Current Context: The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the extension of tenure of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) till May 2026. ABOUT ACC Type: One of the eight Cabinet Committees within the Union Executive. Composition: Prime Minister (Chairperson), Minister of Home Affairs (Member) Functions: Decides senior-level government appointments including Secretaries, Additional Secretaries, and Joint Secretaries. Handles appointments in Public Sector Units (PSUs), banks, insurance companies, and autonomous bodies.Read More

Current Context: Recently, Ladakh witnessed violent protests demanding statehood and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. ABOUT THE SIXTH SCHEDULE Origin: Based on the recommendations of the Bordoloi Committee; came into effect in 1950. Constitutional Basis: Articles 244(2) and 275(1). Applicability: Special provisions for tribal areas of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram. Governance System: Provides elected Autonomous District and Regional Councils with legislative, judicial, and financial powers. Key Provisions: Autonomous Districts & Regions: Created by Governor for tribal administration. Councils: District Councils (up to 30 members) and Regional Councils with law-making powers on land, forests (except reserved), inheritance,....Read More

CURRENT CONTEXT : The Election Commission of India (ECI) has recently de-listed 474 Registered Unrecognised Political Parties (RUPPs) for not contesting elections in the last six years and flouting mandatory compliance norms. ABOUT RUPPs Definition: Parties either newly registered or those failing to secure the required vote share to be recognised as state/national parties. Some have never contested elections. Benefits enjoyed: Tax exemption under Section 13A, Income Tax Act, 1961 Common poll symbols (if contesting at least 5% of candidates in an election) Permission to nominate up to 20 star campaigners Mandatory compliance: Contest elections periodically File annual audit accounts....Read More

Current Context: Delhi High Court passed an interim order protecting actor Abhishek Bachchan’s personality rights, stopping misuse of his name, image, voice, or persona for commercial gain without consent. ABOUT PERSONALITY RIGHTS Give individuals exclusive commercial control over their identity. Covers name, image, voice, behaviour, and unique personal attributes. Not defined by statute in India, but protected under: Common law Article 21 (Right to Privacy) Intellectual Property lawsRead More

CURRENT CONTEXT : Uttarakhand Assembly passed the Uttarakhand Minority Education Bill 2025, abolishing the Madrasa Boardand creating the Uttarakhand Minority Education Authority. CONSTITUTIONAL PROVISIONS Article 29(1): Right of any section of citizens to conserve their language, script, or culture. Article 29(2): Prohibits discrimination in admission to state-aided educational institutions. Article 30(1): Minorities (religious or linguistic) have right to establish and administer institutions of their choice. Article 30(2): State cannot discriminate in granting aid to minority-managed institutions.Read More

Current Context : The Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2025 was introduced in the Lok Sabha to ease laws and decriminalise minor offences. It has been referred to a Select Committee for detailed scrutiny. BACKGROUND Builds upon Jan Vishwas Act, 2023 which decriminalised 183 provisions in 42 Acts. Part of the Government’s vision of “Minimum Government, Maximum Governance”. KEY PROVISIONS 355 provisions amended across 16 Central Acts. 288 minor offences decriminalised – imprisonment replaced with fines/warnings. 76 offences: only advisory/warning for first-time violations. Monetary fines to increase 10% every three years. Laws covered: Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, New Delhi....Read More

Current Context : Union Home Minister Amit Shah introduced the Constitution (One Hundred and Thirtieth Amendment) Bill, 2025 in Lok Sabha. The Bill proposes automatic removal of the Prime Minister, Chief Ministers, and other ministers if detained for 30 consecutive days on serious criminal charges (carrying a minimum sentence of five years). ABOUT THE 130TH AMENDMENT BILL Articles Amended: Article 75 (Union Council of Ministers): New clause 5A for removal of detained ministers and Prime Minister. Article 164 (State Council of Ministers): New clause 4A for Chief Ministers and state ministers. Article 239AA (Delhi): Parallel provisions for Delhi’s CM and....Read More

Current Context : Lok Sabha passed the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025 to promote e-sports and ban harmful money games. ABOUT ONLINE GAMING BILL 2025 Purpose: To regulate India’s fast-growing online gaming sector. Three Categories of Games: E-sports: Skill-based, professional gaming (promoted). Online Social Games: Recreational, no money involved (promoted). Online Money Games: Betting/gambling games (banned). Regulation: Establishes an Online Gaming Authority for oversight and policy. Provides developer support and gaming infrastructure. Ban on Money Games: Bans games like Rummy, Poker, and other stake-based apps. Reason: Associated with fraud, addiction, financial distress, suicides. Penalties: First offence: 3....Read More

Current Context : Opposition parties are considering moving a motion for the removal of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC). ABOUT REMOVAL OF CEC Constitutional Provision: Article 324(5) of the Indian Constitution. Grounds & Manner: CEC can be removed in the same manner and on the same grounds as a Judge of the Supreme Court (Article 124(4)). Process of Removal: A motion alleging misbehaviour or incapacity is introduced in either House of Parliament. Once admitted, a committee of inquiry examines the validity of charges. Motion must be passed by a two-thirds majority of members present and voting in both Houses of....Read More

Current Context : The Lok Sabha passed two bills aiming to simplify and modernise India’s income tax framework. ABOUT INCOME-TAX BILL, 2025 Purpose: Replace the complex 1961 Act with simplified provisions. Key Features: Broadened deductions (family pension, gratuity). Separate Minimum Alternate Tax (MAT) and Alternate Minimum Tax (AMT)s AMT exemption for LLPs with only capital gains income and no deductions claimed. Electronic payment mandate for professionals with receipts above ₹50 crore. Updated definitions for capital asset, micro and small enterprises, beneficial owner. ABOUT TAXATION LAWS (AMENDMENT) BILL, 2025 Purpose: Amend Income-tax Act, 1961 and Finance Act, 2025. Reforms: Unified Pension....Read More