Evening edition
Daily current affairs for UPSC, BPSC, State PCS and PSC exams.
Why in news?
The Kerala Home Department has ordered a Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) probe into alleged irregularities in the construction of the P&T Apartment Complex in Mundamveli, Kochi.
Key points
- The project was built by the Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA) to rehabilitate flood-prone families.
- It was jointly funded by PMAY, LIFE Mission, and Cochin Smart Mission Limited.
- Residents have complained about leaking apartments and toilets shortly after moving in.
- Families have been protesting for over two months, welcoming the probe.
Background & context
The P&T Apartment Complex was constructed to provide safe housing to families displaced from the P&T Colony due to flood risks. The project aimed to integrate housing schemes like PMAY and LIFE Mission, with additional funding from urban development initiatives like Cochin Smart Mission Limited.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The Mundamveli P&T Apartment Complex project was funded under PMAY, LIFE Mission, and Cochin Smart Mission Limited.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II: Governance, Public Administration; GS Paper III: Disaster Management, Urban Planning
Why in news?
A new passenger-cum-tourist boat service was inaugurated on the Parvathy Puthanar waterway at Veli, Thiruvananthapuram, with plans to develop Veli into a major transport and tourism hub.
Key points
- Veli Tourist Village has potential to become Kerala's largest transport hub.
- The waterway was established 202 years ago during the Travancore kingdom.
- The new boat service uses an eco-friendly solar-powered boat.
- Development plans include integrating Veli into the tourism circuit from Kovalam to Varkala.
Background & context
The Parvathy Puthanar is a historic waterway in Kerala, dating back to the reign of Rani Parvathi Bayi of the erstwhile Travancore kingdom. Its revival and integration with tourism and transport aims to leverage its potential and preserve its historical significance.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The Parvathy Puthanar waterway was established 202 years ago during the reign of Rani Parvathi Bayi of the Travancore kingdom.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper I: Indian Heritage and Culture; GS Paper III: Infrastructure, Tourism, Environment
Why in news?
The INDIA bloc is demanding electoral reforms, including the use of pre-SIR electoral rolls, voting via ballot papers instead of EVMs, and has announced a march to the Election Commission.
Key points
- Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge called for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
- Opposition demands include returning to ballot paper voting and ensuring transparency in electoral rolls.
- The bloc announced a march to the Election Commission on October 6 and a 'Save Democracy' rally across districts.
- Concerns are raised about alleged 'vote theft' and weakening of the 'one person, one vote, one value' principle.
Background & context
The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls is a process undertaken by the Election Commission to update and clean up voter lists. Concerns about electoral processes, including EVMs and electoral rolls, have been recurring in Indian politics.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The INDIA bloc announced a march to the Election Commission on October 6.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II: Polity, Elections, Governance