The Supreme Court agreed to hear petitions alleging police excesses during a July 20 crackdown on student protesters by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP). This came after the Chief Justice clarified no prior petition was filed, criticizing "reckless" reports. CJP plans a website to document "police brutality." Meanwhile, the Centre sacked 47 National Testing Agency (NTA) officials and introduced amendments to the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, to combat paper leaks with tougher penalties and fast-track courts. The NTA is also undergoing a major overhaul, including senior-level recruitment.
The Supreme Court will hear petitions concerning alleged police brutality against student protesters during a CJP march on July 20.
The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) is launching a website to archive evidence of police excesses for legal proceedings.
The Central government has terminated 47 NTA officials and is strengthening the anti-paper leak law with stricter penalties and fast-track courts.
Exam Points
The Supreme Court agreed to hear two freshly instituted petitions on Monday, July 28, regarding police excesses during the July 20 crackdown.
The Centre terminated services of up to 47 officials in the National Testing Agency (NTA).
The Union Cabinet cleared amendments to the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, which was officially brought into force on June 21, 2024.
The Supreme Court indicated it would closely monitor the proposed overhaul of the NEET-UG examination and directed the Union government to file a detailed response. The court questioned the feasibility of shifting to a computer-based test (CBT) and the safeguards for data protection, noting that current ad hoc measures like deploying the Air Force are temporary fixes. The Bench emphasized the need for institutionalization to prevent future paper leaks and ensure data security, especially with a CBT transition. The government assured the court that the issue is being addressed at the highest executive levels.
The Supreme Court will closely monitor the government's proposed overhaul of the NEET-UG examination system.
The court has asked for a detailed response on the feasibility of a computer-based test (CBT) and the data security safeguards.
Justices P.S. Narasimha and Alok Aradhe highlighted that ad hoc measures are not sustainable long-term solutions.
Exam Points
The Supreme Court Bench comprised Justices P.S. Narasimha and Alok Aradhe.
The court posted the matter for further hearing on August 3.
The K. Radhakrishnan-led High-Level Committee of Experts was constituted by the Ministry of Education in 2024 to review NTA's functioning.
The Delhi High Court questioned the Election Commission's (EC) assertion that teachers are compensated and voluntarily deployed for the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Hearing a PIL challenging the large-scale deployment of government school teachers as Booth-Level Officers (BLOs), the court highlighted the adverse impact on students' education and the stress on teachers, citing a recent death. The Bench suggested that if participation is voluntary, the EC should state it, questioning if Article 324 grants the EC unlimited power.
The Delhi High Court is examining a PIL against the extensive deployment of government school teachers for electoral roll revision duties.
The court questioned the EC's claim that teachers' participation in election duties is voluntary and adequately compensated.
Concerns were raised about the negative impact on students' education due to teachers being withdrawn from classes.
Exam Points
The PIL was filed by advocates Rajesh Kumar Gogna and Ashok Agarwal.
A Bench of Chief Justice D.K. Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia heard the plea.
Suman Lata, a 51-year-old MCD primary school teacher assigned BLO duties, died of a heart attack.
The Supreme Court proposed establishing special courts for day-to-day trials in cases arising from the 2023 Manipur violence, aiming to expedite justice due to "inordinate delay." The court noted that the prevailing law and order situation, displacement of witnesses, internet suspension, and restrictions on investigating officers have hampered probes. It directed the CBI and SIT to expedite pending investigations and file chargesheets, asking the State government to provide full cooperation and collate case details to determine the required strength of these special courts.
The Supreme Court has proposed setting up special courts for day-to-day trials of cases related to the 2023 Manipur violence.
The court highlighted that the law and order situation, witness displacement, and internet suspension have caused significant delays in investigations.
CBI and SIT have been directed to expedite pending probes and file remaining chargesheets.
Exam Points
The Supreme Court Bench comprised Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana.
The court noted that chargesheets had been filed in 21 cases by the CBI, and closure reports in six cases.
Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati appeared for the State government, SIT, and CBI.
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai announced that his government would table a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill in the upcoming Winter Session of the Assembly. A five-member committee, headed by Supreme Court Justice (Retd.) Ranjana Prakash Desai, held its first meeting to draft the Bill. The committee is tasked with examining existing legal frameworks, making recommendations on issues like marriage, divorce, maintenance, inheritance, and adoption, and seeking suggestions from citizens and stakeholders. This follows Madhya Pradesh's recent passage of a UCC Bill with similar provisions, excluding tribal communities.
Chhattisgarh plans to introduce a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill in the upcoming Winter Session of its Assembly.
A five-member committee, led by Justice (Retd.) Ranjana Prakash Desai, has commenced drafting the UCC Bill.
The committee's mandate includes reviewing existing laws and recommending changes on personal law matters like marriage, divorce, and inheritance.
Exam Points
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister is Vishnu Deo Sai.
The UCC committee is headed by Supreme Court Justice (Retd.) Ranjana Prakash Desai.
Other committee members include retired IAS officers Shatrughan Singh and M.K. Raut, senior advocate Mohan Pawar, and former principal Jyoti Rani Singh.
Exceptional heavy rainfall in Gujarat, driven by a low-pressure system and a western disturbance, has virtually wiped out India's monsoon rainfall deficit for July. As of Friday, national rainfall for July matched the normal. However, cumulative monsoon rainfall from June 1 to July 24 remained 16.1% below normal nationwide, with East and Northeast India (E&NE) continuing to be the worst-performing region, experiencing a 31% deficit. IMD noted that while heavy rains occurred in the Northeast, it wasn't exceptional, as the monsoon trough was south of its normal position.
Heavy rainfall in Gujarat has significantly reduced India's monsoon deficit for July.
The rainfall was attributed to a low-pressure system from the Bay of Bengal and a western disturbance.
Despite July's recovery, cumulative monsoon rainfall from June 1 to July 24 remains below normal nationally.
Exam Points
As of Friday, rainfall across the country for July stood at 215.5 mm against a normal of 215 mm.
Cumulative monsoon rainfall from June 1 to July 24 remained 16.1% below normal nationwide.
East and Northeast India (E&NE) had a 31% rainfall deficit.
The Karnataka government is considering raising the annual income ceiling for Below Poverty Line (BPL) eligibility from ₹1.20 lakh to ₹3 lakh, based on recommendations from the Administrative Reforms Commission. This move aims to expand access to welfare benefits for more eligible families. The proposal will soon be placed before the Cabinet. Additionally, the state is rolling out the 'Anna Suvidha' scheme for doorstep ration delivery to elderly and vulnerable beneficiaries and plans to implement the Indira food kit under the Anna Bhagya scheme within two to three months.
Karnataka plans to increase the annual income ceiling for BPL eligibility from ₹1.20 lakh to ₹3 lakh.
The proposal is based on recommendations from the Administrative Reforms Commission.
The primary goal is to broaden access to state welfare benefits for more families.
Exam Points
The current BPL income ceiling in Karnataka is ₹1.20 lakh, proposed to be raised to ₹3 lakh.
K.H. Muniyappa is the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister.
The Administrative Reforms Commission made the recommendation.
The Union Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved a ₹1,264 crore project for the third and fourth lines of the Ballari-Guntakal rail section, spanning Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. This multi-tracking project, covering three districts, will add approximately 46 km to the existing Indian Railways network and is slated for completion by 2028-29. The initiative aims to enhance rail connectivity for about 99 villages, benefiting around seven lakh people, and improve logistics efficiency under the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan.
The Union Cabinet has approved a ₹1,264 crore multi-tracking rail project.
The project involves constructing third and fourth lines for the Ballari-Guntakal rail section across Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.
It will add about 46 km to the Indian Railways network and is expected to be completed by 2028-29.
Exam Points
The project cost is ₹1,264 crore.
The project is for the Ballari-Guntakal rail section.
The Karnataka High Court, observing increasing litigation concerning senior citizens' rights, directed the State to explore creating a comprehensive policy or legislative framework for "senior citizens in need of care and protection." The court suggested modeling this framework on the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015. This directive came while hearing a petition related to a 74-year-old woman abandoned by her children, whom the court ordered to be admitted to a government hospital for care at state expense, highlighting various forms of neglect and exploitation faced by the elderly.
The Karnataka High Court has urged the State to develop a comprehensive care mechanism for senior citizens.
The proposed framework should be similar to the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015.
The court noted a rise in litigation concerning neglect, abuse, and deprivation of rights for the elderly.
Exam Points
Justice Suraj Govindaraj passed the order.
The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, is cited as a model.
The Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Seniors Act, 2007, is the existing statutory framework.
India's aspiration to become a developed nation by 2047, 'Viksit Bharat', is incomplete without significantly increasing women's work participation. Despite better education, female labor force participation (LFPR) remains below 30%, among the lowest globally, and declined steadily between 1983 and 2018. While there was a post-2020 increase, it was largely distress-driven feminization of agriculture. The editorial argues that a 10-percentage-point increase in female WPR could add nearly two percentage points to GDP growth, emphasizing that women's employment is crucial for economic growth, productivity, and human capital development, advocating for policies like those in Tamil Nadu.
Increased female work participation is essential for India to achieve its 'Viksit Bharat' goals and sustain high economic growth.
India's female LFPR is critically low, below 30%, and has seen a long-term decline until 2018.
Recent increases in female employment are largely attributed to distress-driven feminization of agriculture, not quality non-farm jobs.
Exam Points
India aspires to become a developed country (Viksit Bharat) by 2047.
India's female LFPR remains below 30%.
A 10-percentage-point increase in female WPR could add nearly two percentage points to GDP growth.
The editorial highlights the vulnerability of Indian seafarers, who often work across multiple jurisdictions with unclear responsibility for their welfare, especially during crises like attacks in West Asia. With India being the second-largest supplier of seafarers globally, a robust State-led care mechanism is crucial. The government's "Seafarer First" response, including a dashboard and liaison officers, is a start, but continuous tracking and a standing maritime consular protocol are needed. The article advocates for designated officers in Indian missions, pressing flag States to honor obligations, and pushing for common international standards on repatriation and deployment in conflict zones.
Indian seafarers face significant risks due to their mobile workplaces and complex international jurisdictions, making their protection challenging.
India, as a major supplier of global seafarers, needs a comprehensive State-led mechanism for their care and protection.
The government's "Seafarer First" response, including tracking dashboards and liaison officers, is a positive step but requires institutionalization.
Exam Points
India's seafarer workforce is about 3.2 lakh as of June 2025.
India ranks second globally in seafarer supply, with over 12% of global supply.
International Transport Workers' Federation data shows 1,125 Indian seafarers were abandoned in 2025.
The CDSCO's approval of Qdenga, India's first dengue vaccine, is a significant step, following its licensing in over 40 countries and WHO prequalification. However, the editorial cautions against complacency. Concerns include the vaccine's varying protection against different serotypes (especially DENV-3 and DENV-4), the two-dose regimen's logistical challenges for mobile populations, and potential 'negative efficacy' issues in seronegative children from the TIDES trial. The article stresses the need for government negotiation for lower pricing to ensure affordability and uptake among high-risk populations, particularly in dense urban slums where conventional vector control is difficult.
India has approved Qdenga, its first dengue vaccine, following international licensing and WHO prequalification.
The vaccine's efficacy varies across the four dengue serotypes, with concerns about protection against DENV-3 and DENV-4.
Logistical challenges exist for administering the two-dose regimen, especially for highly mobile populations.
Exam Points
CDSCO (Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation) approved the Qdenga dengue vaccine.
Qdenga is developed by Japan-based Takeda.
There are four antigenically distinct dengue serotypes (DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, DENV-4).
The U.S. has announced permanent tariffs on 60 trading partners, including India, following an investigation into forced labor practices. While the temporary 10% tariffs expired, the new permanent tariffs are a result of findings that countries failed to prevent the import of goods made using forced labor. India's tariff rate is set at 10%, lower than the proposed 12.5% for other nations, because it recently banned the import of forced labor goods. This decision has elicited mixed reactions from Indian exporters, with some concerned about competitiveness while others see India's lower rate as a relative advantage compared to competitors like China and Vietnam.
The U.S. has imposed permanent tariffs on 60 trading partners based on findings related to forced labor in supply chains.
India's tariff rate is set at 10%, a lower rate than the 12.5% applied to many other countries.
India received a lower tariff due to its recent ban on the import of goods made using forced labor.
Exam Points
The U.S. imposed a temporary 10% tariff for 150 days, which expired on Friday.
The new permanent tariffs are a result of investigations under Section 301 of the Trade Act, 1974.
India's tariff rate is 10%, while 54 countries initially faced a proposed 12.5% tariff.
The Union Law Ministry reported that 2.45 lakh cases are pending in the country's Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs), including exclusive POCSO courts, as of December 31, 2025. This data was revealed a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for establishing fast-track courts to ensure speedy trials in paper leak cases. The FTSCs, established for expeditious disposal of rape and POCSO cases, registered 1,43,936 new cases in 2025 but disposed of only 66,500, highlighting a significant backlog and raising concerns about their effectiveness in achieving speedy justice.
Over 2.45 lakh cases are pending in Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs) across India.
FTSCs, including exclusive POCSO courts, were established for the expeditious disposal of rape and POCSO cases.
The data reveals a significant backlog, with new registrations far exceeding disposals in 2025.
Exam Points
As of April 30, 775 FTSCs were functional across 29 States and Union Territories.
These include 398 exclusive POCSO courts.
2,45,579 cases were pending as of December 31, 2025.
The Home Ministry introduced the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, in the Rajya Sabha, aiming to extend punishment for disrespect to the National Song, Vande Mataram, alongside the National Flag, Constitution, and National Anthem. The Bill was tabled amid disruptions from Left MPs who argued against its legislative competence and constitutionality, asserting that Parliament cannot rewrite constitutional settlements. Despite objections, the Bill was introduced after a voice vote, with the government emphasizing equal status for the National Song and Anthem as declared by Rajendra Prasad in 1950.
The Home Ministry introduced a Bill to amend the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971.
The Bill seeks to extend punishment for disrespect to the National Song, Vande Mataram.
Opposition MPs raised objections regarding the Bill's legislative competence and constitutionality.
Exam Points
The Bill is the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026.
It amends the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971.
Union Minister of State for Home Nityananda Rai introduced the Bill.
The Delhi High Court refused to grant an interim injunction to news agency Asian News International (ANI) in its copyright infringement suit against OpenAI. The court ruled that ANI failed to establish a prima facie case of copyright infringement, stating that OpenAI's use of ANI's literary works for training Large Language Models (LLMs) was covered by the fair dealing exception under Section 52(1)(a) of the Copyright Act. The court also noted that ANI had not shown any loss of subscribers or business and had offered OpenAI a license for its content, indicating quantifiable damages if successful. An injunction, the court added, would cause irreparable prejudice to OpenAI and the public, hindering AI development.
The Delhi High Court denied an interim injunction request by ANI against OpenAI for alleged copyright infringement.
The court found that OpenAI's use of ANI's content for training LLMs falls under the fair dealing exception of the Copyright Act.
ANI failed to demonstrate a prima facie case of copyright infringement or any direct financial loss.
Exam Points
Justice Amit Bansal delivered the ruling.
The case involves Section 52(1)(a) of the Copyright Act (fair dealing exception).
ANI had offered OpenAI a license for USD 7.5 million on October 2, 2024.
India dismissed Pakistan's allegations that it was deliberately causing floods in Pakistan's Punjab province by increasing water flow from the Chenab river, calling the reports "baseless." The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed that India continues to share "high-flood data" with Pakistan on "humanitarian grounds," having done so 23 times in 2025 alone. MEA officials stated that the non-operational status of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) has not impacted water-related cooperation between the two countries, emphasizing India's commitment to humanitarian data sharing despite the political context.
India refuted Pakistan's allegations of deliberately causing floods in its Punjab province.
The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that India shares "high-flood data" with Pakistan on humanitarian grounds.
Water-related cooperation has not been affected by the non-operational status of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT).
The Supreme Court prohibited the extraction, editing, dissemination, reposting, uploading, and monetization of audio and video recordings of judicial proceedings on social media and other digital platforms without prior permission. This interim order was issued in response to a PIL alleging that misuse of livestreamed court proceedings was "trivializing" the administration of justice and undermining its sanctity. While livestreaming aims for transparency, the court noted the absence of adequate safeguards led to courtroom exchanges being taken out of context for "sensationalism" and "commercial gain." The embargo, however, does not extend to news reporting.
The Supreme Court has banned unauthorized extraction, editing, and monetization of court video recordings on social media.
The decision aims to prevent the "trivializing" of justice and maintain the sanctity of judicial proceedings.
The court noted that livestreamed content was being taken out of context for sensationalism and commercial gain.
Exam Points
The Supreme Court Bench comprised Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana.
The PIL was filed by journalist Harshita Grover.
The order gives effect to the Supreme Court's 2022 'Model Rules for Live Streaming and Recording of Court Proceedings'.
The government has approved a new ₹3,030 crore scheme, Bharat Audyogik Vikas Yojana Rasayan (BHAVYA-Rasayan Scheme), to establish three large chemical parks, each spanning at least 2,000 acres. This initiative aims to make India self-reliant in the chemical sector. Information & Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated that each park could attract investments ranging from ₹20,000 crore to ₹50,000 crore, acting as a "multiplier" for economic growth. The scheme underscores the government's commitment to boosting domestic manufacturing and reducing import dependency in critical sectors.
The government has launched a ₹3,030 crore scheme to establish three large chemical parks.
Each park will cover at least 2,000 acres and aims to foster self-reliance in the chemical sector.
The scheme, named BHAVYA-Rasayan, is expected to attract significant investments, ranging from ₹20,000 crore to ₹50,000 crore per park.
Exam Points
The scheme is named Bharat Audyogik Vikas Yojana Rasayan (BHAVYA-Rasayan Scheme).
The total financial outlay for the scheme is ₹3,030 crore.
Each park will be spread across at least 2,000 acres.
Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd. (BPCL) announced that its refinery expansion plans remain on track despite tensions in West Asia. Director (Finance) Vetsa Ramakrishna Gupta stated that the recent flare-up is expected to be temporary, and crude prices would cool off, allowing BPCL to recoup losses. To mitigate supply disruptions, BPCL diversified its crude sources, increasing spot market purchases to about 69% in Q1 FY27 from 44% a year earlier. The company also increased LPG procurement from the U.S. spot market and implemented contingency steps to ensure adequate local LPG production.
BPCL's refinery expansion plans are not impacted by the ongoing tensions in West Asia.
The company anticipates the West Asia flare-up to be temporary, leading to eventual crude price stabilization.
BPCL has diversified its crude sources, significantly increasing spot market purchases.
Exam Points
Vetsa Ramakrishna Gupta is the Director (Finance) of BPCL.
Spot market purchases surged to about 69% in Q1 FY27 from 44% a year earlier.
Subhankar Sen is the Director (Marketing) of BPCL.
The government has issued a notification mandating that all telecom infrastructure providers, including those involved in cloud-based networks, mobile towers, and satellite gateways, must store all telecommunication data, logs, and information within India. The directive explicitly prohibits routing, sharing, or making available any copies of such data outside the country. This move is part of the government's strategy to shift from a licensing regime to light regulation under the Telecommunications Act 2023, aiming to enhance data security and national control over critical telecom infrastructure information.
All telecom infrastructure providers are now required to store telecommunication data, logs, and information within India.
The government has prohibited sharing or routing any copies of this data outside India.
This mandate applies to cloud-based networks, mobile towers, and satellite gateways.
Exam Points
The notification was issued by the Department of Telecom on July 20.
The directive is part of the authorisation framework under the Telecommunications Act 2023.
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has ruled that Zomato's platform fee, delivery charges, and restaurant commissions do not constitute an abuse of dominance or anti-competitive practices. The ruling came in response to a complaint alleging that Zomato charged inflated prices for food on its delivery platform compared to direct restaurant purchases. The CCI clarified that these charges are for legitimate and differentiated services provided by the online food delivery platform. It also noted that the business models of direct restaurant sales and online food delivery services are distinct, justifying the price variations.
The CCI has found that Zomato's platform fee, delivery charges, and restaurant commissions are not an abuse of dominance.
The ruling states these charges are for legitimate and differentiated services offered by the platform.
The complaint alleged inflated prices on Zomato compared to direct purchases from restaurants.
Exam Points
The ruling was made by the Competition Commission of India (CCI).
The complaint was filed by R. Suresh.
The complainant cited a price difference for ghee pongal, costing ₹198 on Zomato versus ₹105 directly.
U.S. missiles struck targets across Iran, from its Caspian coast to West Azerbaijan Province, after President Donald Trump vowed "major military punishment" for Tehran and its Houthi allies in Yemen. This escalation followed the collapse of an interim truce and the Houthis' naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran responded by firing at U.S. bases in neighboring Arab countries, warning of strikes on buildings used by U.S. personnel. Trump stated he was considering re-launching major combat operations in Iran, asserting they "haven't received enough pain yet" and that Iran would be held accountable for any further attacks.
The U.S. launched missile strikes across Iran following President Trump's threats of military action.
The strikes are a response to the Houthis' naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz and the collapse of an interim truce.
Iran retaliated by firing at U.S. military bases in neighboring Arab countries and warned of further strikes.
Exam Points
President Donald Trump issued threats against Iran and its Houthi allies.
U.S. airstrikes hit Piranshahr in West Azerbaijan Province and Qeshm Island.
Iran's Revolutionary Guards attacked U.S. military equipment depots at Al-Adiri (Camp Buehring), Camp Arifjan, and Camp Doha in Kuwait.
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