Himanta Biswa Sarma took oath as the Chief Minister of Assam for his second consecutive term, marking a historic first for a non-Congress leader in the state. Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya administered the oath in Guwahati. Four other ministers, including Rameswar Teli, Ajanta Neog (BJP), Atul Bora (AGP), and Charan Boro (BPF), were also sworn in. The event was attended by prominent figures like Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and the U.S. Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor, highlighting the significance of the NDA's third consecutive term in Assam.
- Himanta Biswa Sarma was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Assam for a second consecutive term.
- This marks the first time a non-Congress leader has served two straight terms as Assam CM.
- Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya administered the oath of office and secrecy.
The article discusses the Governor's critical role when no single party secures a clear majority in state elections, leading to a hung assembly. The Governor, as the constitutional head, invites the largest party or pre-poll alliance to form the government, but discretion is involved. Precedents and Supreme Court judgments emphasize that the Governor must act judiciously, ensuring stability and adhering to constitutional propriety. Key issues include the timing of inviting parties, the floor test, and the formation of post-poll alliances. The Sarkaria Commission and the Punchhi Commission have provided recommendations to guide the Governor's actions in such scenarios, stressing the need for transparency and fairness.
- In a hung assembly, the Governor's role is crucial in inviting parties to form a government.
- The Governor's discretion must be exercised judiciously, guided by constitutional provisions and precedents.
- The largest single party or pre-poll alliance is usually invited first, but post-poll alliances can also be considered.
The Central government has operationalized the four Labour Codes by publishing the final rules, which were previously in draft form in December 2025. This move aims to replace 29 existing labour laws, covering wages, social security, working hours, retirement benefits, and trade union rights. However, the decision has met with strong opposition from central trade unions, who view it as a "direct attack" on workers' rights. They argue that the codes favour employers and undermine workers' protections, leading to protests and calls for amendments, highlighting a significant divide between government policy and labour advocacy.
- The Central government has operationalized four Labour Codes by publishing final rules.
- These codes aim to consolidate and replace 29 existing labour laws.
- The operationalization covers aspects like wages, social security, working hours, and trade union rights.
A report by NREGA Sangharsh Morcha and LibTech India reveals a sharp contraction in the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) in 2025-26. Despite a marginal rise in registered households, employment generation, total workdays, and the number of families completing 100 days of work significantly declined. This resulted in an average income loss of ₹1,221 per household. The report highlights the uncertainty surrounding the transition to the new Viksit Bharat - Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025, and criticizes the lack of public consultation for such a major restructuring of employment guarantee programs, raising concerns about rural livelihood security.
- The MGNREGS experienced a significant contraction in 2025-26, with declines in employment generation and total workdays.
- This contraction led to an average income loss of ₹1,221 for each MGNREGS household during the financial year.
- The number of households completing 100 days of work under the scheme declined by 40.5%.
India's data system is fragmented and lacks interoperability, leading to inefficiencies, fiscal leakages, and misinformed decisions. Parliamentary questions often seek basic facts that should already be publicly available, highlighting the issue. NITI Aayog's National Data and Analytics Platform (NDAP) vision document noted incoherence, with ministries failing to use shared standards. Duplication in health records and other databases leads to inflated spending and conflicting estimates. Poor data governance costs India significant economic potential. The solution lies in implementing the National Data Governance Framework Policy (NDGFP) and empowering the India Data Management Office (IDMO) to set binding standards and audit compliance across ministries.
- India's data ecosystem is fragmented and lacks interoperability, leading to inefficiencies, fiscal leakages, and hindering effective policymaking.
- Duplication of records in various sectors, such as health and welfare schemes, results in inflated spending and unreliable data.
- Poor data governance incurs significant economic costs and impacts India's global innovation rankings.
Operation Sindoor, conducted from May 1-5, 2025, successfully targeted selected terrorist infrastructure and cross-border elements, marking a significant shift in India's counter-terrorism approach. The operation demonstrated India's capability to project power beyond its borders, achieving strategic surprise and minimal collateral damage. It highlighted improved coordination between civil and military institutions and effective use of intelligence and network-centric warfare. While successful, the article emphasizes the need for continuous adaptation, robust intelligence, and sustained political will to counter evolving threats and maintain credible deterrence, moving towards a 'whole-of-nation' approach for national security.
- Operation Sindoor, conducted in May 2025, successfully targeted terrorist infrastructure, signaling a proactive shift in India's counter-terrorism strategy.
- The operation showcased enhanced civil-military coordination and advanced network-centric warfare capabilities.
- Despite its success, the article stresses the importance of continuous adaptation, robust intelligence, and sustained political will for future security.
The Calcutta High Court has overruled the Union government's preliminary objections to petitions challenging the ₹92,000-crore Great Nicobar Island project. The petitions allege violations of the Forest Rights Act (FRA) in obtaining consent for the project. The court dismissed the Centre's argument that petitioner Meena Gupta lacked locus standi, affirming her sufficient interest in espousing the cause of the vulnerable tribal community. Issues raised include the validity of Gram Sabha resolutions, the constitution of a sub-divisional committee, and notifications reducing buffer zones for Campbell Bay and Galathea Bay National Parks. The Centre had argued the project's national importance should shield it from Public Interest Litigations.
- The Calcutta High Court dismissed the Union government's objections to petitions challenging the Great Nicobar Island project.
- The petitions allege violations of the Forest Rights Act (FRA) in the process of obtaining consent for the mega-infrastructure project.
- The court affirmed the petitioner's locus standi, recognizing her interest in advocating for the vulnerable tribal community.
The EU's Ambassador to India, Hervé Delphin, lauded the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA) as the "mother of all deals," creating a massive joint market. However, he cautioned that burdensome compliance norms and administrative procedures could derail its benefits. Delphin emphasized the need for both sides to ensure smooth implementation with a pro-FTA mindset, preventing customs procedures or conformity requirements from acting as trade barriers. He also noted the FTA's shortcoming in not covering investment liberalization in non-services sectors, which could have provided greater assurance and predictability for investors. The deal is expected to be implemented by early 2027.
- The India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is hailed as the "mother of all deals," creating a significant joint market.
- EU Ambassador Hervé Delphin warned that burdensome compliance norms and administrative procedures could undermine the FTA's benefits.
- Both India and the EU must ensure smooth implementation with a pro-FTA mindset, avoiding trade barriers disguised as conformity requirements.
The Supreme Court questioned whether a "proper debate" was held in Parliament before enacting the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023. This law replaced a selection committee that included the Chief Justice of India with one comprising the Prime Minister, a Union Cabinet Minister, and the Leader of the Opposition. The court's query arose during a hearing on petitions challenging the new law, which critics argue undermines the independence of the Election Commission by giving the executive greater control over appointments. The court emphasized the importance of parliamentary deliberation for laws impacting constitutional bodies.
- The Supreme Court questioned the adequacy of parliamentary debate on the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and Election Commissioners (ECs) appointment law.
- The 2023 Act replaced a selection committee that included the Chief Justice of India with one dominated by the executive.
- Petitions challenge the new law, arguing it compromises the Election Commission's independence.
Kerala has drafted an Oil Spill Contingency Plan (OSCP) to protect its extensive coastline from marine pollution, particularly oil spills. This initiative was prompted by the increasing maritime traffic and the potential for accidents involving oil tankers and cargo vessels, as highlighted by past incidents like the MV Asian Forest collision. The OSCP aims to establish a robust framework for prevention, preparedness, and response, including risk assessment, resource mobilization, and coordination among various agencies. It emphasizes the importance of early detection, rapid response, and environmental protection to safeguard Kerala's marine ecosystems and coastal communities.
- Kerala has developed an Oil Spill Contingency Plan (OSCP) to safeguard its coastline from marine pollution.
- The plan was prompted by increased maritime traffic and past incidents, such as the MV Asian Forest collision.
- The OSCP focuses on prevention, preparedness, and rapid response to oil spills.
India faces a severe challenge with building collapses and fire incidents, often due to poor construction, lack of maintenance, and non-compliance with safety norms. Recent tragedies, like the fire in a Delhi coaching centre and a building collapse in Mumbai, highlight the urgent need for stricter enforcement of building codes and regular safety audits. Many buildings, especially older ones or those with illegal modifications, pose significant risks. Authorities must prioritize public safety by ensuring structural integrity, fire safety measures, and proper evacuation plans, moving beyond reactive responses to proactive prevention.
- India experiences frequent building collapses and fire incidents due to poor construction and lack of safety compliance.
- Many buildings, particularly older structures and those with illegal modifications, are vulnerable to such hazards.
- Authorities often fail to conduct regular safety audits and enforce building codes effectively.
The first phase of Census 2027 is underway, with over 92 lakh households across 23 States and Union Territories utilizing the self-enumeration facility. This digital approach aims to streamline the data collection process, making it more efficient and accessible for citizens. The Census is a crucial exercise for policy formulation and resource allocation, providing vital demographic and socio-economic data. The ongoing phase focuses on recording household and facility details, highlighting a significant step towards modernizing India's decennial population count.
- The first phase of Census 2027 is currently in progress, focusing on household and facility enumeration.
- Over 92 lakh households across 23 States and Union Territories have successfully used the self-enumeration facility.
- This digital self-enumeration method aims to enhance efficiency and citizen participation in the census process.
Karnataka has operationalized India's first specialized grievance redressal mechanism for platform-based gig workers through the Integrated Public Grievance Redressal System (IPGRS). This system allows gig workers to file complaints regarding issues like suspension, termination, unfair penalties, and discrimination, aiming to provide structure and legal recourse. The Karnataka Platform-Based Gig Workers (Social Security and Welfare) Act, 2023, underpins this initiative, providing social security and welfare benefits funded by a 1% cess on platform transactions. Complaints filed via IPGRS are automatically routed to the platform's Internal Dispute Resolution Committee (IDRC) for resolution within 15 working days.
- Karnataka has launched India's first specialized grievance redressal mechanism for platform-based gig workers via the Integrated Public Grievance Redressal System (IPGRS).
- The IPGRS enables gig workers to file complaints concerning issues such as suspension, termination, unfair penalties, and discrimination.
- This system aims to provide structure, transparency, and legal recourse for gig workers who often lack formal employment benefits.
The article examines constitutional provisions and legal precedents regarding a Chief Minister's (CM) tenure, specifically when they cease to hold office due to losing the Legislative Assembly's confidence. While Article 164 states a CM holds office "during the pleasure of the Governor," this is not absolute, being contingent on maintaining Assembly confidence. The Governor can remove a CM who has lost confidence, but the CM must be allowed to prove their majority via a floor test. The article emphasizes that the ultimate test of confidence lies on the floor of the House, not the Governor's subjective assessment, and discusses the Governor's role in summoning the Assembly.
- A Chief Minister holds office "during the pleasure of the Governor," but this is conditional on retaining the confidence of the Legislative Assembly.
- The Governor can remove a CM who has lost confidence, but the CM must be given an opportunity to prove their majority through a floor test.
- The Governor's power to summon the Assembly for a floor test is crucial in determining the CM's majority.
The Supreme Court clarified that the Chief Justice of India's (CJI) involvement in appointing the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and Election Commissioners (ECs) was a temporary measure, pending a new law from Parliament. This statement came during challenges to the 2023 Act, which replaced the CJI with a Union Cabinet Minister on the selection panel. Petitioners argue the new law grants the executive dominant control, overriding a March 2023 Constitution Bench judgment (Anoop Baranwal v. Union of India) that mandated a committee including the PM, LoP, and CJI to ensure the Election Commission's "fierce independence."
- The Supreme Court stated that the CJI's role in the CEC and EC appointment committee was a temporary arrangement until Parliament enacted a new law.
- Petitions challenge the 2023 Act, which replaced the CJI with a Union Cabinet Minister on the selection panel, arguing it gives the executive excessive control.
- The 2023 Act effectively countermands the March 2023 Constitution Bench judgment in Anoop Baranwal v. Union of India.
India's health system faces critical structural deficits, primarily a severe shortage of specialists in rural Community Health Centres (CHCs). Despite new medical colleges and postgraduate seats, doctors are unwilling to serve in remote areas due to inadequate facilities. The central health budget's focus on infrastructure over operational outcomes exacerbates the problem. The article advocates for linking postgraduate seat allocations to existing vacancies, introducing incentives for service in difficult areas, and ensuring all five specialists are posted as a team in CHCs. These measures aim to improve public perception, patient satisfaction, and overall healthcare delivery in underserved regions.
- India's public health system suffers from a critical shortage of specialists, particularly in rural Community Health Centres (CHCs).
- Doctors are reluctant to serve in remote areas due to inadequate facilities, despite the creation of new medical colleges and postgraduate seats.
- The central health budget's focus on infrastructure over operational aspects like drugs and staff salaries is identified as a flawed approach.
This article discusses persistent inequality in India, particularly concerning consumption expenditure and income, despite policy changes like the Bharat-Guaranteed for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill, 2023. National Sample Survey Organization (NSSO) data indicates higher urban inequality and a persistent rural-urban gap. While overall poverty has declined, growth benefits are not equitably distributed, widening disparities across socio-economic groups, castes, and classes. The analysis suggests current mechanisms are inadequate, potentially leading to social unrest if not properly addressed, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions beyond broad poverty alleviation.
- Inequality in India persists despite policy initiatives like the Bharat-Guaranteed for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill, 2023.
- NSSO data reveals higher consumption expenditure inequality in urban areas compared to rural, with a significant rural-urban gap.
- Despite overall poverty reduction, economic growth benefits are not equitably distributed across socio-economic groups, castes, and classes.
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands administration approved the ₹92,000-crore Great Nicobar Island project, despite failing to meet the mandated 50% quorum at gram sabha meetings. Attendance ranged from 2% to 15%, which the administration defended as "proper quorum" in the Calcutta High Court. Petitions allege violations of the Forest Rights Act (FRA), which requires 50% adult population attendance (one-third women) for a quorum. The administration claimed due process and tribal representation via the Sub-Divisional Level Committee (SDLC). However, petitioners argue Nicobarese and Shompen tribes are covered by Tribal Councils, not gram sabhas, and highlighted repeated names in attendance lists.
- The A&NI administration approved the ₹92,000-crore Great Nicobar Island project despite failing to meet the mandated 50% quorum for gram sabha meetings.
- The administration argued in court that low attendance (2-15%) still constituted a "proper quorum" and that tribal representation was ensured via the Sub-Divisional Level Committee (SDLC).
- Petitioners allege violations of the Forest Rights Act (FRA) and contend that Nicobarese and Shompen tribal communities should be consulted through Tribal Councils, not gram sabhas.
Nepal has expressed concerns to both India and China regarding the upcoming Kailash Yatra through the Kalapani-Limpiyadhura-Lipulekh region, reiterating its claim that the area is part of Nepal's sovereign territory. India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) responded by stating that Nepal's claims on the Lipulekh Pass are not based on "historical facts." Nepal's Ministry of Foreign Affairs asserted that Limpiyadhura, Lipulek, and Kalapani east of the Mahakali river are integral parts of Nepal since the Treaty of Sugauli of 1816. India maintains that Lipulekh Pass has been a long-standing route for Kailash Manasarovar Yatra since 1954.
- Nepal has raised concerns with India and China over the Kailash Yatra route through the Kalapani-Limpiyadhura-Lipulekh region, claiming it as its sovereign territory.
- India's Ministry of External Affairs dismissed Nepal's claims on Lipulekh Pass, stating they are not based on historical facts.
- Nepal asserts that Limpiyadhura, Lipulek, and Kalapani east of the Mahakali river are integral parts of Nepal since the Treaty of Sugauli of 1816.
Indian states are increasingly mandating Heat-Action Plans (HAPs) to combat the rising threat of extreme heat, moving beyond mere advisories to legally binding frameworks. These plans, crucial for public health and safety, involve multi-sectoral coordination, early warning systems, and capacity building. While northern states like Rajasthan and Gujarat have led in HAP implementation, southern states are also developing comprehensive strategies. Challenges remain in ensuring strict enforcement, adequate funding, and effective inter-departmental coordination, particularly at the local level. The goal is to minimize heat-related mortality and morbidity through proactive measures.
- Indian states are increasingly mandating Heat-Action Plans (HAPs) to address extreme heat.
- HAPs involve multi-sectoral coordination, early warning systems, and capacity building.
- Northern states like Rajasthan and Gujarat have been pioneers, with southern states also developing strategies.
Rohit Jain has been appointed as a Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for a three-year term, replacing T. Rabi Sankar, whose extended tenure ended on Saturday. Mr. Jain, currently an Executive Director at the RBI, was approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet. As per the RBI Act, 1934, the RBI is mandated to have four Deputy Governors, with specific roles for two from within the ranks, a commercial banker, and an economist. This appointment ensures the continuity of leadership in the central bank's monetary policy and regulatory functions.
- Rohit Jain has been appointed as RBI Deputy Governor for a three-year term.
- He replaces T. Rabi Sankar, whose extended tenure ended.
- Mr. Jain was previously an Executive Director at the RBI.
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) launched the Cell Broadcast Alert System on April 20, 2026, to send emergency alerts to citizens' mobile phones. This system, part of the National Disaster Management Authority's (NDMA) efforts, aims to provide real-time information on disasters and public safety. It was developed in collaboration with various telecom operators and the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DoT). The system uses advanced technology to ensure timely and reliable communication, even in areas with network congestion, and is crucial for disaster preparedness and response.
- The Cell Broadcast Alert System was launched by the Department of Telecommunications.
- It aims to send real-time emergency alerts to mobile phones for disasters and public safety.
- The system is part of NDMA's National Disaster Management Plan.
Allahabad High Court judge Yashwant Varma resigned following an inquiry into unaccounted cash found at his Delhi residence in 2025. The Supreme Court Collegium repatriated him, and an in-house committee found 'covert or active control' over the cash, recommending impeachment. The Law Ministry reported 8,630 complaints against judges between 2016-2025, but details on actions taken are scarce, leading to calls for greater transparency. Activists argue that judicial corruption is difficult to address due to opacity and lack of effective mechanisms, with even impeachment requiring political will. The article also touches upon a related controversy where an NCERT textbook referencing 'corruption in the judiciary' was withdrawn.
- Justice Yashwant Varma resigned following an inquiry into unaccounted cash found at his residence.
- The Supreme Court Collegium initiated an in-house inquiry, which recommended impeachment.
- Concerns about opacity in handling complaints against judges and lack of effective accountability mechanisms were raised.
The National Green Tribunal's Southern Zone Bench has directed all five southern States and Puducherry to ensure strict and time-bound implementation of their State Action Plans (SAPs) under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP). The NGT flagged persistent particulate pollution across the region and warned that continued under-utilisation of clean air funds could attract environmental compensation. This directive highlights air pollution governance in the southern States, an issue often overshadowed by concerns in northern regions like Delhi-NCR. Karnataka, for instance, utilized only 13% of its allocated funds by October 2024, though a later affidavit reported 76% utilization by September 2025.
- NGT's Southern Zone Bench directed southern States and Puducherry to implement State Action Plans under NCAP.
- The tribunal highlighted persistent particulate pollution in the region.
- Under-utilisation of clean air funds could attract environmental compensation.