Evening edition
Daily current affairs for UPSC, BPSC, State PCS and PSC exams.
Why in news?
The Andhra Pradesh government has issued orders to establish four new police commissionerates in Tirupati, Guntur, Kurnool, and Rajamahendravaram.
Key points
- Four new police commissionerates to be established in Tirupati, Guntur, Kurnool, and Rajamahendravaram.
- These commissionerates will be headed by officers of the rank of Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) or Inspector General of Police (IGP).
- This move aims to improve policing and administrative efficiency in these key cities.
Background & context
Police commissionerates are typically established in larger cities or urban agglomerations to provide a more structured and effective policing system, often with enhanced powers and responsibilities for the Commissioner.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The new commissionerates are in Tirupati, Guntur, Kurnool, and Rajamahendravaram.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II (Governance, Administration and their challenges)
Why in news?
The Congress party claims the Election Commission will provide machine-readable digital voter lists, a demand previously pushed by Rahul Gandhi. Meanwhile, the JD(U) criticizes the opposition's march to the Supreme Court as an attempt to pressure the judiciary over alleged electoral roll irregularities.
Key points
- Congress claims Election Commission (EC) agreed to provide machine-readable digital voter lists.
- JD(U) criticizes opposition's march to Supreme Court over electoral roll issues as an attempt to pressure judiciary.
- Supreme Court issued notices to opposition leaders regarding the march.
- Telangana Congress alleges a coordinated attempt to remove voters from electoral rolls using pre-filled Form-7 applications.
Background & context
Ensuring fair and accurate electoral rolls is crucial for democratic integrity. The Election Commission of India is responsible for the preparation and revision of electoral rolls. Issues related to voter list accuracy and transparency are recurring concerns in Indian elections.
★ Prelims fact capsule
Form-7 is used for deletion of names from electoral rolls.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II (Elections, role of ECI, Governance)
Why in news?
Karnataka's Deputy Chief Minister stated that the prevailing drought conditions are likely to impact GST collections, prompting the government to examine measures to improve collection and review land reform acts.
Key points
- Drought and crop losses in Karnataka are expected to reduce GST collections.
- The state has estimated drought-related losses of around ₹46,000 crore and sought ₹10,000-₹11,000 crore in aid.
- The government is examining proposals to review Sections 79A and 79B of the Land Reforms Act.
- Karnataka consistently ranks second in GST collection nationally.
Background & context
GST (Goods and Services Tax) is a comprehensive indirect tax levied on the supply of goods and services. State GST collections are a significant source of revenue for state governments. Droughts and natural calamities can severely impact economic activity and tax revenues.
★ Prelims fact capsule
Karnataka has estimated drought losses of around ₹46,000 crore.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper III (Indian Economy, Effects of Globalization on Economy, Agriculture)