IAS Current Affairs

Daily Current Affairs 17 June 2026 – IAS Current Affairs

IAS Current Affairs

Daily Current Affairs 17 June 2026 – IAS Current Affairs

Current Affairs 17 June 2026 focuses on the Prelims-Mains perspective. Major events are :

India-Canada Strategic Partnership

Source: Indian Express
GS II: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests

Overview

  1. News in Brief
  2. Key Highlights of the meeting
  3. India-Canada Strategic Partnership
  4. Challenges in relation

Why in the News?

On the sidelines of the 2026 G7 Summit in Evian-les-Bains, France, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.

News in Brief
  • India and Canada agreed to strengthen cooperation in defence, energy and information security.
  • Prime Minister Carney invited PM Modi to visit Canada later in 2026.
  • Both sides are working on signing of Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
Key Highlights of the meeting

Rebuilding India and Canada Bilateral Relations

  • The meeting marked a significant step in rebuilding relations after a period of diplomatic strain.
  • Both leaders appreciated the positive developments in bilateral relations generated through recent high-level interactions.

Strengthening Strategic Partnership

  • The two countries reaffirmed their commitment to a forward-looking strategic partnership.
  • Cooperation will be expanded in defence, information security and critical technologies.

Economic and Trade Cooperation

  • Discussions focused on advancing the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and reaffirmed their shared objective of concluding the negotiations in 2026.
  • Emphasized the complementarities between the Indian and Canadian economies and the importance of resilient supply chains.

Energy Security Collaboration

  • Reviewed cooperation in LNG, LPG, and metallurgical coal.
  • The partnership aims to contribute to strengthening global energy and food security.

Defence and Security ties

  • To deepen defence and security cooperation, both countries agree to launch negotiations on a General Security Of Information Agreement (GSOIA).

Science, Innovation and Education

  • The leaders noted the ongoing collaboration under the Canada-India Talent and Innovation Strategy, including initiatives to strengthen skill development, innovation partnerships, and educational exchanges.

Migration and People-to-People Ties

  • India and Canada agreed to continue dialogue on migration, consular issues, and mobility.
  • Both sides emphasized strengthening institutional engagement and regular consultations.

Support for Multilateral Cooperation

  • India expressed support for Canada becoming a Dialogue Partner of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA).
  • The two countries announced the establishment of Raisina Americas to deepen strategic dialogue and cooperation.
India-Canada Strategic Partnership

Political Relations

  • India and Canada established diplomatic relations in 1947.
  • Both countries share democratic values, rule of law, pluralism, and federal governance structures.
  • High-level visits and ministerial dialogues have traditionally strengthened bilateral engagement.

Economic and Trade Relations

  • Canada is an important source of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) or India.
  • Negotiations on the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) seek to expand trade and investment opportunities.
  • Bilateral trade covers goods such as agricultural products, minerals, machinery, pharmaceuticals, and information technology services.
  • Pension funds from Canada are major investors in Indian infrastructure, real estate, renewable energy, and logistics sectors.

Energy and Critical Minerals Cooperation

  • Canada is a reliable supplier of uranium, LPG, LNG and metallurgical coal.
  • Cooperation in clean energy, hydrogen, and nuclear energy contributes to India’s energy security.
  • Canada possesses significant reserves of critical minerals such as cobalt, lithium, and nickel, which are crucial for India’s green transition and electric vehicle sector.

Science, Technology and Innovation

  • Collaboration exists in artificial intelligence, biotechnology, quantum computing, clean technologies, and digital innovation.
  • Academic institutions and research organizations from both countries undertake joint research projects and innovation partnerships.

Education and People-to-People Ties

  • Canada is a major destination for Indian students pursuing higher education abroad.
  • The Indian diaspora in Canada, numbering over 1.8 million people of Indian origin, acts as a strong bridge between the two countries.
  • Cultural exchanges, tourism, and professional mobility further deepen bilateral relations.

Defence and Security Cooperation

  • India and Canada cooperate on counter-terrorism, cyber security, maritime security, and intelligence sharing.
  • Both countries participate in discussions on Indo-Pacific stability and security challenges.

Multilateral Cooperation

  • India and Canada work together in forums such as the G20, Commonwealth, WTO, and United Nations.
  • Areas of cooperation include climate action, sustainable development, food security and global health governance.
Challenges in Relation

Khalistan Issue

  • India’s primary concern has been the activities of pro-Khalistan extremist groups operating from Canadian soil.
  • Differences over handling separatist  activities have periodically strained diplomatic relations.

Diplomatic Tensions

  • Recent diplomatic disputes led to the withdrawal of diplomats and suspension of some bilateral engagements.
  • Trust-building measures remain essential for normalization.

Trade negotiation differences

  • Divergences regarding market access, agricultural products, investment protection, and labour standards have delayed trade agreements (CEPA).

Conclusion

The India and Canada meeting at the G7 Summit signals a renewed commitment to rebuilding bilateral relation through deeper cooperation in areas of mutual interest while addressing longstanding challenges through sustained dialogue.

Canada in Map

UPSC Prelims Practice Question

Consider the following statements regarding India-Canada relations

    1. Canada is an important source of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) for India.
    2. India and Canada are members of the G20 and the Commonwealth.
    3. Canada is a significant supplier of uranium to India.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

a) 1and 2 only

b) 2 and 3 only

c) 1and 3 only

d) 1.2 and 3

Answer: d)1,2 and 3

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Amendment of Drugs Rules 1945

Source: Indian Express
GS II: Government Policies and Interventions, Issues relating to Development and Management of Social sector/ services relating to Health

Overview

  1. News in Brief
  2. Key Changes in the New Rules

Why in the News?

The Union Health Ministry has amended the Drugs Rules, 1945 by removing cough syrups and other syrup-based medicines from Schedule K.

News in Brief
  • The Drugs (Fifth Amendment) Rules, 2026 ends the over-the-counter (OTC) sale of these medicines and mandate their sale through licensed pharmacies.
  • These medicines will now be available only through licensed pharmacies and generally require a doctor’s prescription.
  • The decision aims to strengthen drug safety and regulatory oversight following concerns over contaminated cough syrups linked to child deaths in Madhya Pradesh.
Key Changes in the New Rules

End of OTC Sale of Cough Syrups

  • Cough syrups can no longer be freely sold as over-the-counter medicines.
  • Consumers must obtain them through licensed pharmacies.

Stricter Regulatory Oversight

  • Syrup-based formulations are now subject to stronger monitoring and compliance requirements.
  • The measure aims to improve traceability and accountability in the supply chain.

Uniform Rules Across India

  • The earlier exemption for sale in village has been withdrawn.
  • Rural areas will now follow the same regulatory standards as urban areas.
    • Sale and dispensing of cough syrups in smaller villages will required to take place only through duly licensed pharmacies in accordance with the provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.

What is Schedule K?

  • A provision under the Drugs Rules, 1945.
  • It lists certain categories of medicines that are exempt from specific licensing and prescription requirements.
  • Earlier, some cough syrups could be sold under these exemptions, especially in small villages with a population of less than 1000 and with limited pharmacy access.
  • With the latest amendment, “syrups” have been removed from the exemption list.

Why did the Government take this step?

  • Contaminated Cough Syrup Incidents
    • Several incidents involving contaminated cough syrups resulted in child deaths in India and other countries.
  • Public Health Concern
    • Self-medication and misuse of cough syrups have been longstanding concerns.
    • Some formulations contain substances that may pose health risks if used improperly.
      • Propylene Glycol- source of contamination.
      • Contamination with diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol can occur when non-pharmaceutical grade polyethylene glycol (PEG) or other solvents are used in syrup manufacturing without inadequate quality testing.
  • Strengthening Drug Safety
    • The government aims to improve quality control, responsible dispensing and consumer safety.

Constitutional and Legal Framework

  • Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940
        • Governs the manufacture, sale, and distribution of drugs in India.
  • Drugs Rules, 1945
        • Provides detailed regulatory provisions, including Schedule K exemptions.
  • Drugs (Fifth Amendment) Rules, 2026
        • Introduced the latest changes, removing syrup formulations from Schedule K.
Key Takeaways

UPSC Prelims Practice Question

Consider the following statements regarding Schedule K under the New Drugs Rules

    1. Schedule K provides exemptions from certain licensing and prescription requirements for specified classes of drugs.
    2. The Government has recently removed cough syrups from Schedule K exemptions.
    3. Lozenges and tablets for cough have also been removed from Schedule K.

How many of the statements given above are incorrect?

a)  only one statement

b) only two statements

c) All three statements

d) None

Answer: a) only one statement

Explanation: Statement 3 is incorrect. Lozenges and tablets for cough continue to remain under the exemption lists.

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Urban Water Management And Groundwater Conservation

Source: Indian Express
GS III: Environment and Conservation

Overview

  1. News in Brief
  2. Key Issues Highlighted
  3. Mihir Shah Committee (2016)
  4. Government Initiatives
  5. Sponge City Concept

Why in the News?

The recent heatwave and water shortages in several Indian cities have highlighted the urgent need for sustainable urban water management and groundwater conservation.

News in Brief
  • Cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Chennai are facing increasing water stress.
  • Experts highlights that the growing urban water crisis are driven by groundwater depletion, falling reservoir levels, inefficient water use, and inadequate urban water governance.
  • Climate change and rising temperatures have aggravated the situation.
Key Issues Highlighted

Urban India living beyond its hydrological means

  • India’s cities are increasingly consuming water beyond their natural replenishment capacity.
  • Water shortages are not merely the result of seasonal drought or heatwaves.
  • NITI Aayog’s Composite Water Management Index warned of a dire situation in 2018.
  • The crisis reflects a long-term imbalance between water demand and available resources.

Groundwater Depletion and Aquifer Stress

  • Excessive extraction has led to overexploitation of aquifers.
  • The Dynamic Groundwater Resource Assessment by the Ministry of Jal Shakti has repeatedly flagged concerns regarding declining groundwater  reserves.
  • Groundwater withdrawal in several regions exceeds natural recharge rates.

Structural Causes Ignored

  • Governments often treat water shortages as isolated seasonal emergencies.
  • Long-term structural issues remain inadequately addressed
    • Lack of integrated urban water planning.
    • Inadequate conservation measures.

Inefficient urban water management

  • Due to ageing distribution networks, large quantities of treated water are lost through leakages.
  • Inadequate metering encourages wastage and inefficient consumption.
  • Weak municipal governance affected service delivery.

Poor Wastewater Management 

  • A large share of urban wastewater remains untreated.
  • Treated wastewater is rarely reused on a significant scale.
  • Lack of recycling increases pressure on freshwater sources.
  • Untreated sewage contributes to river and groundwater pollution.

Inadequate Rainwater Harvesting

  • Rainwater harvesting remains underutilised despite substantial monsoon rainfall.
  • Cities fail to capture and store rainwater effectively.
  • Excess runoff during monsoons is often lost instead of being used for groundwater recharge.
Mihir Shah Committee (2016)
  • The committee was constituted to suggest reforms in India’s water governance framework.

Key Observations

  • Independent India’s water policy focused largely on supply-side augmentation.
  • Greater emphasis was placed on dams, canals, reservoirs, and groundwater extraction.
  • Insufficient attention was given to managing water demand.

Recommendations

  • Shift towards demand-side water management.
  • Promote efficient water-use.
  • Strengthen water governance institutions.
  • Encourage wastewater treatment and reuse.
  • Adopt Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM).
  • Promote participatory groundwater management.

Relevance today

  • The current urban water crisis validates the committee’s warning that increasing supply alone cannot ensure long-term water security.
Government Initiatives
Urban Water Crisis in India – Sustainable Water Management

Atal Bhujal Yojana

  • Community-based groundwater management programme.
  • Promotes sustainable groundwater use.
  • Encourages water-use efficiency in agriculture.

Jal Shakti Ministry Assessments

  • Conducts periodic groundwater resource assessments.
  • Provides scientific data for policymaking.

Jal Jeevan Mission

  • Improves access to safe drinking water.
  • Strengthens water infrastructure in urban and rural areas.

Best Practices of Indian Cities: Nature-based Solutions

  • Lake Restoration
    • Improves groundwater recharge.
    • Enhances local water availability.
      • Restoration of urban lakes in cities such as Bengaluru and Mumbai.
  • Wetlands Conservation
    • Wetlands act as natural water storage systems.
    • Improve water quality and flood control.
  • Urban Green Infrastructure
    • Includes Urban forests, Green corridors, Rain gardens, and bioswales ( vegetated drainage channels that capture, filter, and infiltrate stormwater runoff into the ground).
    • Enhance infiltration of rainwater.
    • Reduce runoff.
    • Improve groundwater recharge.
  • Permeable Pavements
    • Allow rainwater to seep into the ground.
    • Reduce flooding and surface runoff.
    • Increase groundwater replenishment.
Sponge City Concept

What is a Sponge City?

“A Sponge City is an urban planning model that enables cities to absorb, store, filter and reuse rainwater through natural and engineered infrastructure”.

Origin

  • Developed and extensively implemented in China.

Key Components

  • Green Roofs
  • Urban wetlands
  • Permeable pavements
  • Rainwater harvesting systems
  • Water-sensitive urban design
  • Urban forests and parks.

Benefits

  • Enhances groundwater recharge
  • Reduces urban flooding
  • Improves water availability during dry periods.
  • Strengthens climate resilience.
  • Improves urban ecological health.

Relevance for India

  • Indian cities frequently face floods during monsoons and water scarcity during summers.
  • Sponge City principles can help address both challenges simultaneously.

Conclusion

From water scarcity to water security, Indian cities need integrated and climate-resilient water governance.

UPSC Prelims Practice Question

Consider the following statements

    1. The Mihir Shah Committee advocated a shift from supply-side water management to demand-side water governance.
    2. Sponge City projects primarily focus on enhancing rainwater absorption and groundwater recharge.
    3. India’s urban water crisis is caused solely by climate change and rising temperatures.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

a) 1 and 2 only

b) 2 and 3 only

c) 1 only

d) 1,2, and 3

Answer: a) 1and 2 only

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