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Daily DigestArchive
Current Affairs — Saturday, 6 June 2026
35 items
Tamil Nadu
- CM Vijay announces 2% Dearness Allowance hike
— Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay declared a 2% increase in Dearness Allowance for state government teachers and employees, signalling early welfare measures by the TVK government. (State Finance/Labour policy) - 717 TASMAC liquor shops closed across Tamil Nadu
— The Vijay government shut 717 liquor outlets statewide, with the highest closures in Madurai region (290) and Coimbatore region (179), as part of its bold prohibition-oriented policy. (State governance/Excise policy) - Two-language policy to continue; PM SHRI scheme decision pending
— The Vijay government confirmed continuation of Tamil Nadu's two-language policy and has yet to take a call on joining the Centre's PM SHRI Schools scheme. (Education policy/NEP controversy) - DVAC files FIR over cash-for-jobs scam in Municipal Administration Department
— The Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption registered a case related to alleged job-for-cash during former Minister K.N. Nehru's tenure; Madras HC advised no precipitate action until June 23. (Anti-corruption/State administration) - Nilgiri Tahr population in Tamil Nadu rises to 1,364
— A state wildlife survey recorded 1,364 Nilgiri Tahrs, a 4.68% increase over 2025 figures, reflecting conservation success in the Nilgiris. (Biodiversity/Wildlife — key species for TNPSC) - Madras HC flags procedural violations in Kilambakkam Bus Terminus Project
— Justice V. Lakshminarayanan noted procedural lapses but declined to declare the terminus illegal, citing provisions for ex post facto approval. (Judiciary/Urban infrastructure) - Annamalai floats new political movement inspired by APJ Abdul Kalam
— Former BJP Tamil Nadu president K. Annamalai announced a political movement to contest the next general election in Tamil Nadu, distancing it from the BJP. (TN politics)
India — National
- GDP growth estimated at 7.7% in 2025-26; Q4 hits 7.8%
— Ministry of Statistics provisional data pegged India's full-year GDP growth at 7.7%, marginally above the earlier 7.6% estimate, with Q4 recording 7.8% growth. (Economy/GS Paper III — key statistic) - India lodges strong protest with Pakistan over 'Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly' elections
— India formally objected to Pakistan holding elections in Gilgit-Baltistan, reiterating its position that the territory is an integral part of India. (Foreign policy/J&K/Article 370 context) - US deported over 4,600 Indians in last 17 months: MEA
— The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that more than 4,600 Indian nationals were deported from the United States over the past 17 months. (India-US relations/MEA) - India-US bilateral trade pact first phase may be executed by mid-July: Goyal
— Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal indicated the first phase of the India-US trade deal could be signed by mid-July 2026, with US tariffs on India to be reduced from 50% to 18% under the framework. (Trade policy/GS Paper III) - Nepal's Foreign Minister begins three-day India visit
— Nepal's Foreign Minister arrived in New Delhi for a three-day official visit to strengthen bilateral ties, covering trade, connectivity, and the peace process. (India-Nepal relations) - Himanta Sarma expands Assam Cabinet
— Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma inducted new faces balancing regional, community, and political considerations in the Assam Cabinet expansion. (State polity/Northeast India) - Bihar ICU fire: Doctor among 3 hospital staff arrested for negligence leading to 6 deaths
— An on-duty doctor listed as absent and two other staff members were arrested in connection with the ICU fire that claimed six lives. (Disaster/Accountability) - Gross FDI into India hits record $95 billion in FY26
— India received a record gross Foreign Direct Investment of $95 billion in FY2025-26, though net FDI inflows stood at only $7.7 billion due to high repatriation. (Economy/FDI policy)
Economy & Finance
- RBI holds repo rate; revises FY27 GDP growth forecast to 6.9%
— The Reserve Bank of India kept the repo rate unchanged and lowered its FY27 GDP growth projection to 6.9%, citing global uncertainties including West Asia conflict supply chain disruptions. (Monetary policy — RBI MPC) - RBI Governor: Forex reserves at healthy $682 billion, adequate for 11 months of imports
— Sanjay Malhotra stated India's foreign exchange reserves stand at $682 billion, sufficient to cover 11 months of imports, underscoring macroeconomic stability. (RBI/External sector — key number for exams) - E85 fuel to be ₹20/litre cheaper than E20: Petroleum Minister Hardeep Puri
— Petroleum Minister Puri announced E85 (85% ethanol blend) would cost approximately ₹20 per litre less than E20, and is designed for flex-fuel vehicles with compatible engines. (Energy policy/Ethanol blending programme) - IIP: April industrial growth rises to 4.9% from 3.2% in March (new series)
— Under the revised Index of Industrial Production series, April 2026 industrial output growth accelerated to 4.9%, up from 3.2% in March. (Economic data/GS Paper III) - Government exempts capital gains tax on FPI investment in G-Secs; expands FAR framework
— The Centre exempted capital gains tax on Foreign Portfolio Investor investments in government securities and added 15-, 30-, and 40-year tenor bonds under the Fully Accessible Route framework to attract foreign capital. (Tax policy/Bond market)
Science & Technology
- NASA orders astronauts to shelter after new leak aboard ISS
— NASA directed crew members to take shelter as a precautionary measure following detection of a new leak aboard the International Space Station. (Space/International affairs) - Ultrasound technology being explored to restore vision
— Researchers are investigating focused ultrasound applications to study and potentially treat eye conditions affecting the lens, cornea, retina, and vitreous humor. (Health technology/Science) - Chennai projected to see 1°C rise in summer temperatures by 2040: Azim Premji University report
— The report warns India's coastal regions are entering a significant period of climate-driven environmental stress, with Chennai among the most vulnerable cities. (Climate change/Urban resilience)
Environment
- Union Environment Minister inaugurates 18 Namo Oxygen Parks in Delhi on World Environment Day 2026
— Environment Minister launched 18 green urban parks across Delhi as part of joint Centre-Delhi Government green initiatives on June 5, World Environment Day. (Environment policy/Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change) - CSE-DTE release State of India's Environment (SOE) in Figures 2026
— The Centre for Science and Environment and Down To Earth released their annual report on the eve of World Environment Day, highlighting rising climate risks, wildlife conflicts, and pollution monitoring gaps. (Environment report — frequently cited in UPSC/TNPSC) - Rahul Gandhi launches petition against Great Nicobar Island transhipment hub project
— The Opposition leader launched an online petition on World Environment Day, alleging the project primarily benefits a private conglomerate rather than serving strategic defence purposes. (Environment vs development/Island policy)
Sports
- Praggnanandhaa wins Norway Chess 2026 title
— Indian GM R. Praggnanandhaa (20 years old) won the Norway Chess tournament, winning four consecutive classical games to clinch the top spot. (Chess/Indian sports achievement) - Spain thrash England 4-0; Germany qualify for Women's World Cup finals
— Spain dominated England with goals from Patri Guijarro and Alexia Putellas in Mallorca, while Germany secured their place in the FIFA Women's World Cup finals. (Football/International sports) - French Open 2026: Mirra Andreeva reaches final
— Russian teenager Mirra Andreeva advanced to the French Open final despite a mid-tournament temperament issue, where she lost a match after receiving a warning for unsportsmanlike conduct. (Tennis/Grand Slam)
Appointments & Awards
- C-HED receives Bhoomimitra Award 2026 on World Environment Day
— The Centre for Heritage, Environment and Development received the Bhoomimitra Award-2026, instituted by Aluva Paristhithi Samrakshan Sangham, described by a Union Minister as an exemplary model. (Environment award) - Padma Vibhushan announced for Justice K.T. Thomas
— Retired Supreme Court judge K.T. Thomas, known for significant rulings including commentary on the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case, was announced as a Padma Vibhushan recipient. (National Awards/Judiciary) - Himanta Biswa Sarma expands Assam Cabinet with new faces balancing regions and groups
— The reshuffle added new ministers while maintaining regional and political balance in the ruling BJP-led coalition in Assam. (State polity/Appointments)
International
- US strikes Iran radar sites; shoots down Iranian drones near Strait of Hormuz
— The US military conducted strikes on Iranian radar installations and intercepted Iranian drones launched toward the Strait of Hormuz, escalating the Israel-Iran conflict that threatens regional maritime trade routes critical to India's energy imports. (West Asia crisis/India's energy security) - Government asks oil companies to build 30-day LPG reserves amid Hormuz supply risks
— The Centre directed petroleum companies to stockpile LPG equivalent to 30 days of consumption as a precaution against potential supply disruptions from the ongoing Iran-US confrontation. (Energy security/Strategic reserves) - Putin rules out meeting Zelenskyy, vows to continue war
— Russian President Vladimir Putin stated there was "no point" in a direct meeting with Ukraine's President until a peace framework is agreed, signalling continued prolongation of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. (Geopolitics/India's foreign policy context)
- Quick Revision:
- 🏆 R. Praggnanandhaa (age 20) won the Norway Chess 2026 title, winning four consecutive classical games
- 📊 India's GDP growth for 2025-26 estimated at 7.7% (Q4: 7.8%); RBI forex reserves at $682 billion (11 months import cover); Gross FDI record: $95 billion in FY26
- 🦌 Nilgiri Tahr population in Tamil Nadu = 1,364 (4.68% rise over 2025); 717 TASMAC shops closed under CM Vijay's new liquor policy
