Evening edition
Daily current affairs for UPSC, BPSC, State PCS and PSC exams.
Why in news?
Widespread protests, particularly by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and student groups, have erupted across the nation due to alleged examination irregularities, paper leaks, and demands for accountability, specifically targeting the National Testing Agency (NTA) and Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Key points
- The NEET-UG 2026 examination was cancelled due to a paper leak, with a re-examination scheduled.
- Protests, including those led by the CJP at Jantar Mantar, are demanding accountability from the government and the NTA.
- Students are experiencing significant anxiety and pressure due to the mismanagement of these crucial examinations.
- The NTA has faced criticism for lax operational capacity, cybersecurity issues, and poor crisis communication.
Background & context
The NEET-UG is a national entrance examination for undergraduate medical courses in India. Paper leaks and allegations of malpractice have been a recurring issue in recent years, leading to public outcry and judicial scrutiny.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The Supreme Court has squarely blamed the National Testing Agency (NTA) for the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper I (Social Issues), GS Paper II (Governance, Polity)
Why in news?
The Union Health Ministry has prohibited the manufacture, sale, and distribution of 16 fixed-dose combination (FDC) drugs due to concerns about lack of therapeutic justification and potential risks to public health.
Key points
- The ban is aimed at safeguarding public health and promoting rational use of medicines.
- FDC drugs contain two or more active pharmaceutical ingredients in a fixed ratio.
- The decision follows a review by an expert committee constituted as per Supreme Court directions.
- The prohibited formulations span various categories, including dermatological, analgesic, antispasmodic, and antibiotic combinations.
Background & context
Fixed-dose combinations are popular for convenience, but concerns have been raised about irrational combinations leading to antibiotic resistance, adverse drug reactions, and masking of symptoms, impacting therapeutic outcomes.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The Drugs Technical Advisory Board (DTAB) constituted an expert committee to identify irrational FDCs.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II (Health), GS Paper III (Science & Technology)
Why in news?
Scientists, environmentalists, and policy experts have raised concerns over the composition of a Supreme Court-appointed expert committee tasked with reviewing the definition and delineation of the Aravalli hill range, questioning its independence.
Key points
- The committee was formed by the Supreme Court to review the Centre's report on the Aravallis.
- Experts have written to the Chief Justice of India (CJI) seeking changes in the committee's composition.
- Concerns have been raised regarding the independence and expertise of some appointed members.
- The committee is expected to submit its report by August 31.
Background & context
The Aravalli Range is one of the oldest mountain systems in the world, facing significant environmental degradation due to mining, infrastructure development, and encroachment. The Supreme Court has been actively involved in protecting the Aravallis.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The committee is headed by Kanchan Devi, Director General of the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper I (Geography), GS Paper III (Environment)