Afternoon edition
Daily current affairs for UPSC, BPSC, State PCS and PSC exams.
Why in news?
A deep depression system formed over the Bay of Bengal is expected to bring heavy rainfall and squally winds to parts of West Bengal and potentially impact coastal areas of Odisha.
Key points
- A low-pressure area intensified into a depression and then a deep depression over the Bay of Bengal.
- Heavy rainfall and gusty winds are predicted for West Bengal, particularly coastal districts.
- The system is expected to move towards the north Andhra Pradesh — South Odisha coasts.
- Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning are also forecast for several districts.
Background & context
The Bay of Bengal is a common region for cyclone formation, especially during the monsoon season. India Meteorological Department (IMD) monitors these systems to provide early warnings.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The IMD classifies weather systems like low-pressure areas, depressions, and deep depressions based on wind speed and atmospheric pressure.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper 1: Geography (Monsoon, Cyclones). GS Paper 3: Disaster Management.
Why in news?
The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) is pressuring the Odisha government to convene a special assembly session to pass a resolution seeking the repeal of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act 2026, alleging it infringes on the state's constitutional rights and financial interests.
Key points
- The MMDR Amendment Act 2026 allegedly strips Odisha of its constitutional right to levy taxes on mineral wealth.
- The BJD claims 20 BJP MPs supported the amendment against Odisha's interests.
- The party seeks a unanimous resolution from the Assembly to repeal the Act.
- Concerns are raised about significant financial losses and erosion of constitutional rights for Odisha.
Background & context
The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act governs mining in India. States have the right to impose taxes on mineral resources. Disputes often arise over the balance of power and revenue sharing between the central government and states regarding mineral extraction.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The MMDR Act is a central legislation that regulates the mining sector in India.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper 2: Federalism, Centre-State relations. GS Paper 3: Economy (Resource Management).
Why in news?
The Instagram account of the 'Stop Vizag Data Centers' campaign was temporarily restricted in India under India's IT Rules, with the campaign alleging a lack of transparency and raising concerns about the socio-ecological costs of AI data centers.
Key points
- The Instagram account was restricted in India, citing legal requirements under the IT Rules.
- The campaign has raised concerns over transparency and socio-ecological impacts of AI data centres in Visakhapatnam.
- Content critical of the data centers had been previously restricted.
- The movement plans to continue its advocacy through a backup account.
Background & context
India's Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, empower the government to take action against online content and intermediaries. Citizen-led campaigns often face challenges in disseminating information and raising awareness about developmental projects.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The IT Rules, 2021, mandate due diligence for intermediaries and provide mechanisms for content regulation.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper 1: Social Issues. GS Paper 2: Governance, Rights. GS Paper 3: Environment (Impact of development projects), Science and Technology (AI, Data Centers).