The Union Cabinet approved the Employment-Linked Incentive (ELI) scheme with an outlay of ₹99,446 crore, aiming to create over 3.5 crore jobs. The scheme, implemented by EPFO, offers incentives like first installment payment of ₹15,000 and a savings instrument deposit for new employees. While the RSS-backed Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) welcomed it, other trade unions and industry experts raised concerns about EPFO's role as a custodian of employee savings, potential misuse by employers, and the scheme's effectiveness in addressing economic slowdown or improving workers' purchasing power.
- The ELI scheme aims to create over 3.5 crore jobs with a significant outlay.
- It provides incentives like direct payments and savings deposits for new employees.
- Trade unions express concerns about EPFO's role and potential misuse of funds.
Maharashtra's proposal to make Hindi the third language in primary education (Grade 1 to 5) has ignited a significant debate. The government's move, aimed at aligning with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, faces strong opposition from linguistic groups and political parties, including the MNS, who fear it undermines Marathi's prominence. Supporters argue it promotes national integration, while critics raise concerns about implementation challenges and potential imposition of Hindi.
- Maharashtra government proposes Hindi as the third language in primary education.
- The move is in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
- The proposal faces strong opposition from linguistic groups and political parties.
The Tribal Affairs Ministry has refuted claims that the Forest Rights Act (FRA) 2006 has led to negative changes in forest cover, as suggested by the State of Forest Report (2022). The Ministry asserts that the FRA is crucial for securing individual and community forest rights, improving forest governance, and promoting sustainable management. It highlights that the Act acknowledges pre-existing rights and empowers local communities, contributing positively to both human well-being and ecological balance.
- The Tribal Affairs Ministry defends the Forest Rights Act (FRA) 2006 against claims of forest damage.
- The Ministry emphasizes FRA's role in securing rights and improving forest management.
- It argues that the Act contributes to both ecological balance and community empowerment.
The Supreme Court has amended its staff recruitment rules to introduce reservation for Other Backward Classes (OBCs), Scheduled Castes (SCs), and Scheduled Tribes (STs) in direct staff recruitments. This reform, led by Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai, extends the benefit of reservation beyond non-judicial staff jobs to physically challenged, ex-servicemen, and dependents of freedom fighters. The decision aligns with previous judgments like the Indra Sawhney case and the R.K. Sabharwal case, aiming for equitable distribution of jobs.
- Supreme Court amends staff recruitment rules to include reservation for OBCs, SCs, and STs.
- Reservation now applies to direct staff recruitments, not just non-judicial jobs.
- The reform extends benefits to physically challenged, ex-servicemen, and dependents of freedom fighters.
The Kerala High Court's Division Bench, comprising Justices A.K. Jayasankaran Nambiar and P.M. Manoj, has requested a report from the State government regarding the utilization of ₹120 crore in Central funds allocated for the rehabilitation of people affected by the Wayanad landslides in 2024. This directive came after amicus curiae Ranjith Thampan suggested the report. The court also granted the Centre two more weeks to decide on waiving loans for landslide-affected people. The Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) is developing a comprehensive disaster management plan (DMP) for its agencies to mitigate natural disasters.
- Kerala High Court sought a report on the utilization of ₹120 crore Central funds for Wayanad landslide rehabilitation.
- The Centre has been given two more weeks to decide on loan waivers for landslide victims.
- The Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) is developing a disaster management plan.
The Supreme Court Collegium, led by Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai, has recommended the appointment of 39 individuals as judges across nine High Courts. These recommendations, made on July 1 and 2, follow intensive interactions with candidates from both judicial officers and practising advocates. This development addresses a persistent crisis of judicial vacancies and rising case pendency. As of July 1, High Courts had 371 vacancies against a sanctioned strength of 1,122, with a current working strength of 751 judges. Earlier this year, the Supreme Court also permitted High Courts to appoint retired judges as ad hoc judges under Article 224A to alleviate the backlog.
- The Supreme Court Collegium recommended 39 new judges for nine High Courts.
- The recommendations aim to address the significant judicial vacancies and case pendency.
- High Courts currently face a substantial number of vacancies compared to their sanctioned strength.
The Supreme Court recently reaffirmed the inclusion of "secular" and "socialist" in the Constitution's Preamble, words added by the 42nd Amendment in 1976. This legal reaffirmation comes amidst a "deliberate political strategy" by the RSS-BJP establishment to delegitimize India's modern, plural, democratic republic and usher in a communal, hierarchical order. RSS General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale and Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar have called for the removal of these terms, arguing they are alien to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's vision. The article emphasizes the need to resist these attacks through public awareness, legal challenges, and democratic struggle to defend the Constitution's foundational values.
- The Supreme Court upheld the inclusion of "secular" and "socialist" in the Preamble of the Constitution.
- These terms were added by the 42nd Amendment Act, 1976, during the Emergency.
- The article alleges a "deliberate political strategy" by the RSS-BJP to dismantle the secular and socialist character of the Indian Republic.
The article discusses the need for structural reforms in India's Goods and Services Tax (GST) system, prompted by the lowest tax collections in some time, with June 2025 collections at ₹1.85 lakh crore, showing the slowest growth rate in four years. It highlights inefficiencies and calls for the inclusion of fuel and alcohol under GST, despite State resistance. The author argues that the Centre should increase States' share in central taxes and stop relying on non-shareable cesses. A key reform suggested is reducing the number of GST rates and, importantly, removing the GST Compensation Cess, which was extended until March 2026 to repay loans but is no longer needed for its original purpose.
- GST collections in June 2025 were the lowest in four months, indicating a dip in economic activity and system inefficiencies.
- Structural reforms are needed, including bringing fuel and alcohol under GST, despite State resistance.
- The Centre should increase States' share in central taxes and reduce reliance on non-shareable cesses.
K.M. Khader Mohideen, a leader of the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) and former editor of Manisudar, has been selected for the Thagaisal Thamizhar Award by the Tamil Nadu government. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin will present the award during the Independence Day celebrations in Chennai. Instituted in 2021, the award honors eminent personalities who have significantly contributed to the welfare of Tamil Nadu and the development of the Tamil community. Mohideen is recognized for his deep understanding of Indian politics and efforts towards communal harmony, having had a long association with former Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi.
- K.M. Khader Mohideen, IUML leader, is the recipient of the Thagaisal Thamizhar Award.
- The award is presented by the Tamil Nadu government during Independence Day celebrations.
- The Thagaisal Thamizhar Award was instituted in 2021 to honor contributions to Tamil Nadu's welfare.
The article discusses the Supreme Court's clarification on legislative powers in the context of the Nandini Sundar and Ors. versus State of Chhattisgarh case (July 5, 2011). While the SC had ordered Chhattisgarh to cease using Special Police Officers (SPOs) in Maoist activities, the State subsequently enacted the Chhattisgarh Auxiliary Armed Police Forces Act, 2011. A contempt petition was filed, but the SC rejected it, affirming that a State legislature has plenary powers to pass laws, even to remove the basis of a judgment, as long as the Act is not ultra vires the Constitution. The Court emphasized the doctrine of separation of powers, stating that a law can only be struck down on grounds of legislative competence or constitutional validity, not as an act of contempt.
- The Supreme Court clarified that a State legislature has plenary powers to pass laws, even if they address issues previously subject to judicial orders.
- The Court rejected a contempt petition against Chhattisgarh's Act, emphasizing that a law cannot be deemed contempt unless it violates the Constitution.
- The doctrine of separation of powers dictates that legislatures can pass laws, and courts can only strike them down based on constitutional validity or legislative competence.
Tamil Nadu's health sector, despite ranking high in health indicators, faces significant challenges including workforce vacancies, strained resources, and a lack of granular data. The state has achieved notable success in reducing maternal and infant mortality rates and has implemented innovative programs like 'Makkalai Thedi Maruthuvam' for doorstep healthcare. However, a substantial number of posts for doctors, nurses, and paramedical staff remain vacant. The article emphasizes the need for a robust information system, improved infrastructure, and better financial and administrative support for the Tamil Nadu Medical Services Corporation and Organ Transplant Authority to sustain and enhance the state's health achievements.
- Tamil Nadu's health sector has achieved high rankings in health indicators but struggles with workforce vacancies and resource strain.
- Innovative programs like 'Makkalai Thedi Maruthuvam' have improved healthcare access and outcomes.
- Significant challenges include a large number of vacant posts for medical staff and a lack of granular data for effective policy-making.
Despite a Supreme Court ruling on May 23 to "progressively reduce" the deputation of Indian Police Service (IPS) officers to Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) within two years, the Union Home Ministry continues to appoint IPS officers to senior posts. The Supreme Court, in the Sanjay Prakash & Others versus Union of India case, recognized Group A officers of CAPFs as "Organised Services" and mandated the reduction of IPS deputation posts, particularly in Senior Administrative Grade and Inspector-General ranks. Currently, 20% of DIG and 50% of IG posts in CAPFs are reserved for IPS officers, leading to stagnation for CAPF officers who face significantly longer promotion timelines.
- The Union Home Ministry continues to appoint IPS officers to senior CAPF posts, despite a Supreme Court order to reduce such deputations.
- The Supreme Court ruled that Group A officers of CAPFs are "Organised Services" and mandated a progressive reduction of IPS deputation posts within two years.
- A significant percentage of DIG (20%) and IG (50%) posts in CAPFs are currently reserved for IPS officers.
The article highlights the need to transform India's Parliament Library and Reference, Research, Documentation and Information Service (LARRDIS) into a proactive research hub. Despite its efficiency, LARRDIS is currently reactive and operates in isolation, limiting its capacity for anticipatory policy analysis. To improve lawmaking quality and accountability, LARRDIS should emulate global best practices from services like the European Parliamentary Research Service (EPRS) and Argentina's Scientific Office for Legislative Advice (OCAL). This involves fostering partnerships with academic institutions, think tanks, and experts, and delineating its mandate, users, and protocols. Such a reform is crucial for bridging information asymmetry and strengthening public trust in parliamentary processes.
- Parliament's LARRDIS needs to evolve from a reactive service to a proactive research hub for better lawmaking.
- Current limitations include operating in a silo, minimal partnerships, and lack of anticipatory policy analysis.
- Global models like EPRS and OCAL demonstrate how parliamentary research services can collaborate with external institutions.
The article argues that socialism and secularism are intrinsic to the Indian Constitution's spirit, not mere additions from the 42nd Amendment Act, 1976. It criticizes the RSS's call to remove these words, viewing it as an assault on the Republic's foundational vision. The Preamble, Directive Principles of State Policy (Articles 38, 39, 41-43), and Fundamental Rights (Articles 14-16, 25-30) all reflect these values. The Basic Structure Doctrine, established in Kesavananda Bharati case (1973), affirms that these principles are inviolable. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's speeches also reinforce equality as the foundation of these values, making them inseparable from India's democratic fabric.
- Socialism and secularism are foundational values deeply embedded in the Indian Constitution, not just additions from the 42nd Amendment.
- The Preamble, Directive Principles of State Policy, and Fundamental Rights explicitly enshrine these principles.
- The Basic Structure Doctrine, established in 1973, protects these core constitutional values from alteration.
The Election Commission of India's (ECI) Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls is facing criticism due to concerns about the wrongful exclusion of voters, particularly migrant voters. Critics argue that the short duration for verification makes it difficult for migrant populations to be included. The Representation of the People Act, 1950, states that "a person ordinarily resident shall not by reason of absence be ordinarily resident thereafter," implying that long-term migrants should be treated as ordinary residents. The issue is further complicated by the significant number of voting-age population and electoral dynamism in states like Bihar, making careful curation essential to prevent disenfranchisement.
- The ECI's Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls is under scrutiny for potential exclusion of migrant voters.
- The Representation of the People Act, 1950, defines "ordinarily resident" status, which should apply to long-term migrants.
- The process of electoral roll curation is complex, especially with significant migrant populations and dynamic voter bases.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing Ghana's Parliament, stressed the critical role of the Global South's voice for contemporary world progress. He received Ghana's highest state honour, 'The Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana', symbolizing enduring friendship between India and Africa. Modi highlighted the changing world order, the rise of the Global South, and the need for credible reforms in global governance to address complex crises like climate change, pandemics, and terrorism. He also proudly mentioned the African Union's permanent membership in the G-20 during India's presidency, underscoring Africa's rightful place at the global high table.
- PM Modi advocated for the Global South's crucial role in shaping contemporary world progress during his address to Ghana's Parliament.
- He emphasized the need for global governance reforms to tackle new and complex crises, including climate change and pandemics.
- India played a key role in securing permanent membership for the African Union in the G-20 during its presidency.
The Centre is gathering support for the constitutional procedure to remove Allahabad High Court Judge Justice Varma, following a Supreme Court-appointed inquiry committee's recommendation. The Monsoon Session of Parliament, extended to August 21, will address this. The case stems from a fire incident at Justice Varma's residence in March, which led to the discovery of burnt currency notes. Justice Khanna had recommended his removal, initiating the process for a higher judiciary member. The procedure requires a motion in Parliament, supported by 100 members in Lok Sabha or 50 in Rajya Sabha, followed by a three-member committee investigation.
- The Centre is initiating the constitutional procedure to remove Allahabad High Court Judge Justice Varma.
- A Supreme Court-appointed in-house inquiry committee recommended his removal after a fire incident at his residence revealed burnt currency notes.
- The Monsoon Session of Parliament, starting July 21, will consider the motion for his removal.
India's sports policy journey reflects its socio-economic development, initially prioritizing basic needs over sports post-independence. Despite hosting the first Asian Games in 1951, a dedicated Department of Sports and the first National Sports Policy (NSP) emerged only in 1984, followed by the Sports Authority of India (SAI). The 1990s saw sluggish progress, but post-2000, a dedicated Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports was formed, and a revised NSP (2001) set clearer goals. Schemes like TOPS, Khelo India, and Fit India Movement have since boosted elite athlete support and mass participation. With the NSP 2025 announced, India now actively pursues its bid to host the 2036 Olympics, signaling a renewed commitment to sports.
- India's sports policy evolved from a period of neglect post-independence, with initial focus on nation-building.
- Key milestones include the first National Sports Policy in 1984 and the establishment of the Sports Authority of India (SAI).
- Post-2000, a dedicated Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and revised policies aimed at mass participation and international excellence were introduced.
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw launched RailOne, a new all-in-one app developed by CRIS (Centre for Railway Information Systems), a PSU under the Railways. The app aims to improve the passenger interface by integrating various services like live train tracking, grievance redressal, e-catering, porter booking, and last-mile taxi services. It offers a 3% discount on unreserved and platform tickets and supports single sign-on with mPIN or biometrics. While reserved tickets will still be offered on IRCTC, RailOne is designed to streamline daily train travel, save device space by consolidating multiple apps, and enhance the overall digital experience for passengers.
- The Indian Railways has launched the RailOne app to provide an integrated platform for various passenger services.
- Developed by CRIS, the app aims to simplify ticket booking, live train tracking, and access to other travel-related amenities.
- It offers a 3% discount on unreserved and platform tickets, encouraging digital adoption for daily commuters.
Over the past decade, the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MoWCD) has leveraged technology to democratize access to rights, services, protection, and opportunities for women and children. Initiatives like Saksham Anganwadi, Poshan Tracker, SHe-Box portal, Mission Shakti dashboard, and Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) have integrated digital tools for efficient service delivery, real-time monitoring, and transparency. These efforts have yielded tangible outcomes, including an improved Sex Ratio at Birth and a decline in Maternal Mortality Rate, showcasing how governance combined with technology can achieve social transformation and empower vulnerable populations.
- The MoWCD has significantly integrated technology into its programs to enhance access to services for women and children.
- Initiatives like Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan Tracker ensure efficient delivery of nutrition, healthcare, and education services at the last mile.
- Technology-led platforms such as SHe-Box and Mission Shakti provide safety and support, enabling online redressal and integrated assistance for women in distress.
Despite India's constitutional commitment to social justice and reservation policies for SCs, STs, OBCs, and EWS, central universities and premier institutions consistently fail to fill reserved faculty positions. Significant vacancies persist across various categories, particularly at senior levels, highlighting a structural disparity. Systemic barriers include institutional autonomy, varied enforcement of UGC guidelines, the contentious "13-point roster system" which reduces reserved positions, and allegations of bias in selection processes. Addressing this requires stricter enforcement, revisiting the roster system, ensuring diversity in selection committees, and proactive political enforcement to align recruitment practices with social justice goals.
- Central universities and premier institutions show a persistent failure to fill reserved faculty positions for marginalized communities.
- Significant vacancies exist across SC, ST, OBC, and EWS categories, especially at senior academic levels.
- Systemic barriers include institutional autonomy, inconsistent UGC guideline enforcement, and the controversial "13-point roster system."