Afternoon edition
Daily current affairs for UPSC, BPSC, State PCS and PSC exams.
Why in news?
National Conference plans a protest at Jantar Mantar, Delhi, seeking the restoration of Statehood and constitutional guarantees for Jammu and Kashmir. This follows the Supreme Court's recording of the Union government's assurance regarding statehood restoration, with no specific timeline given.
Key points
- National Conference plans protest at Jantar Mantar on July 20.
- Demand for restoration of Statehood and constitutional guarantees for J&K.
- Supreme Court recorded Union government's assurance on statehood restoration without a timeline.
- Concerns about the subordinate status of elected government to Lieutenant Governor in Union Territory status.
- Centre cites 'security' concerns as a reason for inaction.
Background & context
Jammu and Kashmir's special status was revoked in August 2019, and the state was bifurcated into two Union Territories: Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh. The demand for statehood restoration has been a persistent political issue.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The statehood of Jammu and Kashmir was revoked on August 5, 2019.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II: Governance, Constitution and Polity, Federalism, Centre-State Relations.
Why in news?
Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk has joined a protest at Jantar Mantar, initiated by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), demanding the resignation of the Union Education Minister over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination.
Key points
- Sonam Wangchuk joins protest at Jantar Mantar demanding resignation of Union Education Minister.
- Protest is against alleged irregularities in the NEET examination.
- Wangchuk aims to ensure the youth-led movement is not 'sabotaged'.
- He was previously involved in demanding constitutional safeguards for Ladakh.
Background & context
NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) is a national-level entrance examination for undergraduate medical courses. Allegations of irregularities in competitive exams have been a recurring issue in India.
★ Prelims fact capsule
Sonam Wangchuk is an engineer, inventor, and education reform advocate from Ladakh.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II: Governance, Social Justice, Education System.
Why in news?
Alarmingly low water levels in the Mullaperiyar Dam are causing concern in both Kerala and Tamil Nadu, impacting agriculture in Tamil Nadu and potentially affecting tourism and drinking water supply in Kerala.
Key points
- Mullaperiyar Dam recorded significantly lower water storage in July compared to last year.
- Low water levels impact farming activities in bordering districts of Tamil Nadu, leaving nearly 1.5 lakh acres of farmland dry.
- Potential threat to tourism in Periyar Tiger Reserve (Kerala) and drinking water supply in nearby panchayats.
- Catchment areas in Periyar Tiger Reserve are not receiving adequate rain.
Background & context
The Mullaperiyar Dam is a masonry gravity dam on the Periyar River in Idukki District, Kerala, built by the British. It is operated and maintained by Tamil Nadu, which uses it for irrigation and drinking water, leading to inter-state disputes.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The Mullaperiyar Dam is located in Kerala but is operated by Tamil Nadu.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II: Federalism, Inter-State Water Disputes, Governance.