The discussion around AI innovation must prioritize women's digital safety, especially with rising online harassment and the proliferation of deepfakes. The anonymity of the digital world makes protection difficult, as evidenced by the use of deepfake technologies and AI chatbots like Grok AI to create non-consensual images. A significant concern is the lack of women's representation in AI development, leading to biased tools. To address this, stronger laws are needed, such as the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology's directive for online intermediaries to remove deepfakes within three hours. Additionally, educating children about digital safety from a young age is crucial.
- The increasing integration of AI necessitates a focus on ethical AI and women's digital safety.
- Online harassment and the rise of deepfakes, often used to create non-consensual sexualized images, pose significant threats to women.
- The lack of women's representation in AI development teams contributes to biased tools and fewer diverse viewpoints.
On International Women's Day 2026, the focus is on equal rights and justice for women farmers, aligning with 2026 being the International Year of the Woman Farmer. Women farmers face systemic exclusion due to lack of land titles and formal recognition, hindering access to credit, insurance, and extension services. The 'feminisation of agriculture' means women bear increased workloads, leading to health issues and malnutrition. Despite India's right-to-food framework, women's nutritional improvements are uneven. Key priorities include enhancing their visibility in law and data, strengthening land rights, integrating nutritional objectives into food systems, and improving access to technology and extension services.
- International Women's Day 2026 emphasizes equal rights and justice for women farmers, coinciding with the International Year of the Woman Farmer.
- Women farmers face systemic exclusion from formal recognition and land rights, limiting their access to essential agricultural resources.
- The 'feminisation of agriculture' has increased women's workload, contributing to severe health issues and malnutrition among women and girls.
Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh are moving to ban or restrict social media use for children to combat the adverse effects of mobile phone usage. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah proposed a ban for children under 16, while Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu plans restrictions for those under 13, with a roadmap expected within 90 days. Experts are divided on the feasibility and impact of such a blanket ban. A similar law was enacted in Australia in December 2025, imposing high penalties for violations by social media platforms.
- Karnataka proposes a social media ban for children under 16, while Andhra Pradesh targets those under 13.
- The initiatives aim to prevent the adverse effects of increasing mobile phone use on children.
- Andhra Pradesh plans to finalize a roadmap for implementation within 90 days.
The inclusion of India's indigenous Cervavac HPV vaccine into the national immunisation programme has been delayed due to an ongoing ICMR study. This study aims to determine if a single dose of Cervavac generates a stable immune response comparable to Gardasil, following a relaxation by the WHO on HPV vaccine dosage. Previously, the WHO recommended a two-dose schedule, but now suggests single-dose options due to slow introduction and low coverage globally. While Prime Minister Modi launched a campaign using Gardasil-4, the ICMR study's results for Cervavac are expected in 2027, which will inform its official recommendation for a single-dose roll-out.
- The indigenous Cervavac HPV vaccine's inclusion in India's Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP) is pending an ICMR study.
- The study will assess if a single dose of Cervavac provides sufficient immune response compared to Gardasil.
- The World Health Organization (WHO) has relaxed its HPV vaccine dosage recommendations, now suggesting single-dose schedules for girls aged 9-15.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah unveiled two mascots, Pragati (female enumerator) and Vikas (male enumerator), for the upcoming Population Census 2027. He also soft-launched four digital tools for the exercise. This will be India's first digital Census, and notably, the first to allow self-enumeration and enumeration of caste. The digital platforms, developed by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), will facilitate enumeration operations across the country in two phases: Houselisting Operations (HLO) and Population Enumeration.
- Mascots Pragati (female) and Vikas (male) have been unveiled for the Population Census 2027.
- Census 2027 will be India's first digital census, allowing both self-enumeration and enumeration of caste.
- Four digital tools were launched to facilitate the census operations.
The article argues that while India has made significant strides in maternal health, women's midlife health remains largely invisible in policy and practice. As India's disease burden shifts towards Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), women in their 30s and 40s are experiencing higher rates of chronic conditions like hypertension and thyroid disorders, yet receive less structured attention. The invisibility extends to medical diagnostics, workplace design, and social realities, leading to late diagnoses and complex treatments. A life-course approach, broadening screening programs, and investing in women-specific health research are crucial to ensure women's dignified ageing and overall well-being, which benefits families, workplaces, and the economy.
- India has achieved significant success in maternal health, with a drastic fall in Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR).
- However, women's health beyond childbearing years, particularly midlife health, is systemically invisible in policy and practice.
- Women in their 30s and 40s face higher rates of NCDs and chronic diseases but receive less attention.
The article discusses the potential of the Women's Reservation Act to create India's most gender-representative Parliament by 2029, reserving one-third of Lok Sabha seats for women. However, it emphasizes that mere presence is insufficient; real change requires addressing women-specific issues like elder care, which currently lacks a policy framework and gender dimension. India is ageing rapidly, with women disproportionately affected by lower savings, broken employment histories, and lack of caregivers. The author argues that political parties must integrate dignified ageing for women into their manifestos and campaigns now, not after the 2029 elections, to ensure meaningful impact.
- The Women's Reservation Act will reserve one-third of Lok Sabha seats for women by 2029, promising a more gender-representative Parliament.
- Effective representation requires addressing specific issues relevant to women, beyond just their presence in Parliament.
- Elder care for women is highlighted as a critical, unaddressed policy area, lacking a gender dimension in existing policies.
The Karnataka High Court has directed the State government to issue a notification to include an additional 55 sq. km of the Kappatagudda reserve forest into the Kappatagudda Wildlife Sanctuary in Gadag district. This directive aligns with a unanimous resolution passed by the Karnataka State Wildlife Board (KSWB) in January 2019, which had resolved to declare the entire 300 sq. km of the reserve forest as a sanctuary. The court noted that only 244.15 sq. km was declared in the May 2019 notification, making the reduction arbitrary and contrary to the Board's decision.
- The Karnataka High Court ordered the State government to expand the Kappatagudda Wildlife Sanctuary.
- An additional 55 sq. km of the Kappatagudda reserve forest in Gadag district must be included.
- This directive upholds a 2019 resolution by the Karnataka State Wildlife Board to declare the entire 300 sq. km as a sanctuary.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu introduced a Draft Population Management Policy aimed at raising the Total Fertility Rate (TFR) from 1.5 to an optimal level of 2.1. The policy seeks to reverse the declining fertility rate and prepare the state for an ageing society by 2047. Incentives include ₹25,000 at delivery for a third child, ₹1,000 monthly assistance for five years, and free education until age 18. The state's TFR is mirroring lower fertility states like Tamil Nadu (1.4) and Kerala (1.6), necessitating a new policy playbook to prevent a shrinking workforce and economic cripple.
- Andhra Pradesh introduced a Draft Population Management Policy to increase its Total Fertility Rate (TFR).
- The policy aims to raise TFR from 1.5 to an optimal level of 2.1 to counter an ageing society and shrinking workforce.
- Incentives for families having a third child include financial aid at delivery, monthly assistance, and free education.
President Droupadi Murmu appointed new Governors for seven states and two Union Territories. R.N. Ravi, previously Kerala Governor, is now Governor of West Bengal, while Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar (previously West Bengal Governor) is given additional charge of Tamil Nadu. Other significant changes include Lt. Gen. Syed Ata Hasnain (retd) as Governor of Bihar and Taranjit Singh Sandhu as L-G of Delhi. The appointments come ahead of crucial Assembly elections and highlight the often-stormy relations between the Governor's office and elected governments in states like Tamil Nadu, where Mr. Ravi had withheld assent for several Bills.
- President Droupadi Murmu appointed new Governors for seven states and two Union Territories.
- R.N. Ravi was appointed Governor of West Bengal, and Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar received additional charge of Tamil Nadu.
- The appointments are significant as they precede crucial Assembly elections in the affected states.
Nepal is holding a landmark general election, called two years early due to youth-led protests against corruption and misgovernance. Voters will elect 275 members to the House of Representatives through a mixed electoral system (First-Past-The-Post and Proportional Representation). Analysts anticipate a hung parliament, continuing a cycle of coalition governments. Key political forces include the Nepali Congress, CPN-UML, Maoist Centre, and new entrants like the Rastriya Swatantra Party, which is gaining traction among youth and those fatigued by traditional politics. The election's outcome is crucial for addressing systemic issues and implementing reforms.
- Nepal's general election was called ahead of schedule following youth-led protests demanding accountability and economic reform.
- The election employs a mixed electoral system, combining First-Past-The-Post and Proportional Representation for electing 275 members to the House of Representatives.
- A hung parliament is widely anticipated, likely leading to continued coalition-building among political parties.
Tamil Nadu's Legislative Assembly strength of 234 seats was determined by the Delimitation Commission after the 1961 Census. Under Article 170 of the Constitution and Section 8(b) of the Delimitation Commission Act, 1962, Assembly seats must be an integral multiple of Lok Sabha seats. Despite an initial reduction of Madras' (Tamil Nadu's) Lok Sabha seats from 41 to 39, the Commission uniquely increased its Assembly multiple from five to six, preventing a contraction in representation and ensuring legislative balance. This calculated departure by the Commission has shaped the state's political landscape for decades.
- Tamil Nadu's Legislative Assembly strength of 234 seats was established by the Delimitation Commission following the 1961 Census.
- The Delimitation Commission Act, 1962, mandates that Assembly seats be an integral multiple of the Lok Sabha seats allotted to a state.
- Madras' Lok Sabha seats were reduced from 41 to 39, but the Commission made a "calculated departure" by increasing the Assembly multiple from 5 to 6.
Proposed changes to University Grants Commission (UGC) regulations have sparked a debate over caste privileges and social justice in Indian higher education. The new regulations aim to include OBCs and other vulnerable groups (like EWS) alongside SC/STs in institutional safeguards against discrimination. However, the reforms have faced opposition from social elites and have stalled due to political hesitations. Data shows that OBCs constitute less than 3% of central university faculty, highlighting a significant gap in representation. The debate underscores the challenge of balancing 'meritocracy' with the constitutional mandate for inclusive social justice.
- New UGC regulations seek to expand social justice frameworks to include OBCs and EWS in university campuses.
- Opposition from elite groups has led to the policy being put in abeyance by the judiciary and the government.
- A report on faculty recruitment shows OBC representation in central universities is disproportionately low at less than 3%.
In the case of Vishwaprasad Alva vs Union of India (2026), the Supreme Court is addressing the legality of extending tax searches to digital devices under Section 132 of the Income Tax Act. Historically limited to physical premises, searches now encompass smartphones, cloud accounts, and communication archives. The petitioner argues that unrestricted access to digital ecosystems violates the right to privacy established in the Puttaswamy judgment and Articles 14 and 21. The Union defends these powers as necessary to prevent tax evasion, while the Court seeks a balance between revenue enforcement and digital personhood.
- Section 132 of the Income Tax Act allows for the seizure of undisclosed assets and now extends to 'computer systems.'
- The petitioner claims digital searches are disproportionate and lack the safeguards required for informational privacy.
- The Puttaswamy judgment (2017) recognized privacy as an intrinsic part of the right to life and dignity under Article 21.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the 'Hind-Di-Chadar' commemoration, marking the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur. He emphasized the government's commitment to the Sikh community, citing the reopening of 1984 riot cases and providing additional compensation to affected families. Key achievements mentioned include the safe return of 'saroops' (Guru Granth Sahib) from Afghanistan and the use of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) to offer relief to persecuted Sikhs and Hindus from neighboring countries. The PM also noted the removal of thousands of blacklisted names of Sikhs to facilitate their integration.
- The government commemorated the 350th martyrdom anniversary of the ninth Sikh Guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur.
- A Special Investigation Team (SIT) was formed to reopen and investigate closed cases related to the 1984 riots.
- The Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) is being used to provide citizenship to persecuted Sikhs from Afghanistan.
The 16th Finance Commission faces the complex task of balancing vertical and horizontal tax devolution. While the 14th Finance Commission increased the states' share to 42%, the 15th reduced it to 41% following Jammu and Kashmir's reorganization. A major concern is the Centre's increasing reliance on non-shareable cesses and surcharges, which reduces the effective divisible pool for states. The 16th Commission has introduced a new horizontal criterion based on GSDP share to reward economic efficiency. However, critics argue this may disadvantage less developed states and emphasize the need for Article 275 grants to equalize critical services like health and education.
- The 16th Finance Commission has maintained the vertical devolution share to states at 41%.
- The increasing use of cesses and surcharges by the Centre effectively lowers the actual revenue share transferred to states.
- A new horizontal devolution criterion uses a state's share in national GSDP to reflect and reward economic efficiency.
The Union Food Ministry has decided to temporarily discontinue rice fortification under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) and other welfare schemes. This decision follows a study by IIT Kharagpur, which found that factors like moisture, temperature, and storage conditions significantly reduce the shelf life and nutrient stability of fortified rice. Activists have welcomed the move, arguing that fortification is an expensive, unscientific, and potentially toxic method to curb anaemia. The government seeks a more effective mechanism for nutrient delivery while maintaining existing foodgrain entitlements under the Public Distribution System (PDS).
- The suspension affects rice distributed through PMGKAY and other centrally sponsored welfare schemes until a more effective delivery mechanism is identified.
- A study by IIT Kharagpur highlighted that fortified rice kernels are susceptible to micronutrient reduction during prolonged storage and routine handling.
- Social activists argue that not all anaemia is linked to iron deficiency, making mass fortification an ineffective and potentially unsafe solution.
The Allahabad High Court recently examined the legality of 'bulldozer justice'—the practice of demolishing properties of individuals accused of crimes without proper notice or hearing. The court reaffirmed that punishment lies exclusively with the judiciary and that administrative authorities cannot assume criminal culpability. Such actions violate Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution, which guarantee equality and the right to life and liberty. The court emphasized that demolition should be a regulatory measure of last resort for unauthorized construction, not a tool for extrajudicial punishment, as it undermines the separation of powers and erodes constitutional rights.
- The Allahabad High Court ruled that punitive demolitions without due process are a 'colourable exercise of power' that erodes the separation of powers.
- Administrative actions taken immediately after FIRs violate the principle of 'presumption of innocence' and judicial oversight.
- The Supreme Court in 2024 established that property cannot be demolished solely because an owner is an accused or convicted of an offence.
The Union Rural Development Ministry has declined an RTI request for details regarding consultations for the Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) Act, 2025. The Ministry stated that the information could not be shared as the scheme has not been formally notified and the implementation process has not attained finality. The applicant sought records of technical workshops and state-level discussions that shaped the legislation. This denial highlights ongoing debates regarding transparency in the pre-legislative phase and the protection of internal government deliberations during policy formulation.
- The VB-G RAM G Act, 2025, is a proposed new law for rural employment and livelihoods.
- The government cited 'ongoing deliberations' as a reason to withhold records of pre-legislative consultations.
- The RTI application sought internal notes and feedback from states that influenced the core design of the legislation.
The Election Commission of India (EC) has proposed a framework to synchronize electoral processes with State Election Commissions (SECs). This initiative aims to share Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), electoral rolls, and the ECINET digital platform to enhance transparency. During a national conference, SECs from 30 states discussed aligning laws governing panchayat and municipal elections with those for Parliament and State legislatures. The goal is to strengthen institutional coordination and ensure the preparation of pure electoral rolls, which are considered the bedrock of democracy, thereby furthering national and constitutional interests.
- The EC and SECs aim to synergize laws governing local body elections with national and state legislative elections.
- The proposal includes the sharing of EVMs and the use of a common digital platform called ECINET.
- Institutional coordination is intended to strengthen democratic institutions and ensure efficient conduct of elections.
A nine-judge Bench of the Supreme Court is reviewing the 2018 Sabarimala verdict, which allowed women of all ages to enter the temple. The legal debate focuses on the 'essential religious practices' doctrine versus the 'anti-exclusion test' proposed by Justice Chandrachud. While the former allows courts to define religious tenets, the latter prioritizes whether a practice leads to systematic exclusion or impairs individual dignity. The court seeks to harmonize individual rights under Article 25 with the rights of religious denominations under Article 26, ensuring that religious autonomy does not violate the overarching values of a liberal constitution.
- The 2018 judgment ruled that excluding women aged 10-50 violated the right to freedom of religion and equality.
- The 'anti-exclusion test' examines if a religious practice is compatible with constitutional guarantees of equal treatment.
- Article 25 protects individual freedom of conscience, while Article 26 protects the rights of religious denominations to manage their affairs.
Petitions in the Supreme Court challenge the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023, arguing it dilutes the Right to Information (RTI) Act. Section 44(3) of the DPDP Act amends Section 8(1)(j) of the RTI Act to provide a blanket exemption for 'personal information', removing the previous proviso that allowed disclosure if it served a larger public interest. Critics argue this prevents scrutiny of public servants' assets and corruption. The matter has been referred to a Constitution Bench to balance the fundamental right to privacy (Puttaswamy judgment) against the right to information (Article 19).
- The DPDP Act 2023 removes the 'public interest' override for disclosing personal information under RTI.
- Previously, RTI was used to probe corruption by accessing assets and liabilities of public servants.
- The Supreme Court must now reconcile the right to privacy with the need for transparency in governance.
The Union Cabinet has approved the Kerala government's proposal to change the state's name to 'Keralam', reflecting the name used in the Malayalam language. The process follows a resolution passed by the Kerala Assembly in June 2024. Under Article 3 of the Constitution, the President will now refer the 'Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026' to the State Legislative Assembly for its views. Following this, the Union government will introduce the legislation in Parliament. This move aligns with the linguistic basis on which states were originally formed in 1956.
- The name change aims to align the official name with the state's linguistic and cultural identity in Malayalam.
- Article 3 of the Indian Constitution provides the procedure for altering the name, area, or boundaries of any state.
- The Union Cabinet's approval is a critical step before the President recommends the bill to Parliament.
The independence of the Election Commission (EC) is a bedrock of Indian democracy, protected by Article 324 of the Constitution. Recent controversies have emerged regarding the 2023 Act governing the appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and other ECs. Critics argue that the new selection committee, comprising the PM, a Union Minister, and the Leader of Opposition, undermines the SC's Anoop Baranwal judgment. The article discusses the constitutional mandate for a permanent EC and the rigorous removal process for the CEC, which is similar to that of a Supreme Court judge, ensuring protection from arbitrary executive action.
- Article 324 provides for a permanent Election Commission with powers of superintendence, direction, and control of elections.
- The CEC can only be removed from office in a manner similar to a Supreme Court judge (impeachment).
- The 2023 Act changed the selection process for ECs, which is currently being challenged in the Supreme Court.