Current Affairs for Competitive Exams: 23 June 2026, Daily Roundup

Current Affairs for Competitive Exams: 23 June 2026, Daily Roundup

Current Affairs – 23 June 2026

National Affairs

1. Health Ministry Bans 16 Fixed-Dose Combination (FDC) Drugs: The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare banned the manufacture, sale and distribution of 16 Fixed-Dose Combination (FDC) medicines with immediate effect under Section 26A of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.

An expert committee found that these combinations had no therapeutic justification and could pose health risks. The move aims to improve patient safety and promote rational use of medicines.

Exam Facts

• Section 26A – Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940
• FDC = Combination of two or more active pharmaceutical ingredients in a fixed ratio.

2. NIXI Launches Four New Digital Platforms: The National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI) celebrated its 23rd Foundation Day by launching four new digital platforms to strengthen India’s digital infrastructure. The new platforms are:

• Internet Exchange (IX) Portal
• myIRINN Portal
• .IN Auction Portal
• AI-enabled WHOIS Screening Platform

These initiatives will improve internet governance, domain security and digital services in India.

3. NAFED Auction Portal Launched: Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched the NAFED Auction Portal in New Delhi.The portal aims to bring greater transparency, efficiency and ease of operation in agricultural commodity auctions and strengthen cooperative marketing.

4. IAS e-Civil List 2026 Released: Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh launched the IAS e-Civil List 2026. The digital platform provides updated information on IAS officers and supports data-driven cadre management and administrative planning.

5. Haj Policy 2027 Announced: The Ministry of Minority Affairs announced the Haj Policy 2027. Applications for Haj 2027 have opened through:

• Haj Committee of India Portal
• Haj Suvidha App

The policy aims to make the Haj process more transparent and technology-driven.

6. Aadhaar App Crosses 31 Million Downloads: The Aadhaar App, launched in January 2026, has crossed 31 million downloads.

Key features include:

• Face authentication
• One-click Aadhaar lock/unlock
• Authentication history
• QR-based digital contact card

7. Indian Railways Expands Kavach System: Indian Railways approved the installation of the Kavach Automatic Train Protection System on 631 route kilometres of the East Coast Railway.

International Current Affairs

1. India Becomes World’s Largest Ship Recycling Nation: According to UNCTAD, India became the world’s largest ship recycling nation in 2025.

India’s share in global ship recycling increased from 30.1% (2024) to 35.4% (2025), reflecting the growth of its maritime recycling industry.

2. BRICS NSA Meeting: On the sidelines of the 16th BRICS National Security Advisers’ Meeting, NSA Ajit Doval held bilateral meetings with senior officials from:

• Iran
• China
• Brazil
• Ethiopia

The discussions focused on regional security and strategic cooperation.

3. India–UAE Defence Cooperation: India and the United Arab Emirates are holding discussions on the possible export of:

• BrahMos Supersonic Cruise Missile
• Akashteer Air Defence Control System

This reflects growing defence cooperation between the two countries.

4. Maharshi Sushruta Statue Unveiled in Scotland: A 90-kg bronze statue of Maharshi Sushruta, regarded as the Father of Surgery, was unveiled at the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, Scotland.

Global Geopolitical Crisis

1. Strait of Hormuz Remains in Focus: The Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers confirmed that four Indian cargo ships carrying urea, DAP and sulphur safely crossed the Strait of Hormuz, ensuring uninterrupted fertiliser supplies despite regional tensions.

2. US–Iran Peace Talks Continue: US Vice President JD Vance stated that the peace talks with Iran in Switzerland have created a positive foundation for a final agreement to end the ongoing conflict.

3. Political Developments: Bangladesh deployed the Army in Dhaka and other areas until 30 June due to security concerns.

• In the UK, Andy Burnham assumed office as MP for Makerfield following the resignation of Keir Starmer.

Defence & Science & Technology

1. Exercise KHAAN QUEST 2026: A 40-member Indian Army contingent, mainly from the JAT Regiment, reached Mongolia to participate in Exercise KHAAN QUEST 2026.

The multinational exercise focuses on:

• UN Peacekeeping Operations
• Counter-IED operations
• Civilian evacuation
• Tactical military coordination

2. Prof. Jainendra K. Jain Wins Wolf Prize in Physics: Indian-origin physicist Prof. Jainendra K. Jain received the prestigious Wolf Prize in Physics 2026.

He was honoured for developing the Composite Fermion Theory, which explains the Fractional Quantum Hall Effect.

3. New Wild Brinjal Species Discovered: Scientists of the Botanical Survey of India (BSI) discovered a new wild brinjal species named Solanum pandeyi in the Middle Andaman Islands.

The discovery highlights the rich biodiversity and endemism of the Andaman Islands.

4. Defence Updates: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met Israeli Defence Ministry Director General Amir Baram in New Delhi.

• Subedar Dhiraj Bommadevara won Gold in the individual event and Bronze in the team event at the 5th CISM World Military Archery Championship 2026 held in Germany.
• Gujarat announced 20% reservation for former Agniveers in direct recruitment to Class III government posts.
• Foundation stone of the new CISF Headquarters was laid in New Delhi.

Legal & Governance

• CBI conducted searches in connection with a ₹62.42 crore bank fraud case.
• National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) took suo motu cognizance of the Tiruvallur ammonia gas leak incident.
• Goa Police arrested a wanted member of the banned People’s Liberation Army (PLA) militant organisation.
• Odisha Assembly Speaker dismissed disqualification petitions related to Rajya Sabha cross-voting.

Sports Review

Badminton: India’s challenge at the US Open Super 300 tournament will be led by:

• Lakshya Sen
• Tanvi Sharma

Military Archery: Subedar Dhiraj Bommadevara won:

• 🥇 Gold (Individual)
• 🥉 Bronze (Team)

at the 5th CISM World Military Archery Championship.

ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026: Scheduled matches:

• New Zealand vs Scotland
• Sri Lanka vs Ireland
• Australia vs Pakistan

Global Observance Day

1. United Nations Public Service Day – 23 June: Observed annually to recognize the contribution of public servants in promoting sustainable development and effective governance.

2. International Olympic Day – 23 June: Observed to commemorate the establishment of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on 23 June 1894 and promote sports, fitness and Olympic values.

Miscellaneous Current Affairs

• Maharashtra: Monsoon Session of the Assembly began; supplementary demands worth ₹97,706 crore presented.
• Jammu & Kashmir: Poonch district received the SKOCH Award for effective implementation of AB PM-JAY SEHAT Scheme.
• West Bengal: Government announced 20% DA hike for employees and pensioners; announced Nari Sahayata Desks and Durga Suraksha Squads.
• Tamil Nadu: Assembly discussed the proposed Mekedatu Dam Project and its impact on Cauvery water sharing.
• Madhya Pradesh: President Droupadi Murmu interacted with Cheetah Mitras and members of the Sahariya tribe at Kuno National Park.
• Andhra Pradesh: Yogandhra 2026 entered the World Book of Records with participation of over 1.07 crore people.
• Kashmir: Annual Kheer Bhawani Mela celebrated with religious fervour.
• Lucknow: A tragic fire in a commercial building killed 15 people; Prime Minister announced ₹2 lakh ex-gratia for the families of the deceased.