UPSC Current Affairs
India-New Zealand FTA Ratified, Blue Bonds Gain Ground, and OECD Upgrades Growth Outlook
9 stories · about 3 min read · quiz and Mains question at the end
India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement Ratified
The free trade agreement between India and New Zealand has been ratified and is set to come into force on October 20. Under the pact, New Zealand will eliminate all tariffs on Indian goods, while India will reduce or remove tariffs on 95 percent of imports from New Zealand, while keeping sensitive sectors such as dairy protected.
SEBI Recognises Blue Bonds to Finance Ocean Economy
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has formally recognised blue bonds within the framework of sustainable finance instruments. Blue bonds are debt instruments designed specifically to raise capital for marine conservation, sustainable fisheries, and ocean-related clean energy initiatives, supporting India's expanding blue economy.
OECD Upgrades India's Growth Forecast to 7.1 Percent
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has revised its economic growth projection for India for 2026-27 upward to 7.1 percent. This revision follows similar positive outlook upgrades from major global credit rating agencies, supported by strong domestic demand, manufacturing performance, and public capital expenditure.
Mineral Rights Legislation Raises Revenue Concerns for States
Legislators in mineral-rich states like Odisha have raised concerns over recent parliamentary amendments to mining laws that curb the power of state governments to impose additional taxes and cesses on mineral rights. State authorities are assessing the potential fiscal impact on their non-tax and royalty revenues.
Turkiye and Iraq Reach Strategic Base Handover Agreement
Turkiye and Iraq have agreed on a phased withdrawal and transfer of a strategic military base in northern Iraq back to Iraqi control. The agreement also outlines mutual cooperation to reassert full Iraqi state authority in the Sinjar region and dismantle banned armed non-state groups.
Debate Intensifies Over UNSC Veto Reform
Discussions at the United Nations have intensified over restructuring the UN Security Council, with developing nations reiterating calls to abolish or reform the veto power of permanent members. Critics argue that frequent veto usage has paralyzed the council during major humanitarian and geopolitical crises.
New Begonia Species Discovered in Arunachal Pradesh
Botanists have described a new plant species, Begonia neelamorum, discovered in the Keyi Panyor district of Arunachal Pradesh. Named in honour of the local Nyishi community's Neelam clan, it marks the 54th recorded Begonia species from India's biodiversity-rich northeastern region.
FSSAI Proposes Strict Labelling Norms for Paneer
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued draft regulations mandating that only products entirely derived from animal milk can be marketed as 'Paneer'. The proposed amendment prohibits plant-based or dairy-analogue substitutes containing vegetable fats from using the label to protect consumer interest and ensure nutritional clarity.
Rising Concerns Over Space Weaponization and Orbital Security
Increased testing and potential deployment of on-orbit space control technologies have heightened international security concerns. Strategic experts are emphasizing the urgent need for legally binding multilateral governance frameworks under the UN to prevent the weaponization of outer space and protect critical satellite infrastructure.
Daily News Quiz
Test your knowledge about today's current affairs with 7 questions.