Evening edition
Daily current affairs for UPSC, BPSC, State PCS and PSC exams.
Why in news?
The NEET-UG exam, affecting over 22 lakh students, was cancelled due to a paper leak, leading to widespread protests and demands for the Education Minister's resignation.
Key points
- Congress demanding resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
- Demand for a foolproof system to prevent future paper leaks.
- Protests by students highlight the crisis affecting millions.
- Government accused of evading rather than responding to the issue.
Background & context
NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) is a highly competitive entrance examination for medical and allied courses in India. Paper leaks have been a recurring issue in various recruitment and entrance examinations.
★ Prelims fact capsule
NEET-UG 2026 exam was cancelled due to paper leak allegations.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II (Government Policies and Interventions), GS Paper II (Issues and Challenges Pertaining to the Indian Economy and Indian Society - Education)
Why in news?
The Chief of the Indian Air Force emphasized 'Atmanirbharta' (self-reliance) as crucial for developing resilient indigenous defence capabilities, highlighting the role of flight test engineers and pilots.
Key points
- Self-reliance is a strategic necessity for robust defence capabilities.
- Emphasis on optimising 'design to delivery' time cycles.
- Upholding high standards of safety and quality in defence equipment.
- Flight Test Pilots School (AFTPS) trains officers from all three services.
Background & context
India has been progressively focusing on indigenization of its defence sector through initiatives like 'Make in India' and 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers and boost domestic manufacturing.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The 48th Flight Test Course graduated 17 officers, including 14 from IAF, 1 from Army, and 2 from Navy.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper III (Science and Technology - Indigenous defence production)
Why in news?
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that India-US relations have not lost momentum and expressed hope for sealing a bilateral trade deal soon, despite past tariff-related strains.
Key points
- Bilateral relations remain strong and dynamic.
- High hopes for concluding a bilateral trade deal soon.
- Visit precedes a Quad meeting involving India, US, Australia, and Japan.
- Past trade friction stemmed from US tariff policies on Indian exports.
Background & context
India and the US have a comprehensive global strategic partnership. Trade relations have seen fluctuations, with issues like tariffs and market access being key discussion points.
★ Prelims fact capsule
Marco Rubio's visit is ahead of a Quad meeting with India, Australia, and Japan.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II (International Relations - India and its neighbourhood/Bilateral Groupings)