The article examines the legal interpretation of untouchability following a "purification" ritual after a Dalit leader's rally. Article 17 of the Constitution abolishes untouchability in all forms, a principle reinforced by the Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955. The Supreme Court, in Sukanya Shantha v Union of India (2024), clarified that untouchability is deeply connected to caste-based notions of "purity and pollution," which Article 17 rejects. The Court emphasized that Article 17's scope is not limited to physical exclusion but encompasses any discriminatory treatment based on a person's touch or presence, citing a Rajasthan High Court ruling against caste-specific purification rituals for temple entry.
- Article 17 of the Indian Constitution unequivocally abolishes untouchability in all its forms.
- The Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955, provides legal penalties for practicing or promoting untouchability.
- The Supreme Court links untouchability to caste-based notions of "purity and pollution," which are constitutionally rejected.
The ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict is escalating with long-range attacks, increasing the risk of a wider war in Europe. Russia is employing "gray zone" tactics, testing NATO's resolve through incidents like drone incursions and cyberattacks. Despite Russia controlling 20% of pre-2014 Ukrainian territory, its territorial gains have slowed, and Ukrainian long-range attacks are inflicting significant economic damage, particularly on Russia's energy sector. The article warns that further escalation could lead to an all-out war between nuclear-armed sides, emphasizing that Russia must opt for serious diplomatic engagement with Ukraine and the West to find a middle ground and ensure long-term regional stability.
- The Russia-Ukraine conflict is escalating, posing a significant risk of wider war in Europe.
- Russia's "gray zone" tactics are testing NATO's resolve and increasing regional instability.
- Despite territorial gains, Russia's advance has slowed, and Ukraine's long-range attacks are causing economic pain.
The Supreme Court will review the Centre's application seeking clarification on its March 11 judgment concerning the income test for OBC creamy layer exclusion. The Centre argues that retrospective implementation is "extremely difficult," potentially causing a "cascading effect" on settled services since 2012, impacting all categories. The SC had previously found the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) incorrectly applied the income test, leading to the exclusion of OBC candidates and directing the creation of supernumerary posts. The Union government now seeks to continue current service allotments for CSE 2025 candidates based on the old income test reading, pending clarification.
- The Supreme Court will address the Centre's request for clarification on its March 11 judgment regarding the OBC creamy layer income test.
- The Centre claims retrospective application of the judgment is administratively challenging and could disrupt services settled since 2012.
- The SC had previously ruled that the DoPT's income test application was incorrect, leading to "hostile discrimination" against OBC candidates.
The Supreme Court's March 11 judgment in the Rohith Nathan case found the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) incorrectly applied the income test for OBC creamy layer exclusion. The Centre is now seeking clarification on retrospective implementation, citing potential "cascading effects" on settled services since 2012 and difficulties in identifying non-creamy layer status for past years. The DoPT also requested to continue applying the old income test rules for CSE 2025 candidates. This situation highlights the complex balance between ensuring substantive justice for candidates and maintaining administrative practicality and stability in reservation policy.
- The Supreme Court's March 11 judgment in the Rohith Nathan case ruled against DoPT's incorrect application of the income test for OBC creamy layer exclusion.
- The Centre seeks clarification on retrospective implementation, citing potential "cascading effects" on settled services since 2012.
- Difficulties include identifying non-creamy layer status for past years and potential disruption to existing services.
Prime Minister Modi's Independence Day address introduced the term 'dimaag'i Naxals' (brainy Naxals), accusing them of steering the nation's youth astray, marking a significant escalation in labelling dissent. The author argues this criminalizes critical thinking itself, moving beyond 'urban Naxal' which implied connection to armed groups. This approach raises concerns about academic freedom, student movements, and civil society, potentially fostering a culture of surveillance and conformity. The article draws parallels to historical ideological militias and the suppression of dissent, highlighting the dangers of misusing national security narratives to stifle democratic discourse and critical inquiry.
- PM Modi's 'dimaag'i Naxal' remark in his Independence Day address is seen as an escalation in labelling dissent and critical thinking as anti-national.
- The term 'dimaag'i Naxal' criminalizes thought itself, distinct from 'urban Naxal' which implied connection to armed groups.
- This approach poses a threat to academic freedom, student movements, and civil society, potentially leading to a culture of surveillance.
India faces persistent water scarcity, making the adoption of treated wastewater reuse policies crucial. Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand have set an example with contextualized policies that integrate reuse with urban planning, community participation, and digital monitoring. The National Framework on Safe Reuse of Treated Water (SRTW), 2022, signals that reuse is a national priority, mandating states to develop their own policies. Treated wastewater is framed as an economic opportunity, building climate resilience and reducing dependence on freshwater, but requires institutional coordination, economic rationality, quality standards, and public awareness to succeed.
- Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand have implemented contextualized policies for treated wastewater reuse.
- India's water future depends more on recycling existing water than discovering new freshwater reserves.
- The National Framework on Safe Reuse of Treated Water (SRTW), 2022, designates water reuse as a national priority.
The UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) has expressed 'grave concern' over India's widespread discrimination against minority ethnic and ethno-religious groups, Dalits, and non-citizens. The report highlights issues such as law enforcement violence, manual scavenging, hate speech, mass refoulement of Rohingya Muslims, and deprivation of citizenship via the National Register of Citizens. CERD also noted India's use of laws like FCRA and UAPA to target civil society and its failure to provide updated information on violence allegations, criticizing India's stance that caste bias is outside the convention's scope.
- CERD has noted 'grave concern' regarding reports of law enforcement violence against minorities, Dalits, and non-citizens in India.
- India has not provided detailed information on inquiries and sanctions related to allegations of such violence.
- CERD allows all forms of discrimination based on inherited status, contradicting India's claim that caste bias falls outside Article 1 of the convention.
Former Orissa High Court Chief Justice S. Muralidhar stated that the irreverence of Gen Z is a 'sure sign of democratic progress,' assuring that democracy in India will be safeguarded. Speaking at a memorial lecture, he advocated for a future where honest criticism of the government is not criminalized, and peaceful protests are not labeled as conspiracies. Justice Muralidhar also called for judicial swiftness in addressing state excesses and criticized the Collegium system for judicial appointments, citing unexplained executive interference and a lack of transparency in the past 12 years. He also advocated for a reformed, democratic, and independent BCI.
- Gen Z's irreverence and willingness to protest are seen as positive indicators for the future of democracy in India.
- Justice Muralidhar emphasized the importance of not criminalizing honest criticism of the government or peaceful dissent.
- He called for a judiciary that acts swiftly on complaints of state excesses and ensures constitutional validity.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has proposed red hexagonal warning labels for packaged foods high in sugar, salt, and saturated fat. However, nutrition advocate Arun Gupta criticized the framework, particularly the 'two or more' nutrients threshold, which could allow unhealthy products low in fat and salt to escape warnings. He called for simpler rules, alignment with ICMR-NIN Dietary Guidelines 2024, and clearer definitions of high fat, sugar, and salt (HFSS) foods. Concerns were also raised about the proposed small size of the warning labels, advocating for a link to the principal display area of the package.
- FSSAI has proposed red hexagonal warning labels for packaged foods high in sugar, salt, and saturated fat.
- The 'two or more' nutrients threshold in the proposal is criticized for potentially allowing some unhealthy products to avoid warning labels.
- Experts advocate for simpler, single-nutrient-based warning rules and alignment with the ICMR-NIN Dietary Guidelines 2024.
The Supreme Court intervened to ensure journalist Abhishek Upadhyay received a copy of his FIR, highlighting the accused's right to access it. While the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS), stipulates FIR access at later stages, judicial precedents (Delhi HC, Himachal Pradesh HC, SC) have established the right to obtain it sooner. The Supreme Court directed that FIRs be uploaded on police websites within 24-72 hours, with an exception for 'sensitive offences' like sexual or terror crimes, which require a reasoned decision by a DCP-rank officer and a three-member committee for grievances. Timely access is crucial for pre-trial remedies and a fair trial.
- The Supreme Court has consistently affirmed an accused person's right to obtain a copy of the FIR soon after its registration, not just at later stages.
- Police are mandated to upload FIRs on their official websites within 24-72 hours of registration to ensure transparency and access.
- An exception exists for 'sensitive offences' (e.g., sexual, terror crimes), where FIRs can be withheld, but this requires a reasoned decision by a senior police officer.
Supreme Court Justice B.V. Nagarathna stated that a Bar Council losing its members' respect is detrimental to the legal profession. Speaking at National Law University Delhi, she urged Bar Councils to introspect on their role in upholding ethics and competence. Her remarks gained resonance following the BCI's aborted attempt to restrict professional enrolment for NALSAR University students, which the CJI called 'unwarranted interference.' Justice Nagarathna stressed the importance of legal professionals safeguarding their autonomy and adapting to changing realities.
- Bar Councils must uphold professional ethics, morality, and competence to earn and maintain the respect of their members.
- The NALSAR University of Law controversy highlighted concerns about the Bar Council of India's (BCI) overreach and interference.
- The legal profession is a liberal pursuit where disagreements should lead to civilised implications.
India has achieved remarkable food security since the 1960s, becoming a major food producer with substantial buffer stocks and legal entitlements through the NFSA, 2013. However, climate change now threatens these gains, with rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, and water scarcity impacting production, storage, and transport. The challenge is to diversify procurement across crops and regions, moving beyond concentrated procurement to a more climate-responsive system. The article emphasizes building a climate-resilient food system through financial mechanisms like green bonds, adaptation finance, and investment in resilient agricultural value chains. It also highlights the need for better climate information, resilient seed varieties, and public-private collaboration to support smallholders and climate-exposed regions.
- India has achieved significant food security, but climate change now poses a major threat to these achievements.
- The current food system, with concentrated procurement in a few crops and geographies, needs diversification to become climate-resilient.
- Financing climate-resilient food systems requires green bonds, adaptation finance, and investment in resilient agricultural value chains.
The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health and Family Welfare's 176th Report highlighted the exorbitant cost of private healthcare in India, with average hospitalization costing ₹50,508 in private facilities compared to ₹6,631 in government ones. This financial burden, often due to information asymmetry and profit-driven incentives, leads to over-treatment, unnecessary tests, and medicalisation. The report made 368 recommendations, including standardized package rates and mandatory pre-treatment cost estimates. It also suggested that corporate hospitals cross-subsidize poorer patients and reserve beds for AB-PMJAY beneficiaries at regulated rates, while advocating for transparency, standard protocols, and regulation of profit-driven incentives.
- Private healthcare in India is significantly more expensive than public healthcare, causing financial shock to families.
- Information asymmetry and profit-driven incentives in private hospitals often lead to over-treatment, unnecessary tests, and medicalisation.
- The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health and Family Welfare recommended standardized package rates and mandatory pre-treatment cost estimates.
India's research and development ecosystem suffers from a lack of transparency regarding funding allocation and utilization. A NITI Aayog report, "Ease of Doing R&D in India," revealed that over 80% of Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) funding is concentrated in IITs, despite its broader mandate. Multiple central agencies often fund similar research, leading to overlap and inefficient use of public money. The core issue is the absence of a system to track who is funded, by whom, for what, and whether funding has been given elsewhere, compounded by scattered data in inconsistent formats. NITI Aayog proposes a Unified Project Management System (UPMS) to streamline R&D projects, but it doesn't fully address the core data consistency problem.
- India's R&D system lacks a transparent mechanism to track funding details like recipients, sources, and purpose, leading to inefficiencies.
- A significant portion (over 80%) of ANRF funding is concentrated in IITs, contrary to its mandate for a wider research base.
- Multiple central agencies often fund similar research areas, causing overlap and inefficient use of public money.
An analysis highlights a critical gap in India's R&D system: the lack of a transparent system to track funding, leading to inefficient use of public money and potential overlaps. The NITI Aayog's proposed Unified Project Management System (UPMS) aims to streamline R&D projects but doesn't fully address the need for 'PIDs and metadata infrastructure'. This infrastructure would assign unique identifiers to grants, agencies, institutions, and researchers, linking them to outcomes. The analysis suggests adopting a hybrid model, similar to the U.K. and E.U., to integrate with global systems while maintaining national control for better transparency and evaluation.
- India's R&D system lacks a transparent mechanism to track funding, leading to inefficiencies and overlaps.
- The NITI Aayog's UPMS aims to streamline R&D projects but needs 'PIDs and metadata infrastructure' for comprehensive tracking.
- Unique identifiers for grants, agencies, institutions, and researchers are crucial to link funding to research outcomes.
Taiwan President Lai Ching-te urged Parliament to pass a six-year, T$210 billion ($6.6 billion) special Budget to acquire military drones, emphasizing the nation's resolve for self-defense. He highlighted the urgency, citing lessons from wars in Ukraine and West Asia on the importance of uncrewed weapons. The Opposition, controlling Parliament, has proposed capping annual spending at T$40 billion from the annual Budget, overseen by the Economy Ministry, not Defence. Taiwan's government views drones as crucial to turn any conflict zone into a "hellscape" for the Chinese military.
- Taiwan President Lai Ching-te urged Parliament to pass a T$210 billion special Budget for military drones.
- The President emphasized the urgency for self-defense, citing lessons from recent conflicts on uncrewed weapons.
- The Opposition proposes capping annual spending at T$40 billion from the annual Budget, overseen by the Economy Ministry.
A parliamentary Standing Committee report revealed that the Centre has failed to effectively implement its free coaching scheme for economically disadvantaged students preparing for competitive exams. Only 2,790 students were enrolled against a target of 10,500 over the past three years. The report noted significant under-expenditure, with only ₹7.76 crore spent out of a ₹47 crore budget estimate in 2023-24. The committee questioned the ambitious target of 7,000 beneficiaries for 2026-27, given past failures, and recommended revising the annual family income ceiling of ₹8 lakh to increase candidate uptake.
- The Centre's free coaching scheme for disadvantaged students has low enrollment, with only 2,790 students against a 10,500 target over three years.
- The scheme has faced significant under-expenditure, utilizing only a fraction of its allocated budget.
- The Standing Committee questioned the feasibility of the ambitious 7,000-beneficiary target for 2026-27 given past performance.
India rejected a UN committee report alleging discrimination and human rights violations against various ethnic and religious groups in the country. The UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination flagged concerns over Scheduled Tribes, Scheduled Castes, and Rohingya refugees, and called for action against "hate crimes." India's External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal dismissed the report as "politically motivated" and "highly malicious," stating that India's constitutional safeguards, legal framework, and pluralism protect disadvantaged communities. India will formally respond to the observations through established procedures.
- India rejected a UN committee report alleging discrimination and human rights abuses against ethnic and religious groups.
- The UN Committee flagged concerns over Scheduled Tribes, Scheduled Castes, and Rohingya refugees.
- India's External Affairs Ministry termed the report "politically motivated" and "highly malicious."
The Lok Sabha Secretariat issued notices to 20 MPs who had switched from the Trinamool Congress to the Nationalist Citizens Party of India (NCPI). This action follows a complaint by Trinamool general secretary Abhishek Banerjee, who urged the Speaker to disqualify the legislators. The Supreme Court agreed to hear Mr. Banerjee's plea for an expeditious decision on the disqualification petitions. Trinamool MP Mahua Moitra alleged a cover-up regarding the timing of the notices, questioning why they were issued only after the Supreme Court hearing.
- Lok Sabha Secretariat issued notices to 20 MPs who defected from Trinamool Congress to NCPI.
- The action follows a disqualification petition filed by Trinamool general secretary Abhishek Banerjee.
- The Supreme Court agreed to hear the plea for an expeditious decision on the petitions.
The Union Home Ministry is developing a technology-driven command-and-control system to enhance India's land border security. This "smart border" architecture will integrate AI, sensors, surveillance systems, and unified command-and-control centres, transmitting field inputs to headquarters in Delhi. The initiative aims to strengthen monitoring and response capabilities in unfenced border regions, like the 3,488-km China border, and address threats from drones used for smuggling. A pilot project will soon start on the Pakistan border, with technologies tailored to local conditions across diverse terrains.
- The Home Ministry is developing a technology-driven command-and-control system for India's land borders.
- The "smart border" architecture will integrate AI, sensors, and surveillance systems with unified command centres.
- The system aims to strengthen monitoring and response capabilities in unfenced border regions and counter drone threats.
The Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) cancelled the recruitment process for Drug Inspector, Group-B posts, after a Mumbai Police inquiry found the screening test question paper had been leaked. The leak was discovered when candidates reported receiving the paper before the March 22 examination. MPSC filed a complaint, and the police confirmed a prima facie leak benefiting at least one candidate. MPSC will conduct a re-examination, allowing previous applicants to re-appear without an additional fee. NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar called for the MPSC chairman to take responsibility and resign.
- Maharashtra PSC cancelled the recruitment process for Drug Inspector, Group-B posts due to a paper leak.
- A Mumbai Police inquiry confirmed the question paper for the March 22 screening test was leaked.
- MPSC will conduct a re-examination, with no additional fee for previous applicants.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has added heatwaves and lightning to India's list of notified natural calamities, making them eligible for full State Disaster Risk Management Fund (SDRMF) pool. This change, based on the Sixteenth Finance Commission's recommendation, removes previous funding ceilings for heatwave-related losses. While the total fund allocation has increased, States need to strengthen planning and implementation of Heat Action Plans (HAPs) to effectively utilize these funds. The analysis highlights India's growing exposure to extreme heat and the need for robust mitigation strategies.
- Heatwaves and lightning are now notified natural calamities, making them eligible for full SDRMF funding.
- The Sixteenth Finance Commission recommended a significant increase in State disaster funds.
- States need to strengthen planning and implementation of Heat Action Plans (HAPs) to effectively use the funds.
The Tamil Nadu government has scrapped the proposed second airport project at Parandur, Kancheepuram district, following sustained opposition from farmers and environmental concerns. Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay announced the decision, citing protests over land acquisition, livelihoods, and the presence of water bodies. The government will now search for an alternative site. While the existing Chennai airport's capacity is being expanded to 55 million passengers with Terminal 3 and the proposed Terminal 5, experts emphasize the need for a second airport as an economic engine for the State's growth.
- Tamil Nadu government scrapped the Parandur airport project due to farmer protests and environmental concerns.
- Opposition cited issues of land acquisition, impact on livelihoods, and the presence of water bodies.
- The government will now search for an alternative site for Chennai's second airport.
An analysis of deletions in recent Special Integrated Revision (SIRs) of electoral rolls in Karnataka and Telangana suggests arbitrary application of reasons for voter list changes. The study found that a significant number of deletions were made without proper verification or valid reasons, particularly concerning duplicate entries and shifts. It highlights discrepancies in the application of rules across different constituencies and States, raising concerns about the integrity of the electoral process. The analysis calls for greater transparency and stricter adherence to guidelines to ensure fair and accurate voter lists.
- Analysis of SIRs in Karnataka and Telangana indicates arbitrary reasons for voter list deletions.
- A significant number of deletions were made without proper verification, especially for duplicates and shifts.
- Discrepancies in rule application across constituencies and States raise concerns about electoral integrity.