The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting notified revised film certification guidelines on September 16, 2026. These new guidelines, issued under the Cinematograph Act, introduce a mandatory statutory warning for scenes that show drug use. The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) will now ensure that films displaying such content include a warning message. This move aims to address concerns about the portrayal of substance abuse in cinema and its potential impact on viewers. The CBFC's updated rules also cover other aspects of film certification, streamlining the process and bringing it in line with contemporary standards. These changes reflect the government's commitment to responsible content creation and public health awareness.

CBFC New Guidelines: Statutory Warning for Drug Use Scenes

The Indian government has introduced new regulations through the Passports (Amendment) Rules, 2026. These rules came into effect immediately after being published in the Official Gazette on September 15. Under the new rules, passports issued to children under 15 years of age will now have a validity of five years. Previously, passports for minors were typically valid for a shorter period or until they turned 18. The amendment also revises the fee structure for these specific passport applications. This change aims to streamline the passport application process for young applicants and their families. The Ministry of External Affairs is responsible for implementing these new Passports (Amendment) Rules, 2026.

New Passport Rules 2026: Validity for Minors Under 15 Revised

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) recently announced amendments to the Passport Rules, 1980. These changes aim to simplify the application process and make it more convenient for citizens. One significant amendment allows applicants to choose their district of birth or permanent address as the place of application, even if they do not currently reside there. This flexibility is particularly helpful for students and migrant workers. The MEA also clarified rules regarding the submission of documents, accepting digital documents through DigiLocker. Furthermore, the new rules streamline the process for re-issuance of passports, especially for those with minor changes in personal details. These amendments reflect the government's push towards digital governance and ease of access for public services.

MEA Amends Passport Rules: New Changes for Applicants

The Union Health Ministry has proposed significant amendments to the Drugs Rules, 1945. These changes aim to strengthen regulatory oversight, especially for Schedule H, H1, and X drugs. The proposed amendments focus on ensuring the quality, safety, and efficacy of these critical medicines. The Ministry seeks to prevent misuse and ensure proper dispensing of drugs that require strict medical supervision. This move is part of a broader effort to update India's drug regulatory framework, which has been in place for decades. The amendments will impact manufacturers, distributors, and pharmacists, requiring stricter compliance with updated guidelines. The Union Health Ministry's initiative is crucial for public health and patient safety across the country.

Drugs Rules 1945 Amendments: Health Ministry Strengthens Drug Oversight

The Central Government has reconstituted the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) with immediate effect. The new board will serve for a period of three years or until further orders, whichever comes first. Shashi Shekhar Vempati will continue as the Chairperson of the CBFC. The reconstituted board includes 18 members from diverse backgrounds. Notable personalities like actress Preity Zinta and actor Pankaj Tripathi are among the new members. Other members include prominent figures from the film industry, arts, and media. The CBFC is responsible for certifying films for public exhibition in India. This reconstitution aims to bring fresh perspectives and expertise to the film certification process.

CBFC Reconstituted: Preity Zinta, Pankaj Tripathi Among 18 New Members

A Constitutional Amendment Bill proposing reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies recently failed to secure passage in the Lok Sabha. This Bill sought to introduce a quota of seats specifically for women, aiming to increase their representation in India's legislative bodies. The proposed legislation required a special majority to pass, meaning it needed the support of at least two-thirds of the members present and voting, in addition to a simple majority of the total membership of the House. Despite discussions and debates, the Bill did not garner the necessary support from Members of Parliament (MPs) to become law. This outcome means that the current structure of women's representation in the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies will remain unchanged for now. The failure of the Constitutional Amendment Bill highlights ongoing challenges in achieving greater gender parity in Indian politics.

Women's Reservation Bill Fails in Lok Sabha: Key Details

The Central government is developing a specialized training framework for enumerators involved in the second phase of the national census. This framework will equip them to handle sensitive questions effectively and respectfully. The second phase of the census will include detailed questions on various personal and social aspects. These include religion, caste, language, disability, migration patterns, fertility rates, and economic activity of households. The training is crucial to ensure accuracy and sensitivity in data collection, especially for topics that can be personal or culturally significant. The Census of India is a vital exercise for policy-making and resource allocation, providing comprehensive demographic and socio-economic data across the country. This initiative by the Centre highlights the importance of robust data collection methods for national planning.

Centre Develops Framework for Census Enumerator Training

An Indian court has ordered the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to establish a timeline for introducing mandatory front-of-package warning labels on food items. This directive comes after a public interest litigation highlighted the delay in implementing these crucial health warnings. The court emphasized the importance of these labels in helping consumers make informed choices about packaged foods, especially concerning high levels of sugar, salt, and fat. The FSSAI has been working on regulations for such labels for several years, facing various industry and public health considerations. This court order aims to accelerate the process and ensure that a definitive plan for implementation is put in place by the FSSAI.

Court Orders FSSAI to Set Timeline for Food Warning Labels

The Supreme Court recently ruled that a preliminary panel probe is not a mandatory requirement for filing human rights cases. This decision means victims, their legal representatives, and eligible Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) can directly approach human rights courts. The Supreme Court specifically upheld Karnataka's Rule 6, which allows such direct access. This ruling clarifies that the absence of an initial inquiry by a human rights commission does not prevent a case from being heard by a human rights court. The Supreme Court's judgment aims to streamline the process for seeking redressal in human rights violations, ensuring quicker access to justice for affected individuals and groups. This move is expected to empower victims and NGOs by reducing procedural delays.

Supreme Court Upholds Direct Access to Human Rights Courts

Union Home Minister Amit Shah stated that Zonal Councils are now actively monitoring welfare schemes across states. This development follows the successful resolution of various inter-state disputes by these councils. Shah emphasized that Zonal Councils provide a platform for states to discuss and resolve issues peacefully. He noted that the councils have become more effective in recent years, fostering cooperation among states. The focus has shifted from just dispute resolution to also ensuring the proper implementation and monitoring of government welfare initiatives. This move aims to improve governance and service delivery at the grassroots level, benefiting citizens directly. The Zonal Councils play a crucial role in promoting cooperative federalism in India.

Zonal Councils Monitor Welfare Schemes After Dispute Resolution: Amit Shah

The Indian government has put into force a regulation to establish a High Court bench for Ladakh. This bench will operate under the jurisdiction of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. While the regulation is now active, the physical bench is not yet operational. This decision follows the reorganisation of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh into separate Union Territories in 2019. Previously, residents of Ladakh had to travel long distances to Srinagar or Jammu for High Court proceedings. The establishment of a local bench is expected to significantly reduce travel burden and improve access to justice for the people of Ladakh. This initiative reflects the government's commitment to strengthening judicial infrastructure in newly formed Union Territories.

Ladakh to Get J&K High Court Bench: New Regulation in Force

Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav led the International Vulture Awareness Day 2026 celebrations in Panchkula, Haryana. He inaugurated a National Workshop titled ‘From Crisis to Recovery – Conserving India’s Vultures’. The event focused on the critical need to protect vulture populations, which have faced significant decline. Minister Yadav emphasized the government's commitment to vulture conservation through various initiatives and policies. The workshop brought together experts, policymakers, and conservationists to discuss strategies for the recovery of vulture species in India. Discussions included habitat protection, safe food sources, and controlling harmful veterinary drugs like Diclofenac, which are toxic to vultures. The celebration aimed to raise public awareness about the ecological importance of vultures as natural scavengers.

International Vulture Awareness Day 2026 Celebrated in Panchkula

The Central Government officially named Justice Sanjay Kumar Agrawal as the Chief Justice of the Rajasthan High Court. This appointment came four days after the Supreme Court Collegium recommended his name for the position. Justice Agrawal is currently serving as a judge in the Chhattisgarh High Court. The appointment fills a key judicial vacancy in Rajasthan. The Supreme Court Collegium, responsible for recommending judicial appointments, had put forward Justice Agrawal's name after careful consideration. This move is part of the regular process of appointing and transferring judges across High Courts in India. The notification from the Centre formalizes his elevation to lead the Rajasthan High Court.

Justice Sanjay Kumar Agrawal Appointed Rajasthan HC Chief Justice

The Indian government recently appointed eight High Court judges as Chief Justices across various High Courts in the country. This significant move aims to fill vacancies and ensure the smooth functioning of the judicial system. The appointments were made after recommendations from the Supreme Court Collegium. Among the notable appointments, the Chief Justice of the Rajasthan High Court was named. This particular appointment followed a recent controversy involving the Acting Chief Justice in the Rajasthan High Court. Such appointments are crucial for maintaining the judicial hierarchy and delivering justice efficiently. The process involves careful consideration of seniority, merit, and other relevant factors by the Collegium before forwarding names to the government for final approval.

Eight High Court Judges Appointed as Chief Justices Across India

The Central Government recently appointed eight Chief Justices to High Courts across India. Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal announced these appointments. The appointments were made based on recommendations from the Supreme Court Collegium. This move aims to fill vacant positions and ensure the smooth functioning of the judiciary. The newly appointed Chief Justices will head High Courts in different states, bringing their experience to lead the respective judicial benches. These appointments are a crucial step in strengthening the judicial system and addressing the backlog of cases. The process involves careful consideration by the Collegium, followed by government approval, ensuring qualified individuals are selected for these significant roles. The appointments are expected to bring new leadership and perspectives to the High Courts.

Centre Appoints 8 Chief Justices to High Courts Across India

A Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) will be constituted to scrutinize the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026. This decision highlights the government's intention to ensure thorough examination of significant legislation. The FCRA Bill 2026 aims to amend the existing Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010, which governs the acceptance and utilisation of foreign contributions by individuals, associations, and companies in India. The need for a JPC arises from the complex nature of the bill and its potential impact on various stakeholders, including NGOs and civil society organizations. A JPC typically comprises members from both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, reflecting a bipartisan approach to legislative review. Its structure allows for detailed deliberations, stakeholder consultations, and expert opinions, ensuring a comprehensive assessment before the bill is presented for final parliamentary approval. The committee will analyze the proposed changes, their implications, and suggest modifications to strengthen the regulatory framework while addressing concerns about ease of doing business for legitimate organizations. The FCRA Bill 2026 is expected t

JPC on FCRA Bill 2026: Need and Structure Explained

The Nagaland Legislative Assembly recently passed a resolution urging the Central Government to withdraw the Protected Area Permit (PAP) regime from the state. This permit system regulates the entry of foreign nationals into certain notified areas within India. The PAP was initially relaxed for Nagaland in 2011, allowing easier access for tourists. However, the Central Government reimposed the PAP on December 17, 2024, leading to concerns among local stakeholders about its potential impact on tourism and economic activities. The resolution reflects the state's desire for greater autonomy in managing its tourism sector and attracting international visitors without additional bureaucratic hurdles. The Nagaland government believes that the reimposition of PAP could hinder the state's efforts to promote tourism and integrate with the broader national tourism landscape.

Nagaland Urges Centre to Withdraw Protected Area Permit Regime

A 31-member Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) has been formed to review the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) Amendment Bill. This important committee will be headed by BJP MP Sanjay Jaiswal. The JPC includes 21 members from the Lok Sabha and 10 members from the Rajya Sabha. The Lok Sabha Speaker, Om Birla, announced the formation of this committee. The FCRA Amendment Bill seeks to introduce several changes to the existing law that regulates foreign donations to individuals and associations in India. The JPC will thoroughly examine the provisions of the FCRA Amendment Bill and submit its report to Parliament. This step ensures detailed scrutiny of the proposed changes before they become law.

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