Afternoon edition
Daily current affairs for UPSC, BPSC, State PCS and PSC exams.
Why in news?
Varsha Ashok Aglawe has become the first woman to head the Geological Survey of India (GSI) in its 176-year history.
Key points
- Aglawe is a palaeontologist with over three decades of experience.
- She has served as Additional Director General and Head of Department, Eastern Region.
- GSI will focus on critical mineral exploration, offshore exploration, and hazard studies under her leadership.
- She aims to enhance geoscientific research and capacity building.
Background & context
The Geological Survey of India (GSI) is a premier government organization responsible for the geological surveys and exploration of mineral resources in India.
★ Prelims fact capsule
Varsha Ashok Aglawe is the 54th Director General of GSI.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper 1: Indian Society (representation of women in leadership roles). GS Paper 3: Science and Technology (advancements in geoscientific research and exploration).
Why in news?
Prime Minister Modi commented on the language used by some youth during protests at Jantar Mantar, expressing a desire to forgive them and urging for guidance rather than punitive action.
Key points
- PM Modi addressed the use of abusive language by some youth during recent protests.
- He expressed a desire to forgive the individuals involved, seeing them as 'mischievous children' who can be shown the 'right path'.
- He appealed for restraint from society, suggesting that legal action might not be the best solution.
- The comments came in the context of a FIR filed against a woman for expletives used against the PM.
Background & context
Jantar Mantar has been a site for various protests in Delhi. The 'Gen Z' demographic is increasingly vocal on social and political issues.
★ Prelims fact capsule
A zero FIR was filed in Noida against a 25-year-old woman for using expletives against the PM at Jantar Mantar.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper 1: Indian Society (protest dynamics, youth engagement). GS Paper 4: Ethics (forgiveness, constructive engagement with dissent).
Why in news?
The UMEED portal has facilitated a significant increase in the validated registration of Waqf properties in West Bengal.
Key points
- Over 1.15 lakh Waqf properties in West Bengal have been validated and approved on the UMEED portal.
- This marks a rise of approximately 35,000 registrations in about a year.
- The UMEED portal is a Union Minority Affairs Ministry initiative.
- There was some initial opposition from the state government regarding Waqf property registration, but compliance was eventually sought.
Background & context
Waqf properties are endowments or trusts made for charitable or religious purposes, typically related to Muslims. The UMEED portal aims to streamline their management.
★ Prelims fact capsule
As of July 15, 2026, 1,15,551 Waqf properties were validated on the UMEED portal in West Bengal.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper 1: Indian Society (minority affairs, religious endowments). GS Paper 2: Governance (use of technology in administration, inter-state coordination).