The Union Cabinet has approved the PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PMDDKY), merging 36 existing schemes from 11 Ministries. With an annual outlay of ₹24,000 crore for six years starting 2025-26, the scheme aims to enhance agricultural productivity, promote crop diversification, sustainable practices, and augment post-harvest storage. It is projected to benefit 1.7 crore farmers across 100 districts, which will be identified based on indicators like low productivity, low cropping intensity, and less credit disbursement. Modeled on the "Aspirational District Programme," the scheme's progress will be monitored monthly, focusing exclusively on agriculture and allied sectors.
- The Union Cabinet approved the PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PMDDKY) to boost agricultural productivity and sustainable practices.
- The scheme merges 36 existing schemes from 11 Ministries with an annual outlay of ₹24,000 crore for six years, starting 2025-26.
- PMDDKY aims to enhance post-harvest storage, improve irrigation, and facilitate credit availability for farmers.
Nearly four years after its introduction, the Centre has discovered widespread manipulation of the National Mobile Monitoring System (NMMS) for MGNREGS digital attendance, undermining its credibility and leading to potential misuse of public funds. Issues identified include uploading irrelevant photos, "photo-to-photo capturing" instead of live images, mismatches in actual vs. recorded counts, and discrepancies in gender composition and morning/afternoon photos. To plug these gaps, the Ministry of Rural Development has added four layers of analog monitoring and directed states to ensure 100% verification at gram panchayat level, with reduced percentages at block, district, and state levels.
- The National Mobile Monitoring System (NMMS) for MGNREGS digital attendance is being widely manipulated, leading to misuse of public funds.
- Identified issues include uploading irrelevant photos, "photo-to-photo capturing," and mismatches in worker counts and photos.
- The NMMS requires geo-tagged photographs of workers twice a day, with an exception for sites with 20 or fewer workers.
The Election Commission of India (EC) has initiated a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar, sparking a debate on the term 'ordinarily resident'. According to the Representation of the People Act, 1950 (RP Act), a person must be 'ordinarily resident' in a constituency to be included in its electoral roll. The Gauhati High Court defined it as a "habitual resident" with the intention to dwell permanently, not temporarily. The article highlights the vulnerability of migrant labourers, who often move for work but maintain ties with their original residence. It suggests that strict interpretation could disenfranchise them and proposes amending the RP Act or RER to preserve their choice of retaining votes in their original constituency.
- The term 'ordinarily resident' is crucial for inclusion in India's electoral rolls, as defined by the Representation of the People Act, 1950.
- Judicial interpretations emphasize that 'ordinarily resident' implies habitual and permanent residency, not temporary stays.
- Migrant labourers face challenges, as their temporary work locations conflict with the strict definition, potentially leading to disenfranchisement.
Dr. Ratan Chandra Kar, a physician involved in healthcare for the Jarawa tribe, believes that conducting the 2027 Census among the six indigenous tribes of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands will not be difficult. He attributes this to the Central government's successful efforts in establishing meaningful contact and trust with the tribes, especially the Jarawas, since 1998. Proactive medical care has significantly increased the Jarawa population from an estimated 260 in 1998 to 647 today, successfully countering diseases without interfering with their traditional medicinal practices. The article also touches upon the impact of the Andaman Trunk Road (ATR) and emphasizes minimal intervention for the tribe's survival, highlighting the importance of respecting their way of life.
- The 2027 Census is expected to successfully include indigenous tribes in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, including the Jarawas, due to established government contact and trust.
- Proactive medical interventions since 1998 have significantly increased the Jarawa population by countering diseases while respecting traditional practices.
- The Jarawas, one of the world's oldest surviving tribes, are primarily hunter-gatherers living in nomadic bands.
The Indian government announced greenhouse gas emissions intensity targets for eight heavy industrial sectors under its Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS). The article argues that the ambition of these targets should be assessed at an aggregate economy-wide level rather than individual entity or sector levels, drawing parallels with the successful Perform, Achieve and Trade (PAT) scheme. While industry-specific CCTS targets cannot be directly compared with economy-wide Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) targets, modelling suggests that the manufacturing sector's emissions intensity is projected to decline at a slower pace (2.53% annually) than the energy sector (3.44%) between 2025-2030. The current combined average annual EIVA reduction for the eight sectors under CCTS is estimated at 1.68% for 2023-27, suggesting the industrial targets might not be ambitious enough.
- India has set greenhouse gas emissions intensity targets for eight heavy industrial sectors under its Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS).
- The article advocates for assessing the ambition of these targets at an aggregate economy-wide level, similar to the PAT scheme's success.
- Current projections indicate that India's manufacturing sector may decarbonise at a slower rate compared to the power sector.
The article argues that India's secularism was inherent in its foundational principles, influenced by leaders like Nehru and Ashoka the Great, long before the term was explicitly added to the Constitution in 1976. It highlights that the Motilal Nehru Committee's constitution (1928) and the Karachi Resolution (1931) already advocated for no state religion and state neutrality. The author emphasizes that secularism protects religions from state interference and ensures their autonomy, contrasting it with theocratic states. The piece also discusses various models of secularism from other democracies and asserts that India's secularism promotes civility and equal respect for all religions, making its explicit inclusion in 1976 a formal recognition of an existing ideal.
- India's secular ethos was present from its inception, rooted in historical figures like Ashoka and pre-independence constitutional drafts.
- Secularism, though explicitly added in 1976, was considered part of the basic structure of the Constitution even before.
- The author argues that secularism safeguards religious autonomy and prevents state domination over religious matters.
The 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro highlighted the bloc's role as a voice for the Global South, aiming to transform a Western-dominated world order through South-South cooperation. BRICS, now an intergovernmental organization, comprises 35% of the global economy and nearly half the world's population, surpassing the G7. It seeks to foster economic, political, and social cooperation, advocating for greater representation in global governance and reducing reliance on the U.S. dollar. Despite its potential, the bloc faces challenges from internal divisions, differing national priorities, and external pressures from Western powers, including threats of tariffs. India's role as a bridge-builder is complicated by border tensions with China.
- BRICS serves as a significant institutional expression of Global South aspirations, aiming to challenge Western hegemony and promote South-South cooperation.
- The bloc has grown to represent 35% of the global economy and nearly half the world's population, surpassing the G7's economic share.
- Key objectives include fostering economic, political, and social cooperation, advocating for global governance reforms, and reducing reliance on the U.S. dollar.
Mizoram is facing a severe refugee crisis, housing over 40,000 shelter-seekers from Myanmar, Bangladesh, and Manipur. The latest influx of 4,000 people from Myanmar's Chin State followed clashes between anti-junta armed groups. Mizoram's dominant Mizo community shares ethnic ties with the Chins, Bawms, and Kuki-Zos, leading the state government to prioritize humanitarian grounds over pushing back refugees, despite limited resources and central government's tepid response. India lacks a specific national law on refugees, dealing with them under foreigners' laws. The state is now feeling pressure from the influx, raising concerns about national security, demography, and local resources.
- Mizoram is currently hosting over 40,000 refugees from Myanmar, Bangladesh, and Manipur.
- The recent influx from Myanmar's Chin State was triggered by armed clashes between anti-junta groups.
- The dominant Mizo community shares ethnic and familial ties with the Chin, Bawm, and Kuki-Zo groups, influencing the state's humanitarian approach.
The Union Environment Ministry has exempted the majority of India's thermal power plants (TPPs) from mandatorily installing Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) systems, which are designed to cut sulphur dioxide (SO2) emissions. Only about 11% of TPPs in Category A (within 10 km radius of NCR or cities with population over a million) must install FGDs. Another 11% in Category B (within 10 km radius of critically polluted areas or non-attainment cities) may or may not install them, while the remaining 78% in Category C are exempt. Critics argue this decision, based on an expert committee's recommendations, will worsen air pollution and increase health risks.
- The Union Environment Ministry has relaxed pollution control norms for thermal power plants regarding FGD systems.
- A majority of TPPs (78% in Category C) are now exempt from mandatorily installing Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) systems.
- FGD systems are crucial for cutting sulphur dioxide (SO2) emissions, which contribute to air pollution and secondary particulate matter.
The article discusses the Supreme Court's observations on Bihar's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, emphasizing the need to safeguard the 'right to vote.' The Court urged the Election Commission of India (ECI) to include more accessible documents like Aadhaar and ration cards for identity verification, asserting that the ECI's mandate under Article 324 is to facilitate democratic participation, not create obstacles. While the 'right to vote' is legally a statutory right (under Section 62 of RPA, 1951), not a fundamental one, the Court considers it a 'democratic imperative.' The article highlights India's commitment to universal adult suffrage (Article 326) and the importance of accurate electoral rolls to prevent disenfranchisement and ensure electoral integrity.
- The Supreme Court has underscored the importance of the 'right to vote' as fundamental to India's democracy, urging the ECI to ensure inclusivity in electoral roll revisions.
- The ECI's mandate under Article 324 is to facilitate democratic participation, not to create barriers to voting.
- While legally a statutory right, the right to vote is considered a 'democratic imperative' for the survival of the Indian republic.
Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, Principal Advisor for the National TB Elimination Programme, advocates for district-level TB death audits, akin to the maternal mortality rate (MMR) model, to achieve India's TB elimination goals. She highlights that despite TB being a pandemic causing 800-900 deaths daily, it receives less attention. India has reduced its TB death rate from 35 to 22 per 1,00,000, but case fatality rates remain high (5-10%), especially for drug-resistant TB. The audits would identify gaps, improve service delivery, and address co-morbidities and socio-economic risk factors. She also emphasized widespread use of X-ray screening with AI and nutritional support, citing the RATIONS trials in Jharkhand.
- Implementing district-level TB death audits, similar to the Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) model, is crucial for TB elimination.
- India faces a significant challenge in reducing TB mortality, with hundreds of daily deaths often overlooked.
- Audits would help identify gaps in service delivery, address co-morbidities, and improve treatment outcomes.
NITI Aayog has recommended that the Department of Science and Technology (DST) reduce its 'core grant support' for State Science and Technology (S&T) Councils, advocating for a shift towards 'project-based support'. This recommendation is part of a report, 'Roadmap for strengthening State Science and Technology Councils.' The report notes that while State S&T Councils are vital for scientific research and popularisation, their contribution to India's overall scientific output has been less significant compared to Centrally funded institutions. Despite a 17.65% increase in total funding for State S&T Councils in 2023-25, regional imbalances in S&T development remain a concern, with central funding often being a minuscule source for state budgets.
- NITI Aayog proposes reducing 'core grant support' for State S&T Councils, favoring project-based funding.
- The report highlights that State S&T Councils have not contributed as significantly to national scientific output as central institutions.
- Despite increased overall funding, regional disparities in S&T development persist.
The Defence Ministry has identified an Indian firm to establish a maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility for the S-400 air defence system in India. Russia's Almaz-Antey, the manufacturer of the S-400, will collaborate with this Indian firm. This 'landmark move' aims to reduce India's dependence on foreign entities for critical defence systems, aligning with the 'Make In India' initiative and overcoming challenges posed by international sanctions and supply chain disruptions. India currently operates three S-400 systems, named 'Sudarshan Chakra', which proved crucial in Operation Sindoor against Pakistani drones and missiles. The remaining two S-400s are expected to be delivered in 2026 and 2027.
- An Indian firm has been selected to establish an MRO facility for the S-400 air defence system in collaboration with Russian manufacturer Almaz-Antey.
- This initiative is a significant step towards self-reliance in defence and aligns with the 'Make In India' program.
- The move will mitigate risks associated with international sanctions and supply chain disruptions for critical defence equipment.
Recent catastrophic infrastructure failures across India, including bridge collapses in Vadodara and Pune, a hoarding collapse in Mumbai, and a railway bridge failure in Mizoram, highlight the urgent need for regular audits. These incidents, often attributed to neglect, underfunding, and understaffing of responsible departments, point to India's aging infrastructure struggling under expanding urban populations and industrial growth. The article calls for modifying asset-creating initiatives like the Urban Infrastructure Development Fund and rehabilitative schemes like Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation to prioritize maintenance of aging urban assets, especially in cities with populations over 10 lakh. It also stresses the need for transparent enforcement of audit frameworks and statutory probes into accidents.
- India has experienced multiple catastrophic infrastructure failures, leading to significant loss of life.
- These incidents are symptomatic of aging infrastructure, inadequate maintenance, and departmental neglect.
- There is an urgent need for regular, comprehensive audits of all major infrastructure projects.
India, with the world's largest youth population (371 million aged 15-29), stands at a critical juncture. Empowering young people with choice, control, and capital is essential to leverage this demographic dividend. The article emphasizes ensuring informed choices about sexual and reproductive health, free from coercion, as per the 1994 International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) promise. Investments in education, skills, health, nutrition, and family planning can boost India's GDP by up to $1 trillion by 2030. Initiatives like 'Beti Bachao Beti Padhao' and Project Udaan have shown success in reducing child marriage and teenage pregnancies, highlighting the importance of multi-sectoral approaches and addressing social norms.
- India possesses the world's largest youth population, presenting a significant demographic dividend opportunity.
- Empowering youth with informed choices, especially in sexual and reproductive health, is crucial for national progress.
- Strategic investments in education, skills, health, nutrition, and family planning are vital to unlock economic potential.
The Supreme Court observed that the Election Commission of India (ECI) should consider including Aadhaar, the Elector Photo Identity Card (EPIC), and ration cards as acceptable documents for identity verification during Bihar's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The Court criticized the ECI's restrictive list of 11 documents, stating that the entire exercise is about identity, not citizenship, and questioned the exclusion of Aadhaar. The Court reiterated that the ECI's mandate under Article 324 is to facilitate democratic participation, not create obstacles, emphasizing the 'right to vote' as fundamental to democracy.
- The Supreme Court has urged the ECI to expand the list of acceptable documents for voter identity verification, including Aadhaar and ration cards.
- The Court highlighted that the electoral roll revision (SIR) is primarily for identity verification, not citizenship proof.
- The ECI's mandate under Article 324 is to ensure democratic participation, not to create barriers to voting.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has registered an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) against 29 individuals, including actors, TV hosts, social media influencers, and YouTubers. They are accused of promoting illegal betting applications, violating the Public Gambling Act, 1867. The action falls under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), following five FIRs in Andhra Pradesh. The ED believes these individuals received significant financial compensation for endorsing platforms like Junglee Rummy, A23, and Parimatch, which allegedly facilitated large-scale money laundering and masqueraded as skill-based games.
- The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has initiated action against 29 individuals for promoting illegal betting applications.
- The case involves violations of the Public Gambling Act, 1867, and actions under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
- Prominent personalities from the entertainment industry are implicated for receiving financial compensation for endorsements.
A central team of scientists led by the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) visited Palakkad and Malappuram districts in Kerala to combat the Nipah virus. Another team from the National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune, is also expected to survey bats in the affected areas. Health Minister Veena George reported 499 persons under observation across the state, with 11 under treatment. While restrictions were lifted in 20 wards in Malappuram, Palakkad district still has six containment zones. The efforts aim to control the spread and assess the situation on the ground.
- A central team from NCDC and NIV is assessing the Nipah virus situation in Palakkad and Malappuram districts of Kerala.
- The assessment includes surveying bats, which are known carriers of the Nipah virus.
- Health authorities are monitoring hundreds of individuals and have imposed restrictions in containment zones to curb the spread.
Himachal Pradesh made a remarkable leap from 21st to the top five in the National Achievement Survey (NAS) 2025 results, signaling a reversal of decline in its public education system. The NAS, conducted every three years by the Ministry of Education, assesses learning outcomes in core subjects. Himachal's success is attributed to the Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu-led government's reforms, including merging under-enrolled schools for better resource deployment, unifying the education system under a single directorate, and encouraging school-level decision-making. While NAS provides an important signal, it doesn't fully capture socio-emotional well-being or teaching quality, underscoring the need for holistic assessments and continued commitment to teacher appointments and inclusive education.
- Himachal Pradesh significantly improved its ranking in the National Achievement Survey (NAS) 2025, moving from 21st to the top five.
- The NAS is a nationwide assessment by the Ministry of Education measuring learning outcomes in government and government-aided schools.
- Key reforms contributing to Himachal's success include school mergers, unified education directorate, and promotion of school-level decision-making and peer learning.
Amidst controversy over valid documents for voter registration in Bihar, the Election Commission's March 2023 manual empowers Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) to decide on voter inclusion or exclusion even in the absence of required documents. EROs can base their decisions on field verification, reports from Booth-Level Officers (BLOs), and testimonials from village heads or families. Proof of age can include an oath from parents or a 'Sarpanch', or even a visible examination by the BLO. Opposition parties, however, warn that EROs, being state government functionaries, could be influenced by the ruling party, potentially leading to biased decisions.
- Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) are empowered by the EC manual to decide on voter inclusion even without complete documentation.
- EROs can rely on field verification, BLO reports, and testimonials from local authorities or family members for proof of age and residence.
- The discretion granted to EROs is a point of concern for opposition parties, who fear potential political influence on their decisions.
Delhi's policy to ban refuelling for petrol vehicles older than 15 years and diesel vehicles older than 10 years, effective July 1, 2025, aims to curb air pollution. However, the policy is imprecise as vehicle age is a poor proxy for actual emissions without fitness checks. Implementation faces challenges with ANPR systems, staff training, and drivers bypassing the ban. Analysis shows only 8% of Delhi's vehicle fleet (7.5 lakh vehicles) is covered, potentially reducing PM2.5 emissions by only 8%. The article suggests learning from cities like Beijing and Tokyo, advocating for scrappage incentives, retrofits, annual conditional renewals, public engagement, and regional enforcement to achieve cleaner air.
- Delhi's policy banning refuelling for older vehicles is a simple approach to air pollution but lacks precision as age is an imperfect proxy for emissions.
- Implementation challenges include inaccurate ANPR systems, untrained staff, and drivers circumventing the ban.
- The policy is projected to cover only 8% of Delhi's vehicle fleet and reduce PM2.5 emissions by approximately 8% if fully enforced.
The article highlights the alarming pattern of custodial deaths in Tamil Nadu, citing recent cases like Ajith Kumar, Vignesh, and Raja, whose autopsies revealed severe injuries. It argues that these are not isolated incidents but symptoms of a system that normalizes force over fairness, failing both citizens and the police force due to underinvestment in reform. The author advocates for a reallocation of policing budgets towards mental health support, mandatory counselling, and updated training focusing on ethics, human rights, and trauma-informed investigation. It also calls for legislative clarity, an anti-custodial violence law, mandatory video documentation, and real-time CCTV audits to ensure accountability and transparency.
- Custodial deaths in India, particularly in Tamil Nadu, reveal a systemic issue of normalized force and lack of accountability within the police.
- The current policing budget disproportionately funds hardware over essential human elements like mental health support and ethical training for officers.
- Comprehensive criminal justice reform is needed, including legislative clarity, an anti-custodial violence law, and mandatory video documentation of interrogations.
The Centre has not decided whether to update the National Population Register (NPR) during the upcoming Census 2027, senior Home Ministry officials informed Census directors at a preparatory meeting. The NPR, first created in 2010 and updated in 2015-16, is considered the initial step towards creating a National Register of Citizens (NRC) under the Citizenship Rules, 2003. Unlike Census data, which is shared in aggregate format, NPR data contains household-wise details of 119 crore usual residents and can be shared with Central and State governments and agencies. The 2027 Census will be the first to use mobile apps for data collection.
- The Union government has not yet decided on updating the National Population Register (NPR) alongside the upcoming Census 2027.
- The NPR is considered the first step towards establishing a National Register of Citizens (NRC) under the Citizenship Act, 1955.
- NPR data, unlike Census data, includes specific individual and household details and can be shared with government agencies.
The Union Social Justice Ministry is seeking additional funds for its National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) scheme for marginalized students, as a fund crunch has led to provisional award letters for 66 selected candidates being made "subject to availability of funds" for the 2025-26 cycle. Out of 125 available slots, only 106 students were selected, and only the first 40 will receive firm award letters. This situation arises despite the scheme receiving its highest allocation in five years (₹130 crore), because a portion of the annual budget is used for students continuing studies from previous years. The Ministry is currently evaluating the scheme's performance to decide on its continuation. The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Social Justice and Empowerment had previously noted issues with scholarship amounts and the need to increase slots.
- The Social Justice Ministry is facing a fund crunch for the National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) scheme for marginalized students.
- Provisional award letters for 66 selected students for the 2025-26 cycle are contingent on fund availability.
- Despite a record allocation of ₹130 crore, funds are insufficient due to ongoing support for students from previous years.