1. Gyanesh Kumar Appointed as Chief Election Commissioner (CEC)
Key Points:
Gyanesh Kumar has been appointed as the new Chief Election Commissioner (CEC).
The decision was made by a three-member committee led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The appointment is based on the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023.
The Congress opposed the selection process, calling it partisan and non-neutral.
The Supreme Court is set to hear a challenge against this new law.
Why Did This Happen?
Change in Selection Process: Earlier, the CEC and Election Commissioners were appointed by the President based on government recommendations.
The 2023 Act replaced the Chief Justice of India (CJI) on the selection panel with a Union Minister, giving the government more control over appointments.
Congress’s Opposition: The party believes this new process violates a 2023 Supreme Court judgment that recommended a more independent selection process.
UPSC Relevance:
GS2 (Polity & Governance)
Concepts to Study:
Election Commission of India (ECI) – Powers and Functions
Independence of Constitutional Bodies
Supreme Court Judgment on ECI Appointments
2. Supreme Court Delays Hearing on Places of Worship Act Challenge
Key Points:
The Supreme Court adjourned the case challenging the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991.
The Act prohibits the conversion of religious places and maintains their status as of August 15, 1947.
The case has been pending for four years, and the Centre has not filed a response.
Why Did This Happen?
Some Hindu groups argue that the law prevents them from reclaiming religious sites allegedly taken over by invaders.
Others argue that changing the status of religious sites will increase communal tensions.
The Centre’s silence suggests it is considering political and legal implications.
UPSC Relevance:
GS1 (History & Society), GS2 (Polity)
Concepts to Study:
Places of Worship Act, 1991
Supreme Court judgments on religious freedom
Communal harmony and constitutional provisions
3. Finance Ministry Likely to Increase Deposit Insurance Limit
Key Points:
The Finance Ministry is considering raising the deposit insurance limit beyond ₹5 lakh.
The current insurance limit was raised from ₹1 lakh to ₹5 lakh in 2020 after the Punjab and Maharashtra Cooperative Bank (PMC) crisis.
The decision comes after the New India Cooperative Bank scandal, where ₹122 crore was misappropriated.
Why Did This Happen?
Banking frauds have raised concerns about customer protection.
The RBI placed restrictions on withdrawals from some banks, highlighting liquidity risks.
A higher deposit insurance limit protects depositors and enhances banking stability.
UPSC Relevance:
GS3 (Economy)
Concepts to Study:
Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC)
Banking sector regulations in India
Cooperative banks and financial frauds
4. Adani Green Pulls Out of Sri Lanka Power Project
Key Points:
Adani Green Energy Ltd. has withdrawn from a 484 MW wind power project in Sri Lanka.
Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said the power tariff (8.26 cents per unit) was too high and not justified.
Adani’s exit is seen as a victory for transparency by Sri Lankan media.
Why Did This Happen?
The project faced local opposition due to environmental concerns.
The new Sri Lankan government wants to review expensive contracts signed by the previous administration.
Adani has faced setbacks in multiple countries amid scrutiny of its business practices.
UPSC Relevance:
GS2 (International Relations), GS3 (Economy)
Concepts to Study:
India-Sri Lanka Economic Relations
Foreign Investment in Infrastructure
Energy Security and Renewable Energy Initiatives
5. Supreme Court Questions UP Government Over Mosque Demolition
Key Points:
The Supreme Court has asked why contempt action should not be taken against Uttar Pradesh authorities.
The case relates to the demolition of part of a mosque in Kushinagar.
The court had previously ruled that no demolitions can take place without proper notice and a 15-day response time.
Why Did This Happen?
Several demolitions of religious structures have occurred in India, triggering legal disputes.
The court wants to ensure legal safeguards before religious places are affected.
The Yogi Adityanath-led government has faced allegations of selective enforcement of laws.
UPSC Relevance:
GS2 (Governance & Judiciary)
Concepts to Study:
Contempt of Court
Religious Freedom under the Indian Constitution
Judiciary’s Role in Safeguarding Rights
6. Rising Skirmishes on India-Pakistan Border
Key Points:
Cross-border firing incidents have increased along the Line of Control (LoC).
At least six skirmishes were reported in Jammu, Rajouri, and Poonch in two months.
J&K Lieutenant-Governor Manoj Sinha said the Indian Army is giving a befitting response.
Why Did This Happen?
Tensions between India and Pakistan have remained high.
Militant infiltration and Pakistan-backed terrorism continue to be challenges.
The ceasefire agreement of 2021 is being tested by sporadic firing.
UPSC Relevance:
GS2 (International Relations), GS3 (Internal Security)
