Daily Current Affairs — 12 January 2026
6 articles • UPSC Prelims & Mains
National Youth Day 2026
In News Recently, National Youth Day was observed to mark the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda. National Youth Day or Rashtriya Yuva Divas It is celebrated on 12th January every year in commemoration of the great spiritual leader, philosopher and thinker Swami Vivekananda, whose unwavering belief in the potential of youth continues to resonate deeply with young citizens of the country. His inspiring life and empowering message urge the youth to nurture their dreams, unleash their energies,
Govt to Merge Agricultural Schemes, Link Funds to State Reforms
Context The Union Ministry of Agriculture has proposed to merge three separate ongoing schemes with its flagship Pradhan Mantri-Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (PM-RKVY). About The schemes to be merged with PM-RKVY are Krishonnati Yojana (KY) to boost farmers’ income, National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF) and National Bee and Honey Mission (NBHM). PM-RKVY, KY and NMNF are Centrally sponsored with implementation done by the state governments using funds jointly provided by both, while NBHM is
India Tightens Regulatory Oversight of Cryptocurrency Exchanges
Context The Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), has issued revised Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (CFT) guidelines for cryptocurrency exchanges. Regulatory Status of Cryptocurrencies in India Cryptocurrencies are not recognised as legal tender in India. Transactions involving crypto assets are taxed under the Income-tax Act.
Faster, Demand-led Approach Needed for PSEs Privatisation: CII
Context Recently, the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), in its recommendations for the Union Budget 2026–27, has urged the government to adopt a faster, demand-led approach to the privatisation of Public Sector Enterprises (PSEs). Disinvestment of Public Sector Enterprises (PSEs) It refers to the process by which the government reduces its stake in state-owned enterprises, either partially or fully. It aims to infuse market efficiency, attract private investment, and reduce the fiscal burd
India’s Maritime Policy
Context India’s maritime policy has undergone significant evolution, intricately linked to its historical and geographical context, as explored in ‘The Routledge Handbook of Maritime India’. About The handbook delves into India’s rich maritime history and strategic relationships across the Indian Ocean. It comprises five essays by different scholars, traces the historical evolution of India’s outward reach, focusing on the Cholas, the Marathas, Europeans and Indo-Arab maritime trade.
SC Urges Union Government to Introduce a “Romeo-Juliet” Clause in POCSO Act
In News/Context The Supreme Court of India has flagged the misuse of the POCSO Act in cases of consensual adolescent relationships and urged the Union Government to examine the feasibility of introducing a “Romeo–Juliet clause”. Core Issue Highlighted by the Court Criminalisation of Consensual Adolescence: Under current law, even if two individuals are in a consensual romantic relationship, the moment one is below 18 years (even by a day), stringent POCSO provisions apply. Harmful Impact of Crim