Daily Current Affairs Quiz for UPSC Prelims 2027 — 18 June 2026

Under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, which of the following correctly describes the eligibility criterion for a woman to receive free legal services?

Why this answer

The correct answer is that a woman is eligible for free legal services irrespective of her income or financial status. Section 12(c) of the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, explicitly states that 'a woman or a child' is entitled to legal services. This provision is unconditional and does not impose any income or social category restrictions. The other options introduce limitations such as caste, specific victimhood, or income ceilings, which are incorrect as the eligibility for women is universal under the Act.

The static concept

Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987 — Eligibility criteria for free legal services.

Which of the following provisions is a key feature introduced by the Code on Social Security, 2020?

Why this answer

The correct option is the one that states the Code brings gig and platform workers under the social security ambit. The Code on Social Security, 2020, for the first time in Indian law, defines 'gig workers' and 'platform workers' and enables the central government to frame social security schemes for them, including life and disability cover, health and maternity benefits, etc. The provision for a national floor wage is a key feature of the Code on Wages, 2019, not the Code on Social Security. The Social Security code does not establish a universal pension scheme replacing all others; rather, it consolidates existing laws and provides a framework for new schemes. While gratuity provisions for fixed-term employees have been liberalized, the Code does not abolish the minimum service period requirement for all categories of workers.

The static concept

Labour Laws in India, including the consolidation of central labour laws into four codes: Code on Wages, 2019; Industrial Relations Code, 2020; Code on Social Security, 2020; and Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020.

Which one of the following foundational agreements signed between India and the United States of America primarily facilitates the sharing of advanced geospatial intelligence, such as detailed maps and satellite imagery, for defence purposes?

Why this answer

The correct answer is the Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA). This agreement specifically allows for the sharing of geospatial intelligence between the two countries, which enhances the accuracy of automated systems and weapons like missiles and armed drones. The Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) pertains to mutual logistical support, allowing both countries to use each other's military bases for supplies and refueling. The Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA) is about ensuring interoperability by allowing India to procure and use high-tech, secure communication equipment from the US. The General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA) is an earlier, more general agreement that provides a framework for protecting classified military information that is shared.

The static concept

India-USA Strategic Partnership: Foundational Defence Agreements (GSOMIA, LEMOA, COMCASA, BECA).

With reference to the ongoing India-European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations, consider the following statements:

1. 1.A significant point of contention is the EU's demand for 'TRIPS-plus' provisions, which seek intellectual property protections beyond the WTO's TRIPS agreement.
2. 2.India has formally raised concerns that the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) could function as a non-tariff barrier to trade.
3. 3.A key offensive interest for India in the negotiations is securing greater market access for its skilled professionals under Mode 4 of the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS).
4. 4.To fast-track the agreement, both parties have agreed to keep the sensitive agricultural sector completely outside the purview of the current negotiations.

How many of the above statements are correct?

Why this answer

Statement 1 is correct. The EU has consistently pushed for stricter IPR norms, often termed 'TRIPS-plus', which is a major concern for India's generic pharmaceutical industry. Statement 2 is correct. India has officially voiced its opposition to the EU's CBAM, arguing that it is a protectionist measure that will unfairly impact its exports, particularly in sectors like steel and aluminium. Statement 3 is correct. A primary objective for India in services trade negotiations is to facilitate the movement of its skilled professionals to the EU, which falls under GATS Mode 4 (Presence of Natural Persons). Statement 4 is incorrect. While agriculture is a highly sensitive and contentious sector for both sides, it has not been excluded from the negotiations. A comprehensive FTA, by definition, aims to cover substantially all trade, and both sides have market access interests in agriculture (e.g., EU in wines and dairy, India in certain other produce). Therefore, only three statements are correct.

The static concept

India-EU Strategic Partnership and Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations, including key components like Trade in Goods, Trade in Services (GATS Modes), Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS), and Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs).