The Education Ministry has issued a notification declaring the National Council for Educational Research and Training (NCERT) as a deemed university. This new status empowers NCERT and its six regional institutes to offer courses, programs, and grant degrees. The University Grants Commission (UGC) approved the recommendation in January. The notification includes conditions preventing NCERT from engaging in commercial or profit-making activities and mandates adherence to UGC norms for all academic programs. NCERT is directed to initiate research and doctoral programs and secure accreditation from NAAC and program ratings from the National Board of Accreditation.
- NCERT has been notified as a deemed university by the Education Ministry.
- This status allows NCERT and its six regional institutes to offer courses, programs, and grant degrees.
- The notification includes conditions such as adhering to UGC norms and avoiding commercial activities.
The Central Armed Police Force (General Administration) Bill, 2026, was passed by a voice vote in the Lok Sabha, with the Opposition walking out due to the absence of Home Minister Amit Shah. Opposition MPs, including Rahul Gandhi, criticized the Bill and demanded it be referred to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) for deliberation, arguing it negatively impacts CAPF personnel's future, promotions, and dignity. Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai stated the Bill would bring administrative clarity, ensure promotions, and financial benefits, addressing delays caused by court cases. The Bill stipulates that a significant portion of higher-ranking posts in CAPFs will be filled by Indian Police Service officers on deputation.
- The Central Armed Police Force (General Administration) Bill, 2026, was passed in Lok Sabha by voice vote.
- Opposition parties walked out, protesting the Home Minister's absence and demanding the Bill be sent to a JPC.
- The Bill aims to bring administrative clarity, ensure promotions, and provide financial benefits to CAPF personnel.
A Full Bench of the Madras High Court ruled that the Governor is bound by the advice of the Council of Ministers when exercising powers under Article 161 of the Constitution regarding remission and premature release of convicts. The Bench, comprising Justices A.D. Jagadish Chandira, G.K. Ilanthiraiyan, and Sunder Mohan, stated that the Governor has no discretion to take a different view. This decision resolved conflicting judgments by other Division Benches, affirming that the issue was settled by a 1980 Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court in Maru Ramu's case, which was also followed in the A.G. Perarivalan case.
- The Madras High Court's Full Bench affirmed that the Governor must act on the Council of Ministers' advice for remission powers under Article 161.
- The ruling clarifies that the Governor has no discretionary power to deviate from the Cabinet's advice in such matters.
- This decision resolved conflicting interpretations from other Division Benches of the High Court.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) recently transferred senior officers in election-bound states, including West Bengal, leading to controversy and claims of administrative paralysis. The ECI justified these actions under Article 324 of the Constitution, citing its plenary powers for free and fair elections. However, the article highlights that the Supreme Court, in cases like Mohinder Singh Gill, clarified that ECI's powers are not unfettered and must conform to existing laws. The Court emphasized that ECI cannot bypass parliamentary laws regarding transfers of All India Service officers, and its actions must be bona fide and subject to natural justice.
- The ECI's recent transfers of senior state officials in election-bound states sparked controversy and questions about its powers.
- The ECI justifies its actions under Article 324 of the Constitution, which grants it superintendence, direction, and control of elections.
- The Supreme Court, in Mohinder Singh Gill case, clarified that ECI's plenary powers are not unfettered and must operate within existing laws.
The Rajya Sabha passed the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill on Thursday, clearing the way for Amaravati to be incorporated as the capital of Andhra Pradesh in the original Act, effective from June 2, 2024. Most political parties supported the Bill, except for YSR Congress Party MPs who argued it ignored farmers' demands. Senior Congress MP Renuka Chowdhury criticized the 12-year delay in materializing the commitment, calling it a "statement of national shame." Telugu Desam Party leader K. Rammohan Naidu described it as an emotional moment.
- The Rajya Sabha passed the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill to designate Amaravati as the capital.
- The Bill incorporates Amaravati as the capital in the original Act, effective June 2, 2024.
- Most political parties supported the Bill, with the YSR Congress Party being the sole exception.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi formally inaugurated the Noida International Airport, the National Capital Region's second airport, at Jewar. The project, an investment of ₹11,200 crore, is envisioned as a transformative phase for Uttar Pradesh and India, aiming to boost connectivity and create opportunities for farmers, MSMEs, and youth. In its first phase, it will handle 12 million passengers annually with a single runway, with a long-term plan for 70 million passengers and up to six runways. While inaugurated, operations are slated to begin later than the initially projected October 2025. PM Modi also highlighted the airport's role in mitigating the impact of global disruptions, such as the West Asia conflict, on essential commodity supplies.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Noida International Airport at Jewar, Uttar Pradesh.
- The airport is the National Capital Region's second and involves an investment of ₹11,200 crore.
- It aims to enhance connectivity for a vast catchment area and create economic opportunities in western Uttar Pradesh.
An avalanche at Zojila Pass has claimed seven lives, raising serious questions about traffic regulations and safety along the Ladakh-Kashmir axis, one of India's most dangerous highways. The body of a missing civilian was recovered, bringing the total fatalities to seven. Authorities in Kashmir issued avalanche warnings for Ganderbal and Bandipora districts, advising people to avoid avalanche-prone areas. Local officials, like Mohammad Jaffer Akhoon, Chief Executive Councillor, Kargil, criticized the timing of traffic allowance and the mixing of heavy and light motor vehicles, suggesting these factors contributed to the accident. The incident highlights the challenges of managing traffic in high-altitude, avalanche-prone regions.
- An avalanche at Zojila Pass resulted in seven fatalities, prompting scrutiny of traffic management.
- Authorities issued avalanche warnings for Ganderbal and Bandipora districts, advising caution in high-risk areas.
- Concerns were raised regarding the timing of traffic allowance and the mixing of heavy and light vehicles on the dangerous highway.
As the current Chair of BRICS, India is proceeding with plans to host key meetings this year, including the Foreign Ministers' Meeting in May and the 18th BRICS Summit in September. Invitations have been sent to all 10-nation grouping members, including Iran and UAE, despite difficulties in forging a consensus on the West Asia conflict due to differing opinions among members. Diplomats acknowledge the challenges in drafting a joint statement agreeable to all parties. The initiative underscores India's role in facilitating dialogue and cooperation within BRICS amidst complex international issues.
- India, as the current BRICS Chair, is planning to host the Foreign Ministers' Meeting in May and the 18th BRICS Summit in September.
- Invitations have been extended to all 10 BRICS member nations, including new members like Iran and UAE.
- There are acknowledged difficulties in achieving a consensus on the West Asia conflict among BRICS members due to differing opinions.
The article questions the reliability of India's GDP growth estimates, citing a study suggesting overestimation by 1.5-2 percentage points post-2011. It highlights that official narratives of high growth often don't align with the lived experiences of ordinary citizens, particularly concerning jobs, wages, and small businesses. The reliance on formal-sector data for growth estimates risks missing distress in the large informal sector, which was disproportionately affected by demonetisation, GST, and COVID-19. The author argues for restoring independent statistical authority and transparent data to reflect the realities of the informal workforce and the poor, rather than flattering official narratives.
- A study by Abhishek Anand, Josh Felman, and Arvind Subramanian suggests India's GDP growth may have been overestimated by 1.5-2 percentage points since 2011.
- The official high-growth narrative often contrasts with the ground realities of subdued private investment, low wage growth, and persistent job anxiety.
- The reliance on formal-sector data for growth estimates can obscure the impact of economic shocks on the informal economy, which employs most Indians.
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has increased the allocation of commercial LPG by an additional 20%. This raises the total allocation of commercial LPG to 70% of pre-crisis levels. This move aims to offer respite to various entities and address potential supply concerns, ensuring better availability of the hydrocarbon gas for commercial use.
- The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas increased commercial LPG allocation.
- The allocation was increased by an additional 20%.
- This brings the total commercial LPG allocation to 70% of pre-crisis levels.
The Union government reduced the special additional excise duty on petrol and diesel by ₹10 a litre each, bringing diesel duty to zero and petrol to ₹3 a litre. However, this cut will not lower fuel prices for consumers. Instead, it aims to ease the fiscal hit on oil marketing companies (OMCs) due to high and rising oil prices. The move is expected to cost the exchequer ₹7,000 crore over 15 days. The government also hiked export duties on diesel to ₹1.5 a litre and ATF to ₹9.5 a litre, expecting to add ₹1,500 crore to the exchequer, mitigating some impact. OMCs face significant under-recoveries daily.
- The Union government reduced the special additional excise duty on petrol and diesel by ₹10 per litre.
- This duty cut will not result in lower fuel prices for consumers but is intended to reduce losses for Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs).
- The duty on diesel is now zero, and on petrol, it is ₹3 per litre after the reduction.
Britain's medicines regulator announced plans to introduce a framework by the end of 2026 to allow drug makers to seek review of data for drugs developed without animal testing. This initiative aims to reduce reliance on animal studies and aligns with a broader global push to limit such testing in drug development. The draft guidance from the United Kingdom's Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency encourages companies to adopt alternatives to animal testing, similar to efforts by the U.S. FDA.
- Britain's medicines regulator will introduce a framework by end-2026 to allow drug makers to submit data for drugs developed without animal testing.
- The initiative aims to reduce reliance on animal studies in drug development.
- This move aligns with a broader global trend and efforts by regulatory bodies like the U.S. FDA to encourage alternatives.
Around 140 lawyers and women's rights activists have urged President Droupadi Murmu not to grant assent to the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026, citing "constitutional violations" and "procedural infirmities." The letter, from groups like ALIFA and NAJAR, criticized the undue haste in passing the Bill and the lack of public consultation. They argue that the Bill violates the Supreme Court's NALSA judgment (2014) by removing the right to self-perceived gender identity and introducing medical board scrutiny, which infringes on bodily integrity and privacy. Members of the National Council for Transgender Persons also resigned in protest.
- Lawyers and activists have urged the President not to assent to the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026, citing constitutional and procedural flaws.
- The Bill is criticized for being passed with undue haste and without adequate public and stakeholder consultation.
- Activists argue the Bill violates the Supreme Court's NALSA judgment (2014) by undermining the right to self-perceived gender identity.
The Union Home Ministry, through the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), issued an average of 290 takedown notices daily for suspicious online content, totaling 1,11,185 blocks under Section 79(3)(b) of the IT Act from March 2024 to March 2025. Social media platforms are mandated to remove unlawful content within three hours of receiving an order. Separately, the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) reported a sharp increase in cybersecurity incidents, reaching 29.44 lakh in 2025, up from 20.41 lakh in 2024.
- The Home Ministry's I4C issued an average of 290 takedown notices daily, blocking 1,11,185 pieces of suspicious online content under IT Act Section 79(3)(b) from March 2024 to March 2025.
- Social media intermediaries are required to remove unlawful content within three hours of receiving a competent order.
- Cybersecurity incidents reported to CERT-In significantly increased, from 20.41 lakh in 2024 to 29.44 lakh in 2025.
The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Science and Technology, in its report on Demands for Grants (2026-27) of the Department of Space, has highlighted that India's reliance on a limited number of launch pads poses operational risks. Currently, India has only one spaceport, the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, with two launch pads. To address this, the Department of Space is developing another launch complex at Kulasekarapattinam in Tamil Nadu, which will primarily cater to Small Satellite Launch Vehicles (SSLV).
- A Parliamentary Standing Committee report highlighted operational risks due to India's limited number of space launch pads.
- India currently operates only one spaceport, the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, which has two launch pads.
- A new launch complex is under development at Kulasekarapattinam in Tamil Nadu.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar attended the G7 Foreign Ministers' Meeting in France as a partner country, holding bilateral talks with his French counterpart Jean-Noël Barrot. Discussions included an "in-depth" review of West Asia, with both ministers agreeing to continue close coordination to ensure the security of the Strait of Hormuz. This meeting follows Israel's claim of killing an Iranian commander responsible for closing the Strait. The G7 agenda also covered the Russia-Ukraine war, multilateralism reform, energy challenges, and food security. Jaishankar emphasized the urgency of UN Security Council reforms and also met with Foreign Ministers of Canada, Japan, and South Korea.
- EAM S. Jaishankar participated in the G7 Foreign Ministers' Meeting in France as a partner country, discussing West Asia and Strait of Hormuz security with his French counterpart.
- Both ministers agreed to close coordination to ensure the security of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global chokepoint.
- The G7 agenda included discussions on the Russia-Ukraine war, reform of multilateralism, and global challenges like energy and food security.
A discussion explores the need for formal paternity leave in India, following a Supreme Court ruling that emphasized the child's right to access both parents as caregivers. Ashwini Deshpande highlights that Indian women spend ten times more hours on domestic work and childcare, leading to a "motherhood penalty" in wages and limiting work opportunities. Sanjoy Ghose points out that existing maternity laws cover only 10% of the formal workforce and discrimination persists. Both agree on the need for "parental leave" instead of just maternity/paternity, with a non-transferable component for fathers, accompanied by a shift in societal norms. Challenges include the informal sector, small enterprises, and patriarchal mindsets.
- The Supreme Court highlighted the child's right to access both parents, prompting a debate on formal paternity leave in India.
- Indian women disproportionately bear childcare responsibilities, leading to a "motherhood penalty" and limiting their participation in the workforce.
- Existing maternity benefits cover only a small fraction of the workforce, and discrimination against women persists in the formal sector.
An opinion piece argues against the Chief Justice of India's (CJI) characterization of the Supreme Court Handbook on Combating Gender Stereotypes as "technical" and "Harvard-oriented." Released in 2023, the handbook aims to identify and replace gender-stereotyping language in judicial reasoning, highlight incorrect reasoning patterns, and compile relevant Supreme Court precedents. The author contends the handbook is firmly grounded in Indian realities and precedent, not foreign concepts. While acknowledging the need for improvement and practical training for judges, the article emphasizes that the handbook is a crucial institutional acknowledgment of how language can perpetuate or dismantle inequality, and its significance should not be diminished.
- The Supreme Court Handbook on Combating Gender Stereotypes, released in 2023, aims to eliminate gender-stereotyping language in judicial reasoning.
- The author argues that the handbook is rooted in Indian precedent and courtroom realities, not "Harvard-oriented" as suggested by the CJI.
- The handbook provides alternative language, explains incorrect reasoning patterns, and compiles Supreme Court decisions rejecting stereotypes.
India faces a serious military challenge from China, necessitating a robust industrial strategy to bridge the capability gap. The article suggests three approaches: a bold, technology-intensive path; a conservative approach integrating existing technologies; or a middle path focusing on enabling layers for multi-domain operations (MDO). India's current defence-industrial base struggles with speed and scale, hindering its ability to produce critical technologies like missiles, munitions, and drones. Strengthening deterrence requires addressing systemic challenges, reforming procurement, and prioritising key capabilities like C4ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) and deep-strike layers, rather than service-specific acquisitions.
- India must develop a robust defence-industrial strategy to counter China's military advantage and bridge the existing capability gap.
- The article proposes a middle path focusing on creating and deploying enabling layers for multi-domain operations (MDO) to enhance deterrence.
- India's defence-industrial base faces challenges in delivering technologies like missiles, munitions, and drones at speed and scale.
India has updated its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) for 2035, committing to 60% installed electric capacity from non-fossil sources, a 47% reduction in emissions intensity per unit of GDP, and a 3.5-4 billion tonne CO2 carbon sink. This updates the 2020 NDCs of 50% non-fossil capacity and 45% emissions intensity reduction. While India met its 2030 non-fossil target early, only about 25% of generated power is non-fossil due to insufficient battery storage. The editorial emphasizes that despite ambitious targets and a net-zero goal by 2070, actual improvements in generated supply require urgent enhancement of battery storage and grid infrastructure to fully utilize existing non-fossil capacity.
- India updated its NDCs for 2035, targeting 60% non-fossil electric capacity, 47% emissions intensity reduction, and a 3.5-4 billion tonne CO2 carbon sink.
- Despite meeting its 2030 non-fossil target early, only 25% of India's generated power is from non-fossil sources due to inadequate battery storage.
- The Power Ministry's National Generation Adequacy Plan projects 70% non-fossil capacity by 2035-36.
The Supreme Court reiterated its long-held principle that Scheduled Caste (SC) protections and special provisions are available only to those practicing Hinduism, Sikhism, and Buddhism. This judgment arose from a Christian pastor's plea for SC/ST Act protection. The Court affirmed that an SC member converting out of these three religions ceases to be an SC. Historically, SC definition initially included only Hindus, later extended to Sikhs (1956) and Buddhists (1990). The editorial notes that while theological and constitutional arguments support this distinction, the exclusion of Christian and Muslim converts, who still face discrimination, remains a contested and politically surcharged issue, currently under review by a commission.
- The Supreme Court reaffirmed that Scheduled Caste benefits are limited to those practicing Hinduism, Sikhism, and Buddhism.
- Conversion out of these specified religions results in the loss of SC status, as per the Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order, 1950.
- The original SC definition for Hindus was extended to Sikhs in 1956 and Buddhists in 1990, reflecting historical and political realities.
A study by Toxics Link revealed that 84% of 560 surveyed locations across Bhubaneswar, Delhi, Guwahati, and Mumbai continue to use banned single-use plastic items, three years after the nationwide prohibition. The report highlights significant enforcement gaps, with Bhubaneswar showing the highest non-compliance at 89%. Informal markets and small commercial establishments exhibit widespread use of banned items, attributing it to high customer demand and the higher cost of alternatives. The study calls for stronger national action, robust enforcement, and coordinated regulatory efforts to ensure compliance.
- 84% of surveyed locations in four major Indian cities continue to use banned single-use plastic items, indicating a significant failure in enforcement.
- Bhubaneswar recorded the highest non-compliance at 89%, followed by Delhi (86%), Mumbai (85%), and Guwahati (76%).
- Informal markets and small commercial establishments are major violators, citing high customer demand and costly alternatives as reasons.
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG) announced that India has secured one month of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) supplies through imports, with ongoing procurement, and 60 days of crude oil supplies. This comes amidst escalating tensions in West Asia. India has ramped up domestic LPG production by 40%, now meeting over 60% of its requirements and reducing import reliance. The country's total fuel stock reserve capacity is 74 days. The government also warned against misleading social media posts about shortages.
- India has secured one month of LPG supplies through imports and 60 days of crude oil supplies, with additional procurement ongoing.
- Domestic LPG production has increased by 40%, now covering over 60% of the country's requirements and reducing import reliance.
- The nation's total reserve capacity for fuel stocks, including crude, petrol, and diesel, stands at 74 days.
The Lok Sabha referred the Corporate Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026, to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) for detailed examination. Introduced by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, the Bill aims to amend the Limited Liability Partnership Act, 2008, and the Companies Act, 2013. Its objectives are to facilitate ease of doing business, address gaps identified by the Company Law Committee in 2022, rationalize penalties, and decriminalize minor procedural lapses. Opposition members raised concerns about diluting Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) provisions, which the Finance Minister refuted, stating the Bill only amends net profit criteria, not the entire CSR clause. The JPC will now analyze the legislation and provide recommendations.
- The Corporate Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026, was referred to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC).
- The Bill seeks to amend the LLP Act, 2008, and the Companies Act, 2013, to promote ease of doing business.
- Key objectives include rationalizing penalties and decriminalizing minor procedural lapses.