Afternoon edition
Daily current affairs for UPSC, BPSC, State PCS and PSC exams.
Why in news?
The Supreme Court clarified that practices excluding individuals based on caste cannot be considered religious.
Key points
- Caste-based exclusion is not a religious practice.
- Religious freedom under Article 25 guarantees freedom of conscience for all.
- The state can legislate against casteist practices disguised as religion.
- The observation was made during the Sabarimala review case.
Background & context
Article 25 of the Constitution of India guarantees freedom of conscience and the right to profess, practice, and propagate religion, subject to public order, morality, and health. Historically, caste has been a deeply entrenched social hierarchy in India, and its intersection with religious practices has been a subject of debate and legal scrutiny.
★ Prelims fact capsule
Justice B.V. Nagarathna made the observation in the Sabarimala review case.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II: Constitution; Social Justice; GS Paper I: Society
Why in news?
Following election results, the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) sought support to form the government, with the Congress offering conditional support.
Key points
- TVK emerged as the single largest party with 108 seats but fell short of a majority.
- TVK reached out to Congress and CPI(M) for support.
- Congress offered support on the condition that TVK would not seek support from the BJP MLA.
- The DMK president M.K. Stalin visited his constituency to thank voters after losing it.
- The outgoing Chief Minister M.K. Stalin lost his Kolathur constituency to a TVK candidate.
Background & context
The Tamil Nadu Assembly has 234 seats, requiring 118 for a simple majority. Actor-turned-politician C. Joseph Vijay's TVK has made significant inroads in the state's political landscape.
★ Prelims fact capsule
Tamil Nadu Assembly has 234 seats.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper I: Society; GS Paper II: Governance; Indian Politics
Why in news?
The Maharashtra cabinet approved the upgrade of 19 secondary ashram schools to junior colleges and 5 primary ashram schools to secondary level.
Key points
- The decision aims to prevent dropouts among tribal students.
- It focuses on continuing the educational progress of students in hilly and remote areas.
- The Tribal Development Department will implement the upgradation.
- New posts will be created to facilitate the process.
Background & context
Ashram schools are residential schools established for tribal students in India, providing education and accommodation. These schools are crucial for ensuring access to education for marginalized communities, especially in remote areas.
★ Prelims fact capsule
19 secondary ashram schools will be upgraded to junior colleges.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II: Social Justice; Education; GS Paper I: Society