Afternoon edition
Daily current affairs for UPSC, BPSC, State PCS and PSC exams.
Why in news?
The Supreme Court has quashed a 2021 Office Memorandum (OM) that allowed ex post facto environmental clearances for infrastructure projects, stating that the Central government cannot alter environmental regulations through administrative orders. The court upheld the mandatory nature of prior environmental clearances as per the 2006 notification.
Key points
- Quashed the 2021 OM on ex post facto environmental clearances.
- Ruled that administrative orders cannot override delegated legislation like the 2006 notification.
- Reiterated the mandatory nature of prior environmental clearances for large projects.
- Acknowledged the possibility of 'amnesty schemes' for deserving projects of 'supervening public interest' via proper amendment.
Background & context
The 2006 notification mandated prior environmental clearance for projects. The 2021 OM introduced a mechanism for ex post facto clearance, which was seen as undermining environmental protection norms.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The Supreme Court's judgment was delivered on July 29, 2026.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper III: Environment and Ecology, Conservation.
Why in news?
The Union Government has approved permanent career opportunities and retirement benefits for women officers in the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), aligning it with the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. This move addresses a long-standing demand and follows Supreme Court observations on gender parity.
Key points
- Women officers in ICG eligible for Permanent Commission (PC) in General Duty (GD) cadre.
- Introduces retirement benefits for women officers.
- Brings ICG in line with Army, Navy, and Air Force reforms on women's service.
- Addresses previous discrepancies in career progression for women officers.
Background & context
The Indian Armed Forces have progressively integrated women, with landmark judicial interventions leading to PC in Army, Navy, and Air Force. The Coast Guard had lagged in providing similar long-term career prospects.
★ Prelims fact capsule
Women officers were previously serving under the Short Service Appointment (SSA) scheme.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II: Governance, Social Justice, Women and Child related issues.
Why in news?
The Kerala Lok Ayukta has directed unregistered institutions not to use the words 'Bank,' 'Banker,' or 'Banking' in their names or business, citing potential confusion and financial fraud, and reinforcing provisions of the Banking Regulation Act.
Key points
- Prohibits unauthorized use of 'Bank', 'Banker', 'Banking' by non-licensed entities.
- Aims to prevent financial frauds and protect depositors, especially vulnerable sections.
- Emphasizes the need for prior RBI approval for cooperative societies using these terms.
- Directs the Registrar of Cooperative Societies to implement public awareness measures.
Background & context
The Banking Regulation Act, 1949, restricts the use of 'Bank' to licensed banking companies. The Banking Regulation (Amendment) Act, 2020, further clarified rules for cooperative societies.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The directive was issued by a Division Bench of Kerala Lok Ayukta, comprising Justice N. Anilkumar and Justice Ashok Menon.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II: Governance, Consumer Protection, Financial Regulation.