Karnataka (Below 16) and Andhra Pradesh (Below 13) Propose Social Media Ban to Curb Digital Addiction

Karnataka Announces 7.5% Reservation for Rural Govt School Students in Medical, Engineering Seats

Karnataka CM Shivakumar announced a 7.5% reservation for rural government school students in medical and engineering courses to improve access to professional higher education. Additionally, AI education from Class 6, a government AI university in Bengaluru, and an exam reform committee were announced. This is significant for social justice and education policy in state exams.

Himachal Pradesh to Launch ₹10 Lakh Health Insurance Scheme for Poor Families – First State to Offer Comprehensive Coverage

Himachal Pradesh is set to launch a new health insurance scheme offering up to ₹10 lakh coverage for poor families at a nominal premium, becoming the first state to do so. This aims to ensure quality healthcare access and reduce the need for residents to travel outside the state for advanced treatment.

Karnataka Bans HFSS Foods Near Schools Under FSS Act, 50-Metre Radius

Karnataka has banned the sale of High Fat, Sugar and Salt (HFSS) foods within 50 metres of schools and colleges, effective from July 24, 2026, under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. This is a significant public health measure targeting childhood obesity and unhealthy eating habits, with implications for state-level governance, food safety regulations, and school health policies.

CAG Report: ₹15.25 Cr Shortfall & ₹17.80 Cr Solatium Unpaid to Tribals in WB Mining Acquisitions

CAG report reveals West Bengal government's failure to ensure fair compensation to tribal landowners in mining land acquisitions by ECL and BCCL between 2017-22, resulting in a short payment of ₹15.25 crore and unpaid solatium of ₹17.80 crore. The report highlights systemic lapses by district authorities in implementing Coal India's R&R Policy 2012 and the LARR Act 2013.

Bombay HC Rules Community Health Volunteers Entitled to Minimum Wage Under 1948 Act

The Bombay High Court has ruled that community health volunteers working for the BMC are entitled to minimum wages under the Minimum Wages Act, 1948, rejecting the argument that their honorarium exempts them. This judgment strengthens labour rights for contractual and volunteer workers, an important topic for UPSC labour jurisprudence and social security.

WB CM Reports 23,000 CAA Certificates Issued; MHA Transfers Processing to District Collectors

West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari announced 23,000 CAA certificates distributed out of 2.3 lakh applications. MHA has shifted processing from Empowered Committees to District Collectors in 8 states/UTs to fast-track citizenship grants, fulfilling a key election promise by PM Modi.

Karnataka Suspends Food Licences of Amazon, Swiggy Instamart, BigBasket for Selling Poisonous Datura

Karnataka's food safety department has suspended licences of Amazon, Swiggy Instamart, and BigBasket for selling toxic Datura as a food product, posing serious public health risks. This action under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 highlights regulatory gaps in e-commerce food sales and the vulnerability of online platforms to illegal products. For exams: testable data includes specific platforms, the poisonous substance, and legal framework.

Maharashtra Drafts Law to Regulate Coaching Centres: Registration, Fee Caps, Penalties up to ₹50 Lakh

Maharashtra has released a draft bill to regulate private coaching centres, mandating registration, fee regulation, safety norms, and mental well-being provisions. The law, triggered by the NEET-UG paper leak, imposes penalties up to ₹50 lakh and prohibits school-coaching integration. It is stricter than similar laws in other states and faces criticism from coaching unions.