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.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that India, during its BRICS presidency in 2026, will work to give the grouping a "new form," emphasizing "Building Resilience and Innovation for Cooperation and Sustainability." He stated that India would take the forum forward in the spirit of "people-centricity and humanity first," mirroring its approach during the G-20 chairmanship where Global South issues were prioritized. Modi highlighted the need for global cooperation to combat common threats, citing the COVID-19 pandemic as an example where solutions require joint efforts. He also shared India's position on Artificial Intelligence governance, advocating for equal priority to addressing concerns and encouraging innovation. Modi held bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the summit, discussing trade linkages, digital technology, critical minerals, healthcare, and space.
- India will assume the BRICS presidency in 2026 and aims to redefine the grouping with a focus on "Building Resilience and Innovation for Cooperation and Sustainability."
- The Indian approach will prioritize "people-centricity and humanity first," similar to its G-20 chairmanship.
- PM Modi stressed the importance of global cooperation to address common threats, drawing lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Women-led Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in India significantly contribute to employment and GDP, yet they face persistent challenges, particularly limited access to formal credit. Despite government schemes like Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana (PMMY), women-led MSMEs experience a credit gap of about 35%, compared to 20% for men. This disparity forces them to rely on riskier informal credit sources. Factors contributing to this include lack of awareness about schemes, low financial literacy, and perceived risk due to insufficient collateral or property ownership. Women-led informal micro-enterprises (IMEs) also struggle with formal credit due to lack of documentation, though the Udyam Assist Portal aims to address this by facilitating formal recognition. Administrative inefficiencies in scheme implementation further exacerbate these issues, despite increased liquidity in the banking system.
- Women-led MSMEs in India face a significant credit gap (35%) compared to men (20%), hindering their growth and financial independence.
- Despite government initiatives like Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana (PMMY), a substantial portion of sanctioned funds does not reach women-led MSMEs.
- Lack of awareness, low financial literacy, and perceived risk due to insufficient collateral are major barriers for women entrepreneurs.
India's coastlines are experiencing profound social and economic disruption due to climate change, with rising seas, saltwater intrusion, and unregulated development displacing communities dependent on agriculture and fishing. Displaced populations are forced into precarious urban informal labour markets, lacking legal protection. Examples include Satabhaya in Odisha and communities in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, and Kerala. Industrial and infrastructural expansion, coupled with inadequate environmental clearances, exacerbate ecological degradation. The absence of a coherent legal framework for climate-induced migration leaves these communities vulnerable. While constitutional rights and environmental justice jurisprudence exist, their translation into robust, community-centric frameworks is lacking. Coastal communities have shown resilience through protests against destructive projects, highlighting the need for a rights-based approach in climate adaptation strategies.
- Climate change impacts, including rising sea levels and saltwater intrusion, are causing significant displacement and social disruption in India's coastal regions.
- Displaced populations often end up in informal urban labour markets, facing exploitation and lacking legal protections.
- Unregulated industrial and infrastructural development, along with inadequate environmental clearances, worsen ecological degradation and community vulnerabilities.
Despite formal recognition and inclusion in social protection schemes, gig and platform workers in India lack clear statistical visibility in primary labour data sources like the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS). The PLFS subsumes gig work under vague categories such as 'self-employed,' failing to capture its unique nature—multiple job roles, algorithm dependence, lack of formal contracts, and absence of safety metrics. This statistical invisibility hinders evidence-based policymaking, making access to welfare schemes uneven and exclusionary. The article calls for updating PLFS classification codes or introducing specific survey modules to distinctly capture gig work, ensuring inclusive policy for this growing workforce, projected to reach 23.5 million by 2029-30.
- Gig and platform workers, despite formal recognition, lack distinct classification in India's primary labour statistics, such as the PLFS.
- The current classification fails to capture the unique characteristics of gig work, including algorithm dependence and lack of formal contracts.
- This statistical invisibility hinders evidence-based policymaking and makes access to social security schemes uneven and exclusionary for gig workers.
A disturbing pattern of custodial deaths persists in India, particularly in Tamil Nadu, with zero police convictions despite numerous reported cases. Data from 2016-2022 reveals 490 deaths in Tamil Nadu and 11,656 nationwide in judicial/police custody, with Uttar Pradesh reporting the highest number. While magisterial inquiries were ordered in 345 cases and 123 policemen arrested, none were convicted. The data also highlights a disproportionate targeting of Scheduled Castes (SCs) in preventive detentions in Tamil Nadu, where 38.5% of detenues were SCs compared to their 20% population share. This underscores a severe lack of accountability and systemic issues in policing and human rights enforcement.
- Custodial deaths are a persistent issue in India, with Tamil Nadu showing a significant number but zero police convictions.
- Despite arrests and chargesheets against police personnel for human rights violations, convictions remain negligible.
- Scheduled Castes are disproportionately targeted in preventive detentions in Tamil Nadu, indicating systemic discrimination.
India aims to be a global leader in AI governance, championing an inclusive and human-centric approach. However, this aspiration is undermined by the absence of a comprehensive, democratically anchored national AI strategy, with current initiatives like the IndiaAI Mission being insufficient. Unresolved questions about national priorities, governance values, and institutional structure pose risks of strategic dependencies and lack of democratic legitimacy. The author highlights critical risks in defense, critical infrastructure, employment disruption (e.g., 65,000 job cuts by top IT firms in 2024), and significant energy implications. A national strategy, developed through open public deliberation and parliamentary oversight, is crucial for harnessing AI for national leadership and public good.
- India's ambition to lead in AI governance is hampered by the lack of a comprehensive, democratically anchored national AI strategy.
- Current initiatives like the IndiaAI Mission are insufficient without clear national priorities and governance frameworks.
- Risks include strategic dependencies on foreign technologies, job displacement due to automation, and significant energy demands of AI.
Millions in India endure unnecessary suffering due to the lack of integrated palliative care, a specialized form of care focused on alleviating pain, reducing suffering, and improving quality of life for patients with terminal conditions. Despite global estimates indicating 78% of palliative care needs are in low and middle-income countries, only 1-2% of Indians requiring such care receive it. Key barriers include a shortage of trained professionals, limited funding, inadequate infrastructure, and low public awareness. The article advocates for integrating palliative care into the core MBBS curriculum, empowering allied health professionals, expanding insurance coverage like Ayushman Bharat to include palliative care, and launching public awareness campaigns to demystify its scope.
- Palliative care is crucial for alleviating suffering and improving quality of life for patients with terminal illnesses, yet it is severely underfunded and underutilized in India.
- Key barriers to effective palliative care delivery in India include a shortage of trained professionals, limited funding, and lack of public awareness.
- Recommendations include integrating palliative care into medical education, empowering allied health professionals, and expanding insurance coverage.
The article highlights the alarming frequency of fatal accidents in Tamil Nadu's firecracker manufacturing belt, particularly in Virudhunagar, challenging the notion that such incidents are unforeseeable. Despite numerous deaths and injuries reported annually, state regulation and enforcement of safety protocols remain inadequate. The Explosives Rules, 2008, clearly outline necessary precautions against fire and explosion, yet compliance is often lax. The piece calls for the state to leverage its authority to ensure strict adherence to regulations and to actively involve manufacturers in implementing safety measures, drawing a parallel with successful past efforts to curb child labour in the industry.
- Frequent fatal accidents in Tamil Nadu's firecracker industry, particularly Virudhunagar, underscore a failure in safety enforcement.
- Despite clear regulations like the Explosives Rules, 2008, laxity by manufacturers and inadequate state oversight persist.
- The article advocates for stronger state intervention and cooperation with manufacturers to prevent preventable tragedies.