UPSC Current Affairs 23 June 2026

GS 2: International RelationsGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's InterestsGS 2: Important International Institutions, Agencies and Fora

Talks with Iran laid a ‘good foundation’ for deal: U.S., Pg1

U.S. and Iran lay "good foundation" for nuclear deal in Switzerland, allowing IAEA inspectors and easing oil sanctions.

Talks with Iran laid a ‘good foundation’ for deal: U.S., Pg1

U.S. and Iran lay "good foundation" for nuclear deal in Switzerland, allowing IAEA inspectors and easing oil sanctions.

GS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Indian Economy, Planning, Mobilization of Resources, Growth, Development and EmploymentGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.

Core sector growth slows to 0.5% in May; coal, refinery products down amid crisis, Pg1

India's core sector growth plunges to 0.5% in May 2026, a 21-month low, with coal, crude oil, and refinery products contracting amid West Asia crisis.

GS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Indian Economy, Planning, Mobilization of Resources, Growth, Development and EmploymentGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.

Core sector growth slows to 0.5% in May; coal, refinery products down amid crisis, Pg1

India's core sector growth plunges to 0.5% in May 2026, a 21-month low, with coal, crude oil, and refinery products contracting amid West Asia crisis.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyPrelimsGS 3: Indigenization of Technology and New Technology DevelopmentGS 3: Robotics and NanotechnologyGS 3: Science and Technology in Everyday Life

Laser strums atoms in quest for better computers, Pg2

Breakthrough: Lasers generate terahertz waves in superlattices via electron pressure, paving the way for faster spintronics and advanced computers.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyPrelimsGS 3: Indigenization of Technology and New Technology DevelopmentGS 3: Robotics and NanotechnologyGS 3: Science and Technology in Everyday Life

Laser strums atoms in quest for better computers, Pg2

Breakthrough: Lasers generate terahertz waves in superlattices via electron pressure, paving the way for faster spintronics and advanced computers.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 2: International RelationsGS 3: EconomyPrelims

World is moving on from paying publishers — India should too, Pg2

Global powers abandon commercial publishers for open access; India's ₹6,000 crore 'One Nation One Subscription' scheme faces critical policy review.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 2: International RelationsGS 3: EconomyPrelims

World is moving on from paying publishers — India should too, Pg2

Global powers abandon commercial publishers for open access; India's ₹6,000 crore 'One Nation One Subscription' scheme faces critical policy review.

GS 2: PolityGS 2: International RelationsPrelimsGS 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and AgreementsGS 2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests

The world that China desires and is shaping, Pg6

Amidst US foreign policy chaos, China strategically redefines global norms and institutions, subtly shaping a new world order.

The world that China desires and is shaping, Pg6

Amidst US foreign policy chaos, China strategically redefines global norms and institutions, subtly shaping a new world order.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 3: Internal SecurityGS 2: International RelationsGS 3: Basics of Cyber Security

The challenge of India’s digital sovereignty, Pg6

Foreign tech dependence jeopardizes India's digital sovereignty, exposing critical infrastructure to external control; urgent indigenous development and strategic alliances vital.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 3: Internal SecurityGS 2: International RelationsGS 3: Basics of Cyber Security

The challenge of India’s digital sovereignty, Pg6

Foreign tech dependence jeopardizes India's digital sovereignty, exposing critical infrastructure to external control; urgent indigenous development and strategic alliances vital.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Disaster ManagementPrelimsGS 3: Conservation, Pollution and DegradationGS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors

Deadly fumes, Pg6

Deadly ammonia leak at Tiruvallur seafood unit claims eight migrant women, exposing critical industrial safety lapses and regulatory enforcement failures in Tamil Nadu.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Disaster ManagementPrelimsGS 3: Conservation, Pollution and DegradationGS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors

Deadly fumes, Pg6

Deadly ammonia leak at Tiruvallur seafood unit claims eight migrant women, exposing critical industrial safety lapses and regulatory enforcement failures in Tamil Nadu.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Science & TechnologyPrelimsGS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectorsGS 2: Health Sector

Stay with the evidence, Pg6

Health Ministry bans 16 Fixed Dose Combination drugs, citing irrationality and patient safety risks, urging strict enforcement nationwide.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Science & TechnologyPrelimsGS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectorsGS 2: Health Sector

Stay with the evidence, Pg6

Health Ministry bans 16 Fixed Dose Combination drugs, citing irrationality and patient safety risks, urging strict enforcement nationwide.

GS 1: World GeographyGS 1: Indian SocietyPrelimsGS 1: Population and Associated Issues

What would it take to stop South Korea’s population decline?, Pg7

UN projects South Korea's population to halve by 2100; nation explores drastic fertility boosts, extreme longevity, or massive immigration to avert demographic collapse.

GS 1: World GeographyGS 1: Indian SocietyPrelimsGS 1: Population and Associated Issues

What would it take to stop South Korea’s population decline?, Pg7

UN projects South Korea's population to halve by 2100; nation explores drastic fertility boosts, extreme longevity, or massive immigration to avert demographic collapse.

GS 3: Internal SecurityGS 2: International RelationsPrelimsGS 3: Security Forces and Agencies and their MandateGS 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements

Doval hosts NSAs of BRICS nations amid West Asia tensions, Pg10

NSA Ajit Doval hosts BRICS counterparts in New Delhi, tackling West Asia tensions, non-traditional security threats, and fostering crucial bilateral ties for global stability.

GS 3: Internal SecurityGS 2: International RelationsPrelimsGS 3: Security Forces and Agencies and their MandateGS 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements

Doval hosts NSAs of BRICS nations amid West Asia tensions, Pg10

NSA Ajit Doval hosts BRICS counterparts in New Delhi, tackling West Asia tensions, non-traditional security threats, and fostering crucial bilateral ties for global stability.

GS 2: International RelationsPrelimsGS 3: Security Challenges and Management in Border AreasGS 2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests

U.S. notifies sale of support services for helicopters, Pg10

US notifies $482.2 million sale of sustainment support for India's Apache helicopters and M777A2 Howitzers, strengthening bilateral defense cooperation.

GS 2: International RelationsPrelimsGS 3: Security Challenges and Management in Border AreasGS 2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests

U.S. notifies sale of support services for helicopters, Pg10

US notifies $482.2 million sale of sustainment support for India's Apache helicopters and M777A2 Howitzers, strengthening bilateral defense cooperation.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 3: Internal SecurityGS 2: International RelationsPrelimsGS 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements

UAE in talks to buy Indian air-defence units, missiles, Pg10

India in advanced talks with UAE to export BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles and Akashteer air-defense systems amid West Asia conflict.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 3: Internal SecurityGS 2: International RelationsPrelimsGS 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements

UAE in talks to buy Indian air-defence units, missiles, Pg10

India in advanced talks with UAE to export BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles and Akashteer air-defense systems amid West Asia conflict.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 1: Art & CulturePrelimsGS 1: ArchitectureGS 3: Biotechnology

ASI transfers Rakhigarhi skeletons to AnSI for a scientific investigation, Pg12

ASI transfers 4,600-year-old Rakhigarhi skeletons to AnSI for advanced scientific investigation, aiming to unravel Indus-Saraswati Civilisation mysteries and inform Aryan migration debate.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 1: Art & CulturePrelimsGS 1: ArchitectureGS 3: Biotechnology

ASI transfers Rakhigarhi skeletons to AnSI for a scientific investigation, Pg12

ASI transfers 4,600-year-old Rakhigarhi skeletons to AnSI for advanced scientific investigation, aiming to unravel Indus-Saraswati Civilisation mysteries and inform Aryan migration debate.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 2: Social JusticeGS 2: International RelationsGS 3: EconomyPrelims

Unions write to PM against free trade pact with U.S., Pg12

Unions demand immediate halt to India-U.S. free trade talks, citing threats to farmers, workers, and domestic production from subsidized imports.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 2: Social JusticeGS 2: International RelationsGS 3: EconomyPrelims

Unions write to PM against free trade pact with U.S., Pg12

Unions demand immediate halt to India-U.S. free trade talks, citing threats to farmers, workers, and domestic production from subsidized imports.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.GS 2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests

Amid peace talks, US waives sanctions on Iran oil for 60 days, Pg1

US waives Iran oil sanctions for 60 days after peace talks, allowing Tehran to resume global exports; Indian refiners eye renewed crude purchases.

Amid peace talks, US waives sanctions on Iran oil for 60 days, Pg1

US waives Iran oil sanctions for 60 days after peace talks, allowing Tehran to resume global exports; Indian refiners eye renewed crude purchases.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 2: International RelationsGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Effects of Liberalization on the Economy

Goyal-Greer talks start today, trade surplus with US down over 40%, Pg1

Piyush Goyal and Jamieson Greer commence crucial India-US trade talks amid 40% surplus decline, sparking farmer fears over agricultural imports.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 2: International RelationsGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Effects of Liberalization on the Economy

Goyal-Greer talks start today, trade surplus with US down over 40%, Pg1

Piyush Goyal and Jamieson Greer commence crucial India-US trade talks amid 40% surplus decline, sparking farmer fears over agricultural imports.

Iran oil sanctions, Pg2

US Treasury grants Iran oil sanction waiver, unfreezing assets, as mediators Pakistan-Qatar broker interim deal for regional peace and nuclear inspections.

Iran oil sanctions, Pg2

US Treasury grants Iran oil sanction waiver, unfreezing assets, as mediators Pakistan-Qatar broker interim deal for regional peace and nuclear inspections.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Environment & EcologyGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.

Should strong hybrids be cheaper? Key question as EV policy call nears, Pg4

Delhi's new EV Policy 2026-30 sparks fierce debate over 50% road tax exemption for strong hybrids, balancing revenue and green transition.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Environment & EcologyGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.

Should strong hybrids be cheaper? Key question as EV policy call nears, Pg4

Delhi's new EV Policy 2026-30 sparks fierce debate over 50% road tax exemption for strong hybrids, balancing revenue and green transition.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Buffer Stocks and Food SecurityGS 3: Government Budgeting

Onion Check, Pg5

Union Food Minister Pralhad Joshi reviews onion procurement progress, buffer stock strategies to stabilize prices and ensure market intervention.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Buffer Stocks and Food SecurityGS 3: Government Budgeting

Onion Check, Pg5

Union Food Minister Pralhad Joshi reviews onion procurement progress, buffer stock strategies to stabilize prices and ensure market intervention.

GS 1: Indian GeographyGS 1: Physical GeographyPrelimsGS 1: Important Geophysical Phenomena like Earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic Activity and Cyclones

Nationwide rainfall 42% below average, says IMD, Pg8

India's monsoon rainfall plunges 42% below average by June 21, IMD warns, as Pune and Gaya suffer 87% deficit.

GS 1: Indian GeographyGS 1: Physical GeographyPrelimsGS 1: Important Geophysical Phenomena like Earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic Activity and Cyclones

Nationwide rainfall 42% below average, says IMD, Pg8

India's monsoon rainfall plunges 42% below average by June 21, IMD warns, as Pune and Gaya suffer 87% deficit.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 2: PolityGS 2: Social JusticePrelimsGS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors

Right to walk on footpaths: Behind SC order, surge in pedestrian deaths, Pg9

Supreme Court declares right to walk on footpaths a fundamental right, urging new law amidst 163% surge in pedestrian deaths.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 2: PolityGS 2: Social JusticePrelimsGS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors

Right to walk on footpaths: Behind SC order, surge in pedestrian deaths, Pg9

Supreme Court declares right to walk on footpaths a fundamental right, urging new law amidst 163% surge in pedestrian deaths.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 1: Indian GeographyGS 3: Environment & EcologyPrelimsGS 3: Conservation, Pollution and Degradation

ESA for Western Ghats: Why conservation is key, Pg9

Centre issues 7th draft notification for Western Ghats ESA, facing persistent state objections over conservation-development conflict since 2014.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 1: Indian GeographyGS 3: Environment & EcologyPrelimsGS 3: Conservation, Pollution and Degradation

ESA for Western Ghats: Why conservation is key, Pg9

Centre issues 7th draft notification for Western Ghats ESA, facing persistent state objections over conservation-development conflict since 2014.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 1: Physical GeographyGS 3: Environment & EcologyGS 3: EconomyPrelims

As El Niño looms, guard against food inflation, Pg10

Monsoon deficit and intensifying El Niño threaten India's food security, raising fears of future food inflation and demanding urgent government action.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 1: Physical GeographyGS 3: Environment & EcologyGS 3: EconomyPrelims

As El Niño looms, guard against food inflation, Pg10

Monsoon deficit and intensifying El Niño threaten India's food security, raising fears of future food inflation and demanding urgent government action.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 2: International RelationsGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Effects of Liberalization on the Economy

From farms to factories, trade pact with UK opens new opportunities in India, Pg10

Landmark India-UK CETA, effective July 15, eliminates 99% tariffs, unlocking massive market access for Indian farmers, manufacturers, and services, accelerating job creation.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 2: International RelationsGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Effects of Liberalization on the Economy

From farms to factories, trade pact with UK opens new opportunities in India, Pg10

Landmark India-UK CETA, effective July 15, eliminates 99% tariffs, unlocking massive market access for Indian farmers, manufacturers, and services, accelerating job creation.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 2: Social JusticeGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Inclusive Growth

Economy is growing, but that isn't translating to well-being, Pg10

India's economic growth fails to uplift well-being; 30% face food deprivation, youth unemployment soars, as rising food prices erode real wages.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 2: Social JusticeGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Inclusive Growth

Economy is growing, but that isn't translating to well-being, Pg10

India's economic growth fails to uplift well-being; 30% face food deprivation, youth unemployment soars, as rising food prices erode real wages.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 2: PolityGS 1: Indian SocietyGS 2: Social JusticePrelims

Supreme Court has put pedestrians first. Cities must, too, Pg11

Supreme Court declares safe walking on footpaths a fundamental right under Article 21, urging cities to prioritize pedestrians as fatalities surge 163%.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 2: PolityGS 1: Indian SocietyGS 2: Social JusticePrelims

Supreme Court has put pedestrians first. Cities must, too, Pg11

Supreme Court declares safe walking on footpaths a fundamental right under Article 21, urging cities to prioritize pedestrians as fatalities surge 163%.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 2: PolityPrelimsGS 2: Indian Constitutional Evolution, Features, Amendments, Basic Structure DoctrineGS 2: Parliament and State Legislatures

It's time to reimagine the anti-defection law, Pg11

Expert urges reimagining or abolishing the anti-defection law, citing its failure to curb defections and stifling intra-party democracy after four decades.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 2: PolityPrelimsGS 2: Indian Constitutional Evolution, Features, Amendments, Basic Structure DoctrineGS 2: Parliament and State Legislatures

It's time to reimagine the anti-defection law, Pg11

Expert urges reimagining or abolishing the anti-defection law, citing its failure to curb defections and stifling intra-party democracy after four decades.

GS 1: Physical GeographyGS 3: Environment & EcologyGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Buffer Stocks and Food Security

'Monsoon shortfall could weigh on growth, inflation', Pg13

RBI warns monsoon shortfall threatens India's growth and inflation outlook, citing El Niño risks and global economic fragility.

GS 1: Physical GeographyGS 3: Environment & EcologyGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Buffer Stocks and Food Security

'Monsoon shortfall could weigh on growth, inflation', Pg13

RBI warns monsoon shortfall threatens India's growth and inflation outlook, citing El Niño risks and global economic fragility.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.

Grid India proposes to repurpose underutilised thermal power plants, Pg13

Grid India proposes repurposing 9 underutilized thermal plants into synchronous condensers, strengthening grid reliability for India's rapidly expanding renewable energy.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.

Grid India proposes to repurpose underutilised thermal power plants, Pg13

Grid India proposes repurposing 9 underutilized thermal plants into synchronous condensers, strengthening grid reliability for India's rapidly expanding renewable energy.

News Analysis

Talks with Iran laid a ‘good foundation’ for deal: U.S., Pg1

Talks with Iran laid a ‘good foundation’ for deal: U.S., Pg1

Core sector growth slows to 0.5% in May; coal, refinery products down amid crisis, Pg1

Core sector growth slows to 0.5% in May; coal, refinery products down amid crisis, Pg1

Laser strums atoms in quest for better computers, Pg2

Laser strums atoms in quest for better computers, Pg2

World is moving on from paying publishers — India should too, Pg2

World is moving on from paying publishers — India should too, Pg2

The world that China desires and is shaping, Pg6

The world that China desires and is shaping, Pg6

The challenge of India’s digital sovereignty, Pg6

The challenge of India’s digital sovereignty, Pg6

​Deadly fumes, Pg6

​Deadly fumes, Pg6

Stay with the evidence, Pg6

Stay with the evidence, Pg6

What would it take to stop South Korea’s population decline?, Pg7

What would it take to stop South Korea’s population decline?, Pg7

Doval hosts NSAs of BRICS nations amid West Asia tensions, Pg10

Doval hosts NSAs of BRICS nations amid West Asia tensions, Pg10

U.S. notifies sale of support services for helicopters, Pg10

U.S. notifies sale of support services for helicopters, Pg10

UAE in talks to buy Indian air-defence units, missiles, Pg10

UAE in talks to buy Indian air-defence units, missiles, Pg10

ASI transfers Rakhigarhi skeletons to AnSI for a scientific investigation, Pg12

ASI transfers Rakhigarhi skeletons to AnSI for a scientific investigation, Pg12

Unions write to PM against free trade pact with U.S., Pg12

Unions write to PM against free trade pact with U.S., Pg12

Amid peace talks, US waives sanctions on Iran oil for 60 days, Pg1

Amid peace talks, US waives sanctions on Iran oil for 60 days, Pg1

Goyal-Greer talks start today, trade surplus with US down over 40%, Pg1

Goyal-Greer talks start today, trade surplus with US down over 40%, Pg1

Iran oil sanctions, Pg2

Iran oil sanctions, Pg2

Should strong hybrids be cheaper? Key question as EV policy call nears, Pg4

Should strong hybrids be cheaper? Key question as EV policy call nears, Pg4

Onion Check, Pg5

Onion Check, Pg5

Nationwide rainfall 42% below average, says IMD, Pg8

Nationwide rainfall 42% below average, says IMD, Pg8

Right to walk on footpaths: Behind SC order, surge in pedestrian deaths, Pg9

Right to walk on footpaths: Behind SC order, surge in pedestrian deaths, Pg9

ESA for Western Ghats: Why conservation is key, Pg9

ESA for Western Ghats: Why conservation is key, Pg9

As El Niño looms, guard against food inflation, Pg10

As El Niño looms, guard against food inflation, Pg10

From farms to factories, trade pact with UK opens new opportunities in India, Pg10

From farms to factories, trade pact with UK opens new opportunities in India, Pg10

Economy is growing, but that isn't translating to well-being, Pg10

Economy is growing, but that isn't translating to well-being, Pg10

Supreme Court has put pedestrians first. Cities must, too, Pg11

Supreme Court has put pedestrians first. Cities must, too, Pg11

It's time to reimagine the anti-defection law, Pg11

It's time to reimagine the anti-defection law, Pg11

'Monsoon shortfall could weigh on growth, inflation', Pg13

'Monsoon shortfall could weigh on growth, inflation', Pg13

Grid India proposes to repurpose underutilised thermal power plants, Pg13

Grid India proposes to repurpose underutilised thermal power plants, Pg13

More News Analysis

Download the App

Deadly fumes, Pg6

Deadly fumes, Pg6