Amid the Israel-Hamas conflict, a delegation of 16 opposition leaders, including parliamentarians and politicians, convened with the Palestinian Ambassador in New Delhi to express solidarity with the Palestinian people. They emphasized the need for increased international efforts to attain a peaceful resolution. The delegation's resolution called for the international community to exert pressure on Israel to adhere to international laws and uphold the rights and dignity of Palestinians. They strongly condemned Israel's indiscriminate bombing in Gaza, describing it as potentially genocidal, and urged an immediate cessation of hostilities to prevent further loss of innocent lives and infrastructure damage.  

On Tuesday, the Supreme Court of India chose not to render a verdict on the validity of same-sex marriage. The five-judge panel stated that the existing language of the 'Special Marriage Act' restrains the Court from delivering a definitive judgment, in recognition of the separation of powers between the judiciary and the legislature. They emphasized that their duty is to interpret the law, not enact it. This case involved 21 separate petitions from members of the LGBT+ community who contended that the denial of marriage rights violated their constitutional liberties, rendering them "second-class citizens."

Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud said barring queer couples from adopting children amounts to discrimination. Delivering the judgment on same-sex marriages, CJI observed that the law cannot assume only heterosexual couples can be good parents. He ruled unmarried couples including queer couples can jointly adopt children. Referring to CARA guidelines, CJI said the Act does not stop unmarried couples from adopting and differentiation between married and unmarried couples has no reasonable nexus. Stating unmarried couples can provide stability, CJI said CARA circular allowing only individuals to adopt reinforces discrimination against the queer community.

While delivering the landmark same-sex marriage verdict, Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud directed the central government to constitute a committee to decide the rights and entitlements of queer persons. As per the CJI, the committee should consider recognizing queer couples as 'family' for ration cards, joint bank accounts, pension and other benefits. The recommendations of the panel will be examined at the Union government level. The CJI stated that anti-discrimination laws are needed to protect the rights of the queer community in India.

The Supreme Court has issued directives to end discrimination against the queer community in India. A five-judge Constitution bench headed by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud ordered the central, state and union territory governments to ensure queer people can access goods and services without facing harassment. The court said public awareness campaigns should be conducted to sensitise people about queer rights. It directed setting up of hotlines and safe houses for the queer community. The bench also said intersex children should not be forced to undergo surgical procedures. The police were directed to not harass queer persons or forcibly separate queer couples without preliminary inquiry.

India's Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson, Arindam Bagchi, has been named as the country's next permanent representative to the United Nations and other international organizations in Geneva. Bagchi, an experienced diplomat, is expected to take up the assignment soon. Meanwhile, four diplomats are being considered to replace him as the foreign ministry’s spokesperson, including Nagaraj Naidu Kakanur and K Nandini Singla. If appointed, Singla would be the first woman diplomat to hold the post after Nirupama Rao. Bagchi's appointment comes amid a reshuffle in key diplomatic positions, signaling India's focus on multilateral engagements and global affairs.

The Allahabad High Court has strongly condemned the handling of the Nithari case, describing it as a "betrayal of public trust." The court criticized the Central Bureau of Investigation and the Noida Police, stating that the investigation into the serial killings of children in Noida was "botched" and lacked proper evidence collection. Main accused Surinder Koli was acquitted in 12 cases, and his employer Moninder Singh Pandher was cleared in two cases, with their death sentences canceled. The court highlighted flaws in the investigation process, including the failure to explore angles such as organized organ trading, raising questions about the prosecution's approach.

The Supreme Court is poised to announce its decision on a collection of petitions advocating for the legal recognition of same-sex marriages in India on October 17, 2023. The bench, led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, began hearing the case on April 18 and reserved judgment on May 11, 2023. As Justice Bhat is set to retire on October 20, the verdict on marriage equality is expected imminently. The bench will consider twenty petitions, filed by same-sex couples, transgender individuals, and LGBTQIA+ activists, challenging certain provisions of marriage acts for their failure to acknowledge non-heterosexual marriages. The bench clarified that it would focus solely on the Special Marriage Act and not interfere with personal laws.

ISRO has revealed its Mission Gaganyaan test flight schedule. The TV-D1 test flight is scheduled for 21st October 2023, at SDSC-SHAR in Sriharikota, from 7 am to 9 am. This test will assess the capsule's effectiveness and emergency escape system. ISRO's aim is to send three astronauts into low-earth orbit by year-end. The crew module (CM) will launch unpressurised on an indigenous LVM-3 rocket with various stages. The Gaganyaan mission will comprise a three-member crew orbiting in an orbital module 400 km from Earth for three days before a safe return. Astronaut training is ongoing in Bengaluru, covering simulations, fitness, and mission-related academics.

Students in India are set to receive their own unique identification numbers, provided their parents give consent. The Government of India, as part of its 'National Education Policy 2020,' is preparing to establish a single ID system called the Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry (APAAR) for each student, from pre-primary to higher education. This ID will maintain a lifelong record of a student's academic journey and achievements. The government assures that data obtained through the ID will remain confidential, and parents who have given consent will be free to withdraw it at any time. Students can digitally archive all their educational accomplishments and, eventually, use their credit score for higher education or employment.