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The Affairs
India & World Current Affairs
19 June 2026
1294 stories · Desk Home
The Times of India
India West Bengal
West Bengal Poll Chaos: EC Asks NIA to Probe Judicial Officer 'Hostage' Incident
Amidst West Bengal poll chaos, villagers in Malda reportedly held SIR (Special Investigation Report) officers "hostage." The Election Commission (EC) has asked the NIA to probe the case, with the Supreme Court slamming the "law & order breakdown" and calling West Bengal the "most polarised state." This incident highlights severe challenges to electoral integrity and state governance.
India Andhra Pradesh
Lok Sabha Passes Bill to Designate Amravati as Andhra Pradesh Capital
The Lok Sabha passed a bill to officially designate Amravati as the capital of Andhra Pradesh, overriding previous controversies. Andhra CM Chandrababu Naidu stated Amravati represents "people's sentiment," celebrating the Parliament's approval. This legislative action finalizes a long-debated decision, bringing clarity to the state's administrative future and potentially ending a period of political uncertainty.
India National
India's Digital Census 2027 Kicks Off with 55,000 Self-Enumerations on Day One
India launched the world's largest digital Census drive, Census 2027, with 55,000 households using the self-enumeration portal on its first day. Prime Minister Modi and President Murmu completed their self-enumeration, highlighting the government's commitment to the new process. This initiative aims to count 1.4 billion people nationwide, marking a significant technological shift in data collection.
India National
Rajnath Singh Warns Pakistan of Decisive Indian Action Against Misadventure
Defense Minister Rajnath Singh issued a stern warning to Pakistan, stating that any "misadventure" would invite "unprecedented and decisive action" from India. This declaration highlights heightened security concerns and India's firm stance on border management. The warning underscores the persistent geopolitical tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbors and India's readiness for military response.
India National
Maldives, Sri Lanka Among Nations Seeking India’s Energy Supplies Amid Crisis
Maldives and Sri Lanka are among several neighboring nations requesting India’s energy supplies, with India confirming these requests are being examined. This comes as Sri Lanka faces severe fuel supply disruptions. India has already sent fuel shipments to Sri Lanka and is working with the UAE to revive oil tanks, strengthening its role as a regional energy provider.
India National
Government Schedules Extra Parliament Sittings to Debate Women’s Reservation Bill Amendments
The government has confirmed extra sittings of Parliament to debate amendments to the Women’s Reservation Act 2023, with the Budget Session reconvening on April 16. Opposition parties allege the timing of these changes is politically motivated, a charge rejected by the government. This move indicates a legislative push to finalize the implementation framework for women's quota law.
India National
Rajya Sabha Passes CAPF Amendment Bill Overruling Supreme Court Direction
The Rajya Sabha passed the CAPF Amendment Bill, negating a Supreme Court direction regarding IPS officers. The bill seeks to relax a two-day rule and was passed despite opposition walkouts and protests. This legislative action highlights a significant instance of the government seeking to override judicial pronouncements concerning the administration of Central Armed Police Forces.
India National
Government Exempts Petrochemical Products From Customs Duty Amid West Asia Crisis
The Government of India has granted full customs duty exemption on 40 critical petrochemical products until June 30, 2026, in response to the West Asia crisis. This measure aims to mitigate the impact of global supply chain disruptions on domestic industries. The waiver is estimated to cost ₹1,800 crore in lost revenue, signaling the government's commitment to supporting the economy.
World Israel
India Faces Potential Delays in Military Supplies from Israel Amid Conflict
India's military supplies from Israel may face delays due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, according to the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) CMD. Despite this, HAL assured that India possesses adequate stocks for the current year. The potential disruption highlights the ripple effects of regional conflicts on international defense procurement and strategic planning.
World Iran
Iran Assures India of Safe Passage for 'Indian Friends' Amidst Hormuz Blockade
Amidst growing West Asia conflict, Iran has assured India that "Indian Friends Are In Safe Hands" regarding the Strait of Hormuz blockade. While Iran plans a new navigation regime and potential tolls for ships, this assurance indicates an effort to mitigate the impact on key diplomatic partners like India. The blockade has raised concerns for global shipping and energy supplies.
World Iran
Iran Launches Largest Missile Salvo Toward Israel Since War Began
Iran has reportedly fired its largest missile salvo toward Israel since the start of the ongoing war, according to Middle East media. Images from Petah Tikva show industrial buildings damaged by Iranian missiles, indicating significant escalation. Gulf states have called for UN approval to use force to secure the Strait of Hormuz, linking regional conflict to international maritime security.
World United States
Trump Attends Supreme Court Arguments on Birthright Citizenship: A Historic First
In a historic first, U.S. President Donald Trump attended Supreme Court arguments concerning birthright citizenship. The case challenges Trump's executive order seeking to restrict birthright citizenship, setting up a rare roadblock for his immigration agenda. The attendance of a sitting president at such arguments is unprecedented and underscores the significance of the legal challenge.
World Global
Eight Muslim Nations Condemn Israel's New Mandatory Death Penalty Law
Foreign ministers from eight Muslim-majority countries—UAE, Jordan, Türkiye, Egypt, Indonesia, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar—issued a joint statement condemning Israel's new death penalty law. Critics decry the law as "apartheid regime" legislation, claiming it entrenches a system of mandatory death sentences for Palestinians with terror convictions, intensifying regional and international human rights concerns.
World Global
Trump Considers US Withdrawal from NATO, Sparking Global Power Shift Concerns
U.S. President Donald Trump has indicated he is "absolutely" considering withdrawing the United States from NATO, calling the alliance a "paper tiger." This potential move could trigger a significant global power shift, with some analysts suggesting India could be among the beneficiaries. The discussions highlight deep divisions within the alliance amid the ongoing Iran conflict.
World United States
Trump Imposes New 100% Tariffs on Drugs and Tightens Metal Import Rules
U.S. President Trump has announced 100% tariffs on selected pharmaceutical imports, along with stricter rules for metal imports. These measures aim to protect domestic industries and encourage foreign firms to strike deals with the U.S. The pharmaceutical tariffs may exempt many companies, but the policy signals a continued focus on protectionism and reshaping international trade agreements.
India National
PM Modi Chairs Security Meet Amid West Asia Crisis, Reviews Fuel and Energy Supply
Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a crucial security meeting on April 1, 2026, to assess the escalating West Asia crisis and its potential impact on India. The meeting focused on reviewing fuel and energy supplies, with PM Modi instructing officials to ensure sufficient LPG supply and diversify sourcing. This high-level engagement reflects India's proactive measures to safeguard its citizens and economy from global geopolitical shocks.
India National
India Census 2027: Digital Self-Enumeration Commences Today, Modi Completes Process
India's Census 2027 commenced on April 1, 2026, marking the world's first digital census with the rollout of a digital self-enumeration process. Prime Minister Modi and President Murmu completed their self-enumeration on the first day, underscoring the government's push for a tech-driven and efficient data collection exercise. Over 9,000 enumerators have been deployed for the process in regions like Gaya.
India National
Parliament Budget Session to Resume April 16, Women's Reservation Act Amendments Expected
The Parliament budget session is set to resume on April 16, 2026, after a recess, with a special session from April 16-18 dedicated to debating amendments to the Women’s Reservation Act 2023. The government has confirmed these extra sittings to address adding Lok Sabha seats for the women's quota, signaling a significant legislative push for gender equality in representation.
India West Bengal
Supreme Court Slams West Bengal Officials Over Attack on Judges During SIR Duty
The Supreme Court of India strongly criticized West Bengal officials following an attack on judicial officers performing Summary Inquiry Report (SIR) duty in Malda. The court directed the use of central forces to protect judicial personnel, calling West Bengal "the most polarised state." This incident highlights significant challenges to judicial independence and law and order in the state.
India National
India Scraps Import Tax on Petrochemicals Amid West Asia Crisis, Revenue Loss Expected
India has abolished the import tax on critical petrochemical products until June 30, 2026, a move prompted by the escalating West Asia crisis. This decision aims to stabilize domestic supply and prices amidst global market disruptions, particularly due to the US-Iran conflict. A report flags an estimated revenue loss of over $190 million for the government due to this exemption.
India National
India's Defence Exports Surge 62% to $4.1 Billion in Fiscal Year 2025-26
India's defence exports recorded a significant surge of over 62%, reaching a record $4.1 billion (Rs 38,424 crore) in the fiscal year ending March 2026. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh announced this achievement, highlighting the nation's growing capabilities in indigenous manufacturing and its role as a global defence supplier. This growth marks a substantial step towards India's goal of self-reliance in defence.
World Indonesia
Magnitude 7.4 Earthquake Strikes Off Indonesia's Ternate, Tsunami Warning Lifted
A powerful magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck off the coast of Ternate, Indonesia, on April 2, 2026. Initially, a tsunami warning was issued for the region but was subsequently lifted. While significant, no immediate reports of widespread destruction or casualties were detailed, though local authorities assessed potential damage. The event highlights Indonesia's vulnerability to seismic activity.
World United States
USCIS Completes H-1B Cap Selection for FY 2027, Introduces Stricter Requirements
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has completed the H-1B cap selection process for Fiscal Year 2027, with the 85,000 cap reportedly reached. This year's process includes a major overhaul of the visa system, rolling out a new I-129 form with stricter requirements effective April 1, 2026. The changes significantly impact foreign professionals, particularly those from India, seeking skilled work visas in the US.
World Global
Trump Threatens European Nations Over Hormuz, Hints at NATO Exit, Ukraine Aid Cut
US President Trump issued a warning to European nations, demanding cooperation on the Strait of Hormuz or threatening to halt weapon supplies to Ukraine. He also hinted at a potential US exit from NATO, calling the alliance a "paper tiger" and stating that "Putin also knows they are paper tigers." These statements signal a significant shift in US foreign policy and alliance commitments.
World Global
US Military Reportedly Eyes Two Potential Ground Assaults in Iran, Awaiting Trump's Nod
A report indicates the US military is considering two potential ground assault scenarios in Iran, awaiting President Trump's approval. This development signals a potential significant escalation of the ongoing conflict between the US and Iran. The move raises concerns about a full-scale ground invasion, further destabilizing the already volatile Middle East region and impacting global security.
World Global
Trump Suggests Nations Buy US Oil or Take It From Strait Amid Hormuz Crisis
US President Trump suggested that nations facing oil shocks due to the Strait of Hormuz crisis should "Buy from US or go take it from the Strait." This provocative statement came amidst escalating tensions in the Middle East, particularly concerning oil supply routes. His remarks underscore a contentious US stance on global energy markets and the security of vital maritime chokepoints.