UPSC Daily Current Affairs for 23 June 2026

India Becomes World’s Top Ship Recycling Nation

Context

India has become the World’s Top Ship Recycling Nation in the year 2025.

What is Ship Recycling?

Ship Recycling is the process of dismantling a vessel’s structure for scrapping or disposal whether conducted at a beach, pier, dry dock or dismantling slip.

It includes a wide range of activities, from removing all gear and equipment to cutting down and recycling the ship’s infrastructure.

Digital Sovereignty

Context

Recently, Indian CCTV networks linked to defence assets were compromised through a Chinese software platform which made concern about dependence of India's critical digital infrastructure on foreign technology platforms.

What is Digital Sovereignty?

Digital sovereignty is a nation's ability to control its own digital infrastructure, data, and technological systems.

India currently lacks this control in three critical layers:

Hardware Layer: E.g. CCTV systems, routers, and telecom equipment from Chinese manufacturers like Huawei, ZTE carry embedded backdoors vulnerable to state-level espionage.

India’s Net Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Surges to $6.6 Billion

Context

The data released by the Reserve Bank of India shows that Net foreign direct investment (FDI) rose to $6.6 billion in April 2026, its highest level in nearly five years, driven by a 65% surge in gross inflows.

What is Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)?

It refers to investments made by foreign entities (individuals or companies) in the business interests of another country, typically in the form of ownership or control of enterprises.

At present, FDI is prohibited in lottery, gambling and betting, chit funds, Nidhi company, real estate business, and manufacturing of cigars, cheroots, cigarillos and cigarettes using tobacco.

India’s Emerging Technology Ecosystem

Context

Over the last decade, India has transformed from a large digital market into an emerging global technology power, through Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), indigenous innovation, startup ecosystems, and emerging technology capabilities.

Digital India Programme as the Backbone of Emerging Capabilities

Digital India Programme, launched in 2015, laid the foundation for India’s emerging technology ecosystem by strengthening digital infrastructure across the country.

Lower internet costs expanded access to telemedicine, online education, digital payments, e-commerce, and e-governance services.

Western Ghats & Ecologically Sensitive Areas (ESAs)

Context

Centre is finally ready to finalise and notify the demarcation of Ecologically Sensitive Areas (ESA) in the Western Ghats region, and may soon receive stronger legal protection in three Indian states i.e. Gujarat, Goa and Maharashtra.

About Western Ghats Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA)

The Western Ghats, stretching over 1,500 km along India's western coast across six states i.e. Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.

They constitute one of the world's eight ‘hottest hotspots’ of biological diversity, spread over approximately 1,64,280 sq km.

News In Short 23-06-2026

Context

In Kashmir Valley, the annual Mela Kheer Bhawani is being celebrated with religious fervour and gaiety on the occasion of Jyeshtha Ashtami.

About

This is one of the most important festivals for the Kashmiri Pandit community during which devotees offer Kheer (rice pudding), milk, flowers, and aromatic leaves to Mata Ragnya Devi.

The mela symbolizes faith, resilience, cultural reconnection, and communal harmony.