UPSC GK Capsule: From the Centre’s measures to curb malpractices in entrance exams to the Hooch tragedy in Tamil Nadu, take a look at what happened in the country this week
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Current affairs are an important component of the syllabus for various competitive exams. Familiarity with current events might help you in both the preliminary and main exams for UPSC CSE and other government admission tests. From the Centre’s measures to curb malpractices in entrance exams to the Hooch tragedy in Tamil Nadu, take a look at what happened in the country this week:
Centre’s Anti Paper Leak Law amid NEET and UGC NET controversy
Amid growing controversy over the alleged discrepancy in NEET UG 2024 and UGC NET exams, the central government notified the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Methods) Act, 2024. The act aims to curb paper leaks and other unfair practices in various national exams including UPSC, SSC, NEET, JEE, and CUET. According to the provisions of this Act, anyone found guilty of a paper leak or tampering with answer sheets faces a minimum three-year jail sentence, which can be increased to five years, and a fine of up to Rs 10 lakh. The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Methods) Act, 2024, came into force on June 21.
Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal’s bail in liquor policy case
Delhi’s Rouse Avenue court on June 20 granted bail to Aam Aadmi Party’s national convenor and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in a money laundering case connected to the alleged liquor policy scam. The court ordered Kejriwal to furnish a Rs 1 lakh bail bond. The bail decision, however, was put on hold by the Delhi High Court after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) challenge.
MSP for 14 kharif crops approved by cabinet
Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led central government approved hiked Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for 14 kharif season crops during the first meeting of the Union Cabinet and the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) on June 19. Announcing the decision, Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said that the Cabinet has approved an increase in the MSP for paddy from Rs 117 to Rs 2,300 per quintal for the 2024-25 season.
Expansion ordered for Varanasi airport
The Union Cabinet has given a green signal to the Airports Authority of India’s (AAI) expansion plans for Varanasi’s Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport. The proposed plan entails the construction of a new terminal building, an apron extension, a runway extension, a parallel taxi track, and other related works. The estimated cost is stated to be about Rs 2869.65 crore.
Kanchanjungha rail tragedy
A cargo train rammed into the stationary Sealdah-bound Kanchanjungha Express in West Bengal’s Darjeeling district on June 17, killing at least nine people and injuring 41 more. The accident occurred near Rangapani station, 30 km from New Jalpaiguri station. Railway Board Chairperson Jaya Varma Sinha stated that the initial investigation suggested that it was a “human error” that led to the accident. The official added that the crash happened because the freight train ignored the signal.
Tamil Nadu Hooch Tragedy
The death toll from the hooch tragedy in Tamil Nadu’s Kallakurichi area has risen to 48. Over 100 victims of the tragedy are receiving treatment at various hospitals. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh for families of 34 people who died after consuming illicit arrack. The Tamil Nadu Police has arrested four persons in connection with this case. Stalin has also ordered officials to create a one-man committee, to give recommendations on how to prevent future events and investigate the causes of the fatalities.
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