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Current Affairs 01 June 2026
World No Tobacco Day 2026
Every year on 31 May, the world observes World No Tobacco Day to spread awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco consumption and to encourage people to adopt healthier lifestyles. The campaign was initiated by the World Health Organization in 1987 to highlight the serious health, social, economic, and environmental consequences of tobacco use.
The theme for World No Tobacco Day 2026 is “Unmasking the Appeal: Countering Nicotine and Tobacco Addiction.” The campaign focuses on exposing the marketing strategies used by tobacco and nicotine companies to attract new users, especially young people.
Tobacco smoke contains numerous carcinogenic substances that can damage cellular DNA. This damage may lead to abnormal cell growth, genetic mutations, weakened immunity, and chronic inflammation, significantly increasing the risk of cancer and other serious diseases. The observance serves as a reminder of the importance of tobacco control measures and public awareness in protecting global health.
India Secures 4th Position in Global AI Performance Rankings
India has emerged as one of the leading digital economies in the world, ranking fourth globally in Artificial Intelligence (AI) performance and fifth in digital economy rankings according to the State of India’s Digital Economy 2026 Report. The report was released by the Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations–Prosus Centre for Internet and Digital Economy on 29 May 2026.
India improved its overall digital economy ranking from eighth place in 2025 to fifth place in 2026. In AI performance, only the United States, China, and Singapore ranked ahead of India.
The report highlights India’s strong digital ecosystem, vast talent pool, and growing leadership in AI adoption. India now possesses the world’s second-largest AI talent base and has outperformed several advanced economies, including Germany, France, Japan, the United Kingdom, and Canada in key AI-related indicators.
The report also noted that India generated nearly US$328 billion in digitally delivered trade through software exports, IT services, and cloud-based solutions. A study referenced in the 2026 AI Index found India to be the global leader in AI skill penetration on LinkedIn and the second-fastest-growing AI talent hub between 2019 and 2025.
Rajesh Kumar Singh Given Additional Charge of DRDO
The Government of India has assigned additional responsibilities to senior bureaucrat Rajesh Kumar Singh by appointing him as the Secretary of the Department of Defence Research and Development and Chairman of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
The appointment takes effect from 31 May 2026 following the completion of the tenure of Dr. Samir V. Kamat.
The Defence Research and Development Organisation is India’s premier defence research agency operating under the Ministry of Defence. It plays a crucial role in developing indigenous military technologies, advanced weapon systems, and strategic defence capabilities.
Rajesh Kumar Singh, a 1989-batch Indian Administrative Service officer of the Kerala cadre, has been serving as Defence Secretary since November 2024. His additional appointment reflects the government’s emphasis on strengthening indigenous defence research and innovation.
Myanmar President Begins Official Visit to India
Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing commenced a five-day official visit to India from 30 May to 3 June 2026. The visit includes engagements in New Delhi, Bodh Gaya, and Mumbai.
India and Myanmar share a strategic relationship and a land border of approximately 1,643 kilometres across the Indian states of Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, and Mizoram. Cooperation between the two nations extends to trade, connectivity, border security, and defence under India’s Act East Policy.
During the visit, Min Aung Hlaing is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu. The visit is expected to further strengthen bilateral ties and regional cooperation.
Min Aung Hlaing became Myanmar’s President in April 2026 after leading the military administration that came to power following the political developments of 2021.
Chenab–Beas River-Link Project Receives Approval
The Government of India has approved the ambitious Chenab–Beas River-Link Tunnel Project in Himachal Pradesh, with an estimated investment of ₹2,352 crore. The project is designed to transfer surplus water from the Chenab basin to the Beas river system.
A major component of the project is the construction of an 8.7-kilometre tunnel that will facilitate inter-basin water transfer. The first phase includes a 19-metre-high barrage on the Chandra River near Koksar village in the Lahaul region.
The project will be implemented by the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation and is expected to support the generation of nearly 4,000 MW of additional hydropower capacity in Himachal Pradesh.
The Chenab River is one of the western rivers governed by the Indus Waters Treaty between India and Pakistan. The Beas River, meanwhile, is an important tributary of the Sutlej River and plays a significant role in northern India’s river system.
The initiative is expected to contribute to improved water management, enhanced hydroelectric generation, and long-term regional development.
Veteran Playback Singer Suman Kalyanpur Passes Away
Renowned playback singer Suman Kalyanpur passed away on 31 May 2026 at the age of 89 in Mumbai. She was widely admired for her melodious voice and immense contribution to Indian cinema and music.
Over a career spanning more than six decades, she lent her voice to songs in Hindi, Marathi, Bengali, Kannada, and Assamese films. Some of her most memorable songs include Aajkal Tere Mere Pyar Ke Charche and Na Na Karte Pyar Tumhin Se.
In recognition of her outstanding contribution to Indian music, she was honoured with the Padma Bhushan in 2023. The Padma Bhushan is India’s third-highest civilian award and is conferred for distinguished service across various fields.
Her passing marks the end of an era in Indian playback singing, but her musical legacy will continue to inspire generations of artists and music lovers.
Key Takeaways
- World No Tobacco Day 2026 theme: “Unmasking the Appeal: Countering Nicotine and Tobacco Addiction.”
- India ranked 4th globally in AI performance and 5th in digital economy rankings.
- Rajesh Kumar Singh received additional charge as DRDO Chairman.
- Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing began a five-day official visit to India.
- The Chenab–Beas River-Link Project was approved with an investment of ₹2,352 crore.
- Veteran playback singer Suman Kalyanpur passed away at the age of 89.
Review Questions
1. World No Tobacco Day is observed every year on which date?
A) 15 May
B) 31 May
C) 5 June
D) 1 June
Answer: B) 31 May
2. What is the theme of World No Tobacco Day 2026?
A) Tobacco-Free Future
B) Quit Today, Live Tomorrow
C) Unmasking the Appeal: Countering Nicotine and Tobacco Addiction
D) Healthy Life Without Tobacco
Answer: C) Unmasking the Appeal: Countering Nicotine and Tobacco Addiction
3. Which organization established World No Tobacco Day in 1987?
A) UNESCO
B) UNICEF
C) WHO
D) UNDP
Answer: C) WHO
4. According to the State of India’s Digital Economy 2026 Report, India ranked _____ globally in AI performance.
A) 2nd
B) 3rd
C) 4th
D) 5th
Answer: C) 4th
5. Which three countries ranked above India in AI performance in 2026?
A) USA, China, Singapore
B) USA, Japan, Germany
C) China, UK, Singapore
D) USA, South Korea, Japan
Answer: A) USA, China, Singapore
6. Who was given the additional charge of Chairman of DRDO in May 2026?
A) Ajit Doval
B) Rajesh Kumar Singh
C) Samir V. Kamat
D) Manoj Pande
Answer: B) Rajesh Kumar Singh
7. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) functions under which ministry?
A) Ministry of Home Affairs
B) Ministry of Science and Technology
C) Ministry of Defence
D) Ministry of External Affairs
Answer: C) Ministry of Defence
8. Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing’s official visit to India was scheduled from:
A) 25–29 May 2026
B) 28 May–1 June 2026
C) 30 May–3 June 2026
D) 1–5 June 2026
Answer: C) 30 May–3 June 2026
9. The Chenab–Beas River-Link Tunnel Project has an estimated cost of:
A) ₹1,850 crore
B) ₹2,352 crore
C) ₹3,500 crore
D) ₹4,000 crore
Answer: B) ₹2,352 crore
10. Which civilian award was conferred upon Suman Kalyanpur in 2023?
A) Bharat Ratna
B) Padma Shri
C) Padma Vibhushan
D) Padma Bhushan
Answer: D) Padma Bhushan
