The National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) announced its latest rankings, with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Madras, securing the top overall position for the seventh straight year. It also remained the country's best engineering college for the tenth consecutive year. IISc Bengaluru topped the universities and research categories. However, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan criticized the 'peer perception' parameter, which accounts for 10% of the marks, suggesting it might favor metropolitan institutions over state-run or rural ones. The rankings consider parameters like teaching, learning, resources, and graduation outcomes to evaluate higher education quality.
- NIRF provides a standardized framework to rank higher education institutions across India based on specific metrics.
- IIT Madras has maintained its dominance in both the overall and engineering categories for several years.
- The 'peer perception' parameter is under scrutiny for potential regional bias against non-metropolitan institutions.
The 56th GST Council meeting introduced significant rate rationalizations to boost consumption and simplify the tax structure. Key changes include reducing GST on entry-level cars, medical products, and insurance premiums. The Council moved towards a 'GST 2.0' framework, aiming for a simpler two-rate structure (12% and 18%) while addressing inverted duty structures in sectors like textiles and fertilizers. While sectors like auto and pharma welcomed the moves, airlines and high-end apparel makers expressed concerns over higher slabs. The removal of the compensation cess marks a shift in the federal fiscal landscape, requiring states to seek alternative revenue sources.
- The GST Council is a federal body where states and the center collaborate on tax rates and policy reforms.
- Rate cuts on insurance premiums aim to increase social security and insurance penetration among senior citizens and low-income families.
- The move towards a two-rate structure (12% and 18%) is intended to reduce compliance burdens and tax complexity.
This explainer examines the ongoing debate regarding the 50% ceiling on reservations in India. While the Indra Sawhney case (1992) established this limit to balance equality of opportunity with affirmative action, several states are pushing for higher quotas based on population data. The article explores Articles 15 and 16, which guarantee equality and allow for special provisions for backward classes. It also discusses the EWS reservation, which was upheld by the Supreme Court despite exceeding the 50% limit, and the recent debate over sub-categorization within SC/ST groups to ensure benefits reach the most marginalized.
- Articles 15 and 16 provide the constitutional basis for reservations in education and public employment.
- The 50% cap was established in the Indra Sawhney (Mandal) case but is not an absolute constitutional limit.
- The 103rd Constitutional Amendment introduced 10% EWS reservation, pushing the total beyond 50% in many states.
The Union Home Ministry has issued an order exempting Sri Lankan Tamil refugees who entered India before January 9, 2015, from penal provisions under the Passport and Foreigners Acts. This means those without valid documents will not be treated as illegal migrants or face fines and imprisonment. The government clarified that this exemption is distinct from the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) and does not automatically extend the CAA cut-off date. The move is seen as a step toward providing relief to long-term refugees while maintaining the standard naturalization process for citizenship, which requires 11 years of residency.
- Refugees entering before Jan 9, 2015, are exempt from prosecution for lack of valid travel documents or visas.
- The exemption applies to those who opt to stay in India or voluntarily return to Sri Lanka.
- This order is separate from the CAA 2019, which has a different cut-off date and target group.
Data reveals that less than 40% of India's projected population of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) have been issued a Unique Disability ID (UDID) Card. This card is essential for accessing government benefits, including the ADIP scheme for assistive devices and reservations in jobs and education. Delays in processing applications (over 60% pending for more than six months) and digital literacy barriers are primary reasons for low coverage. States like West Bengal show extremely low coverage (6%), while Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra perform better. The lack of updated census data further complicates accurate targeting and resource allocation.
- The UDID card is a national database for PwDs implemented by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities.
- It enables access to schemes like ADIP (Assistance to Persons with Disabilities) for wheelchairs, hearing aids, and prostheses.
- Digital literacy and the shift to online applications have excluded many PwDs who cannot navigate digital interfaces.
Following a Calcutta High Court order, the Centre is set to resume MGNREGA in West Bengal after a three-year hiatus due to alleged irregularities. However, the revival faces significant hurdles, including the mandatory Aadhaar-Based Payment System (ABPS) and the National Mobile Monitoring System (NMMS). Millions of workers, particularly women and marginalized groups, remain non-compliant with ABPS. The article emphasizes that restarting the scheme requires more than just a 'green signal'; it needs trust-building, logistical preparation, and administrative muscle to ensure that no worker is left behind due to technological bottlenecks.
- MGNREGA provides a vital safety net of 100 days of guaranteed work for rural households.
- The scheme was halted in West Bengal in March 2022 over 'widespread irregularities' involving over ₹10,000 crore.
- Technological requirements like ABPS and NMMS (geo-tagged photos) are major barriers for rural workers with limited digital access.
The passage of the Indian Ports Bill 2025 and the Merchant Shipping Act 2025 marks a significant shift in India's maritime governance. While intended to modernize outdated laws from 1908 and 1958, critics argue these reforms centralize power at the expense of states. The new Ports Act allows the Centre to direct State maritime boards, potentially undermining cooperative federalism. The Merchant Shipping Act introduces 'partial' Indian ownership, including OCI and foreign entities, which raises security concerns. The article calls for a course correction to balance ease of doing business with federal balance and maritime security.
- The Indian Ports Bill 2025 replaces the 1908 Act to streamline maritime governance and align with global practices.
- Critics highlight the centralization of power in the Maritime State Development Council, chaired by the Union Minister.
- The Merchant Shipping Act 2025 allows for partial foreign ownership of Indian-flagged vessels.
This opinion piece discusses the lack of transparency in the Supreme Court Collegium, highlighted by Justice B.V. Nagarathna's recent dissent regarding a judicial appointment. It argues that the 'culture of justification' is missing in the judiciary's own administrative decisions. While the Collegium system vests power in senior judges, the lack of public reasoning for appointments or rejections erodes institutional legitimacy. The author suggests that the judiciary must subject itself to the same standards of openness it demands from other branches of government to maintain public trust and democratic accountability.
- The Collegium system is a product of judge-made law from the Second (1993) and Third (1998) Judges Cases.
- Dissent within the Collegium is rarely made public, leading to a perception of total opacity in judicial appointments.
- Comparisons are drawn with the UK and South Africa, where judicial selection processes involve more public scrutiny.
The Supreme Court is hearing arguments from states like West Bengal and Karnataka regarding delays by Governors in assenting to bills. Senior advocates argue that under Article 200, Governors must return bills 'as soon as possible,' which should be interpreted as 'forthwith' or 'immediately.' They contend that Governors, as titular heads, cannot sit on bills indefinitely or question their constitutionality, as that role belongs to the judiciary. The states argue that such delays obstruct the will of the people and violate the federal structure, emphasizing that Governors must act on the 'aid and advice' of the State Cabinet.
- Article 200 requires Governors to either assent, withhold assent, or reserve bills for the President 'as soon as possible.'
- States argue that Governors are bound to grant assent if the legislature re-passes a bill after it was returned.
- The 'forthwith' interpretation aims to prevent Governors from creating a constant state of conflict with elected governments.
The 56th GST Council meeting, chaired by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, decided to simplify the tax structure into primarily two slabs: 5% and 18%. A significant move includes removing the 18% GST on life and health insurance policies to make them more affordable. A 'special rate' of 40% will be introduced for 'sin goods' and luxury items like tobacco, large cars, and yachts. The changes, effective from September 22, aim to reduce prices for daily-use items, food, and life-saving medicines while addressing the long-pending inverted duty structure in sectors like textiles and fertilizers.
- The GST structure is being streamlined to 5% and 18% slabs for most goods and services.
- Health and life insurance premiums are now exempt from GST, moving from 18% to 0%.
- A 40% special rate applies to sin goods like tobacco and super-luxury items like yachts and large cars.
The Union Home Ministry has notified the Immigration and Foreigners Order, 2025, granting Foreigners Tribunals (FTs) in Assam the powers of a first-class judicial magistrate. This allows FTs to issue arrest warrants if individuals whose nationality is contested fail to appear in person. The order replaces the Foreigners (Tribunal) Order, 1964, and aims to streamline the process of sending 'foreigners' to detention or holding centres. This move follows the repeal of four other laws by Parliament in April 2025. The order also bars 'foreigners' from employment in private or state undertakings.
- FTs can now send persons to detention centres if they fail to produce proof that they are 'not a foreigner.'
- The order is currently unique to Assam, where 100 FTs are operational.
- Designated Border Guarding Forces or the Coast Guard are tasked with preventing illegal migration.
Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar has approached the Supreme Court seeking to exclude the State Chief Minister from the selection process of Vice-Chancellors (V-Cs) for state-run universities. The Governor argues that according to University Grants Commission (UGC) regulations, the Chancellor (Governor) has the sole prerogative to select V-Cs from a list submitted by a search committee. He contends that the State Universities Act does not envisage a role for the CM and that political interference undermines the independence and autonomy of higher education institutions.
- The Governor claims UGC regulations override state laws regarding university appointments.
- The petition seeks to implead the UGC to clarify the mandatory requirement of its nominees in search panels.
- The Governor argues that as Chancellor, he is not expected to act on the advice of the Cabinet for university appointments.
A five-judge Supreme Court bench, while hearing a Presidential Reference, observed that Governors cannot indefinitely delay or sit over bills passed by state legislatures. The court emphasized that no organ can impair the functioning of the Constitution or the legislature's wisdom. This follows an April 8 judgment regarding the Tamil Nadu Governor, where a three-month deadline was suggested. The bench is debating whether 'deemed assent' should apply if deadlines are missed. The Centre argued Governors have absolute power under Article 200, while States contend such delay thwarts the constitutional scheme.
- Governors must act with immediacy and cannot assume 'royalty' status in a Republic.
- The Supreme Court is examining if a general timeline, such as three months, can be imposed on constitutional heads for bill assent.
- Article 200 of the Constitution governs the Governor's power to assent, withhold, or reserve bills for the President.
Supreme Court Justice B.V. Nagarathna has issued a multi-faceted dissent against the Collegium's proposal to elevate Justice Vipul Manubhai Pancholi to the apex court. Her dissent touched upon the criteria for elevation, including seniority and regional representation. She noted that several senior women High Court judges were overlooked and expressed concerns that the appointment might be 'counter-productive' to the administration of justice. Justice Nagarathna emphasized that judicial appointments must be free from the fear of other powers and should ensure diversity in region, gender, and community.
- Justice Nagarathna's dissent is the first from a woman Supreme Court judge regarding Collegium elevations.
- She highlighted that Justice Pancholi ranked 57th in all-India seniority, questioning the bypass of more senior judges.
- The dissent emphasized the need for diversity in region, gender, and community within the Supreme Court.
The Ministry of Tribal Affairs has launched the beta version of 'Adi Vaani,' a mobile application and website designed to translate Adivasi languages to and from Hindi and English. This initiative aims to bridge communication gaps for remote tribal communities and preserve linguistic heritage. In its initial phase, the app supports languages including Gondi, Bhili, Mundari, Santali, Kui, and Garo. The project is described as a landmark step toward digital empowerment for tribal youth and inclusive tribal development, having been in development for over a year.
- Adi Vaani is a translation application and website launched by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.
- The app supports translation between Adivasi languages and Hindi/English.
- Initial supported languages include Gondi, Bhili, Mundari, Santali, Kui, and Garo.
The Supreme Court has intervened in a dispute where Tamil Nadu alleged the Centre withheld over ₹3,000 crore in Samagra Shiksha scheme funds. The Centre's refusal stems from the state's reluctance to implement the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, specifically the three-language formula. Tamil Nadu argues that linking funds to NEP compliance is arbitrary and challenges regional linguistic diversity. The court has sought a response from the Centre regarding the delinking of Right to Education (RTE) reimbursements from the state's financial obligations under the scheme.
- Tamil Nadu claims the Centre refused to part with its share under the Samagra Shiksha scheme due to NEP 2020 disagreements.
- The state raised concerns that the NEP's three-language policy with a premium on Hindi challenges regional linguistic diversity.
- The 2009 RTE Act requires private schools to admit 25% of students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
The Supreme Court is currently examining the issue of restoring statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, highlighting the importance of India's federal design. Under Article 1, India is a 'Union of States,' a unique system combining federal and unitary features. While Article 3 allows Parliament to reorganize states, federalism is recognized as part of the 'Basic Structure' of the Constitution. The article argues that without a robust federal design, the Rajya Sabha's permanent status under Article 83(1) would lose its purpose. The restoration of statehood is seen as essential to protecting the constitutional rights of citizens and maintaining the Union's integrity.
- The Supreme Court has sought a detailed response from the Centre regarding the timeline for J&K's statehood.
- Article 1 defines India as an indestructible union of destructible states, emphasizing 'Union' over 'Federation'.
- Federalism is a part of the Basic Structure of the Constitution, meaning it cannot be abridged by Parliament.
The Department of Revenue and CBDT have completed a comprehensive review to simplify the 'mammoth' Income Tax Act, 1961. The resulting Income Tax Act, 2025, aims to make the law more lucid, concise, and user-friendly. The drafting process involved 26 subcommittees and 75,000 man-hours. Key changes include reducing the number of chapters from 47 to 23 and sections from 819 to 536. The new Act removes redundant sections, simplifies complex jargon, and introduces 57 tables for clearer explanations. It is scheduled to come into effect on April 1, 2026, following its passage in Parliament.
- The new Income Tax Act, 2025, replaces the 64-year-old 1961 Act to reduce litigation and improve compliance.
- The number of sections has been significantly condensed from 819 to 536.
- The drafting committee utilized 26 subcommittees to review every aspect of the law for redundancy.
The Supreme Court has urged the Union government to formulate guidelines for regulating social media content, particularly concerning influencers who commercialize free speech in ways that offend vulnerable groups. The directive arose from an application alleging derogatory comments against individuals with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). The Court emphasized that free speech for "commercial purposes" should not hurt sentiments and that any additional regulation must be carefully drafted to avoid impinging on fundamental free speech rights. The Constitution permits restrictions on free speech only on eight narrowly defined grounds under Article 19(2), and the Court has consistently held that these grounds are exhaustive and cannot be expanded.
- The Supreme Court directed the Union government to frame guidelines for regulating social media content, especially commercial free speech by influencers.
- The Court stressed that commercial free speech should not offend the sentiments of vulnerable groups.
- Restrictions on free speech are permissible only on eight narrowly defined grounds under Article 19(2) of the Constitution.
The Kerala government is considering an amendment to the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, to tackle specific challenges related to human-wildlife conflict. The proposed amendment would authorize the Chief Wildlife Warden to permit killing, tranquilizing, or capturing a wild animal if it causes serious injury or is found in a public place. Law Minister P. Rajeeve stated that the State government is competent to propose such an amendment to a Central law, which would require Presidential assent after being passed by the State Assembly, as per Article 254(2) of the Constitution. The State has long struggled with the Central law's limitations in managing this critical issue.
- Kerala plans to amend the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, to better manage human-wildlife conflict.
- The proposed amendment would allow the Chief Wildlife Warden to authorize the killing, tranquilization, or capture of dangerous wild animals.
- The State government believes it is competent to amend a Central law on a Concurrent List subject, requiring Presidential assent.
The Supreme Court of India has regained its full sanctioned strength of 34 judges with the swearing-in of Justices Alok Aradhe and Vipul M. Pancholi. Chief Justice B.R. Gavai administered the oath. Justice Pancholi is slated to become Chief Justice of India in 2031. Their appointment process saw a rare dissent from Justice B.V. Nagarathna, who questioned Justice Pancholi's seniority ranking and suggested other meritorious judges could be considered. Despite this, the Collegium recommended the appointments by a 4:1 majority, which were subsequently notified within 48 hours.
- The Supreme Court of India has reached its full sanctioned strength of 34 judges.
- Justices Alok Aradhe and Vipul M. Pancholi were sworn in by Chief Justice B.R. Gavai.
- Justice Vipul M. Pancholi is in line to become the Chief Justice of India in 2031.
India's entrance examination system, exemplified by JEE and NEET, is criticized for fostering intense competition, a burgeoning coaching industry, and severe student stress, leading to suicides and exacerbating socio-economic imbalances. The current system, which overqualifies students and distorts merit, sidelines capable individuals who cannot afford coaching. Drawing inspiration from global models like the Dutch weighted lottery and China's 'double reduction' policy, the article proposes reforms. Solutions include simplifying admissions by trusting Class 12 board examinations, implementing a weighted lottery with reservations, vertically reserving IIT seats for rural students, and potentially nationalizing coaching to ensure fairness and student well-being.
- India's entrance examination system is criticized for intense competition, a thriving coaching industry, and negative impacts on student mental health.
- The current system creates an illusory meritocracy, favoring wealthier families and exacerbating urban-rural and gender imbalances.
- International models, such as the Dutch weighted lottery for medical admissions and China's ban on for-profit tutoring, offer potential solutions.
Eight states have proposed levying an additional cess on sin and luxury goods, over and above a proposed 40% GST rate, to safeguard their revenues. This proposal comes ahead of the GST Council meeting, in response to the Centre's plan to rationalise tax slabs by removing 12% and 28% rates and moving most items to 5% and 18%. The states, all non-BJP ruled, anticipate a 15-20% revenue reduction from the Centre's rationalisation and argue for the cess proceeds to be fully distributed among them to discourage sin goods and promote public health, citing their heavy dependence on GST revenue.
- Eight states have proposed an additional cess on sin and luxury goods beyond the 40% GST rate.
- The proposal aims to protect state revenues from potential losses due to the Centre's GST rate rationalisation plan.
- The Centre's plan includes removing 12% and 28% GST slabs, shifting items to 5% and 18%, and setting a 40% rate for some sin/luxury items.
Tamil Nadu argued in the Supreme Court that a Governor cannot act as a "super Chief Minister" and has limited discretion, countering the Centre's view of wide gubernatorial powers. Senior advocate A.M. Singhvi, representing Tamil Nadu, stated that the Governor is a "lubricator" or "facilitator," not a legislator, and acts on the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers. The State questioned how a Governor could have the final say on a Bill, emphasizing that general discretion would create chaos in responsible governments. The Centre, represented by Solicitor-General Tushar Mehta, argued that a State cannot file an Article 32 petition for fundamental rights violation by the Governor, who enjoys "complete immunity" under Article 361.
- Tamil Nadu argued in the Supreme Court that a Governor's role is limited to a "lubricator" or "facilitator," not a "super Chief Minister."
- The Governor must act on the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers, especially regarding legislative processes.
- Tamil Nadu challenged the notion of wide gubernatorial discretion, stating it would lead to chaos in responsible governments.