Current Affairs 19 June 2026

U.S.–Iran Sign Preliminary 14-Point Framework Agreement

The United States and Iran have reportedly reached a 14-point framework agreement (MoU) aimed at easing tensions, reviving economic ties, and addressing concerns over Iran’s nuclear programme.

Highlights

• Iran has pledged not to develop nuclear weapons.
• The U.S. has agreed to facilitate the release of frozen Iranian assets and gradually lift sanctions.
• The proposed economic package is estimated at around $300 billion.
• The U.S. will lift restrictions on:
  • Iranian crude oil exports
  • Petrochemical exports
  • Banking and financial services
  • Insurance and transportation services
• Iran agreed to continue cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency.
• Reports suggest Iran may dilute part of its highly enriched uranium under international supervision.

Exporters Urge Andhra Pradesh to Restrict High-Risk Pesticides in Chilli Cultivation

The Chillies Exporters Association of India has urged the Government of Andhra Pradesh to ban or restrict the use of certain high-risk pesticides in export-oriented chilli cultivation after repeated concerns over pesticide residue violations in international markets.

Highlights

• Indian chilli consignments exported to countries such as China have faced rejection, delays, and enhanced inspections due to excessive pesticide residues.
• The issue particularly affects chilli-producing states Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka.
• The association requested a ban on the use of Acephate and Methamidophos in chilli crops meant for export.

India’s Defence Production Reaches Record ₹1.78 Lakh Crore in FY 2025-26

India’s annual defence production has achieved an all-time high of ₹1.78 lakh crore in FY 2025-26, reflecting the growing success of the country’s defence indigenisation and Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiatives.

Highlights

• Total defence production reached ₹1.78 lakh crore in FY 2025-26.
• This represents a 15.6% increase over FY 2024-25, when production stood at ₹1.54 lakh crore.
• Defence production has increased by 110% since FY 2020-21 (₹84,643 crore).
• Compared to FY 2013-14 (₹43,746 crore), indigenous defence production has grown nearly four times.

Sector-wise Contribution

• Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) and other PSUs: Approximately 76%
• Private Sector: Approximately 24%

Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar 2025

Pasumarthi Pavani, a faculty member in the Department of Music at Acharya Nagarjuna University (ANU), has been selected for the prestigious Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar 2025. Pasumarthi Pavani has been selected in the Nrutya Sangeetam (Dance Music) category. The award is conferred by the Sangeet Natak Akademi, India’s apex body for performing arts.

Q1. India’s defence production reached a record high of approximately how much in FY 2025-26?
A. ₹1.25 lakh crore
B. ₹1.54 lakh crore
C. ₹1.78 lakh crore
D. ₹2.10 lakh crore

Q2. Which of the following pesticides was specifically recommended for restriction/ban in export-oriented chilli cultivation due to residue concerns?
A. Acephate and Methamidophos
B. Glyphosate and Atrazine
C. Mancozeb and Carbendazim
D. Urea and DAP

Q3. Who among the following was recently selected for the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar 2025?
A. Shobha Naidu
B. Pasumarthi Pavani
C. Sobha Raju
D. Mangalampalli Sailaja