Evening edition
Daily current affairs for UPSC, BPSC, State PCS and PSC exams.
Why in news?
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is continuing its agitation against the implementation of E20 fuel, urging public participation and vowing to oppose it in states where they have legislators.
Key points
- AAP is campaigning against the nationwide implementation of E20 fuel.
- The party plans to oppose the policy in state assemblies where it has representation (e.g., Goa, Gujarat).
- AAP claims the government is determined to implement E20, citing a parliamentary reply.
- The party organized a march to the Prime Minister's residence with petitions against E20 fuel.
Background & context
E20 fuel is a blend of 20% ethanol and 80% gasoline. It is being promoted to reduce India's reliance on fossil fuel imports and lower carbon emissions. However, concerns have been raised about its impact on vehicle engines and the agricultural sector.
★ Prelims fact capsule
E20 fuel is a blend of 20% ethanol and 80% gasoline.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper III: Economy, Environment & Ecology, Science & Technology (Energy Sector, Fuel Blending, Climate Change)
Why in news?
Heavy rainfall in Kerala has led to increased risk of landslides and flooding, prompting authorities to issue alerts and deploy disaster management measures.
Key points
- Kozhikode police have implemented disaster management measures due to heavy rainfall.
- Coordination is in place with various departments like Fire and Rescue, Revenue, NDRF, and KSEB.
- Surveillance has been heightened in low-lying areas, riverbanks, and landslide-prone regions.
- Public has been advised against entering hazardous areas, driving through waterlogged roads, and visiting beaches or climbing rocks.
- Fishers are warned to monitor weather and avoid sea travel.
- Residents in landslide-prone areas are urged to be vigilant for warning signs.
Background & context
Kerala, situated in the Western Ghats, is highly susceptible to landslides due to heavy monsoon rainfall, steep terrain, weathered soils, and complex geology. Climate change is exacerbating extreme rainfall events, leading to recurring landslides.
★ Prelims fact capsule
Kerala receives around 3,000 mm of annual rainfall, often in intense spells.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper I: Geography (Natural Hazards, Monsoon Dynamics); GS Paper III: Disaster Management (Landslides, Flooding, Preparedness)
Why in news?
Telangana government has directed all government offices to exclusively use T-Fiber internet services from September 1, ceasing payments to private internet service providers.
Key points
- Telangana government will stop paying private internet providers for government office services from Sept 1, 2026.
- All government offices must migrate to T-Fiber internet connectivity.
- The State's 'Internet to every home' initiative implementation will be accelerated.
- Connectivity needs to be provided to all government offices and the Future City project within a deadline.
- The migration from T-SWAN to T-Fiber must be completed within a month.
Background & context
T-Fiber is Telangana's flagship project aimed at providing reliable and affordable broadband internet connectivity across the state, including to government institutions and households. T-SWAN (Telangana State Wide Area Network) is an existing network that is being upgraded or replaced by T-Fiber.
★ Prelims fact capsule
T-Fiber is Telangana's state-wide broadband project.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II: Governance (E-governance, Digital India); GS Paper III: Economy (Infrastructure, Telecommunications)