CURRENT AFFAIRS 25-26 June, 2026

CURRENT AFFAIRS 25-26 June, 2026

1. RBI INJECTS ₹1.41 LAKH CRORE INTO BANKING SYSTEM THROUGH 7-DAY VRR AUCTION –

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has infused ₹1.41 lakh crore into the banking system through a 7-day Variable Rate Repo (VRR) auction to ease short-term liquidity pressures. The move comes after banking system liquidity slipped into a deficit, largely due to outflows related to GST payments and advance tax collections.
• The liquidity injection aims to ensure adequate funds are available in the banking system and to keep short-term money market interest rates aligned with the RBI’s monetary policy stance.

2. HEMIS FESTIVAL 2026 –

• The Hemis Festival is one of the most vibrant and significant Buddhist festivals celebrated in Ladakh. Held annually at the famous Hemis Monastery in the Leh district, the festival commemorates the birth anniversary of Guru Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rinpoche or the Second Buddha. It is celebrated with colorful masked dances, sacred rituals, traditional music, and prayers, attracting thousands of devotees and tourists from across the world.
• In 2026, the Hemis Festival began on 24 June and concluded on 25 June at the Hemis Monastery. The inauguration ceremony was attended by the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, V. K. Saxena.

3. 35 NATIONS SIGN AI OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT AT PAX SILICA SUMMIT –

• The second Pax Silica Summit was held in Washington, D.C., on 25–26 June 2026, bringing together representatives from 35 countries, including India, to strengthen global cooperation in artificial intelligence (AI). The participating nations signed the Joint Statement on AI Opportunity, reaffirming their commitment to promoting innovation, trusted AI governance, resilient supply chains, and industrial cooperation in AI-related technologies.
• The summit marked another important step toward building an international framework for responsible AI development while encouraging economic growth and technological collaboration.

4. MAHESH DIXIT APPOINTED AS NEW INTELLIGENCE BUREAU DIRECTOR –

• The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the appointment of Mahesh Dixit as the new Director of the Intelligence Bureau (IB). A 1993-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of the Andhra Pradesh cadre, Dixit will assume charge on 30 June, succeeding Tapan Kumar Deka.
• The appointment is for a two-year tenure from the date he assumes office or until further orders, whichever is earlier. The approval includes an extension in service under the relevant provisions of the All India Services rules.

5. PM MODI OFFERS ASSISTANCE TO VENEZUELA AFTER DEVASTATING EARTHQUAKES –

• India has extended the its support to the Venezuela after the series of the powerful earthquakes which struck the South American nation on 24th June, 2026 and it caused the significant loss of the life and widespread destruction. Honorable Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed the deep sorrow over the tragedy and he conveyed the India’s readiness to provide the assistance during the crisis. The earthquakes which measures the 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude and it affected the several parts of Venezuela it includes the areas near the capital city of Caracas.

What Happened in Venezuela?

• On June 24th, 2026, two major earthquakes have struck western Venezuela within a short interval.

Key Details of the Earthquakes

• Magnitude of earthquake: 7.2 and 7.5
• Date: June 24, 2026
• Location: Near Montalbán and Yumare, west of Caracas
• Affected Regions: Western Venezuela and the capital region

MCQ QUIZ

Q1.  ‘Project Hawk Eye’ has been launched by which police force to strengthen surveillance for Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2026 ?

1. a) Delhi Police b) Maharashtra Police
2. c) Jammu and Kashmir Police d) Punjab Police

Q2.  The Sahariya tribe is primarily found in which states ?

1. a) Odisha and Jharkhand b) Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan
2. c) Chhattisgarh and Telangana d) Gujarat and Maharashtra

Q3.  Recently, the QS World Future Skills Index 2027 was released. India secured which of the following ranks in the index ?

1. a) 10^th b) 11th
2. c) 13^th d) 15th

Q4.  Consider the following statements regarding the provisions reportedly introduced by the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Rules, 2026:

1. NGOs are now required to disclose their social media accounts at the time of registration or renewal.
2. Organizations must specify the exact states or Union Territories where the foreign funds will be utilized.
3. The diversion of foreign funds attracts a penalty of ₹1 lakh or 30% of the diverted amount, whichever is higher.

         How many of the statements given above are correct ?

1. a) Only one b) Only two
2. c) All three d) None

Explanation-

• The FCRA Amendment Rules 2026 significantly expand the scope of regulatory oversight for NGOs and entities receiving foreign funds in India. To ensure better monitoring:
• Social Media Disclosure: Organizations are now mandated to declare their social media accounts during both the registration and renewal processes to map their digital footprint and activities.
• Geographical Targeting: The rules move beyond a general registration process by requiring applicants to explicitly state the specific States or Union Territories where the foreign contributions will be utilized.
• Stricter Penalties: To deter the misuse of foreign donations, the government has set strict penalties for FCRA violations—which include unauthorised use, excess administrative spending, or using funds in unapproved states. The penalty entails a fine of up to 30% of the diverted/misused amount or ₹1 lakh, whichever is higher. thus all three statements are correct.

Q5.  Consider the following statements regarding the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA), 2010:

1. It is implemented by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
2. The Act prohibits election candidates, journalists, and government servants from receiving foreign contributions.
3. Interest accrued on foreign contributions deposited in a bank is not considered a foreign contribution under the Act.
4. The registration granted under the FCRA is valid for a period of five years.

         Which of the statements given above are correct?

1. a) 1 and 2 only                                              b) 1, 2 and 4 only
2. c) 1, 2 and 3 only d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Explanation-

• Statement 1 is correct: The FCRA is enacted by Parliament and administered by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). Its primary objective is to ensure that foreign contributions do not adversely affect India’s sovereignty, internal security, or public interest.
• Statement 2 is correct: To prevent foreign interference in Indian politics and governance, the FCRA prohibits specific individuals and groups from accepting foreign contributions. These include election candidates, journalists, media companies, judges, government servants, political parties, and politicians.
• Statement 3 is incorrect: According to the FCRA framework, the interest accrued on foreign contributions deposited in a bank account is legally treated as a “foreign contribution.” Therefore, it must be accounted for and utilized in the same manner as the principal foreign funds.
• Statement 4 is correct: Under the FCRA, NGOs and associations intending to receive foreign funds must obtain registration or prior permission. This registration is initially valid for a period of five years and is subject to renewal based on compliance with all regulatory norms.

Answer Key