Evening edition
Daily current affairs for UPSC, BPSC, State PCS and PSC exams.
Why in news?
Opposition INDIA bloc MPs are staging protests, including a sit-in at Gandhi Smriti and a 'chappal protest', against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. They are also seeking Presidential intervention.
Key points
- Protests organized by INDIA bloc against CEC Gyanesh Kumar and alleged irregularities in electoral roll revision (SIR).
- Delhi High Court to hear plea regarding Delhi Police's refusal to allow INDIA bloc's protest at Jantar Mantar.
- FIRs registered against Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, in connection with previous protests.
- Opposition seeking intervention from President Droupadi Murmu regarding the ECI issues.
Background & context
The Election Commission of India (ECI) is responsible for conducting elections and revising electoral rolls. The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) is a process to update voter lists. The opposition has raised concerns about potential manipulation or bias in this process.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023, governs the appointment of ECI members.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II: Governance, Polity, Elections.
Why in news?
The West Bengal government announced financial aid for houses damaged by floods in Malda district and is seeking central assistance for long-term flood mitigation projects.
Key points
- Financial aid of ₹1.8 lakh for fully damaged houses and ₹90,000 for partially damaged houses in Malda.
- IIT-Kanpur tasked with preparing a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for a permanent flood solution in Malda.
- Proposals worth ₹3,300 crore sent to the Centre for river erosion control in Malda and Murshidabad.
- ₹500 crore worth of flood control projects have been cleared.
Background & context
Malda district in West Bengal is frequently affected by floods and river erosion, impacting livelihoods and infrastructure. This necessitates both immediate relief and long-term preventive measures.
★ Prelims fact capsule
West Bengal is a flood-prone state, particularly along the Ganga and its tributaries.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper I: Geography, Society; GS Paper III: Disaster Management.
Why in news?
The Madras High Court is hearing an election petition alleging false declarations in Tamil Nadu CM C. Joseph Vijay's election affidavit, related to land ownership and asset valuation.
Key points
- Petitioner alleges CM Vijay claimed ownership of government poramboke land in Kodaikanal.
- Allegations of misdeclaration regarding a property sale in Chennai and an inherited bungalow.
- Court examining whether discrepancies in asset declaration amount to undue influence or corrupt practice.
- CM Vijay has produced a sale deed to counter claims about the Kodaikanal land.
Background & context
Election affidavits are crucial documents where candidates declare their assets and liabilities. False declarations can lead to disqualification. Article 102 of the Constitution and the Representation of the People Act, 1951, deal with disqualification for corrupt practices.
★ Prelims fact capsule
An election petition must be filed within 45 days of the date of election results.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II: Polity, Governance, Electoral Reforms.