Evening edition
Daily current affairs for UPSC, BPSC, State PCS and PSC exams.
Why in news?
A political controversy erupted over allegations that Congress leaders, including Sonia Gandhi, showed disrespect to the national song 'Vande Mataram' during Independence Day celebrations.
Key points
- BJP accused Congress leaders of insulting Vande Mataram during their Independence Day event.
- The Congress denied the charges, stating Sonia Gandhi was merely seeking a chair for Mallikarjun Kharge.
- BJP demanded a public apology from the Congress, linking the incident to 'vote-bank politics'.
- Union Home Minister Amit Shah alleged the song was stopped midway and demanded an apology from Congress.
- Descendants of Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay also sought an apology from Sonia Gandhi.
Background & context
Vande Mataram, composed by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, played a significant role during the Indian freedom struggle and is considered a symbol of national pride.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The song Vande Mataram was first published in the novel 'Anandamath' in 1882.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper I: Indian culture and heritage; GS Paper II: Indian polity, role of political parties, freedom of speech.
Why in news?
The Bombay High Court ruled that community health volunteers, despite being designated as 'swayamsevaks', are workers eligible for minimum wages under the Minimum Wages Act, 1948.
Key points
- Bombay High Court dismissed BMC's petitions against an order for minimum wages for community health volunteers.
- The court held that their functions align with municipal employees, performing public health duties.
- Key factors considered: fixed hours, following instructions, monthly payment, and degree of control exercised.
- BMC argued no employer-employee relationship and that 'honorarium' exempts them from the Act.
- The court ruled that the nature of work and control establish an employment relationship.
Background & context
The Minimum Wages Act, 1948, aims to protect workers by ensuring they receive a minimum wage for their labor. The distinction between 'honorarium' and 'wage' is crucial in employment law.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The Minimum Wages Act was enacted in 1948.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II: Governance, Social Justice, Labour Laws.
Why in news?
The Telangana government launched a ₹200 crore scheme to convert 18,766 petrol and diesel autorickshaws to electric vehicles (EVs), offering subsidies.
Key points
- The scheme aims to promote eco-friendly transport and reduce pollution.
- It covers 11,254 diesel and 7,512 petrol autorickshaws in the Core Urban Region Economy (CURE).
- Financial assistance of up to ₹1.50 lakh is provided for retrofitting or purchasing new EVs.
- Beneficiaries can choose retrofitting with AIS-123-approved kits or buying factory-built EVs.
- The scheme supports fixed or swappable battery systems.
Background & context
India is pushing for electric mobility to reduce its carbon footprint and reliance on fossil fuels. Auto-rickshaws form a significant part of urban transport and emissions.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The scheme is named the Telangana Auto Rickshaw Electric Conversion Scheme 2026.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper III: Environment and Ecology, Science and Technology, Economy.