Current Affairs - June 15, 2026 Current Affairs

Hexaware Technologies inaugurated a new delivery centre in GIFT City, Gandhinagar, as part of its expansion strategy to strengthen its presence in India's growing technology ecosystem. The facility is located in the Pragya-II building within the GIFT City campus and is expected to generate around 1,000 highly skilled jobs over the next three years. The centre will focus on advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, data analytics, automation, and digital transformation services. It will serve global clients across sectors including banking, financial services, insurance, healthcare, and manufacturing, contributing to Gujarat's emergence as a hub for innovation and technology-driven investments.

Dr P L Gautam was appointed as the Chairperson of the Expert Committee on Agrobiodiversity by the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) on June 13, 2026. A Padma Shri awardee, he has previously served as the head of both the National Biodiversity Authority and the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Authority (PPVFRA). The committee was reconstituted under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, and is tasked with promoting the conservation of agricultural genetic resources and strengthening Access and Benefit-Sharing (ABS) mechanisms. It also provides guidance on international agreements related to plant genetic resources and supports India's biodiversity and sustainable development commitments.

India Post launched its first drone-based mail and parcel transmission service in Himachal Pradesh on June 12, 2026, connecting Mandi Head Post Office with Rehardhar Branch Post Office. The initiative significantly reduced delivery time from more than two hours through conventional transport to just seven minutes across a mountainous route of about 12 kilometers. The project aims to improve connectivity in remote and difficult-to-access regions while promoting environmentally sustainable transportation. Led by the Ministry of Communications, the service also provides real-time tracking capabilities. Following its successful launch, India Post plans to expand drone-based delivery operations to 150 additional routes, particularly in Himachal Pradesh and Assam.

The BRICS Agriculture Ministers' Meeting concluded in Indore on June 13, 2026, with the adoption of the Indore Declaration aimed at strengthening global food security and promoting sustainable agriculture. The meeting brought together BRICS member nations, which collectively account for a significant share of the world's population, agricultural land, and foodgrain production. Key outcomes included the creation of networks focused on agroecology, regenerative agriculture, digital farming, and farmers' rights. The event also emphasised cooperation in artificial intelligence, geospatial technologies, seed systems, and agricultural research. Indore, located in Madhya Pradesh, served as the venue for these important discussions on agricultural collaboration and innovation.

Kane Williamson announced his retirement from all formats of international cricket following the Lord’s Test against England in June 2026, bringing an end to a remarkable 16-year international career. He finished as New Zealand’s highest run-scorer across all formats with 19,346 runs and accumulated 48 centuries and 110 half-centuries. Williamson also holds the national record for the most Test centuries with 33. As captain, he led New Zealand to several historic achievements, including victory in the inaugural ICC World Test Championship in 2021 and appearances in the finals of major ICC tournaments. His consistency, leadership, and sportsmanship made him one of cricket’s most respected figures.

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully carried out three consecutive flight-tests of the Multi-layered Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) system and the Naval Anti-Ship Missile-Medium Range (NASM-MR) on June 10 and 11, 2026. These tests demonstrated India's capability to defend against long-range ballistic missile threats and marked the successful maiden flight-test of the NASM-MR, designed for the Indian Navy. The achievement placed India among a select group of nations capable of engaging Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs). Developed indigenously, these advanced missile systems strengthen India's defence preparedness and showcase significant progress in domestic military technology and strategic capabilities.

Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth was appointed as the next Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), succeeding General Upendra Dwivedi upon his retirement on June 30, 2026. Before this appointment, Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth served as the Vice Chief of the Army Staff and had a distinguished military career spanning several decades. Commissioned into the Armoured Corps in December 1986, he is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla. He has commanded the prestigious Sudarshan Chakra Corps and received several distinguished military honours, including the Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM), Uttam Yudh Seva Medal (UYSM), and Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) for his exemplary service.

The foundation stone for a new MSME Technology Centre was laid at Khizarsarai in Gaya, Bihar, by Union Minister for MSME Jitan Ram Manjhi and Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary on June 15, 2026. The project involves an investment of ₹170 crore and aims to strengthen industrial development and skill enhancement in the region. The centre will feature advanced facilities such as an Industry 4.0 laboratory, production and training blocks, and hostel accommodations. It is expected to train around 7,000 individuals annually and provide technical support to more than 1,000 MSMEs each year, benefiting the broader Magadh region of Bihar.

PhonePe emerged as the most downloaded digital wallet application in the world in 2025, reflecting India's growing dominance in the digital payments ecosystem. India recorded more than 440 million digital wallet app downloads during the year, accounting for nearly one-fourth of global downloads. The country's rapid adoption of digital payment platforms has been driven by the success of the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), which processed 228.5 billion transactions worth ₹299.7 trillion in 2025. Along with Google Pay, PhonePe handled over 80% of UPI transactions, highlighting its significant role in promoting cashless payments, financial inclusion, and digital commerce across India.

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) discovered 25 inscriptions and ancient rock art in the Nallamala Tiger Reserve of Andhra Pradesh during a survey conducted in June 2026. These findings span nearly 1,400 years, ranging from the 2nd century CE to the 16th century CE, and provide valuable insights into the region’s historical and cultural evolution. The inscriptions are associated with several major dynasties, including the Satavahanas, Chalukyas, Kakatiyas, and Vijayanagara rulers. The survey also uncovered prehistoric rock paintings near the Krishna River, with some artworks dating back to around 1500 BCE, highlighting the area's rich archaeological heritage.