Afternoon edition
Daily current affairs for UPSC, BPSC, State PCS and PSC exams.
Why in news?
Telangana Chief Secretary has directed officials to expedite land acquisition and development of amenities for proposed high-speed rail corridors connecting Hyderabad with Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Chennai.
Key points
- Three high-speed rail corridors are planned: Hyderabad-Mumbai, Hyderabad-Bengaluru, and Hyderabad-Chennai.
- Detailed project report for Hyderabad-Pune-Mumbai corridor (671 km) is ready.
- Land acquisition is required for these corridors, with specific lengths mentioned for Telangana.
- Need for land acquisition for railway depots in Kokapet and Shamshabad is highlighted.
Background & context
High-speed rail corridors are part of India's plan to modernize its railway network and improve inter-city connectivity. These projects involve significant land acquisition and infrastructure development.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The Hyderabad-Pune-Mumbai high-speed rail corridor spans 671 km.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper 3: Infrastructure, Transport and Logistics; Economy
Why in news?
Farmers from Punjab protested against the Central Government in Mohali, demanding resolution to river water disputes and a legal guarantee on Minimum Support Price (MSP).
Key points
- Protesters, under the banner of Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), used tear gas and water cannons to disperse.
- Demands include resolution of river water disputes based on riparian-basin principle and scrapping of certain sections of the Punjab Reorganisation Act.
- Farmers allege the Centre is encroaching on Punjab's water through amendments to the Bhakra Beas Management Board rules, Dam Safety Act, and Water Amendment Act.
- Demand for a legal guarantee on MSP for all crops using the C2+50% formula is a key demand.
Background & context
Inter-state river water disputes and agricultural pricing policies (MSP) have been recurring issues in India, often leading to farmer agitations.
★ Prelims fact capsule
Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) is a key farmers' organization involved in protests.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper 2: Polity and Governance, Federalism, Agriculture; GS Paper 3: Agriculture, Economy
Why in news?
Rajasthan has requested permanent membership in the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB), citing its significant share in the Ravi-Beas waters.
Key points
- Rajasthan claims a 52.96% share in Ravi-Beas waters.
- The state's western districts are dependent on the BBMB system for irrigation and drinking water.
- Emphasis on timely decisions regarding water storage and exploring technologies like floating solar and pumped storage power plants.
- Call for utilization of real-time monitoring, automated gauging, and transparent data sharing.
Background & context
The Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) is a statutory body responsible for the regulation and development of the water resources of the Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi rivers. Water resource management and allocation among states is a sensitive issue.
★ Prelims fact capsule
Rajasthan holds a 52.96% share in the Ravi-Beas waters.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper 2: Federalism, Governance; GS Paper 3: Environment, Water Resources Management