Current Affairs – 26 June 2026

1. China's LineShine Becomes the World's Fastest Supercomputer

LineShine, developed at the National Supercomputing Centre in Shenzhen, China, became the world's fastest supercomputer according to the TOP500 List released in June 2026. It achieved an outstanding performance of 2.198 exaflops, making it the first CPU-only supercomputer to cross the 2-exaflop milestone. It is also the first Chinese supercomputer to top the global rankings since Sunway TaihuLight in 2017, highlighting China's rapid progress in high-performance computing.

2. Hyderabad Receives Defence Land for Gandhi Sarovar Project

The President of India approved the transfer of 83.814 acres of defence land in Hyderabad for the Gandhi Sarovar Project, which is part of the Musi Riverfront Development Project. The project includes a Statue of Peace, Gandhi Museum, National Museum, Education Hub, Handloom Training Centre, Relics and Research Centre, and a riverfront viewing platform. It also commemorates the historic Gandhi Sarovar, where Mahatma Gandhi's ashes were immersed in 1948.

3. World Vitiligo Day Observed on 25 June

World Vitiligo Day is observed every year on 25 June to spread awareness about vitiligo, a long-term skin condition that causes loss of pigmentation. The 2026 theme, "From Stigma to Strength," focuses on promoting acceptance, inclusion, and confidence among people living with vitiligo. The observance also encourages early diagnosis, mental well-being, and public awareness while combating social discrimination and misconceptions.

4. India Becomes the World's Leading Ship Recycling Nation

According to the UNCTAD Report 2025, India became the world's leading ship recycling nation, capturing a 35.4% global market share. India's ship recycling volume increased from 1.86 million Gross Tons (GT) in 2024 to 2.99 million GT in 2025, achieving the Maritime India Vision 2030 target five years ahead of schedule. The achievement was supported by the Recycling of Ships Act, 2019, modernization initiatives, and the development of the Alang Ship Recycling Yard in Gujarat.

5. PNB Launches India's First Biodegradable Twin Credit Cards

Punjab National Bank (PNB), in collaboration with Zaggle Prepaid Ocean Services Ltd., launched India's first co-branded biodegradable twin credit cards. Manufactured using biodegradable materials, the cards support both Visa and RuPay payment networks while promoting environmental sustainability. Customers also receive benefits such as travel privileges, UPI-enabled payments, airport lounge access, OTT subscriptions, insurance coverage, and fuel surcharge waivers.

6. Zerodha Fund House Launches India's First Target-Date Life Cycle Funds

Zerodha Fund House introduced India's first Target-Date Life Cycle Fund Series, launching the Life Cycle Fund 2036 and Life Cycle Fund 2041. These funds automatically adjust their asset allocation as investors approach their financial goals, gradually shifting from equity investments to safer assets like government securities while also including exposure to gold and silver. The funds are designed to support long-term wealth creation and retirement planning.

7. S&P Projects India's FY27 GDP Growth at 6.6%

S&P Global Ratings projected India's GDP growth at 6.6% for FY27, compared to an estimated 7.7% growth in FY26. The agency cited factors such as energy market disruptions, rising fuel prices, and the impact of El Niño on the southwest monsoon as key reasons for the moderation. It also indicated that inflationary pressures may lead the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to consider monetary policy adjustments.

8. Uttar Pradesh Gets India's First Private Hybrid 2G Ethanol Project

Uttar Pradesh received approval for India's first private-sector Hybrid 2G Ethanol Project, supported by ₹150 crore in financial assistance from the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas under the PM JI-VAN Yojana. The project will produce ethanol from agricultural residues such as sugarcane bagasse using biomass gasification and gas fermentation technologies. It supports India's target of 20% ethanol blending while promoting renewable energy and reducing agricultural waste.

9. Two Indian Women Receive the Whitley Awards 2026

Parveen Shaikh and Dr Barkha Subba received the prestigious Whitley Awards 2026, popularly known as the Green Oscars, for their outstanding contributions to wildlife conservation. Parveen Shaikh was honoured for conserving the endangered Indian Skimmer along the Chambal River, while Dr Barkha Subba received the award for protecting the Himalayan Salamander through wetland restoration and community participation. Each award carries a grant of £50,000 to support ongoing conservation efforts.

10. Kunal Shah Appointed Global Head of WhatsApp

Meta Platforms Inc. appointed Kunal Shah, founder of Cred, as the Global Head of WhatsApp. He succeeded Will Cathcart, who moved to another leadership role within Meta. Following Shah's appointment, Miten Sampat became the interim CEO of Cred. The appointment reflects Meta's focus on accelerating WhatsApp's global innovation, digital payments, and business communication ecosystem.

Exam Quick Facts

• World's Fastest Supercomputer – LineShine (China)
• Gandhi Sarovar Project – Hyderabad
• World Vitiligo Day – 25 June
• World's Leading Ship Recycling Nation – India
• India's First Biodegradable Twin Credit Cards – Punjab National Bank (PNB)
• First Target-Date Life Cycle Funds – Zerodha Fund House
• S&P FY27 GDP Growth Forecast for India – 6.6%
• First Private Hybrid 2G Ethanol Project – Uttar Pradesh
• Whitley Awards 2026 Winners – Parveen Shaikh & Dr Barkha Subba
• Global Head of WhatsApp – Kunal Shah