Wednesday, 24 June 2026 Current Affairs, GK Notes & MCQ Quiz

Current affairs covering India's public health architecture, climate and energy crises, AI governance, foreign donation norms, Padma Awards 2026, Thewa Art, Vijayanagara inscriptions, and Ethiopia mapping.

Topics in this edition

  1. The Twin Climate and Energy Crises (own page)
  2. NAFED’s Auction Portal ‘NAFEX.in’ (own page)
  3. Thewa Art (own page)
  4. International Scientific Panel on AI (own page)
  5. Centre Tightens Norms For Foreign Donations (own page)
  6. The Vijayanagara-Era Inscriptions (own page)
  7. Padma Awards 2026 (own page)
  8. Ethiopia's General Elections (own page)

Current affairs

The Twin Climate and Energy Crises

UN warns of simultaneous climate and energy crises driven by fossil fuel dependence.

Quick highlights

  • UN warns of accelerating climate crisis.
  • Energy crisis exacerbated by conflicts in West Asia.
  • Historic temperature anomalies recorded.

Context

UN Secretary-General highlights the urgency of climate action.

Key Facts

World's 11 hottest years recorded recently.

Significance

Impacts on global economies and energy security.

Challenges / Way Forward

Need for renewable energy expansion and methane reduction.

Exam Angle

Relevance of climate policies in UPSC syllabus.

Remember this

  • Methane is 80 times more potent than CO2.
  • IEA reports significant profits for fossil fuel companies.
  • Global response to methane alerts is only 12%.

NAFED’s Auction Portal ‘NAFEX.in’

NAFED launches digital auction portal to modernize agricultural auctions.

Quick highlights

  • NAFEX.in to conduct online auctions.
  • Reduces manual processes and increases efficiency.
  • Connects farmers and buyers on a digital platform.

Context

Launch of NAFEX.in to improve cooperative marketing.

Key Facts

NAFEX aims to eliminate middlemen in agricultural sales.

Significance

Enhances farmer welfare and market access.

Challenges / Way Forward

Need for robust digital infrastructure.

Exam Angle

Relevance of digital initiatives in agriculture for UPSC.

Remember this

  • NAFEX.in aims to improve auction transparency.
  • Supports cooperative marketing initiatives.
  • Facilitates competitive bidding for fair pricing.

Thewa Art

Thewa craft gains attention during PM's visit to Slovakia.

Quick highlights

  • Thewa involves gold fusion on glass.
  • Recognized for its intricate craftsmanship.
  • Promoted during international diplomatic events.

Context

PM gifts Thewa cufflinks to Slovak President.

Key Facts

Thewa craft has GI status since 2013-2014.

Significance

Highlights India's artistic traditions globally.

Challenges / Way Forward

Need for preservation and promotion of traditional crafts.

Exam Angle

Importance of cultural heritage in UPSC syllabus.

Remember this

  • Thewa craft dates back 400 years.
  • Craft involves hand-carved gold on glass.
  • Promoted by royal patronage in history.

International Scientific Panel on AI

UN establishes a global scientific body on AI with Indian representation.

Quick highlights

  • 40 experts appointed globally.
  • Professor B. Ravindran represents India.
  • Focus on unbiased scientific evaluations.

Context

UN forms a panel to assess AI developments.

Key Facts

Panel aims to separate science from politics.

Significance

Provides clarity on AI governance.

Challenges / Way Forward

Need for international cooperation in AI regulation.

Exam Angle

Relevance of AI governance in UPSC syllabus.

Remember this

  • Panel established under UNGA.
  • Members serve a three-year term.
  • Focus on dual-use risks of AI technologies.

Centre Tightens Norms For Foreign Donations

New FCRA rules impose stricter regulations on NGOs receiving foreign funds.

Quick highlights

  • New predefined activity lists for NGOs.
  • Tightened definitions of key functionaries.
  • Increased financial accountability measures.

Context

Union Home Ministry introduces new FCRA rules.

Key Facts

NGOs must specify activities and regions for funding.

Significance

Aims to prevent misuse of foreign funds.

Challenges / Way Forward

Need for clarity in implementation of new rules.

Exam Angle

Importance of FCRA in governance studies.

Remember this

  • NGOs must show minimum spending of ₹10 lakh for renewal.
  • New fee structure for additional activities.
  • Strict penalties for misuse of funds.

The Vijayanagara-Era Inscriptions

Rare 16th-century inscriptions discovered in Andhra Pradesh.

Quick highlights

  • Inscriptions found in Seshachalam forest.
  • Document royal donations and temple constructions.
  • Written in Telugu, Tamil, and Kannada.

Context

ASI discovers inscriptions in Tirupati.

Key Facts

Inscriptions date back to the 16th century.

Significance

Provides insights into Vijayanagara history.

Challenges / Way Forward

Need for preservation of historical sites.

Exam Angle

Relevance of historical studies in UPSC.

Remember this

  • Inscriptions document King Sadasiva Raya's visit.
  • Written in trilingual format.
  • Significant for understanding regional history.

Padma Awards 2026

Padma Awards conferred to distinguished individuals across various fields.

Quick highlights

  • Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri awarded.
  • Recognizes achievements in diverse fields.
  • Presented by the President of India.

Context

Padma Awards conferred during Investiture Ceremony.

Key Facts

Awards instituted in 1954.

Significance

Highlights contributions to Indian society.

Challenges / Way Forward

Need for broader recognition of diverse talents.

Exam Angle

Importance of awards in cultural studies.

Remember this

  • Padma Vibhushan is the highest civilian award.
  • Awards presented annually on Republic Day.
  • Maximum of 120 awards can be given each year.

Ethiopia's General Elections

Ethiopia's ruling party wins general elections, strengthening ties with India.

Quick highlights

  • Ethiopia's ruling party wins elections.
  • Strengthens India-Ethiopia ties.
  • Ethiopia is a key player in African diplomacy.

Context

PM congratulates Ethiopian leadership on election victory.

Key Facts

Ethiopia is a major diplomatic hub in Africa.

Significance

Impacts India's strategic interests in Africa.

Challenges / Way Forward

Need for continued engagement with African nations.

Exam Angle

Relevance of Ethiopia in international relations studies.

Remember this

  • Ethiopia is the most populous landlocked country.
  • Capital city is Addis Ababa.
  • Shares borders with six countries.

General knowledge

All editions · UPSC current affairs · SSC current affairs · Banking current affairs · Railway current affairs · State PSC current affairs · Defence current affairs · Teaching current affairs