Evening edition
Daily current affairs for UPSC, BPSC, State PCS and PSC exams.
Why in news?
Opposition parties disrupted both Houses of Parliament, demanding a statement from Home Minister Amit Shah regarding alleged police action on protesters and the NEET paper leak issue. This led to repeated adjournments.
Key points
- Opposition demanded a statement from Home Minister Amit Shah.
- Protests linked to July 20 police action and NEET paper leak allegations.
- Both Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha were adjourned for the day.
- Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju stated the Home Minister is available as per schedule.
- Lok Sabha passed the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development (Amendment) Bill, 2026 without debate.
Background & context
The NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) is a crucial entrance examination for medical courses in India. Paper leaks and irregularities in competitive exams have been a recurring issue, leading to public outcry and parliamentary disruptions. The police action on July 20 was in response to protests.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The NEET paper leak and police action on protesters were the reasons for parliamentary adjournment on August 7, 2026.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II: Government policies and interventions for various sectors; GS Paper II: Parliament and State Legislatures – structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers and privileges and issues arising out of these; GS Paper III: Challenges to internal security of India.
Why in news?
The Supreme Court is set to decide on the Tamil Nadu government's power to provide reservation benefits to individuals from backward classes who convert to Islam. The State argues it has the authority based on the Tamil Nadu Backward Classes Commission.
Key points
- Supreme Court to rule on Tamil Nadu's power to grant quotas to converted Muslims.
- State's argument: To prevent deprivation of reservation benefits solely due to religious conversion.
- The State's GO (March 2024) aims to create a level playing field.
- Madras High Court had previously quashed the GO as unconstitutional.
- The High Court ruled that a convert to Islam cannot claim backward class status.
Background & context
Affirmative action policies (reservations) in India are designed to uplift socially and educationally backward sections of society. The legal framework often distinguishes between different religious and social groups. The debate involves the interpretation of constitutional provisions related to equality, non-discrimination, and the State's power to classify and provide reservations.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The Tamil Nadu government's appeal concerns providing reservation benefits to individuals converting to Islam from Backward Classes, Most Backward Classes, Denotified Communities, and Scheduled Castes.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II: Salient features of the Constitution, Parliament and State Legislatures – structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers and privileges and issues arising out of these; Social Justice.
Why in news?
Kerala has requested ₹110 crore in emergency financial assistance from the Centre to offset losses in the farm sector caused by recent torrential rains and floods. The agricultural losses are estimated at ₹99.29 crore.
Key points
- Kerala seeks ₹110 crore emergency relief from the Centre.
- Assistance is for losses in the farm sector due to recent floods.
- Estimated agricultural losses stand at ₹99.29 crore.
- 36,829 farmers and 3,264 hectares of land have been impacted.
- Measures are also being taken to control vegetable prices for Onam.
Background & context
Kerala is prone to natural disasters like floods, landslides, and heavy rainfall, especially during monsoon seasons. The agricultural sector is a significant part of the state's economy and is often severely affected by such events, necessitating central assistance for relief and rehabilitation.
★ Prelims fact capsule
Kerala has requested ₹110 crore from the Centre for farm sector losses incurred due to recent floods.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper III: Disaster Management; Role of Central agencies and institutions in governance and their challenges.