The article highlights the conviction and life sentencing of Prajwal Revanna for rape and sexual harassment, emphasizing the rarity of powerful perpetrators being held accountable. He was convicted under various sections of the IPC and IT Act for repeated rape, criminal intimidation, disappearance of evidence, and privacy violation. The speedy trial, supported by video evidence, DNA analysis, and victim testimony, offers hope for other survivors. The piece stresses the need for swift, sensitive government action to create a safe environment where survivors can come forward without fear, despite political influence often hindering justice.
- Prajwal Revanna, former MP and grandson of H.D. Deve Gowda, was convicted and life-sentenced for rape and sexual harassment.
- The conviction involved charges under IPC Sections 376(2)(n), 506, 201, and IT Act Section 66E.
- Key evidence included video recordings, DNA analysis, and the domestic worker's testimony.
Assam's aggressive eviction drives from forestlands, primarily targeting Bengali Muslims, have caused alarm in neighboring states, which fear an influx of displaced people and are tightening border controls. These evictions, framed by the 'Bangladeshi' or 'illegal infiltrator' narrative, have led to deaths and significant displacement. Assam also has long-standing border disputes with Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Nagaland, claiming nearly 83,000 hectares of land. These states accuse Assam of patronizing "illegal immigrants" and settling them along borders to claim disputed lands. The Gauhati High Court has directed the five states to form a high-level committee to coordinate efforts to clear illegal settlements from forestlands.
- Assam's government is conducting aggressive eviction drives, primarily targeting Bengali Muslims, from forestlands.
- Neighboring states are concerned about an influx of evicted people and are strengthening their border vigilance.
- The evictions are linked to Assam's long-standing border disputes with Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Nagaland.
The Tamil Nadu government is launching the 'Nalam Kakkum Stalin' program on August 2, offering a range of services through organized camps. State spokesperson J. Radhakrishnan announced that multiple departments, including Social Welfare, Women Empowerment, Labour Welfare, Skill Development, and Tribal Welfare, will participate. The camps will use bar codes for sample identification, with results available by day's end. A committee led by the Chief Secretary will review the program at the state level, while Collectors will oversee district-level implementation. Attendee details and test results will be fed into the Health Management Information System, accessible by hospitals, with weekly and monthly reviews of the program's functioning.
- Tamil Nadu's 'Nalam Kakkum Stalin' program will launch on August 2, providing various services through camps.
- Multiple government departments, including social welfare, labor, and tribal welfare, will be involved.
- The program emphasizes efficient data management, using bar codes for samples and feeding results into a Health Management Information System.
Tamil Nadu's Chief Minister M.K. Stalin highlights education as the primary driver of the state's social and economic progress, rooted in principles of social justice and equality. The state's commitment to education dates back to 1920 with the first mid-day meal scheme in Madras, which has evolved into one of the world's largest school meal programs. Recent initiatives like the Breakfast Scheme and targeted support systems, including scholarships and training for competitive exams, have enabled students from disadvantaged backgrounds to secure admissions in prestigious institutions. Tamil Nadu boasts one of India's most inclusive higher education landscapes, with a Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) significantly above the national average, especially for women, reflecting a systemic change driven by political movements and administrative clarity.
- Education is identified as the cornerstone of Tamil Nadu's social and economic progress, guided by principles of social justice and equality.
- The state pioneered the mid-day meal scheme in 1920, which has expanded into a comprehensive school meal program.
- Targeted support, including scholarships, free education, and competitive exam training, helps disadvantaged students access higher education.
The article argues that the India-U.K. Free Trade Agreement (FTA) has made significant compromises in India's digital sector, impacting its digital sovereignty. Key concessions include giving up India's right to ex ante access to source code for foreign digital goods and services, and granting U.K. parties access to 'Open Government Data,' which is now considered a valuable national resource. These moves contradict India's long-held positions at global forums like the WTO and risk eroding India's competitive advantage in AI and national security. The authors emphasize the urgent need for a comprehensive digital sovereignty and industrialization policy to guide trade negotiations and safeguard India's digital future.
- The India-U.K. FTA compromises India's digital sovereignty by conceding regulatory rights over source code and access to national data.
- India has given up its right to ex ante access to source code for foreign digital goods, a reversal of its previous stance.
- Granting equal access to 'Open Government Data' to U.K. parties is seen as a major giveaway, as data is a critical resource for AI and national security.
The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 is bringing significant changes to Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) in India. It paves the way for preschool classes (Balvatika-1,2,3) in government schools, expanding public ECCE infrastructure beyond Anganwadis. This expansion has implications for personnel management, financing, recruitment, and training. A second shift is the growing emphasis on education over other ECCE services, leading to migration from Anganwadis to schools. The third transformative shift is the potential reorientation of the Anganwadi system to focus on 0-3 year olds through home visits, a strategy highlighted for its developmental benefits.
- The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 is a catalyst for major structural changes in India's Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) sector.
- One key shift is the significant expansion of public ECCE infrastructure, with preschool classes (Balvatika-1,2,3) being introduced in government schools.
- This expansion necessitates substantial reforms in personnel management, financing, recruitment, and training of ECCE providers.
The article discusses the Supreme Court's repeated calls for electoral reforms and the Election Commission of India's (ECI) perceived silence or inaction. It highlights the ECI's historical role in pushing for reforms but notes a recent shift where the ECI appears less proactive. The author points out issues like the ECI's inability to remove voters from rolls efficiently, the lack of transparency in political funding (electoral bonds), and the need for a more robust mechanism to ensure free and fair elections. The article suggests that while the court nudges, the ECI, as a constitutional body, needs to assert its independence and drive reforms.
- The Supreme Court has repeatedly urged electoral reforms, but the Election Commission of India (ECI) appears less active in pursuing them.
- Historically, the ECI played a crucial role in advocating for electoral reforms, a role that seems diminished recently.
- Concerns include the ECI's challenges in efficient voter roll management and the lack of transparency in political funding, such as electoral bonds.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin released the Tamil Nadu State Policy for Transgender Persons, 2025, aiming to ensure inheritance rights for transgender and intersex persons by amending the Hindu Succession Act and the Indian Succession Act. The policy mandates action against gender-based violence, ensures name and gender changes in academic certificates as per the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019, and prioritizes affordable housing and free house site pattas for transpersons. It also facilitates short-stay homes, marking a significant step towards inclusivity and effective enforcement of laws against gender-based violence.
- Tamil Nadu released its State Policy for Transgender Persons, 2025, focusing on inheritance rights and protection against violence.
- The policy proposes amending the Hindu Succession Act and Indian Succession Act to grant inheritance rights to transgender and intersex persons.
- It mandates changes in academic certificates for transpersons to reflect their chosen name and gender, aligning with the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019.
The Lok Sabha passed a Statutory Resolution to extend President's Rule in Manipur for another six months, with the Minister of State for Home Affairs asserting that peace and normalcy are returning to the state. President's Rule was initially imposed in February after N. Biren Singh stepped down as Chief Minister, nearly two years after ethnic conflict began between the valley-based Meitei and the hills-based Kuki-Zo communities. For the extension to take effect, the Rajya Sabha must also pass the resolution. An MP from Inner Manipur objected to the extension, calling for the dissolution of the Assembly and fresh elections.
- The Lok Sabha approved a Statutory Resolution to extend President's Rule in Manipur for an additional six months.
- The Minister of State for Home Affairs stated that the extension is necessary to ensure continued peace and normalcy in the state.
- President's Rule was initially imposed in February following the resignation of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh amidst ongoing ethnic conflict.
India's legal aid institutions, established under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, aim to provide free legal aid to 80% of the population, but their actual reach remains modest. Despite a near doubling of the total allocation from ₹601 crore (2017-18) to ₹1,086 crore (2022-23), NALSA's funds utilization dropped. The article highlights issues like low fiscal prioritization, poor utilization of funds, and a shrinking frontline of para-legal volunteers due to low honorariums. It discusses the new Legal Aid Defence Counsel (LADC) scheme for accused persons but notes its fledgling status. The piece concludes that without more resources and manpower, the system falls short of providing quality justice.
- India's legal aid system, governed by the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, aims to provide free legal aid to a large population but has modest actual reach.
- Despite increased state allocations, NALSA's fund utilization has dropped, and restrictions on expenditure limit the system's operational capacity.
- The number of para-legal volunteers, crucial frontline responders, has significantly decreased due to inadequate honorariums, hindering awareness and dispute resolution efforts.
The article explores the complex issues of privacy, spectacle, and morality in the hyper-connected digital age, using the "Coldplay kiss-cam" incident as an example. It highlights how fleeting moments can go viral, leading to reputational damage and moral policing, often without consent or verification. The author discusses "lateral surveillance" and "digital vigilantism," where online users act as moral enforcers. The piece criticizes platform algorithms for prioritizing engagement over accuracy and legacy media for amplifying unverified content. It calls for greater public awareness, platform accountability, journalistic verification, and mindful digital behavior to foster a culture that respects dignity.
- The digital age, exemplified by viral incidents like the "Coldplay kiss-cam," poses significant challenges to individual privacy and ethical content sharing.
- "Lateral surveillance" and "digital vigilantism" describe how online users monitor and morally police others, often leading to unverified narratives and reputational harm.
- Platform algorithms exacerbate these issues by prioritizing emotionally charged content and engagement over accuracy, while legacy media often amplify viral content without adequate verification.
The article critiques India's policing, advocating for a shift from "Dirty Harry" style (coercion, quick confessions) to "Sherlock Holmes" style (meticulous investigation, evidence-based methods). It highlights the prevalence of custodial violence, citing 687 deaths in police custody between 2018-19 and 2022-23, disproportionately affecting vulnerable groups. The author argues that torture is ineffective and morally wrong, citing scientific evidence and international examples like the U.K.'s PEACE model. The piece calls for India to ratify the UN Convention Against Torture, enact a standalone anti-torture law, and embed rapport-based interrogation techniques in police training to ensure justice and public trust.
- Indian policing is criticized for relying on "Dirty Harry" methods of coercion and quick confessions, leading to custodial violence and injustice.
- Custodial deaths remain a significant issue, with 687 reported between 2018-19 and 2022-23, disproportionately affecting daily-wage workers, migrants, Dalits, and tribals.
- Scientific research and real-world examples demonstrate that torture is ineffective for extracting accurate information and often leads to false confessions.
Two Catholic nuns were arrested in Chhattisgarh on charges of human trafficking and forced conversion, sparking widespread condemnation against communal vigilantism. The nuns were apprehended after a Bajrang Dal member filed a complaint while escorting three tribal girls for jobs in Agra. Despite the Chief Minister's allegations, the girls' kin clarified there was no forceful conversion. This incident highlights the misuse of anti-conversion laws in several states, which are often used to criminalise interfaith marriages. The article also points to tensions between Adivasis, Christian tribals, and Hindus in tribal-dominated regions, emphasizing the need for focus on economic development and upholding constitutional rights.
- Two Catholic nuns were arrested in Chhattisgarh on charges of human trafficking and forced conversion, leading to condemnation across the political spectrum.
- The arrests occurred after a Bajrang Dal member filed a complaint, despite the girls' family denying forceful conversion.
- The incident highlights the misuse of anti-conversion laws, which are often used to target interfaith marriages and religious minorities.
The Union government informed the Lok Sabha that no decision has been made to update the National Population Register (NPR) during the 2027 Census exercise. The NPR, first created in 2010 and updated in 2015-16, is considered the initial step for creating a National Register of Citizens (NRC) under the Citizenship Rules, 2003. The government has notified its intent to conduct the Census in two phases: houselisting and housing Census, followed by population enumeration, which will collect demographic, socio-economic, and cultural details, including caste enumeration. The financial outlay for the Census is still being finalized.
- The Union government has stated that no decision has been taken to update the National Population Register (NPR) during the 2027 Census.
- The NPR was first created in 2010 and updated in 2015-16, containing details of 119 crore residents.
- The NPR is considered the first step towards creating a National Register of Citizens (NRC) as per Citizenship Rules, 2003.
The article highlights the urgent need to improve infrastructure in government schools, prompted by the death of students in a collapsed school building in Rajasthan. It reveals that over 70,000 government schools in Rajasthan, and 84,000 schools nationally, are in poor condition. Despite significant allocations like ₹650 crore for school infrastructure, inefficiencies in government have hindered improvements. The article emphasizes that education is a primary duty of the government and calls for a systemic shift to prioritize infrastructure, teacher recruitment, and training. It also notes the importance of foundational literacy and numeracy for workforce productivity and addressing the demographic dividend.
- A recent incident of students' deaths due to a collapsed school building in Rajasthan highlights the poor state of government school infrastructure.
- Over 70,000 government schools in Rajasthan and 84,000 nationally are in poor condition.
- Despite financial allocations, inefficiencies in government implementation hinder infrastructure improvements.
Tamil Nadu and Kerala urged the Supreme Court to dismiss a Presidential Reference seeking clarity on timelines for the President and Governors to clear State Bills. Both states argued that the reference is "misleading" and an "appeal in disguise" against the Court's prior authoritative pronouncements, particularly the Tamil Nadu Governor case. They contended that the Constitution does not permit the Supreme Court to sit in appeal of its own judgments, nor can the President vest appellate jurisdiction through such a reference. Citing Article 143, the states asserted that the President can refer a question of law only if the Supreme Court has not already decided it, which is not the case here as powers under Articles 200 and 201 have been subject to multiple judgments.
- Tamil Nadu and Kerala challenged a Presidential Reference on the grounds that it seeks to revisit settled legal questions.
- The states argued that the Supreme Court cannot review its own judgments through a Presidential Reference.
- They cited Article 143, stating that the President can only refer questions of law not yet decided by the apex court.
The Supreme Court urged the Election Commission (EC) to accept Aadhaar and Electors Photo Identity Card (EPIC) as identity documents for the special intensive revision of Bihar's electoral list, emphasizing "mass inclusion" over "en masse exclusion." The EC resisted, citing easy forgery of these documents. However, the Court, comprising Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi, argued that any document can be forged and that Aadhaar and EPIC carry a "presumption of correctness," with Aadhaar having an authentication system. The Court questioned the EC's logic of not evaluating claims based on these documents when other "indicative" proofs are accepted.
- The Supreme Court directed the Election Commission to prioritize "mass inclusion" in the Bihar electoral roll revision.
- The Court advocated for accepting Aadhaar and EPIC as valid identity proofs, despite EC's concerns about forgery.
- Justices emphasized that Aadhaar and EPIC have a presumption of correctness and Aadhaar has an authentication system.
The article clarifies that Indian citizenship is a fundamental prerequisite for being an elector and legislator, refuting objections to the Election Commission of India's (ECI) verification of citizenship during Bihar electoral roll revisions. It emphasizes that the ECI's constitutional duty under Article 324 is to ensure accurate electoral rolls, and non-citizens are disqualified from voting and holding legislative office. The author highlights that mere possession of an Aadhaar card does not confer citizenship, as per Section 9 of The Aadhaar Act, 2016. The article stresses that any inclusion of non-citizens in electoral rolls is null and void, and the ECI must investigate complaints regarding such inclusions.
- Indian citizenship is a fundamental requirement for both voting and holding legislative office.
- The Election Commission of India (ECI) has a constitutional duty to verify citizenship during electoral roll revisions.
- Non-citizens are disqualified from being registered as voters, and their names must be struck off if erroneously included.
The article argues that criminalizing consensual sex between adolescents aged 16-18 years undermines the core objective of the POCSO Act, 2012, which is to protect children. It highlights a trend where adolescents in voluntary relationships face persecution, prompting calls for review and exemptions. Senior advocate Indira Jaising's submission to the Supreme Court suggests that such consensual acts should not be deemed 'abuse' under POCSO Act and Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). While the Law Commission advised "guided judicial discretion" for sentencing, the article stresses the need for caveats to ensure the law's broad intent is met, as suggested by the Madras High Court.
- The core objective of the POCSO Act, 2012, is to protect children, but its application to consensual adolescent relationships is being questioned.
- Senior advocate Indira Jaising advocates for an exception in POCSO and BNS for consensual sex between 16-18 year olds to prevent misuse.
- The Law Commission in 2023 suggested "guided judicial discretion" for sentencing in such cases, rather than changing the age of consent.
The Supreme Court ruled that States cannot claim "parity" with the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir to demand delimitation of constituencies. The Court clarified that States are bound by a constitutional embargo under Article 170(3), which bars delimitation until after the first Census post-2026. In contrast, J&K, being a Union Territory, is excluded from this freeze, and its delimitation was based on the 2011 Census. The Court emphasized that allowing delimitation for States like Andhra Pradesh and Telangana would foster discontent and destabilize the uniform electoral framework, particularly affecting other North-Eastern States previously excluded from such exercises.
- The Supreme Court has clarified that States cannot demand delimitation of constituencies by citing the precedent of Jammu and Kashmir.
- States are constitutionally bound by an embargo under Article 170(3), which prohibits delimitation until after the first Census following 2026.
- Jammu and Kashmir, as a Union Territory, is exempt from this embargo, and its delimitation was conducted based on the 2011 Census.
The Election Commission (EC) has commenced the process for the Vice-Presidential polls following the sudden resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar, which created a mid-term vacancy. P.C. Mody, the Secretary-General of the Rajya Sabha, has been appointed as the Returning Officer, with other officials as Assistant Returning Officers. The election is governed by The Presidential and Vice-Presidential Elections Act, 1952, and The Presidential and Vice-Presidential Elections Rules, 1974. The Vice-President is elected by an Electoral College comprising members of both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, including nominated members. Nomination papers require subscription by at least 20 proposers and 20 seconders.
- The Election Commission has initiated the process for the Vice-Presidential election due to a mid-term vacancy caused by the resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar.
- P.C. Mody, Secretary-General of the Rajya Sabha, has been appointed as the Returning Officer for the election.
- The election is governed by specific Acts and Rules, including The Presidential and Vice-Presidential Elections Act, 1952.
The Rural Development Ministry, in a Rajya Sabha reply regarding pending Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) dues to States, omitted any reference to West Bengal. The scheme has been suspended in West Bengal since March 2022. This omission occurred despite a Calcutta High Court order on June 18, directing the Union government to resume the scheme in the State. The Ministry stated it is studying the court order to decide on further action, highlighting ongoing tensions regarding federal financial relations and implementation of central schemes.
- The Rural Development Ministry's reply on MGNREGS dues to States excluded West Bengal, where the scheme has been suspended since March 2022.
- This omission comes despite a Calcutta High Court order on June 18, directing the Union government to resume the MGNREGS scheme in West Bengal.
- The Ministry indicated it is reviewing the High Court's order to determine its next steps.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has become the second longest-serving Prime Minister of India in consecutive terms, surpassing Indira Gandhi's record. He completed 4,078 days in office on Friday, exceeding Indira Gandhi's 4,077 continuous days from 1966 to 1977. This milestone also marks him as the longest-serving non-Congress Prime Minister and the first such leader to complete two full terms. Additionally, PM Modi has matched Jawaharlal Nehru in winning three successive Lok Sabha elections and holds the record for the longest continuous stint as an elected head of government at both State (Gujarat CM) and Central levels.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi has surpassed Indira Gandhi to become India's second longest-serving Prime Minister in consecutive terms.
- He has completed 4,078 days in office without interruption, exceeding Indira Gandhi's 4,077 continuous days.
- PM Modi is now the longest-serving non-Congress Prime Minister and the first non-Congress leader to complete two full terms.
The Supreme Court permitted the State of Kerala to withdraw two petitions filed against its Governor for delaying crucial Bills. The withdrawal was based on an April 8 judgment in a similar case concerning the Tamil Nadu Governor, which prescribed a maximum three-month deadline for the President and State Governors to act on State Bills under Articles 200 and 201. The Attorney General stated it was not a simple withdrawal but based on the precedent. The President had also issued a reference under Article 143 to question the court's inherent powers to impose timelines on Governors.
- The Supreme Court allowed Kerala to withdraw petitions against its Governor regarding delays in clearing Bills.
- The withdrawal was influenced by an April 8 judgment setting a three-month deadline for Governors and the President to act on State Bills.
- The April 8 judgment applies to Bills sent for approval or reserved for consideration under Articles 200 and 201 of the Constitution.