Gujarat became the second state in India to get approval to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) after President Droupadi Murmu gave assent to the legislation. The Gujarat Assembly passed the UCC Bill in March 2026 after a discussion lasting around seven and a half hours. The UCC provides a common legal framework for marriage, divorce, succession and live-in relationships, irrespective of religion. The Gujarat government will frame and announce the rules, after which the UCC will come into effect in the state. Uttarakhand was the first state to implement the UCC, in February 2024.

Bimal N. Patel, an Indian jurist, has been appointed as a Judge of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) in 2026. He assumed office in October 2026 for a nine-year term. ITLOS is an international judicial body dealing with disputes related to the Law of the Sea. Dr. Patel previously served on India’s National Security Advisory Board and the Law Commission of India. He also served as the Vice-Chancellor of Rashtriya Raksha University. His appointment continued India’s representation at ITLOS. Earlier Indian judges at ITLOS were Neeru Chadha and P. Chandrasekhara Rao.

Tamil Nadu Government launched the ‘Vetri Payanam Thittam’ (Journey to Success Scheme). The scheme provides zero-fare bus travel for women, non-binary and transgender persons. Free travel is available in designated ordinary town buses operated by State Transport Undertakings (STUs). The scheme aims to reduce commuting costs and improve access to employment and education. It is intended to promote women’s workforce participation and social independence. The Tamil Nadu government reimburses the public transport corporations through the state budget.

Rogun Hydropower Project is a major hydroelectric project being constructed on the Vakhsh River in Tajikistan. The dam is planned to reach a height of 335 metres, which would make it the world’s tallest dam after completion. The project is located upstream of the Nurek Hydropower Plant and about 110 km from Dushanbe, Tajikistan’s capital. The completed project is planned to have six generating units, each of 600 MW, giving a total installed capacity of 3,600 MW. The Vakhsh River is an important tributary of the Amu Darya river system, making the project significant for regional water and energy management.

Scientists from the University of Sydney identified two new species of giant stick insects named Anchiale robusta and Anchiale mabiensis in Australia. The research focused on the stick insect genus Anchiale. A species that had been misidentified for decades was also recognised as a separate species, Anchiale robusta. Another newly described species is Anchiale mabiensis, found in the Mabi rainforest of Queensland’s Atherton Tablelands. Australia has around 130 known stick insect species, while about 3,609 species are known worldwide. The findings could help in forestry and agriculture, as some stick insects can reach very high populations and damage trees by feeding on leaves.