20 June 2026 Current Affairs (With PDF)

We bring you the most relevant and important news updates from around the world and India, specially curated for competitive exams and different entrance exams. Today's Current Affairs cover all significant national and international headlines, legal updates, economic news, and environmental highlights to boost your preparation. With our crisp, to-the-point coverage, you can confidently tackle current affairs questions in your exams.

 

Blocking Apps and Social Media Platforms in India

Why in News?

Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) reportedly blocked access to Telegram until 22 June, citing alleged non-cooperation in an investigation related to the NEET paper leak. The development has renewed debate over the legal framework governing online content blocking and platform regulation in India.

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Legal Framework for Blocking Online Content

1. Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000

• Statutory Power: Section 69A empowers the Central Government to direct any government agency or intermediary to block public access to online information.
• Grounds for Blocking: Blocking orders may be issued only in the interests of Sovereignty and integrity of India, Defence of India, Security of the State, Friendly relations with foreign States, Public order and Prevention of incitement to a cognisable offence related to the above grounds.
• Nature of the Provision: It is one of the primary legal mechanisms through which websites, applications, social media accounts, and digital content may be restricted in India.

2. Blocking Procedure Under IT Rules, 2009

a. Review Process

• Requests for blocking are initiated through designated nodal officers across ministries and government departments.
• A committee constituted under the rules examines such requests before recommending action.

b. Role of MeitY

• Based on the committee's recommendation, MeitY may issue a blocking order to the concerned intermediary or platform.

c. Emergency Blocking Powers

• In urgent situations, the Secretary of MeitY can direct immediate blocking without providing a prior hearing to the concerned party.

d. Subsequent Review

• Such emergency orders must later be reviewed by the designated committee to determine whether the blocking should continue.

3. Sahyog Portal

• Purpose: The Sahyog Portal has been developed by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
• Functions: Enables ministries and state police agencies to Submit content-removal requests digitally, Automate communication with intermediaries and Accelerate the process of issuing takedown notices.

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Safe Harbour Protection and Section 79

• What is Safe Harbour?: Under Section 79 of the IT Act, intermediaries generally enjoy protection from liability for third-party content hosted on their platforms.
• Examples of Intermediaries: Social media platforms, Messaging services, Search engines, Content-hosting websites.

Loss of Protection

• Section 79(3)(b): An intermediary may lose its "safe harbour" protection if it fails to remove or disable access to unlawful content after receiving valid legal directions.
• Compliance Timeline: Platforms are generally required to act within 36 hours of receiving a lawful takedown notice.

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Judicial Safeguards

1. Shreya Singhal v. Union of India (2015)

• In Shreya Singhal v. Union of India, the Supreme Court Struck down Section 66A of the IT Act as unconstitutional and Upheld the validity of Section 69A, subject to procedural safeguards.

2. Key Principles Laid Down

• Blocking powers must be exercised reasonably.
• Restrictions should satisfy the test of proportionality.
• Online speech cannot be curtailed arbitrarily.
• Procedural safeguards are necessary to protect freedom of expression.

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Key Issues and Concerns

• Freedom of Speech: Blocking orders may affect the constitutional guarantee of free expression under Article 19(1)(a).
• Transparency: Concerns are often raised regarding limited public disclosure of blocking orders and the reasons behind them.
• Due Process: Emergency blocking provisions can restrict access before affected parties receive an opportunity to be heard.
• Balancing Rights and Security: Policymakers must balance National security and public order concerns, Protection of constitutional freedoms, Digital platform accountability.

 

 

 

 

 

 

First Constitutional Amendment Act, 1951

Why in News?

The year 2026 marks 75 years since Rajendra Prasad gave assent to the First Constitutional Amendment Act, 1951, a landmark amendment that significantly altered the framework of Fundamental Rights, socio-economic reforms, and the scope of judicial review in India.

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Background

• The Constitution came into force on 26 January 1950, but several government policies—particularly land reforms and restrictions on certain forms of speech—faced constitutional challenges before courts.
• To address these issues, Parliament enacted the First Constitutional Amendment Act, 1951, making it the first major amendment to the Constitution.

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Key Provisions of the First Constitutional Amendment

1. Expansion of Restrictions on Freedom of Speech

• Amendment to Article 19(2): The amendment broadened the grounds on which the State could impose reasonable restrictions on freedom of speech and expression.
• New Grounds Added: Public Order, Friendly Relations with Foreign States, Incitement to an Offence.
• Significance: Strengthened the State's ability to regulate speech perceived as threatening social stability, public peace, or international relations.

2. Constitutional Basis for Reservations

• Insertion of Article 15(4): A new clause, Article 15(4), was inserted to enable the State to make special provisions for Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBCs), Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs).
• Significance: Established the constitutional foundation for affirmative action and reservation policies in education and welfare measures.

3. Protection of Land Reform Laws

• Introduction of Article 31A: Protected laws relating to Agrarian reforms, Abolition of intermediary interests, Land redistribution, Estate acquisition.
• Introduction of Article 31B: Provided additional protection to specified laws against challenges based on violation of Fundamental Rights.
• Significance: Enabled governments to pursue land reforms despite legal objections from affected landowners.

4. Creation of the Ninth Schedule

• Purpose: The amendment inserted the Ninth Schedule.
• Original Objective: Laws placed in the Ninth Schedule were initially protected from judicial scrutiny on the ground of violating Fundamental Rights.
• Significance: Intended to safeguard socio-economic reform legislation, particularly land reform laws.

5. Amendment to Article 19(6)

• State Participation in Trade and Business: The amendment modified Article 19(6) to clarify that State monopolies or nationalisation measures could not be challenged merely for restricting a citizen's right to carry on trade, occupation, or business.
• Significance: Facilitated greater State involvement in economic activities and public-sector expansion.

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Long-Term Legacy of the Amendment

1. Foundation of Reservation Policy

Article 15(4)

• Created the constitutional basis for reservations benefiting backward classes, SCs, and STs.
• This framework was subsequently expanded through later constitutional amendments, including the 103rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 2019.

2. Enabling Land Reforms

• Agrarian Transformation: Articles 31A and 31B facilitated Abolition of the Zamindari system, Redistribution of agricultural land, Reduction of feudal land ownership structures.

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Impact on Freedom of Speech

Regulatory Framework

• The inclusion of "public order" and "incitement to an offence" broadened the constitutional basis for speech regulation.
• These provisions continue to influence contemporary laws dealing with hate speech, public disorder, and incitement.

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Expansion of State-Led Economic Policies

1. Article 19(6)

• Supported nationalisation policies and public-sector dominance in key sectors.

2. Examples

• Life Insurance Corporation of India (1956).
• Bank nationalisation (1969 and 1980).
• Coal nationalisation (1973).

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Debate on Judicial Review

Ninth Schedule Immunity

• The extensive protection granted to Ninth Schedule laws triggered concerns about excessive parliamentary power.
• These concerns later contributed to the development of constitutional limitations on amendment powers.

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Major Supreme Court Judgments Related to the First Amendment

1. Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala (1973)

• Introduced the Basic Structure Doctrine.
• Held that Parliament cannot alter the Constitution's basic structure.
• Established constitutional limits on amendment powers.

2. I.R. Coelho v. State of Tamil Nadu (2007)

• Laws inserted into the Ninth Schedule after 24 April 1973 are subject to judicial review.
• Such laws can be struck down if they violate the Basic Structure of the Constitution.

3. Indra Sawhney v. Union of India (1992)

• Upheld reservations for backward classes.
• Introduced the "creamy layer" principle.
• Prescribed a general ceiling of 50% on reservations, subject to exceptional circumstances.

4. Shreya Singhal v. Union of India (2015)

• Free Speech Principle: Distinguished between Discussion, Advocacy and Incitement.
• State intervention is constitutionally permissible only when speech amounts to incitement leading to imminent public disorder or violence.

5. Akadasi Padhan v. State of Orissa (1962)

• State monopoly laws receive protection under Article 19(6).
• Only ancillary or incidental provisions may be examined for constitutional validity.

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Significance for Indian Constitutional Development

• Balancing Rights and Social Justice: Attempted to reconcile individual freedoms with socio-economic transformation.
• Strengthening Welfare Governance: Facilitated affirmative action and land redistribution measures.
• Defining Judicial-Parliamentary Relations: Triggered a long constitutional debate on the limits of legislative power and judicial review.
• Shaping Modern Constitutional Law: Many contemporary debates on reservations, free speech, judicial review, and socio-economic legislation trace their origins to the First Constitutional Amendment.

 

Bonn Climate Change Conference 2026 (SB64)

Why in News?

The Bonn Climate Change Conference 2026 (SB64) concluded in Bonn, bringing together countries under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) framework to advance negotiations and implementation efforts ahead of the next Conference of Parties (COP).

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About the Bonn Climate Change Conference

• The Bonn Conference is an annual mid-year climate meeting held under the UNFCCC process.
• It serves as a preparatory platform for negotiations before the annual COP summits.
• The conference focuses on accelerating the implementation of commitments under the Paris Agreement.
• Discussions are conducted through the UNFCCC’s subsidiary bodies, which address scientific, technical, and implementation-related issues.

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United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)

1. Background

• The UNFCCC is the foundational international treaty governing global climate action.
• It was adopted during the Rio Earth Summit in 1992.

2. Objective

• To stabilize atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations at levels that prevent dangerous human-induced interference with the climate system.

3. Headquarters

• Bonn, Germany

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Key Outcomes of SB64

1. Global Climate Action Agenda

a. New 2035 Targets

• The COP31 Presidency of Türkiye unveiled a new climate action agenda with targets extending to 2035.

b. Major Goals

• Increase electricity's share in final global energy consumption from just over 20% currently to 35% by 2035.
• Reduce the projected growth of global waste generation by 50% & Encourage resource efficiency and sustainable consumption patterns.
• Cut energy-consumption intensity in the building sector by at least 25% & Support energy-efficient infrastructure and sustainable urban development.

2. Indicators of Global Climate Change 2025 Report

a. Worsening Climate Trends

• The report concluded that all major climate indicators have deteriorated since the previous UN assessment.

b. Marine Heatwaves

• Marine heatwaves recorded a 61% increase, making them the fastest-worsening climate indicator globally.

c. Greenhouse Gas Emissions

• Global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reached a new record high.
• Continued dependence on fossil fuels remains the principal driver of emission growth.

d. Broader Implications

• Rising temperatures, ocean warming, and extreme weather events continue to intensify climate-related risks worldwide.

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Significance of the Bonn Conference

• Preparatory Role for COP Negotiations: Helps narrow differences among countries before major political negotiations at COP meetings.
• Paris Agreement Implementation: Facilitates progress on Emission reduction commitments, Climate adaptation measures, Climate finance, Transparency and reporting mechanisms.
• Scientific and Technical Cooperation: Provides a platform for reviewing climate science and evaluating implementation gaps.
• Global Climate Governance: Strengthens international cooperation in addressing climate change and achieving long-term sustainability goals.

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Key Concerns Highlighted

• Rising Emissions: Global emissions continue to rise despite existing mitigation commitments.
• Dependence on Fossil Fuels: Fossil fuel consumption remains a major obstacle to achieving climate targets.
• Escalating Climate Impacts: Increased marine heatwaves, extreme weather events, and ecosystem degradation underscore the urgency of stronger climate action.
• Implementation Gap: Many countries remain off track in meeting targets consistent with limiting global warming under the Paris Agreement.

 

Floating Solar Potential in India

Why in News?

According to the first nationwide assessment conducted by the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE), India's reservoirs possess the potential to support approximately 102.18 GW of floating solar power capacity, highlighting a significant opportunity for expanding renewable energy generation.

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What is Floating Solar?

1. Definition

• Floating Solar Photovoltaic (FPV) systems consist of solar panels mounted on floating structures installed over water bodies such as Reservoirs, Lakes, Dams, Irrigation tanks.

2. Working Mechanism

• Solar panels generate electricity similarly to conventional ground-mounted systems.
• Floating platforms, anchoring systems, and underwater cables support power generation and transmission.

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About the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE)

1. Overview

• NISE is the apex autonomous institution for solar energy research and development in India.

2. Administrative Ministry

• Functions under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).

3. Headquarters

• Located in Gurugram, Haryana.

4. Key Role

• Serves as India's national resource centre for solar energy.
• Supports implementation of the National Solar Mission.
• Conducts research, resource assessment, capacity building, and policy support.

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Key Findings of the Assessment

• National Potential: India's reservoirs can support approximately 102.18 GW of floating solar capacity.
• States with Highest Potential: Maharashtra – ~16 GW, Madhya Pradesh – ~14 GW, Karnataka, Odisha, Telangana

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Floating Solar: Global Scenario

• Installed Capacity: Global floating solar capacity reached approximately 9.6 GW by 2024.
• Regional Concentration: Nearly 90% of global installations are located in Asia.
• Leading Country: China remains the global leader in floating solar deployment.

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Major Floating Solar Projects in India

1. Omkareshwar Floating Solar Project

• Omkareshwar Floating Solar Project, Madhya Pradesh.
• Capacity: 600 MW
• India's largest floating solar project.

2. Ramagundam Floating Solar Plant

• Ramagundam Floating Solar Plant, Telangana.
• Capacity: 100 MW
• India's first large-scale operational floating solar project.

Helium-3 (He-3)

Why in News?

Analysis of samples returned by the Apollo Program has reaffirmed that Helium-3 (He-3) is present in relatively higher concentrations within the Moon's uppermost surface layer, known as the lunar regolith, reinforcing interest in the isotope as a potential resource for future scientific and energy applications.

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What is Helium-3?

• Helium-3 is a rare, stable isotope of helium.
• Unlike the more common Helium-4, it contains 2 protons and 1 neutron
• Regular helium (Helium-4) contains two neutrons.
• Key Characteristics: Non-radioactive, Chemically inert (noble gas), Extremely scarce on Earth.
• Considered one of the most valuable isotopes for advanced scientific and technological applications.

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Occurrence of Helium-3

1. On Earth

a. Rare Availability

• Helium-3 is naturally present only in trace amounts on Earth.
• Most commercially available supplies are obtained from the radioactive decay of tritium maintained in nuclear stockpiles.

b. Limited Supply

• Earth's atmosphere and geological reserves contain very little Helium-3, making it a scarce resource.

2. On the Moon

a. Lunar Regolith

• The Moon's surface is covered by a layer of loose dust and fragmented rock known as regolith.

b. Source of Accumulation

• Over billions of years, particles from the solar wind containing Helium-3 have been implanted into the lunar surface.
• The absence of a substantial atmosphere and global magnetic field has allowed the Moon to accumulate greater quantities of the isotope than Earth.

c. Strategic Interest

• Helium-3 deposits are one of the reasons many countries view lunar exploration as economically and scientifically significant.

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Major Applications of Helium-3

1. Quantum Computing

• Ultra-Low Temperature Cooling: Helium-3 is used in cryogenic systems capable of reaching temperatures close to absolute zero.
• Importance: Such temperatures are essential for Quantum computers, Superconducting devices, Advanced quantum research.

2. Particle Physics Research

• Scientific Experiments: Helium-3 is widely used in experiments exploring Dark matter, Fundamental particles, Nuclear and subatomic interactions.
• Detection Technologies: Serves as an important medium in specialized radiation and neutron detection systems.

3. Nuclear Fusion Energy

a. Future Fusion Fuel

• Helium-3 is regarded as a promising fuel for advanced fusion reactors.

b. Potential Advantages

• Produces significantly fewer radioactive by-products than many conventional fusion reactions.
• Could provide Clean energy, High energy output, Reduced long-term radioactive waste.

c. Challenges

• Commercial Helium-3 fusion remains technologically unachieved.
• Fusion systems capable of efficiently utilizing Helium-3 are still under development.

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Why is Helium-3 Important?

• Clean Energy Potential: Frequently cited as a potential fuel source for future sustainable energy systems.
• Scientific Value: Supports cutting-edge research in physics and quantum technologies.
• Space Resource Utilization: Has become a major consideration in discussions on lunar mining and long-term space exploration.
• Strategic Resource: Its scarcity on Earth and potential technological applications make it a resource of considerable geopolitical and economic interest.

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Challenges in Utilizing Helium-3

1. Extraction Difficulties

• Helium-3 is dispersed in very low concentrations even within lunar regolith.
• Large quantities of lunar soil would need to be processed to obtain commercially useful amounts.

2. High Costs

• Lunar mining, processing, storage, and transportation would require enormous investments and advanced infrastructure.

3. Technological Constraints

• Fusion reactors capable of efficiently using Helium-3 are not yet commercially viable.

4. Legal and Governance Issues

• Large-scale extraction of extraterrestrial resources raises questions regarding international space law and resource ownership.

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Significance for Future Lunar Missions

• Resource Exploration: Helium-3 is among the key resources being studied by future lunar missions.
• Long-Term Lunar Economy: Potential extraction of Helium-3 could support the development of a future space-based economy.
• International Interest: Several countries, including India, United States, and China, are exploring the scientific and economic potential of lunar resources.

 

QS World University Rankings 2027

Why in News?

The QS World University Rankings 2027 have been released by Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), with Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) retaining the top position globally for the 15th consecutive year.

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About QS World University Rankings

• The QS World University Rankings is an annual global ranking of higher education institutions published by Quacquarelli Symonds (QS).
• It is among the most widely referenced international university ranking systems.
• The 2027 edition evaluates and ranks over 1,500 universities across 106 countries and territories.
• Purpose: To assess universities based on academic excellence, research impact, employability outcomes, internationalisation, and sustainability performance.

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Ranking Methodology

• Academic Reputation: Measures global academic perception of teaching and research quality.
• Employer Reputation: Assesses how employers view graduates from a particular institution.
• Citations per Faculty: Evaluates research influence and scholarly impact.
• Faculty–Student Ratio: Indicates the level of teaching resources available to students.
• International Faculty Ratio: Measures diversity among academic staff.
• International Student Ratio: Assesses the extent of international student participation.
• Sustainability: Evaluates environmental, social, and governance-related performance.
• Employment Outcomes: Measures graduate employability and career success.

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Global Highlights

• Top-Ranked Universities

Key Observation

• MIT maintained its position as the world's leading university for the 15th successive year.

Rank	University
1	Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
2 (Joint)	Imperial College London
2 (Joint)	Stanford Universit

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Performance of Indian Universities

• 52 Indian institutions featured in the QS World University Rankings 2027.
• India emerged as the 5th most-represented country in the rankings after United States, United Kingdom, China, Germany
• India's representation has increased by 271% over the last decade, the fastest growth rate among G20 nations.
• Indian Institute of Technology Delhi emerged as India's highest-ranked institution (118th from 123rd).

 

India–Russia Reciprocal Exchange of Logistics Agreement (RELOS)

Why in News?

India and Russia have operationalised the Reciprocal Exchange of Logistics Agreement (RELOS), a defence logistics pact signed in February 2025 that facilitates mutual logistical support between the armed forces of both countries.

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What is RELOS?

• RELOS (Reciprocal Exchange of Logistics Agreement) is a bilateral military logistics arrangement between India and Russia.
• It enables reciprocal access to designated military facilities and logistical services during approved military activities.
• Objective: To enhance defence cooperation, operational interoperability, and logistical efficiency between the armed forces of the two countries.
• India's Other Logistics Agreements: United States (Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement – LEMOA), France, Japan, Australia, United Kingdom, Singapore, Vietnam

 

Drunix

Why in News?

The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has launched Drunix, an open-source blockchain platform aimed at strengthening blockchain and tokenisation ecosystems and accelerating the adoption of Distributed Ledger Technologies (DLTs) across industries.

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About Drunix

• Drunix is a custom-built private blockchain framework developed by NPCI.
• It is designed to deliver High scalability, Enhanced transaction performance, Enterprise-grade reliability, Efficient deployment of blockchain-based applications.
• Objective: To support large-scale blockchain implementation in sectors requiring secure, transparent, and efficient digital transaction systems.
• To promote the adoption of Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) in India’s digital infrastructure ecosystem.

 

Project Nimbus

Why in News?

Project Nimbus has drawn renewed attention amid discussions surrounding the ongoing Israel-Iran Conflict, particularly regarding the role of advanced cloud computing and artificial intelligence technologies in national security and governance.

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What is Project Nimbus?

• Project Nimbus is a large-scale cloud computing and artificial intelligence (AI) initiative commissioned by the Israel government.
• The contract was awarded in 2021 to Google and Amazon Web Services
• Objective: To modernize Israel's government digital infrastructure through advanced cloud services and AI-enabled capabilities.
• To enhance the efficiency, security, and scalability of government data management systems.

 

One-Liners

Ariane 6 Rocket

• Ariane 6 is Europe’s next-generation heavy-lift launch vehicle, developed by the European Space Agency and operated by Arianespace to ensure independent European access to space.
• In its latest mission, it deployed 36 satellites of Project Kuiper, the largest payload ever carried by an Ariane rocket.

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Green Hydrogen Certification Portal of India

• The Green Hydrogen Certification Portal of India is a centralized digital platform launched by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy to facilitate the application, monitoring, and issuance of green hydrogen certificates.
• It verifies compliance with the Green Hydrogen Certification Scheme of India (GHCI), which requires lifecycle emissions to remain below 2 kg CO₂-equivalent per kilogram of hydrogen, averaged over a 12-month period.

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First BRICS MSME Forum

• India hosted the inaugural BRICS MSME Forum in Agra under its BRICS 2026 Chairship. Organised by the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, the forum focused on the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability”, aiming to strengthen collaboration among MSMEs across BRICS nations.

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Kazan Declaration 2026

• The Kazan Declaration 2026 was adopted by Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and Russia to commemorate 35 years of ASEAN–Russia relations.
• The declaration outlines the roadmap for the ASEAN–Russia Strategic Partnership (2026–2030) and reiterates support for a just, democratic, and multipolar international order grounded in the Charter of the United Nations and international law.
• Kazan, situated at the confluence of the Volga and Kazanka rivers, is the capital of Tatarstan and previously hosted the 16th BRICS Summit.

 

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