Evening edition
Daily current affairs for UPSC, BPSC, State PCS and PSC exams.
Why in news?
Allegations of unauthorised sorting of postal ballots and repolls in specific constituencies highlight concerns about electoral integrity during the West Bengal Assembly Elections.
Key points
- TMC filed a complaint with the Election Commission of India (ECI) regarding the unauthorised sorting of postal ballot covers.
- Allegations of EVM strongrooms lacking CCTV coverage and trunks of postal ballots being moved suspiciously.
- ECI ordered repolls in 15 booths in South 24 Parganas district due to electoral malpractices.
- Residents of Falta protested, alleging intimidation by TMC cadre ahead of vote counting.
Background & context
West Bengal has a history of intense political competition. Allegations of electoral malpractices and violence have been a recurring issue in the state's elections.
★ Prelims fact capsule
Repolls were ordered in 11 polling stations of Magrahat Paschim and four in Diamond Harbour constituencies.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper 1 (Indian Society - role of elections, electoral reforms), GS Paper 2 (Governance - role of ECI, electoral laws, free and fair elections).
Why in news?
Three members of the District Reserve Guards (DRG) were killed and one injured in an IED blast during a demining operation in Chhattisgarh, indicating ongoing Maoist insurgency challenges.
Key points
- The incident occurred in Kanker district during a demining operation.
- An IED, suspected to be planted by Maoists, exploded.
- The DRG personnel were working in a forest area under Chhotebethiya police station.
- This highlights the persistent threat from Maoist activities and the dangers faced by security forces in counter-insurgency operations.
Background & context
Chhattisgarh has been a hotspot for Maoist insurgency for decades. Security forces are engaged in operations to counter their presence and dismantle their networks, often involving demining and area domination patrols.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The blast occurred in Kanker district of Chhattisgarh.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper 3 (Internal Security - Left Wing Extremism, challenges to internal security, role of security forces).
Why in news?
Punjab Police registered the first case under a new anti-sacrilege law after torn pages of a religious scripture were found, indicating the state's legislative response to religious sensitivities.
Key points
- The case was registered in Sri Muktsar Sahib district.
- Torn pages of 'Sukhmani Sahib Gutka' were found in a slum area.
- This is the first instance of a case being registered under the recently enacted anti-sacrilege law.
- The law aims to prevent offences relating to desecration of religious scriptures.
Background & context
Punjab has a significant religious population and has witnessed historical tensions related to religious sentiments and sacrilege incidents. The anti-sacrilege law was enacted to address such concerns.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The torn pages belonged to 'Sukhmani Sahib Gutka'.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper 2 (Polity and Governance - state legislation, religious freedom, law and order).