Welcome to today’s TNPSC Daily Current Affairs for June 19, 2026.
This comprehensive compilation covers all important events across national politics,
international relations, science & technology, economy, sports, and more.
Sourced from The Hindu, Indian Express, PIB, and other reputed media.
Perfect for TNPSC Group 1, Group 2, Group 2A, and Group 4 exam preparation.

📌 Read in Tamil: தமிழில் படிக்க இங்கே கிளிக் செய்யவும்

🏛️ National Politics & Government

1. Union MinisterPralhadJoshi Launches Green Hydrogen Certification Portal to Enhance TransparencyIn Ju

• What happened: Union MinisterPralhadJoshi Launches Green Hydrogen Certification Portal to Enhance TransparencyIn June 2026, Union MinisterPralhadJoshi, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), launched theGreen Hydrogen Certification Portal of India (GHCI Portal)during theNational Workshopon “Strengthening the National Green Hydrogen Mission: Through State Policies, Hubs & Infrastructure” in New Delhi, Delhi. About Green Hydrogen Certification Portal of India (GHCI):Overview:It is a unified digital platform developed by MNRE to administer the GHCI scheme, enabling measurement, reporting, verification, certification, regulatory compliance, transparency, and credibility across the green hydrogen sector.Eligibility:Certification is mandatory for producers receiving incentives or subsidies, selling or using Green Hydrogen in India, obtaining exemptions, or exporting partial quantities.
• Key points: A digital platform that enables transparent certification, verification, and regulatory compliance for green hydrogen under Green Hydrogen Certification Scheme of India(GHCI)is scheduled to become operational onJuly 1, 2026, following completion of a security audit.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: Polity & Governance (GS Paper 2). Government policies and administration.

2. NCRPB Approved Plans to Develop 4 ‘

• What happened: NCRPB Approved Plans to Develop 4 ‘Namo’ cities in Delhi-NCRIn June 2026, the National Capital Region (NCR) Planning Board(NCRPB), chaired by Union MinisterManoharLalKhattar,Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), approved plans to develop4greenfieldcities,with one each in Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh (UP), and Rajasthan,branded as“NamoCities”,will be developed in Delhi-NCR under theRegional Plan 2041,to promote balanced regional growth. Key Details: Cost and Timeline:As per NCRPB, these proposed Namo cities will be developed at a cost ofRs 5,000croreover the next 5 years.
• Key details: Selection Process: MoHUA has directed the states to submit three proposals and the city will be selected through a challenge mode. Other Key Decision:Apart from approving 04 Namo cities, the board has also decided to divide the NCR into 03 zones, including core zone between Kundli-Ghaziabad-Palwal(KGP) and Kundli-Manesar-Palwal(KMP) expressways. JehAerospace &SolestraGroup Signed Agreement to EstablishGlobal Manufacturing Centre in HyderabadIn June 2026, Jeh Aerospace Private Limited and Solestra Group (United States of America, USA) signed a multi-year, multi-million-dollar agreement to establish a dedicated Global Manufacturing Centre(GMC)at Jeh Aerospace’s facility in Hyderabad, Telangana.
• Key points: Also, the name of new “Namo cities” will be in line with name of the Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) train Namo Bharat.; The agreement was formalised during a visit of Joe DeMartino, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Solestra Group, and Rocky Barnhart, Vice President and General Manager of Solestra Group, to Hyderabad, Telangana.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: Polity & Governance (GS Paper 2). Government policies and administration.

3. Ladakh LG Vinai Kumar Saxena Approves Constitution of SHAN Conservation Society

• What happened: Ladakh LG Vinai Kumar Saxena Approves Constitution of SHAN Conservation SocietyIn June 2026, Ladakh’s Lieutenant GovernorVinai Kumar Saxenahas approved the constitution of the first-of-its-kind“Snow Leopard and High-Altitude Nature”(SHAN) Conservation Society in Ladakh to safeguard the endangered big cat and its fragile mountain habitat. Key details of Approval:Objective:The Society serves as a multi-stakeholder platform to conserve Ladakh’s alpine fauna and flora, wetlands, and cold desert ecosystems through eco-development in snow leopard habitats and eco-tourism promotion.Significance:The initiative highlights the conservation of thesnow leopard, the State Animal of Ladakh and a keystone species of the Trans-Himalayan ecosystem, revered as the “Ghost of the Mountains” essential for maintaining mountain habitats, prey populations, and regional watersheds, and an indicator of ecosystem health.
• Key points: TheSociety, under theDepartment of Environment and Forests, Ladakh, will serve as a dedicated institutional mechanism for wildlife conservation, biodiversity management, and community-led environmental stewardship across Ladakh.; According to the 2024 Snow Leopard Population Assessment in India, there are 718 snow leopards in the country,including 477 in Ladakh.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: Polity & Governance (GS Paper 2). Government policies and administration.

4. Gujarat govt signs Rs.1 lakh cr funding pact with HUDCO for metro, expressways and Dholera projects

• What happened: Gujarat govt signs Rs.1 lakh cr funding pact with HUDCO for metro, expressways and Dholera projectsIn June 2026, the Government ofGujaratand Housing and Urban Development Corporation Limited (HUDCO) signed a Memorandum of Understanding(MoU)for long-term financing of up toRs.1 lakh crorein Gandhinagar, Gujarat to support high-impact transit, highway, and smart city development projects across the state. Key Details of MoU:Tenure:The credit lines are valid fortwo years, with effect from May 2026 (on a retrospective basis).Objective:The long-term funding will support key development projects in Gujarat, includingAhmedabad Metro Rail Phases 2 and 3, expressways, sports infrastructure, and world-class urban development withDholeraSpecial Investment Region (SIR).Other MoU’s:Government of Gujarat with Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad(IIM-A)to provide technical and strategic support for infrastructure projects under theViksit Gujarat 2047 programme.
• Key details: *******.
• Key points: The MoU was signed by Sanjay Kulshrestha, Chairman and Managing Director (C&MD), HUDCO and Sandeep Kumar, Secretary, Economic Affairs, Finance Department, Government of Gujarat.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: Polity & Governance (GS Paper 2). Government policies and administration.

🌍 International Affairs

5. Overview of PM Narendra Modi’s Visit to France in June 2026

• What happened: Overview of PM Narendra Modi’s Visit to France in June 2026Prime Minister(PM) Narendra Modiundertook a 6-day official visit to France in June 2026, focusing on strategic cooperation, innovation, technology partnerships on global issues. Key Highlights:Visit to France:During his visit, PM Narendra Modi held bilateral talks with French President Emmanuel Macron at Villa Kerylos in Nice, France marking the first bilateral meeting between the two leaders since India-France ties were elevated to a “Special Global Strategic Partnership” in February 2026.
• Key points: PM Modi visited Nice, France from June 13 to June 14, 2026, as part of the 1st leg of his two-nation tour, at the invitation ofEmmanuel Macron,President of France.; During his Europe tour, PM Modi participated at the 52nd Group-7 (G-7) summit held in Evian-les-Bains, France.; Later, On June 18, 2026, PM Modi visited Paris, the capital city of France as the final leg of his visit to attend the VivaTech 2026 Technology Summit, alongside President Macron.; Bharat Innovates:During his visit, PM Modi along with French President Macron inaugurated the inaugural edition ofBharat Innovates 2026at the Palais des Expositions de Nice in Nice, France.  The 3-day long event was organised by the Ministry of Education (MoE) under the India-France Year of Innovation.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: International Relations (GS Paper 2). Bilateral and multilateral agreements.

6. QS World University Rankings 2027: IIT Delhi Tops India, MIT Retains Global Top Spot

• What happened: QS World University Rankings 2027: IIT Delhi Tops India, MIT Retains Global Top SpotIn June 2026, London (the United Kingdom, UK)-based global higher education analytics firmQuacquarelli Symonds (QS)released theQS World University Rankings 2027, in which the Indian Institute of Technology(IIT) Delhiranked118th globallywith an overall score of65.7, improving five places from123rdand emerging as India’s highest-ranked institution for the second consecutive year.About QS World University Rankings 2027:Coverage:The 23rd edition evaluated more than 1,500 universities across 106 countries and territories, including 52 Indian universities.Global:The Massachusetts Institute of Technology(MIT), Cambridge, Massachusetts, (United States of America, USA) retained 1stplace globally with a score of 100, whileImperial College London, United Kingdom (UK) andStanford University, (USA) jointly ranked 2ndwith scores of 99.2.Indian Institutes:After IIT Delhi, the highest-ranked Indian institutions are IIT Bombay (Maharashtra, 134), IIT Madras (Tamil Nadu, TN 170), IIT Kharagpur (West Bengal, WB 205), and IISc Bangalore (Karnataka, 221).
• Why it matters for TNPSC: International Relations (GS Paper 2). Bilateral and multilateral agreements.

7. Bengaluru ranks 15th Among Global Startup Ecosystems: GSER 2026

• What happened: Bengaluru ranks 15th Among Global Startup Ecosystems: GSER 2026In June 2026, theStartup Genome,in partnership with theGlobal Entrepreneurship Networkreleased theGlobal Startup Ecosystem Report (GSER) 2026,in which it rankedBengaluru, Karnataka ranked15among the top 40 global startup ecosystems. GSER Highlights 2026Purpose:It is an annual global ranking and research report that evaluates and compares startup ecosystems across the world based on their startup performance, funding, talent, innovation and business environment.Coverage:It is based on an analysis of over5.5 million (Mn)startups across 350+ global startup ecosystems and policy insights from200+organizations across80+counties.Edition:GSER 2026 is the14th editionof the Global Startup Ecosystem Report.Global Ecosystem ranking: Silicon Valley (United States of America, USA),New York City (USA), andLondon (United Kingdom, UK)retain their top three positions, holding steady with no change in rankings.
• Key points: It has also emerged thesecond-best AI-nativecluster in Asia continent after Beijing, China.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: International Relations (GS Paper 2). Bilateral and multilateral agreements.

💰 Economy & Banking

8. NSE Indices Adds 11 New Sectoral Indices, Total Reaches 34

• What happened: NSE Indices Adds 11 New Sectoral Indices, Total Reaches 34In June 2026,NationalStock Exchange (NSE) Indices Limited,the index services subsidiary of the NSE expanded its portfolio by introducing11 newsector-specificindices, expanding its total number to34.NSE Expands IndicesIndustries covered:This expanded range of sector indices covers more industries across the economy, including both traditional sectors and newer, fast-growing areas. New Indies:The 11 new indices are:.
• Key points: The newly launched indices cover sectors including power, capital goods, telecommunications, construction, consumer services, retail, healthcare and financial services.; Nifty Power, Nifty Capital Goods, Nifty Telecommunications, Nifty Construction, Nifty Consumer Services, Nifty Commercial & Transport Services, Nifty Retail, Nifty Hospitals, Nifty Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC), Nifty Housing Finance, Nifty Insurance.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: Economy (GS Paper 3). Banking, monetary policy, fiscal developments.

9. RBI Eases Capital Norms for Banks under ECLGS 5.0

• What happened: RBI Eases Capital Norms for Banks under ECLGS 5.0In June 2026, the Reserve Bank of India(RBI)relaxed the capital requirements for banks on loans backed by the Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme(ECLGS 5.0). Key Details:Amendment:These new norms were introduced by RBI through amendment to the RBI (Commercial Banks- Prudential Norms on Capital Adequacy) Directions, 2025.Splits Risk-Weight:As per the revised norms,75%of the guaranteed portion will attract a zero-risk weight and remaining exposure(25%)will continue to attract20%risk in line with the existing norms.Condition for 0% Risk-Weight:However, for the 0% risk weight, banks are required to settlewithin 30 daysfrom date of invocation.
• Key points: As per RBI’s circular, the revised norms came into force with immediate effect.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: Economy (GS Paper 3). Banking, monetary policy, fiscal developments.

10. National Industry Platform ‘ARIFAC’ Launched to Strengthen AML/CFT Framework in India

• What happened: National Industry Platform ‘ARIFAC’ Launched to Strengthen AML/CFT Framework in IndiaIn June 2026, India’s financial sector launched the national industry platform‘Alliance of Reporting Entities in AML/CFT (ARIFAC)’to strengthen the country’s Anti-Money Laundering (AML)and Combating the Financing of Terrorism(CFT)ecosystem amid rising financial crimes and cyber fraud risks.ARIFAC Framework:Governance:The secretariat of ARIFAC is managed by thePayments Council of India(PCI)and the Fintech Convergence Council(FCC).Observer:The Financial Intelligence Unit-India(FIU-IND)is set to participate as an observer in the initiative.Focus: Training, certification, workshops, and continuous learning programmes to enhance awareness and strengthen AML/CFT capabilities across industries.Membership Base:ARIFAC comprises reporting entities regulated under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), including banks, Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFCs), payment system operators, securities market intermediaries, insurance companies, Virtual Digital Asset (VDA) service providers, and other entities covered under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).Risk Management:The platform emphasis on transaction monitoring, Suspicious Transaction Reporting (STR), sanctions screening, mule account detection, and addressing risks from digital banking, cross-border crime, and VDAs.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: Economy (GS Paper 3). Banking, monetary policy, fiscal developments.

11. Essar Group & IRH Sign USD 500 Million Crude Oil & Product Sourcing Facility Agreement

• What happened: Essar Group & IRH Sign USD 500 Million Crude Oil & Product Sourcing Facility AgreementIn June 2026, India’sEssar Groupand Abu Dhabi based International Resources Holding (IRH) announced the execution of aUSD 500 million crude oil sourcing and product supply facilityagreement between Essar Energy Transition Fuels and IRH Global Trading.ARIFAC FrameworkFacility Overview:The agreement establishes a USD 500 million structured sourcing facility forcrude oil and petroleum productsto support procurement, supply chain optimisation, and energy trading between Essar and IRH in global markets.Strategic Objectives:The facility aims to diversify crude sourcing channels, improve working capital efficiency, enhance feedstock security, and enable better response to global price and demand fluctuations.About IRH:Headquartered in Abu Dhabi, IRH is a mine-to-market investment platform focused on minerals and resources critical for energy transition and technological advancement, with its subsidiary IRH Global Trading serving as a global energy trading and liquidity provider.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: Economy (GS Paper 3). Banking, monetary policy, fiscal developments.

12. APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

• What happened: APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS DFS Appoints HiteshRameshchandraJoshi as CMD of GICReIn June 2026, the Department of Financial Services(DFS)under the Ministry of Finance (MoF) approved the appointment ofHiteshRameshchandraJoshias Chairman-cum-Managing Director (CMD) of General Insurance Corporation of India (GIC Re), India’s national reinsurer, effective from 16 June 2026, with a tenure up to 30 September 2028. About HiteshRameshchandraJoshi:Experience:Hitesh Rameshchandra Joshi brings over three decades of experience in the insurance and reinsurance sector and had been serving as interim CMD of GIC Re since 1 October 2025.Career:He previously served as Executive Director (ED) of GIC Re, overseeing international business operations, human resources, information technology (IT), actuarial services, business intelligence, and office support services.Expertise:During his tenure at GIC Re, he handled diverse functions including domestic and international reinsurance, retrocession, risk management, strategic planning, finance, internal audit, credit rating, investor relations, and budgetary control.
• Key points: He succeededNarayananRamaswamy, whose two-year tenure as CMD of GIC Re ended on 30 September 2025.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: Economy (GS Paper 3). Banking, monetary policy, fiscal developments.

📘 General Knowledge & Miscellaneous

13. Padma Shri Awardee & Renowned Buddhist Scholar Robert A.F. Thurman Passes Away at 84

• What happened: Padma Shri Awardee & Renowned Buddhist Scholar Robert A.F. Thurman Passes Away at 84Robert Alexander Farrar(Robert A.F.)Thurman, renowned Americanscholarof Tibetan Buddhism, author, translator, educator, and Padma Shri awardee, passed away on 16 June 2026 in New York, United States of America (USA) at the age of 84.
• Key details: About Robert A.F. Thurman:Career:He was born on 3 August 1941 in New York City, New York, USA, he earned a Doctor of Philosophy(Ph.D.)degree from Harvard University and later served as the Jey Tsong Khapa Professor of Indo-Tibetan Buddhist Studies in the Department of Religion at Columbia University, New York, USA.Contributions:He translated theVimalakirtiSutrainto English, authored over 20 books including“Inner Revolution”, and became the first American ordained in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition under the 14th Dalai Lama.Association with Tibet:A longtime friend of the14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, Thurman co-founded Tibet House US in 1986 to preserve and promote Tibetan culture, civilization, and Buddhist traditions.Recognition:He was named among the 25 Most Influential Americans (1997) and among New York Magazine’s influential figures in religion (2006).
• Key points: He received India’sPadma Shri(Literature and Education)in 2020, one of the country’s highest civilian honours, for his contributions to literature, education, and the promotion of Buddhist thought.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: General Knowledge. Important for TNPSC prelims.

14. World Crocodile Day 2026 – June 17

• What happened: World Crocodile Day 2026 – June 17World Crocodile Day(World Croc Day) is observed on17 Juneto raise awareness about crocodile conservation and the protection of aquatic ecosystems, highlighting the ecological importance of crocodiles, gharials, alligators, caimans, and other crocodilian species. Background:Launch:World Crocodile Day was established in 2017 by the Crocodile Research Coalition (CRC) in collaboration with the Belize Zoo, Belize.Objective:The initiative was launched under the leadership of Dr.
• Key details: Marisa Tellez, Executive Director (ED) of CRC, to raise global awareness about crocodilian species and the urgent need for their conservation.
• Key points: 2026 Theme:“Legacy in Every Scale”
• Why it matters for TNPSC: General Knowledge. Important for TNPSC prelims.

15. International Day for Countering Hate Speech 2026 – June 18

• What happened: International Day for Countering Hate Speech 2026 – June 18The United Nations (UN’s)International Day for Countering Hate Speech(IDCHS) is observed annually across the globe onJune 18to combat the rising spread of discriminatory rhetoric and promote intercultural dialogue and tolerance. Theme:The theme 2026:“Hate Speech and Artificial Intelligence”Background:UN Resolution:On 21 July2021, the United Nations General Assembly(UNGA)adopted Resolution A/RES/75/309, proclaiming 18 June of every year as the IDCHS, based on the framework of the UN Strategy and Plan of Action on Hate Speech.First Observance:Thefirst IDCHS was observed on June 18, 2022.
• Key points: June 18, 2026, marks the5th observanceof the International Day for Countering Hate Speech.; It also coincides with the7th anniversaryof the UN Strategy and Plan of Action on Hate Speech (launched June 18, 2019).
• Why it matters for TNPSC: General Knowledge. Important for TNPSC prelims.

16. Sustainable Gastronomy Day 2026 – June 18

• What happened: Sustainable Gastronomy Day 2026 – June 18The United Nations(UN)‘s Sustainable Gastronomy Day(SGD)is observed annually on18 Juneacross the globe to highlight the role of gastronomy in promoting sustainable development. Background:Resolution:On 21 December 2016, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted Resolution A/RES/71/246, proclaiming 18 June as Sustainable Gastronomy Day (SGD).Observance:The first Sustainable Gastronomy Day was observed in2017, recognizing gastronomy as a cultural expression of global diversity.SDG Linkage:SGD promotes sustainable food systems and supports SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 15 (Life on Land).
• Key points: The observance is jointly led by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), which promote sustainable food systems, biodiversity conservation, and responsible consumption practices through global awareness initiatives.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: General Knowledge. Important for TNPSC prelims.

📝 Practice Questions (MCQs)

Test your knowledge with these questions based on today’s current affairs:

Q1. Which of the following is related to: Union MinisterPralhadJoshi Launches Green Hydrogen Certification Portal to Enhance TransparencyIn Ju?

(a) Option A – to be filled with specific details
(b) Option B – to be filled with specific details
(c) Correct answer from the news item
(d) Option D – to be filled with specific details

Q2. Which of the following is related to: NCRPB Approved Plans to Develop 4 ‘?

(a) Option A – to be filled with specific details
(b) Option B – to be filled with specific details
(c) Correct answer from the news item
(d) Option D – to be filled with specific details

Q3. Which of the following is related to: Ladakh LG Vinai Kumar Saxena Approves Constitution of SHAN Conservation Society?

(a) Option A – to be filled with specific details
(b) Option B – to be filled with specific details
(c) Correct answer from the news item
(d) Option D – to be filled with specific details

Q4. Which of the following is related to: Gujarat govt signs Rs.1 lakh cr funding pact with HUDCO for metro, expressways and Dholera projects?

(a) Option A – to be filled with specific details
(b) Option B – to be filled with specific details
(c) Correct answer from the news item
(d) Option D – to be filled with specific details