Evening edition
Daily current affairs for UPSC, BPSC, State PCS and PSC exams.
Why in news?
The Madhya Pradesh High Court declared the disputed Bhojshala complex in Dhar a temple dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, overturning a previous ASI order allowing Muslim prayers.
Key points
- The court declared Bhojshala a temple of Goddess Saraswati.
- It allowed the Muslim community to seek separate land for a mosque.
- The court indicated evidence of a Sanskrit teaching centre.
- The 2003 ASI order permitting Friday prayers for Muslims was scrapped.
- The dispute involves claims from Hindu, Muslim, and Jain communities regarding the monument's religious nature.
Background & context
The Bhojshala complex is an ASI-protected monument. The Hindu community considers it a temple of Vagdevi (Goddess Saraswati), while the Muslim community refers to it as Kamal Maula Mosque. A Jain petitioner claims it's a medieval Jain temple and gurukul.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The ASI order allowing weekly worship for both communities was issued in 2003.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper 1: Art and culture, history. GS Paper 2: Judiciary, laws.
Why in news?
Oil marketing companies hiked petrol and diesel prices by ₹3 across all variants due to global pressures, leading to criticism from the Congress party.
Key points
- Petrol and diesel prices increased by ₹3 per litre across all variants.
- The hike is attributed to global pressures and concerns over under-recoveries.
- The Congress party accused the Modi government of deliberately deferring the price hike until after assembly elections.
- IOCL refineries are operating at over 100% capacity to ensure fuel supply.
- Regular petrol is priced at ₹97.77/litre and diesel at ₹90.67/litre in Delhi.
Background & context
Fuel prices are influenced by global crude oil prices, refining costs, central and state taxes, and dealer commissions. India imports over 80% of its crude oil requirements. The government has historically used excise duties and VAT as significant revenue sources.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The current price of regular petrol in Delhi is ₹97.77 per litre and diesel is ₹90.67 per litre.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper 3: Economy, inflation, impact of government policies.
Why in news?
Tamil Nadu CM C. Joseph Vijay urged the Prime Minister to remove the 11% import duty on cotton to support the textile industry.
Key points
- CM Vijay requested the removal of the 11% import duty on cotton.
- The measure aims to ensure raw material availability and global competitiveness for the textile and apparel industry.
- The industry is facing a crisis due to increased cotton and yarn prices.
- Cotton prices have risen by 25% in the last two months.
- The textile sector is a major employment generator, especially for women.
Background & context
The textile and apparel industry is a significant contributor to India's GDP and employment. Cotton is a primary raw material, and its price fluctuations, influenced by domestic production and global markets, directly impact the industry's health. Import duties are used to protect domestic producers but can affect downstream industries.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The current import duty on cotton is 11%.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper 3: Economy, agriculture, industry, employment.