Category: Polity

Supreme Court Justice Ujjal Bhuyan supported appointing “distinguished jurists” as Supreme Court judges to bring greater diversity, expertise and scholarly perspectives to the Bench. Article 124(3)(c) of the Constitution permits such appointments. However, Justice Bhuyan noted that in the 76 years since Independence, no distinguished jurist has been appointed directly to the Supreme Court under … Continue reading Distinguished Jurists as Supreme Court Judges

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma visited Gujarat’s SWAGAT Online system, launched in 2003 during Narendra Modi’s tenure as Gujarat Chief Minister. It is a technology-driven public grievance redressal mechanism designed to directly address citizens’ complaints and improve administrative accountability. The three-tier mechanism operates at the village, taluka and district levels, with officials reviewing grievances … Continue reading SWAGAT Online: Gujarat’s Governance Model

The Quadrangular Security Grid, proposed after the Land Border Districts’ SP Conference–2026, aims to create a localized security network involving border communities and police across 119 districts in 17 States/UTs. It is expected to be finalised within 1.5 years. For Assam, which shares an international border with Bangladesh, such a community-linked security mechanism can strengthen … Continue reading Quadrangular Security Grid

Mizoram’s transition from insurgency to peace, democracy and development is chronicled through the political life of its longest-serving Chief Minister, Lal Thanhawla (Pu Hawla), in journalist Sanjoy Hazarika’s new book Lal Thanhawla: The Boy from Zarkawt, and the Making of Mizoram. Published by Westland, the book connects his political journey with Mizoram’s wider transformation. Hazarika … Continue reading Lal Thanhawla: The Boy from Zarkawt

The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has amended the citizenship-processing framework under the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019, transferring pending applications in specified border States and Union Territories to District Collectors. The arrangement covers Gujarat, West Bengal and Assam. District Collectors can receive applications electronically, verify documents, conduct necessary enquiries and assess eligibility under Section … Continue reading CAA Citizenship Processing Framework Amended

The proposed “Triangular Security Grid” aims to strengthen security around the strategically vital Siliguri Corridor (Chicken’s Neck), which connects mainland India with the Northeast. The proposed grid will comprise military garrisons at Dhubri in Assam, Kishanganj in Bihar and Chopra in West Bengal. The initiative is part of the Centre’s broader efforts to strengthen border … Continue reading Triangular Security Grid for Siliguri Corridor

The Government of Tripura has received the ‘GeM Sustained Adoption’ Award for its continued efforts to promote transparent, efficient and technology-driven public procurement through the Government e-Marketplace (GeM). The award was presented at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, during GeM’s 10th-anniversary celebrations. Tripura was recognised for the growing volume of procurement through GeM and the increasing … Continue reading Tripura Receives ‘GeM Sustained Adoption’ Award

The Himachal Pradesh government has imposed a widow and orphan cess of 60 paise per litre on petrol and high-speed diesel. The levy is intended to generate additional resources for supporting widows and orphaned children. Under Article 270 of the Constitution, certain Union taxes, cesses and surcharges are dealt with separately from the divisible pool … Continue reading Widow and Orphan Cess in Himachal Pradesh

The Arunachal Pradesh Cabinet has approved the recommendations of the High Power Committee (HPC) on eligibility criteria for government recruitment, thereby scrapping the earlier 80:20 reservation arrangement. The revised framework places greater emphasis on eligibility based on the state’s indigenous and local requirements. Under the new system, possession of Arunachal Pradesh Scheduled Tribe (APST) status … Continue reading 80:20 Recruitment Arrangement Scrapped in Arunachal Pradesh

Prime Minister Narendra Modi released former President Ram Nath Kovind’s autobiography, titled Trumph of the Indian Republic: My Life, My Struggles, in New Delhi on August 12. The book traces Kovind’s journey from his early years through his public life and eventual service as the 14th President of India, offering insights into the experiences, values … Continue reading Ram Nath Kovind’s Autobiography Released

T. Armstrong Changsan, a resident of Haflong, Assam, has been appointed as India’s next Ambassador to Armenia, marking a significant achievement for Assam in India’s diplomatic service. His appointment highlights the growing representation of people from the Northeast in India’s foreign policy establishment. As an ambassador, he will represent India’s interests in Armenia and contribute … Continue reading T. Armstrong Changsan Appointed Ambassador to Armenia

The Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has been reorganised into two separate departments to strengthen urban governance and improve administrative efficiency. The new structure comprises the Department of Capital Development (Rajdhani Vikas Vibhag) and the Department of Urban Development (Shahari Vikas Vibhag). The restructuring aims to enhance institutional capacity, streamline administration, and enable … Continue reading Restructuring of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs

Manipur's Ngulkham Jathom Gangte has been appointed as India's next Ambassador to Mexico, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). A senior diplomat, he is currently serving as Special Secretary in the MEA and is expected to assume his new assignment shortly. His appointment reflects India's continued efforts to strengthen diplomatic and strategic engagement … Continue reading Ngulkham Jathom Gangte Appointed Ambassador to Mexico

Mizoram has constituted its first State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) with Governor Vijay Kumar Singh administering the oath of office to the chairperson and two members at Raj Bhavan. The ceremony formally brought the statutory body into existence to safeguard and promote human rights in the state. Justice (Retd.) Marli Vankung, a former judge of … Continue reading Mizoram Constitutes First State Human Rights Commission

The Assam Government has introduced the Assam Higher Education Council Bill, 2026 in the Legislative Assembly to establish the Assam Higher Education Council as an apex coordinating body for the state's higher education sector. Envisaged in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the Council will function as an intermediary between the University Grants … Continue reading Assam Higher Education Council Bill, 2026

An explosion at the Ladi Steel industrial unit in Pangram, Cachar district, claimed the lives of four workers, while another worker sustained minor injuries. The incident has raised concerns over industrial safety and compliance with workplace safety standards in hazardous industrial establishments. Industrial accidents in India are governed by the Factories Act, 1948, the Public … Continue reading Explosion at Ladi Steel Unit in Cachar

Justice Ujjal Bhuyan has expressed concern over bail conditions that prohibit student activists from posting on social media or attending public meetings, questioning whether such restrictions undermine the right to liberty and participation in public life. He observed that while courts may impose conditions to prevent interference with investigations or influence over witnesses, restrictions that … Continue reading Justice Ujjal Bhuyan Questions Restrictive Bail Conditions

The Flag Code of India provides that the National Flag may be flown at half-mast only as a mark of State mourning on the death of specified dignitaries and only in accordance with instructions issued by the Government of India. The recent sighting of the National Flag atop Sarania Hills, Guwahati, flying at half-mast has … Continue reading Flag Code of India: Half-Mast Provisions

Pralhad Joshi has been assigned the additional charge of the Union Ministry of Education, while continuing to serve as the Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution and Minister of New and Renewable Energy. A Member of Parliament from Dharwad, Karnataka, since 2004, Joshi previously served as the Union Minister of Coal, Mines, and … Continue reading Pralhad Joshi Given Additional Charge of Education Ministry

Dharmendra Pradhan has resigned as the Union Education Minister following weeks of nationwide student protests over examination irregularities and the NEET-UG paper leak controversy. He served as Education Minister from July 2021 to July 2026 and stated that his decision was guided by accountability and the interests of students. During his tenure, he led the … Continue reading Dharmendra Pradhan Resigns as Union Education Minister

The Union Cabinet has approved a draft Bill to amend the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, proposing stricter penalties to curb paper leaks and examination malpractices. The amendments prescribe a minimum five-year imprisonment for offenders and stronger provisions against organised examination fraud. For organised paper leaks, the proposed law provides for up … Continue reading Centre Proposes Stricter Anti-Paper Leak Law

The Central Government has appointed Naresh Pal Gangwar, a 1994-batch IAS officer of the Rajasthan cadre, as Secretary, Department of Higher Education. He succeeds Vineet Joshi, who has been transferred as Secretary to the Ministry of Panchayati Raj. The appointment comes amid scrutiny of the Education Ministry over the alleged NEET-UG paper leak controversy. The … Continue reading Naresh Pal Gangwar Appointed Higher Education Secretary

The Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement (Assam Amendment) Bill, 2026 was introduced in the Assam Assembly. The Bill proposes to amend Section 10A to exempt certain categories of land acquisition from Social Impact Assessment (SIA) and restrictions on acquiring agricultural land. The exemption applies to projects related to … Continue reading Assam Amendment Bill on Land Acquisition Introduced

Forty-six cadres of the Kangleipak Communist Party (People's War Group) surrendered and laid down arms, marking a step towards peace and stability in Manipur. The outfit is a banned Maoist separatist group seeking Manipur's secession from India. Founded in 1980, the KCP has splintered into several factions over ideological differences. The name Kangleipak refers to … Continue reading KCP (PWG) Cadres Surrender in Manipur

The Kihoto Hollohon Yepthomi case has regained attention amid debates on political defections. In Kihoto Hollohan v. Zachillhu (1992), the Supreme Court upheld the constitutional validity of the Tenth Schedule (Anti-Defection Law) and held that the Speaker's decisions are subject to judicial review. The judgment established that the Speaker functions as a quasi-judicial authority, strengthening … Continue reading Kihoto Hollohan Case in Focus

Shillong hosted the 14th BIMSTEC SG-AML/CFT Meeting on 20 July 2026, attended by all seven member states. The meeting adopted an Action Plan on Illicit Financial Flows, an MoU on capacity building, and agreed to prepare the AML/CFT Work Plan (2026–2028). The members also decided to operationalise the BIMSTEC AML/CFT Contact Point Network to strengthen … Continue reading Shillong Hosts 14th BIMSTEC AML/CFT Meeting

The Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill, 2025 seeks to ensure that persons subjected to extended detention for serious criminal offences are barred from holding high constitutional posts. The proposed amendment is intended to strengthen ethical standards and public confidence in constitutional offices. The Bill will apply to the Central Government, State Governments, and the National Capital … Continue reading Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill, 2025

Dr. Dibyajyoti Saikia, a human rights activist and motivational speaker from Assam, has been conferred the International Democracy Award 2026 in recognition of his contributions to social service, drug de-addiction, and environmental conservation. The award was presented by the International Human Rights Defenders Foundation (USA) at the Constitution Club of India, New Delhi. Dr. Saikia … Continue reading Dr Dibyajyoti Saikia Receives International Democracy Award 2026

The Falkland Islands sovereignty dispute resurfaced during Argentina's celebrations after reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, when players displayed a banner stating "The Falkland Islands are Argentine." The incident prompted a FIFA review, as its regulations prohibit political messages during sporting events. The sovereignty dispute between Argentina and the United Kingdom dates back over … Continue reading Falkland Islands Dispute Resurfaces at FIFA World Cup 2026

Prashasania Seva Aru Janaswartha: Smritir Keitaman Dukhuria Chabi, a book authored by retired bureaucrat Kanak Chandra Sharma, was released at the Vivekananda Kendra Institute of Culture. The book recounts Sharma's experiences in public administration and his contributions to governance and public service. Kanak Chandra Sharma played a significant role in the establishment of Tezpur University … Continue reading ‘Prashasania Seva Aru Janaswartha’ Released

Local Planning Authority (LPA): Assam has proposed to bring Nabin Nagar in Guwahati under the Local Planning Authority (LPA) to facilitate planned urban development, subject to residents' consent. The initiative aims to address chronic flooding through modern drainage systems, improved road connectivity, and upgraded civic infrastructure. The proposed planning model is based on successful urban … Continue reading Local Planning Authority (LPA)

A study by Chinese geologists has identified an active fault line beneath China's proposed Brahmaputra hydropower project in Tibet, raising concerns about the structural stability of the world's largest planned hydropower project. The project is located close to the India–China border near Arunachal Pradesh, making it strategically significant for downstream regions. The researchers warned that … Continue reading Safety Concerns Over China’s Brahmaputra Hydropower Project

The Assam Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2026 proposes amendments to provisions relating to town and country planning and land reclassification. The Bill aims to simplify regulatory procedures and improve the ease of governance. The Bill also proposes transferring the licensing authority for cinema halls and multiplexes from the State Government to the respective … Continue reading Assam Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2026

Meghalaya is planning to introduce a mandatory tourist registration mechanism to enhance security and improve monitoring of visitor movement across the state. Under the proposed system, tourists will be required to register at designated verification centres, where officials will verify their identity, supporting documents, and the purpose of their visit before entry. The first registration … Continue reading Meghalaya to Introduce Tourist Registration Mechanism

India and Indonesia have agreed to jointly develop Sabang Port, strengthening India's maritime presence in the eastern Indian Ocean and advancing its Indo-Pacific strategy. Located at the northern entrance to the Strait of Malacca, the port occupies a strategic position along one of the world's busiest sea lanes and lies about 160 km from Great … Continue reading Sabang Port

Assam shares a 267.5-km international border with Bangladesh across Dhubri, South Salmara-Mankachar, Cachar, and Sribhumi districts, of which 228.541 km has been secured with barbed-wire fencing. The remaining unfenced stretches include 4.35 km along the Kushiyara River in Sribhumi due to objections from Border Guard Bangladesh, and 34.609 km of riverine border. The Border Security … Continue reading Assam–Bangladesh Border Fencing

Assam has decided to introduce Hindi as an official language for conducting proceedings in the Assam Legislative Assembly from the Budget Session beginning 6 July. With this decision, Hindi joins Assamese, English, and Bodo as the four official languages permitted for House business. This marks the first time that Hindi has been accorded official status … Continue reading Hindi in Assam Legislative Assembly

Nagaland is strengthening ties with Japan as Kumagai Farms and Hagumi Farms, two SMEs from Kochi Prefecture, have expressed interest in signing MoUs with Nagaland University for human resource development and knowledge exchange. Since 2022, ARMS Corporation has operated a branch office in Nagaland, providing Japanese-language training and facilitating employment opportunities for local youth in … Continue reading Nagaland–Japan Collaboration

Uttarakhand, Gujarat, and Assam have adopted state-level Uniform Civil Code (UCC) frameworks with broadly similar provisions. Common features include uniform civil laws across religions in matters of marriage, divorce, and succession, along with mandatory registration of marriages. The frameworks prohibit polygamy/bigamy, promote monogamy, and ensure equal inheritance rights for sons and daughters. Scheduled Tribes remain … Continue reading Uniform Civil Code (UCC): Common Features of Assam and Gujarat

Assam has emerged as one of India's top-performing states in implementing the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam. Two years after their enforcement on 1 July 2024, Assam ranks among the top five performers alongside Haryana, Goa, Punjab, and Chandigarh. The achievement reflects the state's adoption of digital technologies and … Continue reading Assam & New Criminal Laws

Assam has inaugurated UV Rezolve, the first exclusive Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Centre in Northeast India, at Christianbasti. It was inaugurated by Ujjal Bhuyan. Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) includes mechanisms such as mediation, arbitration, and conciliation to settle disputes outside regular courts. The centre aims to provide faster, cost-effective, and accessible dispute resolution while reducing … Continue reading UV Rezolve

The Hamburg Sustainability Conference is a global multi-stakeholder platform that promotes international cooperation to accelerate the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Established in 2024, the conference brings together governments, businesses, international organisations, academia, and civil society to build practical partnerships between the Global North and the Global South. The 2026 edition, the … Continue reading Hamburg Sustainability Conference (HSC)

Mahrang Baloch, founder and leader of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee, has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize for the second time. She is a prominent human rights campaigner advocating against alleged enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and other human rights violations in Balochistan. The Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) is a civil society organisation that campaigns … Continue reading Mahrang Baloch

According to the Narcotics Control Bureau Annual Report 2025, the Golden Triangle has overtaken the Golden Crescent as India's primary narcotics challenge. The Golden Triangle comprises Myanmar, Laos, and Thailand, while the Golden Crescent includes Afghanistan, Iran, and Pakistan. Illicit opium cultivation in Myanmar increased by about 56% between 2021 and 2023, while cultivation in … Continue reading Golden Triangle and India’s Narcotics Challenge

Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls has been included in the Class 9 Social Science textbook published by the National Council of Educational Research and Training. The textbook describes SIR as a comprehensive exercise to ensure that every eligible citizen is included in the electoral roll while removing ineligible entries, thereby improving the accuracy … Continue reading Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of Electoral Rolls in NCERT

After Assam, Rajasthan has constituted a high-level committee to prepare the draft of the Rajasthan Uniform Civil Code (UCC), 2026. The proposed framework includes mandatory registration of marriages and divorces, a complete ban on polygamy, mandatory registration of live-in relationships, and equal inheritance rights for sons and daughters in ancestral property. The committee will conduct … Continue reading Rajasthan Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Committee

For the first time since the 1975–77 Emergency, National Council of Educational Research and Training has introduced a dedicated chapter on the Emergency in the Class 9 Social Science textbook, Understanding Society: India and Beyond (Part 1). The inclusion is part of curriculum reforms under the National Education Policy 2020. The chapter describes the Emergency … Continue reading Emergency (1975–77) in NCERT Curriculum

The Right to Walk has been recognized as a fundamental right, affirming that citizens are entitled to safe, accessible, and unobstructed pedestrian infrastructure. The ruling emphasizes that footpaths and walkways are not optional amenities but essential components of public roads. It places a corresponding duty on governments and local authorities to construct, maintain, and protect … Continue reading Right to Walk

NITI Aayog has recognised Tripura for successfully establishing the Tripura Institution for Transformation (TIFT) under the State Support Mission (SSM) within the stipulated timeframe. As a reward for its achievement, the state received an incentive grant of ₹1 crore to undertake approved developmental projects. Owing to its growing national profile, Tripura was selected to host … Continue reading Tripura Institution for Transformation (TIFT)

The Budget Session of the 16th Assam Legislative Assembly will be held from 6 July to 31 July 2026. The House will observe a brief recess from 16 July to 21 July, during which Departmentally Related Standing Committees (DRSCs) will scrutinize departmental demands for grants. DRSCs are specialized legislative committees that examine the policies, budgets, … Continue reading Budget Session of the 16th Assam Legislative Assembly

The Kanchan Devi Committee is a Supreme Court-appointed expert panel constituted on 25 May 2026 to review earlier judicial directions related to the protection and classification of the Aravalli Range. The committee has been tasked with examining the existing framework for Aravalli conservation and recommending measures for environmental protection, forest demarcation, and sustainable land-use management. … Continue reading Kanchan Devi Committee

The district administration of Jorhat, in collaboration with the Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department and municipal bodies of Jorhat, Teok, Mariani, and Titabar, has initiated the establishment of four dog shelter homes across the district. The move follows a landmark Supreme Court of India judgment (May 2026), which directed that stray dogs be permanently removed … Continue reading Stray Dog Shelter Homes in Jorhat

The Government of West Bengal has announced the revival of the **Eastern Frontier Rifles (EFR), with plans to recruit more than 1,000 Gorkha youths into the force. The EFR is a historic armed police force known for the contribution of Gorkha personnel in maintaining security and supporting national defence. The announcement seeks to strengthen the … Continue reading Eastern Frontier Rifles (EFR) Revival

The Nationalist Citizens Party of India, a little-known political party from Tripura, has come into the national spotlight after a rebel faction of the Trinamool Congress (TMC), comprising 20 Lok Sabha MPs, announced its merger with the party. The NCPI had contested four seats in the 2023 Tripura Assembly elections with the slogan “Reject political … Continue reading Nationalist Citizens Party of India (NCPI)

From Guerrilla Fighter to Chief Minister is the political memoir of Zoramthanga, a three-time Chief Minister and long-time leader of the Mizo National Front. Published by Penguin Random House India, the book traces his journey from an underground fighter during the Mizo insurgency to a democratic political leader. It provides insights into the Mizo movement, … Continue reading From Guerrilla Fighter to Chief Minister

The BRICS countries adopted the Indore Declaration at the conclusion of a five-day meeting held under India's presidency, reaffirming their commitment to deeper agricultural cooperation. The declaration announced new collaborative initiatives, including the establishment of a forum to protect farmers' rights in seed systems. India will coordinate several of the newly created institutional mechanisms. Member … Continue reading Indore Declaration of BRICS Agriculture Ministers

The Union Government has announced its objective of withdrawing the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) from most parts of Northeast India by next year, noting that nearly 80% of the region is already free from the Act. Under Section 3 of AFSPA, 1958, an area may be declared a “disturbed area” by the Central … Continue reading Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA)

Dhruva Jyoti Dutta has been awarded the Shaurya Chakra, India's third-highest peacetime gallantry award, by President Droupadi Murmu for his exceptional bravery during an operation in Manipur. During an ambush, despite sustaining a bullet injury, Dutta displayed remarkable courage and determination, continuing the operation and successfully rescuing eight fellow soldiers, thereby preventing further casualties. His … Continue reading Dhruva Jyoti Dutta Awarded Shaurya Chakra