The Department of Posts has proposed the DHRUVA (Digital Hub for Reference and Unique Virtual Address) framework to standardize physical addresses in India. DHRUVA aims to create a Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) similar to Aadhaar and UPI. It utilizes DIGIPIN, a 10-digit alphanumeric code based on geo-coordinates, to provide precise locations. This system would allow users to share a 'label' or virtual address with e-commerce and logistics providers instead of full physical details, enhancing privacy and delivery efficiency. Experts suggest a draft law is needed to authorize the data collection required for this framework.
- DHRUVA is designed as a Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) to provide unique virtual addresses for physical locations.
- The system uses DIGIPIN, an open-sourced 10-digit alphanumeric code that divides the country into 12-square-metre blocks.
- It aims to improve logistics for players like India Post, Amazon, and Uber while enhancing user privacy through address tokenization.
Following a petition highlighting the struggles of prisoners like G.N. Saibaba and Stan Swamy, the Supreme Court of India has directed prisons to provide disability-related support. The ruling emphasizes that the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016 applies to places of detention. Currently, many state prison manuals are outdated, assuming all prisoners are physically able. The Court also addressed intersectional issues, noting that caste-based segregation and the assignment of menial tasks to Dalit and Adivasi prisoners remain problematic. The judgment calls for updated manuals, disability screening at admission, and independent inspections.
- The Supreme Court ruled that the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016 obligates governments to support disabled inmates.
- Prison manuals must be updated to include clear duties regarding disability-related accommodations and infrastructure.
- The Court noted that caste-based segregation in jails is unconstitutional and will monitor discrimination via suo motu proceedings.
This article explores the conflict between the Election Commission of India's (ECI) Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and the Ministry of Home Affairs' (MHA) authority over citizenship. While the ECI argues it must verify eligibility for enrollment, critics suggest only the MHA has the legal power to determine citizenship. The discussion touches upon the Citizenship Act of 1955, the National Register of Citizens (NRC), and the National Population Register (NPR). It highlights the administrative burden on individuals to prove citizenship, particularly in Assam, where the NRC process has left many in a state of 'doubtful citizenship.'
- The ECI's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) is being legally challenged for potentially overstepping into citizenship determination.
- Under the Citizenship Act of 1955, the power to determine citizenship rests primarily with the Union Ministry of Home Affairs.
- The National Population Register (NPR) was last updated in 2015 with details of 119 crore residents.
This article critiques the increasing reliance on digital surveillance tools like the National Mobile Monitoring System (NMMS) and Facial Recognition Technology (FRT) in welfare programs. While intended to ensure accountability and prevent leaks in schemes like MGNREGA and the Poshan Tracker, these "tech-fixes" often lead to exclusion. Issues include poor connectivity, technical glitches, and the potential for "fudged" data through irrelevant photographs. The author argues that these tools demotivate sincere workers and fail to address the root causes of poor governance, suggesting that accountability requires more than just digital monitoring.
- The NMMS requires MGNREGA workers to upload geotagged photos twice daily, often leading to technical hurdles.
- Facial Recognition Technology (FRT) is now compulsory for Take Home Rations (THR) under the Poshan Tracker.
- Tech-fixes can lead to 'agnotology'—the culturally cultivated ignorance of systemic failures and exclusion.
A civil society network, Just Rights for Children (JRC), has targeted 38 high-risk districts in Rajasthan to eradicate child marriage through community efforts and legal interventions. This initiative complements the Union Ministry of Women and Child Development's 100-day intensive awareness campaign. While the national average for child marriage is 23.3%, Rajasthan stands at 25.4%, with some districts like Chittorgarh and Bhilwara exceeding 40%. The drive involves mobilizing gram panchayats and religious leaders to pass resolutions against the practice, aiming to align with the UN Sustainable Development Goal of eliminating child marriage by 2030.
- The drive focuses on 38 districts in Rajasthan where child marriage prevalence is significantly high.
- The Union Ministry has launched a 100-day nationwide movement to end child marriage by 2030.
- Gram panchayats and municipal wards are being mobilized to pass formal resolutions against the practice.
The Supreme Court has sought a response from the Centre regarding a plea challenging the Immigration and Foreigners (Exemption) Order 2025. The Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) argues that this order contradicts the Assam Accord by effectively extending the cut-off date for illegal immigrants from March 24, 1971, to December 31, 2024. The petition claims this violates Section 6A of the Citizenship Act, 1955, which was specifically inserted to uphold the Accord's intent of preserving the demography and cultural identity of the Assamese people. The Court's review will focus on the constitutionality of these exemptions.
- The Assam Accord established March 24, 1971, as the cut-off date for identifying and deporting foreigners in Assam.
- The 2025 Order is accused of 'indirectly legalising' illegal immigration by allowing certain minorities to stay until late 2024.
- Section 6A of the Citizenship Act, 1955, is the legal backbone of the Assam Accord and was recently upheld by a Constitution Bench.
The Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs recently responded to parliamentary questions regarding infant deaths due to malnutrition in tribal regions. While the government cited National Family Health Survey (NFHS) data to show overall improvements in stunting and wasting indicators since 1990-91, it failed to provide specific numbers on the total deaths caused by malnutrition over the last five years. The response highlighted that while 13.7 crore children are under age five, only 6.6 crore are registered on the "Poshan Tracker." Data from October 2025 indicates that 52% of examined children still suffer from malnutrition.
- The government relies on NFHS data and the 'Poshan Tracker' to monitor malnutrition but lacks a direct database for malnutrition-related deaths.
- There is a significant gap between the total child population and those enrolled in Anganwadi centres/Poshan Tracker.
- Recent data shows that over half (52%) of the children examined were found to be stunted, wasted, or underweight.
Parliament has approved the Central Excise (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which allows for the levy of excise duty on tobacco and related products. This move comes as the GST compensation cess is set to expire in December. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman clarified that this is not an additional tax burden but a continuation of the existing tax structure under a different mechanism. Tobacco products will continue to be taxed at the 40% "demerit" category rate. The Bill ensures that the revenue stream from tobacco remains stable even after the transition away from the compensation cess regime.
- The Central Excise (Amendment) Bill, 2025, was passed to maintain tax levels on tobacco after the GST compensation cess ends.
- Tobacco remains in the highest GST slab of 40%, classified as a 'demerit' good.
- The transition ensures that the total tax burden on the consumer remains unchanged while shifting the collection mechanism.
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has stated that the release of Central funds under the Samagra Shiksha scheme is contingent upon states fulfilling implementation conditions, including those related to the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Several non-BJP ruled states, including Tamil Nadu and Kerala, have faced delays in receiving their share. The Minister emphasized that funds depend on the submission of utilization certificates and compliance with scheme norms like the PM-Shri schools. Opposition MPs have termed this 'arm-twisting,' while the Centre maintains it is a non-partisan policy aimed at ensuring uniform educational standards across the country.
- Samagra Shiksha is an overarching program for the school education sector extending from pre-school to class 12.
- The Centre requires states to submit utilization certificates and audit reports to release subsequent fund tranches.
- The PM-Shri (PM Schools for Rising India) scheme is a key point of contention between the Centre and some states.
A recent 2:1 majority judgment by the Supreme Court has reviewed its earlier stance on post facto environmental clearances (ECs). Previously, the court had declared such retrospective clearances illegal, emphasizing that environmental laws require prior approval to prevent irreversible damage. The new judgment suggests that in some situations, retrospective ECs might be permissible to avoid 'public interest' issues like halting completed projects. Critics argue this undermines the 'precautionary principle' and the 'polluter pays' principle, potentially encouraging industries to bypass initial regulations and seek regularisation later through fines, marking a retreat from established environmental jurisprudence.
- The judgment reviews the 2025 CREDAI vs Vanashakti case regarding the legality of post facto environmental clearances.
- The majority view argues that a total ban on retrospective clearances could lead to economic waste for completed projects.
- The dissenting opinion by Justice Ujjal Bhuyan warns that this shifts the goalpost from principle to expediency.
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has retracted its directive requiring mobile manufacturers to pre-install the Sanchar Saathi app on all new handsets. The initial order aimed to curb fraudulent connections and help track lost phones but faced significant backlash over privacy and 'bloatware' concerns. The government justified the reversal by citing a recent spike in voluntary downloads, with 6 lakh registrations in a single day, suggesting mandatory installation is no longer necessary. However, other directives regarding SIM security and financial fraud risk indicators for messaging platforms like WhatsApp remain in discussion under the new Telecom Cyber Security Rules.
- The Sanchar Saathi app is designed to help citizens track lost mobile phones and identify fraudulent connections.
- The DoT's initial mandate was criticized for potentially installing software without user consent, raising significant digital privacy issues.
- The government claims the app has already helped disconnect 1.5 crore fraudulent connections and trace 26 lakh lost phones.
The Union government clarified in the Lok Sabha that under Section 8(2) of the Census Act, 1948, respondents are legally bound to answer questions to the best of their knowledge. This includes questions regarding caste, as the upcoming Census 2027 will be the first in Independent India to enumerate caste. The next census will also be India's first digital census. The government is currently finalising the questionnaire. Additionally, the government addressed concerns regarding the overlap of the census timeline with school board exams, noting that primary school teachers are traditionally appointed as enumerators.
- Section 8(2) of the Census Act, 1948, makes it mandatory for citizens to provide information to census officers.
- Census 2027 will be the first digital census and the first to include a caste count since independence.
- The Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner is responsible for the census process and finalising the questionnaire.
This analysis highlights the severe environmental degradation in India, specifically focusing on the Aravalli range and rising pollution levels. It criticizes recent legislative changes, such as the Forest (Conservation) Amendment Act 2023 and the Draft EIA Notification 2020, for easing clearances for industrial projects at the cost of ecological health. The article notes high levels of uranium contamination in Delhi's groundwater and the weakening of the National Green Tribunal (NGT). It calls for a 'new deal for the environment' involving better coordination between the Centre and States through cooperative federalism and a whole-of-government approach to pollution.
- The Aravalli range is facing desertification and illegal mining due to relaxed government regulations and height limit exemptions.
- Recent amendments to the Forest (Conservation) Act and Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) rules are seen as undermining environmental protection.
- Groundwater in Delhi and Punjab shows uranium contamination levels significantly above permissible limits for human consumption.
The Union Government has officially constituted the 8th Central Pay Commission (CPC) to review the salary structures, retirement benefits, and service conditions of Central government employees and defense personnel. Chaired by retired Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai, the commission includes Professor Pulak Ghosh and Pankaj Jain IAS. The commission is mandated to submit its report within 18 months. Key considerations for the 8th CPC include fiscal prudence, developmental expenditure needs, and the impact of non-contributory pension schemes on the exchequer, with the pension bill for 2025-26 estimated at ₹2.76 lakh crore.
- The 8th CPC will examine salary structures for both civilian and defense personnel of the Central government.
- The commission must balance employee compensation with the government's fiscal health and developmental spending needs.
- Entry-level public sector posts often have higher salaries than private counterparts, while top positions lag behind, affecting talent retention.
The Supreme Court observed that women constitute the 'largest minority' in India, making up 48.44% of the population, yet their representation in Parliament is receding. A Bench led by Justice B.V. Nagarathna was hearing a petition challenging the implementation delay of the 'Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam' (106th Amendment Act). The Act, which grants 33% reservation to women in Lok Sabha and State Assemblies, is tied to the conduct of the next Census and subsequent delimitation. The Court questioned the lack of a specific timeline for the Census, noting that a Constitutional amendment cannot be held back indefinitely.
- Women form 48.44% of the total population but lack adequate political representation in Parliament and State legislatures.
- The 106th Amendment Act provides 33% reservation, but its implementation is linked to the next Census and delimitation exercise.
- Article 15(3) of the Constitution mandates the State to take affirmative action and make special provisions for the empowerment of women.
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has unveiled the India AI Governance Guidelines to regulate Artificial Intelligence. The 66-page document outlines a risk-based approach, focusing on accountability, fairness, and transparency. It recommends establishing communication channels between ministries and regulators and suggests an inter-ministerial 'AI Governance Group.' The guidelines emphasize building AI models for Indian languages using local datasets and integrating Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) with AI. While the government currently follows a hands-off approach to pre-emptive regulation, it remains open to passing stringent laws if circumstances evolve, particularly regarding deepfakes and intellectual property rights.
- India is currently the world's second-largest user of Large Language Models (LLMs) after the U.S.
- The guidelines propose a risk-based framework focusing on 'people-centricity' and 'accountability' in AI models.
- A proposed 'AI Governance Group' would serve as the overarching inter-ministerial body for regulation.
The Supreme Court has directed municipal authorities to relocate stray dogs from public places to shelters for sterilization and vaccination. This order emphasizes the 'fundamental duty' of citizens under Article 51A(g) to have compassion for living creatures. However, the implementation faces challenges regarding infrastructure and the balance between animal rights and human safety. The court cited Section 3 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, which mandates the well-being of animals. Previous judgments, like Animal Welfare Board of India vs A. Nagaraja, established that all living creatures have inherent dignity and a right to live peacefully, free from unnecessary suffering.
- Article 51A(g) of the Constitution mandates compassion for living creatures as a fundamental duty of every citizen.
- The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, requires persons in charge of animals to ensure their well-being.
- The court seeks to balance animal compassion with the human right to life and safety under Article 21.
The Union Home Ministry has officially rejected the demand for a Union Territory with a legislative assembly by Kuki-Zo insurgent groups in Manipur. During tripartite talks held on November 6-7, representatives of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) groups, including the Kuki National Organisation (KNO) and United People’s Front (UPF), argued that coexistence within Manipur was no longer possible due to ethnic violence. The Centre emphasized maintaining Manipur's territorial integrity while seeking a negotiated political settlement within the Indian Constitution. The SoO pact, in place since 2008, remains the primary framework for dialogue despite recent tensions and the refusal of the state government to extend it.
- The demand for a separate Union Territory was raised by 24 insurgent groups under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) pact.
- The Centre maintains that current policy does not support the creation of new Union Territories in the region.
- Insurgent groups highlighted historical justifications, claiming Kuki-Zo Hills were never under the Manipur State Durbar's control.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has initiated a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in nine States and three Union Territories. This massive exercise aims to create a clean and updated electoral roll, particularly in states heading for elections in 2025 and 2026. The SIR involves door-to-door verification by Booth Level Officers (BLOs) to remove duplicates and include new voters. While the process is technically demanding, it is crucial for ensuring the integrity of the democratic process. The article notes challenges like migration and citizenship issues in border states like West Bengal and Assam.
- The SIR is the first such intensive revision in 21 years, covering over 51 crore electors across 1,843 Assembly constituencies.
- The ECI's goal is to ensure 'zero appeals' by making the process transparent and involving political parties at the field level.
- Article 326 of the Constitution defines an elector as an equal truth to Article 324 in running elections.
The Tamil Nadu Raj Bhavan clarified that Governor R.N. Ravi reserved 10 Bills for the President's consideration, citing conflicts with University Grants Commission (UGC) regulations. This clarification aimed to counter claims of intentional delays in the legislative process. Out of 211 Bills received between September 2021 and October 2025, the Governor granted assent to 170 (81%). Of the 27 Bills reserved for the President, 16 were at the State government's request. The Governor emphasized that his actions align with constitutional duties to uphold the rule of law and protect the interests of the people of Tamil Nadu.
- The Governor reserved 10 Bills for the President, citing conflicts with central UGC regulations framed under an Act of Parliament.
- Statistically, 81% of Bills received by the Governor's office were granted assent, totaling 170 out of 211.
- The Governor's office stated that 16 Bills were reserved for the President specifically at the request of the State government.
The article critiques the candidate nomination process under the Representation of the People Act (RPA), 1951, highlighting how procedural technicalities often overshadow actual qualifications. Returning Officers (ROs) possess significant discretion to reject nominations for 'defects of a substantial character,' which can be arbitrary. Recent high-profile cases where candidates were eliminated before polling underscore the need for reform. Proposed solutions include a digital-by-default nomination system for automatic validation and a mandatory 48-hour window for candidates to rectify minor errors, ensuring that the right to contest is not unfairly curtailed.
- Sections 33 to 36 of the RPA 1951 govern the nomination and scrutiny process for elections.
- ROs often reject nominations for minor errors in affidavits or no-dues certificates, which should be rectifiable.
- The Supreme Court in Resurgence India vs. ECI (2013) held that ROs must ensure all columns in affidavits are filled.
Karnataka has introduced a landmark policy providing one day of paid menstrual leave per month for women employees in both government and private sectors. This makes it the first state to cover both sectors, following Odisha and Bihar which have similar policies for government employees. The policy aims to recognize menstrual health as a legitimate workplace issue and aligns with constitutional principles of affirmative action. While widely praised, some experts express concerns about potential workplace bias and the need for broader sensitisation to prevent discrimination against women taking such leave.
- Karnataka provides 12 days of paid menstrual leave annually (one day per month).
- The policy applies to government offices, educational institutions, factories, and private firms.
- It is based on recommendations from a committee chaired by Dr. Sapna, involving extensive consultations.
The Supreme Court ruled that arrested individuals must be provided with the grounds of arrest in writing and in a language they understand. This mandate is rooted in Article 22 of the Constitution, which requires informing the arrested person of the reasons for their detention. The court specified that these grounds must be supplied within a reasonable time, and at least two hours before the individual is produced before a Magistrate. Failure to comply with this requirement renders the arrest and subsequent remand illegal, necessitating the immediate release of the person.
- Article 22 of the Constitution mandates that no person shall be detained without being informed of the grounds of arrest.
- Providing grounds in a language not understood by the accused does not fulfill constitutional requirements.
- Grounds must be provided in writing at least two hours prior to production before a Magistrate.
The Registrar-General and Census Commissioner of India has launched two mobile applications—Digital Layout Map (DLM) and Census 2027-House-list—for the trial phase of the 16th Census. This will be India's first-ever digital census. A self-enumeration portal is also being tested, allowing citizens to submit details online. The apps enable enumerators to collect data on housing amenities and geo-tag households using coordinates. This transition from paper-based to digital collection aims to improve data accuracy, ensure faster processing, and provide enhanced monitoring of the census exercise scheduled for 2027.
- The 2027 Census will be India's first digital census, utilizing mobile apps for data collection.
- The Digital Layout Map (DLM) app replaces manual paper sketches with digital geo-tagging of households.
- Self-enumeration facility allows residents to submit details online prior to enumerator visits.