Ladakh Granted 5 New Districts (Nubra, Changthang, Sham, Zanskar, Drass) Amid Demands for Sixth Schedule and Legislature

Article 371 Sui-Generis Model for Ladakh: 95% Local Job Reservation, 5 New Districts, 13 km Zojila Tunnel

Ladakh’s political future hinges on constructive dialogue over agitation. The Centre has offered a sui-generis constitutional model under Article 371 with legislative, executive and financial powers, alongside 95% local job reservation, five new districts, and massive infrastructure investments. Key for aspirants: understand the Article 371 framework, devolution mechanisms, and border area development.

SC Upholds Telangana MLA Danam Nagender Disqualification Under Anti-Defection Law (Tenth Schedule)

Supreme Court upheld the disqualification of Telangana MLA Danam Nagender for defecting from BRS to Congress. The court rejected the 'ghar wapsi' argument, reinforcing that voluntarily giving up party membership under the Tenth Schedule cannot be condoned by claiming regret. This judgment reaffirms judicial review over Speaker's decisions in anti-defection cases.

NCERT Granted Deemed University Status Under UGC Act 1956; Conditions Include NIRF, NAAC Compliance

The Ministry of Education has confirmed NCERT's deemed university status, expanding its role beyond school education into research and doctoral programmes. This move, approved under UGC Act 1956, comes with conditions mandating compliance with UGC norms, NIRF rankings, and NAAC accreditation, raising concerns about academic autonomy.

Parliamentary Panel Demands Meta Apology Over PM Video Removal, Threatens Revocation of Safe Harbour Under IT Act Section 79

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Communications and IT, chaired by Nishikant Dubey, has demanded Meta apologize for erroneously blocking PM Modi's video, or face revocation of safe harbour under Section 79 of the IT Act. Similar action is threatened against Google India for financial frauds. This highlights the government's push to enforce intermediary accountability and the conditional nature of safe harbour immunity.

Madras HC Upholds Speaker's Decision to Drop Disqualification of 21 AIADMK MLAs Under Tenth Schedule

Madras High Court dismissed a PIL challenging the Tamil Nadu Assembly Speaker's decision to drop disqualification proceedings against 21 AIADMK MLAs who had defied the party whip and voted for the TVK government. The Court ruled that a political party can condone its members' voting against the whip within 15 days, even if the initial complaint sought disqualification under both paragraphs of the Tenth Schedule.

Union Cabinet Approves J&K High Court Bench in Ladakh to Enhance Access to Justice

The Union Cabinet has approved a bench of the Jammu and Kashmir High Court in Ladakh, significantly reducing travel burden for litigants from the remote Union Territory. This decision underscores the government's post-Article 370 commitment to ensuring constitutional safeguards and all-round development of Ladakh.

SC Uses Article 142 to Quash NEET FIRs; PM at SCO Demands Action on Terror Financing

Supreme Court invoked Article 142 to quash all NEET protest FIRs, showcasing its plenary powers. PM Modi at the SCO summit called for united action against state-sponsored terrorism, indirectly targeting Pakistan. Other key updates include bank unions striking over PLI and 5-day week, totaliser debate, and India's tunnel rescue in Nepal.

MHA Seeks Input on Composition of Proposed Ladakh UT-Level Body Under Article 371(K)

The Centre is proposing a unique governance model for Ladakh under Article 371(K), avoiding statehood or full legislature. This has implications for federalism, constitutional amendments, and special provisions for regions. MHA's questionnaire seeks specifics on the new body's composition and powers, indicating progress in negotiations.