Afternoon edition
Daily current affairs for UPSC, BPSC, State PCS and PSC exams.
Why in news?
India and the Netherlands have elevated their bilateral relationship to the level of a strategic partnership during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the Netherlands.
Key points
- The elevation to strategic partnership signifies deeper cooperation amid shifting global geopolitics.
- Collaboration will be strengthened in sectors like technology, innovation, defence, security, semiconductors, renewable energy, education, and the maritime domain.
- Both countries aim to build a trusted and transparent supply chain.
- The Netherlands returned an 11th-century Chola dynasty copper plate to India.
Background & context
India and the Netherlands have long-standing diplomatic and economic ties. The Netherlands is a significant trading partner and investor in India, with bilateral trade reaching $27.8 billion in 2024-25 and cumulative FDI of $55.6 billion.
★ Prelims fact capsule
Netherlands is India's fourth largest investor in Europe.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II: India and its Neighbourhood, Foreign Policy, Bilateral Relations; GS Paper III: Economy, International Trade
Why in news?
The Centre is launching a pilot program in 10 districts across nine states to connect out-of-school adolescents (14-18 years) with the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) for distance learning.
Key points
- The program aims to bridge the gap for over two crore out-of-school children in the 14-18 age group.
- It will involve app-based mapping, monitoring systems, and incentive mechanisms.
- Pilot districts are located in Odisha, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, and Delhi.
- Implementation strategy was discussed in a high-level meeting chaired by the Secretary, Department of School Education & Literacy.
Background & context
The National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) provides a flexible and accessible alternative education pathway. This initiative addresses concerns about dropouts and ensures continued education for vulnerable youth.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The pilot program will cover 10 districts in 9 states for adolescents aged 14-18 years.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper I: Social Issues, Education; GS Paper II: Government Policies and Interventions
Why in news?
NCP (SP) leader Rohit Pawar criticized Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant's remark comparing unemployed youth to 'parasites and cockroaches', calling it unacceptable and reflective of intolerance.
Key points
- Rohit Pawar stated that such remarks from a constitutional authority are hurtful and mock a generation struggling with unemployment.
- He argued that comparing unemployed youth, RTI activists, and journalists to 'parasites' is inappropriate.
- Pawar highlighted that these groups are pillars of democracy, speaking truth to power.
- The CJI's remarks were made in the context of a case involving fake degrees and senior advocate designations.
Background & context
Rising unemployment is a significant socio-economic challenge in India. The judiciary plays a crucial role in upholding justice and often engages with societal issues, but remarks from top judges can have a profound impact on public perception.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The remark was made by CJI Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II: Polity, Judiciary, Governance; GS Paper I: Society, Unemployment