Afternoon edition
Daily current affairs for UPSC, BPSC, State PCS and PSC exams.
Why in news?
Heavy rainfall has triggered severe floods and landslides in the Northeast region (Assam and Meghalaya) and Jammu and Kashmir, leading to significant loss of life and displacement.
Key points
- Northeast India: 6 deaths in Assam and Meghalaya, with over 3.63 lakh people affected in Assam across 16 districts.
- Assam: 794 villages inundated, 19,099.59 hectares of crops affected, and over 34,900 people shifted to relief camps.
- Major rivers like Brahmaputra are flowing above danger levels.
- Jammu and Kashmir: 7 killed in a landslide in Poonch district, and 3 more in Doda district, bringing the total rain-related deaths in 24 hours to 21.
- Landslides and flash floods disrupted essential services in Poonch.
Background & context
Northeastern India and hilly regions like Jammu and Kashmir are prone to natural disasters like floods and landslides, particularly during the monsoon season, exacerbated by factors like deforestation and rapid urbanization.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The Brahmaputra river is one of the major rivers in Assam that often breaches its banks during heavy monsoon.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper 1: Geography (Natural Disasters); GS Paper 3: Disaster Management, Environmental Conservation.
Why in news?
The Supreme Court has suggested forming a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate allegations of embezzlement concerning donations made to the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust.
Key points
- The Supreme Court proposed an SIT comprising senior police officers for the probe.
- Petitioners have demanded a CBI inquiry and full disclosure of financial details, including foreign contributions.
- The Uttar Pradesh government informed the court that a status report of its investigation has been filed, with eight arrests made.
- The Court cautioned against politicizing the case, calling it a 'simple case of commission of offence'.
- The suggestion was made to re-constitute the SIT to directly investigate the case.
Background & context
Following the Ayodhya verdict, the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust was established to manage the construction and maintenance of the Ram Temple. Allegations of financial irregularities have surfaced subsequently.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002 is a key legislation under which financial investigations are conducted.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper 2: Judiciary, Governance; GS Paper 4: Ethics in Public Life.
Why in news?
The Assam government has launched 'Mission Senehjori' to convert waste generated from the production of Muga silk, a GI-tagged product, into high-value spun yarn, aiming to reduce waste and boost employment.
Key points
- The mission aims to utilize nearly 40% of Muga silk cocoon waste.
- It seeks to improve resource utilization and create new employment opportunities in the state.
- Assam's silk industry supports over 7 lakh households, with women forming over 70% of the workforce.
- The initiative is part of the State’s Budget for the current fiscal year.
- Muga silk is Assam's most expensive commercial variety.
Background & context
Muga silk, also known as 'golden silk', is native to Assam and has been produced there for centuries. It is highly prized for its natural golden sheen and durability. The Geographical Indication (GI) tag recognizes its unique origin and quality.
★ Prelims fact capsule
Muga silk is a product of the Antheraea assamensis silkworm.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper 3: Economy (Agriculture, Industry, Employment), Science and Technology (Materials Science).