The Supreme Court has asked the Union government to respond within four weeks to petitions filed by multiple States, including Tamil Nadu, Kerala, West Bengal, and Rajasthan, challenging the constitutional validity of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025. The States contend that the amendments undermine federal principles, infringe upon the rights of State governments, and affect the autonomy of Waqf boards by altering the composition of boards and centralising control. The Centre defends the act, citing transparency and better governance, with the hearing scheduled for November 5, 2026.
Several States have challenged the constitutional validity of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025.
Petitioners argue that the amendments violate federal principles and encroach upon State autonomy.
The Supreme Court has given the Centre four weeks to respond, with hearings set for November 5, 2026.
Exam Points
Hearing scheduled for November 5, 2026.
Supreme Court bench comprises Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai and Justice K. Vinod Chandran.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has expressed deep concern over the growing influence of hate speech, misinformation, money power, and social media misuse in the electoral process, calling them a serious threat to free and fair elections. The ECI stressed its readiness to take strict action against violators, seeking greater cooperation from political parties, social media companies, and civil society to curb harmful content and ensure unbiased voter information. The commission highlighted targeted propaganda and fake news as major challenges that undermine public trust in democratic institutions.
The ECI has warned against the growing threats of hate speech, misinformation, and money power in elections.
The commission emphasized its preparedness to take strict legal action against violators of election rules.
Greater cooperation from political parties and tech platforms is urged to curb digital propaganda.
Exam Points
Election Commission of India headquartered in New Delhi.
Focus areas include digital platform monitoring and stricter enforcement of the model code of conduct.
Norway is proposing temporary restrictions on smart glasses in public spaces due to growing concerns over privacy, data protection, and security. The move follows recommendations by the country's Electoral Commission and comes amid scrutiny of the technology's potential misuse for covert recording, facial recognition, and surveillance. While not a blanket ban, the proposal addresses immediate risks while a comprehensive legal framework is developed. The Norwegian government is working on detailed rules with potential exemptions for research, healthcare, and law enforcement.
Norway proposes restrictions on smart glasses in public to protect citizen privacy and data security.
Concerns highlight risks of covert recording, facial recognition, and unauthorized surveillance.
The government is formulating detailed rules while allowing potential exemptions for research and law enforcement.
Exam Points
Proposal targets smart glasses with camera and AI features.
Exemptions are considered for specific uses such as research, healthcare, and law enforcement.
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