India's tobacco control measures, particularly the COTPA 2003, are deemed inadequate and poorly implemented, especially concerning smokeless tobacco (SLT). SLT, being cheaper and less stigmatized, is widely consumed and highly carcinogenic. The article highlights gaps such as weak regulation of SLT, unchecked surrogate advertising, and insufficient fiscal measures, with low taxation on bidis, cigarettes, and SLT making them affordable. It also points out the lack of effective evaluation for warning signs and the need for a comprehensive, multi-pronged strategy involving stronger policies, research, oversight, and collaboration to curb tobacco use and industry interference.
- India's existing tobacco control laws, particularly COTPA 2003, are insufficient and poorly enforced, especially for smokeless tobacco (SLT).
- SLT is more commonly consumed, highly addictive, and carcinogenic, yet it faces weak regulation, inadequate taxation, and pervasive surrogate advertising.
- Low taxation on tobacco products, combined with rising incomes, has made them more affordable, undermining public health efforts.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin accused the Centre of denying States their due share of financial devolution and undermining the independence of Finance Commissions, driven by "narrow political motives." He urged other States to form committees to protect their rights and promote federalism. Stalin highlighted historical efforts for State autonomy, including the Justice Rajamannar Committee (1969) and the Sarkaria Commission (1983), which warned against excessive centralisation. He also criticized the Union government's push for Hindi and its interference in Opposition-ruled States, advocating for stronger, self-reliant States for a united India.
- Tamil Nadu CM M.K. Stalin alleges the Centre is politically motivated in denying States their financial share and undermining Finance Commissions.
- He advocates for greater State autonomy and federalism, urging other States to join the movement.
- Historical commissions like Justice Rajamannar Committee and Sarkaria Commission have previously addressed Union-State relations and centralisation.
The Tribal Council of Little Nicobar has accused the Andaman and Nicobar Islands administration of falsely claiming that the forest rights of tribal people under the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006, were "identified and settled" for the ₹72,000-crore Great Nicobar mega infrastructure project. This alleged misrepresentation led to forest clearances for the project, which includes a transshipment port, airport, power plant, and township. The council asserts that no consent was given and FRA rights have not even been initiated. The administration, however, issued a certificate in 2022 claiming settlement, and previously argued that the Protection of Aboriginal Tribes Act of 1956 (PAT56) superseded FRA requirements, allowing the administrator full authority to divert forest land.
- The Great Nicobar mega infrastructure project faces controversy over the alleged false settlement of tribal forest rights.
- The Andaman and Nicobar administration is accused of misrepresenting that tribal rights under the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006, were settled.
- The Tribal Council of Little Nicobar denies giving consent and states that the FRA process has not been initiated.
The Supreme Court has directed political parties in Bihar to assist the Election Commission (EC) in re-enrolling voters excluded from the draft electoral roll for the upcoming Assembly elections. The court emphasized the urgency, with the claims-and-objections stage ending on September 1, though an extension might be considered if there's an "overwhelming response." Voters can file claims online using Aadhaar or 11 other specified documents as proof of identity. The EC expressed disappointment with political parties' lack of initiative, noting that a significant portion of the excluded 65 lakh voters are either deceased, migrated, or duplicate entries.
- The Supreme Court directed political parties to actively assist the Election Commission in re-enrolling excluded voters in Bihar.
- Voters can file claims and objections online, using Aadhaar or other specified documents for identity proof.
- The court highlighted the lack of initiative from political parties in assisting voters, despite the deadline for claims approaching.
The article critically examines the erosion of public trust in electoral rolls due to discrepancies like duplication and ineligible entries, which facilitate electoral fraud. It argues that while the Election Commission of India (ECI) is criticized for its opacity and failure to address inconsistencies, political parties are also complicit by neglecting their local-level organizational structures. The shift towards digital communication and reliance on professional consultants has weakened grassroots party engagement, leading to unchecked systemic failures in electoral roll management. The author contends that despite robust mechanisms like Booth Level Agents (BLAs) designed to ensure electoral integrity, their effectiveness is compromised by potential ECI biases and parties' lack of vigilance. The current controversy presents an opportunity for parties to revitalize their local units and restore democratic functioning.
- Flawed electoral rolls, characterized by discrepancies and duplication, are eroding public trust and undermining representative democracy.
- Both the Election Commission of India (ECI) and political parties are held responsible for the decline in electoral integrity.
- The ECI's credibility has diminished since its peak in the 1990s under T.N. Seshan.
The Supreme Court expressed strong concerns over Governors indefinitely withholding State Bills, potentially rendering State legislatures defunct. Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai questioned if the SC, as the Constitution's custodian, should remain powerless when constitutional functionaries fail to discharge their duties without valid reasons. The Solicitor-General argued that such delays are political matters, not judicial, and the court should avoid encroaching on law-making. However, the CJI referenced the SC's past role in upholding the Basic Structure by setting aside constitutional amendments that limited judicial review, asserting the court's power to intervene in such constitutional impasses.
- The Supreme Court questioned the constitutional validity of Governors indefinitely withholding assent to State Bills.
- CJI B.R. Gavai highlighted instances like the Tamil Nadu Governor's inaction on crucial State Bills for years.
- The Solicitor-General argued that delays in assenting to Bills are political issues to be resolved in the political sphere, not through judicial orders.
The article explores the paradox of honour killings in India, particularly in states like Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Maharashtra, and Kerala, which have higher rates of inter-caste marriages due to Dalit empowerment but also increased incidents of honour killings. This suggests honour killings occur not where casteism is strongest, but where it is most threatened by social change. Caste endures through family customs, rituals, and prejudices, rather than solely political or organizational reinforcement. However, the changing psychological and cultural importance of the family unit, especially among adolescents prioritizing individual well-being over traditional obligations, may weaken caste's primary vehicle of survival. India is at a crossroads, with both strong resistance to casteism and internal caste pride coexisting.
- Honour killings are prevalent in states with higher inter-caste marriages and Dalit empowerment, indicating a threat to established caste hierarchies.
- Caste system's resilience stems primarily from its reinforcement within families through customs, rituals, and prejudices.
- The changing dynamics of the family unit, with adolescents prioritizing individual well-being, may gradually weaken caste's hold.
The Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2025, is set to be introduced in the Lok Sabha to decriminalise minor offences, promoting ease of living and doing business. This bill proposes amendments to over 350 provisions across various enactments. It builds upon the Jan Vishwas (Amendment to Provisions) Act, 2023, which previously decriminalised 183 provisions. The government's initiative aims to abolish unnecessary laws that lead to imprisonment for trivial matters, simplify legal frameworks, and enhance trust-based governance, reflecting Prime Minister Modi's commitment to improving India's business climate and placing public interests first.
- The Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2025, aims to decriminalise minor offences.
- The primary goal is to promote ease of living and doing business in India.
- Over 350 provisions are proposed to be amended through this new Bill.
The article discusses the Supreme Court's role in upholding the independence of the Election Commission of India (ECI), particularly in light of the Modi government's 2023 Act that replaced the Chief Justice of India (CJI) with a Cabinet Minister in the ECI Selection Committee. This Act nullified the Constitution Bench judgment in Anoop Baranwal v. Union of India (2023), which aimed to ensure a fairer, more independent ECI. The Court's subsequent refusal to stay the 2023 Act allowed the present ECI to function, raising concerns about its impartiality. The author argues that restoring the Baranwal verdict and nullifying the 2023 enactment is crucial for rescuing India's democracy from potential electoral manipulation.
- The 2023 Act on ECI appointments removed the CJI from the selection committee, replacing him with a Cabinet Minister.
- This Act effectively nullified the Anoop Baranwal v. Union of India (2023) judgment, which sought to ensure ECI independence.
- The Supreme Court's refusal to stay the 2023 Act allowed the present ECI to function under the new rules.
The Supreme Court ordered the Election Commission of India (ECI) to publish names and reasons for 65 lakh voters excluded from Bihar's draft electoral roll, highlighting significant anomalies and the ECI's non-transparent methods. This intervention aims to ensure natural justice for affected voters, especially given the disproportionate exclusion of women. The Court also mandated the ECI to accept Aadhaar cards as identity documents for objections, underscoring the need for greater transparency and adherence to natural justice principles in voter enrolment, which is crucial for upholding universal adult franchise in Indian democracy.
- The Supreme Court intervened, ordering the ECI to publish details of 65 lakh excluded voters from Bihar's electoral roll.
- The ECI's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise was criticized for its non-transparent methods and lack of reasons for exclusions.
- Significant anomalies were found, including a higher exclusion rate for women despite more men migrating.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) is under fire due to allegations of massive electoral roll manipulations, particularly in Karnataka and Bihar, where a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) led to a significant drop in voter numbers. The Opposition also criticized the new law for appointing Election Commissioners, arguing it reduces dissent by giving the government a 2:1 majority in the selection committee. The Supreme Court intervened, directing the EC to publish detailed lists of deleted voters with reasons and accept Aadhaar as proof of identity. Concerns persist regarding migrant voters' ability to vote and the lack of machine-readable voter rolls, raising questions about the EC's impartiality and the integrity of the electoral process.
- The Election Commission of India faces allegations of electoral roll manipulations, notably in Mahadevapura (Karnataka) and during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in Bihar.
- The new law for appointing Election Commissioners is controversial, with critics arguing it compromises the EC's independence by ensuring a government majority in the selection committee.
- The Supreme Court directed the EC to provide detailed, booth-wise lists of deleted voters with specific reasons and accept Aadhaar as proof of identity.
The Union government, in a submission to the Supreme Court, argued that Governors are constitutional actors with democratic legitimacy, not 'aliens' or 'foreigners' on whom timelines can be imposed for assenting to State Bills. This submission is part of a Presidential Reference challenging an April judgment that imposed a three-month deadline on Governors and the President. The Centre contended that Articles 200 and 201 do not specify a time limit, and judicial imposition would amount to a constitutional amendment. It also opposed the court invoking Article 142 to create 'deemed assent' or directing the President to consult the SC under Article 143.
- The Union government asserts that Governors are constitutional actors with democratic legitimacy, not 'aliens', and cannot be subjected to judicial timelines for Bill assent.
- The Centre's submission is in response to a Presidential Reference challenging an April judgment that imposed a three-month deadline on Governors and the President for State Bills.
- It argues that Articles 200 and 201 lack specific time limits for assent, and judicial imposition of such limits would constitute a constitutional amendment.
The Centre has proposed significant reforms to the Goods and Services Tax (GST) system, aiming to reduce the number of tax slabs. The 12% and 28% slabs are set to be eliminated, retaining primarily the 5% and 18% rates. A new concessional rate below 1% will be introduced for items like gold and silver, alongside a high "sin rate" of 40% for five to seven specific goods such as tobacco and gutka. This rationalization will move 99% of items from the 12% slab to 5% and 90% from the 28% slab to 18%. The reforms, part of "next-generation GST reforms," are expected to reduce the tax burden on common citizens and boost consumption, though they may initially impact revenue.
- The Centre proposes to overhaul the GST structure by eliminating the 12% and 28% tax slabs.
- The new structure will primarily retain 5% and 18% slabs, with a sub-1% concessional rate and a 40% "sin rate."
- Most items from the abolished 12% and 28% slabs will be moved to the 5% and 18% categories, respectively.
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has informed a parliamentary panel that the duration of the one-year Civil Services Examination (CSE) cannot be shortened. Despite an increase in candidates and venues, the time cycle has been optimized, prioritizing confidentiality and integrity through various checks and balances. The UPSC explained that evaluating 1.2 lakh descriptive answer scripts takes over two months, and the gap between the three phases (preliminary, mains, interview) is already minimized. While a panel recommended a comprehensive reassessment and timely release of answer keys, the UPSC maintains its current system of releasing keys after final results, stating it works well and is sub judice in the Supreme Court.
- The UPSC asserts that the one-year duration of the Civil Services Examination (CSE) cannot be curtailed, citing the need to maintain utmost confidentiality and integrity.
- The examination process, involving preliminary, mains, and personality tests, has been optimized despite a significant increase in candidates and venues.
- Evaluating a large volume of descriptive answer scripts and managing the three phases of the exam inherently requires a substantial time frame.
On the eve of Independence Day, President Droupadi Murmu praised 'Operation Sindoor' as a decisive military response against terrorism, highlighting India's unity and self-reliance in defense. She stated that the operation, which destroyed terror hubs across the border, demonstrated India's resolve to retaliate in defense of its citizens while not being an aggressor. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh echoed this, calling it a 'precise and balanced' military response and part of India's new policy to ensure the complete destruction of terrorism. The President also spoke about India's journey towards becoming a developed economy by 2047, emphasizing good governance, zero tolerance for corruption, and technological innovation, particularly in AI, for the common good.
- President Droupadi Murmu lauded 'Operation Sindoor' as a significant example of India's fight against terrorism and a testament to the nation's unity and self-reliance.
- The operation involved destroying terror hubs across the border, showcasing India's capability and resolve to retaliate in defense of its citizens.
- Defense Minister Rajnath Singh affirmed 'Operation Sindoor' as a precise and balanced military response, integral to India's new policy for complete eradication of terrorism.
The article discusses the ongoing conflicts between Governors and State governments, particularly concerning their role as Chancellors of State-run universities. Despite the Supreme Court's censure of Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi regarding delayed Bills, Governors continue to challenge State legislatures and interfere in university appointments and administration. The author argues that the Governor's office, a colonial mechanism, was retained to guard against separatist tendencies but is now being used as a political proxy with hostile ideological agendas. The National Education Policy 2020 emphasizes greater autonomy for institutions, suggesting that professional academic and executive heads, rather than Governors, would better serve universities.
- Governors are increasingly clashing with State governments, particularly over their role as Chancellors of State universities, despite Supreme Court directives.
- The Governor's office, originally a colonial control mechanism, is now perceived as a political proxy used to obstruct State governments and interfere in academic autonomy.
- Governors have stalled or cancelled university appointments and refused to approve names recommended by statutory bodies, paralyzing academic institutions.
The article reflects on India's Independence Day, urging introspection into the nation's evolution since its founding. It highlights the original nationalist vision of a prosperous, inclusive nation with equal stature for all, contrasting it with current challenges like wealth accumulation by a super-minority, rising inflation, and unemployment. The author, Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan, criticizes the manipulation of nationalism by regressive forces to create communal divisions and undermine constitutional principles. It also discusses the systematic shift away from cooperative federalism, with the central government encroaching on State autonomy and misusing institutions like the Governor's office, thereby weakening democratic pluralism and constitutionalism.
- India's Independence Day calls for introspection into the nation's adherence to its founding ideals of prosperity, inclusivity, and equality for all citizens.
- The current economic scenario shows wealth concentration, rising inflation, and unemployment, deviating from the nationalist movement's vision of improving lives for the deprived.
- Regressive forces are manipulating nationalism to create communal identities, polarize society, and silence dissent, undermining India's constitutional principles.
The Union government is considering revising the parental income limits for eligibility in post and pre-matric scholarships for Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), Other Backward Classes (OBCs), and Denotified Tribes (DNTs). The Ministry of Tribal Affairs proposes raising the limit for ST scholarships to ₹4.5 lakh from the current ₹2.5 lakh, with similar discussions for SCs, OBCs, and DNTs. This move comes as data shows a significant drop in beneficiaries across these categories from 2020-21 to 2024-25. Parliamentary committees have recommended a "suitable rise" in income limits, emphasizing that the current low limits prevent many needy families from accessing these centrally sponsored schemes, which are funded by both Union and State governments.
- The Union government is reviewing parental income limits for pre-matric and post-matric scholarships for SCs, STs, OBCs, and DNTs.
- The Ministry of Tribal Affairs suggests raising the income limit for ST scholarships to ₹4.5 lakh from ₹2.5 lakh.
- The number of beneficiaries for these scholarships has significantly decreased across all categories from 2020-21 to 2024-25.
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs' assertion that the Lieutenant Governor (LG) can nominate five Assembly members in J&K without the elected government's "aid and advice" is being challenged. The High Court is examining whether the 2023 amendments to the J&K Reorganisation Act, which allow the LG to nominate members with voting rights, violate the Constitution's basic structure, especially if such nominations could alter a minority government into a majority. The Ministry's argument, relying on legal technicalities and precedents like K. Lakshminarayanan vs The Union of India (Puducherry), suggests these nominations fall outside the elected government's remit. However, critics argue that allowing appointed officials to potentially overturn electoral verdicts undermines democratic accountability, contradicting Supreme Court rulings on LGs acting on elected governments' advice.
- The Union Ministry of Home Affairs claims the J&K LG can nominate five Assembly members without the elected government's advice.
- The J&K High Court is questioning if the 2023 amendments to the J&K Reorganisation Act violate the Constitution's basic structure.
- Concerns exist that LG's nominations, particularly those with voting rights, could convert a minority government into a majority, subverting the electoral process.
Thousands of individual and community forest rights (IFR and CFRR) titles distributed in at least three Chhattisgarh districts have reportedly disappeared from state government records over the past 17 months. Data obtained via an RTI query by The Hindu revealed significant reductions, such as 2,788 IFR titles missing in Bastar and 50% of CFRR titles reduced in Rajnandgaon. Officials attributed this to "miscommunication and error in reporting" and subsequent corrections. However, experts term such decreases an "anomaly" as the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006, has no process for withdrawing granted titles. This raises serious concerns about the proper implementation and integrity of forest rights in the state.
- Forest rights titles (IFR and CFRR) have reportedly disappeared from Chhattisgarh government records.
- Significant reductions were observed in Bastar (2,788 IFR titles missing) and Rajnandgaon (50% CFRR titles reduced).
- State officials claim the discrepancies are due to "miscommunication and error in reporting" and subsequent corrections.
The Lok Sabha passed the revised Income Tax Bill, 2025, significantly broadening the powers of income tax officials. The Bill allows officials to forcibly break into personal emails and social media accounts of assessees during search operations, with the revised version containing 2.59 lakh words compared to 5.12 lakh words in the 1961 Act. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman introduced the updated version. The Select Committee, which reviewed the bill, had suggested changes, but the final version still grants extensive powers, including accessing digital data and demanding passwords. Critics, like Congress MP Amar Singh, raised concerns about privacy violations and the potential for misuse of these broad powers, arguing it infringes on the right to privacy guaranteed by the Supreme Court.
- The Lok Sabha passed the revised Income Tax Bill, 2025, significantly expanding income tax officials' powers.
- New provisions allow officials to forcibly access personal emails and social media accounts during search operations.
- Concerns have been raised regarding potential privacy violations and misuse of these broad powers.
The Rajya Sabha discussed and returned the Budget and Appropriation Bills of Manipur, along with the Readjustment of Representation of Scheduled Tribes in Assembly Constituencies of Goa Bill, to the Lower House. This occurred in the absence of Opposition members, who were protesting in front of the Election Commission against alleged discrepancies in voter lists. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman emphasized the criticality of the Manipur Bills and urged the Opposition to participate. Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge criticized the government for proceeding with debates during the Opposition's absence, calling it a "betrayal of democracy," while the Leader of the House, J.P. Nadda, stated the House "cannot be held hostage."
- The Rajya Sabha returned Manipur's Budget and Appropriation Bills and the Goa Scheduled Tribes Representation Bill to the Lower House.
- The proceedings took place in the absence of Opposition members who were protesting outside Parliament.
- The Opposition criticized the government for passing critical bills without their participation, calling it undemocratic.
The article emphasizes the critical role of civic engagement in improving health governance in India, particularly at the local level. Despite initiatives like the Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram and the National Health Mission, health outcomes remain suboptimal due to weak public participation and accountability. The current health policy process is often top-down, neglecting community voices and leading to inequities. To foster effective health governance, the article advocates for strengthening community-level institutions, enhancing transparency, and promoting greater involvement of diverse stakeholders. It highlights the need for a shift from a purely medical approach to one that integrates social determinants of health and empowers communities to demand better services.
- Civic engagement is essential for effective health governance and improving health outcomes in India.
- Current health policy processes often lack community participation, leading to inequities and suboptimal service delivery.
- Strengthening community-level institutions and ensuring transparency are crucial for fostering accountability and responsiveness.
The repatriation of Piprahwa relics, excavated in 1898 and associated with Lord Buddha, highlights India's cultural diplomacy success and the potential of public-private partnerships. The Godrej Industries Group's acquisition of the relics for repatriation set a good precedent. However, the episode also exposed structural deficiencies in India's framework for recovering and safeguarding cultural assets, including fragmented ownership and a reactive posture. The absence of robust international legal frameworks for preventing the sale of culturally sensitive objects was also evident. To address these gaps, India needs a centralized, digitized registry of cultural assets, proactive tracking, and international binding norms to prevent commercialization, along with scaled-up public-private partnerships.
- The repatriation of Piprahwa relics showcased India's cultural diplomacy and the effectiveness of public-private partnerships.
- The incident revealed structural deficiencies in India's legal and administrative framework for safeguarding cultural assets.
- There is a need for a centralized, digitized registry of cultural assets for real-time monitoring and early alerts of potential sales.