Judges

• The National Academy of Sciences (NAS) has removed the "Reference Guide on Climate Science" chapter from its manual for judges. • The decision follows criticism from President Donald Trump and Republican officials, who claimed the content was biased against fossil fuel companies. • The chapter covered critical scientific topics, including the greenhouse effect, atmospheric cycling, and attribution science.

• The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine deleted a chapter on climate change from a manual used by judges. • The decision follows significant pressure from Republican leaders, including President Trump, who criticized the content of the chapter. • Authors Ms. Wentz and Mr. Horton defended the work as a peer-reviewed, neutral assessment, noting that human-caused climate change was the only finding presented as a settled conclusion.

• On August 5, 2026, during the 13th day of the Monsoon Session, the Rajya Sabha cleared the Supreme Court Judges' Bill. • The Lok Sabha was adjourned for the day following the legislative proceedings. • Government representatives emphasized their commitment to the independence of the judiciary, citing the handling of writ petitions over recent years.

• Retired US judges Michael P. Donnelly and Robert F. Orr joined a bus tour of 30 legal professionals and advocates to defend the rule of law. • The group is responding to increasing threats against judges and demands for retaliation when court rulings do not align with political desires. • The authors argue that an independent judiciary cannot defend itself and must be actively protected to prevent the system from collapsing into partisan weaponization.

• The Lok Sabha is set to consider a new bill designed to prevent unfair means and curb paper leaks in public examinations. • Parliament will also review a bill aimed at increasing the number of Supreme Court judges to enhance judicial capacity. • Key reports regarding medicine pricing and the disinvestment of fertilizer Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) are scheduled to be tabled.

• Parliament is resuming its Monsoon Session after a week of disruptions to address key legislative priorities. • The government will prioritize the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, which aims to introduce stricter penalties for examination fraud and paper leaks. • Monday's agenda also includes the Supreme Court judges Bill, alongside ministerial statements, committee reports, and matters under Rule 377.

• The Lok Sabha is scheduled to address the Supreme Court (number of judges) Amendment Bill, 2026, during the first day of Parliament's Monsoon Session. • In other national news, farmers have called off their Delhi march following assurances of discussions with Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan. • Economic updates include JSW Group exploring a stake in Volkswagen India and Maruti announcing price hikes of up to ₹30,000 starting in August.