Current Affairs - June 25, 2026 Current Affairs

LineShine, based at the National Supercomputing Centre in Shenzhen, China, became the world's fastest supercomputer according to the TOP500 list announced in June 2026. It achieved a remarkable performance of 2.198 exaflops, capable of performing more than two quintillion calculations per second. LineShine is the first CPU-only supercomputer to surpass the 2-exaflop milestone and the first Chinese system to top the global rankings since Sunway TaihuLight in 2017. Its achievement highlights China's growing capabilities in high-performance computing and the increasing global focus on technological advancement and digital sovereignty.

The President of India sanctioned the use of 83.814 acres of defence land in Hyderabad for the Gandhi Sarovar Project as part of the larger Musi Riverfront Development Project. Developed by the Musi Riverfront Development Corporation Limited (MRDCL), the initiative aims to restore and rejuvenate the Musi River while creating a major cultural and ecological landmark. The project includes the construction of a Statue of Peace, a Gandhi Museum, a National Museum, an Education Hub, a Handloom Training Centre, a Relics and Research Centre, and a riverfront viewing platform. It also commemorates the historic Gandhi Sarovar site, where Mahatma Gandhi's ashes were immersed in 1948.

World Vitiligo Day is observed annually on June 25 to raise awareness about vitiligo, a long-term skin condition that causes loss of skin pigmentation. The observance aims to eliminate myths and social stigma while promoting acceptance, inclusion, and support for people living with the condition. The 2026 theme, "From Stigma to Strength," emphasises empowerment, self-confidence, and greater public understanding. The day also encourages early diagnosis, supports mental well-being, and highlights that vitiligo is not contagious. Through awareness campaigns and educational initiatives, World Vitiligo Day advocates for dignity, equality, and respect for individuals regardless of their appearance.

India emerged as the world's leading ship recycling nation in 2025, achieving a 35.4% global market share and reaching the Maritime India Vision 2030 target five years ahead of schedule. The country's ship recycling volume increased significantly from 1.86 million Gross Tons (GT) in 2024 to 2.99 million GT in 2025. This achievement was supported by government initiatives, including financial assistance for modernising recycling yards, implementation of the Recycling of Ships Act, 2019, and compliance with the Hong Kong International Convention. India also plans to further expand its ship recycling capacity through the development of the Alang Ship Recycling Yard in Gujarat.

Punjab National Bank (PNB), in partnership with Zaggle Prepaid Ocean Services Ltd., launched India's first co-branded biodegradable twin credit cards in June 2026. Manufactured using biodegradable materials, these cards promote sustainability while offering users access to both Visa and RuPay networks through a twin-card proposition. Customers benefit from global travel privileges, UPI-enabled payments, discounts on jewellery purchases, fuel surcharge waivers, complimentary airport and railway lounge access, OTT subscriptions, fitness memberships, and insurance coverage. The initiative combines environmentally friendly innovation with digital convenience, as card applications and management are handled through the Zagg. money mobile application.

Zerodha Fund House launched India's first target-date Life Cycle Fund series, introducing the Life Cycle Fund 2036 and Life Cycle Fund 2041. These funds are designed to help investors achieve long-term financial goals by automatically adjusting asset allocation as the target year approaches. Initially, the portfolio maintains higher exposure to growth-oriented assets such as equities and gradually shifts towards lower-risk investments like government securities. The funds also include exposure to gold and silver, providing diversification. This innovative investment approach aligns with global retirement planning practices and offers a disciplined, long-term wealth creation strategy for investors.

S&P Global Ratings has projected India's GDP growth at 6.6% for FY27, indicating a moderation from the estimated 7.7% growth in FY26. The agency attributed the slower growth outlook to continued energy market disruptions, rising fuel prices, and expectations of a below-normal southwest monsoon influenced by El Niño conditions. These factors could increase inflationary pressures and affect economic activity. S&P also expects inflation to rise in FY27, which may prompt the Reserve Bank of India to consider monetary policy adjustments, including a possible 25-basis-point increase in the repo rate to maintain economic stability and control inflation.

Uttar Pradesh became the location for India's first private-sector Hybrid 2G Ethanol Project after receiving financial assistance of ₹150 crore from the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. Approved under the PM JI-VAN Yojana, the project aims to produce sustainable ethanol using agricultural residues such as sugarcane bagasse. It combines biomass gasification and gas fermentation technologies to convert waste into clean fuel. The initiative supports India's target of achieving 20% ethanol blending in petrol, promotes renewable energy, reduces dependence on fossil fuels, and encourages the productive use of agricultural waste while strengthening the country's biofuel ecosystem.

Parveen Shaikh and Dr Barkha Subba were honoured with the 2026 Whitley Awards, popularly known as the Green Oscars, for their exceptional contributions to environmental conservation. Parveen Shaikh was recognised for her efforts to protect the endangered Indian Skimmer through community-based conservation initiatives along the Chambal River. Dr Barkha Subba received the award for her work in conserving the Himalayan Salamander by restoring wetlands, monitoring populations, and engaging local communities. Each recipient received £50,000 to support ongoing conservation projects, highlighting India's significant contribution to global biodiversity conservation and sustainable environmental practices.

Kunal Shah, the founder of Cred, was appointed as the Global Head of WhatsApp by Meta Platforms Inc. on June 23, 2026. He succeeded Will Cathcart, who had led WhatsApp since 2019 and later moved to a new product development role within Meta. Following Shah's appointment, Miten Sampat assumed the role of interim CEO of Cred. Shah is widely recognised for founding Cred in 2018, a Bengaluru-based fintech company that rewards creditworthy users and offers services in payments, lending, insurance, and wealth management. His appointment reflects Meta's focus on strengthening WhatsApp's global growth and innovation.