Evening edition
Daily current affairs for UPSC, BPSC, State PCS and PSC exams.
Why in news?
Arvind Kejriwal urged PM Modi to roll back the E20 fuel programme, alleging adverse effects on vehicle mileage and public concerns. The Centre's stance on the programme as an 'experiment' in Supreme Court proceedings has also come under scrutiny.
Key points
- Allegations of reduced vehicle mileage with E20 fuel.
- Concerns about potential damage to vehicles due to ethanol blending.
- Government's 'experiment' framing of the E20 programme in SC.
- Demand for rollback or phased implementation with compensation for damages.
Background & context
The E20 programme aims to blend 20% ethanol with petrol, promoting renewable energy and reducing carbon emissions. It has faced challenges related to fuel efficiency and compatibility with older vehicles.
★ Prelims fact capsule
E20 fuel comprises 20% ethanol blended with petrol.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper III (Economy, Environment, Science & Technology): Energy security, renewable energy, environmental impact, policy implementation challenges.
Why in news?
A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Supreme Court seeking to end the 'coaching Raj' and the 'dummy school' nexus, which allegedly creates a two-tier education system and impacts students' mental health.
Key points
- Petition highlights the disparity between students attending expensive coaching centers and those relying on regular schools.
- Alleges 'dummy schools' allow students to skip regular classes while remaining enrolled.
- Seeks to dismantle the unregulated private coaching ecosystem.
- Demands alignment of national entrance exam patterns with school syllabi.
Background & context
India's education system often sees a heavy reliance on private coaching for competitive exams like JEE, NEET, CUET, etc. This has led to concerns about accessibility, equity, and the pressure on students.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The petition seeks to address the 'coaching Raj' and 'dummy school' nexus.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II (Polity, Governance, Social Justice): Education policy, access to education, social inequalities, mental health of students.
Why in news?
Kochi Corporation is considering proposals to use drones for spraying larvicides to control mosquito proliferation, a move that could enhance efficiency and overcome limitations of manual spraying.
Key points
- Two proposals under consideration: outright drone purchase or hourly service basis.
- Drones can spray larvicides on vacant lands efficiently.
- Challenges include restrictions in naval/port areas and licensing for operators.
- Offers potential for spraying during early mornings and late evenings.
Background & context
Mosquito-borne diseases are a significant public health concern. Traditional methods of mosquito control include fogging and larvicide spraying, which have limitations in coverage and timing.
★ Prelims fact capsule
Kochi Corporation is exploring the use of drones for mosquito control.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II (Governance, Health) & III (Science & Technology): Public health initiatives, application of technology in governance, urban management.