Afternoon edition
Daily current affairs for UPSC, BPSC, State PCS and PSC exams.
Why in news?
The National Commission for Women (NCW) and the State Commission for Women have taken suo motu cognizance of an incident in Jamui, Bihar, where two Class 10 students were allegedly groped and harassed by a group of men while returning from coaching classes. Viral footage of the incident prompted swift action from the commissions.
Key points
- NCW directed the Bihar DGP to immediately file an FIR.
- State Commission for Women also took suo motu cognizance.
- Victims to be provided security, legal assistance, and psychological counselling.
- Action demanded to stop further circulation of the objectionable video.
Background & context
Suo motu cognizance is the power of a court or a statutory body to take action on its own initiative, without any formal petition or application from the aggrieved party. This is often done in cases of public importance or where fundamental rights are at stake.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The incident occurred in Jamui district, Bihar, on September 19, 2026.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper I (Social Issues) - Issues related to women, crime against women; GS Paper II (Governance) - Role of statutory bodies like NCW.
Why in news?
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has won mayoral positions in six out of seven major Municipal Corporations in Rajasthan's urban local body elections. The Congress has accused the State government of misusing police and administration to secure these victories.
Key points
- BJP secured mayoral posts in six out of seven major Municipal Corporations.
- BJP won in Ajmer, Pali, Alwar, Udaipur, Bharatpur, and Bhilwara.
- Congress retained the mayoral post in Bikaner.
- Congress alleged misuse of police and administration and coercive action against its councillors.
Background & context
Urban local body elections are crucial for local governance and often reflect the political mood of the state. Mayoral elections are high-stakes contests within these bodies.
★ Prelims fact capsule
Elections for top posts were held in 273 out of 309 urban bodies in Rajasthan on September 21, 2026.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper I (Indian Society) - Urbanization; GS Paper II (Polity) - Local self-government, Elections, Role of political parties, Election malpractices.
Why in news?
Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has accused the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab of failing to eradicate the drug menace and allegedly sheltering drug peddlers. He made these remarks during the flagging off of the 'Nasha Mukt Punjab Yatra'.
Key points
- Chouhan alleged that Punjab is 'drowning in drugs' under the AAP government.
- He criticized the repeated failure to meet deadlines set by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to end drug addiction.
- Accused the AAP government of running a 'government of crime, corruption and commission'.
- The BJP promised to dismantle the drug network within six months if it comes to power.
Background & context
The drug menace in Punjab has been a persistent issue, impacting its youth and economy. Various governments have initiated campaigns and policies to combat it, with limited success.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The 'Nasha Mukt Punjab Yatra' is organized by the Punjab unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II (Polity and Governance) - Centre-State relations, Governance issues, Law and order; GS Paper III (Security) - Internal security challenges, Drug trafficking.