Evening edition
Daily current affairs for UPSC, BPSC, State PCS and PSC exams.
Why in news?
Recent appointment of new Vice Chairman and Member for Niti Aayog.
Key points
- Ashok Lahiri appointed as Vice Chairman.
- Gobardhan Das appointed as a Member.
- The appointments were announced on April 24, 2026.
Background & context
Niti Aayog is the premier policy think tank of the Government of India, established to provide strategic and technical advice. It replaced the Planning Commission in 2015.
★ Prelims fact capsule
Niti Aayog was established in 2015.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II: Government policies and interventions for the development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.
Why in news?
India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued detailed heatwave guidelines and advisories due to rising temperatures across several regions.
Key points
- Advisories include avoiding prolonged sun exposure, staying hydrated, and wearing light clothing.
- Special care is advised for vulnerable groups like children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions.
- Preventive actions are crucial to reduce heat-related illnesses.
- Kerala government is taking measures like setting up water kiosks and restricting public activities during peak hours.
Background & context
Heatwaves are prolonged periods of excessively hot weather, posing significant health risks and impacting daily life. The IMD monitors weather patterns and issues warnings accordingly.
★ Prelims fact capsule
Vulnerable groups are children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper I: Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India. GS Paper III: Disaster Management.
Why in news?
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has completed post-poll scrutiny in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal without ordering re-polls.
Key points
- Verification of Form 17A and related documents completed smoothly.
- Scrutiny conducted across 152 Assembly constituencies in West Bengal and 234 in Tamil Nadu.
- Process conducted in the presence of general observers and candidates or their representatives.
- No re-polls were recommended in any polling stations.
Background & context
The ECI is a constitutional body responsible for conducting elections in India. Post-poll scrutiny is a procedural step to ensure the integrity of the electoral process.
★ Prelims fact capsule
Tamil Nadu has 234 Assembly constituencies and West Bengal has 152 seats that went to polls in the first phase.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II: Structure, functioning and conduct of Elections in India.