UPSC Daily Current Affairs Quiz : 12 June 2026

Answer: (b) 1, 2 and 3 only

Explanation:

• Statement 1 is correct: Prime Minister Modi highlighted AI as an opportunity for future growth while calling for safeguards against emerging social challenges such as cyber fraud and drug abuse.
• Statement 2 is correct: He asked States to create opportunities for youth and MSMEs and enable them to benefit from India's recently concluded trade agreements.
• Statement 3 is correct: The Prime Minister warned about the risks associated with El Niño conditions and stressed stronger water conservation measures.
• Statement 4 is incorrect: The meeting was attended by all 28 States and 5 Union Territories, not 8 Union Territories.

Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3

Explanation:  France has reiterated its support for India's Make in India programme and indicated that the proposed procurement of 114 Rafale fighter aircraft would be based on co-development, industrial cooperation, and an equal partnership, rather than a traditional buyer-seller model. This reflects deeper strategic and defence cooperation between India and France.

Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3

Explanation:

• Statement 1: Correct. The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) is India's maritime administration and issues safety advisories for Indian seafarers.
• Statement 2: Correct. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) assists and protects Indian citizens abroad, including seafarers, during emergencies.
• Statement 3: Correct. Merchant ships often operate under flags of convenience, where the vessel is registered in a country different from the nationality of its owners or crew.

Answer: (b) 1, 2 and 3 only

Explanation:

• Statement 1 is correct. France has reiterated that future defence programmes with India will be fully aligned with the ‘Make in India’ initiative.
• Statement 2 is correct. French diplomatic sources indicated that the proposed procurement of 114 Rafale fighter jets would be structured around co-development and industrial cooperation, moving beyond the traditional client-vendor model.
• Statement 3 is correct. France emphasised that its defence partnership with India is based on an “equal-to-equal” approach.
• Statement 4 is incorrect. The proposed acquisition programme is estimated at around ₹3.25 lakh crore, not ₹1 lakh crore.

Answer: (b) 1 and 3 only

Explanation:

• Statement 1 is correct. The POCSO Act, 2012, is designed to protect children from sexual offences and to prevent secondary victimisation, emotional harm, and humiliation during legal processes.
• Statement 2 is incorrect. The Supreme Court held that psychological assessments of children should be conducted only when necessary and with minimum intrusion, not mandatorily in every custody dispute.
• Statement 3 is correct. Courts consistently apply the principle of the best interests of the child, giving priority to the child's safety, welfare, and emotional well-being.