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July10th Current Affairs

Home / UPSC / Current affairs / UPSC Current Affairs – July 10th

Table of Contents

India–Australia Relations Enter a New Phase with Third Annual Summit

Why in News?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Australia (8–10 July 2026) to participate in the Third India–Australia Annual Summit in Melbourne. During the summit, Prime Minister Modi and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese adopted a new Joint Declaration on Defence and Security Cooperation and announced agreements in civil nuclear energy, defence, critical minerals, space, trade, clean energy, and the Indo-Pacific. The summit marked six years of the India–Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP).

Key Highlights of the Summit

New Joint Declaration on Defence and Security

  • Both countries adopted a new framework to deepen defence cooperation.
  • Focus areas include:
    • Joint military exercises
    • Defence industrial collaboration
    • Maritime security
    • Logistics cooperation
    • Cyber security
  • Reaffirmed commitment to a free, open, inclusive and rules-based Indo-Pacific.

2. Civil Nuclear Cooperation

  • Australia agreed to expand the supply of uranium for India’s peaceful civil nuclear programme.
  • Supports India’s target of increasing clean energy generation and achieving Net Zero commitments.

3. Space Cooperation

  • Australia will establish a temporary space tracking terminal on the Cocos (Keeling) Islands to support India’s Gaganyaan Mission.
  • This strengthens bilateral cooperation in space technology and human spaceflight.

4. Critical Minerals Partnership

  • Both countries agreed to deepen cooperation in:
    • Lithium
    • Cobalt
    • Rare Earth Elements
  • Important for:
    • Electric vehicles (EVs)
    • Battery manufacturing
    • Renewable energy
    • Semiconductor supply chains.

5. Trade and Investment

  • Both leaders reiterated their commitment to conclude the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) at the earliest.
  • Discussions also focused on increasing bilateral investment and strengthening resilient supply chains.

Why is Australia Important for India?

Strategic Importance

  • Key partner in the Quad (India, Australia, Japan, USA).
  • Supports India’s Indo-Pacific vision.
  • Enhances maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region.

Economic Importance

  • Australia is a major supplier of:
    • Critical minerals
    • Coal
    • LNG
    • Uranium
  • Expanding trade under ECTA (2022) and the proposed CECA.

Energy Security

  • Reliable source of uranium for India’s civil nuclear programme.
  • Supports India’s clean energy transition.

Technology & Innovation

  • Cooperation in:
    • Artificial Intelligence (AI)
    • Cyber security
    • Space technology
    • Emerging technologies
    • Green hydrogen.

Challenges in India–Australia Relations

  1. Delay in concluding CECA.
  2. Geopolitical tensions in the Indo-Pacific.
  3. Dependence on China in regional trade.
  4. Need for diversified and resilient supply chains.

Significance for UPSC

  • Demonstrates India’s policy of multi-alignment.
  • Strengthens India’s role in the Indo-Pacific architecture.
  • Enhances strategic autonomy through diversified partnerships.
  • Supports India’s energy security and economic resilience.

Way Forward

  • Conclude the CECA at the earliest.
  • Expand cooperation in defence manufacturing under Make in India.
  • Strengthen collaboration in critical technologies, clean energy, and resilient supply chains.
  • Enhance maritime cooperation to ensure a stable and secure Indo-Pacific.

Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in Manipur: Electoral Integrity vs Democratic Inclusion

Why in News?

An editorial discusses the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Manipur, highlighting concerns that conducting the exercise amid continuing ethnic violence and large-scale displacement may result in the exclusion of genuine voters, particularly internally displaced persons (IDPs). At the same time, the Election Commission maintains that the revision is necessary to ensure accurate and credible electoral rolls.

What is Special Intensive Revision (SIR)?

  • Special Intensive Revision (SIR) is a comprehensive verification of electoral rolls conducted by the Election Commission of India (ECI).
  • It aims to ensure:
    • No eligible voter is left out.
    • No ineligible person is included.
    • Electoral rolls remain accurate and updated.
  • The exercise is carried out under:
    • Article 324 of the Constitution.
    • Representation of the People Act, 1950.

Why is SIR Controversial in Manipur?

1. Ethnic Conflict and Displacement

  • Since May 2023, Manipur has witnessed prolonged ethnic violence between different communities.
  • Thousands of people have been displaced and are living in relief camps.
  • Many displaced persons no longer reside at their original addresses, making voter verification difficult.

2. Risk of Voter Exclusion

  • Many displaced citizens may have:
    • Lost identity documents.
    • No permanent address.
    • Difficulty accessing verification centres.
  • This raises concerns about possible disenfranchisement of genuine voters.

3. Political Sensitivity

  • Allegations regarding illegal migration and voter eligibility have made the revision politically sensitive.
  • The editorial argues that electoral verification should remain impartial and should not deepen existing social divisions.

Election Commission's Stand

The ECI states that the objective of SIR is:

    • To maintain clean and error-free electoral rolls.
    • To remove:
      • Duplicate entries.
      • Deceased voters.
      • Shifted voters.
      • Ineligible names.
    • To ensure every eligible Indian citizen has the opportunity to be enrolled in the voters’ list.

Constitutional & Legal Provisions

Article 324

  • Empowers the Election Commission of India to supervise, direct and control elections.

Representation of the People Act, 1950

  • Governs the preparation and revision of electoral rolls.

Universal Adult Suffrage

  • Every Indian citizen aged 18 years or above has the right to be registered as a voter, subject to legal qualifications.

Challenges in Conducting SIR in Manipur

  • Verification of displaced voters.
  • Loss of identity documents.
  • Security concerns in conflict-affected districts.
  • Maintaining neutrality and public trust.
  • Balancing electoral integrity with the constitutional right to vote.

Significance for Democracy

  • Accurate electoral rolls strengthen the credibility of elections.
  • Prevents bogus or duplicate voting.
  • Protects the principle of “One Person, One Vote.”
  • In conflict-affected regions, the process must also ensure that vulnerable communities are not unfairly excluded.

Way Forward

  • Establish special enrolment centres in relief camps.
  • Allow flexible documentation for displaced persons.
  • Strengthen claims and objections mechanisms.
  • Increase transparency through public consultation and independent monitoring.
  • Balance electoral integrity with inclusive democratic participation.

Performance Grading Index (PGI) highlights the performance of States and Union Territories in school education, emphasizing quality, governance and learning outcomes.

Why is it in News?

  • According to today’s news the Performance Grading Index (PGI) was mentioned in the context of assessing the quality of school education across States and Union Territories.
  • The index serves as a national benchmarking tool to encourage healthy competition among States and improve the implementation of school education reforms under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

What is the Performance Grading Index (PGI)?

The Performance Grading Index (PGI) is an annual assessment framework developed by the Ministry of Education to evaluate the performance of States and Union Territories in school education.

    • Launched: 2017–18
    • Prepared by: Department of School Education & Literacy, Ministry of Education.
    • Objective: To assess the quality of school education and promote evidence-based policy reforms.

Objectives of PGI

The PGI evaluates States across multiple indicators grouped under key domains:

1. Learning Outcomes & Quality

  • Student achievement levels.
  • Teacher quality.
  • Classroom practices.

2. Access               

  • Enrolment.
  • Availability of schools.
  • Infrastructure.

3. Infrastructure & Facilities

  • Toilets.
  • Drinking water.
  • Electricity.
  • Digital infrastructure.
  • Libraries.

4. Equity

  • Gender parity.
  • Inclusion of SC/ST, minorities and children with disabilities.
  • Reduction in dropout rates.

5. Governance Processes

    • Teacher availability.
    • Timely release of funds.
    • Monitoring systems.
    • Data management.
    • School inspections.

How are States Ranked?

  • States are not assigned numerical ranks.
  • Instead, they are placed in performance grades based on their scores.
  • This approach reduces unhealthy competition while encouraging continuous improvement.

Significance of PGI

  • Helps policymakers identify gaps in school education.
  • Encourages data-driven reforms.
  • Improves accountability of State governments.
  • Promotes equitable and inclusive education.
  • Facilitates monitoring of progress towards Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education) and NEP 2020.

Prambanan Temple was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991 due to its outstanding cultural and architectural significance.

Limitations

  • Relies largely on data submitted by States.
  • Does not always capture classroom-level learning quality.
  • Differences in socio-economic conditions among States may influence performance.  

India Pushes for Stronger ASEAN Economic Integration Through Review of ASEAN–India Trade Agreement

Why in News?

India hosted the 13th Joint Committee Meeting for the review of the ASEAN–India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) in New Delhi (July 6–10, 2026). The meeting focused on expediting negotiations to modernize the trade pact, improve market access, simplify customs procedures, and strengthen economic ties between India and ASEAN.

What is ASEAN? (Association of Southeast Asian Nations)

  • Established on 8 August 1967 through the Bangkok Declaration.
  • Headquarters: Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Secretariat, Jakarta, Indonesia.
  • Objective:
    • Promote economic growth, regional peace, political stability, and socio-cultural cooperation in Southeast Asia.

ASEAN Members (10)

  • Indonesia
  • Malaysia
  • Singapore
  • Thailand
  • Philippines
  • Brunei
  • Vietnam
  • Laos
  • Cambodia
  • Myanmar

ASEAN–India Relations

India is a Comprehensive Strategic Partner of ASEAN.

Evolution                                  

  • 1992: Sectoral Dialogue Partner
  • 1995: Full Dialogue Partner
  • 1996: Member of ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF)
  • 2002: Annual ASEAN–India Summit began
  • 2022: Partnership upgraded to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership

Key Areas of Cooperation

  1. Trade & Economy                                           
  • ASEAN is among India’s largest trading partners.
  • Bilateral trade reached around USD 128 billion in 2025–26.
  • The ongoing AITIGA Review aims to:
    • Remove trade barriers.
    • Simplify Rules of Origin.
    • Improve customs procedures.
    • Expand market access.

2. Connectivity                      

Major projects include:

  • India–Myanmar–Thailand Trilateral Highway
  • Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project

3. Maritime Cooperation

  • Cooperation in:
    • Blue Economy
    • Maritime Security
    • Humanitarian Assistance & Disaster Relief (HADR)
  • India declared 2026 as the ASEAN–India Year of Maritime Cooperation.

4. Strategic Importance

ASEAN is central to India’s:

  • Act East Policy
  • Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI)
  • Vision of a Free, Open and Inclusive Indo-Pacific

Importance of ASEAN for India

  • Gateway to Southeast Asia.
  • Enhances trade and investment.
  • Ensures security of important sea lanes like the Strait of Malacca.
  • Balances China’s growing regional influence.
  • Supports India’s Indo-Pacific strategy.
  • Strengthens supply-chain resilience and regional connectivity.

Challenges

  1. Trade imbalance in favour of ASEAN.
  2. Delay in connectivity projects.
  3. Myanmar political crisis affecting regional cooperation.
  4. South China Sea tensions.
  5. Increasing strategic competition between major powers.

Way Forward

  • Complete the review of AITIGA at the earliest.
  • Accelerate connectivity projects.
  • Deepen digital economy and technology cooperation.
  • Strengthen maritime security collaboration.
  • Expand cooperation in critical minerals, green energy, healthcare and resilient supply chains.



National Board for Wildlife Clears Key Conservation and Infrastructure Proposals

Why in News?

The National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) was in the news after it considered and approved several proposals involving infrastructure and development projects in ecologically sensitive areas, while emphasizing mitigation measures to balance development with wildlife conservation. Such approvals are significant because projects located in or around protected areas require scrutiny under India’s wildlife protection framework.

What is the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL)?

The National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) is the highest statutory advisory body in India on matters related to wildlife conservation and protection.

It was constituted under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.

Composition

  • Chairperson: Prime Minister of India
  • Vice-Chairperson: Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change
  • Members include:
    • Members of Parliament
    • Experts in wildlife conservation
    • Representatives of NGOs
    • Chief of Army Staff (or nominee)
    • Senior government officials
    • Eminent conservationists

Functions of NBWL

1. Wildlife Conservation

  • Promotes conservation of wildlife and biodiversity.
  • Advises the Central Government on wildlife-related policies.

2. Protected Areas

  • Reviews matters relating to:
    • National Parks
    • Wildlife Sanctuaries
    • Conservation Reserves
    • Community Reserves

3. Project Clearance

  • Examines proposals for projects located:
    • Inside Protected Areas.
    • Within Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs).
  • Recommends safeguards to minimize ecological damage.

4. Policy Advice            

  • Advises on:
    • Wildlife corridors
    • Human–wildlife conflict mitigation
    • Species recovery programmes
    • Habitat restoration

Standing Committee of NBWL

  • Most project proposals are examined by the Standing Committee of the NBWL.
  • It is chaired by the Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
  • The Committee evaluates:
    • Environmental impact
    • Wildlife habitat fragmentation
    • Mitigation measures
    • Compliance with the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972

Protected Areas under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972

  • National Parks
  • Wildlife Sanctuaries
  • Conservation Reserves
  • Community Reserves

Challenges

  • Increasing developmental pressure on forests.
  • Habitat fragmentation due to roads, railways, mining and power projects.
  • Human–wildlife conflict.
  • Climate change impacts on ecosystems.
  • Balancing economic development with conservation.

Way Forward

  • Strengthen scientific assessment before approving projects.
  • Improve wildlife corridor protection.
  • Promote landscape-level conservation planning.
  • Enhance monitoring of compliance with mitigation measures.
  • Increase community participation in conservation efforts.

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