45 Major Exam Paper Leaks Since 2002, Only 1 Court Conviction Among Senior Officials

NEET-UG Reform: Two-Stage JEE Pattern Under Active Consideration, Govt Tells Supreme Court

The Centre informed the Supreme Court that it is actively considering shifting NEET-UG to a two-stage format on the JEE (Mains & Advanced) pattern. The final decision will await recommendations from the Nandan Nilekani-led High-Powered Task Force on exam reforms. This is crucial for medical aspirants as it could change the entire exam structure and enhance security against paper leaks.

NTA Gets CISF Security Cover After NEET Paper Leak; CBI Chargesheet Reveals Lapses

Following the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak that triggered nationwide protests and the resignation of the Union Education Minister, the NTA is shifting to a new office with CISF security cover. The CBI chargesheet highlights systemic lapses, including lack of frisking and CCTV monitoring, which allowed the leak. A high-powered task force under Nandan Nilekani has been set up to recommend exam reforms.

SC Releases New Gender Sensitivity Handbook, Replaces 2023 Version; Recommends Survivor-Centric Language & Trauma-Informed Court Practices

The Supreme Court has released a new report titled 'Judgments and Gender' replacing its 2023 handbook on combating gender stereotypes. The report, drafted by an expert committee headed by former SC judge Justice Aniruddha Bose, provides practical guidelines for judges to use survivor-centric language, avoid morality-laden expressions, and adopt trauma-informed courtroom practices. This is crucial for UPSC as it reflects judicial reforms in gender sensitivity and victim protection.

Allahabad HC: Wearing Headscarf Not Essential Religious Practice; Reiterates Judicial Doctrine

The Allahabad High Court has reaffirmed the 'essential religious practices' test, ruling that wearing a headscarf is not essential to Islam. This judgment clarifies the scope of religious freedom in educational institutions and is crucial for understanding the judiciary's role in defining religious practices.

Allahabad HC Quashes NSA Detention of Activist, Terms it 'Despotic', Orders ₹5 Lakh Compensation from Officers' Salaries

The Allahabad High Court quashed the NSA detention of DU law student and activist Akriti Chaudhary, calling it an 'abuse of draconian preventive detention law' and a 'despotic' act by the Noida administration. The court ordered ₹5 lakh compensation to be deducted from the salaries of the officers responsible. This judgment is a crucial check on executive arbitrariness and misuse of preventive detention laws, a key topic for UPSC Polity (Article 22, NSA).

SC Replaces 2023 Gender Stereotype Handbook with 2026 Report on Compassionate Court Practices for Trial Judges

The Supreme Court has released a new report replacing its 2023 gender stereotype handbook, shifting focus from language to courtroom trauma. It mandates trial judges to develop an 'Emotional Quotient', control aggressive cross-examinations, and prevent secondary traumatisation of sexual assault survivors, following the Allahabad HC's controversial 'preparation vs attempt' ruling.

Supreme Court Orders CBI Probe into Custodial Death, ₹25 Lakh Interim Compensation for 2-Year FIR Delay

The Supreme Court transferred the probe into a 2024 custodial death in Chhattisgarh to the CBI, citing a two-year delay by state police in filing the FIR. It also awarded ₹25 lakh interim compensation to the family, highlighting judicial oversight on police accountability and custodial violence.

SC Revises Interim Stay, Preserves Allahabad HC Quashing of NSA Detention Under Article 21

The Supreme Court revised its September 23 interim order, restricting the stay to only certain strictures and costs against the Noida DM, thereby preserving the Allahabad High Court's landmark quashing of a DU student's NSA detention. The case also raises serious questions about the SC's roster system and 'out-of-turn' listing, making it a critical study point for judicial review, preventive detention safeguards, and constitutional procedures.