News of The Day – 12th June 2026

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

(with Syllabus Relevance)

(GS-1: Society )

• Debate emerges as fertility rates decline in many Indian states and globally.
• India’s Total Fertility Rate (TFR) has fallen close to replacement level (2.1).
• Some countries offer tax incentives, childcare support, housing benefits, and cash transfers to boost births.
  • Indian States providing incentives
• Raises questions about demographic dividend, ageing population, labour force sustainability, and fiscal implications.

(GS-2: Polity & Governance )

• The Supreme Court reiterated that unpaid domestic work has substantial economic value.
• Such observations are often made while determining compensation in motor accident claims.
• Recognises homemakers’ contribution to family welfare and national productivity.
• Highlights issues of gender justice, unpaid care work, and women’s economic participation.

(GS-2:International Relations)

• The forum brings together BRICS countries to discuss sustainable urbanisation and smart city development.
• Focus areas include urban governance, housing, infrastructure, climate resilience, and digital technologies.
• Encourages exchange of best practices among BRICS members.
• Supports achievement of SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).

(GS-2:International Relations)

• Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) has witnessed protests over inflation, electricity tariffs, and governance issues. 
• The region remains under Pakistan’s administrative control but is claimed by India as part of the former princely state of Jammu & Kashmir.
• Strategic significance due to the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
• Highlights socio-economic and political challenges in the region.

• India spends around 0.6–0.7% of GDP on Research & Development, lower than major economies.
• Private sector contribution remains limited compared to countries like China, South Korea, and the US.
• Challenges include inadequate funding, weak industry-academia linkages, risk-averse culture, and regulatory bottlenecks.
• Greater investment in innovation is critical for achieving technological self-reliance and high-income growth.

(GS-3: Science and Tech)

• Airbus C295 transport aircraft is being manufactured in India through a partnership between Airbus and Tata Advanced Systems.
• The project supports the Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives.
• C295 will replace the ageing Avro fleet of the Indian Air Force.

(GS-2:International Relations)

• Facilitates seamless and faster cross-border money transfers between India and Nepal.
• Strengthens financial connectivity and people-to-people ties.
• Supports digital payment integration and financial inclusion.
• Reflects growing India–Nepal cooperation in digital public infrastructure.

(GS-2:International Relations)

• India supplied vaccines and medical assistance to the Maldives during a measles outbreak. 
• Demonstrates India’s role as a first responder in the Indian Ocean Region. 
• About Measles.

(GS-3: Economy)

• FCNR(B) deposits are foreign currency fixed deposits maintained by NRIs with Indian banks.
• Under the swap scheme, RBI provides a facility allowing banks to swap foreign currency deposits into rupees at concessional rates.
• Used to attract foreign currency inflows and strengthen forex reserves. 
• A similar scheme in 2013 helped India tackle external sector pressures during the “taper tantrum”.

(GS-3: Economy)

• PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana aims to install rooftop solar systems in one crore households.
• Provides subsidies and enables households to generate electricity and reduce bills.
• Domestic Content Requirement (DCR) mandates use of domestically manufactured solar cells/modules.
• Industry concerns that limited domestic cell production may slow installations and increase costs in the short term.

• Domestic Content Requirement seeks to strengthen indigenous solar manufacturing.
• However, domestic production capacity for solar cells remains lower than demand.
• Short-term supply shortages may affect rooftop solar expansion under PM Surya Ghar. 
• Reflects the challenge of balancing self-reliance with rapid renewable energy deployment.

(GS-3: Economy)

• OSOP (One State One Product) promotes region-specific products and traditional skills.
• The initiative supports Divyangjan artisans under the Vishwakarma ecosystem.
• Focuses on skill development, market access, entrepreneurship, and livelihood enhancement.
• Contributes to inclusive growth and empowerment of persons with disabilities.