Evening edition
Daily current affairs for UPSC, BPSC, State PCS and PSC exams.
Why in news?
Widespread protests were organized across India, particularly in Delhi and Kashmir, demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in electoral rolls and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise.
Key points
- Protests were called by groups like the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and supported by the INDIA bloc, Left parties, and regional parties in J&K.
- Demands include the resignation of CEC Gyanesh Kumar and an inquiry into alleged "vote theft" and "vote chori" (vote fraud).
- Authorities imposed significant security measures, including detentions, internet shutdowns, metro station closures, and road blockades in Delhi.
- Protests also took place in Kashmir, with regional parties likening Delhi's security clampdown to the situation in Kashmir in 2019.
Background & context
Concerns have been raised about the integrity of electoral processes and the functioning of the Election Commission of India (ECI) in previous instances as well. The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise by the ECI is a periodic process to update electoral rolls.
★ Prelims fact capsule
Over 3,300 protesters were reportedly detained in Delhi alone on October 10, 2026.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper I: Society (protests, dissent); GS Paper II: Polity (Electoral process, Election Commission, Constitutional bodies, Fundamental Rights - freedom of speech and assembly).
Why in news?
Several prominent political leaders, activists, and journalists were detained by the Delhi Police and other authorities while on their way to or in support of the anti-CEC protests.
Key points
- Aam Aadmi Party leader Arvind Kejriwal was detained by Delhi Police outside his residence.
- Journalists from various media houses, including Navbharat Times, Scroll.in, and Newslaundry, were detained.
- Leaders from the Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist)-Liberation, AISA, and CJP were also taken into custody.
- Detentions occurred in multiple cities, including Delhi and Vijayawada, as authorities attempted to prevent protests.
Background & context
Preventive detention is a measure used by law enforcement agencies to detain individuals suspected of posing a threat to public order or national security, even without a formal charge. Its use is often debated in the context of civil liberties.
★ Prelims fact capsule
CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke and his co-convenors were detained by Delhi Police upon their flight's landing.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II: Polity (Fundamental Rights - Right to liberty and security of person, freedom of speech and expression, Right to assembly; Abuse of power, Law enforcement, Civil liberties).
Why in news?
Ahead of the planned protests, Delhi witnessed an unprecedented security crackdown, with extensive deployment of forces, closure of public transport, and communication disruptions.
Key points
- Over 23,000 security personnel were deployed across the national capital.
- 45 metro stations were shut down, and numerous train services were cancelled or reduced.
- Mobile internet services were suspended in parts of Delhi.
- Roads and key locations were barricaded, and entry points were heavily monitored.
Background & context
The Delhi Police and Ministry of Home Affairs often implement enhanced security measures during large public gatherings or protests to maintain law and order, especially in sensitive areas.
★ Prelims fact capsule
More than 55 Delhi metro stations were closed, and several rail services were reduced or cancelled.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II: Polity (Internal Security, Law and Order, Governance, Role of police and paramilitary forces).