Afternoon edition
Daily current affairs for UPSC, BPSC, State PCS and PSC exams.
Why in news?
Parliament has passed the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, aimed at preventing malpractice in recruitment examinations.
Key points
- The Bill was passed by both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
- It seeks to curb unfair means in public examinations.
- The government aims to ensure transparency and fairness in the examination process.
- Opposition walked out of Rajya Sabha before the minister's reply.
Background & context
Public examinations, especially for government jobs and higher education, have often been marred by allegations of paper leaks and malpractices, leading to widespread student protests and government initiatives to curb them. The National Education Policy 2020 also emphasizes democratisation of education.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The Bill is an amendment to prevent unfair means in public examinations.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II: Governance, Legislature.
Why in news?
The Union government reiterated its stand in Lok Sabha that Karnataka does not need consent from other riparian states to build structures on the Cauvery river, referencing a Supreme Court judgment.
Key points
- Union Minister of State for Jal Shakti cited a Supreme Court judgment of February 2018 regarding the Cauvery dispute.
- The judgment reportedly states that Karnataka does not need consent from Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Puducherry for constructing structures on Cauvery.
- Tamil Nadu has expressed concerns about the potential impact of the Mekedatu dam on the Cauvery delta.
- Tamil Nadu Chief Minister has requested the Prime Minister to withdraw the Union Minister's reply.
Background & context
The Mekedatu dam project is a controversial project proposed by Karnataka across the Cauvery river. Water disputes between riparian states in India are common and often involve complex legal and political negotiations. The Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal and the Supreme Court have adjudicated on the sharing of Cauvery waters.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The dispute involves the Cauvery river, with Karnataka proposing the Mekedatu dam and Tamil Nadu opposing it.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II: Governance, Federalism; GS Paper III: Environment, Disaster Management.
Why in news?
Women who participated in the Jantar Mantar protest are reportedly facing severe online harassment, including doxxing, rape, and death threats, despite the protest's conclusion and withdrawal of cases.
Key points
- Women protesters are receiving rape and death threats.
- Personal information of participants is being circulated online (doxxing).
- Some women are being targeted for social media posts made at the protest site.
- The Supreme Court's order for the release of minors and restraint on police action is reportedly not being fully implemented.
Background & context
Protests in India, particularly those involving students and youth, have become significant events. Concerns about police action, freedom of expression, and the safety of participants, especially women, are frequently raised. The use of social media for both organizing and targeting individuals has increased.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The Jantar Mantar protest site was cleared following interventions and assurances from the government.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper I: Society; GS Paper II: Polity, Human Rights, Governance.