What does the latest ruling mean for Forest Rights Act?

The story so far:

on April 20, the Lucknow Bench of the Allahabad High Court reminded the District Level Committee (DLC) under the Forest Rights Act 2006 in Lakhimpur, Uttar Pradesh, that any previous court orders inconsistent with a later law are null and void.

The High Court struck down the DLC's decision in March 2021, rejecting the forest rights claims of the Tharus of Palia Kalan Tehsil, a tribal community, citing a Supreme Court interim order in 2000 that barred "de-reservation of forests/sanctuaries/national parks" until further orders.

The DLC is headed by the District Collector and includes the Divisional Forest Officer, the District Tribal Welfare Officer, and three district panchayat members.

SC brings survivors of forcible ingestion of acid in RPWD Act

The Supreme Court on Monday included persons who were forcibly administered acid within the definition of "acid attack victims" under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.

The 2016 law recognised only victims of acid-throwing, and not forcible acid ingestion. It accepted both the act of acid-throwing and the administration of acid as offences punishable with imprisonment from 10 years to a life sentence under Section 124 (voluntarily causing grievous hurt).

India resumes wheat exports after a gap of four years

Indian traders have begun exporting wheat for the first time in four years, as ample stocks, higher global prices and firmer freight rates have opened a window for them to make small shipments to buyers in Asia and the Middle East, trade sources said. Consumer goods conglomerate ITC started loading 22,000 metric tons of wheat at the western port of Kandla for shipment to the United Arab Emirates, sources said, declining to be identified.

War impacts April manufacturing PMI

Manufacturing activity in April 2026 slowed to its second-lowest level in nearly four years, showed a private sector survey of companies, with improvements seen compared to March, but new order levels still remaining historically low.

OPEC exit 'part of long-term plan, not directed against anyone': UAE oil chief

The UAE's departure from OPEC, dominated by ally-turned-rival Saudi Arabia, was not targeted at anyone but is part of a broader plan to future-proof its economy, the country's oil chief said on Monday. The move was part of the long-term project to di-versify beyond fossil fuels, said Sultan Al Jaber, CEO of state oil giant ADNOC and the UAE's industry and advanced technology Minister.

Carney looks to Europe to build new world order

European leaders talked up independence on de-fence and closer ties with Canada on Monday, as they gathered in Armenia for a summit clouded by U.S. threats to cut military support.