Evening edition
Daily current affairs for UPSC, BPSC, State PCS and PSC exams.
Why in news?
A forum led by former Home Secretary Gopal Pillai has advocated for the restoration of full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir and the repeal of the J&K Reorganization Act, 2019.
Key points
- The Forum for Human Rights in Jammu and Kashmir submitted its annual report advocating for full statehood.
- It also called for the repeal of the J&K Reorganization Act, 2019.
- The forum comprises former judges and security personnel.
- This is the first major civil society group to pitch for outreach to J&K since 2019.
Background & context
Article 370, which granted special autonomous status to Jammu and Kashmir, was abrogated in August 2019. Subsequently, the state was reorganized into two Union Territories: Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh. Militancy has been a significant issue in the region for decades.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The J&K Reorganization Act, 2019, bifurcated the erstwhile state into two Union Territories.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II: Governance, Indian Constitution-Historical underpinnings, Diversity and the challenges to national integration.
Why in news?
Tamil Nadu's Finance Minister presented the revised budget for 2026-27, detailing expenditure and sectoral allocations, which has drawn both praise and criticism.
Key points
- Total outlay of ₹4,72,585 crores, a 7.6% increase from the previous fiscal.
- Education sector allocated 11.2%, with a criticism regarding reduced funding for higher education.
- A new 'Integrated Urban Development Mission' with an outlay of ₹2,117 crore was introduced.
- Revenue deficit projected at 1.37% of GSDP.
Background & context
Tamil Nadu's budget outlines the state government's financial plans for the upcoming fiscal year, reflecting its priorities in various sectors like education, rural development, and urban infrastructure.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The revenue deficit in the revised 2026-27 budget is pegged at 1.37% of GSDP.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper III: Economy (State Finances, Budgetary Allocation), Governance.
Why in news?
Students in Ranchi are protesting, demanding a CBI investigation into alleged irregularities in competitive exams conducted by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC).
Key points
- Students demand a CBI investigation into alleged irregularities in JPSC and JSSC exams.
- Key demands include cancellation of the 14th JPSC Civil Services Preliminary Test and a review of exams.
- Jharkhand CID is investigating, having questioned former JPSC Chairman and arrested 19 people.
- A protest march to the Jharkhand Legislative Assembly has been announced.
Background & context
Competitive exams for government recruitment are crucial for employment in India. Irregularities in these exams lead to widespread public discontent and calls for transparency and accountability from examination bodies.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The Jharkhand CID is currently investigating the alleged irregularities in JPSC and JSSC exams.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II: Governance, Social Justice (Issues relating to recruitment, examination bodies, fairness in competitive exams).