Evening edition
Daily current affairs for UPSC, BPSC, State PCS and PSC exams.
Why in news?
The Supreme Court clarified that while a court can reject an application for anticipatory bail, it does not have the jurisdiction to direct the accused to surrender before the trial court.
Key points
- Courts have the power to reject anticipatory bail pleas.
- A court cannot compel an individual to surrender to the trial court if anticipatory bail is denied.
- This ruling clarifies the limits of judicial power in bail proceedings.
Background & context
Anticipatory bail is a pre-arrest bail granted by a court to a person who apprehends arrest on an accusation of having committed a non-bailable offense. The Supreme Court's pronouncements on bail and arrest procedures are crucial for understanding individual liberties and the criminal justice system.
★ Prelims fact capsule
Anticipatory bail is provided under Section 438 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC).
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II: Governance, Polity, Judiciary, Fundamental Rights. Issues relating to the functioning of the judiciary and its powers.
Why in news?
Indian Railways has initiated a comprehensive audit of its signalling systems across the entire network to identify and rectify deficiencies, aiming to enhance the reliability and safety of train operations.
Key points
- The audit will focus on both newly installed and existing signalling systems.
- Senior officers will be deputed by Zonal Railways to conduct the audit.
- The objective is to ensure the quality of new installations and assess the reliability of old systems.
- This measure is crucial for improving overall safety in train operations.
Background & context
The Indian Railways is the lifeline of the country and ensuring its safe operation is paramount. Signalling systems are critical for train movement, preventing collisions, and managing traffic. Past accidents have often highlighted issues with signalling or its maintenance.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The Railway Board issues safety advisories for the Indian Railways network.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper III: Infrastructure, Disaster Management. Safety and security of transport systems.
Why in news?
Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA)-level talks between the Centre and Ladakh's civil society bodies (Leh Apex Body and Kargil Democratic Alliance) are set to resume on May 22, following an announcement by the Ladakh Lieutenant-Governor.
Key points
- Talks are scheduled for May 22, 2026.
- The discussions will be held at the Ministry of Home Affairs level.
- This resumption follows a period of impasse and precedes Union Home Minister Amit Shah's visit to Ladakh.
- The agenda focuses on political dialogue concerning Ladakh's future.
Background & context
Ladakh was granted Union Territory status in August 2019. Since then, various groups in Ladakh have been demanding safeguards for land, employment, and cultural identity, leading to calls for greater autonomy or inclusion in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The Leh Apex Body (LAB) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) are the primary civil society groups representing Ladakh's interests in these talks.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II: Governance, Federalism, Autonomy of UTs. Issues and challenges related to the administration of Union Territories.