Evening edition
Daily current affairs for UPSC, BPSC, State PCS and PSC exams.
Why in news?
Following devastating flash floods in Nepal, India has offered and dispatched humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) supplies.
Key points
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Nepal's Prime Minister Balendra Shah, offering all possible humanitarian assistance.
- India dispatched relief material via military transport aircraft, including a C-130 and a C-17.
- The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu is coordinating rescue and relief efforts.
- State governments like Uttar Pradesh are also taking preparedness measures in border districts.
Background & context
Nepal is prone to flash floods, especially during the monsoon season, often exacerbated by heavy rainfall and glacial lake outburst floods. India and Nepal share a long border and close ties, leading to frequent cooperation during natural disasters.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The floods were triggered by a flash flood originating near the Nepal-China border, affecting areas downstream of the Bhote Koshi river.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper 1: Social Issues (Disaster Management); GS Paper 2: International Relations (India's neighbourhood policy, disaster diplomacy)
Why in news?
The UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (UNCERD) has raised concerns about alleged 'hate speech' and 'hate crimes' in India and called for the country to address them.
Key points
- UNCERD expressed grave concern over reports of large-scale violations by law enforcement officials against ethnic, ethno-religious groups, indigenous and Tribal peoples, Scheduled Castes (Dalits), and non-citizens.
- Allegations include extra-judicial killings, arbitrary detention, torture, ill-treatment, and sexual violence.
- India, represented by the Solicitor General, rejected the 'sweeping generalisations'.
- The committee recommended reviewing the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) to ensure ethno-religious minorities' right to participate in the electoral process and to investigate reported irregularities.
Background & context
The UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is a body of independent experts that monitors the implementation of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The review session of the UNCERD that discussed India also covered Finland, Honduras, and Kuwait.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper 2: International Relations (UN bodies, human rights treaties); GS Paper 1: Society (Discrimination, issues related to SC/ST and minorities)
Why in news?
The Tamil Nadu government has announced an increase in food and maintenance allowances for SC/ST hostel students and presented awards for organic farming.
Key points
- Monthly food allowance for SC/ST school hostel students increased from ₹1,400 to ₹1,800, and for college students from ₹1,500 to ₹2,000.
- Annual maintenance allowance for hostels also enhanced.
- ₹200 crore allocated for these welfare measures.
- 150 new Social Justice hostels and 100 community halls to be constructed.
- Nammazhvar Awards for excellence in organic farming presented to three farmers.
Background & context
Tamil Nadu has a history of implementing various social welfare schemes, particularly for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, aimed at improving educational outcomes and social inclusion. Organic farming is promoted to ensure sustainable agriculture and food security.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The Nammazhvar Awards carry a cash prize of ₹2 lakh and a medal.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper 1: Society (Welfare of vulnerable sections); GS Paper 2: Governance (Social welfare schemes); GS Paper 3: Agriculture (Sustainable practices, organic farming)