C Raja Mohan argues that the BJP's rise in West Bengal and consolidation in Assam, coupled with leadership transitions in Dhaka and Kathmandu, presents a unique opportunity for Prime Minister Narendra Modi to revitalise India's engagement with its eastern neighbourhood. Historically, divergences between the Centre and border states have complicated foreign policy. The current political alignment allows for better coordination of local and national interests, overcoming past hurdles like the Teesta water-sharing agreement. This new geopolitical landscape, combined with Modi's 'Neighbourhood First' policy, offers a chance to advance sub-regional cooperation and address complex issues like migration, trade barriers, and water sharing.
- The BJP's political strength in West Bengal and Assam creates a favorable environment for India's eastern foreign policy.
- Leadership changes in Bangladesh and Nepal offer new opportunities for regional engagement.
- Historical divergences between the Centre and border states have often complicated India's neighborhood policy.
The Union Cabinet approved the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026, to increase the strength of Supreme Court judges from the current 34 (including the CJI) to 38. This move, recommended by CJI Surya Kant, aims to enhance the court's efficiency, ensure speedy justice, and facilitate the establishment of a permanent constitution bench. The expenditure for the additional judges and staff will be met from the Consolidated Fund of India. The last increase in strength was in 2019, raising it from 30 to 33 judges.
- The Union Cabinet approved a Bill to increase the Supreme Court's judicial strength.
- The number of judges will rise from 34 (including CJI) to 38 (including CJI).
- The Chief Justice of India Surya Kant recommended this increase to improve efficiency and facilitate a permanent constitution bench.
During a hearing on review petitions concerning the 2018 Sabarimala judgment, a nine-judge Supreme Court bench, led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, severely questioned the locus standi and intent of the original petitioner, Indian Young Lawyers Association (IYLA). CJI Kant remarked that the PIL should have been 'thrown outright in the dustbin,' while Justice M.M. Sundresh called it 'a clear abuse of the process of law.' The bench also questioned the practice of barring Parsi women from fire temples if they marry outside the religion, linking it to freedom of conscience under Article 25(1).
- The Supreme Court bench questioned the locus standi and intent of the original petitioner in the Sabarimala case.
- CJI Surya Kant stated that the original PIL should have been 'thrown outright in the dustbin.'
- Justice M.M. Sundresh described the filing of the petition as 'a clear abuse of the process of law.'
The Registrar-General and Census Commissioner of India (RG&CCI) has directed State Census Directorates to "monitor social media narratives round the clock" to identify and counter propaganda and false narratives against the ongoing Census exercise. The first phase, House Listing and Housing Operations (HLO), began on April 1 in eight States and UTs, with a self-enumeration portal launched earlier. The RG&CCI emphasized the need for adequate publicity to raise awareness and reassure the public about the confidentiality of information collected, fostering trust. The second phase, Population Enumeration, including caste enumeration, is set to conclude by February 28, 2027.
- RG&CCI has instructed State Census Directorates to actively monitor and counter false narratives on social media regarding the Census.
- The first phase, House Listing and Housing Operations (HLO), commenced on April 1 in eight States and UTs.
- A self-enumeration portal has been launched, followed by door-to-door verification by enumerators.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the Women's Reservation Act of 2023 as one of the "greatest decisions of the 21st century," dedicated to women's empowerment. He expressed hope for its implementation before the 2029 Lok Sabha elections through "dialogue, cooperation, and participation." The Act, passed unanimously in September 2023, reserves one-third of seats for women in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies. Special sittings are scheduled for April 16-18 to consider amendments for its implementation. The PM acknowledged the Opposition's insistence on the 2029 timeline and stated the government is exploring new paths with constitutional experts.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the significance of the Women's Reservation Act, 2023, as a major step for women's empowerment.
- He expressed optimism for its implementation before the 2029 Lok Sabha elections through collaborative efforts.
- The Act mandates one-third reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies.
This article explores Subhas Chandra Bose's intellectual journey, from an absolute idealist rooted in Vedanta to a pragmatic revolutionary. Bose synthesized Indian spiritual wisdom with Hegelian dialectics, viewing reality as Spirit unfolding through conflict, which informed his doctrine of Samyavada (harmonious equality). He rejected both Fascism and Communism as finalities, aiming for a "thoroughly modern and Socialist State" for India, characterized by complete independence, scientific large-scale production, social ownership, and equality. Bose advocated for a strong Central Government with authoritarian elements during reconstruction, a perspective shaped by the era's global embrace of authoritarianism for rapid change.
- Subhas Chandra Bose evolved from an absolute idealist to a pragmatic revolutionary, synthesizing Indian spiritual wisdom with Hegelian dialectics.
- His philosophical framework, Samyavada, aimed for harmonious equality and was a blueprint for a modern, socialist India.
- Bose envisioned a state with complete national independence, scientific large-scale production, social ownership, and principles of equality and social justice.
The article critiques the Election Commission of India (ECI) for its "Special Intensive Revision" (SIR) process, particularly in West Bengal, which led to the exclusion of millions of voters through "logical discrepancy." It questions the Supreme Court's (SC) apparent apathy towards these mass deletions, emphasizing that the right to vote is fundamental. The author argues that the ECI's actions, by creating hurdles and potentially lowering poll percentages, risk making people apathetic towards the democratic process. The ECI's focus on "purging" the electoral roll, especially targeting Bengali-speaking Muslims, is seen as problematic and potentially discriminatory. The SC, as the guardian of rights, has a crucial role in preventing such "sins of commission" and restoring faith in democratic institutions.
- The ECI's "Special Intensive Revision" (SIR) process, particularly in West Bengal, is criticized for mass voter deletions based on "logical discrepancy."
- The article questions the Supreme Court's perceived inaction despite the significant number of voters affected.
- The author argues that the ECI's actions undermine the fundamental right to vote and risk fostering public apathy towards democracy.
This article argues for reclaiming B. R. Ambedkar's vision beyond narrow symbolism, focusing on its application to modern governance. It highlights how the YSRCP government in Andhra Pradesh implemented policies aligned with Ambedkar's principles of dismantling structural inequality, ensuring dignity through improved public education, healthcare, and economic agency. Initiatives like Nadu-Nedu, expanded healthcare access, Grama Sachivalayas, and Direct Benefit Transfers for women are cited as examples. The article also notes the establishment of the 'Statue of Social Justice' and the renaming of a district after Ambedkar, despite resistance from feudal elements, as steps towards embedding his ideas into the State's physical and cultural landscape.
- Ambedkar's legacy should be applied to governance to dismantle structural inequality and ensure dignity, not just ritualized.
- The YSRCP government in Andhra Pradesh implemented policies aligning with Ambedkar's vision, such as Nadu-Nedu for education and expanded healthcare.
- Grama Sachivalayas and Direct Benefit Transfers for women exemplify efforts to enhance economic agency and social justice.
Hungarian voters ousted long-serving Prime Minister Victor Orban, whose Fidesz party lost to opposition leader Peter Magyar's Tisza party. Magyar's party secured a two-thirds majority, enabling it to overturn Orban-era policies on education, health, judicial independence, and the controversial National Cooperation System (NER) which was criticized for economic downturn and corruption. While Orban was endorsed by leaders like Trump, Putin, and Netanyahu, Magyar is unlikely to reverse anti-immigrant policies. The verdict suggests a global trend of voters tiring of hard-right, anti-pluralistic, and xenophobic rhetoric, providing a check on authoritarian single-party rule.
- Victor Orban, after 20 years in power, was ousted by opposition leader Peter Magyar's Tisza party in Hungary's recent election.
- Magyar's party secured a two-thirds parliamentary majority, allowing for significant policy reversals.
- The new government is expected to overturn Orban-era shifts in education, health, judicial independence, and address corruption.
The Punjab Assembly unanimously passed the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Bill, 2026, proposing stricter punishments for sacrilege against the Guru Granth Sahib. The draft law includes provisions for life imprisonment and a fine up to ₹25 lakh, makes offenses non-bailable, and aims for swift probes. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann stated the Bill closes loopholes left by previous governments and is a historic milestone for checking 'beadbi'. The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) welcomed the move but called for effective implementation.
- The Punjab Assembly unanimously passed the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Bill, 2026.
- The Bill proposes life imprisonment and a fine up to ₹25 lakh for sacrilege against the Guru Granth Sahib.
- It aims to make offenses non-bailable and ensure swift investigations.
The Supreme Court criticized the Election Commission for excluding lakhs of voters from West Bengal's electoral roll due to "logical discrepancies" during a special intensive revision (SIR). The court emphasized that the right to vote is not only constitutional but also a "sentimental" expression of nationality and patriotism. It noted that 34 lakh appeals were filed against exclusions, with over a lakh pending before each of the 19 appellate tribunals, just days before the Assembly election. The EC had promised not to touch 2002 electoral rolls, but the "logical discrepancy" category, unique to West Bengal, violated this.
- The Supreme Court criticized the Election Commission for excluding lakhs of voters in West Bengal through "logical discrepancies" during a special intensive revision (SIR).
- The court asserted that the right to vote is a constitutional and sentimental right, representing nationality and patriotism.
- The EC's introduction of "logical discrepancy" as a unique category for West Bengal violated its promise to leave 2002 electoral rolls untouched.
The article analyzes the Madurai trial court's death sentences for nine policemen in the Sattankulam custodial killings case, highlighting a conflict between the 'rarest of rare' doctrine and judicial precedents. The judge, bound by the Supreme Court's Sriharan decision (2015), felt compelled to choose between death or an inadequate 14-year life sentence, as trial courts are barred from imposing fixed-term life imprisonment without remission. This 'broken ladder' in Indian jurisprudence forces trial courts into a binary choice, even when a middle ground of long-term imprisonment without remission would be more appropriate for grave crimes.
- The Madurai trial court sentenced nine policemen to death for the Sattankulam custodial killings, citing the 'rarest of rare' doctrine.
- Trial courts are currently restricted from imposing fixed-term life imprisonment without remission, a power reserved for High Courts and the Supreme Court.
- This limitation, stemming from the Supreme Court's Sriharan decision (2015), forces trial judges into a binary choice between death or a potentially inadequate 14-year life sentence.
The Central government proposed the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, to amend the FCRA, 2010, which regulates foreign funds to NGOs. Key changes include appointing a 'designated authority' to manage assets of NGOs whose FCRA registration is suspended or cancelled, broadening the definition of 'key functionary', and requiring prior Central government approval for investigations. The Bill, deferred after Opposition uproar, is opposed for amounting to "executive overreach" and "undue interference" in minority institutions and civil society. Critics fear it grants sweeping powers to the government, potentially leading to asset seizure and denial of licenses, impacting the autonomy of NGOs.
- The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, aims to amend the FCRA, 2010, regulating foreign funds for NGOs.
- Proposed changes include a 'designated authority' for asset management of non-compliant NGOs and a broader definition of 'key functionary'.
- The Bill also seeks to require prior Central government approval for investigations into FCRA-related complaints.
Chief Justice of India Surya Kant recused himself from hearing petitions challenging the Chief Election Commissioner appointment law, citing "conflict of interest." This law replaced the CJI with a Union Minister on the selection panel for CEC appointments. The recusal raises questions about judicial conflict of interest, the doctrine of necessity, and the limits of pre-emptive judicial direction. The CJI's oral direction to exclude judges in the line of succession from the replacement bench is problematic, as recusal is an individual conscience matter and cannot be mandated prospectively. India lacks a statute governing judicial recusal, a binding code of conduct, or a mechanism to review recusal decisions, highlighting an urgent need for codification.
- Chief Justice of India Surya Kant recused himself from a case challenging the CEC appointment law, citing a "conflict of interest."
- The new law replaces the CJI with a Union Minister on the selection panel for Chief Election Commissioner appointments.
- The recusal and the CJI's subsequent direction to exclude judges in the line of succession from the replacement bench raise questions about judicial impartiality and pre-emptive judicial direction.
The Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) 2025 by Transparency International shows a global decline in perceived integrity, with the average score dropping to 42 out of 100. India ranks 91st out of 182 countries with a score of 39, showing stagnation over the past decade despite economic growth. Corruption incurs significant economic costs, estimated at 0.5% to 1.5% of India's GDP annually, diverting resources from crucial sectors. India's complex compliance architecture, with numerous imprisonment provisions in business regulations, also contributes to rent-seeking. While challenges exist, positive trends like digital public infrastructure, e-procurement, and GST network have reduced leakages and increased formalization, demonstrating that technology can reduce discretion.
- The Corruption Perceptions Index 2025 indicates a global decline in perceived integrity, with India stagnating at a score of 39 and rank 91.
- Corruption imposes significant economic costs, estimated to be between 0.5% and 1.5% of India's GDP annually, hindering development.
- India's complex regulatory framework, including numerous imprisonment provisions in business regulations, creates opportunities for rent-seeking.
The article explains why NATO is unlikely to heed former US President Donald Trump's call to join a potential war against Iran. It highlights that NATO's primary focus is on collective defense against threats to its member states, as enshrined in Article 5 of its treaty. An intervention in Iran, which is not a direct threat to a NATO member, would be outside its core mandate and could destabilize the Middle East further. The article also points out that many European NATO members have different strategic priorities and economic interests in the region than the US, making a consensus for such an intervention highly improbable, especially given the alliance's current focus on the Ukraine conflict.
- NATO's primary mandate is collective defense under Article 5, not offensive interventions outside its territory.
- A war with Iran would not fall under NATO's core mission of defending member states from direct threats.
- European NATO members have different strategic priorities and economic interests in the Middle East than the US.
The article profiles Ali Larijani, a prominent Iranian politician, philosopher, and negotiator, highlighting his complex career trajectory. Known for his intellectual background and hardline conservative views, Larijani has held key positions, including Speaker of Parliament and chief nuclear negotiator. Despite his conservative roots, he is seen as a pragmatist capable of engaging with the West, particularly during nuclear talks. His political journey reflects the intricate power dynamics within Iran's political establishment, where he has navigated alliances and rivalries, often positioning himself as a potential future leader, balancing ideological commitment with strategic flexibility.
- Ali Larijani is a prominent Iranian philosopher, politician, and negotiator with a conservative background.
- He has held significant roles, including Speaker of Parliament and chief nuclear negotiator.
- Larijani is known for his intellectual depth and pragmatic approach in international relations.
The article argues that BRICS nations, particularly India, should play a more assertive role in restraining the US-Israel axis in West Asia, especially concerning the ongoing conflict. It criticizes the US's unconditional support for Israel and its perceived disregard for international law, which it claims fuels instability. The author suggests that BRICS, as a grouping of emerging economies, has the moral authority and geopolitical weight to advocate for a just and peaceful resolution, promoting a multipolar world order. India, with its historical ties and strategic interests in the region, is urged to leverage its BRICS platform to push for de-escalation, adherence to international norms, and a two-state solution.
- BRICS nations should actively intervene to restrain the US-Israel axis in West Asia.
- The US's unconditional support for Israel is criticized for contributing to regional instability.
- BRICS has the potential to promote a multipolar world order and uphold international law.
The article discusses the ongoing challenge of defining and protecting the Aravalli hill range, one of the world's oldest, from illegal mining and encroachment. It highlights the Supreme Court's efforts to safeguard the Aravallis, but notes that ambiguities in its definition have allowed continued degradation. The article emphasizes the Aravallis' critical ecological role as a green lung, water recharge zone, and biodiversity hotspot for several states. It calls for a precise, scientific definition of the hill range, involving geological surveys and expert committees, to ensure effective legal protection and sustainable development, balancing conservation with the needs of local communities.
- The Aravalli hill range, one of the world's oldest, faces severe threats from illegal mining and encroachment.
- Ambiguities in the legal definition of the Aravallis hinder effective protection efforts.
- The Aravallis play a crucial ecological role as a green lung, water recharge zone, and biodiversity hotspot.
The article discusses the challenges of a "post-truth" age where misinformation and lies often gain traction, diluting the power of objective truth. It argues that simply refuting lies with facts is often insufficient, as people tend to believe what aligns with their existing biases. The author emphasizes the need for individuals to cultivate critical thinking, question information sources, and understand the motivations behind narratives. The piece suggests that fostering intellectual humility and encouraging a nuanced understanding of complex issues are crucial steps to combat the spread of misinformation and restore the value of truth in public discourse.
- In the "post-truth" era, misinformation and lies often overshadow objective facts.
- Simply presenting facts is often ineffective against deeply entrenched biases and beliefs.
- Cultivating critical thinking and questioning information sources are essential skills for individuals.
The article delves into the history, symbolism, and legal regulations surrounding India's national symbols, specifically the national flag and song. It discusses a recent complaint against cricketer Hardik Pandya for allegedly insulting the flag, highlighting the rules outlined in the Flag Code of India, 2002, and the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971. The piece traces the evolution of the tricolour from early 20th-century designs to its current form and explores the historical debate around 'Vande Mataram' versus 'Jana Gana Mana' as the national song/anthem, emphasizing the emotional and legal complexities of these symbols.
- The use and display of India's national flag are governed by specific legal codes and evoke strong emotional responses.
- The national tricolour evolved through several historical stages, with contributions from various freedom fighters.
- The right of Indian citizens to fly the national flag was formally recognized in 2004.
The article highlights the alarming frequency of fire incidents and criminal activities in Indian hospitals, leading to patient deaths and safety concerns. It cites recent fire tragedies in Delhi and other cities, attributing them to electrical short circuits, lack of fire safety compliance, and inadequate infrastructure. Beyond fires, hospitals are also vulnerable to crimes like theft, violence against staff, and even organ trafficking. The piece calls for urgent government intervention, stricter enforcement of safety norms, regular audits, and improved security measures to protect patients and healthcare workers, emphasizing that hospitals must be safe havens.
- Indian hospitals face a growing number of fire incidents, often due to electrical faults and poor safety compliance.
- These fires result in significant loss of life and expose critical infrastructure deficiencies.
- Hospitals are also increasingly vulnerable to various crimes, including theft and violence against staff.
This article critiques a Chhattisgarh High Court observation in a custodial death case, where police officers were deemed to have intended 'to teach a lesson' to the victim. The author argues that such judicial language rationalizes state violence and normalizes custodial torture, undermining constitutional principles of dignity, due process, and proportionality. The victim, a Dalit man, died after severe assault in custody, highlighting caste-coded enforcement. The High Court's failure to intervene on the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act aspect, by demanding explicit proof of caste motivation, is also criticized. The piece emphasizes that judicial integrity requires courts to reject the idea of violence as disciplinary and to ensure robust application of laws to protect vulnerable groups.
- The Chhattisgarh High Court's observation that police intended 'to teach a lesson' in a custodial death case is criticized for rationalizing state violence.
- Such judicial language normalizes custodial torture and undermines constitutional values of justice, dignity, and due process.
- The case involved a Dalit victim, highlighting the issue of caste-coded enforcement and the judiciary's narrow interpretation of the SC/ST Act.
The Registrar-General of India (RGI) announced that the 2027 Census will be the country's first digital Census, conducted in two phases, with data collected electronically via mobile apps and a dedicated web portal for self-enumeration. This digital approach is expected to ensure early availability of Census data, unlike previous exercises that took 2-3 years. The Census will involve a focused publicity campaign and a three-tier training structure for enumerators. Administrative boundaries will be frozen from January 1, 2026, to March 31, 2027. The 2027 Census will also enumerate the caste of household members and can be used as the basis to redraw Lok Sabha constituencies after 2026.
- The 2027 Census will be India's first digital Census, utilizing mobile apps and a dedicated web portal for data collection and self-enumeration.
- The digital methodology aims to ensure early availability of Census data, addressing delays experienced in previous exercises.
- The Census will be conducted in two phases: Houselisting and Housing Census (April 2026) and Population Enumeration (February 2027).