Evening edition
Daily current affairs for UPSC, BPSC, State PCS and PSC exams.
Why in news?
Four individuals, including a social media influencer, were arrested in Malappuram, Kerala, with MDMA, highlighting concerns about drug trafficking among youth.
Key points
- Four people arrested with 10.5 gm of MDMA in Malappuram, Kerala.
- One of the arrested is a woman social media influencer.
- The group allegedly sold drugs to students and young people.
- Seized items include drugs, syringes, weighing scale, cash, and a car.
- Investigation is ongoing to trace the drug source.
Background & context
MDMA (3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine), commonly known as ecstasy or molly, is a synthetic psychoactive drug used for its stimulant and hallucinogenic effects. Drug trafficking and abuse are significant social and law enforcement concerns in India.
★ Prelims fact capsule
Squawk code 7500 is an international aviation code indicating unlawful interference, such as a hijack.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper III: Security challenges and their management in internal borders; Role of non-state actors in security challenges.
Why in news?
Tamil Nadu government claims full preparedness for the Northeast monsoon, which is expected to be moderate in October and intensify in November, with potential impacts from Super El Niño considered.
Key points
- Tamil Nadu government has completed 98% of monsoon preparedness works.
- Hospitals and medical facilities are on alert.
- Amma Unavagams and educational institutions are designated for food and shelter.
- The monsoon is expected to be moderate in October and intensify in November.
- Preparedness measures account for the potential impact of Super El Niño.
Background & context
The Northeast monsoon affects Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and parts of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka from October to December, bringing much-needed rainfall to the region. El Niño is a climate pattern that can influence monsoon behavior.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The Northeast monsoon primarily impacts South India from October to December.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper I: Important Geophysical phenomena; GS Paper III: Disaster Management.
Why in news?
Allegations of targeted voter deletions in Tamil Nadu's Kolathur constituency have led to protests demanding the resignation of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), with the Supreme Court issuing notices on related petitions.
Key points
- Allegations of targeted voter deletions in Kolathur constituency before the 2026 TN Assembly polls.
- VCK president claims he had warned the then CM Stalin about potential irregularities.
- Over one lakh voters were removed from electoral rolls, with reasons cited as 'deceased', 'permanently shifted', or 'duplicate entries'.
- Protests demand the resignation of CEC Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities.
- Supreme Court has issued notices seeking government explanations on prohibitory orders related to protests.
Background & context
Electoral rolls are continuously updated through a process called Special Intensive Revision (SIR) to ensure accuracy. Allegations of manipulation of electoral processes are serious and can undermine democratic fairness.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) is an exercise to update electoral rolls.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II: Governance, Parliament and State Legislatures—Structure, Functioning and Conduct of Business, Powers, Privileges and Immunities and those arising out of them; Elections – mechanism, issues, etc.