The Rajya Sabha passed the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill on Thursday, clearing the way for Amaravati to be incorporated as the capital of Andhra Pradesh in the original Act, effective from June 2, 2024. Most political parties supported the Bill, except for YSR Congress Party MPs who argued it ignored farmers' demands. Senior Congress MP Renuka Chowdhury criticized the 12-year delay in materializing the commitment, calling it a "statement of national shame." Telugu Desam Party leader K. Rammohan Naidu described it as an emotional moment.
The Rajya Sabha passed the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill to designate Amaravati as the capital.
The Bill incorporates Amaravati as the capital in the original Act, effective June 2, 2024.
Most political parties supported the Bill, with the YSR Congress Party being the sole exception.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) recently transferred senior officers in election-bound states, including West Bengal, leading to controversy and claims of administrative paralysis. The ECI justified these actions under Article 324 of the Constitution, citing its plenary powers for free and fair elections. However, the article highlights that the Supreme Court, in cases like Mohinder Singh Gill, clarified that ECI's powers are not unfettered and must conform to existing laws. The Court emphasized that ECI cannot bypass parliamentary laws regarding transfers of All India Service officers, and its actions must be bona fide and subject to natural justice.
The ECI's recent transfers of senior state officials in election-bound states sparked controversy and questions about its powers.
The ECI justifies its actions under Article 324 of the Constitution, which grants it superintendence, direction, and control of elections.
The Supreme Court, in Mohinder Singh Gill case, clarified that ECI's plenary powers are not unfettered and must operate within existing laws.
Exam Points
Constitutional Article: Article 324 (Superintendence, direction and control of elections).
Supreme Court Case: Mohinder Singh Gill and Anr. vs The Chief Election Commissioner, New Delhi and Ors. (1978).
Laws governing All India Services: All India Services Act and rules thereunder.
NASA successfully launched the Artemis II mission on April 2 (IST), sending four astronauts on a crewed lunar flyby, the first in over 50 years. This mission aims to test the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion crew capsule, proving the system's design and readiness for future human lunar landings. The mission is a critical step in the U.S. effort to return humans to the moon and establish a moonbase, driven by increasing competition with China. The article details the mission profile, including checks in Earth orbit, trans-lunar injection, and re-entry, while also discussing the geopolitical stakes, particularly the race for lunar resources like water ice at the moon's south pole.
The Artemis II mission successfully launched, sending four astronauts on a crewed lunar flyby, a first since 1972.
The mission's primary goal is to test the SLS rocket and Orion crew capsule for future human lunar landings.
The U.S. space program, particularly Artemis, is driven by competition with China to establish lunar presence and secure resources.
Exam Points
Mission Name: Artemis II.
Launch Date: April 2 (IST).
Astronauts: Reid Wiseman (commander), Victor Glover, Christina Koch (first woman), Jeremy Hansen (first non-U.S. citizen).
A Full Bench of the Madras High Court ruled that the Governor is bound by the advice of the Council of Ministers when exercising powers under Article 161 of the Constitution regarding remission and premature release of convicts. The Bench, comprising Justices A.D. Jagadish Chandira, G.K. Ilanthiraiyan, and Sunder Mohan, stated that the Governor has no discretion to take a different view. This decision resolved conflicting judgments by other Division Benches, affirming that the issue was settled by a 1980 Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court in Maru Ramu's case, which was also followed in the A.G. Perarivalan case.
The Madras High Court's Full Bench affirmed that the Governor must act on the Council of Ministers' advice for remission powers under Article 161.
The ruling clarifies that the Governor has no discretionary power to deviate from the Cabinet's advice in such matters.
This decision resolved conflicting interpretations from other Division Benches of the High Court.
Exam Points
Constitutional Article: Article 161 (Governor's power to grant pardons, etc., and to suspend, remit or commute sentences).
Madras High Court Justices: A.D. Jagadish Chandira, G.K. Ilanthiraiyan, Sunder Mohan.
Supreme Court Cases: Maru Ramu's case (1980 Constitution Bench), A.G. Perarivalan case (2022).
Amidst the ongoing West Asia conflict and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, the Indian Navy flagged off INS Sunayna as the Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) SAGAR. This initiative reinforces India's commitment to regional maritime security and cooperation. The offshore patrol vessel carries Indian Navy personnel and representatives from 16 foreign countries. Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi highlighted the expansion of maritime competition beyond oil and energy to critical domains like rare earth elements, minerals, fishing grounds, and data, noting increasing global friction. He also flagged rising challenges like illegal fishing, deep-sea research encroachment, piracy, and narco-trafficking.
India launched the 16-nation maritime initiative, IOS SAGAR, with INS Sunayna.
The initiative aims to enhance regional maritime security and cooperation, especially amidst West Asia conflict.
Maritime competition is expanding beyond traditional energy resources to critical domains like rare earth elements and data.
The Central Armed Police Force (General Administration) Bill, 2026, was passed by a voice vote in the Lok Sabha, with the Opposition walking out due to the absence of Home Minister Amit Shah. Opposition MPs, including Rahul Gandhi, criticized the Bill and demanded it be referred to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) for deliberation, arguing it negatively impacts CAPF personnel's future, promotions, and dignity. Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai stated the Bill would bring administrative clarity, ensure promotions, and financial benefits, addressing delays caused by court cases. The Bill stipulates that a significant portion of higher-ranking posts in CAPFs will be filled by Indian Police Service officers on deputation.
The Central Armed Police Force (General Administration) Bill, 2026, was passed in Lok Sabha by voice vote.
Opposition parties walked out, protesting the Home Minister's absence and demanding the Bill be sent to a JPC.
The Bill aims to bring administrative clarity, ensure promotions, and provide financial benefits to CAPF personnel.
Exam Points
Bill Name: Central Armed Police Force (General Administration) Bill, 2026.
Home Minister: Amit Shah.
Minister of State for Home Affairs: Nityanand Rai.
The Education Ministry has issued a notification declaring the National Council for Educational Research and Training (NCERT) as a deemed university. This new status empowers NCERT and its six regional institutes to offer courses, programs, and grant degrees. The University Grants Commission (UGC) approved the recommendation in January. The notification includes conditions preventing NCERT from engaging in commercial or profit-making activities and mandates adherence to UGC norms for all academic programs. NCERT is directed to initiate research and doctoral programs and secure accreditation from NAAC and program ratings from the National Board of Accreditation.
NCERT has been notified as a deemed university by the Education Ministry.
This status allows NCERT and its six regional institutes to offer courses, programs, and grant degrees.
The notification includes conditions such as adhering to UGC norms and avoiding commercial activities.
Exam Points
Institution: National Council for Educational Research and Training (NCERT).
Approving body: University Grants Commission (UGC).
Accreditation bodies: National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC), National Board of Accreditation.
Read more
Read it. Retain it. Recall it.
Get spaced-repetition flashcards, daily quizzes and offline access — free on Android.