Parliament Panel Debates Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan Bill Subsuming UGC, NCTE, AICTE Under Entry 66 of Union List

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.

CEC Removal Procedure Matches SC Judge; 2023 Act Appointment Panel Challenged Under Anoop Baranwal

Opposition demands CEC removal after leaked objections. CEC removal requires special majority in both Houses (same as SC judge), making it politically difficult. Meanwhile, the 2023 Act for appointing CEC/ECs, which replaced CJI with a Cabinet Minister, faces a split verdict in the Supreme Court. This touches Article 324, the Anoop Baranwal judgment, and independence of the Election Commission.

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.

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.

Judges (Inquiry) Act 1968 Invoked: Panel Finds Unexplained Cash at Justice Varma’s Residence, Report Tabled in Parliament

A three-member parliamentary inquiry committee under the Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968 has found that former Delhi High Court judge Justice Yashwant Varma failed to explain the source of cash bundles discovered in his official residence after a fire. This is a rare invocation of the judicial removal mechanism, making it crucial for understanding the process of judicial accountability and the role of Parliament in the impeachment of judges.

NDA Plans to Dissolve 22 State Assemblies for Simultaneous Elections with Lok Sabha 2029

The NDA is exploring advancing the first simultaneous elections from 2034 to 2029 by dissolving assemblies of 22 states/UTs where it has majority. This involves constitutional bills under a Joint Parliamentary Committee and invokes Article 174(2)(b) for dissolution. For exam aspirants, this tests understanding of electoral reforms, constitutional provisions, and federal dynamics.

Centre Proposes Sui Generis Model for Ladakh Under Article 371(K), Needs 2/3 Parliament Majority

The Centre has proposed a unique 'sui generis' governance model for Ladakh, distinct from statehood or a UT with legislature. The new framework will be embedded via a constitutional amendment under Article 371(K), requiring a two-thirds majority in Parliament. This is a key development for aspirants tracking special provisions and Union Territory governance.