Evening edition
Daily current affairs for UPSC, BPSC, State PCS and PSC exams.
Why in news?
Cyclone Arnab intensified into a very severe cyclonic storm and made landfall on the Andhra Pradesh-Yanam coast, leading to heavy rainfall and strong winds in several southern states, including Telangana and West Bengal. Alerts were issued by the IMD.
Key points
- Cyclone Arnab intensified into a very severe cyclonic storm.
- Made landfall on Andhra Pradesh-Yanam coast on October 28, 2026.
- Forecasted thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds in parts of South India.
- Orange and yellow alerts were issued for several districts in Telangana.
- Also predicted light to moderate rain and heavy rainfall in parts of West Bengal.
Background & context
Cyclonic storms are a common phenomenon in the Bay of Bengal, particularly during the post-monsoon season. The India Meteorological Centre (IMD) is responsible for monitoring, forecasting, and issuing warnings for these events.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The IMD issues different levels of alerts (e.g., yellow, orange, red) based on the expected intensity and impact of weather phenomena.
✎ Mains relevance
GS-I: Geography (Important Geophysical phenomena); GS-III: Disaster Management (Disaster and disaster management).
Why in news?
Odisha filed a contempt petition in the Supreme Court against the Andhra Pradesh government over the latter's decision to hold local body elections in the Kotia group of villages, which are subjects of a long-standing inter-state border dispute.
Key points
- Andhra Pradesh State Election Commission notified elections for MPTCs and ZPTCs in the Kotia villages.
- Odisha government filed a contempt petition in the Supreme Court.
- The Kotia group of villages has been disputed between Odisha and Andhra Pradesh since 1955.
- Political parties in Odisha accused Andhra Pradesh of undermining Odisha's territorial integrity.
- Odisha claims administrative control over the villages since 1936.
Background & context
The Kotia dispute involves a cluster of 21 villages. The conflict dates back to the reorganisation of states and involves differing claims on administrative control and revenue collection dating back decades.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The dispute involves villages under Pottangi Tahasil of Odisha's Koraput district.
✎ Mains relevance
GS-II: Federalism (Inter-state disputes); GS-I: Geography (Boundary disputes).
Why in news?
The Supreme Court has issued a notice to the Centre and the Election Commission of India on a plea challenging the practice of MLAs resigning their seats to switch parties and contest by-elections at public expense, arguing it violates public trust.
Key points
- Supreme Court sought the Union government's response on a petition concerning MLAs shifting loyalty.
- The plea argues that MLAs cannot abandon their constituents and resign at public expense.
- It challenges a Madras High Court judgment that dismissed a petition against AIADMK MLAs shifting allegiance.
- The petition emphasizes that legislative seats belong to the people, not the elected representative.
- Notice also issued to the Election Commission of India and several former MLAs.
Background & context
This issue relates to the anti-defection laws and the ethical conduct of elected representatives. Past instances of MLAs resigning and contesting by-elections after switching parties have been a recurring concern in Indian politics.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The plea was filed by advocate K. Suthan.
✎ Mains relevance
GS-II: Governance (Electoral reforms, Anti-defection law); GS-II: Polity (Representation of the People Act).