Ashok Lahiri (BJP MLA, Ex-CEA) Named NITI Aayog VC, Gobardhan Das as Member in April 2026

MMDR Amendment 2026: Section 9D Restricts State Taxes on Mineral-Bearing Land, Federal Row

The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2026 introduces Section 9D, which restricts states from imposing taxes, cesses, or levies on mineral rights and mineral-bearing land without central approval. This centralizing move has sparked a federal controversy, as mineral-rich states like Odisha and Chhattisgarh argue it undermines their fiscal autonomy and ignores the 2024 Supreme Court judgment that recognized their taxation power over minerals.

Varsha Ashok Aglawe Appointed as 54th GSI Director General, First Woman in 176 Years

Varsha Ashok Aglawe, a palaeontologist with over three decades of experience, has become the first woman to head the Geological Survey of India (GSI) in its 176-year history. This landmark appointment signals a gender shift in India's premier geoscientific institution and comes with strategic priorities on critical mineral exploration and mineral security—key for national resource self-sufficiency.

Mahanadi Water Dispute: Odisha-Chhattisgarh CMs Meet July 30, 2026; Tribunal Gives Final Chance by April 20, 2026

After a decade-long legal battle, the Chief Ministers of Odisha and Chhattisgarh met on July 30, 2026 under Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil to resolve the Mahanadi water dispute amicably within three months. The Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal (MWDT) had earlier given a final opportunity on April 20, 2026 for a consensus, failing which it would proceed with adjudication. This is crucial for understanding inter-state river water disputes, cooperative federalism, and the ISRWD Act, 1956.

ISI Bill 2026 Introduced in Lok Sabha: Replaces Governing Council with 11-Member Board, Sparks Autonomy Debate

The Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) Bill, 2026, introduced in Lok Sabha, proposes to replace the 33-member Governing Council with an 11-member Board of Governors and change the institute's structure from a society to a body corporate. Faculty and opposition parties oppose the bill, citing loss of autonomy, while the government argues it is necessary for expansion and accountability. The bill would repeal the 1959 Act governing ISI.

FCRA Amendment Bill 2026 Sent to 31-Member JPC; Report Due by Winter Session 2026

The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, has been referred to a 31-member Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) amid strong opposition protests. The bill proposes tighter government oversight over foreign funding of NGOs and a designated authority to manage assets of defunct organisations. The government denies it targets minorities, while the JPC must submit its report by the first week of the 2026 Winter Session.

SC Asks if PMLA Adjudicating Authority Can Confirm Attachments Without Judicial Member; Only 60 of 8,851 ED Cases Went to Trial

The Supreme Court questioned whether the PMLA Adjudicating Authority can validly confirm asset attachment orders when sitting without a judicial member, given the massive workload of thousands of cases per tribunal. With ED data showing only 60 of 8,851 cases went to trial, the core issue is whether quasi-judicial functions are being performed properly or merely rubber-stamped.

16th Finance Commission Prioritises Efficiency Over Equity: Removes RDGs, Keeps Devolution at 41%

The 16th Finance Commission's report marks a decisive shift from equity-based to efficiency-based transfers. By removing Revenue Deficit Grants and introducing performance-linked grants, it risks widening regional disparities. This is a core debate in fiscal federalism — efficiency vs. equity — and a high-probability topic for both Prelims (data) and Mains (analytical).

KPSC Scam: Chairman Sahukar’s 7-Year Tenure, Irregular Appointments & Political Shield Exposed

This investigation into the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) reveals how Chairman Shivashankarappa Sahukar, appointed in 2019 despite red flags, ran the commission for seven years with alleged irregularities including leaked papers, patronage appointments, and political shielding by both BJP and Congress governments. The case exposes systemic weaknesses in PSC appointments and the lack of accountability for constitutional body heads.