Karnataka Mandates Hospitals to Report Child Pregnancies Under POCSO Act 2012, Non-Compliance Risks 1-Year Jail

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.

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.

Uttarakhand Waqf Board Proposes Revised Nikahnama Aligned with UCC; Interfaith Marriages under Special Marriage Act

Over 1.5 years after Uttarakhand implemented the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), the State Waqf Board has proposed a revised nikahnama to bring Muslim marriage registrations in line with the new law. The proposal bans conversions solely for marriage and mandates interfaith couples to register under the Special Marriage Act, marking a significant step in UCC implementation.

MahaRERA Strikes Down Builder's Unilateral Cancellation Clause, Orders Interest from Oct 2023 Under RERA Act

MahaRERA has declared illegal a contractual clause that allowed a builder to unilaterally cancel a flat allotment via Power of Attorney, reinforcing statutory safeguards under the RERA Act. The developer was ordered to pay interest for delayed possession from October 1, 2023. This ruling is a key example of regulatory protection for homebuyers and a must-know for exams covering RERA, consumer rights, and state-level governance.

Maharashtra Mandates Safe Food Norms in Schools; Bans HFSS Items, Covers All Boards

Maharashtra has issued a statewide compliance order to ensure safe, balanced food in all schools, banning HFSS items (junk food) within premises and a 50-metre zone. The move targets childhood obesity and micronutrient deficiencies, making it a key governance and public health initiative for exam aspirants.

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.