Daily Current Affairs 11 June 2026 – IAS Current Affairs

Current Affairs 11 June 2026 focuses on the Prelims-Mains perspective. Major events are :

Birsa Munda

Source: Indian Express
GS I: Modern Indian History from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present – Significant events, personalities, issues.

Overview

1. News in Brief
2. Birsa Munda and His Legacy
3. The Ulgulan Movement

Why in the News?

June 9, marks the death anniversary of Birsa Munda, one of India’s most celebrated tribal freedom fighters.

News in Brief

• Recent demand for “delisting” – the exclusion of tribal converts from the Scheduled Tribe (ST) list have renewed attention to Birsa Munda’s legacy and his contribution to Adivasi rights.
• Several tribal organizations in Jharkhand commemorated Birsa Munda and pledged to protect his legacy.
• They highlighted his role in defending Adivasi identity, land rights, sovereignty, and cultural traditions against colonial exploitation.

Birsa Munda and His Legacy

• Born on November 15, 1875 in Ulihatu village (Present day Jharkhand).
• Belonged to the Munda Tribe – a tribe of nomadic-hunters-turned- farmers who lived in Chotanagpur region in today’s Jharkhand, had to bear the brunt of a series of adverse policies and events of Britishers.

Destruction of the Khuntkatti System and exploitation by ‘Dikus’

• The Permanent Settlement Act,  enacted in 1793, led to the abolition of “Khuntkatti System”, and transferred the real ownership of land to Zamindars, who were viewed by the tribes as  outsiders or “Dikus”.
• This transformed the traditional land structure of the Munda tribes.

Exploitation through the “Begar system”

• A system of forced labour, where tribals were compelled to depend on moneylenders for credit and they replaced their traditional clan councils with courts.

Anti-missionary activities

• Birsa Munda, at the age of 12 converted to Christianity.
• Though Munda trusted the missionaries, he quit his missionary school.
• He opposed missionary influence, since he believed British officials and missionaries worked together to undermine tribal society.
• Munda soon emerged as a tribal leader and brought people together to fight for anti-missionary and anti-colonial causes.
• He founded a socio-religious movement known as “Birsait” and was referred to as ‘Bhagwan’ (God) and ‘Dharti ka Abba’ (Father of the Earth) by his followers.

The Ulgulan Movement (1899-1900)

• Birsa Munda launched the Ulgulan Movement (Munda Rebellion) in 1899.
  • • • Ulgulan means “Great Tumult” or “Great Rebellion”.
• It was one of the most organized and widespread tribal revolts.
• Objectives
  • • • End British rule
      • Expel outsiders from their region
      • Restore tribal land rights
      • Establish an independent Munda state.
• Features
  • • • Use of weapons and guerrilla warfare
      • Mass mobilization of tribal communities
      • Combined social, religious and political resistance.
• However, the British were able to halt movement and arrested Munda.
• It is believed he died in Ranchi jail on June 9 1900, at the young age of 25.
• Though the rebellion was suppressed, it became a landmark tribal resistance movement.
• The movement also contributed to the repeal of begar system and led to the Tenancy Act (1903), which recognized the Khuntkatti system.
• The Chotanagpur Tenancy act later banned the passage of tribal land to non-tribal folks.

Contemporary relevance his legacy

The descendants of Birsa Munda’s family have followed Christianity for generations. Opposing the demand for delisting of Christian tribals from the ST list, Budhram Munda, a descendant of the family, argued that Adivasi identity is determined by ancestry and community, not religion.

UPSC Prelims Practice Question

Consider the following statements regarding Birsa Munda

1. He led the Ulgulan Movement against British rule and exploitation by zamindars.
2. He is popularly known as “Dhatri Aba” among tribal communities.
3. Birsa Munda advocated the protection of Adivasi identity, culture, and land rights.
4. The Chotanagpur Tenancy act,1908 completely abolished the private ownership of land in the Chotanagpur region.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

a) 1 and 2 only

b) 1,2 and 3 only

c) 1,2 and 4 only

d) 1,2,3 and 4

Answer: b) 1,2,and 3

Zojila Tunnel Through The Himalayas

Source: Indian Express
GS III: Infrastructure

Overview

1. News in Brief
2. Zojila Tunnel
3. Geographical and Environmental Challenges
4. Significance of Zojila Tunnel

Why in the News?

The Zojila Tunnel, a 13 km-long tunnel connecting Sonamarg in Kashmir with Drass in Ladakh, has achieved a major construction milestone.

News in Brief

• The Zojila Tunnel is being built at an altitude of about 11,578 feet in the Himalayas.
• It is one of India’s most challenging infrastructure projects due to the difficult Himalayan terrain.
• Once completed, it will provide all-weather connectivity between Srinagar, Kargil and Leh, reducing travel disruptions caused by heavy snowfall and avalanches.

Zojila Tunnel

• Zojila Tunnel, a 13 km tunnel, will be India’s longest road tunnel, and is expected to be Asia’s longest bi-directional tunnel.
• It will provide perennial connectivity between Ladakh and the rest of the country.
• The tunnel provides all-weather connectivity and also cuts travel time between Kashmir and Ladakh.
• The project is strategically important for regional development and national security.
• The tunnel is built at a cost of more than rupees 6,500 crore.
• It is expected to be completed by 2028.

Geographical and Environmental Challenges

Extreme climatic conditions

• Temperatures can fall below -30 degree Celsius.
• Low oxygen levels affects workers and machinery.
• Harsh winters bring frequent avalanches and snowstorms.

Unstable geological conditions

• Himalayan rocks vary significantly from one location to another, even differing meter to meter.
• Engineers may encounter loose rocks, large boulders, cracks and fault zones.
• Each rock type requires a different engineering approach.

Young Fold Mountains

• The Himalayas are geologically young and tectonically active.
• Continuous mountain-building processes create instability.
• High stress zones increase the risk of rockfalls and tunnel deformation.

Water Ingress

• Melting snow and underground water often enter the tunnel.
• Excess water pressure can cause flooding or structural damage if not managed properly.

Significance of Zojila Tunnel

Economic importance

• Promotes regional economic development.
• Improves the transportation of goods throughout the year.
• Boosts tourism in Kashmir and Ladakh.

Strategic importance

• Ensures uninterrupted connectivity to Ladakh.
• Enhances military logistics and border infrastructure.
• Strengthens national security in the northern region.

Social Importance

• Provides reliable access to healthcare, education, and essential services.
• Reduces isolation of remote communities during the winter months.

UPSC Prelims Practice Question

Consider the following statements regarding the Zojila Pass

1. It connects the Kashmir Valley with the Ladakh region.
2. It remains open throughout the year.
3. Heavy snowfall and avalanches frequently disrupt transport across the pass.
4. The Zojila Tunnel is being constructed to overcome these seasonal disruptions.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

a) 1,3 and 4 only

b) 1and 2 only

c) 2,3 and 4 only

d) 1,2,3 and 4

Answer: a) 1,3, and 4 only

Explanation: The pass is often closed during winter to cut travel due to heavy snowfall.

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