Supreme Court Intervenes on Plea of 26 Indians Allegedly Forced into Russia-Ukraine War, Flags Human Trafficking

SC Orders Centre to Appoint Nodal Officer for Indians Killed/Missing in Russia-Ukraine War

The Supreme Court has directed the Central Government to appoint a Nodal Officer specifically to assist the families of Indian nationals who have been killed or are missing in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. This directive underscores the judiciary's role in ensuring the executive fulfills its duty towards citizens affected by international crises.

Centre to SC: Foreign National Deportation Requires Home Country Nationality Confirmation

The Centre has informed the Supreme Court that a foreign national whose nationality is unverified cannot be deported until their home country confirms nationality and agrees to accept them. This affidavit was filed in a plea challenging the indefinite detention of persons declared foreigners in Assam without prospects of deportation.

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.

Births and Deaths (Amendment) Bill, 2026 Passed in Lok Sabha Without Debate; SC Issues Notice on Polygamy Ban

Lok Sabha passed the Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Bill, 2026 without debate amid opposition protests over police crackdown. Simultaneously, the Supreme Court issued notice on a plea to ban polygamy, sentenced Tahir Hussain to life imprisonment for murder of an IB officer, and stayed arrest of former TN minister Senthilbalaji. Multiple other judicial and state-level developments occurred.

Supreme Court Split Verdict: Justice Dipankar Datta Terms Centre's Remarks on Collegium 'Disquieting'

In a split verdict, Justice Dipankar Datta of the Supreme Court strongly defended the collegium system, terming the Centre's oral criticism as 'disingenuous, evasive and disquieting'. The judgment reaffirms the judiciary's independence in appointments and warns against undermining institutional integrity. Essential for UPSC Polity (Judicial Appointments, Separation of Powers).

Supreme Court Questions Fairness of PM-Led Panel for CEC Appointment Under 2023 Act

The Supreme Court has questioned whether the selection of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and Election Commissioners by a PM-led committee (with a Union Minister and LoP) demonstrates 'fairness'. The Centre defended the process citing constitutional trust, but the court hinted at the need for a more independent mechanism. This is crucial for understanding the debate on institutional independence and the Election Commission's autonomy.

NEET-UG Reform: Two-Stage JEE Pattern Under Active Consideration, Govt Tells Supreme Court

The Centre informed the Supreme Court that it is actively considering shifting NEET-UG to a two-stage format on the JEE (Mains & Advanced) pattern. The final decision will await recommendations from the Nandan Nilekani-led High-Powered Task Force on exam reforms. This is crucial for medical aspirants as it could change the entire exam structure and enhance security against paper leaks.

Rajya Sabha Passes Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill 2026, Raising Judge Strength to 38

The Rajya Sabha has cleared the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026, raising the apex court's sanctioned strength from 34 to 38 judges, including the Chief Justice of India. The Bill replaces a May ordinance, but Opposition MPs questioned the ordinance route and highlighted the persistent diversity deficit in judicial appointments. This is a high-yield Polity topic for Prelims and Mains, with concrete data on SC/ST/OBC/minority/women representation and judiciary infrastructure.