The article discusses the critical role of the Finance Commission (FC) in determining fiscal transfers from the Union to States, highlighting the complexities of ensuring both vertical and horizontal equity. It notes that while vertical transfers have increased, horizontal equity remains a challenge due to varying fiscal capacities and needs among states. The 16th FC faces the task of balancing these aspects, especially with the cessation of GST compensation and the need for a new framework for revenue sharing. The piece emphasizes the importance of a holistic approach to ensure states can meet their developmental goals without excessive reliance on discretionary grants.
- The Finance Commission plays a crucial role in ensuring fiscal federalism by determining the distribution of Union tax revenues between the Centre and States.
- Horizontal equity, which aims to reduce disparities among states, remains a significant challenge despite increased vertical transfers.
- The 16th Finance Commission is tasked with addressing the cessation of GST compensation and developing a new framework for fiscal transfers.
The Union Home Ministry has proposed a unique governance model for Ladakh, offering greater legislative, financial, and administrative powers within the existing Union Territory framework. This proposal, made during a meeting with the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), includes a legislature at the UT level and protection under Article 371. While the Centre is adamant against granting Sixth Schedule status, LAB co-convener Cherring Dorjay Lakruk stated that the demand for Statehood would continue, viewing the current offer as a step towards safeguarding land, employment, and environment. Discussions are ongoing to finalize the specifics of this arrangement.
- The Union Home Ministry proposed a unique governance model for Ladakh, including a legislature at the UT level and Article 371 protection.
- The proposal was discussed with the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA).
- The Centre remains firm against granting Sixth Schedule status to Ladakh.
The Supreme Court's May 21, 2026, clarification, allowing lower courts to decide on sedition cases, has unlatched Section 124A of the Indian Penal Code, a provision previously frozen by the court in May 2022. This revival triggers concerns because both the Supreme Court and the Union government had acknowledged the law as "not in tune with the current social milieu" and a "colonial baggage." While the recent order aims to protect the right to a speedy trial for accused persons, it raises questions about lower courts pronouncing guilt when the constitutionality of Section 124A itself is still under challenge in the top court.
- The Supreme Court's May 21, 2026, order revived proceedings under Section 124A (sedition) of the IPC.
- This order reverses the May 11, 2022, decision that had frozen all sedition proceedings due to rampant misuse.
- Both the Supreme Court and the Union government had previously recognized Section 124A as a colonial and outdated law.
The West Bengal government has directed District Magistrates to establish holding centers for detained illegal foreigners and released foreign prisoners awaiting deportation. This directive, issued via a notification from the Home and Hill Affairs Department, aligns with guidelines from the Union Home Ministry. The move follows Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari's announcement of a "detect, delete and deport" policy for "illegal infiltrators" not covered under the Citizenship (Amendment) Act. The State police will arrest such individuals and hand them over to the BSF for deportation, particularly targeting Bangladeshi and Rohingya nationals.
- West Bengal government ordered District Magistrates to set up holding centers for detained illegal foreigners.
- The initiative follows Union Home Ministry guidelines and Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari's "detect, delete and deport" policy.
- The policy targets "illegal infiltrators" not covered by the CAA, specifically mentioning Bangladeshi and Rohingya nationals.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, addressing a 'Janjati Sanskritik Samagam' at New Delhi, assured Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities that any implemented Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the country would exempt them from its provisions. He stated that the UCC would not encroach upon tribal rights, culture, or way of life, citing examples from Uttarakhand and Gujarat. The event, organized by Sangh Parivar affiliates Janjati Suraksha Manch and Akhil Bharatiya Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram, also called for constitutional amendments to give ST classification a religion criterion and to amend PESA provisions.
- Union Home Minister Amit Shah guaranteed that tribal communities would be exempt from any Uniform Civil Code implementation.
- The assurance aims to dispel "conspiracy" theories that UCC would undermine tribal culture and way of life.
- The event, a 'Janjati Sanskritik Samagam', was organized by Sangh Parivar affiliates.
Following the WHO's declaration of the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, the Indian Centre has instructed all States and Union Territories to strengthen surveillance, hospital preparedness, and rapid response systems. Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava highlighted the need for adequate preparedness due to growing international trade and travel, despite the low current risk to India. States are asked to intensify surveillance under the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP), identify isolation facilities, ensure trained personnel and PPE, and reinforce infection prevention and control practices in healthcare settings.
- The Centre has directed all States and UTs to strengthen Ebola surveillance and preparedness.
- This directive follows the WHO's declaration of an Ebola outbreak in DRC and Uganda as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.
- States are advised to intensify surveillance under the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) for individuals with recent travel history to affected regions.
Rules for the new rural employment guarantee scheme, "Viksit Bharat - Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin)," are expected to be released by July 1. The Centre informed a parliamentary standing committee that 25 states have already allocated funds for the program. The scheme aims to ensure equitable distribution of resources and will introduce new smart job cards with a face-recognition feature for transparency. The Central government will determine the state-wise normative allocation of funds based on objective parameters, replacing existing job cards with new ones. This initiative seeks to improve accountability and streamline benefits for rural employment.
- New rules for the "Viksit Bharat - Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin)" scheme are set to be released by July 1.
- The scheme aims to provide rural employment guarantees and ensure equitable resource distribution.
- New smart job cards with face-recognition features will be issued to enhance transparency and accountability.
The Supreme Court sought a response from the Centre and States on a plea highlighting the lack of uniform excise laws across States, leading to deceptive packaging and promotion of cheap alcohol. The Chief Justice emphasized the need for a clear, uniform, and harmonious definition of terms like "bottle" and "juice" in excise laws. The petition argued that liquor packaged as "juice" poses health risks, increases ease of smuggling, and contributes to public consumption, especially among juveniles. The court noted that such packaging makes it difficult to distinguish liquor from actual juice, leading to public health concerns and inflation worries.
- The Supreme Court has raised concerns about the lack of uniform excise laws across Indian States.
- The court called for a clear and consistent definition of terms like "liquor" and "bottle" in excise laws.
- Deceptive packaging of cheap alcohol as "juice" poses significant public health risks, especially for juveniles.
The Union government, through a common affidavit from the Ministries of Environment, Jal Shakti, and Power, informed the Supreme Court that no new hydroelectric projects will be permitted in the upper reaches of the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi river basins in Uttarakhand. This decision excludes seven already commissioned or substantially built projects. The rationale for allowing these seven to continue includes substantial public and private investment, their location outside the Bhagirathi Eco-Sensitive Zone, and no flagging by expert bodies. The government cited cumulative impact of dams, seismic fragility, and past disasters like the 2013 Kedarnath floods for its hardened stance, rejecting even five projects previously under consideration.
- The Union government has decided against permitting new hydroelectric projects in the upper Ganga river basins in Uttarakhand.
- This stance was communicated to the Supreme Court via a joint affidavit from three ministries.
- Seven existing or near-complete projects are exempt due to investment and environmental assessments.
An analysis of India's justice system budgets across 11 high-GDP states reveals a disproportionate allocation towards policing (over 80% of justice-related funds) compared to the judiciary, prisons, and legal aid. This indicates a system focused on enforcement and surveillance rather than access, adjudication, or rehabilitation. The judiciary receives less than 1% of state budgets despite high caseloads, and legal aid, crucial for marginalized individuals, is severely underfunded, leading to limited reach and inadequate representation. The report highlights the need for recalibration of budget priorities to align with constitutional mandates for an accessible and people-centred justice system.
- India's justice system budget is heavily skewed towards policing, receiving over 80% of funds.
- The judiciary and legal aid are significantly underfunded, hindering access to justice.
- This reflects a system prioritizing enforcement and surveillance over adjudication and rehabilitation.
India is preparing for its first digital Census in 2027, aiming for a credible and accurate enumeration. The process involves pre-testing questionnaires and methods to ensure data quality and address challenges like low literacy and lack of digital access in some areas. The Census will collect data on housing, population, and socio-economic indicators. The article highlights the need for robust planning, training of enumerators, and addressing issues like data quality, privacy, and potential fraud to ensure the success of the digital census, which is crucial for policy formulation and resource allocation. This shift aims to improve efficiency and data reliability.
- India is moving towards its first digital Census in 2027.
- Pre-testing of questionnaires and methods is crucial for data quality and addressing field challenges.
- The Census aims to collect comprehensive data on housing, population, and socio-economic aspects.
The Supreme Court, in the Syed Iftikhar Andrabi vs National Investigation Agency case, reaffirmed the principle that bail should be the rule, even in UAPA cases. The ruling emphasized that the right to personal liberty and a speedy trial cannot be subservient to Section 43-D(5) of the UAPA, which makes bail difficult. This judgment disapproved earlier two-judge Bench rulings (Gurwinder Singh and Gulfisha Fatima) that diluted the principle set by a three-judge Bench in K.A. Najeeb (2021), which held that UAPA's rigours "melt down" if trial conclusion is unlikely within a reasonable time and substantial incarceration has occurred.
- The Supreme Court granted bail in the Andrabi case, emphasizing personal liberty and speedy trial.
- The ruling clarifies that Section 43-D(5) of the UAPA cannot indefinitely deny bail if trial is delayed.
- It reinforces the K.A. Najeeb (2021) judgment, which stated that UAPA's stringent bail conditions can be relaxed under certain circumstances.
The Supreme Court dismissed a plea challenging caste enumeration, stating it's not within its domain to decide if caste enumeration should be part of Census 2027. The court emphasized that any government must know how many people are backward and need welfare, making caste data a matter of policy. The Chief Justice highlighted that the exercise included systematic enumeration of only Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes until the 2011 Census, with the first phase of enumeration in Census 2027 already held. This decision reinforces the government's prerogative in data collection for welfare schemes.
- The Supreme Court rejected a plea challenging caste enumeration, stating it is a policy matter for the government.
- CJI Surya Kant emphasized the need for data on backward populations for effective welfare policies.
- Systematic enumeration in the Census traditionally covered only Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes until 2011.
India's medical education system, despite expanding MBBS seats, faces significant challenges in quality, faculty shortages, infrastructure, and research. The editorial argues for a shift from quantity to quality, emphasizing the need for robust faculty development, modern infrastructure, and integration of technology like AI. It highlights issues such as the lack of independent regulatory bodies, outdated curricula, and inadequate research focus. Recommendations include strengthening faculty, promoting interdisciplinary research, and fostering a culture of innovation to produce competent, compassionate, and future-ready healthcare professionals, aligning with the vision of a "constructive relationship of strategic stability" for the next three years and beyond.
- India's medical education system is expanding in quantity but lacks sufficient quality, faculty, and infrastructure.
- There is a critical need for independent regulatory bodies and a shift towards a competency-based, modern curriculum.
- Integrating technology like AI and promoting interdisciplinary research are essential for future-ready medical professionals.
The Federation of Indian Medical Association (FAIMA) has petitioned the Supreme Court, alleging "recurring, systemic, and catastrophic" failures by the National Testing Agency (NTA) in conducting the NEET-UG exam. FAIMA claims NTA ignored recommendations from the Radhakrishnan Committee and previous SC directions following a 2024 paper leak. The petition highlights NTA's reliance on unverified private service providers, leading to lapses like unauthorized access to strongrooms and insecure transportation of sensitive materials. FAIMA urges the SC to invoke Article 142 for a modern, foolproof, and transparent system, arguing that mere cancellation of the exam is insufficient.
- FAIMA has accused the National Testing Agency (NTA) of repeated systemic failures in conducting the NEET-UG exam.
- The petition alleges that NTA disregarded recommendations from the Radhakrishnan Committee and Supreme Court directions after a 2024 paper leak.
- NTA's reliance on unverified private service providers for logistics and security is cited as a major cause of examination lapses.
The Nicobar tribal council is opposing the Union government's notification of three wildlife sanctuaries in Little Nicobar, Meroe, and Menchal islands, alleging violations of the Forest Rights Act. This opposition comes amidst challenges to the Great Nicobar Island (GNI) project for similar violations. The council states that the sanctuaries were notified without consulting the local community, who have lived on and maintained these islands for generations. Meroe and Menchal islands hold high cultural and spiritual significance for the Nicobarese. They argue that the sanctuaries would encroach upon their traditional rights, including ritual hunts and maintenance of plantations, and demand the revocation of the notification.
- The Nicobar tribal council opposes the notification of three wildlife sanctuaries in Little Nicobar, Meroe, and Menchal islands.
- They allege violations of the Forest Rights Act, as no consultation occurred with the local community.
- The Meroe and Menchal islands are culturally and spiritually significant to the Nicobarese.
Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Prahlad Joshi, announced that a new policy linking fiscal incentives to renewable energy adoption has been accepted by both the Power and Finance ministries. This policy aims to encourage States to sign Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) for renewable energy. Joshi emphasized the government's serious efforts to address current issues in renewable energy generation, including grid and transmission constraints. Despite a 7% decline in global renewable investments, India has seen strong investment flows in the sector, indicating its commitment to affordable and reliable green energy.
- A new policy linking fiscal incentives to renewable energy adoption has been accepted by Power and Finance ministries.
- The policy aims to encourage States to sign Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) for renewable energy.
- The government is actively working to resolve issues related to grid and transmission constraints in renewable energy generation.
The Union Ministry of Education has issued a fresh reminder to West Bengal, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu to implement the Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India (PM SHRI) scheme. Launched in September 2022, the five-year initiative aims to transform over 14,500 schools into "exemplar institutions" aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. While 34 States and UTs have moved forward, West Bengal is yet to sign the MoU, and Kerala has kept it in abeyance. Tamil Nadu had provided an undertaking but the process remains incomplete, causing delays and affecting intended benefits for students.
- The Union Ministry of Education is pushing West Bengal, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu to implement the PM SHRI scheme.
- The PM SHRI scheme, launched in September 2022, aims to transform over 14,500 schools into "exemplar institutions."
- These exemplar schools are intended to lead the way in implementing the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
India faces a paradox: abundant annual rainfall (4,000 billion cubic metres) but significant water scarcity due to inefficient capture, storage, and use. The country's water crisis is institutional, not just hydrological, with per-capita water availability declining from over 5,000 to 1,400 cubic metres annually. India is the world's largest groundwater user, accounting for a quarter of global extraction. Governance involves a complex multi-level structure with Union, State, and local bodies. Initiatives like Jal Jeevan Mission, Atal Bhujal Yojana, and Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana aim to improve water supply, groundwater management, and irrigation efficiency, moving towards a circular water economy.
- India's water crisis is primarily institutional, stemming from inefficient water capture, storage, and use, despite high annual rainfall.
- Per-capita water availability has significantly declined from over 5,000 to 1,400 cubic metres annually.
- India is the world's largest groundwater user, responsible for roughly a quarter of global extraction.
Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant launched 'One Case, One Data' (OCOD) and 'Su-Sahayak', an AI-powered chatbot, to digitize the judiciary. OCOD aims to create a unified digital trail for disputes across courts, improving data accuracy and easing procedural bottlenecks. Su-Sahayak assists users with case status and judgments on the Supreme Court website. While these tools promise improved access to justice, concerns exist regarding the digital divide, potential for misuse, interoperability, data integrity, and the risk of AI bias against marginalized communities, emphasizing the need for careful implementation to prevent abuse.
- CJI Surya Kant launched 'One Case, One Data' (OCOD) and 'Su-Sahayak' to digitize the Indian judiciary.
- OCOD aims to create a unified digital data platform for all court cases, linking records and litigant actions.
- 'Su-Sahayak' is an AI-powered chatbot designed to help users navigate the Supreme Court website for case information.
Himanta Biswa Sarma took oath as the Chief Minister of Assam for his second consecutive term, marking a historic first for a non-Congress leader in the state. Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya administered the oath in Guwahati. Four other ministers, including Rameswar Teli, Ajanta Neog (BJP), Atul Bora (AGP), and Charan Boro (BPF), were also sworn in. The event was attended by prominent figures like Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and the U.S. Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor, highlighting the significance of the NDA's third consecutive term in Assam.
- Himanta Biswa Sarma was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Assam for a second consecutive term.
- This marks the first time a non-Congress leader has served two straight terms as Assam CM.
- Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya administered the oath of office and secrecy.
The article discusses the Governor's critical role when no single party secures a clear majority in state elections, leading to a hung assembly. The Governor, as the constitutional head, invites the largest party or pre-poll alliance to form the government, but discretion is involved. Precedents and Supreme Court judgments emphasize that the Governor must act judiciously, ensuring stability and adhering to constitutional propriety. Key issues include the timing of inviting parties, the floor test, and the formation of post-poll alliances. The Sarkaria Commission and the Punchhi Commission have provided recommendations to guide the Governor's actions in such scenarios, stressing the need for transparency and fairness.
- In a hung assembly, the Governor's role is crucial in inviting parties to form a government.
- The Governor's discretion must be exercised judiciously, guided by constitutional provisions and precedents.
- The largest single party or pre-poll alliance is usually invited first, but post-poll alliances can also be considered.
The Central government has operationalized the four Labour Codes by publishing the final rules, which were previously in draft form in December 2025. This move aims to replace 29 existing labour laws, covering wages, social security, working hours, retirement benefits, and trade union rights. However, the decision has met with strong opposition from central trade unions, who view it as a "direct attack" on workers' rights. They argue that the codes favour employers and undermine workers' protections, leading to protests and calls for amendments, highlighting a significant divide between government policy and labour advocacy.
- The Central government has operationalized four Labour Codes by publishing final rules.
- These codes aim to consolidate and replace 29 existing labour laws.
- The operationalization covers aspects like wages, social security, working hours, and trade union rights.
A report by NREGA Sangharsh Morcha and LibTech India reveals a sharp contraction in the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) in 2025-26. Despite a marginal rise in registered households, employment generation, total workdays, and the number of families completing 100 days of work significantly declined. This resulted in an average income loss of ₹1,221 per household. The report highlights the uncertainty surrounding the transition to the new Viksit Bharat - Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025, and criticizes the lack of public consultation for such a major restructuring of employment guarantee programs, raising concerns about rural livelihood security.
- The MGNREGS experienced a significant contraction in 2025-26, with declines in employment generation and total workdays.
- This contraction led to an average income loss of ₹1,221 for each MGNREGS household during the financial year.
- The number of households completing 100 days of work under the scheme declined by 40.5%.