LEGAL NEWS

Supreme Court Seeks Nationwide Compliance on Student Mental Health and Suicide Prevention

• The Supreme Court has ordered all states and Union Territories to submit detailed reports within eight weeks on steps taken to implement its mental health and suicide prevention guidelines in educational institutions.

• This directive comes amid rising concerns over student suicides, aiming to ensure that schools and colleges adopt strong mental well-being systems.

• A bench led by Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta demanded compliance affidavits from the Centre and states, with the matter listed for January 2026.

• The Court reaffirmed its July 25 order, requiring a uniform mental health policy for all educational institutions based on ‘Ummeed’, ‘Manodarpan’, and the National Suicide Prevention Strategy.

• It also directed that such policies be updated yearly and made publicly visible on institutional websites and notice boards for greater accountability.

• The Court noted a legal vacuum on suicide prevention and issued 15 interim guidelines, binding until a comprehensive legislative framework is established.

• The norms extend to private coaching centres, mandating registration, student safety protocols, and grievance redressal systems to prevent stress-related tragedies.

• The ‘Ummeed’ guidelines, introduced by the Ministry of Education in 2023, along with ‘Manodarpan’, form the foundation of this effort to build safer, more empathetic learning spaces.

Election Commission Begins Second Phase of Special Intensive Revision (SIR)

• The Election Commission of India (ECI) has rolled out the second phase of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls across 12 states and Union Territories.

• This phase includes regions such as Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Goa, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, and Puducherry.

• Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar stated that the exercise aims to enhance the accuracy, transparency, and integrity of voter records.

• Nearly 51 crore voters are expected to be covered during this revision process.

• Voter lists were frozen on 27 October to facilitate updates, while Booth Level Officers (BLOs) have already begun training and printing enumeration forms.

• Enumeration activities will run from 4 November to 4 December, followed by the publication of draft rolls on 9 December and final rolls on 7 February.

• BLOs will distribute specially designed forms to all existing voters to verify and correct their details.

• Voters listed in the 2003 rolls, and those whose parents were on that list, are exempt from providing additional ID documents during this revision.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Third Pravasi Parichay Cultural Festival Held in Riyadh

• The Embassy of India in Riyadh is hosting the third edition of the Pravasi Parichay Cultural Festival from 28 October to 3 November 2025.

• The week-long event celebrates India’s vibrant cultural diversity through performances of classical dance, music, folk art, and traditional cuisine.

• Pravasi Parichay, launched in 2023, was the first-ever festival of its kind initiated by the Indian Embassy with support from diaspora associations.

• The 2023 edition featured a special Sanskrit programme, while the 2024 edition showcased India’s linguistic richness by highlighting all 11 classical languages.

• The 2025 festival includes a Gita Mahotsav evening and state-themed days reflecting India’s regional heritage.

• The festival strengthens cultural diplomacy and enhances community engagement among the Indian diaspora in Saudi Arabia.

• It serves as a platform to promote India’s soft power and foster a deeper connection between India and its global community.

SUMMIT AND CONFERENCES

India Hosts Asia Pacific Accident Investigation Group Meeting for the First Time

• India is hosting the Asia Pacific Accident Investigation Group (APAC-AIG) meeting and workshop for the first time, marking a major milestone in aviation safety collaboration.

• The four-day event (28–31 October 2025) is organised by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) under the Ministry of Civil Aviation.

• Union Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu inaugurated the meeting, with the workshop sessions scheduled for 28–29 October 2025.

• The APAC-AIG meeting, an annual event, brings together ICAO member states from the Asia-Pacific region and other international aviation bodies.

• Around 90 delegates from ICAO and regional investigation authorities are attending to discuss aircraft accident investigation practices and reporting mechanisms.

• The meeting encourages knowledge exchange, capacity building, and collaboration among accident investigation agencies in the region.

• Any Asia-Pacific ICAO member state can host the meeting, and India is doing so for the first time this year.

• The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), established in 1947 with headquarters in Montreal, Canada, oversees such global aviation safety initiatives.

8th International Solar Alliance Assembly Held in New Delhi

• President Droupadi Murmu delivered the keynote address at the 8th International Solar Alliance (ISA) Assembly held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.

• The four-day global event brings together 124 participating countries and over 40 ministers to strengthen international cooperation in solar energy.

• Union Minister Pralhad Joshi opened the inaugural session, highlighting India’s leadership in renewable energy initiatives.

• The Assembly focuses on reviewing progress, addressing challenges, and advancing global solar energy adoption for a sustainable planet.

• Discussions aim to unite nations in ensuring universal access to affordable and clean solar power.

• India has achieved 50% of its power capacity from non-fossil fuel sources, reaching its 2030 target ahead of schedule.

• The country now stands as the world’s third-largest solar energy producer and the second-fastest-growing renewable energy market.

• The International Solar Alliance (ISA), with 124 member and signatory nations, works collectively to expand clean energy access and promote solar technologies worldwide.

DEFENCE

Indian Navy to Commission Indigenous Survey Vessel ‘Ikshak’

• The Indian Navy’s survey vessel Ikshak will be formally commissioned at Kochi Naval Base on December 6.

• Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi, Chief of Naval Staff, will preside over the commissioning ceremony.

• Built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata, the vessel showcases India’s shipbuilding expertise and self-reliance.

• Ikshak will play a key role in hydrographic surveys, while also supporting Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) missions.

• The vessel has the capability to be converted into a hospital ship during emergencies.

• Its design reflects the Navy’s technological progress and maritime preparedness.

• Notably, Ikshak is the first large survey ship in the Navy’s fleet to include dedicated accommodation for women officers and crew.