Current Affairs Hub

SIPRI Yearbook 2026 shows global military spending hitting a record $2.9 trillion in 2025, with India rising to the fifth‑largest spender at $92.1 billion. The report also highlights India’s growing arms imports, a modest increase in its nuclear warhead stockpile, and emerging risks such as MIRV‑enabled missiles and the first open cyber‑attack between India and Pakistan.

The United States and Iran agreed on a cease‑fire that opened the <span class="key-term" data-definition="Strait of Hormuz — a narrow maritime chokepoint between Iran and Oman through which about 20% of world oil passes; its security is vital for global energy markets (GS3: Economy)">Strait of Hormuz</span> for toll‑free shipping, prompting a drop in oil prices. For India, the move eases the import bill, curbs inflation and offers relief to fuel‑retailers, highlighting the strategic importance of energy security for macro‑economic stability.

On 15 June 2026, the Supreme Court issued notice on petitions seeking transfer or consolidation of High Court cases that challenge the Transgender Persons Protection of Rights (Amendment) Act, 2026. The bench stayed all High Court proceedings and may refer the matters to a three‑judge Supreme Court bench, highlighting the ongoing legal debate over self‑identification of gender as a fundamental right.

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry will phase out the Wholesale Price Index over five years, replacing it with a detailed Producer Price Index that covers output, input and services prices. The new WPI series (base 2022‑23) and the three‑component PPI will be released on 15 June 2026, aligning India’s inflation measurement with global best practices and IMF recommendations.

The Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation’s PLFS (15 June 2026) shows India’s overall unemployment rate rose to 5.5 % in May 2026, driven by a rural increase to 5.1 % while urban unemployment fell to 6.4 %. Labour‑force participation and worker‑population ratios also slipped, highlighting gender and regional disparities that are crucial for GS‑3 exam preparation.

A Karnataka delegation led by IIIT Dharwad visited Rajasthan from June 9‑12, 2026 under Yuva Sangam Phase VI, a youth‑exchange programme of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat. The trip featured interaction with Governor Haribhau Kisanrao Bagde, tours of MNIT Jaipur and heritage sites, underscoring the government’s effort to promote national integration, cultural understanding and collaborative innovation—key themes for UPSC aspirants.

India's May retail inflation rose to 3.93%, driven by higher food, transport and LPG prices, while core inflation stayed around 3.8‑3.9%. The RBI kept its policy stance neutral and intervened in the forex market to stabilise the rupee, but upcoming WPI and PPI data will reveal how much price pressure remains with producers.

On 15 June 2026, DRDO successfully flight‑tested the indigenous Long Range Land Attack Cruise Missile (LRLACM) from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island. The test, witnessed by the Defence Minister and senior officials, confirms India’s capability to develop long‑range cruise missiles indigenously, reinforcing strategic autonomy and supporting UPSC topics on defence technology and policy.

On 14 June 2026, PM Narendra Modi and President Emmanuel Macron inaugurated Bharat Innovates 2026 in Nice, showcasing India’s deep‑tech ecosystem and signing over 30 India‑Europe MoUs. The event highlights the Ministry of Education’s push for higher‑education‑driven innovation, AI collaboration, and the expansion of the Atal Innovation Mission’s labs abroad, signalling stronger strategic ties in high‑technology sectors.

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) on Monday (June 15, 2026) successfully conducted the flight-test of the Long Range Land Attack Cruise Missile (LRLACM) from Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha, marking a significant milestone in India’s indigenous missile development programme. The LRLACM is a fully indigenous missile system, with its critical subsystems developed by multiple DRDO laboratories in collaboration with Indian industry partners. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated the DRDO team and industry partners on the successful flight-test, describing it as a major achievement for India’s defence research ecosystem. The successful test of the Long Range Land Attack Cruise Missile is expected to further strengthen India’s indigenous defence capabilities and enhance the armed forces’ operational readiness.

On June 15, 2026 Brent crude fell to a three‑month low as a US‑Iran peace deal loomed, while Indian fuel under‑recovery improved modestly. Analysts warn that oil price normalisation may take 6‑12 months due to ongoing production cuts in West Asia, making the development crucial for UPSC topics on energy security and fiscal policy.

The United States and Iran have agreed to a permanent peace deal to be signed on 19 June 2026 in Switzerland, ending a 100‑day conflict and pledging to keep the Strait of Hormuz open to all shipping. The accord, mediated by Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, includes nuclear non‑proliferation commitments, a suspension of hostilities in Lebanon, and has significant implications for regional security and global energy markets, making it a key topic for UPSC preparation.

On 15 June 2026, the Supreme Court directed the petitioner to conduct a district‑level survey to assess compliance with the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act’s 25 % reservation in Punjab’s private unaided schools. The move underscores judicial scrutiny of education policy implementation and calls for a transparent monitoring mechanism.

In May 2026, India's merchandise exports hit a record $45.2 billion, up 18% YoY, driven by strong shipments to multiple destinations and growth in sectors like engineering and electronics. However, imports rose faster, widening the trade deficit to $10.5 billion, underscoring the need for policies that boost export competitiveness and manage import dependence.

On 1 June 2026, the Supreme Court denied anticipatory bail to RTI activist Rakesh Kumar Behl and his aide, calling RTI activism a “new business”. The decision, following a Punjab and Haryana High Court order, underscores the legal limits on activist interference in government projects and highlights the use of anticipatory bail and FIR provisions.

The Supreme Court has issued notice on a petition challenging the re‑appointment of Bihar’s Panchayati Raj Minister Deepak Prakash, arguing that his continued tenure violates Article 164(4)’s six‑month limit for non‑legislators. The case highlights constitutional limits on ministerial appointments and the role of writs like quo warranto in upholding parliamentary accountability.

On 17 February 2026, India and France upgraded their ties to a Special Global Strategic Partnership and launched the India‑France Innovation Roadmap 2030. The roadmap focuses on Trusted AI, academic mobility, data sovereignty and joint industry‑academia initiatives to boost strategic autonomy and sustainable growth, a key development for UPSC aspirants studying India’s international technology collaborations.