UPSC Current Affairs for 10ᵗʰ June 2026

By Educrat IAS Academy
June 10, 2026

China’s Role in the International Order Amid rising geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainty, and shifts in global power balances, China is increasingly presenting itself as a major stakeholder in the international order. Recent visits by leaders of the United States, Russia, France, and the United Kingdom highlight China’s growing diplomatic importance. Through its emphasis on multilateralism,......

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China’s Role in the International Order

Amid rising geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainty, and shifts in global power balances, China is increasingly presenting itself as a major stakeholder in the international order. Recent visits by leaders of the United States, Russia, France, and the United Kingdom highlight China’s growing diplomatic importance. Through its emphasis on multilateralism, economic cooperation, and strategic engagement, China seeks to project itself as an influential actor in shaping global governance.

China’s Relations with Major Powers

China–United States Relations

China and the United States remain the world’s two largest economies.
Both countries emphasize the need to maintain strategic stability despite differences.
Economic interdependence continues to shape bilateral relations significantly.
Managing competition while avoiding direct conflict remains a key objective.

Taiwan Issue Remains Central

China considers Taiwan an inseparable part of its national territory.
The Taiwan issue remains the most sensitive aspect of China–United States relations.
Beijing strongly opposes any moves supporting Taiwanese independence.
Stability in the Taiwan Strait is viewed as essential for regional peace.

China–Russia Strategic Partnership

China and Russia continue to deepen strategic cooperation across multiple sectors.
Their partnership is based on principles of non-alliance and mutual coordination.
Both countries cooperate in areas including energy, trade, and security.
The relationship contributes to their shared vision of a multipolar world order.

China’s Engagement with Europe

China continues to maintain strong economic and diplomatic relations with European nations.
Economic cooperation remains an important pillar of China–Europe relations.
Trade and investment linkages create significant mutual dependencies.
China seeks stable relations despite differences on geopolitical issues.

Economic Cooperation as a Tool of Global Influence

Trade Is Viewed as a Foundation for Peace

China argues that economic interdependence promotes stability among nations.
Global supply chains have created deep connections between national economies.
Trade cooperation helps reduce incentives for conflict and confrontation.
Economic engagement remains central to China’s foreign policy approach.

China’s Contribution to Global Growth

China remains one of the largest contributors to global economic expansion.
Its manufacturing capacity supports international production and supply chains.
The country continues opening sectors to foreign investment and cooperation.
Economic growth in China influences markets across the world.

Importance of Global Connectivity

China supports infrastructure and connectivity projects to enhance international trade.
Improved connectivity can strengthen economic integration among countries.
Cross-border infrastructure projects create opportunities for regional development.
Such initiatives also enhance China’s economic and geopolitical influence.

Implications for India

Opportunities for India–China Cooperation

India and China are among the world’s largest emerging economies.
Both countries share interests in economic growth and development.
Cooperation in trade, climate change, and global governance remains possible.
People-to-people exchanges can improve mutual understanding and trust.

Areas of Concern

Strategic competition between India and China continues in several areas.
Border disputes remain a major source of bilateral tensions.
China’s expanding regional influence generates security concerns for India.
Trade imbalances continue to affect the economic relationship.

Need for Balanced Engagement

India must engage China while protecting its strategic interests.
Constructive dialogue can help manage differences and reduce tensions.
Cooperation and competition are likely to coexist in the relationship.
A stable bilateral relationship benefits regional and global stability.

Challenges to China’s Global Role

Trust Deficit Among Nations

Several countries remain concerned about China’s strategic intentions and actions.
Territorial disputes continue to affect China’s relations with neighbours.
Differences over human rights and governance generate international criticism.
Building trust remains essential for China’s long-term global leadership aspirations.

Geopolitical Rivalries

Intensifying competition between major powers complicates global governance.
Strategic rivalries often limit cooperation on common global challenges.
Conflicts in different regions increase uncertainty in international relations.
China must navigate these tensions while maintaining its global ambitions.

China’s growing economic strength, diplomatic outreach, and strategic influence have positioned it as a key actor in the evolving international order. By advocating multilateralism, economic cooperation, and a greater role for developing countries, China seeks to shape global governance according to its vision. However, geopolitical rivalries, trust deficits, and regional disputes continue to pose challenges. For countries like India, the rise of China presents both opportunities for cooperation and challenges requiring careful strategic management.

Prelims Boosters

Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights)

Context:

Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) was recently expected to be visible in India due to increased solar activity.

About Aurora Borealis

What is Aurora Borealis?

Aurora Borealis is a natural light display visible in the night sky.
It is popularly known as the Northern Lights.
The phenomenon mainly occurs near Earth’s North Pole region.
It is concentrated around the northern magnetic pole of Earth.

Southern Hemisphere Counterpart

Similar lights in the Southern Hemisphere are called Aurora Australis.
Aurora Australis is popularly known as the Southern Lights.

Areas Where It Is Commonly Seen

Aurora Borealis is frequently observed in Norway and Sweden.
It is also commonly visible in Finland and Iceland.
Canada, Alaska, and Greenland are major viewing locations.

Formation of Aurora Borealis

Role of the Sun

Auroras are produced due to continuous activity on the Sun.
The Sun constantly emits charged particles into space.
These particles mainly consist of electrons and protons.
This continuous flow is known as the solar wind.

Role of Earth’s Magnetic Field

Earth’s magnetic field acts as a protective shield.
Most solar wind particles are deflected away from Earth.
Some charged particles become trapped within the magnetic field.
These particles travel along magnetic field lines toward the poles.

Interaction with Atmosphere

The trapped particles enter Earth’s upper atmosphere near the poles.
They collide with atmospheric gases present at high altitudes.
These collisions release energy in the form of light.
The released light creates colourful patterns in the sky.

Colours of Aurora

Green Colour

Green auroras are produced when particles collide with oxygen atoms.
This is the most commonly observed auroral colour.

Blue and Purple Colours

Blue and purple shades are produced through interaction with nitrogen.
Different atmospheric gases create different auroral colours.

Solar Activity and Auroras

Solar Flares

Solar flares are sudden releases of energy from the Sun.
They increase the intensity of charged particles reaching Earth.

Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs)

CMEs are massive eruptions of plasma and magnetic fields.
They release huge quantities of charged particles into space.
Strong CMEs significantly increase auroral activity on Earth.

Geomagnetic Storms

Extremely strong solar winds can disturb Earth’s magnetic field.
Such disturbances are known as geomagnetic or magnetic storms.
Geomagnetic storms can expand auroras to lower latitudes.
During intense storms, auroras may become visible in unusual regions.

Project 18 Programme

Context:

India’s Project 18 Programme is being developed as one of the most powerful surface combatant projects of the Indian Navy.

About Project 18 Programme

What is Project 18?

Project 18 is the Indian Navy’s Next-Generation Destroyer (NGD) programme.
The programme aims to develop advanced multi-role stealth destroyers.
It is planned as the successor to the Visakhapatnam-class destroyers.
The project will significantly enhance India’s naval combat capabilities.

Organisations Involved

The programme is overseen by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau.
Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited participates in the project’s development.
Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers also supports the programme.

Aim

The programme aims to build highly advanced and powerful warships.
It seeks to strengthen India’s maritime security and deterrence capabilities.
It aims to support future network-centric naval warfare operations.

Key Features

Large Warship Platform

Each vessel is expected to displace more than 13,000 tonnes.
It will become among the largest warships operated by India.
Warships above 10,000 tonnes are generally classified as cruisers.
Project 18 will effectively mark India’s entry into this category.

Advanced Propulsion System

The ships will use an advanced integrated electric propulsion system.
Gas turbines and diesel generators will power the propulsion architecture.
This system will improve operational efficiency and endurance.

Extensive Automation

The ships will incorporate advanced automation across major functions.
Automation will reduce crew requirements significantly compared to existing destroyers.
Crew strength may decline by around 25 to 30 percent.

Missile Capabilities

Vertical Launch Systems

Each ship will carry 114 Vertical Launch System cells.
These launchers can fire multiple types of indigenous missiles.

Missile Types

The ships will be equipped with BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles.
They will also carry BrahMos Next Generation missile variants.
Long-Range Land Attack Cruise Missiles can be deployed effectively.
Precision-Guided Long-Range Surface-to-Air Missiles will strengthen air defence.
Short-Range Surface-to-Air Missiles will provide close-range protection.
SMART missiles will enhance anti-submarine warfare capabilities.

Unmanned Systems

The destroyers will carry unmanned underwater vehicles for surveillance missions.
These vehicles will help detect underwater mines and threats.
The ships will also deploy kamikaze drones during combat operations.
Unmanned systems will improve situational awareness and strike capability.

Advanced Sensors

The destroyers will feature highly advanced radar systems.
These sensors will provide complete 360-degree battlefield awareness.
Radar systems will detect threats at distances up to 500 kilometres.
The ships will possess strong tracking and target engagement capabilities.

Rajya Sabha Elections

Context:

The Election Commission closed nominations for Rajya Sabha elections across 27 seats.

About Rajya Sabha Elections

What is Rajya Sabha?

Rajya Sabha is the Upper House of the Indian Parliament.
It is a permanent legislative body that cannot be dissolved.
Members of Rajya Sabha are elected for a term of six years.
To ensure continuity, one-third of members retire every two years.

Retirement System

One-third of the members retire after every two years.
Vacant seats are filled through biennial elections.
Newly elected members normally serve a full six-year term.
Members elected through bye-elections serve only the remaining tenure.

Election Procedure

Indirect Election

Rajya Sabha members are not elected directly by the people.
Members of State Legislative Assemblies elect Rajya Sabha members.
In Union Territories, a designated Electoral College elects members.
At present, only Delhi and Puducherry elect Rajya Sabha members.

Voting System

Elections are conducted through proportional representation.
The system of Single Transferable Vote (STV) is used.
MLAs rank candidates according to their order of preference.
This system ensures proportional representation of political parties.

Winning Quota

A candidate must secure a minimum quota of votes.
The quota is calculated using a prescribed mathematical formula.
Crossing the quota guarantees election to the Rajya Sabha.

Formula

[
\text{Required Votes} = \left( \frac{\text{Total Valid Votes}}{\text{Vacant Seats}+1} \right) +1
]

Fractions, if any, are ignored while calculating the quota.

Open Ballot System

Rajya Sabha elections are conducted through an open ballot system.
An MLA must show the marked ballot to the authorized party agent.
This provision was introduced to reduce cross-voting and horse-trading.
A vote becomes invalid if the ballot is not shown properly.

Uncontested Elections

Polling is held only when candidates exceed available seats.
Candidates are declared elected unopposed if seats and candidates are equal.
In such cases, no voting process is conducted.

Functions and Significance of Rajya Sabha

Legislative Role

Rajya Sabha participates in passing ordinary or non-money bills.
Most bills require approval from both Houses of Parliament.
A bill generally becomes law only after approval by Rajya Sabha.

Legislative Scrutiny

Rajya Sabha provides detailed examination of proposed legislation.
It promotes informed debates and constructive amendments.
It can refer bills to Parliamentary Committees for deeper scrutiny.

Federal Representation

Rajya Sabha represents the interests of states in Parliament.
It strengthens the federal structure of the Constitution.

Political Significance

Rajya Sabha elections test political strength in state assemblies.
They reflect alliance management and coalition stability.
Regional parties often gain significant bargaining power.
Cross-voting can alter the final electoral outcome significantly.

Special Powers of Rajya Sabha

Rajya Sabha can authorize Parliament to legislate on State List subjects.
This power is exercised under Article 249 of the Constitution.
Rajya Sabha can create new All India Services under Article 312.

Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA)

Context:

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare is celebrating 10 years of PMSMA under the theme “10 Years of PMSMA – A Decade of Care.”

About PMSMA

What is PMSMA?

The Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan is a flagship maternal healthcare programme of India.
The scheme provides assured, comprehensive, and completely free antenatal care to pregnant women.
The programme follows a single-window service delivery approach for maternal healthcare.
It forms an important component of the RMNCH+A strategy of the Government of India.

Launch

The scheme was launched on 9 June 2016 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Ministry

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare implements and funds the programme.

Aim

The scheme aims to reduce preventable maternal deaths across the country.
The scheme also seeks to reduce infant mortality through better pregnancy care.
It focuses on early identification and management of high-risk pregnancies.
It ensures that every pregnant woman receives at least one specialist antenatal check-up during the second or third trimester.

Key Features of PMSMA

9th of Every Month Rule

Special PMSMA sessions are organized on the 9th day of every month.
Designated government health facilities provide antenatal services on this day.
This ensures predictable and universal access to maternal healthcare services.

Single-Window Care Package

Pregnant women receive a complete package of services during one visit.
The package includes clinical examinations, counselling, medicines, and laboratory tests.
Beneficiaries also receive one free ultrasound examination.

Public-Private Partnership

Private gynecologists and obstetricians voluntarily support the programme.
Private radiologists also contribute to improving maternal healthcare services.
This partnership helps overcome shortages of specialist doctors.

Risk Identification System

Green Sticker

A green sticker is placed on the MCP card of normal pregnancies.
It indicates that no major complications have been detected.
Such pregnancies require routine monitoring and follow-up care.

Red Sticker

A red sticker is placed on the MCP card of high-risk pregnancies.
It alerts health workers to provide closer supervision and monitoring.
It helps ensure timely referrals and delivery preparedness.

e-PMSMA Features

Digital Tracking

The e-PMSMA platform digitally records and tracks high-risk pregnancies.
Health workers can monitor beneficiaries through online portals and mobile applications.

Name-Based Line Listing

Every high-risk pregnancy is individually recorded and monitored.
This enables real-time tracking and follow-up by healthcare providers.

Extended PMSMA Sessions

Health facilities can organize up to four PMSMA sessions every month.
This helps cover missed beneficiaries and high-risk cases effectively.

45-Day Outcome Tracking

The system monitors both mother and newborn after delivery.
Monitoring continues up to 45 days after childbirth.
This ensures continuity of maternal and neonatal healthcare services.

Transport Assistance

Transport support is provided under the Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK).
This support helps pregnant women access healthcare facilities easily.
It is especially beneficial for women living in remote and rural areas.

Gallantry Awards

Context:

President Droupadi Murmu presented 51 Gallantry Awards during the Defence Investiture Ceremony 2026.

About Gallantry Awards

What are Gallantry Awards?

Gallantry Awards are the highest military and civilian bravery decorations of India.
These awards recognize extraordinary courage, bravery, and supreme sacrifice in duty.
They are awarded to personnel of the Armed Forces, CAPFs, and Police Forces.
The President of India confers these awards on behalf of the nation.

History

Wartime Gallantry Awards

The Government of India instituted three wartime gallantry awards on 26 January 1950.
These awards were given retrospective effect from 15 August 1947.
The three wartime gallantry awards are Param Vir Chakra, Maha Vir Chakra, and Vir Chakra.

Peacetime Gallantry Awards

The Government introduced three peacetime gallantry awards on 4 January 1952.
These awards were initially known as Ashoka Chakra Class-I, II, and III.
In 1967, these awards were renamed as Ashoka Chakra, Kirti Chakra, and Shaurya Chakra.

Frequency of Announcement

The Government announces Gallantry Awards twice every year.
The first announcement is made on Republic Day.
The second announcement is made on Independence Day.

Categories of Gallantry Awards

Wartime Gallantry Awards

Param Vir Chakra (PVC)

Param Vir Chakra is the highest wartime gallantry award in India.
It is awarded for the most conspicuous bravery in the presence of the enemy.

Maha Vir Chakra (MVC)

Maha Vir Chakra is the second-highest wartime gallantry award.
It is awarded for acts of exceptional courage against enemy forces.

Vir Chakra (VrC)

Vir Chakra is the third-highest wartime gallantry award.
It is awarded for gallant actions performed during military operations.

Peacetime Gallantry Awards

Ashoka Chakra

Ashoka Chakra is the highest peacetime gallantry award in India.
It is awarded for the most exceptional courage away from battlefields.

Kirti Chakra

Kirti Chakra is the second-highest peacetime gallantry award.
It is awarded for remarkable bravery and self-sacrifice in non-combat situations.

Shaurya Chakra

Shaurya Chakra is the third-highest peacetime gallantry award.
It is awarded for acts of courage and devotion to duty.

Defence Investiture Ceremony 2026

Kirti Chakra

The President awarded seven Kirti Chakras during the ceremony.
Five Kirti Chakras were awarded to living personnel.
Two Kirti Chakras were awarded posthumously.

Vir Chakra

The President awarded fifteen Vir Chakras during the ceremony.
Twelve Vir Chakras were awarded to living personnel.
Three Vir Chakras were awarded posthumously.

Shaurya Chakra

The President awarded twenty-nine Shaurya Chakras during the ceremony.
Twenty-eight Shaurya Chakras were awarded to living personnel.
One Shaurya Chakra was awarded posthumously.

Important Design Features

Param Vir Chakra

The Param Vir Chakra is a circular bronze medal.
The medal displays four replicas of Indra’s Vajra around the National Emblem.

Ashoka Chakra

The Ashoka Chakra is a circular gold-gilt medal.
The medal features the Ashoka Chakra enclosed within a lotus-leaf border.

Maha Vir Chakra

The Maha Vir Chakra is made of silver.
The medal contains a five-pointed star with a central emblem.

Kirti Chakra

The Kirti Chakra is a circular silver medal.
The medal features the Ashoka Chakra within an ornamental design.
The ribbon is green in colour with three saffron stripes.

Vir Chakra

The Vir Chakra is a circular silver medal.
The medal contains a five-pointed star and a central chakra.

Shaurya Chakra

The Shaurya Chakra is a circular bronze medal.
The ribbon is brown in colour with three vertical stripes.