Afternoon edition
Daily current affairs for UPSC, BPSC, State PCS and PSC exams.
Why in news?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Seychelles for its golden jubilee celebrations, where he described the bilateral ties as 'steady, strong and long-lasting'.
Key points
- India and Seychelles established diplomatic ties in 1976.
- India is a committed development partner in sectors like infrastructure, defence, health, and maritime security.
- Seychelles has a vibrant Indian diaspora.
- The visit included attending the National Day celebrations as Guest of Honour and holding talks with the President.
Background & context
Seychelles is an archipelagic nation in the Indian Ocean, strategically important for India's maritime security and regional influence.
★ Prelims fact capsule
Diplomatic ties between India and Seychelles were established in 1976.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II: International Relations - India and its neighbourhood, bilateral relations.
Why in news?
Allegations of paper leak and subsequent postponement of the Maharashtra Teacher Eligibility Test (TET), drawing strong criticism from Congress leaders.
Key points
- The Maharashtra TET exam was postponed due to alleged paper leaks.
- Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra termed it 'theft of youth's future'.
- Concerns raised about the integrity of the education and examination system in India.
- Comparisons made with other recent exam irregularities (NEET, CBSE, SSC, CUET).
Background & context
Teacher Eligibility Tests (TET) are crucial for determining the eligibility of individuals to teach in schools. Frequent paper leaks raise concerns about meritocracy and fairness in recruitment.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The Maharashtra TET exam was postponed due to alleged paper leak allegations.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II: Governance, Social Justice - Issues relating to education, examination reforms, corruption.
Why in news?
Karnataka government's initiative to honour landowners who voluntarily give up land for public projects through 'Walls of Gratitude'.
Key points
- The initiative aims to acknowledge and honour landowners who contribute land for development projects.
- Names of donors will be inscribed on memorial walls.
- This comes amid protests by some farmer groups against land acquisition.
- The first wall has been set up along the newly inaugurated S.M. Krishna Road.
Background & context
Land acquisition for infrastructure and development projects is often a contentious issue, leading to farmer protests and legal challenges. Honouring donors can encourage voluntary participation and foster goodwill.
★ Prelims fact capsule
Karnataka government plans to establish 'Walls of Gratitude' to honour landowners for development projects.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper III: Economy - Infrastructure, Land Reforms; GS Paper II: Governance, Social Justice - Welfare schemes, public-private partnerships.