Afternoon edition
Daily current affairs for UPSC, BPSC, State PCS and PSC exams.
Why in news?
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has launched a portal allowing government bodies, public, NGOs, and international organizations to submit data on demographic changes, particularly those not attributable to normal fertility/mortality trends but to factors like illegal immigration.
Key points
- Portal launched by MHA's demography panel.
- Accepts input on 'frequent demographic changes' post-2011.
- Focuses on changes due to illegal immigration, irregular population mobility, and administrative laxity.
- Aims to identify causes and recommend systems for identification, detention, and deportation of illegal immigrants.
- Mandatory collection of personal data with consent.
Background & context
Demographic changes, especially in border districts, have implications for public service delivery, governance, resource distribution, and social cohesion. Concerns over illegal immigration have been a recurring issue.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The portal is seeking input on demographic changes post-2011.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper I (Social Issues), GS Paper II (Government Policies and Interventions, Issues related to the Federal Government)
Why in news?
The Jammu and Kashmir High Court has questioned the policy governing the retention of government accommodation by political figures, including former Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad and BJP's Ravinder Raina.
Key points
- J&K High Court sought explanation on the policy for retaining government accommodation by political persons.
- The court questioned the power of the designated committee to consider such retentions.
- A committee recommended continuing allotments for Azad and Raina until March 2027, subject to review.
- The UT administration was asked to file an affidavit explaining the uniform policy.
- The case highlights potential discrepancies in the application of rules for former officials.
Background & context
Former Chief Ministers and high-ranking political functionaries often retain government accommodation for a period post-demitting office. The rules and policies governing this are subject to scrutiny and legal challenges.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The J&K High Court is examining the policy for retention of government accommodation by political figures.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II (Governance, Constitutional Bodies, Constitutional Provisions)
Why in news?
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is visiting India to strengthen the strategic partnership, focusing on energy and trade, but will skip Delhi and visit Mumbai and Jamnagar.
Key points
- U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to visit India (Oct 19-22).
- Agenda includes strengthening U.S.-India strategic partnership, energy cooperation, and trade.
- Will meet senior government officials and business leaders.
- Visits to Mumbai and Jamnagar (site of world's largest refinery) are significant.
- Visit follows U.S. mandate on tariffs for countries buying Russian oil.
Background & context
India-U.S. relations have evolved significantly, covering strategic, economic, and defense cooperation. Energy security and trade are key pillars of this partnership. India's stance on Russian oil imports has been a point of discussion.
★ Prelims fact capsule
Marco Rubio will visit Mumbai and Jamnagar, skipping Delhi.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II (International Relations, Bilateral Groupings and Agreements involving India)