State PCS - Chhattisgarh (CGPSC)

• 07 May 2026

Chhattisgarh Rivers Turn Toxic; High Court Slams “Systematic Failure”

Why in News?

 The Chhattisgarh High Court has strongly criticized the state authorities over alarming pollution levels in major rivers, calling it a “systematic failure” and describing the situation as a “disturbing and regressive state of affairs.”

Key Points

• Polluted Rivers: Rivers such as the Kharun River, Shivnath River, and Arpa River have reportedly become highly polluted due to unchecked discharge of industrial effluents, sewage, and solid waste.
• Systemic Governance Failure: The court held that pollution reflects a failure of regulatory bodies and enforcement mechanisms.
• Violation of Fundamental Rights: The degradation of rivers affects the Right to Life under Article 21 of the Constitution of India, which includes the right to a clean and healthy environment.
• Lack of Coordination: Poor coordination among departments such as urban local bodies and pollution control boards.
• Non-Compliance with Norms: Industries and municipalities failing to adhere to environmental standards.
• Legal & Institutional Framework: Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 provides for prevention and control of water pollution and maintaining water quality.
• Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and State Pollution Control Boards monitor water quality and enforce norms.
• National Green Tribunal (NGT): Adjudicates environmental disputes and ensures enforcement of environmental laws.

Read More:National Green Tribunal (NGT)

India’s First Barrier-Less Toll System Launched in Gujarat

Why in News?

India has launched its first barrier-less tolling system based on Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) technology in Gujarat, marking a major shift in highway toll collection. 

Key Points 

• System: India’s first Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) barrier-less toll system has been operationalised on the Surat–Bharuch stretch of NH-48 in Gujarat. 
  • The system removes toll booths and physical barriers, allowing vehicles to pass without stopping at highway speeds. 
• Technology Used: It uses Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras and FASTag integration for automatic toll deduction. 
• Objective: The system aims to reduce congestion, cut travel time, improve fuel efficiency, and lower emissions on busy highway corridors. 
  • The barrier-less system will improve “Ease of Living” and promote “Ease of Doing Business” by facilitating quicker movement of passengers and goods. 
• Institutional Role: The initiative is implemented by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. 

Read More: Ease of Doing Business, NHAI

Two Indian Journalists Win Prestigious Pulitzer Prize

Why in News?

Indian journalists Anand RK and Suparna Sharma have won the prestigious Pulitzer Prize in the Illustrated Reporting and Commentary category for their project “trAPPed”, produced with Natalie Obiko Pearson for Bloomberg.

Key Points

• Award-Winning Project: The project “trAPPed” highlights the growing menace of digital surveillance, cyber fraud, and “digital arrest” scams in India.
  • It narrates the story of an Indian neurologist allegedly trapped through her phone by cybercriminals using intimidation and surveillance tactics.
  • The Pulitzer Board described it as a “riveting account” that effectively combines visual storytelling and investigative journalism to expose emerging technology-driven crimes.
• Global Recognition of Indian Journalism: The award underlines the increasing international recognition of Indian investigative and visual journalism.
• Focus on Cybercrime: It highlights the global challenge posed by digital scams, online surveillance, and cyber fraud networks.
• Rise of Visual Storytelling: The project showcases how graphic narratives and illustrated reporting can simplify complex technological and social issues.
• Press Freedom & Investigative Journalism: The award reinforces the importance of independent journalism in exposing emerging threats in the digital age.

Read More: Pulitzer Prize