Afternoon edition
Daily current affairs for UPSC, BPSC, State PCS and PSC exams.
Why in news?
India and Sweden agreed to elevate their bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership during Prime Minister Modi's visit to Sweden.
Key points
- The partnership aims to focus on green transition, security, emerging technology, and people-to-people ties.
- Cooperation in sectors like AI, health tech, and green mobility will be enhanced.
- A Sweden-India technology and AI corridor is planned.
- Prime Minister Modi was awarded the 'Royal Order of the Polar Star, Degree Commander Grand Cross'.
Background & context
India and Sweden have existing cooperation in various fields. The elevation to a Strategic Partnership signifies a deepening of these ties.
★ Prelims fact capsule
India and Sweden agreed to elevate their relationship to a Strategic Partnership on May 17, 2026.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II (International Relations); GS Paper III (Science and Technology, Economy)
Why in news?
The CBI is actively investigating the alleged NEET-UG paper leak, conducting searches and questioning individuals in connection with the incident.
Key points
- CBI conducted searches at Renukai Chemistry Classes (RCC) in Latur, Maharashtra.
- RCC founder Shivraj Motegaonkar was questioned by the CBI.
- Suspicions are that some doctors from Latur may have purchased the leaked paper.
- The NEET-UG exam was cancelled due to the alleged paper leak.
- Nearly 23 lakh candidates had registered for the examination.
Background & context
The National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) is a crucial entrance examination for medical courses in India. Paper leaks have been a recurring issue, leading to widespread concern and demanding robust investigation and preventive measures.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The NEET-UG exam, with nearly 23 lakh registered candidates, was conducted across 551 Indian cities and 14 overseas centres.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II (Governance, Social Justice); GS Paper III (Security)
Why in news?
The Dehradun district administration imposed prohibitory orders in Selaqui and SIDCUL industrial areas due to labour unrest and potential violence.
Key points
- Orders were imposed under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).
- Protests by labourers over wages and overtime issues allegedly turned violent.
- The orders ban carrying weapons, collecting materials for violence, and holding unauthorised gatherings or demonstrations.
- Restrictions on loudspeakers and public gatherings of five or more people are in place.
Background & context
Labour unrest, particularly in industrial areas, can disrupt economic activity and pose law and order challenges. Prohibitory orders are legal measures to maintain peace and prevent escalation of conflict.
★ Prelims fact capsule
Prohibitory orders were imposed in Dehradun's Selaqui and SIDCUL industrial areas under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper I (Social Issues); GS Paper III (Economy, Security)