Sunday, 21 June 2026

Why in news?

India and the European Union have announced the conclusion of negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), termed the 'mother of all deals', with signing expected by December and implementation by February-March next year.

Key points

1. 1The FTA aims to boost India's competitiveness in labor-intensive sectors like textiles, apparel, leather goods, and footwear by providing duty-free access to the EU market.
2. 2Approximately 93% of Indian shipments will gain duty-free access to the 27-nation EU bloc.
3. 3Imports of luxury cars and wines from the EU will become cheaper.
4. 4The pact is expected to bring India and the EU on a level playing field with competitor nations like Bangladesh and Vietnam in certain sectors.
5. 5India and the EU together account for 25% of global GDP and one-third of international trade.

Background & context

Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) are designed to reduce or eliminate tariffs and other trade barriers between countries, facilitating smoother and more extensive trade relations. India has been actively pursuing FTAs with various economic blocs and countries to expand its export markets and integrate into the global economy.

Why in news?

The 12th International Day of Yoga was celebrated across India on June 21, 2026, with prominent events led by the President in Jabalpur and Prime Minister in Kolkata, emphasizing yoga's role in holistic well-being and healthy ageing.

Key points

1. 1President Droupadi Murmu highlighted yoga as India's gift to the world, promoting peace and harmony.
2. 2Prime Minister Narendra Modi stressed yoga's role in consciousness, vitality, and healthy ageing, with the theme 'Yoga for Healthy Ageing'.
3. 3Mass yoga sessions were organized in various cities, encouraging people to integrate yoga into their daily lives for physical, mental, and spiritual balance.
4. 4Yoga is described as a powerful medium to unite body, mind, and soul, offering a path to inner peace and resilience against lifestyle diseases.

Background & context

The United Nations declared June 21st as the International Day of Yoga in 2014 following a proposal by India. Yoga is an ancient Indian practice that originated thousands of years ago and is widely recognized for its physical, mental, and spiritual benefits.

Why in news?

A judicial committee has given the Meghalaya government 15 days to frame an action plan against illegal coal mining and transportation, while police have been directed to hunt down financiers and owners of the trade.

Key points

1. 1A one-member judicial committee has mandated the Meghalaya government to address the 'faceless' illegal coal trade within 15 days.
2. 2The action plan must include measures for official accountability for permitting illegal mining.
3. 3Meghalaya police are tasked with identifying and apprehending financiers and owners, moving beyond just labourers.
4. 4Strict actions are being taken following mining accidents and directives from the Meghalaya High Court.
5. 5Measures include banning assembly of five or more people near illegal mining sites and seizing equipment.

Background & context

Meghalaya has a history of coal mining, including the controversial 'rat-hole' mining method, which has been banned by the Supreme Court and National Green Tribunal due to its hazardous nature and environmental impact. Illegal mining and transportation have persisted despite these bans.