This is the current affairs 16 & 17 June 2026. Here are questions and answers of daily current affairs for better preparation of competitive exams for government jobs.
1. In which city of France was the 52nd G7 Summit 2026 held, where PM Modi attended as a guest?
a. Paris
b. Marseille
c. Nice
d. Évian
Answer: d. Évian (full name: Évian-les-Bains)
G7 Summit 2026
– Edition: 52nd Summit
– Host Country: France (Rotating Presidency)
– Venue: Évian (full name: Évian-les-Bains), France, situated in the Savoy region amid the Alps and on the shores of Lake Bourget.
– Date: 15–17 June 2026
– Theme: Working Together to Address Major International Challenges
– Member Countries: Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, UK, USA
– Invited Guest Countries: France invited India, Brazil, Egypt, Kenya, and South Korea as special guests this year.
– India’s Participation: This is India’s 13th participation in the G7 and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s seventh consecutive participation.
Six Major Pillars of the G7 Summit 2026
– Balanced and Sustainable Growth
– New Consensus on International Solidarity
– Strengthening Critical Mineral Value Chains
– Protecting Children Online
– Fighting Drug Trafficking and Organized Crime
– Fighting Cancer: For the first time in G7 history, long-term goals related to cancer research, data sharing, and reducing mortality rates were included in the main declaration. Special focus will be placed on cancers affecting children and young people.
Consensus on Major Geopolitical Issues
– Ukraine War and Sanctions on Russia: Agreement was reached to continue long-term financial and military support to Ukraine and to further tighten sanctions against Russia.
– US–Iran Peace Understanding: Discussions were held on US-Iran diplomatic talks aimed at bringing stability to the Middle East (West Asia). G7 countries unanimously reiterated that Iran must never be allowed to acquire nuclear weapons.
– Strait of Hormuz: An independent multinational defensive initiative led by France and Britain was approved to ensure the safety of commercial shipping and maintain maritime traffic through this strategic waterway.
– Diversification of Critical Mineral Value Chains: Agreement was reached to establish “mutually beneficial partnerships” to reduce dependence on any single country (China) in the supply chains of rare earth minerals essential for semiconductors, low-carbon technologies, and batteries.
G7 Summit 2026: AI Debate and US Dominance
– On the final day of the summit (17 June 2026), member countries engaged in a serious and sensitive debate regarding the future of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the overwhelming dominance of the United States in the industry.
– Main Cause of the Dispute – Digital Sovereignty: The European Union and other countries are concerned that global data, the digital economy, and AI technology are increasingly coming under the control of American companies.
– Led by France, G7 countries want to advance the safety standards established by the Paris AI Action Summit and create a strict Global Governance Framework to ensure the safe and responsible development of AI.
What PM Modi Said
– Maritime Security and Protection of Seafarers: Referring to the deaths of Indian sailors in the Gulf of Oman, he said that protecting seafarers is essential for safeguarding global trade.
– Dialogue, Not War: Expressing concern over tensions in West Asia, he stated that disputes can only be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy.
“Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (Humanity First): He highlighted India’s role as a first responder during natural disasters and referred to environmental initiatives such as the International Solar Alliance (ISA) and Mission LiFE.
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2. Under the amendment to the Drugs Rules, 1945, from which Schedule has the Central Government removed all syrups, including cough syrups, in order to prohibit their over-the-counter (OTC) sale?
a. Schedule H
b. Schedule X
c. Schedule K
d. Schedule M
Answer: c. Schedule K
– On 16 June 2026, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare imposed a complete ban on the over-the-counter (OTC) sale of all syrups, including cough syrups. They will now be available only on a doctor’s prescription.
– Exception: Lozenges and tablets for cough will continue to be available without a prescription.
– Legal Basis: The amendment was made under Sections 12 and 33 of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.
– The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare notified the change in the Drugs Rules, 1945 on 16 June 2026.
These revised rules will be known as the Drugs (Fifth Amendment) Rules, 2026.
– Regulatory Change: The word “syrup” has been removed from Schedule K of the Drugs Rules, 1945, which grants exemption from strict regulatory controls and licensing requirements.
Why Was This Done?
– Domestic Crisis: In October 2025, 20–25 children died in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan after consuming contaminated cough syrup “Coldrif.” Investigations found the toxic chemical Diethylene Glycol (DEG), which caused acute renal failure.
– Global Impact: Following deaths of children in Gambia and Uzbekistan during 2022–23 linked to Indian cough syrups, India’s image as the “Pharmacy of the World” suffered, leading to stricter export regulations and GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) standards.
What is Schedule K?
– It is a special classification under the Drugs Rules, 1945.
– It includes medicines and categories that are exempt from certain strict regulations and licensing procedures related to the sale of drugs.
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3. Britain has banned social media for all children below what age?
a. Below 17 years
b. Below 16 years
c. Below 15 years
d. Below 14 years
Answer: b. Below 16 years
– British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced this on 15 June 2026.
– The move follows concerns raised by parents whose children were negatively affected by social media platforms such as TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, and YouTube.
– Messaging applications such as WhatsApp will not be included in the ban.
– However, gaming services and live-streaming platforms where strangers can freely contact children will be restricted through an age-verification system.
– Starmer stated that extensive reforms would be introduced to social media regulations in order to better protect children’s well-being online.
– He also acknowledged that imposing restrictions on some of the world’s most powerful technology companies would not be easy, but emphasized that children’s happiness and health come first.
– Britain consulted teachers, parents, and young people before implementing the measure.
Countries That Have Already Imposed Similar Restrictions
– Australia
– Indonesia
– Malaysia
– Australia became the first country to ban social media for children under 16 years of age and, in December 2025, blocked access to platforms such as TikTok, Alphabet’s YouTube, and Meta’s Instagram and Facebook.
Partial Restrictions in European Countries
– Germany
– Spain
– Italy
– Belgium
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4. PM Modi was awarded the highest civilian honour, “The Order of the White Double Cross (First Class),” of which country?
a. Poland
b. France
c. Slovakia
d. Austria
Answer: c. Slovakia
– PM Narendra Modi visited Slovakia on 14–15 June 2026.
– In the capital city of Bratislava, he was awarded The Order of the White Double Cross (First Class).
– This is the 33rd international honour conferred upon him by a foreign nation.
– Prior to the award, bilateral defence and trade agreements were concluded following talks between PM Modi and Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico.
– After the meeting, Modi invited Fico to visit India.
Slovakia
– It is a landlocked country.
– Currency: Euro
– Language: Slovak
– Population: 5.44 million
– Neighbouring Countries: Poland, Ukraine, Hungary, Austria, and the Czech Republic.
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5. The Indian Navy has decommissioned its iconic fleet of which helicopters (INAS 330 “The Harpoon”) after 36 years of service?
a. MH-60R Romeo
b. ALH Dhruv
c. Apache
d. Sea King Mk 42B
Answer: d. Sea King Mk 42B
– On 14 June 2026, the Indian Navy retired its Sea King Bravo helicopters with a ceremonial final flight from INS Shikra, the Western Naval Command air station located in Colaba.
– INS Shikra is the Navy’s air station in Mumbai used for helicopter operations.
About the Helicopter
– These helicopters were inducted into the Navy between 1989 and 1990 for anti-ship and anti-submarine warfare operations.
– They were manufactured by the British company GKN Westland.
– Because of their exceptional strike capability and advanced sensors, they were also known as the “Flying Frigate.”
– They will now be replaced by 24 MH-60R Seahawk helicopters in the Indian Navy.
– The Indian Navy first acquired Sea King helicopters in April 1971 to strengthen its anti-submarine warfare capabilities against Pakistani submarines.
– The Sea King 42 Alpha variant was deployed on Nilgiri-class frigates.
– The Sea King Mk 42 and Mk 42 Alpha variants had already been retired several years ago.
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6. Who is the only Indian sportsperson to feature in Time magazine’s 2026 list of the 100 most influential figures in sports?
a. Smriti Mandhana
b. Sania Mirza
c. Harmanpreet Kaur
d. Saina Nehwal
Answer: a. Smriti Mandhana
– Smriti Mandhana is a batter and vice-captain of the Indian women’s cricket team.
– She is ranked 41st on Time magazine’s list.
– The list includes Icons, Titans, Innovators, and Leaders.
– Mandhana has been placed in the Titans category.
– Time’s list honours athletes, coaches, investors, and influential personalities from the sporting world who are shaping the direction of sports in the modern era.
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7. Which two airports of India were included in the list for the prestigious ‘Prix Versailles 2026’ award?
a. Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru
b. Navi Mumbai International Airport
c. Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi Airport, Assam
d. Both b and c
Answer: d. Both b and c (Navi Mumbai International Airport and Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi Airport, Assam)
– Terminal 1 of Navi Mumbai International Airport and Terminal 2 of Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi Airport, Guwahati, were included in the list.
– In the 2026 edition, only seven aviation infrastructure projects worldwide were selected for their outstanding architecture, cultural identity, and environmentally sustainable design.
– Two of those airports are from India.
– Both are operated by Adani Airports Holdings Limited.
About the Award
– Prix Versailles is one of the most prestigious awards in contemporary architecture.
– The award is organized by the Prix Versailles Secretariat, with UNESCO serving as a major official partner.
– The winners are announced and the main award ceremony is held annually at UNESCO’s global headquarters in Paris.
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8. In which Indian state did the Postal Department launch a drone-based postal service?
a. Punjab
b. Himachal Pradesh
c. Ladakh
d. Jammu & Kashmir
Answer: b. Himachal Pradesh
– On 12 June 2026, Union Minister for Communications and Minister for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, launched drone-based postal transmission between the Mandi Head Post Office and the Rehardhar Branch Post Office in the state.
– The service will significantly reduce delivery times in remote mountainous regions.
– Delivery time has been reduced from two hours to just seven minutes.
– It has also improved connectivity in far-flung areas.
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9. A collection of ancient inscriptions dating from the 2nd century AD to the 16th century AD has been discovered from which Tiger Reserve by the Inscription Branch of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)?
a. Nallamala Tiger Reserve
b. Ramgarh Vishdhari Tiger Reserve
c. Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve
d. Kaziranga Tiger Reserve
Answer: a. Nallamala Tiger Reserve
– On 13 June 2026, the Epigraphy Branch of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) prepared copies of 25 ancient inscriptions discovered during a survey conducted in the Nallamala Tiger Reserve of Andhra Pradesh.
– These inscriptions cover a period of nearly 1,400 years, ranging from the 2nd century AD to the 16th century AD.
The inscriptions are written in Telugu, Kannada, Prakrit, and Brahmi scripts.
– Eight inscriptions were found in villages including Garam Penta, Mitota, Palita, Ponnalabavi, and Jallapadugu.
– These inscriptions shed light on the history and socio-economic systems of major dynasties such as the Satavahanas, Eastern Chalukyas, Kalyani Chalukyas, Kakatiyas, Reddys, and the Vijayanagara Empire.
About Nallamala Tiger Reserve
– It is spread mainly across Andhra Pradesh (Palnadu, Nandyal, Prakasam, and Kurnool districts), with some portions extending into Telangana.
– Mountain Range: It forms part of the Nallamala Hills in the Eastern Ghats.
– River: The famous Krishna River flows through the reserve, creating deep gorges and scenic valleys.
– Religious Sites: The renowned Srisailam Mallikarjuna Temple (one of the 12 Jyotirlingas) and Bhramaramba Devi Temple (one of the 18 Shakti Peethas) are located within the reserve.
– The region is primarily inhabited by the Chenchu Tribe, which is classified as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG).
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10. Which European country has rejected a proposal in a referendum to limit its population to 10 million by 2050?
a. Italy
b. Germany
c. Switzerland
d. Austria
Answer: c. Switzerland
– In the referendum held on 14 June 2026, the majority of Swiss voters prioritized economic stability and the country’s relationship with the European Union.
– The initiative was called “No to a Switzerland of 10 Million People” and the “Sustainability Initiative.”
– Approximately 45% of voters supported the proposal, while 55% opposed it.
– The referendum was compared with Britain’s 2016 Brexit vote.
– Switzerland’s current population is approximately 9.1 million.
Why Was the Proposal Introduced?
– Supporters argued that the rapid increase in immigration in recent years had placed excessive pressure on infrastructure, housing, transportation, healthcare services, and natural resources.
– Had the proposal been approved, strict population-control legislation would have been enacted.
– Under the proposal, if Switzerland’s population exceeded 9.5 million before 2050, the government would have been required to impose much stricter regulations on asylum seekers and family reunification.
Why Did the Public Reject It?
– Around 55% of voters opposed the proposal mainly for two reasons:
1) Labour Market Requirements (Labour Shortage)
– Switzerland is currently facing a declining fertility rate (1.29) and an ageing population, often referred to as a demographic winter.
– Sectors such as healthcare, pharmaceuticals, finance, and technology require a large number of skilled foreign workers to function effectively.
2) Economic Stability
– The government, parliament, and major business associations warned that such restrictions on population growth could harm Switzerland’s prosperity and global competitiveness.
Switzerland
– Capital: No officially designated capital; however, Bern functions as the country’s de facto federal capital.
– President: Guy Parmelin
– Currency: Swiss Franc
– Neighbouring Countries: Germany, France, Austria, Liechtenstein, and Italy.
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11. When is Sustainable Gastronomy Day celebrated?
a. 18 June
b. 19 June
c. 20 June
d. 21 June
Answer: a. 18 June
– The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted this observance on 21 December 2016.
– The objective of the day is to recognize practices associated with sustainable food consumption.
– Gastronomy is also known as the art of food and may refer to the cooking style of a particular region.
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12. When is the International Day for Countering Hate Speech observed?
a. 21 June
b. 20 June
c. 19 June
d. 18 June
Answer: d. 18 June
– This day is designated by the United Nations.
– According to the United Nations, hate speech refers to any form of speech or writing that attacks or uses discriminatory or derogatory language against a person or group on the basis of religion, ethnicity, nationality, race, colour, descent, gender, or any other identity factor.
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