Evening edition
Daily current affairs for UPSC, BPSC, State PCS and PSC exams.
Why in news?
Widespread protests erupted across India, including a 'Chalo Sansad' march in Delhi, demanding the resignation of the Union Education Minister over alleged irregularities and paper leaks in the NEET examination. Protests involved clashes with police, internet blackouts, and participation from various cities.
Key points
- The 'Cockroach Janta Party' (CJP) led protests demanding accountability for NEET exam paper leaks.
- Protests escalated with a 'Chalo Sansad' march on the opening day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament.
- Police used tear gas and batons against protestors, and mobile internet was suspended in Central Delhi.
- Activist Sonam Wangchuk's hunger strike and subsequent hospitalisation intensified the demonstrations.
- Protests spread to multiple cities including Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, and Guwahati.
Background & context
NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) is the national-level entrance examination for undergraduate medical courses in India. Incidents of exam paper leaks have been a recurring issue, leading to public outcry and demands for reform in the examination system.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The protests for NEET irregularities intensified after activist Sonam Wangchuk was forcibly moved to a hospital by police on July 18, 2026.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II: Governance, Social Justice; GS Paper I: Society
Why in news?
Kerala's Energy Management Centre (EMC) is promoting the Energy Service Company (ESCO) model to encourage energy efficiency projects in institutions and industries, especially amid a monsoon-season power crisis.
Key points
- The ESCO model allows energy efficiency projects without upfront capital investment from the implementing entity.
- ESCO companies undertake investment and implementation, recovering costs from verified energy cost savings.
- This model helps modernise energy systems, reduce operating costs, and lower emissions.
- Priority is given to large commercial buildings, hotels, hospitals, and industries like chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and textiles.
- EMC acts as the State Designated Agency (SDA) for Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) programmes in Kerala.
Background & context
Energy efficiency is crucial for sustainable development and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. The ESCO model is a performance-based contract where ESCOs provide services to improve energy efficiency, and payment is based on the achieved savings. The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) is a statutory body established under the Energy Conservation Act, 2001.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The ESCO model enables energy efficiency projects without upfront capital investment.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper III: Economy, Environment
Why in news?
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma downplayed the participation of his minister's daughter in a CJP protest against NEET irregularities, emphasizing that children's actions shouldn't be linked to parents' political ideologies.
Key points
- Dibisa Mahanta, daughter of Assam Minister Keshab Mahanta, participated in a CJP protest in Guwahati.
- The protest was against alleged irregularities in the NEET exam.
- Chief Minister Sarma stated that adult children's actions are independent of their parents' political views.
- He also mentioned he would discuss the slogans raised by his daughter with her.
- This incident highlights the complexities of political affiliations within families.
Background & context
Assam has a coalition government led by the BJP with regional allies like the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP). The NEET exam controversies have sparked nationwide protests.
★ Prelims fact capsule
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma commented on his minister's daughter joining a CJP protest.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II: Polity, Governance; GS Paper I: Society