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Iran-United States Peace Deal

International

Context

• According to some recent reports Iran and the United States have reached a preliminary framework for renewed diplomatic engagement after a prolonged period of tensions.

Background

• The pact includes a 14-point Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the United States and Iran outlining a roadmap for de-escalation, restoration of commercial navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, and negotiations on sanctions relief etc.
• It also includes an immediate halt to military action, including in Lebanon, and a 60-day negotiation period.

Evolution of Iran–U.S. Nuclear Diplomacy

• The 2015 Nuclear Agreement: The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) was signed between Iran and the P5+1 countries.
• Iran agreed to limit uranium enrichment and accept enhanced inspections in exchange for sanctions relief.
• U.S. Withdrawal and Renewed Tensions: The United States withdrew from the JCPOA in 2018 and reimposed sanctions on Iran.
• In response, Iran gradually reduced its compliance with several provisions of the agreement.

Potential Opportunities of Iran–U.S. Agreement

• The reduction in tensions will lower the risk of military confrontation and proxy conflicts across the region.
• Also the stable conditions will ensure smoother energy flows and reduce volatility in global oil markets.
• Improved security conditions will encourage trade, investment, and reconstruction efforts in conflict affected areas.
• For India, improved regional conditions are necessary to boost the development of Chabahar Port and the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC).

Joint Crediting Mechanism under Paris Agreement

Environment

Context

• India and Japan have adopted the Rules of Implementation for the Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM) under Article 6.2 of the Paris Agreement.

Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM) 

• It is a bilateral carbon market system proposed by Japan to help nations reduce greenhouse gas emissions through advanced low-carbon technologies. 
• It operates under Article 6.2 of the Paris Agreement, which allows nations to trade carbon credits to meet their climate goals

Article 6.2 of the Paris Agreement 

• It allows countries to work together to hit their climate goals by trading carbon credits. 
• Under this rule, a country that cuts more greenhouse gases than planned can sell those extra savings to another country

Additional Information- Paris Agreement on Climate Change, 2015 (COP 21)

• It was adopted at the United framework convention on climate change(COP21) in Paris in 2015.
• Objective – To strengthen the global response to the threat of climate change and specify long-term goals regarding global average temperatures, adaptation to climate change, and finance flows.

Paris agreement Goals

• Temperature – To hold global warming below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels and to put efforts to still limit the temperature increase even further to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
• Reduce emissions – To foster climate resilience and development through lower greenhouse gas emissions by 2030

Intended Nationally Determined Targets(INDCs)  

• An Intended Nationally Determined Contribution is a public pledge from a country on collective action on climate change. These contributions are to be achieved before 2030

India’s Climate Action Targets at a Glance

Bitumen

Economy

Context

• The recent conflict in West Asia has hit India’s push to expand road infrastructure as India imports 30-40% of Bitumen. 
• Over 99% of India’s bitumen imports come from Iraq, UAE, Iran, Oman and Bahrain.

Bitumen

• Bitumen is a byproduct of crude oil.
• It is known for its waterproofing and adhesive properties.
• It is predominantly used in road construction and roofing.
• Canada has one of the largest natural deposits of bitumen in its oil sands, contributing significantly to global supply.
• It is produced in refineries to ensure purity, maintain consistent quality, and meet massive global construction demands at a lower cost.

52nd G7 Summit

International

In News

• PM Modi addressed the 52nd G7 Summit Outreach Session at Évian-les-Bains, France, marking India’s 8th consecutive G7 invitation.

Key Declarations adopted

• Development Finance: Called for reforms in global development finance and debt management, including strengthening the IMF–World Bank 3-Pillar Approach and mobilizing private capital. 
• IMF–World Bank 3-Pillar Approach helps vulnerable countries address liquidity challenges through structural reforms, external financial support, and reducing their debt servicing burdens.
• Ebola Response: Urged coordinated international action to contain the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in the DRC and Uganda.
• Cancer Action: Committed to advancing research on cancers, reducing lung cancer mortality, and improving global access to paediatric cancer data.
• Geopolitics: Welcomed the US-Iran nuclear agreement, promoted a free and open Indo-Pacific, and expressed concern over North Korea’s nuclear programme etc.
• Migrant Smuggling: Pledged stronger action against human trafficking and migrant smuggling networks, including cooperation with online platforms.
• Drug Trafficking: Announced a G7+ Ports Network to combat maritime drug trafficking and disrupt related illicit financial flows.

Group of Seven (G7)

• Group of Seven (G7): An informal organization of seven of the world’s largest advanced economies, representing about 10% of the population and nearly 30% of global GDP.
• Members: Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, United Kingdom, and the United States.
• Presidency: Rotates annually among member states.

Telegram Ban Under Section 69A of the IT Act 2000

Polity

In News

• MeitY temporarily blocked Telegram in India under Section 69A of the IT Act 2000, on NTA’s recommendation, after criminal networks exploited the platform’s message-editing feature to defraud NEET UG 2026 re-examination candidates.

Section 69A of IT Act 2000

• It is the primary legal provision that empowers the Central Government to block public access to any digital information through any computer resource.
• Grounds for invocation – sovereignty and integrity of India, defence, security of State, friendly relations with foreign states, public order, or preventing incitement to cognisable offences.
• The Supreme Court in Shreya Singhal v. Union of India (2015) upheld Section 69A as constitutionally valid, describing it as a “narrowly drawn provision with several safeguards.”

Operation DRISHTI

Government Schemes

Context

• The Indian Army and Indian Air Force have launched a Mega Advanced Surgical Eye Camp under Operation DRISHTI at Military Hospital Namkum, Ranchi.

Operation DRISHTI

• It is a flagship humanitarian outreach programme of the Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS) that combines advanced ophthalmic expertise with social service. 
• Objective – to deliver specialized eye care services to remote, underserved, and geographically challenging regions of the country.
• Earlier the initiative successfully conducted eight advanced surgical eye camps across the country, including in Leh, Ladakh, Lakshadweep, Bhuj, Kutch, and Bagdogra.

Aadhaar ‘misuse’

Polity

Context

• The Supreme Court sought responses from the Centre and States on a plea alleging misuse of Aadhaar cards.

About

• An Aadhaar card is a 12-digit unique identification number issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) to Indian residents.
• It was introduced in 2010.
• It serves as valid proof of identity and address and is essential for availing government welfare schemes, financial services, and digital authentication. 

Purpose of Aadhaar

• Unique Identification: The unique identification number serves as a universally accepted proof of identity and address.
• Social Welfare Schemes: Aadhaar streamlines the distribution of government benefits and subsidies, reducing fraud and ensuring that benefits reach the rightful recipients.
• Data-Driven Governance: Aadhaar assists in creating data-driven policies and governance by providing accurate population statistics and demographics.

Related Governance Framework

• Aadhaar Act, 2016: It is the primary law governing Aadhaar, provides the legal framework for issuance, authentication, and use of Aadhaar numbers for delivery of subsidies, benefits, and services.
• Information Technology Act, 2000: Provides legal protection against unauthorized access, data theft, hacking, and cyber offences involving Aadhaar-related information.
• Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023: Establishes safeguards for processing and protection of personal data, including Aadhaar-linked information, and recognizes individuals’ data privacy rights.
• Justice K.S. Puttaswamy v. Union of India (2018): It upheld the constitutional validity of Aadhaar and restricted mandatory Aadhaar linkage in several private-sector services.
• It emphasized privacy as a fundamental right and required safeguards against misuse.

Kashmir Saffron

Economy

In News 

• The West Asia conflict has disrupted Iranian saffron exports, triggering a global demand surge for Kashmiri saffron. 

Kashmir Saffron

• Kashmir Saffron is a premium spice grown on the Karewa lands of Jammu and Kashmir. It received a GI Tag in 2020.

Geography and Climate

• • Soil: Grows only on Karewa soils (thick, flat beds of clay and sand from old lakes).
  • Altitude: High elevations of 1,600 to 1,800 meters above sea level.

• Regions: Pampore is the main area, called the “Saffron Bowl of Kashmir.”

Key Features and Types

• Unique traits: Deep red color, thick stigmas, strong smell, and zero chemical colors.
• Three types: Mongra (pure dark red threads; best quality), Lachha (dry threads with some yellow parts), and Guchhi (threads tied in bundles).

Government Steps

• National Saffron Mission: Started to fix soil, give water sprinklers, and boost crop yields.
• Saffron Bowl Project: Trying to grow saffron in Northeast India (like Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh).

GI Recognition for Jharkhand’s Traditional Heritage

Economy

Context

• Eleven traditional products of Jharkhand have recently been granted the Geographical Indication (GI) Tag.

GI-Tagged Products of Jharkhand

• Bhagaiya Silk: Bhagaiya Silk is produced in the Bhagaiya region of Godda district. It is known for its traditional handloom weaving techniques and high-quality silk fabric.
• Kuchai Silk: It is cultivated naturally on Asan and Arjun trees in the village of Seraikela-Kharsawan (historically known as Kuchai).
• Kesaria Kalakand: It is a traditional sweet that forms an important part of the region’s culinary heritage.
• Dokra Craft: It  is one of the oldest surviving metal-casting traditions in India. It employs the traditional lost-wax casting technique to produce decorative and utility items.
• Tumka Chadar: It is a uniquely crafted shawl or bedspread sheet (chadar) woven by local tribal and artisan communities in Jharkhand.
• Baroni Paintings: It is traditional folk paintings of Jharkhand depicting local customs, nature, and tribal cultural traditions.
• Pancho Saree and Fabric: The traditional handwoven textiles of Jharkhand known for their distinctive patterns and cultural significance among local communities.
• Jadopatia Painting: It is a traditional scroll-painting art practiced by the Santhal community, depicting folklore, mythology, social customs, and cultural narratives.
• Bhoya Saree and Fabric: It is a traditional handwoven textiles of Jharkhand.
• Munda Jewellery: It is a traditional ornament crafted by the Munda tribal community. It reflects the artistic traditions and social customs of Jharkhand’s tribal population.
• Jharkhand Bamboo Craft: Bamboo Craft utilizes locally available bamboo to create utility and decorative products.

Connect with the basics – Geographical Indication or GI Tag

• It is a name or a sign given to certain products related to a specific geographical location or origins like a region, town, or country.
• A certification for unique products – GI Tag may be regarded as a certification for a particular product with certain specific qualities or has a specific reputation because of its geographical origin.
• GI Tags can be issued for wine and spirit drinks, foodstuffs, agricultural products, handicrafts, and industrial products.
• Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) – At the International level, GI is governed by the World Trade Organisation’s (WTO’s) Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS). 
• Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act – In India, Geographical Indications registration is administered by the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999, which came into force in September 2003. 
• Darjeeling tea  – The first product in India to be accorded with the GI tag was Darjeeling tea in 2004-05.

India and Slovakia Elevate Ties to Comprehensive Partnership

International

Context

• India and Slovakia elevated their ties to a comprehensive partnership and inked 11 agreements to expand bilateral cooperation. 

About

• The visit was the first by an Indian Prime Minister to Slovakia since its independence in 1993.
• The two leaders also agreed to work towards the earliest implementation of the India-European Union free trade agreement.
• The Slovak President presented The Order of the White Double Cross (1st Class), the highest state honour of Slovakia, to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Slovakia

• • Slovakia is a landlocked country in Central Europe. 
  • It became an independent state on January 1, 1993, after the peaceful dissolution of Czechoslovakia.
  • Neighbouring countries – Slovakia is bordered by Poland to the north, Ukraine to the east, Hungary to the south, Austria to the southwest and the Czech Republic, lies to the west.
  • Capital city – Bratislava is the only national capital in the world that directly borders two separate countries i.e. Austria and Hungary.

• Official Language: Slovak.

• Currency: Euro (€).
• It is a member of both the European Union and NATO (the North Atlantic Treaty Organization).

BRICS Indore Declaration

International

Context

• The BRICS Agriculture Ministers and officials-level meetings were held in Indore in which the ‘BRICS Indore Declaration’ was unanimously adopted.

BRICS Indore Declaration – Main Focus Areas

• Helping Small Farmers: Focuses on helping small farmers, women, and youth.
• Food Security: Working together to feed the world.
• New Technology: Using smart tools like AI and digital maps in farming.
• Safe Farming: Protecting nature with organic and natural farming.

Key Initiatives

• Digital Agriculture Network: Led by IIT Delhi to bring digital tools to farms.
• Natural Farming Centres: Led by ICAR-IIFSR to study safe farming methods.
• Farmers’ Seed Rights: A forum to protect traditional seeds and farmers’ rights.

BRICS 

• • Founded in – 2009
  • HeadQuarters – Shanghai
  • It is an acronym for the grouping of the world’s leading emerging economies, namely Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa (included in 2010)
  • Origin – The term “BRIC” was coined by the British Economist Jim O’Neill in 2001 to describe the four emerging economies of Brazil, Russia, India, and China.

• Recent Expansion (BRICS+): In 2024–2025, the bloc expanded to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the UAE, and Indonesia. Saudi Arabia has received an invitation but has not yet formalized its membership.

• Share of BRICS – BRICS brings together five of the largest developing countries, representing 41% of the global population, 24% of the global GDP, and 16% of the global trade (By 2028, BRICS is expected to make up 35 percent of the global economy)
• Chairmanship – The chairmanship of the forum is rotated annually among the members. 

Initiatives of BRICS 

1. New Development Bank (NDB) 
2. Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA) 
3. BRICS Payment System 
4. Customs Agreements 
5. Constellation of Remote Sensing Satellites

New Initiative

• BRICS is planning to launch its own “new currency” system, a major step towards de-dollarization (reducing dependence on the US dollar for trade).

U.S. and Iran reach Agreement to end war, re-open Hormuz Strait

International

Context

• The U.S. and Iran have reached a preliminary agreement to end the war.

About

• The pact includes an immediate halt to military action, including in Lebanon, and a 60-day negotiation period.
• The US has announced the removal of the US naval blockade, authorizing the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz for global shipping.
• The move would allow international maritime traffic to resume.

Strait of Hormuz

• Location – The Strait of Hormuz lies between Iran to the north and Oman and the United Arab Emirates to the south, linking the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. 
• At its narrowest point it is about 33 kilometres wide, with shipping lanes just a few kilometres across in either direction.
• Significance- Nearly half of India’s crude oil and around 60 per cent of its natural gas imports pass through the strait.

Adding Cervavac to National Immunisation Programme After 2027

GS2/ Health

In News

• The HPV vaccine developed by the Serum Institute of India (SII), with support from the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), is likely to be included in the national vaccination programme after 2027.

More about the news

• Cervavac, India’s first indigenously developed HPV vaccine, is currently administered in a two-dose schedule, which limited its inclusion in the national HPV vaccination programme. 
• Earlier this year, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare launched a nationwide HPV vaccination campaign targeting 14-year-old girls using MSD’s Gardasil vaccine. 

Human papillomavirus (HPV)

• • HPV is a common sexually transmitted infection. 

• Most infections are asymptomatic and self-limiting.

• Nature: HPV is a DNA virus from the Papillomaviridae family.

Additional Information – Cervical Cancer

• Cervical cancer develops in a woman’s cervix (the entrance to the uterus from the vagina).  
• Spread: Almost all cervical cancer cases (99%) are linked to infection with high-risk human papillomaviruses (HPV), an extremely common virus transmitted through sexual contact.
• Prevalence: Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women.
• It is the second most common type of cancer in India for women.
• Treatment: When diagnosed, cervical cancer is one of the most successfully treatable forms of cancer, as long as it is detected early and managed effectively.
• Vaccination: There are, at present, two vaccines available in the country against the human papillomavirus (HPV) which causes cervical cancer, namely Merck’s Gardasil and Serum Institute of India’s Cervavac.