Prelims Current Affairs includes World Day To Combat Desertification And Drought 2026, 52nd G7 Summit Begins In France, India Launches New Wpi Base Year 2022-23 And Producer Price Indices, Pm Modi And President Macron Inaugurate Bharat Innovates 2026, Jharkhand’s Bhagaiya Silk, Munda Jewellery And Bamboo Craft Receive Gi Tag, Indian Navy’s Sea King 42b Squadron Retires, Lewis Hamilton Wins Barcelona Grand Prix With Ferrari, Pm Modi Receives Slovakia’s Highest National Award, Department Of Posts Starts Drone-Based Mail Transmission In Remote Himachal Areas & Rare Knob-Billed Duck Spotted At Pong Lake For First Time

IMPORTANT DAYS

1. WORLD DAY TO COMBAT DESERTIFICATION AND DROUGHT 2026

Current Context: World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought is observed annually on 17 June to raise global awareness about desertification, land degradation, and drought. 

ABOUT THE DAY

• World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought is a United Nations observance dedicated to promoting sustainable land management and combating desertification and drought.
• Established by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in 1994 first observed in 1995
• Led by: United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)
• Theme 2026: “Rangelands: Recognize. Respect. Restore.”
• Kenya is hosting the global observance of Desertification and Drought Day 2026.
• Supports: SDG 15 (Life on Land)
• Nearly 30% of India’s land is degraded. Rajasthanhas highest desertification levels
• India’s responses: National Action Programme (NAP), Green India Mission, Aravalli Green Wall Project, Watershed Management Programs

About UNCCD

• UNCCD stands for United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification.
• It is the only legally binding international agreement that specifically addresses desertification, land degradation, and drought (DLDD). Adopted on 17 June 1994 in Paris, France. Entered into force on 26 December 1996.
• One of the three Rio Conventions that emerged from the 1992 Earth Summit at Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

2. 52ND G7 SUMMIT BEGINS IN FRANCE

Current Context: The 52nd G7 Summit commenced in Évian-les-Bains, France, from 15-17 June 2026, bringing together leaders of the world’s major advanced economies to discuss global economic stability, security, climate action, artificial intelligence, energy transition, and geopolitical challenges.

ABOUT THE SUMMIT

• The Group of Seven (G7) is an informal grouping of the world’s leading advanced economies.
• It serves as a platform for discussing global economic governance, international security, climate change, technology, and development issues.
• The G7 does not have a permanent secretariat or headquarters.
• The presidency rotates annually among member countries. Originated as the G6 in 1975 at Rambouillet, France. Canada joined in 1976, forming the G7.
• Russia joined in 1998, creating the G8. Russia’s membership was suspended in 2014 following the Crimea crisis, and the grouping reverted to G7.
• G7 MEMBERS
• United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, France (Host), Italy, Japan
• Presidents of European Council and European Commission also participate
• Key development: US-Iran agreement to end 107-day conflict and reopen Strait of Hormuz (carries nearly one-fifth of global oil supplies)
• Indian participation: PM Modi’s 13th G7 participation, 7th consecutive participation
• Other partner countries: India, Brazil, South Korea, Kenya, Egypt (also Ukraine, Qatar, UAE invited)

ECONOMY

3. INDIA LAUNCHES NEW WPI BASE YEAR 2022-23 AND PRODUCER PRICE INDICES

Current Context: India has introduced the revised Wholesale Price Index (WPI) series with base year 2022-23, replacing the earlier 2011-12 series.

ABOUT THE NEW SERIES

• New WPI Base Year: 2022-23
• Commodity basket expansion: 697 to 957 items
• New inclusions: Solar power, wind power (renewable energy), nuclear electricity (first time)
• Reclassification: Crude petroleum and natural gas moved from Primary Articles to Fuel and Power group
• Weight calculation: Changed from Net Traded Value to Gross Value of Output (GVO)
• Transition period: WPI and PPI published simultaneously for five years

WPI INFLATION (MAY 2026)

• All Commodities: 9.68% (up from 8.26% in April)
• Primary Articles: 4.99%
• Fuel and Power: 30.33% (highest)
• Manufactured Products: 7.48%
• WPI Food Inflation: 4.49% (up from 3.11% in April)

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

4. PM MODI AND PRESIDENT MACRON INAUGURATE BHARAT INNOVATES 2026

Current Context: The Bharat Innovates 2026 summit was jointly inaugurated by PM Modi and President Macron on 14 June 2026 at Palais des Expositions, Nice, France.

ABOUT THE SUMMIT

• Bharat Innovates 2026 is a flagship India-France innovation and technology initiative aimed at showcasing India’s emerging technological capabilities and strengthening bilateral cooperation in innovation-driven sectors.
• It serves as a platform connecting startups, researchers, investors, industries, policymakers, and academic institutions from both countries.
• Part of: India-France Year of Innovation 2026
• 13 critical technology pillars: AI, quantum computing, semiconductors, biotechnology, space and defence, clean energy

ATL BRIDGE LAUNCHED

• India-France ATL Bridge connects students through school-level innovation laboratories modeled on Atal Tabling Lab (ATL) framework
• Letter of Intent between Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog, and La Fondation Dassault Systèmes
• Will establish France’s first School Innovation Lab based on ATL model

About AIM

• Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) is the Government of India’s flagship initiative to promote a culture of innovation, entrepreneurship, and problem-solving across the country.
• Launched by the NITI Aayog in 2016.
• It aims to create an innovation ecosystem spanning schools, universities, research institutions, startups, industries, and entrepreneurs.

CULTURE & HERITAGE 

5.  JHARKHAND’S BHAGAIYA SILK, MUNDA JEWELLERY AND BAMBOO CRAFT RECEIVE GI TAG

Current Context: Four traditional products from Jharkhand – Bhagaiya silk, Kuchai silk, Munda jewellery, and Jharkhand bamboo craft – have received the prestigious Geographical Indication (GI) tag.

ABOUT THE GI TAGGED PRODUCTS

• Bhagaiya Silk: Sericulture heritage of Jharkhand originates from Bhagaiya village in Godda district, Jharkhand.
• Kuchai Silk: Sericulture heritage of Jharkhand
• Munda Jewellery: Artistic traditions of tribal communities associated with the Munda Tribe of Jharkhand.
• Jharkhand Bamboo Craft: Sustainable rural livelihoods and growing global demand for eco-friendly products
• Supported by: National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD)

About GI tags

• A Geographical Indication (GI) is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities, reputation, or characteristics essentially attributable to that place of origin.
• It is a form of Intellectual Property Right (IPR). GI tags protect traditional products from imitation and unauthorized use. Only authorized producers from the designated geographical region can use the registered GI name.
• Governed by the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999.
• The Act came into force on 15 September 2003.
• GI Registry Headquarters: Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
• Top States by GI Tags (2026)
• Uttar Pradesh – 77+ GI Tags
• Tamil Nadu – 69+ GI Tags
• Maharashtra – 41+ GI Tags

DEFENCE

6. INDIAN NAVY’S SEA KING 42B SQUADRON RETIRES

Current Context: Indian Naval Air Squadron 330 (INAS 330), known as “The Harpoons”, was number plated on 14 June 2026 after 55 years of service.

ABOUT THE SQUADRON

• INAS 330 (Harpoons) was the primary operator of the Sea King 42B anti-submarine warfare helicopters in the Indian Navy.
• The squadron was commissioned in 17 April 1971 at INS Garuda, Kochi and played a crucial role in maritime security, anti-submarine warfare, surveillance, and fleet support operations.
• The retirement of the squadron signifies the phased replacement of ageing Sea King helicopters with modern platforms.
• Replacement: 24 MH-60R Seahawk helicopters ordered, Indian Multi Role Helicopter and Deck Based MRH under development

SPORTS

7. LEWIS HAMILTON WINS BARCELONA GRAND PRIX WITH FERRARI

Current Context: Lewis Hamilton secured his first victory for Ferrari at the 2026 Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix, ending Mercedes’ recent dominance.

ABOUT THE RACE

• Seven-time Formula One World Champion Lewis Hamilton secured a historic victory at the
• Second place: George Russell (Mercedes)

AWARDS

8. PM MODI RECEIVES SLOVAKIA’S HIGHEST NATIONAL AWARD

Current Context: PM Modi received Slovakia’s highest national award, The Order of the White Double Cross (1st Class), during his historic visit to Bratislava.

ABOUT THE AWARD

• Presented by: President Peter Pellegrini
• Significance: Awarded exclusively to foreign nationals for exceptional contributions to strengthening relations with Slovakia
• PM Modi’s 33rd international honour

HIMACHAL NEWS

9. DEPARTMENT OF POSTS STARTS DRONE-BASED MAIL TRANSMISSION IN REMOTE HIMACHAL AREAS

Current Context: Department of Posts has launched drone-based mail delivery in Himachal Pradesh, beginning operations between Mandi Head Post Office and Rehardhar Branch Post Office.

ABOUT THE SERVICE

• Distance: 12 km (reduced from over 2 hours to just 7 minutes)
• Benefits: Faster delivery, real-time tracking, environmental sustainability, improved access to government and financial services

HIMACHAL NEWS

10. RARE KNOB-BILLED DUCK SPOTTED AT PONG LAKE FOR FIRST TIME

Current Context: A rare knob-billed duck, a species usually associated with the wetlands of Central India (particularly Rajasthan and Gujarat), has been recorded for the first time at Pong Lake Wildlife Sanctuary in Himachal Pradesh.

ABOUT THE SIGHTING

• Species: Knob-billed duck
• Location: Sathana area of Dhameta range, Pong Lake Wildlife Sanctuary, Himachal Pradesh
• Previous record in Himachal: Once in Sirmaur region (2013)
• Occasionally seen in: Neighbouring Punjab

About PONG LAKE WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

• Pong Dam, also known as Maharana Pratap Sagar, is a major earth-fill embankment dam built across the Beas River in Himachal Pradesh. Located near Talwara in the Kangra District of Himachal Pradesh.
• It is one of the highest earth-fill dams in India.
• Construction began in 1961.
• Completed in 1974.
• Pong Dam Lake (Maharana Pratap Sagar) was designated as a Ramsar Site (Wetland of International Importance) on 19 August 2002.

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