Evening edition
Daily current affairs for UPSC, BPSC, State PCS and PSC exams.
Why in news?
Union Home Minister Amit Shah directed authorities to demolish all illegal constructions within 15 km of international borders and implement a 'zero-tolerance' policy.
Key points
- Strict enforcement of 'zero-tolerance' policy against illegal constructions near international borders.
- District Magistrates assigned enhanced responsibility for legal and financial compliance in border areas.
- Focus on curbing smuggling of narcotics and identifying fake Aadhaar cards.
- Need for in-depth study of crime and drug menace sources, patterns, and networks in border districts.
Background & context
Maintaining border security is a crucial aspect of national security, involving managing international borders, preventing illegal crossings, and combating cross-border crimes like smuggling and human trafficking.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The directive applies to constructions within 15 km of India's international borders.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper III: Security challenges and their management in border areas; Role of ED and other investigative agencies.
Why in news?
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi alleged 'massive irregularities' in CBSE examination results and demanded a judicial inquiry and SIT to investigate a 'scam'.
Key points
- Allegations of 'massive irregularities' in CBSE examination results impacting millions of students.
- Demand for an independent judicial inquiry and a Special Investigation Team (SIT).
- Questions raised about the awarding of the CBSE contract to COEMPT (formerly Globarena).
- Concerns about the company's past controversies and its relationship with the government.
Background & context
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is a national level board of education in India for public and private schools. Examination integrity is crucial for the credibility of the education system.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The company COEMPT was previously known as Globarena and had faced controversies in Telangana in 2019.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II: Governance, Social Justice; Issues related to education, examination reforms, accountability of public institutions.
Why in news?
The Union Cabinet approved the extension of the 'SARTHAK-PDS' scheme for five years with a central outlay of ₹25,530 crore to strengthen the Public Distribution System (PDS).
Key points
- Scheme extended for five years (April 1, 2026 - 16th Finance Commission cycle).
- Central outlay of ₹25,530 crore approved.
- Aims to provide assistance for intra-State movement of food grains and PDS modernization.
- Integrates existing schemes like 'Assistance to State Agencies for intra-State movement' and 'SMART PDS'.
Background & context
The Public Distribution System (PDS) is a government-sponsored corporation tasked with the distribution of food subsidies, primarily food-grains, at subsidized prices, to the poor through a network of fair price shops.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The scheme is an umbrella initiative for the next five years, aligning with the 16th Finance Commission cycle award period.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II: Government policies and interventions for the development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation; GS Paper III: Food security, Public Distribution System.