Several important developments made headlines on August 18, 2026, with the Supreme Court ruling on death-penalty execution methods and fresh financial disclosures from the PM CARES Fund among the key national stories
Supreme Court Rejects Plea to End Hanging as Method of Execution
The Supreme Court has declined to accept a petition challenging the use of hanging as the existing method of carrying out death sentences in India.
A Bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta dismissed the plea, which had sought the replacement of hanging with alternative methods, including intravenous lethal injection.
However, the court made it clear that its decision does not prevent the Union government from examining the issue in greater detail. The Centre can constitute an expert body to study whether another method could reduce unnecessary pain while ensuring that the dignity of a person facing execution is protected.
The issue therefore remains open for broader consideration by the government and experts, even though the present legal position on hanging remains unchanged.
PM CARES Fund Records Sharp Rise in Donations
The PM CARES Fund received nearly ₹480 crore in donations during 2024-25, marking a substantial increase compared with the previous financial year.
According to the audited financial statements released on August 18, the fund’s donations increased by about 592% during the year. The financial disclosures cover the years 2023-24 and 2024-25.
The publication of the accounts comes after a gap in the fund’s annual disclosures. The financial documents had not been uploaded since 2022-23, a lapse that had previously drawn attention.
Only a Small Portion of Donations Spent
Despite the significant rise in contributions, the fund used only around 0.1% of the amount during the period mentioned.
PM CARES was established in March 2020 as a public charitable trust to assist with relief and emergency-response efforts during public health crises and other disasters.
The fund is supported through voluntary contributions and is chaired by the Prime Minister. Its financial disclosures provide information about the money received and expenditure undertaken during the relevant financial year.
Key Takeaway
The Supreme Court’s decision keeps hanging as the existing method of execution while leaving room for the government to study alternatives. At the same time, the latest PM CARES financial figures highlight a sharp rise in contributions alongside very limited spending during 2024-25, putting renewed focus on the fund’s financial disclosures and utilisation of resources.
