Evening edition
Daily current affairs for UPSC, BPSC, State PCS and PSC exams.
Why in news?
Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange Patil announced an indefinite hunger strike to protest the delay in issuing Kunbi caste certificates under the Maratha reservation process.
Key points
- Protest to begin on May 30 in Antarwali Sarati village, Jalna district.
- Demand for issuing Kunbi caste certificates, recognizing Marathas as eligible for OBC quota.
- Patil recalls government assurance from August 2023 regarding implementation of Satara Gazette within a month.
- Concerns raised about the verification of 58 lakh Kunbi antecedent entries from Hyderabad Gazette and issuance of certificates.
Background & context
The Maratha community in Maharashtra has been seeking reservation benefits, often by seeking recognition as Kunbis, a caste already included in the OBC category. Previous protests and government assurances have led to this ongoing demand.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The protest is being staged in Antarwali Sarati village, Jalna district.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper 1 (Society), GS Paper 2 (Government Policies and Interventions)
Why in news?
Security forces arrested a key commander of the banned Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP) in Delhi, leading to the seizure of a large cache of arms and ammunition in Manipur.
Key points
- Haobijam Dilip Singh, a key KCP commander, was arrested in Delhi.
- Joint operation involved Delhi Police Special Cell, Manipur Police, and Central agencies.
- Seizure of multiple rifles (AK-56, Amogh, AI, M4), explosives, and thousands of live cartridges in Kakching district, Manipur.
- Investigation into whether Delhi was a target for the insurgent group.
- Arrestee was wanted in cases registered under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
Background & context
The Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP) is a banned insurgent group operating in Manipur, seeking independence for the state. UAPA is a stringent anti-terror law in India.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The arrested commander was wanted under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper 3 (Internal Security)
Why in news?
The BJP appointed Kewal Singh Dhillon, a Jat Sikh leader, as its new Punjab state president, aiming to strengthen its position in the state ahead of the 2027 assembly elections.
Key points
- Kewal Singh Dhillon, a former Congress MLA, joined BJP in 2022.
- Appointment is seen as an attempt to consolidate support among the Jat Sikh community, which dominates Punjab's politics.
- Dhillon hails from the politically significant Malwa region.
- BJP aims to build on recent electoral successes in other states.
- The move is part of BJP's effort to bolster its 'pro-Sikh' credentials.
Background & context
Punjab's politics is largely influenced by community demographics, with Jat Sikhs forming a significant portion of the electorate. The BJP has historically struggled to gain a strong foothold in the state.
★ Prelims fact capsule
Kewal Singh Dhillon hails from the 'politically' significant Malwa region of Punjab.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper 1 (Indian Society), GS Paper 2 (Elections, Political Parties)