Evening edition
Daily current affairs for UPSC, BPSC, State PCS and PSC exams.
Why in news?
Army Chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi described Operation Sindoor as a demonstration of 'smart power' in its most complete expression, detailing its precision, information control, and diplomatic signalling.
Key points
- Operation Sindoor involved a 22-minute window on May 6-7, 2025.
- It aimed to dismantle terror infrastructure and challenge strategic assumptions.
- The operation exemplified a coherent national act combining military precision, information control, diplomatic signalling, and economic resolve.
- Army Chief highlighted the 'deliberate and purposeful' halt after the operation as a key aspect of smart power.
Background & context
Smart power is a concept in international relations that combines hard power (military and economic might) with soft power (diplomatic influence, cultural appeal) to achieve foreign policy goals. Operation Sindoor is presented as a case study of this approach.
★ Prelims fact capsule
Operation Sindoor took place on the night of May 6-7, 2025, and lasted for a 22-minute window.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper III: Security challenges and their management in internal and external domains. International Relations: India's foreign policy and its strategic autonomy.
Why in news?
The Supreme Court extended the tenure of all retiring tribunal heads and members until September 8, 2026, to ensure the uninterrupted functioning of these bodies.
Key points
- The extension applies to all tribunal chairpersons, presidents, and members whose terms were set to expire before September 8, 2026.
- The order aims to prevent disruptions in the functioning of various tribunals.
- The Supreme Court noted that a selection committee is scheduled to meet on September 8 to discuss appointments and extensions.
- The Attorney General, representing the Centre, consented to the extension.
Background & context
Tribunals are quasi-judicial bodies established to adjudicate specific disputes, often in areas like environmental law, taxation, or administrative matters. Their smooth functioning is crucial for the justice delivery system.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The Supreme Court extended tribunal tenures till September 8, 2026.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II: Governance, Judiciary, and constitutional bodies. Role of tribunals in administrative justice.
Why in news?
The European Union is set to agree on scrapping import duties on U.S. goods to comply with a trade deal and prevent the U.S. from imposing higher tariffs.
Key points
- The EU aims to fulfill commitments made in a trade deal struck last year with the U.S.
- This move is intended to ward off threats of significantly higher tariffs from the U.S. President.
- The deal involves the EU removing duties on U.S. industrial goods and granting preferential access to farm and sea produce.
- Negotiations are ongoing between the European Parliament and the Council over legislative text and safeguards.
Background & context
The Trump administration had previously threatened to impose tariffs on EU goods, particularly cars, if trade commitments were not met. This negotiation is a critical step in managing transatlantic trade relations.
★ Prelims fact capsule
U.S. President Donald Trump had threatened to impose tariffs of up to 25% on EU car imports.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II: International Relations. Impact of trade policies and trade wars on global economy. GS Paper III: Indian Economy and issues related to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment.