UPSC Current Affairs
India-UK trade deal tariffs established, border security tightened on Myanmar frontier, and major cultural diplomacy initiatives underway
10 stories · about 4 min read · quiz and Mains question at the end
Constitutional protocols regarding outsider participation in Cabinet meetings
Opposition delegations in Bihar and other states have petitioned Governors to initiate action against the participation of private, non-cabinet individuals in official Cabinet meetings. While the Constitution does not explicitly detail the day-to-day administrative protocols of Cabinet meetings, the principle of Cabinet secrecy, the Rules of Business, and the Oath of Secrecy under the Third Schedule generally prohibit non-members from participating unless officially summoned as experts or administrative staff.
India establishes tariff quotas for British vehicles under proposed trade deal
The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has notified that a total of 20,000 completely built units (CBUs) of petrol and diesel passenger vehicles will be permitted for import from the United Kingdom at concessional tariff rates of 30-50 percent. This is a significant drop from the standard import duties of 66-110 percent, depending on the engine size, marking a major breakthrough in the India-UK Free Trade Agreement negotiations.
India adds 52.5 million tonnes of LNG regasification capacity
According to the International Gas Union (IGU) World LNG Report, India added 52.5 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) of regasification capacity in 2025. This capacity addition is driven by rising demand in fertilizer production, city gas distribution, and electricity generation, aligning with the government's target to increase the share of natural gas in India's primary energy mix from 6 percent to 15 percent by 2030.
Cultural diplomacy through the restoration of Indonesia's Prambanan Temple
India has undertaken efforts to restore the Prambanan Temple, the largest Hindu temple site in Indonesia, as part of its ongoing cultural diplomacy in Southeast Asia. This initiative, similar to India's past restoration projects at Angkor Wat in Cambodia and Vat Phou in Laos, highlights the use of cultural heritage and shared civilizational links to strengthen bilateral ties under the Act East Policy.
Humpback dolphin death in Kerala highlights growing threat of ghost nets
The necropsy of an endangered Indian Ocean humpback dolphin that washed ashore on Kozhikode beach in Kerala revealed fatal ingestion of plastic fishing nets. This incident, documented by the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), underscores the severe threat posed by "ghost nets" (abandoned fishing gear) and marine plastic pollution to vulnerable coastal mammals along the Indian coastline.
Great Indian Bustard population stable but restricted to small Thar pocket
A new report indicates that the population of the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard (GIB) remains stable but is now surviving in only 16 percent of its original habitat in the Thar desert of Rajasthan. The species faces severe threats from power transmission lines, habitat fragmentation, and changing agricultural patterns, demanding intensive conservation measures.
Indian Railways prepares to launch the country's first hydrogen train
Indian Railways is set to launch its first hydrogen-fuel-cell-powered train soon, representing a major leap toward clean energy transit. Hydrogen trains emit only water vapor and warm air, offering a zero-emission alternative to diesel locomotives on non-electrified routes, aligning with India's goal to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2030.
Drug safety concerns rise after fake oxytocin deaths in Rajasthan
The death of several women following C-section surgeries in Kota, Rajasthan, has been linked to the administration of fake oxytocin injections. Oxytocin is a critical hormone used to control post-partum hemorrhage, and this tragedy has put a spotlight on the severe challenges of sub-standard and counterfeit drug regulation, supply chain security, and quality control enforcement in India's public healthcare system.
Government allocates 31,000 crore rupees to fence the India-Myanmar border
The Central Government has initiated a plan to construct a fence along the entire 1,643 kilometer India-Myanmar border at an estimated cost of 31,000 crore rupees. This move, along with the decision to suspend the Free Movement Regime (FMR), aims to curb illegal immigration, drug smuggling, and the activities of insurgent groups operating across the porous international border.
Punjab adopts methadone treatment to combat severe drug addiction
In its fight against opioid addiction, Punjab is expanding the use of Methadone Maintenance Treatment (MMT) alongside Buprenorphine. Methadone is a long-acting synthetic opioid agonist that helps prevent withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings without producing a high, serving as a globally recognized harm reduction strategy to integrate drug users back into society.
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