Afternoon edition
Daily current affairs for UPSC, BPSC, State PCS and PSC exams.
Why in news?
Telangana Chief Minister proposed to discuss reducing the minimum age for entry into the Legislature to 21 years with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, aiming to provide more political opportunities for 'Gen Z'.
Key points
- Proposal to lower the minimum age for entry into the Legislature to 21 years.
- Aims to channelize the energies of Gen Z and increase their political participation.
- Telangana Assembly to pass a resolution in August; proposal to be discussed with INDI Bloc partners.
- Could be discussed alongside proposed Delimitation Bill, Women's Reservation Bill, and enhancement of Lok Sabha seats.
Background & context
Currently, the minimum age for eligibility to contest elections to the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies is 25 years, as per Article 84 and Article 173 of the Constitution of India, respectively.
★ Prelims fact capsule
Minimum age to contest Lok Sabha/Assembly elections is 25 years.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II: Polity – Parliament and State Legislatures, Government policies and interventions, Constitutional bodies.
Why in news?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the formation of a high-powered task force, led by Nandan Nilekani, to recommend measures for a leak-proof and technology-driven examination system.
Key points
- Aims to make the examination system trustworthy, transparent, and tech-savvy.
- Task force to be headed by Nandan Nilekani, former UIDAI chairman.
- Will focus on structural reforms in the National Testing Agency (NTA) examination system, particularly from a technology perspective.
- Includes experts from technology, education, and former heads of ISRO and IB.
Background & context
The recent NEET exam leak controversy and widespread student protests highlighted systemic issues in the conduct of national-level entrance examinations.
★ Prelims fact capsule
Nandan Nilekani previously led the setup of the Aadhaar ecosystem and Unified Payments Interface (UPI).
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II: Governance, Social Justice – Education, Government policies and interventions.
Why in news?
West Bengal CM reviewed disaster management preparedness in coastal areas following a trawler capsize tragedy in the Sundarbans, announcing steps to enhance response mechanisms.
Key points
- Trawler capsize tragedy in Sundarbans resulted in multiple deaths.
- Announcement of ex-gratia payments and job opportunities for victims' families.
- Plan to appoint efficient police officials with advanced technology to coastal police stations.
- Formation of a 50-member Quick Response Team for Digha and surrounding coastal areas.
Background & context
The Sundarbans region is ecologically sensitive and prone to natural disasters like cyclones and tidal surges, impacting local communities, especially fishermen.
★ Prelims fact capsule
Ex-gratia announced by the Prime Minister from the National Relief Fund was ₹2 lakh per family.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper III: Disaster Management – Disaster and disaster management; GS Paper I: Geography – Important geographical phenomena.