Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhisthan Bill 2026 Proposes Central Councils, Dilutes UGC Act Section 13

DDA Approves Master Plan for Delhi-2047, Aligns with Viksit Bharat Vision

The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has approved the Master Plan for Delhi-2047, extending the horizon from 2041 to 2047 to align with the national 'Viksit Bharat@2047' vision. This plan, sent to MoHUA for final approval, will shape Delhi's housing, mobility, and environmental management for the next two decades and introduces key reforms like eased building bye-laws and a land pooling policy.

SC Directs UGC to Reconsider 2026 Equity Regulations; 2012 Norms to Stay

The Centre informed the Supreme Court that the UGC's 2026 equity regulations (aimed at preventing caste-based discrimination on campuses) are under reconsideration. The SC had earlier stayed these regulations, calling them 'prima facie vague' and potentially divisive, and reinstated the 2012 regulations. This is crucial for understanding the intersection of judicial review, social justice policy, and higher education governance.

FCRA Amendment Bill 2026: Designated Authority Can Vest Assets, Raises Proportionality Concerns

The FCRA Amendment Bill 2026 introduces a 'Designated Authority' to manage foreign contributions and assets when an NGO's registration is cancelled or lapses. While the state has a legitimate interest in regulating foreign funds, the Bill raises constitutional questions about the extent of executive control over civil society institutions and whether adequate safeguards exist against overreach. The Bill has been referred to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC).

Centre Proposes Article 371(K) for Ladakh, Land & Ecology Central to Autonomy Debate

This article moves beyond the immediate political negotiations over Ladakh's demand for statehood and constitutional safeguards, framing the debate within critical dimensions of historical legacy, ecological fragility, and hydrological security for the northern plains. It highlights the proposed Article 371(K), the contentious Ailan No. 38 land regulation, and the strategic importance of the Indus Waters Treaty, making it a rich topic for both Prelims and Mains.

Madras HC: No Sanction Needed Under BNSS Section 218 for Disproportionate Assets Cases

The Madras High Court has ruled that no prior sanction is required under Section 197 CrPC or Section 218 BNSS to prosecute public servants for disproportionate assets, because such an offence has no nexus with official duty. The ruling, which refused to discharge former DMK Minister M.R.K. Panneerselvam and his family, clarifies a key examiner-relevant dimension of the Prevention of Corruption Act.

SC Proposes Exempting Current Class 6 from Three-Language Policy; Centre Seeks More Time

The Supreme Court has proposed exempting the current Class 6 batch from the mandatory three-language policy, suggesting implementation from January 1, 2027. The Centre has sought more time to decide, while the court has asked for details on teacher availability and infrastructure.

SC Stays HC Order Declaring NSEI as 'Public Authority' Under RTI Act Section 2(h)

The Supreme Court has stayed a Delhi High Court order that declared the National Stock Exchange of India (NSEI) a 'public authority' under Section 2(h) of the RTI Act. This means citizens cannot currently enforce their right to information from NSEI. The case challenges whether a stock exchange, though controlled by the government, should be treated as a public authority.

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.