Daily Current Affairs 13 June 2026 – IAS Current Affairs

Current Affairs 13 June 2026 focuses on the Prelims-Mains perspective. Major events are :

---

Coral Translocation in Great Nicobar: Environmental Concerns and Conservation Challenges

Source: Indian Express
GS III: Environment and Conservation

---

Overview

1. News in Brief
2. What is Coral Translocation?
3. Environmental concerns
4. Legal and Institutional Framework
5. About Great Nicobar Island

Why in the News?

The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) informed the biodiversity monitoring committee that four suitable sites have been identified for relocating Corals and Giant Clams from the Great Nicobar Island development project-affected area.

News in Brief

---

• The Zoological Survey of India has identified four sites on the west coast of Great Nicobar Island for the translocation of coral colonies and giant clams that may be affected by the proposed transhipment port at Galathea Bay under the Great Nicobar Island (GNI) development project.
• The exercise is part of the Environmental Clearance (EC) and Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) conditions attached to the Great Nicobar mega project.
• The move aims to minimise the ecological damage caused by infrastructure development in the ecologically sensitive region.

What is Coral Translocation?

---

Coral translocation as the process of carefully removing coral colonies or fragments from a threatened site and relocating them to a suitable habitat.

Objectives of Coral Translocation

• Reduce ecological loss from development projects
  • Mega-container transhipment port and associated infrastructure require massive dredging, which impacts the reefs.
  • Increased chemical run-off, sewage discharge, and thermal pollution from vessels also degrade Coral Reefs in the region
• Restore degraded coral habitats
  • ZSI is shifting an estimated 16,150 coral colonies alongside Giant Clams from a 10-hectare impact zone in Galathea Bay.
• Protect coral species from direct project impact
  • The translocation is a mandatory environmental mitigation condition required by the National Green Tribunal (NGT).
• Support long-term reef conservation
  • Conducts SCUBA-based research and uses autonomous systems for long-term ecological monitoring to understand how reefs respond to climate change.
  • Many NGOs accept funding to adopt coral frames or sponsor artificial reef structures.
  • Practice eco-friendly diving and snorkelling to avoid trampling or physically damaging the vulnerable reefs when visiting.

Key facts on Coral Translocation

• Around 16,150 coral colonies are proposed to be translocated from the Galathea Bay region.
  • Coral translocation is being considered as a mitigation measure to balance infrastructure development with biodiversity conservation.
• GPS-based monitoring will be used to track the survival and health of relocated coral colonies.
• Approvals under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, will be obtained for handling Schedule – I species such as coral colonies and giant clams.
• A biodiversity monitoring committee has been established to oversee compliance with environmental safeguards.
• Surveys have recorded 141 leatherback turtle nests in the Nicobar region.
• Experts have recommended satellite tagging of turtles to track their movement before the commencement of the project.

Legal and Institutional Framework

---

• Coastal Regulation Zone Rules
  • CRZ rules regulate activities in coastal and marine areas to protect sensitive coastal ecosystems.
  • Prohibit construction, dredging, and destructive practices in designated coastal and marine ecological zones
• Wild Life Protection Act, 1972
  • Protected species such as corals and giant clams may require legal approval for handling or relocation.
  • All hard corals (Scleractinian species) are listed under Schedule I, which imposes strict prohibitions on the collection, harvesting, and trade of both live and dead corals, violations punishable by imprisonment.
• Biological Diversity Act, 2002
  • Regulates the access and benefit-sharing of marine biological resources and governs the declaration of Marine Biodiversity Heritage Sites
• National Coastal Mission Programme
  • A Central Sector Scheme dedicated to the restoration and management of major coral reef sites (Gulf of Kutch, Gulf of Mannar, Lakshadweep, and Andaman & Nicobar Islands).
• National Coastal Mission Programme
  • This is a Central Sector Scheme.
  • Dedicated to the restoration and management of major coral reef sites (Gulf of Kutch, Gulf of Mannar, Lakshadweep, and Andaman & Nicobar Islands).

Significance of Coral Reefs in India

---

• Development vs Conservation
  • The issue reflects the challenge of balancing strategic infrastructure with ecological protection.
• Marine Biodiversity Protection
  • Coral reefs support fisheries, coastal protection and marine food chains.
• Island Governance
  • Great Nicobar raises questions about sustainable development in fragile island regions.
• Climate Resilience
  • Healthy coral reefs act as natural barriers and support coastal resilience.
• Livelihoods
  • Coastal region people rely on coral reefs for income.

Environmental Concerns

---

• Galathea Bay is an important habitat for,
  • • • • Coral reefs
        • Giant Clams
        • Leatherback sea turtles
        • Nicobar Megapode
        • Saltwater crocodiles
        • Nicobar macaques
        • Coconut crabs
        • Robber crabs
        • Tree-cavity-nesting birds.
• Environmental groups have raised concerns regarding,
  • • • • Effectiveness of large-scale coral translocation.
        • Disturbance to nesting beaches of leatherback turtles.
        • Long-term impacts on fragile island ecosystems.

About Great Nicobar Island

---

• The southernmost large island of the Nicobar group.
• Located close to important international sea routes near the Malacca Strait.
• Home to tropical forests, coral reefs, mangroves and coastal ecosystems.
• Habitat for several rare, endemic and protected species.

Conclusion

---

• The project highlights the challenges of pursuing strategic and economic development in ecologically sensitive island regions.
• The outcome may shape future environmental management practices for large coastal infrastructure projects in India.

UPSC Prelims Facts

---

• Coral reefs are marine biodiversity hotspots.
• Corals are protected under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
• Giant clams are reef-associated marine species.
• Galathea Bay is located on Great Nicobar Island.
• Leatherback turtles are among the largest sea turtles.
• CRZ regulations govern coastal development activities.
• Coral bleaching is linked to rising sea surface temperature.

UPSC Prelims Practice Question

---

With reference to the conservation measures under the Great Nicobar Development Project, consider the following statements,

1. 1. Coral translocation involves relocating coral colonies from one site to another to reduce project-related ecological impacts.
   2. The Great Nicobar Project proposes the relocation of both coral colonies and giant clams.
   3. Giant Clams are protected under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

Which of the statements given above is/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

Key Takeaways

---

 

---

National Emergency in India 1975: Allahabad High Court Verdict, Causes and Constitutional Lessons

Source: Indian Express
GS I: Post-Independence Consolidation and Reorganization within the country, GS II: Indian Constitution- Historical underpinnings, Evolution, Features, Amendments, Significant provisions and Basic structure.

---

Overview

1. News in Brief
2. The Election Case
3. Allahabad High Court Verdict
4. Proclamation of Emergency

Why in the News?

Recalling over five decades since the June 12, 1975, Allahabad High Court Verdict that set aside Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s election and paved the way for the Emergency, the landmark judgment remains a defining moment in India’s democratic history.

News in Brief

---

• On June 12,1975, the Allahabad High Court invalidated Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s 1971 Lok Sabha election from Rae Bareli in a case filed by Raj Narain.
• The court found her guilty of certain electoral malpractices and set aside her election, creating a major political crisis.
• The Historians regard this ruling as a key trigger for the declaration of the National Emergency on June 25, 1975.

Background: The Political Context of the 1970s

---

• 1971 Lok Sabha election and Indira Gandhi’s victory.
• Bangladesh Liberation War and rise of her political authority.
• Economic stress, inflation and unemployment.
• Student movements in Gujarat and Bihar.
• JP Movement led by Jayaprakash Narayan.
• Growing confrontation between the government and the opposition.

Election Case: Raj Narain vs Indira Gandhi

---

Raj Narain, a socialist leader, challenged Indira Gandhi’s election from Rae Bareli. He alleged misuse of government machinery, excessive election expenditure and unfair electoral practices. The case became historically important because it brought the election of a sitting Prime Minister under judicial scrutiny.

Key Allegations

• Misuse of government officials for election work.
• Use of state machinery for campaign arrangements.
• Excessive campaign expenditure.
• Violation of provisions under the Representation of the People Act, 1951.

Allahabad High Court Verdict

Justice Jagmohan Lal Sinha delivered the judgment on 12 June 1975. Most of the allegations were dismissed, but the court upheld two major charges.

1. The use of Yashpal Kapoor, a government servant, for election-related work before his resignation became effective.
2. Assistance from Uttar Pradesh government officials in campaign-related activities such as arrangements for election meetings.

Consequences of the Verdict

• Indira Gandhi’s election from Rae Bareli was declared void.
• She was disqualified from contesting elections for six years.
• She was given time to appeal before the Supreme Court.
• The judgment triggered a major constitutional and political crisis.

Supreme Court’s Conditional Stay

• On 24 June 1975, the Supreme Court granted a conditional stay.
• Indira Gandhi was allowed to continue as Prime Minister, but restrictions were placed on her parliamentary rights until the final decision.
• This intensified political uncertainty and strengthened opposition protests.

The Election Case

---

• Raj Narain, a socialist leader defeated by Indira Gandhi in the 1971 elections, challenged her victory before the Allahabad High Court.
• The petition alleged misuse of government machinery, excessive expenditure, and unfair electoral practices.
• In March 1975, Indira Gandhi became the first Indian Prime Minister to testify in court regarding her election campaign.

Allahabad High Court Verdict

---

• Justice Jagmohan Lal Sinha delivered the judgment on June 12, 1975.
• Out of 14 allegations, 12 were dismissed.
• However, the court upheld two charges,
  • • • • Use of Yashpal Kapoor, a government servant, as an election agent before his resignation took effect.
        • Assistance from Uttar Pradesh government officials in campaign-related activities.
• The  court declared her election void and barred her from contesting elections for six years.
• She was granted 20 days to appeal before the Supreme Court.

Supreme Court’s Conditional Stay

• On June 24, 1975, the Supreme Court granted a conditional stay.
• Indira Gandhi could continue as Prime Minister and attend Parliament.
• However, she could not vote in parliament or draw a salary as an MP until the final decision.
• The order intensified political uncertainty and opposition protests.

Proclamation of Emergency

---

• On the night of June 25, 1975, President Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed proclaimed an Internal Emergency.
• Civil liberties were suspended and press censorship was imposed.
• Electricity to several newspaper offices in Delhi was reportedly cut to prevent publication of morning editions.
• The Emergency remained in force until March 1977.

44th Constitutional Amendment

---

44th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1978, was introduced after the Emergency experience to prevent misuse of emergency powers.

Important Changes

• “Internal disturbance” was replaced by “armed rebellion”.
• Written advice of the Union Cabinet became necessary for proclaiming an Emergency.
• Parliamentary approval requirements were strengthened.
• Safeguards for fundamental rights were improved.
• Articles 20 and 21 were protected even during the Emergency.

UPSC Prelims Practice Question

---

Consider the following statements regarding the Allahabad High Court Judgment (1975)

1. 1. The  judgment set aside Indira Gandhi’s election from the Rae Bareli Constituency.
   2. The court barred Indira Gandhi from contesting elections for six years.
   3. The judgment is regarded as one of the major developments that led to the declaration of the National Emergency in 1975.

Which of the statements given above is/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

---

India At G7 Summit 2026

Source: Indian Express
GS II: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests

---

Overview

1. News in Brief
2. The Indo-Mediterranean Geostrategic Framework
3. Role of the IMEC

Why in the News?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be attending the 2026 G7 Summit next week in Evian-les-Bains, as an invited leader.

News in Brief

---

• India has been invited more than a dozen times to G7, the group of the world’s most industrialized nations, reflecting its growing importance in global affairs.
• India is promoting its new vision towards Europe the concept of Indo-Mediterranean – an emerging geostrategic framework connecting the Indian Ocean and with Europe.
• The vision aims to deepen India’s strategic engagement with key European partners, particularly France and Italy, while strengthening India’s role as a bridge between the Global South and Europe.

The Indo-Mediterranean Geostrategic Framework

---

• The European Union‘s presence at the G7 Summit in addition to the four individual European powers, makes it effectively a Europe-dominated forum.
• The Indo-Mediterranean concept envisions the Indian Ocean and Mediterranean regions as interconnected zones of commerce, security, and geopolitics, fostering greater connectivity and cooperation.
• The vision could create an Indo-Atlantic strategic space, as a counterpart to the Indo-Pacific, reshaping global strategic dynamics.
• Unlike China’s Belt and Road Initiative (singularly led by China), the Indo-Mediterranean concept is presented as a collaborative framework with a role for all participating nations.
• India and Italy have increasingly emphasised cooperation in the Indo-Mediterranean region during their recent visit in May 2026.

Key Areas of Cooperation

• Strengthening trade and connectivity between Asia, West Asia, and Europe.
• Building resilient supply chains and logistics networks.
• Enhancing maritime security and freedom of navigation.
• Expanding cooperation in clean energy and green hydrogen.
• Promoting digital, technology, and infrastructure partnerships.
• Strengthening cooperation in deep-tech and large-scale industrialization and generating employment opportunities.

Significance for India

• The Mediterranean serves as India’s natural bridge to European markets, technology and investment opportunities.
• Closer engagement with European partners helps India diversify its partnerships amid shifting global power equations involving the United States, China and Russia.
• The corridor can facilitate cooperation in renewable energy, green hydrogen, smart grids, and energy transportation networks, which are crucial for India’s clean-energy transition.
• Supports cooperation in securing vital sea lanes connecting the Indian Ocean, Red Sea, Suez Canal and  Mediterranean Sea.

Role of the IMEC

---

• The India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor is a flagship initiative underpinning the Indo-Mediterranean vision.
• IMEC seeks to connect India with Europe through West Asia, reducing transit times and boosting trade.
• India needs European cooperation to strengthen the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), which passes through the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
  • Growing cooperation among Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Egypt could create geopolitical challenges for the successful implementation of IMEC.

Through India’s sustained engagement with G7, reflects its transition from a guest to strategic partner in shaping the evolving global order.

 

UPSC Prelims Practice  Question

---

Consider the following statements regarding the G7

1. 1. The G7 is a treaty-based international organisation with a permanent secretariat.
   2. The European Union participates in G7 meetings but is not counted as a member country.
   3. India is a member of the G7.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

a) 1 only

b) 2 only

c) 1and 3 only

d) 2 and 3 only

Answer: b) 2 only

---

Daily Current Affairs: Click Here

 

Rate this Article and Leave Feedback