Afternoon edition
Daily current affairs for UPSC, BPSC, State PCS and PSC exams.
Why in news?
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held talks with Cote d'Ivoire's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs to enhance bilateral ties.
Key points
- Discussions focused on trade, investment, infrastructure, agriculture, and healthcare.
- Cooperation will be driven by Cote d'Ivoire's priorities.
- Engagement in multilateral forums was also discussed.
- Jaishankar also visited Ghana and Ethiopia as part of a three-nation African tour.
Background & context
India has been strengthening its ties with African nations through various diplomatic and economic initiatives.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) aims to conserve seven major big cat species.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II: International Relations, Bilateral Relations, India and the World.
Why in news?
The Supreme Court is set to hear a Union government plea challenging Jharkhand's DGP appointments, alleging defiance of judicial orders and the Prakash Singh judgment.
Key points
- Union government claims Jharkhand is appointing DGPs in violation of Supreme Court orders.
- The plea seeks to declare Jharkhand's 'Selection and Appointment of Director General and Inspector General of Police, Jharkhand (Head of Police), Regulation of 2025' ultra vires.
- The Prakash Singh judgment (2006) mandated a transparent appointment process and a minimum tenure for DGPs.
- The Centre argues the regulations and appointments are legally infirm and contrary to Supreme Court directions.
Background & context
The Prakash Singh case led to significant reforms aimed at depoliticizing police appointments and ensuring greater accountability.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The Prakash Singh versus Union of India judgment was delivered in 2006.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II: Governance, Polity, Judiciary, Law Enforcement.
Why in news?
India has received updates on the improving health of Captain Smit Machchhar, who was injured in an attack by his co-pilot on a flydubai flight.
Key points
- Captain Smit Machchhar is recovering well after an operation in Abu Dhabi.
- The Indian Embassy in UAE is in regular contact with his family, doctors, and authorities.
- The co-pilot attacked Capt. Machchhar with a crash axe on September 30.
- The motive for the attack remains unclear.
Background & context
Cockpit safety and crew behavior protocols are critical aspects of aviation security.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The incident occurred on flydubai flight FZ1073.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II: International Relations (Consular affairs), GS Paper III: Security.