NEET-UG 2026 Cancelled for 22 Lakh Aspirants; Re-exam Ordered as CBI Probes Irregularities

NFSA Amendment Replaces 35 kg AAY Rations with 7 kg Per Capita, Cuts 80% for Solo Women

The proposed amendment to the National Food Security Act (NFSA) replaces the 35 kg monthly household ration for Antyodaya (AAY) families with a per-capita system of 7 kg per person (capped at 35 kg). This will drastically cut entitlements for 53% of AAY households (those with fewer than 5 members), hitting the poorest hardest — especially 1 million single women, mostly widows, who will lose 80% of their foodgrain.

AP Pedestrian Safety Policy 2026: SC Recognises Right to Walk, 36,526 Pedestrian Deaths in 2024, Section 198A Fine

The Supreme Court recognized the right to walk on footpaths as a fundamental right. Andhra Pradesh became the first state to notify a pedestrian safety policy, mandating audits, removal of encroachments, and a Rs 1 lakh fine under Section 198A MV Act for infrastructure failure causing death. With 1 in 5 road deaths being pedestrians (36,526 in 2024), this policy is a landmark for urban governance and social justice.

FSSAI Proposes Red Pictorial Warning Labels on Front-of-Pack for Foods High in Fat, Sugar, Salt: Affidavit in SC

FSSAI has proposed red hexagonal warning labels on the front of packaged foods high in fat, sugar, or salt, to be implemented in phases. This follows Supreme Court observations on public health and aims to empower consumers with simple, prominent information. The proposal exempts single-ingredient foods like ghee, honey, and edible oil.

FSSAI Proposes Red Hexagonal Warning Labels on Packaged Foods in Two Phases

FSSAI has accepted in its Supreme Court affidavit to implement red hexagonal warning labels on packaged foods high in fat, sugar, or salt. The move comes after years of debate and will be rolled out in two phases, with Phase I covering products high in at least two of the three nutrients and Phase II extending to products high in any one. This aligns with global trends, with Chile seeing a 24% drop in sugary drink consumption after similar warning labels.

India: 11% of Global Road Deaths with 1% Vehicles – SC Directs Road Transport Ministry on Safety Measures

India accounts for 11% of global road traffic fatalities despite having only 1% of the world's vehicles. The Supreme Court has directed the Road Transport Ministry to consider a petition focused on enforcing seat belt and helmet use. The article argues that judicial fiat alone is insufficient and calls for a comprehensive 'Safe System' approach addressing speeding, road design, and trauma care.

CBSE Mandates Two Bhartiya Bhashas Under NEP 2020 Three-Language Formula from Class 6 (2026-27)

CBSE schools from the 2026-27 academic session must offer two Indian languages (Bhartiya Bhashas) as R2 and R3 under NEP 2020's three-language formula. However, practical roadblocks like teacher shortages, limited language options, and transition issues for existing students threaten effective implementation, with Hindi and Sanskrit becoming default third languages.

FSSAI Proposes Red Hexagonal Warning Labels for High Fat/Sugar/Salt Packaged Foods

FSSAI, under Supreme Court direction, has proposed mandatory red hexagonal front-of-pack warning labels for packaged foods high in added saturated fat, sugar, or salt. This move aims to empower consumers, especially children, to make informed choices and combat rising non-communicable diseases. The two-phase implementation and exemptions for traditional single-ingredient foods are key details for exams.

Govt to SC: Only Parliament Can Extend Creamy Layer to SC/ST; Cites Article 341, E V Chinnaiah Case

The government has told the Supreme Court that extending the creamy layer principle to SC/ST is a policy decision for Parliament alone. This reaffirms that reservation for SC/ST is based on historical social criteria, not just economic status, and the creamy layer concept currently applies only to OBCs.