Evening edition
Daily current affairs for UPSC, BPSC, State PCS and PSC exams.
Why in news?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his New Zealand counterpart Christopher Luxon announced the elevation of bilateral ties to a strategic partnership during Modi's visit to New Zealand.
Key points
- Bilateral trade target set at ₹35,000 crore by 2030.
- 18 concrete outcomes, including 10 agreements, were achieved.
- Roadmap for expanding ties over the next four years.
- Framework for enhanced Indo-Pacific maritime cooperation.
- Reciprocal logistics support pact between Indian Navy and NZ Defence Force.
Background & context
India-New Zealand relations have a history of cooperation, particularly in sectors like dairy development and healthcare (AIIMS establishment), with former NZ PM David Lange playing a key role in resetting relations in the 1980s.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The strategic partnership aims to double annual bilateral trade in goods and services to ₹35,000 crore by 2030.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II: International Relations - Bilateral relations, India's foreign policy, key international groupings and agreements involving India.
Why in news?
The Congress has launched a sustained campaign questioning the management of donations for the Ram Temple in Ayodhya and alleging misappropriation by the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust office-bearers with BJP-RSS backgrounds.
Key points
- Congress seeks a Supreme Court-monitored investigation into donation handling.
- Accusations of 'unauthorised capture' of temple administration by BJP-RSS.
- Party has held numerous press conferences across the country.
- Plans to raise the issue during the Monsoon Session of Parliament.
Background & context
The Ayodhya dispute predates the BJP, but the Ram Janmabhoomi movement became a key electoral issue. The management of the Ram Temple Trust has come under scrutiny.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The Congress has held eight press conferences in New Delhi and nearly 50 across the country regarding the Ram Mandir donation controversy.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II: Polity - Role of the opposition, political parties, secularism debate; GS Paper I: Modern Indian History (related to Ram Janmabhoomi movement).
Why in news?
The Telangana government is conducting a statewide deworming drive targeting over 96 lakh children aged one to 19 years on July 13, administering Albendazole tablets.
Key points
- Target: 96.81 lakh children across all 33 districts.
- Age group: 1 to 19 years.
- Method: Uniform platform at Anganwadi centres, schools, and colleges.
- Benefits: Elimination of soil-transmitted helminth infections, reduction in anaemia, improved energy levels and school attendance.
- Mop-Up Day scheduled for July 20 for absentees.
Background & context
National Deworming Day (NDD) is observed to tackle soil-transmitted helminth infections, which are common in children and can lead to various health issues. Albendazole is a widely used anthelmintic drug.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The drive aims to administer Albendazole tablets to children aged one to 19 years.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II: Health - Public health programs, government policies and interventions; GS Paper I: Society (issues related to child health).