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Daily Current Affairs 10 June 2026 – IAS Current Affairs

IAS Current Affairs

Daily Current Affairs 10June 2026 – IAS Current Affairs

Current Affairs 10 June 2026 focuses on the Prelims-Mains perspective. Major events are :

Fertilizer Subsidy

Source: Indian Express
GS III: Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies

Overview

  1. News in Brief
  2. Reason for the fertiliser subsidy burden
  3. Government’s response

Why in the News?

India’s fertilizer cost is likely to rise due to global supply crunch, which results in subsidy burden.

News in Brief
  • The Department of Fertilizers has sought a substantial increase in subsidy allocation as global prices of urea, DAP, and other fertilizers continue to rise.
  • India, heavily dependent on imports of fertilizers and natural gas, faces higher procurement costs due to disruptions in global supply chains.
  • The subsidy burden may exceed rupees 3 lakh crore, far above the budget estimate of rupees 1.7 lakh crore for FY 2026-27.
Reason for fertilizer subsidy burden
  • Supply chain disruptions due to conflicts in West Asia.
  • Rising international prices of urea and DAP.
  • Increased cost of natural gas, a key input for urea production.
  • Heavy dependence on imported fertilizers and raw materials.
Government’s Response
  • The government is inviting global suppliers to participate in tenders for fertilizer supply, ensuring adequate availability during the sowing season.
  • India is diversifying import sources and exploring additional supplies from Russia and other countries, to secure fertilizers at competitive prices and reduce dependence on a few suppliers.
  • The government is expanding domestic fertilizer production capacity to reduce import dependence and improve self-sufficiency.
  • Despite rising costs, the government is maintaining subsidy support so that fertilizer prices remain affordable for farmers, thereby safeguarding agricultural production and food security.

What is Fertilizer Subsidy?

  • A financial support provided by the Government of India to make fertilizers available to farmers at affordable prices.
  • The government bears a part of the cost of production or import, allowing farmers to purchase fertilizers at lower prices.
  • It is India’s second-largest subsidy after food, often exceeding rupees 2 lakh crore annually.
  • Objectives
        • Ensure affordable access to fertilizers for farmers.
        • Increase agricultural productivity.
        • Support food security.
        • Protect farmers from fluctuations in global fertilizers prices.

 

Significance

  • Ensures availability of fertilizers during the crucial agricultural season.
  • Protects farmers from steep increases in input coasts.
  • Supports food security and agricultural productivity.
  • Helps stabilize rural incomes and crop production.

Key Concerns

  • Rising fiscal burden on the government.
  • Increased pressure on the fiscal deficit.
  • Continued vulnerability to global supply-chain disruptions.
  • Fertilizer was one of the 3F’s (Fuel, Fertilizer, Foreign Exchange) cited by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.
        • This requires close monitoring because all are largely imported and paid for in foreign currency, and  the rising imports might put pressure on Indian rupee especially during geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions.

Government Initiatives

  • Integrated Fertilizer Monitoring System(iFMS) – Tracks the movement of subsidized fertilizers across the country.
  • PM-PRANAM (PM Programme for Restoration, Awareness Generation, Nourishment and Amelioration of Mother Earth), 2023 – Incentivizes states to reduce consumption of chemical fertilizers.
  • Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janurvarak Pariyojana (PMBJP) – One Nation One Fertilizer, Fertilizers are marketed under the single brand “Bharat” (e.g., Bharat Urea, Bharat DAP).
  • Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) in Fertilizers, 2018- Subsidy is released to companies only after fertilizers are sold to farmers through PoS device.
          • Enhances transparency and reduces leakages.

 

UPSC Prelims Practice Question

Consider the following statements regarding PM-PRANAM

  1. It aims to reduce the excessive use of chemical fertilizers.
  2. It provides incentives to states that lower chemical fertilizer consumption.
  3. It is implemented by the Ministry of Rural Development.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

a)1 and 2 only

b) 2 and 3 only

c) 1 and 3 only

d) 1.2 and 3

Answer: a) 1 and 2 only

Explanation:  The scheme is linked to Department of Fertilizers , Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers.

India’s Infrastructure Development

Source: PIB 
GS III: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways.

Overview

  1. News in Brief
  2. Key Highlights
  3. Integrated Infrastructure Planning

Why in the News?

Press Information Bureau highlighted the transformative role of infrastructure development, supporting India’s vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047.

News in Brief
  • Over the past decade, India has significantly expanded its physical, digital and energy infrastructure over the past decade.
  • Major initiatives in transport, electrification, clean energy and digital connectivity have improved ease of living and ease of doing business.
  • Infrastructure is being positioned as a key pillar of economic growth, job creation, and sustainable development.
Key Highlights
  • Road Infrastructure
    • National Highway network expanded substantially.
    • Focused on economic corridors and expressways.
    • Construction pace of highways increased significantly.

Major Schemes

      • Bharatmala Pariyojana
            • Focused on economic corridors, border roads, coastal roads, and expressways.
            • Improves freight movement and regional connectivity.
            • Aims to reduce travel time and logistics costs, and enhances connectivity to remote regions.
      • Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana
            • Transformed rural connectivity through all-weather road infrastructure,  improving access to healthcare, education, markets and economic opportunities.
  • Railway Infrastructure
    • Accelerated electrification of railway routes.
    • Modernized railway stations.
    • Introduced semi-high speed trains such as Vande Bharat.
    • Expanded Dedicated Freight Corridors.

Major Initiatives

      • Dedicated Freight Corridors
      • Amrit Bharat Station Scheme
      • Vande Bharat Programme
      • Aimed at providing faster passenger movement, improved freight efficiency and reduced carbon emissions.
  • Port and Maritime Infrastructure
    • Enhancing capacity, and efficiency of ports.
    • Strengthened as efficient gateways for domestic and international trade.

Major Initiatives

      • Sagarmala Programme
            • Port-led development strategy by integrating ports with industrial clusters and logistics network.
            • Supported modernization of infrastructure, and the development of coastal economic zones.
  • Aviation Infrastructure
    • Expansion of airports across the country.
    • Smaller cities gained stronger air connectivity with major urban centres.

Major initiatives

      • UDAN Scheme
            • Makes air travel affordable for wider sections.
            • Connects remote regions.
            • Enhances regional development.
  • Urban Infrastructure
    • Expansion of affordable housing.
    • Improvement in urban services and basic amenities.

Major schemes

      • Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana
            • Affordable housing for urban and rural households.
      • Smart Cities Mission
            • Technology-driven urban development.
            • Supports planned urbanization.
  • Water Infrastructure
    • Expanded through large-scale investments in drinking water access, irrigation facilities, river rejuvenation, and conservation systems.

Major Schemes

      • Jal Jeevan Mission –  Functional Household Tap Connections (FHTCs) to rural households.
      • Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana – improved irrigation access and water-use efficiently.
      • Namami Gange Programme – river rejuvenation
      • Ken-Betwa Link Project – river interlinking
  • Energy Infrastructure
    • Expansion of electricity access and clean cooking fuel.
    • Strengthening of transmission networks.
    • Growth in renewable energy capacity.

Major schemes

      • PM Ujjwala Yojana – LPG connections to poor households, especially women.
      • GOBARdhan scheme – converts biodegradable waste into biogas and organic manure.
      • International Solar Alliance (ISA)  – By India and France to promote solar energy globally.
      • Global Biofuels Alliance (GBA) – Promotes biofuel cooperation and adoption worldwide.
  • Digital Infrastructure
    • Expansion in broadband connectivity.
    • Growth of digital public infrastructure.
    • Aims to bridge digital divide and supports e-governance,

Major Initiatives

      • PM -WANI – affordable public internet access through decentralized public Wi-Fi hotspots.
      • BharatNet – High speed internet connectivity in rural areas.
      • UPI (Unified Payment Interface) – one of world’s largest real-time payment systems.
      • Other initiatives include
            • DigiLocker
            • UMANG
            • SWAYAM
            • DIKSHA
            • e-Hospital platform
            • PM e-Vidya
 Integrated Infrastructure Planning
  • PM GatiShakti National Master Plan
        • GIS based integrated infrastructure planning platform.
        • Coordinate planning across multiple ministries.
        • Focus on multimodal connectivity.
        • Reduces project delays.
        • Improves infrastructure efficiency.
        • Reduces logistics costs.

These initiatives have improved competitiveness and supported India’s transition towards modern and integrated economy.

 

UPSC Prelims Practice Question

Consider the following statements regarding India’s  infrastructure initiatives

  1. The Global Biofuels Alliance was launched during India’s G20 Presidency.
  2. GOBARdhan promotes conversion of biodegradable waste into biogas and organic manure.
  3. PM -WANI expanded affordable public internet access through decentralized public Wi-Fi hotspots.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

a) 1 and 2 only

b) 2 and 3 only

c) 1 and 3 only

d) 1,2 and 3

Answer: d) 1,2 and 3

Declining Fertility Rates

Source: Indian Express
GS I: Role of Women and Women’s Organization, Population and associated issues, Poverty and Developmental Issues, Urbanization, their problems and their remedies.

Overview

  1. News in Brief
  2. Factors driving low fertility rates
  3. Implications of falling fertility rate

Why in the News?

An Indian Express editorial examines the growing concern over declining fertility rates across the world, including India, and their demographic and economic implications.

News in Brief
  • Several countries, including India, are witnessing declining fertility rates.
  • India’s Total Fertility Rate (TFR) has fallen to 1.9 births per woman, below the replacement-level of 2.1.
  • Governments are experimenting with cash incentives, and childcare benefits, to reverse the trend.
Factors driving low fertility rates

India still possesses a demographic dividend, but this window may narrow in the coming decades.

  • Changing social values
          • More people prioritize careers, personal freedom, and lifestyle choices over larger families.
          • Rise in number of single individuals and declining rates of marriage.
          • Increasing delayed marriage and parenthood reduces overall fertility levels.
  • Increased Female Education and Employment
          • Higher education levels and workforce participation often lead to delayed marriages and fewer child births.
          • The endurance of traditional gender roles , where women end-up shouldering domestic responsibilities in addition to working towards their career aspirations, women choose not to have or have few children.
  • Urbanization
          • Urban living is associated with smaller family sizes due to space constraints and higher living costs.
  • Technological and Lifestyle changes
          • Smartphone use, and evolving family aspirations are influencing fertility decisions.

Total Fertility Rate (TFR)

  • The average number of children that a woman is expected to bear in her reproductive years.
  • Among the most important figures in population growth is the TFR.
Implications of falling fertility rates

Positive effects

  • Better maternal and child healthcare maintained.
  • Higher investments per child in education and healthcare.

Negative effects

  • Challenges in maintaining pension system and paying for public healthcare for the elderly.
          • Lead to higher taxes on working population.
  • Increase in ageing population with few adult children to take care of them.
  • Shrinking workforce – demographic decline.
  • Slower economic growth in the long term.

Replacement-Level Fertility Rate

  • The level needed to maintain a stable population size over generations.
  • Generally considered 2.1 children per woman.
  • That is, an average of two children per woman to replace the mother and father, is considered ideal to ensure population stability.

 

Way Forward

  • Increase higher public spending on health.
  • Reducing fertility is easier than increasing fertility – State interventions in mitigation could be a better strategy to reverse the trend.

 

UPSC Prelims Practice Question

Consider the following statements regarding Total Fertility Rate (TFR)

  1. Total Fertility Rate refers to the average number of children a woman is expected to have during her reproductive years.
  2. A TFR of 2.1 is generally considered the replacement- level fertility rate.
  3. India’s TFR is currently above the replacement level.

Which of the statements given above is/are incorrect?

a) 1 and 2 only

b) 2 and 3 only

c)  3 only

d) 1,2 and 3

Answer: c) 3 only

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