Daily Current Affairs Archives | Page 20 of 24

National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) – 23rd Foundation Day | Article 338A, Functions & Composition

Why in News?

The 23rd Foundation Day of the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) was recently celebrated in New Delhi. It highlights the role of NCST in protecting the rights of Scheduled Tribes (STs) in India.

National Commission for Scheduled Tribes

NCST is a constitutional body established under Article 338A of the Indian Constitution.
It works for the protection, welfare, and development of Scheduled Tribes.
Formed after the Constitution (89th Amendment) Act, 2003.

Separation of Commissions (2003):

Earlier: A single body for SCs & STs
After Amendment:
- National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) – Article 338
- National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) – Article 338A

Composition of NCST:

Chairperson
Vice-Chairperson
3 other Members

Appointment & Tenure:

Appointed by the President of India
Tenure: 3 years

Functions of NCST

Investigate and monitor safeguards for STs
Inquire into complaints regarding deprivation of rights
Advise on planning process for socio-economic development
Present reports to the President annually

https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2230380&reg=3&lang=1

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National Women’s Day: 13th February

Why in News?

National Women’s Day in India is observed annually on 13 February. The day commemorates the birth anniversary of Sarojini Naidu, a key figure in India’s freedom struggle and women’s empowerment.

Sarojini Naidu:

Sarojini Naidu is a vital figure representing the intersection of the Indian national movement, women’s empowerment, and literary excellence. Known as the “Nightingale of India” (Bharat Kokila).

Key Institutional Milestones

Indian National Congress (INC): She was the first Indian woman to be elected President of the INC at the 1925 Kanpur Session. (Note: Annie Besant was the first woman President overall in 1917).
First Woman Governor: In 1947, she was appointed the Governor of United Provinces (now Uttar Pradesh), becoming the first woman to hold such a post in independent India.
Women’s Indian Association (WIA): She co-founded the WIA in 1917 alongside Annie Besant to advocate for women’s suffrage and education

Role in the Freedom Struggle

Non-Cooperation & Civil Disobedience: A staunch follower of Mahatma Gandhi, she participated in the Non-Cooperation Movement (1920) and the Salt Satyagraha (1930).
Dharasana Satyagraha: After Gandhi’s arrest during the Salt March, she took command of the raid on the Dharasana Salt Works on May 21, 1930, leading 2,500 volunteers.

Literary & Cultural Contributions

Her poetry is noted for its vivid imagery and themes of patriotism and Indian life. Key works include

The Golden Threshold (1905)
The Bird of Time (1912)

https://www.news18.com/lifestyle/national-womens-day-wishes-2025-celebrating-sarojini-naidus-birth-anniversary-and-her-legacy-9223105.html

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Tetanus and Diphtheria Vaccine Launched in India – Key Facts for Exams

Leave a Comment / Daily Current Affairs, Science and Technology Current Affairs / Team PSC Chronicles

Why in News?

The Union Health Minister launched a Tetanus and Diphtheria (Td) vaccine programme. The initiative aims to strengthen protection against life-threatening infectious diseases in India.

Tetanus and Adult Diphtheria (Td) vaccine is a dual-protection shot that immunizes older children and adults against tetanus and diphtheria.

About Tetanus:

Tetanus is a serious, sometimes fatal, disease caused by Clostridium tetani bacteria, which produce a toxin causing severe, painful muscle spasms and “lockjaw”

Source: Soil, dust, animal manure.
Transmission: Enters body through cuts, wounds, or injuries

About Diphtheria:

Diphtheria is a serious, highly contagious bacterial infection caused by toxin-producing strains of Corynebacterium diphtheriae. While it typically affects the mucous membranes of the nose and throat, it can also impact the skin.

Cause: Bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae.

Transmission: Spread through respiratory droplets.

Symptoms:

Sore throat, fever
Thick grey membrane (pseudomembrane) in throat

https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2230793&reg=3&lang=1

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Telangana Opposes Almatti Dam Height Increase on Krishna River – Key Facts for TGPSC exams

Leave a Comment / Daily Current Affairs, Telangana Current Affairs / Team PSC Chronicles

Why in News?

Telangana government has decided to oppose Karnataka’s proposal to increase the height of the Almatti Dam on the Krishna River, citing concerns over reduced downstream water availability.

Key Highlights:

Almatti Dam is located across the Krishna River in Karnataka.
It is officially called Lal Bahadur Shastri Dam.
Present Storage Capacity: 123.08 TMC at 519 metres height.
Proposed Increase: Height to be raised to 524.256 metres.
Expected Storage After Expansion: Around 300 TMC.
Telangana fears that increased storage will reduce water flow to downstream states like Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.

Background:

The Krishna River is one of the major inter-state rivers in India, flowing through Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh.
Water sharing is governed by Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal (KWDT) awards.

Post-Bifurcation Water Sharing (2014):

Total allocation to undivided Andhra Pradesh: 811 TMC
- Andhra Pradesh: 512 TMC
- Telangana: 299 TMC
Any upstream project like Almatti impacts downstream states, leading to interstate disputes.

https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/telangana-to-move-sc-challenging-karnataka-government-s-plan-on-almatti-dam-height-101762372079396.html

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Asian Waterbird Census 2026 at Kolleru Wildlife Sanctuary – Notes for APPSC exams

Leave a Comment / Daily Current Affairs, Andhra Pradesh Current Affairs / Team PSC Chronicles

The Asian Waterbird Census (AWC) was recently conducted at Kolleru Wildlife Sanctuary in Andhra Pradesh. This annual census helps monitor waterbird populations and assess the health of wetland ecosystems.

Asian Waterbird Census:

The Asian Waterbird Census (AWC) is part of the global International Waterbird Census (IWC).
The IWC was launched in 1967 by Wetlands International.
Conducted every year during January (2nd & 3rd weeks).
Census period coincides with the mid-winter non-breeding season of migratory birds.

About Kolleru Lake:

Kolleru Lake is Asia’s largest shallow freshwater lake and one of the largest freshwater lakes in India. Located in Andhra Pradesh between the deltas of the Krishna and Godavari rivers, it is a vital ecological site designated as both a Wildlife Sanctuary (1999) and a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance (2002)

Water Sources: The lake is fed by seasonal streams like the Budameru and Tammileru and drains into the Bay of Bengal through the Upputeru outlet.
Biodiversity Hub: Known as a “Bird Heaven,” it serves as a critical stop on the Central Asian Flyway

Biodiversity Importance

Recognized as a major wetland ecosystem and bird habitat.
Key species:
- Spot-billed (Grey) Pelican
- Painted Stork
- Open-billed Stork
- Ibis
- Siberian Crane

Protected Areas

Atapaka Bird Sanctuary is located within the Kolleru region.
Serves as a safe breeding and feeding ground for migratory birds.

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/asian-waterbird-census-in-ap-on-jan-5-and-6/article33489082.ece

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Supreme Court Hearing on CAA Petitions from May 5 – Key Points for UPSC & PSC Exams

Leave a Comment / Daily Current Affairs, Polity Current Affairs / Team PSC Chronicles

Why in News?

The Supreme Court of India has scheduled final hearings from May 5, 2026 on more than 250 petitions challenging the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 (CAA). The petitions question the constitutional validity of the Act, especially on grounds of alleged religious discrimination.

Key Highlights:

The CAA amends the Citizenship Act, 1955.
It provides fast-track Indian citizenship to certain migrants facing religious persecution.
Eligible communities: Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis, and Christians.
Countries covered: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan.
Cut-off date: Migrants must have entered India on or before 31 December 2014.
It reduces the residency requirement for citizenship from 11 years to 5 years for eligible migrants.
Over 250 petitions challenge the Act’s constitutionality, mainly citing violation of Article 14 (Right to Equality). The Supreme Court will now conduct final hearings, which could have major constitutional implications

https://www.indiatoday.in/india/law-news/story/supreme-court-caa-final-hearing-may-5-iuml-plea-petitions-2870995-2026-02-19

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Kerala Renaming to ‘Keralam’ Approved – Article 3 & State Name Change Procedure Explained for Exams

Leave a Comment / Daily Current Affairs, Polity Current Affairs / Team PSC Chronicles

Why in News?

Union Cabinet has approved a proposal to rename Kerala as “Keralam”, initiating the constitutional process under Article 3 of the Indian Constitution.

Constitutional Basis:

Article 3 – Alteration of State Name

Parliament has the power to:

Form new states
Alter boundaries
Increase or decrease area
Change the name of a state

Article 4 – Supplemental Provisions

Any law under Article 3:
- Amends the First Schedule (list of states)
- Amends the Fourth Schedule (Rajya Sabha seats)
Such changes:
- Are not considered Constitutional Amendments
- Passed by simple majority

Step-by-Step Procedure to Change State Name:

Presidential Recommendation:
- Bill can be introduced in Parliament only with prior approval of the President.
Reference to State Legislature:
- President refers the Bill to the concerned State Legislature for its opinion.
Non-Binding Opinion:
- State’s views are not binding on Parliament.
Parliamentary Approval:
- Bill passed by simple majority in both Houses.
Presidential Assent:
- After approval, the President signs the Bill → Name change becomes official.

https://ddnews.gov.in/en/union-cabinet-approves-proposal-to-rename-kerala-as-keralam/

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Rajya Sabha Elections 2026 – 37 Seats Notified | Composition, Tenure & Articles Explained

Leave a Comment / Daily Current Affairs, Polity Current Affairs / Team PSC Chronicles

Why in News?

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has issued notification for elections to 37 Rajya Sabha seats, with polling scheduled in March 2026, as the terms of these members are expiring in April.

Rajya Sabha – Key Features:

Maximum Strength: 245 members

233 elected from States & UTs
12 nominated by the President

Nature of House:

Permanent body (cannot be dissolved)
Ensures continuity in Parliament

Tenure:

Each member serves 6 years
1/3rd members retire every 2 years (biennial elections)
Based on Article 83(1)

Composition & Representation:

Allocation of seats is based on population.
Governed by the Fourth Schedule of the Constitution.

Nominated Members (Article 80(3)):

12 members nominated by the President of India.
Chosen from fields like:
- Literature
- Science
- Art
- Social Service
They may join a political party within 6 months of taking their seat

https://ddnews.gov.in/en/eci-announces-march-16-polling-for-37-rajya-sabha-seats-across-10-states/

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SC/ST Sub-Classification Verdict 2024 – Supreme Court Seeks Centre Report | Article 341 Explained

Leave a Comment / Daily Current Affairs, Polity Current Affairs / Team PSC Chronicles

Why in News?

The Supreme Court has asked the Union Government to submit a report on actions taken following its landmark 2024 Constitution Bench verdict allowing sub-classification within SC/ST categories for reservation.

SC/ST sub-classification:

SC/ST sub-classification is the process of dividing the Scheduled Castes (SC) or Scheduled Tribes (ST) categories into smaller sub-groups to ensure that reservation benefits reach the most disadvantaged communities within them

This concept, often called “quota within a quota,” was validated by a landmark 6:1 majority ruling of a seven-judge Supreme Court bench in August 2024 in the case of State of Punjab v. Davinder Singh

What is the Supreme Court Verdict (2024)?

A 7-judge Constitution Bench upheld the validity of sub-classification within SC/ST categories. It ruled that:

SC/ST groups are not homogeneous.
States can provide preferential treatment to the most backward sub-castes.

The judgment overturned the 2004 E.V. Chinnaiah case, which had disallowed such sub-classification.

Constitutional Provisions Involved:

Article 341 – Scheduled Castes

Empowers the President to notify SCs for each State/UT.
Done in consultation with the Governor.
Parliament alone can modify the list (include/exclude groups).

Key Clarification by Supreme Court:

Article 341 defines who is included in SC list.
It does not prevent internal classification for reservation benefits.
Sub-classification does not violate Article 14 (Right to Equality)

https://indianexpress.com/article/legal-news/sc-seeks-centres-report-on-action-taken-on-its-sc-st-sub-classification-verdict-10525491/

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Substantive Motion in Lok Sabha – Meaning, Types & Constitutional Significance for Exams

Leave a Comment / Daily Current Affairs, Polity Current Affairs / Team PSC Chronicles

Why in News?

A substantive motion was recently proposed in the Lok Sabha against the Leader of Opposition, seeking cancellation of membership.

Substantive Motion:

A substantive motion is an independent proposal placed before the House.
It seeks a definite and binding decision of the House.
It is complete in itself and not dependent on any other motion.
Admission of a substantive motion depends entirely on the Speaker’s discretion.
Once adopted, it reflects the formal opinion or will of the House.

It differs from:
- Subsidiary motions (depend on another motion)
- Procedural motions (relate to House functioning)

Examples of Substantive Motions in Lok Sabha:

Election of Speaker and Deputy Speaker
Motion of Thanks on the President’s Address
No-confidence motion / Confidence motion
Adjournment motion on urgent public issues
Resolution for removal of Speaker/Deputy Speaker
Motion declaring a seat vacant
Motions for general public interest discussions

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/what-is-a-substantive-motion-why-bjp-wants-rahul-gandhi-disqualified-from-lok-sabha/article70627499.ece

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