Weekly Current Affairs (June 2026 – Week 4) – Exam Revision Notes
1) International Current Affairs
Project Nimbus – Google and Amazon’s $1 Billion Cloud Contract with Israel
Project Nimbus is a cloud computing contract worth over $1 billion between the Government of Israel and tech giants Google and Amazon Web Services (AWS), signed in 2021 to provide cloud infrastructure and digital services to Israeli government ministries and public sector organisations for an initial duration of 7 years.
| Detail | Fact |
|---|---|
| Launch Year | 2021 |
| Contract Value | Over $1 billion |
| Duration | 7 years, with provision for extension |
| Primary Provider | AWS (primary) alongside Google Cloud |
| Stated Purpose | Civilian government cloud services — not related to military weapons systems or classified intelligence operations (Google’s position) |
| Why Controversial | Pro-Palestinian activists and Google/Amazon employees argue cloud and AI services could be used for surveillance, military data storage, and monitoring of Palestinian populations |
2) Andhra Pradesh Current Affairs
Annadata Sukhibhava–PM Kisan Scheme – ₹3,125 Crore Released for 46.86 Lakh Farmers
The Government of Andhra Pradesh released the first instalment of financial assistance under the Annadata Sukhibhava–PM Kisan Scheme for FY 2026–27. CM N. Chandrababu Naidu launched the disbursement from Linganguntla village, Palnadu district.
| Detail | Fact |
|---|---|
| Total Amount Released | ₹3,125.47 crore (directly to bank accounts) |
| Total Beneficiaries | 46,85,838 eligible farmer families |
| Land-Owning Farmers | 45,69,817 |
| RoFR Act Farmers | 1,16,021 (farmers cultivating land under Recognition of Forest Rights Act) |
| Annual Benefit Per Family | ₹20,000 per year |
| Policy Context | One of the major welfare initiatives under the government’s Super Six commitments |
AP Government Signs MoU with Canva for Digital Learning in Schools
The School Education Department of Andhra Pradesh and Samagra Shiksha signed an MoU with Canva, the global online design platform, to strengthen digital learning, creativity, and technology integration in government schools across the State.
AP Signs MoU with IFMR to Support Swarna Andhra 2047 Vision
The Government of Andhra Pradesh signed an MoU with the Institute for Financial Management and Research (IFMR), a constituent institution of Krea University, to provide policy and research support for the Swarna Andhra 2047 Vision.
IFMR’s Role: Policy support, research inputs, and institutional expertise to implement the Swarna Andhra 2047 Vision.
Vijayanagara-Era Inscriptions Discovered in Seshachalam Forest
An expert team from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) discovered three rare 16th-century inscriptions at Sadasivakona, Tirupati district, during an epigraphical survey of the Seshachalam-Nallamala forest region, led by K. Muniratnam Reddy, Director (Epigraphy), ASI Mysuru.
| Detail | Fact |
|---|---|
| Date of Inscriptions | 1554 CE |
| Dynasty/Ruler | Sadasiva Deva Raya of the Vijayanagara Empire |
| Languages | Telugu, Tamil, and Kannada |
| Content | Record the construction of a Shiva temple and a Mutt (Monastery) at Papavinasa in Sadasivakona; King Sadasiva Raya personally visited, took a holy bath, and made donations |
| Location | Sadasivakona, Tirupati district, Andhra Pradesh |
3) Polity & Governance
FCRA 2010 Rules Amended – Stricter Oversight of Foreign-Funded NGOs
The Central Government amended the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA), 2010 Rules to strengthen oversight of foreign-funded NGOs. NGOs must now operate only within approved activity categories and geographical areas, and provide greater transparency regarding their operations and publications.
| New Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Geographical Restriction | NGOs must operate only within the approved State/UT and approved activity category (social, economic, educational, cultural, or religious) |
| Disclosure Requirements | Must disclose websites, social media accounts, books, magazines, and newspaper articles published |
| Foreign Nationals | Foreign nationals as key functionaries will generally make an NGO ineligible for FCRA registration unless specifically permitted |
| Expanded Definition | “Key functionary” now includes trustees, governing body members, partners, and other managing persons |
| Compliance Deadline | Existing FCRA-registered organisations must comply within one year |
| Penalty for Misuse | Up to 30% of the amount involved, or ₹1 lakh, whichever is higher |
4) Economy
World Bank Approves $1.5 Billion Financing for India
The World Bank approved $1.5 billion in financing for India under its Development Policy Financing (DPF) Operation to support structural reforms aimed at boosting private sector-led job creation and economic growth.
5) Science & Technology
Biochar – Sustainable Solution for Agricultural Waste and Soil Health
Biochar is produced by heating agricultural waste (paddy straw, maize stalks, coconut leaf stalks) under low-oxygen conditions, resulting in a carbon-rich material that decomposes very slowly in soil. It is gaining attention as a carbon-negative agricultural technology.
| Benefit | Detail |
|---|---|
| Soil Improvement | Increases soil organic carbon, water-holding capacity (10–25%), nutrient retention, and beneficial microbial activity |
| Crop Productivity | Can increase crop productivity by 10–30% |
| Climate Impact | Prevents open-field burning of crop residues; each tonne of certified biochar generates ~2–2.8 tonnes of CO₂-equivalent carbon credits |
| Carbon Credentials | Classified as a persistent carbon dioxide removal technology — stores carbon in soil for long periods; supports carbon farming initiatives |
Wild Pollinators Found Crucial for India’s Mango Production – 350% Yield Increase
A study by researchers from India and Germany found that allowing wild insects access to mango flowers increased fruit yield by 350%, demonstrating the critical importance of wild pollinators for mango production.
Why Native Bees Are More Effective: They transfer pollen between different orchards, unlike non-native bees.
Threat: Excessive use of neonicotinoid insecticides threatens native pollinators by affecting navigation, learning, and survival.
Economic Recognition: India has recognised pollinators in its Environmental Accounting Framework with an estimated economic value of ₹2.6 lakh crore (2021–22) — equivalent to about 8–10% of the country’s total crop output value.
Emerging Next-Generation Energy Technologies – Three Key Concepts
| Technology | What It Is |
|---|---|
| Magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) Generator | Converts kinetic and thermal energy of electrically conducting fluids (plasma or ionised gas) directly into electricity without turbines |
| Casimir Effect | A quantum phenomenon where two closely spaced conducting plates experience an attractive force due to differences in vacuum energy caused by virtual particles |
| Blue Energy (Salinity Gradient / Osmotic Power) | Generates electricity from the difference in salt concentration between seawater and freshwater using semi-permeable membranes |
6) Environment
Four High-Risk Glacial Lakes in Arunachal Pradesh Expanded – GLOF Risk Rising
A satellite-based assessment by Suhora Technologies found that four of five high-risk glacial lakes in the Mago Chu Basin, Tawang district, Arunachal Pradesh expanded between 2016 and 2026. Sanhapo Lake showed the most significant expansion, growing by nearly 10 hectares.
About GLOF: A Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) is a sudden release of water from a glacial lake due to the failure of a moraine dam, avalanches, or landslides. GLOFs can cause flash floods, destroy downstream settlements, and damage infrastructure.
7) Awards & Honours
Inaugural Indian Athletics Awards 2025
The inaugural Indian Athletics Awards recognised outstanding performances and contributions to Indian athletics. Neeraj Chopra and Parul Chaudhary were named Athletes of the Year 2025 by the Athletics Federation of India (AFI).
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Athlete of the Year (Men) | Neeraj Chopra |
| Athlete of the Year (Women) | Parul Chaudhary (holds national records in 3,000m Steeplechase and 5,000m) |
| Emerging Athlete (Men) | Shahnavaz Khan (Long Jump) |
| Emerging Athlete (Women) | Pooja (High Jump) |
| Best Coach | Parvir Singh |
| Best Sponsor | Reliance Foundation |
| Best State for Supporting Athletes | Odisha |
| Best State Association | Tamil Nadu |
| Best Technical Official | Dr. Kuldeep Singh |
Lifetime Achievement Awards: P. T. Usha | Anju Bobby George | G. S. Randhawa | Bahadur Singh Chauhan
India Becomes World’s Largest Ship Recycling Nation in 2025
India emerged as the world’s leading ship recycling nation in 2025, achieving the target set under Maritime India Vision (MIV) 2030 well ahead of schedule. According to UNCTAD, India’s global share rose from 30.1% (2024) to 35.4% (2025).
| Fact | Data |
|---|---|
| Global Rank | 1st in ship recycling (2025) |
| Volume Increase | 1.86 million GT (2024) → 2.99 million GT (2025) |
| Global Market Share | 35.4% in 2025 |
| Key Legislation | Recycling of Ships Act, 2019 — aligned with Hong Kong International Convention (ratified 2019) |
| Ship-Breaking Credit Note Scheme | Ship owners get a credit note equal to 40% of scrap value, redeemable toward purchase of a new Indian-built ship |
| Modernisation | ₹53.5 crore financial assistance; 115 facilities upgraded to HKC standards |
| Alang Yard | One of the world’s largest ship recycling yards; located in Gujarat on the Gulf of Khambhat coast; capacity target ~9 million LDT |
8) Committees & Conferences
BRICS Heads of Space Agencies (HOSA) Meeting 2026 – Bengaluru
At the BRICS HOSA Meeting 2026 held in Bengaluru, hosted by ISRO under India’s BRICS Chairship 2026, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh proposed the concept of a “BRICS Space Economy” as a new avenue for innovation, investment, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development.
Key Proposals: Strengthen the BRICS Remote Sensing Satellite Constellation (RSSC) | Expand participation of new BRICS members | Advance the proposal for a BRICS Space Council | Promote responsible and sustainable use of outer space.
9) Person in News
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 1 July 2026, approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC).
10) Important Days
National Statistics Day – 29 June; Theme: “Unlocking the Potential of Administrative Data”
MoSPI will celebrate the 20th Statistics Day on 29 June 2026 at Dr Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi. Observed annually to commemorate the birth anniversary of Prof. Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis, regarded as the pioneer of modern statistics and economic planning in India.
11) Sports
India Wins Women’s FIH Hockey Nations Cup 2026
India emerged as champions of the Women’s FIH Hockey Nations Cup 2026, securing the title and earning qualification for the next season of the FIH Pro League.
12) Miscellaneous
Book Released: “VIP Culture in India: Power, Privilege and the Distance from Democracy”
Vice-President of India C. P. Radhakrishnan released the book “VIP Culture in India: Power, Privilege and the Distance from Democracy” at Uparashtrapati Bhavan. Authored by former Rajya Sabha Member from Arunachal Pradesh Nabam Rebia and co-authored by Sandeep Kumar.
Quick Revision Table
| Topic | One-Line Summary |
|---|---|
| Project Nimbus | Project Nimbus is a $1 billion+ cloud computing contract (2021) between Israel and Google/AWS, providing cloud infrastructure to Israeli government agencies for 7 years; controversial because critics argue it could enable surveillance and military data use. |
| Annadata Sukhibhava–PM Kisan | AP released ₹3,125.47 crore to 46.85 lakh farmer families (including 1.16 lakh RoFR Act farmers) for FY 2026–27; each eligible family receives ₹20,000/year; launched from Linganguntla village, Palnadu district, by CM Chandrababu Naidu. |
| AP–Canva MoU | AP School Education Department and Samagra Shiksha signed an MoU with Canva to strengthen digital learning, creativity, and technology integration in government schools. |
| AP–IFMR MoU (Swarna Andhra 2047) | AP signed an MoU with IFMR (Krea University) for policy and research support for the Swarna Andhra 2047 Vision, focusing on 15% annual GSDP growth, Mission Cells, Zero Poverty Mission, and Deep Tech Mission. |
| Vijayanagara Inscriptions – Seshachalam | ASI discovered three 1554 CE inscriptions at Sadasivakona, Tirupati district, in Telugu, Tamil, and Kannada, belonging to the reign of Sadasiva Deva Raya of the Vijayanagara Empire, recording a Shiva temple and Mutt construction at Papavinasa. |
| FCRA 2010 Rules Amended | FCRA 2010 rules tightened: NGOs must operate only within approved State/UT and activity category; must disclose websites, social media, and publications; foreign nationals as key functionaries generally disqualify NGOs; penalty for misuse: 30% of amount or ₹1 lakh (whichever is higher); existing NGOs have one year to comply. |
| World Bank – $1.5B for India | World Bank approved $1.5 billion under its Development Policy Financing (DPF) Operation to support India’s structural reforms aimed at private sector-led job creation and economic growth. |
| Biochar | Biochar is produced by heating agricultural waste under low-oxygen conditions; increases crop productivity by 10–30% and water-holding capacity by 10–25%; generates 2–2.8 tonnes of CO₂-equivalent carbon credits per tonne; classified as a persistent carbon dioxide removal technology. |
| Wild Pollinators – Mango | India-Germany study found wild insect access to mango flowers increases yield by 350%; key pollinators include Apis florea, Apis dorsata, and Tetragonula spp.; neonicotinoid insecticides threaten them; India values pollinator services at ₹2.6 lakh crore (8–10% of crop output). |
| Glacial Lakes – Arunachal Pradesh | Satellite assessment (Suhora Technologies) found 4 of 5 NDMA-classified high-risk glacial lakes in Mago Chu Basin, Tawang, expanded between 2016–2026; Sanhapo Lake grew by ~10 hectares, raising GLOF risk. |
| Indian Athletics Awards 2025 | Inaugural Indian Athletics Awards named Neeraj Chopra (Men’s Athlete of Year) and Parul Chaudhary (Women’s Athlete of Year, national record holder in 3,000m steeplechase and 5,000m); Lifetime Achievement Awards to P.T. Usha, Anju Bobby George, G.S. Randhawa, and Bahadur Singh Chauhan. |
| India – World’s Largest Ship Recycler | India ranked 1st globally in ship recycling in 2025 with 35.4% market share (2.99 million GT); achieved Maritime India Vision 2030 target ahead of schedule; Recycling of Ships Act, 2019; Alang in Gujarat (Gulf of Khambhat) is among the world’s largest ship recycling yards. |
| BRICS HOSA Meeting – Bengaluru | BRICS Heads of Space Agencies Meeting 2026 was held in Bengaluru hosted by ISRO (India’s BRICS Chairship 2026); India proposed a “BRICS Space Economy” and called for strengthening the BRICS Remote Sensing Satellite Constellation and advancing a BRICS Space Council. |
| Tushar Mehta – Solicitor General | Tushar Mehta reappointed as Solicitor General of India for a further 3-year term effective 1 July 2026, approved by ACC; the Solicitor General assists the Attorney General and represents the Government before the SC and High Courts — a statutory, not constitutional, post. |
| National Statistics Day – 29 June | 20th Statistics Day observed on 29 June 2026; theme “Unlocking the Potential of Administrative Data”; commemorates the birth anniversary of Prof. P.C. Mahalanobis — founder of ISI (1931), architect of India’s Second Five-Year Plan, and developer of the Mahalanobis distance. |
| India Wins FIH Hockey Nations Cup 2026 | India won the Women’s FIH Hockey Nations Cup 2026, earning qualification for the FIH Pro League; the tournament was founded in 2019 and first held in December 2022 in Valencia, Spain, serving as the second-tier international women’s hockey event. |
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