15 June 2026 — Current Affairs Questions with Answers for UPSC, SSC, Banking & MPSC

Explanation

The Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner, responsible for conducting the Census, functions under the Ministry of Home Affairs. This is a key static fact often tested in polity and governance sections.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as mentioned in the article. Statement 2 is correct as the Census is governed by the Census Act, 1948. Statement 3 is correct: last Census was 2011, next is 2027, a gap of 16 years. Hence, all three statements are correct.

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The article explicitly states: "It has further come down to 88 (Special Bulletin on MMR in India 2021-23, RGI)." The other options are distractors: 70 is the UN-SDG target, 93 was the SRS 2021 figure.

Explanation

The article states this data "will allow for a much more nuanced picture of where disadvantages are concentrated, enabling targeted policies and reservation frameworks." It clarifies the Census will not replace PLFS, and it is not about religious minorities or seat allocation.

Explanation

The Strait of Hormuz is a strategically vital strait located between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. It serves as the only sea passage from the Persian Gulf to the open ocean, making it a critical global oil transit route.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article states both sides agreed to an 'immediate and permanent termination of military operations on all fronts, including Lebanon.' Statement 2 is incorrect because the article explicitly mentions the deal 'does not appear to address Iran's nuclear programme' and that it has drawn criticism for not restricting Iran's ballistic missile programme. Statement 3 is correct as Pakistan's PM announced the 'official signing ceremony will be on Friday 19 June in Switzerland.'

Explanation

The article clearly states that Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister mentioned 'a further 60 days of negotiations would follow toward a more comprehensive settlement.' The 30-day period mentioned is for the initial reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, not the negotiation timeline.

Explanation

The article emphasizes that a key outcome is the US lifting its naval blockade and reopening the Strait of Hormuz, which handled roughly a fifth of global oil and gas shipments before the conflict. While this may eventually impact oil prices, experts note it won't be fixed overnight. The other options are not supported: the deal does not immediately normalize all regional relations, and the lifting of restrictions on Iranian oil sales is conditional and part of the agreement, not unconditional.

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The article explicitly states that the scale of the 2020 intrusions suggested the operation was 'cleared by the Central Military Commission (CMC), the highest defence body headed by Xi.' The CMC is the supreme military command authority in China.

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Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the Depsang impasse saw a 'prolonged deadlock' and was finally resolved after the Modi-Xi meeting in Kazan in September 2024, not immediately after 2021 military talks. Statement 3 is correct as described in the 'Status of the LAC' section.

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The article clearly states: 'Almost 50,000 troops continue to be deployed by either side in the Ladakh region.' This is a key data point highlighting the ongoing militarisation of the LAC post-Galwan.

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The article directly states: 'The main reason for the trade imbalance is the deep dependence of India’s manufacturing sector on cheap Chinese inputs in electronics, pharmaceuticals and green energy sectors.' The other options are not mentioned as primary reasons in the provided content.

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The article explicitly states that the 'Innovation Roadmap 2030' was adopted during bilateral talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron in Nice.

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Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the working group created was for Artificial Intelligence (AI), not Quantum Computing. Statement 3 is incorrect; the High-Level Mechanism aims to double trade between India and France, not the EU. This is a classic examiner trap swapping the entity.

Explanation

The article specifically mentions that the two leaders noted the signing of 19 agreements between entities in the innovation ecosystems of India and France.

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The article states that the Dialogue on Economic Security focuses on strengthening supply chain resilience, particularly in critical minerals. The other options, such as coordinating monetary policy or creating a digital currency, are not mentioned in the provided content.

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The article explicitly states that the US Trade Representative (USTR) has proposed a new tariff of 12.5% on India. The USTR is the agency responsible for trade policy and negotiations.

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Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is correct because the article says the directive suspends access 'by any foreign national, whether inside or outside America.' Statement 3 is incorrect; the strike was on a 'commercial oil tanker,' not a military warship.

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The article specifically mentions 'a new line of tariff of 12.5 per cent' proposed by the US Trade Representative. The other options are plausible distractors for trade-related questions.

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The article states the decision 'is likely to impact India perhaps more than any other nation, given one of the strongest tech-dependent diasporas and the growing tech-interdependence between the two nations.' This directly points to its significant impact.

Explanation

The Department of Fertilizers is under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers. This ministry is responsible for the policy, planning, development, and regulation of the fertiliser industry, including the subsidy regime. The PSUs mentioned (RCF, IPL, NFL) fall under its administrative control.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The June price (~$447/tonne) was below the pre-strike February price ($508-512/tonne). Statement 2 is incorrect: While El Niño is mentioned as a factor moderating demand, the article cites supply-side relief (like China lifting export restrictions and hopes for Strait of Hormuz reopening) as key reasons for the price crash. Statement 3 is incorrect: The article states the import bill for 2025-26 was $27.2 billion, while the record was $33.4 billion in 2022-23.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: "the Centre’s fertiliser subsidy bill for 2026-27 was projected to touch Rs 3,40,000 crore". Option A (₹1,70,799 crore) is the budgeted amount, making it a close distractor. The other figures are not mentioned.

Explanation

The editorial argues for "shifting from market-distorting product-specific subsidies... to direct farm income support." The goal is to let farmers grow what the market wants and pay the true scarcity value of inputs like water and energy, thereby improving efficiency. The other options are either contrary to the suggested reform or not mentioned.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions the UN Food and Agriculture Organization's (FAO) food price index, which registered a 2.9% increase in May 2026 over the previous year. The FAO is the specialized UN agency leading international efforts to defeat hunger.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect. The article states the current deviation of 0.7°C is termed a 'weak' El Niño. Statement 2 is correct as the closure of the Strait of Hormuz is directly linked to skyrocketing fertilizer prices. Statement 3 is correct; wheat stocks were 7.5 MT on April 1, 2004, and 42.8 MT on May 1, 2026.

Explanation

The article states: 'The FAO index for it, at 185 points in May, was 21.5% higher than a year ago.' The 2.9% increase is for the overall Food Price Index. The 31.9% and 44.5% figures relate to the IMF's index for base metals and precious metals, respectively.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: 'A key reason for vegetable oil prices firming up is their alternative use as biofuels. When global crude prices harden... there's added incentive to divert palm, rapeseed and soyabean oil for the production of fatty acid methyl ester, which can substitute regular petroleum diesel.' The other options are not mentioned.

Explanation

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is mandated under the RBI Act, 1934 (as amended in 2016) to maintain inflation, measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), at 4% within a tolerance band of +/- 2%. The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the RBI decides the policy rate to achieve this target.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: May's inflation of 3.93% is within the RBI's 2%-6% tolerance band. Statement 2 is incorrect: The article states core inflation 'remained relatively contained at around 3.8%-3.9% in May, largely unchanged from recent months', indicating no significant increase. Statement 3 is correct: The article concludes that 'a rapid decline in inflation appears unlikely' even with prospects of peace.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: 'May’s food inflation rose at a faster clip to 4.78% from 4.20% in April.' 3.93% is the headline CPI inflation, 4.20% is the previous month's food inflation, and 5.75% is the inflation for the 'restaurants and accommodation services' category.

Explanation

The article states: 'the RBI retained its neutral stance at its latest monetary policy review, signalling concern over the possibility of further price pressures.' This indicates a cautious approach aimed at pre-empting future inflation risks rather than reacting to past data. The article does not mention government pressure or a sharp fall in core inflation.

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The article explicitly states that the analysis was conducted by the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW). NMCG is mentioned in the context of the hybrid annuity model, while CPCB sets effluent standards.

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Statement 1 is correct as per the data in the article. Statement 2 is correct as the article mentions the hybrid annuity model was adopted by the National Mission for Clean Ganga. Statement 3 is incorrect because the article states urban areas have less than 50% of networked sewage treatment capacity.

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The article specifically states the CEEW analysis projects this can unlock a market and investment opportunity worth over Rs 3 lakh crore by 2047. The other options are plausible but incorrect distractors.

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The article explains that used water is often mixed with industrial effluents from non-conforming units, which contain heavy metals and toxins that kill the microorganisms essential for the biological treatment processes in STPs.

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The article explicitly states that mediator Pakistan announced the deal, with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif posting about it on social media. While Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey are mentioned as supporters of the mediation effort, Pakistan was the primary mediator.

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Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the deal authorizes the removal of the United States Naval blockade, not an Iranian blockade. Statement 3 is correct as the article mentions the war began in late February with U.S.-Israeli strikes.

Explanation

The article states that Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif posted that the official signing ceremony will be held on June 19 in Switzerland. June 14 is the announcement date, not the signing date.

Explanation

President Trump's statement explicitly authorized "the immediate removal of the United States Naval blockade" on the Strait of Hormuz. This was a direct and immediate strategic consequence to allow global oil shipments to resume freely.

Explanation

The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) is the adjudicating authority for corporate insolvency and bankruptcy proceedings under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016, as mentioned in the article regarding its role in admitting CIIRP cases.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article states the CIIRP was introduced via the 2026 amendment adding Sections 54C-54P. Statement 2 is incorrect because the article criticizes the amendment for limiting CIIRP initiation to only 'notified financial institutions', not any financial creditor. Statement 3 is correct as the article explicitly mentions this legal change from 'may' to 'shall' was a response to the Vidarbha Industries case.

Explanation

The article clearly states: "the IBC established the CIIRP procedure by adding Sections 54C to 54P." The other options are distractors referencing other parts of the IBC or unrelated sections.

Explanation

The article argues that limiting initiation to notified institutions creates an "arbitrary hierarchy" within the class of financial creditors and disenfranchises operational and smaller financial creditors, forcing them to use the more disruptive CIRP. This is the core constitutional and economic criticism presented.