Weekly Current Affairs Test : 22nd to 30th June 2026

Recently, the Prime Minister disbursed incentives worth about ₹2,400 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana (PM-VBRY). Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana (PM-VBRY) is a flagship employment generation scheme aimed at creating jobs in the formal sector. The scheme promotes Employees Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) enrollment and strengthens social security coverage.

India’s senior bureaucrat Vivek Aggarwal has been selected as the Vice-President of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) for the 2026–27 term. He will succeed Giles Thomson of the United Kingdom. Vivek Aggarwal is currently serving as Secretary, Ministry of Culture. FATF (Financial Action Task Force) is an independent intergovernmental body that combats money laundering and terrorist financing. India became a member in 2010.

The Indian Navy is commissioning three indigenously built platforms in Kolkata: INS Dunagiri, INS Sanshodhak, and INS Agray. These platforms reflect India’s focus on Aatmanirbhar Bharat in defence production. INS Dunagiri is the fifth Project 17A stealth frigate, designed by the Warship Design Bureau (WDB) and built at Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE). INS Sanshodhak is the fourth Survey Vessel (Large) used for hydrographic, oceanographic, and geophysical surveys. INS Agray is the fourth Arnala-class Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft, designed for littoral warfare and underwater threat detection.

Recently, the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) and the Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES), Nainital signed a long-term Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a climate observation station in the Himalayan region under the Bharat Climate Observation Network (BCON). BCON is a national climate monitoring initiative conceptualized and implemented by IITM under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), Government of India. The main objective is to develop a long-term, high-precision climate observation system across India for climate change assessment and research.

Recently, China’s state broadcaster China Central Television (CCTV) aired footage of the launch of the Dongfeng-17 (DF-17) hypersonic missile for the first time. The DF-17 is a Chinese solid-fueled medium-range hypersonic ballistic missile officially unveiled in 2019. The missile has an operational range of about 1,800–2,500 km and is deployed on a mobile launcher. It carries the DF-ZF Hypersonic Glide Vehicle (HGV). After launch, the warhead separates at high altitude and re-enters the atmosphere. The glide vehicle maneuvers at speeds of Mach 5–10.

Recently, Tamil Nadu announced the deployment of India’s first 3D-printed artificial reef modules in coastal waters off the Ramanathapuram coast. The initiative is being implemented under Phase II of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana. The project aims to restore marine habitats, enhance biodiversity, and support sustainable fisheries. It will function as a pilot project to evaluate six innovative reef designs produced using advanced 3D-printing technology.

Researchers recently discovered two new cave-dwelling micro-snail species, Georissa meghalayaensis and Acmella bensoni, in Meghalaya. The discovery was made in the limestone caves of the Indo-Burma Biodiversity Hotspot. Georissa meghalayaensis was found near the entrance of Krem Puri Cave and is characterized by its orangish-red shell and mesh-like ridges. Acmella bensoni was discovered in Krem Puri and Arwah Cave. It has a small, whitish, translucent shell with fine rib patterns. The species was named after William H. Benson, a renowned 19th-century malacologist.

Recently, Khurasani Imli (Mandav Imli), the fruit of Mandu’s iconic Baobab tree, received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag. It is the fruit of the iconic Baobab tree found in Mandu, Madhya Pradesh. The fruit is light green with a distinctive sweet-sour tangy taste. Tribal communities traditionally use its pulp, juice, seeds, and bark for medicinal purposes. It is rich in Vitamin C, antioxidants, and minerals.

Scientists have discovered a new species of deep-sea catshark named Apristurus drona in the Arabian Sea off the Kollam coast of Kerala. Commonly called the Arabian slender catshark, it was found near Sakthikulangara harbour and the Wadge Bank region. The species represents a distinct evolutionary lineage and is closely related to catsharks from the Pacific Ocean and New Zealand. It is considered extremely rare and has no commercial fisheries value.

The ICAR-Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture, Chennai, has successfully demonstrated Blue Swimmer Crab farming technology for the first time in India. Blue Swimmer Crab belongs to the Portunidae family of brachyuran crabs. It is also known as the blue crab, flower crab, or blue manna crab. The species is identified by paddle-like hind legs used for swimming and nine spines along its carapace. In India, it is found along both east and west coasts, especially in Palk Bay and Gulf of Mannar. It feeds on bivalves, fish, and macroalgae and usually remains buried in sand or mud.

The Ambubachi Mela is one of the largest religious gatherings in eastern India. It is held annually during the monsoon season, usually in June, at the Kamakhya Temple, Assam. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Kamakhya and is a major center of Tantrik Shaktism. The festival marks the annual menstruation period of the goddess, during which the temple remains closed for devotees. Ambubachi Mela symbolizes fertility, the arrival of the monsoon, and the regenerative power of nature.

V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority, Tamil Nadu, has emerged as a model for sustainable maritime development in India. According to its first Sustainability Report, renewable energy offsets nearly 94% of the port’s energy consumption equivalent. The port has reduced its net carbon emissions by about 45% and nearly halved its carbon intensity per tonne of cargo over the last four years. V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority commissioned India’s first green hydrogen pilot project at a major port and was recognized as a Scope-2 Emission Free Port. The port launched PortGPT, becoming India’s first major port with an enterprise-grade generative AI mobile application.

Volcan de Fuego (“Volcano of Fire”) in Guatemala recently erupted, forcing tourists to quickly evacuate as burning rocks fell on its slopes. It is an active basaltic stratovolcano located in Guatemala and one of the most active volcanoes in Central America. The volcano overlooks the historic city of Antigua, along with two other major stratovolcanoes. Volcan de Fuego is part of the Central American Volcanic Arc, a chain of volcanoes extending from Guatemala to Panama. Guatemala is located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, making it prone to frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

Russia’s Burevestnik missile recently drew attention after research suggested that its flight may leave a trail of radioactive material due to its nuclear-powered propulsion system. Burevestnik, meaning “Storm Petrel”, is a ground-launched, low-flying, nuclear-powered and nuclear-armed cruise missile developed by Russia. It is regarded as the world’s first nuclear-powered cruise missile. The missile was among the six strategic weapons unveiled by Russian President Vladimir Putin in 2018. NATO designates the missile as SSC-X-9 Skyfall.

The Sahariya Tribe was recently in the news when the President interacted with members of the tribe at Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh. The Sahariya are recognized as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) in India. They are also known by names such as Seher, Sair, Savar, Saonar, and Sahra. The tribe primarily inhabits forest and village areas of Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. They generally live in separate settlements called “Seharana”, which consist of clusters of houses.

Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) recently started issuing Specialized El Niño Bulletins to inform maritime sectors about the possible impacts of ongoing El Niño conditions. INCOIS was established as an autonomous body under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) and functions under the Earth System Science Organisation (ESSO). It is mandated to provide ocean information and advisory services to society, industry, government agencies, and the scientific community through ocean observations and research. The headquarters of INCOIS is located in Hyderabad.

The Mahadev Koli tribe was recently in the news for its traditional knowledge of climate adaptation, forest conservation, and sustainable living practices in Maharashtra’s Western Ghats. The Mahadev Koli (Mahadeo Koli) are a Scheduled Tribe primarily found in Pune, Ahmednagar, and Nashik districts of Maharashtra. They derive their name from Lord Mahadev (Shiva) and speak Marathi using the Devanagari script. Traditionally, they were hunter-gatherers and warriors, but today they are mainly engaged in agriculture and livestock rearing.

The Vice President recently released the book Sanskritir Ratna Bhandar: Bhaowaiyar Itibritto. The book is authored by Jayanta Kumar Roy and Sangita Roy. It chronicles the historical evolution and cultural significance of Bhawaiya, a traditional folk music genre of North Bengal, Assam, and adjoining regions. The book highlights the cultural heritage of the Koch Rajbanshi community and the role of festivals, agriculture, and community life in shaping the Bhawaiya tradition. Bhawaiya folk music reflects the emotions, aspirations, struggles, and wisdom of ordinary people and forms an important part of India’s cultural heritage.

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has amended the Clinical Establishments (Registration and Regulation) Act, 2010 under the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2026. The reforms aim to reduce compliance burden, promote trust-based governance, and improve ease of doing business in the healthcare sector. Under the amendments, criminal prosecution for minor procedural lapses has been replaced with an administrative penalty system. The term “fine” has been replaced with “penalty” in key sections, introducing graded and proportionate enforcement mechanisms.

The Madras High Court’s Madurai Bench has recently referred a PIL to the Forest Bench seeking a scientific census to assess the ecological viability of the Berijam Lake area for possible notification as a Tiger Reserve. It is an artificial lake located in Kodaikanal in Tamil Nadu. The lake is situated in the upper Palani Hills. It serves as an important source of drinking water for nearby towns. Berijam Lake is a significant conservation area supporting rich biodiversity.

Bharat Dynamics Limited recently secured an order worth ₹1,109.37 crore from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited to supply launchers for HELINA missiles. HELINA (Helicopter-launched NAG) is an indigenous, third-generation, fire-and-forget anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation. It is the helicopter-launched version of the Nag missile, while its Air Force variant is called Dhruvastra. The missile has a range of 500 m to 7 km and uses an Imaging Infrared (IIR) seeker with lock-on before launch guidance.

The Kiru Hydroelectric Power Project in Kishtwar district, Jammu & Kashmir, has entered its final phase, with over 83% of construction completed. It is a 624 MW run-of-the-river hydroelectric project being developed on the Chenab River. The project is located between the Kirthai II project (upstream) and the Kwar project (downstream). It includes a 135-metre concrete gravity dam and an underground powerhouse with four 156 MW Francis turbines.

The 10th Apex-Level Meeting of the Narco-Coordination Centre (NCORD) chaired by the Union Home Minister in New Delhi. Narco-Coordination Centre (NCORD) was established by the Ministry of Home Affairs to improve coordination in combating drug trafficking and substance abuse. Its objective is to enhance coordination, communication, cooperation, and intelligence sharing among States, the Ministry of Home Affairs, and law enforcement agencies to tackle the drug menace comprehensively.

A bronze statue of Maharishi Sushruta has been unveiled at the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh in recognition of his contributions to medicine and surgery. Maharishi Sushruta is regarded as the Father of Surgery and the Father of Indian Medicine. He pioneered Shalya Tantra (surgical science) and made significant contributions to plastic surgery and other surgical techniques. His medical knowledge is compiled in the Sushruta Samhita, one of the oldest and most comprehensive texts on surgery.

Recently, the facial identification requirement for accident victims under the PM-RAHAT Scheme has been removed to make it easier for victims to claim benefits. PM-RAHAT stands for Road Accident Victim Hospitalization and Assured Treatment. It is a Central Sector Scheme of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. The scheme provides cashless treatment up to ₹1.5 lakh per eligible road accident victim for up to 7 days from the date of the accident. The scheme is implemented through the integration of eDAR (Electronic Detailed Accident Report) and TMS 2.0 (Transaction Management System) of the National Health Authority.

Recently, the Ministry of Corporate Affairs announced that the Corporate Mitra Scheme will commence with 2,000 participants, including 200 from the North-East. The scheme was launched by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs. It was announced in the Union Budget 2026–27. The scheme aims to support Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) through trained and certified Corporate Mitras. Corporate Mitras will provide affordable professional services such as regulatory compliance, GST, accounting, financial guidance, cost accounting, and secretarial services. The scheme will primarily focus on Tier-II and Tier-III cities.

Recently, Lonar Lake in Maharashtra was in the news as its water level continued to rise despite declining reservoir and groundwater levels in the state. Lonar Lake is located in Buldhana district, Maharashtra. It is the world’s only known meteorite impact crater formed in basaltic rock. The crater was formed by a meteorite impact about 50,000 years ago on the Deccan Plateau. It is also the world’s only known saline crater lake, with water about seven times saltier than seawater. The lake is surrounded by steep slopes and centuries-old temples.

The All-India Tiger Estimation (AITE) 2026 recorded a strong tiger presence in the Amrabad Tiger Reserve. Amrabad Tiger Reserve is located in the Nallamala Hills of the Eastern Ghats in Telangana. It was carved out of the former Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve after the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh in 2014. The reserve is known for its rugged terrain, deep valleys, and dense forests. The Krishna River and its perennial streams flow through the reserve and support the Srisailam and Nagarjunasagar reservoirs.

A new parasitoid wasp species, Tetrastichus narayandebnathi, was discovered in Rajarhat, West Bengal. The species is named in honour of Narayan Debnath, creator of Batul and Nonte-Phonte. It is a gregarious primary parasitoid of tortoise beetle pupae, eventually killing its host. The discovery is only the second record from India of the genus Tetrastichus parasitising the Cassidinae (leaf beetle) subfamily.

Ukraine recently claimed that its FP-5 Flamingo long-range missiles struck a Russian defence manufacturing facility in the Volgograd region. The FP-5 Flamingo is a domestically developed, ground-launched cruise missile that entered service in 2025. It has a strike range of up to 3,000 km and can carry a combat payload of up to 1,150 kg. The missile is designed for low-altitude flight, enabling it to evade detection and operate even under electronic interference. It uses reusable launchers, making it a cost-effective long-range strike system.