Evening edition
Daily current affairs for UPSC, BPSC, State PCS and PSC exams.
Why in news?
Torrential monsoon rains triggered a massive mudslide in Wayanad, Kerala, resulting in casualties and highlighting the IMD's alerts for heavy rainfall across various districts.
Key points
- A landslip in Wayanad, Kerala, caused by heavy monsoon rains led to deaths and missing persons.
- India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued red and orange alerts for heavy rainfall in Kerala and parts of Maharashtra.
- Rescue operations are underway involving NDRF, SDRF, and local authorities.
- The incident occurred near an under-construction tunnel road project in Wayanad.
Background & context
Monsoon season in India often brings heavy rainfall, which can lead to natural disasters like landslides and floods, especially in hilly and coastal regions.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The IMD issues alerts (Red, Orange, Yellow) to indicate the intensity of expected rainfall and associated warnings.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper 1 (Geography - Natural Hazards), GS Paper 3 (Disaster Management)
Why in news?
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) named Pakistan-based terrorist Hafiz Saeed in its second chargesheet for the 2025 Pahalgam terror attack, which targeted tourists.
Key points
- Hafiz Saeed, chief of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), has been charged by the NIA for his alleged role in the Pahalgam terror attack.
- The attack, carried out by LeT and its offshoot TRF, killed 26 civilians, including 25 tourists.
- Charges include waging war against India and conspiracy hatched from across the border.
- This is the second chargesheet filed by the NIA in connection with the attack.
Background & context
Hafiz Saeed is a known figure involved in numerous terrorist activities against India, including the 2008 Mumbai attacks. LeT and TRF are designated terrorist organizations.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 (UAPA) is a key legislation used to counter terror activities in India.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper 3 (Internal Security - Terrorism, Role of NIA)
Why in news?
Assam's Forest Minister revealed that a significant area within wildlife sanctuaries and reserve forests is under encroachment, with efforts underway for eviction and re-greening.
Key points
- Over 3.15 lakh hectares in wildlife sanctuaries and reserve forests in Assam are under illegal occupation.
- Sonai-Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary has the largest encroached area, followed by Marat Longri Wildlife Sanctuary.
- The state government has evicted squatters from over 25,000 hectares, with substantial progress in the last five years.
- Over 2,500 hectares of freed land have been re-greened.
Background & context
Forest encroachment leads to habitat loss for wildlife, human-wildlife conflict, and deforestation, impacting biodiversity and ecological balance.
★ Prelims fact capsule
Assam has 8 wildlife sanctuaries and 281 reserve forests facing encroachment.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper 3 (Environment and Ecology - Conservation, Biodiversity, Deforestation)