Evening edition
Daily current affairs for UPSC, BPSC, State PCS and PSC exams.
Why in news?
Madhya Pradesh Cabinet has approved the draft bill for Uniform Civil Code (UCC) to be presented in the State Assembly.
Key points
- The draft bill recommends excluding Scheduled Tribes (adivasis) from its purview.
- Special exemptions are provided to tribal communities like Bhil, Gond, Korku, Baiga, Bhariya, and Sahariya to protect their cultural heritage.
- It seeks to prohibit polygamy and declares practices like nikaha halala illegal.
- Marriage and divorce registration will be mandatory across all communities.
- Communities protected under Part XXI of the Constitution are also exempted.
Background & context
The concept of a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) is a directive principle of state policy under Article 44 of the Indian Constitution, which aims to have a common set of personal laws for all citizens.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The UCC draft bill in Madhya Pradesh specifically exempts Scheduled Tribes and communities protected under Part XXI of the Constitution.
✎ Mains relevance
GS-I: Society, GS-II: Polity (Constitutional provisions, governance)
Why in news?
The National Testing Agency (NTA) has warned candidates against submitting fake or AI-generated OMR sheets following complaints of score discrepancies in NEET-UG 2026.
Key points
- NTA discovered many submitted OMR sheets for scrutiny were fake or AI-generated.
- Candidates are advised to submit only original OMRs for verification.
- Submitting fake OMRs may lead to legal action against the complainant.
- The NEET-UG 2026 exam faced controversy due to paper leaks and irregularities, leading to its re-conduct.
- The government plans to shift NEET-UG to a Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode.
Background & context
NEET-UG is the national-level entrance examination for undergraduate medical courses in India. It has been marred by controversies and allegations of malpractices in recent years.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The NTA is considering shifting NEET-UG from pen-and-paper mode to Computer-Based Test (CBT).
✎ Mains relevance
GS-II: Governance, Social Justice (Education, examination reforms, administrative issues)
Why in news?
Torrential rains triggered flash floods in Jammu and Kashmir, causing casualties and damage, leading to the temporary suspension of the Amarnath Yatra and other pilgrimages.
Key points
- At least 10 people are feared dead due to flash floods.
- The Amarnath Yatra and pilgrimages to Mata Vaishno Devi and Shiv Khori shrines were suspended.
- The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast widespread rainfall.
- Union Home Minister Amit Shah assured all possible assistance from the Centre.
- This event highlights the vulnerability of the region to extreme weather events, potentially linked to climate patterns like El Nino.
Background & context
Jammu and Kashmir is prone to natural disasters like landslides and flash floods due to its mountainous terrain and unpredictable weather patterns. El Nino is a climate phenomenon that can affect monsoon patterns globally.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The Amarnath Yatra and other pilgrimages in Jammu and Kashmir were temporarily suspended due to heavy rainfall and flash floods.
✎ Mains relevance
GS-I: Geography (Natural disasters), GS-III: Disaster Management, Environment