Afternoon edition
Daily current affairs for UPSC, BPSC, State PCS and PSC exams.
Why in news?
Kuki-Zo groups are demanding the re-imposition of President's Rule in Manipur due to alleged killings of community members and to ensure their safety and dignity.
Key points
- At least 32 Kuki-Zo people allegedly killed since March 2026.
- Kuki-Zo Council claims no Kuki-Zo civilian deaths occurred during the previous President's Rule.
- Groups seek separate administration for the Kuki-Zo community as a Union Territory.
- Concerns raised about economic hardships in Kuki-Zo inhabited areas.
Background & context
Manipur has experienced prolonged ethnic conflict. President's Rule was previously imposed in February 2025 and revoked in February 2026.
★ Prelims fact capsule
President's Rule was last revoked in Manipur on February 4, 2026.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II: Governance, Constitution, Polity; GS Paper I: Social Issues
Why in news?
The Jammu and Kashmir High Court has summoned the Srinagar Deputy Commissioner to explain why a detention order under the Public Safety Act (PSA) was allegedly passed without due application of mind.
Key points
- The court highlighted the paramount importance of personal liberty.
- Preventive detention requires extreme circumspection and adherence to constitutional safeguards.
- The DC is required to personally appear and explain the 'reckless and mechanical' passing of the detention order.
- The case involves preventive detention based on alleged association with terrorist elements.
Background & context
The Public Safety Act (PSA) allows for preventive detention in Jammu and Kashmir. Courts have the power to review detention orders to ensure they comply with constitutional rights.
★ Prelims fact capsule
Justice Wasim Sadiq Nargal is hearing the case regarding the PSA detention order.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II: Governance, Constitution, Polity; GS Paper IV: Ethics (Public Administration)
Why in news?
Following a stampede at a Durga Puja pandal that claimed 19 lives, the West Bengal government has constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to conduct a comprehensive inquiry.
Key points
- The SIT will be headed by retired Justice Anindita Roy Saraswati.
- The inquiry aims to ascertain the cause of the crowd surge and stampede.
- The SIT will examine weather conditions and their impact on crowd movement.
- The committee will assess the adequacy of passages, barricades, and safety measures at the pandal.
- The SIT is expected to submit its report within three months.
Background & context
Stampedes at crowded public events are a recurring concern in India, highlighting issues of crowd management and safety regulations.
★ Prelims fact capsule
19 lives were lost in the stampede at Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja Pandal.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper I: Social Issues; GS Paper II: Governance, Disaster Management