Context • Supreme Court ordered the Telangana Assembly Speaker to decide the remaining 2 defection petitions (out of 10 BRS MLAs) within 3 weeks.• Court warned that further delay would amount to contempt of court, as the Speaker functions as a quasi-judicial tribunal under the Tenth Schedule. Tenth Schedule – Anti-Defection Law • Introduced by: 52nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1985• Grounds for disqualification:• Voluntarily giving up party membership• Voting/abstaining against party whip without permission• Independent member joining a party• Nominated member joining a party after 6 months Decision-maker • Speaker/Chairman of the House• Subject to judicial review (Kihoto Hollohan vs Zachillhu, 1992) Merger rule • Protection only if 2/3rd of the legislature party merges (91st Constitutional Amendment) Article 102 – General Disqualification (MPs) • Holding office of profit• Unsound mind• Undischarged insolvent• Loss of Indian citizenship• Disqualification under parliamentary law (includes Tenth Schedule, RPA 1951)• Article 191 has similar provisions for MLAs
RBI Monetary Policy: Repo Rate Unchanged, FY26 Inflation at 2.1%
Context • RBI’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) kept the repo rate unchanged at 5.25%.• Stance remains neutral.• Inflation projection for FY26: 2.1%.• Growth outlook positive, but risks from geopolitical tensions and precious metal prices persist. Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) • Legal basis: RBI Act, 1934 (amended in 2016)• Objective: Achieve inflation targeting while supporting growth• Inflation target: 4% ± 2% (set for 5 years) Composition (6 members) • RBI: Governor (Chair), Deputy Governor (Monetary Policy), one RBI nominee• Government: 3 independent experts Decision-making • One vote per member• Majority decision• Governor has casting vote in case of tie• Minimum 4 meetings per year
Private Member’s Bill Seeks Mandatory Census Every 10 Years
Context • A Kerala MP introduced a Private Member’s Bill in Rajya Sabha to amend the Census Act, 1948.• Objective: Mandate a national Census every 10 years, citing delays due to COVID-19 and the need for updated demographic and caste data for welfare planning. Private Member’s Bill (PMB) • Introduced by: Non-minister MP• Purpose: Highlight issues, push policy debate• Notice period: 1 month• Discussed on: Fridays• Procedure: Same as government Bills Key Prelims Facts • Only 14 PMBs passed since 1950 • Last PMB passed: 1970 (Supreme Court-related)• Very low success rate
Chabahar Port: India Pays Dues Amid Renewed US Sanctions Pressure
Context • India’s Chabahar Port project faces uncertainty due to renewed U.S. sanctions pressure and tariff threats, even as India continues strategic engagement. Recent Developments • 10-year agreement (2024): India signed long-term contract to operate Shahid Beheshti terminal• Sanctions pressure (2025–26): • U.S. revoked 2018 waiver• Issued temporary 6-month waiver till April 26, 2026 • India’s approach: • No Iranian oil imports• Continues port operations to access Afghanistan and Central Asia• Tariff threat (2026): • U.S. indicated 25% tariffs on countries doing business with Iran
Digital Fraud Compensation: RBI Proposes Relief for Small Losses
Context • RBI proposed a new framework to compensate victims of small-value digital frauds. Key Points • Applicable for frauds below ₹50,000 • Compensation limit: ₹25,000 or 85% of loss, whichever is lower• No-fault basis: Compensation even if OTP was shared• One claim per year allowed• Objective: Strengthen consumer protection and trust in digital payments
Fali S. Nariman Memorial Lecture
About the Lecture The Fali S. Nariman Memorial Lecture is an annual or periodic public lecture series instituted to honour the legacy, values, and constitutional vision of , one of India’s most eminent constitutional lawyers and public intellectuals. Who Was Fali S. Nariman? Purpose and Significance The Memorial Lecture aims to: Themes Commonly Addressed Nature of the Event Broader Relevance Conclusion The Fali S. Nariman Memorial Lecture is not merely a commemorative event but a continuation of Nariman’s lifelong mission—defending the Constitution, safeguarding individual liberty, and strengthening democratic institutions through reasoned constitutional dialogue.
Chief Justice of India (CJI)
Constitutional Position The Chief Justice of India (CJI) is the head of the Indian judiciary and the senior-most judge of the . The office is central to upholding the Constitution, protecting fundamental rights, and maintaining the independence of the judicial system. Constitutional Basis Appointment and Tenure Powers and Functions Judicial Functions Administrative Functions Appointments and Transfers Constitutional and Statutory Roles Collegium System (Key Judicial Development) Importance of the Office Criticisms and Challenges Conclusion The Chief Justice of India occupies a pivotal constitutional position, combining judicial leadership with administrative authority. While the office is essential for preserving the rule of law and constitutional governance, reforms aimed at greater transparency, efficiency, and accountability remain crucial for strengthening public trust in the judiciary.
Central Information Commission (CIC)
What is the CIC? The (CIC) is the highest appellate authority under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005, ensuring transparency and accountability in the functioning of Central public authorities. Legal Basis Composition Functions and Powers Jurisdiction
Central Vigilance Commission (CVC)
What is the CVC? The (CVC) is India’s apex integrity institution responsible for preventing corruption in Central Government departments, public sector undertakings (PSUs), and autonomous bodies. Origin and Legal Status Composition Functions and Powers Limitations
Statutory (Salary and Allowances of Leader of Opposition) Act, 1977
What is the Act? The Statutory (Salary and Allowances of Leader of Opposition) Act, 1977 is a Parliamentary law that formally recognises the Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha and provides for their salary, allowances, and service conditions, placing the LoP on a statutory footing. Background Who is the Leader of Opposition (LoP)? Under the Act: Key Provisions Constitutional and Democratic Significance Role of LoP in Constitutional Bodies Recognition under this Act enables the LoP to participate in key high-level appointments, such as: (Where the law mandates the presence of the LoP or Leader of the largest opposition party.) Practical Issues and Debates Conclusion The Statutory (Salary and Allowances of Leader of Opposition) Act, 1977 is a crucial democratic safeguard. By granting legal recognition, status, and parity to the Leader of the Opposition, it reinforces the idea that a strong opposition is essential for accountable governance and constitutional balance in India’s parliamentary system.
