The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed a supplementary chargesheet against Hafiz Saeed, chief of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), and its proxy The Resistance Front (TRF), in connection with the Pahalgam terror attack of April 22, 2025. This attack resulted in the deaths of twenty-six civilians. The chargesheet details Pakistan's conspiracy, Saeed's role, and supporting evidence. LeT and TRF have been charged as legal entities for their role in planning and executing the attack, with the NIA continuing its probe into Pakistan's sponsorship of terrorism on Indian soil.
The NIA filed a supplementary chargesheet against Hafiz Saeed, LeT chief, and The Resistance Front (TRF) for the Pahalgam terror attack.
The attack, which occurred on April 22, 2025, led to the deaths of twenty-six civilians.
The chargesheet outlines Pakistan's conspiracy, Saeed's involvement, and supporting evidence gathered through scientific investigation.
Exam Points
Pahalgam terror attack occurred on April 22, 2025.
Twenty-six civilians were killed in the attack.
Hafiz Saeed (76) is the chief and founder of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).
Malkangiri, the southernmost Assembly constituency in Odisha, has registered the highest number of voter deletions in the draft electoral roll released by the Election Commission. Following the first phase of the special intensive revision (SIR) exercise, 27,653 names were left out of the draft roll from Malkangiri, constituting 10.96% of its total voters. A significant number of these deleted voters are settlers from Bangladesh who migrated to Odisha in the 1950s and 1980s and were settled in specially created villages.
Malkangiri Assembly constituency in Odisha recorded the highest number of voter deletions in the draft electoral roll.
27,653 names were deleted from Malkangiri, representing 10.96% of its total voters.
The deletions occurred during the first phase of the ongoing special intensive revision (SIR) exercise by the Election Commission.
Exam Points
Malkangiri recorded 27,653 voter deletions.
This constitutes 10.96% of the total voters (2,52,147) in the constituency.
The deletions are part of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma informed the Assembly that 31,789 illegal immigrants have been deported from the State over the last 40 years, based on the August 1985 Assam Accord. This accord mandates the detection and deportation of immigrants who entered illegally after March 24, 1971. Of the 1,72,673 detected illegal migrants since 1985, 2,366 were deported between 2011 and June 30 this year. Cases against 73,750 others are pending in Foreigners' Tribunals, and 174 declared foreigners are lodged in transit camps.
Assam has deported 31,789 illegal immigrants over the past 40 years, as stated by CM Himanta Biswa Sarma.
The deportations are based on the August 1985 Assam Accord, which sets March 24, 1971, as the cut-off date for illegal entry.
Out of 1,72,673 detected illegal migrants since 1985, 2,366 were deported between 2011 and June 30 this year.
Exam Points
31,789 illegal immigrants deported from Assam in 40 years.
August 1985 Assam Accord cut-off date: March 24, 1971.
Congress MLA Arif Masood plans to challenge Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav's decision to reconstitute the State Waqf Board with the inclusion of two non-Muslim (Hindu) members. This new 10-member board, formed under the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, is the first in the country to do so. Masood argues the matter related to various provisions of the new Act is pending before the Supreme Court, which had stayed the operation of certain contentious provisions in September last year. The BJP-led government, however, asserts it's the first state to implement the amended Waqf Act.
Congress MLA Arif Masood will move the Supreme Court against Madhya Pradesh's reconstitution of the State Waqf Board.
The new 10-member board includes two non-Muslim (Hindu) members, a first in the country under the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025.
The MLA argues that the matter related to contentious provisions of the new Act is sub judice in the Supreme Court.
Exam Points
Madhya Pradesh Waqf Board reconstituted with 2 Hindu members.
New board formed under Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025.
Act notified in April last year, mandates at least two non-Muslim members.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to reconsider a proposed amendment to the National Food Security Act, 2013. The amendment seeks to convert the existing household-based entitlement of 35 kg foodgrains per month under Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) to a per capita benefit of 7 kg per person, with an overall ceiling of 35 kg per household. CM Vijay argues this change would diminish food security for nearly 70 lakh vulnerable citizens in Tamil Nadu, particularly penalizing states with smaller families and reducing foodgrains for the poorest households.
Tamil Nadu CM C. Joseph Vijay opposes the proposed amendment to the National Food Security Act, 2013.
The amendment would change AAY entitlement from 35 kg per household to 7 kg per person, capped at 35 kg per household.
CM Vijay argues this would reduce food security for nearly 70 lakh vulnerable citizens in Tamil Nadu.
Exam Points
National Food Security Act, 2013.
Proposed amendment to first proviso to sub-section (1) of Section 3.
Existing AAY entitlement: 35 kg foodgrains per month per household.
This editorial argues that while the Supreme Court has consistently held voting as a statutory right, its evolving jurisprudence, which has constitutionalized various facets of the electoral process, makes this position incongruous. The Court has recognized the right to know about candidates, freedom of voting, secrecy of ballot, and the right to reject candidates as fundamental rights under Article 19(1)(a). Given that democracy is part of the Constitution's basic structure and free and fair elections are indispensable, the editorial contends that the core right to vote itself should be recognized as a fundamental right, flowing directly from Article 326.
The Supreme Court has historically treated the right to vote as a statutory right, not a fundamental one.
However, the Court has constitutionalized various aspects of voting, such as the right to know about candidates, freedom of choice, and secrecy of the ballot, under Article 19(1)(a).
The editorial highlights the paradox where the right to reject candidates is constitutionally protected, but the right to choose one remains statutory.
Exam Points
N.P. Ponnuswami vs Returning Officer (1952) held voting as a statutory right.
Jyoti Basu & Others vs Debi Ghosal & Others (1982) reaffirmed voting as a statutory right.
Kuldip Nayar vs Union of India (2006) reiterated voting as a statutory right.
The article discusses India's evolving stance on AI governance, initially aiming to center Global South needs at the India AI Impact Summit 2026. However, India's subsequent alignment with Pax Silica and adoption of a pro-innovation regulatory approach, influenced by the U.S., has shifted its position towards a "middle power" narrative. This shift raises concerns about potential dependency on U.S. tech, extraction of data and resources, and whether India can truly champion Global South interests while pursuing strategic autonomy. The author suggests India should reassert a vision of public purpose, user safety, and international cooperation within the Global South to build local AI ecosystems.
India initially aimed to prioritize Global South needs in AI governance at the India AI Impact Summit 2026.
India's alignment with Pax Silica and a pro-innovation regulatory approach has led to a "middle power" positioning, potentially compromising Global South solidarity.
This shift raises concerns about India becoming a consumer of U.S. tech, a site for data extraction, and a provider of cheap labor for American Big Tech.
Exam Points
India hosted the India AI Impact Summit 2026.
Previous summits: Bletchley Park (2023, U.K.), Seoul (2024), Paris (2025).
India joined Pax Silica, signaling strategic alignment with the U.S.-dominated semiconductor supply chain.
The article examines the future of the Quad, prompted by the Pentagon's renaming of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command back to the U.S. Pacific Command, signaling a potential shift in U.S. priorities. Criticisms against the Quad include its reluctance to explicitly name China, its hesitation to project itself as a security-centric grouping, and the lack of a 2+2 ministerial dialogue format. While the Quad's agenda shows a heavy focus on security-related domains (23 out of 37 initiatives), its funding patterns disproportionately favor health and climate, with a visible gap in capital commitment for resilient supply chains and critical technologies.
The Pentagon's renaming of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command back to the U.S. Pacific Command raises questions about the Quad's future and U.S. commitment.
Criticisms include the Quad's reluctance to explicitly name China and its hesitation to fully embrace a security-centric identity.
Despite 23 out of 37 initiatives being security-related, funding disproportionately favors health and climate, with a gap in capital for critical technologies and supply chains.
Exam Points
U.S. Indo-Pacific Command renamed back to U.S. Pacific Command on June 16.
The Quad has 37 initiatives, with 23 falling under security-related domains.
The Quad committed to mobilize $20 billion towards the Critical Minerals Initiative and Framework.
A potential 'super' El Niño and weak monsoon rainfall, with a 40% deficit in June and "below normal" forecast for July, threaten India's economy. A poor monsoon could reduce agricultural output, depress rural incomes, fuel food inflation, and slow GDP growth. CRISIL projects maize acreage decline and potential shifts to pulses, while the RBI warns of an adverse impact on growth-inflation outlook. Past El Niño years (1972, 1982, 2009, 2015) saw significant agricultural output contractions and double-digit inflation. Experts urge India to 'drought-proof' its economy through investments in irrigation, drought-resistant crops, and risk-reduction measures.
A weak monsoon, exacerbated by El Niño conditions, threatens India's economy through reduced agricultural output, lower rural incomes, and increased food inflation.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts "below normal" rainfall for July, following a 40% deficit in June.
Past El Niño years, such as 1972, 1982, 2009, and 2015, led to significant agricultural contractions and high inflation.
Exam Points
IMD forecast "below normal" rainfall for July (less than 94% of usual).
June monsoon ended with a 40% deficit.
Foodgrain output in 2024-25 was 357.73 million metric tonnes.
This article examines whether Bar Associations can collectively refuse to represent an accused, prompted by the Faizabad Bar Association's resolution in the Ayodhya Ram Temple embezzlement case. The Supreme Court has consistently ruled that such resolutions are illegal, unconstitutional, and unethical, affirming every accused's right to a fair trial and legal representation. Key judgments, like A.S. Mohammed Rafi v. State of Tamil Nadu (2010), declared such resolutions null and void. The Constitution (Article 22(1), Article 14, Article 21, Article 39A) and Bar Council of India Rules uphold the right to defense, emphasizing that special circumstances for refusal apply to individual advocates, not associations.
The Supreme Court has consistently held that Bar Association resolutions refusing to represent an accused are illegal, unconstitutional, and against professional ethics.
Every accused person has a fundamental right to a fair trial and legal representation, guaranteed by the Constitution.
Article 22(1) ensures the right to consult and be defended by a legal practitioner of choice.
Exam Points
A.S. Mohammed Rafi v. State of Tamil Nadu (2010) declared such resolutions "wholly illegal".
Article 22(1) of the Constitution guarantees the right to be defended by a legal practitioner.
Viral videos demonstrating the disabling of e-rickshaw batteries using mobile apps like BAT-BMS have exposed security flaws in imported Battery Management Systems (BMS) modules, primarily from China. These apps, designed for diagnostics, exploit a lack of authentication in Jiabaida BMS modules. The government's response of banning apps instead of addressing underlying supply chain vulnerabilities is criticized. The article highlights that almost all e-rickshaw components are imported, and existing regulations lack detailed standards for electronic components. Stronger supply chain oversight, security standards, and vetting of suppliers are needed to prevent such exploits.
Viral videos show e-rickshaw batteries being disabled using mobile apps that exploit vulnerabilities in Bluetooth Battery Management Systems (BMS).
The apps, like BAT-BMS, are designed for diagnostics but exploit a lack of authentication in imported Jiabaida BMS modules from China.
The government's response of banning apps is criticized as it fails to address the root cause: underlying security flaws in the supply chain.
Exam Points
Apps like BAT-BMS, Lossigy, Epoch-i-ion used for disabling batteries.
Vulnerabilities found in Jiabaida BMS modules (Chinese electronics company).
Prime Minister Narendra Modi commenced a three-nation tour in Indonesia, aiming to strengthen India's Act East Policy, MAHASAGAR Vision, and commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. Received by Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, Modi's visit marks his first bilateral trip to Indonesia since the elevation of ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2018. Discussions with President Subianto will focus on adding momentum to diverse sectors. Modi also visited the Prambanan Temple complex and witnessed Wayang Kulit, highlighting shared civilisational heritage. He will subsequently visit Australia and New Zealand.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi began a three-nation tour in Indonesia, Australia, and New Zealand.
The visit aims to strengthen India's Act East Policy, MAHASAGAR Vision, and commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.
This is PM Modi's first bilateral visit to Indonesia since the 2018 elevation of ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Exam Points
PM Modi's three-nation tour includes Indonesia, Australia, New Zealand.
MAHASAGAR Vision: Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security Across the Regions.
Indonesia ties elevated to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2018.
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, leading a delegation of Christian leaders, urged Union Home Minister Amit Shah to reconsider proposed changes to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA). The CM highlighted that Section 16A(5) of the proposed amendment, which empowers authorities to take over or dispose of assets created with foreign contributions if an organization's registration is cancelled, could disrupt religious, educational, and charitable institutions. Given that Christians comprise nearly 75% of Meghalaya's population, Sangma requested a consultative approach that considers the state's unique circumstances and the contributions of these organizations.
Meghalaya CM Conrad K. Sangma urged the Centre to reconsider proposed changes to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA).
The concern specifically targets Section 16A(5) of the proposed amendment.
This section would allow authorities to take over or dispose of assets created with foreign contributions if an organization's FCRA registration is cancelled.
Exam Points
Meghalaya CM: Conrad K. Sangma.
Union Home Minister: Amit Shah.
Proposed changes to Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA).
The test run for the second phase of the Census, named Population Enumeration (PE), which began in 16 States and Union Territories, includes an "open column" for respondents to record their castes. This pre-test, concluding on July 20, will inform the final methodology for the 2027 Census, which will be the first to enumerate caste in Independent India. While Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) have codes, other castes will be recorded as stated by residents. The "open column" methodology in the 2011 Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) resulted in over 46 lakh different caste names, which the government deemed unreliable.
The test run for the second phase of the 2027 Census, Population Enumeration (PE), includes an "open column" for caste enumeration.
This will be the first time caste is enumerated in Independent India, apart from SCs and STs, in a full Census.
The pre-test, currently underway in 16 States and UTs, will help finalize the methodology for the 2027 Census.
Exam Points
Second phase of Census named Population Enumeration (PE).
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will launch India's official campaign for a non-permanent seat at the UN Security Council for the 2028-29 term on July 13. Currently traveling in the Gulf region, he will arrive in New York on July 10 for the official ceremony. This bid requires significant diplomatic mobilization, especially as Tajikistan is the other candidate for the Asia-Pacific region, having secured support from the OIC bloc. The article notes that recent trends have not favored India's plans, citing the postponement of the India-Africa Forum Summit due to the Ebola outbreak in Africa.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will launch India's campaign for a non-permanent seat at the UN Security Council for the 2028-29 term.
The official launch is scheduled for July 13 in New York.
Tajikistan is the other candidate for the Asia-Pacific region seat, having secured support from the OIC bloc (57 member-states).
Exam Points
India's campaign for UN Security Council non-permanent seat for 2028-29 term.
Union Cooperation Minister Amit Shah announced that a cooperative life insurance company will soon be established to boost the growth of cooperatives in India. Speaking on the fifth Foundation Day of the Ministry, Shah stated that the Cooperation Ministry has revitalized the cooperative movement, which was "neglected" during the Congress rule. He highlighted the expansion of cooperatives beyond traditional sectors like dairy and sugar, citing Bharat Taxi's success. Shah also mentioned initiatives like creating a database of the sector, establishing Tribhuvan Sahkari University in Anand, Gujarat, and transferring/inaugurating numerous grain godowns to bring transparency and professionalism.
A cooperative life insurance company will be established soon to promote the growth of cooperatives in India.
Union Cooperation Minister Amit Shah stated that the Ministry has revitalized the cooperative movement.
Cooperatives are expanding beyond traditional sectors, with examples like Bharat Taxi's success in ride-hailing.
Exam Points
Union Cooperation Minister: Amit Shah.
Announcement made on the fifth Foundation Day of the Ministry.
Tribhuvan Sahkari University to be established in Anand, Gujarat.
An analysis by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) projects that El Niño conditions will significantly strain India's power system. Weaker wind and hydropower output, combined with rising demand for air conditioning, could create a generation gap of nearly 18 TWh over the next year. This shortfall, though less than 1% of total annual output, is likely to be filled by a surge in coal-fired power, leading to an estimated 17 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions. CREA urges faster adoption of batteries and grid upgrades to meet future demand surges with clean energy, criticizing the curtailment of solar and wind power in 2025-26.
El Niño conditions are projected to strain India's power system, leading to weaker wind and hydropower output.
A generation gap of nearly 18 TWh is anticipated over the next year due to reduced renewable output and increased demand for air conditioning.
This shortfall is likely to be met by a surge in coal-fired power, potentially releasing 17 million tonnes of carbon dioxide.
Exam Points
Analysis by Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA).
Representatives from BRICS member countries, converging in Guwahati for the Heads of Anti-Drug Agencies' Meeting 2026, emphasized the critical need for stronger international cooperation to combat drug trafficking. Lucas Barbosa of Brazil's Ministry of Foreign Affairs highlighted the long history of cooperation within the BRICS anti-drug working group and the intent to strengthen collaboration in law enforcement and intelligence sharing. Anurag Garg, Director-General of India's Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), underscored that drug abuse is an international scourge requiring collective global effort. Discussions will focus on emerging challenges like darknet marketplaces, cryptocurrencies, and maritime routes for drug trafficking.
BRICS member countries called for stronger international cooperation to combat drug trafficking at a meeting in Guwahati.
The BRICS anti-drug working group aims to enhance collaboration in law enforcement and intelligence sharing.
Drug trafficking is recognized as a transnational threat requiring coordinated action by all member countries.
Exam Points
BRICS Heads of Anti-Drug Agencies' Meeting 2026 held in Guwahati.
BRICS initially comprised Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa.
BRICS expanded to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Indonesia.
India's first privately developed orbital-class rocket, Vikram-1, is set to launch six payloads between July 12 and August 4. Among these are technology demonstration payloads from Graaha Space, Dcubed, and Skyroot's own SCOPE, along with Embrace payload from Cosmoserve Space. Notably, the rocket will also carry unique payloads celebrating creativity and scientific heritage: Cosmic Bloom, a diamond jewellery creation, and Microart, an 18K gold rocket holding micro-sculptures of Indian visionaries like Sir C.V. Raman, Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, and Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. This mission highlights India's growing innovation in the space sector.
India's first privately developed orbital-class rocket, Vikram-1, will launch six payloads.
The launch window for Vikram-1 is between July 12 and August 4.
Payloads include technology demonstrations from Graaha Space, Dcubed, Skyroot's SCOPE, and Cosmoserve Space's Embrace.
Exam Points
Rocket name: Vikram-1 (India's first privately developed orbital-class rocket).
The Indian Navy will commission its sixth indigenous Project 17A stealth frigate, Mahendragiri (F38), at Visakhapatnam on July 11. This commissioning marks a significant milestone in India's indigenous warship-building program. Designed by the Navy's Warship Design Bureau and built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited, Mumbai, the Mahendragiri is an advanced multi-role frigate. It features advanced stealth capabilities, reduced radar signature, and a high degree of automation, enhancing operational capabilities across the Indo-Pacific and reinforcing the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' initiative.
The Indian Navy will commission its sixth indigenous Project 17A stealth frigate, Mahendragiri (F38).
The commissioning ceremony will take place at Visakhapatnam on July 11.
Mahendragiri was designed by the Navy's Warship Design Bureau and built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited, Mumbai.
China test-fired a "strategic" missile carrying a dummy warhead from a submarine into the Pacific Ocean, prompting immediate condemnation from New Zealand, Australia, and Japan. New Zealand described it as a nuclear-capable long-range ballistic missile. This rare display of military might occurred on the same day Australia and Fiji signed a major defense treaty. Concurrently, China began its annual joint naval exercises with Russia off Qingdao. Regional nations expressed serious concerns, viewing China's actions as destabilizing and escalating tensions, while Russia defended China's sovereign right to conduct such tests.
China test-fired a "strategic" missile with a dummy warhead from a submarine into the Pacific Ocean.
New Zealand identified the missile as a nuclear-capable long-range ballistic missile.
The test coincided with Australia and Fiji signing a major defense treaty, and China beginning joint naval exercises with Russia.
The U.S. FDA's approval of vepdegestrant, the first PROTAC-based drug, for advanced breast cancer marks a significant advance in cancer therapy. PROTACs (proteolysis-targeting chimaeras) are designed to remove harmful proteins from cells, unlike conventional drugs that merely block them. This catalytic mechanism allows PROTACs to act multiple times and target "undruggable" proteins. Vepdegestrant specifically targets the oestrogen receptor, a driver of many breast cancers, offering new hope for patients with ESR1-mutated tumors. Despite challenges like molecule size and concentration-dependent activity, over 40 PROTAC candidates are in clinical trials for various diseases.
The U.S. FDA approved vepdegestrant, the first PROTAC-based drug, for ESR1-mutated, ER-positive, and HER2-negative advanced breast cancer.
PROTACs (proteolysis-targeting chimaeras) remove specific harmful proteins from cells by recruiting E3 ligases for degradation, acting catalytically.
This mechanism allows PROTACs to target proteins previously considered "undruggable" and potentially disrupt multiple protein roles.
Exam Points
U.S. FDA approved vepdegestrant on May 1.
Vepdegestrant is the first PROTAC-based drug approved by FDA.
The European Space Agency's Euclid telescope has discovered 31 quasars, including the two oldest ever observed, dating back to when the universe was roughly 670 million years old (five percent of its current age). Quasars, intensely luminous cores of distant galaxies powered by supermassive black holes, provide insights into the early evolution of galaxies. This discovery, published in Astronomy & Astrophysics, doubles the number of known ancient quasars. However, it also deepens the cosmic mystery, as these "monsters" existed far earlier and were much larger than previously thought possible, challenging current understandings of how they grew so massive so quickly in the early universe.
The Euclid space telescope has discovered 31 quasars, including the two oldest ever observed.
These quasars date back to when the universe was approximately 670 million years old, or five percent of its current age.
Quasars are intensely luminous cores of distant galaxies powered by supermassive black holes, providing insights into early galaxy evolution.
Exam Points
Telescope: European Space Agency's Euclid telescope.
Number of quasars discovered: 31.
Age of oldest quasars: roughly 670 million years old (5% of universe's current age).
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