Evening edition
Daily current affairs for UPSC, BPSC, State PCS and PSC exams.
Why in news?
The West Bengal government has issued a circular prohibiting government officials and police from speaking to the media without prior government approval and from making adverse comments on government policies.
Key points
- Prohibition on direct or indirect communication of documents or information to the press.
- Ban on adverse criticism of Central or State government policies/decisions.
- Restriction on any publication or utterance that could strain Centre-State relations.
- Circular issued by the newly sworn-in BJP government aims for transparent bureaucracy.
Background & context
Following elections, new governments often implement administrative changes. Transparency and free flow of information are crucial in a democracy.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The circular prohibits officials from making adverse criticism of any policy or decision of the Central or the State government.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II: Governance, Transparency and Accountability. Federalism and Centre-State relations. Freedom of the press.
Why in news?
India abstained on a UNGA resolution that called for compliance with climate obligations, citing concerns that it undermined the UNFCCC architecture.
Key points
- India abstained on a resolution concerning the ICJ's advisory opinion on climate change.
- Concerned that the resolution bypassed the established UNFCCC process.
- Stated that its climate obligations stem solely from UNFCCC outcomes.
- The resolution aimed to affirm the importance of the ICJ's advisory opinion.
Background & context
The UNFCCC is the primary international treaty for climate change negotiations. The ICJ can provide advisory opinions on legal questions referred to it. India has consistently advocated for climate action through multilateral frameworks like the UNFCCC.
★ Prelims fact capsule
India abstained with 28 other nations on a UNGA resolution regarding the ICJ's climate opinion.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II: International Relations, India's foreign policy, Climate Change Diplomacy. GS Paper III: Environment.
Why in news?
The new UDF government in Kerala has decided to create a dedicated Department for Senior Citizens' Welfare, recognizing the state's rapidly aging population.
Key points
- Kerala has the highest proportion of citizens above 60 years in India (18.7%).
- Projections indicate this figure could exceed 22% by 2036.
- The decision addresses the growing old-age dependency ratio (currently 26.1%).
- Previous government had also focused on the 'care economy' and 'silver economy'.
Background & context
Kerala is facing a demographic shift towards an older population, a trend seen in many developed nations. This necessitates proactive policy measures for healthcare, social security, and welfare of the elderly.
★ Prelims fact capsule
Kerala's old-age dependency ratio is currently 26.1%, compared to the national average of 15.7%.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper I: Social Issues, Population and associated issues. GS Paper II: Governance, Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections. GS Paper III: Economy (Silver Economy).