The Supreme Court asserted that the independence of lawyers is as crucial as judicial independence for preserving the rule of law and democracy. A Bench led by Justice P.S. Narasimha stated that self-regulation is a defining feature of the legal profession, insulating advocates from external pressures. While acknowledging mounting pendency as a major challenge, the court questioned why the Bar is seldom held responsible for reducing delays. It called for a "paradigm shift" towards collaborative efforts between the Bench and Bar to tackle pendency and proposed establishing a full-time "National Legal Academy" for continuous legal education for advocates.
- The Supreme Court highlighted the critical importance of the Bar's independence for upholding the rule of law and democracy.
- Self-regulation is identified as a key feature of the legal profession, protecting advocates from external influences.
- The court called for a collaborative approach between the Bench and Bar to address mounting case pendency.
Assam's Forest and Environment Minister, Jayanta Mallabaruah, informed the Assembly that eight wildlife sanctuaries and 281 reserve forests in the State are under encroachment. As of February 12, 2016, over 3.15 lakh hectares of land in these protected areas were under illegal occupation. The BJP-led NDA government, which formed in 2016, has since evicted squatters from 25,588.7675 hectares, including 16,937.2466 hectares during the past five years. This data highlights the ongoing challenge of protecting Assam's natural habitats from illegal occupation.
- Eight wildlife sanctuaries and 281 reserve forests in Assam are currently facing encroachment.
- Over 3.15 lakh hectares of land in protected areas were under illegal occupation as of February 2016.
- The current government has evicted squatters from over 25,588 hectares since 2016.
The Union Education Ministry's UDISE+ report for 2025-26 shows a positive trend with falling school dropout rates across all levels. The preparatory level dropout rate decreased to 1.8%, and the secondary level (Classes 9-12) dropped to 7.0%. Student retention rates also improved significantly. The report highlights an 8.3% increase in total teachers, with women now forming 54.9% of the teaching force, contributing to gender balance. Furthermore, school infrastructure improved, with computer access rising to 69.9% and internet connectivity to 67.4%, alongside high percentages of electricity and separate toilets for girls and boys.
- School dropout rates have decreased across all educational levels, indicating improved student retention.
- The total number of teachers increased by 8.3%, with women teachers now constituting a majority, promoting gender balance.
- Significant improvements in school infrastructure include increased computer access and internet connectivity.
The Parliamentary Joint Committee reviewing the Constitution (129th Amendment) Bill, 2024, which aims to introduce simultaneous elections, is unlikely to meet its deadline to submit a report during the Monsoon Session. Headed by Lok Sabha member P.P. Chaudhary, the panel plans further consultations in various States, including Uttar Pradesh, to gather wider stakeholder input. The committee has held 18 meetings in Delhi, with six former Chief Justices of India offering divergent views on the Bill's consistency with the Basic Structure of the Constitution. The panel faces the complex task of synchronising election cycles and is considering provisions like barring no-confidence motions if only one year of a government's term remains.
- The Parliamentary Joint Committee on simultaneous elections is expected to miss its Monsoon Session deadline for report submission.
- The committee is conducting extensive consultations across States to gather stakeholder input.
- Former Chief Justices of India have presented divergent views on the Bill's adherence to the Basic Structure of the Constitution.
A Special Investigation Team (SIT) appointed by the Uttar Pradesh government found prima facie proof of stealing and pilferage of donations at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple. CCTV footage from April 27 to June 5 revealed around 70 instances of counting staff hiding cash in clothes and shoes, with other employees assisting. The SIT identified procedural flaws in donation management, including lack of proper security protocols like frisking, biometric attendance, and CCTV surveillance, which fostered an environment conducive to theft. Eight individuals have been arrested, and the SIT plans a re-audit of the Trust's accounts for the past five years, including construction expenditure.
- SIT investigation found evidence of theft and pilferage of donations at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple.
- CCTV footage showed counting staff hiding cash, with assistance from other employees.
- Procedural flaws and lack of security protocols in donation management were identified as contributing factors.
The debate surrounding WhatsApp's optional "username" feature highlights concerns over informational privacy and cyber risks. WhatsApp claims the feature, which prevents phone numbers from being accessed, enhances user privacy. However, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) is apprehensive, fearing it could increase online fraud, phishing, and identity spoofing, especially if usernames resemble genuine entities. While critics argue against government intervention without statutory basis, MeitY contends its concerns align with protecting national security and public welfare. The Supreme Court's 2017 judgment on informational privacy under Article 21 emphasizes balancing liberty and security in the digital age.
- WhatsApp's new optional "username" feature aims to enhance user privacy by concealing phone numbers.
- The Indian government expresses concerns that this feature could facilitate cybercrimes like online fraud and identity spoofing.
- The debate involves balancing user privacy with national security and public welfare in the digital domain.
The Allahabad High Court ruled that the minimum age of marriage prescribed under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act (PCMA), 2006, applies uniformly to all citizens, irrespective of religion. The court stated that the Muslim personal law principle recognizing puberty as the age of marriage cannot override Central law provisions. This judgment was made while hearing a petition to quash an FIR related to the alleged marriage of a 16-year-old girl. The Bench emphasized that permitting marriage below 18 years would be inconsistent with the POCSO Act, 2012, which criminalises sexual relations with a child.
- The Allahabad High Court affirmed that the minimum marriage age under PCMA, 2006, applies universally, irrespective of religion.
- The ruling states that Muslim personal law, which considers puberty as the age of marriage, cannot supersede Central legislation.
- The court's decision was made in the context of a case involving the alleged marriage of a 16-year-old girl.
Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh reached an agreement on Tuesday to settle long-standing pending payment issues related to the Sardar Sarovar Project. The agreement, signed in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Union Minister of Jal Shakti C.R. Patil, resolves the cost-sharing arrangements through a one-time settlement. Mr. Shah highlighted that the completion of the dam has ensured water and electricity supply to all four States, transforming the value of land and farmers' fortunes in beneficiary areas. This resolution follows recent progress in other inter-State water-sharing disputes, such as the Yamuna Water Project and Kishau Dam project.
- Four States (Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh) settled pending payment issues for the Sardar Sarovar Project.
- The agreement resolves cost-sharing arrangements through a one-time settlement.
- The project has ensured water and electricity supply, benefiting farmers and land value in the region.
For the first time since 1931, India's Population Census 2027 will include caste enumeration, a decision announced by the BJP-led NDA government in April 2025. The ongoing pre-test for the second phase of the Census, conducted in 16 States and Union Territories, features an "open column" for respondents to record their castes. This methodology, similar to the 2011 Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) which resulted in over 46 lakh different caste names, raises concerns about data accuracy and the need for wider consultations. The final methodology will be determined based on feedback from the pre-test, which is on till July 20, 2026.
- The Population Census 2027 will include caste enumeration, a significant policy shift after decades.
- The ongoing pre-test for the Census uses an "open column" for caste recording, similar to the 2011 SECC.
- Concerns exist regarding the accuracy and standardisation of caste data due to the open-ended methodology.
India's Ministry of Cooperation, completing five years, is spearheading a transformation of the cooperative sector into a worker-centric model of development. Traditionally confined to agriculture, cooperatives are now expanding into services, aiming for policy coherence across various sectors. Through reformed legal frameworks, Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) are empowered to undertake over 25 business activities, fostering rural economic services. The Ministry is facilitating national-level multi-State cooperative societies to enhance market access and strengthen value chains, with a new National Cooperation Policy in the making, despite challenges like corruption and the need to balance consolidation with decentralisation.
- The Ministry of Cooperation is working to transform India's cooperative sector into a worker-centric development model.
- Cooperatives are expanding beyond agriculture into services, with policy coherence across various sectors.
- Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) are being empowered to undertake diverse business activities in rural India.
The National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) has set a December 2026 target to make National Highway-37 "comfortably motorable." NH-37, connecting Imphal to Silchar, gained strategic importance during the Kuki-Meitei ethnic conflict as a safer alternative to NH-2. The ₹1,300-crore project, sanctioned in 2022, aims to widen and upgrade 203 km of the highway, including fortifying landslide-prone areas and replacing old bridges. Despite challenges like land disputes and recurring damage during monsoons, the project is 85-90% complete, significantly reducing travel time.
- NHIDCL aims to complete the upgrade of National Highway-37 in Manipur by December 2026, making it fully motorable.
- NH-37 serves as a crucial lifeline connecting Imphal to Silchar, gaining strategic importance during ethnic conflicts.
- The ₹1,300-crore project involves widening, fortifying landslide areas, and replacing bridges along 203 km of the highway.
The Centre plans to refer the Diljit Dosanjh-starrer film 'Satluj' to an Inter-Departmental Committee under the IT Rules 2021 for detailed examination. This decision comes two days after streaming platform ZEE5 was directed to remove the film due to "security concerns." The movie, which depicts the life of activist Jaswant Singh Khalra during the turbulent 1990s in Punjab, had been stuck with censors for over three years before its uncut release on ZEE5 on July 3, and subsequent removal on July 5.
- The film 'Satluj', starring Diljit Dosanjh, is being referred to an Inter-Departmental Committee under IT Rules 2021.
- The referral follows ZEE5's removal of the film due to "security concerns" after its release.
- The film is based on the life of activist Jaswant Singh Khalra during the 1990s Punjab terrorism era.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah flagged off 300 new electric buses in Delhi, comprising 195 nine-metre DEVi buses and 105 regular 12-metre buses. He also laid the foundation stone for a high-security prison in Narela, estimated to cost over ₹100 crore. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta highlighted that these zero-emission buses would significantly improve Delhi's air quality, reduce carbon emissions, and provide a quieter, more comfortable travel experience for citizens. Three new bus depots were inaugurated at Narela, Rithala, and Kohat Enclave to support the expanded fleet.
- Delhi's public transport system was augmented with 300 new electric buses to improve air quality and reduce emissions.
- Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the new buses and laid the foundation stone for a new prison.
- The new fleet includes both nine-metre DEVi buses and 12-metre regular buses.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched two green initiatives in Delhi: the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign to plant 70 lakh saplings with residents, and a plan to plant over 1 crore saplings across 6,300 hectares of the Ridge. The Ridge will be developed into a forest area over four years, replacing invasive trees with native species like peepal, banyan, neem, and jamun. The initiative also includes developing 70 ponds and preserving archaeological structures. CM Rekha Gupta noted that 5,000 hectares of the Ridge have already been notified as reserved forests, aiming to revive its biodiversity and environment.
- Delhi's Ridge will undergo a major rejuvenation project involving planting over 1 crore saplings and receiving legal protection.
- The initiative aims to transform the Ridge into a forest area by replacing invasive trees with native species and developing water bodies.
- The project is a collaborative effort between the Union and Delhi governments to enhance the city's green cover and biodiversity.
At least three people were killed and five reported missing when a massive heap of excavated mud swamped an under-construction tunnel road portal in Wayanad, Kerala. Emergency responders rescued 10 people. Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan announced an investigation, stating that the contractor, Dilip Buildcon Limited, ignored district administration warnings to clear "precariously piled" earth, leading to the tragedy amid heavy rain. The incident is termed a "man-made disaster" due to human error and negligence, raising concerns about safety at national highway construction sites.
- A debris slip at an under-construction tunnel in Wayanad, Kerala, resulted in three deaths and five missing persons.
- The Chief Minister ordered an investigation, attributing the tragedy to the contractor's failure to remove excavated mud despite warnings.
- The incident highlights concerns regarding safety protocols and unscientific dumping of excavated soil at national highway construction sites.
The article discusses India's evolving stance on AI governance, initially aiming to center Global South needs at the India AI Impact Summit 2026. However, India's subsequent alignment with Pax Silica and adoption of a pro-innovation regulatory approach, influenced by the U.S., has shifted its position towards a "middle power" narrative. This shift raises concerns about potential dependency on U.S. tech, extraction of data and resources, and whether India can truly champion Global South interests while pursuing strategic autonomy. The author suggests India should reassert a vision of public purpose, user safety, and international cooperation within the Global South to build local AI ecosystems.
- India initially aimed to prioritize Global South needs in AI governance at the India AI Impact Summit 2026.
- India's alignment with Pax Silica and a pro-innovation regulatory approach has led to a "middle power" positioning, potentially compromising Global South solidarity.
- This shift raises concerns about India becoming a consumer of U.S. tech, a site for data extraction, and a provider of cheap labor for American Big Tech.
India is set to host the two-day BRICS Heads of Anti-Drug Agencies meeting in Guwahati, starting Monday. Organized by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), the meeting aims to transform BRICS cooperation from dialogue-centric to action-oriented. Key focus areas will include combating synthetic drugs, strengthening intelligence sharing, enhancing operational coordination, and capacity building. India, as chair, seeks to foster collaboration through information exchange on clandestine laboratories, emerging drug trends, precursor chemicals, and joint training programs to tackle drug-related threats effectively.
- India is hosting the two-day BRICS Heads of Anti-Drug Agencies meeting in Guwahati.
- The meeting aims to shift BRICS cooperation towards action-oriented collaboration in combating drug-related threats.
- Key focus areas include synthetic drugs, intelligence sharing, operational coordination, and capacity building.
The Union Minister for Rural Development, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, released the first instalment of ₹25,863 crore to States for the new Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act (VB-G RAM G). This new Act, which came into effect on July 1, replaces MGNREGA. Uttar Pradesh received the highest allocation. Concerns persist regarding the scheme's centralized planning, which relies on GIS-based platforms like Yuktdhara and PM Gati Shakti, potentially creating technological barriers and shifting financial burden onto States, moving away from a demand-driven, bottom-up approach.
- The Union government has released the first instalment of ₹25,863 crore for the new VB-G RAM G Act.
- The VB-G RAM G Act, effective July 1, replaces the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).
- The planning process for the new scheme is centralized, using GIS-based platforms like Yuktdhara and PM Gati Shakti.
Odisha's Election Commission has published its draft electoral roll after a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise, revealing that over 20 lakh names were deleted. The deletions include deceased, absent, or shifted electors, and those enrolled in multiple places. The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) criticized the EC for inconsistencies in voter figures, claiming a discrepancy between the initially stated number and the final draft. The CEO clarified that no name can be deleted without notice and a speaking order, and special camps will be held to enroll young voters and receive claims/objections.
- Odisha's Election Commission published its draft electoral roll after a Special Intensive Revision (SIR), with over 20 lakh names deleted.
- Deletions were primarily due to electors being deceased, absent, shifted, or enrolled in multiple places.
- The BJD criticized the EC for inconsistencies in the total number of voters reported at different stages of the SIR process.
Official claims of sustainable marine fish stocks in India are misleading, as the real crisis lies in the severe degradation of inshore fishing grounds. While the government reports high sustainability based on landing data, experts and fishers observe a consistent decline in catches and disappearance of species. This degradation is attributed to factors like dam construction, mangrove destruction, pollution, and critically, the uncontrolled expansion of mechanized trawling. The oversized trawler fleet, operating with weak regulations, continuously ploughs the seabed, destroying marine life and creating conflicts with small-scale fishers, pushing them to offshore zones.
- Official claims of sustainable marine fish stocks in India are questioned due to the degradation of inshore fishing grounds.
- The decline in inshore ecosystems is caused by factors such as dam construction, mangrove destruction, pollution, and uncontrolled mechanized trawling.
- Mechanized trawling, an introduced method, has expanded significantly with weak regulations, damaging seabed ecology.
India's Asiatic lion conservation is a success story, with numbers increasing significantly, but the species remains vulnerable due to its confinement to a single population in Gujarat's Gir forest. Scientific consensus, supported by the Wildlife Institute of India and a 2013 Supreme Court judgment, mandates establishing a second, geographically separate population to mitigate risks from epidemics, natural disasters, or prey decline. Despite the Kuno National Park being prepared for translocation, Gujarat has resisted the move, creating a policy impasse. This delay risks turning a global conservation triumph into an ecological vulnerability.
- The Asiatic lion population, despite its growth, remains vulnerable due to being confined to a single habitat in Gujarat's Gir forest.
- Scientific bodies and the Supreme Court have advocated for establishing a second, geographically separate population for resilience.
- Gujarat has resisted the translocation of lions to Kuno National Park, creating a policy impasse.
The Indian government has issued a notice to Meta, the parent company of Instagram, directing it to disable advertisements promoting child sexual abuse and exploitation material (CSEAM). This action follows a BBC report highlighting such ads on Instagram. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has given Meta seven days to respond, threatening further action if compliance is not met. The government emphasizes its zero-tolerance policy towards CSEAM, citing IT Act 2000 provisions and IT Rules 2021 that mandate intermediaries to remove such content within 24 hours.
- The Indian government has directed Meta to disable ads promoting child sexual abuse and exploitation material (CSEAM) on Instagram.
- The action was prompted by a BBC report that exposed the presence of such advertisements on the platform.
- Meta has been given seven days to respond to the notice, with a warning of further action if compliance is not met.
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has asked Meta to halt the rollout of WhatsApp's username feature, citing concerns about increased online fraud, phishing, and impersonation. MeitY argues that hiding phone numbers and using usernames could facilitate identity spoofing of individuals, public authorities, and financial institutions. WhatsApp, which is rolling out the optional feature with safeguards like PINs and country-of-origin display, maintains it has reserved usernames for prominent personalities. The government asserts its right to intervene under the IT Act, 2000, and IT Rules, 2021, classifying WhatsApp as a "significant social media intermediary."
- The Indian government has asked WhatsApp to stop rolling out its username feature due to concerns about potential increases in online fraud, phishing, and impersonation.
- MeitY believes the feature could enable identity spoofing of individuals and institutions by allowing usernames to resemble genuine entities.
- WhatsApp states the feature is optional, includes safeguards like PINs, and has reserved usernames for prominent personalities.
The Union Consumer Affairs Department has increased the procurement price of onions by 13% to ₹2,125 per quintal for the Price Stabilisation Buffer. This move aims to boost procurement and ensure better returns for farmers, coming amid rising retail prices and farmer complaints about unremunerative prices. NAFED and NCCF are procuring onions from various states. Despite production estimates of 307.37 lakh metric tonnes for 2025-26, the government anticipates prices to inch up due to normal seasonality and speculative buying, though current stock levels are adequate.
- The Union Consumer Affairs Department increased the onion procurement price by 13% to ₹2,125 per quintal for the Price Stabilisation Buffer.
- The hike aims to provide better returns to onion farmers and strengthen buffer procurement efforts.
- NAFED and NCCF are responsible for procuring onions from various states.