CJI says Supreme Court did not approve Form 6 modifications; Nobel Prize 2026 winners announced

Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant stated on October 5, 2026, that the Supreme Court had not approved “any” modifications to Form 6, which is required to be filled by voters. This statement was made during a hearing of petitions filed against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar.

Separately, the Nobel Prize 2026 in Medicine or Physiology was awarded to Karl Deisseroth from the US, and Peter Hegemann and Georg Nagel from Germany. Their prize recognizes discoveries involving light-gated ion channels and optogenetics.

Supreme Court Clarifies Stance on Form 6 Modifications

The Chief Justice of India’s assertion on October 5, 2026, directly addressed a controversy surrounding changes made to Form 6 during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process. The Election Commission of India (ECI) had issued a press statement on September 26, 2026, seeking to justify its inclusion of a Declaration Form for new voters via Form 6, stating that it had been upheld by the Supreme Court in its May 2026 judgment pertaining to the Bihar SIR.

However, reports indicated that the specific Declaration Form introduced by the ECI in July 2026, requiring applicants to map their parents’ details to the previous SIR, was not examined by the Supreme Court in the Bihar SIR case. The Registration of Electors Rules, 1960, mandate that any changes to Form 6 must be made by the government and are subject to parliamentary oversight. The Supreme Court’s May 27, 2026, verdict, while upholding the ECI’s Special Intensive Revision, clarified that the ECI’s authority for SIR documentation is not “unbounded” and must remain within the existing statutory scheme. The CJI’s bench had previously heard a petition by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee challenging the SIR exercise in the state on February 9, 2026, and issued a show-cause notice to the West Bengal Director General of Police on the same date, having directed state police to assist the Election Commission in carrying out the revision process in an earlier order dated January 19, 2026.

The Nobel Prize 2026 in Medicine or Physiology was jointly awarded to Karl Deisseroth from the US, and Peter Hegemann and Georg Nagel from Germany. The scientists were recognized for their groundbreaking discoveries involving light-gated ion channels and the field of optogenetics, as announced on October 5, 2026.

This scientific advancement, recognized by the Nobel Prize committee, has significantly impacted neuroscience research, allowing for precise control of neuronal activity using light.

India’s Diplomatic Efforts and International Developments

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar announced at the Munich Leaders’ Meeting in New Delhi on October 5, 2026, that India is engaged in discussions with both Russia and Ukraine to support an end to the war, which commenced in February 2022. Discussions include critical issues such as Black Sea shipping, grain and energy exports, and preventing further attacks.

In other international news, Yemeni forces launched attacks on Houthi positions in Dhubab district. This action is part of a broader campaign aimed at retaking territory held by Houthis. The Dhubab district is strategically significant as it monitors the Bab el-Mandeb strait.

Sports and Aviation Updates

All-rounder Michael Bracewell has opted for a “casual contract” with the New Zealand cricket team for the 2026/27 season, becoming the sixth player to do so. This decision allows Bracewell to participate in the Big Bash League in Australia. Meanwhile, the Indian Olympic Association has shortlisted Archer Kumkum Anil Mohod and wrestler Sujeet Kalkal as the first-ever recipients of the Jaspal Rana Award and the Raja Randhir Singh Award, respectively. Both athletes were recognized for their performances at the Asian Games 2026.

IndiGo announced a hike in fuel surcharge for both domestic and international flights, effective from October 6, 2026. This increase is attributed to a rise in aviation turbine fuel (ATF) prices. The revision will lead to an increase in domestic flight airfares ranging between Rs 100 and Rs 350, depending on the distance traveled.

Government recruitment agencies in Jammu and Kashmir, specifically the Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission (JKPSC) and the Jammu and Kashmir Service Selection Board (JKSSB), have collected a total of Rs 114 crore as application fees from aspirants over the last three years. This figure was shared by the government in the J&K Assembly.

Written by Nishit Kumar

Nishit Kumar is a senior EdTech industry leader with over a decade of experience in building and scaling education platforms, shaping their product, content, and growth strategy. At FindMyCollege, Nishit oversees content and editorial strategy, guiding topic selection and content frameworks to ensure accuracy, relevance, and student-first value across the website.

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