UPSC Daily Current Affairs for 20 June 2026

SC Flags ‘Brain Drain’ In Legal Profession

Context

The Supreme Court has directed the creation of a 'Young Lawyers’ Assistance Fund' to support financially struggling young advocates and prevent brain drain.

SC Observation

The initial years of legal practice often impose severe financial hardships, particularly on first-generation lawyers and those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

The legal profession risks a “brain drain” if financially struggling young lawyers are compelled to abandon litigation for careers offering greater financial stability.

Role of AI in Criminal Justice Process

Context

The Union Home Minister stressed greater use of technology, artificial intelligence and scientific evidence in crime investigation.

How can AI be used in Criminal Justice System (CJS)?

Automated Case Management: AI-driven tools are now deployed for smart scheduling, case prioritization, and proactive backlog reduction.

AI in Legal Research and Documentation: Advanced AI-powered tools assist judges and lawyers by streamlining legal research, identifying relevant case precedents, and summarizing judgments.

Smart Warehousing System for Foodgrain Storage

Context

The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, launched the Smart Warehousing System for foodgrain storage in New Delhi.

About

The system represents the world's largest deployment of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT) based technologies in public sector foodgrain warehousing.

The Smart Warehousing System integrates advanced technologies such as;

FASTag and ANPR-based gate automation,

Direct Tax Collections Show Strengthening Economic Activity

Context

India's net direct tax collections rose 14.64% to over Rs 5.21 lakh crore from April 1 to June 17 of the current financial year (FY 2026-27), according to data released by the Income Tax Department.

Key Highlights of the Data

Net corporate tax collections increased 22% to Rs 2.08 lakh crore during the period, while net non-corporate tax (NCT) collections, which include taxes paid by individuals, HUFs and firms, rose 8% to about Rs 2.94 lakh crore.

Collections from Securities Transaction Tax (STT) rose to 45% to Rs 18,856 crore.

News In Short 20-06-2026

Context

The Union Home Minister launched the Abhigyan app developed by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB).

About

The app links to the National Automated Fingerprint Identification System (NAFIS) to store fingerprint scans of accused, convicts, and those in prisons on a centralized platform.

The prints can be matched with the NAFIS database in 35 seconds.