The FCRA Amendment Bill, 2026 proposes a 'Designated Authority' to oversee the management and disposal of foreign contributions and assets when an organization's FCRA certificate is cancelled or ceases to exist. While aimed at ensuring financial compliance and national security, critics argue it grants excessive executive control over civil society institutions. The Bill raises concerns about proportionality, potential executive overreach, and interference with the autonomous management of foreign-funded assets. Balancing national security with fundamental freedoms remains a critical constitutional challenge.
- The FCRA Amendment Bill 2026 empowers a 'Designated Authority' to manage foreign contributions upon certificate cancellation.
- Concerns have been raised regarding executive overreach and infringement on civil society autonomy.
- The principle of proportionality must be tested against state regulations and fundamental rights.
The article examines the legal interpretation of untouchability following a "purification" ritual after a Dalit leader's rally. Article 17 of the Constitution abolishes untouchability in all forms, a principle reinforced by the Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955. The Supreme Court, in Sukanya Shantha v Union of India (2024), clarified that untouchability is deeply connected to caste-based notions of "purity and pollution," which Article 17 rejects. The Court emphasized that Article 17's scope is not limited to physical exclusion but encompasses any discriminatory treatment based on a person's touch or presence, citing a Rajasthan High Court ruling against caste-specific purification rituals for temple entry.
- Article 17 of the Indian Constitution unequivocally abolishes untouchability in all its forms.
- The Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955, provides legal penalties for practicing or promoting untouchability.
- The Supreme Court links untouchability to caste-based notions of "purity and pollution," which are constitutionally rejected.
The Supreme Court will review the Centre's application seeking clarification on its March 11 judgment concerning the income test for OBC creamy layer exclusion. The Centre argues that retrospective implementation is "extremely difficult," potentially causing a "cascading effect" on settled services since 2012, impacting all categories. The SC had previously found the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) incorrectly applied the income test, leading to the exclusion of OBC candidates and directing the creation of supernumerary posts. The Union government now seeks to continue current service allotments for CSE 2025 candidates based on the old income test reading, pending clarification.
- The Supreme Court will address the Centre's request for clarification on its March 11 judgment regarding the OBC creamy layer income test.
- The Centre claims retrospective application of the judgment is administratively challenging and could disrupt services settled since 2012.
- The SC had previously ruled that the DoPT's income test application was incorrect, leading to "hostile discrimination" against OBC candidates.
The Supreme Court's March 11 judgment in the Rohith Nathan case found the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) incorrectly applied the income test for OBC creamy layer exclusion. The Centre is now seeking clarification on retrospective implementation, citing potential "cascading effects" on settled services since 2012 and difficulties in identifying non-creamy layer status for past years. The DoPT also requested to continue applying the old income test rules for CSE 2025 candidates. This situation highlights the complex balance between ensuring substantive justice for candidates and maintaining administrative practicality and stability in reservation policy.
- The Supreme Court's March 11 judgment in the Rohith Nathan case ruled against DoPT's incorrect application of the income test for OBC creamy layer exclusion.
- The Centre seeks clarification on retrospective implementation, citing potential "cascading effects" on settled services since 2012.
- Difficulties include identifying non-creamy layer status for past years and potential disruption to existing services.
The Supreme Court's March 11 ruling on the OBC 'creamy layer' exclusion criteria, particularly the income test, has prompted the Centre to seek clarification. The Court found that the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) incorrectly included salaries of PSUs/private sector employees in the income calculation, leading to 'hostile discrimination' compared to government employees. The Centre argues that retrospective implementation of this ruling, which mandates creating supernumerary posts, is 'extremely difficult' and could have a 'cascading effect' on settled services since 2012, affecting all categories, including the unreserved. The Supreme Court will now set up a Bench to hear the Centre's plea.
- The Supreme Court ruled that salary income should not be used to exclude OBC candidates whose parents work in PSUs or the private sector without established equivalence to government service.
- The DoPT's 2004 letter, interpreting the 1993 OM, led to 'hostile discrimination' by including salaries for PSUs/private sector employees in the income test.
- The Centre finds retrospective implementation 'extremely difficult' due to potential cascading effects on settled services and fresh claims.
The UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) has expressed 'grave concern' over India's widespread discrimination against minority ethnic and ethno-religious groups, Dalits, and non-citizens. The report highlights issues such as law enforcement violence, manual scavenging, hate speech, mass refoulement of Rohingya Muslims, and deprivation of citizenship via the National Register of Citizens. CERD also noted India's use of laws like FCRA and UAPA to target civil society and its failure to provide updated information on violence allegations, criticizing India's stance that caste bias is outside the convention's scope.
- CERD has noted 'grave concern' regarding reports of law enforcement violence against minorities, Dalits, and non-citizens in India.
- India has not provided detailed information on inquiries and sanctions related to allegations of such violence.
- CERD allows all forms of discrimination based on inherited status, contradicting India's claim that caste bias falls outside Article 1 of the convention.
Former Orissa High Court Chief Justice S. Muralidhar stated that the irreverence of Gen Z is a 'sure sign of democratic progress,' assuring that democracy in India will be safeguarded. Speaking at a memorial lecture, he advocated for a future where honest criticism of the government is not criminalized, and peaceful protests are not labeled as conspiracies. Justice Muralidhar also called for judicial swiftness in addressing state excesses and criticized the Collegium system for judicial appointments, citing unexplained executive interference and a lack of transparency in the past 12 years. He also advocated for a reformed, democratic, and independent BCI.
- Gen Z's irreverence and willingness to protest are seen as positive indicators for the future of democracy in India.
- Justice Muralidhar emphasized the importance of not criminalizing honest criticism of the government or peaceful dissent.
- He called for a judiciary that acts swiftly on complaints of state excesses and ensures constitutional validity.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has proposed red hexagonal warning labels for packaged foods high in sugar, salt, and saturated fat. However, nutrition advocate Arun Gupta criticized the framework, particularly the 'two or more' nutrients threshold, which could allow unhealthy products low in fat and salt to escape warnings. He called for simpler rules, alignment with ICMR-NIN Dietary Guidelines 2024, and clearer definitions of high fat, sugar, and salt (HFSS) foods. Concerns were also raised about the proposed small size of the warning labels, advocating for a link to the principal display area of the package.
- FSSAI has proposed red hexagonal warning labels for packaged foods high in sugar, salt, and saturated fat.
- The 'two or more' nutrients threshold in the proposal is criticized for potentially allowing some unhealthy products to avoid warning labels.
- Experts advocate for simpler, single-nutrient-based warning rules and alignment with the ICMR-NIN Dietary Guidelines 2024.
Meta reached a landmark $17.1-billion settlement with 47 U.S. States, resolving a lawsuit alleging the company designed addictive platforms, harmed children, and violated privacy laws. Internal documents revealed during the trial indicated Meta's awareness of issues like social comparison and exposure to harmful content. While Meta denied wrongdoing, it agreed to implement safety features for teens, including a default two-hour daily limit, 'school' and 'night' modes, and options to curate feeds. Critics, however, argue that these features are rudimentary and may not lead to fundamental change without altering Meta's revenue model.
- Meta settled a major lawsuit concerning allegations of designing addictive platforms and causing harm to children, including mental health issues.
- Internal company documents and witness testimonies revealed Meta's awareness of the negative impacts of its platforms on young users.
- The settlement mandates Meta to introduce several new safety features for teens on Instagram and Facebook, such as daily time limits and notification controls.
Nepal's flash flood death toll has reached 675, with 2,498 people still missing and over 7,514 rescued. Rescue operations are hindered by remote regions. More than 900 people from 11 hydropower projects are missing, with 279 rescued from tunnels in two days. India and China have dispatched tunnel rescue experts. Nepal's Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal clarified that specific, specialized assistance was requested, not rejected. Six Indian forensic teams are also expected to help identify mortal remains.
- Nepal is grappling with severe flash floods, resulting in a high death toll and a significant number of missing persons.
- International assistance, including tunnel rescue experts from India and China, is crucial due to the complex nature of the disaster, especially in hydropower project tunnels.
- The Nepalese government is actively managing rescue and identification efforts, including preserving DNA for unidentified bodies.
The issue concerning the OBC creamy layer exclusion, specifically the income/wealth test and equivalence of posts, remains unresolved, stuck between the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions (DoPT) and the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. A Supreme Court judgment had directed the government to exclude salaries from the income test for certain OBC candidates and create supernumerary posts. However, implementation has been difficult, with the government arguing against retrospective application. The House panel chief, Ganesh Singh, criticized the inter-ministerial blame game and lack of policy formulation by the Social Justice Ministry.
- The OBC creamy layer income test and equivalence of posts issue is stalled between two key ministries.
- A Supreme Court judgment directed the exclusion of salaries from the income test for certain OBC candidates.
- The government has faced difficulties in implementing the court's directions, particularly regarding retrospective application.
China's Foreign Ministry confirmed that a preliminary assessment suggests the collapse of a high-altitude glacier in Nepal was the likely cause of recent mudslides and flash floods along the Nepal-China border. Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian detailed China's extensive rescue and relief efforts, including the evacuation of 555 tourists from Gyirong county in Tibet, confirming five deaths and 558 missing persons, including 260 foreign nationals. President Xi Jinping chaired an emergency meeting and sent a condolence message to Nepali President Ram Chandra Paudel, pledging emergency aid and support to Nepal.
- China's Foreign Ministry confirmed a high-altitude glacier collapse in Nepal as the likely cause of flash floods.
- China has undertaken extensive rescue operations, evacuating 555 tourists from Gyirong county.
- Five deaths have been confirmed, and 558 people, including 260 foreign nationals, are still missing.
India's food regulator has proposed introducing front-of-pack warning labels on packaged food and drinks. This initiative aims to highlight items high in sugar, fat, or salt, reversing an earlier stance. The move comes in response to growing public demand for stricter labeling and represents a significant challenge for food companies. The labels are intended to help consumers make healthier choices by providing clear, immediate information about the nutritional content of products.
- India's food regulator proposes front-of-pack warning labels for packaged food and drinks.
- The labels will highlight high sugar, fat, or salt content to inform consumers.
- This move marks a reversal of the regulator's previous position on such labeling.
Five years after taking power, the Taliban has brought stability to Afghanistan, ending decades of conflict and foreign occupation. However, this stability comes at the cost of severe social regression, with the re-imposition of harsh Islamic rules, including bans on music, girls' education beyond class six, and gender segregation. The international community, guided by UN Security Council Resolution 2593, largely withholds formal recognition due to these policies. While economic progress is fragile, India has adopted a nuanced engagement, providing humanitarian aid and maintaining trade links, hoping for a more moderate Afghanistan through collective incentives.
- Taliban rule has brought stability and security to Afghanistan, ending decades of conflict.
- The regime has enforced severe social restrictions, including bans on girls' education and gender segregation, leading to widespread regression.
- The international community largely withholds formal recognition, demanding an inclusive political settlement and respect for human rights.
The Election Commission of India's (ECI) Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process has resulted in significant voter deletions, with nearly 22% in Telangana and 19.5% in Karnataka. These 'unkind cuts' are particularly steep in capital cities, raising concerns about disenfranchisement. The article criticizes the ECI's opacity, noting its failure to publish elector-to-population ratios and gender-wise breakdowns of deletions, making verification arduous. It highlights that the process, which places the onus on electors, leads to such large-scale cuts, questioning the ECI's role as a guardian of universal adult franchise.
- The ECI's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) has led to substantial voter deletions in Telangana (22%) and Karnataka (19.5%).
- Concerns are raised about disenfranchisement, especially with over half of electors deleted in some Bengaluru constituencies.
- The ECI is criticized for its opacity, failing to publish mandatory elector-to-population ratios and gender-wise deletion breakdowns.
Nepal's flash floods have caused a death toll of 579, with nearly 2,000 people still missing. Over 4,500 individuals have been rescued, including 85 Indians, though 320 Indians remain unreachable and 400 are stranded on the Chinese side. People from over 30 countries are among the missing. Initially hesitant, the Nepal government reversed its decision and now allows foreign experts to join search and rescue efforts following diplomatic pressure. Scientists are investigating the cause, with preliminary findings pointing to an ice-and-rock collapse in the Lhende Khola region, triggering a massive surge of water into the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli rivers.
- The death toll from Nepal's flash floods has reached 579, with nearly 2,000 people still unaccounted for.
- Nepal initially resisted but later allowed foreign experts to assist in search and rescue operations due to diplomatic pressure.
- The disaster is believed to have originated from an ice-and-rock collapse in the Lhende Khola, leading to flash floods in the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli rivers.
India has achieved remarkable food security since the 1960s, becoming a major food producer with substantial buffer stocks and legal entitlements through the NFSA, 2013. However, climate change now threatens these gains, with rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, and water scarcity impacting production, storage, and transport. The challenge is to diversify procurement across crops and regions, moving beyond concentrated procurement to a more climate-responsive system. The article emphasizes building a climate-resilient food system through financial mechanisms like green bonds, adaptation finance, and investment in resilient agricultural value chains. It also highlights the need for better climate information, resilient seed varieties, and public-private collaboration to support smallholders and climate-exposed regions.
- India has achieved significant food security, but climate change now poses a major threat to these achievements.
- The current food system, with concentrated procurement in a few crops and geographies, needs diversification to become climate-resilient.
- Financing climate-resilient food systems requires green bonds, adaptation finance, and investment in resilient agricultural value chains.
The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health and Family Welfare's 176th Report highlighted the exorbitant cost of private healthcare in India, with average hospitalization costing ₹50,508 in private facilities compared to ₹6,631 in government ones. This financial burden, often due to information asymmetry and profit-driven incentives, leads to over-treatment, unnecessary tests, and medicalisation. The report made 368 recommendations, including standardized package rates and mandatory pre-treatment cost estimates. It also suggested that corporate hospitals cross-subsidize poorer patients and reserve beds for AB-PMJAY beneficiaries at regulated rates, while advocating for transparency, standard protocols, and regulation of profit-driven incentives.
- Private healthcare in India is significantly more expensive than public healthcare, causing financial shock to families.
- Information asymmetry and profit-driven incentives in private hospitals often lead to over-treatment, unnecessary tests, and medicalisation.
- The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health and Family Welfare recommended standardized package rates and mandatory pre-treatment cost estimates.
Meta has agreed to a $17 billion settlement with 47 U.S. states to end a landmark trial over teen social media addiction, also pledging to add child-safety measures to its Facebook and Instagram platforms. The lawsuit accused Meta of contributing to the youth mental health crisis by deliberately designing addicting features and collecting data on children under 13 without parental consent. While Meta stated it is "building on our longstanding efforts to empower parents and support teens," critics argue its safety features are merely "window dressing."
- Meta settled with 47 U.S. states for $17 billion over a trial concerning teen social media addiction.
- The settlement includes adding child-safety measures to Facebook and Instagram.
- Meta was accused of contributing to youth mental health crises through addicting features and collecting data on minors without consent.
A parliamentary Standing Committee report revealed that the Centre has failed to effectively implement its free coaching scheme for economically disadvantaged students preparing for competitive exams. Only 2,790 students were enrolled against a target of 10,500 over the past three years. The report noted significant under-expenditure, with only ₹7.76 crore spent out of a ₹47 crore budget estimate in 2023-24. The committee questioned the ambitious target of 7,000 beneficiaries for 2026-27, given past failures, and recommended revising the annual family income ceiling of ₹8 lakh to increase candidate uptake.
- The Centre's free coaching scheme for disadvantaged students has low enrollment, with only 2,790 students against a 10,500 target over three years.
- The scheme has faced significant under-expenditure, utilizing only a fraction of its allocated budget.
- The Standing Committee questioned the feasibility of the ambitious 7,000-beneficiary target for 2026-27 given past performance.
India rejected a UN committee report alleging discrimination and human rights violations against various ethnic and religious groups in the country. The UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination flagged concerns over Scheduled Tribes, Scheduled Castes, and Rohingya refugees, and called for action against "hate crimes." India's External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal dismissed the report as "politically motivated" and "highly malicious," stating that India's constitutional safeguards, legal framework, and pluralism protect disadvantaged communities. India will formally respond to the observations through established procedures.
- India rejected a UN committee report alleging discrimination and human rights abuses against ethnic and religious groups.
- The UN Committee flagged concerns over Scheduled Tribes, Scheduled Castes, and Rohingya refugees.
- India's External Affairs Ministry termed the report "politically motivated" and "highly malicious."
Three books trace the evolution of India's cyber fraud industry, from local call scams in Jamtara and Mewat to global pig-butchering operations in Southeast Asia. The analyses highlight how factors like cheap mobile data, poverty, greed, rapid digitization, and weak law enforcement have fueled this industry. Scammers constantly adapt their techniques, from tricking people into revealing passcodes to using ingenious math-based exploits for ATM PINs. The books also explore the broader economic and legal conditions that permit such large-scale fraud, emphasizing the need for stronger data privacy laws and better enforcement to dismantle the ecosystem.
- India's cyber fraud industry has evolved from local call scams to global operations, fueled by cheap data and weak law enforcement.
- Scammers continuously adapt their techniques, exploiting new methods to defraud victims.
- The books explore the socio-economic conditions and lack of stringent data privacy laws that enable large-scale fraud.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has added heatwaves and lightning to India's list of notified natural calamities, making them eligible for full State Disaster Risk Management Fund (SDRMF) pool. This change, based on the Sixteenth Finance Commission's recommendation, removes previous funding ceilings for heatwave-related losses. While the total fund allocation has increased, States need to strengthen planning and implementation of Heat Action Plans (HAPs) to effectively utilize these funds. The analysis highlights India's growing exposure to extreme heat and the need for robust mitigation strategies.
- Heatwaves and lightning are now notified natural calamities, making them eligible for full SDRMF funding.
- The Sixteenth Finance Commission recommended a significant increase in State disaster funds.
- States need to strengthen planning and implementation of Heat Action Plans (HAPs) to effectively use the funds.
An analysis argues that restoring India's urban lakes requires comprehensive, long-term solutions beyond quick fixes, addressing the root causes of degradation. Rapid urbanization, encroachment, and pollution have severely impacted lakes, reducing their capacity and ecological health. The article highlights the need for integrated urban planning, strict enforcement against encroachment, and community participation. It emphasizes that restoring lakes is vital for water security, biodiversity, and climate resilience, advocating for a holistic approach that includes sustainable management, waste treatment, and public awareness campaigns.
- Urban lake restoration requires comprehensive, long-term solutions addressing root causes like encroachment and pollution.
- Rapid urbanization has significantly degraded the capacity and ecological health of India's lakes.
- Integrated urban planning, strict enforcement, and community participation are crucial for effective restoration.