Evening edition
Daily current affairs for UPSC, BPSC, State PCS and PSC exams.
Why in news?
Rahul Gandhi expressed support for tribals protesting the Ken-Betwa river-linking project, highlighting concerns about its impact on tribal communities and the Panna Tiger Reserve.
Key points
- Tribals from 21 villages are protesting the project, fearing displacement and loss of livelihood.
- The project is expected to impact approximately 4.6 million trees and the Panna Tiger Reserve.
- Around 11,500 acres of land belonging to 7,000 families may be lost.
- Congress has pledged to exert pressure on the government regarding these concerns.
Background & context
The Ken-Betwa Link Project is India's first river-linking project, aiming to transfer water from the Ken river basin to the Betwa river basin to provide irrigation and hydroelectric power to drought-prone areas of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The project is estimated to cost Rs 44,605 crore.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper 1 (Society - Issues related to tribal communities), GS Paper 3 (Environment & Ecology - Environmental Impact Assessment, Conservation)
Why in news?
A workshop highlighted the potential of the Hubballi-Dharwad-Belagavi region to become a major industrial hub by catering to the electric vehicle (EV) value chain.
Key points
- North Karnataka has the potential to leverage the growth of the EV sector.
- Opportunities exist in batteries, electric motors, power electronics, charging infrastructure, and components.
- Building a strong regional value chain requires collaboration among industries, MSMEs, start-ups, and local suppliers.
- The region possesses land, skilled manpower, and transport connectivity suitable for EV industrial growth.
Background & context
The global shift towards electric mobility is creating new industrial opportunities. Governments and regions are focusing on developing robust ecosystems to attract investment and create employment in this sector.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The DRIVE HDB (Developing Regional Industrial Value Chains for Electric Vehicles) workshop was organised by WRI India, KCCI, and Karnataka Digital Economy Mission.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper 3 (Economy - Industrial Development, Make in India, Skill Development)
Why in news?
Maharashtra announced a drive to take action against auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers lacking a working knowledge of Marathi, potentially leading to license suspension.
Key points
- Drivers must possess a certificate or working knowledge of Marathi.
- Action includes issuing notices, and if non-compliance continues, suspension of licenses and badges.
- A month-long drive will be conducted across the state by RTO flying squads.
- The move follows amendments to motor vehicle rules.
Background & context
Regional language proficiency requirements for public transport drivers are sometimes implemented to facilitate communication with passengers and ensure local compliance with regulations.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The drive will commence on August 20, 2026.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper 1 (Society - Social Issues, Regionalism), GS Paper 2 (Governance - Implementation of Laws and Regulations)