19 June 2026 - "Daily Current Affairs" Updates

GS 2 (International Relations)

52nd G7 Summit

News:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is participating in the 52nd G7 Summit hosted by

France, where global leaders are deliberating on key political, economic, technological, and security issues.

About the 52nd G7 Summit

Host Details

Host Country: France

Host City: Évian-les-Bains

Dates: 15–17 June 2026

Presidency: Conducted under France’s G7 Presidency.

About the G7

The Group of Seven (G7) is an informal forum of advanced industrialized

democracies.

It serves as a platform for discussing global economic governance, international

security, climate action, and technological cooperation.

Member Countries

Canada

France

Germany

Italy

Japan

United Kingdom

United States

GS 3 (Agriculture)

Paraquat

News:

Telangana has prohibited the use of Paraquat,

a highly toxic herbicide widely used for weed

management, becoming one of the few Indian states to impose such a ban.

About Paraquat

Paraquat (Paraquat Dichloride) is a synthetic, highly toxic herbicide extensively

used worldwide for controlling weeds and unwanted grasses.

It acts as a non-selective contact herbicide, damaging and killing green plant

tissues upon direct contact.

Initially developed as a chemical dye in the late nineteenth century, its

herbicidal properties were identified during the 1950s.

Besides weed control, Paraquat is also employed as a desiccant to dry crops

before harvesting.

In certain crops, it may function as a plant growth regulator, influencing

flowering patterns.

A notable characteristic of Paraquat is its strong binding with soil particles,

resulting in minimal residual activity in soil.

Key Characteristics

Artificially manufactured herbicide.

Non-selective contact weedicide.

Effective against a wide range of weeds and grasses.

Commonly used for pre-harvest crop drying.

Exhibits negligible residual impact on soil due to strong soil adsorption.

Concerns Associated with Paraquat

Extremely toxic to humans and animals.

Exposure can occur through inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact.

Linked to severe poisoning cases and long-term health risks.

GS 3 (Science & Technology / Internal Security)

Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) System

News:

DRDO recently conducted a successful test of India’s multi-layered Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) System, strengthening the country’s capability to counter ballistic

missile threats.

About Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) System

A Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) System is an integrated defensive network

designed to detect, track, intercept, and destroy incoming ballistic missiles

before they strike their targets.

The programme was initiated in 1999 in response to emerging regional security

challenges following Pakistan’s nuclear tests.

The system combines advanced radars, command-and-control centres, launch

platforms, and interceptor missiles into a unified defence architecture.

Major Components

Long Range Tracking Radar (LRTR)

Launch Control Centres (LCC)

Mission Control Centres (MCC)

Interceptor Missile Systems

Integrated Command-and-Control Network

Key Features

Advanced Radar Technology

The BMD system employs the indigenous Long Range Tracking Radar (LRTR) for

early detection and continuous tracking of hostile ballistic missiles.

The radar technology has evolved from capabilities associated with Israel’s

Green Pine radar system.