Withdraw cases, allow youngsters to continue studies: SC to states

The law ministry notified thirty new judges for four high courts on Saturday. Madras High Court received fifteen appointments, while Calcutta got eight and Karnataka six. Judicial officers and advocates were elevated to the benches, with most appointed as additional judges. Over sixty lakh cases are pending across India's twenty-five high courts. The law minister cited collegium delays for the significant number of vacancies.

The government has pledged that the upcoming UPI merchant discount rate will be minimal. This fee will be applicable only to certain merchants and transactions that surpass a designated threshold. Importantly, person-to-person UPI payments will remain free for all users. This initiative is designed to enhance the sustainability of India’s digital payment ecosystem and facilitate service expansion into rural and semi-urban regions.

Union minister Kiren Rijiju called on LoP Rahul Gandhi to back the women's reservation bill during their exchange. In response, Rahul Gandhi noted that the 2023 bill had already received unanimous approval. He raised concerns about the holdup in implementing the legislation and its connection to the delimitation process. Gandhi insisted on prompt action to enforce the 2023 law, underscoring the heated political discourse on women's empowerment.

The Union government has formally named twenty-seven locations in Arunachal Pradesh. These places include memorials honoring Indian Army war heroes from past conflicts. Havildar Shere Thapa and Rifleman Jaswant Singh Rawat are among those recognized for bravery. Several strategically important mountain passes and a logistics hub were also officially identified. This action pays homage to soldiers who sacrificed their lives defending India's borders.

An advocacy group for human rights calls for the restoration of statehood and the repeal of the 2019 Reorganisation Act. They argue that statehood should not be contingent upon the regional security situation. The forum additionally demands statehood for Ladakh and its inclusion in the Sixth Schedule. Their report highlights police inadequacies despite court mandates on detentions and brings attention to the injustices faced by Kashmiris after acts of terrorism.

Seventeen alleged cow vigilantes are facing legal action in Ramban after assaulting four men who were transporting bovines acquired from a police auction. The brutal incident, which occurred on August 4, resulted in one man suffering life-threatening injuries. This alarming event follows a fatal encounter in April, highlighting ongoing violence linked to cow protection. Investigations into wrongful restraint and assault are currently underway.

The landscape of domestic help services in India is evolving as platforms aim to bolster user trust and safety. Emphasizing security, these services are implementing background checks and defining service hours. Furthermore, innovations such as AI technology and body cameras are continuously being assessed to improve safety measures. Moving forward, the success of the industry will depend on creating a trustworthy environment amidst its traditionally informal nature.

Supriya Sule opposes the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, in its current form. She urges the government to withdraw the proposed legislation or send it to a Joint Parliamentary Committee. Foreign funding should not be viewed with automatic suspicion, she stated during her remarks. Sule also commented on youth protests and disputes over political party symbols. The NCP (SP) leader awaits a hearing on the party's legal battle.

Shiromani Akali Dal has expressed strong support for the prompt enactment of the women's reservation bill, emphasizing the need for fair delimitation to ensure equitable state representation. This advocacy follows a meeting between party president Sukhbir Singh Badal and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Speculation is rife regarding a potential electoral partnership between SAD and BJP, particularly as both parties have faced declining influence in Punjab's political landscape.

Parliamentary affairs minister Kiren Rijiju criticized the Congress party for its perceived lack of self-awareness. He contrasted the current leadership with former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi's admission of Emergency actions. Rahul Gandhi questioned the delay in implementing the Women's Reservation Bill. He urged its immediate implementation without linking it to delimitation. The bill's passage and subsequent implementation remain a point of contention.

During a momentous Saturday at IIT Delhi's 57th Convocation Ceremony, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inspired the graduates to welcome transformation and continually nurture their thirst for knowledge. He emphasized the importance of mentors and the networks that support their journeys. Modi also spotlighted India's commitment to self-reliance and the birth of innovative sectors, marking the occasion by inaugurating a cutting-edge AI-powered supercomputing facility.

Congress leader Pawan Khera has raised concerns about India's autonomy when it comes to purchasing Russian oil. He criticized the government's unwillingness to confront Parliament over this pressing issue. Additionally, Khera expressed solidarity with students in Jharkhand protesting recruitment irregularities, emphasizing that it's a collective duty of all political parties to address student grievances. Meanwhile, Rahul Gandhi's forthcoming initiative aims to spotlight youth challenges and the

Union minister Kiren Rijiju has called upon Rahul Gandhi to lend his 'unconditional' support to the Women's Reservation Bill. This appeal came after Gandhi's comments highlighting the necessity of women's freedom of expression for India's comprehensive development. While the opposition has shown its backing for the bill, they contest its connection to delimitation. The Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, 2023, is set to be implemented following parliamentary approval.