Evening edition
Daily current affairs for UPSC, BPSC, State PCS and PSC exams.
Why in news?
Allegations of voter list discrepancies and the demand for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar have led to widespread protests, raising concerns about the Election Commission of India's (ECI) credibility and the erosion of democratic space. Former EC Ashok Lavasa highlighted the unprecedented anxiety among voters.
Key points
- Protests demanding CEC Gyanesh Kumar's resignation over alleged vote theft.
- Concerns over ECI's credibility due to alleged mass voter deletion and procedural changes.
- Former EC Ashok Lavasa expresses sadness and regret over ECI controversies.
- Claims that democratic space is shrinking, and fair elections are becoming redundant.
- Comparison made to NEET-UG exam paper leak protests, suggesting Kumar's resignation may be harder to obtain.
Background & context
The Election Commission of India (ECI) is a constitutional body responsible for conducting elections. Its independence and impartiality are crucial for a healthy democracy. Allegations of bias or procedural impropriety can severely damage public trust.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The ECI is a permanent constitutional body established on January 25, 1950.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II: Governance, Polity and Constitution - Role and functioning of ECI, electoral reforms, challenges to democracy.
Why in news?
The Supreme Court has emphasized that courts cannot be passive observers when vital water bodies remain unprotected. It has directed all states and authorities to conduct physical ground-truthing and demarcation of wetlands.
Key points
- SC directed states and authorities to undertake physical ground-truthing and demarcation of wetlands.
- Water bodies are crucial for drinking water and fall under the 'right to life' (Article 21).
- Court cannot remain a spectator to unprotected water bodies.
- States granted four months to complete the ground-truthing exercise.
- Acknowledges the extensive physical work and coordination required.
Background & context
Wetlands are ecologically sensitive areas that provide critical ecosystem services, including water purification, flood control, and biodiversity support. Their protection is vital for environmental sustainability and human well-being. Article 21 of the Indian Constitution guarantees the right to life and personal liberty, which the SC has interpreted to include the right to a clean and healthy environment, encompassing access to clean water.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The Ramsar Convention is an international treaty for the conservation and sustainable utilization of wetlands.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper III: Environment and Ecology - Conservation, environmental impact assessment, pollution, disaster management. GS Paper II: Polity - Judicial activism, environmental jurisprudence.
Why in news?
A low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal is likely to intensify into a cyclonic storm, prompting the postponement of President Murmu's visit to Odisha. The system is expected to bring heavy to very heavy rainfall to parts of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Kerala, offering a ray of hope for drought-affected Telangana.
Key points
- Low pressure over Bay of Bengal likely to become a cyclonic storm.
- President's visit to Odisha postponed due to cyclone forecast.
- Heavy to very heavy rainfall expected in parts of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Kerala.
- Telangana hopes for relief from drought conditions due to El Niño.
- IMD issues red alert for specific districts in Kerala and Andhra Pradesh.
- System expected to cross Andhra Pradesh coast between Machilipatnam and Visakhapatnam.
Background & context
Cyclonic storms are common in the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea, particularly during the pre-monsoon and post-monsoon seasons. El Niño, a climate pattern, often influences rainfall patterns in India, sometimes leading to droughts or deficient monsoons. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) is the primary agency for forecasting weather events in India.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale is used to categorize the intensity of hurricanes; similar scales or classifications exist for cyclones in the Indian Ocean.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper I: Geography - Natural phenomena. GS Paper III: Disaster management, climate change. GS Paper II: Governance - Disaster preparedness and response.