Current Affairs of 23 June 2026 for UPSC & Government Exams

June 23, 2026

The notification of the Government to Western Ghats Eco-Sensitive Areas (WGEAs) in At Least Three States is a remarkable achievement for environmental conservation in India. The Ghats is a biodiversity hotspot, contributing to the ecological balance, water supply and climate regulation.

The government is considering the proposal at this stage with the intention of safeguarding the ecologically sensitive areas from unsustainable development while maintaining sustainable livelihoods for people. Thus, the news of the Government notifying 3 Western Ghats Ecosensitive Areas in 3 States has caused great stir among environmentalists, policymakers, and civil service aspirants.

What Are the Western Ghats?

The Ghats are a mountain range parallel to the West Coast of India. They extend over a length of some 1600 km across several states, and are important to the national climate and hydrology. The area is rich in forests, special ecosystems, and thousands of species of flora and fauna. Hence, the proposal to notify Western Ghats Eco-sensitive Areas in At Least Three States is perceived as a critical conservation action.

States Covered by the Western Ghats

State	Presence of Western Ghats
Gujarat	Small Northern Section
Maharashtra	Extensive Coverage
Goa	Significant Coverage
Karnataka	Major Forest Areas
Kerala	Dense Biodiversity Regions
Tamil Nadu	Southern Ghats Region

What Are Eco-Sensitive Areas?

Eco-Sensitive Areas (ESAs) or Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs) are areas that have been identified by the Government of India as ecologically fragile and declared around Protected Areas like National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries, although these areas do not suffer from legal protection.
They are “shock absorbers” to curb human actions on sensitive ecosystems.
ESAs are notified based on the provisions of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986
The goal is to harmonise environmental protection and sustainable development.
Some practices such as mining, quarrying and emission-intensive industries are either restricted or even banned.
They may be used generally for sustainable agriculture, eco-tourism activities and local community purposes.
That is also something ESAs do for our biodiversity by protecting wildlife habitats, forests and watersheds.
They also foster climate resilience and sustainable ecological security long into the future.

Previous Year Questions (PYQs)

Question (with Options)	Exam	Year	Answer
The Western Ghats are recognized by UNESCO as a: A) Biosphere Reserve B) World Heritage Site C) Ramsar Site D) Geopark	UPSC Prelims	2014	B) World Heritage Site
Which of the following rivers originates in the Western Ghats? A) Godavari B) Krishna C) Kaveri D) All of the Above	SSC CGL	2023	D) All of the Above
The Western Ghats run parallel to which coast of India? A) Eastern Coast B) Western Coast C) Northern Coast D) Southern Coast	SSC CHSL	2022	B) Western Coast
Which committee recommended declaring large parts of the Western Ghats as Ecologically Sensitive Areas? A) Swaminathan Committee B) Gadgil Committee C) Sarkaria Committee D) Kelkar Committee	UPSC Prelims	2018	B) Gadgil Committee
The Kasturirangan Committee is associated with: A) River Linking B) Forest Rights Act C) Western Ghats Conservation D) Coastal Regulation Zone	State PCS	2023	C) Western Ghats Conservation
Which of the following states is NOT traversed by the Western Ghats? A) Karnataka B) Kerala C) Maharashtra D) Odisha	SSC GD	2024	D) Odisha
The highest peak of the Western Ghats is: A) Doddabetta B) Anaimudi C) Mahabaleshwar Peak D) Kudremukh	UPSC CDS	2022	B) Anaimudi
Anaimudi Peak is located in which state? A) Karnataka B) Tamil Nadu C) Kerala D) Goa	SSC CPO	2021	C) Kerala
Which endangered primate is endemic to the Western Ghats? A) Hoolock Gibbon B) Lion-tailed Macaque C) Rhesus Macaque D) Slow Loris	UPSC Prelims	2020	B) Lion-tailed Macaque
Silent Valley National Park, known for tropical evergreen forests, is located in: A) Karnataka B) Goa C) Kerala D) Maharashtra	SSC CGL	2022	C) Kerala
Which mountain pass connects Kerala and Tamil Nadu through the Western Ghats? A) Nathu La B) Palghat Gap C) Shipki La D) Zoji La	UPSC Prelims	2016	B) Palghat Gap
The Western Ghats are one of the world’s: A) Desert Ecosystems B) Biodiversity Hotspots C) Coral Reef Regions D) Mangrove Zones	UPSC Prelims	2013	B) Biodiversity Hotspots

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Conclusion on Eco-Sensitive Status

Government to Notify Ghats Eco-Sensitive Areas in at least Three States heralds the satisfying end of one significant segment of perhaps India’s most important environmental jigsaw. The Western Ghats, which host diverse biological resources crucial for water security, climate moderation, and the livelihood of millions. See Government to Declare Western Ghats Eco-Sensitive Areas in at Least Three States, 7 Save Environment ‘Policy Markets’ balance between conservation and development. When done right, the initiative has the potential to bolster environmental protections and enable sustainable growth as well as ecological resilience for future generations.

FAQs -Eco-Sensitive Area Plan in Select States

The Western Ghats are a mountain range along India's western coast and one of the world's biodiversity hotspots.

Tushar Mehta Reappointed as Solicitor General of India for Three Years

June 23, 2026

The event “Tushar Mehta Re-elected as Solicitor General of India for Three Years” is a significant development in the law and constitution of India. Tushar Mehta is one of the most prominent law officers of the country and has represented the Union Government in various courts of the country, especially before the Supreme Court of India, to a great extent.

The government’s reappointment of him is in recognition of his outstanding legal skills, courtroom experience, and ability to handle complex constitutional and policy matters. This has led to much interest among legal experts, policy makers and those appearing for competitive exams, which made the appointment of Tushar Mehta, the new Solicitor General of India for Three Years, known to them.

Who is Tushar Mehta?

Tushar Mehta is one of the senior lawyers at the bar with a rich litigation practice in Constitutional, Administrative and Criminal Law. He has appeared on behalf of the Government of India in many important cases of national importance over the years.

Before becoming Solicitor General, he had secured many substantial roles and had built up a reputation for effective advocacy. Thus, the tenure of Tushar Mehta as the Solicitor General of India (SG) for 3 years is viewed as an appreciation for his work in tackling issues within the legal system.

Career Highlights of Tushar Mehta

Achievement	Description
Senior Advocate	Experienced constitutional lawyer
Additional Solicitor General	Served before becoming Solicitor General
Government Counsel	Represented the Union Government in major cases
Supreme Court Advocate	Appeared in landmark constitutional matters
Public Law Expert	Specialised in governance and constitutional issues

What is the Solicitor General of India?

The Solicitor General of India (SGI) is one of the key posts amongst lawyers in India. The office helps the Attorney General and the Government of India in courts.

The Solicitor General is a statutory and executive legal position, but is not a constitutional office. The officeholder provides advice to the government on legal issues and is a figure of presence in the Supreme Court, High Courts and Tribunals.

He will hold these postings on behalf of the Union Govt till he is reappointed by the Hon’ble President of India for a term of three years as Solicitor General of India.

Previous Year Questions (PYQs) on Solicitor General of India

Question (with Options)	Exam	Year	Answer
Who is the second-highest law officer of India? A) Attorney General of India B) Solicitor General of India C) Advocate General D) Chief Justice of India	SSC CGL	2023	B) Solicitor General of India
Which of the following is the highest law officer of India? A) Solicitor General B) Attorney General C) Advocate General D) Law Minister	UPSC Prelims	2021	B) Attorney General
The Solicitor General of India assists whom? A) Prime Minister B) President C) Attorney General of India D) Chief Justice of India	SSC CHSL	2022	C) Attorney General of India
Which Article of the Constitution provides for the office of Attorney General of India? A) Article 74 B) Article 76 C) Article 78 D) Article 80	UPSC CDS	2023	B) Article 76
The Solicitor General of India is appointed by whom? A) President of India B) Supreme Court C) Government of India D) Parliament	State PCS	2022	C) Government of India
Which of the following is NOT a constitutional post? A) Attorney General of India B) Comptroller and Auditor General C) Solicitor General of India D) Election Commission	SSC MTS	2024	C) Solicitor General of India
The Advocate General gives legal advice to which government? A) Union Government B) State Government C) Parliament D) Supreme Court	RRB NTPC	2021	B) State Government
Who represents the Government of India before the Supreme Court in major cases? A) Chief Justice of India B) Attorney General and Solicitor General C) Governor D) Law Commission Chairman	SSC GD	2023	B) Attorney General and Solicitor General
Which law officer has the right to participate in Parliamentary proceedings without voting rights? A) Solicitor General B) Attorney General C) Advocate General D) Chief Election Commissioner	UPSC Prelims	2020	B) Attorney General
The office of Solicitor General of India is created by? A) Constitution of India B) Parliamentary Act C) Government Executive Decision/Convention D) Supreme Court Order	SSC CGL	2024	C) Government Executive Decision/Convention

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Conclusion on Tushar Mehta Gets Fresh Mandate as Solicitor General of India

Tushar Mehta Reappointed as Solicitor General of India for Three Years is crucial for India’s legal and governance framework. He is one of the nation’s most experienced and knowledgeable lawyers both in the courtroom and in the area of government litigation.

With Tushar Mehta taking the vacant seat of Solicitor General of India for the next three years, he will continue to be a key player in defending policies of the Union Government and standing as an appointment officer in the administration of justice. The re-appointment guarantees continuity, stability and fine mentoring of one of the most critical legal offices in India.

FAQs – Tushar Mehta Reappointed as Solicitor General

Tushar Mehta is a senior advocate and the Solicitor General of India, responsible for representing the Union Government in important legal matters.

CRED Founder Kunal Shah Appointed Global Head of WhatsApp

June 23, 2026

The announcement that Kunal Shah has been appointed Global Head of WhatsApp has shed some light on the question of whether Facebook fired him. The announcement that Kunal Shah has been appointed Global Head of WhatsApp has created a ruckus in the technology and startup ecosystem, and whether he was fired by Facebook or what.

Kunal Shah is one of India’s most successful entrepreneurs, known for his innovative offerings, customer-first approach, and disruptive business models that disrupt. So, his promotion to senior leadership, all the way to global leadership, is being regarded as a pivotal moment in the messaging service’s history.

Kunal Shah has proven to be a remarkable leader in his endeavours over the years, especially in the case of CRED. Given his background in consumer technology and digital ecosystems, experts think he might offer a direction for further WhatsApp expansion. As a result, his expertise in consumer technology and digital ecosystems is projected to deliver new and promising avenues for the expansion, monetisation, and user engagement for WhatsApp.

Who Is Kunal Shah?

Kunal Shah is one of India’s most successful entrepreneurs in the country. Before creating CRED, he created a digital payments platform called FreeCharge, which was very popular among Indians.

The lessons he learned in his own entrepreneurial process illustrate his understanding of consumer psychology and digital behaviour. Furthermore, his aptitude in spotting market opportunities has enabled him to make successful companies.

Kunal Shah, appointed as CRED’s Global Head of WhatsApp, brings to the company a wealth of expertise in scaling technology products, which will have a significant impact on the agenda of the Platform’s future directions.

Notable Achievements of Kunal Shah

Achievement	Description
Founder of CRED	Created a rewards-based fintech platform
Founder of FreeCharge	Built a leading digital payments company
Startup Mentor	Guided several emerging startups
Investor	Invested in multiple technology ventures
Thought Leader	Known for insights on consumer behaviour and innovation

The Rise of CRED and Kunal Shah’s Leadership

The success of CRED made Kunal Shah one of the leading businessmen of India. CRED has created a novel model where responsible financial actions are encouraged and rewarded!

His management resulted in the fast growth and investment of the company. Moreover, CRED became a prominent brand among the urban population.

With the announcement, many in the technology industry have applauded, and CRED Founder, Kunal Shah, has been entrusted with the responsibilities of leading WhatsApp globally as the Global Head.

Previous Year Questions (PYQs) Related to CRED, WhatsApp

Question (with Options)	Exam	Year	Answer
Which entrepreneur founded the fintech platform CRED? A) Vijay Shekhar Sharma B) Kunal Shah C) Nithin Kamath D) Bhavish Aggarwal	SBI PO	2024	B) Kunal Shah
CRED primarily rewards users for which activity? A) Online shopping B) Credit card bill payments C) Stock trading D) Tax filing	Banking Awareness	2023	B) Credit card bill payments
FreeCharge, acquired by Snapdeal in 2015, was founded by whom? A) Sachin Bansal B) Kunal Shah C) Deepinder Goyal D) Harsh Jain	IBPS Clerk	2022	B) Kunal Shah
WhatsApp was originally founded by whom? A) Mark Zuckerberg & Dustin Moskovitz B) Jan Koum & Brian Acton C) Larry Page & Sergey Brin D) Evan Spiegel & Bobby Murphy	SSC CGL	2021	B) Jan Koum & Brian Acton
WhatsApp was acquired by Meta (formerly Facebook) in which year? A) 2012 B) 2013 C) 2014 D) 2016	SSC CHSL	2022	C) 2014
End-to-end encryption in WhatsApp means that messages can be read by whom? A) Anyone on the internet B) WhatsApp employees C) Only sender and receiver D) Government agencies automatically	RRB NTPC	2021	C) Only sender and receiver
WhatsApp Pay in India operates on which payment system? A) NEFT B) RTGS C) UPI D) IMPS Only	RBI Grade B	2023	C) UPI
UPI was developed by which organisation? A) RBI B) NPCI C) SEBI D) NITI Aayog	SSC CGL	2024	B) NPCI
Which ministry administers the Information Technology Act, 2000? A) Ministry of Finance B) Ministry of Home Affairs C) Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology D) Ministry of Commerce	UPSC Prelims	2021	C) Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology
The Information Technology Act was enacted in which year? A) 1998 B) 1999 C) 2000 D) 2002	SSC MTS	2023	C) 2000
WhatsApp is categorised as what under India’s IT Rules, 2021? A) Search Engine B) Significant Social Media Intermediary (when threshold met) C) E-commerce Entity D) Payment Bank	State PCS	2022	B) Significant Social Media Intermediary
The Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules were notified in which year? A) 2018 B) 2019 C) 2020 D) 2021	SSC CGL	2023	D) 2021

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Conclusion on Kunal Shah to Lead WhatsApp Globally

The appointment of CRED’s founder, Kunal Shah, as the Global Head of WhatsApp is a pivotal moment for the global tech industry and Indian entrepreneurship. Kunal is certainly someone who has gone through a path of creating successful digital platforms, understanding consumer behaviour, and innovating, which makes him a strong possibility for leadership.

Kunal Shah, the Founder of CRED, now has a job titled as the Global Head of WhatsApp – naturally, people are setting their expectations high. He brings an amazing amount of expertise to the table, though, as a leader in the scaling of companies and building customer-centric solutions, he’d be an ideal choice to guide the platform into the next phase. If it is to work, the appointment could change the lives of billions of people for how they communicate, transact and interact with each other via WhatsApp in the coming years.