Daily Current Affairs for UPSC, BPSC, State PCS & PSC

Why in news?

Cyclone Arnab intensified into a very severe cyclonic storm and made landfall on the Andhra Pradesh-Yanam coast, leading to heavy rainfall and strong winds in several southern states, including Telangana and West Bengal. Alerts were issued by the IMD.

Key points

1. 1Cyclone Arnab intensified into a very severe cyclonic storm.
2. 2Made landfall on Andhra Pradesh-Yanam coast on October 28, 2026.
3. 3Forecasted thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds in parts of South India.
4. 4Orange and yellow alerts were issued for several districts in Telangana.
5. 5Also predicted light to moderate rain and heavy rainfall in parts of West Bengal.

Background & context

Cyclonic storms are a common phenomenon in the Bay of Bengal, particularly during the post-monsoon season. The India Meteorological Centre (IMD) is responsible for monitoring, forecasting, and issuing warnings for these events.

Why in news?

Odisha filed a contempt petition in the Supreme Court against the Andhra Pradesh government over the latter's decision to hold local body elections in the Kotia group of villages, which are subjects of a long-standing inter-state border dispute.

Key points

1. 1Andhra Pradesh State Election Commission notified elections for MPTCs and ZPTCs in the Kotia villages.
2. 2Odisha government filed a contempt petition in the Supreme Court.
3. 3The Kotia group of villages has been disputed between Odisha and Andhra Pradesh since 1955.
4. 4Political parties in Odisha accused Andhra Pradesh of undermining Odisha's territorial integrity.
5. 5Odisha claims administrative control over the villages since 1936.

Background & context

The Kotia dispute involves a cluster of 21 villages. The conflict dates back to the reorganisation of states and involves differing claims on administrative control and revenue collection dating back decades.

Why in news?

The Supreme Court has issued a notice to the Centre and the Election Commission of India on a plea challenging the practice of MLAs resigning their seats to switch parties and contest by-elections at public expense, arguing it violates public trust.

Key points

1. 1Supreme Court sought the Union government's response on a petition concerning MLAs shifting loyalty.
2. 2The plea argues that MLAs cannot abandon their constituents and resign at public expense.
3. 3It challenges a Madras High Court judgment that dismissed a petition against AIADMK MLAs shifting allegiance.
4. 4The petition emphasizes that legislative seats belong to the people, not the elected representative.
5. 5Notice also issued to the Election Commission of India and several former MLAs.

Background & context

This issue relates to the anti-defection laws and the ethical conduct of elected representatives. Past instances of MLAs resigning and contesting by-elections after switching parties have been a recurring concern in Indian politics.