In Current Affairs for 24 June 2026, we will see the latest national and international current affairs news. These important current affairs will be beneficial for your upcoming NDA, CDS, CDS OTA, AFCAT, TA, Agniveer Army, Agniveer Navy, Agniveer Air Force, Women Military Police, INET, MNS, ACC exams, SCO, PCSL, CAPF, and SSB interviews, and direct entries for Army, Navy, and Air Force like SSC Tech, TGC, JAG, NCC, TES, 10+2 Cadet. Download a PDF file about current events at the end of this article. Let us now see the Current Affairs.
Current Affairs 24 June 2026
International Day of Women in Diplomacy 2026
The International Day of Women in Diplomacy was observed worldwide on 24 June 2026. The day highlights the growing role of women in diplomacy, international relations, and global governance. As nations face challenges such as climate change, geopolitical conflicts, economic instability, and migration, the participation of women in foreign policy and decision-making has become increasingly significant.
The observance aims to promote gender equality in diplomatic institutions and recognize the contributions of women who have played key roles in shaping international cooperation. It also seeks to encourage young women to pursue careers in diplomacy, address barriers that limit women’s representation, and strengthen inclusive decision-making processes at the global level.
The day serves as a reminder that diverse perspectives are essential for building peaceful, sustainable, and equitable societies.
President Murmu Confers 65 Padma Awards
President Droupadi Murmu presented Padma Awards to 65 distinguished individuals during the second phase of the Padma Awards 2026 ceremony. The recipients were recognized for their outstanding contributions in fields such as sports, cinema, music, literature, public affairs, science, and social service.
Among the notable awardees were cricketer Rohit Sharma, actors R. Madhavan and Mammootty, singer Alka Yagnik, and former tennis player Vijay Amritraj. The Padma Awards are among India’s highest civilian honours and acknowledge exceptional service to the nation.
The awards were distributed across three categories:
- Padma Vibhushan – Awarded for exceptional and distinguished service.
- Padma Bhushan – Awarded for distinguished service of a high order.
- Padma Shri – Awarded for distinguished contribution in any field.
The 2026 awards included:
- 2 Padma Vibhushan Awards
- 7 Padma Bhushan Awards
- 56 Padma Shri Awards
These honours reflect India’s recognition of excellence across diverse sectors of society.
Cristiano Ronaldo Creates World Cup History
Portuguese football star Cristiano Ronaldo achieved another historic milestone by becoming the first footballer to score in six different FIFA World Cup tournaments.
The record was set during Portugal’s commanding 5–0 victory over Uzbekistan in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Ronaldo opened the scoring in the sixth minute after receiving a precise cross from João Cancelo.
At 41 years of age, Ronaldo continues to demonstrate remarkable consistency and longevity at the highest level of international football. His World Cup scoring journey spans two decades and six tournaments:
- 2006 FIFA World Cup
- 2010 FIFA World Cup
- 2014 FIFA World Cup
- 2018 FIFA World Cup
- 2022 FIFA World Cup
- 2026 FIFA World Cup
Most FIFA World Cup Goals for Portugal
- Cristiano Ronaldo – 10*
- Eusébio – 9
- Pauleta – 4
- José Torres – 3
- José Augusto – 3
- Gonçalo Ramos – 3
This achievement further strengthens Ronaldo’s legacy as one of the greatest footballers in history.
QS World Future Skills Index 2027
India secured the 13th position in the QS World Future Skills Index 2027, demonstrating its growing preparedness for an economy increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.
Published by the global higher education analytics organization QS, the index evaluates how effectively countries are positioned to benefit from technological transformation and future workforce demands.
India earned an overall score of 89.4 out of 100, making it one of the strongest-performing lower-middle-income economies in terms of future skills readiness.
The assessment considers factors such as:
- Digital capabilities
- AI readiness
- Innovation potential
- Higher education performance
- Workforce adaptability
Top Three Countries in QS World Future Skills Index 2027
- United States
- Australia
- United Kingdom
India’s performance reflects continued investments in technology, digital infrastructure, and skill development initiatives.
United Nations Launches Methane Action and AI Transparency Initiative
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres announced a Global Call to Action on Methane and an AI Environmental Transparency Initiative during London Climate Action Week held at Guildhall, London, on 23 June 2026.
Methane is one of the most powerful greenhouse gases and is estimated to be around 80 times more potent than carbon dioxide in trapping heat over the short term. Emissions from oil and gas operations remain a major contributor to global methane pollution.
The initiative calls for the oil and gas industry to adopt standards aimed at achieving near-zero methane emissions across production and supply chains. Existing technologies can significantly reduce methane leakage, venting, and flaring.
Key Environmental Terms
Methane: The primary component of natural gas and a highly potent greenhouse gas.
Flaring: The controlled burning of excess natural gas at oil production facilities.
Renewable Energy: Energy generated from naturally replenishing sources such as solar, wind, hydroelectric, and geothermal power.
Alongside methane reduction efforts, the UN also introduced the AI Environmental Transparency Initiative. The program encourages major artificial intelligence companies to publicly disclose the environmental impacts of their operations, including carbon emissions, water consumption, and land use associated with data centres.
The move aims to ensure that the rapid expansion of AI technologies remains environmentally sustainable.
European Union Joins Pax Silica AI Supply Chain Initiative
The European Union officially agreed to join Pax Silica, a United States-led initiative focused on strengthening artificial intelligence supply chains and coordinating export controls for advanced technologies.
Originally launched by the United States in December 2025, Pax Silica seeks to build a secure and resilient ecosystem supporting AI development. The framework covers several strategic sectors, including:
- Semiconductors
- Advanced computing
- Critical minerals
- Energy resources
- Digital infrastructure
The initiative also promotes cooperation among allied nations on export controls for sensitive AI-related technologies.
Before joining, the European Commission secured approval from EU member states and obtained assurances that participation would not affect the EU’s regulatory independence or internal decision-making processes.
As part of the broader EU–US cooperation framework, the European Union has also committed to purchasing at least 40 billion US dollars worth of American AI chips.
The accession marks a significant step toward international collaboration in securing critical technology supply chains and supporting innovation in artificial intelligence.
Review Questions
1. International Day of Women in Diplomacy is observed every year on which date?
A. 21 June
B. 22 June
C. 23 June
D. 24 June
Answer: D. 24 June
Explanation: The International Day of Women in Diplomacy is observed annually on 24 June to recognize and promote women’s contributions to diplomacy and international relations.
2. Which of the following is NOT one of the objectives of the International Day of Women in Diplomacy?
A. Promote Gender Equality
B. Inspire Future Generations
C. Increase Military Spending
D. Address Structural Barriers
Answer: C. Increase Military Spending
Explanation: The observance focuses on gender equality, recognition of women’s contributions, and inclusive decision-making, not military expenditure.
3. How many Padma Awards were conferred by President Droupadi Murmu in the second phase of Padma Awards 2026?
A. 55
B. 60
C. 65
D. 75
Answer: C. 65
Explanation: President Murmu honored 65 distinguished personalities from various fields during the ceremony.
4. Which Padma Award category is given for “Exceptional and Distinguished Service”?
A. Bharat Ratna
B. Padma Shri
C. Padma Bhushan
D. Padma Vibhushan
Answer: D. Padma Vibhushan
Explanation: Padma Vibhushan is India’s second-highest civilian award and is given for exceptional and distinguished service.
5. Cristiano Ronaldo became the first footballer to score in how many different FIFA World Cup tournaments?
A. Four
B. Five
C. Six
D. Seven
Answer: C. Six
Explanation: Ronaldo created history by scoring in six different FIFA World Cups (2006–2026).
6. Against which country did Cristiano Ronaldo achieve this historic World Cup milestone in 2026?
A. DR Congo
B. Uzbekistan
C. Brazil
D. Morocco
Answer: B. Uzbekistan
Explanation: Ronaldo achieved the record during Portugal’s 5–0 victory over Uzbekistan.
7. What was India’s rank in the QS World Future Skills Index 2027?
A. 10th
B. 11th
C. 13th
D. 15th
Answer: C. 13th
Explanation: India secured the 13th position with an overall score of 89.4 out of 100.
8. Which country ranked first in the QS World Future Skills Index 2027?
A. Australia
B. United Kingdom
C. Canada
D. United States
Answer: D. United States
Explanation: The United States topped the QS World Future Skills Index 2027.
9. Methane is approximately how many times more potent than carbon dioxide in the short term?
A. 20 times
B. 40 times
C. 60 times
D. 80 times
Answer: D. 80 times
Explanation: Methane is around 80 times more effective at trapping heat than carbon dioxide over the short term.
10. Pax Silica is primarily related to which sector?
A. Agriculture Supply Chains
B. Artificial Intelligence Supply Chains
C. Space Exploration
D. Maritime Security
Answer: B. Artificial Intelligence Supply Chains
Explanation: Pax Silica is a U.S.-led initiative aimed at strengthening AI supply chains, semiconductor cooperation, and export controls on advanced technologies.
