Evening edition
Daily current affairs for UPSC, BPSC, State PCS and PSC exams.
Why in news?
Delhi Police denotified Jantar Mantar as a protest site, suggesting three new locations, sparking concerns about the right to peaceful assembly and democratic freedoms.
Key points
- Jantar Mantar, a traditional protest site, has been denotified.
- New designated protest sites are Ramlila Maidan, Burari Ground, and CBD Ground in east Delhi.
- Civil society groups and opposition parties have criticized the move as an 'assault on fundamental rights'.
- The decision comes amidst heightened security and calls for protests related to the Election Commission and electoral roll revision.
Background & context
The right to assemble peacefully is a fundamental right enshrined in the Indian Constitution. Jantar Mantar has historically been a significant location for public protests and demonstrations in Delhi.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The new designated protest sites are Ramlila Maidan, Burari Ground, and CBD Ground.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II: Polity - Fundamental Rights, Indian Constitution, Governance. GS Paper I: Social Issues.
Why in news?
Protests were held in Erode, Tamil Nadu, demanding action against officials for alleged humiliation of Scheduled Caste (SC) people during a burial dispute.
Key points
- Members of a Backward Community allegedly objected to the burial of an SC man in a common burial ground.
- Protesters allege that SC community members were forced to fall at the feet of others in the presence of officials.
- A case has been registered under the SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act.
- Protesters demand accountability for officials' alleged failure to prevent humiliation and declare areas as affected by untouchability.
Background & context
The Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, aims to prevent atrocities against members of SCs and STs. Untouchability is abolished under Article 17 of the Constitution.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The protest took place in Thingalur and Madathupalayam villages in Erode district, Tamil Nadu.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper I: Social Justice, Society. GS Paper II: Polity - Constitutional provisions for SC/ST.
Why in news?
Telangana's request for national project status for the Kaleshwaram and Palamuru-Rangareddy lift irrigation projects has not been heeded by the Centre, with the Southern Zonal Council deferring its response.
Key points
- Telangana seeks national project status for Kaleshwaram and Palamuru-Rangareddy lift irrigation projects.
- The Southern Zonal Council meeting deferred a decision on the request.
- Andhra Pradesh has raised objections to the Kaleshwaram project, citing unauthorized increase in water usage.
- Telangana advocates for financial support and national status to complete these projects.
Background & context
Lift irrigation projects are crucial for water management and agricultural development, especially in water-scarce regions. National Project status often comes with significant financial and technical support from the central government.
★ Prelims fact capsule
Kaleshwaram and Palamuru-Rangareddy are lift irrigation projects in Telangana.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II: Governance, Inter-State Relations. GS Paper III: Economy - Infrastructure, Agriculture.