Must ReadIndia, Vietnam elevate ties to enhanced comprehensive strategic partnership
India and Vietnam have elevated their bilateral relationship to an 'Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership' following talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Vietnamese President To Lam. Key outcomes include a new bilateral trade target of $25 billion by 2030, the signing of 13 pacts (including MoUs on digital payments, rare earths, and pharmaceuticals) across various sectors, Vietnam's entry into the [Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative], and a strong joint stance on freedom of navigation in the South China Sea, indirectly addressing China's assertiveness.
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ImportantEuropean Union strikes deal to ban sexualised AI deepfakes
The [European Union] (EU) has agreed to amend its [AI Act] to explicitly ban artificial intelligence systems that generate sexualised deepfakes, following global outrage over non-consensual imagery. Concurrently, the EU is delaying the implementation of rules governing high-risk AI systems to allow businesses more time to adapt.
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Must ReadWhat is the Governor’s role if elections produce fractured verdicts?
The formation of the government in Maharashtra following a fractured mandate in the 2019 Assembly elections brought the discretionary powers of the Governor into sharp focus. The Supreme Court's intervention, ordering an immediate floor test to prevent horse-trading, highlights the ongoing tension between executive discretion and judicial review in ensuring democratic norms are upheld.
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Must ReadUnderstanding inequality in India’s growth story
The article highlights significant policy shifts in India, specifically the implementation of the new Labour Codes and the introduction of the [Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill, 2025], which is set to replace the [Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA)]. These changes occur amidst official narratives suggesting a decline in inequality since the early 2010s, though experts raise concerns about data comparability and the potential negative impact on informal and rural workers.
Must ReadQuestioning religious practices will break religion and civilisation: Supreme Court in Dawoodi Bohras case
A nine-judge [Constitution Bench] of the [Supreme Court of India] is hearing petitions regarding the scope of religious freedom and the right to excommunicate members, specifically within the Dawoodi Bohra community, and broader issues of discrimination against women in religious places like the [Sabarimala temple]. During the hearings, Justices expressed concern that allowing continuous judicial questioning of religious practices could destabilize Indian civilization, which is deeply rooted in religion.
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Must ReadTamil Nadu government formation: Options and precedents before Governor Arlekar
Following the 2026 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly elections, a hung assembly has emerged, with the [Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam] (TVK) securing 107 effective seats, falling short of a clear majority. The Governor is now examining precedents and options for government formation, including seeking letters of support, consulting other party leaders, or potentially imposing [President's Rule] if a stable government cannot be formed.
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Must ReadWatch: Can Mamata Banerjee refuse to resign? What the Constitution says
Following a reported electoral defeat in the West Bengal Assembly elections, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has allegedly refused to resign, claiming widespread electoral fraud. This unprecedented situation raises significant constitutional questions regarding the tenure of a Chief Minister, the powers of the Governor, and the conventions surrounding the peaceful transfer of power in India's parliamentary democracy.
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Must ReadMedical negligence claims don’t die with the doctor: What SC’s latest ruling means for patients, families
The [Supreme Court of India] has ruled that medical negligence cases do not automatically abate (end) upon the death of the accused doctor. Legal heirs can be brought on record to face claims involving pecuniary (financial) loss to the deceased doctor's estate, though personal claims like pain and suffering die with the doctor.
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