Context After the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime (December 2024), renewed fighting has erupted in northern and eastern Syria between Syrian government forces and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), threatening the autonomous Kurdish administration established during the civil war.
Leader of Opposition: Constitutional Status and Current Controversy
Context Opposition alleges breach of constitutional norms over treatment of Leaders of Opposition (LoPs) during Republic Day. Leader of Opposition (LoP): Key Basics • Who: Leader of largest opposition party in Lok Sabha / Rajya Sabha• Condition: Party must have ≥10% seats in the House• Status: Statutory (Salary and Allowances of LoP Act, 1977)h• Rank: Equivalent to Cabinet Minister• Role: Ensures accountability, voices opposition• Key panels: CBI, CVC, CIC, Lokpal selection committees• Vacancy: No LoP if 10% rule not met
India–EU Nuclear Cooperation under Euratom: Key Facts for UPSC
Context India and the EU have agreed to deepen cooperation on peaceful uses of nuclear energy under the India–Euratom framework, alongside broader strategic and trade engagement. India–EU Nuclear Cooperation (Euratom) • Focus: Peaceful uses of nuclear energy• Framework: India–Euratom Agreement (signed July 2020)• Key areas:• Nuclear R&D• Radiation safety• Nuclear security• Advanced materials• Radio-pharmaceuticals• Non-power applications• Mode: Joint research, co-funding, coordinated calls under EU’s Horizon Europe ITER — In one glance • ITER: International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor• Aim: Demonstrate controlled nuclear fusion as a clean, long-term energy source• Location: Cadarache, France• Members: EU, India, US, Russia, China, Japan, South Korea• India’s role: Superconducting magnets, cryostat, cooling systems• Significance: Future low-carbon, high-output energy CBAM & India-EU FTA (27 January) — What was concluded • CBAM raised by India as a concern• EU agreed to:• Dialogue & flexibility during transition phase• MFN-like assurances and forward-looking commitments• Continued engagement to address impact on Indian steel/iron exports• Status: CBAM not removed, but safeguards and consultations built into FTA process
India–EU FTA Finalised: Key Features and Implications for India
Context After nearly two decades of negotiations, India and the European Union have concluded a landmark Free Trade Agreement (FTA), billed as the largest trade deal for both sides amid global trade uncertainty. India–EU FTA Nature of deal • India–EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA)• Negotiations launched: 2007• Concluded: 2026• Covers 27 EU member states Market Access & Tariffs EU side • Tariffs removed/reduced on ~90% EU goods• Wine duties: 150% → 20–30%• Car tariffs: 110% → 10% (quota: ~2.5 lakh vehicles)• Zero duty on most machinery & pharma products India side • EU to drop tariffs on 99.5% of Indian exports• 97% of Indian export value gets duty-free access from Day 1• Remaining ~2.9% phased out over 3–5 years Key Gains for India • Duty-free exports: textiles, leather, gems & jewellery, spices• Easier mobility for skilled Indian professionals in EU• Duty-free quota: 1.6 million tonnes of steel• Boost to manufacturing, MSMEs, services• Reduced strategic dependence; diversification of trade partners Sensitive Sectors (Protected / Excluded) • India protected: dairy, agriculture, rice, chicken
Judicial Delays in India: CJI on Access to Justice
Context The Chief Justice of India highlighted that delays in courts undermine real access to justice, stressing the need for faster and more vigilant judicial processes—especially for ordinary citizens—while speaking at the Fali S. Nariman Memorial Lecture.
Antarctic Treaty System: China’s New Law and Strategic Implications
Context China has proposed a domestic law to regulate its activities in Antarctica, signalling a shift from policy-based participation to formal legal control over Antarctic operations. Antarctic Treaty System (ATS) • Antarctic Treaty (1959): Governs Antarctica south of 60°S• In force: 1961• Participants: 56 countries• Consultative Members: 29 (decision-making; includes India, China) Core principles • Peaceful use only• Freedom of scientific research• Ban on military activity and nuclear tests• Territorial claims frozen (not abolished) India in Antarctica • Signatory since: 1983• Research Stations:• Dakshin Gangotri (1983) – Decommissioned• Maitri (1989) – Active• Bharati (2012) – Active
International Solar Alliance: Impact of US Exit on Climate Cooperation
International Solar Alliance (ISA) • Founded: 2015 (India–France initiative)• Headquarters: Gurugram, India• Members: 120+ countries• Objective: Promote solar energy deployment by mobilising finance, technology and capacity-building Impact of U.S. Exit • Limited financial impact – U.S. contributed only ~10% of ISA funds• Confidence effect – Global lenders may become more cautious• Developing countries hit – Africa and poorer nations face slower project approvals• India largely insulated – Domestic demand and long-term contracts drive solar growth• Leadership shift – India’s role in climate diplomacy and ISA leadership increases
De-dollarisation: Gold Shift in Global Forex Reserves Explained
Context Amid rising U.S. sanctions, geopolitical uncertainty and a weaker dollar, global central banks are increasingly shifting reserves from U.S. dollars to gold, accelerating the trend of de-dollarisation. India’s Foreign Exchange Reserves include • Foreign Currency Assets (FCA) – mainly US dollar-denominated securities (largest component)• Gold• Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) with IMF• Reserve Tranche Position (RTP) in IMF Summary • Gold surge: Global central banks bought record amounts of gold in 2025; gold crossed $5,000/ounce• Key buyers: Poland, Kazakhstan, Brazil, Turkey, China• Dollar decline: US dollar share in global forex reserves fell from 71% (1999) to ~58.5% (2024) (IMF data)• India angle: RBI added ~880 tonnes of gold over time; gold now ~17% of India’s forex reserves Drivers of de-dollarisation • US sanctions and weaponisation of finance• Freezing of Russia’s reserves (Ukraine war)• Desire for reserve diversification• Trump factor: Trade wars, sanctions, tariff threats• Limits: Despite decline, USD remains dominant (~89% of global forex transactions)
LR-AShM Missile: India’s Hypersonic Maritime Strike Capability
Context India showcased the Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile (LR-AShM) at the Republic Day parade, signalling a major push to strengthen indigenous hypersonic strike and maritime deterrence capabilities. Key Points • Speed: > Mach 5• Path: Non-ballistic, manoeuvrable• Detection: Hard to track and intercept• Role: Precision strike on high-value naval targets• Range (LR-AShM): ~1,500 km
Myanmar Military Rule: Junta-Backed Elections and Democracy Concerns
Context Myanmar’s military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) has claimed victory in elections organised by the ruling junta, which critics view as a controlled exercise to legitimise continued military rule after the 2021 coup.
