Daily Current Affairs- 23rd June 2026

Daily Current Affairs- 23rd June 2026

Chennai Petroleum Corporation Limited Granted The Navratna Status

In the News: Chennai Petroleum Corporation Limited was granted Navratna CPSE status by the Government of India in June 2026. With this elevation, CPCL became the 28th Navratna CPSE at the time of approval. The decision was approved by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and announced by the Department of Public Enterprises under the Ministry of Finance.

Key Points:

• About CPCL: Chennai Petroleum Corporation Limited is a public sector company in the oil refining sector. It is associated with Indian Oil Corporation and has a major refining presence in Tamil Nadu. Its operations are relevant to petroleum refining, petrochemicals and downstream energy supply.
• Navratna Status: Navratna status is granted to select high-performing Central Public Sector Enterprises. It provides greater financial and operational autonomy to the board of the company. This allows quicker decisions on capital expenditure, joint ventures and expansion plans.
• Administrative Link: The announcement was made by the Department of Public Enterprises, which functions under the Ministry of Finance. CPCL is connected with the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas sectorally. This distinction between administrative classification and sectoral ministry is useful in government-body-based questions.
• Autonomy Powers: Navratna CPSEs enjoy enhanced powers for investments and business decisions within prescribed limits. Earlier government norms allowed Navratna CPSEs to invest up to 15 percent of net worth in one project, subject to a ceiling of Rs 1,000 crore.

George Kurian Resigns as Union Minister After BJP Denies Rajya Sabha Renomination

In the News: Union Minister of State George Kurian resigned from the Union Council of Ministers on June 23, 2026. His resignation followed the end of his Rajya Sabha tenure and the BJP’s decision not to renominate him to the Upper House. President Droupadi Murmu accepted the resignation on the advice of Prime Minister Narendra Modi under Article 75(2) of the Constitution.

Key Points:

• Portfolios Held: George Kurian served as Minister of State for Minority Affairs. He also held charge as Minister of State in the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying. These portfolios place the development in the Union executive and social-sector governance context.
• Constitutional Provision: Article 75 deals with the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers. Article 75(2) states that ministers hold office during the pleasure of the President. Article 75(5) states that a minister who is not a member of either House of Parliament for six consecutive months ceases to be a minister.
• Rajya Sabha Context: Kurian’s Rajya Sabha tenure ended on June 21, 2026. The BJP did not include him in its list for the June 18 Rajya Sabha elections. This made his continuation in the Council of Ministers politically uncertain.
• Political Background: George Kurian is a senior BJP leader from Kerala. His resignation was formally processed through Rashtrapati Bhavan after the Prime Minister’s advice. The development is relevant for questions on ministerial tenure, Rajya Sabha membership and Union executive procedure.

India’s First Private Gold Mine Begins Commercial Operations

In the News: India’s first large-scale private gold mine began commercial operations on June 24, 2026. The mine is located at Jonnagiri in Kurnool district, Andhra Pradesh. Ahead of the launch, the Andhra Pradesh Cabinet approved renaming Jonnagiri village as Swarnagiri.

Key Points:

• Project Location and Operator: The gold mine is located in the Jonnagiri area of Kurnool district. It is developed by Geomysore Services India Pvt. Ltd., with private-sector backing from entities including Thriveni Earthmovers and Deccan Gold. The project marks a rare private entry into India’s gold mining sector.
• Scale of the Project: The Jonnagiri Gold Project covers nearly 598 hectares and has attracted investment of over Rs 400 crore. It is expected to produce up to 1,000 kg of refined gold annually at peak capacity. Certified resources have been reported at about 13.1 tonnes of gold, with further exploration potential.
• Mining and Processing Method: The project uses open-pit mining, crushing, carbon-in-leach processing and smelting. These processes convert gold-bearing ore into doré bars. The use of modern processing methods is a key feature of the project.
• Gold Production Context: India remains heavily dependent on gold imports, while domestic gold production has been limited. Hutti Gold Mines in Karnataka has been one of the major domestic producers, while Kolar Gold Fields was closed earlier. The Jonnagiri project therefore adds an important private-sector dimension to domestic mineral production.

Bengaluru Hosts BRICS Space Agencies Meeting

In the News: Bengaluru hosted the BRICS Heads of Space Agencies meeting on June 23–24, 2026.
The meeting was held under India’s BRICS Chairship 2026 and brought together heads and senior representatives of space agencies from BRICS member countries. The agenda focused on space sustainability, the BRICS satellite constellation and future mechanisms for cooperation among space agencies.

Key Points:

• Host and Chairship: The meeting was hosted by ISRO and the Department of Space with support from the Ministry of External Affairs. India’s BRICS Chairship 2026 carries the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.” India is hosting several BRICS meetings during its 2026 Chairship.
• BRICS Membership: BRICS currently comprises 11 countries: Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates. These countries together represent a major share of global population and economic output.
  Satellite Constellation Agenda: A major focus was the expansion of the BRICS Remote Sensing Satellite Constellation arrangement. The earlier framework aimed at a virtual constellation of remote sensing satellites for natural resource management and disaster management.
• Space Sustainability Focus: The meeting discussed sustainable space operations, domestic governance frameworks and debris-free space missions. It also considered future cooperation mechanisms such as a proposed BRICS Space Council. Indian space-tech companies also interacted with delegates through IN-SPACe-facilitated presentations.

Kunal Shah Net Worth in Rupees: How Rich Is the CRED Founder and WhatsApp’s New Chief?

In the News: CRED founder Kunal Shah came into focus after Meta announced a major investment in CRED and tapped him to lead WhatsApp globally. The development links India’s fintech ecosystem with one of the world’s largest messaging platforms. Media reports have also highlighted Shah’s estimated net worth, placing it around ₹15,000 crore, though such figures are based on public estimates and private shareholding assumptions.

Key Points:

• Meta-CRED Deal: Meta Platforms will invest $900 million in CRED, valuing the Indian fintech company at about $4.5 billion. The deal gives Meta a minority stake in the Bengaluru-based company, without access to CRED customer data.

• Leadership Change: Kunal Shah will head WhatsApp globally, while Will Cathcart will move to another role within Meta. Miten Sampat, CRED’s strategy and finance head, has been named interim CEO of CRED.
• CRED Profile: CRED was founded in 2018 and operates as a members-only platform for users with high credit scores. Its services include credit card bill payments, lending, insurance, wealth management and lifestyle offerings.
• Wealth Estimate: Reports estimate Kunal Shah’s net worth at around ₹15,000 crore. His wealth is linked to his stake in CRED, the earlier FreeCharge exit, and angel investments in several Indian startups.
• Startup Ecosystem Link: Shah had earlier co-founded FreeCharge, which was acquired by Snapdeal in 2015. His transition from Indian fintech to global platform leadership is significant for questions on startups, digital payments, UPI-linked services, and global Big Tech strategy.

World’s Tallest Lionel Messi Statue Unveiled in Argentina as a Historic Tribute

In the News: A 26-metre-tall statue of Lionel Messi has been unveiled in Cutral Co, Argentina, as a tribute to the football icon. The statue is being described as the largest monument dedicated to Messi. It was inaugurated during the 2026 FIFA World Cup period, adding symbolic value to Argentina’s football celebrations.

Key Points:

• Location of Statue: The statue stands in Cutral Co, a town in Argentina’s Neuquén province in Patagonia. It is located near National Route 22, making it visible to travellers and football fans visiting the region.
• Artist and Structure: The monument was designed by Argentine artist Aldo Beroisa. It is around 26 metres, or 85 feet, tall and is made using steel and iron, with reports noting its weight at about 70 tonnes.
• Depiction of Messi: The statue shows Messi with the FIFA World Cup trophy, recalling Argentina’s 2022 World Cup victory in Qatar. The pose links the monument to the emotional moment after Argentina defeated France in the final.
• Cultural Significance: Messi is widely seen in Argentina as a national sporting symbol, alongside figures such as Diego Maradona. The statue reflects how football achievements are often converted into public memory, tourism and national identity.
• Tourism Angle: The monument is expected to increase tourist interest in Cutral Co and Neuquén. Such installations are also linked with sports heritage tourism, where statues, murals and stadium sites become public attractions.

65 Years of Antarctic Treaty

In the News: June 23, 2026 marks 65 years since the Antarctic Treaty entered into force. The treaty was signed in Washington, D.C. on December 1, 1959 and came into effect on June 23, 1961. It remains one of the most important international agreements on peaceful scientific cooperation and demilitarisation.

Key Points:

• Core Objective: The Antarctic Treaty reserves Antarctica for peaceful purposes and scientific investigation. It prohibits military activity, nuclear explosions and disposal of radioactive waste in the treaty area.
• Geographical Scope: The treaty applies to the area south of 60° South latitude, including ice shelves. It does not settle territorial claims but freezes disputes by preventing new claims or enlargement of existing claims.
• Original Signatories: The treaty was originally signed by 12 countries active in Antarctic research during the International Geophysical Year. These included the United States, Soviet Union, United Kingdom, Argentina, Australia, Chile, France, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, Belgium and South Africa.
• India’s Role: India signed the Antarctic Treaty on August 19, 1983 and received consultative status on September 12, 1983. India later enacted the Indian Antarctic Act, 2022 to regulate Indian activities in Antarctica.
•  Related Institutions: The Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting is the main decision-making forum under the treaty system. The Antarctic Treaty Secretariat is located in Buenos Aires, Argentina, while India’s Antarctic programme is coordinated through institutions under the Ministry of Earth Sciences.

India Ranks 13th in World Future Skills Index

In the News: India has been ranked 13th in the QS World Future Skills Index 2027. The index assesses how ready countries are to meet future labour-market demands shaped by artificial intelligence, digital technologies and green transformation. India’s overall score was reported at 89.4 out of 100.

Key Points:

• Publisher and Coverage: The index is released by QS Quacquarelli Symonds, a London-based higher education analytics organisation. The 2027 edition assessed 89 countries on talent supply and talent demand parameters.
• India’s Overall Rank: India ranked 13th globally and emerged as the leading lower-middle-income economy in the index. The United States topped the ranking, followed by Australia and the United Kingdom.
• Indicator Framework: The index uses four major indicators: Skills Alignment, Academic Readiness, Future of Work, and Economic Transformation. These indicators are designed to assess education quality, workforce preparedness and economic capacity.
• India’s Indicator Performance: India ranked 5th globally in Future of Work and 14th in Economic Transformation. It ranked 18th in Skills Alignment and 22nd in Academic Readiness, showing strength in workforce transformation but gaps in education-to-employment alignment.

Tushar Mehta Reappointed as Solicitor General of India for Three Years

In the News: The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved the reappointment of Senior Advocate Tushar Mehta as the Solicitor General of India. His fresh term will begin on July 1, 2026, for a period of three years. With this extension, he will continue as the Union Government’s second-highest law officer in the Supreme Court.

Key Points:

• Reappointment Approval: Tushar Mehta has been reappointed as Solicitor General of India for a further term of three years. The approval was given by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet, and the new tenure will be effective from July 1, 2026.
• Role of Solicitor General: The Solicitor General is the second-highest law officer of the Government of India after the Attorney General for India. The office assists the Attorney General and represents the Union Government in important matters before the Supreme Court and High Courts.
• Tenure and Continuity: Tushar Mehta first assumed office as Solicitor General in October 2018. With the latest extension, his tenure will continue beyond eight years and may reach nearly eleven years by the end of the fresh term.
• Legal Framework: The Attorney General for India is a constitutional post under Article 76 of the Constitution. The posts of Solicitor General and Additional Solicitor General are governed through the Law Officers system and are not separately mentioned as constitutional offices.
• Additional Solicitors General: Along with the reappointment of the Solicitor General, the tenure of several Additional Solicitors General has also been extended. Additional Solicitors General assist in representing the Union Government before the Supreme Court and various High Courts.