Evening edition
Daily current affairs for UPSC, BPSC, State PCS and PSC exams.
Why in news?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the first greenfield international airport in Andhra Pradesh since its bifurcation, along with other projects worth ₹17,900 crore.
Key points
- The airport, named after tribal freedom fighter Alluri Sitarama Raju, is a public-private partnership project built at a cost of over ₹5,640 crore.
- It is designed to handle six million passengers annually in its first phase.
- The inauguration signifies a boost to Uttarandhra's development, with Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu stating it will end migration for jobs.
- Other projects launched include a Visakhapatnam semiconductor plant and highway developments.
Background & context
The airport project was initially conceived in 2015 and faced several hurdles before completion under the NDA government. Andhra Pradesh was bifurcated in 2014.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport is Andhra Pradesh's first greenfield international airport post-bifurcation.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper 1: Indian Society (Regional development, infrastructure). GS Paper 2: Governance, Government policies and interventions for development. GS Paper 3: Economy (Infrastructure development, PPP models).
Why in news?
The CBI has filed a case against Reliance Capital Limited (RCL) and its former chairman Anil Ambani for an alleged investment fraud involving ₹1,816.22 crore of EPFO funds.
Key points
- The case was registered based on a complaint from the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO).
- The alleged fraud involves ₹1,007.55 crore principal amount and ₹808.67 crore interest.
- RCL is accused of fraudulent transactions and diversion of funds meant for Non-Convertible Debentures (NCDs) invested by EPFO in 2013-14.
- The CBI is investigating the role of public servants and private individuals involved in the alleged conspiracy.
Background & context
EPFO is the statutory body responsible for managing provident funds in India. Reliance Capital Limited (RCL) is a financial services company.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The alleged fraud involves funds invested in Non-Convertible Debentures (NCDs) issued by Reliance Capital Limited.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper 2: Governance, Role of regulatory bodies, CBI. GS Paper 3: Economy (Financial sector, Corporate governance, Fraud), Internal Security (Economic offences).
Why in news?
The Centre informed the Supreme Court that a foreign national cannot be deported unless their home country confirms their nationality and agrees to accept them.
Key points
- Deportation requires verification of nationality and acceptance by the home country.
- The process cannot be initiated without a valid travel document or passport.
- This clarification was submitted in an affidavit concerning the indefinite detention of declared foreigners in Assam.
- The Ministry of Home Affairs emphasized the need for confirmation from the concerned Embassy/High Commission.
Background & context
The issue relates to the complexities of international law and national sovereignty in handling foreign nationals, particularly in contexts like refugee status, illegal immigration, and the detention of individuals without verified nationality.
★ Prelims fact capsule
Deportation requires confirmation of nationality and acceptance by the home country.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper 1: Social Issues (Migration, Refugees). GS Paper 2: Polity (Centre-State relations), International Relations (Bilateral agreements, Extradition), Governance (Immigration policies).