The Supreme Court is considering framing a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to ensure continuous judicial accessibility for urgent cases affecting life and liberty, such as illegal detentions, imminent demolitions, and custodial violence. The petition, filed by advocate Maheravish Rein, highlighted that courts cannot afford to close when fundamental rights are at stake. Chief Justice of India Surya Kant suggested a response time of within an hour for urgent mentions. Solicitor-General Tushar Mehta proposed that the SOP be prepared on the administrative side of the Supreme Court.
The Supreme Court is considering an SOP for urgent cases involving life and liberty to ensure continuous judicial accessibility.
The petitioner highlighted that the absence of such a mechanism leads to irreversible consequences, especially with late-night arrests and demolitions.
Chief Justice of India Surya Kant suggested a response time of within an hour for urgent mentions.
Exam Points
Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant headed the three-judge Bench.
The petition was filed by advocate Maheravish Rein.
Solicitor-General Tushar Mehta represented the State.
India has summoned the Iranian Deputy Chief of Mission to register a 'strong protest' following an Iranian missile attack on tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, which killed one Indian sailor and seriously injured several others. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal conveyed India's 'deepest concerns' and called for 'de-escalation' and a return to dialogue and diplomacy. The incident involved two UAE-flagged energy tankers carrying Indian seafarers. The UAE also condemned the attack as a 'blatant attack' and a 'clear breach of international law'.
India registered a strong protest with Iran after a missile attack killed an Indian sailor and injured several others in the Strait of Hormuz.
The External Affairs Ministry called for immediate de-escalation and a return to dialogue and diplomacy to ensure peace and stability in West Asia.
Two UAE-flagged energy tankers, MT Al Bahiyah and MT Mombasa, carrying Indian seafarers, were targeted.
Exam Points
The incident occurred in the Strait of Hormuz.
External Affairs Ministry spokesperson is Randhir Jaiswal.
One Indian sailor was killed and several injured in the attack.
The West Bengal government and the State Backward Classes Commission have withdrawn their separate pleas from the Supreme Court challenging a Calcutta High Court judgment that struck down the inclusion of 77 castes, including 75 Muslim communities, from the State's Other Backward Class (OBC) list. The previous Trinamool Congress government had filed these pleas. The newly elected Bharatiya Janata Party government has since discontinued religion-based categorisation schemes and regularised 66 communities, restoring their eligibility for 7% reservation.
The West Bengal government withdrew its plea in the Supreme Court against a Calcutta High Court verdict on OBC status.
The High Court had struck down the inclusion of 77 castes, including 75 Muslim communities, from the State's OBC list.
The Supreme Court clarified that its order would not prevent other aggrieved parties from pursuing an appeal.
Exam Points
The Calcutta High Court judgment was delivered on May 22, 2024.
The High Court struck down 77 classes of reservation, including 75 Muslim communities.
The Supreme Court Bench comprised CJI Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana.
Haryana has extended its special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls by 10 days until July 24, following a request from the State Chief Electoral Officer. The extension was granted because over 1.5% of voters had not submitted their enumeration forms by the original July 14 deadline. Gurugram district recorded the highest number of pending submissions, with 8.3% of its registered voters yet to submit forms. The CEO noted that 'uncollectable' forms, indicating deceased, absent, or shifted voters, stood at over 33 lakh statewide.
Haryana's special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls has been extended by 10 days until July 24.
The extension was necessary as over 1.5% of voters had not submitted their enumeration forms by the original deadline.
Gurugram district has the highest percentage of pending submissions, at 8.3% of registered voters.
Exam Points
The survey was extended by 10 days till July 24.
State Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) is A. Sreenivas.
Total 'uncollectable' forms in Haryana stood at 33,36,031 (16.15% of the State's total electorate).
The Karnataka High Court has adjourned the hearing until July 15 on a petition filed by Shivashankarappa S. Sahukar, challenging his suspension as chairperson of the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC). Governor had suspended Mr. Sahukar following allegations that his daughter secured a reserved government job using a fake income certificate. Justice Suraj Govindaraj adjourned the hearing to ascertain the legal interpretation of the Governor's power under Article 317(2) of the Constitution to suspend a SPSC chairperson or member during an inquiry.
The Karnataka High Court deferred the hearing on the suspension of the KPSC chairperson.
Shivashankarappa S. Sahukar challenged the Governor's suspension order.
The suspension followed allegations that his daughter obtained a government job with a fake income certificate.
Exam Points
The petitioner is Shivashankarappa S. Sahukar, chairperson of KPSC.
The case involves the interpretation of Article 317(2) of the Constitution.
The Union Ministry of Agriculture has notified a ban on paraquat dichloride, a herbicide associated with thousands of deaths due to self-harm, homicides, and accidental deaths in India. This decision follows similar bans by various states, including Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Kerala. Farmers commonly use paraquat dichloride after harvest to clear land for the next crop. Doctors Against Paraquat campaigner, Marri Mahesh Reddy, welcomed the ban, highlighting the absence of an antidote for the chemical.
The Union government has banned paraquat dichloride, a herbicide.
The herbicide is linked to thousands of deaths from self-harm, homicides, and accidental causes.
Several states, including Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Kerala, had already banned the chemical.
Exam Points
The ban was notified by the Union Ministry of Agriculture.
Paraquat dichloride is the banned herbicide.
Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Kerala had previously banned it.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visits to Australia and New Zealand underscore India's increased focus on strategic partnerships in the Indo-Pacific, aiming to manage global uncertainties and protect its vital interests. These visits reflect India's Act East Policy and MAHASAGAR vision. With Australia, India adopted a new Joint Declaration on Defence and Security Cooperation, enhancing interoperability and establishing an Annual Defence Ministers' Dialogue. A formal strategic partnership with New Zealand includes maritime cooperation and mutual logistics support, alongside efforts to expand bilateral trade and explore agricultural cooperation.
PM Modi's visits to Australia and New Zealand signify India's enhanced focus on strategic partnerships in the Indo-Pacific.
India aims to manage global uncertainties and protect its vital interests through these partnerships.
With Australia, a new Joint Declaration on Defence and Security Cooperation was adopted, enhancing military interoperability.
Exam Points
Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Australia and New Zealand.
Key initiatives include the India-Australia Joint Declaration on Defence and Security Cooperation and the India-Australia Maritime Security Collaboration Roadmap.
The MAHASAGAR vision stands for Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions.
India-United States defence cooperation is characterized by ambitious political announcements that often fail to translate into industrial outcomes, despite significant procurement. While India has acquired over $22 billion in U.S. defence equipment since 2002, meaningful co-production and technology transfer remain elusive. The impasse over the GE F414 fighter engine, DTTI, iCET, and INDUS-X initiatives exemplify this gap. The core issue lies in differing philosophies: India seeks advanced technologies for indigenous manufacturing, while the U.S. views them as strategic assets governed by stringent export-control regulations like ITAR.
India-U.S. defence cooperation is marked by a disparity between ambitious political declarations and limited industrial outcomes.
Despite significant U.S. defence equipment procurement, co-production and technology transfer have been elusive.
The GE F414 fighter engine deal, DTTI, iCET, and INDUS-X initiatives illustrate the challenges in translating ambition into delivery.
Exam Points
India has acquired over $22 billion worth of U.S. defence equipment since 2002.
The GE F414 fighter engine deal is a key example of unresolved negotiations.
Defence Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI) was conceived in 2012.
Trial in absentia refers to a criminal trial conducted in the absence of the accused. Under Section 356 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), it is permitted if a 'proclaimed offender' has absconded to evade trial and there is no immediate prospect of arrest. This provision allows the court to proceed with inquiry, trial, and judgment as if the accused were present. The BNSS introduces procedural safeguards, including issuance of consecutive warrants, public notices, and appointment of a defence lawyer, to ensure a fair trial, a significant departure from the more limited provisions of the previous CrPC.
Trial in absentia is a criminal trial conducted in the absence of the accused.
Section 356 of the BNSS allows for trial in absentia for 'proclaimed offenders' in cases of serious offences.
The BNSS provision is a significant expansion compared to the limited scope under the previous CrPC.
Exam Points
The concept is defined under Section 356 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).
A 'proclaimed offender' is defined under Section 84 of the BNSS.
The previous law was the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) 1973.
India's maiden crewed space mission, Gaganyaan, involves an orbital module comprising a crew module and a service module. The crew module is designed to survive the intense thermo-structural loads of re-entry and safely splash down. Engineers prioritize internal volume, aerodynamic lift/drag management, and stability. A sphere-cone configuration is chosen for its aerodynamic stability and ability to manage g-forces during descent. Managing dynamic instability during re-entry, especially at transonic speeds, is crucial and is achieved through control thrusters or parachute deployment to prevent uncontrolled oscillations.
Gaganyaan is India's first crewed space mission, with astronauts onboard the Orbital Module (OM).
The OM consists of a crew module (habitat) and a service module (on-orbit support), which separate during descent.
The crew module is specifically designed to withstand intense re-entry loads and ensure a safe splashdown.
Exam Points
Gaganyaan is India's maiden crewed space mission.
The launch vehicle is Human-rated Launch Vehicle Mark (HLVM) 3.
The Orbital Module (OM) comprises the crew module and service module.
Protein biosensors are revolutionizing medical diagnostics by enabling rapid detection of disease-relevant proteins, crucial for conditions like sepsis. Building on Leland C. Clark, Jr.'s 1962 work, modern biosensors pair biological recognition elements with transducers. Aptamers, synthetic DNA/RNA strands, have replaced antibodies due to their stability and cost-effectiveness. Nanotechnology, incorporating materials like gold nanoparticles and graphene, enhances sensitivity. The integration of CRISPR and multi-marker detection further improves diagnostic accuracy. Future developments include wearable monitoring and closed-loop therapeutic systems, though challenges in calibration and clinical validation remain.
Protein biosensors offer rapid diagnosis for medical emergencies by detecting disease-relevant proteins in blood.
Aptamers, synthetic DNA/RNA strands, are now preferred over antibodies as recognition elements due to their stability and cost-effectiveness.
Nanotechnology, using materials like gold nanoparticles and graphene, significantly enhances biosensor sensitivity.
Exam Points
Leland C. Clark, Jr. and Champ Lyons described the first functional biosensor in 1962.
Aptamers are short, synthetic strands of DNA or RNA.
CRISPR enzymes are coupled with aptamers for enhanced signal detection.
The Supreme Court has refrained from restoring the status quo ante at the Bhojshala-Kamal Maula mosque complex, citing a desire to avoid 'tension' in the 'very sensitive' issue. Instead, the court suggested that the Madhya Pradesh government identify an open space nearby for the Muslim community to offer Friday namaz as an ad hoc measure until the case is finally decided. The Bench also prohibited the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) from making any structural alterations to the disputed structure without its prior permission. This follows a Madhya Pradesh High Court ruling that declared the complex a temple dedicated to Goddess Saraswati.
The Supreme Court declined to restore status quo ante at the Bhojshala-Kamal Maula complex to prevent tension.
The court suggested a temporary prayer space for Muslims near the disputed site for Friday namaz.
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is prohibited from making structural alterations without the Supreme Court's permission.
Exam Points
The disputed site is the Bhojshala-Kamal Maula mosque complex in Dhar district, Madhya Pradesh.
The Supreme Court Bench was headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant.
Senior advocates A. M. Singhvi and Huzeifa Ahmadi appeared for the Muslim appellants.
The India-U.K. Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) and the Double Contribution Convention (DCC) are set to come into force today, described by Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal as a 'gold standard' and one of India's most ambitious FTAs. The CETA will see the U.K. immediately eliminate tariffs on 96.8% of its lines, while India will do so on 30.3%. The DCC is a 'game changer' for India's services sector, exempting Indian workers and employers from double social security contributions for five years, benefiting over 75,000 Indian workers.
The India-U.K. Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) and Double Contribution Convention (DCC) come into force today.
The CETA is hailed as a 'gold standard' and one of India's most ambitious free trade agreements.
The U.K. will immediately eliminate tariffs on 96.8% of its tariff lines, covering 97.7% of trade value.
Exam Points
The India-U.K. CETA and DCC were signed in July last year.
Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal described the deals.
The U.K. will eliminate tariffs on 96.8% of its tariff lines.
The Government of India has issued a notification banning the import of goods manufactured using forced labour, a significant step towards securing an interim trade agreement with the U.S. This move comes as the U.S. is conducting a probe into countries, including India, for allegedly failing to enforce prohibitions on forced labour, proposing a 12.5% tariff. India had protested these proposed tariffs. The ban aligns India's trade framework with international standards, as defined by the ILO Forced Labour Convention, 1930 (No. 29).
India has banned the import of goods produced using forced labour.
This policy shift aims to facilitate an interim trade agreement with the U.S.
The U.S. is investigating India and other countries for failing to enforce forced labour prohibitions.
Exam Points
The ban was issued by the Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
The U.S. had proposed a 12.5% tariff on goods from countries failing to enforce forced labour prohibitions.
The definition of 'forced labour' is based on the ILO Forced Labour Convention, 1930 (No. 29).
The government's inaugural Index of Services Production (ISP) reveals that 14 out of 19 sub-sectors experienced double-digit growth in April 2026. Accommodation and food, retail trade, administrative and support services, and real estate were among the best-performing sectors. The ISP, designed as the services sector counterpart to the Index of Industrial Production (IIP), represents a significant milestone in strengthening India's statistical system and improving the measurement of the services sector, which accounts for over half of the country's economic activity. The base year for the trial ISPs is 2024-25.
The inaugural Index of Services Production (ISP) has been released by the government.
14 out of 19 sub-sectors in the services sector showed double-digit growth in April 2026.
Top-performing sectors included accommodation and food, retail trade, and real estate.
Exam Points
The Index of Services Production (ISP) is the new index.
14 of 19 sub-sectors grew in double digits in April 2026.
Wholesale Price Index (WPI) inflation increased to 9.87% in June, up from 9.68% in May. This rise was primarily driven by a sharp spike in prices of food articles and non-food articles. Food inflation alone rose to 5.49% in June, attributed to a rainfall deficit due to the El Niño impact. Other major contributors to the WPI inflation included mineral oils, manufactured basic metals, and chemicals and chemical products. The WPI data is based on the 2022-23 base year.
Wholesale Price Index (WPI) inflation rose to 9.87% in June from 9.68% in May.
The increase was primarily due to higher prices of food articles and non-food articles.
Food inflation rose significantly to 5.49% in June, partly due to the El Niño impact causing rainfall deficit.
The Supreme Court questioned the CBSE's classification of English as a 'non-native language' within its three-language scheme, which mandates Class 9 students to study at least two 'native to India' languages. A Bench led by CJI Surya Kant asked if English, spoken for over 300 years and used for official communication in several states, could be considered an indigenous Indian language. Petitioners highlighted a severe human resource crunch and lack of books for implementing the scheme for 22 Scheduled languages. CBSE, in an affidavit, acknowledged resource challenges but suggested flexible staffing, including retired teachers and virtual teaching.
The Supreme Court questioned CBSE's classification of English as a 'non-native language' in its three-language scheme.
The three-language scheme requires Class 9 students to study at least two 'native to India' languages.
Petitioners raised concerns about a human resource crunch and lack of teaching materials for 22 Scheduled languages.
Exam Points
The Supreme Court Bench was headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant.
The CBSE (Central Board of Secondary Education) issued the circular on July 10.
The scheme impacts students in Classes 5, 6, and 9.
The Centre has released the draft National Health Research Policy 2026, aiming to align India's scientific research with its disease burden and public health priorities. The policy proposes a wide-ranging restructuring of the health research ecosystem, focusing on indigenous innovation and evidence-based policymaking. It seeks to address issues like fragmented research efforts, regional disparities, and slow translation of findings into healthcare. Key proposals include a system for identifying priority research areas, a three-tier governance structure, and core principles like ethics, data governance, and community participation.
The draft National Health Research Policy 2026 aims to align research with India's disease burden and public health priorities.
It proposes a comprehensive restructuring of India's health research ecosystem.
The policy seeks to address existing problems such as fragmented research and regional disparities in research capacity.
Exam Points
The policy is titled 'National Health Research Policy, 2026'.
It was prepared by the Department of Health Research.
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is designated as the scientific and technical lead.
The Union government has informed the Supreme Court that it has amended the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act (RPWD) of 2016 to include victims of acid ingestion. The new definition of 'acid attack victim' now covers individuals with internal injuries caused by the ingestion of acid or similar corrosive substances. This amendment has retrospective effect, allowing past victims to claim benefits under the 2016 Act. The move follows the Supreme Court's intervention, which had urged the Centre to expand the definition, noting that the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) already penalizes both acid-throwing and administration.
The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act (RPWD) of 2016 has been amended to include victims of acid ingestion.
The new definition of 'acid attack victim' covers internal injuries from ingesting corrosive substances.
The amendment has retrospective effect, allowing past victims to claim benefits under the Act.
Exam Points
The amendment was made to the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act (RPWD) of 2016.
A notification was issued on May 22 by the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
The Supreme Court used Article 142 of the Constitution for judicial intervention.
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