Supreme Court Acquits Sri Lankan National in UAPA-LTTE Case Citing Wrong Identity and Faulty Police Investigation

Seven Years After Article 370 Abrogation: J&K Statehood Delay Undermines Integration Gains

Seven years after the abrogation of Article 370, Jammu and Kashmir remains a Union Territory. While security gains and reduced separatism are notable, the delay in restoring statehood threatens to undermine the integration achievements. The article argues that withholding statehood now demoralises the electorate and breaches the Supreme Court's assurance of temporary UT status.

UPSC Key: 14 Internal EC Dissents, Tarang Shakti-26 Multinational Exercise, and AI-Driven Semiconductor Supercycle

This Indian Express 'UPSC Key' compilation covers six critical topics: unprecedented internal dissent within the Election Commission (14 objections in 10 months), the second edition of India's largest multinational air exercise Tarang Shakti-26, the Supreme Court's reaffirmation of the Bijoe Emmanuel precedent on Vande Mataram, a new Centre scheme for lithium and nickel processing, the evolution of Yemen's Houthis from a local revivalist movement to a Red Sea power, and the global semiconductor 'supercycle' driven by AI demand. Each story is mapped to UPSC syllabus with previous year questions.

Supreme Court Seeks Centre's Response on CAPF Act 2026 Challenged for Violating Articles 14, 16, 21

The Supreme Court has questioned the constitutional validity of the Central Armed Police Forces (General Administration) Act, 2026, which mandates IPS officer deputation to senior CAPF posts, potentially overriding a 2025 SC judgment. This case tests the separation of powers and the rights of CAPF cadre officers under Articles 14, 16, and 21.

Supreme Court Directs RBI, States, CBI on Digital Arrest Scams: SOP, Kill Switch, ₹18 Cr Restored

The Supreme Court issued interim directions to combat digital arrest scams, including RBI SOP for banks, operationalization of grievance redressal and money restoration modules, and examination of a 'kill switch' for calls. The court noted a decline in reported fraud but stressed continued vigilance. This is crucial for understanding judicial activism in cybercrime and institutional coordination.

Karnataka HC Upholds 1.27 Acre Land Acquisition for DRDO's CAIR Project as National Security Imperative

Karnataka HC upheld acquisition of 1.27 acres for DRDO's CAIR project, overriding procedural lapses due to national security. This judgment harmonizes private property rights with constitutional duty to protect the nation.

Supreme Court Directs States to Revisit Raising Judicial Officers' Retirement Age to 61 in 2 Weeks

The Supreme Court has held that States cannot use financial burden as a valid ground to oppose enhancing the retirement age of judicial officers. It has directed all States/UTs to decide within two weeks, in consultation with High Courts, on allowing district judges to serve up to 61 years while a petition for uniform 62 years remains pending.

Supreme Court Clarifies July 31 Order: Media Can Report Proceedings But Cannot Use Audio-Video Clips

The Supreme Court clarified that news outlets can report court proceedings but cannot use audio or video clips in their reports. This balances open justice with preventing misuse of selective clips. Key for understanding judicial transparency and media regulation.

Allahabad High Court Quashes NSA Detention, Imposes Rs 5 Lakh Fine on UP Govt

The Allahabad High Court quashed the NSA detention of a 25-year-old student, calling it 'arbitrary and vague'. The court imposed a Rs 5 lakh fine on the state, recoverable from officials involved. This judgment reinforces judicial scrutiny of preventive detention laws like NSA.