Monday, 1 June 2026 Current Affairs Digest for State PCS Exams

01Environment·10 min read·Prelims · Mains

Gram Sabha consent fabricated to divert forest for mining bauxite, say villagers in Odisha’s Koraput

This article is highly relevant for UPSC and OPSC exams as it directly tests the intersection of the Forest Rights Act (2006), environmental clearances, and tribal rights. Prelims may ask about FRA provisions, Gram Sabha powers, and forest clearance stages; mains can explore issues of consent, tribal displacement, and corporate accountability. The Odisha-specific context makes it critical for OPSC aspirants, while the national policy angle (FRA, mining laws, environmental governance) is important for UPSC.

Villagers in Odisha's Koraput district allege that Gram Sabha resolutions consenting to bauxite mining by Kalinga Alumina Limited (an Adani subsidiary) contain forged signatures of dead, paralysed, and absent individuals.
The diversion involves 157.2 hectares of forest land from Balda Hill in the Nageswari forest reserve, over which villagers claim traditional and spiritual rights under the Forest Rights Act, 2006.

02International Relations·9 min read·Prelims · Mains

Myanmar assures India its territory won’t be used against New Delhi’s security interests

This article is highly relevant for UPSC and state PSC exams as it covers India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy, bilateral ties with a strategic neighbour, and security concerns along the India-Myanmar border. Prelims may test border length, shared states, and key assurances; Mains can ask about India's approach to Myanmar's internal political situation, border management challenges, and implications for Northeast security. KPSC and UPPSC should note the border states (Nagaland, Manipur) and the broader regional stability angle.

Myanmar President U Min Aung Hlaing assured India that Myanmarese territory would not be allowed to be used against India's security interests.
Myanmar shares a 1,640-kilometer-long border with Indian northeastern states including Nagaland and Manipur.
The talks covered trade, defence, border management, development assistance, energy, and critical technologies like artificial intelligence.

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03Economy·8 min read·Prelims · Mains

Dept of Agriculture cuts back on urea, DAP requirements amid expectations of lower monsoon

This article connects fertiliser policy with monsoon forecasts and global supply chain disruptions, critical for both prelims (facts on fertiliser stocks, El Nino impact) and mains (agriculture subsidies, food security, strategic reserves). UPSC, state PSCs, and IBPS will find it relevant for economy and agriculture sections. The reduction in urea and DAP demand signals policy responsiveness to climate variability.

Department of Agriculture cut urea requirement for Kharif season from 194.04 LMT to 132.43 LMT, and DAP requirement from 59.17 LMT to 56.23 LMT.
India added 132.43 LMT of fertilisers (Urea, DAP, NPKs, SSP, MOP) to overall stock through imports and domestic production since the West Asia conflict began.
India secured approx 25 LMT urea, 15 LMT DAP, and 10 LMT NPKs from outside the Strait of Hormuz, expected at Indian ports in June-July.

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04Polity & Governance·8 min read·Prelims · Mains

‘Will use every constitutional means available to make our voices heard’: CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke

This article touches on fundamental rights (Article 19: freedom of speech and expression, right to assemble peacefully), the right to protest, and the role of satire in democratic expression. Prelims may test constitutional provisions on freedom of speech and assembly; mains could explore the balance between digital rights and state regulation, or the use of social media in political mobilisation. UPSC and SSC audiences should note the intersection of constitutional law, digital governance, and education policy (NEET paper leak, CBSE OSM system issues).

CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke announced he will return to India on June 6, 2026, and seek permission for a peaceful protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi.
The CJP's Instagram account has 22.3 million followers, and a petition on its website demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan received over eight lakh signatures.
CJP's official X account has been withheld since May 21, 2026; its Instagram handle was lost for two days (May 22-23); and its website was down for three to four days (May 23-27).

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05Economy·4 min read·Prelims · Mains

UPI transactions hit record high of ₹29.9 lakh crore in May

This report highlights the sustained growth of digital payments in India, a key topic for both UPSC (economy, digital infrastructure, RBI initiatives) and banking exams (IBPS) where NPCI and UPI-related questions are common. Prelims may test specifics — volume/value records, growth rates, countries with UPI. Mains could ask about financial inclusion, digital economy, or the evolution of payment systems. IBPS exams often include UPI as a current awareness topic.

UPI transactions hit a record high of ₹29.90 lakh crore in value and 23.2 billion in volume in May 2026.
The value of UPI transactions in April 2026 was ₹29.03 lakh crore, up 19% year-on-year from ₹25.14 lakh crore in April 2025.
Credit-on-UPI and cross-border UPI expansion were cited as next growth frontiers; cross-border UPI is live in over eight countries including UAE, Singapore, Bhutan, Nepal, and Mauritius.

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06Economy·1 min read

India's manufacturing sector growth hits 3-month high in May as domestic market fuels activity: PMI

PMI data is a high-frequency economic indicator that is often tested in Prelims for definitions (expansion vs contraction, 50 threshold) and in GS Paper III (Indian Economy: growth, investment, employment). The manufacturing PMI reflects demand, output, and employment trends, linking to industrial policy and inflation dynamics. UPSC and SSC candidates track macro indicators; IBPS includes such data in GA sections.

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07Environment·1 min read

Eight crested ibises released in Japan decades after extinction

This article details a successful conservation and captive-breeding program for the crested ibis (Toki) in Japan, involving international cooperation with China. For UPSC prelims, it can be a current affairs question on species in news or conservation efforts. For mains, it touches on environment (biodiversity conservation, captive breeding), international relations (China-Japan cooperation), and disaster recovery. It is a good example of how extinct species can be reintroduced through coordinated efforts.

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08International Relations·1 min read

Hungary’s Prime Minister Péter Magyar to amend the Constitution to remove President Tamás Sulyok

This article examines Hungary's constitutional crisis, relevant for UPSC international relations and comparative constitutional governance. Prelims may test knowledge of constitutional amendment processes, while mains can explore the balance of power between executive and presidency, and the role of institutions like the Venice Commission in upholding democratic norms.

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