Evening edition
Daily current affairs for UPSC, BPSC, State PCS and PSC exams.
Why in news?
The Supreme Court has quashed an Office Memorandum (OM) from 2021 that allowed retrospective environmental clearances for infrastructure projects commenced without prior approval, while also allowing 'measured regularisation' in specific cases.
Key points
- The 2021 OM created a parallel regime for retrospective environmental clearances, bypassing the mandate of prior clearance under the EIA framework.
- The Court stated that an administrative order cannot create a perpetual regime for retrospective authorisation.
- However, the Court did not completely bar retrospective clearances, calling for 'measured regularisation' in a 'narrow, time-bound, reasoned and supervised window'.
- Such regularisation is permissible only in projects of 'supervening public interest'.
Background & context
India's Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) framework, primarily guided by the EIA Notification 2006, mandates obtaining prior environmental clearance before commencing projects. This process allows for evaluation of ecological impacts, public consultation, and imposition of safeguards.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The Supreme Court's verdict impacts the application of the EIA framework, specifically the provisions related to prior environmental clearance.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper III: Environment and Ecology, Conservation.
Why in news?
The Lok Sabha passed a bill to criminalise insults to the national flag and the Constitution, a move that has been met with some debate.
Key points
- The bill, titled 'The Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026', was passed by the Lok Sabha.
- The debate was described as symbolic, with limited participation from members.
- The bill aims to strengthen existing provisions against disrespect to national symbols.
Background & context
Disrespect to national symbols like the flag and the Constitution is already covered under various laws, including the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971. This amendment seeks to update or enhance these provisions.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The bill was passed during the Monsoon Session of Parliament.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II: Polity, Governance.
Why in news?
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for five districts in Kerala due to the likelihood of intense heavy rainfall, triggered by a deep depression over Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh.
Key points
- An orange alert has been issued for Idukki, Ernakulam, Kozhikode, Wayanad, and Kannur districts.
- A yellow alert has been issued for the rest of the state, indicating isolated heavy rain.
- Heavy rainfall is expected to continue for two more days.
- The alert is a result of a deep depression currently located over Chhattisgarh and parts of Madhya Pradesh.
Background & context
Kerala experiences monsoon patterns influenced by the Southwest Monsoon. IMD uses colour-coded alerts (Green, Yellow, Orange, Red) to warn the public about weather conditions.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The IMD issues weather alerts based on predicted rainfall intensity and potential impact.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper I: Geography (Monsoon), GS Paper III: Disaster Management.