1. India–UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) — Entry into Force: 15 July 2026

Why in News?

The UK and India jointly announced on 17 June 2026 that the bilateral trade pact — signed on 24 July 2025 — will enter into force on 15 July 2026, giving businesses 28 days to prepare. The agreement is described as the most comprehensive FTA India has ever brought into force and the UK's most economically significant post-Brexit bilateral trade deal.

Key Points

• Signing date: 24 July 2025; Entry into force: 15 July 2026.
• Bilateral trade value: £48 billion (2025); projected to increase by £25.5 billion annually in the long run.
• GDP impact: UK GDP projected to rise by £4.8 billion (0.13%); India's GDP by £5.1 billion.
• Real wage boost: UK real wages expected to rise by £2.2 billion in the long run.
• Tariff reductions (key):
  • Scotch whisky: 150% → 40%
  • Automotive (UK to India): 100% → 10% (under quota)
  • Cosmetics: up to 22% eliminated (day one or after 10 years)
  • India gets duty-free access for 99% of its exports to UK.
• Social Security Agreement (Double Contributions Convention): Indian workers in UK exempted from dual social security contributions; DCC extended for UK nationals moving to India from 36 months to 60 months.
• Services: UK business services exports to India (~£1.3 billion in 2025) expected to grow; UK businesses to receive equal treatment as domestic firms in India.
• SME chapter: First-ever standalone SME chapter in an India FTA — simplifies market access, encourages transparency and cooperation.
• Sectors covered: Advanced manufacturing, EVs, fintech, life sciences, pharmaceuticals, clean energy, green hydrogen, digital economy, AI, telecoms, biotech.
• Animal welfare/AMR: India's first-ever FTA commitments on animal welfare and antimicrobial resistance.
• India–EU FTA: EU Commission President von der Leyen targets signing by year-end 2026; IMEC corridor cooperation also pledged.
• Source countries for gross FDI (Apr 2026): Japan, Singapore, Mauritius — together account for over 75% of inflows.

Static Knowledge

• India–UK trade relations governed historically by the UK–India Enhanced Trade Partnership (ETP) announced in May 2021.
• CPTPP (Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership): UK joined in 2024; India not a member.
• India's largest bilateral FTA in force: India–UAE CEPA (May 2022).
• WTO's Most-Favoured-Nation (MFN) principle: FTAs are permitted exceptions under GATT Article XXIV.
• India's merchandise export share to UK (~2.4% of India's total exports as of FY25).

2. IN-SPACe Issues EoI for PSLV Technology Transfer to Private Sector

Why in News?

The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) has issued a formal Expression of Interest (EoI) inviting eligible private Indian companies to receive a full transfer of Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) technology. The initiative is aimed at expanding private participation in India's launch vehicle manufacturing and commercial space services.

Key Points

• Nodal agency: IN-SPACe (space regulator under Department of Space).
• Eligibility criteria:
  • Majority-owned and controlled by Indian citizens.
  • Registered under Companies Act, 2013 or LLP Act, 2008.
  • Minimum 5 years of experience in space/aerospace.
  • Annual turnover above ₹400 crore (3 of last 5 years) OR valuation ≥ ₹1,000 crore.
• Support provided: ISRO infrastructure and technical handholding for 30 months or until successful realisation and launch of two PSLV vehicles, whichever is earlier.
• Objective: Expand commercial launch capacity, reduce government-led production dependence, enhance India's share in global space economy.
• PSLV overview: 4-stage rocket, alternates solid-liquid propulsion; over 60 consecutive successful launches; India's primary medium-lift launch vehicle for polar/sun-synchronous orbits.
• Technology Adoption Fund (TAF): As of June 2026, IN-SPACe selected Astrobase Space Technologies, SatSure Analytics India, and TM2SPACE Technologies under the TAF scheme.
• NSIL's role: NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) is the commercial arm for PSLV production; IN-SPACe is the regulatory/promotional body.
• Debate: Questions raised on relevance of transferring 33-year-old PSLV technology when newer rockets (reusable) are being developed globally.
• India's space economy target: Aims to capture 8–10% of global space economy (currently ~2%) by 2033.

Static Knowledge

• IN-SPACe established under the Department of Space in 2020 to promote and regulate non-government space activities.
• PSLV first launched in 1993; became operational in 1994. PSLV-C11 (Chandrayaan-1, 2008) and PSLV-C37 (104 satellites, 2017 world record) are landmark missions.
• Space Activities Bill (proposed) and Indian Space Policy 2023 provide the legal/policy framework for private participation.
• India's space programme is governed by the Department of Space under the Prime Minister's Office (PMO).
• NSIL executed over 100 technology transfer agreements since 2020.

3. Rajasthan Constitutes Committee for Uniform Civil Code, 2026

Why in News?

The Rajasthan Cabinet approved the constitution of a high-level committee to draft The Rajasthan Uniform Civil Code, 2026 — making Rajasthan the second state after Uttarakhand (2024) to formally initiate UCC legislative action. The committee will conduct divisional consultations and receive public submissions via an online platform.

Key Points

• Committee chair: Former Supreme Court Judge Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai (also chaired the Delimitation Commission).
• Other members: Retired IAS officer Shatrughna Singh, High Court Additional Advocate General Basant Singh Chhaba, former Govt. Law College Principal Ramswaroop Agarwal, Dr. Shuchi Chauhan.
• Member-Secretary: Additional Chief Secretary (Home), Rajasthan.
• Process: Divisional-level consultations, online citizen submissions, public participation mandate.
• Constitutional basis: Article 44 (DPSP) — directs the State to secure a Uniform Civil Code for all citizens.
• Tribal protection: Government committed to protecting customs, traditions and constitutional rights of tribal communities within the UCC framework.
• Uttarakhand precedent: Uttarakhand UCC Act enacted in 2024; first state in independent India to codify a UCC.
• Key areas UCC covers: Marriage, divorce, inheritance, adoption, succession — uniform across all religions.
• 21st Law Commission (2023): Termed UCC "neither necessary nor desirable at this stage" — a contentious position.
• Goa model: Only state with a Uniform Civil Code in force since the colonial-era Portuguese Civil Code.

Static Knowledge

• Article 44 is part of Part IV (Directive Principles of State Policy) — non-justiciable but fundamental to governance.
• Constituent Assembly debates: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar supported UCC; K.M. Munshi and B.R. Ambedkar were key proponents.
• Shah Bano case (1985): Triggered national debate on UCC vs personal laws; led to The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Divorce) Act, 1986.
• Sarla Mudgal v. Union of India (1995): Supreme Court reiterated the need for UCC.
• Hindu Succession Act (amended 2005) gave equal inheritance rights to daughters.

4. India–FATF: IAS Officer Vivek Aggarwal Elected FATF Vice-President

Why in News?

Senior IAS officer Vivek Aggarwal (1994-batch, IAS) was elected Vice-President of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) for the term July 2026 to June 2027 during the FATF Plenary in Paris (17–19 June 2026). This is the first time India has secured the FATF Vice-Presidency since joining the body in 2010.

Key Points

• Elected at: FATF Plenary, Paris, June 17–19, 2026.
• Current post: Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Government of India.
• Previous role: Director, Financial Intelligence Unit–India (FIU-IND); headed India's FATF delegation.
• Term: July 2026 – June 2027.
• Predecessor: Giles Thomson (UK) — to assume FATF Presidency from July 2026.
• FATF background:
  • Established by the G7 in 1989, headquartered in Paris.
  • Intergovernmental body setting global standards to combat money laundering (ML), terrorist financing (TF) and proliferation financing (PF).
  • India became a FATF member in 2010.
  • FATF has 37 member jurisdictions + 2 regional organisations (EU, Gulf Co-operation Council).
  • India's 2023 FATF Mutual Evaluation: India rated "Compliant" or "Largely Compliant" on most technical parameters.
• FIU-IND: India's national agency for receiving, processing and disseminating financial intelligence on suspected ML/TF transactions. Functions under the Ministry of Finance.
• PMLA connection: Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 is India's key legal instrument aligned with FATF standards.

Static Knowledge

• FATF maintains a Grey List (Jurisdictions Under Increased Monitoring) and a Black List (Call for Action / IOSC) — Pakistan was on the grey list from 2018–2022.
• FATF's 40 Recommendations: Global framework for AML/CFT standards.
• Egmont Group: International network of 166 FIUs; India's FIU-IND is a member.
• Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) 2002 — amended several times; Enforcement Directorate (ED) is the key enforcement agency.
• Vienna Convention (1988) and Palermo Convention (2000): Key international instruments against money laundering linked to drug trafficking and organised crime.

5. Five Eyes Alliance Issues Joint AI Cybersecurity Warning

Why in News?

The Five Eyes intelligence alliance issued a joint public warning on 22–23 June 2026, stating that frontier artificial intelligence models are "fundamentally transforming" offensive cyber capabilities and could significantly alter the threat landscape within months.

Key Points

• Five Eyes members: USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand (English-speaking intelligence-sharing alliance).
• Signatories (US side): National Security Agency (NSA) + Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA).
• Key finding: Advanced AI models lower technical barriers for cyber attacks, including phishing, malware development, vulnerability discovery, and intrusion.
• Frontier AI risks:
  • Hyper-personalised phishing at industrial scale.
  • Automated code generation enabling sophisticated malware.
  • Machine-paced offence outpacing human-led defence.
• India context: India recorded a 165% spike in ransomware incidents in early 2026 due to AI-assisted targeting.
• Recommended actions:
  • Reduce attack surface and accelerate patching.
  • Address legacy systems.
  • Strengthen identity authentication.
  • Test incident response plans.
• Background:
  • May 2026: Five Eyes issued guidance cautioning against rapid deployment of agentic AI systems.
  • June 2026: US barred foreign nationals from accessing Anthropic's Claude Mythos and Fable AI models on national security grounds.
• WEF finding: 94% of corporate executives identify AI as top threat vector; 2/3 organisations face moderate-to-critical cybersecurity talent shortage.
• India's framework: National Cyber Security Policy (2013); CERT-In (Indian Computer Emergency Response Team) under MeitY.

Static Knowledge

• Five Eyes is rooted in the UKUSA Agreement (1946) for signals intelligence sharing.
• CERT-In (2004): India's nodal agency for cybersecurity response; under Ministry of Electronics & IT.
• IT Act, 2000 (amended 2008): India's primary legislation on cybercrime.
• Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023: India's data protection legislation; must balance with cybersecurity needs.
• Budapest Convention on Cybercrime (2001): International treaty on cybercrime; India is not a signatory.

6. India's Net FDI Surges to $6.58 Billion in April 2026 — Near Five-Year High

Why in News?

RBI data released in June 2026 showed that net FDI into India jumped more than fourfold to **$6.58 billion** in April 2026 from$1.59 billion in April 2025 — the highest level in nearly five years — driven by a sharp surge in gross equity inflows and reduced repatriation by foreign investors.

Key Points

• Net FDI (April 2026): $6.58 billion (vs$1.59 billion in April 2025; $0.917 billion in March 2026).
• Gross FDI inflows (April 2026): $15.29 billion — up 65$9.25 billion.
• Equity inflows: $12.42 billion (vs$6.82 billion in April 2025).
• Source countries: Japan, Singapore, Mauritius — together account for >75% of equity FDI flows.
• Top sectors (equity FDI): Financial services, retail and wholesale trade, manufacturing, computer services — together >80% of total.
• Outward FDI: India's outward FDI rose to $4.82 billion in April 2026 (from$3.39 billion YoY); directed mainly to US and Cayman Islands.
• Portfolio flows: Net portfolio investment recorded outflow of $7.26 billion in April 2026 — reflecting pressure from global uncertainty (West Asia crisis).
• Core sector growth (May 2026): Slowed sharply to 0.5% (second-lowest in 21 months); 5 of 8 sectors contracted — crude oil (-4.6%), natural gas (-4.9%), refinery products (-8.7%), coal (-9.3%).
• RBI's role: Data released as part of Balance of Payments statistics; RBI flagged fragile global landscape due to West Asia crisis.
• India FY26 FDI: Net FDI for full FY2025-26 at $7.65 billion vs$959 million in FY2024-25.

Static Knowledge

• Eight Core Industries (in decreasing weight): Coal, Crude Oil, Natural Gas, Refinery Products, Fertilisers, Steel, Cement, Electricity.
• FDI in India is governed by FEMA (Foreign Exchange Management Act), 1999 and the FDI Policy under DPIIT.
• Automatic route vs Approval route: Most sectors allow FDI under automatic route (no prior government approval needed).
• India's all-time high FDI inflow year: FY2021-22 ($84.8 billion gross inflows).
• OECD growth forecast for India (FY26): 6.7% GDP growth; S&P: 6.5%.

7. CrPI Act 2022: Over 1 Lakh DNA Profiles Stored in NCRB Database

Why in News?

Police across several Indian states have operationalised DNA profiling of suspects under the Criminal Procedure (Identification) Act, 2022 (CrPI Act), with over 1 lakh DNA profiles now stored in the NCRB's centralised national database. The system was showcased at an NCRB event on 19 June 2026, presided over by Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

Key Points

• CrPI Act, 2022: Replaced the colonial-era Identification of Prisoners Act, 1920 (which only covered fingerprints and footprints).
• Data collection applies to:
  • Convicted persons.
  • Persons arrested for offences punishable with ≥ 7 years imprisonment.
  • Persons under preventive detention (with restrictions).
• Measurements collected: Fingerprints, iris scans, photographs, DNA samples (blood/saliva), handwriting and signatures.
• NCRB role: Central nodal agency for storage, processing, sharing and destruction of records.
• Retention period: 75 years from date of collection (destroyed upon acquittal after all appeals).
• Infrastructure: 2,600+ measurement collection units established; CrPI system operational in police districts, prisons and Central agencies (CBI, NIA, NCB).
• NAFIS integration: National Automated Fingerprint Identification System (launched 2022) — assigns unique 10-digit National Fingerprint Number (NFN); holds 1.27 crore+ records.
• System capabilities: Cross-state crime matching, biological sample-to-record matching, CCTV video analytics, disguise-resistant photo identification.
• Concerns:
  • Privacy (Puttaswamy judgment 2017 — right to privacy is a fundamental right).
  • Proportionality — 75-year data retention.
  • Lack of judicial oversight for arrested (not convicted) persons.
  • Compliance with Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023.
• Global comparison: UK and US require court approval for DNA collection.

Static Knowledge

• NCRB established in 1986; headquartered in New Delhi; under Ministry of Home Affairs.
• Puttaswamy v. Union of India (2017): 9-judge bench declared Right to Privacy as fundamental right under Article 21.
• Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023: New CrPC replacement — also mentions biological evidence collection.
• Forensic Science Laboratories (FSLs) process DNA samples; Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL) operates under MHA.
• India does not yet have a standalone DNA Profiling Bill (earlier 2019 draft did not pass).

8. FCRA Rules, 2011 Amended: MHA Tightens Foreign Funding Norms for NGOs

Why in News?

The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) issued a gazette notification on 22 June 2026 amending the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Rules, 2011, introducing sweeping changes to registration, renewal, donor disclosure and fund utilisation norms for entities receiving foreign contributions.

Key Points

• Parent Act: Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010 (FCRA) — remains unchanged; only subordinate Rules amended.
• Key amendments:
  • Proselytisation exclusion: Religious organisations cannot use FCRA funds for proselytisation or conversion activities.
  • Donor disclosure: Original source of foreign funds (including through donor-advised intermediaries) must be disclosed.
  • Social media disclosure: NGOs must declare all social media accounts in registration applications.
  • Utilisation norm for renewal: Minimum ₹10 lakh in foreign contribution on declared activities over the last 2 financial years.
  • Instalment utilisation: 75% of last instalment must be utilised before next instalment is released (for Prior Permission holders).
  • Compliance deadline: All existing FCRA-registered organisations must formally declare precise purposes and modes of operation within one year of notification.
• Foreign contribution definition: Donation or transfer of currency, security, or article (beyond a specified value) by a foreign source (foreign governments, companies, trusts, citizens).
• FCRA Amendment Bill, 2026: Separately introduced in Lok Sabha on 25 March 2026 — proposes creation of a Designated Authority to take over assets of de-registered NGOs.
• Cancellations to date: ~22,000 FCRA registrations cancelled since 2010; ~15,000 expired and not renewed as of April 2026.
• FATF link: Government cites FATF recommendations on NGO sector oversight in justifying amendments.

Static Knowledge

• FCRA 2010 replaced FCRA 1976.
• FCRA Amendment Act, 2020: Prohibited transfer of foreign funds to third parties; mandated receipt only via designated bank account at SBI New Delhi Main Branch; reduced administrative expenses from 50% to 20%.
• Home Ministry is the nodal ministry for FCRA registration and regulation.
• FARA (Foreign Agents Registration Act) — US equivalent.
• India's FATF mutual evaluation (2023): India rated compliant on most parameters; Nonprofit Organisation oversight highlighted as an area.

9. Indian Navy Commissions Three Indigenous Warships — INS Dunagiri, INS Sanshodhak, INS Agray

Why in News?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi commissioned three indigenously built frontline naval platforms at Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata on 21 June 2026, marking a major milestone in India's Aatmanirbhar Bharat defence push. All three vessels were designed by the Warship Design Bureau and built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata.

Key Points

INS Dunagiri (Stealth Frigate — Project 17A)

• 5th Nilgiri-class (Project 17A) stealth frigate; 2nd built by GRSE (1st was INS Mahendragiri).
• Propulsion: Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG) system; designed for long-duration blue-water operations.
• Armament: Supersonic surface-to-surface missiles, advanced air defence systems, Medium Range Gun, CIWS, advanced ASW capability; carries helicopters.

INS Sanshodhak (Survey Vessel Large — 4th of class)

• Primarily designed for hydrographic surveys, oceanographic research and nautical chart creation.
• Equipped with AUVs (Autonomous Underwater Vehicles), ROVs (Remotely Operated Vehicles), multi-beam echo sounders, sonar; can also serve as a hospital ship.
• Dual-purpose: HADR, SAR, and specialised emergency roles.
• Powered by twin diesel engines; EEZ-wide operations capability.

INS Agray (ASW Shallow Water Craft — Arnala class, 5th ship/4th of class)

• Designed for shallow-water (littoral) anti-submarine warfare and mine warfare.

• Armed with sonar, torpedoes, anti-submarine rockets, combat management system.

• Powered by waterjets for enhanced agility in coastal environments.

• All three vessels capable of HADR (Humanitarian Assistance & Disaster Relief) and NEO (Non-Combatant Evacuation Operations).

• GRSE is a Defence Public Sector Undertaking (DPSU) under Ministry of Defence.

Static Knowledge

• Project 17A (Nilgiri class): 7 frigates ordered — 4 from Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL), Mumbai; 3 from GRSE, Kolkata.
• GRSE was founded in 1884; became a DPSU in 1960; builds frigates, corvettes, patrol vessels, and survey ships.
• India's Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020 prioritises Buy Indian (IDDM) category.
• Indian Navy's Project 75 (Kalvari-class submarines) and Project 17A are major indigenous programmes.
• Blue-water navy: Capable of sustained operations across deep oceans; India aims for a 200-ship navy.

10. India Surpasses 5 Lakh Organ Donation Pledges

Why in News?

India crossed the landmark milestone of 5 lakh organ donation pledges as of 22 June 2026, as announced by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The figure reflects voluntary registrations on the national organ donor registry maintained by the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO).

Key Points

• Milestone: Over 5 lakh voluntary organ donation pledges registered.
• NOTTO: National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation — apex body for coordination, regulation and oversight of organ/tissue donation and transplantation.
• Governing legislation: Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act (THOA), 1994 and THOA Rules, 2014 (amended).
• Registry integration: NOTTO portal integrated with Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) since April 2024; login via Aadhaar-OTP or ABHA number.
• India's transplant statistics (2024): 18,378 organ transplants performed (86% from living donors, 14% from deceased donors).
• Waiting list: 2.6 lakh patients waiting for kidney transplant alone.
• Key bottleneck: Family refusal at point of brain-death due to lack of prior discussion/consent.
• ROTTO/SOTTO: Regional and State Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisations coordinate at state level.
• IAS e-Civil List 2026: Union Minister launched the IAS e-Civil List 2026 (71st edition) — 6th edition in digital format; managed by Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) under Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions.

Static Knowledge

• THOA 1994 was the first legislation to regulate organ transplantation in India; replaced by THOTA 2011 for further amendments.
• Brain death declaration requires a panel of doctors; family consent is mandatory under THOA.
• India's National Organ Donation Day is observed on 27 November.
• Global leader: Spain has highest deceased organ donation rate (~47 per million population).
• ABDM (Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission): Provides ABHA (Ayushman Bharat Health Account) — a 14-digit health ID.

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