Evening edition
Daily current affairs for UPSC, BPSC, State PCS and PSC exams.
Why in news?
India's Defence Secretary met with officials from Australia, the European Union, and the Netherlands on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, highlighting India's increasing defence engagement with key partners in the Indo-Pacific and Europe.
Key points
- Discussions focused on strengthening defence cooperation and reviewing progress on existing partnerships.
- The Indo-Pacific region is identified as a central theatre of global strategic competition.
- India's security calculus is significantly shaped by its interests in the Indo-Pacific.
- The meetings aimed to advance strategic dialogue and explore avenues for deeper cooperation.
Background & context
The Indo-Pacific region is crucial for global trade, with a significant portion of maritime trade passing through it. India views this region as central to its security and strategic interests, extending from the Strait of Malacca to the Persian Gulf.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The Shangri-La Dialogue is an annual security-focused Asia Pacific summit convened by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS).
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II: International Relations - India's foreign policy, bilateral relations, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India's interests.
Why in news?
The US Secretary of War credited President Trump with helping to broker peace between India and Pakistan and emphasized New Delhi's role as a key partner in Washington's Indo-Pacific strategy, as stated at the Shangri-La Dialogue.
Key points
- US acknowledges the understanding reached between India and Pakistan after their military confrontation.
- India views the understanding as a bilateral matter and rejects third-party mediation claims.
- Both India and Pakistan are seen as developing ICBM threats, but neither is currently labelled a threat to the US.
- New Delhi is considered a vital partner in the US's Indo-Pacific strategy.
Background & context
Following a military confrontation last year triggered by a terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, an understanding was reached between India and Pakistan. The US has previously claimed a role in facilitating this peace.
★ Prelims fact capsule
Operation Sindoor was launched by India on May 7, 2025, to avenge a terror attack, leading to a military conflict that halted on May 10, 2025.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II: International Relations - India's foreign policy, relations with major powers, implications of Indo-Pacific strategy.
Why in news?
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) in Kochi seized 24 kg of narcotics and arrested five individuals as part of 'Operation Chakravyuh', an intensified anti-narcotics drive in Kerala.
Key points
- Substantial quantities of methaqualone, methamphetamine, and hashish oil were seized in Kochi, Malappuram, and Thiruvananthapuram.
- Key operatives involved in trafficking networks were apprehended under the NDPS Act, 1985.
- Contraband was detected through various smuggling methods, including airport baggage, courier consignments, and export cargo.
- The operation aims to dismantle organized drug trafficking networks operating both internationally and domestically.
Background & context
The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, is the primary legislation in India dealing with drug trafficking and abuse. The DRI is the primary intelligence and enforcement agency on economic intelligence and enforcement of all economic laws.
★ Prelims fact capsule
During the last financial year, DRI's Cochin Zonal Unit seized narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances valued at approximately ₹70.76 crore in Kerala and arrested 21 persons.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper III: Security - Challenges to internal security through crime and corruption. Role of various central and state agencies in containing the menace of drugs.