Daily Current Affairs: 27 February 2026

Baroruchi Mishra appointed Managing Director & CEO of Hindustan Oil Exploration Company Ltd (HOEC).

Key Updates:

• Baroruchi Mishra will assume charge as Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer of Hindustan Oil Exploration Company Ltd (HOEC) from 1 April 2026.
• The Board approved Mishra’s appointment for a term of three consecutive years from 1 April 2026, subject to shareholder approval.
• Current Managing Director Ramasamy Jeevanandam will cease to hold office at the close of business hours on 31 March 2026.
• The Board, on 25 February 2026, also approved Mishra’s redesignation as Non-Executive Non-Independent Director effective the same date, subject to shareholders’ nod.
• Dr. Jagadip Narayan Singh was appointed Additional Director (Non-Executive Independent) and Chairman for a five-year term, subject to shareholder approval through postal ballot.

Jatinder Mehra passed away, former Vice Chairman of Essar Group metals and mining division.

[Essar Group]

Key Updates:

• Jatinder Mehra died in New Delhi, he was 86.
• He served as vice chairman of the metals and mining division at Essar Group.
• He previously held the post of executive director at Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL).
• He later served as chairman-cum-managing director of Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL).
• During his tenure at RINL he oversaw the commissioning of the Vizag Steel Plant.
• He led the development of Essar’s Paradip steel facility in Odisha.
• The Indian Steel Association conferred on him a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2022.

Global Mind Health 2025 report ranks Indian youth 60th and elderly 49th in mental well-being.

Key Updates:

• Indian adults aged 18–34 scored 33 on the Mind Health Quotient (MHQ) and ranked 60th among 84 countries.
• Indians aged 55 and above scored 96 on the MHQ and ranked 49th globally.
• The study analysed 78,093 internet-enabled, literate Indian respondents, including 29,594 aged 18–34 and 24,088 aged 55+.
• India ranks 28th on family closeness for both age groups.
• Ultra-processed food consumption is 44% among 18–34-year-olds and 11% among those 55 and above.
• India ranks 71st on first-time smartphone exposure, with the average age being 16.5 years.

Park Chan-wook named president of jury for 79th Cannes Film Festival.

[France]

Key Updates:

• South Korean filmmaker Park Chan-wook will preside over the 79th Cannes Film Festival scheduled for 12-23 May 2026.
• He becomes the first Korean and the third Asian to serve as Cannes jury president, after Japan’s Tetsurō Furukaki in 1962 and Hong Kong’s Wong Kar-wai in 2006.
• Park has premiered four films in Competition at Cannes: Oldboy (2004), Thirst (2009), The Handmaiden (2016), and Decision to Leave (2022).
• His Cannes accolades include the Grand Jury Prize for Oldboy, the Jury Prize for Thirst, and Best Director for Decision to Leave.
• Festival President Iris Knobloch and Director Thierry Frémaux praised his inventiveness and visual mastery in the announcement.

Artisan Beats Passes Away at 47

[South Korea]

Key Updates:

• First-generation Korean hip-hop musician Seo Jae-min, known professionally as Artisan Beats, passed away at the age of 47 on 17 February.
• He was a foundational contributor to the underground rap movement in South Korea and was a member of the hip-hop collective Bulhandang.
• The musician, born in 1979, also performed and produced music under the stage names Saatan and Satan.
• He was one half of the hip-hop duo Da Crew and an active participant in the collective Master Plan Allstarz.
• His notable musical releases include the 2014 single Jimmy Chu and the 2015 extended play titled Chun.

Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) bans poultry and egg imports from 40 countries including India

[Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA), Saudi Arabia]

Key Updates:

• Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has imposed a full ban on poultry and table egg imports from 40 countries including India.
• Partial restrictions apply to specific provinces and cities in 16 countries: Australia, United States, Italy, Belgium, Bhutan, Poland, Togo, Denmark, Romania, Zimbabwe, France, Philippines, Canada, Malaysia, Austria and Democratic Republic of Congo.
• Heat-treated or processed poultry products that eliminate bird flu or Newcastle disease virus are exempted provided they meet approved health requirements, carry a health certificate from the exporting country’s competent authority, confirm adequate processing standards and originate from an approved facility.
• The SFDA stated that the list of affected countries is subject to periodic review in line with global health developments and epidemiological updates.

South Central Railway (SCR) launches Rail Parcel Logistics app and signs MoU with Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB) for 2030 freight strategy.

[South Central Railway (SCR), Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB)]

Key Updates:

• South Central Railway (SCR) launched the Rail Parcel Logistics app on Wednesday during a conclave at Rail Nilayam.
• The app offers end-to-end parcel booking, doorstep pickup and delivery, real-time consignment tracking, automated transit updates, and secure multi-mode digital payments.
• Pilot rollout covers Hyderabad, Vijayawada, Guntur, Rajahmundry, Visakhapatnam, Bengaluru, and Chennai.
• SCR signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB) to conduct demand forecasting, competitiveness analysis, and infrastructure assessment for a long-term freight logistics strategy targeting national freight loading goals by 2030.

CBDC-Based Food Subsidy Pilot under PMGKAY launched in Puducherry

[Puducherry]

Key Updates:

• The Government of India will launch a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC)-based Food Subsidy Distribution Pilot under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) in Puducherry on 26 February 2026.
• Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Shri Pralhad Joshi will inaugurate the pilot.
• Eligible PMGKAY beneficiaries will receive food subsidy as programmable CBDC tokens credited directly to their CBDC wallets issued by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
• The tokens will be redeemable exclusively for entitled foodgrains and usable only at authorised Fair Price Shops (FPS) and designated merchants.
• The pilot integrates the RBI-issued Digital Rupee into the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) framework to create a secure, instant, traceable and programmable subsidy distribution mechanism.
• Implementing partners include the Government of Puducherry, Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Public Financial Management System (PFMS) and Canara Bank as the designated banking partner.
• Following the Puducherry rollout, the pilot will be expanded in a phased manner to additional beneficiaries and other Union Territories based on performance and outcomes.

CBIC launches SWIFT 2.0 single-window platform and revamped Atithi app

[Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC)]

Key Updates:

• The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) will launch SWIFT 2.0, a single-window platform for digital clearance of exports and imports.
• Union Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary will preside over the launch on International Customs Day 2026.
• The revamped Atithi app will be released to help international passengers clear baggage from customs on arrival in India.
• CBIC will also release the Digital Travellers Guide and the SWIFT 2.0 Booklet during the event.
• The theme for International Customs Day 2026 is 'Customs protecting society through vigilance and commitment'.

National Arogya Fair 2026 inaugurated in Shegaon to promote AYUSH systems

Key Updates:

• President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the National Arogya Fair 2026 on 26 February 2026 at Shegaon in the Buldhana district of Maharashtra.
• The President felicitated six senior Vaidyas during the event in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the field of traditional Indian medicine.
• The Ministry of Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy (AYUSH) has aligned research and drug development guidelines with international standards to enhance global credibility.
• The fair highlighted the role of AYUSH systems, including Ayurveda, Yoga, and Siddha, in supporting public health and complementing modern medicine.
• The President emphasised that the cultivation of medicinal plants boosts the incomes of farmers and supports soil conservation while ensuring sustainable raw materials for medicines.

Haryana to launch CM Shri Schools for quality education under CBSE framework

[Haryana, Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE)]

Key Updates:

• The Haryana government is set to introduce CM Shri Schools modeled after the central government's PM Shri Schools.
• These institutions will operate under the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) framework and aim to embody the National Education Policy-2020 (NEP-2020).
• The schools will focus on providing quality education, holistic development, and building 21st-century skills to serve as benchmark institutions.
• The Education Department of Haryana has reserved 25% of entry-level class seats in private schools for students from Economically Weaker Sections (EWS).
• According to Education Minister Mahipal Dhanda, 11,803 students were admitted to private institutions under the EWS reservation scheme last year.

National HPV Vaccination Drive for Cervical Cancer Prevention

Key Updates:

• The Union Health Ministry will launch a special HPV vaccination campaign for 14-year-old girls later this month.
• During the first 90 days girls aged 14 years as per their date of birth can receive the single-dose MSD Gardasil vaccine free at government health centres.
• After the initial 90-day campaign girls aged 14 years can book vaccination slots through the U-win portal at their nearest health and wellness centre.
• The drive will cover 1.15 crore girls who turn 14 each year.
• GAVI vaccine alliance is supplying 2.6 crore doses of Gardasil to India of which 1 crore doses have already arrived.
• The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is continuing studies on a one-dose regimen using the indigenous Serum Institute of India (SII) Cervavac vaccine.

Pusa Krishi Vigyan Mela unveils roadmap for Viksit Krishi–Atmanirbhar Bharat reforms

Key Updates:

• Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan inaugurated the three-day Pusa Krishi Vigyan Mela at the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) campus in Pusa, Delhi.
• He announced that agencies or state governments withholding farmers’ money will pay 12% interest on the withheld amount.
• The Centre is exploring direct transfer of its share to farmers if states delay payments under schemes.
• Over ₹2 lakh crore annual fertiliser subsidy is under review for possible Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to farmers’ accounts.
• Kisan Credit Card (KCC) loans charge 4% effective interest for about 75% of small farmers; banks must ensure zero-delay disbursement.
• Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) will be developed as district-level agricultural reform command centres to bridge research and extension.
• Pesticide licensing will be simplified through reduced layers, fixed timelines and full transparency to speed quality product availability.
• Minimum Support Price (MSP) procurement window to be compressed from three months to a maximum of one month in coordination with states.
• The ‘Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan’ will resume in April with scientist teams visiting villages ahead of the kharif season to transfer latest technologies.
• Seven farmers received the IARI Krishi Adhyeta Award during the inaugural session.

Ministry of Ayush invites applications for Prime Minister’s Awards for Yoga-2026

Key Updates:

• The Ministry of Ayush has invited applications for the Prime Minister’s Awards for Yoga-2026 to recognise exemplary contributions to the development and promotion of Yoga at national and international levels.
• Each award comprises a trophy, a certificate, and a cash prize of ₹25 lakh.
• The awards are conferred in two primary categories: Individuals (National and International) and Institutions (National and International).
• Applications for the awards must be submitted through the National Awards Portal (www.awards.gov.in).
• The final date for the submission of applications is 21 March 2026.
• The felicitation ceremony for the award winners will coincide with the International Yoga Conference.

India: COAS General Upendra Dwivedi flags off culmination ceremony of Bharat RannBhoomi Darshan D2D Expedition at National War Memorial, New Delhi

[National War Memorial, New Delhi]

Key Updates:

• Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Upendra Dwivedi flagged off the culmination ceremony of Bharat RannBhoomi Darshan D2D Expedition at the National War Memorial in New Delhi.
• The 22-day expedition covered approximately 3,400 kilometres, starting from Dwarka on 3 February 2026.
• Led jointly by the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Border Security Force (BSF), the expedition traversed key locations across Gujarat and Rajasthan to honour war heroes and showcase India’s military heritage.

India and Nepal sign Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for cooperation in Environment and Biodiversity Conservation on 26 February 2026

[Nepal]

Key Updates:

• The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) of India signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Forests and Environment of Nepal in New Delhi.
• The agreement was signed in the presence of India’s Union Minister Bhupender Yadav and Nepal’s Cabinet Minister Madhav Prasad Chaulagain.
• The MoU aims to promote bilateral cooperation in forests, wildlife, environment, biodiversity conservation, and climate change.
• The partnership focuses on the restoration of wildlife corridors and interlinking areas to create transboundary conservation landscapes.
• The cooperation includes formulating biodiversity conservation strategies for key species such as elephant, Gangetic dolphin, rhinoceros, snow leopard, tiger, and vultures.
• The agreement provides for combating forest and wildlife crime and strengthening the capacity of frontline staff in enforcement agencies.
• Both nations will collaborate on promoting smart green infrastructure in biodiversity hotspots and exchanging technical expertise.

Indian Armed Forces conduct simultaneous military exercises including Vajra Prahar, Dharma Guardian, Kalari Leap, and Vayu Shakti in February 2026

Key Updates:

• The 16th edition of Exercise Vajra Prahar commenced on 24 February at the Special Forces Training School in Bakloh, Himachal Pradesh, involving 45 Indian Special Forces and 12 United States (US) Army Green Berets.
• The 7th edition of Exercise Dharma Guardian 2026 is being held between the Indian Army and the Japanese Ground Self-Defence Force (JGSDF) at the Foreign Training Node in Chaubattia, Uttarakhand, until 9 March.
• Exercise Kalari Leap, a joint maritime drill involving the Indian Air Force (IAF) Southern Air Command, Armed Forces Special Operations Division (AFSOD), and Indian Coast Guard (ICG), was conducted across the Lakshadweep and Minicoy archipelago.
• Platforms deployed in Exercise Kalari Leap included An-32 transport aircraft, Mi-17V5 helicopters, Su-30MKI fighter jets, ICG ships, Gemini boats, and Dornier 228 aircraft.
• The IAF is scheduled to conduct its annual firepower demonstration, Exercise Vayu Shakti, on 27 February at the Pokhran range in Rajasthan.
• President Droupadi Murmu is scheduled to attend Exercise Vayu Shakti and fly in the indigenously developed Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand.

Zero Prize launched as India’s first ₹5 crore results-based environmental award

Key Updates:

• Zero Prize is India’s first national results-based environmental award linking financial reward to independently verified reductions in air, water, and land pollution.
• Convened by the School of Policy and Governance (SPG), the initiative is supported through philanthropic contributions, corporate CSR partnerships, and institutional stakeholders.
• Total corpus of ₹5 crore will award ₹1 crore each across three categories — Air, Water, and Land — to solutions demonstrating scientifically validated pollution reduction within defined geographies.
• Announcement event held at India Habitat Centre with award-winning actor and environmental advocate Dia Mirza as Chief Guest.
• Prize open to startups, NGOs, corporates, municipal bodies, research institutions, and individual innovators across India.
• Eligible applicants must implement a real-world pilot within defined urban or peri-urban contexts and undergo independent third-party monitoring and validation.
• Each shortlisted solution will establish a documented baseline and demonstrate quantifiable reduction over a 12-month challenge period.
• Applications open in March 2026 and close in August 2026, with winners announced in February 2027 after technical evaluation, pilot implementation, and independent validation.
• Prize follows milestone-based disbursement aligned with successful pilot execution and verification.

India and Sweden launch Sweden–India Technology and Artificial Intelligence Corridor (SITAC)

[Sweden]

Key Updates:

• India and Sweden have jointly developed a dedicated programme called the Sweden–India Technology and Artificial Intelligence Corridor (SITAC).
• The partnership was formalised through a Statement of Intent to connect the AI and digital technology ecosystems of both nations.
• Kavita Bhatia, Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the IndiaAI Mission, stated that the collaboration positions both countries to shape global technological change based on shared democratic values.
• Sofia Hogman, Trade and Invest Commissioner of Sweden to India, noted that the corridor initiative aims to create new business opportunities and deliver real-world industrial outcomes.
• The collaboration focuses on using AI to drive innovation, economic growth, and sustainable development while managing potential risks.

New Flowering Plant Species Impatiens nagorum Discovered in Nagaland

[Nagaland]

Key Updates:

• Botanists discovered a new flowering plant species named Impatiens nagorum in the Fakim Wildlife Sanctuary located in the Kiphire district of Nagaland.
• The research was conducted by experts from Kohima Science College, Nagaland University, University of Warsaw, and the Botanical Survey of India (BSI).
• The new species was formally described in the international journal Phytotaxa.
• Impatiens nagorum belongs to the genus Impatiens, commonly referred to as balsams or touch-me-nots, known for seed pods that burst open when touched.
• The plant was found at an elevation of 2,336 metres within moist temperate broadleaf forests and is currently known only from its type locality.
• The species grows up to 35 cm tall, features purple flowers, serrated leaves, and a lower sepal that tapers into a hooked spur.
• The specific epithet nagorum honours the indigenous Naga tribes of Nagaland.
• A population of approximately 20 individuals was recorded, suggesting the species is rare and potentially vulnerable.

India and Germany strengthen climate resilience cooperation through EUR 20 million grant

[Germany]

Key Updates:

• India and Germany held a high-level climate talk titled From Risk to Resilience: Advancing Adaptation Policy Pathways at the German Embassy in New Delhi on Wednesday evening.
• The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) is currently finalising India's National Adaptation Plan (NAP).
• Germany and India are deepening cooperation to support the implementation of the NAP, specifically for strengthening climate resilience in forests, ecosystems, and biodiversity.
• Under the International Climate Initiative (IKI), Germany launched a new Large Grant project for India with a funding volume of up to EUR 20 million.
• The IKI project aims to enhance resilience in high-risk ecosystems across the Himalayas, island regions, the Western Ghats, the North-East, and the Lower Gangetic floodplains.
• The initiative supports ecosystem-based approaches (EbA) including forest restoration, biodiversity corridor connectivity, flood and erosion control, groundwater recharge, and community-led natural resource management.
• The project will explore innovative financing mechanisms such as blended finance, biodiversity credits, and insurance schemes to support the NAP.
• Jochen Flasbarth, State Secretary at the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Climate Action, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMUKN), participated in the dialogue with World Resources Institute (WRI) India.
• In 2024, Germany's total international climate finance contribution amounted to EUR 11.8 billion, with nearly half of public budget resources supporting adaptation measures.

IIT (ISM) Dhanbad hosts three-day national conference on Ancient Indian Text, Science and Technology.

Key Updates:

• The three-day national conference on “Ancient Indian Text, Science and Technology” commenced on Wednesday at IIT (ISM) Dhanbad.
• The conference is sponsored by the Indian Council of Philosophical Research and the Anusandhan National Research Foundation.
• It is jointly organised by the Centre for Indian Knowledge Systems and the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences of IIT (ISM) Dhanbad.
• The inaugural session was held at the Golden Jubilee Lecture Theatre on campus.
• CD Sebastian of IIT Bombay delivered the chief guest lecture on “Sānkhya Thought and Modern Science.”
• Swami Kripamayanand Avadhut was the guest of honour and spoke on the complementary relationship between spirituality and science in Indian traditions.
• The conference will continue till February 27 with parallel sessions and a cultural programme.

PM Modi becomes first world leader to cross 100 million Instagram followers

Key Updates:

• PM Modi became the first world leader and politician to cross 100 million followers on Instagram.
• PM Modi joined the Meta-owned platform in 2014.
• US President Donald Trump stands second with 43.2 million followers.
• Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has 15 million followers.
• Brazil’s president has 14.4 million followers.
• Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan has 11.6 million followers.
• Argentine President Javier Milei has 6.4 million followers.
• Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath has 16.1 million followers.
• Congress MP Rahul Gandhi has around 12.6 million followers.
• As of December 2025, PM Modi held a 70 per cent approval rating according to Statista.
• Morning Consult survey conducted between February 2 and February 8, 2026, placed Modi first with a 67 per cent approval rating.

TRAI Day 2026 observed on 20 February

[Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI)]

Key Updates:

• TRAI Day 2026 was observed on 20 February, marking the 29th Foundation Day of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI).
• TRAI was established in 1997 during India’s telecom liberalisation.
• Anil Kumar Lahoti is the Chairperson of TRAI.
• The theme for technical deliberation included network slicing and net neutrality.

Global Residence Program Index 2026 released on 26 February 2026

Key Updates:

• The United Arab Emirates (UAE) debuted in the top three of the Global Residence Program Index 2026, rising from fifth to joint second place.
• Greece secured the first position in the index, while the second rank is shared by the UAE, Italy, and Switzerland.
• The index was released by Henley and Partners and assessed 40 residence programmes based on reputation, quality of life, tax, and visa-free or visa-on-arrival access.
• Uruguay debuted at fifth place, Saudi Arabia at ninth, and Maldives at eleventh in the 2026 rankings.
• The UAE, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and Switzerland achieved perfect reputation scores for top quality of life.
• Tax efficiency leaders in the index include the UAE, Monaco, and Saudi Arabia.
• Countries showing upward momentum or steady gains include Costa Rica, New Zealand, Panama, Singapore, Malaysia, Mauritius, and Thailand.
• Dr Christian H Kaelin serves as the chairman of Henley and Partners.

Women, Business and the Law 2026 report released by World Bank Group

[World Bank Group]

Key Updates:

• World Bank Group released the Women, Business and the Law 2026 report.
• The report finds women’s economic-opportunity laws are only half-enforced globally.
• Only 4% of women worldwide live in economies providing nearly full legal equality.
• The report evaluates women’s economic participation across 10 areas including safety from violence, access to childcare, entrepreneurship, employment protections, asset ownership and retirement security.
• Globally, only a third of needed safety laws exist and enforcement fails 80% of the time.
• About half of economies promote equal access to credit for women entrepreneurs.
• Less than half of 190 economies covered have laws providing financial or tax support for families.
• Among economies with such laws, only 30% of policies needed to support affordable and high-quality childcare services are in place.
• In low-income economies, just 1% of childcare support mechanisms exist.
• Over the past two years, 68 economies enacted 113 positive legal reforms; Sub-Saharan Africa implemented 33 reforms, the largest number of any region.
• Egypt was identified as the world’s top reformer, increasing its legal equality score by nearly 10 points.

Coffee Table Book on Karnataka Bharat Gaurav Train launched on 23 February 2026

[Karnataka]

Key Updates:

• Union Minister of State for Railways and Jal Shakti, Shri V. Somanna, launched the coffee table book 'Karnataka Bharat Gaurav Train: Journey of a Thousand Shrines' at Rail Bhawan, New Delhi, on 23 February 2026.
• The book documents the Karnataka Bharat Gaurav Train initiative under Indian Railways’ Bharat Gaurav Policy.
• The initiative was conceptualised and driven by Dr. Anup Dayanand, IRTS (Retd.).
• 46 trips have been operated, carrying 28,786 pilgrims and generating ₹25.57 crore in earnings for Indian Railways.

North East Spring Festival 2026 to begin on February 26

Key Updates:

• The three-day North East Spring Festival 2026, also known as the Festival of the North East, begins on February 26, 2026, at the North East Zone Cultural Centre (NEZCC) Complex in Dimapur, Nagaland.
• The festival is organised by the NEZCC in collaboration with the South-Central Zone Cultural Centre (SCZCC), Nagpur, under the aegis of the Ministry of Culture.
• The event is celebrated alongside the Madhya Dakshini Festival 2026 to foster cultural exchange between the Northeastern and South-Central regions of India.
• A total of 130 folk artists from the eight Northeastern states and 83 artists from Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Telangana, Karnataka, and Chhattisgarh will showcase traditional art forms.
• The Madhya Dakshini Festival 2026 is coordinated with initiatives under Bharat Ko Jano and the Border Area Programme.
• Extended festival programmes will be held in Namsai, Arunachal Pradesh, from March 2nd to 3rd and in Ri-Bhoi, Meghalaya, from March 5th to 6th.
• Featured musical groups include Blue Temptation from Shillong, Coronation Choir from Dimapur, Bhramos from Kohima, and 6 Strings from Guwahati.
• Dr Prasanna Gogoi serves as the Director of the NEZCC, Dimapur.

Delhi High Court (DHC) reaffirms right to perform last rites as part of dignity under Article 21

Key Updates:

• Delhi High Court (DHC) held that the right to perform last rites of a parent is an essential religious and moral duty protected under Article 21 of the Constitution of India.
• The Court granted four weeks emergency parole to convict Ajmer Singh alias Pinka in W.P.(CRL) 3146/2025 to attend his father’s Tehravi ceremony scheduled for 26.09.2025.
• Ajmer Singh was convicted under Sections 376/354B/506 IPC and Section 66E of the IT Act, with sentences to run concurrently, and had served about one year nine months fifteen days without prior parole or furlough.
• Rule 1212 of the Delhi Prison Rules, 2018 limits a single parole spell to four weeks and a total of eight weeks per conviction year.
• The Court imposed parole conditions: personal bond of Rs 20,000 with one surety, weekly reporting to SHO PS Kanjhawala, residing at disclosed address, keeping mobile operational, and immediate surrender on expiry.