Afternoon edition
Daily current affairs for UPSC, BPSC, State PCS and PSC exams.
Why in news?
The Amarnath and Mata Vaishno Devi Yatras were temporarily suspended due to adverse weather conditions forecast by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), prioritizing pilgrim safety.
Key points
- Suspension implemented from July 19, 2026.
- Precautionary measure to ensure pilgrim safety.
- No onward movement permitted from base camps.
- Resumption updates will be provided after safety and weather assessment.
- Over 3.76 lakh pilgrims had already paid obeisance at the Amarnath shrine.
Background & context
The Amarnath Yatra is an annual pilgrimage to a cave shrine in the Himalayas, considered one of Hinduism's holiest. The Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra is another significant pilgrimage in the Trikuta Mountains in the Reasi district of the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. Both are highly sensitive to weather conditions.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The Amarnath Yatra is undertaken to a cave shrine located at an altitude of around 3,888 meters (12,756 ft).
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper 1: Indian Society (Religious practices, pilgrimage management), GS Paper 3: Disaster Management (Response to natural calamities affecting large gatherings).
Why in news?
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) indicated it might skip the National Conference (NC)-led protest for Statehood in Delhi unless the agenda includes the restoration of Article 370, release of political prisoners, and lifting the ban on Jamaat-e-Islami.
Key points
- PDP believes a protest solely for Statehood legitimizes the abrogation of Article 370.
- Restoration of Article 370 is seen as crucial for undoing 'humiliation and dehumanisation'.
- Both PDP and NC had promised Article 370 restoration in their 2024 election manifestos.
- The protest is planned for Jantar Mantar, Delhi.
- The abrogation of Article 370 and downgrading of J&K to a Union Territory occurred on August 5, 2019.
Background & context
Article 370 of the Constitution of India had granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir. Its abrogation in August 2019 led to significant political realignments and ongoing demands for restoration of statehood and constitutional provisions.
★ Prelims fact capsule
Article 370 was originally a temporary provision of the Indian Constitution.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper 2: Federalism, Centre-State Relations, Governance, Security Challenges (Issues pertaining to Jammu and Kashmir).
Why in news?
WRI India has developed a tool to help cities, businesses, and communities quantify greenhouse gas emissions from food waste across its management chain, addressing a critical environmental concern.
Key points
- The tool estimates emissions from collection, transportation, treatment, and disposal of food waste.
- It identifies opportunities for emission reduction through source reduction and redistribution.
- India generated an estimated 62 million tonnes of municipal solid waste in 2022-23, projected to rise significantly.
- Food waste alone emitted ~106.62 million tonnes of CO₂e in 2023.
- Addresses the lack of a dedicated framework for estimating food waste's climate impact.
Background & context
Food waste is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, primarily methane, from landfills. Effective waste management is crucial for climate change mitigation. India's Solid Waste Management Rules promote waste segregation, but specific focus on food waste emissions is emerging.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The tool is an Excel-based application designed for urban local bodies, businesses, and resident welfare associations.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper 3: Environmental Conservation, Pollution Control, Climate Change (Waste Management, GHG emissions).