Polity & Constitution
Why in news: The Square Circle Clinic report revealed that the Supreme Court confirmed zero death sentences for three consecutive years despite 128 sentences by High Courts in 2025.
The report noted that 95% of death sentences in 2025 were imposed without compliance with Supreme Court guidelines.
Prelims pointers (3)
- BodyThe Square Circle Clinic is an initiative at NALSAR University of Law
- FactHigh Courts sentenced 128 individuals to death in 2025
- Fact95% of death sentences in 2025 were imposed without compliance with Supreme Court guidelines
Mains angle
Q. Critically analyze the judicial trend of commuting death sentences and the implications of procedural violations at the trial court level on the right to a fair trial.
- Trial court infirmity: High acquittal rates suggest systemic errors in Sessions Court conviction processes
- Procedural non-compliance: Widespread failure to adhere to Supreme Court sentencing guidelines at lower judiciary levels
Keywords: Judicial review · Right to fair trial · Sentencing guidelines · Appellate jurisdiction · Wrongful conviction
GS2Polity & Constitution › Judiciary & landmark judgmentsMains Why in news: The Supreme Court agreed to examine a plea by the Himachal Pradesh government challenging a High Court order that restricted the withdrawal of 45 criminal cases against sitting and former lawmakers.
The Himachal Pradesh government is challenging a High Court order that allowed the withdrawal of only 15 out of 45 criminal cases. The Supreme Court has scheduled the hearing for March 16th.
Prelims pointers (2)
- Fact45 criminal cases were initially sought for withdrawal by the Himachal Pradesh government
- FactHigh Court partially allowed the withdrawal of 15 cases
Mains angle
Q. Discuss the legal and ethical implications of withdrawing criminal cases against elected representatives and the role of the judiciary in balancing executive discretion with the rule of law.
- Judicial oversight: Balancing the state's power to grant pardons or withdrawals against the principle of public accountability
- Legal ambiguity: Conflict between executive prerogative to settle cases and the judiciary's role in upholding criminal justice
- Political accountability: Potential for 'quid pro quo' in case withdrawals affecting the integrity of the legislative process
Keywords: Judicial Review · Executive Discretion · Rule of Law · Public Accountability · Criminal Jurisprudence
The Hindu ↗+1 more on this story GS2Polity & Constitution › Elections, ECI & electoral reformsPrelims Why in news: The Chief Electoral Officer of West Bengal requested a one-week extension from the Election Commission of India to complete the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls due to pending hearings.
The SIR process in West Bengal has already deleted over 58 lakh voters and flagged 94.49 lakh others under 'logical discrepancies.' The CEO requested a new deadline of February 14th for completion, with a potential final publication date of February 21st.
Prelims pointers (2)
- FactWest Bengal SIR: 58 lakh voters deleted and 94.49 lakh flagged for logical discrepancies.
- FactThe requested extension for the SIR completion deadline is until February 14th.
Mains angle
Q. Discuss the significance of periodic electoral roll revisions in ensuring the integrity of the democratic process and the challenges faced in identifying 'logical discrepancies'.
- Data integrity: Challenges in distinguishing between genuine migration and fraudulent entries in voter lists
- Administrative bottleneck: Balancing intensive field verification with statutory deadlines for electoral updates
Keywords: Electoral Roll · Special Intensive Revision · Election Commission of India · Voter List Integrity · Logical Discrepancies
Social Justice
GS2Social Justice › Vulnerable sections (SC/ST, minorities, disabled, elderly, children)Mains Why in news: Rural workers in Karnataka protested against the proposed 'Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission' framework, alleging it weakens the rights-based nature of MGNREGA.
Protesters in Karnataka argue that the new framework threatens the demand-driven nature of MGNREGA. They highlight the scheme's role in improving women's livelihoods and empowering Dalit communities while criticizing new restrictions on peak-season employment and excessive digitization.
Prelims pointers (3)
- SchemeMGNREGA: A rights-based, demand-driven rural employment guarantee scheme.
- FactViksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission: The proposed framework replacing/modifying MGNREGA.
- FactProtest location: Karnataka.
Mains angle
Q. Critically analyze how MGNREGA has functioned as a tool for social justice for women and Dalit communities, and discuss the implications of shifting to a non-rights-based framework.
- Rights-based vs. Welfare-based: Shift from legal entitlement to discretionary employment impacts job security
- Social inclusion: Potential erosion of safety nets for marginalized castes and women in rural economies
- Digital divide: Risks of excessive digitization in rural areas affecting accessibility for low-literacy workers
Keywords: Rights-based approach · Social justice · Livelihood security · Marginalized communities · Demand-driven employment
GS2Social Justice › Health policy & public healthPrelims + Mains Why in news: The Economic Survey 2025-26 highlighted rising digital addiction and screen-related mental health issues as a major healthcare concern, recommending a shift toward preventive healthcare and platform accountability.
The Economic Survey 2025-26 proposed expanding the Tele-MANAS program to address digital addiction. It recommended interventions such as cyber-safety education, parental training on screen-time management, and integrating health systems with schools.
Prelims pointers (3)
- SchemeTele-MANAS: A government initiative to provide mental health support, proposed for expansion to address digital addiction.
- FactEconomic Survey 2025-26: Identified digital addiction as a major healthcare concern for children and adolescents.
- FactPreventive Healthcare: The Survey recommended a shift from a treatment-centric model to a preventive approach for non-communicable diseases.
Mains angle
Q. Discuss the implications of rising digital addiction on public health and evaluate the shift toward a preventive healthcare model in India.
- Institutional bottleneck: Lack of standardized protocols for platform accountability regarding harmful content for minors
- Policy trade-off: Balancing individual digital rights with state-led interventions for mental health surveillance
- Infrastructure gap: Need for community-level health systems to support technology-enabled public health surveillance
Keywords: Preventive Healthcare · Digital Addiction · Non-communicable Diseases · Public Health Surveillance · Platform Accountability
GS2Social Justice › Vulnerable sections (SC/ST, minorities, disabled, elderly, children)Prelims + Mains Why in news: The Union Ministry of Home Affairs confirmed that questions regarding caste will be included in the second phase of the 2027 Census following representations from various states.
The 2027 Census will be conducted in two phases. The first phase questions have been notified, while the second phase, starting in February 2027, will focus on demographic and socioeconomic information including caste enumeration.
Prelims pointers (3)
- FactThe 2027 Census is scheduled to be conducted in two distinct phases.
- FactThe second phase of the census is scheduled to begin in February 2027.
- BodyThe Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is the nodal ministry for conducting the Census.
Mains angle
Q. Discuss the significance of including caste data in the national census for the formulation of inclusive social justice policies in India.
- Data-driven policy: Accurate caste enumeration as a basis for identifying and targeting beneficiaries of reservation and welfare schemes
- Federal friction: Balancing state-level demands for granular caste data with national data privacy and administrative feasibility
Keywords: Demographic enumeration · Social justice · Data-driven policy · Federalism · Inclusive growth
GS2Social Justice › Vulnerable sections (SC/ST, minorities, disabled, elderly, children)Prelims Why in news: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah instructed the Chief Secretary to review a mandatory life certificate submission system for Griha Lakshmi scheme beneficiaries to prevent payments after death.
The Griha Lakshmi scheme provides ₹2,000 monthly financial aid to eligible women heads of families holding Antyodaya, BPL, and APL ration cards. The proposal for mandatory life certificates follows reports of assistance continuing after a beneficiary's death despite periodic verification.
Prelims pointers (3)
- FactGriha Lakshmi scheme provides ₹2,000 monthly financial aid to eligible women heads of families.
- FactEligibility for the scheme is linked to Antyodaya, BPL, and APL ration cards.
- PostDinesh Gooli Gowda serves as the State Guarantee Authority vice-chairman.
Mains angle
Q. Discuss the importance of robust verification mechanisms in direct benefit transfer (DBT) schemes to ensure the integrity of social welfare distribution.
- Leakage prevention: Addressing the issue of 'ghost beneficiaries' receiving funds after death
- Administrative burden: Balancing the ease of access for vulnerable groups against the necessity of periodic verification
Keywords: Direct Benefit Transfer · Social Welfare · Ghost Beneficiaries · Verification Mechanism · Leakage Prevention
Why in news: Minister Sharan Prakash Patil announced a plan to establish medical colleges in every district of the state to improve access to higher education for all socioeconomic backgrounds.
The initiative targets the establishment of medical colleges in every district, with Ramanagara and Bagalkot districts selected for the first phase. Yadgir district is being developed into a health hub following the introduction of a nursing course.
Prelims pointers (3)
- FactRamanagara and Bagalkot districts are slated for the first phase of medical college establishment.
- PlaceYadgir district is being developed into a health hub in Karnataka.
- BodyThe Indian Association of Medical Microbiologists — Karnataka Chapter (IAMM-KC) was acknowledged in the announcement.
Mains angle
Q. Discuss how decentralizing medical education infrastructure can address regional disparities in healthcare and higher education access in India.
- Infrastructure gap: Addressing the shortage of tertiary healthcare facilities in rural and underserved districts.
- Socioeconomic equity: Reducing the financial and geographical barriers for students from marginalized backgrounds to access medical degrees.
Keywords: Decentralization · Healthcare Infrastructure · Educational Equity · Regional Disparity · Public Health Access
GS2Social Justice › Health policy & public healthPrelims + Mains Why in news: The Indian government announced measures in the 2026 budget to address the mental health crisis by establishing a second NIMHANS and integrating mental health into the Ayushman Bharat scheme.
The 2026 budget includes the establishment of a second National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS) and upgrades to existing institutions. Mental health is being integrated into Ayushman Bharat through the upgrading of sub-health centers and primary health centres.
Prelims pointers (3)
- BodyNIMHANS: National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences
- SchemeAyushman Bharat: Includes upgraded sub-health centers and primary health centres for mental health integration
- FactMental health budget allocation: Less than 2% of the total health budget
Mains angle
Q. Discuss the challenges in providing accessible mental healthcare in India and evaluate the effectiveness of integrating mental health into primary healthcare schemes.
- Resource scarcity: Shortage of trained mental health professionals and accredited training programs for postgraduate students
- Funding gap: Insufficient budget allocation (under 2%) hindering large-scale infrastructure development
- Model shift: Transitioning from institutional care to community-based, early intervention models
Keywords: primary healthcare · community-based intervention · budgetary allocation · mental health integration · healthcare infrastructure
International Relations
Why in news: Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal informed the Lok Sabha that the India-U.S. trade deal will reduce tariffs on Indian goods to 18% while protecting sensitive agriculture and dairy sectors.
The trade deal aims to reduce tariffs on Indian goods from 50% to 18%. It focuses on promoting 'Make in India' and 'Design in India' initiatives while leveraging the U.S. as a supplier in aviation and nuclear sectors.
Prelims pointers (3)
- FactTariff reduction: Proposed reduction of tariffs on Indian goods from 50% to 18% under the India-U.S. trade deal.
- FactProtected sectors: Agriculture and dairy sectors are explicitly protected from trade liberalisation in the deal.
- FactStrategic sectors: The U.S. is identified as a major supplier in aviation and nuclear sectors for India.
Mains angle
Q. Discuss how bilateral trade agreements can balance the objectives of liberalising trade while protecting sensitive domestic sectors like agriculture and dairy.
- Trade-off: Balancing tariff reductions for industrial growth against the protection of subsistence-based agricultural livelihoods
- Strategic alignment: Leveraging bilateral trade to secure critical technology and energy inputs in aviation and nuclear sectors
Keywords: Trade Liberalisation · Tariff Reduction · Strategic Autonomy · MSME Empowerment · Make in India
Why in news: Ukraine and Russia resumed US-led peace talks in Abu Dhabi following accusations by President Zelenskyy that Russia exploited an energy truce to stockpile weapons.
The two-day talks were facilitated by the Trump administration in Abu Dhabi. Russia demands Ukraine cede control of the Donbas region, while Ukraine insists on a ceasefire along the current frontline.
Prelims pointers (2)
- PlaceAbu Dhabi: Host city for the second round of US-led peace talks between Ukraine and Russia
- PostVolodymyr Zelenskyy: President of Ukraine
Mains angle
Q. Analyze the role of third-party mediation in resolving protracted geopolitical conflicts and the challenges of reconciling non-negotiable territorial demands.
- Diplomatic deadlock: Irreconcilable demands regarding the Donbas region vs. current frontline ceasefire
- Trust deficit: Allegations of weapon stockpiling during energy truces undermining diplomatic goodwill
- Mediator influence: The role of the Trump administration in shaping the peace negotiation framework
Keywords: Geopolitical conflict · Third-party mediation · Territorial integrity · Diplomatic stalemate · Security dilemma
The Guardian ↗+2 more on this story Why in news: The New START nuclear weapons control treaty between the US and Russia expired on Thursday, raising fears of a new arms race as both nations modernize their nuclear forces.
The New START treaty was signed in 2010 and capped deployed strategic warheads at 1,550. The US advocates for the inclusion of China in future treaties, while Russia demands the inclusion of France and the UK.
Prelims pointers (3)
- FactNew START treaty capped deployed strategic warheads at 1,550
- PostAdmiral Sir Tony Radakin is the former head of Britain's armed forces
- BodyNew START is a nuclear weapons control treaty between the US and Russia
Mains angle
Q. Discuss the implications of the expiration of the New START treaty on global nuclear non-proliferation and the risk of a multi-polar arms race.
- Geopolitical friction: US demand for China's inclusion vs Russia's demand for UK/France involvement
- Strategic modernization: Rapid advancement of nuclear capabilities by major powers undermining existing arms control frameworks
Keywords: Nuclear non-proliferation · Strategic stability · Arms control · Multi-polar world · Nuclear modernization
Why in news: The US launched a plan to establish a trade zone for critical minerals involving several global partners to counter China's dominance in the electronics and electric vehicle manufacturing supply chains.
The initiative includes the US, UK, EU, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The US strategy involves deploying billions into mining projects and using tariffs to prevent low prices from deterring investment.
Prelims pointers (3)
- FactThe US plan involves deploying billions of dollars into mining projects for critical minerals.
- PlaceThe Democratic Republic of Congo is one of the key partners in the proposed critical minerals trade zone.
- FactThe trade zone aims to secure minerals essential for manufacturing electronics and electric vehicles.
Mains angle
Q. Discuss how the formation of exclusive mineral trade zones by Western powers impacts the global supply chain and India's strategic autonomy in the green energy transition.
- Geopolitical fragmentation: Risk of 'minerals-blocs' creating trade barriers and disrupting global market equilibrium.
- Supply chain diversification: Reducing reliance on Chinese processing while navigating high capital costs of new mining projects.
- Strategic autonomy: India's balancing act between Western security-led trade zones and maintaining neutral trade ties with China.
Keywords: Supply chain resilience · Critical minerals · Trade protectionism · Strategic autonomy · Green transition
Why in news: India and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) signed terms of reference to initiate negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) to boost bilateral trade and investment.
India and the GCC (a union of six countries) signed the terms of reference for FTA talks. India's exports to the GCC grew by approximately one percent in 2024-25.
Prelims pointers (4)
- FactIndia's exports to the GCC grew by about one percent in 2024-25
- FactIndia predominantly imports crude oil and natural gas from Gulf nations
- FactIndia exports pearls, precious stones, metals, and chemicals to the GCC
- BodyGCC: A union of six countries in the Gulf region
Mains angle
Q. Discuss how a Free Trade Agreement with the Gulf Cooperation Council can diversify India's energy security and enhance its export footprint in the Middle East.
- Trade diversification: Reducing reliance on specific energy imports while expanding non-oil export markets
- Geopolitical alignment: Strengthening economic ties to counter regional competition and secure maritime trade routes
Keywords: bilateral trade · Free Trade Agreement · energy security · export diversification · GCC
Why in news: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussed the final details of a trade agreement to reduce tariffs on Indian goods from 50% to 18%.
The agreement involves a significant tariff reduction for Indian goods from 50% to 18%. Discussions in Washington DC also covered critical mineral cooperation, defense, and energy.
Prelims pointers (4)
- FactProposed tariff reduction for Indian goods: from 50% to 18%
- PostMarco Rubio: U.S. Secretary of State
- PostS Jaishankar: India's External Affairs Minister
- FactKey cooperation areas: critical minerals, defense, and energy
Mains angle
Q. Examine how the proposed India-U.S. trade agreement can serve as a catalyst for deeper strategic cooperation in critical minerals and defense technology.
- Supply chain resilience: Reducing import costs for critical minerals to bolster domestic manufacturing
- Strategic alignment: Leveraging trade concessions to deepen cooperation in defense and energy security
Keywords: bilateral trade · tariff reduction · strategic cooperation · critical minerals · trade diplomacy
Why in news: Oman mediated indirect talks between Iran and the US for the first time since the June conflict with Israel, involving high-level US envoys and military leadership.
Participants included Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, US envoy Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, and Admiral Brad Cooper (head of US Central Command).
Prelims pointers (4)
- PostAbbas Araghchi: Foreign Minister of Iran
- PostSteve Witkoff: US envoy participating in Oman talks
- PostAdmiral Brad Cooper: Head of the US Central Command
- PlaceOman: Host country for the indirect Iran-US nuclear talks
Mains angle
Q. Analyze the role of regional intermediaries in de-escalating nuclear tensions and managing geopolitical friction in the Middle East.
- Diplomatic leverage: Oman's role as a neutral mediator in high-stakes nuclear negotiations
- Military signaling: Inclusion of Central Command leadership as a deterrent against negotiation failure
- Geopolitical volatility: Impact of regional conflicts on the viability of indirect diplomatic channels
Keywords: indirect diplomacy · nuclear non-proliferation · regional mediation · geopolitical de-escalation · strategic deterrence
Why in news: Analysts suggest India's new trade agreements with the US and EU may provide economic leverage to counter China's influence, potentially cooling the recent thaw in India-China relations.
India has signed trade agreements with the United States and the European Union. The specific details regarding trade reductions and energy imports within these agreements remain unclarified.
Prelims pointers (2)
- FactIndia signed trade agreements with both the United States and the European Union.
- FactTrade agreements include provisions for energy imports and trade reductions.
Mains angle
Q. Analyze how India's diversifying trade partnerships with Western economies influence its strategic autonomy and bilateral economic relations with China.
- Geopolitical leverage: Utilizing Western trade ties to balance regional economic dominance by China
- Strategic autonomy: Balancing multi-alignment through diversified trade corridors vs. bilateral dependencies
- Economic diversification: Reducing trade concentration risks by integrating with US and EU markets
Keywords: Strategic Autonomy · Multi-alignment · Economic Leverage · Trade Diversification · Geopolitical Balancing
Why in news: Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that India and the U.S. have finalized an interim trade agreement framework to address non-tariff barriers in electronics and intellectual property.
The interim trade agreement framework focuses on removing non-tariff barriers for U.S. medical devices and ICT goods. It includes provisions for collaboration on technology standards, data center development, and AI sector innovation.
Prelims pointers (3)
- FactThe interim trade agreement framework specifically targets non-tariff barriers in U.S. medical devices and ICT goods.
- FactThe agreement includes a framework for collaboration on technology standards and data center development.
- FactIndia's engagement with the U.S. includes specific focus on electronics and intellectual property (IP) matters.
Mains angle
Q. Discuss how bilateral trade agreements focusing on high-tech sectors like electronics and AI can enhance India's position in the global value chain.
- Regulatory alignment: Harmonizing technology standards to facilitate seamless cross-border trade in ICT goods
- IP protection: Balancing domestic innovation incentives with international intellectual property rights requirements
- Infrastructure synergy: Leveraging U.S. investment in data centers to bolster India's AI and digital infrastructure
Keywords: non-tariff barriers · intellectual property · ICT goods · bilateral trade · technological standards · AI innovation
Why in news: The UAE withdrew from an Islamabad Airport infrastructure deal following a shift in regional alliances and strengthened defense ties between the UAE and India.
The UAE pulled out of a deal for the Islamabad Airport. Simultaneously, the UAE and India established a new defense cooperation framework and released 900 Indian prisoners. Saudi Arabia and Pakistan signed a Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement.
Prelims pointers (4)
- FactUAE released 900 Indian prisoners as part of strengthened ties.
- PlaceIslamabad Airport: Site of the cancelled UAE infrastructure deal.
- PostSheikh Nahyan: Leader of the UAE.
- FactSaudi Arabia and Pakistan signed a Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement.
Mains angle
Q. Analyze how shifting regional alliances and infrastructure investment patterns reflect the changing geopolitical dynamics in the Middle East and South Asia.
- Investment risk: Infrastructure withdrawal as a signal of declining confidence in governance and project viability
- Security realignment: Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement as a counter-balance to regional influence
- Diplomatic leverage: Use of prisoner releases and defense frameworks to solidify bilateral ties
Keywords: Geopolitical Realignment · Strategic Mutual Defence · Infrastructure Investment · Regional Security · Bilateral Cooperation
Why in news: Indian refiners (Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum, and Reliance Industries) are reportedly avoiding Russian oil purchases for April onwards to facilitate a trade pact with the United States.
Indian refiners have declined offers for Russian oil loading in March and April despite existing schedules. The US rescinded tariffs on Indian goods following India's commitment to halt direct or indirect imports of Russian oil.
Prelims pointers (3)
- FactIndia aims to reduce Russian oil imports to below one million barrels per day by March.
- FactIndian Oil, Bharat Petroleum, and Reliance Industries are the key refiners mentioned in the trade shift.
- FactThe US rescinded tariffs on Indian goods specifically linked to the purchase of Russian oil.
Mains angle
Q. Discuss the geopolitical and economic implications of India's shifting energy procurement strategy amidst evolving trade relations with the United States and Russia.
- Strategic autonomy: Balancing energy security needs with Western trade alignment
- Trade diplomacy: Leveraging energy procurement shifts to secure favorable tariff structures
- Market dynamics: Impact of reduced Russian oil supply on domestic refining costs
Keywords: Strategic Autonomy · Energy Security · Trade Diplomacy · Tariff Policy · Geopolitical Realignment
Why in news: India and the US reached a framework for an Interim Trade Agreement to double bilateral trade by 2030 following a 50% tariff imposition by the Trump administration.
The agreement involves India reducing or eliminating tariffs on US goods, including agricultural products, in exchange for reciprocal US tariff reductions. The framework was proposed in February 2025 and follows a 50% tariff imposed on Indian goods since August 2025.
Prelims pointers (3)
- FactTarget: Double bilateral trade between India and the US by 2030.
- FactTariff status: The Trump administration imposed a 50% tariff on Indian goods starting August 2025.
- FactAgreement type: Interim Trade Agreement framework proposed in February 2025.
Mains angle
Q. Critically analyze the implications of asymmetrical trade agreements on the domestic agricultural and technology sectors of a developing economy like India.
- Sectoral vulnerability: Potential disruption to domestic agricultural livelihoods due to reduced import tariffs.
- Trade asymmetry: Balancing reciprocal tariff reductions against the risk of domestic industry displacement.
- Capital flow dynamics: Impact of trade frameworks on investor confidence and deepening of capital markets.
Keywords: Trade Asymmetry · Reciprocal Tariffs · Bilateral Trade · Market Deepening · Capital Flows
Why in news: India's National Security Advisor and Canada's counterparts agreed on a shared workplan to guide bilateral cooperation on national security and law enforcement.
India's National Security Advisor, Mr. Doval, visited Ottawa on February 7, 2026, to meet with Canada's National Security Advisor, Ms. Drouin. The meeting included discussions with Canada's Minister for Public Safety, Minister Anandasangaree, regarding cybersecurity and transnational crime.
Prelims pointers (4)
- PostMr. Doval: India's National Security Advisor
- PostMs. Drouin: Canada's National Security Advisor
- FactMeeting occurred in Ottawa on February 7, 2026
- FactMinister Anandasangaree: Canada's Minister for Public Safety
Mains angle
Q. Discuss the significance of bilateral security cooperation between India and Canada in addressing contemporary challenges like transnational crime and cybersecurity.
- Intelligence sharing: Balancing sovereign data privacy with real-time threat intelligence exchange
- Cyber-defense: Addressing cross-border digital infrastructure vulnerabilities and state-sponsored cyber-attacks
Keywords: bilateral cooperation · transnational crime · cybersecurity · national security · law enforcement
Why in news: Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Greek Defence Minister Nikos Dendias are meeting in New Delhi to discuss enhancing bilateral defence cooperation.
The meeting is scheduled for February 9, 2026, at the Manekshaw Centre in New Delhi. It follows the inaugural India-Greece Joint Services Staff Talks in January 2026 and the maiden bilateral maritime exercise between the Indian and Hellenic navies in September 2025.
Prelims pointers (4)
- PostNikos Dendias: Greek Defence Minister
- FactIndia-Greece Joint Services Staff Talks: Inaugural meeting held in January 2026
- FactMaiden bilateral maritime exercise between Indian and Hellenic navies: Conducted in September 2025
- PlaceManekshaw Centre: Venue for the meeting in New Delhi
Mains angle
Q. Discuss the significance of India's deepening defence cooperation with European nations like Greece in the context of its evolving strategic autonomy.
- Strategic alignment: Countering regional maritime threats through enhanced naval interoperability
- Economic-Security nexus: Leveraging India's growing role as a 'necessary-to-have' partner for European security architecture
Keywords: Strategic Autonomy · Defence Diplomacy · Maritime Security · Interoperability · Geopolitical Alignment
Why in news: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim signed 11 agreements in Kuala Lumpur to strengthen bilateral ties in trade, defense, and counter-terrorism.
The leaders signed 11 agreements covering trade, investment, defense, energy, and semiconductors. The meeting included discussions on India's permanent membership in a reformed UNSC and a review of the ASEAN-India Trade Agreement (ITIGA).
Prelims pointers (4)
- Fact11 agreements signed between India and Malaysia in February 2026
- BodyITIGA: ASEAN-India Trade Agreement under review
- PlaceKuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- S&TSemiconductors identified as a key area of cooperation
Mains angle
Q. Examine the significance of India's deepening strategic and economic ties with ASEAN nations in the context of its Indo-Pacific maritime security goals.
- Strategic autonomy: Balancing multi-alignment with ASEAN while pursuing a permanent UNSC seat
- Economic diversification: Reducing supply chain dependencies through semiconductor and energy cooperation
- Maritime security: Collaborative intelligence sharing to counter non-traditional security threats in the Indo-Pacific
Keywords: Strategic Pivot · Counter-terrorism · Multilateral Reforms · Indo-Pacific Stability · Trade Liberalization