Evening edition
Daily current affairs for UPSC, BPSC, State PCS and PSC exams.
Why in news?
The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) organised protests and a march to Parliament concerning the NEET paper leak. The Monsoon Session of Parliament saw disruptions with the Opposition demanding discussions on the NEET issue and the police action against protesters.
Key points
- Opposition demands discussion on NEET paper leak and police action on CJP protest in Parliament.
- Prime Minister Modi stated that strict action has been taken against NEET paper leakers and urged states to collaborate with the Centre.
- CJP activist Sonam Wangchuk continued his hunger strike and was allowed to shift to a private hospital by the Delhi High Court.
- Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda met with officials regarding the medical facilities for injured protesters.
- The government is looking to table the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026 and the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026.
Background & context
The NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) is a crucial examination for medical college admissions in India. Paper leaks and ensuing protests are recurring issues that highlight concerns about examination integrity and administrative accountability.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026 and the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026 were slated to be tabled during the Monsoon Session.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II: Governance, Polity. Issues related to protests, public order, role of opposition, examination reforms, and legislative agenda of Parliament.
Why in news?
A Supreme Court-constituted committee is reviewing the Centre's report on the definition and delineation of the Aravalli hill range and has opened a 21-day window for public suggestions.
Key points
- The Aravalli Committee, formed by the Supreme Court, will review the definition and delineation of the Aravalli hill range.
- The committee has invited representations and suggestions from states (NCT), environmentalists, mining lease holders, and local communities.
- Submissions must be supported by documentary evidence and submitted via email or Google form within 21 days.
- Concerns have been raised about the committee's neutrality due to its composition of ex-government officers.
- The committee is headed by Kanchan Devi and has a deadline of August 31 to submit its report.
Background & context
The Aravalli Range is one of the oldest mountain ranges in the world, passing through Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Gujarat. It plays a crucial role in the ecological stability and climate of the region but faces significant environmental threats from mining and urbanization.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The Aravalli Committee is tasked with conducting an independent review of the Centre's report on the definition and delineation of the Aravalli hill range.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper III: Environment and Ecology. Conservation, environmental impact assessment, sustainable development, role of judiciary in environmental protection.
Why in news?
The Supreme Court has ruled that the Kerala Waqf Board is not under the supervision of a State official, allowing judicial intervention only in cases of 'egregious' interference.
Key points
- The Supreme Court removed the 'supervision' of a State official over the Kerala Waqf Board.
- The Court indicated it would intervene judicially in cases of 'egregious' interference in the Board's management.
- The High Court had previously directed the Board to function under the supervision of a Joint/Additional Secretary.
- The Supreme Court allowed the Joint/Additional Secretary to remain as an ex-officio member of the Board.
- The Board argued it cannot be compelled to function under a government official's 'command or control'.
Background & context
Waqf Boards are statutory bodies responsible for managing properties endowed for religious or charitable purposes. Their autonomy and functioning have often been subjects of legal and administrative scrutiny.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The Supreme Court ruled that the Kerala Waqf Board cannot be compelled to function under the 'command or control' of a government official.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II: Polity, Governance. Role of statutory bodies, administrative law, judicial review, federalism (centre-state relations within a state context).