Evening edition
Daily current affairs for UPSC, BPSC, State PCS and PSC exams.
Why in news?
Odisha's BJD party protested against the amended Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 2026, passed by the Parliament, alleging it infringes upon the state's constitutional rights and could lead to revenue loss. The BJD blamed the state's BJP MPs for supporting the bill.
Key points
- The amended MMDR Act, 2026, seeks to bring mineral-bearing lands under central control.
- Odisha government has been urged to pause implementation and examine its impact.
- Concerns raised about potential revenue loss for the state.
- The Act was passed by Parliament in August 2026, with BJP MPs from Odisha reportedly supporting it.
Background & context
The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act is a central legislation governing the mining sector in India. States have rights concerning mineral resources located within their boundaries, but the central government plays a role in regulation and policy.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The amended MMDR Act 2026 was passed by the Parliament in August 2026.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II: Governance, Centre-State Relations, Federalism; GS Paper III: Economy, Resource Allocation.
Why in news?
Reports emerged about internal dissent within the Election Commission of India (ECI), with two Election Commissioners reportedly objecting to decisions related to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. This has led to demands for the Chief Election Commissioner's resignation and protests by opposition parties.
Key points
- Allegations of key decisions being taken without the knowledge of all Commissioners.
- Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi reportedly raised 14 objections over 10 months.
- Concerns raised over electoral roll revision processes, including voter registration, deletions, and database maintenance.
- Opposition parties demanding transparency and accountability from the ECI.
- Protests planned by Telangana Congress against the ECI's handling of the SIR exercise.
Background & context
The Election Commission of India is a constitutional body responsible for conducting free and fair elections. It comprises the Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners. Internal functioning and transparency are crucial for public trust in democratic processes.
★ Prelims fact capsule
Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi reportedly raised objections on 14 occasions over 10 months regarding electoral roll revisions.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II: Governance, Constitutional Bodies, Electoral Reforms.
Why in news?
The Supreme Court rejected a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking the constitution of a commission to examine the use of Hindi as an official language of the apex court.
Key points
- SC stated that language reforms are being considered administratively and cannot be mandated through judicial orders.
- The court is already implementing gradual, phased language-related reforms, including Hindi descriptions of reports.
- The SC aims to maintain linguistic culture and respect regional languages.
- PIL sought a direction to the Centre to form a commission for recommendations on Hindi as SC's official language.
Background & context
The Constitution of India recognizes Hindi in Devanagari script as the official language of the Union (Article 343). There are ongoing discussions and administrative efforts to promote Hindi and other regional languages in various government functions, including the judiciary.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The Supreme Court is gradually introducing language-related reforms, starting with Hindi descriptions of reports.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II: Governance, Judiciary, Constitutional Provisions.