20 May 2026 Current Affairs (With PDF)

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India Amidst Global Erosion of Press Freedom

Context

• Global press freedom reached a 50-year low according to the International IDEA report (2025).
• The World Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Borders recorded a 25-year low in global press freedom conditions.

About International IDEA

• International IDEA was founded in 1995 and is headquartered in Stockholm.
• It is an intergovernmental organisation with 35 member states supporting democratic reforms worldwide.
• It has held UN General Assembly Observer Status since 2003.

World Press Freedom Index (WPFI)

• Compiled annually by Reporters Without Borders.
• Evaluates 180 countries on five indicators related to journalistic independence and media freedom.

Global Trends in Press Freedom

• Around 52.2% of countries fall in the “difficult” or “very serious” categories for press freedom.
• UNESCO reported that global journalist self-censorship has risen by 63% since 2012.
• Democracies such as Serbia and Hungary witnessed declining media freedom due to ownership concentration and legal pressures.
• The Middle East and North Africa region remains the deadliest for journalists, with more than 220 journalists reportedly killed in Gaza Strip since 2023.
• In South Asia, countries like Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and India rank poorly in press freedom assessments.

Press Freedom in India

1. Constitutional Basis

• Freedom of the press is implicitly protected under Article 19(1)(a) (Freedom of Speech and Expression).
• Article 361A safeguards substantially true reports of legislative proceedings.

2. Judicial Basis

• Romesh Thappar v. State of Madras — linked press freedom directly with Article 19(1)(a).
• Indian Express Newspapers v. Union of India — reaffirmed the importance of press freedom in democracy.

3. India’s Ranking

• India ranked 157th out of 180 countries in the WPFI 2026.
• It falls under the “very serious” category, though the government has often criticised such rankings as biased.

Key Challenges to Press Freedom in India

1. Legal Misuse

• Alleged misuse of laws such as Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, Colonial-era sedition provisions, IT Rules and Telecommunications Act
• These contribute to growing self-censorship.

2. Media Ownership Concentration

• Large media networks are increasingly controlled by a few politically connected corporate groups, reducing media pluralism.

3. Journalist Safety

• Investigative journalists covering corruption, sand mafias, or communal violence face Physical threats, Online harassment and Intimidation

4. Funding Dependence

• Declining private advertising revenues have increased dependence on Government advertisements and Corporate funding
• This may compromise editorial independence.

5. Weak Regulatory Mechanism

• Press Council of India, established under the Press Council Act, 1978, regulates print media.
• However, it lacks strong punitive powers for enforcement.

Make in India in the Defence Sector

Context

• Recent conflicts in Ukraine, Gaza Strip and Iran have reinforced the strategic importance of defence self-reliance and indigenous military technology.
• India’s defence production reached a record ₹1.54 lakh crore in FY 2024–25, while defence exports recorded an all-time high with a 62.66% annual increase.
• Despite this progress, India remains the world’s second-largest arms importer, according to Stockholm International Peace Research Institute.

Why India Depends on Defence Imports

1. Historical Dependence

• After Independence, India developed limited domestic defence manufacturing capability.
• As a result, it relied heavily on imports from Soviet Union, United States, United Kingdom, Israel

2. Slow Manufacturing Ecosystem

• Indigenous production has been slowed by delays in research and development, bureaucratic procurement systems and limited private sector participation

3. Immediate Security Requirements

• Ongoing security challenges involving China and Pakistan
• Often compel India to import advanced military systems quickly.

Major Bottlenecks in India’s Defence Manufacturing

1. Technological Dependence

• India still relies on foreign technology for Jet engines, Advanced sensors, Semiconductors and UAV components

2. Delayed Procurement

• Multiple approval layers and complex procedures delay Defence acquisitions, Manufacturing timelines and Project execution

3. Limited Private Sector Participation

• Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) account for over 70% of defence manufacturing.
• Private firms face challenges such as Delayed payments and Limited procurement opportunities

4. Weak R&D Ecosystem

• Low investment in Defence innovation, Technology commercialisation and Indigenous research capabilities

5. Supply Chain Weaknesses

• Limited MSME integration, Shallow component manufacturing ecosystem, Weak resilience in supply chains

Initiatives under Make in India in Defence

1. Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020

• Introduced by the Ministry of Defence.
• Prioritises indigenous procurement under the “Buy Indian-IDDM” category (Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured).

2. Defence Procurement Manual (DPM) 2025

• Streamlined procurement procedures.
• Improved transparency and ease of doing business for domestic defence firms.

3. Positive Indigenisation Lists

• Restrict imports of selected defence equipment to encourage domestic manufacturing.

4. Liberalised FDI Policy

• Foreign Direct Investment limits increased up to 74% under automatic route and up to 100% through government approval intended to attract Global investment and Technology transfer

5. Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX)

• Innovations for Defence Excellence promotes Startups, MSMEs and Defence innovators
• Focus areas include Artificial Intelligence, Drones, Robotics, Advanced defence technologies

6. Defence Industrial Corridors

• Defence manufacturing corridors established in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu
• Aim to create integrated defence manufacturing ecosystems.

Roadmap of India–Netherlands Strategic Partnership

Context

• India and Netherlands upgraded their bilateral ties to a Strategic Partnership and adopted a five-year roadmap for 2026–2030.

About the Netherlands

• A country in northwestern Europe bordered by Germany, Belgium and North Sea
• Amsterdam — Official capital
• The Hague — Seat of government and parliament; hosts International Court of Justice and International Criminal Court
• Rotterdam — Largest port in Europe
• Memberships: European Union, North Atlantic Treaty Organization, Schengen Area

Key Features of the Roadmap

1. Semiconductor Cooperation

• ASML partnered with Tata Electronics to strengthen India’s semiconductor fabrication ecosystem.

2. “Brain Bridge” Initiative

• Dutch universities partnered with Indian institutions such as Indian Institute of Technology Delhi and Indian Institute of Science
• Focus areas: Semiconductor research, Talent development, Advanced technology collaboration

3. Water & Climate Cooperation

• Both countries agreed to deepen collaboration in Flood control, Water management and Climate-resilient infrastructure
• Cooperation draws upon Dutch expertise in water engineering.

4. Defence & Maritime Cooperation

• Enhanced cooperation in Naval exercises, Defence industry partnerships, Indo-Pacific maritime security

5. Green Energy Partnership

• Joint focus on Green hydrogen, Renewable energy, Circular economy, Sustainable maritime transport

6. Counter-Terrorism Cooperation

• Both nations condemned terrorism, supported a zero-tolerance approach and backed India’s proposal for the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism

7. Migration & Skilled Mobility

• Partnership promotes fair mobility for Students, Researchers and Highly skilled professionals
• Also addresses irregular migration challenges.

Significance of the Netherlands for India

1. Trade & Investment

• The Netherlands is among India’s top foreign investors.
• Rotterdam serves as a major gateway for Indian trade with Europe.

2. Technology Cooperation

• Dutch strengths in Semiconductors, Artificial Intelligence and High-tech manufacturing
• Support India’s industrial and technological ambitions.

3. Water Management Expertise

• The Netherlands is globally recognised for Flood control, Coastal management, Climate-resilient infrastructure
• Its expertise, including projects like the Afsluitdijk dam, is relevant for India’s Kalpasar Project.

4. Maritime Cooperation

• Cooperation in Ports, Shipping, Indo-Pacific security and Green maritime corridors
• Strengthens India’s maritime trade connectivity and security.

India–Nordic Relations

Context

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred Norway’s highest civilian honour — the Grand Cross of the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit — during his visit to Oslo for the 3rd India-Nordic Summit.

India–Nordic Summit

• The India-Nordic Summit is a Prime Minister-level plurilateral platform bringing together India and the Nordic nations for cooperation in geopolitics, economy, sustainability, and innovation.
• India is the only country outside the United States with which all five Nordic nations maintain a dedicated multilateral summit framework.

Nordic Countries

• Five Sovereign Nations: Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden
• Autonomous Territories: Faroe Islands, Greenland, Åland

India–Nordic Relations

• Bilateral trade between India and Nordic countries reached nearly USD 19 billion.
• Trade balance remains broadly equal.

Strategic Areas of Cooperation

1. Clean Energy Partnerships

• India has formalised Green Strategic Partnerships with Denmark and Norway
• Focus areas include renewable energy financing and clean-energy transition.

2. Climate & Industrial Decarbonisation

• India and Sweden jointly lead Leadership Group for Industry Transition initiative supported by UN.
• LeadIT aims to decarbonise hard-to-abate industries globally.

3. Defence Cooperation

• Saab became the first foreign company to receive 100% FDI approval in India’s defence sector.
• It manufactures the Carl-Gustaf M4 under the Make in India initiative.

4. Technology & Innovation

• Indo-Finnish Digital Partnership promotes collaboration in Quantum computing, 6G telecommunications and Digital innovation ecosystems

5. Polar & Arctic Research

• India cooperates with Norway through the Himadri Research Station.
• Research focuses on understanding the impact of Arctic ice melt on the Indian monsoon system.

Prime Minister’s Visit to UAE

Context

• India and the United Arab Emirates signed major agreements covering energy, defence, trade, shipping, and advanced technology during the Prime Minister’s visit to the UAE.

Key Outcomes

1. ISPRL–ADNOC Agreement

• Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserves Limited and Abu Dhabi National Oil Company signed an agreement to expand UAE participation in India’s strategic petroleum reserves.
• The agreement aims to increase storage participation up to 30 million barrels.

2. Long-Term LPG Supply Pact

• Indian Oil Corporation and Abu Dhabi National Oil Company signed a long-term agreement for stable LPG (cooking gas) supplies to India.

3. Strategic Defence Partnership

• India and the UAE established a framework for Defence industrial cooperation, Technology sharing, Defence innovation and Regional security collaboration

4. Ship Repair & Maritime Cooperation

• Agreements were signed for establishing a ship repair centre at Vadinar.
• Cooperation will also extend to Ports infrastructure, Coastal development and Maritime logistics

5. UAE Investments in India

• The UAE announced investments worth USD 5 billion in India.
• The investment commitment reflects Abu Dhabi’s confidence in India’s long-term economic growth trajectory.

Withholding Tax

Context

• India is considering reducing or removing withholding tax on government bonds to attract foreign capital inflows, conserve foreign exchange reserves, and stabilise the rupee.

What is Withholding Tax?

• Withholding tax is a tax deducted at source (TDS) before income is paid to the recipient.
• It applies to income such as Interest, Dividends, Royalties and Technical service fees
• In India, foreign investors currently pay up to 20% withholding tax on income like interest from government bonds.

Impact on Foreign Investment

• Higher withholding tax reduces net returns for investors.
• This can discourage foreign portfolio inflows, reduce demand for government securities and put pressure on capital account stability

Macroeconomic Significance

Forex Stability

• Lower withholding tax may attract more foreign capital into debt markets, helping Strengthen Indian Rupee, Improve forex reserve position and Reduce external vulnerability

Investment Climate

• More competitive tax treatment improves Ease of capital inflows, Government borrowing efficiency and Investor confidence

Policy Linkages

• The move aligns with broader macroeconomic measures such as raising gold import duties to curb non-essential imports, promoting economic austerity to reduce dollar outflows and managing Current Account Deficit (CAD) pressures
• These collectively aim to stabilise India’s external sector amid forex volatility.

Captagon

Context

• Narcotics Control Bureau launched Operation RAGEPILL targeting an international Captagon trafficking network, leading to India’s first-ever seizure of Captagon.

What is Captagon?

• Captagon is a synthetic stimulant drug initially developed for medical treatment of conditions such as ADHD and Narcolepsy
• It is classified as a psychotropic substance under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985.

1. Chemical Composition

• Main active component: Fenetylline
• In the human body, it breaks down into Amphetamine and Theophylline

2, Misuse and Illicit Use

• Widely trafficked and abused as a performance-enhancing stimulant.
• Often referred to as the “Jihadi Drug” due to reported use by extremist groups in West Asia to Reduce fatigue and Increase alertness and aggression

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