Evening edition
Daily current affairs for UPSC, BPSC, State PCS and PSC exams.
Why in news?
The Supreme Court has sought responses from the Centre and child rights bodies on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking a ban on employing children below 18 years in orchestras, dance troupes, massage parlours, and spas.
Key points
- PIL seeks absolute ban on employment of children in specific entertainment and service sectors.
- Court issued notices to Union Ministries of Labour, Law and Justice, NCPCR, and NHRC.
- Arguments presented that minor girls are employed in orchestras and dance bars.
- Some states have minimum age rules of 18 for spas and massage parlours.
- Focus on potential exploitation and obscenity in such performances.
Background & context
The Child and Adolescent Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986, regulates child labour in India. Article 24 of the Constitution prohibits the employment of children below 14 years in any factory, mine, or other hazardous occupation. However, specific regulations for sectors like entertainment and services can vary.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The Supreme Court is considering amendments to Part A of the Schedule under the Child and Adolescent Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II: Social Justice - Child labour, relevant laws and constitutional provisions; Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections.
Why in news?
The Kerala government's Vision 2031 roadmap prioritizes an 'Energy transition and efficiency programme,' focusing on renewable energy integration and energy storage solutions.
Key points
- Emphasis on smooth integration of renewables, especially solar energy.
- Proposal for an 'Energy transition and efficiency programme'.
- Introduction of 'energy credit' for energy-efficient buildings and homes.
- Deployment of energy storage systems, including community battery storage at distribution transformer level.
- Aims to address peak demand challenges and benefit from rooftop solar generation.
Background & context
Kerala has seen rapid growth in solar energy capacity. Energy storage systems are crucial for grid stability when incorporating intermittent renewable sources like solar. The State Electricity Board often faces deficits and relies on expensive power purchases.
★ Prelims fact capsule
Kerala's total solar power capability was 2295.29 MW as of April 30, 2026.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper III: Energy - Renewable energy sources, energy storage, grid management; Government policies and programmes.
Why in news?
An incident in Rajasthan highlights the continued influence of caste panchayats and their power to impose social boycotts, impacting individuals' lives for decades.
Key points
- Caste panchayats, composed of elderly men within a caste, make decisions on various matters.
- Social boycotts ('hooka-pani band') can sever all social and economic ties with the targeted family.
- Cases of forced child marriages being challenged by parents, leading to ostracization.
- The impact of social boycotts can last for generations, affecting invitations to family events and economic associations.
- This practice undermines individual rights and democratic principles.
Background & context
Caste-based social structures and traditional decision-making bodies like caste panchayats have historically existed in India. Despite legal prohibitions against discrimination and social evils, their influence persists in some rural areas, challenging the authority of formal legal systems.
★ Prelims fact capsule
A social boycott ('hooka-pani band') involves the cessation of shared resources and social interaction.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper I: Society - Diversity of India, role of social institutions; GS Paper II: Social Justice - Social empowerment, discrimination and its manifestations.