Afternoon edition
Daily current affairs for UPSC, BPSC, State PCS and PSC exams.
Why in news?
Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) is urging consumers to reduce electricity usage during peak evening hours due to soaring consumption and a stressed power network. Simultaneously, allegations of corruption in the cancellation of long-term power supply contracts (DBFOO) are being raised, with promises of a probe if the opposition comes to power.
Key points
- KSEB requests consumers to regulate electricity use, especially during evening peak hours (post 6 p.m.).
- Soaring summer consumption is straining Kerala's power transmission and distribution network.
- Voltage issues are being reported in some areas.
- Opposition alleges corruption behind the cancellation of 465 MW DBFOO power supply contracts as a cause for current power restrictions.
- Opposition promises a probe into the contract cancellations if they come to power.
Background & context
Power distribution companies often face challenges managing peak hour demand, especially during hot weather. The DBFOO model (Design, Build, Finance, Own, Operate) is a type of public-private partnership for infrastructure projects.
★ Prelims fact capsule
DBFOO contracts are designed for long-term power supply agreements.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper III: Infrastructure, Economy. GS Paper II: Governance, Public Accountability.
Why in news?
A political outfit named 'Telangana Rashtra Sena (TRS)' by Kalvakuntla Kavitha may face Election Commission of India (ECI) scrutiny due to its acronym similarity to the former Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS), which transformed into BRS. The ECI typically examines party names for potential voter confusion.
Key points
- The Election Commission of India (ECI) has strict norms regarding political party names and acronyms.
- The new 'Telangana Rashtra Sena (TRS)' might face hurdles due to resemblance with the legacy 'Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS)'.
- The ECI considers phonetic similarity, visual resemblance, and common acronyms to prevent voter confusion.
- The former TRS transformed into Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) in 2022, but the old name retains political recall.
Background & context
The Election Commission of India is the constitutional body responsible for administering elections and registering political parties. It has the power to decide on the registration and naming of political parties.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The ECI's primary concern in approving party names is to avoid 'voter confusion'.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II: Polity, Election Commission of India, Electoral Reforms.
Why in news?
India has issued an advisory for its nationals in Mali to stay indoors and exercise extreme caution due to recent security developments and reported attacks in the West African nation.
Key points
- Indian citizens in Mali are urged to remain highly vigilant.
- Nationals are advised to stay indoors and follow instructions from Malian authorities.
- The advisory comes in response to recent security developments and reported attacks in Kati and other parts of Mali.
- The Indian Embassy in Bamako issued the advisory.
Background & context
Mali has been facing internal conflict and security challenges, including the presence of militant groups, which often impact the safety of foreign nationals.
★ Prelims fact capsule
Mali is a landlocked country in West Africa.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II: International Relations, India's Foreign Policy, Diaspora.