MockSutraCurrent Affairs

Polity & Governance

Every Polity & Governance current affair for government exams, organised by subtopic — 70 verified updates across 8 subtopics.

Governance & Infra8

AI-enabled Rural Internal Audit Portal Launched

The AI-enabled Rural Internal Audit Portal was launched at the Rashtriya Gramin Vikas Sammelan, Pusa Campus, New Delhi, to strengthen transparency and accountability in rural development spending.

GK ByteGovernance, transparency, AI in administration

Rs 47,600 crore Projects Launched at Rairangpur, Odisha

Marking two years of the government's second term, PM Modi inaugurated and laid foundation stones for projects worth over Rs 47,600 crore at Rairangpur in Mayurbhanj district, Odisha. He also released the Odisha Vision Document and launched the Baraputra Aitihya Gram Yojana to preserve the heritage of iconic Odia personalities.

GK ByteInfrastructure, Odisha state GKOdisha Capital: BhubaneswarCM: Mohan Charan MajhiFamous: Konark Sun Temple, Chilika Lake

Central Motor Vehicles (Sixth Amendment) Rules, 2026

The rules define a vehicle not declared fit within 180 days as an 'end-of-life vehicle' and require geo-tagged video capture of fitness tests uploaded via a central government app, tightening the vehicle-scrappage framework.

GK ByteGovernance, environment-transport

National Highways Fee (Fourth Amendment) Rules, 2026

MoRTH revised overloading toll rules: no fee up to 10% excess load, twice the base rate for 10-40% overload and four times for above 40%, with certified weighing devices at fee plazas.

GK ByteGovernance, infrastructureToll collection body: NHAI

First Indian Vessel Crosses Strait of Hormuz Post-Ceasefire

The India-flagged LPG tanker Jag Vikram became the first Indian vessel to cross the Strait of Hormuz after the 2026 Iran war ceasefire, easing concerns over India's energy supply routes.

GK ByteEnergy security, maritimeStrait of Hormuz: ~20% of world oil trade

India's First 'Water Neutral' Railway Depot

The Kankaria Coaching Depot in Ahmedabad (Western Railway) became India's first water-neutral railway depot, saving nearly 1.60 lakh litres of water daily using phytoremediation.

GK ByteEnvironment-infrastructurePhytoremediation: using plants to clean water/soil

Noida International Airport Phase I Inaugurated

PM Modi inaugurated Phase I of the Noida International Airport at Jewar (Gautam Buddha Nagar, UP), built at about Rs 11,200 crore under PPP with an initial capacity of 12 million passengers per year, scalable to 70 million.

GK ByteInfrastructure, aviationLocation: Jewar, Uttar Pradesh

National Highways Fee (Second Amendment) Rules

Effective 17 March, the penalty for unpaid user fees was set at twice the toll (only the original fee if paid within 72 hours of an e-notice), with VAHAN-linked vehicle restrictions after 15 days.

GK ByteGovernance, infrastructure

Judiciary9

Five New Supreme Court Judges Sworn In

CJI Surya Kant administered the oath to five new Supreme Court judges - Justices Sheel Nagu, Shree Chandrashekhar, Sanjeev Sachdeva, Arun Palli and Senior Advocate V. Mohana, strengthening the apex court's bench.

GK BytePolity - judiciarySC sanctioned strength: 34Article 124: establishes the Supreme Court

Supreme Court Verdict on ECI's SIR Power

The Supreme Court delivered a key judgment on the Election Commission's power to conduct the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, which removes duplicate, migrated and deceased entries. After Bihar, the exercise was extended to West Bengal, Assam and Tamil Nadu, raising disenfranchisement concerns and debate over documentation.

GK BytePolity - elections, ECI powers, SC judgmentsECI established: 25 Jan 1950Constitutional Article: 324National Voters' Day: 25 January

SC Reviews UAPA Bail in 2020 Delhi Riots Case

A bench of Justices B.V. Nagarathna and Ujjal Bhuyan took a critical view of bail denial in the 2020 Delhi riots larger-conspiracy case, noting (18 May) that a January 2026 judgment overlooked the binding precedent in Union of India v. K.A. Najeeb (2021). On 22 May the Court granted six-month interim bail to Khalid Saifi and Tasleem Ahmad and referred to a larger bench whether prolonged pre-trial incarceration should outweigh stringent UAPA bail conditions.

GK BytePolity - fundamental rights, bail jurisprudenceUAPA enacted: 1967K.A. Najeeb (2021): long incarceration can justify bail despite UAPA

Supreme Court Judge Strength Raised via Ordinance

President Droupadi Murmu promulgated the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Ordinance, 2026, raising the number of judges (excluding the CJI) from 33 to 37, taking total strength from 34 to 38. The Union Cabinet had approved the proposal on 5 May 2026 to help clear pendency.

GK BytePolity - judiciary, ordinancesSC established: 1950Article 124: establishes the Supreme Court

Death Penalty in Sathankulam Custodial Deaths Case

A special court in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, sentenced all nine policemen accused in the 2020 Sathankulam custodial death case (of P. Jayaraj and his son J. Bennix) to death, a landmark verdict on custodial violence.

GK BytePolity - human rights, criminal justice

SC Calls Delay on EC Appointments Law 'Tyranny of the Elected'

Hearing petitions on the CEC and Other Election Commissioners Act, 2023, the Supreme Court described Parliament's long delay in framing a law on election commissioner appointments as the 'tyranny of the elected', amid debate over the selection committee's composition.

GK BytePolity - ECI appointmentsSelection panel: PM, a Union Minister & LoPArticle 324: Election Commission

SC: Scheduled Caste Status Limited to Three Religions

In Chinthada Anand v. State of Andhra Pradesh, the Court affirmed that only those professing Hinduism, Sikhism or Buddhism qualify as Scheduled Caste under the 1950 Presidential Order; conversion to another religion results in loss of SC status.

GK BytePolity - reservation & SC statusBasis: Constitution (SC) Order, 1950Article 341: Scheduled Castes

SC: Maternity Leave for Adoptive Mothers Regardless of Child's Age

In Hamsaanandini Nanduri v. Union of India, the Supreme Court held adoptive mothers are entitled to 12 weeks' paid maternity leave irrespective of the child's age, striking down the under-3-months restriction as violating Articles 14 and 21.

GK BytePolity - fundamental rightsArticle 14: equality before lawArticle 21: right to life & dignity

SC Permits Passive Euthanasia for Harish Rana

The Supreme Court permitted removal of life support for Harish Rana, in a vegetative state since a 2013 fall - a notable application of passive euthanasia following the Common Cause (2018) 'living will' framework.

GK BytePolity - right to die with dignityPassive euthanasia legalised: Common Cause case, 2018

Elections7

Delimitation Bill, 2026

The Delimitation Bill, 2026 and the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026 sought to increase Lok Sabha size and enable delimitation based on the 2011 census, with women's reservation linked to the new delimitation.

GK BytePolity - delimitation mechanicsDelimitation Commission: appointed by the PresidentLast delimitation: 2002 (on 1971 census)

Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026

Part of the delimitation package, the Bill proposed raising the maximum Lok Sabha strength to 850 members (up to 815 from states and 35 from UTs) and enabling women's reservation based on a fresh delimitation exercise.

GK BytePolity - Parliament, delimitation, amendmentsCurrent LS strength: 543Women's Reservation Act: 106th Amendment, 2023Amendment procedure: Article 368

SC Upholds ECI's Power to Conduct SIR

The Supreme Court upheld the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar, affirming the Election Commission's power under Article 324 of the Constitution and Section 21(3) of the Representation of the People Act, 1950.

GK BytePolity - elections, SC judgmentsECI established: 25 Jan 1950Article: 324RP Act: 1950

2026 Assembly Election Results Declared

Results for West Bengal, Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry were announced. The BJP won a majority in West Bengal, retained Assam for a third term, and the Congress-led UDF won Kerala ousting the LDF, alongside regional churn in Tamil Nadu.

GK BytePolity - state electionsCapitals: WB-Kolkata, Assam-Dispur, Kerala-Thiruvananthapuram, TN-Chennai

Manipur SIR and SC's Voter-ID Direction

As the ECI prepared to conduct a Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in Manipur, the Supreme Court asked it to accept voter ID cards as valid documents, given the displacement of tribal communities amid ethnic violence.

GK BytePolity, internal securityManipur Capital: Imphal

Tamil Nadu & West Bengal Assembly Elections Polling

Polling for the Tamil Nadu Assembly was held on 23 April, while the West Bengal Assembly election was held in phases over 23-29 April, ahead of results in early May.

GK BytePolity, elections

Delimitation Package Voted Down in Lok Sabha

The Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026 - seeking to raise the Lok Sabha ceiling to 850 seats, base delimitation on the 2011 census and enable women's reservation - was negatived for want of a two-thirds majority; the accompanying Delimitation Bill and UT Laws Bill became infructuous.

GK BytePolity - constitutional amendmentsCurrent LS strength: 543Amendment procedure: Article 368 (special majority)

Legislation & Bills24

Jan Vishwas (Amendment) Bill, 2026 Passed

Parliament passed the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2026, advancing trust-based governance by decriminalising minor offences, removing outdated provisions and reducing the litigation burden on citizens and businesses.

GK BytePolity - legislation, ease of doing businessFirst Jan Vishwas Act: 2023Theme: Ease of living & doing business

High-Level Committee on Demographic Change Constituted

The Home Ministry set up a committee chaired by Justice (Retd.) Prakash Prabhakar Navlekar to study demographic change from illegal immigration and recommend measures on deportation and border management, with its report due within one year.

GK ByteNational - internal security, committees

Budget Session 2026 of Parliament Concludes

The Budget Session (28 Jan-18 Apr 2026) was adjourned sine die after 31 sittings, extended by three days beyond schedule. Ten Bills were introduced and six passed, and the Union Budget 2026-27 was approved.

GK BytePolity - Parliament, budgetBudget presented by: Finance MinisterArticle 112: Annual Financial Statement

Jan Vishwas (Amendment) Bill, 2026 Passed

Parliament passed the Jan Vishwas (Amendment) Bill, 2026, advancing trust-based governance by decriminalising minor offences, removing outdated rules and reducing the litigation burden on citizens and businesses.

GK BytePolity - ease of doing businessFirst Jan Vishwas Act: 2023Theme: Ease of living & doing business

Six Bills Passed During the Budget Session

Bills passed included the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, the Central Armed Police Forces (General Administration) Bill, the Jan Vishwas (Amendment) Bill, the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (Amendment) Bill, the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill and the Industrial Relations Code (Amendment) Bill.

GK BytePolity - legislation tracker

Parliamentary Panel Report on AI Misuse

The Committee on Communications and IT (Chair: Dr Nishikant Dubey) flagged deepfake and AI-surveillance risks and recommended comprehensive legislation against AI misuse plus AI courses in schools.

GK ByteGovernance, technology policy

Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026

Introduced on 25 March to amend FCRA, 2010. On cancellation or surrender of an FCRA certificate, foreign contributions and assets would vest in a government-notified 'Designated Authority'.

GK BytePolity - regulation of NGOsFCRA: regulates foreign funding of NGOsAdministered by: Home Ministry

Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026 Passed

Introduced by Social Justice Minister Dr Virendra Kumar, the Bill was passed by the Lok Sabha (24 March) and Rajya Sabha (25 March). It amends the 2019 Act, provides for District Magistrate identity certificates via a medical board, and raises punishment for forcing a transgender identity to 10 years-to-life.

GK BytePolity - rights legislationAmends: Transgender Persons Act, 2019NALSA judgment: 2014 (recognised third gender)

Parliamentary Panel Flags Cybercrimes Against Women

The Committee on Empowerment of Women (Chair: Dr D. Purandeswari) reported that cybercrimes against women rose 239% (2017-2022, NCRB), recommending 'Cyber Safety Ambassadors' and mandatory KYC across social-media and gaming platforms.

GK ByteGovernance - cyber safetyNCRB: under Home Ministry (est. 1986)

Corporate Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026 Introduced

Introduced on 23 March to amend the Companies Act 2013 and LLP Act 2008 and referred to a Joint Committee, it raises small-company thresholds (share capital to Rs 20 crore, turnover to Rs 200 crore) and updates the CSR net-profit trigger to Rs 10 crore.

GK ByteEconomy - corporate law

Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2026 Introduced

The Bill seeks to amend 80 central Acts to decriminalise and rationalise minor offences (up from 17 in the 2025 version), with fines rising 10% every three years. The Select Committee, chaired by Tejasvi Surya, reported on 13 March 2026.

GK BytePolity - decriminalisation reformFirst Jan Vishwas Act: 2023Theme: trust-based governance / ease of doing business

Budget Session 2026 - Second Half Resumes

Parliament's Budget Session resumed on 9 March 2026 after the recess, scheduled to conclude on 2 April. During the session the Finance Bill 2026 and two Appropriation Bills were passed, along with several new legislative measures.

GK BytePolity - Parliament

Budget Session 2026 Convened; President's Address

The Budget Session began on 28 January with President Droupadi Murmu's address to a joint sitting of both Houses; it was scheduled in two phases (28 Jan-13 Feb and 9 Mar-2 Apr) with 30 sittings.

GK BytePolity - ParliamentArticle 87: President's special address to Parliament

Budget Session 2026 - First Half

The Budget Session began on 28 January with the President's Address; the first half ran to 13 February, featuring the presentation and general discussion of the Union Budget.

GK BytePolity - Parliament

Draft Pesticide Management Bill, 2025 Released

The Ministry of Agriculture released the draft Bill for comments; it proposes to replace the Insecticides Act, 1968 and create a Central Pesticides Board and a Registration Committee.

GK BytePolity - agriculture law

Repealing and Amending Act, 2025

Notified to clean up the statute book by repealing obsolete laws and making minor amendments, without affecting existing rights or ongoing proceedings.

GK BytePolity - law reform

Insurance Laws Amendment ('Sabka Bima Sabki Raksha') Act, 2025

It amends the Insurance Act 1938, LIC Act 1956 and IRDA Act 1999, with the headline change allowing 100% FDI in Indian insurance companies, plus mandatory KYC and stronger IRDAI powers.

GK ByteEconomy/polity - insurance FDIRegulator: IRDAI (HQ: Hyderabad)

VB-G RAM G Act, 2025 Replaces MGNREGA

The Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act replaces MGNREGA, 2005 and guarantees 125 days of wage employment per rural household per year, with biometric authentication, geo-tagging and social audits.

GK BytePolity - rural employment lawMGNREGA: enacted 2005 (100 days)New guarantee: 125 days

SHAKTI Act, 2025 - Nuclear Energy Overhaul

The Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHAKTI) Act repeals the Atomic Energy Act, 1962 and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010, opening nuclear power to a new licensing framework with a Nuclear Liability Fund.

GK BytePolity/energy - legislationRegulator: Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB)

Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan Bill Referred to Joint Committee

The Bill seeks to create an apex higher-education regulator and repeal the UGC Act 1956, AICTE Act 1987 and NCTE Act 1993; it was referred to a Joint Committee of Parliament.

GK BytePolity - education regulation

Health Security se National Security Cess Act, 2025

This Finance Ministry law levies a new cess on machines/processes producing specified goods (notably tobacco and nicotine products) to fund national security and public health.

GK BytePolity - taxation law

Central Excise (Amendment) Act, 2025

It revises the Fourth Schedule of the Central Excise Act 1944, raising duty rates on tobacco products (e.g., unmanufactured tobacco to 70% and other manufactured tobacco up to 125%).

GK BytePolity - excise law

Securities Markets Code Bill Referred to Committee

The Bill, which consolidates India's securities laws into a single code, was introduced and referred to the Departmental Standing Committee for examination.

GK ByteEconomy/polity - markets law

Parliament Winter Session 2025 Concludes

The Winter Session ran 1-19 December 2025 (15 sittings) and was adjourned sine die on 19 December, with 8 Bills passed by both Houses; Lok Sabha productivity was ~110% and Rajya Sabha ~121%.

GK BytePolity - Parliament

Internal Security4

SC on ECI and Citizenship Checks

The Court held that the ECI can undertake a limited inquiry into an individual's citizenship to decide eligibility for inclusion in the electoral roll, but clarified that such a determination is not a final or conclusive decision on citizenship.

GK BytePolity - citizenship & franchiseGoverning law: Citizenship Act, 1955

India Declares Naxalite Insurgency Effectively Ended

The government declared that the decades-long Naxalite (Left-Wing Extremism) insurgency had been effectively ended, with remaining cadres reported killed, arrested or surrendered - a milestone that dominated security discourse into April.

GK ByteInternal securityNaxalism began: 1967 (Naxalbari, West Bengal)

Naxalite Insurgency Declared Ended

India announced the effective end of the Naxalite (Left-Wing Extremism) insurgency after Home Minister Amit Shah reported that most remaining cadres had been killed, arrested or had surrendered following intensified operations.

GK ByteInternal securityNaxalism began: 1967 (Naxalbari, West Bengal)

Central Armed Police Forces (General Administration) Bill, 2026

Introduced in the Rajya Sabha to regulate recruitment, deputation and promotions across the CRPF, BSF, CISF, ITBP and SSB, mandating IPS deputation for 50% of IG posts, 67% of ADG posts and all DG posts.

GK BytePolity - internal security forcesCAPFs: CRPF, BSF, CISF, ITBP, SSB, Assam RiflesUnder: Ministry of Home Affairs

Labour & Rights3

Central Rules Notified under the Four Labour Codes

The Labour Ministry notified rules operationalising the four Labour Codes, capping weekly working hours at 48, allowing women night shifts with consent and safeguards, and granting gig/platform workers social-security eligibility.

GK BytePolity/economy - labour reformsFour Codes: Wages, Industrial Relations, Social Security, OSHNote: subsume 29 central labour laws

Sonam Wangchuk Released; NSA Charges Quashed

Climate activist and innovator Sonam Wangchuk was released from jail after the Government quashed National Security Act charges against him, following the Ladakh statehood and Sixth Schedule protests.

GK BytePolity - civil liberties, LadakhNSA: National Security Act, 1980 (preventive detention)

Industrial Relations Code Amendment Passed

A Bill amending the Industrial Relations Code, 2020 was introduced and passed by both Houses during the Budget session, advancing labour-law reform.

GK BytePolity - labour reformFour Labour Codes: Wages, Industrial Relations, Social Security, OSH

Disaster & Health5

Thrissur Firecracker Unit Blast, Kerala

At least 13 people were killed and more than 40 injured in an explosion at a firecracker unit in Thrissur, Kerala, one of several fireworks accidents reported in April.

GK ByteDisaster/GK current events

Udhampur Bus Accident, Jammu & Kashmir

A bus fell into a gorge in Udhampur, Jammu and Kashmir, killing 21 people and injuring 45, highlighting road-safety challenges in hilly terrain.

GK ByteDisaster/GK current events

Virudhunagar Firecracker Factory Blast, Tamil Nadu

At least 23 people were killed and several injured in an explosion at a firecracker factory in Virudhunagar, Tamil Nadu, renewing concern over safety in the fireworks industry.

GK ByteDisaster/GK current events

Census 2027 Self-Enumeration Process Commences

India began its first-ever digital, self-enumeration census process, with mascots 'Pragati' and 'Vikas'. The first-phase web-based self-enumeration rollout covered eight States/UTs through a facility in 16 regional languages.

GK ByteNational - census, governanceLast Census: 2011Census 2027: first digital census; includes caste enumeration

National Dental Commission Constituted

The Government constituted the National Dental Commission (NDC), replacing the Dental Council of India, to align dental education and regulation with global standards - mirroring the NMC reform in medical education.

GK ByteGovernance - regulatory reformReplaces: Dental Council of India (1948)

General10

Beating Retreat Ceremony

The Beating Retreat ceremony, marking the formal conclusion of Republic Day celebrations, was held at Vijay Chowk, New Delhi, on 29 January.

GK ByteNational - ceremonial

Republic Day 2026 - 30 Tableaux on Kartavya Path

Thirty tableaux rolled down Kartavya Path - 17 from States/UTs and 13 from Ministries/Departments/Services - with highlights from Assam (terracotta), Kerala (Water Metro), Odisha ('Soil to Silicon') and Nagaland (Hornbill Festival).

GK ByteNational - Republic Day

Republic Day 2026 Parade Themes

The parade centred on 'Svatantrata Ka Mantra - Vande Mataram' (marking 150 years of the national song, composed by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay in 1875) and 'Samriddhi Ka Mantra - Aatmanirbhar Bharat'.

GK ByteNational - culture, historyVande Mataram: written 1875; from 'Anandamath' (1882)

77th Republic Day 2026 - EU Leaders as Chief Guests

For the first time, two EU leaders were joint chief guests at the 77th Republic Day - European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa - who visited India (25-27 January) to co-chair the 16th India-EU Summit.

GK ByteNational - Republic Day, IRFirst Republic Day: 26 Jan 1950Parade venue: Kartavya Path, New Delhi

National Startup Day - A Decade of Startup India

PM Modi marked a decade of the Startup India initiative (launched 16 Jan 2016) at Bharat Mandapam; DPIIT-recognised startups grew to over 2.09 lakh by December 2025, creating over 21 lakh jobs.

GK ByteEconomy - startupsNodal dept: DPIITIndia rank: 3rd-largest startup ecosystem

MMDR Amendment Bill, 2026 (Public Consultation)

The Ministry of Coal released draft amendments removing area limits on reconnaissance, exploration and mining licences, and codifying central power to auction exploration licences.

GK ByteEconomy - miningMMDR Act: 1957

National Sports Governance Rules, 2026 Notified

The Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports notified the National Sports Governance (National Sports Bodies) Rules, 2026 under the National Sports Governance Act, 2025, covering eligibility, disqualification and 'Sportspersons of Outstanding Merit' appointments.

GK BytePolity - sports law

UGC Mental Health & Well-Being Policy

UGC circulated a uniform mental-health policy for higher education institutions (aligned with NEP 2020), requiring support centres, a 1:500 faculty-mentor ratio and linkage with the Tele-MANAS helpline.

GK ByteGovernance - education, health

UGC Equity Regulations, 2026 Notified - and Stayed

UGC notified the 'Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions' (Anti-Discrimination) Regulations, mandating Equity Committees and Equal Opportunity Centres. Amid campus protests, the Supreme Court stayed implementation around 29 January.

GK BytePolity - education, rightsUGC established: 1956

Parliament Marks 150 Years of 'Vande Mataram'

Both Houses held a special discussion on the 150th anniversary of the National Song 'Vande Mataram' (8 December in Lok Sabha; 9-11 December in Rajya Sabha).

GK BytePolity/cultureVande Mataram: written 1875 by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay