attempting Current Affairs Quiz provided with answers. Daily current affairs  17th June 2026 covers current affairs from International & National news, Important Days, State News, Banking & Economy, Business News, Appointments & Resignation, Awards & Honour, Books & Authors, Sports News, etc.,

Daily Current Affairs PDF of  17th June 2026

Get More: Static GK Pdfs

CURRENT AFFAIRS : BANKING, FINANCE & BUSINESS

Reserve Bank of India Imposes Six-Month Curbs on Mogaveera Co-operative Bank

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) imposed several restrictions on Mogaveera Co-operative Bank Limited, based in Mumbai, for a period of 6 months.
• The restrictions came into effect from the close of business on 12 June 2026.
• Under RBI directions, the bank cannot grant or renew loans and advances without obtaining prior approval from RBI.
• The bank is also prohibited from making new investments, incurring new liabilities, borrowing funds, or accepting fresh deposits without RBI's permission.
• RBI clarified that these directions do not amount to cancellation of the banking licence, and the bank will continue to operate under the prescribed restrictions.
• The maximum withdrawal limit for depositors has been fixed at ₹1 lakh from savings accounts, current accounts, or any other deposit account.
• The bank is permitted to meet essential operational expenses such as employee salaries, rent, and electricity bills.
• Eligible depositors are entitled to receive deposit insurance coverage up to ₹5 lakh through the Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC).

India Receives Record USD 110.47 Billion in Remittances from Overseas Workers in FY26

• Indian workers abroad sent home a record USD 110.47 billion in remittances during FY26 (2025–26), making India the first country to receive more than USD 100 billion in workers’ remittances in a single year.
• The remittance inflow increased by 26% compared to USD 87.55 billion in FY25 (2024–25), highlighting the growing contribution of overseas Indians to the country's economy.
• During the January–March 2026 quarter, remittances reached USD 31.07 billion, registering a 34% year-on-year growth and marking the highest quarterly remittance inflow in the last 13 years.
• Remittances are money transfers sent by migrant workers and overseas nationals to their families in their home country and are a major source of foreign exchange earnings for developing economies.
• In India’s Balance of Payments (BoP), remittances are mainly recorded under the Current Account and form an important component of the Secondary Income Account.
• Workers’ Remittances refer to income earned abroad and sent back by Indian workers, while Private Transfers include workers’ remittances, withdrawals from Non-Resident deposits, personal gifts, donations, and valuables such as gold and silver brought through passenger baggage.
• India continues to remain the world’s largest recipient of remittances, reflecting the strength of its global migrant workforce.
• The Top 5 Remittance-Receiving Countries in 2026 were India, Mexico, Philippines, France, and Pakistan.
• Economists attribute the record inflows partly to the West Asia crisis, which encouraged overseas workers to send larger amounts home as a precaution against uncertainty and potential disruptions.
• Another major factor was the depreciation of the Indian Rupee, as a weaker rupee increased the value of foreign currency remittances in rupee terms, encouraging higher transfers.
• The geographical composition of remittances has changed over time, with the share of Gulf countries (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain) declining from 47% in 2016–17 to 38% in 2023–24.
• At the same time, the contribution from advanced economies such as the USA, UK, and Canada has increased due to rising migration of highly skilled Indian professionals.
• Remittances play a crucial role in supporting household consumption, education, healthcare, housing, savings, and investments, benefiting millions of Indian families.
• They are especially important for states with high migration levels, including Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh.
• Strong remittance inflows helped support the Indian Rupee during a period marked by weak capital inflows, net Foreign Portfolio Investor (FPI) outflows, and relatively low Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows.
• Remittances also help offset India's trade deficit and strengthen the Current Account Balance, thereby improving external sector stability.
• Unlike external borrowings, remittances are considered non-debt creating inflows, making them a sustainable source of foreign exchange.
• They are also regarded as stable and counter-cyclical inflows, often increasing during periods of economic uncertainty and crises.

 CURRENT AFFAIRS: NATIONAL AND STATE NEWS

Four Traditional Products of Jharkhand Receive Geographical Indication Tag

• Four traditional products of Jharkhand — Bhagaiya Silk, Kuchai Silk, Munda Jewellery and Jharkhand Bamboo Craft — have received the prestigious Geographical Indication (GI) Tag.
• The recognition highlights the unique craftsmanship, traditional knowledge and cultural heritage associated with these products and is expected to boost branding, exports and rural development.
• The achievement was supported by the sustained efforts of the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) along with artisans, Self-Help Groups, Farmer Producer Organisations, government departments and local communities.
• A Geographical Indication Tag is an intellectual property right granted to products having unique qualities, reputation or characteristics linked to a specific geographical region.
• The GI Tag helps protect product authenticity, prevent imitation, improve market recognition, enhance commercial value and promote exports and tourism.
• Bhagaiya Silk and Kuchai Silk represent Jharkhand’s rich sericulture heritage and are produced using traditional techniques and indigenous knowledge passed down through generations.
• The GI recognition of these silk varieties is expected to preserve traditional silk-making practices, strengthen their brand identity and improve market access.
• Munda Jewellery represents the cultural heritage of the Munda tribal community and is known for its unique motifs, intricate craftsmanship and traditional designs.
• The GI Tag will help preserve tribal craftsmanship, protect indigenous designs and ensure economic benefits reach the artisan communities.
• Jharkhand Bamboo Craft recognises the skills of rural artisans who produce various utility and decorative items using locally available bamboo.
• The recognition is expected to promote sustainable products, generate employment and strengthen the rural economy of Jharkhand.
• NABARD supported the GI registration process through product identification, documentation, research, producer group formation, value-chain development, capacity building and market linkage initiatives.

About National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development:

• Established: 1982
• Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
• Chairman: Shaji K. V.

About Jharkhand:

• Capital: Ranchi
• Chief Minister: Hemant Soren
• Governor: Santosh Kumar Gangwar
• Formation Day: 15 November 2000

RECENT NEWS

• Jharkhand has achieved a major milestone in school education by recording a zero primary dropout rate in 2024-25. According to data linked to the Unified District Information System for Education Plus (UDISE+) and a NITI Aayog report released on May 8, 2026, the state reduced its primary dropout rate from 6.41% in 2014-15 to 0% in 2024-25.

Pluvicto: India’s First Approved Radioligand Therapy for Advanced Prostate Cancer

• India has entered a new phase of precision cancer treatment with the launch of Pluvicto, the country’s first regulatory authority-approved Radioligand Therapy for advanced prostate cancer.
• Pluvicto has been introduced by Novartis and delivers targeted radiation directly to cancer cells while minimizing damage to healthy tissues.
• It is developed for eligible patients with Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen-positive metastatic prostate cancer, where cancer has spread beyond the prostate gland.
• The treatment combines a targeting molecule with the radioactive isotope Lutetium-177, enabling high-precision identification and destruction of cancer cells.
• Radioligand Therapy is known as a “guided missile” approach because it delivers radiation directly to tumour cells.
• India records nearly 2.5 lakh prostate cancer cases annually, with more than half diagnosed at advanced stages.
• The approval of Pluvicto provides a new treatment option for patients with advanced-stage prostate cancer and may improve treatment outcomes and quality of life.
• India has more than 250 nuclear medicine centres, supporting the wider adoption of advanced targeted cancer therapies.
• Initially, Pluvicto will be available through selected hospitals and nuclear medicine centres and will be imported from Novartis manufacturing facilities in Spain and Italy.
• Clinical Phase III studies showed that Pluvicto reduced the risk of disease progression or death and improved radiographic progression-free survival and patient-reported quality-of-life outcomes.
• Radioligand Therapy is emerging globally as an important field of precision oncology and is being explored for the treatment of several other types of cancers.

About Novartis:

• Founded: 1996
• Headquarters: Basel, Switzerland
• Chief Executive Officer: Vas Narasimhan

Integrated Aqua Park and National Fisheries Development Board Regional Centre to Boost Fisheries in Bihar

• Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Rajiv Ranjan Singh and Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar Samrat Choudhary will lay the foundation stone of the Integrated Aqua Park at Bhojpur and inaugurate the National Fisheries Development Board Regional Centre at Patna.
• The initiatives aim to strengthen inland fisheries infrastructure, promote modern aquaculture technologies and generate employment opportunities in Bihar.
• Bihar possesses rich inland fisheries resources, including 1.22 lakh hectares of ponds and tanks, 0.64 lakh hectares of reservoirs, 9.5 lakh hectares of floodplain lakes and wetlands, and over 21,000 kilometres of rivers and canals.
• Major fish species cultivated in Bihar include Rohu, Catla, Mrigal, Tilapia, Pangasius, Magur, Pabda, Scampi and ornamental fish.
• Over the last eleven years, the Government of India has approved fisheries projects worth ₹902.84 crore for Bihar, including ₹579.72 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana.
• Bihar’s fish production has more than doubled, helping the state rise from the ninth to the fourth position among India’s inland fish-producing states and export around 89,600 metric tonnes of fish annually.
• The Integrated Aqua Park will be developed at Vanasaur Fish Seed Farm, Bhojpur at a cost of ₹31.21 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana.
• The park will include facilities such as carp and catfish hatcheries, brooder incubation units, biofloc systems, Recirculatory Aquaculture System units, fish feed manufacturing units, disease diagnostic laboratories, quarantine facilities and a 50-bed training hostel.
• The National Fisheries Development Board Regional Centre, Patna will support implementation of fisheries schemes, technology adoption, capacity building, entrepreneurship development and promotion of modern aquaculture practices such as cage culture, biofloc technology and Recirculatory Aquaculture System-based farming.
• A Wetland Fisheries Cluster covering around 9.5 lakh hectares of floodplain lakes and derelict water bodies has been notified to promote community-based fisheries management, coordinated fish stocking and shared post-harvest infrastructure.

About National Fisheries Development Board:

• Established: 2006
• Headquarters: Hyderabad, Telangana
• Functions under the Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India.

About Bihar:

• Capital: Patna
• Chief Minister: Samrat Choudhary
• Governor: Lt Gen Syed Ata Hasnain (Retd.) 

RECENT NEWS

• Bihar government has shortlisted 54 colleges and institutions to be developed as Centres of Excellence under the ‘Saat Nischay-3’ programme. This prohramme is launched by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. The plan aims to improve academic standards and create subject-specific expert centres across the state.

Department of Posts Launches Drone-Based Mail Delivery Service in Himachal Pradesh

• The Department of Posts has launched a drone-based mail transmission service in Himachal Pradesh, enabling the transport of mail and parcels between Mandi Head Post Office and Rehardhar Branch Post Office.
• The initiative was announced by Union Minister for Communications and Development of North Eastern Region Jyotiraditya M. Scindia and became operational.
• The service aims to improve postal connectivity and public service delivery in remote and mountainous regions through the use of emerging technologies.
• Rehardhar Branch Post Office, located about 12 kilometres from Mandi Head Post Office, previously required more than two hours for mail transportation due to difficult terrain and road conditions.
• With drone technology, the same journey can now be completed in approximately seven minutes, significantly reducing delivery time.
• The Mandi–Rehardhar route is the first operational route under the Department of Posts' drone delivery initiative.
• The department plans to expand drone-based mail services to around 150 identified routes across Himachal Pradesh and Assam over the next two to three months.
• The initiative is expected to improve the delivery of communication, financial services, government documents and parcels, while enhancing economic opportunities and social inclusion in remote communities.

About Himachal Pradesh:

• Capitals: Shimla (Summer) and Dharamshala (Winter).
• Chief Minister: Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu.
• Governor: Kavinder Gupta.

RECENT NEWS

• The 16th edition of the India–US Joint Special Forces Exercise ‘Vajra Prahar’ is set to be conducted at the Special Forces Training School, Bakloh, in Himachal Pradesh from 24 February to 16 March 2026.

Great Indian Bustard Conservation Breeding Programme Reaches 94 Birds

• India’s conservation efforts for the Great Indian Bustard (GIB) achieved a major milestone with the addition of three new chicks to the Project Great Indian Bustard conservation breeding programme, announced by Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav.
• With the new additions, the captive population of the Great Indian Bustard has increased to 94 birds.
• The three hatchlings include one chick from a wild-collected egg and two chicks from captive-laid eggs.
• During the fourth year of the conservation breeding programme, 26 chicks have been hatched so far:
• 18 chicks through artificial insemination.
• 4 chicks through natural breeding.
• 4 chicks from wild-collected eggs.
• The programme also follows a jumpstart intervention strategy, where selected eggs are collected from the wild and replaced to improve genetic diversity and reduce the risk of predation.
• Under this initiative, three chicks have successfully hatched in the wild in Rajasthan, supporting the recovery of the species in its natural habitat.
• The Great Indian Bustard is one of the heaviest flying birds in the world and is endemic to the Indian subcontinent.
• Rajasthan holds the largest remaining population of the Great Indian Bustard, making the state central to its long-term conservation.

India Introduces First Railway Tunnel Hood Technology in Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train Project

• India’s Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train Project achieved a major engineering milestone with the deployment of the country’s first railway tunnel hood technology.
• The tunnel hoods have been installed at mountain tunnel portals along the high-speed rail corridor to reduce noise, improve passenger comfort and enhance operational safety for trains travelling at speeds above 300 kilometres per hour (kmph).
• Tunnel hoods are specially designed structures installed at the entrances and exits of railway tunnels that regulate sudden air pressure changes when high-speed trains enter tunnels.
• The technology reduces the “tunnel boom” effect by controlling air compression through pressure-relief vents and ensuring smoother airflow.
• The system helps in reducing noise pollution, improving passenger comfort and enhancing the efficiency and safety of high-speed train operations.
• The Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor includes eight mountain tunnels, with seven in Maharashtra and one in Gujarat, where tunnel hoods are being installed at both ends.
• The project is being developed using advanced Japanese Shinkansen technology and represents India’s adoption of global best practices in high-speed railway infrastructure.
• Countries such as Japan, France and China have already adopted tunnel hood technology in their high-speed rail networks.

16th BRICS Agriculture Ministers Meeting Concludes in Indore; Joint Declaration Adopted

• The 16th BRICS Agriculture Ministers Meeting was held in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, under India’s Presidency.
• The meeting concluded with the unanimous adoption of a Joint Declaration aimed at strengthening food security, sustainable agriculture, agricultural innovation and farmer welfare among BRICS member countries.
• The declaration emphasized the importance of:
• Strengthening food security.
• Promoting sustainable and climate-resilient agriculture.
• Supporting smallholder farmers.
• Encouraging agricultural innovation and cooperation.
• The meeting approved the establishment of the BRICS Network of Centres of Excellence on Agroecology and Regenerative Agriculture.
• It will initially be coordinated by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research – Indian Institute of Farming System Research (ICAR-IIFSR), Modipuram, which will serve as India’s Centre of Excellence on Natural Farming.
• The network will promote sustainable farming practices, regenerative agriculture, collaborative research and knowledge sharing.
• The member countries also approved the BRICS Network on Digital Agriculture, which will initially be coordinated by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Delhi.
• It will focus on Artificial Intelligence, geospatial technologies, Digital Public Infrastructure and data-driven farming solutions.
• The meeting launched the Global Forum on Farmers Rights in Seed Systems, initially coordinated by the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers Rights Authority (PPV&FRA), New Delhi.
• It aims to protect farmers’ rights, preserve traditional knowledge and promote seed heritage conservation.
• The ministers approved the BRICS AGRIN (Agro-Inputs, Genetic Resources and Information Network) Framework to promote cooperation in agricultural inputs, genetic resources, technical collaboration, information sharing and capacity building.
• The BRICS Agricultural Research Platform (BARP) will be transformed into a “Knowledge-to-Action Hub” to convert scientific research and innovation into practical solutions for farmers.
• A special Ministerial Dialogue on “Small Farmers, Women and Youth: Shaping the Future of Food Security” emphasized improving access to markets, finance, modern technologies, training and agricultural services.
• BRICS countries reaffirmed their commitment to South-South Cooperation through technical exchanges, capacity-building programmes and agricultural knowledge sharing.
• Delegates also participated in a tree plantation initiative named “BRICS Vatika”, symbolising commitment towards environmental sustainability, climate resilience and green development.

RECENT NEWS

• Indore set to host the five-day BRICS agriculture meeting under the India’s presidency. This event will brings together the representatives and agriculture ministers from major emerging economies to discuss the rising challenges and opportunities in the agriculture sector.

India and France Launch India-France Atal Tinkering Lab Bridge to Promote Young Innovators

• India and France launched the India-France Atal Tinkering Lab (ATL) Bridge under the India-France Year of Innovation 2026 to strengthen cooperation in innovation, education and entrepreneurship.
• The initiative aims to connect young innovators from both countries through school-level innovation ecosystems inspired by India’s Atal Tinkering Lab (ATL) model.
• The initiative was formalised through a Letter of Intent (LoI) exchanged between the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) and La Fondation Dassault Systèmes on the sidelines of Bharat Innovates 2026 in Nice, France.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron inaugurated Bharat Innovates 2026, highlighting the growing strategic partnership between India and France.
• As part of the initiative, France will establish its first School Innovation Lab based on India’s Atal Tinkering Lab framework.
• The India-France ATL Bridge will facilitate student exchanges, joint innovation projects, entrepreneurship programmes and capacity-building initiatives between the two nations.
• The initiative aims to provide students with exposure to international collaboration and encourage them to solve real-world challenges using technology, creativity and innovation.
• Atal Innovation Mission Director Deepak Bagla stated that the initiative reflects global recognition of India’s innovation ecosystem and the success of the Atal Tinkering Lab model.

About France

• Capital: Paris
• President: Emmanuel Macron
• Prime Minister: Sébastien Lecornu
• Currency: Euro

CURRENT AFFAIRS : ACQUISITIONS & MERGERS

Abu Dhabi Investment Authority-Backed Platinum Jasmine A 2018 Trust to Sell 2.3% Stake in Lenskart Through ₹1,944 Crore Block Deal

• Platinum Jasmine A 2018 Trust, an investment vehicle backed by the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA), announced plans to sell a 2.3% Stake in Lenskart Solutions Limited through a Block Deal.
• The proposed stake sale is valued at approximately ₹1,944 Crore ($204 Million USD).
• The transaction aims to reduce the holding of Platinum Jasmine A 2018 Trust in Lenskart Solutions Limited.
• IIFL Capital Services Limited has been appointed as the Sole Placement Agent for the transaction and will oversee the execution of the stake sale.
• The Floor Price for the block deal has been fixed at ₹486 per Share.
• The floor price of ₹486 per share is approximately 2.8% Lower than Lenskart’s Closing Share Price of ₹500.15 per Share.

About ADIA :

• Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) is the Sovereign Wealth Fund of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE).
• ADIA was established in 1976 to invest and manage Abu Dhabi’s surplus financial resources.
• It is recognized as one of the World’s Largest Institutional Investors and manages a diversified global investment portfolio.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research Organises Three-Day Training Programme on Basics of Koha Software in New Delhi

• CSIR–National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (CSIR-NIScPR) successfully conducted a three-day offline Skill Training Programme on “Basics of Koha Software” from 10–12 June 2026 at Satsang Vihar, New Delhi.
• The programme was organized by the Training Division of CSIR-NIScPR to strengthen professional competencies in Open-Source Library Automation and Integrated Library Management Systems (ILMS).
• The training focused on Koha Software, a globally recognized Open-Source Integrated Library Management System (ILMS) widely used for library automation.
• A total of 33 participants from academic, research, and library institutions across India participated in the programme.
• The programme was coordinated by Ms. Meetali Bharti (Nodal PI), Mr. Salim Ansari (Co-PI), and Mr. Mukesh A. Pund, Chief Scientist & Head, Training Division, CSIR-NIScPR.
• During the inaugural session, Meetali Bharti highlighted the importance of skill development in digital library technologies and provided an overview of the programme.
• Participants received intensive theoretical and hands-on training on Open-Source Software Fundamentals, Koha Architecture & Features, Linux Installation, Koha Deployment, Administration, Catalogue Management, Patron Management, Circulation Management, and Report Generation.
• Through practical exercises and interactive sessions, participants learned to configure Koha, manage bibliographic records, handle circulation workflows, and generate customized reports.
• The technical sessions were conducted by Mukesh A. Pund and Mr. Salim Ansari, focusing on the deployment and effective utilization of Koha in academic and research libraries.
• The programme concluded on 12 June 2026 with a valedictory session addressed by Dr. Naresh Kumar, Chief Scientist, CSIR-NIScPR.

Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre Selects Three Space Startups for Support Under Technology Adoption Fund Scheme

• The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe), the commercial arm of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), selected the first three Indian Non-Governmental Entities (NGEs) for funding under its Technology Adoption Fund (TAF) Scheme.
• The selected startups are Astrobase Space Technologies Pvt. Ltd. (Bengaluru, Karnataka), SataSure Analytics India Pvt. Ltd. (Bengaluru, Karnataka), and TM2SPACE Technologies Pvt. Ltd. (Hyderabad, Telangana).
• These startups were chosen through a rigorous multi-stage evaluation process conducted by an expert committee comprising representatives from ISRO, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), the Department of Science and Technology (DST), and other stakeholders.
• Astrobase Space Technologies Pvt. Ltd. has been tasked with developing a high-thrust reusable closed-cycle liquid rocket engine of 800 kN capacity for medium- and heavy-lift space launch vehicles.
• SataSure Analytics India Pvt. Ltd. will develop “Dhaarini”, a Large Earth Observation Model (LOM) that will serve as India’s foundational Artificial Intelligence (AI) platform for remote-sensing applications.
• The Dhaarini platform will generate actionable insights for sectors such as agriculture, infrastructure, and disaster management using satellite and aerial datasets.
• TM2SPACE Technologies Pvt. Ltd. will develop an indigenous AI-supported star tracker system to provide high pointing accuracy for high-resolution imaging and communication missions.
• IN-SPACe also signed an agreement with the Government of Gujarat to establish a Common Technical Facility (CTF) for the space-tech sector at Gujarat Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC), Khoraj, Gujarat.
• Under the agreement, IN-SPACe will provide technical support and financial assistance of up to ₹100 crore for procuring equipment required for the development of the Common Technical Facility (CTF).
• The Government of Gujarat will bear the additional expenses related to the construction, operation, and maintenance of the facilities and the proposed Space Manufacturing Park.

India’s Startup Ecosystem Creates Nearly 25 Lakh Jobs as Startup Count Rises from 350 to 2.3 Lakh: Dr. Jitendra Singh

• Addressing the RISE Conclave 2026 in Bengaluru,  Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted the theme “Innovation & Entrepreneurship Driven Growth for Viksit Bharat 2047” and emphasized the role of innovation in nation-building.
• India’s Startup Ecosystem has generated nearly 24–25 Lakh Jobs over the last decade, making it a major driver of employment and economic growth.
• The number of startups in India has increased from around 350–400 Startups a decade ago to nearly 2.3 Lakh Ventures, making India the World’s Third-Largest Startup Ecosystem.
• Narendra Modi’s Startup India Initiative, launched in 2015, laid the foundation for a vibrant entrepreneurial culture and innovation-led development.
• The RISE Conclave was conceived to bring together the four pillars of Research, Industry, Startups, and Entrepreneurship on a single platform.
• The conclave promotes collaboration among Scientists, Industry Leaders, Investors, Academia, Policymakers, MSMEs, and Startups to build a Self-Reliant and Innovation-Driven India.
• India’s first Public-Private Aerospace Incubation Centre, CSIR-NAL’s aero, has completed Five Years of Operations and successfully incubated 34 Startups.
• More than 125 Startups participated in RISE Conclave 2026, with a significant presence from the Aerospace Sector.
• Over 50% of India’s Startups are now emerging from Tier-2 and Tier-3 Cities, reflecting the growing spread of entrepreneurship beyond metropolitan regions.
• The Minister noted that innovation and entrepreneurship are now accessible to individuals with Passion, Commitment, and Technological Skills, irrespective of location or formal educational background.
• India has opened several strategic sectors, including Space, Biotechnology, Deep Ocean Exploration, and Nuclear Energy, to greater Private Sector Participation.
• The opening of the Space Sector has led to rapid progress through policy reforms and increased industry involvement.
• India’s ranking in the Global Innovation Index (GII) has improved significantly over the last decade, indicating stronger innovation capabilities.
• Patent Filings by Indian Residents have increased steadily, reflecting the country's growing research and innovation ecosystem.
• The quality of Indian scientific research has improved, with a rising number of Globally Cited Research Publications.
• The National Quantum Mission, launched with an Eight-Year Roadmap, has already achieved several milestones ahead of schedule.
• The IndiaAI Mission is creating opportunities in Computing Infrastructure, Data Ecosystems, Innovation, and Future Skills Development.
• RISE Conclave 2026 featured discussions on Aerospace Technologies, Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Societal Transformation, and Agri-Food Innovation, along with exhibitions and industry interactions.

IndiaAI Mission Unveils ‘Varya’, India’s First Indigenous AI Video Story Generation Model

• ai, an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-native transformation company, launched ‘Varya’, India’s first indigenous distilled video story-generating AI model, with support from the IndiaAI Mission.
• The AI model was unveiled on 12 June 2026 at an event in New Delhi in the presence of Krishnan, Secretary, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).

What is Distilled Video Generation?

• Distilled Video Generation is a machine learning model compression technique in which a compact “student” model learns to replicate the outputs of a larger and more complex “teacher” model.
• The process transfers the capabilities of the larger model to the smaller model while removing redundant computations, resulting in faster and more efficient performance.
• Conventional video-generation models typically require more than 50 iterative noisy steps to produce a clean video output, making the process computationally intensive.
• Through distillation, the student model learns to skip most of these intermediate steps and generate videos of similar quality in only a few iterations.
• Varya applies this distilled video generation technology, making it the first such video-generation implementation in India.
• The technology enables frontier-quality AI video generation that is faster, more affordable, and accessible at population scale.

Key Highlights :

• Varya was developed by ai, which was selected under the IndiaAI Mission, and built using national AI compute infrastructure, strengthening India’s indigenous AI and deep-tech ecosystem.
• The model enables AI-powered video creation across sectors such as education, e-commerce, and digital content creation through simple prompt-based story generation.
• Varya uses distilled video generation technology, reducing the video creation process from 50 steps to just 4 steps, significantly improving efficiency.
• The platform can generate videos at an estimated cost of around ₹0.48 per second and offers up to 10 times greater efficiency compared to conventional video-generation methods.
• It features an “Idea → Video → Story” workflow, allowing users to create and extend videos using text prompts or images.
• A key feature of Varya is its training on Indian cultural contexts, enabling the generation of region-specific visuals reflecting festivals, traditions, customs, and everyday Indian life.
• The launch marks an important step in promoting self-reliant AI innovation, digital content creation, and India’s indigenous generative AI capabilities.

About Avataar :

• Avataar is an AI-native transformation company that develops domain-specialized Artificial Intelligence (AI) products to help enterprises improve efficiency, create new operating models, and build IP-led (Intellectual Property-led) capabilities.
• The company focuses on applying AI solutions to real-world business and consumer use cases across high-growth markets, supporting digital transformation and innovation.

About Ministry of Electronics & IT :

• Cabinet Minister : Ashwini Vaishnaw
• Minister of State : Jitin Prasada

 CURRENT AFFAIRS : DEFENCE NEWS

Defence Research and Development Organisation Successfully Carries Out Three Consecutive Tests of Multi-Layered Ballistic Missile Defence System

• Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) under the Ministry of Defence (MoD) successfully conducted three consecutive flight-tests of India’s Integrated Multi-Layered Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) System on 10–11 June 2026.
• The trials demonstrated India’s capability to detect, track, intercept, and neutralise ballistic missile threats, including Long-Range Missiles (5,000 km range) and Medium-Range Missiles (2,000 km range).
• The flight-tests of two advanced interceptor missiles were conducted from the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, Odisha.
• DRDO also successfully carried out the maiden flight-test of the indigenous Naval Anti-Ship Missile–Medium Range (NASM-MR), strengthening India's anti-ship warfare capabilities.
• The tests formed part of Phase-II of India's Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) Programme, aimed at enhancing protection against advanced missile threats.
• During the trial, a target missile simulating an adversary ballistic missile was launched from Launch Complex-IV (LC-IV), Dhamra, Odisha.
• The target missile was successfully detected by land-based and sea-based radar systems, and subsequently intercepted by the air defence interceptor system.
• The successful interception validated the effectiveness of India's multi-layered air and missile defence architecture developed with advanced indigenous technologies.
• The achievement places India among an elite group of nations possessing operational Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) capability capable of engaging threats up to the Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) class.
• The Naval Anti-Ship Missile–Medium Range (NASM-MR) maiden test further demonstrated India's growing strength in indigenous missile and naval warfare technologies.

About DRDO :

• Formed : 1 January 1958
• Headquarters : New Delhi, Delhi, India
• Chairman : Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh
• Motto : Strength's Origin is in Science

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Says India is Building a Multi-Tier Missile Defence Shield Under Mission Sudarshan Chakra

• Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stated that Mission Sudarshan Chakra, announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the Independence Day Address on 15 August 2025, will become a multi-level missile defence system of modern India.

Key Highlights :

• Mission Sudarshan Chakra aims to provide a three-layered protective shield for military installations, critical infrastructure, civil infrastructure, and key establishments across the country.
• The system is being developed to provide robust protection, ensure citizen safety, and possess the capability to deliver a decisive retaliatory punch whenever required.
• The mission is targeted for full integration by 2035 through collaboration among the military, research institutions, and private sector.
• Rajnath Singh inaugurated the Advanced Weapon System Complex at the Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Missile Complex on 12 June 2026, strengthening India's indigenous missile development ecosystem.
• The complex is part of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) infrastructure supporting advanced missile and air-defence technologies.
• The Defence Minister praised DRDO’s Missile Systems and Strategic Systems Cluster for enhancing India's technological excellence, strategic autonomy, and national security.
• The successful performance of indigenous systems such as Akash Missile System and BrahMos during Operation Sindoor demonstrated the strength of India's defence research and development ecosystem.
• Modern warfare is increasingly shaped by precision-strike capabilities, integrated air defence systems, hypersonic weapons, autonomous platforms, artificial intelligence (AI), electronic warfare, and advanced sensor technologies.
• DRDO successfully conducted three consecutive missile flight tests on 10–11 June 2026, validating critical technologies related to multi-layered ballistic missile defence and anti-ship warfare systems.
• Two advanced interceptor missiles were successfully tested from the Integrated Test Range, strengthening India's ballistic missile defence architecture.
• Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) is a system designed to detect, track, intercept, and destroy incoming ballistic missiles before they reach their targets.
• India's evolving missile shield includes interceptor systems capable of countering Intermediate-Range Ballistic Missiles (IRBMs), which have ranges between 2,000 km and 5,000 km.
• The Naval Anti-Ship Missile–Medium Range (NASM-MR) successfully completed its maiden flight trial from a naval platform on 10–11 June 2026.
• NASM-MR is an indigenous medium-range anti-ship missile developed for naval operations and underwent successful navigation and terminal accuracy validation during the trial.
• Project Kusha is an indigenous long-range surface-to-air missile (LR-SAM) system and a major component of Mission Sudarshan Chakra.
• Project Kusha consists of three interceptor variants with engagement ranges of approximately 150 km, 250 km, and 350–400 km.
• The system is often compared with Russia’s S-400 Triumf due to its long-range air defence capabilities.
• The mission reflects the Government of India's commitment to Aatmanirbhar Bharat, indigenous defence production, and the development of a comprehensive national missile defence architecture.

Ministry of Defence Increases National Cadet Corps State Directorates to 19 with Andhra Pradesh and Jharkhand Units

• The Ministry of Defence (MoD) approved the creation of two new independent National Cadet Corps (NCC) State Directorates in Andhra Pradesh and Jharkhand, increasing the total number of NCC State Directorates from 17 to 19.
• The establishment of independent directorates in Andhra Pradesh and Jharkhand will bring the NCC closer to cadets and educational institutions, ensuring better administration, coordination, supervision, and support for training activities.
• The new administrative structure will facilitate more focused coordination, improved supervision, and enhanced support for training and developmental programmes.
• The decision will provide greater opportunities for youth through improved training infrastructure, support systems, and expanded participation in NCC activities.
• Cadets from these states will gain increased access to prestigious centrally organised NCC camps such as the Republic Day Parade Camp and the All India Thal Sainik Camp.
• The new directorates will also enable cadets to receive greater exposure to military training, leadership development, and adventure activities such as mountaineering, trekking, and parasailing.
• The initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of youth empowerment and aims to develop confident, capable, disciplined, and socially responsible citizens.
• Established in 1948 with an initial strength of 20,000 cadets, the NCC has grown into the world’s largest uniformed youth organisation with a strength of over 20 lakh cadets.
• The organisation recorded an increase of 6 lakh cadets between 2014 and 2025, reflecting its expanding reach and popularity among Indian youth.
• At present, the NCC has a presence in more than 750 districts across India and continues to play a vital role in nation-building and youth development.
• The creation of the new State Directorates is expected to strengthen the NCC’s mission of producing responsible citizens and contributing towards the vision of Viksit Bharat.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: IMPORTANT DAYS

World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought 2026

• World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought are observed globally on 17 June every year to raise awareness about the need to prevent desertification, land degradation and drought.
• The day promotes sustainable land management, community participation and collective action to achieve Land Degradation Neutrality.
• The United Nations General Assembly declared 17 June as the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought on 30 January 1995.
• The observance aims to strengthen the implementation of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification in countries affected by severe drought, land degradation and desertification.
• It highlights the importance of protecting ecosystems, restoring degraded land and ensuring sustainable use of natural resources.
• Desertification and drought can be addressed through effective policies, sustainable agricultural practices, conservation efforts and active participation of local communities.

About United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification:

• Adopted: 17 June 1994
• Entered into force: 26 December 1996
• Headquarters: Bonn, Germany

CURRENT AFFAIRS : OBITUARIES

Folk Music Icon Gavri Devi, Known for Mand Singing, Passed away at 98

• Renowned Mand folk singer Gavri Devi passed away at the age of 98 in Gavri Nagar, Desuri, Pali district, Rajasthan.
• Gavri Devi was born on 14 April 1928 in Koran village, Barmer district, Rajasthan.
• She became widely known for her iconic rendition of the folk song "Kesariya Balam", which emerged as a symbol of Rajasthan’s cultural identity and hospitality.
• Born into a family of folk artists, she dedicated her life to preserving and promoting Mand music, an important part of Western Rajasthan’s cultural heritage.
• Her musical career spanned nearly eight decades, during which she performed across India and abroad, earning recognition as one of the foremost exponents of Mand singing.
• She gained national popularity through performances broadcast on All India Radio (AIR) and Doordarshan.
• In 1986, she was honoured with the prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for her contribution to Indian folk music.
• She received the Rajasthan Ratna Award in 2013 for her outstanding contribution to the state's cultural heritage.
• Gavri Devi was also honoured with the Veer Durgadas Rathore Lifetime Achievement Award for preserving and promoting Rajasthan’s rich folk traditions.
• Mand is a traditional folk music genre of Rajasthan, particularly associated with the Marwar region, and is considered one of the most distinctive musical forms of the state.

Daily CA One- Liner: June 17

• Four traditional products of Jharkhand — Bhagaiya Silk, Kuchai Silk, Munda Jewellery and Jharkhand Bamboo Craft — have received the prestigious Geographical Indication (GI) Tag
• India has entered a new phase of precision cancer treatment with the launch of Pluvicto, the country’s first regulatory authority-approved Radioligand Therapy for advanced prostate cancer
• Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Rajiv Ranjan Singh and Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar Samrat Choudhary will lay the foundation stone of the Integrated Aqua Park at Bhojpur and inaugurate the National Fisheries Development Board Regional Centre at Patna
• The Department of Posts has launched a drone-based mail transmission service in Himachal Pradesh, enabling the transport of mail and parcels between Mandi Head Post Office and Rehardhar Branch Post Office
• India’s conservation efforts for the Great Indian Bustard (GIB) achieved a major milestone with the addition of three new chicks to the Project Great Indian Bustard conservation breeding programme, announced by Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav.
• India’s Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train Project achieved a major engineering milestone with the deployment of the country’s first railway tunnel hood technology
• The 16th BRICS Agriculture Ministers Meeting was held in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, under India’s Presidency.
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) imposed several restrictions on Mogaveera Co-operative Bank Limited, based in Mumbai, for a period of 6 months.
• Indian workers abroad sent home a record USD 110.47 billion in remittances during FY26 (2025–26), making India the first country to receive more than USD 100 billion in workers’ remittances in a single year.
• Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) under the Ministry of Defence (MoD) successfully conducted three consecutive flight-tests of India’s Integrated Multi-Layered Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) System on 10–11 June 2026.
• Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stated that Mission Sudarshan Chakra, announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the Independence Day Address on 15 August 2025, will become a multi-level missile defence system of modern India.
• The Ministry of Defence (MoD) approved the creation of two new independent National Cadet Corps (NCC) State Directorates in Andhra Pradesh and Jharkhand, increasing the total number of NCC State Directorates from 17 to 19.
• Platinum Jasmine A 2018 Trust, an investment vehicle backed by the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA), announced plans to sell a 2.3% Stake in Lenskart Solutions Limited through a Block Deal.
• CSIR–National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (CSIR-NIScPR) successfully conducted a three-day offline Skill Training Programme on “Basics of Koha Software” from 10–12 June 2026 at Satsang Vihar, New Delhi.
• The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe), the commercial arm of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), selected the first three Indian Non-Governmental Entities (NGEs) for funding under its Technology Adoption Fund (TAF) Scheme.
• Addressing the RISE Conclave 2026 in Bengaluru, Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted the theme “Innovation & Entrepreneurship Driven Growth for Viksit Bharat 2047” and emphasized the role of innovation in nation-building.
• ai, an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-native transformation company, launched ‘Varya’, India’s first indigenous distilled video story-generating AI model, with support from the IndiaAI Mission.
• Renowned Mand folk singer Gavri Devi passed away at the age of 98 in Gavri Nagar, Desuri, Pali district, Rajasthan.
• India and France launched the India-France Atal Tinkering Lab (ATL) Bridge under the India-France Year of Innovation 2026 to strengthen cooperation in innovation, education and entrepreneurship
• World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought are observed globally on 17 June every year to raise awareness about the need to prevent desertification, land degradation and drought