Current Affairs

Current Affairs — 29 October 2026

29 October 2026
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Governance & PolityLegal & Judiciary

Supreme Court Questions Election Commission on Voter Disenfranchisement in SIR Case

The Supreme Court has questioned the Election Commission of India over its authority to deprive citizens of their right to vote simply because they were lax in returning enumeration forms during the special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The petition, filed by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), challenges the deletion of nearly 13 crore voters across the country and the failure to follow standards used in recent Lok Sabha elections. The ECI defended its actions citing residual powers. The court stated it will examine the entire issue in detail, raising serious concerns over citizen disenfranchisement.

  • The Supreme Court questioned the ECI's authority to deprive citizens of voting rights due to unreturned enumeration forms.
  • A petition was filed by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) challenging the SIR process.
  • The ongoing special intensive revision has allegedly disenfranchised nearly 13 crore voters across the country.
Exam Points
  • Nearly 13 crore voters were allegedly disenfranchised across the country.
  • The petition against the ECI was filed by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR).
  • The case concerns the special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
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Science & TechnologyAgriculture

New Genetic Tools and Apomixis Transforming India's Staple Crops

Advances in science, physiology, and host-pathogen interactions are opening new possibilities for India's staple crops like rice and wheat. New genetic tools like gene editing and apomixis are helping develop crops that give higher, more stable yields, resist climate stress, and reduce chemical dependence. While public institutions like ICAR and IARI are creating improved lines, private companies are developing foundation seeds. Examples include Pusa DST Rice-1 and HB4 wheat. However, challenges like anti-GMO sentiment, regulatory hurdles, and the need for rigorous safety evaluations remain crucial for balancing innovation with biodiversity.

  • Gene editing and apomixis are revolutionizing the development of resilient and high-yielding crop varieties.
  • Apomixis allows plants to produce seeds without sexual reproduction, passing desirable traits to the next generation.
  • Public-private collaboration is playing a vital role in creating improved lines for key traits like heat tolerance and nutrient use.
Exam Points
  • Pusa DST Rice-1 develops more grains per panicle and tolerance to heat, drought, salinity, and alkaline soils.
  • HB4 wheat is developed using a gene from sunflower to help plants tolerate drought.
  • Apomixis enables plants to reproduce without sexual reproduction, transferring desirable traits to future generations.
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