Current Affairs 25 June 2026

Andhra Pradesh Signs MoU with IFMR to Support Swarna Andhra 2047 Vision

The Government of Andhra Pradesh signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Institute for Financial Management and Research (IFMR), a constituent institution of Krea University, to provide policy and research support for the implementation of the Swarna Andhra 2047 Vision.

Highlights

• Andhra Pradesh signed an MoU with IFMR to support the Swarna Andhra 2047 Vision.
• IFMR will provide policy support, research inputs, and institutional expertise.
• The State aims to achieve an annual economic growth rate of 15%.
• The partnership will focus on the establishment of Mission Cells, Accelerating GSDP growth, Zero Poverty Mission, and Deep Tech Mission.

Vijayanagara-Era Inscriptions Discovered in Seshachalam Forest

An expert team from the Archaeological Survey of India discovered three rare 16th-century inscriptions at Sadasivakona in Tirupati district, Andhra Pradesh. The inscriptions were found during an epigraphical survey conducted in the Seshachalam-Nallamala forest region by a team led by K. Muniratnam Reddy, Director (Epigraphy), ASI Mysuru.

Highlights

• Three inscriptions dating to 1554 CE were discovered.
• The inscriptions belong to the reign of Sadasiva Deva Raya of the Vijayanagara Empire.
• The inscriptions contain text in Telugu, Tamil, and Kannada.
• They record the construction of a Shiva temple and a Mutt (Monastery) at Papavinasa in Sadasivakona.
• The inscription states that King Sadasiva Raya personally visited the sacred site, took a holy bath, and made donations.

Union amended the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA), 2010

The Central Government amended the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA), 2010 Rules to strengthen oversight of foreign-funded Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs). Under the new rules, NGOs receiving foreign contributions must restrict their activities to the specific purposes and geographical areas approved by the government and provide greater transparency regarding their operations and publications.

Highlights

• NGOs must now operate only within the approved:
  • Activity category (social, economic, educational, cultural, or religious)
  • Geographical area (State/UT)
• NGOs must disclose:
  • Websites
  • Social media accounts
  • Books, magazines, and newspaper articles published
• Existing FCRA-registered organisations must comply with the new rules within one year.
• Foreign nationals serving as key functionaries will generally make an NGO ineligible for FCRA registration unless specifically permitted by the Centre.
• The definition of “key functionary” has been expanded to include trustees, governing body members, partners, and other persons managing the organisation.

Penalties

• Misuse of foreign funds can lead to a penalty of Up to 30% of the amount involved, or ₹1 lakh, whichever is higher.

BRICS Heads of Space Agencies (HOSA) Meeting 2026

At the BRICS Heads of Space Agencies (HOSA) Meeting 2026 held in Bengaluru, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh proposed the concept of a “BRICS Space Economy” and called for greater cooperation among BRICS nations in the space sector. The two-day meeting was hosted by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) under India’s BRICS Chairship 2026.

Highlights

• India proposed the BRICS Space Economy as a new avenue for innovation, investment, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development.
• The meeting brought together space agency heads from Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, South Africa, the UAE, and India
• Strengthening the BRICS Remote Sensing Satellite Constellation (RSSC).
• Expanding participation of new BRICS members.
• Advancing the proposal for a BRICS Space Council.
• Promoting responsible and sustainable use of outer space.

Tushar Mehta Reappointed as Solicitor General of India

The Central Government reappointed Tushar Mehta as Solicitor General of India for a further term of three years, effective July 1, 2026. The reappointment was approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) and ensures continuity in the government’s legal representation before the Supreme Court and other constitutional courts.

About the Solicitor General of India

• Appointed by the Central Government.
• Assists the Attorney General of India.
• Represents the Government of India in important legal matters before the Supreme Court and High Courts.
• The post is not a constitutional office but a statutory law officer position.

Book Released: “VIP Culture in India”

Vice-President of India C. P. Radhakrishnan released the book VIP Culture in India: Power, Privilege and the Distance from Democracy at the Uparashtrapati Bhavan. The book has been authored by former Rajya Sabha Member from Arunachal Pradesh Nabam Rebia and co-authored by Sandeep Kumar.

Q1. Who was recently reappointed as the Solicitor General of India for a further term of three years from July 1, 2026?
A. K. K. Venugopal
B. Tushar Mehta
C. Mukul Rohatgi
D. R. Venkataramani

Q2. Andhra Pradesh recently signed an MoU with which institution to support the implementation of the Swarna Andhra 2047 Vision?
A. IIM Ahmedabad
B. Institute for Financial Management and Research (IFMR)
C. National Institute of Public Finance and Policy (NIPFP)
D. Indian Statistical Institute (ISI)

Q3. Which Act regulates the receipt and utilisation of foreign contributions by NGOs in India?
A. Societies Registration Act, 1860
B. Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999
C. Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA), 2010
D. Companies Act, 2013

Q4. The recently discovered 16th-century inscriptions at Sadasivakona in Andhra Pradesh, written in Telugu, Tamil, and Kannada, belong to the reign of which Vijayanagara ruler?
A. Krishnadevaraya
B. Achyuta Deva Raya
C. Sadasiva Deva Raya
D. Aliya Rama Raya

Q5. “VIP Culture in India: Power, Privilege and the Distance from Democracy”, recently seen in the news, was authored by whom?
A. Nabam Rebia and Sandeep Kumar
B. C. P. Radhakrishnan and Nabam Rebia
C. M. Venkaiah Naidu and Sandeep Kumar
D. Pema Khandu and Nabam Rebia

Q6. The BRICS Heads of Space Agencies (HOSA) Meeting 2026 was held in which city of India?
A. Hyderabad
B. Bengaluru
C. Chennai
D. New Delhi