Afternoon edition
Daily current affairs for UPSC, BPSC, State PCS and PSC exams.
Why in news?
The Bihar cabinet approved new guidelines for filling over 22,000 vacant posts of Anganwadi Workers and Helpers.
Key points
- Bihar cabinet approved 'Anganwadi Worker/Helper Selection Guidelines-2026'.
- Total 22,891 vacant posts to be filled: 6,141 Anganwadi Workers and 16,750 Anganwadi Helpers.
- Aims to strengthen the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) scheme.
- ICDS provides supplementary nutrition, pre-school education, health check-ups, and immunization to children up to six years, pregnant women, and lactating mothers.
Background & context
The Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) scheme is a flagship programme of the Indian government launched in 1975 to provide a package of services to children, pregnant women, and lactating mothers. Anganwadi Centres are the focal points for delivering these services.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The ICDS scheme was launched in 1975.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper 1: Social Issues (Women and Child Development); GS Paper 2: Government Policies and Interventions.
Why in news?
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has urged NCR states to use drones for monitoring stubble burning incidents.
Key points
- CAQM advised Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Punjab to deploy drones for monitoring stubble burning.
- Drones offer reliable, real-time imaging, rapid deployment, and flexible flight patterns.
- Can detect fire, smoke plumes, map affected areas, and provide evidence for enforcement.
- Emphasizes focusing on paddy cultivation areas, hotspots, and fire-prone locations.
Background & context
Stubble burning is a common agricultural practice in North India, particularly after the paddy harvest, contributing significantly to air pollution in the NCR during winter months. It is a major concern for environmental and public health.
★ Prelims fact capsule
Drones can provide high-resolution, real-time imaging for monitoring.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper 3: Environmental Pollution and Degradation, Disaster Management.
Why in news?
Allegations that the Centre is coercing vehicle manufacturers to remain silent about the potential damage of E20 fuel on vehicles manufactured before 2023.
Key points
- AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal claims E20 petrol can damage older vehicles (pre-2023) and reduce fuel efficiency.
- Allegation that Centre is forcing silence from automobile manufacturers.
- Officials from nine firms reportedly acknowledged potential issues in private discussions.
- E20 petrol is petrol blended with 20% ethanol.
Background & context
Ethanol blending in petrol (EBP) programme aims to reduce India's oil import dependence and promote the use of renewable energy. E10 fuel has been prevalent, and the push is towards higher blending like E20.
★ Prelims fact capsule
E20 refers to petrol blended with 20% ethanol.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper 3: Science and Technology (alternative fuels), Economy (energy security), Environment (renewable energy).