Afternoon edition
Daily current affairs for UPSC, BPSC, State PCS and PSC exams.
Why in news?
A snakebite incident at a tribal residential school in Gadchiroli, Maharashtra, resulted in the deaths of three young girls and highlighted issues of infrastructure and medical access in remote tribal areas.
Key points
- Three girls died and three others were bitten by a common krait in a hostel dormitory in Gadchiroli.
- The incident occurred on World Tribal Day, underscoring the vulnerability of students in residential schools.
- Concerns raised about the lack of medical and general infrastructure in the underdeveloped region.
- The school was an Ashram School providing education as a hope for a better future for tribal children.
Background & context
Tribal residential schools, often referred to as Ashram Schools, are established to provide education to children from Scheduled Tribes in remote areas. Gadchiroli district in Maharashtra is known for its tribal population and underdevelopment.
★ Prelims fact capsule
Common krait (Bungarus caeruleus) is one of the 'Big Four' venomous snakes in India.
✎ Mains relevance
GS-1: Social Issues, GS-2: Government Policies and Interventions for Health and Education, GS-3: Disaster Management.
Why in news?
Students in Jharkhand are protesting alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations conducted by JPSC-JSSC, demanding the Chief Minister's resignation and increased transparency in the examination system.
Key points
- Protesters accuse the ruling JMM-Congress alliance of neglecting their demands for transparency in recruitment exams.
- Students are demanding the resignation of Chief Minister Hemant Soren and have announced plans for a 'gherao' of his residence.
- The protest, led by JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch, has been ongoing for 22 days, including hunger strikes.
- A parallel protest by JLKM leader Devendra Nath Mahto alleges police assault for attempting to join a Tiranga Yatra.
Background & context
The Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC) are responsible for recruitment to various state government posts. Allegations of irregularities in such exams have led to widespread public discontent in several states.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The protests involve demanding transparency in examinations conducted by JPSC and JSSC.
✎ Mains relevance
GS-2: Governance, Polity, Indian Polity, Role of Civil Services, GS-1: Social Issues.
Why in news?
The Nihang Sikh community, known for its distinct warrior tradition, has recently come into public focus due to an incident involving an attack on a political leader and their conspicuous presence during past protests.
Key points
- Nihangs are a distinct martial order within Sikhism, associated with the creation of the Khalsa Panth.
- They are recognized by their traditional attire, including towering turbans and arms.
- Their presence was noted during the farmers' agitation and a student protest at Jantar Mantar.
- A recent incident involved a Nihang serving at a gurdwara attacking Sukhbir Singh Badal with a kirpan.
Background & context
The Nihangs are an ancient order of Sikh warriors, traditionally considered 'Guru ki fauj' (the Guru's army). The name 'Nihang' is often associated with fearlessness and detachment. Their historical role and distinct appearance have often made them visible in socio-political events.
★ Prelims fact capsule
Nihangs are traditionally regarded as 'Guru ki fauj', or the Guru’s army, and their origin is associated with the creation of the Khalsa Panth by Guru Gobind Singh in 1699.
✎ Mains relevance
GS-1: Art and Culture, Society, GS-2: Indian Polity.