Afternoon edition
Daily current affairs for UPSC, BPSC, State PCS and PSC exams.
Why in news?
Nationwide protests erupted over alleged irregularities in the NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) examination, leading to a significant political response including the resignation of the Union Education Minister, introduction of a new bill, and withdrawal of cases against protesters in some states.
Key points
- Protests intensified following allegations of a paper leak in the NEET exam.
- Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned from his post.
- The government introduced the Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, with stricter penalties.
- Bihar government decided to withdraw cases lodged against protesters and release those jailed.
- Opposition MPs demanded an apology from Union Home Minister Amit Shah over police action against students.
Background & context
Paper leaks in competitive examinations have been a recurring issue in India, leading to widespread public discontent and demands for systemic reforms. The NEET exam is a crucial gateway for medical admissions.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, proposes a jail term of up to 10 years and a fine of ₹50 lakh for paper leaks.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II (Government Policies and Interventions, Polity), GS Paper III (Science and Technology, advancements and their applications, Governance)
Why in news?
Assam is experiencing severe floods affecting a large population, leading to political accusations against the ruling BJP government for failing to fulfill its promise of making the state flood-free.
Key points
- Assam is facing devastating floods, impacting nearly 10 lakh people across 25 districts.
- At least 68 people have lost their lives due to the floods.
- Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge criticized the BJP for failing to deliver on its promise to make Assam flood-free.
- The Congress cited the BJP's 2016 Vision Document and Amit Shah's assurances.
- There are calls for immediate mobilization of resources for rescue, relief, and rehabilitation, and compensation for victims.
Background & context
Assam is prone to annual floods due to the Brahmaputra River, causing widespread devastation. Managing floods and erosion has been a long-standing challenge for successive governments in the state.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The Brahmaputra River is a major cause of annual floods in Assam.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper I (Geography - natural disasters, floods), GS Paper II (Government Policies and Interventions, Disaster Management)
Why in news?
The Odisha government is facing criticism over a large number of errors found in school textbooks, leading to demands for the resignation of the School and Mass Education Minister.
Key points
- Over 1,600 mistakes have been detected in school textbooks for Classes I to VIII for the 2026-27 academic session.
- Former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik urged the current minister to resign, drawing a parallel with former Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
- A high-level committee has been formed to address the inaccuracies.
- The opposition has also raised concerns about repeated question paper leak incidents.
- The state had passed the Odisha Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Bill, 2024, but paper leaks continue.
Background & context
Ensuring quality and accuracy in educational materials is crucial for effective learning. Textbook errors can mislead students and undermine the educational process.
★ Prelims fact capsule
Odisha has seen over 1,600 errors in its school textbooks for the current academic year.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II (Education, Governance)