Evening edition
Daily current affairs for UPSC, BPSC, State PCS and PSC exams.
Why in news?
The India-U.K. Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) and the Double Contribution Convention came into effect on July 15, 2026, marking a significant step in bilateral economic ties.
Key points
- The CETA aims to boost India's farmers, entrepreneurs, and MSMEs by providing stronger access to the U.K. market.
- It will deepen cooperation in technology, professional services, and innovation.
- The Double Contribution Convention offers support to Indian professionals working temporarily in the U.K. and enhances the competitiveness of Indian enterprises.
- Key Indian sectors like textiles, leather, gems & jewellery, engineering goods, marine products, chemicals, and processed foods are expected to benefit.
Background & context
Trade agreements like CETA are part of India's strategy to expand its global economic footprint and diversify its trade partnerships.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The agreement came into effect on July 15, 2026.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II (International Relations) - Bilateral agreements, Economic diplomacy; GS Paper III (Economy) - International trade, Impact on MSMEs and agriculture.
Why in news?
PMK president Anbumani Ramadoss demanded a CBI inquiry into the death of an inmate in Nagercoil Sub Jail, alleging torture and suppression of the incident by prison personnel.
Key points
- An inmate, jailed for possessing gutkha, died allegedly due to torture by prison personnel.
- Allegations of attempts to suppress the incident and pressure on the family have emerged.
- A post-mortem revealed 19 injuries on the victim's body.
- The chief warden and two prison guards have been arrested.
- The family claims the death occurred earlier and was staged as a hospital death.
Background & context
Custodial deaths and allegations of torture by law enforcement agencies are a recurring concern in India, often leading to demands for independent probes.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The victim sustained 19 injuries, as revealed by a post-mortem conducted in the presence of a judicial magistrate.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II (Polity and Governance) - Human rights, Law enforcement accountability, Role of judiciary; GS Paper IV (Ethics) - Accountability and ethical governance.
Why in news?
Kerala and Tamil Nadu agreed to enhance cooperation under Kerala's anti-drug campaign, Operation Toofan, to combat drug trafficking and abuse.
Key points
- Kerala Home Minister met with Tamil Nadu Chief Minister to seek support for Operation Toofan.
- Tamil Nadu agreed to increase police deployment along the inter-State border.
- Enhanced intelligence and information sharing between the two States will be implemented.
- Coordinated surveillance at transit points like airports and railway stations will be intensified.
- The aim is to crack down on drug-trafficking networks and supply routes.
Background & context
Drug trafficking is a significant trans-national crime that requires robust inter-State and international cooperation for effective control.
★ Prelims fact capsule
Operation Toofan is Kerala's anti-drug campaign.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II (Polity and Governance) - Governance, Federalism (inter-state cooperation); GS Paper III (Security) - Internal security, Drug trafficking.