Evening edition
Daily current affairs for UPSC, BPSC, State PCS and PSC exams.
Why in news?
Students and activist groups are protesting against alleged irregularities in competitive examinations and the handling of these issues by the government, demanding the resignation of the Union Education Minister.
Key points
- Protesters, including student groups and organizations like CJP, are demanding stringent action against examination paper leaks.
- A key demand is the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
- Activist Sonam Wangchuk ended his hunger strike after government assurances.
- There are allegations of police crackdown on protesters, with reports of pellet gun usage.
- Concerns about unemployment and unfulfilled government promises are also fueling youth anger.
Background & context
Competitive examinations in India, such as NEET and others, have faced numerous allegations of paper leaks and irregularities in recent years, leading to widespread student discontent.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The CJP (Cockroach Janta Party) has demanded ₹1 crore compensation for families of suicide victims related to exam cancellations.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II: Governance, Polity, Social Justice (issues related to education, youth, protests, accountability of public servants).
Why in news?
A leader of the banned Popular Front of India (PFI) was arrested by NIA in connection with the murder of an RSS activist in Kerala and has been remanded to judicial custody.
Key points
- Muhammadali K.P., PFI Palakkad district president, was arrested by NIA upon arrival from Saudi Arabia.
- He is accused of conspiracy to murder and harbouring murderers of RSS activist Sreenivasan in 2022.
- The case was initially investigated by Kerala police and later transferred to NIA.
- An Interpol Red Notice was issued against the accused, and a reward was declared for information leading to his arrest.
- He faces charges under IPC and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
Background & context
The Popular Front of India (PFI) was banned by the central government in 2022 due to its alleged involvement in anti-national activities. Several cases, including those related to violence and radicalization, were investigated against its members. The murder of RSS activist Sreenivasan in Kerala was a high-profile case linked to political violence in the state.
★ Prelims fact capsule
Muhammadali K.P. had been hiding in Saudi Arabia for four years before his arrest.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II: Governance, National Security, Law and Order; GS Paper III: Internal Security.
Why in news?
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister has proposed a meeting with his Karnataka counterpart to discuss the release of Cauvery water, highlighting ongoing water-sharing issues between the two states.
Key points
- Tamil Nadu estimates a shortfall of approximately 28 tmc ft of Cauvery water, despite considering deficient rainfall.
- The meeting, if held, would be the first between the Chief Ministers of the two states in nearly 14 years.
- Tamil Nadu is awaiting a response from Karnataka to schedule the meeting between July 31 and August 3.
- The dispute is based on the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal's final award, as amended by the Supreme Court in 2018.
Background & context
The Cauvery River water dispute between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka is a long-standing issue involving the sharing of water resources. The Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) and the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal (CWDT) have been established to adjudicate and manage the water allocation.
★ Prelims fact capsule
As of July 22, Tamil Nadu had received about 3.5 tmc ft of water, against an estimated entitlement of 3,000 million cubic feet (tmc ft.) more.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II: Polity, Federalism, Inter-State Relations; GS Paper III: Environment (Water Resources Management).