SC status only for Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs: top court

The Supreme Court on Tuesday held in a judgment that a person professing any religion other than Hinduism, Buddhism, or Sikhism should not be considered a member of a Schedule Caste community. 

Meghalaya mandates ST proof to contest Garo council polls

Meghalaya Governor C.H. Vijayashankar on Tuesday approved a new legislation of the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) barring non-tribals from contesting the tribal council elections, officials said.

Gujarat Assembly passes UCC Bill amid oppn. from Congress

The Gujarat Assembly on Tuesday passed the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill after a debate of more than seven hours, with the ruling BJP hailing it as a landmark reform to ensure equality while the Congress vehemently opposed it saying it violates fundamental rights and was "anti-Muslim". 

Deepening global corruption as a pointer for India

The Corruption Perceptions Index 2025 (CPI) (CPI) published by Transparency International delivers an unmistakable message. Corruption is not receding. It is deepening in ways that erode democratic accountability and hollow out public institutions. For the first time in over a decade, the global average score has dropped to 42 out of 100, with 122 of 182 countries scoring below 50. Only five countries now score above 80, compared with 12 a decade ago. The direction is clear and troubling. Where oversight weakens and civic freedoms narrow, corruption perceptions worsen.

The judicial push for environmental CSR

By invoking Article 51A (g), the judiciary underscored that the right to conduct business is inseparably linked to the responsibility to restore our planet.

When the Chief Justice steps away

On March 20, Chief Justice of India Surya Kant stepped away from hearing a batch of petitions challenging the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023. The legislation replaced the Chief Justice of India with a Union Minister, on the selection panel for appointing the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners, superseding the Supreme Court's 2023 interim arrangement. 

LS passes new transgender Bill as MPs stage walkout

Amid an Opposition-led walkout, the Lok Sabha on Tuesday passed by voice vote the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026, which proposes to remove transgender people's right to self-determination of gender, and introduces a clause for examination by a medical board to determine their gender. 

PSLV setbacks will help in learning, says ISRO chief

Indian Space Research Organisation Chairman V. Narayanan on Tuesday said he did not consider the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) C61 and C62 missions as failures, but as opportunities to learn.

Modi, Dissanayake hold discussions on 'energy cooperation'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on Tuesday had a telephone conversation to discuss the war in West Asia, the disruption in global supply chains, and the energy cooperation between India and Sri Lanka. 

Israel to 'take control of security zone' up to Litani in Lebanon

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said on Tuesday that the military would take control of south Lebanon all the way to the Litani River.

Ex-Guardsman Zolqadr is Iran's new security chief

Mohammad Baqer Zolqadr, a veteran commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), has been appointed as the new Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council.

Mr. Zolqadr, who currently serves as the secretary of Expediency Discernment Council, an advisory body to the Supreme Leader, replaces Ali Larijani, who was assassinated by an Israeli strike on March 17. 

China maps the ocean floor as it prepares for submarine warfare with U.S.

China is conducting a vast undersea mapping and monitoring operation across the Pacific, Indian and Arctic oceans, building detailed knowledge of marine conditions that naval experts say would be crucial for waging submarine warfare against the United States and its allies. 

How BioPharma SHAKTI can transform biologics with non-animal models

A class of drugs called biologics is becoming more popular worldwide against many chronic diseases; on the flip side, animal models not do reliably predict their safety and efficacy, prompting scientists to shift to bioengineered, human-relevant systems such as organoids, organ-on-a-chip, and 3D bioprinting.