LEGAL NEWS

Supreme Court to Review Presidential Reference on Bill Assent Timelines

• A Constitution Bench will hear a presidential reference on July 22, 2025, seeking clarity on timelines for presidential assent to state Bills.

• The reference follows the Court’s April 8 verdict setting a three-month deadline for Presidential action on Bills reserved by Governors.

• President Droupadi Murmu invoked Article 143, which empowers her to seek the Supreme Court’s advisory jurisdiction on key legal or constitutional questions.

• The advisory opinion is not binding but serves as constitutional guidance on issues of national significance.

• The Court will review 14 questions, mostly tied to the April 8 ruling and broader constitutional principles.

• It will also consider whether smaller Benches can decide constitutional matters or if larger Benches are needed.

• Past precedents show that Article 143 has been used sparingly—around 15 times since 1950—with the Court sometimes refusing to weigh in.

• The April verdict allowed states to approach the judiciary if the President delays assent, seeking to counter unchecked gubernatorial delays.

• The matter touches on Centre-state relations, especially when Governors appointed by the Centre stall Bills passed by Opposition-led state legislatures.

• The reference also seeks clarity on Article 142 (complete justice) and Article 131 (Centre-state legal disputes).

• The case reopens debate on judicial overreach and parliamentary supremacy, highlighting the fragile balance in India’s federal system.

Supreme Court Issues National DNA Evidence Handling Protocols

• The Supreme Court has introduced standardized procedures for collecting and managing DNA evidence in criminal investigations.

• This comes after a death row acquittal in Tamil Nadu, highlighting serious flaws in DNA sample handling.

• The new rules mandate only trained professionals can collect biological evidence using proper safety gear.

• All samples must be sealed in tamper-proof containers with clear labels—FIR number, date, and officer details.

• Documentation requires signatures from medical staff, investigating officers, and an independent witness.

• DNA samples must reach forensic labs within 48 hours, with detailed logs of each transfer step.

• A strict chain of custody is to be maintained to ensure authenticity and prevent tampering.

• Samples cannot be altered or opened before trial without court approval to protect evidence integrity.

• The guidelines aim to fix inconsistencies in DNA evidence protocols across Indian states.

• These measures are expected to reduce wrongful convictions and boost confidence in forensic-based justice.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

PM Modi’s UK and Maldives Visit: Strengthening Global and Regional Partnerships

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit the UK and Maldives from July 23–26, 2025, following official invitations from both countries.

• In the UK (July 23–24), Modi will meet PM Keir Starmer for discussions on deepening bilateral cooperation and global issues.

• He is also expected to meet King Charles III and review progress on the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

• Areas of focus include trade, defence, climate change, education, healthcare, innovation, and cultural ties.

• Modi will then travel to the Maldives (July 25–26), marking his first visit under President Mohamed Muizzu’s tenure.

• He will attend the Maldives' 60th Independence Day celebrations as the Guest of Honour on July 26.

• The two leaders will hold talks to enhance cooperation in economic growth and maritime security.

• The visit underscores India’s strong regional engagement under its Neighbourhood First policy and shared vision launched in 2024.

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

World’s Largest Martian Meteorite Sold for Record-Breaking Price

• A rare 24.5 kg Martian meteorite named NWA 16788 has been sold for an astonishing $5.3 million at a Sotheby’s auction, marking a global record.

• Weighing 54 pounds, it holds the title of the largest Martian specimen ever found on Earth.

• The meteorite was discovered in November 2023 in the Agadez region of Niger, deep within the Sahara Desert.

• Local residents suspected its extraterrestrial nature well before lab results confirmed its Martian origin.

• Experts believe the rock was hurled from Mars nearly 5 million years ago during a massive impact event.

• It survived a 140-million-mile space journey before landing intact on Earth without burning up.

• Thanks to the open desert terrain, a seasoned meteorite hunter retrieved it quickly after its fall.

• Sotheby’s, renowned for auctioning rare collectibles, handled the historic sale of this space treasure.

SPORTS

Cricket to Make Olympic Comeback in T20 Format at LA 2028

Cricket will officially return to the Olympic stage after 128 years at the 2028 Los Angeles Games, played in the T20 format.

• Both men’s and women’s tournaments will feature six teams each, with 15-player squads.

• Matches will be hosted at the temporary Fairgrounds Stadium in Pomona, California, starting July 12, 2028.

• The women’s final will be held on July 20, while the men’s final is scheduled for July 29.

• Around 180 cricketers will participate, with most matchdays offering morning and evening double-headers.

• The sport last appeared in the 1900 Paris Olympics, when just one match was contested.

• Cricket’s inclusion follows growing enthusiasm in the US, particularly after the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup was hosted there.

• The ICC is designing a fair qualification system in coordination with member nations to determine the final teams for LA28.

SUMMIT AND CONFERENCE

Kashi Declaration Unveiled at Youth Spiritual Summit in Varanasi

• The Youth Spiritual Summit in Varanasi wrapped up with the formal launch of the Kashi Declaration, promoting a drug-free youth movement.

• Organized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, the event brought together over 600 young leaders, spiritual thinkers, and experts.

• The summit aimed to achieve a Nasha Mukt Bharat by 2047, empowering youth and spiritual bodies as key catalysts.

• Four themed sessions delved into drug abuse’s psychological effects, supply chains, awareness strategies, and the role of culture in recovery.

• The Declaration pledges multi-sector collaboration, including the formation of a Joint National Committee for monitoring outcomes.

• It also prioritizes connecting vulnerable youth with structured rehabilitation and support frameworks.

• Serving as a national roadmap, the Kashi Declaration will guide long-term anti-drug efforts with spiritual and social synergy.

• Progress will be assessed at the Developing India Young Leaders Dialogue 2026, ensuring transparency and continuity.