Evening edition
Daily current affairs for UPSC, BPSC, State PCS and PSC exams.
Why in news?
Widespread protests and parliamentary disruptions are occurring across India due to alleged irregularities and paper leaks in the NEET UG examination. Demands range from the resignation of the Union Education Minister to the complete abolition of NEET.
Key points
- Protests are being held at Jantar Mantar, Delhi, and Shivaji Park, Mumbai.
- Activists like Sonam Wangchuk are on hunger strike.
- Opposition parties are demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
- DMK leader M.K. Stalin advocates for the abolition of NEET, citing social justice concerns.
- Parliamentary proceedings have been repeatedly adjourned over the issue.
Background & context
The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) is a national-level entrance examination for undergraduate medical courses in India. It has been a subject of debate, particularly in states like Tamil Nadu, which have historically opposed it due to concerns about federalism and social justice.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The NEET UG exam is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA).
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II (Government Policies and Interventions, Polity), GS Paper III (Science and Technology - advancements and applications, Education)
Why in news?
A tragic incident occurred in an under-construction tunnel of NHPC's Teesta Stage VI Hydropower Project in Sikkim, resulting in the death of 20 workers due to toxic gas release, suspected to be methane.
Key points
- The disaster occurred in the Head Race Tunnel (HRT) of the 500 MW Teesta Stage VI Hydropower Project.
- Toxic gases, possibly methane, were released explosively, causing the deaths.
- Preliminary reports suggest workers encountered rocks containing trapped methane during drilling.
- NHPC and the Sikkim government have announced separate investigations into the incident.
- This highlights the inherent risks in infrastructure development in fragile regions like the Himalayas.
Background & context
NHPC (formerly National Hydroelectric Power Corporation) is an Indian government-owned energy company that develops and operates hydroelectric power plants. Hydropower projects, especially in the Himalayas, require careful geological surveys and safety protocols due to the complex and unstable terrain.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The Teesta Stage VI Hydropower Project is a 500 MW project.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper III (Disaster Management, Environmental Impact Assessment, Infrastructure)
Why in news?
Air India has extended the suspension of its Tel Aviv-Delhi flights until the end of September due to escalating security concerns and military activity in West Asia.
Key points
- The suspension is due to renewed hostilities and security concerns in the West Asia region.
- The situation has been exacerbated by escalated U.S.-Iran military activity.
- Several international carriers are adopting a cautious 'wait and watch' approach.
- This impacts travel for work, vacation, and family visits.
- The route has seen intermittent suspensions for several months.
Background & context
The geopolitical situation in West Asia (Middle East) is often volatile, impacting regional stability and international travel. Air India is India's flag carrier airline.
★ Prelims fact capsule
Air India is extending its flight suspension on the Tel Aviv-Delhi route until end-September.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II (International Relations, India and its neighbourhood relations), GS Paper III (Security)