Evening edition
Daily current affairs for UPSC, BPSC, State PCS and PSC exams.
Why in news?
Opposition parties, activists, and the public are protesting against the Election Commission of India's (ECI) Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, alleging mass deletion of voters, particularly from marginalized communities. The Bombay High Court has also questioned the ECI regarding the deletion of voter names.
Key points
- Allegations of disenfranchisement of over 13 crore voters, including Adivasis, Dalits, Muslims, Christians, and other minorities.
- Opposition parties, led by INDIA bloc, marched to the ECI demanding the scrapping of SIR, restoration of deleted names, and resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
- Bombay High Court questioned the ECI on the deletion of voter names during SIR, emphasizing the ECI's obligation to ensure citizen inclusion in voter lists.
- Activists and celebrities like Prakash Raj are demanding the scrapping of SIR and accountability for those involved.
- The ECI maintains that voters seeking address changes must submit enumeration forms along with Form 8, or Form 6 if the enumeration form is not submitted.
Background & context
The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) is a process undertaken by the Election Commission of India to update electoral rolls. Concerns have been raised in the past about the accuracy and inclusiveness of voter lists.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The ECI's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls is currently under scrutiny.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper I (Social Issues), GS Paper II (Polity - Electoral Reforms, Constitutional Bodies, Role of ECI)
Why in news?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked 25 years of his continuous service in public office, beginning as Chief Minister of Gujarat and subsequently as Prime Minister of India. He launched a new slogan 'We Will Do It' for achieving development goals by 2047.
Key points
- PM Modi completed 25 years in public office, starting as Gujarat CM on October 7, 2001.
- He urged citizens to adopt a 'We Will Do It' attitude to achieve development goals by 2047.
- He envisioned India as one of the top three economies, a global manufacturing hub, and a contender for hosting the Olympics.
- He highlighted his journey from serving tribal communities to organizational work within the BJP and leading the nation.
- His tenure as CM established him as a beacon of hope, building public confidence for his national leadership.
Background & context
Narendra Modi became the Chief Minister of Gujarat on October 7, 2001, and assumed office as Prime Minister of India on May 26, 2014. This period spans significant political and economic developments in India.
★ Prelims fact capsule
Narendra Modi became Gujarat Chief Minister on October 7, 2001.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper I (Society), GS Paper II (Polity - Governance, Leadership), GS Paper IV (Ethics - Public Service)
Why in news?
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu visited New Delhi to seek central approval for the Visakhapatnam Metro Rail and Beach Corridor projects, discuss river-linking initiatives, and request special financial assistance for drought relief due to El Niño.
Key points
- Seeking Centre's approval for Visakhapatnam Metro Rail and Beach Corridor projects.
- Requesting initiation of a river-linking project in Andhra Pradesh.
- Seeking special financial assistance for drought relief measures impacted by El Niño.
- Discussing utilization of Godavari floodwater and proposed river-linking initiatives with the Jal Shakti Minister.
- Seeking Central support for the upcoming Godavari Pushkarams.
Background & context
Andhra Pradesh faces challenges related to urban infrastructure development, water management, and the impact of climate phenomena like El Niño on its agricultural sector.
★ Prelims fact capsule
Visakhapatnam Metro Rail and Beach Corridor projects are key proposals from Andhra Pradesh.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper I (Geography - Water resources, Disaster Management), GS Paper II (Polity - Centre-State relations, Governance), GS Paper III (Economy - Infrastructure, Agriculture)