Evening edition
Daily current affairs for UPSC, BPSC, State PCS and PSC exams.
Why in news?
Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange ended his indefinite fast after the Maharashtra government submitted a 12-point proposal addressing their demands, including the issuance of certificates based on identified Kunbi records.
Key points
- Activist Manoj Jarange ended a nine-day indefinite hunger strike.
- The Maharashtra government presented a 12-point proposal.
- Government agreed to issue certificates based on 58 lakh identified Kunbi records.
- Review of the caste validity certificate process to be conducted after 15 days.
- Demand for a separate Ministry for Marathas and Kunbis continues to be supported.
Background & context
The Maratha community has been seeking reservation in education and government jobs. Several protests and fasts have been undertaken by community leaders to press their demands. The Kunbi community is considered an agrarian group, and the argument is that Marathas with Kunbi ancestry should be eligible for reservation under the Kunbi OBC category.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The agitation involved a 12-point proposal from the Maharashtra government.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper 1: Society, Social Justice, Indian Society; GS Paper 2: Welfare Schemes, Polity.
Why in news?
Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy is set to review the implementation of the Employee Health Scheme (EHS) aimed at providing comprehensive healthcare coverage and cashless medical treatment to government employees, pensioners, and their dependents.
Key points
- Scheme aims to strengthen healthcare security for employees and pensioners.
- Digital health cards will be issued to beneficiaries.
- Cashless medical treatment will be facilitated at empanelled hospitals.
- An Employee Health Care Trust will administer the scheme.
- The Trust will include representatives from employee unions and pensioners' associations.
Background & context
Many states are implementing health insurance schemes for their employees to ensure better healthcare access and reduce out-of-pocket expenditure. Such schemes often involve public-private partnerships with hospitals and require robust data management for beneficiaries.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The EHS in Telangana will be administered by the Employee Health Care Trust.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper 2: Governance, Welfare Schemes, Health.
Why in news?
Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy is embarking on a multi-district tour to launch welfare programmes, lay foundation stones for infrastructure projects, review irrigation works, and address public meetings, focusing on housing, agriculture, irrigation, transport, and women's empowerment.
Key points
- Tour to review and launch flagship programmes and infrastructure projects.
- Focus areas include housing, agriculture, irrigation, transport, and women's empowerment.
- Launch of the second phase of the Indiramma Housing Scheme.
- Foundation stone for a massive integrated market project in Rangareddy district.
- Review of irrigation works in Mahabubnagar district.
Background & context
State governments often undertake tours to review development projects and engage with the public to assess the implementation of welfare schemes and gather feedback. This helps in policy formulation and ensuring effective governance.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The tour will include the launch of the second phase of the Indiramma Housing Scheme.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper 2: Governance, Public Policy, Welfare Schemes; GS Paper 1: Society.