HIGH-LEVEL COMMITTEE ON DEMOGRAPHIC CHANGES (HLCDC)

Why in the News? ● Questionnaire Initiative: The High-Level Committee on Demographic Changes (HLCDC) will send questionnaires to Chief Secretaries of all States to collect data on demographic changes since the 2011 Census. ● Migration Focus: The committee will also seek information from the Election Commission of India (ECI) regarding Special Intensive Revision (SIR) 2026…

TELECOMMUNICATIONS (AUTHORISATION) RULES, 2026

Why in the News? ● New Rules Notified: The Union Government has notified the Telecommunications (Authorisation) Rules, 2026 under the Telecommunications Act, 2023, following SIR (Special Intensive Revision) of regulatory frameworks. ● Licensing Reform: The rules replace the earlier licensing framework with an authorisation regime for telecom and internet service providers, ensuring electoral integrity in…

DISABLED INMATES MUST BE ALLOWED TO SELF-IDENTIFY: PLEA

Why in the News? ●  SC Panel Submission: A plea before the Supreme Court-appointed High-Powered Committee has recommended allowing disabled prisoners to self-identify their disabilities for better protection and care, similar to how eligible voters self-declare information during voter registration processes. ●  Prison Reforms: The recommendations seek effective implementation of disability rights in line with…

FOREIGN CONTRIBUTION REGULATION (AMENDMENT) RULES, 2026

Why in the News? ● New Rules Notified: The Foreign Contribution Regulation (Amendment) Rules, 2026 introduce stricter compliance, disclosure, and reporting requirements for NGOs receiving foreign contributions, including citizenship verification and prevention of illegal immigrants from accessing funds. ● Expanded Oversight: The amended rules require organisations to classify activities, disclose operational details, and provide additional…

INDIA SEMICONDUCTOR MISSION (ISM) 2.0

Why in the News? ● EFC Approval: The Expenditure Finance Committee (EFC) has cleared a proposal of ₹1.25 lakh crore for India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) 2.0, marking a special intensive revision of the original semiconductor policy framework. ● Higher Allocation: The proposed outlay is about 64% higher than the ₹76,000 crore allocated under ISM 1.0,…

IMPACT OF WAR ON BIODIVERSITY: UKRAINE’S FIBRE-OPTIC BIRD NESTS

Why in the News? ● Unique Discovery: Researchers in Ukraine found bird nests woven with discarded fibre-optic cables from military drones near the Russia–Ukraine front line. ● Environmental Concern: The discovery highlights how prolonged armed conflicts are altering natural ecosystems and wildlife behaviour. ● Scientific Study: The nests will be analysed to understand the ecological…

ETHANOL BLENDED PETROL (EBP) PROGRAMME

Why in the News? ● Government Clarification: The Union Law Ministry clarified that the Attorney General never described the E20 Ethanol Blended Petrol Programme as an “ongoing experiment” before the Supreme Court. ● Supreme Court Case: The clarification came during litigation concerning ethanol allocation to Dedicated Ethanol Plants and Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs). ● Status…

SPECIAL INTENSIVE REVISION (SIR) AND ELECTORAL ROLLS

Why in the News? ●  Passport Issue: Journalist R. Rajagopal allegedly faced delays in passport renewal after his name was deleted from the electoral roll during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in West Bengal, raising concerns about voter disenfranchisement. ●  Supreme Court Context: The issue has reignited debate on whether deletion from electoral rolls can…

Mohandas Secures Admission to LLB at NLSIU Bengaluru

Mohandas Secures Admission to LLB at NLSIU Bengaluru

Universal Group of Institutions proudly congratulates Mohandas on his remarkable achievement of being selected for the LLB programme at National Law School of India University, Bengaluru. With an impressive All India Rank 158 and SC Rank 2, Mohandas has brought immense pride to the institution. His success reflects his dedication, disciplined preparation, and consistent academic…