News of The Day – 9th June 2026

The Hindu, Indian Express, Live Mint, Business Standard, Economic Times, PIB and AIR, etc

(with Syllabus Relevance)

(GS-1: Geography)

• Auroras are luminous displays caused by charged solar particles interacting with Earth’s magnetic field and atmosphere.
• They occur near polar regions as Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) and Aurora Australis (Southern Lights).
• Strong geomagnetic storms can occasionally make auroras visible at lower latitudes.
• Linked to solar flares, coronal mass ejections and space weather.

(GS-1: Geography – Places in News)

• About Sea of Azov
  • It is a shallow inland sea connected to the Black Sea through the Kerch Strait.
• It is bordered by Russia and Ukraine. Major rivers flowing into it include the Don River and Kuban River.
• The region remains strategically important in the Russia–Ukraine conflict.

(GS-1: Geography)

• The Zojila Tunnel is being constructed under the Zoji La Pass on National Highway-1 connecting Srinagar, Drass, Kargil and Leh.
• It will be one of Asia’s longest bi-directional road tunnels.
• The project aims to provide all-weather connectivity to Ladakh, strengthen border infrastructure and improve military logistics.
• Zojila Pass lies in the Great Himalayan Range.

• The Supreme Court examined the balance between a child’s right to identity and an individual’s Right to Privacy under Article 21.
• The issue involves DNA testing, legitimacy, family law and personal autonomy.
• Courts generally permit DNA tests only when necessary and after considering privacy concerns.
• The judgment highlights the principle that fundamental rights may require balancing against competing rights.

(GS-2: Polity & Governance)

• Publicly parading accused persons may violate the Right to Dignity and Right to Privacy under Article 21.
• The Supreme Court has repeatedly emphasized the presumption of innocence until proven guilty.
• Police actions must conform to due process and human rights standards.
• Relevant judgments include DK Basu v. State of West Bengal (1997) regarding custodial safeguards.

(GS-2:Polity and Governance)

• Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA) was launched in 2016 by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
• It provides free antenatal care to pregnant women on the 9th day of every month.
• Objectives include early detection of high-risk pregnancies and reduction of maternal and neonatal mortality.
• Supports SDG targets relating to maternal health.

(GS-2:Polity and Governance)

• The Court reiterated that eligibility conditions prescribed in recruitment rules must be strictly followed.
• Possessing a higher qualification does not automatically imply eligibility for a lower post unless rules specifically provide equivalence.
• The judgment highlights principles of equality in public employment under Articles 14 and 16.

(GS-3: Economy )

• Electric Vehicles (EVs) use electric motors powered by rechargeable batteries, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and lowering emissions.
• India aims to achieve 30% EV penetration in private cars, 70% in commercial vehicles and 80% in two- and three-wheelers by 2030.
• Key initiatives include PM E-DRIVE, PLI Scheme for Advanced Chemistry Cells (ACC), PLI Auto Scheme, and expansion of charging infrastructure.
• Challenges include battery costs, charging network gaps, dependence on imported critical minerals and power distribution constraints.

(GS-3: Internal Security)

• According to the latest SIPRI Yearbook 2026, India’s estimated nuclear stockpile has increased to around 190 warheads.
• India follows a policy of Credible Minimum Deterrence and No First Use (NFU).
• India’s nuclear command structure is overseen by the Nuclear Command Authority (NCA).
• SIPRI is an independent research institute based in Stockholm, Sweden.

• The South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) was established in 1997 and promotes football cooperation among South Asian countries.
• Members include India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Maldives.
• The SAFF Championship is the premier football tournament of the region.

• French Open (Roland Garros) is one of the four Grand Slam tournaments and is played on clay courts.
• The other Grand Slams are the Australian Open (hard court), Wimbledon (grass court) and US Open (hard court).