FIRST AMENDMENT IMPLICATIONS
US Midterm Elections History: From 1866 to 1994 to 2018 – The polls that changed the course of American presidential power
The 2026 midterm elections have led to a significant shift in power dynamics within Congress. Democrats have secured control of both the House of Representatives and the Senate during this election. This change means increased scrutiny of the Trump administration and potential challenges to its legislative agenda. Historical precedents show how midterm elections reshape presidential power and influence national policy debates.
Good news: If penalty is imposed for misreporting of income or other cases you can apply for waiver of penalty using revised Form 161; Check the details
On October 8, 2026, the Central Board of Direct Taxes introduced a revised Form 161 for taxpayers. This new form allows eligible individuals to apply for a waiver of penalty related to misreported income. Taxpayers must meet specific statutory conditions when applying for this relief through the amended form. The application process requires timely tax payments and cannot involve pending appeals.
India’s bid to keep carbon cash home as Europe adds a new trade cost
India’s exporters face new carbon costs under the EU’s CBAM, which took effect in January 2026. For carbon-intensive industries such as steel and aluminium, this could pressure export competitiveness, prompting India to build a domestic carbon market and invest in cleaner technologies.
CNN left off Air Force One for Trump's upcoming trip, White House signals in new media restriction
The White House has replaced CNN with conservative network Real America’s Voice News for President Donald Trump’s Saturday Air Force One trip, escalating a dispute over media access. The move came after CNN, MS NOW and Politico journalists returned to the White House following a judge’s temporary ruling against the administration’s restrictions.
Delhi: Bar body announces lawyers' strike over traffic challan rule changes
The circular said its members have unanimously resolved to observe a one-day "abstention from work" on September 21 as a token protest against the amended Rule 167, which they termed as "draconian and arbitrary".
Trump says he will ban CNN, MS NOW and Politico from the White House
President Trump announced bans on CNN, MS NOW, and Politico from the White House. He cited unfavorable coverage and "fake news" as reasons for these actions. This move raises significant First Amendment concerns regarding media access and reporting. Several media organizations and press freedom groups have criticized the president's decision. The White House has previously engaged in similar confrontations with news outlets.
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BRICS adopts New Delhi Declaration: Inside the 140-point document on Global South's ambitions
BRICS leaders adopted the New Delhi Declaration at the 18th summit, reaffirming their commitment to cooperation, multilateralism and a more representative global order. The document outlines India's 2026 chairship priorities, recognises partner countries' contributions and calls for greater participation of Emerging Markets, Developing Countries and Least Developed Countries in global governance.
Social media companies are trying harder to know which users are kids
Determining which accounts belong to children is the linchpin of child safety measures that other companies, including Google, TikTok, and Roblox, are ramping up as public and regulatory sentiment turns against them in the US and other countries.
Anthropic’s fight against the Department of Defense raises a big question: Who controls AI in war?
A federal judge has blocked the Pentagon's designation of Anthropic as a security risk. This ruling came after the AI company refused military use restrictions on its chatbot. The Pentagon sought to dictate AI technology usage by private companies. The judge found the government's action illegal and baseless, rejecting national security claims. This case tests AI company control over technology when the government is a customer.
Chasing dues could get easier for small businesses under new rules, MSME Secy Bharat Khera explains
The number of enterprises in the formal ecosystem has increased from around 16.5 million three to four years ago to 92 million currently, said MSME Secretary.
Pakistan moves to give Asim Munir sweeping control over armed forces
Pakistan's National Assembly passed two bills to streamline military and nuclear command structures. These bills follow last year's constitutional amendment which introduced a Chief of Defence Forces. The new legislation aims to integrate strategic forces and establish a Defence Forces Headquarters. The Chief of Defence Forces will advise the prime minister on national security matters. These bills now require Senate approval before becoming law.
President Droupadi Murmu assents to Vande Mataram Bill, giving national song legal protection on par with anthem
President Murmu has approved a bill granting Vande Mataram legal protection. This legislation makes deliberate insults during its singing a punishable offense. The new law extends existing penalties from the National Anthem to the National Song. Opposition MPs have raised concerns about the practical implications of this requirement. The bill passed Parliament last month, now awaiting full implementation.
Shashi Tharoor questions six-minute standing protocol for Vande Mataram, national anthem
President Murmu has approved a bill protecting the national song Vande Mataram. This amendment mandates its full rendition at official functions. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor raised concerns about the extended duration. He noted the significant increase in time audiences must stand. The new law aims to foster greater respect for the national song.
Goa government tables bill to increase Class 1 school entry age to 6 years
Goa is poised to enhance its educational standards by raising the minimum age for Class 1 admissions to six years, reflecting the national education strategy. For the upcoming 2025-26 academic year, a one-time relaxation will be offered to accommodate families.
Final days for TikTok? App faces ban in US as Jan. 19 deadline looms
TikTok, owned by ByteDance, is at risk of being banned in the United States unless sold to an American company by January 19, as mandated by a law signed by President Joe Biden. ByteDance has opposed the sale, while the US government argues national security risks. The Supreme Court will hear arguments on January 10 to determine whether the law violates free speech rights. This decision may set significant precedents for the interplay between national security and digital freedoms.
US Supreme Court sidesteps dispute on state laws regulating social media
Legal battles over social media control escalate as court decisions differ. The role of content moderation and free speech rights takes center stage in the ongoing debates and legal challenges.
California gov dept says caste not essential part of Hinduism, amends 2020 complaint
California's Civil Rights Department has amended its 2020 complaint regarding alleged caste discrimination at a Silicon Valley tech giant, removing the assertion that caste is intrinsic to Hinduism. However, issues persist with reliance on flawed surveys and counterfactual statements, according to the Hindu American Foundation (HAF).
Legal battle over trademark of the phrase 'Trump too Small'
In a high-profile legal battle, the US Supreme Court is deliberating the 'Trump Too Small' trademark case. The dispute, independent of former President Donald Trump, centers on California attorney Steve Elster's quest to trademark the phrase for T-shirts. The case raises critical questions about the intersection of trademark law and free speech rights, with the US Patent and Trademark Office's rejection of Elster's registration at the core of the issue. The dispute also touches on the origins of the phrase in the 2016 Republican primaries and the boundaries of political commentary.
Several mid-scale companies reach out to advisors following proposed changes in liquidation process
Many of these companies want to try and revive their company as against letting it go under liquidation, say industry trackers. The IBBI has proposed that companies applying for voluntary liquidation will be able to withdraw from the process at any time.
Bill to amend negotiable Instruments act likely in parliament session
Jaitley had said that "after cheque bounce, the litigation process is very complex and takes time. So, for traders with a bounced cheque, litigation takes a long time to recover the money".
Government likely to amend Negotiable Instruments Act in monsoon session
"We have worked out something. It will go for Cabinet approval and we are hoping to introduce it in the monsoon session," a senior finance ministry official said.
Definition of word 'industry': SC refers matter to 9-judge bench
The matter had reached the five-judge bench after a three-judge bench had found an "apparent conflict" between the two decisions passed.
GST notification doesn’t end government’s power to levy excise
"We have had discussion with AG and he opined that there is no problem with the notification," the official said citing Section 19 of the amendment.
Tamil Nadu CM O Panneerselvam urges consensus on GST, asks PM Modi to allay fears
Panneerselvam also stressed that a consensus should be arrived on the methodology and the period relating to compensation.
The Securities Laws Bill: Amendments & their legal implications
The Securities Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2014, also provides more teeth to the Securities and Exchange Board of India to take on promoters who raise funds through ponzi schemes.
All safeguards must be in place before issuing new bank licences
Statutory framework needed to protect depositors’ and the economy’s interests must be in place before we issue new bank licences.
GAAR amendment: Good that FM has heard industry recommendations, says Dinesh Kanabar, KPMG
This is one of those rare times when the finance ministry has stepped back to say, 'We have heard everybody and therefore given the situation we do not want to implement things in a hurry'.
Govt to decide on press law changes
The Cabinet will consider a bill that seeks to prevent squatting on publication titles, penalties for incorrect declarations and conditions barring convicted people from running newspapers.
Right to Education Bill introduced in RS
Proposed bill provides blueprint for reforms in elementary education.
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