JUNE 12 , 2026 CURRENT AFFAIRS
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AFSPA: Balancing Security and Civil Rights Union Home Minister announced that AFSPA,1958, will be withdrawn from most of the Northeast India by next year, except in one or two states. » In North-east, it is currently enforced in Nagaland, Assam, Manipur, and Arunachal Pradesh. AFSPA » It enables certain special powers to be conferred upon armed forces in the disturbed areas to maintain law and order. o E.g., Arrest and enter/Search premises without warrant based on suspicion. » Declaration of Disturbed Area (Section 3): Governor, Administrator, or Central Government can declare part or whole state/UT as "disturbed" if they believe the situation requires armed forces to aid civil authorities. |
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Assam–Nagaland Border Pact Ends 30-Year Deadlock The MoU aims to facilitate exploration and production of crude oil and natural gas in the two states. Crude Oil in India » Distribution In India (India has 672.07 million tonnes of estimated Reserves) o Primarily concentrated in: western offshore regions (31%) e.g. Mumbai High field o State with the largest reserves: Assam (21.5%), followed by Rajasthan, Gujarat Ø Assam’s prominent oil fields: Digboi (oldest), Naharkatiya, Rudrasagar, Lakwa, and Lakhmani Ø Rajasthan: Barmer, etc. Ø Gujarat: Ankleshwar, khambat or Lunej field, Kalol, Mehsana, Aliabet etc. » Consumption: India is the world’s 3rd largest consumer of oil, 4th largest refiner, 3rd largest importer Natural Gas (NG) » Domestic Production: 51.4% of the total gas supply is produced domestically (gross production was 36.11 BCM in 2024) » Composition: Mainly composed of methane (CH₄) with smaller amounts of natural gas liquids and nonhydrocarbon gases, like CO2 and water vapor » Estimated reserves: ~1,000 billion cubic meters o The largest reserves are in the Western Offshore region, followed by the Eastern Offshore. o State with the largest estimated reserves: Assam |
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Drug Regulator Balances Affordability with Availability Recently, NPPA announced a 50% increase in the maximum price of anti-cancer drugs carboplatin and cisplatin. National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) » It is an independent regulator for drug pricing, with the objective of ensuring the availability, accessibility, and affordability of medicines. » Origin: Constituted via a Government Resolution (1997) » Ministry: Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers » Functions o Fixing and revising prices of drugs in accordance with the provisions of the Drugs (Prices Control) Order (DPCO) 2013. o Monitoring the availability and compliance of controlled medicines in market. o Advising the Government on pharmaceutical pricing etc. |
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Global Framework Empowers Indigenous Leaders for Peace The UN Secretary-General launched the Muscat Plan of Action. Muscat Plan of Action » Objective: To counter hate speech, prevent genocide and other atrocity crimes, and promote peace through mediation, dialogue, and local peacebuilding. » It is the outcome of a multi-stakeholder process led by the Oman, the UN Office on Genocide Prevention and the Responsibility to Protect (UNOSAPG), and the Network for Religious and Traditional Peacemakers. » Its emphases on the role of traditional and indigenous actors in countering hate speech and preventing atrocity crimes. |
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Global Growth Slows to 2.5%: World Bank According to the latest Global Economic Prospects (GEP) report, India’s 2026-27 growth forecast raised to 6.6% from 6.5%. » India is projected to remain the world''s fastest-growing major econom Global Economic Prospects Report » Published by the World Bank Group on a semiannual basis (in January and June). » Purpose: Comprehensively examines global economic developments and prospects. Report key highlights » Global Forecast: Downgraded to 2.5% (from 2.9% in 2025), marking the weakest economic expansion since the Covid-19 pandemic. » Rising Fiscal & External Pressures: South Asian economies, including India may face wider fiscal deficits due to higher energy subsidies and weaker external balances. |
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Grassroots Seed Banks Boost Food Security The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has released IS 20201:2026, a voluntary standard providing guidelines for the establishment and management of Community Seed Banks (CSBs). » BIS is India''s national standards body responsible for formulating standards, certifying quality, accrediting laboratories, and promoting consumer protection. About Community Seed Banks » They are community-managed repositories that conserve, regenerate, and distribute local seed varieties. » Act as an in-situ conservation mechanism for agrobiodiversity. » Improve climate resilience and support sustainable agriculture. Significance » Helps conserve indigenous and traditional crop varieties. » Enhances resilience against climate change impacts such as droughts, heat stress, and erratic rainfall. |
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Human Rights Cities to Expand Worldwide It is designed as a long-term effort leading up to the 80th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) in 2028. » UDHR is a landmark UN declaration adopted in 1948 that sets out the fundamental rights and freedoms to which every person is entitled, regardless of nationality, race, gender, religion, or any other status. GHRA » Goal: A future where governments are accountable, societies are inclusive, and economies are fair; where innovation puts people first, and respect shapes our relationships with each other and with the planet. » Aim: Placing the human right issue at the heart of decision-making. (See initiatives to be launched in the box) Core principles » Purpose-driven: A sustained global endeavour with a three-year milestone at the 80th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (10 December 2028). » Inclusive: Engaging governments and non-state actors across regions and sectors, with a firm commitment to gender equality and participation from all ages, backgrounds, and identities. » Action-oriented: Delivering measurable change through collaborative, creative activities. » Ecosystem-building: Strengthening and connecting human rights mechanisms, institutions, and networks. » Narrative-shifting: Using accessible language, reaching new audiences, and embracing innovative approaches and partnerships. Three guiding principles: » Imagine: envision a better future. » Dialogue: foster inclusive discussions. » Act: translate commitments into action. |
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Jagannath Temple Secures Trademark for Nilachakra & Sacred Terms In a first for any Indian shrine, the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) has obtained trademark protection for important terms and symbols. » Wordmarks secured (Protects specific words): Patitapabana (Savior of the Fallen) and Ananda Bajara (the sacred Mahaprasad dining area within the temple) » Logomark secured (Protects visual symbols/ designs): Neelachakra (sacred eight-spoked metal disc atop the temple spire) Shree Jagannath Temple, Puri, Odisha (White Pagoda) » Architecture style: Kalinga Architecture (sub-style of the Nagara (North Indian) temple architecture) » Deities: Lord Jagannath (incarnation of Lord Vishnu), Sister Devi Subhadra and elder brother Lord Balabhadra (holy trinity). » Historical Background: Believed to have been built in the 12th century CE by Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty. » Unique Feature: Popularly believed that the temple is designed such that its main structure does not cast a visible shadow on the ground at any time of the day. o The idols of the holy trinity are carved out of wood rather than stone or metal idols. » Religious Significance: One of the four Char Dhams (Dwarika, Badrinath, & Rameswaram). » Cultural Significance: The temple is the center of the world-famous Ratha Yatra, attracting millions of devotees every year. Trademark » A trademark is an Intellectual Property Right (IPR) that protects a distinctive word, logo, symbol, phrase, or sign used to identify and distinguish the goods or services of an entity from others. » The Trade Marks Registry administers the Trade Marks Act, 1999 and Trade Marks Rules, 2017. » It facilitates international trademark registration through the Madrid Protocol of which India is a member. » It functions under the Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks (CGPDTM), which is attached to the DPIIT, Ministry of Commerce and Industry. » Time Period: 10 years (can be renewed again) |
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Kakori Hero & Poet of Revolution Recently Pandit Ram Prasad Bismil’s Birth anniversary was celebrated. » Ram Prasad Bismil ( 1897-1927) » Birth: in 1897 in Uttar Pradesh. Key contribution in Freedom struggle o Associated with Arya Samaj (drew inspiration from Satyarth Prakash by Swami Dayanand Saraswati). o Manipuri controversy (1918): looted government funds to finance their movement. o Founded Matrivedi (revolutionary organization): (with Genda Lal Dixit). o Hindustan Republican Association (HRA) (1924): one of the founders of HRA along with Sachindranath Sanyal and Jadugopal Mukherjee etc. o Kakori train robbery (1925): to loot British empire. It led to death sentence for Bismil, Rajendra Lahiri, Ashfaqulla Khan, and Roshan Singh. o Literary contribution: Under pen names Ram, Agyat and Bismil which he used in Urdu and Hindi poetry. (Man ki Lahar: collection of poems) |
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MoRTH Report: 20 Deaths Every Hour on Roads Report highlights the severe public health and socio-economic challenges posed by road accidents in India, affecting the country''s youth and productive workforce. Causes of Road Accidents » Human Error: Over-speeding caused 70.3% of road deaths; hit-and-run cases accounted for 19.2% of fatalities, along with wrong-side and drunken driving. » Safety Violations: Non-use of helmets and seatbelts led to over 54,000 and 14,000 deaths respectively. » Unqualified Driving: About 10.6% of accidents involved drivers without a valid licence or holding only a learner’s licence. » Road & Vehicle Factors: High-speed open areas, unsafe road features (crossings, curves, potholes), overloaded vehicles, and unfit old vehicles significantly contributed to accidents. Government Initiatives » Engineering & Vehicle Safety: Implementation of Bharat New Car Assessment Program (BNCAP) and mandatory safety features such as airbags, ABS, seat-belt reminders, and reverse parking alerts. » Emergency Care & Compensation: Cashless Treatment Scheme, 2025 provides up to ₹1.5 lakh for treatment within 7 days; hit-and-run death compensation enhanced to ₹2 lakh. » Enforcement & Digitization: Stricter penalties, eChallan–ITMS integration, and eDAR (Integrated Road Accident Database) for real-time accident reporting. » Good Samaritan Protection: Rah-Veer Scheme offers legal protection and rewards up to ₹25,000 for helping accident victims. Way Forward » Multi-Pronged Strategy: Strengthen road safety through the 4Es—Education, Engineering, Enforcement, and Emergency Care. » Capacity Building: Expand Accredited Driver Training Centres with simulator-based training. » Automated Testing: Establish Inspection & Certification Centres and Automated Testing Stations (ATS) nationwide for vehicle fitness checks. » Research & Collaboration: Promote evidence-based road safety through partnerships such as the Centre of Excellence for Road Safety at IIT Madras. |
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Semi verse Bridges Labs and Fabs Globally Union Minister for Electronics & Information Technology announced access to Lam Research’s “Semiverse” platform for students of Malaviya National Institute of Technology. Semiverse Platform » It is a digital twin-based semiconductor fabrication and training ecosystem o Digital twin is a virtual representation of physical object or system that uses real-time data to reflect its real-world behavior » It is a hybrid physical-virtual world through which students can study semiconductor chip structures in a virtual environment (3D). » Researchers, students etc. from across the world can access equipment and run experiments without physical presence, |
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South Asia Declared Least Peaceful Region India is ranked 127th in the 2026 Global Peace Index (GPI). Global Peace Index (GPI) 2026 » Published By: The Institute for Economics & Peace, an independent and non-partisan think tank. » Coverage: 20th edition ranking 163 countries. » Purpose: Measures global peacefulness and its economic impact. » Top Performers:Iceland ranked first for the 19th consecutive year, followed by New Zealand, Switzerland, Slovenia, and Ireland. » Bottom Performers: Russia ranked last, followed by Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ukraine, and Israel. » Methodology: Based on 23 indicators across three domains—Societal Safety & Security, Ongoing Domestic & International Conflict, and Militarization. |
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Supreme Court Stresses Strict PCPNDT Enforcement SC reiterated need for strict enforcement of the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act, 1994, highlighting the continued prevalence of sex-selection practices leading to imbalance in sex ratio.
Reasons for Inverted Sex Ratio » Patriarchal Son Preference: Deep-rooted gender norms assign greater social and economic value to boys, reinforced by expectations of old-age support. » Marriage Customs: Dowry and patrilocality increase the perceived economic burden of daughters and reduce their role in family support. » Systemic Gender Inequality: Persistent discrimination and unequal opportunities for women perpetuate skewed sex ratios. o India''s ranking in Global Gender Gap Report 2025 slipped from 129th to 131st out of 148 countries, indicating continuing gender inequality. » Misuse of Technology: Prenatal diagnostic techniques facilitate sex determination and female foeticide. » Lack of enforcement of law: Even the strict provisions under BNS and earlier IPC their implementation remains underutilized and therefore sex ration is not improved as expected. o Census figures showed a fall from 945 girls per 1,000 boys in 1991 to 927 in 2001 and further to 919 in 2011. Government Initiatives » Beti Bachao Beti Padhao: Promotes the welfare of the girl child and combats female foeticide. o The BBBP scheme is now integrated with Mission Shakti. » Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana: Encourages financial security and empowerment of girl children. » The Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY): Now supports a second child if it’s a girl. |
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Unpaid Care Work in Focus Recently Supreme court in Shish Ram and ors vs. Surjeet case quantified homemakers’ contribution at Rs 30000 Per Month. Key Highlight of Judgment » Domestic care by a homemaker constitutes a compensable head of damages in motor accident claims. o Homemakers as nation builders: It noted that women’s unpaid caregiving work is estimated between 15%-17% of India''s GDP. » If a homemaker is employed, ₹30,000 for loss of domestic care is awarded in addition to their salary » To Maintain this value this sum be revised by 10% cumulatively every three years. » Expeditious disposal: Motor vehicle claims should not remain pending before High Courts for more than four years. |