Governor's Role in Hung Assembly: Tamil Nadu TVK's 107 Seats, Precedents from 1952 CR, 1999 Narayanan

Constitution 131st Amendment Bill: Lok Sabha Expansion to 850 Seats, Tamil Nadu Parties Divided

The Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, which sought to increase Lok Sabha seats from 543 to 850 and enable fresh delimitation before 2029, failed to secure the required two-thirds majority. Tamil Nadu's political parties remain divided, with the DMK demanding a freeze on seats based on the 1971 Census for 25 more years. This issue tests federal principles and the balance of political representation, making it critical for UPSC polity and governance preparation.

J&K Assembly Debates Statehood Resolution; NC MLAs Move Amendments for Article 370, 35A

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah moved a resolution for restoring full statehood, referencing a 2000 autonomy resolution. Six NC MLAs and opposition parties have moved amendments demanding the inclusion of Article 370 and 35A restoration, making this a key test of the current assembly's stance on pre-2019 constitutional status.

Delhi Assembly Repeals B&B Law, Passes 3 Bills: Slum Cut-off Extended to 2026, Right to Services Act

Delhi Assembly has repealed the 2007 Bed & Breakfast law and passed three other bills including a new slum rehabilitation cut-off date and a right to time-bound services. The new B&B policy will allow deemed approval in 7 days via self-certification. This marks a shift towards ease of doing business and urban governance reforms.

Tamil Nadu Issues Advance Medical Directives Guidelines 2026 for Passive Euthanasia

Tamil Nadu has issued the Tamil Nadu Advance Medical Directive Guidelines, 2026 to operationalise passive euthanasia and strengthen patient autonomy at the end of life. The guidelines follow Supreme Court directions in Common Cause and Harish Rana vs Union of India, requiring States to establish medical boards and custodians for Advance Medical Directives. This is a landmark state-level health governance step with direct UPSC and State PSC relevance.

Karnataka HC Quashes KPSC Chairperson Suspension; Governor's Independent Action Invalid Under Article 317(1)

Karnataka High Court reinstates KPSC Chairperson Sahukar, ruling that the Governor's suspension order was invalid because it was passed without the aid and advice of the State Cabinet. This reaffirms the constitutional principle that the Governor is bound by Cabinet advice, even in matters concerning removal of SPSC members under Article 317(1). Important for understanding Governor's discretionary powers and the role of the Supreme Court in such inquiries.

AP Assembly Passes 4 Higher Education Bills: Land Norm Reduced to 10 Acres, Skill Universities Allowed

Andhra Pradesh has passed four landmark higher education Bills that ease land requirements for private universities (from 50 to 10 acres in cities), restrict the regulatory commission to fee regulation, allow skill universities, and address 77% faculty vacancy in state universities with reservation safeguards. This is a major state-level governance reform with implications for education policy, federalism, and regulatory frameworks.

Special Intensive Revision: 43.7% Voters Untraceable in 25 Urban Maharashtra Seats

Maharashtra's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls after 24 years reveals that over 40% of voters in 25 urban constituencies could not be traced, threatening their inclusion in the draft roll. This highlights systemic issues in urban voter registration and the challenges of maintaining accurate electoral rolls in high-mobility areas.

Governor Suspends KPSC Chairman Under Article 317(2) for Second Time Amid Recruitment Scam

Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot has suspended KPSC Chairman Shivashankarappa S. Sahukar for the second time, this time with Cabinet approval, under Article 317(2) of the Constitution. The suspension follows a High Court order quashing the Governor's earlier unilateral suspension, and comes amid ED raids related to bribery in veterinary officer recruitments. This case highlights the constitutional balance between Governor's powers and Cabinet aid and advice.