UPSC Daily Current Affairs for 12 January 2026

SC Urges Union Government to Introduce a “Romeo-Juliet” Clause in POCSO Act

In News/Context

The Supreme Court of India has flagged the misuse of the POCSO Act in cases of consensual adolescent relationships and urged the Union Government to examine the feasibility of introducing a “Romeo–Juliet clause”.

Core Issue Highlighted by the Court

Criminalisation of Consensual Adolescence: Under current law, even if two individuals are in a consensual romantic relationship, the moment one is below 18 years (even by a day), stringent POCSO provisions apply.

Harmful Impact of Criminal Process: Adolescents are drawn into police investigation, arrest, trial and incarceration, causing long-term psychological and social damage.

India’s Maritime Policy

Context

India’s maritime policy has undergone significant evolution, intricately linked to its historical and geographical context, as explored in ‘The Routledge Handbook of Maritime India’.

About

The handbook delves into India’s rich maritime history and strategic relationships across the Indian Ocean.

It comprises five essays by different scholars, traces the historical evolution of India’s outward reach, focusing on the Cholas, the Marathas, Europeans and Indo-Arab maritime trade.

Faster, Demand-led Approach Needed for PSEs Privatisation: CII

Context

Recently, the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), in its recommendations for the Union Budget 2026–27, has urged the government to adopt a faster, demand-led approach to the privatisation of Public Sector Enterprises (PSEs).

Disinvestment of Public Sector Enterprises (PSEs)

It refers to the process by which the government reduces its stake in state-owned enterprises, either partially or fully.

It aims to infuse market efficiency, attract private investment, and reduce the fiscal burden on the government.

India Tightens Regulatory Oversight of Cryptocurrency Exchanges

Context

The Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), has issued revised Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (CFT) guidelines for cryptocurrency exchanges.

Regulatory Status of Cryptocurrencies in India

Cryptocurrencies are not recognised as legal tender in India.

Transactions involving crypto assets are taxed under the Income-tax Act.

Cryptocurrency exchanges are classified as Virtual Digital Asset (VDA) service providers.

Govt to Merge Agricultural Schemes, Link Funds to State Reforms

Context

The Union Ministry of Agriculture has proposed to merge three separate ongoing schemes with its flagship Pradhan Mantri-Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (PM-RKVY).

About

The schemes to be merged with PM-RKVY are Krishonnati Yojana (KY) to boost farmers’ income, National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF) and National Bee and Honey Mission (NBHM).

PM-RKVY, KY and NMNF are Centrally sponsored with implementation done by the state governments using funds jointly provided by both, while NBHM is a Central sector scheme that is funded and implemented by the Centre.

National Youth Day 2026

In News

Recently, National Youth Day was observed to mark the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda.

National Youth Day or Rashtriya Yuva Divas

It is celebrated on 12th January every year in commemoration of the great spiritual leader, philosopher and thinker Swami Vivekananda, whose unwavering belief in the potential of youth continues to resonate deeply with young citizens of the country.

His inspiring life and empowering message urge the youth to nurture their dreams, unleash their energies, and shape a future worthy of his envisioned ideals.

News In Short 12-01-2026

Context

Archaeologists have unearthed ancient Buddhist stupas and settlements at Zehanpora based on a century-old photograph discovered in a French museum.

About

The mounds are located along an ancient Silk Route leading to Kandahar and beyond.

Zehanpora has yielded Buddhist stupas, an urban settlement complex (could be chaityas and viharas), Kushan-era pottery shards, copper artefacts and walls, with more finds expected in subsequent excavation phases.