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June 12th Current Affairs

Home / UPSC / Current affairs / UPSC Current Affairs – June 12th

Table of Contents

Trump Backs Off: U.S. Cancels Planned Strikes on Iran Amid Renewed Diplomatic Efforts

Why in News?

U.S. President Donald Trump announced the cancellation of planned military strikes against Iran, claiming that negotiations had reached an advanced stage and that a possible agreement could be signed soon. However, Iran subsequently stated that no final agreement had yet been approved, highlighting continuing uncertainty in the crisis.

Background of the Crisis

The U.S.–Iran confrontation had intensified after:

  • An American Apache helicopter was downed near the Strait of Hormuz.
  • The U.S. conducted retaliatory strikes on Iranian targets.
  • Iran responded with missile and drone attacks against U.S. interests and allies in the Gulf region.
  • Concerns grew over disruptions to global energy supplies through the Strait of Hormuz.

Against this backdrop, President Trump had earlier threatened further attacks but later reversed course and announced the cancellation of scheduled bombings.

What Did Trump Announce?

According to Trump’s statement:

  • Planned U.S. airstrikes on Iran were cancelled.
  • Negotiations had allegedly been approved by Iran’s senior leadership.
  • Discussions involving several regional countries had progressed significantly.
  • A broader settlement could reopen the Strait of Hormuz and reduce regional tensions.

However, Iranian officials and media reports contradicted parts of Trump’s claims, stating that no final memorandum or agreement had yet been approved.

Why is it important?

  1. Connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea.
  2. One of the world’s most important oil transit chokepoints.
  3. Roughly one-fifth of global petroleum trade passes through it.
  4. Any disruption can increase global oil prices and affect energy-importing countries like India.

Impact on Global Economy

Oil Markets

Following Trump’s announcement:

  • Brent crude and WTI crude prices declined sharply.
  • Markets interpreted the move as a sign of de-escalation.
  • Investors anticipated reduced risks to energy supplies and maritime trade.

Implications for India

India imports a significant portion of its crude oil from West Asia.

A prolonged conflict could:

  • Increase India’s import bill.
  • Worsen inflation.
  • Affect the rupee.
  • Disrupt trade routes and shipping costs.

Any diplomatic settlement would therefore be beneficial for India’s energy security.         

International Relations Perspective

The episode demonstrates:

  1. Coercive Diplomacy

Use of military threats alongside negotiations to achieve political objectives.

  1. Crisis Management

Major powers often combine military pressure with diplomatic engagement to prevent escalation.

  1. Multipolar Mediation

Countries such as Qatar and other Gulf states have reportedly played roles in facilitating discussions.

Challenges Ahead

Despite the announcement, significant obstacles remain:

    • Iran has not formally endorsed a final agreement.
    • Disagreements continue regarding Iran’s nuclear programme.
    • Regional security concerns remain unresolved.
    • Any military incident could derail negotiations.

AFSPA May Be Withdrawn from Almost Entire Northeast by Next Year: Amit Shah

Why in News?

Union Home Minister Amit Shah stated on 11 June 2026 that the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) could be removed from the entire Northeast region, except possibly one or two States, by next year. He attributed this to improved security conditions, declining insurgency, and successful peace agreements in the region.

What is AFSPA?

The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 (AFSPA) is a law that grants special powers to the armed forces in areas declared as “disturbed areas” to combat insurgency and maintain public order. It was enacted initially to address the Naga insurgency in Northeast India.

Constitutional Basis                   

AFSPA is linked to Article 355, which imposes a duty on the Union to protect States against external aggression and internal disturbance.

What is a "Disturbed Area"?

  1. An area may be declared disturbed due to:

    • Armed insurgency
    • Ethnic violence
    • Militancy
    • Serious threats to public order

    The declaration can be made by:

    • Central Government
    • State Governor
    • Union Territory Administrator

Powers Granted Under AFSPA

In a disturbed area, armed forces personnel can:

  1. Use Force

They may use force, including lethal force, after due warning to maintain public order.

  1. Arrest Without Warrant

Any person suspected of committing or about to commit a cognizable offence can be arrested.

  1. Search Without Warrant

Security forces may enter and search premises and seize weapons or explosives.

  1. Legal Protection

No prosecution or legal action can be initiated against armed forces personnel without prior sanction of the Central Government.

Current Status of AFSPA

AFSPA has been gradually withdrawn from large parts of the Northeast due to improved security conditions.

As of 2026, it continues only in selected areas of:

  • Manipur
  • Nagaland
  • Arunachal Pradesh
  • Limited areas of Assam

Why is AFSPA Being Removed?

Decline in Insurgency

Several insurgent groups have entered peace agreements with the government.

Improved Law and Order

Violence-related incidents have reduced significantly.

Development and Connectivity

Infrastructure projects, investments, and governance initiatives have improved stability in the Northeast.

Peace Accords                  

The Centre has signed multiple agreements with tribal and insurgent groups, reducing conflict.

Criticisms of AFSPA

Human Rights Concerns

Critics argue that AFSPA can lead to:

  • Excessive use of force
  • Arbitrary arrests
  • Alleged human rights violations

Immunity Clause

The requirement of Central Government sanction before prosecution is often criticized for creating accountability concerns.

Arguments in Support of AFSPA

  • Essential for counter-insurgency operations.
  • Provides legal protection to security forces operating in hostile conditions.
  • Helps restore order where civil administration faces serious challenges.
  • Prevents insurgent groups from exploiting legal constraints on security forces.

FCRA Amendment Bill, 2026: Debate Over Government Control of NGO Assets

Why in News?

The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026 (FCRA Amendment Bill) was discussed in Parliament and featured prominently in current affairs due to concerns over provisions allowing the government to take control of assets of NGOs whose FCRA registration is cancelled, surrendered, or not renewed. The Bill has generated debate between the government, opposition parties, civil society organizations, and minority institutions.

What is FCRA?

The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), 2010 regulates the acceptance and utilization of foreign contributions by individuals, associations, NGOs, and companies.

Objectives

    • Ensure foreign funds do not affect national security.
    • Prevent foreign influence on political processes.
    • Promote transparency and accountability in the use of foreign funds.
    • Regulate foreign donations received by NGOs and civil society organizations.

Key Provisions of the FCRA Amendment Bill, 2026

  1. Creation of a “Designated Authority”

The most significant amendment is the establishment of a Designated Authority appointed by the Central Government.

Functions         

  • Take custody of foreign contributions and assets created from foreign funds.
  • Manage such assets when an organization’s registration is cancelled, surrendered, or ceases to exist.
  • Supervise and maintain these assets until the organization’s status is resolved.

2. Vesting of Assets

If an NGO:

  • Fails to renew its FCRA registration,
  • Has its registration cancelled,
  • Voluntarily surrenders registration,

then its foreign-funded assets may vest in the Designated Authority.

3. Permanent Vesting

If the organization does not regain registration within the prescribed period:

  • Assets may permanently vest with the authority.
  • Such assets can be transferred to government agencies.
  • They may be sold, and proceeds can be credited to the Consolidated Fund of India.

4. Broader Restrictions on News Organizations

The Bill expands restrictions on accepting foreign contributions to cover any person involved in:

  • News production,
  • News broadcasting,
  • Current affairs activities.

Changes in Penalties

The Bill proposes:

  • Reduction of maximum imprisonment from five years to one year for certain offences.
  • Requirement of prior Central Government approval before initiating investigations under the Act.

Government's Justification

  1. Neighbourhood First Policy

Bangladesh is central to India’s:

  • Regional stability strategy
  • Act East connectivity via Northeast

2. Economic importance

  • Bangladesh is one of India’s largest trade partners in South Asia
  • Key export destination for Indian goods
  • Energy and infrastructure cooperation is growing

3. Security of Northeast India

  • Bangladesh is crucial for:
    • Stability of Siliguri Corridor
    • Counter-insurgency cooperation
    • Border management

Criticisms of the Bill

Excessive Government Control

Critics argue that the Bill gives the executive extensive powers over NGO assets and operations.

Impact on Civil Society

Many NGOs fear:

  • Reduced operational independence.
  • Increased compliance burdens.
  • Chilling effects on advocacy and human-rights work.

Concerns of Minority Institutions

Some opposition parties and organizations have alleged that educational and religious institutions run by minorities could be adversely affected if registrations are cancelled or delayed.

Constitutional and Governance Issues

Article 19(1)(c)                     

Freedom to form associations.

Article 26

Rights of religious denominations to manage their own affairs.

National Security vs Civil Liberties

The debate revolves around balancing:

  • Sovereignty and security,
  • Transparency of foreign funding,
  • Autonomy of civil society organizations.

Labour Code Rules Operationalised: India Moves Towards a Unified Labour Law Framework

Why in News?

The implementation of the rules under the four Labour Codes has once again become a major policy discussion. The Centre has finalized most of the rules, and States are aligning their regulations for nationwide implementation. The reform aims to simplify India’s complex labour law system, improve ease of doing business, and expand social security coverage for workers.

Background

Before the Labour Codes, India had 29 central labour laws governing different aspects of employment.

These laws were often criticized for:

  • Complexity and overlapping provisions.
  • Multiple registrations and compliances.
  • Legal uncertainty for employers.
  • Inadequate social security coverage for informal workers.

To address these issues, Parliament consolidated the 29 laws into Four Labour Codes between 2019 and 2020.

The Four Labour Codes

1. Labour Code on Wages, 2019

Objective

To ensure fair wages and timely payment of wages to all workers.

Key Features

Universal Minimum Wage

  • Empowers the Central Government to fix a National Floor Wage.
  • States cannot prescribe wages below this floor.

Timely Payment of Wages

  • Applicable to all employees irrespective of wage ceiling.

Equal Remuneration

  • Prohibits gender-based wage discrimination.

Significance

  • Promotes wage uniformity across sectors.
  • Helps reduce exploitation of workers.

2. Industrial Relations Code, 2020

Objective

To regulate employer-worker relations and dispute resolution.

Key Provisions

Fixed-Term Employment

Workers can be hired for fixed durations with benefits equal to permanent employees.

Threshold for Retrenchment

Establishments with fewer than 300 workers can undertake layoffs, retrenchment, or closure without prior government permission.

Recognition of Trade Unions

A negotiating union can be recognized if it enjoys majority support.

Industrial Dispute Resolution

Provides mechanisms for quicker dispute settlement.

Importance

  • Greater flexibility for industries.
  • Attempts to balance labour rights and economic growth.

Criticism

Trade unions argue that it weakens job security.

3. Code on Social Security, 2020

Objective

To expand social security benefits to a larger workforce.

Coverage

Includes:

  • Organized workers
  • Unorganized workers
  • Gig workers
  • Platform workers
  • Migrant workers

Key Benefits

Provident Fund (PF)

Employees’ State Insurance (ESI)

Maternity Benefits

Gratuity

Disability Benefits

New Feature

Gig workers associated with app-based platforms may be brought under social security schemes.

Examples:

  • Delivery workers
  • Ride-hailing drivers
  • Freelance digital workers

Importance

This is the first major attempt to formally recognize gig and platform workers in labour legislation.

4. Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020

Objective

To improve workplace safety and welfare.

Key Provisions

Health and Safety Standards

Uniform standards for factories and establishments.

Annual Health Check-ups

Mandatory for certain categories of workers.

Welfare Facilities

Provision for:

  • Drinking water
  • Canteens
  • Restrooms
  • First-aid facilities

Migrant Workers

Provides portability of benefits and better registration mechanisms.

Women Workers

Women can work in all establishments and night shifts subject to safety measures.

Major Structural Reforms

New Definition of Wages

One of the most important reforms.

Wage Definition

Basic Pay + Dearness Allowance (DA) should generally constitute at least 50% of total remuneration.

Impact

Higher PF Contributions

  • Increased retirement savings.

Higher Gratuity Benefits

  • Greater long-term benefits.

Lower Take-home Salary

  • Some employees may see reduced monthly in-hand salary.

Example

If total salary = ₹50,000

Earlier:

  • Basic Pay = ₹15,000

After restructuring:

  • Basic Pay = ₹25,000

Result:

    • PF deductions increase.
    • Retirement corpus increases.

Impact on Different Stakeholders

Workers

Benefits

✔ Better wage protection

✔ Expanded social security

✔ Coverage for gig workers

✔ Improved workplace safety

Concerns

✔ Reduced take-home salary due to higher PF deductions.

Employers

Benefits       

✔ Simplified compliance.

✔ Single registration mechanisms.

✔ Reduced regulatory burden.

✔ Increased labour market flexibility.

Concerns

✔ Increased compliance costs in some sectors.

✔ Higher contribution obligations.

Government

Benefits

✔ Improved labour market formalization.

✔ Better worker databases.

✔ Easier monitoring and enforcement.

Challenges in Implementation

State-Level Readiness

Labour is in the Concurrent List, requiring coordination between Centre and States.

Trade Union Opposition

Trade unions fear:

  • Easier layoffs.
  • Reduced collective bargaining power.
  • Increased contractualization.

Gig Worker Coverage

Questions remain regarding:

  • Funding mechanisms.
  • Employer liability.
  • Scope of benefits.

Informal Sector Integration

Over 80% of India’s workforce remains informal, making implementation difficult.

Significance for India

Economic Significance

  • Improves ease of doing business.
  • Encourages investment.
  • Enhances labour market flexibility.

Social Significance

  • Expands worker protection.
  • Promotes formal employment.
  • Improves social security coverage.

Governance Significance

  • Replaces fragmented labour laws with a simplified framework.

Bacillary Dysentery: A Bacterial Intestinal Infection and Public Health Concern

Why in News?

Bacillary dysentery has recently been in the news due to reported outbreaks in several regions, particularly during the monsoon season when contaminated food and water increase the risk of transmission. Public health authorities have emphasized preventive measures to contain its spread.

What is Bacillary Dysentery?

Bacillary dysentery is an acute intestinal infection caused primarily by bacteria of the genus Shigella. It leads to inflammation of the intestines, resulting in severe diarrhea containing blood and mucus.

Causative Organism

The disease is mainly caused by:

  • Shigella dysenteriae

Other Shigella species such as S. flexneri, S. boydii, and S. sonnei.

Transmission

The disease spreads through the fecal-oral route.

Common modes of transmission include:

  • Drinking contaminated water.
  • Consuming contaminated food.
  • Poor hand hygiene.
  • Person-to-person contact.

Flies carrying bacteria from fecal matter to food.

Symptoms

  1. Symptoms usually appear 1–3 days after infection.

    Common Symptoms

    • Frequent diarrhea
    • Blood and mucus in stools
    • Abdominal cramps
    • Fever
    • Nausea and vomiting
    • Dehydration

    Severe Cases

    • Seizures in children
    • Severe dehydration
    • Toxic megacolon (rare)
    • Death if untreated

Pathogenesis (How it Causes Disease)

  1. Shigella enters through contaminated food or water.
  2. It invades the intestinal lining, particularly the colon.
  3. The bacteria produce toxins that damage intestinal cells.
  4. This leads to inflammation, ulceration, and bloody diarrhea.

Diagnosis

  1. Laboratory Tests

    • Stool microscopy
    • Stool culture (gold standard)
    • Molecular diagnostic tests (PCR)

Treatment

 

The most important treatment is:

  • Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS)
  • Intravenous fluids in severe cases

Antibiotics             

May be prescribed depending on severity and antibiotic sensitivity patterns.

Nutritional Support

Maintaining nutrition is important, especially in children.

Prevention

  • Personal Measures

    ✔ Handwashing with soap

    ✔ Safe drinking water

    ✔ Proper sanitation

    ✔ Hygienic food preparation

    Community Measures

    ✔ Improved sewage disposal

    ✔ Access to clean water

    ✔ Public health surveillance

    ✔ Health education campaigns

Difference Between Bacillary and Amoebic Dysentery

Feature

Bacillary Dysentery

Amoebic Dysentery

Cause

Bacteria (Shigella)

Protozoan (Entamoeba histolytica)

Onset

Sudden

Gradual

Fever

Common

Less common

Severity

Often acute

Usually chronic

Transmission

Contaminated food/water

Contaminated food/water

Public Health Significance

Vulnerable Groups                                           

  • Children under 5 years
  • Elderly individuals
  • Malnourished populations
  • People with poor access to sanitation

Why It Matters?

  • Major cause of diarrheal disease.
  • Can lead to outbreaks in crowded areas.
  • Closely linked to sanitation and drinking water quality.

                                       

 

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