India-EU Security and Defence Partnership: A Strategic Milestone
The India-European Union security and defence partnership, set to be signed on January 27, 2026, marks a significant advancement in bilateral relations. This pact, to be inked by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and EU's High Representative Kaja Kallas, covers cooperation in maritime security, cyber threats, counter-terrorism, and multilateral forums like the UN.
Key aspects include:
- Annual strategic dialogues and operational mechanisms led by senior officials.
- India becoming the third Asian country after Japan and South Korea to sign such an agreement with the EU.
- Negotiations on a Security of Information Agreement to facilitate classified information exchange.
This development is crucial for UPSC aspirants, as it relates to Current Events of National and International Importance in Prelims and Bilateral Groupings in GS-II, III.
Padma Awards 2026: Honouring Excellence
The Padma Awards for 2026 have been announced, with five Padma Vibhushan, 13 Padma Bhushan, and 113 Padma Shri recipients. Notable awardees include actor Dharmendra, former Kerala CM V.S. Achuthanandan, and cricketers Rohit Sharma and Harmanpreet Kaur.
Highlights:
- Posthumous awards to Dharmendra and V.S. Achuthanandan.
- Inclusion of diverse fields from arts to public service.
- Relevance for UPSC in Governance and Constitution topics.
Judicial Independence: Supreme Court's Concerns
Justice Ujjal Bhuyan of the Supreme Court has raised alarms about executive influence in judicial transfers, warning that it undermines judicial independence. He emphasized that transfers based on government requests compromise the collegium system's autonomy.
Key points:
- Concerns over transfers following adverse rulings against the government.
- Importance of constitutional morality and separation of powers.
- UPSC relevance in Indian Polity and Governance for Prelims and Mains.
Obesity Debate: A Complex Health Issue
The approval of Ozempic for diabetes in India has sparked discussions on obesity as a global crisis. With obesity rates rising, factors include processed food consumption, urbanization, and genetic influences.
Insights:
- Obesity affects 1 in 4 adults in India, per NFHS-5 data.
- Debate between medicalization and addressing social determinants.
- UPSC connection to Health and Development in GS-II.
Remount and Veterinary Corps: Republic Day Debut
The Remount and Veterinary Corps (RVC) will feature animals like Bactrian camels and Zanskar ponies in the Republic Day parade for the first time, led by Captain Harshita Raghav. The RVC supports military logistics in difficult terrains and disaster management.
Functions:
- Breeding and training of army animals for combat and reconnaissance.
- Operational significance in high-altitude areas like Ladakh.
- UPSC relevance in Security Forces for GS-III.
Republic Day Reflections: Constitutional Legacy
Republic Day commemorates the adoption of the Indian Constitution on January 26, 1950, emphasizing popular sovereignty. The day highlights public participation in constitutional processes and the ongoing project of democratic renewal.
Historical context:
- Link to the Poorna Swaraj resolution of 1929.
- Scholarship on public engagement in constitution-making.
- UPSC importance in Constitutional Provisions for Prelims and Mains.
These topics are essential for UPSC preparation, covering current affairs, governance, health, and security issues. Aspirants should focus on understanding their implications and interconnections for comprehensive exam readiness.
