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The Affairs
India & World Current Affairs
19 June 2026
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India Today
World Global
Iranian Commandos Seize India Bound Commercial Vessel in Strait of Hormuz Amid US Blockade
Iranian commandos executed a high-stakes maritime seizure of an India-bound commercial vessel in the Strait of Hormuz. The action occurs amid a tightening US naval blockade of Iranian ports and escalating geopolitical tensions. The seizure has halted maritime traffic in one of the world's most critical energy transit corridors, directly impacting global oil prices and Indian trade logistics.
World United States
United States Navy Secretary John Phelan Fired Amid Ongoing Naval Blockade of Iran
The Pentagon has announced the firing of US Navy Secretary John Phelan. The dismissal comes during a period of intense naval activity in the Indian Ocean and the Strait of Hormuz, where the US is maintaining a blockade against Iran. The leadership change at the top of the Navy follows internal disputes over maritime strategy and the high costs associated with new 'Trump-class' warships.
India National
West Bengal and Tamil Nadu commence 2026 assembly elections with voter turnout exceeding 70 percent
The first phase of the 2026 Assembly Elections began in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu today, April 23, with approximately 3.6 crore voters eligible to cast ballots across 152 constituencies in Bengal. Early reports indicate a voter turnout surpassing 70% in high-stakes regions. The election marks the debut of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) in Tamil Nadu, creating a triangular contest between established political fronts.
India National
IIT Roorkee opens registration for JEE Advanced 2026 starting April 23 for eligible candidates
The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee has officially commenced the registration process for the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Advanced 2026 on April 23. Eligible students who qualified through JEE Main must complete their applications via the official portal. JEE Advanced is the sole gateway for admissions to the undergraduate programs at all 23 IITs across India.
World USA
United States Pentagon Dismisses Navy Secretary John Phelan Amid Maritime Tension in Hormuz
The United States Department of Defense has announced the immediate departure of Navy Secretary John Phelan from the administration. Reports indicate that the dismissal is linked to strained relations with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and disagreements over the management of the ongoing naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz. The exit occurs as the US continues to manage significant maritime security challenges in the Middle East.
India National
Election Commission Records Seizures Exceeding One Thousand Crore Rupees in Two Poll-Bound States
Official data from the Election Commission of India reveals that total seizures in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal have crossed ₹1,000 crore ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections. Tamil Nadu recorded seizures worth ₹599.24 crore, while West Bengal's total stands at ₹472.89 crore. These figures include cash, liquor, drugs, precious metals, and freebies aimed at influencing voters.
World Global
Iran Revolutionary Guard Seizes India-Bound Commercial Vessels in the Strait of Hormuz Maritime Corridor
Iran's Revolutionary Guards seized two MSC-operated commercial container ships while they were transiting the Strait of Hormuz. One of the vessels was reportedly bound for India, carrying commercial cargo. The incident occurred during a period of heightened tensions in the region, leading to a surge in global oil prices and prompting security alerts for maritime traffic in the Persian Gulf.
World Global
European Union Approves Ninety Billion Euro Loan for Ukraine After Resumption of Druzhba Pipeline
The European Union has approved a €90 billion loan for Ukraine, following the resolution of a deadlock caused by a Hungarian veto. The agreement coincided with the restart of oil flows through the Druzhba pipeline, which carries Russian crude through Ukrainian territory to Europe. This financial package is intended to support the Ukrainian economy and infrastructure amidst the ongoing conflict.
India National
India foreign exchange reserves surpass seven hundred billion dollar mark as per Reserve Bank data
India's total foreign exchange reserves reached 700.94 billion dollars as of April 10, 2026, marking a significant milestone in national financial stability. Data released by the Reserve Bank of India indicates a weekly variation of 3.82 billion dollars. The reserve components including Foreign Currency Assets and Gold showed substantial year-on-year growth, reinforcing the central bank's capacity to manage external economic shocks.
India National
West Bengal and Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections 2026 Commence with Phase One Polling Operations
Voting for the first phase of the 2026 Assembly elections began across 152 constituencies in West Bengal and the entire state of Tamil Nadu. Approximately 3.6 crore voters in Bengal are casting ballots across 16 districts amid a high-stakes contest between the Trinamool Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party. In Tamil Nadu, the DMK-led alliance and the AIADMK-led NDA are competing for control of the state legislative assembly.
India National
Indian Air Force conducts precision aircraft landing drills on Uttar Pradesh's Purvanchal Expressway
The Indian Air Force (IAF) successfully conducted precision drills on a designated emergency landing strip of the Purvanchal Expressway in Uttar Pradesh. The exercise featured a diverse fleet, including Jaguar, Mirage-2000, Sukhoi-30 MKI, C-295, and AN-32 aircraft, along with Mi-17 V5 helicopters. These drills aim to validate the operational readiness of expressways as alternative runways during combat or disaster scenarios.
India National
Delhi High Court Finds Hockey India Officials Guilty of Contempt for Disobeying Board Link Order
The Delhi High Court has held Hockey India and its Secretary General, Bhola Nath Singh, guilty of contempt for willfully disobeying judicial orders. The court found that an elected Vice President was repeatedly denied access to Executive Board meetings on July 4 and July 27, 2025, despite a specific directive issued on January 17, 2025. Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav rejected the officials' justifications based on subsequent developments.
World USA
United States Processes Constitutional Tariff Refunds Expected to Provide Ten Billion Dollars to India
Following a United States Supreme Court ruling that deemed specific trade levies unconstitutional, the US government has opened a window for tariff refunds. Indian exporters are estimated to receive between $10 billion and $12 billion as the process began on April 20, 2026. The refunds apply to businesses that were subjected to the tariffs and are now invited to file claims for restitution.
World Global
Security Escalation in Strait of Hormuz as Iran Attacks Ships Following Ceasefire Extension
Tensions in the Middle East intensified on April 22, 2026, as Iranian forces reportedly fired at two vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. The incident occurred just hours after US President Donald Trump announced a three-to-five-day extension of a temporary ceasefire. Despite the attack, the crews of the three total vessels involved have been reported safe, while the maritime blockade continues to hamper regional trade.
India West Bengal
Election Commission Bans Hotel Stay for Outsiders in West Bengal Ahead of Polling
The Election Commission of India has prohibited the stay of 'outsiders'—individuals not registered as voters in the constituency—in hotels and guest houses across West Bengal areas going to poll. The restriction came into effect at 6:00 PM on Tuesday and will remain active until the conclusion of polling on Wednesday to prevent illegal assembly and potential electoral malpractice.
India Uttar Pradesh
Allahabad High Court Rules Second Maternity Leave Cannot Be Denied Within Two Years
The Allahabad High Court has delivered a landmark judgment stating that the grant of a second maternity leave to a woman employee cannot be denied on the grounds that it is being requested within two years of the first leave. The court emphasized that the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961, does not stipulate a mandatory cooling-off period between two pregnancies for the purpose of granting leave benefits.
India National
Reserve Bank of India Issues Consolidated Directions on Digital Payments E-Mandate Framework for 2026
The Reserve Bank of India has published the Digital Payments – E-mandate Framework, 2026, consolidating all extant instructions regarding automated recurring payments. These updated directions, effective immediately, incorporate minor procedural changes and stakeholder feedback to strengthen the security of the digital payment ecosystem. The framework applies to all scheduled commercial banks, card networks, and prepaid payment instrument issuers facilitating recurring transactions.
India National
Securities and Exchange Board of India issues settlement order for Motilal Oswal Alternative Investment Trust
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) passed a settlement order in the matter of Motilal Oswal Alternative Investment Trust on April 20, 2026. The order resolves specific regulatory non-compliance issues without the admission or denial of guilt. This action concludes the proceedings initiated against the trust for alleged violations of the SEBI (Alternative Investment Funds) Regulations.
World Global
United States extends Iran ceasefire to facilitate review of new Tehran peace proposal
President Donald Trump announced an extension of the US-Iran ceasefire on April 22, 2026, reversing a previous decision to end the truce. The extension aims to provide time for the submission and internal review of a formal Iranian peace proposal. This diplomatic move occurred as the conflict entered its eighth week, significantly affecting global oil prices and security in the Strait of Hormuz.
India National
Supreme Court Rules Arbitral Award Challenges Limited to Section 34 of Arbitration Act
The Supreme Court of India has held that legal representatives can only challenge an arbitral award under Section 34 of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996, and not through a petition under Article 227 of the Constitution. The ruling emphasizes the principle of non-intervention by courts in the arbitral process except as specifically provided by the special law governing arbitration.
India Jammu and Kashmir
Investigating Officers May Alter Offences in Final Chargesheet Regardless of First Information Report
The High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh ruled that an Investigating Officer (IO) is not strictly bound by the sections mentioned in an FIR. The court clarified that based on evidence collected during investigation, the IO can alter or add offences in the final chargesheet filed under Section 173 of the CrPC. This ruling reinforces the procedural autonomy of investigative agencies in criminal proceedings.
India National
Supreme Court Issues Notice to Union Government Over Validity of National Investigation Agency Act
The Supreme Court of India issued a notice to the Union Government on April 21, 2026, regarding a plea challenging the constitutional validity of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) Act, 2008. The petition argues that the Act infringes upon the legislative domain of states by allowing the central agency to investigate crimes that fall under 'Public Order' and 'Police,' which are State Subjects.
India Kerala
Union Government Releases Samagra Shiksha Funds to Kerala Despite National Education Policy Non Compliance
The Union Government informed the Supreme Court on April 21, 2026, that it has released pending funds under the Samagra Shiksha scheme to Kerala. This disbursement occurred despite the state's failure to fully implement certain National Education Policy (NEP) components. The move follows a legal dispute where Kerala challenged the withholding of funds, highlighting the fiscal tensions between central mandates and state administrative autonomy.
India National
Reserve Bank of India Auctions State Government Securities Totaling Sixteen Thousand Nine Hundred Crore Rupees
The Reserve Bank of India conducted an auction of State Government Securities on April 21, 2026, for five states. A total amount of ₹16,900 crore was raised through the sale of bonds with tenors ranging from 7 to 30 years. Participating states included Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Telangana, with Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh securing the highest allocations to fund their developmental expenditures.
India National
India Formally Conveys Deep Concern to Iran Over Maritime Blockade in Strait of Hormuz
The Ministry of External Affairs officially communicated its deep concern to Iran on April 20, 2026, after two oil tankers were blocked from crossing the Strait of Hormuz. With approximately 14 Indian-flagged vessels currently traversing or stationed in the region, the government has intensified diplomatic efforts to secure safe passage for its maritime fleet and ensure regional energy stability.
India National
Ministry of External Affairs Coordinates Safe Passage for Indian Vessels in Strait of Hormuz
The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed on April 20, 2026, that it is coordinating with Iranian authorities to ensure the safe passage of Indian-flagged vessels through the Strait of Hormuz. Currently, 14 Indian ships are identified in the vicinity amid rising regional tensions and a naval blockade. The Ministry has issued a fresh advisory for tankers following reports of firing on merchant vessels in the area.
World Japan
Japan Lifts Long-Standing Ban on Lethal Weapons Exports in Historic Policy Shift
The Japanese government has formally scrapped most restrictions on the export of lethal weapons, marking a major departure from its post-war pacifist policy. Announced on April 21, 2026, the move opens the global arms market to Japanese defense contractors. This overhaul allows for the international sale of advanced military hardware, aiming to strengthen Japan’s domestic defense industry and deepen strategic alliances.
India National
National Testing Agency Declares JEE Main 2026 Session 2 Results and Cut-off Percentiles
The National Testing Agency released the JEE Main 2026 Session 2 results on April 21, 2026, with 26 students achieving a 100 percentile score. Chandigarh's Aarush Singhal topped the examination, alongside high-performers from Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Delhi. The agency also notified the cut-off percentile for JEE Advanced 2026 eligibility, with the unreserved category threshold set at 93.41, indicating a significant upward trend in competitive scores.
India National
Reserve Bank of India Announces Winners of HaRBInger Fourth Edition Global Hackathon in Bengaluru
The Reserve Bank of India concluded its fourth global hackathon, 'HaRBInger – Innovation for Transformation', focused on secure banking through identity and inclusivity. Evaluated in Bengaluru on April 17-18, 2026, the event saw 496 proposals from 15 countries. Winners were selected across categories including Tokenised KYC and Offline CBDC, with EarthId Technology and Team A-SPARSH securing top prizes for their decentralized identity and Software-Defined Secure Element solutions.
World United States
U.S. Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer Resigns Amid Misconduct and Family-Related Investigation
United States Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer resigned on Monday, April 20, 2026, following an investigation into professional misconduct and inappropriate communication with staff. The resignation comes amid a Department of Labor probe into internal messages involving the Secretary's family. This departure marks the latest high-level change in the current U.S. administration's cabinet.
World Global
U.S. Vice President JD Vance Scheduled for Diplomatic Mission to Pakistan for Iran Peace Talks
United States Vice President JD Vance is set to travel to Pakistan on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, to lead the second round of high-level peace negotiations concerning the Iran conflict. The mission aims to secure a diplomatic resolution before the current ceasefire deadline expires. The talks in Islamabad are viewed as a critical opportunity to de-escalate the blockade in the Strait of Hormuz and prevent regional war.
World Japan
Japan Meteorological Agency Issues Major Earthquake Advisory After Seven Point Four Magnitude Tremor
Japan's Meteorological Agency has issued a 'huge' earthquake advisory and tsunami warnings following a 7.4-magnitude tremor off the northeast coast on April 20, 2026. An 80 cm tsunami wave was recorded shortly after the quake. Authorities have warned of waves up to three metres in certain coastal areas, prompting evacuations and a reassessment of the nation's vulnerability to major seismic events.
India National
Delhi High Court Rejects Arvind Kejriwal Recusal Petition in Liquor Policy Investigation Case
Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma of the Delhi High Court has dismissed an application filed by Arvind Kejriwal seeking her recusal from the liquor policy case. The petitioner argued potential bias as the judge's children are empanelled as central government counsel. The court ruled that a litigant cannot judge judicial competence or dictate the professional lives of a judge's family, affirming the judge's constitutional oath to impartiality.
India National
Ministry of External Affairs Intensifies Diplomatic Efforts After Indian Vessels Fired Upon in Hormuz
The Union Government has initiated urgent diplomatic contact with Iranian authorities following an incident on April 18, 2026, where Indian-flagged cargo ships were fired upon in the Strait of Hormuz. Currently, 14 Indian ships are traversing the region. Initial reports suggest a communication lapse between the Iranian government and local Revolutionary Guard units. The Ministry of External Affairs is coordinating with the Indian envoy to ensure safe passage.
India National
SEBI Notifies Infrastructure Investment Trusts Amendment Regulations 2026 to Regulate Securities Market
The Securities and Exchange Board of India has notified the Infrastructure Investment Trusts (Amendment) Regulations, 2026. Issued on April 17, 2026, the new regulations are designed to protect investor interests and promote the development of the infrastructure financing market. The amendments update the governance and operational guidelines for InvITs to ensure transparent fund management.
India Chhattisgarh
Death Toll Reaches 24 Following High Pressure Steam Blast at Chhattisgarh Vedanta Power Plant
The death toll from an explosion at a Vedanta Ltd power plant in Chhattisgarh's Singhitarai village has climbed to 24. The blast, which occurred on April 20, 2026, was caused by a rupture in a steel tube carrying high-pressure steam from the boiler to the turbine. Rescue operations and safety audits are currently underway at the facility, which serves the company's industrial operations in the region.
India National
North Korea Conducts Test Launch of Five Upgraded Hwasong-11 Ra Ballistic Missiles
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un personally oversaw the test launch of five upgraded surface-to-surface Hwasong-11 Ra ballistic missiles on April 20, 2026. The launch, conducted in the presence of his daughter Kim Ju Ae, follows increased regional tensions. Military analysts noted the upgrades to the short-range system, which is designed for precision strikes and potential tactical nuclear deployment.
World Global
United States Launches Massive Tariff Refund System for Importers Following Legal Rulings
The United States government launched a historic tariff refund system on April 20, 2026, to return billions of dollars to businesses. This follows a legal determination that certain previous tariffs were unconstitutional. Large corporations, including Walmart, which is expected to receive $10 billion, are among thousands of importers lining up to file claims for duties paid on foreign goods over several years.
India National
SEBI Notifies Securities and Exchange Board of India Real Estate Investment Trusts Amendment Regulations 2026
The Securities and Exchange Board of India has notified the Real Estate Investment Trusts (Amendment) Regulations, 2026. Published on April 18, 2026, the amendments aim to further regulate the securities market and protect investor interests within the real estate sector. These regulations modify existing frameworks to enhance transparency and promote the organized development of REITs in India.
India National
Reserve Bank of India to conduct 11,500 crore rupee auction for four state government securities
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced an auction of State Government Securities (SGS) totaling 11,500 crore rupees, scheduled for April 21, 2026. The participating states include Maharashtra, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Telangana, with tenors ranging from 8 to 28 years. The auction will be conducted through the E-Kuber system, accommodating both competitive and non-competitive bids from eligible institutions and individuals.
India National
Supreme Court Issues Suo Motu Directions on Highway Safety Following Phalodi Accident
The Supreme Court of India, in the 'In Re Phalodi Accident' case, has issued interim directions regarding highway safety. The court ruled that commuter safety is an integral facet of the Right to Life with dignity under Article 21 of the Constitution. Directions include a ban on the unauthorized parking of heavy vehicles on highways and the removal of unauthorized dhabas that obstruct traffic flow.
India National
Reserve Bank of India Schedules ₹16,900 Crore Auction of State Government Securities for Five States
The Reserve Bank of India has announced a revised auction of State Government Securities (SGS) for an aggregate amount of ₹16,900 crore. Five states—Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Telangana—will sell stock through the E-Kuber system on April 21, 2026. The auction includes new yields and re-issues, with settlement scheduled for April 22, 2026, intended for banking Statutory Liquidity Ratio compliance.
World United States
USCIS Reports High H-1B Visa Selection Rates Following Overhaul of Salary-Based Selection System
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has completed the FY 2027 H-1B lottery, reporting a high selection rate of approximately 75% for applicants already residing in the U.S. The new system prioritizes higher salary brackets, significantly benefiting employees of major tech companies. However, small businesses face increased costs, with some fees reaching $100,000.
India Maharashtra
Pune Airport Runway Suspended Following Undercarriage Failure and Hard Landing of IAF Fighter Jet
Flight operations at Pune Airport were suspended for approximately five hours after an Indian Air Force (IAF) fighter jet experienced an undercarriage failure during a 'hard landing.' The incident led to several commercial flight diversions and affected night operations. Runway repairs were completed by IAF engineering teams, allowing civil flight movements to resume.
India National
Bombay High Court Directs Centre to Respond on Inclusion of SSPE in Rare Diseases Policy
The Bombay High Court has sought a detailed clarification from the Union Government regarding the inclusion of Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis (SSPE) in the National Policy for Rare Diseases. SSPE is a fatal neurodegenerative condition resulting from a mutated measles virus. The court emphasized the distress of affected families and questioned the government's proposed support mechanisms.
India National
Reserve Bank of India Announces Auction of Treasury Bills Worth 24,000 Crore for April 22
The Reserve Bank of India has scheduled the auction of Government of India Treasury Bills for an aggregate amount of ₹24,000 crore on April 22, 2026. The auction includes 91-day, 182-day, and 364-day instruments. These short-term debt securities will be issued using a multiple price method via the E-Kuber system, facilitating the Union Government's immediate cash flow management.
India Karnataka
Bannerghatta Biological Park Receives Four South African Cheetahs for Regional Conservation Program
Four cheetahs arrived from South Africa at Bengaluru's Bannerghatta Biological Park (BBP) to bolster India's ongoing cheetah reintroduction and conservation efforts. The translocation is part of a broader national strategy to establish viable cheetah populations in multiple habitats across India. The cheetahs will undergo a mandatory quarantine period before being introduced to their designated enclosures to monitor health and acclimatization.
India National
RBI Sets Redemption Price for Premature Redemption of Sovereign Gold Bond 2020-21 Series VII
The Reserve Bank of India has announced the redemption price for the premature redemption of Sovereign Gold Bond (SGB) 2020-21 Series VII, set at ₹15,254 per unit. This redemption, permissible after the fifth year from the issue date (October 20, 2020), coincides with the interest payment date of April 20, 2026. The price calculation is based on the average closing price of 999 purity gold published by IBJA.
India National
Jammu and Kashmir High Court rules husband's girlfriend is not a relative under Section 498A
The High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh ruled on April 17, 2026, that a husband's girlfriend or concubine does not fall within the definition of a 'relative' under Section 498A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Consequently, such individuals cannot be prosecuted for cruelty under this specific provision. The court quashed an FIR against a woman on these grounds, citing established legal definitions.
India Tripura
Tipra Motha Party secures landslide victory in Tripura Tribal Council elections with 24 seats
The Tipra Motha Party, led by Pradyot Deb Barma, achieved a landslide victory in the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) elections on April 17, 2026. Winning 24 out of 28 elected seats, the party effectively marginalized its competitors. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), despite being a state government ally, was reduced to 4 seats, while the Left Front and Congress failed to secure any representation.
India National
Supreme Court nine-judge bench examines judicial scrutiny limits of religious practices under Article 25
A nine-judge Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court continued hearings on the Sabarimala reference case on April 17, 2026. The court is deliberating whether judges should rise above religious perceptions when examining 'matters of conscience' and to what extent denominational practices are subject to judicial scrutiny under Article 25. The bench is clarifying the interplay between individual religious freedom and the rights of religious denominations.
India National
India foreign exchange reserves decline to 700.946 billion dollars for week ending April 10
The Reserve Bank of India reported a decrease in India's total foreign exchange reserves to $700.946 billion for the week ending April 10, 2026. This represents a weekly variation of approximately $3.825 billion. Foreign Currency Assets, the largest component of the reserves, stood at $555.983 billion, while gold reserves were valued at $121.343 billion as per the latest Weekly Statistical Supplement.