Evening edition
Daily current affairs for UPSC, BPSC, State PCS and PSC exams.
Why in news?
Following the 17th Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly elections, the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) emerged as the single-largest party, leading to intense speculation about government formation. Support from other parties like the Congress, CPI, CPI(M), and VCK is crucial.
Key points
- TVK, led by C. Joseph Vijay, secured 108 seats, falling short of a simple majority.
- Congress, CPI, and CPI(M) have extended support to TVK.
- VCK has also decided to support TVK to prevent Governor's rule and avoid an AIADMK-led government.
- 126 MLAs-elect across parties have pending criminal cases against them, with TVK having the highest number (41).
Background & context
In Tamil Nadu, a party needs to win at least 118 seats out of 234 in the Legislative Assembly to form the government. Political alliances and support from smaller parties play a significant role in government formation.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly has 234 seats.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper 1: Indian Society (Electoral process, representation). GS Paper 2: Governance, Constitution (Centre-State relations, role of Governor, election dynamics).
Why in news?
Senior TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee has questioned the credibility of the West Bengal Assembly polls, accusing the Election Commission of India (ECI) of partisan conduct and alleging large-scale irregularities and disenfranchisement of voters.
Key points
- Accusations of 'partisan' conduct by government agencies and the ECI.
- Allegations of nearly 30 lakh genuine voters being disenfranchised.
- Concerns raised about fairness, credibility, and transparency of the electoral process.
- Claims of mismatch in control units and irregularities in EVM handling.
- TMC vows to remain a strong opposition.
Background & context
Elections in India are conducted by the Election Commission of India. Allegations of irregularities and partisan behaviour by electoral bodies are serious concerns that undermine democratic processes.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The Election Commission of India is a constitutional body responsible for conducting elections in India.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper 2: Governance, Constitution (Election Commission, electoral reforms, challenges to free and fair elections).
Why in news?
A case under the POCSO Act has been registered against the son of Union Minister Bandi Sanjay Kumar in Hyderabad following allegations of sexual harassment of a minor. The accused has filed a counter-complaint alleging extortion and intimidation.
Key points
- FIR registered under POCSO Act against Bhageerath, son of Union Minister Bandi Sanjay Kumar.
- Allegations of sexual harassment of a minor girl.
- Bhageerath claims he was pressured to marry the girl and then extorted for money.
- Police are yet to examine the minor victim.
- The incident highlights sensitive issues of consent, age of consent, and potential misuse of power.
Background & context
The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, is a special law in India designed to protect children (persons below 18 years of age) from sexual abuse and exploitation.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The POCSO Act defines a child as a person below the age of eighteen years.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper 2: Governance, Social Justice (Vulnerable sections, laws related to child protection, ethical governance). GS Paper 4: Ethics (Integrity, abuse of power).