Afternoon edition
Daily current affairs for UPSC, BPSC, State PCS and PSC exams.
Why in news?
Union Home Minister Amit Shah proclaimed India to be 'free' from Maoism during his visit to Bastar, marking the achievement of a previously set deadline to eliminate Left-wing extremism.
Key points
- Union Home Minister Amit Shah declared India 'Naxal-free' in Bastar.
- This announcement aligns with the Centre's deadline to eradicate Left-wing extremism.
- The government plans to facilitate the mainstream integration of approximately 3,000 surrendered Naxals.
- A development roadmap for Bastar has been outlined, aiming to restore what was lost in previous decades.
Background & context
Maoism, also known as Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) in India, has been a persistent internal security challenge, particularly in central and eastern India, for decades. It involves armed conflict and disruption by various extremist groups.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The Centre had set a deadline of March 31 for the elimination of Left-wing extremism.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper III: Internal Security challenges; Development and Extremism linkage.
Why in news?
The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education will review reforms of the National Testing Agency (NTA), following allegations of irregularities and a paper leak in the NEET-UG exam.
Key points
- The committee will seek views from the Education Ministry on NEET-UG irregularities and NTA reforms.
- The review includes the implementation of the K. Radhakrishnan Committee report on NTA reforms.
- NEET-UG exam was cancelled due to alleged malpractice, with a re-examination scheduled for June 21.
- Discussions will also cover the impact of AI on education and enhancing student employability.
Background & context
The National Testing Agency (NTA) is responsible for conducting centralized admission tests for various higher education courses in India. Issues with exam conduct have led to increased scrutiny.
★ Prelims fact capsule
Nearly 23 lakh candidates had registered for the NEET-UG exam.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II: Governance, Social Justice; Education system and its challenges.
Why in news?
The West Bengal government has reopened 59 cases and registered 181 fresh FIRs related to violence that occurred during and after the 2021 Assembly polls.
Key points
- 458 new enquiries have been initiated regarding post-poll violence.
- 59 cases where final reports were submitted have been reopened.
- 181 new FIRs have been registered.
- Committees have been formed to investigate institutional corruption and atrocities against women.
Background & context
The 2021 West Bengal Assembly elections were marred by allegations of violence and electoral malpractice in certain areas, leading to political disputes and subsequent investigations.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The new government in West Bengal has formed committees to investigate corruption and atrocities against women.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II: Polity and Governance; Federalism; Social Justice; Internal Security.