Afternoon edition
Daily current affairs for UPSC, BPSC, State PCS and PSC exams.
Why in news?
Several opposition parties, farmer groups, trade unions, and student organizations are demanding the resignation of CEC Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities and mass deletion of voters during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. They accuse the ECI of being biased and conducting fraudulent activities under the guise of revision.
Key points
- Allegations of illegal deletion of millions of voters during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR).
- ECI accused of trying to prevent 'Gen Z' from enrolling by editing application forms.
- House-to-house surveys in Bihar reportedly found a substantial number of voters wrongly deleted.
- Opposition parties and civil society organizations are planning joint protests and calling for broader unity (e.g., 'INDIA Bloc-Plus').
- Specific mention of alleged misuse of power by CEC Gyanesh Kumar with BJP backing.
Background & context
The Election Commission of India (ECI) is an autonomous constitutional authority responsible for administering election processes in India. The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) is a process to update and revise electoral rolls. Concerns about electoral roll integrity and fairness have been raised in past elections.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The Election Commission of India is a constitutional body established under Article 324 of the Constitution.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II: Polity and Governance - Role of ECI, electoral reforms, challenges to free and fair elections, constitutional bodies.
Why in news?
Chief Justice of India (CJI) Justice Surya Kant inaugurated the first Victim Rights Centre (VRC) in Bihar, along with flagging off utility vehicles, launching a transgender helpline, and releasing a book on VRCs. The initiative aims to provide a single-window mechanism for victims of crimes and ensure justice reaches the vulnerable.
Key points
- The Victim Rights Centre (VRC) is established as a single-window mechanism for crime victims.
- It aims to provide access to benefits like compensation, legal and medical assistance, counselling, and rehabilitation.
- CJI emphasized that justice should reach the vulnerable and unheard, not remain confined to courtrooms.
- The initiative aligns with the principle that the justice system must proactively reach citizens.
- Other initiatives include a transgender helpline and multi-utility vehicles for legal aid.
Background & context
The Indian legal system aims to provide justice to all citizens. Victim rights are a growing area of focus in criminal justice. Legal Services Authorities (LSAs) play a crucial role in providing legal aid and support.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) was constituted under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II: Polity and Governance - Judicial system, access to justice, rights of vulnerable groups, legal aid.
Why in news?
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, addressing the UN General Assembly, responded strongly to Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's accusations regarding terrorism and the Indus Waters Treaty. Jaishankar reiterated India's zero-tolerance policy on terrorism and asserted its right to self-defense.
Key points
- India condemned Pakistan's 'misrepresentation of facts' and attempts to 'normalize terrorism' at the UNGA.
- EAM asserted India's 'right to defend itself against terrorism' and called for accountability for state-sponsored terrorism.
- Jaishankar refuted Pakistan's claims of India 'weaponizing water' and mischaracterizing the Indus Waters Treaty.
- He stated that 'friendship and goodwill cannot co-exist with terrorism'.
- The address highlighted the impact of conflicts on the Global South.
Background & context
India and Pakistan have a long-standing history of conflict and disputes, particularly concerning cross-border terrorism and the status of Jammu and Kashmir. The Indus Waters Treaty, brokered by the World Bank in 1960, governs the use of rivers flowing from India to Pakistan.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The Indus Waters Treaty was signed in 1960.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II: International Relations - India's foreign policy, India-Pakistan relations, multilateral diplomacy, UNGA.