India's 11,000-km coastline faces escalating climate threats, impacting 250 million people. Despite the proven efficacy of Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) through natural buffers like mangroves, seagrasses, and coral reefs, "grey" infrastructure like seawalls dominates adaptation spending. EbA offers cost-effective protection, strengthens ecosystems, and supports livelihoods, as demonstrated by mangrove restoration in the Sundarbans. The article highlights that fragmented mandates and a preference for visible infrastructure hinder EbA's recognition and scaling within policy frameworks, urging a shift towards integrating EbA as a core climate and development strategy to leverage India's natural capital for resilience.
- India's extensive coastline is highly vulnerable to climate change impacts, affecting a large population.
- Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) using natural systems like mangroves offers superior, cost-effective protection.
- Current adaptation spending disproportionately favors "grey" infrastructure over EbA.
India is grappling with a severe environmental crisis, marked by extreme weather, widespread pollution, and land degradation, yet lacks a unified understanding of its environmental state. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) is underfunded and fragmented, hindering effective policymaking. The article proposes an Annual Environmental Survey of India (EnvSI), modeled after the Economic Survey, to provide independent, expert-led assessments. Such a survey would aggregate data, conduct audits, and issue actionable insights, crucial for preventing further degradation, achieving climate targets, and balancing economic growth with environmental conservation and social justice.
- India is experiencing a significant environmental crisis, including extreme weather events and pollution.
- The country lacks a comprehensive and unified understanding of its environmental status.
- The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) is underfunded and fragmented.
The Home Ministry has notified changes to the Immigration and Foreigners Rules, 2025, altering registration requirements for foreigners in India. Foreigners on a visa for 180 days or less, who wish to stay beyond their visa period, must now register "any time before the expiry of the said period of 180 days." This replaces the previous rule that mandated registration "within 14 days after the expiry of one hundred and eighty days of arrival in India." Similarly, those on visas for more than 180 days with a "stay not exceeding 180 days" stipulation must also register before the 180-day expiry if they intend to stay longer.
- The Home Ministry has updated foreigner registration regulations under the Immigration and Foreigners Rules, 2025.
- Foreigners on visas of 180 days or less must now register before the 180-day expiry if they plan to extend their stay.
- This new rule replaces the previous requirement to register within 14 days after 180 days of arrival.
The Supreme Court welcomed five new judges, increasing its working strength to 37, leaving only one position vacant. These appointments follow the Centre's decision to raise the court's sanctioned strength from 33 to 37 judges (excluding the Chief Justice of India) through the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Ordinance, 2026. CJI Surya Kant administered the oath of office to the new appointees, who include former Chief Justices of various High Courts and a senior advocate. This move aims to address the workload and ensure timely justice delivery in the apex court.
- The Supreme Court's working strength has increased to 37 judges with the appointment of five new judges.
- This expansion follows the Centre's decision to raise the sanctioned strength from 33 to 37, excluding the Chief Justice of India.
- The increase was facilitated by the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Ordinance, 2026.
Rajasthan's new land pooling scheme highlights a growing trend in India to address the complexities and financial burdens of land acquisition for urban infrastructure. Traditional acquisition methods have become time-consuming and costly, especially after the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013. Land pooling, particularly Town Planning (TP) schemes, offers a viable alternative where landowners voluntarily contribute land for development, receiving reconstituted, more valuable plots in return. This participatory approach reduces displacement, ensures equitable benefit-sharing, and enables faster urban development, as successfully demonstrated in Gujarat and now being adopted by other states like Tamil Nadu and Delhi.
- Land pooling schemes, like Town Planning (TP) schemes, are gaining traction as an alternative to traditional land acquisition for urban infrastructure.
- The 2013 Land Acquisition Act increased financial obligations and procedural complexities, making large-scale acquisitions unviable.
- Land pooling involves landowners voluntarily contributing land for infrastructure, receiving serviced and more valuable plots in return.
Admiral Krishna Swaminathan has assumed charge as the 27th Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) of the Indian Navy, succeeding Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi. He reaffirmed the Navy's commitment to protecting national and economic interests amidst a complex regional security environment. Admiral Swaminathan highlighted priorities such as maintaining high operational readiness, combat effectiveness, and accelerating the induction of niche and emerging technologies. He also pledged to sustain the growth momentum and consolidate ongoing modernization programs for capability enhancement.
- Admiral Krishna Swaminathan is the 27th Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) of the Indian Navy.
- He succeeded Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi, who retired after 41 years of service.
- His priorities include protecting national and economic interests in a challenging security environment.
General N.S. Raja Subramani has assumed charge as India's third Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and Secretary, Department of Military Affairs. He paid tribute at the National War Memorial and was accorded a Tri-Services Guard of Honour. General Subramani emphasized strengthening national security through greater integration among the services and implementing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of "JAI" – Jointness, Atma Nirbharta (self-sufficiency), and Innovation. He stated that organizational reforms would focus on synergy, integration, and operational effectiveness, and accelerating indigenous weapon development.
- General N.S. Raja Subramani is India's third Chief of Defence Staff (CDS).
- He also serves as the Secretary, Department of Military Affairs.
- His priorities include strengthening national security through greater integration among the armed services.
The article critiques the Supreme Court's increasing reliance on suo motu cognisance in individual criminal cases, likening it to a bureaucracy ringing its own chain. It argues that such interventions, often triggered by media reports, are "heroic" but fail to promote institutional shake-up in lower judiciary. The author points out that while the apex court takes cognisance, the actual work of conviction or investigation is done by trial courts. The trend of rising suo motu cases since 2020, contrasted with earlier periods, suggests a shift from a "rare" to a "recurring" instrument, raising questions about the effective use of scarce judicial attention, especially when dowry deaths and other serious crimes have low conviction rates.
- The Supreme Court's frequent use of suo motu cognisance in individual criminal cases is criticized as a form of judicial overreach.
- Such interventions, often media-driven, are seen as superficial rather than leading to systemic reforms in the lower judiciary.
- The article highlights that despite apex court cognisance, the investigative and conviction work primarily rests with trial courts.
The Bihar government successfully rescued 122 child labourers and registered First Information Reports (FIRs) against 60 employers over a ten-day statewide enforcement drive. This initiative, conducted between May 20 and May 30, aimed at eliminating child labor across the state. Intensive inspections and raids were carried out at 222 locations, demonstrating the government's commitment to combating child exploitation and ensuring the protection of children's rights.
- Bihar government conducted a statewide enforcement drive against child labor.
- 122 child labourers were rescued during the drive.
- FIRs were registered against 60 employers for engaging child labor.
Despite a modest increase in capacity, Indian prisons remain severely overcrowded, with the occupancy rate at 112.7% in 2024, a decade-low but still high. This issue is primarily driven by the disproportionately high share of undertrials, who constituted about 73% of the total inmate population in 2024. States like Delhi (194% occupancy) and Jammu & Kashmir (148%) show extreme overcrowding. A Parliamentary Committee report highlighted that overcrowding strains resources, compromises living standards, and limits access to facilities. Additionally, high staff vacancies, with almost half of sanctioned posts vacant in some states, further exacerbate the problem.
- Indian prisons are significantly overcrowded, with an occupancy rate of 112.7% in 2024.
- Undertrials account for approximately 73% of the total inmate population, contributing significantly to overcrowding.
- States like Delhi (194%) and Jammu & Kashmir (148%) exhibit severe overcrowding.
Brinda Karat critiques the Janjati Suraksha Manch (JSM) and Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram, RSS progeny, for their majoritarian agenda targeting Adivasi identity and faith. The JSM demands delisting Adivasi communities converted to Christianity from ST status, citing the Presidential Order of 1950 for Scheduled Castes. Karat argues this ignores the foundational distinction that Adivasi identity is not religion-based, as upheld by the Patna High Court in 1963. She highlights JSM's coercive tactics, such as forced exhumations and exclusion from community festivals, to prove Adivasis abandon their culture upon conversion. She also criticizes the cooption campaign asserting Adivasis as part of the "sanatan parivar" and Home Minister Amit Shah's endorsement of this agenda, while ignoring urgent issues like Forest Rights Act sabotage and corporate takeovers.
- Janjati Suraksha Manch (JSM) and Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram advocate delisting Christian Adivasis from Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.
- This demand is based on the Presidential Order of 1950 for Scheduled Castes, which links identity to religion.
- Adivasi identity is fundamentally not religion-based, as established by the Patna High Court in 1963.
The Supreme Court has issued notices to the Union Government, CBSE, and NCERT regarding the implementation of a three-language formula for Class 9 students from July 1, 2026. While declining an immediate stay, the Court acknowledged concerns about "hardship and inconvenience." The CBSE's mandate requires two of the three languages to be native Indian languages, with foreign languages only as a third or optional fourth subject. Critics argue this is a political decision, lacks parliamentary backing, and violates NEP 2020's promise of flexibility and no language imposition. Concerns include added pressure on students, teacher shortages, and textbook unavailability.
- Supreme Court issued notices to the Union Government, CBSE, and NCERT on the three-language formula for Class 9 students.
- The CBSE mandate requires two of the three languages to be native Indian languages.
- The policy is challenged on constitutional grounds, citing personal choice and lack of parliamentary legislation.
Nepal Prime Minister Balendra Shah sparked controversy by stating that Nepal has encroached upon Indian territory in several places, marking the first such public admission by a Nepali head of government. This statement was made in response to a lawmaker's question regarding the disputed Kalapani region. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs later clarified that the PM's remarks primarily referred to "cross-border occupation" in the Dasgaja area (no-man's land), where citizens of one country cultivate or reside on land belonging to the other. Lawmakers from Nepali Congress and Communist Party demanded clarification and removal of the remarks from record.
- Nepal PM Balendra Shah publicly stated that Nepal has encroached upon Indian territory in multiple locations.
- The statement was made in Parliament concerning the disputed Kalapani region.
- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs clarified that the remarks referred to "cross-border occupation" in the Dasgaja area.
The Election Commission (EC) has commenced the enumeration phase for the third phase of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Odisha, Mizoram, Sikkim, and Manipur. Eligible electors whose forms are received by June 28 will be included in the draft electoral rolls. This phase is part of a staggered exercise covering 16 States and three Union Territories, aiming to ensure no eligible citizen is left out and no ineligible person is included. Booth-level officers (BLOs) will conduct house-to-house visits, and political parties' booth-level agents (BLAs) can assist in collecting forms.
- The Election Commission initiated Phase 3 of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
- The enumeration phase began on May 30 and will continue till June 28 in Odisha, Mizoram, Sikkim, and Manipur.
- The SIR aims to ensure comprehensive and accurate electoral rolls, including all eligible voters and excluding ineligible ones.
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) announced that vulnerabilities in its On-Screen Marking (OnMark) platform for Class 12 answer sheets have been contained. This follows public disclosures by ethical hackers, including 19-year-old Nisarga Adhikary, who exposed exploitable weaknesses. The CBSE stated that an expert cybersecurity team, including professionals from government arms and IITs, was deployed to fortify the systems. The board expressed gratitude to alert citizens for highlighting these issues, ensuring the integrity of the digital evaluation ecosystem. Concerns were raised regarding data sovereignty and the handling of sensitive student data by the technology vendor, COEMPT Eduteck.
- CBSE confirmed containing vulnerabilities in its On-Screen Marking (OnMark) platform for Class 12 answer sheets.
- Ethical hackers, like Nisarga Adhikary, publicly exposed these security flaws.
- An expert team from government and IITs was deployed to secure the systems.
The National Family Health Survey-6 (NFHS-6) reveals significant progress in India's maternal and child health. Institutional deliveries rose to 90.6% (from 88.6% in NFHS-5), and 95.6% of infants under six months were breastfed. Child health indicators improved, with stunting declining to 29.3% and severe wasting to 5.2%. Antenatal care coverage increased, with 95.9% of pregnant women receiving care and 54.9% consuming iron-folic acid supplements for 100+ days. However, the survey flagged a sharp increase in caesarean section deliveries to 27.2% (40% in urban areas), exceeding WHO optimal thresholds, and noted persistent challenges from non-communicable diseases and rising obesity.
- The NFHS-6 shows that 90.6% of Indian babies are now born in hospitals, a rise from previous surveys.
- Significant improvements were recorded in child health, with a decline in stunting and severe wasting among children under five.
- Maternal health services saw increased coverage for antenatal care and iron-folic acid supplementation during pregnancy.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced a complete transformation of India's border security arrangements. A new "quadrangular security grid" will be established, involving the public, civil administration, local police, and military working with the Border Security Force (BSF). This initiative, part of the Smart Border Security Project, will replace the traditional "mere border security" with a concept of "territorial security." The project involves significant investment in drones, radars, watchtowers, and state-of-the-art technology to create a robust security grid, particularly addressing incomplete fencing along the West Bengal boundary and securing forested and riverine channels.
- India plans a complete transformation of its border security arrangements.
- A "quadrangular security grid" will be established, integrating public, civil administration, local police, and military with the BSF.
- The new approach will shift from "mere border security" to "territorial security."
The article argues that public international law is increasingly seen as "optional" by powerful states, leading to a fraying of the rules-based order. It highlights numerous violations of foundational principles, including the UN Charter's prohibition on the use of force, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, citing Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran. Violations of UNCLOS, international humanitarian law, human rights treaties, and arms-control regimes are also discussed. The author contends that the impunity with which powerful states act signals that "might is right," leading to a vacuum where power determines legality and threatening global peace and stability.
- International law is increasingly disregarded by powerful states, undermining the rules-based global order.
- Violations of the UN Charter's prohibition on the use of force and principles of sovereignty are becoming common.
- Examples include Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran, and China's actions in the South China Sea.
The National Health Accounts (NHA) Estimates for India 2022-23 indicate that households still bear nearly half of the current health expenditure (OOPE), despite increased government and insurance spending. While the government claims a rise in its health expenditure as a percentage of GDP, experts like Abhay Shukla point out that public financing has dropped back to pre-COVID levels, with GHE as a share of CHE sharply declining. Private health insurance expenditures are three times higher than government-financed schemes, suggesting PMJAY and similar programs fail to provide substantial protection. The health system remains deeply privatized, leading to inequities and high costs, with a low focus on preventive care.
- Out-of-pocket expenditure (OOPE) constitutes nearly half of India's current health expenditure, placing a significant burden on households.
- Despite government claims of increased public health spending, the share of Government Health Expenditure (GHE) in Current Health Expenditure (CHE) has declined sharply post-COVID.
- Private health insurance spending significantly outweighs government-financed schemes, indicating inadequate financial protection for citizens.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired the 51st PRAGATI meeting, where he urged states to resolve inter-State water disputes through cooperation, timely clearances, and technology-based monitoring. He cited the Ken-Betwa project as a model for such resolutions. During the meeting, seven critical infrastructure projects across railways, power, and road sectors covering nine states were reviewed. The Prime Minister emphasized that delays in project implementation lead to cost escalation and deprive citizens of essential facilities, underscoring the importance of efficient project execution.
- Prime Minister Modi advocated for cooperative resolution of inter-State water disputes, emphasizing timely clearances and technology-based monitoring.
- The Ken-Betwa project was highlighted as a model for resolving such disputes.
- The 51st PRAGATI meeting reviewed seven critical infrastructure projects across various sectors in nine states.
The article discusses the Supreme Court's inherent power under Article 142 of the Constitution to deliver 'complete justice,' especially when existing laws are inadequate. This power acts as a 'constitutional safety valve,' allowing the Court to go beyond strict procedural constraints to prevent injustice. While critics argue it can lead to judicial overreach, encroaching on executive or legislative domains, the author defends its necessity for addressing evolving social realities and ensuring substantive justice. The article clarifies that High Courts, though capable of delivering justice, do not possess powers equivalent to the Supreme Court's under Article 142, which is crucial for applying due process in rapidly changing societal contexts.
- The Supreme Court possesses inherent power under Article 142 for delivering 'complete justice' when laws are insufficient.
- Article 142 acts as a 'constitutional safety valve,' enabling the Court to transcend procedural limitations to prevent injustice.
- The exercise of Article 142 often faces criticism for potential judicial overreach, but it is defended as essential for evolving social realities.
The Supreme Court has agreed to examine a challenge to the constitutional validity of the definition of 'wetlands' in the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017. Petitioners argue that Rule 2(g) arbitrarily excludes most human-made, artificial, and historically developed wetlands from environmental protection, thereby diluting accountability and violating India's obligations under the Ramsar Convention, 1971. The exclusion of waterbodies constructed for drinking water, irrigation, aquaculture, and other allied purposes is seen as removing a substantial majority of wetlands from protective frameworks. This dilution is alleged to violate the principle of non-regression and departs from functional characteristics-based identification of wetlands.
- The Supreme Court will examine the constitutional validity of the 'wetlands' definition in the 2017 Wetlands Rules.
- Petitioners argue that the rules arbitrarily exclude many human-made wetlands from environmental protection.
- The challenged definition is seen as inconsistent with India's obligations under the Ramsar Convention, 1971.
The Supreme Court has directed Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan to consider granting prosecution immunity to forest guards combating illegal sand mining in the Chambal region. This immunity, akin to that for armed forces, would protect them from prosecution for bona fide actions taken in the line of duty. The directive, issued under Article 142 of the Constitution, aims to ensure 'complete justice' and environmental safeguards, following brutal murders of forest guards by miners. The court also ordered immediate steps to augment field-level enforcement, fill vacancies within a year, and establish carpet surveillance with CCTV cameras and live streaming to protect the ecologically sensitive Chambal gharial sanctuary.
- The Supreme Court has directed three states to consider granting prosecution immunity to forest guards in the Chambal region.
- The immunity is intended to protect guards from prosecution for bona fide actions against illegal sand miners.
- The directive was issued under Article 142 of the Constitution to ensure 'complete justice' and environmental safeguards.
The defection of seven Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MPs in the Rajya Sabha, invoking the 'merger' exception under the 10th Schedule to join the BJP, has raised significant constitutional questions. The article analyzes whether a merger can be effected solely by two-thirds of a legislature party or if it requires a decision from the original political party. It argues that the 10th Schedule's Paragraph 4 implies the merger of the political party itself, not just a numerical alignment within the legislature. This interpretation is crucial for preserving the integrity of the party system and the institution of opposition in parliamentary democracy, highlighting the need for judicial clarity from the Supreme Court.
- The defection of AAP MPs in Rajya Sabha under the 'merger' exception raises constitutional questions.
- The core issue is the interpretation of Paragraph 4 of the 10th Schedule regarding political party merger versus legislature party alignment.
- The article argues for the primacy of the political party's decision in a merger to maintain democratic accountability.