Daily Current Affairs 27 June 2026 – IAS Current Affairs

Current Affairs 27 June 2026 focuses on the Prelims-Mains perspective. Major events are :

India-Seychelles Relations: Diaspora And Strategic Cooperation

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

Overview

1. News in Brief
2. Historical And Strategic Ties
3. Challenges in India-Seychelles Relations
4. Way Forward

Why in the News?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on a visit to Seychelles, highlighting the historical, cultural and strategic ties between India and Seychelles, particularly the role of the Indian Diaspora.

News in Brief

• Five Indians were among the first recorded inhabitants of Seychelles in 1770, alongside African slaves and French settlers.
• Persons of the Indian origin now constitute about 5% of Seychelles’ population, reflecting centuries of migration and settlement.
• Despite being separated by nearly 4,000 km, India and Seychelles maintain close cooperation through people-to-people connections and shared interests in the Indian Ocean Region.

Historical And Strategic Ties

Historical Migration and Trade Links

• The first recorded inhabitants of Seychelles in 1770 included five Indians, along with African slaves and French settlers.
• Large-scale Indian migration began during the 20th century, mainly from Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Gujarat.
• Indians settled as traders, labourers, and construction workers.
• During the colonial period, regular shipping links between India and Seychelles encouraged migration and trade.

Indian Diaspora in Seychelles

• Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) constitute nearly 5% of Seychelles’ population.
• A majority of the community belong to the  Gujarati and Tamil backgrounds.
• More than 9,000 Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) hold Gainful Employment Permits and work in construction, trade, and professional services.

Diplomatic Relations

• Diplomatic relations between the two countries were established in 1976, soon after Seychelles’ attained independence.
• India considers Seychelles an important pillar of its maritime policy under the MAHASAGAR vision (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions).

Seychelles in India’s Indian Ocean Strategy

• Seychelles is a key partner in India’s engagement with the Global South.
• The country occupies a strategic position in the Western Indian Ocean.
• Cooperation supports efforts against piracy, maritime terrorism, and illegal fishing.
• Seychelles also contributes to regional maritime security and stability.

Cultural and People-to-People Ties

• The Indian diaspora plays a key role in strengthening cultural and social links between India and Seychelles.
• A statue of Mahatma Gandhi was installed in Victoria’s Peace Park in 2022.
• The Indian-origin community remains active in trade and construction sectors.
• Several persons of Indian origin have received recognition in Seychelles’ public institutions.

Development Partnership

• India is among Seychelles’ most trusted development partners.
• The areas of cooperation includes infrastructure, healthcare, education, public transport, and capacity building.
• A large number of Seychellois have received professional training in India.
• India has extended Lines of Credit, grants, and technical assistance to Seychelles.
• During the visit, India announced a Special Economic Package for Seychelles and promoted cooperation in medical tourism.

Challenges in India–Seychelles Relations

• Geopolitical Competition
  • Increasing strategic presence of countries such as China in the Indian Ocean creates geopolitical competition and influences regional dynamics.
• Limited Economic Engagement
  • Bilateral trade and investment remain relatively low, with significant untapped potential in sectors such as tourism, fisheries, renewable energy, and the blue economy.
• Maritime Security Threats
  • Piracy, illegal fishing, drug trafficking, and other transnational crimes continue to pose challenges in the Western Indian Ocean, requiring sustained cooperation.

Way Forward

• Strengthen Maritime Cooperation
  • Expand collaboration in maritime security, coastal surveillance, and the blue economy to ensure a safe and stable Indian Ocean Region.
• Enhance Development Partnership
  • Increase cooperation in infrastructure, healthcare, education, digital connectivity, and capacity-building initiatives.
• Deepen People-to-People Ties
  • Promote cultural exchanges, tourism, educational scholarships, and greater engagement with the Indian diaspora in Seychelles.
• Boost Economic and Strategic Engagement
  • Expand trade, investment, renewable energy, and climate resilience projects while reinforcing Seychelles’ role in India’s Vision MAHASAGAR and Global South outreach.

Conclusion

• India-Seychelles relations are rooted in centuries-old migration and trade links and have evolved into a strong partnership encompassing maritime security, development cooperation, cultural exchanges, and Global South engagement.
• The Indian diaspora continues to serve as a vital bridge connecting the two nations.

Key Takeaways

UPSC Prelims Practice Question

Consider the following statements 

1. 1. Seychelles is located in the Western Indian Ocean.
   2. Seychelles is a member of the G20.
   3. Persons of Indian origin constitute about 5% of Seychelles’ population.

How many of the above statements are correct?

a) Only one

b) Only two

c) Only three

d)  All four

Answer: b) Only two

Explanation: Statements 1and 3 are correct. Statement 2 is incorrect as Seychelles is not a member of the G20.

India-China Relations: GDI, GSI, GCI And GGI Explained

Source: Indian Express
GS II: India and its Neighborhood Relations

Overview

1. News in Brief
2. Strategic Importance of India-China Relations
3. The Four Global Initiatives
4. Significance for Asia

Why in the News?

An article by Xu Wei, Consul-General of China in Kolkata, highlighted the importance of India–China cooperation in promoting peace, development, security, and governance in Asia and globally.

News in Brief

• The article highlights that stronger India-China relations can help realize the vision of an “Asian Century.”
• Improved bilateral ties can support economic growth, sustainable development, and shared prosperity.
• Cooperation between the two countries can help address global challenges and strengthen international governance.

Strategic Importance of India-China Relations

• The global order is undergoing significant changes due to rising unilateralism, protectionism, and governance challenges.
• As the world’s two most populous countries, India and China have a significant role in shaping regional and global developments.
• Together, they contribute over 40% of global economic growth, reflecting Asia’s growing influence in world affairs.
• Strengthening India-China cooperation can contribute to peace, development, and stability at both regional and global levels.

The Four Global Initiatives

• The four Chinese initiatives are regarded as a comprehensive framework for addressing global challenges.
• They provide opportunities for grater cooperation and policy coordination between India and China.
• These initiatives are projected  as pathways to strengthen bilateral engagement and contribute to regional and global stability.

Global Development Initiative (GDI)

• The GDI places development at the center of the global agenda.
• It emphasizes inclusive, green, and sustainable growth.
• The initiative is presented as being compatible with India’s vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
• It seeks to move from zero-sum competition towards shared prosperity.

Global Security Initiative (GSI)

• The GSI promotes common, comprehensive, cooperative, and sustainable security.
• It advocates respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the principles of the UN Charter.
• The initiative draws inspiration from the Panchsheel (Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence).
• It argues that mutual trust and peaceful dispute resolution are essential for regional stability.

Global Civilization Initiative (GCI)

• The GCI promotes respect for diverse civilizations and cultures.
• It encourages dialogue, mutual learning, equality, and inclusiveness.
• This initiative resonates with India’s philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is one family).
• It seeks to counter the “clash of civilizations” narrative through cultural exchanges and cooperation.

Global Governance Initiative (GGI)

• The GGI advocates a fairer and more equitable international order.
• It supports strengthening the authority and role of the United Nations.
• The initiative emphasizes international cooperation to address peace and development challenges.
• It argues that isolationism cannot effectively solve global problems.

Significance for Asia

• Regional Peace
• • India and China have a shared responsibility for maintaining peace and stability in Asia.
• Global Impact
  • Cooperation between the two countries can positively influence global development, security, civilization, and governance.
• Asian Century Vision
  • Strong India–China collaboration is considered important for strengthening Asia’s role in global affairs.

Conclusion

• Despite differences, India and China can play a transformative role in global affairs through cooperation, mutual respect, and shared development, contributing to a more peaceful and prosperous Asian century.

Key Takeaways

UPSC Prelims Practice Question

Consider the following statements

1. 1. The principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam advocates the idea that the world is one family.
   2. Panchaheel advocates peaceful coexistence and mutual respect among nations.
   3.  Global Development Initiative, one of Chinese foreign policy framework and India’s Viksit Bharat 2047 emphasize inclusive and sustainable development.

Select the correct answer using the code given below

a) 1and 2 only

b) 2 and 3 only

c) 1 and 3 only

d) 1,2 and 3

Answer: d) 1,2 and 3

Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay

Source: PIB
GS I: Modern Indian History, Significant Personalities

Overview

1. News in Brief
2. Early Life
3. Contribution to Indian Literature
4. Role in India’s Freedom Struggle

Why in the News?

The Prime Minister paid tribute to Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay on his birth anniversary.

News in Brief

• India is commemorating the 150th anniversary of “Vande Mataram”, the iconic patriotic song written by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee.
• He was remembered as a great literary figure whose writings inspired patriotism, cultural pride, and national consciousness.
• His works played an important role in awakening national identity and the spirit of nation-building.

His Early Life

• Born on 27 June 1838 in Kanthalpara, Bengal Presidency (present-day West Bengal).
• He studied at the University of Calcutta.
• He joined the British administration and served as a Deputy Magistrate and Deputy Collector.
• Despite working under colonial rule, his literary works promoted ideas of patriotism and national awakening.

Contribution to Indian Literature

• Bankim Chandra  Chattopadhyay  is regarded as the father of the modern Bengali novel.
• He introduced modern storytelling techniques and used literature as a medium for social and political awareness.
• His writings focused on:
  • Indian culture and heritage
  • Social reform
  • Moral values
  • Patriotism and nationalism
• His innovative writing style laid the foundation for modern Indian fiction and influenced generations of writers.
• He not only contributed significantly to Bengali literature but also shaped the ideas of patriotism, cultural identity, and national consciousness through his literature, that became the foundation of India’s early nationalist movement.

Major Works

• Durgeshnandini – Considered one of the first major Bengali historical novels.
• Kapalkundala – A famous romantic novel.
• Anandamath – His most significant work related to nationalism.
• Krishnacharitra – A study of the character of Lord Krishna.

Role in Bengal Renaissance

• Bankim Chandra was a leading figure of the Bengal Renaissance, a 19th-century movement that promoted intellectual, literary, social, and cultural awakening in India.
• His works helped revive interest in Indian history, culture, and traditions.

Role in India’s Freedom Struggle

• Vande Mataram and Nationalism
  • Bankim Chandra composed “Vande Mataram” in his novel Anandamath.
  • The song inspired Indians during the freedom movement and became a powerful symbol of resistance against British rule.
  • It encouraged feelings of unity, sacrifice, and devotion towards the motherland.
• Literature as a Tool of Resistance
  • His writings transformed literature into a medium for spreading nationalist ideas.
  • He inspired people to develop pride in Indian culture and history.

Key Takeaways

UPSC Prelims Practice Question

Consider the following statements regarding Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay:

1. 1. He wrote the patriotic song “Vande Mataram”.
   2. “Vande Mataram” was included in his novel Anandamath.
   3. He was a founder member of the Indian National Congress.
   4. His writings contributed to the growth of Indian nationalism.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

a) 1, 2 and 4 only
b) 1 and 3 only
c) 2, 3 and 4 only
d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: a)1, 2 and 4 only

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