Evening edition
Daily current affairs for UPSC, BPSC, State PCS and PSC exams.
Why in news?
GRSE has launched 'Sagar Manthan', an indigenous ocean research vessel for the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), enhancing India's deep-sea exploration capabilities.
Key points
- The vessel is named 'Sagar Manthan' and is being built for NCPOR.
- It is expected to be ready by early 2028 and costs ₹840 crore.
- The launch signifies a boost to India's deep-sea exploration and scientific research capabilities.
- It is part of the government's Deep Ocean Mission.
Background & context
India has been progressively increasing its focus on oceanographic research and exploration. The Deep Ocean Mission aims to explore deep sea resources, understand climate change, and improve maritime safety. Indigenous shipbuilding capabilities are crucial for such long-term scientific endeavors.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The vessel 'Sagar Manthan' is 89.5 meters long and has a gross tonnage of 5,900 tonnes.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper III: Science and Technology, Achievements of Indians in science & technology; Indigenization of technology and development of new technology.
Why in news?
Union Minister Ramdas Athawale opposed the Vishva Hindu Parishad's (VHP) call to bar Muslims from participating in Navratri 'garba' events, stating it violates constitutional guarantees of equal rights.
Key points
- Minister Ramdas Athawale asserted that India operates under a Constitution that guarantees equal rights to all religions.
- He stated that people of different faiths have the right to participate in each other's festivals.
- Athawale cited the example of the Ajmer Sharif Dargah, which is visited by many Hindus.
- Such exclusionary stands are considered against the Constitution and not conducive for national unity.
Background & context
The Constitution of India guarantees freedom of religion and equality for all citizens, irrespective of their faith. Festivals are often seen as occasions for social cohesion and cultural exchange. Recent calls by certain groups to restrict participation based on religion have raised concerns about communal harmony and constitutional principles.
★ Prelims fact capsule
Article 25 of the Indian Constitution guarantees freedom of conscience and freedom to profess, practice, and propagate religion.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper I: Society, Role of women and women’s organization, population and associated issues, poverty and developmental issues, urbanization, their problems and their remedies. GS Paper II: Constitution, Polity, Governance, Constitutional and statutory bodies, Federalism, Centre-State relations.
Why in news?
Over 20 Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) MLAs were suspended from the Telangana Assembly for the remainder of the monsoon session due to disruptions and sloganeering.
Key points
- Twenty BRS MLAs were suspended by the Assembly Speaker G. Prasad Kumar.
- The suspension followed a motion moved by the Legislative Affairs Minister.
- The BRS members were protesting by thronging the Speaker’s Podium and raising slogans.
- This follows the suspension of two party MLCs on the previous day for alleged remarks against the Speaker.
Background & context
Legislative sessions in India can often be marked by protests and disruptions by opposition parties. Speaker's role is to maintain order in the house. Suspension of members is a measure taken to ensure the smooth functioning of the legislature, though it can lead to political accusations of stifling opposition voices.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The suspension was for the remainder of the monsoon session of the Telangana Assembly.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II: Polity, Parliament and State Legislatures—structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers and privileges and issues arising out of these.