Congress MLA Arif Masood plans to challenge Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav's decision to reconstitute the State Waqf Board with the inclusion of two non-Muslim (Hindu) members. This new 10-member board, formed under the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, is the first in the country to do so. Masood argues the matter related to various provisions of the new Act is pending before the Supreme Court, which had stayed the operation of certain contentious provisions in September last year. The BJP-led government, however, asserts it's the first state to implement the amended Waqf Act.
- Congress MLA Arif Masood will move the Supreme Court against Madhya Pradesh's reconstitution of the State Waqf Board.
- The new 10-member board includes two non-Muslim (Hindu) members, a first in the country under the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025.
- The MLA argues that the matter related to contentious provisions of the new Act is sub judice in the Supreme Court.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma informed the Assembly that 31,789 illegal immigrants have been deported from the State over the last 40 years, based on the August 1985 Assam Accord. This accord mandates the detection and deportation of immigrants who entered illegally after March 24, 1971. Of the 1,72,673 detected illegal migrants since 1985, 2,366 were deported between 2011 and June 30 this year. Cases against 73,750 others are pending in Foreigners' Tribunals, and 174 declared foreigners are lodged in transit camps.
- Assam has deported 31,789 illegal immigrants over the past 40 years, as stated by CM Himanta Biswa Sarma.
- The deportations are based on the August 1985 Assam Accord, which sets March 24, 1971, as the cut-off date for illegal entry.
- Out of 1,72,673 detected illegal migrants since 1985, 2,366 were deported between 2011 and June 30 this year.
Malkangiri, the southernmost Assembly constituency in Odisha, has registered the highest number of voter deletions in the draft electoral roll released by the Election Commission. Following the first phase of the special intensive revision (SIR) exercise, 27,653 names were left out of the draft roll from Malkangiri, constituting 10.96% of its total voters. A significant number of these deleted voters are settlers from Bangladesh who migrated to Odisha in the 1950s and 1980s and were settled in specially created villages.
- Malkangiri Assembly constituency in Odisha recorded the highest number of voter deletions in the draft electoral roll.
- 27,653 names were deleted from Malkangiri, representing 10.96% of its total voters.
- The deletions occurred during the first phase of the ongoing special intensive revision (SIR) exercise by the Election Commission.
The article discusses the critical issue of prolonged pre-trial incarceration, particularly under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), highlighting the Supreme Court's inconsistent rulings on bail. It questions the duration of imprisonment without trial, citing cases like Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam who have spent nearly six years in jail. The author argues that extended delay in trial triggers the right to personal liberty under Article 21, which statutory restrictions like UAPA cannot override. The article criticizes the judiciary's inconsistency in granting bail, emphasizing that such laws should not be weaponized to entrench process as punishment, undermining the rule of law and fundamental rights.
- Prolonged pre-trial incarceration, especially under UAPA, raises urgent questions about liberty and justice.
- The Supreme Court's inconsistent approach to granting bail, particularly regarding the duration of imprisonment without trial, is a concern.
- An extended delay in trial should trigger an accused's right to personal liberty under Article 21, overriding statutory restrictions like UAPA.
The government has notified new telecom rules, including the Telecommunications (Authorisation for Provision of Principal/Captive/Miscellaneous Telecommunication Services) Rules, 2026, under the Telecommunications Act, 2023. These rules primarily simplify the regulatory framework by replacing the old licensing system with an "authorisation regime," aiming to ease compliance for operators and ISPs and add anti-spam obligations. While many operational changes are minimal, the new Act grants the Union government greater powers, such as regulating messaging apps and seizing telecom infrastructure for national security. However, aspects like satellite internet rules and Starlink approvals remain uncertain, indicating incomplete implementation.
- The government has notified new telecom rules under the Telecommunications Act, 2023, replacing the previous licensing framework with an authorisation regime.
- The primary objective is to simplify compliance for telecom operators and ISPs and introduce anti-spam obligations.
- The new Act grants the Union government broader powers, including the ability to regulate messaging apps and seize telecom infrastructure for national security.
India's Civil Registration System (CRS) 2024 report indicates significant improvement in birth and death registration, with 99.1% of births and 99.4% of deaths registered in 2024. The report also shows an improving, though uneven, sex ratio at birth (SRB) across states, with the national average at 917 females per 1,000 males. While Kerala, Arunachal Pradesh, and Andaman and Nicobar Islands are top performers, Nagaland, Lakshadweep, and Jharkhand show the weakest figures. The increased registration coverage provides a clearer picture of the country's demographic transition, reflecting better capture of vital statistics rather than sharp rises in fertility or mortality.
- The CRS 2024 report indicates near-full coverage for birth and death registrations in India.
- The national sex ratio at birth (SRB) has improved to 917 females per 1,000 males, though progress is uneven across states.
- States like Kerala, Arunachal Pradesh, and Andaman and Nicobar Islands show high SRB, while Nagaland, Lakshadweep, and Jharkhand have the lowest.
A Kerala-based activist has filed a plea in the Supreme Court, advocating for mechanisms allowing disabled prisoners to self-identify and declare their disabilities. The submission argues that States have an obligation under Section 7 of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act to protect disabled persons from violence, abuse, or exploitation in prisons. It recommends standardized, objective assessments by field experts for intellectual disabilities and that prison records identify disabled individuals for reasonable adjustments. The plea highlights the vulnerability of disabled inmates to exploitation by staff and fellow inmates, urging the government to create protective conditions from their entry into prison.
- A plea in the Supreme Court seeks mechanisms for disabled prisoners to self-identify their disabilities.
- States are obligated under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act to protect disabled persons from violence and exploitation in prisons.
- The plea recommends standardized assessments by field experts for intellectual disabilities and recording disabilities in prison records for necessary adjustments.
An analysis by The Hindu reveals that States' expenditure under the new Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) Act, 2025, could increase nearly six-fold, from ₹7,700 crore in 2024-25 to at least ₹51,000 crore in 2026-27. This significant shift in financial burden from the Centre to States is a major concern, as the new scheme changes the funding pattern from roughly 90:10 (Centre:State) under MGNREGA to a 60:40 ratio for most categories. The Centre's interim allocation of ₹95,692.31 crore for 2026-27 does not specify State contributions or how past dues will be settled, raising concerns about financial implications for states.
- States' expenditure under the new VB-G RAM G Act is projected to increase nearly six-fold by 2026-27.
- The new scheme shifts a significant financial burden from the Centre to the States, changing the funding pattern from 90:10 to 60:40 for most categories.
- The Centre's interim allocation for 2026-27 does not clarify State contributions or how past dues will be settled.
A new report, based on Rural Development Ministry surveys, reveals the erosion of India's grassroots democracy, particularly concerning gram sabhas. It notes "participation fatigue" among citizens, partly due to a lack of outcomes and systemic issues like precarious rural labour. Gram sabhas are increasingly reduced to clearinghouses for central and State schemes, dependent on grants, and their decision-making powers are bypassed, especially regarding land acquisition and mining, despite the PESA Act. The report criticizes the state's failure to institutionalize attendance as a paid component of social protection, leading to gram sabhas becoming a domain for the leisured elite.
- A report highlights the erosion of gram sabhas' decision-making powers and declining citizen participation in grassroots democracy.
- Gram sabhas are often reduced to merely approving central and state schemes, with limited autonomy in identifying local issues or generating revenue.
- The report points to "participation fatigue" stemming from a lack of tangible outcomes and systemic issues affecting rural livelihoods.
The Centre has fixed a floor wage of ₹300 per day under the new Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) Act, 2025, which replaced the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). This move has increased wage rates for 21 States and Union Territories that previously paid less than ₹300. While some states saw significant hikes, others had minimal increases. Critics, including former Rural Development Minister Jairam Ramesh, argue the wages are "unjustifiably low" and fall short of the ₹375 per day recommended by the Dr. Anoop Satpathy Expert Committee in 2019.
- The new VB-G RAM G Act, 2025, establishes a national floor wage of ₹300 per day, replacing MGNREGA.
- This change has led to increased wage rates for 21 States and Union Territories that previously paid below ₹300.
- Critics argue the new wage is insufficient, citing the Dr. Anoop Satpathy Expert Committee's 2019 recommendation of ₹375 per day.
Indian State governments, particularly Kerala and Tamil Nadu, face fiscal stress due to a mismatch between development aspirations and limited fiscal capacity. While States bear most public spending on social and economic sectors, their ability to raise taxes is limited, with the Union government holding more tax-raising power. Deficits, financed through market borrowings, lead to high interest burdens, further tightening State finances. Kerala, despite good own-tax revenue mobilization, allocates only 10% of its resources to capital expenditure, with a significant portion going to salaries, pensions, and interest payments. The article suggests that States need better fiscal structures to access domestic savings at lower costs for development projects, drawing parallels with China's local government financing model.
- State governments experience fiscal stress due to high expenditure on social/economic sectors and limited tax-raising powers compared to the Union government.
- Deficits are financed by market borrowings, leading to high interest payments that further strain State budgets.
- Kerala, despite strong own-tax revenue, allocates only 10% to capital expenditure, with significant portions for salaries, pensions, and interest.
The Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) is undertaking a "planned database consolidation and upgradation of software applications" through the Centralised IT-Enabled System (CITES) project. This initiative aims to modernize service delivery via automation, creating a single national database to replace over 120 decentralized ones. The upgrade will allow any PF office to process member requests, enable online services like KYC updates, and provide a unified digital interface for members to access all their PF details. This is expected to improve operational efficiency, transparency, and reduce physical visits and claim rejections, ensuring seamless services for subscribers.
- EPFO is implementing the Centralised IT-Enabled System (CITES) project for database consolidation and software upgrade.
- The goal is to modernize service delivery through automation and create a single national database, replacing over 120 decentralized systems.
- The upgrade will enable members to access all services online, approach any PF office, and view a unified digital interface for their details.
India's criminal justice system is undergoing a major digital transformation, with all investigations and trials under new criminal laws to be digitally recorded from January 1, 2027. The Interoperable Criminal Justice System (ICJS) integrates police, courts, prisons, forensics, and prosecution on a single platform, aiming for end-to-end digital workflow. Data will be stored on the MeghRaj cloud platform. Despite progress, challenges remain, such as only 46% of FIRs being digitally transmitted to courts. The new laws (BNS, BSS, BNSS) require upgraded infrastructure and forensic capabilities, leading to the addition of 25 new forensic laboratories and an increase in the national implementation score.
- India's criminal justice system aims for full digital recording of investigations and trials under new laws by January 1, 2027.
- The Interoperable Criminal Justice System (ICJS) integrates all pillars of justice (police, courts, prisons, forensics, prosecution) on a single digital platform.
- Data will be stored on the government's MeghRaj cloud platform, ensuring end-to-end digital workflow.
The controversy over introducing a third language from Class 6, with two required to be "Bharatiya" languages, stems from a contradiction in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. While NEP extols English's importance, CBSE's implementation effectively relegates it to a foreign language. This policy could negatively impact students' Class 10 board performance and render existing language teaching resources redundant. Although CBSE made temporary concessions, the core policy remains. The article argues that language learning should serve students' best interests, prioritizing mother tongue and English, and offering a third language of choice, aligning with the vision to skill Indians for global jobs and fostering mobility.
- The NEP 2020's three-language formula, requiring two "Bharatiya" languages from Class 6, contradicts its emphasis on English's importance.
- CBSE's implementation of this policy could adversely affect students' academic performance and waste existing school resources for foreign languages.
- Temporary concessions by CBSE do not alter the fundamental policy of mandating two Indian languages.
Global governments are increasingly shaping AI policy around national advantage, with the US restricting AI model access and Europe investing in AI compute. India, as a large IT services economy, faces a strategic dilemma: leverage foreign AI models for productivity while reducing technological dependence. India's R&D spending on AI is low compared to global leaders. The article advocates for a whole-of-government approach to deepen backward linkages to frontier AI and strengthen forward linkages to global markets for Indian products and services. It also calls for the Indian tech ecosystem to enhance quality and innovation and build domestic AI capability, ensuring India remains integrated globally while reducing strategic vulnerabilities.
- Governments globally are implementing sovereign AI policies to secure national advantage, influencing access and development.
- India must leverage global AI for economic growth while simultaneously reducing strategic technological dependence.
- India's R&D spending on AI is significantly lower than leading global players, necessitating strategic linkages and government support.
States are opposing the new Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G), set to replace MGNREGA from July 1. The new scheme shifts from a demand-driven to a supply-driven framework with capped allocations based on "objective parameters" determined by the Union government. While it increases guaranteed workdays from 100 to 125, it significantly raises the financial burden on States from 10% to 40% of total expenditure. States also object to the Union government's power to notify rural areas for implementation and the provision for a "blackout period" during peak agricultural seasons. Concerns include delays in wage clearance and disproportionate power to the Centre in fund distribution.
- The Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) will replace MGNREGA from July 1.
- The new scheme shifts from a demand-driven to a supply-driven framework, with allocations capped by the Union government.
- States oppose the increased financial burden, as their share of total expenditure rises from 10% to 40%.
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has issued revised guidelines, relaxing the three-language policy for students in Classes 7, 8, and 9. Students currently studying two foreign languages can continue with them while adding an Indian language (Bharatiya Bhasha). The new policy, based on NEP 2020 recommendations, requires at least two of the three languages to be native to India. However, the current batches of Classes 7, 8, and 9 will not be required to take a Board examination for the third language when they reach Class 10. For Class 9, the third language will be assessed internally by the school. Exemptions are provided for special needs children, schools outside India, and foreign students.
- CBSE has relaxed the three-language policy for students in Classes 7, 8, and 9, allowing those with two foreign languages to continue while adding an Indian language.
- The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 recommends learning three languages, with at least two being native to India (Bharatiya Bhashas).
- Current batches of Classes 7, 8, and 9 will not be required to take a Board examination for the third language in Class 10.
The West Bengal Assembly has passed two controversial Bills: the West Bengal Public Safety and Control of Anti-Social Activities Bill, 2026, and The West Bengal Maintenance of Public Order (Amendment) Bill, 2026. The first allows the government to detain "anti-socials" for up to a year and restricts access to lawyers for such persons, though an advisory board will review cases. The second Bill imposes compensation payments for damage to public or private property. Opposition parties criticize these laws as "scary" and a potential tool for political vendetta, arguing they curb peaceful protests and student movements, and will not withstand judicial scrutiny. The Chief Minister defended the laws, citing similar legislation in other states and the need to curb criminalization of politics.
- West Bengal Assembly passed two controversial Bills: The West Bengal Public Safety and Control of Anti-Social Activities Bill, 2026, and The West Bengal Maintenance of Public Order (Amendment) Bill, 2026.
- The Public Safety Bill allows preventive detention for up to one year for "anti-socials" and restricts legal representation before an advisory board.
- The Public Order Amendment Bill mandates compensation for damage to public or private property.
The article highlights a rise in food poisoning cases and deaths in India, attributing it to lapses in the implementation of the Food Safety and Standards (FSS) Act. Data shows that States with high food poisoning cases often have low or moderate scores on the State Food Safety Index. Despite mandates for periodic inspections, the number of samples collected and analyzed is significantly lower than registered Food Business Operators (FBOs). A major contributing factor is the severe shortage of Food Safety Officers (FSOs) and other staff at both central (FSSAI) and state levels, with vacancies increasing over the years. The article also notes India's poor ranking in foodborne disease burden globally.
- Food poisoning cases and deaths are rising in India, indicating failures in implementing the Food Safety and Standards (FSS) Act.
- States with higher food poisoning incidents tend to have lower scores on the State Food Safety Index.
- Inspections and food sample analyses are significantly inadequate compared to the large number of registered Food Business Operators (FBOs).
The article argues that while AI offers immense productivity gains, the most pervasive and least understood risk is "artificial wisdom." Beyond concerns of mass unemployment and concentrated power, the author highlights the dangerous misconception that AI generates knowledge. AI systems, trained on vast data, predict patterns and generate human-like text, but lack true understanding, context, judgment, and awareness of consequences. This can lead to synthetic information being more persuasive than genuine, creating fertile ground for manipulation and misinformation. The systemic risk arises as organizations increasingly rely on AI for critical decisions that no one is qualified to verify, making genuine human expertise more valuable than ever.
- The most significant and least understood risk of AI is "artificial wisdom," the misconception that AI generates true knowledge.
- AI systems are trained to predict patterns and generate human-like text, but they lack context, judgment, experience, and understanding of consequences.
- This can lead to the creation of synthetic information that is more persuasive than genuine, fostering manipulation and misinformation.
The article argues that Artificial Intelligence (AI) offers India a transformative opportunity similar to the 1991 liberalisation, potentially leading to a "Bharat rate of growth" of 8% and beyond. It advocates for making AI tokens free, funded by reallocating existing subsidies, and building a robust AI infrastructure through public-private partnerships. The author emphasizes the need for India to host large language models on sovereign infrastructure, diversify compute hardware away from a single vendor, and implement a National AI Token Policy within 24 months. This strategy aims to replicate India's digital public infrastructure successes in the AI domain, leveraging its talent and favorable policies to become a global AI leader.
- AI presents a transformative opportunity for India to achieve a "Bharat rate of growth" (8%+) similar to the post-1991 liberalisation era.
- The author proposes making AI tokens free, initially for top R&D institutions and schools, funded by reallocating existing subsidies.
- India should build a sovereign AI compute framework through public-private partnerships with hyperscalers like AWS, Google, and Microsoft.
The Centre has removed all restrictions on the sale of diesel and petrol across the country, effective July 1. This includes lifting the daily cap of 200 litres per consumer on retail diesel sales and allowing industrial consumers to purchase fuels from retail pumps. The Union Petroleum Ministry stated that these temporary measures, initially imposed on June 12 to combat black marketing, diversion, and hoarding, were successful in ensuring adequate availability. The withdrawal signifies an improvement in the supply situation and the restoration of normal supply arrangements, building on a previous order that restored LPG supply levels.
- All restrictions on the sale of diesel and petrol have been removed by the Centre, effective July 1.
- The daily retail cap of 200 litres per consumer for diesel has been lifted.
- Industrial and commercial consumers are now permitted to purchase fuels from retail outlets.
The Union Health Ministry is set to launch revised operational guidelines for the Anaemia Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (AMB), expanding its strategy to include low birth weight babies (0-6 months) as a new beneficiary group. The updated framework, to be released by Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda, emphasizes dietary interventions, an 'eating right' component promoting iron-rich diets, and digital tracking of beneficiaries. It replaces the existing T3 strategy with a T4 strategy (Test, Treat, Talk, Track) for routine haemoglobin testing, treatment, and systematic follow-up. An integrated digital ecosystem is also proposed for comprehensive monitoring of anaemia services, aiming to strengthen control through improved testing, treatment, monitoring, and community participation.
- The Union Health Ministry is launching revised guidelines for Anaemia Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (AMB) to strengthen anaemia control.
- The expanded strategy includes low birth weight babies (0-6 months) as a new beneficiary group, focusing on early intervention.
- A new 'eating right' component promotes the consumption of iron-rich and diversified diets.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his Mann Ki Baat address, lauded India's increasing self-reliance in defence manufacturing, designating June as a "landmark month." He highlighted the maiden flight of the first made-in-India C-295 transport aircraft and the successful test of the indigenous Long-Range Land-Attack Cruise Missile (LRLACM). Modi also noted the induction of indigenously designed and built warships like INS Dunagiri, INS Shanshak, and INS Agrya into the Indian Navy. Beyond defence, he thanked citizens for their positive response to his call for austerity amid the West Asia crisis, citing examples like carpooling and recycling old gold. He also praised community initiatives for environmental conservation and youth sports, such as Nagaland's 'Baby League' football.
- PM Modi emphasized India's growing self-reliance in defence manufacturing, marking June as a significant month for the sector.
- Key achievements include the maiden flight of the first made-in-India C-295 transport aircraft and the successful test of the indigenous LRLACM.
- The induction of indigenously designed and built warships into the Indian Navy further demonstrates India's 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' vision in defence.