Daily Current Affairs- 15th June 2026

Daily Current Affairs- 15th June 2026

Jharkhand’s Bhagaiya Silk, Munda Jewellery and Bamboo Craft Receive GI Tag

In the News: Jharkhand’s Bhagaiya silk, Kuchai silk, Munda jewellery and Jharkhand bamboo craft have received the Geographical Indication tag. The recognition is significant for Jharkhand’s traditional handloom, tribal craft and rural artisan economy. It is expected to improve product authenticity, branding, market access and livelihood opportunities for local communities. The development also highlights the role of traditional knowledge systems in India’s intellectual property framework.

Key Points:

• GI Tag Recognition: The GI tag has been granted to Bhagaiya silk, Kuchai silk, Munda jewellery and Jharkhand bamboo craft. These products represent the state’s sericulture, tribal jewellery traditions and bamboo-based rural craftsmanship. The recognition gives them a distinct identity linked to their geographical origin and traditional production practices.
• Role of NABARD: NABARD supported the process through producer mobilisation, documentation, value-chain strengthening and stakeholder coordination. Its efforts involved artisans, self-help groups, farmer producer organisations, technical institutions and government departments. This makes the case important for questions related to rural development institutions and traditional-product promotion.
• Importance of GI Tag: A Geographical Indication tag protects products whose qualities, reputation or characteristics are linked to a specific region. In India, GI protection is governed by the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999. The GI Registry is located in Chennai and works under the intellectual property system of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
• Tribal and Cultural Identity: Munda jewellery reflects the distinctive craftsmanship and cultural identity of the Munda tribal community of Jharkhand. The bamboo craft recognition highlights the skill of rural artisans who use locally available bamboo for utility and decorative products. Such tags help preserve traditional knowledge while improving the income base of artisan communities.
• Economic and Market Impact: GI recognition can improve branding, exports, tourism promotion and value addition for these products. It can also help genuine producers command better prices by preventing misuse of product names. For Jharkhand, the development strengthens the link between heritage conservation and rural livelihood generation.

India Extends Tenure of Ravi-Beas, Krishna Water Tribunals

In the News: India has extended the tenure of the Ravi and Beas Waters Tribunal and the Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal by one year. The extension was issued through gazette notifications by ministry of Jal Shakti. The Ravi-Beas tribunal has been extended up to 5 August 2027, while the Krishna tribunal has been extended up to 31 July 2027. The decision reflects the continued complexity of inter-state river water disputes in India.

Key Points:

• Latest Extension: The Ravi and Beas Waters Tribunal and the Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal have both received one-year extensions. The Ravi-Beas tribunal deals with water-sharing issues mainly involving Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan. The Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal-II deals with disputes involving Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
• Legal Framework: Inter-state river water disputes are dealt with under Article 262 of the Constitution and the Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956. The Act allows the Central Government to constitute a tribunal when negotiations fail to settle a dispute between states. Once a tribunal is formed, it examines claims related to the use, distribution or control of inter-state river waters.
• Ravi and Beas Waters Tribunal: The Ravi and Beas Waters Tribunal was constituted in April 1986. It was set up to deal with issues connected to the sharing of Ravi-Beas waters and matters linked to the Punjab settlement. The dispute has remained unresolved for decades due to state-level disagreements, clarifications and related legal proceedings.
• Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal-II: The Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal-II was constituted on 2 April 2004. It has dealt with water-sharing issues among basin states, with added complexity after the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh and creation of Telangana. The tribunal has also handled additional terms connected with the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014.

Project Kusha

In the News: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh described Project Kusha as a “game changer” for India’s security architecture. He made the remarks while inaugurating the Advanced Weapon System Complex at DRDO’s Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Missile Complex in Hyderabad. Project Kusha is India’s indigenous long-range air defence programme being developed to strengthen the country’s layered air defence capability. The project is linked with India’s broader effort to build advanced missile and air defence systems within the country.

Key Points:

• Project Overview: Project Kusha is an indigenous long-range surface-to-air missile and air defence system programme. It is being developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation for protection against advanced aerial threats. The system is associated with extended-range air defence and is often discussed as India’s domestic answer to advanced global air defence platforms.
• Purpose of the System: Project Kusha is designed to strengthen India’s ability to detect, track and intercept hostile aerial threats. These threats may include aircraft, drones, cruise missiles and precision-guided weapons. Its importance has increased because modern warfare now depends heavily on air power, missiles, sensors and electronic systems.
• Advanced Weapon System Complex: The Advanced Weapon System Complex was inaugurated at DRDO’s Defence Research and Development Laboratory in Hyderabad. DRDL functions within the Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Missile Complex and is closely associated with India’s missile development ecosystem. The new complex is expected to support advanced weapon systems, indigenous missile platforms and future defence technologies.
• Mission Sudarshan Chakra Link: The Defence Minister also referred to India’s plan for a multi-level missile defence system under Mission Sudarshan Chakra. This mission aims to protect military installations, critical infrastructure, civil assets and key national establishments. Project Kusha fits into this wider idea of building a layered protective shield for important Indian assets.

India and France Launch ATL Bridge to Connect School Innovation Labs and Young Innovators

In the News: India and France launched the India–France ATL Bridge to strengthen school-level innovation cooperation between the two countries. The initiative has been established by Atal Innovation Mission, NITI Aayog, and La Fondation Dassault Systèmes. It connects India’s Atal Tinkering Lab ecosystem with a new school innovation platform in France.

Key Points:

•  Launch and Partnership: The India–France ATL Bridge has been established by Atal Innovation Mission under NITI Aayog in partnership with La Fondation Dassault Systèmes. It reflects growing education and innovation cooperation between India and France. The initiative was formalised through a Letter of Intent in France.

• First School Innovation Lab in France: The initiative establishes the first School Innovation Lab in France inspired by India’s Atal Tinkering Lab framework. This makes India’s school innovation model a reference point for international collaboration. It will provide young learners with a structured environment for practical learning and problem-solving.
• Role of Atal Tinkering Labs: Atal Tinkering Labs are school-level innovation spaces created to promote curiosity, creativity and design thinking among students. They encourage hands-on learning in areas such as science, technology, engineering and innovation. The ATL Bridge extends this model beyond India’s domestic education ecosystem.
• Focus on Young Innovators: The platform will allow students, educators and innovation mentors from India and France to collaborate on real-world challenges. It is expected to support knowledge exchange, capacity building and joint innovation activities. The initiative gives importance to early-stage innovation and student entrepreneurship.
• Bilateral Innovation Cooperation: The ATL Bridge is part of the India–France Year of Innovation 2026. It adds an education-linked dimension to India-France cooperation, which already covers defence, space, energy, technology and culture. The initiative is important for understanding innovation diplomacy and international education partnerships.

UK Announces Social Media Ban for Under-16 Users: Platforms Affected and Key Changes

In the News: The United Kingdom announced a major policy to restrict social media access for users below 16 years of age. The measure is expected to come into effect from spring 2027. The move has been presented as a child safety and digital wellbeing measure, aimed at reducing online harm faced by children.

Key Points:

• Minimum Age Rule: Under the announced policy, children below the age of 16 will not be allowed to use certain social media platforms. The rule marks a major shift in the regulation of children’s access to digital platforms. It follows rising concerns over online bullying, harmful content, addiction and mental health risks.
• Platforms Likely to be Covered: Major social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Snapchat, YouTube and X are expected to come under the policy framework. The focus is on platforms that allow social networking, algorithm-based content feeds and user interaction. Messaging and learning-related services may be treated differently depending on their functions.
• Age Verification and Compliance: Technology companies will be required to ensure that under-16 users cannot access covered platforms. Age assurance systems may include stronger verification tools and platform-level checks. The role of the regulator will be important in framing compliance standards and enforcement mechanisms.
• Restrictions for Older Teenagers: The policy discussions also include restrictions on certain high-risk online features for teenagers above 16. These may include limits on livestreaming, unknown-user interactions and access to harmful digital services. The aim is to reduce exposure to unsafe online environments while allowing safer internet use.

52nd G7 Summit Begins in France as Leaders Focus on Global Security and Economic Stability

In the News: The 52nd G7 Summit began in Évian-les-Bains, France, and is being held from 15 to 17 June 2026. France holds the G7 Presidency for 2026. The summit brings together leaders of major advanced economies to discuss global security, economic stability, trade tensions and major geopolitical challenges.

Key Points:

• Venue and Presidency: The 2026 G7 Summit is being hosted by France in Évian-les-Bains. France assumed the G7 Presidency on 1 January 2026. Évian is also significant because it earlier hosted a major G8 summit in 2003.
• G7 Membership: The G7 consists of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States. The European Union also participates in G7 discussions. The grouping is an informal forum and does not have a permanent secretariat.
• Major Agenda Areas: The summit is focused on global economic imbalances, trade tensions, geopolitical instability and security concerns. The war in Ukraine, developments in the Middle East and energy market risks are major discussion areas. Leaders are also expected to discuss debt pressure and development financing.
• Technology and Digital Safety: Artificial intelligence and online safety for minors are also part of the wider G7 discussion. France has placed emphasis on safer digital spaces for children during its G7 Presidency. This connects the summit with debates on technology governance and digital regulation.
• India and Invited Partners: India is among the invited partner countries at the summit, along with other major emerging and regional economies. Such invitations show the G7’s effort to engage with countries beyond its core membership. It also reflects the growing role of emerging economies in global decision-making.

US-Iran memorandum of understanding: The elusive quest for ‘New Middle East’

In the News: The United States and Iran reached a memorandum of understanding aimed at reducing hostilities and easing tensions in the Middle East. The agreement is linked with the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the gradual restoration of energy flows. However, several issues remain unresolved, including Iran’s nuclear programme, sanctions and regional security concerns.

Key Points:

• Purpose of the MoU: The memorandum is intended to create a framework for de-escalation between the United States and Iran. It seeks to reduce the immediate risk of conflict and restore normal movement through the Strait of Hormuz. The agreement is being viewed as an initial step rather than a final settlement.

• Strait of Hormuz Factor: The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important energy transit routes. Any disruption in this passage can affect oil and gas supplies, shipping costs and global energy prices. The MoU’s reference to reopening or normalising traffic through the Strait makes it economically significant.
• Nuclear Issue Deferred: The agreement does not fully settle the question of Iran’s nuclear programme. Further negotiations are expected to deal with nuclear commitments, monitoring and compliance. This makes the MoU a temporary stabilising arrangement rather than a comprehensive nuclear deal.
• Sanctions and Assets: Sanctions relief and the possible release of frozen Iranian assets remain sensitive parts of the broader negotiation. These issues are linked to Iran’s future compliance and the political acceptability of the agreement in both countries. Economic concessions are likely to remain a major bargaining point.
• Regional Security Dimension: The phrase ‘New Middle East’ reflects the hope of creating a more stable regional order. However, the situation remains complicated due to Israel’s security concerns, Iran’s regional influence, proxy groups, Lebanon and Gulf shipping security. The MoU may reduce immediate tensions, but durable peace will depend on follow-up negotiations and regional participation.

Artemis III

In the News: NASA announced the crew members for the Artemis III mission, which is planned for 2027. The mission will be an important test flight under NASA’s Artemis programme. It will use the Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft to carry astronauts to low Earth orbit for mission-critical tests before future lunar surface missions.

Key Points:

• Crew Announcement: NASA named Randy Bresnik as commander, Luca Parmitano as pilot, and Andre Douglas and Frank Rubio as mission specialists for Artemis III. Bob Hines has been named as the backup crew member. Luca Parmitano’s selection is significant as he is an astronaut from the European Space Agency.

• Mission Objective: Artemis III is planned as a test mission in low Earth orbit. It will demonstrate rendezvous and docking operations between Orion and test versions of commercial human landing systems. These tests are important for future missions involving human landings near the lunar South Pole.
• Launch Vehicle and Spacecraft: The mission will use NASA’s Space Launch System rocket and the Orion spacecraft. The launch will take place from Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Orion will carry four crew members and remain central to NASA’s crewed deep-space exploration architecture.
• Commercial Lander Role: Blue Origin and SpaceX are developing human landing system test articles for the mission. Orion is expected to dock with one or both of these lander test systems during the flight. This shows the growing role of commercial space companies in major human spaceflight missions.

Project Great Indian Bustard Adds Three New Chicks, Captive Population Reaches 94

In the News: Project Great Indian Bustard recorded a major conservation milestone after three new chicks were added to the captive breeding programme. With this, the captive stock of Great Indian Bustards has increased to 94 birds. The development was announced by Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav in June 2026.

Key Points:

• Three New Chicks Added: The three new chicks were added to the Great Indian Bustard conservation breeding programme in Rajasthan. They emerged from one wild-collected egg and two captive-laid eggs. This addition has increased the captive population under the project to 94 birds.

• Fourth Year of Captive Breeding: The project is currently in the fourth year of captive breeding. So far, 26 chicks have hatched during this breeding phase. This includes chicks hatched through artificial insemination, natural breeding and wild-collected eggs.
• Artificial Insemination Success: Out of the 26 chicks hatched so far in the fourth year, 18 were through artificial insemination. Four chicks were through natural breeding and four came from wild-collected eggs. This indicates the importance of scientific breeding methods in saving critically endangered species.
• Jumpstart Intervention in Rajasthan: Three chicks have also hatched in the wild in Rajasthan through jumpstart intervention. This method involves collecting vulnerable wild eggs and supporting chick survival to improve genetic diversity. It also helps reduce predation risks during the early life stage of the bird.