Union Home Minister Amit Shah chaired a meeting to ensure proper facilitation for the High-Level Committee on Demographic Changes, which was constituted on May 26. Headed by retired Supreme Court Judge Prakash Prabhakar Naolekar, the panel will study demographic changes, particularly those caused by illegal immigration, by visiting border districts, metropolitan areas, and industrial towns. Its mandate includes recommending institutional mechanisms for "population stabilisation" and a permanent operational system for the identification, detention, and deportation of illegal immigrants. The committee also plans to study voter list exclusions from the special intensive revision exercise.
- Union Home Minister Amit Shah reviewed the High-Level Committee on Demographic Changes.
- The committee, headed by Justice Prakash Prabhakar Naolekar, will study demographic shifts due to illegal immigration.
- Its mandate includes recommending mechanisms for population stabilisation and deportation of illegal immigrants.
The Assam Cabinet has decided to halt the issuance of new Aadhaar cards for adults (18 and above) through the regular enrolment process, aiming to prevent illegal immigrants from obtaining the unique identification number. A special verification process through the District Commissioner's office will now be mandatory for "genuine" adult applicants, with the government making the final decision. Exemptions apply to people with disabilities, Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe, and tea garden communities until March 2027, and to individuals below 18 years of age. The State has already achieved 100% Aadhaar saturation.
- Assam has stopped regular Aadhaar card issuance for adults (18+) to prevent illegal immigrants from obtaining them.
- A special verification process via the District Commissioner's office is now required for adult applicants.
- Exemptions are provided for vulnerable groups and individuals under 18.
Lieutenant-General Dhiraj Seth, currently serving as the Vice-Chief of the Army Staff, has been appointed as the next Chief of the Army Staff, effective June 30. He will succeed General Upendra Dwivedi, who retires on the same day. An alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Lt. Gen. Seth was commissioned into the Armoured Corps in 1986. His distinguished career spans nearly four decades, including extensive counter-insurgency assignments and commanding various formations in diverse operational environments, such as the Sudarshan Chakra Corps and Delhi Area.
- Lieutenant-General Dhiraj Seth has been named the next Chief of the Army Staff.
- He is currently the Vice-Chief of the Army Staff and will assume the new role on June 30.
- Lt. Gen. Seth has a distinguished career of nearly four decades in the Armoured Corps.
A 39-year-old Adivasi woman from West Bengal, Bhadu Mandi, was rescued from bonded labour conditions in Gurugram after working for over two years in a home in DLF Garden City. She was brought to Delhi for domestic work with an advance payment of ₹40,000. Her sister, Lakshmi Tudu, reported that Ms. Mandi was restricted by smart locking systems, worked over 16 hours daily, and suffered physical abuse. The case came to light in March, an FIR was registered on June 4, and a joint operation by Haryana and West Bengal police, district administration, and civil society members led to her rescue.
- A tribal woman from West Bengal was rescued from bonded labour in Gurugram.
- She was subjected to restricted movement, long working hours, and physical abuse for over two years.
- The rescue was a result of a joint operation involving police, district administration, and an NGO.
Following a fire incident in Malviya Nagar that claimed 23 lives, the Delhi Fire Services (DFS) submitted a detailed proposal to the government. It suggests making fire detection systems mandatory for all new constructions and requiring existing buildings to install them within three years, incentivized by a house tax rebate. The DFS also recommended mandatory sprinkler systems for all new residential buildings, with phased implementation for low-rise structures. Building plan approvals and occupancy certificates would be contingent on these systems, citing the rapid decrease in 'flashover' time in modern homes.
- DFS proposed mandatory fire detection systems for all new constructions in Delhi.
- Existing buildings would need to install these systems within three years, with a house tax rebate incentive.
- Mandatory sprinkler systems are also recommended for all new residential buildings.
The Association of Victims of Uphaar Tragedy (AVUT) marked 29 years since the 1997 Uphaar cinema hall fire, expressing dismay that fire safety lessons remain unlearnt in Delhi. AVUT president Neelam Krishnamoorthy highlighted recurring fire incidents as evidence of overlooked safety violations and poorly scrutinised No Objection Certificates. The association called for stricter accountability for negligence causing deaths and advocated for a law governing safety violations, emphasizing that public safety suffers when compliance is bought and accountability evaded.
- AVUT observed 29 years since the Uphaar cinema tragedy, criticizing the lack of fire safety improvements.
- Recurring fire incidents in Delhi indicate persistent safety violations and inadequate scrutiny of NOCs.
- The association demands stricter accountability for negligence leading to deaths.
The Supreme Court utilized its extraordinary powers under Article 142 of the Constitution to overturn a conviction under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. This decision was made in a case where the victim, who was a minor at the time of the incident, later married the accused as an adult. The court emphasized that Article 142 allows it to ensure "complete justice" when existing laws are insufficient, enabling the couple to live peacefully as spouses.
- The Supreme Court used Article 142 to quash a POCSO conviction.
- The decision was based on the fact that the victim and accused later married as adults.
- Article 142 grants the Supreme Court power to deliver "complete justice" where laws fall short.
There are significant inconsistencies and underreporting in industrial accident data compiled by the Labour Bureau and the Directorate General Factory Advice Service and Labour Institutes (DGFASLI), indicating severe lapses. The data often fails to match, and DGFASLI struggles with high vacancies, leading to a shortage of factory inspectors. Many states do not furnish the required details, further obscuring the true extent of industrial accidents. This institutional apathy in data collection and enforcement hinders effective prevention and management of workplace safety.
- Significant inconsistencies exist between industrial accident data from the Labour Bureau and DGFASLI.
- DGFASLI faces severe staff shortages and vacancies, impacting its ability to inspect factories effectively.
- Many Indian states fail to report essential data on fatal and non-fatal industrial incidents.
Higher education in India is a crucial arena reflecting the evolving dynamics of Indian federalism, with competing visions between the Union and State governments on regulatory authority, curriculum, funding, and digital governance. Despite education being on the Concurrent List, the Union government's influence is growing, particularly through the NEP 2020, central funding mechanisms, and national regulatory agencies. States, however, are not merely passive recipients but engage in strategic adaptation, selectively implementing reforms based on local contexts and positioning themselves as regional education hubs, showcasing a negotiated form of federalism.
- Higher education governance in India is a key site for expressing the changing dynamics of federalism.
- The Union government's influence in higher education is expanding through policies like NEP 2020, central funding, and regulatory bodies.
- States exhibit strategic adaptation, selectively implementing central policies and pursuing their own educational priorities.
Industrial accidents in India, such as those in Surat and Visakhapatnam, are often dismissed as isolated incidents but are in fact a result of persistent safety failures and accumulated organisational weaknesses. These include reduced staffing, heavier workloads, ageing equipment, and increased reliance on contractual labour, who often receive less training and operate within fragmented accountability systems. Despite the existence of preventive measures, a 'cost over safety' mindset in financially stressed units, coupled with issues in implementing new occupational safety frameworks, contributes to the recurrence of these preventable tragedies.
- Industrial accidents in India are frequently caused by systemic organisational weaknesses rather than being isolated incidents.
- Factors contributing to these mishaps include reduced staffing, heavier workloads, ageing equipment, and increased use of contractual labour.
- Contracted workers face higher risks due to inadequate training and fragmented accountability in safety systems.
Census 2027, India's overdue population count, is vital for development, democracy, and accurate representation. After a 15-year gap, this two-phase exercise will gather comprehensive household and demographic data, including caste, which is included for the first time. The Census is crucial for targeted welfare measures, fund devolution, and addressing deprivations. Its findings will underpin new electoral boundaries and women's reservation in legislatures, making it central to representative democracy. The article emphasizes the importance of public participation for an accurate count, especially for marginalized groups, to ensure that policies and resources are guided by reliable data, moving beyond the 2011 Census and informed extrapolations.
- Census 2027 is a critical and overdue exercise for India, essential for informed policy-making, equitable development, and democratic representation.
- The Census will be conducted in two phases, collecting detailed household and demographic information, including caste for the first time.
- Accurate Census data is fundamental for targeted delivery of welfare measures, allocation of funds to states and local bodies, and addressing socio-economic deprivations.
India's National Family Health Survey (NFHS-6) for 2023-24 shows gains in child nutrition, maternal care, institutional births, and women's Internet use. However, its preliminary fact sheet is thinner than NFHS-5, with a net reduction of 30 indicators. Key dropped indicators include anaemia, infant and child mortality, sex ratio at birth, sanitation, and clean cooking fuel use. The removal of anaemia data is attributed to measurement methodology concerns, with future tracking planned through a dedicated Diet and Biomarkers Survey. NFHS-6 introduces new questions on digital literacy and direct benefit transfers, and reintroduces biological HIV testing, while dropping cancer-screening indicators.
- NFHS-6 (2023-24) indicates improvements in child nutrition, maternal care, institutional births, and women's Internet use.
- The preliminary fact sheet for NFHS-6 is significantly reduced, omitting 30 key indicators present in previous rounds.
- Notable dropped indicators include anaemia, infant and child mortality, sex ratio at birth, sanitation coverage, and clean cooking fuel use.
Mazagon Dock Limited (MDL), a leading shipbuilding company, is now considering investing over ₹29,000 crore in a mega shipbuilding cluster in Andhra Pradesh, after its plans for a greenfield shipyard in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, faced setbacks. MDL had committed ₹15,000-18,000 crore for the Thoothukudi project, but the Tamil Nadu government allegedly onboarded a foreign company, HD Hyundai, without competitive bidding, raising questions about transparency and adherence to the Shipbuilding Development Scheme Guidelines. This move by Tamil Nadu is seen as undermining efforts to promote indigenisation under the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, prompting MDL to explore alternative investment opportunities.
- Mazagon Dock Limited (MDL) is exploring a ₹29,000 crore investment in a shipbuilding cluster in Andhra Pradesh after issues in Tamil Nadu.
- MDL's initial plan for a ₹15,000-18,000 crore greenfield shipyard in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, was reportedly sidelined.
- The Tamil Nadu government allegedly signed an 'Exclusive Business Cooperation Agreement' with foreign company HD Hyundai for the Thoothukudi shipyard without competitive bidding.
Amid global pressure on LPG supplies due to the West Asia conflict, the Centre has reduced the number of subsidised refills available under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) from nine to four cylinders per year. Under the scheme, beneficiaries receive a ₹300 subsidy per cylinder. Despite the reduction, Petroleum Ministry officials argue that PMUY consumers still receive a significant 'indirect subsidy,' as the effective price of ₹642 per cylinder is a 60% discount compared to international LPG prices (estimated at ₹1,600). The PMUY scheme has provided around 10.55 crore LPG connections as of May 26 this year.
- The government has reduced the number of subsidised LPG refills for PMUY beneficiaries from nine to four cylinders annually.
- This decision comes amidst global LPG supply pressures exacerbated by the West Asia conflict.
- Under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY), beneficiaries receive a direct subsidy of ₹300 per cylinder.
Over a hundred days into the Tarique Rahman government in Bangladesh, India-Bangladesh relations remain strained, marked by a growing trust deficit. Despite India's initial outreach, Dhaka feels India has not reciprocated with goodwill gestures, such as reversing retributory steps taken during the interim government, including restoring transshipments and visa services. Bangladeshi diplomats express disappointment over India's aggressive rhetoric on illegal immigration and lack of focus on key issues like the renewal of the 1996 Ganga Water Treaty. The delay in renewing the Ganga treaty, coupled with Bangladesh's internal challenges like a measles outbreak and economic crisis, could further destabilize the country, which is not in India's long-term interest.
- India-Bangladesh relations have remained strained under the new Tarique Rahman government, despite India's initial diplomatic overtures.
- Bangladesh expects India to reverse 'retributory steps' like restrictions on transshipments, visa services, and market access for Bangladeshi goods.
- Dhaka is concerned by India's aggressive rhetoric on illegal immigration and desires more focus on substantive issues like the Ganga Water Treaty.
The Great Nicobar Island Development Project, estimated at ₹91,000 crore, faces scrutiny for its strategic rationale and environmental impact. Initially justified as a national security strategy, the Public Investment Board (PIB) found the transshipment port at Galathea Bay 'lacked strategic objectives' in August 2024. The project, including a port, international airport, power plant, and township, threatens vast tracts of tropical rainforest, rare ecological reefs, and nesting beaches of endangered species like the leatherback turtle. Indigenous inhabitants also object, citing lack of full disclosure and concerns over ancestral land. Critics demand transparency, including the release of the High-Powered Committee report and an open account of true costs versus irreversible environmental loss.
- The Great Nicobar Island Development Project, costing ₹91,000 crore, is criticized for its questionable strategic justification and severe environmental impact.
- The Public Investment Board (PIB) in August 2024 found the transshipment port component to lack strategic objectives, contradicting the government's national security claims.
- The project threatens critical ecosystems, including tropical rainforests, rare ecological reefs, and nesting sites of endangered species like the leatherback turtle and Nicobar megapode.
The Supreme Court's May 27, 2026 judgment on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls has sparked significant debate regarding the Election Commission of India's (ECI) powers and conduct. The Court upheld all ECI arguments, despite petitioners' concerns about the SIR's implementation in Bihar, just months before the 2025 Assembly election. Critics argue the SIR was conducted under a wrong provision of law (Section 21(3) instead of 21(2) of RP Act, 1950), leading to the deletion of millions of voters without proper redress. The judgment also grants the ECI broad authority to determine citizenship documents, a role typically belonging to the Home Ministry, raising questions about its constitutional mandate.
- The Supreme Court's judgment on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar has raised questions about the ECI's powers and adherence to statutory provisions.
- Critics argue that the SIR was implemented under an incorrect legal provision, Section 21(3) of the RP Act, 1950, which is meant for special revision in a constituency, not an intensive revision across a whole state.
- The judgment's allowance for the ECI to determine citizenship documents for electoral roll purposes is seen as an overreach into the Home Ministry's domain.
The Union Health Ministry addressed criticisms regarding "missing" indicators like anaemia, sanitation, and clean cooking fuel in the National Family Health Survey (NFHS)-6 factsheets. Officials clarified that these factsheets are the initial stage of dissemination, covering 101 major indicators for a concise snapshot of health and demographic trends. They stated that "missing" indicators are monitored through dedicated national surveys and administrative databases to avoid duplication and ensure data coherence. A comprehensive national report with a broader range of indicators, detailed analyses, and methodological documentation will be released later. Hemoglobin testing for anaemia was omitted in NFHS-6 due to concerns about previous capillary blood sampling methodology.
- NFHS-6 factsheets are the initial stage of data dissemination, providing a concise overview of 101 key health and demographic indicators.
- Indicators like anaemia, sanitation, and clean cooking fuel, perceived as "missing," are tracked via separate dedicated national surveys and administrative platforms.
- The Ministry aims to report each indicator through the most appropriate and authoritative source to ensure data coherence and avoid duplication.
Nepal's Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal affirmed that Nepal is not seeking mediation on its border dispute with India and China, asserting historical claims over the territories of Kalapani-Lipulekh-Limpiyadhura. The border issue resurfaced after India announced the Kailash-Manasarovar Yatra for 2026 through the Lipulekh pass, which Nepal claims. Khanal's visit to India aimed to restart high-level interactions, including discussions on digital and financial connectivity, resulting in an MoU for cross-border payment transactions. The minister also highlighted Nepal's new generation leadership, which is focused on good governance, meritocracy, and accountability, signaling a fresh approach to both domestic and international affairs.
- Nepal asserts its historical claim over Kalapani-Lipulekh-Limpiyadhura and is not seeking mediation on the border dispute with India and China.
- The border issue was reignited by India's announcement of the Kailash-Manasarovar Yatra through the Lipulekh pass.
- Nepal's Foreign Minister's visit to India aimed to resume high-level diplomatic interactions between the two countries.
The Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS), a flagship cash assistance program for the elderly, is in urgent need of reform. The central government's contribution of ₹200 per person per month has remained unchanged since 2007, while state top-ups have increased. Inflation has significantly eroded the real value of the central assistance, reducing its purchasing power by half since 2013. Despite recommendations from various committees to increase assistance and expand coverage, the number of beneficiaries (2.2 crore) has remained stagnant, far below the projected elderly population (17-20 crore). Surveyed beneficiaries overwhelmingly cite increased prices and insufficient funds to meet daily needs.
- IGNOAPS, a centrally-sponsored scheme, has not seen an increase in central contribution (₹200) since 2007, despite rising state contributions.
- Inflation has significantly eroded the real value of the central assistance, reducing its purchasing power by half since 2013.
- Recommendations from various reports, including the MoRD and PAC, have called for increasing the assistance amount and expanding coverage.
The Supreme Court recently delivered two significant rulings impacting India's real-money online gaming industry. It upheld the constitutional validity of State laws prohibiting real-money gaming platforms, asserting that betting and gambling are 'res extra commercium' and fall under State legislative competence (Entry 34, List II). The Court also affirmed the Centre's retrospective 28% GST levy on online gaming companies, clarifying that GST applies to the full value of stakes, irrespective of whether games are skill-based or chance-based. The rulings emphasize that once money is staked on an uncertain outcome, the distinction between skill and chance becomes irrelevant for GST purposes. These judgments have severe implications for the industry, with many companies facing insolvency and potential shifts in operations.
- The Supreme Court upheld State laws prohibiting real-money online gaming, classifying betting and gambling as 'res extra commercium'.
- The Court affirmed that State governments have legislative competence to regulate such activities under Entry 34 of List II.
- The Centre's retrospective 28% GST levy on online gaming was upheld, applicable to the full value of stakes.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently invoked 'national interest' regarding the closure of the Sterlite Copper plant in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, suggesting a conspiracy behind its shutdown. The plant, closed for eight years after police firing on protesters in 2018 and environmental violations, had a capacity of 4 lakh tonnes of refined copper annually, meeting 40% of India's demand and contributing to exports. Its closure turned India into a net importer of copper, costing $3.5 billion in foreign exchange. Vedanta, the company, proposed a 'green copper' project with cleaner technology, but its application was rejected by the TNPCB. The Madras High Court has directed the State government to form an expert committee to study the new proposal, amidst ongoing legal and environmental debates.
- PM Modi highlighted the closure of the Sterlite Copper plant in Thoothukudi as a matter of national interest, implying a conspiracy.
- The plant's closure transformed India from a copper exporter to a net importer, impacting the economy.
- Vedanta proposed a 'green copper' project with advanced, cleaner technology, but its application was rejected by the TNPCB.
The Supreme Court recently upheld the use of DNA tests in a paternity dispute, navigating the complex question of balancing a child's right to know parentage with an individual's right to privacy. While previous judgments cautioned against routine DNA tests, this ruling emphasized the child's desire for closure. The court referenced the 2017 Justice K.S. Puttaswamy v. Union of India case, which established privacy as a fundamental right. It also cited the 2014 Nandlal Wasudeo Badwaik v. Lata Nandlal Badwaik case, affirming that scientific advancements should prevail over conclusive legal proof when in conflict, as exemplified by the N.D. Tiwari paternity case.
- The Supreme Court ruled on balancing a child's right to know paternity against an individual's right to privacy.
- The court upheld the use of DNA tests in a specific paternity dispute, moving beyond previous cautions against routine testing.
- The ruling acknowledges the fundamental right to privacy established in the Justice K.S. Puttaswamy v. Union of India case (2017).
The Supreme Court AI committee has proposed draft regulations prohibiting the use of artificial intelligence (AI) for determining judicial outcomes, sentencing, or profiling individuals. The rules mandate that AI systems must operate solely in an assistive capacity, under strict human judgment, and must not perpetuate biases based on various grounds like race or gender. While AI is permitted for administrative tasks such as case management and scheduling, its use for "risk scoring" or assessing witness credibility is barred. An "apex body" is proposed to oversee AI adoption in the judiciary, ensuring accessibility and preventing digital divides.
- The Supreme Court's draft regulations prohibit AI from making judicial decisions or profiling individuals.
- AI systems are to be used only as assistive tools, always under human oversight and judgment.
- The rules explicitly forbid AI from perpetuating biases based on protected characteristics.