Current Affairs

News & Analysis · 13 June 2026

Syllabus-mapped editorials, PIB updates, reports, judgments, and policy news for prelims and mains revision.

13 June 2026

GS-3News & Analysis13 Jun 2026thehindu.com

The human cost of a deadly weed killer: banning of paraqua in Telangana

The article highlights the severe human cost of paraquat, a highly toxic weed killer, through a personal account of poisoning and the subsequent ban imposed by Telangana, Kerala, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh. It delves into the regulatory challenges in India, including the limitations of the Insecticides Act, 1968, the lack of a central ban, and India's stance on the Rotterdam Convention. The piece also discusses the economic reasons for paraquat's widespread use in agriculture, the lobbying efforts by doctors and activists for a nationwide ban, and the difficulties in enforcing state-level prohibitions due to online sales and industry resistance.

Environment & Ecology

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GS-2News & Analysis13 Jun 2026thehindu.com

Odisha CM announces free education from KG to PG in govt. institutions

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced free education from kindergarten (KG) to postgraduate (PG) level in all government institutions across the state. Additionally, the government will launch the Chief Minister Annapurna Yojana, providing an extra 5 kg of free rice per month to beneficiaries of the National Food Security Act and the State Food Security Scheme, bringing the total to 10 kg per beneficiary. The state government also committed to implementing the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and establishing Godabarish Mishra Model Primary Schools, alongside significant teacher recruitment.

Social Justice & Development

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GS-2News & Analysis13 Jun 2026thehindu.com

Jaishankar speaks to Rubio, lodges strong protest over U.S. Navy attacks that killed three Indians

India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar lodged a strong protest with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio over U.S. Navy attacks in the Gulf that resulted in the deaths of three Indian mariners. India deemed such lethal actions against commercial shipping unjustified and unacceptable, also summoning the U.S. Embassy's Charge d'Affaires in New Delhi.

International Relations

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GS-3News & Analysis13 Jun 2026thehindu.com

Retail inflation at 16-month high of 3.9% as food items get dearer

Retail inflation, measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), rose to a 16-month high of 3.9% in May 2026, primarily driven by increasing food prices, particularly tomatoes and cereals. Wholesale inflation also jumped to 8.3%. The article notes that retail inflation is nearing the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) target of 4%. Core inflation also increased for the third consecutive month. Factors contributing to the rise include delayed monsoon, the El Nino effect, and higher fuel and logistics costs due to the West Asia conflict. Economists anticipate further increases and potential RBI rate hikes later in the year.

Indian Economy

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