The Income-tax (Amendment) Ordinance, 2026, was promulgated to amend the Income-tax Act, 1961. This Ordinance introduces specific changes to existing tax regulations, focusing on certain income categories and compliance mechanisms. It seeks to address identified gaps in the current tax framework and enhance the efficiency of tax administration. The Ordinance modifies provisions related to tax rates, deductions, and penalties for non-compliance. It also clarifies the tax treatment of specific financial transactions. The primary objective is to ensure a more robust and equitable tax system. This Ordinance affects all individuals, corporations, and entities subject to income tax in India. It is currently in effect as an Ordinance, pending its conversion into an Act by Parliament.

The Income-tax (Amendment) Ordinance, 2026: Key Provisions and Impact

The Industrial Relations (Central) Rules, 2026, are framed by the Ministry of Labour and Employment. These Rules operationalise the Industrial Relations Code, 2020. They mandate that industrial establishments employing 300 or more workers must obtain prior central government permission for layoffs, retrenchment, and closure. Specific application timelines are set: 15 days before layoff, 60 days before retrenchment, and 90 days before closure. The Rules also establish a re-skilling fund, requiring employers to deposit 15 days' last drawn wages for each retrenched worker within 10 days, with workers receiving the amount within 45 days. Furthermore, they detail the constitution and functioning of Works Committees for establishments with 100 or more workers and Grievance Redressal Committees for those with 20 or more workers. The Rules affect industrial establishments, employers, and workers across various sectors. The Industrial Relations Code, 2020, which these rules support, replaced the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947, the Trade Unions Act, 1926, and the Industrial Employment (Standing Orders) Act, 1946. The current status is that these are proposed rules to operationalise an existin

Industrial Relations (Central) Rules, 2026: Key Provisions and Impact

The Indian Parliament recently passed the Appropriation Bill 2026. This bill is essential for the government to legally withdraw money from the Consolidated Fund of India to meet its expenses for the financial year. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the bill and stated that the government's budgeting process is transparent and realistic. The passage of the Appropriation Bill 2026 follows the approval of the Union Budget for the upcoming fiscal year. It ensures that funds are allocated for various government schemes, ministries, and departments as planned in the budget. The Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha both debated and approved the Appropriation Bill 2026, completing a key legislative requirement for government spending.

Parliament Passes Appropriation Bill 2026: Budgeting Transparency

The Indian government has told the Supreme Court that it will amend the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016. This amendment will include persons who have suffered internal injuries due to forced acid ingestion. Previously, the 2016 law only recognized victims of acid attacks where acid was thrown externally. The Centre's decision comes after a petition highlighted the plight of those who are forced to consume acid, often in cases of domestic violence or human trafficking. This change will ensure that these victims receive the same legal protections and benefits as other acid attack survivors. The amendment will also have a retrospective effect, meaning it will apply to cases that occurred before the amendment was made. This move aims to provide comprehensive support and rehabilitation to all individuals affected by acid-related violence, regardless of the manner of injury.

RPwD Act Amended: Acid Ingestion Victims Now Included

The Indian government has amended the Drugs Rules, 1945, to introduce stricter regulations for drug formulations that have a high alcohol content. Under the new rules, these specific formulations will now require a special license for manufacturing and sale. Furthermore, they can only be dispensed to patients under a valid prescription, falling under Schedule H1 of the Drugs Rules, 1945. This move aims to prevent the misuse of such formulations and ensure they are used only for legitimate medical purposes. The amendment strengthens the regulatory framework for these drugs, bringing them under closer scrutiny by health authorities. The Drugs Rules, 1945, are a set of rules framed under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, which governs the manufacture, sale, and distribution of drugs in India.

Govt Amends Drugs Rules 1945 for High Alcohol Formulations

The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India recently released a report highlighting major fiscal lapses in Maharashtra. The report points out several financial irregularities and inefficiencies in the state government's management of funds, especially concerning various government schemes. The CAG's audit found instances of unspent funds, diversion of allocations, and lack of proper documentation for expenditures. These lapses indicate weaknesses in financial governance and accountability within Maharashtra's administrative framework. The report emphasizes the need for stricter financial controls and better oversight to ensure public funds are used effectively and for their intended purposes. The CAG's findings are crucial for improving transparency and efficiency in state government operations.

CAG Flags Fiscal Lapses in Maharashtra Government Schemes

The Governing Council of NITI Aayog is the apex body responsible for policy formulation and implementation. Its composition was officially notified by the Cabinet Secretariat on February 16, 2015. The Council includes the Prime Minister of India as its Chairperson. All Chief Ministers of States and Lieutenant Governors of Union Territories are ex-officio members, ensuring broad representation from across the country. This structure allows for a collaborative approach to national development, bringing together diverse perspectives from state and union territory administrations. The NITI Aayog's Governing Council plays a crucial role in fostering cooperative federalism and providing a platform for states to contribute to national policy-making. It meets regularly to discuss important national issues and strategies for economic growth and social development. The notification clearly defines the roles of these key members in guiding the NITI Aayog's vision.

NITI Aayog Governing Council Composition: Key Members and Structure

The Natural History Museum in Mizoram has been notified as India's 21st Designated Repository under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002. This notification was issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The museum is located within the Mizoram University campus in Aizawl. As a Designated Repository, the Mizoram Natural History Museum will play a crucial role in preserving biological specimens. It will also help in documenting the rich biodiversity of the North-Eastern region of India. This status allows the museum to legally hold and manage biological resources collected from the area. The move strengthens India's network for biodiversity conservation and research, ensuring that valuable biological samples are stored and studied properly.

Mizoram Natural History Museum: India's 21st Designated Repository

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has reconstituted four important Parliamentary Committees for the 2026-27 term. These committees are the Committee on Public Accounts, the Committee on Estimates, the Committee on Public Undertakings, and the Committee on Welfare of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. The reconstitution is a regular process to ensure the smooth functioning of parliamentary oversight. These committees play a crucial role in scrutinizing government finances, policies, and the working of public sector undertakings. Speaker Om Birla's decision ensures that these vital parliamentary bodies are in place to begin their work for the new financial year, contributing to accountability and transparency in governance.

Lok Sabha Speaker Reconstitutes Four Parliamentary Committees for 2026-27

The Indian Parliament recently passed the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2026. This significant legislation seeks to decriminalise minor offences across 79 different laws. The bill was first introduced in the Lok Sabha in December 2025 and later passed by both houses of Parliament. Its main objective is to reduce the burden on the judicial system and promote ease of doing business and living. The Jan Vishwas Bill converts many imprisonment clauses for minor offences into monetary penalties. It also proposes a uniform formula for revising these penalties every three years. This move reflects the government's 'Trust Over Fear' philosophy, aiming to replace imprisonment with fines for less serious violations. The bill covers various laws, including those related to environment, agriculture, and intellectual property, making the legal framework more responsive and less punitive for minor infractions.

Jan Vishwas Bill 2026 Passed: Decriminalises Minor Offences

The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) is the primary law in India used to designate individuals as terrorists. Initially, UAPA only allowed the designation of organizations as terrorist entities. However, amendments made in August 2019 empowered the central government to also declare individuals as terrorists. This change aimed to strengthen India's counter-terrorism efforts by targeting individuals directly involved in terror activities, even if they frequently change their organization's name. The process involves the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) issuing a notification after due diligence. Once designated, an individual's property can be attached, and they face travel restrictions. The UAPA also provides for a review mechanism, where an individual can apply to the central government for de-notification. If this is rejected, they can appeal to a Review Committee headed by a retired or serving High Court judge. The first four individuals designated as terrorists under the amended UAPA in September 2019 were Masood Azhar, Hafiz Saeed, Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi, and Dawood Ibrahim, all linked to various terror attacks against India.

UAPA: How Individuals are Designated as Terrorists in India

The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has mandated the closure of 58 engineering and technical colleges across India for the academic year 2024-25. This decision impacts institutions that failed to meet regulatory standards or had consistently low student admissions. Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra recorded the highest number of closures, with 12 colleges each. Other states also saw closures, reflecting AICTE's ongoing efforts to improve the quality of technical education. The AICTE regularly reviews institutions to ensure they comply with infrastructure, faculty, and academic requirements. This move aims to streamline the technical education landscape and ensure that only quality institutions operate, benefiting students and the overall education system.

AICTE Orders Closure of 58 Engineering Colleges in India

The 104th Constitutional Amendment Act, passed in 2019, extended the reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies for another ten years. This extension is valid until January 25, 2030. Before this amendment, the reservation was set to expire on January 25, 2020. A key feature of the 104th Constitutional Amendment Act is the discontinuation of reserved seats for the Anglo-Indian community in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies. Previously, the President could nominate two members from the Anglo-Indian community to the Lok Sabha, and Governors could nominate one member to State Assemblies if they felt the community was not adequately represented. This provision was not extended by the 104th Constitutional Amendment Act, effectively ending the special representation for Anglo-Indians. The Act maintains the existing reservation for SCs and STs, which was originally introduced for ten years by the Constitution (7th Amendment) Act, 1959, and has been extended periodically since then.

104th Constitutional Amendment Act: Key Features and Impact

The Union Home Ministry (MHA) recently designated 23 individuals as 'terrorists' under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967. These individuals are primarily based in Pakistan and are linked to various terror outfits, including Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). The MHA's decision aims to strengthen India's efforts against terrorism by targeting key operatives and leaders of these groups. This move allows the Indian government to freeze their assets and impose travel bans, thereby disrupting their financial and operational networks. The designation is a significant step in India's counter-terrorism strategy, focusing on individuals who actively support and orchestrate terror activities against the nation from foreign soil. The MHA continues to monitor and act against elements posing a threat to national security.

MHA Designates 23 Pakistan-Based Individuals as Terrorists Under UAPA

The e-OCI card is an electronic document that serves as a lifelong visa for Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) to enter and reside in India. This card exempts OCI cardholders from the requirement of reporting to police authorities for their stay in India. It offers multiple entry, multi-purpose lifelong visa to visit India. The OCI scheme was introduced in 2005. It allows foreign citizens of Indian origin to obtain a status similar to Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) but without Indian citizenship. The e-OCI card facilitates easier travel and longer stays for individuals of Indian descent who hold foreign passports, promoting stronger ties with their ancestral land. The Ministry of Home Affairs oversees the OCI scheme.

e-OCI Card Explained: Lifelong Visa for Overseas Citizens of India

The Women's Reservation Bill, officially known as the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, 2023, was passed by the Indian Parliament in September 2023. This landmark bill reserves one-third (33%) of seats for women in the Lok Sabha, state legislative assemblies, and the Delhi Legislative Assembly. The reservation will also apply to seats reserved for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) within these bodies. The bill mandates that the reservation will come into effect after a delimitation exercise, which will be conducted following the first census taken after the bill's enactment. The reservation will be for a period of 15 years from its commencement, with Parliament having the power to extend it. The Women's Reservation Bill seeks to address the long-standing issue of under-representation of women in India's political decision-making processes.

Women's Reservation Bill: Key Features and Importance for India

The Civil Registration System (CRS) report for 2024 indicates a significant improvement in the registration of vital events across India. According to the report, 25,473,389 births were registered in 2024. This figure represents a 1.1% increase compared to the birth registrations in 2023. Similarly, the report recorded 8,938,301 deaths registered in India during 2024. This marks a 3.2% increase in death registrations compared to the previous year. The near alignment of these registered figures with estimated birth and death rates suggests enhanced efficiency and coverage of the Civil Registration System. This improved data collection is crucial for accurate demographic planning and policy formulation by the government.

Birth and Death Registrations 2024: CRS Report Shows Near Match

The Code on Wages (Central) Rules, 2026, are framed under the Code on Wages, 2019. These Rules empower the central government to fix a floor wage, considering minimum living standards and after consulting the Advisory Board and state governments. They also enable the central government to fix minimum wages, with criteria to be specified through special or general orders. The Rules establish an eight-hour workday for daily wage employees and a 48-hour work week for employees with other wage periods. While the Code on Wages, 2019, mandates the appropriate government to prescribe minimum wage calculation methods, these Rules defer the specific criteria to future orders. Concerns exist regarding the Rules potentially exceeding the delegated powers under the Code, particularly concerning appeal deposit conditions and mandating employer roles. The Rules aim to standardize wage fixation and working conditions across various sectors.

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