The Union government plans to amend the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) in the ongoing Parliament session. Key proposed changes include appointing a "designated authority" to manage or dispose of assets created from foreign funds by NGOs whose FCRA registration is suspended or cancelled. The amendments also expand the definition of "key functionary" to include various roles beyond office bearers, making them liable for FCRA offenses. Additionally, the Bill proposes to reduce the maximum imprisonment for FCRA offenses from five years to one year and introduces fixed timelines for utilizing foreign funds received under "prior permission" category. Law enforcement agencies will also require prior Central government approval for investigations into FCRA-related complaints.
- Amendments to the FCRA are proposed to regulate foreign funds and manage assets of NGOs.
- A "designated authority" will be appointed to handle assets of NGOs with suspended or cancelled FCRA registrations.
- The definition of "key functionary" is expanded, making more individuals liable for FCRA offenses.
The article celebrates a decade of India's TB Champion initiative, which empowers individuals with lived experience of tuberculosis (TB) to support others and combat stigma. Launched in 2016, the program leverages the voices of TB survivors to educate communities, advocate for patient rights, and improve treatment adherence. These champions, often former patients, share their stories, provide peer support, and help navigate the healthcare system. The initiative has been crucial in fostering a sense of community, reducing isolation, and challenging misconceptions about TB. By amplifying patient voices, the program contributes significantly to India's efforts to eliminate TB by 2025, demonstrating the power of community-led interventions in public health.
- India's TB Champion initiative empowers TB survivors to support other patients and reduce stigma.
- The program, launched in 2016, utilizes lived experiences to educate and advocate for patient rights.
- TB Champions provide peer support, share stories, and assist patients in navigating healthcare.
Nepal's recent election results, described as a "political earthquake," have brought a younger generation of professionals and tech-savvy figures to power, rejecting old leaders and established parties. This shift presents India with a strategic opportunity to foster a forward-looking bilateral relationship. The new government faces significant challenges, including creating jobs, stimulating economic growth, and ensuring good governance. India has responded quickly and constructively, focusing on development, infrastructure, digital connectivity, and energy. Policy makers on both sides must discard old mindsets and address irritants with fresh approaches, prioritizing people-centric policies. The article suggests that Nepal's shift is part of a wider regional phenomenon of youth-led agitations demanding better governance, and India should view new leaders pragmatically rather than as anti-India.
- Nepal's recent elections signify a major political shift, bringing in a younger generation of leaders.
- This change offers India a strategic opportunity to build a forward-looking bilateral relationship with Nepal.
- The new Nepali government faces challenges like job creation, economic growth, and good governance.
Nepal's new leadership, led by Prime Minister-designate Balendra Shah and the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), faces the complex task of navigating international relations. Shah's rise, marked by a "monastic" campaign and critiques of the political establishment, reflects a generational shift. While his nationalist stance, including displaying a "Greater Nepal" map and briefly banning Indian films, resonates domestically, he must now manage Nepal's geopolitical realities. India remains Nepal's most crucial partner, with deep economic and social ties. China has expanded its footprint with infrastructure projects like the Pokhara International Airport. Washington has also become a strategic interest partner. The new administration's first major test will be managing the implications of the West Asia conflict, given Nepal's energy lifelines and migrant population in the Persian Gulf.
- Nepal's new leadership, under Balendra Shah, must navigate complex international relations.
- Shah's nationalist approach, while popular domestically, needs to adapt to geopolitical realities.
- India is Nepal's most significant partner due to strong economic, social, and energy ties.
The Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) in Meghalaya approved an amendment mandating that only Scheduled Tribe members can contest its polls. This decision effectively ends over seven decades of non-tribal participation in GHADC elections and follows weeks of unrest and ethnic tensions, which included protests where two people died. The State government had deferred the April 10 elections and extended the council's tenure to allow for these rule amendments. Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma hailed the resolution as a "historic milestone," emphasizing its role in safeguarding the rights and self-governance of tribal communities under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.
- The GHADC in Meghalaya amended its rules to restrict election candidacy exclusively to Scheduled Tribe members.
- This change ends non-tribal participation in council elections, a practice that had existed for over seven decades.
- The decision comes after weeks of ethnic tensions and protests, resulting in two deaths.
Despite projections for one of the hottest summers, the Delhi government has not yet declared a heat action plan to mitigate extreme heat and humidity impacts, especially on vulnerable populations. Delhi recorded 35.7°C on March 7, the highest in the first week of the month in 50 years. Last year's plan, prepared by DDMA and NDMA, recommended revising guidelines and undertaking long-term measures like "cool roofs" and identifying heat hotspots. However, officials indicate this year's plan is delayed due to pending meetings with departments. Critics note a lack of improvement in working conditions for laborers and poor implementation of long-term actions like cool roofs.
- Delhi government has not yet announced its heat action plan for the upcoming harsh summer.
- Delhi experienced a record high temperature of 35.7°C in early March.
- Previous recommendations included revising guidelines, promoting "cool roofs," and identifying heat hotspots.
The Union government plans to introduce an amendment Bill proposing a delimitation exercise based on the 2011 Census to implement the Women's Reservation Act, 2023, before the 2029 Lok Sabha elections. This move aims to increase Lok Sabha seats from 543 to 816, with 273 seats (33%) reserved for women. The amendments could be brought in during the ongoing Budget Session or a Special Session. States, particularly Southern States, have expressed concerns about maintaining their existing proportion of seats, fearing a loss of representation due to population control success. The government intends to maintain the pro rata basis for seat allocation to address these concerns.
- An amendment Bill for delimitation based on the 2011 Census is planned to implement the Women's Reservation Act, 2023.
- The delimitation aims to increase Lok Sabha seats from 543 to 816, reserving 33% (273 seats) for women.
- The government intends to introduce the Bill before the 2029 Lok Sabha elections.
The Central government has approved an additional 20% allocation of commercial Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) to states and Union Territories, specifically for sectors like restaurants, hotels, and food processing. This raises the total commercial LPG allocation to 50% of the estimated requirement. The decision comes amidst concerns over LPG supply disruptions due to the West Asia war and the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime chokepoint. Consumers are now mandated to register with public sector fuel retailers and apply for piped natural gas (PNG) connections to be eligible for commercial LPG.
- The government increased commercial LPG allocation to states and UTs by an additional 20%, bringing the total to 50% of the estimated requirement.
- This measure aims to support sectors like restaurants, hotels, and food processing, which were severely affected by supply cuts.
- The decision is a response to LPG supply disruptions caused by the West Asia war and the impact on the Strait of Hormuz.
The Centre will scrutinise all Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) projects costing over Rs 100 crore to address concerns about inflated costs in the first phase. This rationalisation exercise, announced by the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti, aims to ensure efficient use of funds before release to states. The JJM, which aims to provide 55 litres of potable water per person daily to every rural household via tap connections, had its deadline extended from 2024 to 2028, with an additional outlay of Rs 1.51 lakh crore. States were informed of this decision on March 14, following Cabinet approval of the mission extension.
- The Union government will scrutinise Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) projects exceeding ₹100 crore to address concerns of cost escalation.
- The JJM aims to provide 55 litres of potable water per person daily to every rural household through tap connections.
- The mission's original completion deadline of 2024 has been extended to 2028.
India faces a severe and escalating water crisis, exacerbated by climate change, population growth, and inefficient management. To address this, four key solutions are proposed: improving water governance through policy reforms and institutional strengthening; promoting nature-based solutions like watershed restoration and rainwater harvesting; investing in digital infrastructure for real-time monitoring and data-driven decision-making; and fostering community participation to ensure equitable distribution and sustainable use. These integrated approaches are crucial for transforming India's water management from a reactive to a proactive and resilient system, ensuring water security for its vast population and agricultural needs.
- India faces a severe water crisis due to climate change, population growth, and inefficient management.
- Improving water governance through policy reforms and institutional strengthening is crucial.
- Promoting nature-based solutions like watershed restoration and rainwater harvesting can enhance water security.
A parliamentary committee has warned that the objectives of the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) to provide consistent potable water to all rural households will remain unfulfilled due to a lack of sustainable water sources. Despite tap connections being installed, many sources are depleting within a year or two. The committee recommended implementing 'source to tap' schemes to account for the entire water supply chain. The Union Cabinet recently extended the JJM programme to 2028 and allocated additional funds, shifting its focus from infrastructure creation to service delivery and sustainable rural piped potable water supply, instituting a national digital framework called 'Sujalam Bharat'.
- The Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) faces a significant challenge from the lack of sustainable water sources, threatening its goal of universal potable water supply.
- A parliamentary committee noted that many installed tap connections are becoming defunct due to rapidly depleting water sources.
- The committee recommended implementing 'source to tap' schemes to ensure the entire water supply chain, from source to delivery, is accounted for.
At least 24 States and Union Territories have earmarked funds for the new Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025, a rural employment programme. This comes despite the Centre not yet notifying the formula for State-wise normative allocations, which is mandated by Section 4(5) of the Act. States are using their past expenditure under MGNREGA as a baseline, accounting for the additional 25 workdays promised under the new Act (100 to 125 days). States must bear 40% of the scheme's expenditure, with relaxations for northeastern and hilly regions. The Union Budget for 2026-27 has allocated ₹95,652 crore as the Centre's share.
- Many States and UTs have allocated funds for the new Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025.
- The Centre is yet to notify the formula for State-wise normative allocations, which is a key pending element mandated by the Act.
- States are currently using past MGNREGA expenditure as a baseline and accounting for an extended 125 days of guaranteed employment.
India's Income Tax Department's Project Insight (PI) leverages AI and data analytics to enhance tax administration and revenue mobilization. Launched in 2017, PI aims to boost voluntary compliance, reduce evasion, and ensure fair enforcement. It has shown results, with over one crore revised returns filed and significant additional taxes collected. However, the transition to algorithmic tax governance raises concerns about data provenance and quality, algorithmic bias, explainability and due process, and data privacy and security. India also lacks an AI ombudsperson, which is crucial for reviewing contested decisions and ensuring accountability in an ethical AI system.
- India's Project Insight (PI) uses AI and data analytics to improve tax revenue mobilization and governance, aiming for voluntary compliance and fair enforcement.
- PI has demonstrated success, leading to millions of revised tax returns and significant additional tax collections since 2020-21.
- The initiative helps detect inconsistencies, prioritizes evasion cases, automates tasks, and enhances taxpayer services through tools like smart chatbots.
ISRO's NavIC constellation is in operational distress, with only three satellites capable of providing PNT services, failing to fulfill its purpose of replacing the U.S.'s GPS system over India. This degradation is faster than replenishment due to poor launch rates, budget constraints, and issues with PSLV. The first-generation satellites used faulty Swiss-made rubidium atomic clocks, and even the indigenous clocks in NVS-02 faced issues. India lacks a dedicated directorate for managing its PNT system, unlike GPS or Galileo. ISRO's plan to launch three more second-generation satellites in 2026 lacks confidence given the current challenges.
- ISRO's NavIC constellation is in operational distress, with only three satellites currently providing Position, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) services.
- The constellation's degradation is attributed to poor launch rates, insufficient budget, and issues with the PSLV rocket.
- First-generation NavIC satellites suffered from failures of Swiss-made rubidium atomic clocks, and even indigenous clocks in NVS-02 faced problems.
The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation has released a new GDP series with 2022-23 as the base year, updating the previous 2011-12 series. This aims to provide a more accurate and realistic picture of the Indian economy. The new estimates show the overall GDP at current prices to be marginally lower (3-4%) than previous estimates. Significant refinements include improved methodology for multi-activity enterprises, comprehensive coverage of LLPs, and direct derivation of private final consumption expenditure using Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES 2022-23) data. Challenges remain in allocating GVA across states and resolving volatility in annual estimates.
- India has released a new GDP series with the base year updated to 2022-23, replacing the 2011-12 series.
- The new series provides a more accurate and realistic representation of the Indian economy, with GDP estimates at current prices marginally lower than previous series.
- Key methodological refinements include improved GVA allocation for multi-activity enterprises, comprehensive LLP coverage, and direct use of HCES 2022-23 data for private final consumption expenditure.
The Supreme Court declared maternity leave a basic human right, ruling that all adoptive mothers are entitled to 12 weeks of paid leave, irrespective of the child's age. This judgment struck down a provision in the Code of Social Security (2020) that limited this benefit to mothers adopting children under three months old. The Court emphasized that adoptive mothers have the same rights and obligations as natural mothers, requiring time to nurture the emotional bond. It also urged the Union government to legally recognize paternity leave as a social security benefit, stressing that parenthood is a shared responsibility and children need both parents' presence.
- The Supreme Court ruled that maternity leave is a basic human right, extending 12 weeks of paid leave to all adoptive mothers regardless of the child's age.
- The judgment struck down a discriminatory provision in the Code of Social Security (2020) that restricted this benefit to mothers adopting children under three months.
- The Court highlighted that adoptive mothers require time to establish an emotional bond with the child, similar to natural mothers.
The Education Ministry has informed a Joint Committee of Parliament that the proposed Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan Bill, 2025, will incorporate a UGC-like mechanism for grants disbursement. Initially, the Bill aimed to separate funding powers from the regulatory framework to avoid conflicts of interest. However, the Ministry now plans to devise and adopt similar qualitative processes for grants under the Shiksha Adhishthan. Opposition MPs raised concerns about potential centralized control, arguing it would create a "super-regulator" and undermine federalism. They also criticized the Bill as "skeletal," lacking crucial details that would be determined later through rules.
- The Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan Bill, 2025, initially aimed to separate funding from regulatory powers in higher education.
- The Education Ministry now proposes to integrate a UGC-like grants-disbursal mechanism under the Shiksha Adhishthan.
- Opposition MPs expressed concerns that this move could lead to centralized control, creating a "super-regulator" and violating federalism principles.
Tamil Nadu, aiming for a $1-trillion economy by 2030, needs to significantly boost its basic science funding to become a leader in green technology. While the state has integrated climate action across sectors and launched dedicated environmental missions, its revenue spending on Science and Technology (S&T) and R&D expenditure remains modest compared to other states and international benchmarks like South Korea. The current approach risks making Tamil Nadu a consumer rather than a creator of green technologies, as evidenced by the import of photovoltaic modules despite being a solar installation leader. Increased investment in fundamental research is crucial to develop homegrown solutions.
- Tamil Nadu aims to achieve a $1-trillion economy by 2030 and become a leading hub for green technology.
- The state has implemented various climate action strategies and dedicated environmental missions, including the Climate Change Mission and Green Climate Fund.
- Tamil Nadu's R&D expenditure, at under 0.5% of GSDP, is significantly lower than benchmarks, risking its role as a consumer rather than a creator of green technologies.
The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 proposes a new regulatory system to gradually phase out the university affiliation system over 15 years, aiming to foster autonomy and quality in colleges. The current system is riddled with inefficiencies, placing an overwhelming administrative burden on universities, hindering their core functions like research and innovation. It also restricts colleges' autonomy, forcing adherence to rigid syllabi and examination patterns, stifling creativity and innovation. Disparities in educational delivery and outdated curricula further weaken the system. The NEP suggests encouraging colleges to participate in quality frameworks like NIRF and NBA as an alternative to affiliations.
- The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 aims to phase out the university affiliation system over 15 years to promote college autonomy and quality.
- The existing affiliation system burdens universities with excessive administrative tasks, diverting resources from research and innovation.
- Colleges lack autonomy under the current system, being forced to follow rigid syllabi and examination patterns, which stifles innovation and local relevance.
India's prisons face a severe public health crisis due to poor infrastructure and neglect of inmate ailments. Overcrowding is a persistent issue, with some facilities exceeding 400% occupancy, leading to outbreaks of diseases like herpes simplex virus (HSV), skin diseases, tuberculosis (TB), COVID-19, and higher HIV prevalence. A 2023 Lancet study found prisoners five times more likely to develop TB. The system suffers from a 43% vacancy rate for medical officers, making inmate-to-doctor ratios 2.6 times higher than recommended. Solutions include integrating prisons into the National Health Mission, fast-tracking undertrial cases, and expanding bail use.
- Indian prisons are grappling with a severe public health crisis due to poor infrastructure, overcrowding, and inadequate medical care.
- Overcrowding leads to widespread health issues among inmates, including HSV, skin diseases, TB, COVID-19, and higher HIV prevalence.
- A significant shortage of medical officers, with a 43% vacancy rate, exacerbates the problem, leading to an inmate-to-doctor ratio 2.6 times higher than recommended.
The Central Armed Forces (General Administration) Bill is expected to be introduced in the Budget Session of Parliament. This Bill aims to codify the functioning of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and address a Supreme Court ruling from May 2025. The ruling mandated the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to progressively reduce the deputation of IPS officers up to the Inspector-General rank in CAPFs within two years. The MHA had sought an extension for this timeline, citing the comprehensive and multi-layered process required for cadre review and framing service rules.
- The Central Armed Forces (General Administration) Bill is slated for introduction in the Budget Session.
- The Bill aims to codify the functioning of CAPFs and respond to a Supreme Court ruling.
- The Supreme Court had directed the MHA to reduce IPS officer deputation in CAPFs up to the IG rank within two years.
The Supreme Court expressed strong dissatisfaction with the NCERT Director's "laconic" affidavit regarding a "rewritten" Class 8 social science chapter on "corruption in judiciary." The court had previously banned the textbook due to concerns about creating bias against the judiciary in impressionable minds. The Bench questioned the expertise and process behind the revision and directed the government to form an expert committee, including a former senior judge, an eminent academic, and a legal practitioner, to approve any revised chapter before publication. The court also clarified that legitimate criticism of the judiciary is acceptable but condemned "mischief mongers" on social media.
- The Supreme Court criticized NCERT's handling of a "rewritten" Class 8 social science chapter on "corruption in judiciary."
- The court had previously banned the textbook, citing concerns about creating bias against the judiciary among students.
- An expert committee, including a former senior judge, academic, and legal practitioner, must approve any revised chapter before publication.
A resolution seeking the removal of Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla was defeated by a voice vote in Parliament. The Opposition protested Union Home Minister Amit Shah's remarks concerning Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi's conduct in Parliament. Mr. Shah defended Mr. Birla, stating that the Speaker serves as a neutral custodian and that questioning his integrity is akin to questioning democratic processes. He also highlighted the increased productivity of the Lok Sabha under Mr. Birla's leadership and criticized Mr. Gandhi's attendance record during crucial sessions. The motion was rejected without a division of votes as the House was not in order.
- The Lok Sabha rejected a motion to remove Speaker Om Birla by a voice vote.
- Opposition MPs protested remarks made by Union Home Minister Amit Shah regarding Rahul Gandhi's parliamentary conduct.
- Amit Shah defended Speaker Birla, emphasizing his neutrality and the increased productivity of the Lok Sabha under his leadership.
The article analyzes the Sixteenth Finance Commission's (FC16) recommendations, noting that while the States' share in the divisible pool remains at 41%, this figure is misleading. The divisible pool as a proportion of gross tax revenues has shrunk significantly due to growing cesses and surcharges retained by the Union. FC16 discontinued various grants and deferred structural reforms like amending Fiscal Responsibility Legislation and controlling off-budget borrowings. A key change is replacing the 'tax and fiscal effort' criterion with 'contribution to GDP' in the horizontal devolution formula, benefiting high-GSDP states and disadvantaging states with greater fiscal need. This re-engineering, coupled with conditional local body grants, shifts power towards the Centre and impacts states with weaker governance.
- The 41% States' share in the divisible pool is an 'illusion' as the divisible pool itself has shrunk relative to gross tax revenues due to increasing cesses and surcharges retained by the Union.
- The Sixteenth Finance Commission (FC16) discontinued revenue deficit, sector-specific, and State-specific grants, impacting targeted fiscal relief.
- FC16 deferred structural reforms such as amending Fiscal Responsibility Legislation and controlling off-budget borrowings.