The Supreme Court on Monday urged the Union government to frame guidelines for regulating social media conduct, including online shows, after observing that social media influencers commercialize free speech and their comments can hurt sentiments in a diverse society. A Bench of Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi highlighted the need for effective consequences for violations and a clear distinction between free speech, commercial speech, and prohibited speech. The court was hearing a case against comedians for insensitive jokes about persons with disabilities, emphasizing that such acts "completely smashed" the constitutional objective of bringing disabled persons into the mainstream. The Attorney-General suggested sensitisation of social media users as a primary objective.
The Supreme Court has directed the Union government to formulate guidelines for regulating social media conduct, including online shows and podcasts.
Justices emphasized that commercialized free speech by influencers has the potential to hurt sentiments in India's diverse society, especially concerning disabled persons.
The court highlighted the need for clear distinctions between free speech, commercial speech, and prohibited speech, noting an overlap between commercial and prohibited speech.
Exam Points
A Bench of Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi heard the case.
The Attorney-General R. Venkataramani appeared for the Centre.
The court divided speech into free speech, commercial speech, and prohibited speech.
A year-long study by the Tamil Nadu Forest Department and the Advanced Institute for Wildlife Conservation (AIWC), Vandalur, has identified eight species of fireflies in the Anamalai Tiger Reserve (ATR). This marks the first systematic study in the State where genetic analysis was undertaken to confirm different species. The study, conducted from April 2024 to March 2025, covered dense forests and agroecosystems. Researchers identified species like Abscondita perplexa, Abscondita terminalis, and Asymmetricata humeralis, and found that light pollution and pesticide/water pollution contribute to the decline of firefly populations, highlighting fireflies as indicator species for wildlife health.
A year-long study in the Anamalai Tiger Reserve (ATR) identified eight species of fireflies, marking the first genetic analysis of fireflies in Tamil Nadu.
The study, conducted by the Tamil Nadu Forest Department and AIWC, provides a benchmark for future research on firefly distribution and abundance.
Fireflies are considered indicator species for wildlife health, and their populations are threatened by light pollution, pesticide use, and water pollution.
Exam Points
The study was conducted in Anamalai Tiger Reserve (ATR) in the Western Ghats.
It was carried out by the Advanced Institute for Wildlife Conservation (AIWC), Vandalur, and the Tamil Nadu Forest Department.
Eight species of fireflies were identified, including Abscondita perplexa, Abscondita terminalis, Asymmetricata humeralis, Curtos species, Lamprigera sp., and Pyrocoelia sp.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming visit to Japan, followed by China, highlights India's strategic intent amidst global geopolitical shifts. Japan is set to announce a ¥10 trillion ($68 billion) investment plan in India over the next decade, focusing on infrastructure, manufacturing, clean energy, and technology. This visit underscores Japan's long-term stake in India's growth and its willingness to transfer cutting-edge technology. India's engagement with both Tokyo and Beijing in the same week reflects a strategic balancing act, aiming to advance economic security and defence cooperation with Japan while managing tensions with China. The article also touches on the unpredictability of the U.S. under Trump, which makes reliable partners like Japan crucial for India's Indo-Pacific vision.
PM Modi's visit to Japan and China signifies India's strategic balancing act in a changing global geopolitical landscape.
Japan is pledging a significant ¥10 trillion investment in India over the next decade, focusing on key sectors like infrastructure and technology.
The visit aims to deepen economic security, defence cooperation, and Indo-Pacific stability with Japan, while maintaining open channels and managing tensions with China.
Exam Points
PM Modi's visit to Japan and China begins from August 29.
Japan is announcing a ¥10 trillion (about $68 billion) investment plan in India.
The 2008 Joint Declaration on Security Cooperation is expected to be revised.
The article critically examines Section 152 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, arguing that it replaces the draconian sedition law with an even worse provision, being "weaponised with impunity" against journalists. Former Supreme Court Judge Madan B. Lokur highlights that the new section, which penalizes acts endangering India's sovereignty, unity, and integrity, is vaguely worded and can be easily misinterpreted to stifle free speech. He points out the "freezing effect" on journalists, the financial burden of frivolous complaints, and the Assam police's alleged harassment of journalists Karan Thapar and Siddharth Varadarajan under this section. The author questions the constitutionality of Section 152 and the police's disregard for legal mandates, such as providing a copy of the FIR.
Section 152 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, is criticized for being a more severe replacement for the repealed sedition law, potentially stifling free speech.
The article argues that the vague wording of Section 152 allows for its "weaponisation" against journalists, leading to harassment and financial inconvenience.
The author highlights the "freezing effect" on critical reporting, where any perceived misinterpretation could lead to charges of undermining national security.
Exam Points
Section 152 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, is the focus of the article.
Madan B. Lokur, a former Supreme Court Judge, is the author.
The article mentions the case of Romesh Thappar (1950) regarding press freedom.
The article argues that India's constitutional courts have become "parallel legislators" due to Parliament's systematic abdication of precise law-making, leading to frequent challenges to legislation. The authors, Samrat Pasriccha and Rohini Narayanan, highlight that laws are often introduced without adequate notice, bypass committees, and are rushed through with minimal scrutiny, resulting in vague definitions, incoherent clauses, and contradictions with existing laws or the Constitution. This flawed process leads to litigation, harming economic prosperity, social harmony, and democratic values. They propose that the Attorney-General for India (AG) should play a more active role in pre-legislative scrutiny, leveraging Article 88 of the Constitution, to guide lawmakers and prevent legislation from becoming litigation.
India's constitutional courts are increasingly acting as "parallel legislators" due to Parliament's inadequate law-making process.
Legislation is often rushed, lacks proper stakeholder consultation, bypasses parliamentary committees, and contains flaws like vague definitions and contradictions.
This leads to frequent litigation, burdening courts and negatively impacting economic prosperity, social harmony, and democratic values.
Exam Points
The article discusses the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, as an example of challenged legislation.
Section 18(d) of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019, and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, are cited for legislative inconsistencies.
Chapter 9 of the Manual of Parliamentary Procedure outlines the process for legislation.
The Supreme Court Collegium, headed by Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai, has recommended the elevation of Chief Justices Alok Aradhe of the Bombay High Court and Vipul Manubhai Pancholi of the Patna High Court to the Supreme Court. Justice Aradhe, born in April 1964, has a long judicial career, including appointments as Additional Judge of Madhya Pradesh, Permanent Judge, and Chief Justice of Telangana and Bombay High Courts. Justice Pancholi, born in May 1968, was confirmed as a Permanent Judge of the Gujarat High Court and later became Chief Justice of the Patna High Court. These recommendations aim to fill vacancies in the top court.
The Supreme Court Collegium has recommended the elevation of two High Court Chief Justices to the Supreme Court.
Justices Alok Aradhe (Bombay High Court) and Vipul Manubhai Pancholi (Patna High Court) are the recommended individuals.
Justice Aradhe has served as Chief Justice of Telangana and Bombay High Courts.
Exam Points
The Supreme Court Collegium is headed by Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai.
Justice Alok Aradhe was Chief Justice of Bombay High Court.
Justice Vipul Manubhai Pancholi was Chief Justice of Patna High Court.
India and Fiji have agreed to deepen defence ties, with India committing to provide training and equipment to upgrade Fiji's maritime security. During a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, both leaders strongly supported a "free, open" Indo-Pacific region. India will also build capacity for Fiji's armed forces and open a defence wing in its High Commission in Suva. The two nations signed seven MoUs, including one for a super-specialty hospital in Fiji and another on migration. They also agreed to strengthen cooperation against terrorism, in UN peacekeeping, military medicine, cybersecurity, and humanitarian assistance, with Fiji welcoming an Indian naval ship's port call to enhance maritime cooperation.
India and Fiji have committed to strengthening defence cooperation, with India providing training and equipment for Fiji's maritime security.
Both Prime Ministers reiterated strong support for a "free, open Indo-Pacific region," a stance that signals to China.
India will establish a defence wing in its High Commission in Fiji's capital, Suva, and enhance capacity-building for Fijian military forces.
Exam Points
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka.
India will provide training and equipment to upgrade Fiji's maritime security.
Seven MoUs were signed, including one for a super-specialty hospital in Fiji.
The Indian Navy is set to commission two state-of-the-art Project 17A stealth frigates, Udaygiri and Himgiri, at the Naval Base in Visakhapatnam. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will preside over the event, marking the first-ever simultaneous commissioning of two frontline warships built at different shipyards. These vessels are follow-on variants of the Shivalik-class frigates, featuring enhanced stealth capabilities, advanced weaponry, and modern sensor systems for full-spectrum maritime operations. Udaygiri, built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd., and Himgiri, constructed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers, showcase India's shipbuilding expertise and embody the "Aatmanirbhar Bharat" vision with nearly 75% indigenous content.
The Indian Navy is commissioning two Project 17A stealth frigates, Udaygiri and Himgiri, simultaneously at Visakhapatnam.
These frigates are advanced variants of the Shivalik-class, equipped with enhanced stealth, modern weaponry, and sensor systems for maritime operations.
Udaygiri was built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd. in Mumbai, and Himgiri by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers in Kolkata.
Exam Points
The frigates are Project 17A stealth frigates named Udaygiri and Himgiri.
Udaygiri was built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd. (Mumbai).
Himgiri was constructed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (Kolkata).
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully conducted the first Integrated Air Drop Test (IADT-01) at Sriharikota, marking a crucial step for the Gaganyaan mission, India's human spaceflight program. A. Rajarajan, Director of Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), stated that VSSC played a major role in IADT-01, which successfully demonstrated the parachute-based crew module deceleration system. ISRO plans to follow this with the second Test Vehicle Mission (TV-D2) and the uncrewed Gaganyaan-1 (G1) flight, both critical trials before the actual manned mission. The G1 mission will launch a spacecraft with the humanoid robot Vyommitra aboard a human-rated LVM3 rocket.
ISRO successfully completed the first Integrated Air Drop Test (IADT-01) for the Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission.
The IADT-01 demonstrated the parachute-based crew module deceleration system, a critical component for astronaut safety.
This test is a precursor to the second Test Vehicle Mission (TV-D2) and the uncrewed Gaganyaan-1 (G1) flight.
Exam Points
The test conducted was the first Integrated Air Drop Test (IADT-01).
A. Rajarajan is a senior scientist with ISRO and Director of Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC).
The Gaganyaan-1 (G1) mission will carry Vyommitra, a humanoid robot.
The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, recently passed by Parliament, aims to ban all forms of Real Money Games (RMGs) and their advertisements, while promoting e-sports and social gaming. The Act defines online money games broadly, encompassing skill-based games like Poker and Rummy if played for stakes. This move is driven by concerns over financial fraud, money laundering, tax evasion, and addiction linked to RMGs, with government data suggesting significant user losses and suicides. Critics argue the Act's failure to distinguish between games of skill and chance violates Article 19(1)(g) (Right to Trade and Occupation) and may face constitutional challenges, especially given that state governments already regulate betting and gambling.
The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, seeks to ban Real Money Games (RMGs) and their advertisements while promoting e-sports and social gaming.
The Act broadly defines online money games to include skill-based games played for stakes, raising concerns for the industry.
The government's rationale for the ban includes preventing financial fraud, money laundering, tax evasion, and addressing addiction and associated suicides.
Exam Points
The Bill is the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025.
It was passed by Lok Sabha on August 20 and Rajya Sabha the next day, receiving Presidential Assent on August 22.
Government data suggests Indians lose ₹15,000 crore annually to RMGs.
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