Current Affairs
1. Ministry of Coal Encourages Open-Pit Coal Gasification Projects
What will the program look like?
The Union Cabinet on 18th June, 2026 approved the Programme for Promotion of Open-Pit Coal and Lignite Gasification Projects including an outlay of Rs 37.5 billion.
What is coal gasification?
Coal gasification is the conversion of coal to synthetic gas (syngas) through the use of oxygen, steam, and controlled temperatures.
Syngas is generally made up of:
• H 2 ( Hydrogen )
• Carbon monoxide (CO2)
• Methane (CH4)
Objectives
• Cut reliance on imports of natural gas and chemicals.
• Promote the clean utilization of native coal.
• Improving India’s energy security.
• Encourage the manufacture of fertilizers, methanol and synthetic fuels.
Significance for India
• India is home to the fifth greatest coal reserves in the world.
• The effective utilization of low-grade coal by gasification.
• It helps in the goal of Atmanirbhar Bharat (self sufficient India).
Data review
• Ministry: Coal
• Total budget Rs 37.5 billion
• Approval date: 18 June 2026
• Primary product: Syngas
2. International Yoga & Meditation Festival 2026 Leh
The International Yoga and Meditation Festival 2026 will be place in Ladakh from 15-21 June 2026. The aim is to honor the 12th United Nations International Day of Yoga.
International Yoga Day – About
• It is observed on 21 June every year.
• It was suggested by India to the United Nations in 2014.
• First held in 2015.
Why Leh & Ladakh?
Here are the reasons why Ladakh is an ideal destination when it comes to yoga and meditation:
• Its natural high altitude habitat,
• Its buddhist and spiritual legacy,
• Its natural beauty is conducive to meditation and wellness tourism.
Main Goals
• Encourage physical and emotional well-being.
• Encourage international engagement in yoga.
• To promote tourism in Ladak.
• Generate awareness of India’s cultural heritage.
Data Review
• International Yoga Day: 21 June
• First Celebrated: 2015
• Place: Leh, Ladakh
• Occasion: 12th United Nations International Day of Yoga
3. Heat Challenges AI Data Center Expansion in India
India’s artificial intelligence (AI) data centres are expanding rapidly, but operational issues are cropping up due to increasing temperatures and heatwaves.
Why AI data centers matter?
Data centers for AI
• Store and process massive volumes of data.
• Enable machine learning and generative AI.
• Cloud computing services for power.
Challenges
1. Cooling Requirement Too High
AI servers generate a lot of heat, thus they require high-end cooling systems.
2. Higher Energy Use
More cooling means:
• Increased use of electricity
• Higher operating expenses
3. Crisis of Water
Cooling systems use enormous amounts of water.
STATE OF MAIN EXPANSION
• Tamilnadu
• Andhra Pradesh State
• State of Maharashtra
• Karnataka.
Educational Value
This topic illustrates the need for:
• Green data-centers
• Renewable energy integration • Technologies for sustainable cooling
Data Review
• Main problem: Heat stress
• Impact: Increase use of energy and water
• Industry: AI infrastructure
4. Purchase of Pulses and Oilseeds approved by Central Government under PSS
What was it that had happened?
The Union Ministry of Agriculture has approved large scale procurement of pulses and oilseeds under the Price Support Scheme (PSS) at the Minimum Support Price (MSP).
States Covered
• Tamil Nadu
• Gujrat
• U.P.
• Maharastra
• Other significant producing states
What is Minimum Support Price (MSP)?
The Minimum Support Price (MSP) is the assured price at which the government purchases crops from farmers.
The Price Support Program (PSP) is:
Price Support Program (PSP) Goals:
• To safeguard farmers from declining prices.
• To assure fair and profitable pricing.
• To sustain stability in agricultural markets.
Benefits
• To protect farmers’ incomes.
• To boost the growing of pulses and oilseeds
• To lessen the import dependency on edible oils and pulses.
Data Review
• Responsible Ministry: Ministry of Agriculture
• Aim: To safeguard the earnings of farmers
• Modality: Procurement based on PSP
5. Russia is mulling on adding the BrahMos missile to its arsenal.
About BrahMos Missile:
The BrahMos is a supersonic cruise missile developed collaboratively by:
• Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRIO), India The National Defense Planning Organization (NDPO) of Russia
Name origin:
• Brahmaputra River (Indien)
• Moscow River (Russia)
Key features:
• Supersonic speed: roughly Mach 2.8-3.0
• Accurate penetration ability to target
• Land, sea, sub and air launchable
• Long range strike capability
Recent developments: As of June 2026, Russia declared interest in integrating the BrahMos to its military inventory, citing its demonstrated capabilities and strategic value.
Strategic significance:
• Boosts India-Russia defense ties.
• enhances India’s image as a defence exporter.
• It is an example of excellent multinational cooperation in defense.
Data Review
• Type: Supersonic cruise missile
• India-Russia joint venture
• Speed: Roughly 3 times the speed of sound
6. India promotes human-centric approach to AI
At discussions around VivaTech 2026 and the G7 Summit, India pitched for inclusive, human-centric artificial intelligence (AI) models.
What is Human-Centric AI?
The principles of human-centered AI are:
• Security
• Openness
• Equity
• Responsibility
• Technology in an ethical way Key priorities for India
1. Developing AI in an inclusive way
2. AI for the public good
3. Closing the digital divide
4. Responsible innovation
5. Global Cooperation on AI Governance
Why does it matter?
With AI reshaping the business and society, countries are putting more emphasis on:
• Moral standards
• Data security
• Implementation with responsibility
• Reliable AI systems
Examination Details
• Subject: Human-Centered AI
• Theme: Inclusive and Ethical Development
• Global platform: VivaTech 2026 and G7 dialogues
Quick Review
1. Union Cabinet approves Rs 37.5 billion project for coal and lignite gasification on June 18, 2026.
2. Synthesis gas: The synthesis gas is derived from coal gasification and consists mostly of hydrogen and carbon monoxide.
3. The International Yoga and Meditation Festival 2026 will be place in Leh, Ladakh from June 15 to 21.
4. International Yoga Day is commemorated on June 21 across the world.
5. India’s AI data centers struggle with overheating and cooling.
6. The central government approved the procurement of pulses and oilseeds under the PSS program at minimum support price (MSP).
7. BrahMos is a supersonic cruise missile developed by India and Russia.
8. BrahMos missile could be inducted into Russian military arsenal.
9. India has advocated for human-centric AI models in global forums.
10. Ethical, inclusive and transparent AI is one of the main pillars of India’s AI strategy.
Sudarshan Sinha
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