Evening edition
Daily current affairs for UPSC, BPSC, State PCS and PSC exams.
Why in news?
Campaigning concluded for the second phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections, with a high voter turnout reported in the first phase. The election is for the 294-member assembly.
Key points
- Second phase of campaigning ended on April 28, 2026.
- First phase saw 93% voter turnout across 152 constituencies.
- Votes will be counted on May 4, 2026.
- Prime Minister emphasized transforming challenges into opportunities in West Bengal.
Background & context
Assembly elections are held periodically to elect members of the legislative assembly in Indian states. The process involves voter registration, candidate nomination, campaigning, polling, and vote counting, governed by the Election Commission of India.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The first phase of the 2026 West Bengal Assembly election recorded a 93% voter turnout.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper 1: Indian Society, GS Paper 2: Governance, Constitution, Legislature, Election Commission of India.
Why in news?
Google has established a 1-Gigawatt hyperscale AI data centre in Visakhapatnam as part of its $15 billion investment in India's AI ecosystem, aligning with the 'Viksit Bharat 2047' vision.
Key points
- The AI data centre is located at Tarluvada, Visakhapatnam.
- It is part of Google's $15 billion investment over five years (2026-2030).
- The initiative aims to establish an AI ecosystem in India.
- AdaniConneX and Nxtra by Airtel will lead the construction.
- The project supports the 'Viksit Bharat 2047' vision.
Background & context
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming various sectors. Data centres are crucial infrastructure for storing and processing large volumes of data required for AI operations. India's push for digital transformation and AI adoption is a key policy objective.
★ Prelims fact capsule
Google's $15 billion investment in India's AI ecosystem is planned over the period 2026-2030.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper 3: Science and Technology, Economy, Digital India.
Why in news?
The Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) growth in Assam has been particularly pronounced in seats reserved for Scheduled Tribes (STs), a trend observed over recent Assembly polls.
Key points
- BJP's growth is more significant in ST reserved seats in Assam.
- Assam has 126 seats, with 16 reserved for STs.
- STs constitute 12.4% of Assam's population (2011 Census).
- Prior to 2006, BJP had not won any ST seats in Assam.
Background & context
Scheduled Tribes (STs) are indigenous communities recognized by the Constitution of India. Reservation of seats in legislatures for STs is a constitutional provision aimed at ensuring representation for these communities. Assam has a significant tribal population, and electoral dynamics in the state are closely watched.
★ Prelims fact capsule
As of the 2011 Census, Scheduled Tribes (STs) accounted for 12.4% of Assam's total population.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper 1: Society, Indian Polity and Governance, Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections.