Evening edition
Daily current affairs for UPSC, BPSC, State PCS and PSC exams.
Why in news?
A major fire at a material recovery facility near Perumbavoor in Ernakulam district has raised concerns about fire safety measures in waste management facilities.
Key points
- Incident involved tonnes of plastic waste at a private facility.
- Facility reportedly lacked key fire safety mechanisms like compartmentalization and water curtains.
- Fire and Rescue Services Department emphasizes the need for timely safety audits of similar facilities.
- Mandatory No-Objection Certificate from Fire and Rescue Department for licensing suggested.
Background & context
Waste management in urban areas, especially dealing with non-biodegradable waste, is a growing challenge. Such facilities are crucial for recycling and proper disposal but require stringent safety protocols.
★ Prelims fact capsule
Suchitwa Mission empanels non-biodegradable waste management companies in Kerala.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper III: Environmental Pollution and Degradation, Disaster Management
Why in news?
The proposed interlinking of Godavari and Cauvery rivers via Krishna and Pennar is facing political controversy, with the BRS party alleging a conspiracy against Telangana's interests.
Key points
- Project aims to link Godavari (Polavaram) to Krishna, then to Pennar and finally to Cauvery.
- Andhra Pradesh CM proposed the link, envisioning water flexibility for southern states.
- BRS alleges it's a move by Andhra Pradesh to divert Godavari water from Telangana.
- The proposal was discussed in the Southern Zonal Council and listed for NWDA meeting agenda.
Background & context
River linking projects in India are aimed at addressing regional water scarcity by transferring water from surplus basins to deficit basins. Such projects often face inter-state disputes and environmental concerns.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The National Water Development Agency (NWDA) is involved in the studies and proposals for inter-basin water transfer.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper I: Geography, GS Paper II: Inter-state River Water Disputes, GS Paper III: Disaster Management (droughts)
Why in news?
Several houses were torched in an abandoned Kuki village in Manipur's Kamjong district, reigniting ethnic tensions between Kuki and Naga communities.
Key points
- Khoikai Kuki village was set ablaze by suspected militants.
- The village was already deserted due to escalating clashes.
- Over 50 people have been killed and dozens of houses burnt in ethnic violence since early this year.
- Districts like Tamenglong, Noney, Kangpokpi, Ukhrul, and Kamjong are affected.
Background & context
Manipur has a history of ethnic tensions, particularly between the majority Meitei community and the Kuki and Naga tribal groups, often related to issues of land, identity, and political representation.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The violence has been predominantly between the Kuki and Naga communities in specific districts.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper I: Society, GS Paper II: Governance, Internal Security