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Supreme Court Strikes Down Age Limit for Maternity Leave for Adoptive Mothers

May 16, 2026

OVERVIEW

On 17 March 2026, the Supreme Court of India delivered a very important judgment. A two-judge bench of Justices J.B. Pardiwala and R. Mahadevan struck down Section 60(4) of the Code on Social Security, 2020. This section had given 12 weeks of maternity benefit only when the adopted child was below three months of age. The Court said this age limit is unfair. It said adoptive mothers are entitled to 12 weeks of maternity leave no matter how old the child is at the time of adoption. The Court found the old rule violated Article 14 (equality) and Article 21 (right to life and dignity) of the Constitution.

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India’s Passport Rank Slips to 78th in Henley Index 2026-56 Destinations Accessible

May 16, 2026

OVERVIEW

India’s passport has been ranked 78th in the Henley Passport Index 2026. This is a drop of three places from its earlier rank of 75th in February 2026. Indian passport holders can now travel to 56 destinations without a visa or with a visa-on-arrival or e-visa. Despite the drop, India’s rank has improved over the long term. In 2021, it was at 90th position. In 2025, it was at 85th. The Henley Passport Index is a global ranking based on data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA). It measures how much travel freedom a passport offers.

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Australia Bans Neo-Nazi Group National Socialist Network-15 Years Jail for Support

May 16, 2026

OVERVIEW

Australia banned a neo-Nazi group called the National Socialist Network (NSN) on 15 May 2026. The ban started at midnight. Now, anyone who supports, funds, trains, recruits, joins, or leads this group can go to prison for up to 15 years. The group also used the names White Australia and European Australian Movement. This is the second organisation banned under Australia’s new anti-hate laws. The first was Hizb ut-Tahrir, banned in March 2026. The new law came after a deadly antisemitic attack on a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach in Sydney in December 2025, which killed 15 people.

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India to Lead Global IT Security Standards as CCDB Chair for 2026-2028

May 16, 2026

OVERVIEW

India has been chosen to lead a very important global body for IT security. The country will chair the Common Criteria Development Board (CCDB) from April 2026 to April 2028. This decision was confirmed at a meeting in Tokyo, Japan, held from 14 to 16 April 2026. The CCDB is the technical core of the Common Criteria Recognition Arrangement (CCRA), which is an international treaty that allows different countries to trust each other's IT security certificates. India has been a member of this arrangement since 2013. This leadership role shows India's growing strength in the field of IT security standards.

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Bhupender Yadav Launches ‘Lion’ Species Spotlight Programme at Sasan Gir

May 16, 2026

OVERVIEW

Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav launched the ‘Lion’ Species Spotlight Programme at Sasan Gir in Gujarat. The event took place just before the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) Summit 2026. The programme highlights India’s success in Asiatic lion conservation. The lion population in Gir has been rising steadily. Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel said Gir is a living example of how economic growth and wildlife conservation can go together. India will host the first IBCA Summit in New Delhi on 1–2 June 2026. The summit will see participation from 95 countries and over 400 delegates.

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