The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO)'s Central Board of Trustees (CBT) approved the Employees' Pension Scheme (EPS) 2026 without wide consultations, replacing the EPS 1995. This decision affects approximately 5.4 crore contributing members and 82 lakh pensioners, raising serious transparency concerns. Over the past decade, features of the EPS 1995 were altered to the detriment of employees, including limiting coverage to ₹15,000/month and changing pensionable salary calculation from 12 to 60 months. The new scheme removes the higher pension option, which was previously extended by Supreme Court intervention. The article criticizes EPFO's approach, stating that a positive mindset and empathy are needed, not just changes in laws.
- The EPFO's Central Board of Trustees (CBT) approved the Employees' Pension Scheme (EPS) 2026 without consulting stakeholders, raising transparency concerns.
- The new scheme replaces EPS 1995 and impacts millions of contributing members and pensioners.
- Past changes to EPS 1995, such as limiting coverage to ₹15,000/month and altering salary calculation, have been detrimental to employees.
The article examines why Finance Commission (FC) grants to cities remain limited, despite the growing importance of urban areas. It highlights that cities receive a disproportionately small share of the country's GDP and central transfers, with per capita devolution showing no significant change. The 16th FC emphasizes that cities must find avenues to increase their own revenue and expand the tax base. The article points out that while FCs recommend grants for specific services like water supply and sanitation, they often lack objective parameters for allocation and do not adequately address the overall financial needs of cities. This limitation hinders urban development and effective local governance.
- Indian cities receive a disproportionately small share of central transfers and GDP, limiting their financial autonomy.
- Finance Commissions recommend grants for specific urban services but often lack objective parameters for equitable allocation.
- The 16th Finance Commission emphasizes cities' need to enhance their own revenue generation and expand their tax base.
The Union Budget 2026-27 proposes to train 1.5 lakh multiskilled caregivers, yet it overlooks the five million women already serving as Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs), Anganwadi workers, and mid-day meal workers. These women, classified as 'volunteers', perform essential public services but receive meager honorariums, lack formal contracts, and basic benefits, reflecting a "care penalty" rooted in gendered norms. The article argues that their work, being recurrent and central, should be converted into permanent posts, as supported by the Supreme Court's ruling in Dharam Singh & Anr. vs State of U.P. & Anr. Formalizing their roles and extending NSQF-aligned training to them is essential for India to build a robust care ecosystem and achieve its health ambitions.
- India's Budget focuses on training new caregivers but neglects existing 'volunteer' care workers like ASHAs and Anganwadi workers.
- These women perform essential, continuous services but lack formal employment benefits and receive meager honorariums due to gendered perceptions of care work.
- The Supreme Court's ruling in Dharam Singh & Anr. vs State of U.P. & Anr. supports converting recurrent 'volunteer' roles into permanent posts.
The article critically examines the "One Nation, One Election" (ONOE) proposal, arguing it could undermine federalism and democratic principles. It highlights that simultaneous elections, while potentially reducing expenditure and promoting stability, may lead to reduced accountability, limit regional parties' influence, and increase central interference. The article discusses various constitutional amendments required, such as for Articles 83, 172, 356, and 324, and the need for a consensus among states. It also points out that the proposal could lead to frequent no-confidence motions and President's Rule, potentially destabilizing state governments.
- The "One Nation, One Election" (ONOE) proposal aims for simultaneous elections but faces criticism for potentially undermining federalism.
- Implementing ONOE would require significant constitutional amendments, including to Articles 83, 172, 356, and 324.
- Concerns include reduced accountability of elected representatives, increased central interference, and potential destabilization of state governments through frequent no-confidence motions.
The article discusses the recent transfer of Governors in several states, particularly focusing on R.N. Ravi's tenure in Tamil Nadu and C.V. Ananda Bose's in West Bengal. It highlights how Governors have often been perceived as political pinpricks to elected governments, creating constitutional misadventures. R.N. Ravi's actions in Tamil Nadu, such as walking out of the Assembly, delaying Bills, and arguing that a withheld Bill is "dead" (a position rejected by the Supreme Court), are cited as examples of undermining popular will. The author suggests that such gubernatorial actions contribute to a perception of central interference in state affairs.
- Recent transfers of Governors, including R.N. Ravi from Tamil Nadu, highlight ongoing tensions in Centre-State relations.
- Governors have been accused of creating legislative paralysis by delaying decisions on Bills and abusing powers under Article 200 of the Constitution.
- The Supreme Court rejected the stance that a Governor withholding assent makes a Bill "dead," as seen in the Punjab case (2023).
The Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) Act, 2025, which replaces MGNREGA, is awaiting the framing of rules under 11 categories before implementation. The Union Rural Development Ministry is consulting with State governments on tricky issues like a formula for "normative allocation" based on objective parameters and categorizing Gram Panchayats. States also need to enroll themselves on DBT Sparsh, conduct e-Know Your Customer (eKYC) verification for job cards, and onboard Yuktdhara, a geospatial planning portal. The Centre has six months to implement the scheme from the commencement date, which is yet to be notified.
- The Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) Act, 2025, is set to replace MGNREGA.
- The Centre needs to frame rules under 11 categories, including a formula for "normative allocation" for States based on objective parameters.
- States are required to implement several steps like DBT Sparsh enrollment, eKYC verification for job cards, and using the Yuktdhara portal.
The Union Home Ministry sought a report from the West Bengal Chief Secretary regarding alleged protocol violations and security lapses during President Droupadi Murmu's visit to Darjeeling. President Murmu expressed disappointment over the state government's arrangements for the International Santal Conference. Issues included the Chief Minister or senior ministers not receiving the President at the airport, a change of venue, and poor security along the motorcade route. Prime Minister Modi criticized the Trinamool Congress for insulting the President and the Constitution, while CM Banerjee accused the President of speaking on BJP's advice and questioned her silence on Manipur atrocities.
- The Union Home Ministry requested a report from West Bengal's Chief Secretary regarding protocol and security breaches during President Murmu's visit.
- President Murmu expressed displeasure over the arrangements for the International Santal Conference, including the absence of the Chief Minister or senior ministers at her arrival.
- The 'Blue Book' issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs and the SPG Act govern security and protocol for the President, Vice-President, and Prime Minister.
Reported cases of denial of access to public spaces to Scheduled Caste (SC) communities have been rising across India since 2017, with Uttar Pradesh accounting for the majority. In 2023, out of 180 reported cases nationwide, 173 were from U.P., and in 2022, 300 out of 305 cases were from U.P. This crime category, "Prevent or deny or obstruct usage of public place/passage," was introduced by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) in 2017 as part of reforms to better classify crimes under the SC/ST Act.
- Cases of denial of access to public spaces for Scheduled Caste communities are increasing across India.
- Uttar Pradesh consistently reports the overwhelming majority of these cases, indicating significant social discrimination issues.
- The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) introduced a specific crime category in 2017 to track such offenses under the SC/ST Act.
Marilyne Andersen, Director General of GESDA, emphasized the need for scientists and diplomats to engage in discussions about quantum computing's evolution. Given its nascent stage, forming governance frameworks, partnerships, and collaborations now is crucial before the technology fully matures. Quantum computing, with its non-binary architecture, promises exponential calculation acceleration but also poses significant cybersecurity threats. Traditional reactive governance models are inadequate for the rapid pace of technological change. Scientists, with their deeper insight into development stages, have a special voice in anticipating the impacts and guiding the ethical deployment of such advanced technologies.
- Experts advocate for scientists and diplomats to collaborate on governance frameworks for quantum computing.
- Quantum computing's non-binary architecture offers exponential calculation but threatens existing cybersecurity measures.
- The rapid pace of technological change renders traditional reactive governance cycles inadequate.
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.