Evening edition
Daily current affairs for UPSC, BPSC, State PCS and PSC exams.
Why in news?
Tamil Nadu and Kerala have expressed concerns over proposed amendments to the National Food Security Act (NFSA), specifically regarding the entitlement criteria for Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) households.
Key points
- The proposed amendment suggests changing the AAY entitlement from a household-based system (35 kg per household) to a per capita system (7 kg per person, capped at 35 kg per household).
- States like Tamil Nadu are concerned this might reduce rice allocation for poorest households.
- The Union government is seeking public feedback on the draft amendment bill.
- Tamil Nadu has requested to retain the current provision of 35 kg per AAY household.
Background & context
The National Food Security Act, 2013, aims to provide subsidized food grains to eligible households through the public distribution system. The Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) specifically targets the poorest households.
★ Prelims fact capsule
NFSA was enacted in 2013.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II: Government Policies and Interventions for Health, Education, Human Resources; GS Paper III: Food Security, Public Distribution System.
Why in news?
The Kerala government has disbanded the Kerala Maritime Board due to administrative lapses, financial irregularities, and failure to meet statutory obligations.
Key points
- The board failed to submit annual administrative reports for three financial years (2022-23, 2023-24, 2024-25).
- CAG audit report highlighted serious financial irregularities, including revenue arrears, lapses in budget expenditure, and misappropriation of funds.
- The board was constituted under the Kerala Maritime Board Act, 2017.
- Disbandment cites failure to discharge duties vested with it and non-compliance with government directives.
Background & context
The Kerala Maritime Board was established to oversee and regulate maritime activities within the state. Its functions are crucial for port development and management.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The Kerala Maritime Board was constituted under the Kerala Maritime Board Act, 2017 (Act 16 of 2017).
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II: Governance; GS Paper III: Infrastructure (Ports).
Why in news?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Jakarta highlighted deepened cooperation between India and Indonesia, particularly on global issues, and reiterated India's support for a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict.
Key points
- India and Indonesia agreed to deepen cooperation on global issues and stressed the importance of dialogue and diplomacy.
- India reiterated its support for a two-state solution to end the Israel-Palestine conflict and pursue lasting peace.
- Agreements were signed, including provisions for India to supply BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles and Astra air-to-air missiles to Indonesia.
- Both nations expressed concern over the war in West Asia and its global effects, emphasizing transit passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
Background & context
India and Indonesia share historical ties, with India supporting Indonesia's freedom movement in the 1940s. Both are key nations in the Indo-Pacific region.
★ Prelims fact capsule
India is set to supply BrahMos supersonic cruise missile system to Indonesia.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II: India and its Neighbourhood Relations, International Groupings & Agreements; GS Paper I: Modern Indian History (India's foreign policy evolution).