Evening edition
Daily current affairs for UPSC, BPSC, State PCS and PSC exams.
Why in news?
Former Union Minister Kapil Sibal has proposed a 10-year ban on politicians switching parties mid-term, highlighting concerns about horse-trading and the dilution of people's will through loopholes in the Tenth Schedule.
Key points
- Proposal for a 5-10 year ban on politicians who switch parties mid-term.
- Criticism of the 'merger' clause in the Tenth Schedule, which facilitates mass defections.
- Argument that the current law subordinates people's mandate to post-poll arithmetic.
- Suggestion to rework the Tenth Schedule to distinguish between party mergers and legislative party walkouts.
Background & context
The Tenth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, added by the 52nd Amendment Act of 1985, deals with the disqualification of members of Parliament and State Legislatures on the ground of defection. It contains exceptions, including a provision for disqualification not to apply if a merger takes place between two political parties, and at least two-thirds of the members of the legislature belonging to the original party agree to the merger.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The Tenth Schedule was introduced to curb defection and was enacted via the 52nd Amendment Act.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II: Constitution and Polity – Parliament and State Legislatures, mechanisms of the Constitution and other institutions.
Why in news?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the BRICS summit hosted by India, emphasized the group's need to focus on resilience, innovation, cooperation, and sustainability to overcome global geopolitical tensions and weaponization of critical resources.
Key points
- India's focus on four pillars: resilience, innovation, cooperation, and sustainability.
- Concern over the 'weaponisation of technology and critical minerals' hindering progress.
- China's initiatives to deepen cooperation among 'Greater BRICS' for Global South development.
- Summit held against the backdrop of Russia-Ukraine war, West Asia instability, and US tariff policies.
Background & context
BRICS is a grouping of major emerging economies: Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. The group aims to promote economic cooperation and development among its members. Recent expansion has included countries like Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the UAE, leading to the concept of 'Greater BRICS'.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The 2026 BRICS summit was hosted by India.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II: International Relations – India and its neighbourhood, Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India or affecting India's interests.
Why in news?
A swift, statewide crackdown in Karnataka resulted in the rescue of 800 child labourers within two hours, with Bengaluru accounting for a significant majority, highlighting the persistent issue of child labour in various sectors.
Key points
- 800 child labourers rescued across Karnataka in a two-hour operation.
- Bengaluru alone saw 503 children rescued, representing 63% of the total.
- Crackdown followed a surprise inspection by the Chief Minister where children were found working.
- Rescued children were from various states and Nepal, employed in hotels, restaurants, construction, and workshops.
- Cases registered under the Child and Adolescent Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986, and the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015.
Background & context
Child labour is prohibited under various Indian laws, including the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986 (now amended to the Child and Adolescent Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986) and the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015. Despite legal provisions, child labour remains a significant socio-economic problem.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The crackdown covered markets, eateries, workshops, construction sites, garages, welding shops, and small industrial establishments.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper I: Social Issues – Urbanisation, their problems and their remedies. GS Paper II: Social Justice – Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population.