Afternoon edition
Daily current affairs for UPSC, BPSC, State PCS and PSC exams.
Why in news?
Adivasi (Scheduled Tribe) students at a hostel in Pune, Maharashtra, have been on a hunger strike for 14 days, demanding government attention to their issues and expressing frustration over being ignored. They cite leaders like Birsa Munda and B.R. Ambedkar.
Key points
- Adivasi students protesting for 14 days in Pune.
- Demands include government recognition and action on their issues.
- Protesters are using social media to raise awareness and live-stream their strike.
- Mention of hunger strike and potential consequences if their demands are not met.
Background & context
The Adivasi community in India faces historical marginalization and often protests for land rights, forest rights, and better socio-economic conditions. Birsa Munda was a tribal leader and freedom fighter who led a rebellion against British rule in the late 19th century. B.R. Ambedkar is revered as the father of the Indian Constitution and a champion of Dalit and marginalized rights.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The protest is taking place at the Manjari ST (Scheduled Tribes’) Hostel near Pune.
✎ Mains relevance
GS-I: Social Empowerment, GS-II: Issues and Welfare Programmes for Vulnerable Sections, Governance.
Why in news?
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath stated that the state's large population is not a challenge but a 'demographic dividend' and a 'great possibility', emphasizing the need to harness the young workforce through skilling and providing platforms.
Key points
- UP CM views the state's population as a 'demographic dividend'.
- Emphasis on skilling the youth workforce for economic growth.
- Launched UP Startup Policy 2026 and UP Startup Mission portal.
- Incentives worth over ₹5.21 crore distributed to startups and incubators.
- Highlighted growth in India's startup ecosystem post-2014.
Background & context
Demographic dividend refers to the economic growth potential that can result from shifts in a population's age structure, particularly when the working-age population is larger than the dependent population. India, with its large youth population, is often discussed in terms of its demographic dividend. Uttar Pradesh is the most populous state in India.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The UP Startup Policy 2026 and UP Startup Mission portal were launched.
✎ Mains relevance
GS-I: Population and associated issues, GS-II: Government Policies and Interventions, Governance, GS-III: Indian Economy, Employment.
Why in news?
The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has criticized the Odisha government's proposal to implement biometric attendance for college students, terming it an attempt to intimidate students and a sign of government inefficiency, especially when teachers and staff don't have the same system.
Key points
- BJD opposes the biometric attendance system for college students in Odisha.
- Allegations that the move is to intimidate students and hide government inefficiency.
- Criticism that teachers and staff do not have biometric attendance.
- Described as a 'Toghlak policy' by BJD spokesperson.
- Concerns raised about the deterioration of the academic environment and lack of basic facilities.
Background & context
Biometric attendance systems use unique biological characteristics for identification and attendance tracking. Such systems are increasingly being adopted in various sectors for efficiency and transparency, but concerns about privacy and implementation can arise. The reference to 'Toghlak policy' alludes to historical administrative decisions perceived as arbitrary or ill-conceived.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The BJD spokesperson criticizing the move is Lenin Mohanty.
✎ Mains relevance
GS-I: Society, GS-II: Governance, Government Policies and Interventions, Education.