Afternoon edition
Daily current affairs for UPSC, BPSC, State PCS and PSC exams.
Why in news?
DMK leader Udhayanidhi Stalin's remarks on 'destroying Sanatana' sparked a debate on religious tolerance and social division.
Key points
- Udhayanidhi Stalin stated that 'Sanatana that divides people should be destroyed'.
- He clarified that this does not mean people should stop going to temples.
- He linked his views to social reformers like Periyar, Ambedkar, and C.N. Annadurai.
- The remarks drew criticism but also support, highlighting debates on caste and equality.
Background & context
The Dravidian movement in Tamil Nadu has historically advocated for social reform and challenged traditional caste hierarchies. Sanatana Dharma is a term often used to refer to Hinduism, and debates around its interpretation and societal impact are ongoing.
★ Prelims fact capsule
Periyar E. V. Ramasamy was a prominent Tamil social reformer and politician, a key figure in the Dravidian movement.
✎ Mains relevance
GS-I: Society; GS-II: Polity (Freedom of speech, religious freedom, social justice)
Why in news?
US prosecutors are reportedly set to drop corruption charges against Gautam Adani, linked to alleged bribes for solar energy contracts, with potential investment in the US economy as a factor.
Key points
- US prosecutors are planning to drop charges against Gautam Adani.
- Adani was accused of paying hundreds of millions of dollars in bribes for solar energy contracts.
- A potential $10 billion investment in the US economy and job creation were reportedly offered.
- The move comes after Adani hired new legal counsel.
Background & context
Gautam Adani is the chairman of the Adani Group, a conglomerate with diverse business interests. The group has faced corporate fraud allegations and stock market volatility in recent years.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The Adani Group is involved in sectors such as coal, airports, cement, and media.
✎ Mains relevance
GS-II: International Relations (India-US relations); GS-III: Economy (Corporate governance, foreign investment)
Why in news?
The West Bengal government has mandated the singing of the national song 'Vande Mataram' in all state-run schools during morning assembly, superseding a previous order on singing the state song.
Key points
- The West Bengal government has ordered the singing of 'Vande Mataram' in all state-run schools.
- This order supersedes a November 2025 directive to sing the state song, 'Banglar Mati, Banglar Jol'.
- The national song was written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay.
- A February 2026 Union government instruction advised singing 'Vande Mataram' before the national anthem.
Background & context
'Vande Mataram' is a patriotic song written in Bengali by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay in the 1880s, becoming a significant part of the Indian independence movement. 'Banglar Mati, Banglar Jol' is a song by Rabindranath Tagore celebrating Bengal's soil and water.
★ Prelims fact capsule
Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay wrote 'Vande Mataram'.
✎ Mains relevance
GS-I: Society (Nationalism, cultural identity); GS-II: Polity (Centre-State relations, governance)