Afternoon edition
Daily current affairs for UPSC, BPSC, State PCS and PSC exams.
Why in news?
The Maharashtra Transport Ministry has mandated that auto and taxi drivers in Mumbai must be able to read, write, and speak Marathi to retain their licenses, leading to widespread implementation of Marathi language courses.
Key points
- Mandatory Marathi language test for auto and taxi drivers in Mumbai.
- Drivers risk losing licenses if they fail to meet the language proficiency requirement.
- The deadline has been extended to August 15.
- The move aims to ensure drivers can communicate effectively in the local language.
Background & context
Mumbai has a large number of auto and taxi drivers who are migrants from other states. The mandate has sparked political debate regarding its timing and feasibility.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The mandate was announced by Maharashtra's Minister of Transport, Pratap Baburao Sarnaik.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper 1: Social issues, linguistic diversity. GS Paper 2: Governance, state policies.
Why in news?
The Union government informed the Delhi High Court that the messaging platform Telegram has become a preferred tool for cybercriminals, fraud networks, and extremist groups, likening it to the 'new dark web'.
Key points
- Telegram's architecture and privacy features facilitate illegal activities.
- It is used for sharing links to dark web forums, distributing malware, and coordinating attacks.
- The government has sought proactive monitoring and curbing of illegal channels by the platform.
- This submission was made during a hearing challenging a temporary ban on Telegram under Section 69A of the IT Act.
Background & context
Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000, allows the government to block access to information through computers. The ban was imposed ahead of the NEET (UG) examination.
★ Prelims fact capsule
An Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) assessment highlighted Telegram's role in illicit online activity.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper 3: Cybersecurity, cybercrime, IT Act, governance.
Why in news?
The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020's primary objective is to cultivate entrepreneurs and job-creators rather than just job-seekers, as stated by Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Viswanath Arlekar.
Key points
- NEP 2020 aims to shift the focus of education from job-seeking to entrepreneurship.
- Education should reflect local learnings for self-sufficiency and nation-building.
- The policy is considered the first serious attempt to decolonize education in India.
- This approach is crucial for developing a skilled workforce that can drive economic growth.
Background & context
NEP 2020, approved in 2020, aims for a comprehensive overhaul of India's education system from pre-school to higher education.
★ Prelims fact capsule
Governor Arlekar made these remarks at the 50th Graduation Day of Guru Nanak College.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper 2: Education policy, governance. GS Paper 1: Social issues, human resource development.