3 Things The Catch Up: SC stays new UGC rules on caste-discrimination (29 Jan)
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Jan 29, 2026 A rundown of the Supreme Court keeping older UGC rules in force for caste-related content. A report on the rupee’s record low linked to foreign portfolio outflows and trade deficit. Coverage of legal review around the detention of a climate activist and questions over evidence. News about ED attaching major corporate assets. A look at South Korea’s new AI Basic Act and reactions to mandatory AI labeling.
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SC Pauses New UGC Rules
- The Supreme Court kept the 2012 UGC rules in force and put the 2026 regulations on hold via Article 142.
- The court warned the 2026 rules could have sweeping, divisive, and dangerous consequences if implemented.
Rupee Weakness Linked To Trade Imbalance
- The Economic Survey noted the rupee hit a record low near Rs95.98 due to sustained foreign portfolio outflows and a goods trade deficit.
- India’s services and remittances surplus cannot fully offset the goods deficit, making the economy reliant on volatile foreign capital.
Wangchuk NSA Detention Challenged
- The Supreme Court heard a challenge to Sonam Wangchuk's detention under the National Security Act and his counsel argued the order relied on stale FIRs and selectively edited videos.
- Kapil Sibal denied allegations that Wangchuk made derogatory remarks against Hindu gods during the hearing.