Evening edition
Daily current affairs for UPSC, BPSC, State PCS and PSC exams.
Why in news?
The Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) has launched the National PNG Drive 3.0 with an ambitious target of enrolling 50 lakh domestic piped natural gas (D-PNG) connections by the end of fiscal year 2027.
Key points
- Aims to accelerate the adoption of piped natural gas (PNG).
- Facilitates the transition from Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) to PNG.
- Ensures effective utilization of existing PNG infrastructure.
- Aligns with India's net-zero commitments and sustainable development goals.
- Provides access to cleaner, reliable, and sustainable energy.
Background & context
The government has been promoting PNG to increase the share of natural gas in the national energy basket and provide cleaner fuel options. PNG Drives are designed to bridge the gap between network creation and consumer adoption.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The target for National PNG Drive 3.0 is to enroll 50 lakh domestic piped natural gas connections by the end of FY2027.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper III: Energy Sector, Environment and Ecology, Sustainable Development.
Why in news?
The Supreme Court has directed States and Union Territories to block various online and vehicle-related services for motorists who have outstanding traffic fines, totaling approximately ₹49,194.05 crore nationwide.
Key points
- Outstanding traffic fines across India amount to nearly ₹49,194.05 crore.
- Supreme Court ordered blocking of services like registration renewals and ownership transfers for defaulters.
- Vehicles with unpaid e-challans will be blacklisted on the central Parivahan portal.
- This measure aims to improve the collection of traffic fines and address the significant backlog.
- The unpaid amount is substantial, exceeding the estimated cost of Phase 1 of the Ganga Expressway.
Background & context
Traffic fines are levied for various violations. The accumulation of unpaid fines represents a significant challenge for traffic management and revenue collection. The Ganga Expressway is a major infrastructure project in Uttar Pradesh.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The total amount of unpaid traffic fines across India is approximately ₹49,194.05 crore.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II: Governance, Public Administration; GS Paper III: Infrastructure, Law and Order.
Why in news?
Hundreds were detained by Delhi Police during a protest at Jantar Mantar against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and mass deletion of voters.
Key points
- Protesters, including AAP leaders and student activists, demanded CEC Gyanesh Kumar's resignation.
- Allegations of irregularities in electoral roll revision and mass deletion of voters during the SIR process.
- Similar protests were planned in Mumbai.
- The Election Commission of India (ECI) has faced accusations of manipulating electoral processes.
- Concerns raised about the integrity and fairness of voter registration and deletion processes.
Background & context
The Election Commission of India (ECI) is responsible for conducting free and fair elections. The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) is a process to update electoral rolls. Allegations of manipulation can undermine public trust in the electoral system.
★ Prelims fact capsule
Protests were held against CEC Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II: Polity and Governance, Elections, Constitutional Bodies; GS Paper I: Social Issues.