The article discusses the emerging threat of "Mythos-class" AI capabilities, which can autonomously discover and exploit vulnerabilities in cybersecurity systems, posing a significant risk to critical infrastructure. It highlights that these AI models can chain low-severity vulnerabilities into destructive attacks and make cyber capabilities accessible to non-state actors. India's current digital infrastructure, relying on fragmented legacy back-end systems, is vulnerable. The author advocates for a defensive AI partnership, a dedicated India AI Safety Institute (IAISI), and a critical sector cybersecurity upgradation fund to secure India against this "Mythocalypse."
- Mythos-class AI models can autonomously discover and exploit cybersecurity vulnerabilities, including "zero-day" flaws.
- These AI capabilities can chain multiple low-severity vulnerabilities into highly destructive attacks, making advanced cyber tools accessible to a wider range of actors.
- India's digital public infrastructure, especially public sector banks and government systems, relies on outdated technology, increasing its vulnerability.
Union Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced an interim allocation of ₹95,962 crore for the new rural employment scheme, Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission Gramin (VB-GRAM G). This allocation aims for a "seamless transition" from MGNREGS and ensures no State faces fund reduction. The combined outlay for the scheme will be ₹1.25 lakh crore, with States contributing an additional 40%. The new program emphasizes wider presence in economically weaker States, proposing the use of the 16th Finance Commission's horizontal devolution formula for Central allocations. 26 States have completed procedural requirements, while four are still pending.
- An interim allocation of ₹95,962 crore has been announced for the new rural employment scheme, VB-GRAM G.
- The scheme aims to ensure a seamless transition from MGNREGS without reducing funds for any State.
- States are expected to contribute an additional 40% of the allocated sum, bringing the combined outlay to ₹1.25 lakh crore.
The Supreme Court's acceptance of a Presidential Ordinance to increase the sanctioned strength of judges from 34 to 38, leading to the appointment of five new judges (three to newly created posts), raises significant questions about judicial independence and security of tenure. The article draws parallels to historical instances, like President Roosevelt's court-packing plan, which were rejected to preserve an independent judiciary. It highlights that an Ordinance's temporary nature and the possibility of its lapse or disapproval by Parliament could make the tenure of judges appointed under it precarious, potentially creating an obligation to the executive. The Supreme Court itself has previously ruled against governance by repromulgated ordinances, calling it a "fraud on the Constitution."
- The Supreme Court accepted a Presidential Ordinance to increase its sanctioned strength from 34 to 38 judges, leading to appointments to newly created posts.
- This move raises concerns about judicial independence and the security of tenure for judges appointed via a temporary Ordinance.
- Historically, attempts to alter court composition for political reasons, like Roosevelt's court-packing plan, have been resisted to protect judicial autonomy.
The Government of India (GoI) has promulgated an ordinance waiving the 12.5% long-term capital gains (LTCG) tax on foreign institutional investments (FII) in government bonds. This exemption will be effective from April 1, 2026. The decision aims to rationalize the tax treatment for FPIs in Government Securities, recognizing the importance of a competitive tax regime for attracting global capital. This move comes after FIIs sold a significant amount of Indian securities. Experts believe this will make Indian government securities more tax-efficient for overseas investors, though some argue it doesn't fully address concerns of long-only equity investors regarding capital gains structure, currency risk, and valuation premium.
- The Indian government has waived the 12.5% long-term capital gains (LTCG) tax on foreign institutional investments (FII) in government bonds.
- This tax exemption is set to take effect from April 1, 2026, aiming to create a more competitive tax regime for attracting global capital.
- The measure is expected to make Indian government securities more attractive and tax-efficient for overseas investors.
This article analyzes "Operation Langda," a policing method in Uttar Pradesh involving shooting suspects in the leg to disable them, rather than kill. These "half-encounters" have become routine since 2017, characterized by targeted leg injury, standardized reporting, and official endorsement. While presented as a pragmatic crime-control model and legally defensible due to suspects surviving, it raises concerns about due process and the rule of law. The system is self-sustaining, driven by political endorsement, professional incentives like promotions, and uncritical media. Despite Supreme Court guidelines (People's Union for Civil Liberties v. State of Maharashtra, 2014) for independent inquiries, these are not systematically applied, making fundamental reform challenging without dismantling the interlocking incentives.
- "Operation Langda" is a routine policing practice in Uttar Pradesh involving shooting suspects in the leg to disable them.
- This "half-encounter" method is considered legally defensible as suspects survive, allowing for arrest.
- The practice is sustained by political endorsement, professional incentives, and uncritical media reporting.
The article explores the conflict between the 'right to be forgotten' (informational privacy) and open justice, particularly concerning digital court records. While the Supreme Court recognized the right to privacy in Justice K.S. Puttaswamy (2017), a Delhi High Court order highlighted the persistence of digital information. The core issue isn't discoverability but incompleteness, as records often fail to reflect subsequent decisions like acquittal. The article argues that judicial records, as official state acts, must be wholly public, accurately updated to reflect all major actions, and presented with proper context by platforms. This approach protects fundamental rights, ensures digital accuracy, and addresses the root cause of the problem.
- The article addresses the tension between the 'right to be forgotten' and the principle of open justice regarding digital court records.
- The Supreme Court recognized the right to informational privacy in the Justice K.S. Puttaswamy (2017) case.
- The primary problem is the incompleteness of digital records, which often don't reflect subsequent judicial decisions like acquittals.
India's declaration as Maoist-free shifts focus to integrating Bastar's Adivasis by 2031, emphasizing democratic values and development. However, the article stresses the critical need for genuine implementation of the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) (PESA) Act, 1996. PESA empowers Gram Sabhas to safeguard Adivasi identity and manage resources, but its state-level implementation has been dismal, with attempts to dilute Gram Sabha's veto power. Building Adivasi trust requires addressing deeper structural issues related to water, forest, and land (jal, jungle, zameen) and upholding constitutional guarantees through truly participatory governance. This approach is essential for sustainable peace beyond mere absence of violence.
- The post-Maoist era focuses on integrating Bastar's Adivasis into the mainstream by 2031.
- Effective implementation of the PESA Act, 1996, is crucial for Adivasi empowerment and trust, granting Gram Sabhas decisive powers.
- PESA implementation has been poor, with states often undermining its spirit and diluting Gram Sabha authority.
The Centre has approved the appointment of five new judges to the Supreme Court, increasing its working strength to 37, just shy of the revised sanctioned strength of 38. These appointments follow the Collegium's recommendation on May 27, 2026. The new judges include Chief Justices from various High Courts and a senior advocate. This development comes after the sanctioned strength of the Supreme Court was increased from 34 to 38 judges through the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Ordinance, 2026, earlier in May. Currently, Justice B.V. Nagarathna is the only woman judge in the Supreme Court.
- The Centre approved the appointment of five new Supreme Court judges, bringing the working strength to 37.
- The appointments were made under Article 124(2) of the Constitution, following the Collegium's recommendation.
- The sanctioned strength of the Supreme Court was recently increased from 34 to 38 judges via an Amendment Ordinance in May 2026.
India faces a recurring public health crisis due to mass deaths from illicit liquor consumption across several states. Recent tragedies, like the Pune-Pimpri Chinchwad incident, reveal a sophisticated supply chain involving industrial-grade methanol. High state taxes on legal alcohol push low-income individuals towards cheaper illicit options, while adding methanol boosts profits for illegal vendors. Weak enforcement, regulatory loopholes in tracking methanol, and the marginalization of victims contribute to this 'perfect storm.' Public health experts note that higher prices for legal liquor and total bans (like in Bihar and Gujarat) often divert the market to criminal syndicates, exacerbating the problem.
- India experiences recurrent mass deaths due to the consumption of illicit liquor, often involving industrial-grade methanol.
- High taxes on legal alcohol and the profitability of illicit liquor drive low-income individuals towards dangerous alternatives.
- Weak enforcement, regulatory gaps in tracking methanol, and alleged complicity of local authorities sustain the illicit liquor trade.
The Supreme Court's May 21 clarification allows trials and proceedings under Section 124A (sedition) to resume for accused persons who consent to it, partially reviving the paused colonial-era provision. This decision, made in an unconnected case (Kamran vs State of Madhya Pradesh), raises concerns about constitutional questions, particularly regarding the provision's constitutionality which is still pending before the SC in the Vombatkere petitions. Critics argue it creates disparity, forcing some accused into trials under an undecided law while others remain in limbo, and undermines the fundamental right to equality before the law. The article highlights the historical context of sedition and its potential chilling effect on free speech.
- The Supreme Court's May 21 clarification allows sedition proceedings under Section 124A to resume for accused persons who willingly consent to face trial.
- This decision partially revives a colonial-era provision whose constitutionality is still under challenge in pending petitions (Vombatkere vs Union of India).
- The clarification creates a disparity, as consenting accused face trial under an undecided law, while others can remain in indefinite limbo.
The article debates whether increasing the Supreme Court's sanctioned strength from 34 to 38 judges will resolve its pendency crisis. Prashant Reddy T. and Swapnil Tripathi discuss the implications, with Reddy questioning the ordinance route for the increase and Tripathi highlighting how the large number of Special Leave Petitions (SLPs) contributes significantly to the backlog. Both agree that the Court's appellate jurisdiction has overshadowed its constitutional role. Concerns are raised that more judges could lead to greater doctrinal inconsistency, especially with two-judge benches, and that the government's inconsistent litigation policy exacerbates the problem. They emphasize the need for robust mechanisms to filter frivolous litigation, stricter time allocation, and improved gender representation.
- The recent increase in the Supreme Court's sanctioned strength to 38 judges aims to address pendency, but its effectiveness is debated.
- The high volume of Special Leave Petitions (SLPs) and the Court's reluctance to establish clear guidelines for their exercise are major contributors to the backlog.
- Concerns exist that increasing judge strength could lead to greater doctrinal inconsistency, particularly with two-judge Division Benches, and more conflicting rulings.
The article discusses the inconsistencies and ineffectiveness of India's cow protection laws, highlighting incidents of cow carcasses and the varying legal frameworks across states. Despite stringent laws in many states, cattle census data reveal a decline in cow population while buffalo populations have grown, suggesting these laws fail to achieve their objective. The authors argue that cow protection, while a central Hindutva issue, has historical political backing from parties like Congress. The article also points out that these laws economically disadvantage farmers by preventing them from culling unproductive cattle, leading to financial losses and potentially illegal sales at lower prices. It questions the constitutional validity and practical implications of such laws, citing privacy concerns and the need for a more objective assessment.
- Despite stringent cow protection laws in many Indian states, cattle census data indicate a decline in cow population and a rise in buffalo population, questioning the laws' efficacy.
- The article highlights the economic burden on farmers due to cow protection laws, as they are unable to sell unproductive cattle, leading to financial losses.
- Historically, cow protection has been a significant political issue, supported by various parties beyond just Hindutva groups.
The Supreme Court has upheld the constitutional validity of bringing organised online gaming activities with money stakes, including fantasy sports, under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime. A Bench of Justices J.B. Pardiwala and R. Mahadevan ruled that even if online gaming involves skill, the substantial money involved and uncertainty of outcome constitute betting and gambling for GST purposes. The court rejected arguments comparing online games of skill with horse-racing, noting that horse-racing is heavily regulated. It emphasized the State's duty to maintain public health, citing growing addiction and financial losses from online betting.
- The Supreme Court affirmed the constitutional validity of applying GST to organised online gaming activities with money stakes.
- The court classified such activities as betting and gambling for GST purposes, regardless of skill involvement.
- It rejected comparisons between online games of skill and highly regulated horse-racing.
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved the SARTHAK Public Distribution System (PDS) scheme, a five-year initiative costing ₹25,530 crore, aimed at enhancing food security across India. The scheme will integrate advanced technologies into PDS operations, covering everything from beneficiary selection to foodgrain movement and proactive citizen feedback. It also seeks to reduce transportation distances for foodgrains. This comprehensive approach is expected to streamline the PDS, making it more efficient and responsive to the needs of the beneficiaries.
- The SARTHAK PDS scheme has been approved to improve food security in India.
- It is a five-year scheme with a significant financial outlay.
- The scheme will leverage advanced technologies for efficient PDS operations.
The Supreme Court Collegium, led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, has recommended the appointment of four High Court Chief Justices and one woman senior advocate, V. Mohana, as judges to the apex court. This move, if approved, would mark the first appointment of a woman judge to the Supreme Court after a gap of over five years, with the last being in August 2021. The recommendations aim to increase the total strength of judges to 38 and reflect a focus on regional and gender representation, addressing career inequalities for women officers.
- The Supreme Court Collegium has recommended five new appointments to the apex court.
- The recommendations include four High Court Chief Justices and one woman senior advocate, V. Mohana.
- This appointment would fill vacancies and increase the total strength of Supreme Court judges.
The Supreme Court upheld the constitutional validity of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, stating it breathes life into the Election Commission's mandate under Article 324 to conduct and supervise elections. The court found "cogent justifications" for the SIR, citing the long period since the last revision, large-scale additions/deletions, rapid urbanization, and migration, which could lead to repeated or defective entries. It clarified that SIR does not supplant existing laws like the Representation of the People Act but rather complements them. The court also directed that individuals whose names were wrongly deleted could challenge the EC's decision in court.
- The Supreme Court affirmed the constitutional validity of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
- SIR is deemed essential for maintaining accurate electoral rolls due to demographic changes over time.
- The court emphasized that SIR is an exercise of the Election Commission's constitutional power under Article 324.
India aims to be a global AI leader but faces significant challenges from AI-generated misinformation and identity manipulation. Advanced generative AI models can produce highly sophisticated, indistinguishable fake images, videos, and documents, posing risks of cybercrime, theft, and digital deceit. This content, easily spread on social media, makes it difficult for users to verify information, impacting academics, journalism, and institutional credibility. The article stresses the urgent need for a robust legal framework that balances innovation with accountability, safeguarding the digital ecosystem. It also highlights the importance of digital and AI literacy for the public to critically evaluate content.
- Advanced AI models can generate highly realistic fake content, leading to widespread misinformation and identity manipulation.
- This poses significant risks to cyber security, academic integrity, journalism, and public trust.
- India needs a robust legal framework to regulate AI, ensuring accountability while fostering innovation.
The article critiques Prime Minister Narendra Modi's appeals for citizen restraint and self-reliance during global crises, arguing that such calls subtly shift the burden of structural problems from the state to individuals. It emphasizes that national resilience requires strong institutions, sustained public investment, and robust governance, rather than merely behavioral appeals. The author advocates for governments to invest in social protection, address economic inequality, prioritize long-term investments in education and research, strengthen transparency, and protect democratic dialogue. The piece highlights that while individual responsibility matters, it cannot substitute for fundamental institutional reforms to address systemic vulnerabilities.
- The article argues against over-reliance on citizen sacrifice during crises, advocating for stronger institutional responses.
- Governments should invest in social protection, education, and research, and address economic inequality.
- Transparency, public trust, and protection of democratic dialogue are crucial for national resilience.
The government's new rural jobs scheme, Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (VB-G RAM G), set to replace MGNREGA from July 1, will allocate higher funds to larger, poorer States. Draft rules propose using the 16th Finance Commission's horizontal devolution formula, which prioritizes States based on per capita GSDP distance. Unlike MGNREGA's 100% Centre-funded wage system, VB-G RAM G introduces a 60:40 Centre-State shared wage responsibility. From the second year, a portion of funding will also be based on 'performance criteria' such as timely wage payments and work completion.
- The new VB-G RAM G scheme will replace the 20-year-old MGNREGA from July 1.
- Funding allocation to States will be based on the 16th Finance Commission's horizontal devolution formula, prioritizing poorer States.
- The scheme introduces a shared wage responsibility between the Centre and States at a 60:40 ratio, unlike MGNREGA's 100% central funding.
The Supreme Court referred the question of whether prolonged incarceration and trial delays can override stringent bail curbs under anti-terror laws like UAPA to a larger Bench. This decision aims to ensure "parity, consistency and institutional fidelity" in applying precedents. The court also granted six months of interim bail to two accused in the 2020 Delhi riots case. The reference addresses a "perceived conflict" between a May 18 judgment, which held that prolonged incarceration can "melt down" bail embargoes, and an earlier January ruling. The court emphasized the need to balance societal interests with accused rights.
- The Supreme Court referred the question of UAPA bail curbs and prolonged incarceration to a larger Bench.
- The reference aims to resolve a conflict between recent judgments regarding the application of Section 43D(5) of UAPA.
- The court granted interim bail to two accused, Abdul Khalid Saifi and Tasleem Ahmad, in the 2020 Delhi riots case.
The Supreme Court declined to interfere with the environmental clearances granted to the Adani Group's coal block project in Madhya Pradesh's Singrauli district, primarily due to the petitioner's delay in challenging the approvals. Environmental activist Ajay Dubey had challenged an NGT order that dismissed his plea against the May 2025 environmental clearance for Mahan Energen Ltd. (an Adani Power subsidiary) on limitation grounds. The Bench, comprising Justices P.S. Narasimha and Alok Aradhe, questioned the delay, noting that challenges to statutory authority orders must typically be filed within 30 days, with a 60-day extension for sufficient cause. While the petitioner argued grave environmental concerns, the SC suggested pursuing other legal remedies.
- The Supreme Court refused to intervene in the environmental clearances for an Adani coal project in Singrauli, Madhya Pradesh.
- The primary reason for the SC's decision was the petitioner's significant delay in challenging the approvals.
- Challenges to statutory authority orders under the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010, typically have a 30-day limitation period.
India abstained from voting on a United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) resolution urging countries to comply with climate change obligations. India expressed concern that the draft resolution "undermines" the "sacrosanct architecture" of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Despite constructive engagement in negotiations, India's concerns were not addressed. The resolution was adopted with 141 votes in favour, eight against, and 28 abstentions. India clarified that the adoption of the resolution by the General Assembly does not create binding commitments for it. The resolution welcomed the International Court of Justice's advisory opinion on states' climate change obligations.
- India abstained from a UNGA resolution on climate change obligations due to concerns it undermined the UNFCCC architecture.
- India engaged in negotiations but felt its concerns were not adequately addressed in the final draft.
- The resolution was adopted by the UNGA with a significant majority, but India stated it does not create binding commitments for it.
The article discusses the World Press Freedom Index, which ranked India 157th, and questions the reliability of such international rankings as precise judgments, while acknowledging their utility for identifying broad patterns. It highlights that Norway, ranked first, has a largely homogenous society where the media doesn't need to contest the state, unlike India's diverse and politically contested environment. The author points out the index's methodology doesn't consider the quality of journalism or racism, citing an example of a Norwegian newspaper's portrayal of PM Modi. While critics dismiss Western standards, they selectively celebrate other rankings. The article concludes that while the Indian media is under stress from market forces and state measures, the rankings are blunt instruments, useful for broad patterns but unreliable for precise judgments.
- International press freedom rankings, like the World Press Freedom Index, are useful for identifying broad patterns but are not precise judgments.
- India's ranking (157th) is contrasted with Norway's (1st), highlighting differences in societal homogeneity and media-state relations.
- The index's methodology is criticized for not accounting for journalistic quality or racial biases.
The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025, aimed at protecting vulnerable populations, is proving counterproductive, leading to a rise in offshore online betting and gambling. Studies show a significant shift from regulated domestic platforms to illegal offshore ones, which circumvent laws and facilitate money laundering and terror financing. These offshore platforms use advanced evasion tactics like VPNs and encrypted channels, making effective regulation difficult for domestic authorities. The article highlights that paternalistic bans rarely change consumer behavior but instead push users to unregulated channels. Drawing parallels from the UAE and Sri Lanka, which are moving towards regulated licensing frameworks, the author advocates for a strong domestic regulatory framework with accountability and consumer safeguards to address the menace, generate tax revenue, and fund awareness campaigns.
- The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025, intended to protect users, has inadvertently led to a surge in illegal offshore gaming.
- Offshore platforms facilitate money laundering and terror financing, using VPNs and encrypted channels to evade domestic oversight.
- Blanket bans are ineffective as they merely shift user activity to unregulated and more volatile channels.