Current Affairs Chronicle

🎓 Centre Simplifies Scholarship Access for SC and OBC Students

In a major step towards inclusive education, the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment (DoSJE) has removed the requirement of submitting a domicile certificate under the Pre-Matric and Post-Matric Scholarship Schemes for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Other Backward Classes (OBCs). The reform aims to make scholarship benefits more accessible and student-friendly.

The initiative is expected to benefit nearly 1.2 crore students every year, especially those pursuing education outside their home states. To further streamline scholarship services, the government has also launched the SETU (Scholarship for Educational Transformation and Upliftment) portal on the UMANG platform, providing a single-window system for registration, application tracking, and verification processes.

🌍 Uzbekistan Becomes the 10th Member of the New Development Bank (NDB)

In a significant development for regional and economic cooperation, Uzbekistan has officially joined the New Development Bank (NDB) in June 2026, becoming the first Central Asian country to become a member of the BRICS-backed multilateral development bank.

The NDB plans to support projects in Uzbekistan across key sectors such as energy, water management, transport, municipal infrastructure, and social infrastructure. Membership will help Uzbekistan strengthen trade and investment ties with member nations while mobilizing resources for sustainable development. Established by BRICS countries in 2015, the NDB continues to play a crucial role in financing infrastructure and development projects across emerging economies.

⚖️ In a landmark judgment, the Supreme Court of India has recognized homemakers as “nation builders” and “economic entities”, acknowledging their invaluable contribution to families and society. To ensure fair compensation in motor accident cases involving deceased homemakers, the Court introduced a new compensation category called “Loss of Domestic Care.”

Under the new framework, a notional monthly income of ₹30,000 will be considered for compensation calculations. The benefit applies where a homemaker contributed to household management and where family members lose essential care, guidance, and domestic support. The benchmark amount will be revised upward by 10% every three years, and if the homemaker was also employed, an additional ₹30,000 will be added to her actual income while calculating compensation. The ruling marks a significant step toward recognizing unpaid domestic work and its economic value.

Scientists at the Institute of Nano Science and Technology, Mohali, have developed a groundbreaking electrolyte additive that significantly enhances the performance, safety, and lifespan of aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs). The innovation, known as BDIM (1,3-bis(1,3-dicarboxypropyl)-1H-imidazole-3-ium chloride), addresses key challenges faced by zinc-ion batteries, including zinc dendrite formation, corrosion, hydrogen evolution, and poor cycling stability.

By adsorbing onto the zinc surface and reducing unwanted electrochemical reactions, the BDIM additive improves battery efficiency, durability, and reliability. This breakthrough could accelerate the adoption of safer and more affordable energy storage technologies for renewable energy systems, grid-scale storage, backup power solutions, and next-generation rechargeable batteries, supporting a cleaner and more sustainable energy future.

India and Thailand Strengthen Defence Partnership

India and Thailand have agreed to deepen bilateral defence cooperation during the 10th Thailand–India Defence Dialogue held in Bangkok on 16 June 2026. The discussions focused on expanding collaboration in defence manufacturing, research, innovation, and capability development, reflecting the growing strategic partnership between the two nations.

A key area of discussion was the evolving security landscape in the Indo-Pacific region, where both countries reaffirmed their commitment to promoting peace, stability, and prosperity. The two sides also explored opportunities to strengthen cooperation between their defence industries and enhance indigenous defence capabilities.

Building on the Strategic Partnership established in 2025, India and Thailand reiterated their shared commitment to addressing regional security challenges through dialogue, cooperation, and practical engagement. The dialogue marks another important step in strengthening defence and security ties between the two friendly nations.

Remembering Jyotiprasad Agarwala: Pioneer of Assamese Culture and Cinema

On the birth anniversary of Jyotiprasad Agarwala, fondly known as “Rupkonwar” (Prince of Beauty), we pay tribute to one of the greatest figures in Assam’s cultural and literary history.

Born on 17 June 1903 at the Tamulbari Tea Estate in Dibrugarh, Agarwala was a multifaceted personality—poet, playwright, lyricist, composer, filmmaker, and freedom fighter. His remarkable contributions played a vital role in shaping the Assamese cultural renaissance during the early twentieth century.

A true visionary, he created history in 1935 by producing, directing, and writing Joymoti, the first Assamese feature film. This landmark achievement laid the foundation of Assamese cinema and opened a new chapter in the region’s artistic journey.

Jyotiprasad Agarwala’s legacy continues to inspire generations through his literature, music, films, and unwavering dedication to culture and nation-building.

🌍🌱 World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought 2026 💧🌾

On 17 June 2026, the world comes together to observe World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought, highlighting the urgent need for global action to address land degradation, desertification, and drought.

🔹 Why It Matters
Desertification and land degradation threaten food security, water availability, biodiversity, and the livelihoods of millions of people worldwide. Protecting and restoring our land is essential for a sustainable and resilient future.

🔹 Key Focus Areas
✅ Sustainable Land Management
✅ Restoration of Degraded Ecosystems
✅ Drought Resilience and Preparedness
✅ Community Participation and Awareness
✅ International Cooperation and Policy Action

🔹 Theme 2026
🌾 "Rangelands: Recognise. Respect. Restore"

The theme emphasizes the importance of rangelands in supporting biodiversity, food systems, climate stability, and the livelihoods of communities across the globe. Protecting and restoring these vital ecosystems is crucial for environmental sustainability.

🌿 Every action counts. By conserving land, adopting sustainable practices, and working together, we can combat desertification, restore ecosystems, and build a greener future for all.

"Healthy Land, Healthy Future" 🌍💚

🌍🌱 World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought 2026 🌾💧

Every year on 17 June, the world observes the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought to raise awareness about the urgent need for global cooperation in addressing desertification, land degradation, and drought.

🔹 Why This Day Matters
🌍 Land degradation affects ecosystems, food security, water resources, and livelihoods worldwide.

🌱 Healthy land is essential for sustainable agriculture, biodiversity conservation, and climate resilience.

💧 Combating drought and restoring degraded land are critical for ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.

🔹 Key Messages
✅ Promote sustainable land management practices.

✅ Encourage policy interventions to prevent land degradation.

✅ Strengthen cooperation at local, national, and international levels.

✅ Restore degraded landscapes and improve ecosystem resilience.

✅ Build communities that can better withstand drought and climate challenges.

🔹 Theme 2026
🌾 "Rangelands: Recognise. Respect. Restore"

The theme highlights the importance of protecting and restoring rangelands, which support biodiversity, food systems, livelihoods, and climate stability across the globe.

🌿 Together, through awareness, innovation, and collective action, we can restore degraded land, combat desertification, and create a greener, more sustainable planet.

📈🇮🇳 India’s Exports Surge 14.66% to US$ 162.69 Billion in April–May 2026-27

India’s export sector recorded strong growth as the Ministry of Commerce and Industry reported that the country’s total exports of goods and services increased by 14.66% year-on-year to US$ 162.69 billion during April–May 2026-27.

🌟 Key Highlights:

🔹 Total Exports: Increased from US$ 141.89 billion to US$ 162.69 billion, reflecting robust growth in both merchandise and services exports.

🔹 Merchandise Exports: Rose by 16.09% to US$ 88.91 billion, compared to US$ 76.59 billion in the same period last year.

🔹 Non-Petroleum Exports: Grew by 10.49% to US$ 70.74 billion, highlighting diversification and resilience in India's export basket.

🔹 May 2026 Performance: Total exports were estimated at US$ 81.96 billion, registering a 15.83% growth over May 2025.

🔹 Imports & Trade Deficit:
📦 Total Imports: US$ 92.47 billion
📊 Trade Deficit: US$ 10.51 billion

The impressive export growth underscores India's strengthening position in global trade and reflects the country's expanding manufacturing and services capabilities.

🤝🇮🇳🇸🇰 India and Slovakia Elevate Relations to a Comprehensive Partnership

On 15 June 2026, India and Slovakia elevated their bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Partnership and signed 11 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) across several strategic sectors during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Slovakia.

🌟 Key Highlights:

🔹 Counter-Terrorism Cooperation: Agreement to establish a Joint Working Group (JWG) on Counter-Terrorism to strengthen efforts against terrorism and security threats.

🔹 Major MoUs Signed in Key Areas:
✅ Digital Technologies and Innovation
✅ Labour Mobility and Migration Cooperation
✅ Higher Education and Research Collaboration
✅ Media and Audio-Visual Content Creation
✅ Quantum Communication Technologies
✅ Critical Infrastructure Protection and Resilience

The agreements mark a significant step forward in strengthening bilateral cooperation, promoting innovation, enhancing people-to-people ties, and expanding collaboration in emerging technologies.

This new Comprehensive Partnership reflects the growing strategic importance of India–Slovakia relations and their shared commitment to peace, development, and technological advancement.