Evening edition
Daily current affairs for UPSC, BPSC, State PCS and PSC exams.
Why in news?
The Supreme Court acknowledged the trauma caused to students and families by the NEET-UG 2026 paper leaks and emphasized the need for the National Testing Agency (NTA) to develop institutional memory and accountability to prevent future incidents.
Key points
- Supreme Court highlighted the emotional and academic toll of paper leaks on students and families.
- Court stressed the importance of institutional memory and accountability within examination bodies like NTA.
- Ad-hocism and lack of continuity in leadership were identified as key problems leading to repeated issues.
- The NTA is directed to propose measures to prevent future leaks and strengthen institutional capacity.
Background & context
The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) is a highly competitive examination for admission to undergraduate medical courses in India. Paper leaks have become a recurring issue, raising concerns about the fairness and integrity of the examination process.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The Supreme Court directed the Ministry of Education to file an affidavit detailing proposed measures to prevent future examination leaks within six weeks.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II: Governance, Social Justice, Government policies and interventions for health and education sectors. Role of NTA in conducting examinations.
Why in news?
Karnataka's Health Minister urged families to consume fortified rice to improve nutrient supply, highlighting its potential to address lifestyle diseases and malnutrition.
Key points
- Fortified rice provides essential nutrients like Iron, Folic Acid, and Vitamin B12.
- It aims to combat malnutrition, boost immunity, and help manage lifestyle diseases like diabetes and hypertension.
- India fortifies 35-40 million tonnes of rice annually, primarily distributed through PDS to vulnerable groups.
- There is a significant untapped market potential for fortified rice in the open market.
Background & context
Rice is a staple grain in India. Fortification is a process of adding micronutrients to staple foods to improve their nutritional value. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) regulates the standards for fortified rice.
★ Prelims fact capsule
Approximately 35-40 million tonnes of India's annual rice consumption (out of 115 million tonnes) is fortified and distributed through the Public Distribution System (PDS).
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II: Government policies and interventions for health and nutrition. GS Paper III: Food processing and related industries in India. Role of FSSAI.
Why in news?
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah resigned, paving the way for Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar to potentially take over the top post, leading to political realignments and challenges for opposition parties like JD(S).
Key points
- Siddaramaiah submitted his resignation, expressing gratitude to voters and party leadership.
- D.K. Shivakumar praised Siddaramaiah's tenure, highlighting his resilience and commitment to social justice.
- Shivakumar's potential elevation is seen as an existential challenge for the JD(S), particularly due to community and regional political contests.
- The political dynamics are crucial as Karnataka assembly elections are due in 2028.
Background & context
The Congress government in Karnataka has seen a change in leadership. D.K. Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah are prominent figures within the Karnataka Congress, with deep roots in state politics and support bases within different communities.
★ Prelims fact capsule
D.K. Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah are key leaders of the Congress party in Karnataka. Siddaramaiah has served as Chief Minister, and Shivakumar as Deputy Chief Minister.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper I: Indian society (caste, community politics). GS Paper II: Polity (State government, coalition politics, political leadership).