The US has charged gangsters Lawrence Bishnoi and Goldy Brar with ordering the assassination of pro-Khalistan figure Hardeep Singh Nijjar. This development follows a US-led 'Operation Hardball' against three criminal gangs involved in transnational crimes, which led to 37 charges and 24 arrests across the US, Canada, and Europe. Canadian police stated there is "no evidence" of any official Indian government involvement in Nijjar's killing, removing a major irritant in bilateral ties with India. The operation signals deepening international cooperation against Indian-origin gang networks involved in targeted killings, extortion, and narcotics trafficking.
The US has charged gangsters Lawrence Bishnoi and Goldy Brar for ordering the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
Canada has stated there is no evidence linking the Indian government to Nijjar's killing, easing bilateral tensions.
A US-led 'Operation Hardball' targeted three Indian crime syndicates involved in transnational crimes.
Exam Points
Hardeep Singh Nijjar was killed on June 18, 2023.
Lawrence Bishnoi (33) and Goldy Brar were charged by the US.
Operation Hardball is the name of the coordinated action by law enforcement from the US, Canada, and Europe.
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon expressed confidence in strengthening ties with India, emphasizing economic, defense, security, and people-to-people connections. He highlighted the global geopolitical shift from a rules-based to a power-based system, advocating for India and New Zealand to jointly remake the case for a rules-based international order. Luxon noted New Zealand's welcoming stance towards Indian immigrants, viewing it as an opportunity amidst growing anti-immigrant sentiments in other Western democracies, and stressed the importance of a broader and deeper relationship between the two countries.
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon advocates for India and NZ to jointly promote a rules-based global system.
Bilateral ties between India and New Zealand are strengthening across economic, defense, security, and people-to-people pillars.
Luxon noted a global shift from a rules-based to a power-based system, necessitating a joint effort from like-minded countries.
Exam Points
Christopher Luxon is the Prime Minister of New Zealand.
Narendra Modi is the Prime Minister of India.
MAHASAGAR stands for Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Melbourne for the third annual summit with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. The visit aims to strengthen the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, focusing on cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region, critical minerals, and education. This visit is expected to boost India's MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) and Indo-Pacific vision, further cementing ties between the two QUAD partners and creating new opportunities for prosperity, especially for Small Island Developing States.
PM Modi is in Australia for the third annual summit with PM Anthony Albanese to strengthen bilateral ties.
Key discussion areas include Indo-Pacific cooperation, critical minerals, and education partnership.
The visit aims to boost India's MAHASAGAR and Indo-Pacific vision.
Exam Points
PM Narendra Modi is visiting Australia for the third time.
Anthony Albanese is the Prime Minister of Australia.
MAHASAGAR stands for Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto inaugurated a joint conservation project for the 9th-century Prambanan Temple complex in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. The project, led by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), aims to restore the Pervara temples within the UNESCO World Heritage Site. This initiative, with a total outlay of Rs 65 crore over 10 years, is seen as a shining example of the enduring civilisational bonds between India and Indonesia, celebrating shared heritage and strengthening bilateral cultural links.
PM Modi and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto launched a joint conservation project for the Prambanan Temple.
The project focuses on restoring the Pervara temples within the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) will lead the 10-year project, strengthening India-Indonesia cultural ties.
Exam Points
PM Narendra Modi and President Prabowo Subianto inaugurated the project.
Prambanan Temple is a 9th-century UNESCO World Heritage Site (inscribed 1991) in Yogyakarta, Indonesia.
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is leading the conservation project.
The article details the escalating international scrutiny on Lawrence Bishnoi's alleged crime network, culminating in US indictments. Canadian law enforcement, particularly the RCMP, played a pivotal role, identifying the Bishnoi gang's involvement in extortion, targeted killings, and narcotics trafficking. The gang was publicly identified in 2024 and designated a terrorist entity by Canada in September 2025. This tightening net, involving cross-border investigations and collaboration with US and European agencies, highlights the growing international effort to dismantle transnational criminal organizations.
International scrutiny on Lawrence Bishnoi's crime network intensified over two years, leading to US indictments.
Canadian law enforcement, including the RCMP, played a crucial role in investigating the gang's activities.
The Bishnoi gang was involved in extortion, targeted killings, and narcotics trafficking across continents.
Exam Points
Lawrence Bishnoi and Goldy Brar were named in the US indictments.
RCMP (Royal Canadian Mounted Police) first referred to the Bishnoi gang on October 14, 2024.
The Bishnoi Gang was formally listed as a terrorist entity by Canada on September 29, 2025.
The Wayanad tunnel tragedy, which resulted in three deaths and five missing, is being termed a 'man-made disaster' due to the contractor's failure to heed warnings. The Kerala government had issued two warnings to Dilip Buildcon, the contractor for the Anakkampoyil-Kalladi-Meppadi tunnel project, regarding the removal of piled-up soil and slope instability. Despite these warnings and a temporary stop-work order, construction continued, leading to the disaster. This incident highlights significant lapses in administrative oversight, contractor accountability, and disaster management protocols.
The Wayanad tunnel tragedy is attributed to ignored warnings and administrative failures.
The Kerala government had issued multiple warnings to the contractor, Dilip Buildcon, regarding safety concerns.
Piled-up soil and slope instability at the construction site were identified risks that were not addressed.
Exam Points
The tragedy occurred at the Anakkampoyil-Kalladi-Meppadi tunnel project in Wayanad, Kerala.
Dilip Buildcon is the contractor for the tunnel project.
Warnings were issued between June 20 and 25 by the Kerala government administration.
Ten years after Burhan Wani's emergence, Kashmir's militancy landscape has undergone a significant transformation. There's a sharp decline in active militants, recruitments, and attacks, with the number of militants killed dropping from 266 in 2018 to 10 so far in 2026. The shift in tactics includes militants moving from urban areas to dense forests and adopting anonymity over social media visibility. This change is attributed to the government's crackdown post-2019 abrogation of Article 370, which targeted terror support systems and separatists, and an increased control by Pakistani operatives over the insurgency.
Kashmir's militancy has seen a drastic decline in active militants, recruitments, and attacks over the last decade.
Militant tactics have shifted from urban operations and social media visibility to anonymity and forest hideouts.
The government's crackdown post-2019 abrogation of Article 370 significantly impacted the terror support system.
Exam Points
Burhan Wani emerged on social media on July 1, 2015, and was killed on July 8, 2016.
Militant killings peaked at 266 in 2018, down to 10 so far in 2026.
The abrogation of Jammu and Kashmir's special status occurred in 2019.
A Bengaluru same-sex couple has challenged the constitutional validity of Section 56(2)(x) of the Income Tax Act, 1961, in the Karnataka High Court. They argue that the provision, which exempts gifts between 'spouses' from tax, discriminates against same-sex couples because the literal interpretation of 'spouse' excludes them. This, they contend, violates Articles 14, 15, 19(1)(a), and 21 of the Constitution by taxing an 'expression of love and affection' solely based on sex, denying them benefits available to heterosexual couples. The court is examining whether 'spouse' can be judicially enlarged.
A Bengaluru same-sex couple challenged Section 56(2)(x) of the Income Tax Act, 1961, regarding tax exemption on gifts.
They argue that the provision's definition of 'spouse' discriminates against same-sex couples, violating constitutional rights.
The couple contends that taxing gifts between same-sex partners is a violation of Articles 14, 15, 19(1)(a), and 21.
Exam Points
Section 56(2)(x) of the Income Tax Act, 1961, is under challenge.
Articles 14, 15, 19(1)(a), and 21 of the Constitution are cited in the petition.
The petitioners are Anurag Kalia and Akhilesh Godi, a same-sex couple from Bengaluru.
The complex relationship between the US and Iran continues to be marked by military actions despite ongoing diplomatic talks, as evidenced by recent flare-ups in the Strait of Hormuz. The US maintains a dual strategy of deterrence and de-escalation, aiming to contain Iran's regional influence while avoiding direct conflict. Iran, in turn, uses proxy groups and maritime harassment to assert its power and challenge US presence, creating a volatile environment. This dynamic underscores the persistent instability in the Middle East and the challenges in achieving lasting peace between the two nations.
US and Iran continue to engage in military actions despite diplomatic talks, indicating a complex and volatile relationship.
The US employs a dual strategy of deterrence and de-escalation to manage Iran's regional assertiveness.
Iran utilizes proxy groups and maritime harassment to project power and challenge US interests.
Exam Points
US Central Command (CENTCOM) oversees US military operations in the Middle East.
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) is a key actor in regional tensions.
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments.
Indonesia's decision to purchase India's Astra Mk-I and Mk-III Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missiles (BVRAAMs) marks a significant milestone for India's defense manufacturing and exports. Developed by the DRDO, the Astra Mk-I is already integrated with various IAF aircraft, while the Mk-III is under advanced development. This deal not only strengthens defense cooperation between India and Indonesia but also positions India as a growing global defense exporter, showcasing its capabilities in advanced missile technology and contributing to the 'Make in India' initiative.
Indonesia's purchase of Astra missiles boosts India's defense manufacturing and export capabilities.
Astra Mk-I and Mk-III are indigenously developed Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missiles (BVRAAMs) by DRDO.
The deal strengthens defense cooperation and strategic ties between India and Indonesia.
Exam Points
Astra Mk-I and Mk-III are Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missiles (BVRAAMs).
The missiles are developed by the DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation).
Astra Mk-I is integrated with Sukhoi-30 MKI, Tejas LCA, MiG-29, Mirage-2000, and Rafale aircraft.
The Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships (DGLL) plans to develop India Point, the southernmost tip of the Great Nicobar Island, into a tourism hub while preserving its historic lighthouse. The project includes constructing a new lighthouse, a jetty, and eco-tourism facilities, aiming to boost the local economy and enhance the strategic importance of the region. This development aligns with NITI Aayog's broader vision for the sustainable development of the Great Nicobar Island, balancing economic growth with environmental protection in this ecologically sensitive area.
India Point, the southernmost tip of Great Nicobar Island, is slated for development as a tourism hub.
The project includes constructing new infrastructure like a lighthouse, jetty, and eco-tourism facilities.
The Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships (DGLL) is overseeing the development.
Exam Points
India Point is located on the Great Nicobar Island.
The Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships (DGLL) is the implementing agency.
NITI Aayog has a broader vision for the Great Nicobar Island's development.
Indian engineering colleges are facing challenges in the era of Artificial Intelligence, with many losing their relevance due to outdated curricula, poor faculty, and a lack of industry alignment. This results in low employability for graduates, despite India producing 1.5 million engineers annually. The article suggests a comprehensive reset, including interdisciplinary learning, skill-based education, robust faculty development, and strong industry-academia collaboration. Such reforms are crucial to prepare students for future job markets and ensure India's engineering education remains competitive and relevant in the evolving technological landscape.
Many Indian engineering colleges are losing relevance due to outdated curricula and poor faculty in the AI era.
The lack of industry alignment leads to low employability for engineering graduates.
A comprehensive reset is needed, focusing on interdisciplinary and skill-based education.
Exam Points
India produces approximately 1.5 million engineering graduates annually.
AICTE (All India Council for Technical Education) plays a role in regulating engineering education.
The National Education Policy (NEP) emphasizes interdisciplinary learning.
The India-Japan partnership is deepening, offering a powerful model for global governance amidst turbulence. Recent agreements from the 16th India-Japan Annual Summit include $12.5 billion Japanese investment in infrastructure and manufacturing, defense co-development, and collaboration in critical technologies and clean energy. Beyond economic and security ties, the partnership leverages demographic synergy, with India's youthful workforce addressing Japan's aging society. Rooted in shared democratic values, this alliance aims to foster an inclusive economic paradigm, expand a stable middle class, and serve as a blueprint for a more equitable and democratic Indo-Pacific.
The India-Japan partnership is strengthening across economic, defense, and technological sectors.
Recent agreements include significant Japanese investment and defense co-development projects.
The partnership leverages demographic complementarity, with India's youth addressing Japan's aging population.
Exam Points
The 16th India-Japan Annual Summit was held from July 1 to 3.
Japanese PM Sanae Takaichi and Indian PM Narendra Modi participated.
The summit secured $12.5 billion in fresh Japanese investment and 129 MoUs.
The article highlights nutrition as a critical and often overlooked 'vaccine' against tuberculosis (TB), emphasizing that undernutrition is the single largest global risk factor for the disease. It praises India's initiatives like the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan and Nikshay Poshan Yojana, which provide financial and nutritional support to TB patients. Research shows severely undernourished TB patients are four times more likely to die during treatment. The author advocates for scaling nutrition as a primary preventive strategy, arguing that addressing undernutrition can prevent a significant number of TB cases and improve overall public health infrastructure.
Nutrition is identified as a critical preventive strategy and an effective 'vaccine' against tuberculosis (TB).
Undernutrition is the single largest risk factor for TB globally, significantly increasing mortality risk.
India's TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan and Nikshay Poshan Yojana provide crucial nutritional and financial support to patients.
Exam Points
Over 26 lakh Indians are diagnosed with TB annually.
Nikshay Poshan Yojana, launched in 2018, provides Rs 1,000 per month to notified TB patients.
TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan identifies undernourished individuals for TB screening.
The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has launched a new portal to automate data processing across its regional centers. This initiative, part of the 'e-Office' project, aims to streamline operations, reduce manual intervention, and enhance efficiency in managing provident fund accounts. The automation will ensure faster processing of claims, withdrawals, and other services for its vast member base. This move is expected to significantly improve service delivery and transparency for EPFO subscribers, making the system more robust and responsive.
EPFO launched a new portal to automate data processing from its regional centers.
The initiative is part of the 'e-Office' project, aiming to enhance operational efficiency.
Automation will reduce manual intervention and ensure faster processing of claims and withdrawals.
Exam Points
EPFO stands for Employees' Provident Fund Organisation.
A recent flare-up in the Strait of Hormuz, involving US and Iranian forces, has exposed the fragility of the informal US-Iran Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and kept global oil markets on edge. Despite the unwritten agreement to de-escalate, Iran's continued assertive actions, including seizing vessels, demonstrate its intent to challenge US presence and control regional waterways. This volatility underscores the persistent geopolitical risks to global energy supplies, as approximately 20% of the world's oil passes through this critical chokepoint, highlighting the complex and unstable dynamics in the Middle East.
A recent flare-up in the Strait of Hormuz highlights the fragility of the informal US-Iran MoU.
Iran's assertive actions, including vessel seizures, continue despite de-escalation efforts.
The tensions in the Strait of Hormuz keep global oil markets volatile and on edge.
Exam Points
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments.
An informal US-Iran Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) exists for de-escalation.
Roughly 20% of the world's oil supply transits through the Strait of Hormuz.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has lowered its global growth forecast for 2026 to 3%, citing persistent inflation, geopolitical tensions, and high interest rates as key headwinds. Despite the global slowdown, India's growth forecast remains robust at 6.4%, driven by strong domestic demand and public investment. The report highlights that while advanced economies face challenges, emerging markets like India show resilience. However, the IMF warns that continued supply-chain disruptions and tighter financial conditions could impede global economic recovery, necessitating careful policy management worldwide.
The IMF lowered its global growth forecast for 2026 to 3% due to inflation and geopolitical tensions.
India's growth forecast remains robust at 6.4%, driven by strong domestic demand and public investment.
Persistent inflation, high interest rates, and supply-chain disruptions are key challenges to global economic recovery.
Exam Points
IMF (International Monetary Fund) lowered global growth forecast to 3% for 2026.
India's growth forecast for 2026 is 6.4%.
Global growth for 2025 was 3.2% and for 2024 was 3.4%.
India is experiencing a significant credit card boom, with a substantial increase in new customers and card issuance. However, this growth is accompanied by rising delinquencies and increasing borrower stress, particularly among 'new to credit' users and those holding multiple cards. CIBIL data indicates a surge in credit card balances and a growing share of non-performing assets, signaling potential risks for the banking sector. The trend highlights the need for cautious lending practices and robust risk management to ensure sustainable growth in the credit card segment and prevent widespread financial distress.
India is witnessing a credit card boom, marked by a surge in new customers and card issuance.
This growth is accompanied by rising delinquencies and increasing borrower stress, especially among 'new to credit' users.
CIBIL data shows a significant increase in credit card balances and non-performing assets.
Exam Points
CIBIL (Credit Information Bureau (India) Limited) reported the trends.
144 lakh new credit card customers were added in the last year.
1.5 crore new credit cards were issued in the last year.
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