Evening edition
Daily current affairs for UPSC, BPSC, State PCS and PSC exams.
Why in news?
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) announced a new national team under its chief Nitin Nabin on August 17, 2026, with several prominent leaders appointed to key positions.
Key points
- Nitin Nabin appointed as the party chief.
- 13 Vice-Presidents appointed, including Vasundhara Raje Scindia, Ram Madhav, and D Purandeshwari.
- Eight new National General Secretaries appointed, including Smriti Irani and Biplab Deb. B.L. Santhosh retained as National General Secretary (Organisation).
- Union Minister Piyush Goyal named as the party's Treasurer.
- New appointments include former AAP leader Sandeep Pathak, Anil Antony, and Rohan Gupta as National Secretaries.
Background & context
The BJP periodically reshuffles its national office bearers to energize the party organization, strategize for upcoming elections, and ensure representation from various regions and factions.
★ Prelims fact capsule
Piyush Goyal was appointed as the BJP treasurer.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper 1: Society; GS Paper 2: Governance, Politics, Elections.
Why in news?
Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) President B.K. Hariprasad drew a parallel between the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and international terrorist organizations like Jaish-e-Mohammed and the Taliban, citing their alleged unregistered status in India.
Key points
- B.K. Hariprasad stated there is no difference between Jaish-e-Mohammed, Taliban, and RSS due to all three not being registered in India.
- He criticized the RSS for not singing Vande Mataram, the national anthem, or hoisting the tricolour flag.
- The comments reinforce Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge's demand for RSS to clarify its legal standing regarding property, bank accounts, and donations.
- The controversy was amplified by B.L. Santhosh's statement that the RSS does not need legal registration.
Background & context
The RSS is a right-wing Hindu nationalist volunteer organization. Its relationship with the Indian state and its legal status have been subjects of political debate and scrutiny over the years.
★ Prelims fact capsule
B.K. Hariprasad, KPCC President, made the controversial statement comparing RSS to Jaish-e-Mohammed and Taliban.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper 2: Governance, Politics, Indian Society.
Why in news?
The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of Jharkhand conducted raids at the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC) office and arrested former Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) chairperson L. Khiangte over alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations.
Key points
- CID raids were conducted at the JSSC office in connection with ongoing investigations into recruitment exam irregularities.
- Former JPSC Chairperson L. Khiangte was arrested by the CID.
- A total of 20 people have been arrested in connection with these irregularities so far.
- The arrests follow massive protests by job aspirants against alleged irregularities in recruitment tests.
- All three JPSC members resigned amid the controversy, and L. Khiangte also resigned prior to his arrest.
Background & context
The Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC) are state-level bodies responsible for conducting recruitment examinations for various government posts in Jharkhand. Allegations of irregularities in such exams have led to significant public outcry and protests.
★ Prelims fact capsule
L. Khiangte, former JPSC chairperson, was arrested by Jharkhand CID.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper 2: Governance, Administration and Miscellaneous.