Supreme Court Strikes Down Age Restriction for Adoptive Mothers' Maternity Leave
Previously, Section 60(4) of the Code on Social Security, 2020, restricted maternity benefits to those adopting children below three months of age.
The Court ruled that all adoptive and commissioning mothers are entitled to 12 weeks of maternity leave, regardless of the child's age.
The judgment emphasized that motherhood is defined by caregiving and bonding, not just biological childbirth, and urged the government to consider paternity leave reforms.
Exam Perspective: This landmark ruling in 'Hamsaanandini Nanduri v. Union of India' promotes gender equality and inclusive social security.
Key Facts / Static GK
Article 21: Right to Life and Personal Liberty
Chief Justice of India: Dhananjaya Y. Chandrachud (or as applicable in 2026)
Q Practice Quiz — 20 March 2026
1. What does the name of the joint military exercise 'LAMITIYE' mean in the Creole language?
Explanation: The term 'LAMITIYE' means 'Friendship' in the Creole language, reflecting the cooperation between India and Seychelles.
2. In the VRR auction conducted by RBI on 20th March 2026, what was the total amount actually injected into the banking system?
Explanation: According to the news report, while the RBI offered ₹1.50 lakh crore, the actual liquidity injection via the VRR auction was ₹48,014 crore due to lower uptake by banks.
3. Regarding the expansion of UPI in Sri Lanka, which of the following statements is true?
Explanation: Indian users can make real-time payments in Sri Lanka by scanning Lanka QR codes using their preferred UPI-enabled mobile applications.
4. Which company has launched the world's first Autonomous Maritime Shipbuilding Centre in Nellore?
Explanation: Sagar Defence Engineering Pvt Ltd has launched this center, which is the first of its kind globally, in Nellore, Andhra Pradesh.
5. In the newly launched hybrid passive index fund by Edelweiss AMC, what is the allocated ratio between Equity and Debt components?
Explanation: The fund, as indicated in its name and strategy, maintains a fixed asset allocation of 70% in Equity and 30% in Debt (Government Securities).
Keep Learning with PrepZen
Get daily current affairs, live mock tests, mistake bank, vocab builder & more — all free on your phone.