Evening edition
Daily current affairs for UPSC, BPSC, State PCS and PSC exams.
Why in news?
The Supreme Court has directed Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan to consider granting prosecution immunity to forest guards who are on the frontline of protecting the Chambal region from illegal sand mining.
Key points
- Supreme Court directs UP, MP, and Rajasthan to consider immunity from prosecution for forest guards.
- Immunity to be considered for bona fide actions taken against illegal sand miners in the line of duty.
- The immunity is similar to that provided to the Armed Forces.
- The court aims to protect forest officials from fear of prosecution while combating illegal activities.
- The directive is a response to the rampant illegal mining destroying the National Chambal gharial sanctuary and the murders of forest guards.
Background & context
Illegal sand mining poses a significant threat to ecosystems and the safety of forest officials. The Chambal region is known for its fragile ecosystem and the gharial population. Forest guards often face dangerous situations and violence from illegal miners.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The immunity is to be considered under Section 218(3) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper III: Environment and Ecology, Conservation; Internal Security.
Why in news?
Multiple incidents of workers dying due to asphyxiation while cleaning septic tanks, sparking outrage and debate on the safety of sanitation workers.
Key points
- Three men died and one fell unconscious while cleaning a septic tank at a private hospital in Raipur, Chhattisgarh.
- In Odisha's Kalahandi district, six people died of suspected asphyxiation inside an under-construction septic tank.
- In both incidents, workers entered the tanks without proper safety gear.
- These incidents highlight the perilous working conditions faced by sanitation workers.
- Chief Ministers of Chhattisgarh and Odisha announced financial assistance and promised stricter regulations.
Background & context
Manual scavenging and hazardous cleaning of sewers and septic tanks have been a persistent issue in India, leading to numerous deaths. Despite legal prohibitions and various government schemes, unsafe practices continue, particularly in informal sectors.
★ Prelims fact capsule
A government audit in 2025 reportedly stated that in over 90% of sewer deaths, workers had no safety gear.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper I: Social Issues (Vulnerability of certain groups); GS Paper III: Disaster Management, Internal Security.
Why in news?
A woman, Harshina, who suffered due to a surgical instrument being left in her stomach after a C-section, has been appointed in the same hospital where the negligence occurred, and her medical treatment expenses will be covered.
Key points
- K.K. Harshina, a victim of medical negligence, has been appointed as an office assistant at Kozhikode Medical College Hospital.
- A surgical instrument was left in her stomach after a C-section in 2017 and removed in 2022.
- She fought for justice for four years and met with the Chief Minister and Health Minister.
- The government has promised to cover her ongoing medical treatment expenses.
- The appointment is seen as a form of justice and rehabilitation for the victim.
Background & context
Medical negligence is a serious concern, and patients often face immense physical, mental, and financial hardship. This case highlights the challenges victims face in seeking redressal and the subsequent need for support.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The surgical instrument was left in Ms. Harshina’s stomach after a C-section surgery performed in 2017.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II: Health (Issues related to health, healthcare, sanitation, and education); GS Paper IV: Ethics (Accountability in public services).