Afternoon edition
Daily current affairs for UPSC, BPSC, State PCS and PSC exams.
Why in news?
The Amarnath yatra in South Kashmir has seen a record number of pilgrims in the first five days of the 57-day annual pilgrimage, exceeding last year's numbers which were impacted by a militant attack.
Key points
- Over 1.3 lakh pilgrims visited the cave shrine in the first five days.
- This is a record number, surpassing previous years.
- Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha emphasized safety, security, and hassle-free darshan.
- Close coordination among stakeholders is urged to make the yatra a model for spiritual tourism.
Background & context
The Amarnath pilgrimage is a significant annual Hindu pilgrimage to a cave shrine in the Himalayas, dedicated to Lord Shiva. It typically takes place during the summer months and attracts a large number of devotees.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The Amarnath shrine is located at an altitude of nearly 3,888 metres.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper 1: Indian Culture - Salient aspects of Art, Architecture and Literature from the ancient to modern India. Also relates to security challenges in sensitive regions and tourism promotion.
Why in news?
A Special Investigation Team (SIT) report appointed by the Uttar Pradesh government has found prima facie evidence of theft and pilferage of donations at the Ram Temple Trust.
Key points
- CCTV footage revealed instances of counting staff hiding cash.
- Around 70 instances of suspected theft were documented.
- Security protocols such as frisking and biometric attendance were not strictly enforced.
- Procedural flaws in cash handling were also identified.
Background & context
The Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya has been a site of major political and religious significance in India. The trust managing its construction and donations has faced scrutiny regarding financial management.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The SIT report was submitted on June 23.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper 2: Governance, Parliament and State Legislatures, Election Process, Bureaucracy. Also relevant to GS Paper 4: Ethics and Human Interface, Probity in Public Life, Corruption.
Why in news?
Ahead of a protest in Delhi, National Conference (NC) leaders met with civil society members and passed a resolution demanding the immediate restoration of full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.
Key points
- NC plans a protest at Jantar Mantar, Delhi, on July 20.
- Leaders cited the Supreme Court's December 2023 judgment asking the Centre to restore statehood.
- The delay in restoration is termed 'inordinate' and the Centre's response 'vague'.
- Issues concerning tourism, business, and economic growth in J&K were also discussed.
Background & context
Jammu and Kashmir was granted special status under Article 370 of the Constitution, which was abrogated in August 2019, and the region was bifurcated into two Union Territories: Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh. The demand for statehood restoration has been a recurring political issue.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The Supreme Court asked the Centre to restore Statehood for J&K in its December 2023 judgment.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper 1: Post-Independence consolidation and organisation within the country. GS Paper 2: Federalism, Centre-State Relations, Governance.