Afternoon edition
Daily current affairs for UPSC, BPSC, State PCS and PSC exams.
Why in news?
The West Bengal government has allocated over 1000 acres of land for erecting a 172 km border fence along the India-Bangladesh international border, prioritizing national security.
Key points
- 1024.75 acres of land allocated across nine bordering districts.
- Fencing to cover 172.6 km of the India-Bangladesh border.
- Major allocations in Murshidabad (337 acres for 45.4 km) and North 24 Parganas (241.03 acres for 42.07 km).
- Project aims to strengthen border security and national security.
Background & context
The India-Bangladesh border is one of the longest and most porous land borders in the world, posing challenges related to illegal immigration, smuggling, and security.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The land handover for fencing in West Bengal is a significant step towards securing the India-Bangladesh border.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper III: Security challenges and their management in border areas.
Why in news?
Arunachal Pradesh signed an MoU with Norway's Tidal Sails AS to establish India's first kinetic energy demonstration plant, generating electricity from river currents.
Key points
- A 500 kW demonstration project using technology to generate electricity directly from river currents.
- Aims to provide an environmentally sustainable and cost-effective renewable energy solution.
- Project is supported by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy and Innovation Norway.
- Arunachal Pradesh has an estimated hydropower potential of 58,000 MW.
- Signifies international cooperation for clean energy transition under the India-Norway Green Partnership.
Background & context
Arunachal Pradesh is rich in water resources, with a vast network of rivers offering significant hydropower potential. This project explores a novel renewable energy generation method.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The plant will be India's first kinetic energy demonstration plant powered by river currents.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper III: Energy, Renewable Energy Resources, Environmental Impact Assessment, International Cooperation.
Why in news?
The Supreme Court exonerated a woman accused of her husband's murder, stating that call records alone are not sufficient substantive proof for conviction.
Key points
- Mere production of telephone call records cannot substitute for substantive proof in murder cases.
- Motive derived solely from call records can be weak and insufficient for conviction.
- The court upheld the acquittal of Monika Kiran Suryawanshi, who was accused of murder and conspiracy.
- The ruling emphasizes the need for stronger evidence beyond digital communication records.
Background & context
The admissibility and weight of electronic evidence, including call records, in legal proceedings is a critical aspect of criminal jurisprudence.
★ Prelims fact capsule
Supreme Court ruled that call records alone are not cogent proof for conviction in murder cases.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II: Judiciary, Legal Framework, Evidence Law, Judicial Pronouncements.