Current Affairs - June 13, 2026 Current Affairs

ArsenSafe is a portable hand-held device developed by researchers at IIT Bhubaneswar to detect arsenic contamination in drinking water quickly and efficiently. The innovation was created by the Sensors and Spectroscopy Research Group within the School of Electrical and Computer Sciences (SECS) under the leadership of Sayan Dey. Developed through a startup incubated at the institute's Research and Entrepreneurship Park, the device combines nanotechnology and machine learning to assess water quality. Its ability to operate without laboratory infrastructure or specialised chemicals makes it highly useful for field testing by public health agencies, environmental organisations, and NGOs working in affected regions.

Sanjay Lohiya was nominated by the Central Government as a Director on the Central Boards of both the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the State Bank of India (SBI) on June 11, 2026. A 1994-batch IAS officer of the Assam-Meghalaya cadre, he serves as the Secretary of the Department of Financial Services (DFS) under the Ministry of Finance and assumed charge on June 1, 2026. His nomination followed the retirement of Nagaraju Maddirala. The appointment became effective immediately and will remain in force until further orders, strengthening coordination between the government and key financial institutions.

The Blue Valley Cluster was jointly launched by the Government of Assam and the European Union to strengthen sustainable value chains and innovation ecosystems in the North-East region of India. The initiative focuses on sectors such as flavours, fragrances, AYUSH products, agarwood, and organic foods. A Memorandum of Understanding was also signed between the Assam Industrial Development Corporation Limited (AIDC) and the Federation of European Businesses in India (FEBI) to promote investment, business collaboration, and knowledge exchange. The project aims to connect farmers, self-help groups, and startups with global markets while encouraging industrial cooperation in advanced technology sectors.

The 11th Governing Council Meeting of NITI Aayog was held on June 11, 2026, at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre in New Delhi. Chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the meeting focused on the theme "Inclusive Human Development for Viksit Bharat @2047." Discussions centred on strengthening human capital, promoting employment and entrepreneurship, improving health and well-being, and ensuring equity for all citizens. The meeting also reviewed recommendations from the National Conference of Chief Secretaries and emphasised key development areas such as education, skilling, and sports. New Delhi is also the headquarters of NITI Aayog, India's apex public policy think tank.

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) released IS 20201:2026 to establish a structured framework for the management of Community Seed Banks (CSBs) and the conservation of indigenous crop varieties. The standard provides guidelines for seed collection, viability testing, storage, and documentation. It particularly focuses on preserving traditional seeds that possess valuable characteristics such as drought tolerance, disease resistance, and enhanced nutritional value. Developed with contributions from key agricultural and biodiversity institutions, the standard supports national efforts to safeguard plant genetic resources, strengthen food security, and promote sustainable agricultural practices while aligning with existing biodiversity and farmers’ rights legislation.

The 114th International Labour Conference (ILC) was held in Geneva, Switzerland, on June 9, 2026. The conference brought together representatives from different countries to discuss labour-related issues and policies. India, led by Union Minister of State Shobha Karandlaje, participated actively and highlighted priorities such as inclusive growth, gender equality, and social dialogue. Geneva is an important global centre for international diplomacy and labour affairs. It is also the headquarters of the International Labour Organisation (ILO), which was established in 1919 and is known for promoting workers' rights, social justice, and cooperation among governments, employers, and workers worldwide.

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) for May 2026 reported a provisional national inflation rate of 3.93%, reflecting the overall change in retail prices across the country. Released by the National Statistical Office (NSO) under the Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation, the CPI is a key indicator used to measure inflation and monitor price movements in a fixed basket of goods and services. The data is collected from a wide network of urban markets and villages across India. Inflation trends influence monetary policy decisions, household purchasing power, and overall economic planning, making CPI one of the most important economic indicators in the country.

Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) secured the 22nd position globally in the Container Port Performance Index (CPPI) 2025, released by the World Bank and S&P Global Market Intelligence. This achievement marked an improvement of one rank from the previous year and helped JNPA retain its status as India's highest-performing container port. The CPPI evaluates ports based on operational efficiency, turnaround time, and overall performance. The report also highlighted the impact of global shipping disruptions and congestion on freight movement. JNPA's strong ranking reflects its continued efforts to improve port operations and enhance India's maritime trade infrastructure.

Viyona Fintech India received certification as a Biller Operating Unit (BOU) under the Bharat Bill Payment System (BBPS) from NPCI Bharat BillPay Limited (NBBL). This certification authorises the company to facilitate bill payment collection for various sectors, including utilities, education, insurance, and financial services. As a BOU, Viyona Fintech can help expand the reach of the Bharat BillPay network by integrating regional and underserved areas into the interoperable payment ecosystem. The development supports the growth of digital payment infrastructure in India and contributes to greater financial inclusion and convenience for consumers and service providers.

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) is organising the Global Wind Day 2026 Conference in Goa on June 15, 2026. The conference focuses on the theme “Wind Energy: From Ambition to Acceleration” and aims to support India's renewable energy goals. India is currently the world's fourth-largest wind power market and has set ambitious targets to achieve 100 GW of wind energy capacity by 2030 and 155 GW by 2035. The event will also highlight opportunities in wind turbine manufacturing and exports, helping strengthen India's position as a major global player in clean energy and sustainable development.