Afternoon edition
Daily current affairs for UPSC, BPSC, State PCS and PSC exams.
Why in news?
Workers in the Gautam Buddha Nagar SEZ, Uttar Pradesh, protested for better working conditions and increased wages, highlighting issues with minimum wage revisions and the high cost of living in NCR.
Key points
- Thousands of workers in UP's SEZ demanded better wages and working conditions.
- The minimum wage in the region had not been revised since 2014, despite inflation.
- Workers struggle to make ends meet, with little left for savings or small indulgences.
- Noida falls within the National Capital Region (NCR), an area planned for balanced development.
Background & context
SEZs are designated geographical areas within a country with different economic laws and regulations than other regions. They are established to boost exports, employment, and investment. Minimum wage laws are in place to ensure workers receive a basic living wage.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The minimum wage in the Noida SEZ had not been revised since 2014.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper 1: Social Issues (Poverty, impact of economic policies on labour); GS Paper 3: Indian Economy (Infrastructure, Industrial Policy, Labour Laws).
Why in news?
Uttar Pradesh is facing severe power cuts, exacerbated by a heatwave. Opposition parties blame the State government for structural failures and inadequate expansion of power generation capacity.
Key points
- Frequent power cuts are causing public outcry in Uttar Pradesh, especially during a heatwave.
- Opposition parties allege structural failure and a lack of capacity expansion by the State government.
- Reports indicate power availability is limited, with cuts even during the morning.
- The Vidyut Karmchari Joint Sangharsh Samiti claims restructuring and layoffs of contract workers have damaged the power system.
Background & context
Ensuring adequate power supply is crucial for economic development and public welfare. Power sector issues often involve generation capacity, transmission, distribution, and pricing. State governments play a significant role in managing the power infrastructure.
★ Prelims fact capsule
Opposition parties alleged structural failure in UP's power sector during frequent power cuts in May 2026.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper 1: Social Issues (Impact of infrastructure failures on daily life); GS Paper 3: Infrastructure (Energy, Power Sector), Governance (Failure of State machinery).
Why in news?
Rajasthan has introduced austerity measures, including a ban on foreign travel for ministers and officials and a push towards electric vehicles (EVs), citing the West Asia conflict and fuel conservation.
Key points
- Rajasthan government implementing austerity measures to conserve fuel.
- Ban on foreign travel for ministers and officials, promoting video conferencing.
- All new government vehicle purchases will be electric; phased replacement of petrol/diesel vehicles.
- Promoting car-pooling, restricting events to government premises, and reducing convoys.
- Plans to strengthen EV charging infrastructure and expedite approvals for charging stations.
Background & context
Austerity measures are often implemented by governments to reduce expenditure, especially during economic slowdowns or geopolitical uncertainties. The promotion of EVs is part of a broader national and global push towards sustainable transportation and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
★ Prelims fact capsule
Rajasthan government will only purchase electric vehicles for all future government department and public institution needs.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper 3: Economy (Fiscal Policy, Public Finance); GS Paper 4: Ethics and Probity (Government spending, responsible governance); GS Paper 2: Governance (Administrative reforms).