UPSC Current Affairs
India-New Zealand Historic FTA, Sri Lanka's Income Status Upgrade, and Key Defence Developments
India and New Zealand Ink Historic Free Trade Agreement
India and New Zealand have signed a historic Free Trade Agreement (FTA) set to be implemented later this year. This is one of the fastest trade negotiations completed by India, with talks concluding within nine months (March to December 2025).
Sri Lanka Upgraded to Upper-Middle Income Economy by World Bank
The World Bank has upgraded Sri Lanka's economic status to an upper-middle-income economy. The country had previously fallen to lower-middle-income status due to severe economic crises and slowing growth but has shown signs of recovery.
Indian Army Concludes Exercise Khaan Quest 2026 in Mongolia
The Indian Army successfully concluded the 23rd edition of the multinational military exercise "Khaan Quest 2026" at the Five Hills Training Area in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. The exercise involved over 1,000 troops from 18 countries focusing on UN Peacekeeping Operations under Chapter VII of the UN Charter.
New Deep-Sea Fish Species 'Cyttopsis indica' Discovered in Arabian Sea
The Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) has identified a new deep-sea fish species, Cyttopsis indica, found at depths of 350 to 500 meters along the continental slope of the eastern Lakshadweep Sea.
Services PMI Drops to 17-Month Low in June 2026
India’s Services Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) dropped to a 17-month low of 57.4 in June 2026. This softening points to more challenging domestic market conditions and a slight loss in demand momentum, although it remains in expansionary territory.
Labour Ministry Makes EPF Contributions Beyond ₹1,800 Voluntary
The Union Ministry of Labour has altered the Employees' Provident Fund (EPF) rules, making contributions voluntary beyond the mandatory limit of ₹1,800. This marks a shift from the older structure of mandatory compliance linked purely to the ₹15,000 wage ceiling.
Environmental Clearance Granted for Coal Mining in Chhattisgarh's Hasdeo Forests
The Central Government has granted environmental clearance for coal mining in the Kente extension block in Chhattisgarh's ecologically sensitive Hasdeo Arand forest region. The decision has reignited environmental and conservation debates.
India-Japan Strategic Ties Draw Attention from China
Following a joint statement where India and Japan expressed serious concern over the situation in the East and South China Seas, Beijing has cautioned that bilateral ties between India and Japan should not target a third party or disrupt regional peace.
INS Trikand Foils Piracy Attempt in Gulf of Aden
Indian Naval Ship (INS) Trikand successfully intervened and thwarted a piracy attempt on a merchant vessel in the strategically vital waters of the Gulf of Aden, underscoring India's role as a net security provider in the Indian Ocean Region.
GST Completes Nine Years; Revenues Up by 14% but Import Dependence Rises
As the Goods and Services Tax (GST) marked nine years since its rollout on July 1, 2026, revenue for June rose by 14%. However, experts flagged concerns about rising dependence on imports to drive tax collections and unresolved issues like inverted duty structures.
Governor's Direct Review Meetings Spark Constitutional Debate in Tamil Nadu
Opposition parties and the CPI(M) have strongly criticized the Tamil Nadu Governor for conducting direct review meetings with state government officials, calling it an arbitrary action that bypasses the Chief Minister and violates constitutional norms of federalism.
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