India's aspiration to become a developed nation by 2047, 'Viksit Bharat', is incomplete without significantly increasing women's work participation. Despite better education, female labor force participation (LFPR) remains below 30%, among the lowest globally, and declined steadily between 1983 and 2018. While there was a post-2020 increase, it was largely distress-driven feminization of agriculture. The editorial argues that a 10-percentage-point increase in female WPR could add nearly two percentage points to GDP growth, emphasizing that women's employment is crucial for economic growth, productivity, and human capital development, advocating for policies like those in Tamil Nadu.
- Increased female work participation is essential for India to achieve its 'Viksit Bharat' goals and sustain high economic growth.
- India's female LFPR is critically low, below 30%, and has seen a long-term decline until 2018.
- Recent increases in female employment are largely attributed to distress-driven feminization of agriculture, not quality non-farm jobs.
The Karnataka High Court, observing increasing litigation concerning senior citizens' rights, directed the State to explore creating a comprehensive policy or legislative framework for "senior citizens in need of care and protection." The court suggested modeling this framework on the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015. This directive came while hearing a petition related to a 74-year-old woman abandoned by her children, whom the court ordered to be admitted to a government hospital for care at state expense, highlighting various forms of neglect and exploitation faced by the elderly.
- The Karnataka High Court has urged the State to develop a comprehensive care mechanism for senior citizens.
- The proposed framework should be similar to the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015.
- The court noted a rise in litigation concerning neglect, abuse, and deprivation of rights for the elderly.
The Union Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved a ₹1,264 crore project for the third and fourth lines of the Ballari-Guntakal rail section, spanning Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. This multi-tracking project, covering three districts, will add approximately 46 km to the existing Indian Railways network and is slated for completion by 2028-29. The initiative aims to enhance rail connectivity for about 99 villages, benefiting around seven lakh people, and improve logistics efficiency under the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan.
- The Union Cabinet has approved a ₹1,264 crore multi-tracking rail project.
- The project involves constructing third and fourth lines for the Ballari-Guntakal rail section across Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.
- It will add about 46 km to the Indian Railways network and is expected to be completed by 2028-29.
The Karnataka government is considering raising the annual income ceiling for Below Poverty Line (BPL) eligibility from ₹1.20 lakh to ₹3 lakh, based on recommendations from the Administrative Reforms Commission. This move aims to expand access to welfare benefits for more eligible families. The proposal will soon be placed before the Cabinet. Additionally, the state is rolling out the 'Anna Suvidha' scheme for doorstep ration delivery to elderly and vulnerable beneficiaries and plans to implement the Indira food kit under the Anna Bhagya scheme within two to three months.
- Karnataka plans to increase the annual income ceiling for BPL eligibility from ₹1.20 lakh to ₹3 lakh.
- The proposal is based on recommendations from the Administrative Reforms Commission.
- The primary goal is to broaden access to state welfare benefits for more families.
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai announced that his government would table a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill in the upcoming Winter Session of the Assembly. A five-member committee, headed by Supreme Court Justice (Retd.) Ranjana Prakash Desai, held its first meeting to draft the Bill. The committee is tasked with examining existing legal frameworks, making recommendations on issues like marriage, divorce, maintenance, inheritance, and adoption, and seeking suggestions from citizens and stakeholders. This follows Madhya Pradesh's recent passage of a UCC Bill with similar provisions, excluding tribal communities.
- Chhattisgarh plans to introduce a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill in the upcoming Winter Session of its Assembly.
- A five-member committee, led by Justice (Retd.) Ranjana Prakash Desai, has commenced drafting the UCC Bill.
- The committee's mandate includes reviewing existing laws and recommending changes on personal law matters like marriage, divorce, and inheritance.
The Supreme Court proposed establishing special courts for day-to-day trials in cases arising from the 2023 Manipur violence, aiming to expedite justice due to "inordinate delay." The court noted that the prevailing law and order situation, displacement of witnesses, internet suspension, and restrictions on investigating officers have hampered probes. It directed the CBI and SIT to expedite pending investigations and file chargesheets, asking the State government to provide full cooperation and collate case details to determine the required strength of these special courts.
- The Supreme Court has proposed setting up special courts for day-to-day trials of cases related to the 2023 Manipur violence.
- The court highlighted that the law and order situation, witness displacement, and internet suspension have caused significant delays in investigations.
- CBI and SIT have been directed to expedite pending probes and file remaining chargesheets.
The Delhi High Court questioned the Election Commission's (EC) assertion that teachers are compensated and voluntarily deployed for the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Hearing a PIL challenging the large-scale deployment of government school teachers as Booth-Level Officers (BLOs), the court highlighted the adverse impact on students' education and the stress on teachers, citing a recent death. The Bench suggested that if participation is voluntary, the EC should state it, questioning if Article 324 grants the EC unlimited power.
- The Delhi High Court is examining a PIL against the extensive deployment of government school teachers for electoral roll revision duties.
- The court questioned the EC's claim that teachers' participation in election duties is voluntary and adequately compensated.
- Concerns were raised about the negative impact on students' education due to teachers being withdrawn from classes.
The Supreme Court indicated it would closely monitor the proposed overhaul of the NEET-UG examination and directed the Union government to file a detailed response. The court questioned the feasibility of shifting to a computer-based test (CBT) and the safeguards for data protection, noting that current ad hoc measures like deploying the Air Force are temporary fixes. The Bench emphasized the need for institutionalization to prevent future paper leaks and ensure data security, especially with a CBT transition. The government assured the court that the issue is being addressed at the highest executive levels.
- The Supreme Court will closely monitor the government's proposed overhaul of the NEET-UG examination system.
- The court has asked for a detailed response on the feasibility of a computer-based test (CBT) and the data security safeguards.
- Justices P.S. Narasimha and Alok Aradhe highlighted that ad hoc measures are not sustainable long-term solutions.
The Supreme Court agreed to hear petitions alleging police excesses during a July 20 crackdown on student protesters by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP). This came after the Chief Justice clarified no prior petition was filed, criticizing "reckless" reports. CJP plans a website to document "police brutality." Meanwhile, the Centre sacked 47 National Testing Agency (NTA) officials and introduced amendments to the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, to combat paper leaks with tougher penalties and fast-track courts. The NTA is also undergoing a major overhaul, including senior-level recruitment.
- The Supreme Court will hear petitions concerning alleged police brutality against student protesters during a CJP march on July 20.
- The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) is launching a website to archive evidence of police excesses for legal proceedings.
- The Central government has terminated 47 NTA officials and is strengthening the anti-paper leak law with stricter penalties and fast-track courts.
The Press Information Bureau (PIB) clarified provisions of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026 (FCRA), addressing concerns from minority institutions, particularly Christian bodies. The PIB stated that the 'designated authority' would manage assets created from foreign contributions only if an NGO's FCRA registration lawfully ceases, and places of worship would retain their religious character by law. The authority's vesting powers are initially provisional, with full restoration if registration is renewed. Orders of this authority are subject to revision and appeal before the District Judge. The government also clarified that many cancellations are administrative, not necessarily indicating wrongdoing, and that the FCRA law covers various entities beyond just NGOs and religious organizations.
- The government clarified the FCRA Amendment Bill, 2026, regarding the designated authority's powers over NGO assets.
- The designated authority will only manage assets created from foreign funds if an NGO's FCRA registration lawfully ceases.
- Places of worship will retain their religious character by law, even if assets are managed by the authority.
More than 47 lakh voters, representing 8.48% of Karnataka's electorate, have been flagged for possible deletion from the electoral rolls during the ongoing special intensive revision (SIR) exercise. This data was released by V. Anbu Kumar, the Chief Electoral Officer, Karnataka. The flagged electors fall under the ASDDO category: Absent, Shifted, Dead, Duplicate (Already Enrolled), and Others. These cases will undergo further verification by Booth Level Agents (BLAs) and Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) before any final decision on deletion is made. The draft roll will be published on August 17.
- Over 47 lakh voters in Karnataka have been flagged for potential deletion from electoral rolls.
- This figure accounts for 8.48% of the State's total electorate.
- The flagged voters fall under categories like Absent, Shifted, Dead, Duplicate, and Others (ASDDO).
The Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) met in Delhi and, noting poor rainfall in the Cauvery basin, directed Karnataka and Tamil Nadu to strictly confine the use of their present water storage to drinking purposes. The CWMA, which monitors the implementation of Cauvery water release as per the Supreme Court's verdict, warned against using water for other purposes like irrigation. It observed that the current storage in reservoirs could only meet drinking water requirements and expressed confidence that judicious use would prevent shortages. The situation will be reviewed by the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee on July 28.
- The Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) directed Karnataka and Tamil Nadu to use existing water storage only for drinking purposes.
- The directive was issued due to poor rainfall in the Cauvery basin, indicating a distress year.
- Karnataka had released less water than prescribed to Tamil Nadu in June and July.
The Supreme Court on Wednesday refused to grant an interim stay on Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla's decision to recognise the "merger" of six Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs with the rival Shiv Sena faction led by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. The apex court, however, agreed to hear the challenge to the Speaker's decision after two weeks. The petition was filed by Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Arvind Sawant, who termed the merger "ex facie unconstitutional, illegal and perverse." The circular issued by the Joint Secretary of the Lok Sabha Secretariat recognized the purported merger.
- The Supreme Court refused an interim stay on the Lok Sabha Speaker's decision regarding the merger of Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs with the Shinde faction.
- The court agreed to hear the challenge to the Speaker's decision after two weeks.
- The petition was filed by Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Arvind Sawant, challenging the merger as unconstitutional and illegal.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has proposed changes to foreign exchange management rules, aiming to broaden the conditions for determining foreign control of Indian firms. Under the draft framework, an Indian entity would be deemed foreign-controlled if a foreign investor holds 10% or more of voting rights, can appoint a majority of directors, or influence management and policy decisions. This new numerical benchmark, which currently does not exist, has raised concerns among lawyers who warn it could significantly expand the circumstances in which a foreign investor is considered to exercise control, leading to higher compliance requirements. The proposals are part of India's broader strategy to attract foreign investment.
- RBI proposes changes to foreign exchange management rules to broaden the definition of foreign control for Indian firms.
- An Indian entity will be considered foreign-controlled if a foreign investor holds 10% or more voting rights or influences management.
- This new numerical benchmark is a significant change and could increase compliance requirements for firms.
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) is exploring a standalone law to regulate artificial intelligence (AI), focusing on consent-based frameworks for synthetically-generated content, curbs on agentic AI autonomy, and regulatory sandboxes for high-risk applications. The proposed law aims to address the rapid proliferation of deepfakes and the challenges of assigning liability to AI platforms for generated content, a complex issue given existing safe harbour laws for user-generated content. MeitY is consulting legal experts and financial regulators like RBI and SEBI to develop comprehensive frameworks, acknowledging the need for specific AI regulation beyond existing IT laws.
- MeitY is considering a standalone AI law to address emerging challenges in artificial intelligence.
- The proposed law will focus on consent for AI-generated content, agentic AI autonomy, and regulatory sandboxes for high-risk applications.
- It seeks to define liability for AI platforms regarding content generated by their models, a complex issue given existing safe harbour provisions.
Delhi's new winter pollution management framework, with measures like staggered office timings and construction restrictions, marks a shift towards advance planning. However, the authors argue that AI-powered forecasts are crucial to optimize public health decisions, especially regarding outdoor activities. Historical data shows PM2.5 concentrations are significantly lower in the late afternoon (3-6 pm) compared to morning (9 am-12 pm). AI models, combining weather forecasts, satellite observations, and emissions data, can provide hour-by-hour predictions, transforming air quality bulletins into practical decision-support tools for schools, events, and outdoor workers, thereby reducing exposure effectively.
- Delhi's new winter pollution framework aims for advance planning, but needs AI forecasts for effective implementation.
- PM2.5 concentrations are significantly lower in Delhi during late afternoons compared to mornings.
- AI models can provide hour-by-hour pollution predictions by integrating various data sources.
This analysis draws parallels between India's foreign policy challenges in 1990-91 and today, highlighting the need to adapt to global disruptions. The 1991 Gulf War and Soviet collapse shattered India's economic and strategic assumptions, forcing reforms. Today, wars in Iran and Ukraine present similar shocks, raising energy costs and stressing partnerships. The author argues three lessons: first, no balance of power is permanent, and unpredictability is a constant; second, strategic debate is an asset, requiring diverse expertise and contrarian judgments; and third, external shocks demand internal reforms, with diplomacy supporting domestic transformation. India must avoid rigid consensus and sentimentalism in its foreign policy.
- India's foreign policy faces similar challenges today as in 1990-91, with global disruptions from wars in Iran and Ukraine.
- The first lesson is that international certainties are fleeting, and unpredictability is a permanent feature of global politics.
- The second lesson emphasizes the value of strategic debate, diverse expertise, and contrarian judgments in foreign policy formulation.
Skyroot Aerospace's successful launch of the Vikram-1 rocket signifies a pivotal moment for India's space journey, marking a transition towards private enterprise-led innovation. This achievement places India among a select few nations with independent private rocket launch capabilities. The government's 2020 reform, institutionalized by the Indian Space Policy, 2023, has fostered around 400 space start-ups. This shift frees ISRO to focus on deep-space missions, while private players target the rapidly expanding Low Earth Orbit (LEO) market. India's strategy leverages its low-cost manufacturing strength, distinct from the US model where private companies design and build independently.
- Skyroot Aerospace's Vikram-1 launch is a significant milestone for India's private space sector.
- India has joined a select group of nations with independent private rocket launch capabilities.
- Government reforms, including the Indian Space Policy, 2023, have spurred growth in space start-ups.
The Allahabad High Court delivered a split verdict on safeguards against "bulldozer justice," a term for punitive demolition of properties linked to accused persons. Justice Atul Sreedharan criticized the practice as designed to "satiate the perceived blood lust" and proposed safeguards: no demolition for two years after an FIR if linked to an accused, and a year's advance notice for unauthorized houses occupied for three years or more. Justice Siddharth Nandan agreed that the state cannot demolish to punish but differed on creating additional safeguards beyond the Supreme Court's existing directions. The matter will now be referred to a third bench.
- The Allahabad High Court gave a split verdict on the need for additional safeguards against punitive demolitions.
- Justice Atul Sreedharan criticized "bulldozer justice" as a punitive measure, not for enforcing planning laws.
- He proposed safeguards including a two-year moratorium on demolitions linked to an FIR and a one-year notice for long-occupied unauthorized houses.
The Supreme Court has declined to interfere with the Kerala High Court's interim direction barring the state Waqf Board from making major decisions or capital expenditures. The High Court's order was based on the Board's constitution not conforming with the 2025 Waqf Amendment Act, which requires the inclusion of two non-Muslim members and one Shia member. However, a three-judge bench of the SC, presided over by CJI Surya Kant, deleted the High Court's directive that the Board should function under the supervision of a government joint secretary or additional secretary, noting that the matter is pending before the High Court.
- The Supreme Court upheld the Kerala High Court's interim order restricting the Waqf Board's major financial decisions.
- The High Court's decision was based on the Board's non-compliance with the 2025 Waqf Amendment Act regarding member composition.
- The 2025 Waqf Amendment Act mandates the inclusion of two non-Muslim and one Shia member.
The Madhya Pradesh Assembly has passed the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill, 2026, amidst protests from the Opposition. The legislation establishes a common civil law for marriage, divorce, inheritance, and live-in relationships, while exempting Scheduled Tribes. It criminalizes triple talaq and nikah halala, prohibits polygamy, and mandates registration of marriages and divorces, granting equal inheritance rights to all children. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav hailed it as a landmark reform fulfilling the Constitution's vision, while the Congress criticized it as an "RSS agenda" and "Muslim appeasement," arguing it contains inconsistencies and infringes constitutional protections.
- Madhya Pradesh Assembly passed the UCC Bill, 2026, establishing common civil laws for various personal matters.
- The Bill exempts Scheduled Tribes, respecting their constitutional safeguards and traditional rights.
- Key provisions include criminalizing triple talaq, prohibiting polygamy, and mandating marriage/divorce registration.
The Shiv Sena (UBT) faction has moved the Supreme Court, challenging Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla's decision to recognize the merger of six of its MPs with the rival Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena. Senior Advocate Devadatt Kamat, representing Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Arvind Ganpat Sawant, sought an urgent hearing, arguing that the Speaker's decision has brought the party's functioning in Parliament to a standstill. The petition contends that the merger is unconstitutional and illegal, as the MPs contested elections on the Shiv Sena (UBT) symbol and platform, and their defection undermines the electorate's mandate.
- Shiv Sena (UBT) has challenged the Lok Sabha Speaker's recognition of six of its MPs merging with the Eknath Shinde faction.
- The petitioner argues that the merger is unconstitutional and has halted the party's parliamentary functioning.
- The MPs had won elections on the Shiv Sena (UBT) symbol, and their defection is seen as a betrayal of the electorate's mandate.
The Supreme Court-constituted high-powered committee, led by Kanchan Devi, Director General of ICFRE, has opened a 21-day window for public feedback on issues surrounding the Aravalli Hills. This panel was formed to resolve ambiguities in an October 2025 report and a 100-meter elevation benchmark for defining the Aravallis, which had sparked public debate for potentially excluding over 90% of the hill range from protection. The committee will assess whether "sustainable mining" or "regulated mining" within newly demarcated areas would lead to adverse ecological consequences.
- A Supreme Court-appointed committee is seeking public inputs on the definition and protection of the Aravalli Hills.
- The panel aims to clarify ambiguities from a previous report regarding the 100-meter elevation benchmark for the Aravallis.
- Concerns were raised that the previous definition could leave over 90% of the hill range unprotected from mining and construction.
With the population enumeration phase of the Census six months away, the Registrar General of India (RGI) is considering two options for caste enumeration: self-declaration or a drop-down menu of recognized castes. The self-declaration method risks repeating the 2011 Socio Economic and Caste Census (SECC) experience, which yielded over 46 lakh distinct caste names. The drop-down menu, based on existing caste lists, faces resistance from the RSS, which believes it would reinforce the caste architecture institutionalized during British rule, potentially dividing Indian society.
- The RGI is deliberating between self-declaration and a drop-down menu for caste enumeration in the upcoming Census.
- Self-declaration previously led to an unmanageable number of distinct caste names in the 2011 SECC.
- The RSS objects to a drop-down menu, arguing it would entrench caste divisions from the British era.