Evening edition
Daily current affairs for UPSC, BPSC, State PCS and PSC exams.
Why in news?
India and Uzbekistan have decided to upgrade their bilateral relationship to a 'Comprehensive Strategic Partnership', signifying deeper cooperation across various sectors.
Key points
- The elevation of ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership was announced during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Uzbekistan.
- Both nations agreed to establish a framework for long-term Uranium supply.
- A target of $5 billion in annual bilateral trade by 2030 has been set, with current trade over $1 billion.
- Cooperation will be expanded in trade, investment, infrastructure, critical minerals, defence, IT, digital public infrastructure (including UPI), and education.
- Agreements were exchanged in mining, culture, education, tourism, and Ayurveda, including restoration of Buddhist sites.
Background & context
India and Uzbekistan share historical and cultural links. Uzbekistan is a key partner in India's 'Connect Central Asia' policy. This upgrade reflects the growing strategic importance of Central Asia for India.
★ Prelims fact capsule
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with Uzbekistan's prestigious ‘Oliy Darajali Do’stlik’ Order during the visit.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II (International Relations): India and its neighbourhood; Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India's interests.
Why in news?
An NIA court in Bengaluru has sentenced an accused in the Al-Hind ISIS conspiracy case to seven years imprisonment, highlighting ongoing efforts to combat terror modules.
Key points
- Syed Fasiur Rehaman was sentenced to seven years of rigorous imprisonment and fined ₹48,000.
- The case involves a conspiracy linked to the proscribed ISIS, with plans for targeted killings to trigger communal riots.
- The module aimed to advance the outfit's agenda in India.
- The NIA has filed three chargesheets against 20 accused in the case.
- The prime accused, Mehaboob Pasha, allegedly masterminded the conspiracy from his residence in Bengaluru.
Background & context
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) is India's counter-terrorism federal law enforcement agency. The ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria) is a designated terrorist organization known for its extremist ideology and violent activities globally.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The Al-Hind module case was initially registered by Karnataka Police on January 10, 2020, and later taken over by the NIA.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper III (Internal Security): Linkages between organized crime and terrorism; Security challenges and their management.
Why in news?
Following the official notification of Kerala's name change to 'Keralam', the High Court of Kerala has stated its name will remain unchanged due to its establishment under a specific Act.
Key points
- The Kerala High Court (HCK) will retain its name despite the state's official renaming to 'Keralam'.
- The High Court's name is derived from the Kerala High Court Act 1958, requiring an amendment to the Act for any name change.
- The judiciary operates independently and is not bound by state government name changes.
- Similar precedents exist with High Courts of Bombay, Calcutta, Madras, and Orissa retaining their original names.
- Any decision to change the High Court's name would need to be initiated by the court itself.
Background & context
The High Courts in India are established under Article 214 of the Constitution. Their names often reflect the names of the states they serve, but historical exceptions exist due to specific legislation or institutional independence.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The High Court of Kerala was established by the Kerala High Court Act, 1958.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II (Polity): Parliament and State Legislatures—structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges and immunities and issues arising out of these; Constitutional bodies.