Daily Current Affairs Digest | 17th June 2026

Daily Current Affairs Digest | 17th June 2026

Exercise Pitch Black 2026 to Be Held in Australia

Exercise Pitch Black, which began in 1981 as an Australian air-combat drill, will see its 2026 edition held from 20 July to 7 August in Australia. The exercise is led by the Royal Australian Air Force and involves multinational combat training.

The Indian Air Force first participated in Exercise Pitch Black in 2018. Its continued participation reflects India’s expanding defence cooperation with partner countries and its focus on advanced air-combat training, interoperability and strategic preparedness.

SpaceX Records Major Market Milestone

SpaceX, founded by Elon Musk in 2002, was listed on Nasdaq as SPCX on 12 June 2026 after a record $75 billion IPO. By 16 June 2026, its market value briefly crossed that of Amazon, making it the world’s fifth most valuable company.

This development marks a major milestone in the commercial space sector and highlights the growing importance of private space companies in global technology, satellite communication, space exploration and future aerospace markets.

Ladakh Approves SHAN Conservation Society

On 16 June 2026, Ladakh’s Lieutenant Governor approved the SHAN Conservation Society to protect snow leopards, alpine biodiversity and cold desert ecosystems.

Ladakh is home to 477 of India’s 718 snow leopards. The snow leopard is listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN and is protected under Schedule I in India. The species faces major threats from climate change, habitat loss and ecological disturbance. The SHAN Conservation Society is expected to strengthen conservation planning, community participation and biodiversity protection in the Himalayan cold desert region.

PM Modi Calls for Maritime Security at G7 Outreach Session

At the G7 Outreach Session in France, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made an urgent call for protecting seafarers, securing trade routes and upholding international law.

Amid rising tensions in West Asia, India emphasized the need for trust-based and equal partnerships to ensure a safer and more connected global economy. Maritime security remains crucial for international trade, energy supply chains and regional stability.

India Temporarily Blocks Telegram for Exam Integrity

India temporarily blocked Telegram until 22 June 2026 under Section 69A on the recommendation of the National Testing Agency before the NEET-UG re-exam.

The action aims to prevent paper-leak fraud, misinformation, misuse of message-editing features and app-based circulation of sensitive examination material. Some restrictions may continue until 30 June 2026 to protect exam integrity and ensure fairness for students.

VB-G RAM G to Be Launched from Andhra Pradesh

VB-G RAM G, the Viksit Bharat–Rozgar aur Aajeevika Mission (Gramin), will be nationally launched from Andhra Pradesh on 1 July 2026.

The rural development initiative focuses on geo-tagging, face recognition, model panchayats, zero-waste villages, livelihood creation and women-led rural growth. The mission aims to strengthen rural governance, employment opportunities and sustainable development at the grassroots level.

Cough Syrups Removed from Schedule K Exemptions

The Union Health Ministry amended the Drugs Rules, 1945, by removing cough syrups from Schedule K exemptions.

Earlier, cough syrups could be sold in villages with a population below 1,000 without full retail licensing. Under the new rule, cough syrups can be sold only through licensed pharmacies. This reform aims to curb misuse, improve compliance and strengthen public-health safety, especially in rural areas.

India and Japan Adopt Rules for Joint Crediting Mechanism

India and Japan adopted Rules of Implementation for the Joint Crediting Mechanism under Article 6.2 of the Paris Agreement.

The mechanism will support carbon-credit transfer, low-carbon technology, third-party verification, sustainable development safeguards, investment and capacity-building. It is expected to help India advance its climate goals while promoting cooperation in clean technology and sustainable development.