Evening edition
Daily current affairs for UPSC, BPSC, State PCS and PSC exams.
Why in news?
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued severe weather warnings, including red alerts for heavy to extremely heavy rainfall, in several districts of Odisha and West Bengal due to a low-pressure system intensifying over the Bay of Bengal. Simultaneously, Telangana is forecast to experience heavy rainfall in its northern districts.
Key points
- Red alert issued for five districts in Odisha (Kandhamal, Boudh, Angul, Sambalpur, Sonepur) and two districts in West Bengal (South 24 Parganas, Purba Medinipur).
- A low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal has intensified, expected to become a deep depression before reaching the coast.
- Telangana's nine northern districts are forecast to receive heavy rainfall, with thunderstorms and lightning expected.
- Mumbai also faced a red alert with predictions of heavy to very heavy rainfall, while Arunachal Pradesh experienced flash floods and landslides.
- Coastal regions of both West Bengal and Odisha are on high alert for severe weather conditions.
Background & context
Monsoon systems developing over the Bay of Bengal are common during this season and can cause significant rainfall across Eastern India. Unusually intense systems can lead to flash floods and landslides, impacting normal life and infrastructure. El Niño phenomena can also influence monsoon patterns.
★ Prelims fact capsule
IMD uses color-coded warnings: Red (take action), Orange (be prepared), Yellow (be informed), and Green (no action needed).
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper 1: Geography (Monsoon patterns, Natural Hazards), GS Paper 3: Disaster Management (Flood, Landslides, Preparedness, Mitigation)
Why in news?
The Union Home Ministry has designated 23 individuals as terrorists under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) for their involvement in terror activities against India. The list includes operatives linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) founders, aiming to disrupt their operational networks.
Key points
- 23 individuals based in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) designated as terrorists.
- Individuals are involved in infiltration, recruitment, financing, and operational planning.
- Targets include associates of Hafiz Saeed and Masood Azhar, and their key commanders.
- One designated operative, Mohammad Musaddiq, conducted reconnaissance of Ram Janmabhoomi complex, RSS HQ, and IOCL refinery.
- Individuals designated under the fourth schedule of UAPA, strengthening counter-terrorism efforts.
Background & context
The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) is a stringent anti-terrorism law in India that allows the government to designate individuals and organizations as terrorists. This measure is part of India's broader strategy to combat cross-border terrorism.
★ Prelims fact capsule
UAPA was amended in 2019 to allow the designation of individuals as terrorists.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper 3: Internal Security (Terrorism, Counter-terrorism measures, National Security)
Why in news?
India's Ambassador to China, Vikram Doraiswami, has expressed that greater Chinese investment in India would benefit bilateral economic and overall relations. He also advocated for increased Indian exports to China, particularly in the pharmaceutical sector.
Key points
- Increased Chinese investment seen as beneficial for India's economy and bilateral ties.
- India seeks to boost exports to China, especially in pharmaceuticals.
- Highlighting India's competitive advantage in producing high-quality generic medicines.
- Trade between India and China has grown despite political tensions since 2020.
- Normalization of relations is underway following PM Modi's meeting with President Xi Jinping.
Background & context
India-China relations have been complex, marked by border disputes and political friction, particularly since the 2020 Galwan clash. However, economic ties have continued to expand. Diplomatic efforts are ongoing to stabilize the relationship.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The Line of Actual Control (LAC) is the de facto border between India and China.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper 2: International Relations (Bilateral Relations, India-China Relations, Economic Diplomacy), GS Paper 3: Economy (International Trade, Foreign Investment)