LEGAL NEWS

Harish Rana Case 2026 & Passive Euthanasia

• In Harish Rana vs Union of India, the Supreme Court of India allowed passive euthanasia, permitting withdrawal of life support.

• The ruling marks the first implementation of the Common Cause v. Union of India, recognising the right to die with dignity under Article 21.

• Harish Rana, injured in 2013 in Chandigarh, remained in a Permanent Vegetative State (PVS) with 100% quadriplegia for 13 years.

• He was sustained through Clinically Assisted Nutrition and Hydration (CANH) via PEG tubes, with no recovery prospects.

• The Court accepted recommendations of medical boards and family and directed care at AIIMS Delhi.

• It held that CANH is “medical treatment”, hence its withdrawal is legally permissible under passive euthanasia.

• The SC waived the 30-day reconsideration period to avoid prolonged suffering.

• It mandated humane withdrawal with palliative care, ensuring dignity and not abandonment.

• Procedural reforms: Magistrates to process cases, and CMOs to maintain medical panels for decisions nationwide.

• The Court urged the Union Government to enact a comprehensive end-of-life care law to avoid misuse due to socio-economic pressures.

• The judgment reinforces living wills (advance directives) and clarifies that active euthanasia remains illegal under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, while passive euthanasia is legally allowed.

Natural Gas Regulation Order 2026

• The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas invoked the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 to notify the Natural Gas (Supply Regulation) Order, 2026.

• The move comes amid West Asia conflict and disruptions in LNG supply via the Strait of Hormuz.

• A four-tier priority system has been introduced for gas allocation based on past 6-month consumption.

• Gas redistribution: supply is diverted from low-priority sectors (power, petrochemicals) to critical sectors.

• A pooled pricing mechanism will be set by Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell.

• Priority sectors must accept pooled prices and waive litigation rights during shortages.

• About one-third of India’s LNG imports are affected due to supply disruptions.

• India consumes 71.3 BCM gas (2024–25) with ~50% import dependency, mainly from Qatar, United States, Russia, and Australia.

NATIONAL NEWS

Golden Jubilee Sammelan of Dheevara Sabha

• Narendra Modi attended the Golden Jubilee Sammelan of Akhila Kerala Dheevara Sabha in Kochi on 11 March.

• The event highlighted the government’s commitment to fishermen welfare and development.

• PM Modi praised the fishing community’s role during the 2018 Kerala floods.

• The Sabha was recognised for promoting rights, welfare, and harmony between livelihood and nature.

• It was noted that the Dheevara community considers the oceans as ‘mother’ (amma).

• The PM welcomed the renaming of Kerala as “Keralam” after Union Cabinet approval.

• Previous governments were criticised for neglecting the fisheries sector’s potential.

• Under Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana, about ₹1400 crore has been allocated for fisheries development in the state.

RANKING AND INDEX

Fiscal Health Index 2026

• The second edition of Fiscal Health Index 2026 was released by NITI Aayog on 11 March in New Delhi.

• The report was released by Suman Bery and Nidhi Chhibber.

• It is a data-driven framework to assess fiscal performance and financial sustainability of states.

• The Index aims to evaluate fiscal soundness, guide reforms, and promote evidence-based policymaking.

• State governments account for nearly one-third of India’s total public debt, highlighting their fiscal importance.

• The 2026 edition includes North-Eastern and Himalayan states, making it more inclusive.

• These states are ranked separately due to structural and regional differences.

• The report suggests improving revenue mobilisation, tax capacity, expenditure management, and capital spending for better fiscal health.

SUMMIT AND CONFERENCE

National Conference of Women Panchayat Leaders

• The Ministry of Panchayati Raj organised a one-day National Conference of Women Elected Representatives.

• The event was held in New Delhi.

• It was conducted under the Sashakt Panchayat-Netri Abhiyan.

• The conference marked one year of the Abhiyan’s launch.

• It aimed to celebrate women-led governance at the grassroots level.

• The event focused on enhancing women’s participation in Panchayati Raj institutions.

• Outstanding women leaders were honoured as “Beacon Women Leaders”.

• The conference was attended by Rajiv Ranjan Singh.