Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan launched the 'Sthree Suraksha Scheme,' which provides a monthly assistance of ₹1,000 to unemployed women and transwomen. The scheme targets women aged 35 to 60 who are economically backward and not receiving benefits from other social welfare pension schemes. Over 10 lakh beneficiaries received the first month's payment. The initiative aims to reduce financial dependency, which often silences women, and ensures that the fruits of development reach every section of society. This move is part of a broader range of populist welfare measures announced by the state government.
- The scheme provides ₹1,000 per month to eligible unemployed women and transwomen in Kerala.
- Eligibility is restricted to women aged 35-60 who are economically backward and not covered by other pensions.
- The initiative is designed to promote financial independence and social inclusion for marginalized gender groups.
The Ministry of Defence is framing a consolidated framework for both serving and retired armed forces personnel who wish to publish books. Currently, while serving personnel are governed by explicit service rules requiring prior permission, retired personnel fall into a legal grey area. The new guidelines aim to incorporate provisions from existing service rules and the Official Secrets Act (OSA). The OSA makes the disclosure of classified information or sensitive operational details a criminal offense, and it continues to apply to officers for life, even after retirement. The framework will establish a process for manuscript clearance to protect national security.
- The Ministry of Defence is creating a single consolidated law to govern book-writing by retired Army officers.
- The Official Secrets Act (OSA) remains applicable to retired personnel for life regarding classified information.
- Serving personnel already require prior written permission for any literary or political activity outside official duties.
The University Grants Commission (UGC) introduced the Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions Regulations, 2026, to tackle persistent caste, gender, and religion-based discrimination. While the need for such intervention is widely acknowledged, the regulations have faced protests and a Supreme Court stay. Critics argue that the mandate for 'swift redressal' within rigid timelines, combined with vague definitions and central monitoring, creates a 'compliance theatre.' This environment may lead institutions to prioritize visible, performative actions over genuine structural reform, potentially disadvantaging the very marginalized communities the rules aim to protect by diluting the quality of adjudication.
- The regulations aim to address long-standing discrimination in Indian higher education through mandatory equity committees.
- A Supreme Court stay was issued on January 29, 2026, following protests over procedural vagueness and fear of unfair penalties.
- The 'Thin Process' model is criticized for valuing speed over careful, fair adjudication of complex grievances.
The Union government has notified amendments to the Information Technology Rules, 2021, requiring all photorealistic AI-generated content to be prominently labeled. These changes, effective February 20, 2026, aim to prevent the spread of synthetic media that could be perceived as real. Social media platforms now face stricter timelines for removing illegal material, with sensitive content like non-consensual deepfakes requiring removal within two hours. Failure to comply could lead to the loss of 'safe harbour' protection, making intermediaries liable for user-posted content. The rules also allow States to designate multiple officers for issuing takedown orders to handle large populations effectively.
- Intermediaries must ensure clear and prominent labeling of synthetic content that appears real or portrays real-world events.
- The timeline for removing illegal content has been reduced from 24-36 hours to just 3 hours for general illegal material.
- Non-consensual deepfakes and nudity must be removed within a strict two-hour window to minimize harm.
The Union government informed the Supreme Court that it has established a high-level inter-departmental committee (IDC) to tackle 'digital arrest' scams. These scams involve fraudsters impersonating law enforcement officials to extort money from citizens, particularly the elderly. The IDC, chaired by the Special Secretary (Internal Security), includes representatives from the Ministry of Home Affairs, RBI, CBI, and major tech platforms like Google and WhatsApp. The committee aims to identify regulatory gaps, suggest corrective measures, and guide enforcement agencies in real-time to clear the bane affecting a large populace.
- Digital arrests have deprived citizens of crores of rupees through sophisticated psychological manipulation and impersonation.
- The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) plays a central role in the IDC, with its CEO as member-secretary.
- The committee will examine 'real-time issues' and implementation gaps in current rules and circulars.
Despite the ongoing civil war following the 2021 coup, Myanmar's military junta (Tatmadaw) is proceeding with a three-phase election process. The first phase was held in December 2024, with subsequent phases scheduled for January 2025. Major political parties, including the National League for Democracy (NLD), have been dissolved or excluded. The elections are widely viewed as an attempt by the military to gain domestic and international legitimacy. However, the international community, including the UN and several Western nations, has criticized the process as neither free nor fair, given the lack of competition and the prevailing violence.
- The military has introduced a proportional representation (PR) system to ensure no single party can secure a significant majority.
- Many areas in Myanmar are under the control of ethnic armed organizations (EAOs), making it impossible to hold credible elections nationwide.
- The Union Election Commission (UEC) has been reconstituted with personnel favorable to the military.
The Union government has replaced the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) with the Viksit Bharat - Guarantee for Rozgar and AJeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025. During a Parliamentary Standing Committee meeting, officials stated that 'fake demand' for work would not be entertained during the transition period. The government is coordinating with states to ensure only genuine demand is raised. The meeting also addressed the long-standing issue of withheld funds for West Bengal, which were stopped in 2022 due to non-compliance with central directives regarding corruption and administrative issues.
- MGNREGA was repealed by Parliament on December 18, 2025, to make way for the new VB-GRAM G Act.
- The new scheme aims to distinguish between genuine and 'fake' demand to prevent misuse of funds during the transition.
- Funds to West Bengal were stopped under Section 27 of the MGNREGA Act, 2005, due to continued non-compliance.
India is currently regulating Artificial Intelligence (AI) through existing frameworks like the IT Act and financial sector rules, but lacks a dedicated consumer safety regime for AI. Unlike China’s more intrusive 'duty of care' approach targeting psychological dependence, India’s posture is reactive. The article argues that India should focus on building domestic capacity by improving access to computational resources and upskilling its workforce. Instead of 'regulating first,' India should consider regulating downstream use assertively while nurturing frontier models. This involves adding obligations for companies deploying AI in high-risk contexts and ensuring accountability through frameworks like the RBI’s model risk guidelines.
- India currently relies on the IT Rules to curb deepfakes and fraud but lacks a comprehensive AI safety law.
- The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has been largely reactive rather than preemptive in its regulatory approach.
- Financial regulators like RBI and SEBI are developing frameworks for AI accountability and model risk management.
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has released the 'India AI Governance Guidelines,' advocating a 'hands-off' approach to regulation to promote innovation while ensuring safety. The guidelines emphasize seven core principles, including trust, people-centricity, and accountability. Unlike previous frameworks, this model prioritizes 'innovation with guardrails' over risk minimization. It aims to make India a global role model for AI governance. While there are no immediate plans for a new AI law, the government remains open to drafting legislation based on emerging risks and capabilities of AI systems.
- The guidelines are based on seven principles: trust, people-centricity, responsible innovation, equity, accountability, understandability of LLMs, and safety.
- The framework moves away from the risk-centric approach of NITI Aayog and OECD to focus on promoting innovation with necessary guardrails.
- Six recommendations include expanding AI infrastructure and leveraging digital public infrastructure (DPI) for scale and inclusion.
The Tamil Nadu government has proposed amendments to the Tamil Nadu Factories Rules, 1950, to allow women to work in 20 operations previously classified as 'dangerous'. These include processes involving glass manufacture, chemicals, and explosives. The move aims to dismantle patriarchal barriers and provide equitable workplace opportunities. However, the proposal emphasizes that factories must provide necessary facilities like separate toilets, changing rooms, and medical check areas. While progressive, the policy mandates that women cannot be forced into these roles, and pregnant women or young persons remain barred from hazardous tasks.
- Proposed amendments to Tamil Nadu Factories Rules, 1950, will allow women in 20 'dangerous' operations.
- Operations include electrolytic processes, glass manufacture, and handling carcinogenic dye intermediates.
- Factories must provide gender-specific infrastructure like separate toilets and drop-home facilities for night shifts.
The Union government has proposed an amendment to the IT Rules, 2021, to mandate the labelling of AI-generated or 'synthetic' content. This move addresses growing concerns over deepfakes, electoral integrity, and the proliferation of AI 'slop.' While major firms like Meta have already begun labelling such content, the government seeks a formal regulatory framework. The proposal aims to protect the democratic setup from misleading photorealistic content. However, experts suggest that such rules should eventually be tested in Parliament to ensure they balance innovation with necessary regulation in the world's second-largest AI user base.
- The government proposes amending the IT Rules, 2021, to require mandatory labelling of AI-generated imagery.
- The move targets the spread of deepfakes and misinformation that could impact electoral integrity.
- India is the world's second-largest AI user base, making it highly vulnerable to viral synthetic content.
The Indian government is working on legislation to amend the Atomic Energy Act and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act (2010). The goal is to allow private sector entities to build and operate nuclear power plants, a role currently restricted to three PSUs. This move aims to achieve 100 GW of nuclear capacity by 2047. Challenges include settling issues regarding radioactive waste disposal and liability in case of accidents. The plan involves private entities providing land and capital, while the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd. (NPCIL) handles design, quality assurance, and operations.
- The government intends to allow private and foreign companies to form partnerships for nuclear power generation in India.
- Current laws impose 'practically unlimited liability' on suppliers, which has been a major hurdle for private investment.
- Nuclear energy is seen as crucial for India's goal of achieving 500 GW of non-fossil fuel energy by 2030.
Recent data from the National Crimes Record Bureau (NCRB) shows a significant rise in reported crimes against children in Assam, Rajasthan, and Kerala. In Assam, the surge is largely attributed to a state-led crackdown on child marriage under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006. In Rajasthan, the increase is linked to better classification of offences, particularly shifting cases from general IPC sections to specific POCSO provisions. Kerala also saw a rise due to more accurate reporting. Experts suggest that higher numbers often reflect better reporting and police action rather than just an increase in crime incidence.
- Assam's spike in cases is primarily due to strict enforcement of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act.
- Rajasthan's data reflects a shift toward using POCSO Act provisions for more accurate legal classification of sexual offences.
- Increased reporting is a positive sign of public awareness and institutional responsiveness, though underlying crime rates remain a concern.
The Union Health Ministry is pushing for strict drug compliance following reports of contaminated cough syrups. The Tamil Nadu Drugs Control Department found diethylene glycol (DEG) and ethylene glycol in samples of Coldrif, a cough syrup linked to child deaths in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. These substances are nephrotoxic and highly dangerous. The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has recommended cancelling the firm's manufacturing license. The article emphasizes the need for a zero-tolerance policy, hawk-like monitoring, and regular surprise inspections to uphold the 'Make in India' brand and protect public health from substandard pharmaceutical products.
- Contaminated cough syrups containing DEG and ethylene glycol have been linked to multiple child deaths in India.
- The CDSCO has recommended the cancellation of manufacturing licenses for firms failing to meet quality standards.
- Revised Schedule M norms are being implemented to ensure Indian pharmaceutical products meet global Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
Chief Minister M.K. Stalin outlines Tamil Nadu's strategy to foster a startup revolution. The state has seen a six-fold increase in registered startups, reaching over 12,100 in four years. The strategy rests on three pillars: making the state a strategic capital through the TANSEED grant, ensuring inclusion and gender parity through specialized funds for SC/ST and women entrepreneurs, and building a decentralized ecosystem with regional hubs. Tamil Nadu has been recognized as a 'Best Performer' in the States' Startup Ranking 2022. The upcoming Global Startup Summit 2025 in Coimbatore aims to further this momentum.
- Tamil Nadu has over 12,100 DPIIT-registered startups, a six-fold increase in four years.
- The TANSEED grant provides seed funding of ₹10 lakh to startups to facilitate early-stage growth.
- The state focuses on inclusive growth through the SC/ST Startup Fund and special grants for women and transgender founders.
The Union government has released ₹538.39 crore to Tamil Nadu under the Right to Education (RTE) Entitlements component of Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA). This follows a Special Leave Petition filed by the State in the Supreme Court after the Madras High Court suggested delinking RTE reimbursements from SSA. The funds include the Centre's share for 2024-25 and the first installment for 2025-26. Under the RTE Act, 25% of seats in entry-level classes in private schools are reserved for marginalized sections. The delay in funds had stalled the admission process in the state.
- The RTE Act mandates 25% reservation for marginalized sections in private schools at entry-level classes.
- Funding for RTE is integrated into the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) scheme, leading to center-state disputes.
- The Supreme Court intervened to ensure the release of central funds to the state to prevent educational disruption.
The Union Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has simplified the process for Indian citizens to obtain attestation and apostilles for their documents via the e-Sanad portal. Previously, documents often required physical processing in New Delhi, but the new digital system allows for virtual applications. The process involves profile registration, document upload, and payment through Bharatkosh. Once the issuing authority (like a university) and the State government verify the document, the MEA issues a digital attestation within seven working days. This integration aims to assist Indians seeking foreign employment or education.
- The e-Sanad portal (https://esanad.nic.in) centralizes the attestation process for personal, educational, and commercial documents.
- The simplified process eliminates the need for applicants to travel to New Delhi for document processing.
- Digital attestations are now issued within a target timeframe of seven working days after state-level verification.
At the 2025 Global Conference on Climate and Health in Brazil, India’s welfare initiatives were highlighted as models for integrating climate and health goals. Programs like PM-POSHAN, Swachh Bharat, MNREGA, and PM Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) demonstrate how non-health interventions can generate significant health and climate co-benefits. For instance, PMUY reduces indoor air pollution while cutting carbon emissions. The article advocates for a framework of institutionalized, health-anchored climate governance built on strategic prioritization, procedural integration (like health impact assessments), and participatory implementation using health as a mobilizing force for community engagement.
- The Belem Health Action Plan, to be launched at COP30, aims to define the global agenda on climate and health.
- India's PM-POSHAN scheme addresses malnutrition while building climate-resilient food systems through millet promotion.
- The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) has successfully linked clean energy access to improved respiratory health and lower emissions.
To become a $30 trillion economy by 2047, India must address the low Female Labour Force Participation Rate (FLFPR), which stands at 41.7%, with only 18% in formal employment. The article highlights the Women’s Economic Empowerment (WEE) Index launched by Uttar Pradesh as a model for district-level tracking of gender parity across five pillars: education, health, livelihood, safety, and infrastructure. Effective gender budgeting requires moving beyond simple allocations to applying a gender lens to every rupee spent. Universal, gender-disaggregated data is essential for creating visible, measurable, and actionable policies across all levels of governance.
- Inclusive growth is impossible if half the population remains invisible in the data driving policy and investment.
- The WEE Index in Uttar Pradesh tracks women's participation across five key economic levers at the district level.
- Gender budgeting should not be confined to specific welfare schemes but applied across all departments like energy and infrastructure.
India's General Financial Rules (GFR) and the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) portal, while designed for transparency, often hinder R&D due to rigid procurement processes. Recent reforms in June 2025 aim to address this by allowing institutions to bypass GeM for specialized equipment and raising direct purchase limits. The article suggests further reforms, such as outcome-weighted tenders, 'sandbox' exemptions for premier institutes like TIFR or IITs, and AI-augmented sourcing. Emulating international models like the US SBIR or South Korea's 'pre-commercial procurement' could transform procurement from a cost-control mechanism into a catalyst for innovation.
- Rigid procurement rules often prioritize cost-efficiency over the specific needs of high-tech research and development.
- Recent reforms allow institutions to bypass GeM for specialized equipment and increase direct purchase limits from ₹1 lakh to ₹2 lakh.
- The article advocates for 'mission-oriented procurement' where the state deliberately shapes technological markets.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin launched the 'Anbu Karangal' (Compassionate Hands) programme to support the education of orphaned children or those who have lost one parent. Part of the broader 'Thayumanavar' poverty alleviation initiative, the scheme provides a monthly aid of ₹2,000 to eligible children until they complete their schooling or reach the age of 18. In its first phase, 6,082 children will benefit. The initiative aims to uplift the most marginalized sections of society and ensure that financial constraints do not hinder the education of vulnerable children.
- The 'Anbu Karangal' scheme provides ₹2,000 monthly assistance for the education of orphaned or single-parent children.
- The scheme is a component of the 'Thayumanavar' programme, which focuses on supporting those living in extreme poverty.
- Financial aid continues until the child completes schooling or turns 18 years old.
Kerala has been declared India's first fully digitally literate State, following the successful completion of the first phase of the 'Digi Kerala' digital literacy programme. This grassroots initiative, which originated from the Pullampara panchayat, aimed to bridge the digital divide by training 21.87 lakh identified "digitally illiterate" people. The program focused on teaching smartphone usage for voice/video calls, WhatsApp, social media, government services, and digital transactions, rather than traditional computer literacy. Volunteers, including students and Kudumbashree workers, conducted training and evaluations. The State government plans to expand the program with 'Digi Kerala 2.0', focusing on cyber fraud awareness and leveraging projects like KFON for universal internet access.
- Kerala is declared India's first fully digitally literate State after the 'Digi Kerala' programme.
- The initiative trained over 21.87 lakh people, focusing on practical smartphone usage for daily tasks and government services.
- The program originated as a bottom-up initiative in Pullampara panchayat and was scaled statewide.
India is rapidly ageing, with elderly women living longer but often in poor health, making them a "quiet majority" with distinct needs. Despite women having a longer average lifespan, they spend 25% more time in poor health than men. Social determinants like financial insecurity, digital gender gap, and patriarchal norms hinder their access to early medical care. Women often prioritize family well-being, leading to delayed care for themselves. The healthcare system often overlooks uro-gynaecological health post-reproductive phase and under-diagnoses conditions like osteoporosis and certain cancers. India needs gender-sensitive health systems, policies, and infrastructure to support healthy ageing for elderly women.
- India's elderly population is growing, with women living longer but experiencing more years in poor health compared to men.
- Social determinants such as financial insecurity, digital divide, and patriarchal norms significantly impede elderly women's access to healthcare.
- Elderly women often delay seeking medical care due to prioritizing family needs and lack of support in navigating the health system.
Nearly 60% of the budget allocated for the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) for 2025-26 has been spent within the first five months of the financial year, with a month still remaining in the second quarter. Out of ₹86,000 crore earmarked, ₹51,521 crore has been utilized. A significant portion (38%) of this budget went to cover pending liabilities from the previous financial year (2024-25). The Finance Ministry had capped spending at 60% for the first half, leaving limited funds. Ministry of Rural Development officials have sought a revised allocation, but no indications of additional funds have been received from the Finance Ministry.
- Almost 60% of the MGNREGS budget for 2025-26 has been expended within the first five months of the financial year.
- A substantial portion (38%) of the current budget was used to clear pending liabilities from the previous financial year.
- The Finance Ministry had capped spending for the first half of the financial year at 60% of the annual allocation.