Evening edition
Daily current affairs for UPSC, BPSC, State PCS and PSC exams.
Why in news?
The Supreme Court has stayed all High Court proceedings on petitions challenging the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Act, 2026, and agreed to consolidate these cases.
Key points
- Supreme Court halts further proceedings in High Courts regarding petitions against the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Act, 2026.
- The Centre sought consolidation and transfer of all pending pleas challenging the Act to the Supreme Court to avoid divergent judicial views.
- The Act is facing scrutiny for allegedly removing the concept of 'self-identification' of gender.
- Petitioners argue that the amendment mandates medical or administrative interventions for gender recognition, contrary to the NALSA judgment.
- The stay was issued after the Centre mentioned the matter and requested urgent listing of transfer petitions.
Background & context
The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019, aimed to protect the rights of transgender persons and ensure their inclusion in society. The 2026 Amendment Act has drawn criticism for potentially diluting self-identification rights established in the landmark NALSA judgment (2014), which recognized transgender persons as a 'third gender'.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The Supreme Court's stay order was issued on June 15, 2026.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II: Governance, Social Justice, Rights Issues; Constitution and Polity.
Why in news?
During Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Slovakia, both nations agreed to elevate their relationship to the status of a 'Comprehensive Partnership'.
Key points
- India and Slovakia have decided to upgrade their bilateral relationship to a Comprehensive Partnership.
- Both countries will work towards the early implementation of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
- Defence cooperation is highlighted as a key area, with a Letter of Intent signed to boost collaboration between defence industries.
- Slovakia acknowledged India's rapid economic growth, digital transformation, and advancements in artificial intelligence.
- The partnership symbolises shared beliefs, priorities, and a shared future between the two nations.
Background & context
Slovakia is a landlocked Central European nation. India has been actively seeking to strengthen its economic and strategic ties with European countries. The India-EU FTA negotiations have been ongoing for a long time.
★ Prelims fact capsule
Narendra Modi is the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Slovakia.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II: International Relations (Bilateral Relations, Foreign Policy); GS Paper III: Economy (International Trade).
Why in news?
Noida International Airport commenced operations with its first commercial passenger flight, carrying villagers from Jewar whose land was acquired for the project.
Key points
- The first commercial passenger flight from Noida International Airport flew to Lucknow.
- Passengers included villagers from Jewar whose ancestral land was acquired for the airport's development.
- The initiative is seen as a gesture of appreciation for the villagers' contribution.
- Some villagers mentioned promised jobs are yet to be fulfilled.
- The airport's operationalisation marks a significant milestone for aviation infrastructure in the region.
Background & context
The Noida International Airport, located in Jewar, Uttar Pradesh, is a greenfield airport project aimed at decongesting Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport. Land acquisition for large infrastructure projects often involves compensation and promises of rehabilitation or employment.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The first flight from Noida International Airport was to Lucknow.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper I: Urbanisation, Infrastructure; GS Paper III: Economy (Infrastructure Development), Environment (Land Acquisition Impacts).