Evening edition
Daily current affairs for UPSC, BPSC, State PCS and PSC exams.
Why in news?
A tragic incident occurred in an under-construction Head Race Tunnel (HRT) of the NHPC's 500 MW Teesta Stage VI Hydropower Project in Sikkim's Namchi district, resulting in fatalities and trapping workers. The cause is suspected to be an explosive release of trapped methane gas.
Key points
- 15 workers died, and five remained trapped in the tunnel.
- The incident occurred in the under-construction Head Race Tunnel (HRT) of NHPC's Teesta Stage VI Hydropower Project.
- Preliminary reports suggest a sudden release of suspected methane gas trapped in rocks caused an explosion.
- The HRT is crucial for transporting water to hydropower turbines.
Background & context
Hydropower projects, especially in fragile Himalayan regions, involve complex tunneling operations. Surveys are conducted during planning, construction, and maintenance phases to ensure safety and stability.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The incident involved the NHPC's 500 MW Teesta Stage VI Hydropower Project.
✎ Mains relevance
GS-III: Disaster Management, Infrastructure, Science and Technology; GS-I: Geography (Himalayan landscape)
Why in news?
Students and activists, under the banner of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), have been protesting, demanding the resignation of the Education Minister and action against paper leaks. The government has announced fast-track courts for paper leak cases, and police have been deployed to manage protests.
Key points
- CJP, founded by Abhijeet Dipke, began as a satirical online movement against perceived government indifference to youth issues.
- Protesters are demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and action against exam paper leaks.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the establishment of fast-track courts for paper leak cases.
- Delhi Police have implemented Section 144 to prevent gatherings at protest sites like Jantar Mantar.
- Anna Hazare has extended support to the protesting students through a silent protest.
Background & context
The CJP gained traction following remarks by the Chief Justice of India likening unemployed youth to 'parasites' and 'cockroaches'. The protest movement highlights concerns over unemployment and fairness in examinations.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The CJP gained over 17 million Instagram followers within two weeks of its online launch.
✎ Mains relevance
GS-II: Governance, Polity, Social Justice; GS-III: Disaster Management (related to paper leaks affecting youth futures)
Why in news?
Tamil Nadu is set to launch a 'presence-less' registration system for certain property documents, aiming to leverage IT for swift, simple, and transparent government services.
Key points
- The system will reduce time and travel expenses for the public.
- It will initially be implemented for the first sale of plots and flats starting August 17, 2026.
- Stakeholders like flat promoters, bankers, and financial institutions are being consulted and trained.
- The initiative aligns with the Chief Minister's vision of using IT to improve governance.
Background & context
The Tamil Nadu government is focused on digitizing services to enhance efficiency and transparency in public service delivery.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The 'presence-less' registration system will be launched on August 17, 2026.
✎ Mains relevance
GS-II: Governance, E-governance, Public Administration