Evening edition
Daily current affairs for UPSC, BPSC, State PCS and PSC exams.
Why in news?
The Centre has published draft rules for the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025 (VB–G RAM G) for public consultation, which is set to replace MGNREGA.
Key points
- Draft rules for VB-G RAM G have been published for public consultation.
- The Act aims to establish a framework for rural employment guarantee.
- The draft rules cover transitional provisions, steering committees, grievance redressal, and payment mechanisms.
- It seeks to ensure participatory governance and incorporate feedback from various stakeholders.
- The new scheme is set to replace the existing MGNREGA from July 1.
Background & context
MGNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act) is a social security and employment generation measure that guarantees the right to work. The VB-G RAM G Act is intended to build upon and potentially reform or replace this existing framework.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The VB-G RAM G Act is scheduled to be implemented across all States and Union Territories from July 1.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II: Government policies and interventions for the development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.
Why in news?
Multiple districts in Telangana have recorded temperatures above 46 degrees Celsius, indicating severe heatwave conditions.
Key points
- 16 districts in Telangana recorded maximum temperatures above 46°C.
- Sirpur in Kumaram Bheem Asifabad was the hottest location at 46.5°C.
- The extreme heat is causing significant discomfort and potential health risks.
- This highlights the vulnerability of certain regions to rising global temperatures.
Background & context
Heatwaves are periods of abnormally hot weather lasting more than two days. They are often associated with high humidity, which can increase the health risks for individuals. Telangana, being a landlocked state, is prone to such extreme weather events.
★ Prelims fact capsule
On May 22, 2026, Sirpur in Kumaram Bheem Asifabad district recorded the highest temperature in Telangana at 46.5°C.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper I: Important Geophysical phenomena (e.g., heatwaves). GS Paper III: Disaster Management, Climate Change.
Why in news?
A livelihood initiative in Assam is helping women in fringe areas of Laokhowa-Burhachapori Wildlife Sanctuary convert invasive water hyacinth into marketable craft items, aiding conservation efforts.
Key points
- Women are creating utility items from water hyacinth, an invasive aquatic weed.
- The initiative is supported by the International Rhino Foundation and implemented by Aaranyak.
- It aims to improve the economic conditions of villagers living near the wildlife sanctuary.
- Water hyacinth poses a threat to freshwater ecosystems.
- This project supports the conservation of the Laokhowa-Burhachapori Wildlife Sanctuary, which is contiguous with Kaziranga National Park.
Background & context
Water hyacinth is a free-floating, freshwater perennial herb native to the Amazon basin. It is considered one of the world's worst invasive aquatic weeds due to its rapid reproduction and ability to displace native species. Laokhowa-Burhachapori Wildlife Sanctuary is a significant biodiversity area and a habitat for the one-horned rhinoceros.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The Laokhowa-Burhachapori Wildlife Sanctuary (LBWLS) is 114.19 sq. km in area.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper III: Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation, Disaster Management. GS Paper I: Society, Role of women.