West Bengal police arrested five more suspects in connection with mob violence following the alleged rape and murder of a 12-year-old girl in Baruipur, South 24 Parganas, bringing the total arrests to 35. The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) is investigating the case, and a forensic team visited the encounter site. Civil rights organizations, including Amra Ek Sachetan Prayas and APDR, have demanded an investigation into the police 'encounter' killing of one of the prime accused, Prabhas Mondal, citing Supreme Court directives and NHRC guidelines on encounter deaths.
- Five additional arrests were made in the Baruipur mob violence case, increasing the total to 35.
- The Criminal Investigation Department is actively investigating the rape-murder case and the subsequent mob violence.
- Civil rights organizations are demanding an investigation into the police encounter that resulted in the death of a prime accused.
Secondary infertility, the difficulty conceiving after a previous successful pregnancy, is significantly increasing in India, nearly doubling from 19.5% in the early 1990s to 28.6% by 2015-2016. This rise is attributed to couples delaying childbearing, leading to age-related decline in fertility for women and men. Lifestyle factors like weight gain, thyroid issues, and pollution also contribute. Societal pressures and the pervasive influence of social media exacerbate the emotional burden on couples, who often feel isolated despite the growing prevalence of the condition.
- Secondary infertility in India has nearly doubled, affecting a significant portion of couples.
- Delayed childbearing, with first babies often arriving in the early 30s, is a major contributing factor.
- Lifestyle changes, including weight gain, thyroid issues, and pollution, impact both male and female fertility.
The Maharashtra government's now-withdrawn resolutions mandating Hindi as a compulsory third language in State board schools sparked widespread protests, rooted in centuries of Marathi linguistic assertion. From Shivaji's efforts to replace Persian with Marathi/Sanskrit in the 17th century, to Jyotirao Phule's advocacy for vernacular education, and the Samyukta Maharashtra movement's struggle for a Marathi-speaking state, the issue has deep historical significance. The debate also touches upon B.R. Ambedkar's arguments for mother-tongue education and the recognition of linguistic identity for democratic stability, highlighting the tension between national unity and federal diversity.
- The recent Hindi language mandate controversy in Maharashtra is linked to a long history of Marathi linguistic assertion.
- Historical figures like Shivaji, Jyotirao Phule, and B.R. Ambedkar championed Marathi and vernacular education.
- The Samyukta Maharashtra movement (1956-1960) fought for a unified Marathi-speaking state, leading to the formation of Maharashtra.
The Centre proposes amending the National Food Security Act (NFSA) to change Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) foodgrain entitlements from a household-based system to a per capita system (7 kg per person, max 35 kg per household). This aims to address inequities where smaller households receive higher per-capita benefits than larger ones. However, Tamil Nadu and Kerala oppose this, arguing it will reduce foodgrain allocations for nuclear families and increase financial burden on the poor. Critics warn of a potential 'North-South divide' in foodgrain allocation due to differing average family sizes.
- The Centre proposes to amend the NFSA, changing AAY foodgrain entitlements from household-based to per capita.
- The new proposal is 7 kg per person, with a maximum of 35 kg per household, to ensure more equitable distribution.
- Tamil Nadu and Kerala oppose the amendment, fearing reduced allocations for nuclear families and increased financial burden.
The death of 14 girls from Odisha's Juang community, a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG), in a Tamil Nadu seafood processing plant gas leak has brought to light the severe socio-economic challenges faced by marginalized tribal populations. Despite decades of targeted interventions through the Juang Development Agency (JDA), poverty, low literacy, and lack of local livelihood opportunities force women and minor girls to migrate to other states for work, often in unsafe conditions. The incident underscores the failure of development programs and the urgent need for effective implementation of welfare schemes and worker protection laws.
- The death of 14 Juang girls in a Tamil Nadu seafood plant highlights the extreme vulnerability of PVTGs.
- Poverty, lack of local livelihood, and low literacy drive Juang women and girls to migrate for work.
- Despite the establishment of the Juang Development Agency (JDA) in 1978, socio-economic conditions remain largely unchanged.
The Karnataka government is set to revive its Information Disorder Tackling Unit (IDTU) to counter the spread of fake news, which has been linked to law and order disturbances. Championed by Home Minister Priyank Kharge, the IDTU had a trial run in 2024 but was later paused. Now, it will operate as a full-fledged wing under the State's Cyber Command Unit. The unit will monitor social media and news articles, identify threats, and facilitate fact-checking by independent websites before publishing findings on its flagship portal.
- Karnataka is reviving its Information Disorder Tackling Unit (IDTU) to tackle fake news.
- The IDTU will function under the State's Cyber Command Unit.
- It aims to monitor social media and news, identify threats, and facilitate fact-checking.
Karnataka State AIDS Prevention Society (KSAPS) has launched the 'Mobilisation for AIDS Suraksha' campaign to address the alarming statistic of over 56,000 people living with HIV in Karnataka without knowing their status, the highest in India. This poses a significant challenge despite free testing and treatment. The campaign, part of a NACO initiative, introduces a BreakFree QR code for confidential self-risk assessment and guidance to testing centers. The initiative aims to overcome reluctance for voluntary testing due to stigma and lack of awareness about HIV transmission.
- Karnataka has the highest number of people (over 56,000) unaware of their HIV status in India.
- The KSAPS launched the 'Mobilisation for AIDS Suraksha' campaign to improve diagnosis and treatment linkage.
- The campaign utilizes a BreakFree QR code for confidential self-risk assessment and access to testing centers.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded Australia's ban on social media access for teenagers, indicating that the Union government is considering similar restrictions in India. Australia's Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Act, 2024, mandates platforms to block access for children under 16. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw had previously confirmed discussions on age-based restrictions with social media platforms, emphasizing the need to protect children and society from the adverse effects of social media.
- Prime Minister Modi praised Australia's social media ban for minors, suggesting India might adopt similar measures.
- Australia's Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Act, 2024, prohibits social media access for children under 16.
- The Indian government is exploring a 'graded' set of restrictions for minors on social media.
The article highlights nutrition as a critical and often overlooked 'vaccine' against tuberculosis (TB), emphasizing that undernutrition is the single largest global risk factor for the disease. It praises India's initiatives like the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan and Nikshay Poshan Yojana, which provide financial and nutritional support to TB patients. Research shows severely undernourished TB patients are four times more likely to die during treatment. The author advocates for scaling nutrition as a primary preventive strategy, arguing that addressing undernutrition can prevent a significant number of TB cases and improve overall public health infrastructure.
- Nutrition is identified as a critical preventive strategy and an effective 'vaccine' against tuberculosis (TB).
- Undernutrition is the single largest risk factor for TB globally, significantly increasing mortality risk.
- India's TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan and Nikshay Poshan Yojana provide crucial nutritional and financial support to patients.
A Bengaluru same-sex couple has challenged the constitutional validity of Section 56(2)(x) of the Income Tax Act, 1961, in the Karnataka High Court. They argue that the provision, which exempts gifts between 'spouses' from tax, discriminates against same-sex couples because the literal interpretation of 'spouse' excludes them. This, they contend, violates Articles 14, 15, 19(1)(a), and 21 of the Constitution by taxing an 'expression of love and affection' solely based on sex, denying them benefits available to heterosexual couples. The court is examining whether 'spouse' can be judicially enlarged.
- A Bengaluru same-sex couple challenged Section 56(2)(x) of the Income Tax Act, 1961, regarding tax exemption on gifts.
- They argue that the provision's definition of 'spouse' discriminates against same-sex couples, violating constitutional rights.
- The couple contends that taxing gifts between same-sex partners is a violation of Articles 14, 15, 19(1)(a), and 21.
Ten years after Burhan Wani's emergence, Kashmir's militancy landscape has undergone a significant transformation. There's a sharp decline in active militants, recruitments, and attacks, with the number of militants killed dropping from 266 in 2018 to 10 so far in 2026. The shift in tactics includes militants moving from urban areas to dense forests and adopting anonymity over social media visibility. This change is attributed to the government's crackdown post-2019 abrogation of Article 370, which targeted terror support systems and separatists, and an increased control by Pakistani operatives over the insurgency.
- Kashmir's militancy has seen a drastic decline in active militants, recruitments, and attacks over the last decade.
- Militant tactics have shifted from urban operations and social media visibility to anonymity and forest hideouts.
- The government's crackdown post-2019 abrogation of Article 370 significantly impacted the terror support system.
BRICS nations adopted the Guwahati Declaration, reaffirming their commitment to strengthen cooperation against illicit drug trafficking and related transnational organised crime. The declaration, made by heads of anti-drug agencies, emphasized the need for timely exchange of information, intelligence, and best practices, consistent with national laws and international obligations. Concerns were raised over the evolving nature of drug trafficking, the proliferation of synthetic drugs, and the misuse of emerging technologies. India, represented by Narcotics Control Bureau Director-General Anurag Garg, highlighted its zero-tolerance policy and a three-year roadmap (2026-29) focusing on dismantling criminal networks and mass awareness campaigns.
- BRICS nations adopted the Guwahati Declaration to enhance cooperation against illicit drug trafficking and transnational crime.
- The declaration stresses timely information and intelligence exchange, adhering to national and international laws.
- Concerns include the rise of synthetic drugs, new psychoactive substances, and misuse of technology in drug trafficking.
Meta has published a blog detailing its aggressive efforts to combat child sexual abuse content across its apps, utilizing AI-powered detection and large-scale enforcement actions. This comes after the Indian government issued a notice regarding reports of such content being promoted via Instagram ads. Meta acknowledges these concerns seriously, stating its commitment to improving efforts against child exploitation. The company emphasizes its continuous work to fight this "horrific crime" both on and off its platforms, highlighting the use of technology and enforcement to address the issue.
- Meta is actively combating child sexual abuse content across its platforms using AI-powered detection and enforcement.
- The company's intensified efforts follow reports and a government notice regarding such content on Instagram ads in India.
- Meta acknowledges the severity of child exploitation and is committed to improving its measures.
The Union Education Ministry's UDISE+ report for 2025-26 shows a positive trend with falling school dropout rates across all levels. The preparatory level dropout rate decreased to 1.8%, and the secondary level (Classes 9-12) dropped to 7.0%. Student retention rates also improved significantly. The report highlights an 8.3% increase in total teachers, with women now forming 54.9% of the teaching force, contributing to gender balance. Furthermore, school infrastructure improved, with computer access rising to 69.9% and internet connectivity to 67.4%, alongside high percentages of electricity and separate toilets for girls and boys.
- School dropout rates have decreased across all educational levels, indicating improved student retention.
- The total number of teachers increased by 8.3%, with women teachers now constituting a majority, promoting gender balance.
- Significant improvements in school infrastructure include increased computer access and internet connectivity.
A Special Investigation Team (SIT) appointed by the Uttar Pradesh government found prima facie proof of stealing and pilferage of donations at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple. CCTV footage from April 27 to June 5 revealed around 70 instances of counting staff hiding cash in clothes and shoes, with other employees assisting. The SIT identified procedural flaws in donation management, including lack of proper security protocols like frisking, biometric attendance, and CCTV surveillance, which fostered an environment conducive to theft. Eight individuals have been arrested, and the SIT plans a re-audit of the Trust's accounts for the past five years, including construction expenditure.
- SIT investigation found evidence of theft and pilferage of donations at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple.
- CCTV footage showed counting staff hiding cash, with assistance from other employees.
- Procedural flaws and lack of security protocols in donation management were identified as contributing factors.
The Allahabad High Court ruled that the minimum age of marriage prescribed under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act (PCMA), 2006, applies uniformly to all citizens, irrespective of religion. The court stated that the Muslim personal law principle recognizing puberty as the age of marriage cannot override Central law provisions. This judgment was made while hearing a petition to quash an FIR related to the alleged marriage of a 16-year-old girl. The Bench emphasized that permitting marriage below 18 years would be inconsistent with the POCSO Act, 2012, which criminalises sexual relations with a child.
- The Allahabad High Court affirmed that the minimum marriage age under PCMA, 2006, applies universally, irrespective of religion.
- The ruling states that Muslim personal law, which considers puberty as the age of marriage, cannot supersede Central legislation.
- The court's decision was made in the context of a case involving the alleged marriage of a 16-year-old girl.
For the first time since 1931, India's Population Census 2027 will include caste enumeration, a decision announced by the BJP-led NDA government in April 2025. The ongoing pre-test for the second phase of the Census, conducted in 16 States and Union Territories, features an "open column" for respondents to record their castes. This methodology, similar to the 2011 Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) which resulted in over 46 lakh different caste names, raises concerns about data accuracy and the need for wider consultations. The final methodology will be determined based on feedback from the pre-test, which is on till July 20, 2026.
- The Population Census 2027 will include caste enumeration, a significant policy shift after decades.
- The ongoing pre-test for the Census uses an "open column" for caste recording, similar to the 2011 SECC.
- Concerns exist regarding the accuracy and standardisation of caste data due to the open-ended methodology.
New research suggests a deep connection between rising female labour force participation and improved healthcare outcomes in India. A study, using a natural experiment from India's 2018 Employees' Provident Fund reform, found that female-led households benefiting from increased take-home salary reduced overall healthcare expenditure by 11.6%. This reduction was due to decreased spending on medicines and doctor consultations, offset by increased investments in nutrition and physical fitness. The findings indicate that women, with greater economic agency, prioritise preventive health and long-term well-being, shifting household spending towards health creation rather than just healthcare purchase, thereby reducing future dependence on the healthcare system.
- Increased female income is linked to a shift in household spending towards preventive healthcare and long-term well-being.
- Female-led households, with higher take-home salaries, showed reduced expenditure on medicines and doctor consultations.
- These households increased investments in nutrition and physical fitness, indicating a proactive approach to health.
India's Ministry of Cooperation, completing five years, is spearheading a transformation of the cooperative sector into a worker-centric model of development. Traditionally confined to agriculture, cooperatives are now expanding into services, aiming for policy coherence across various sectors. Through reformed legal frameworks, Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) are empowered to undertake over 25 business activities, fostering rural economic services. The Ministry is facilitating national-level multi-State cooperative societies to enhance market access and strengthen value chains, with a new National Cooperation Policy in the making, despite challenges like corruption and the need to balance consolidation with decentralisation.
- The Ministry of Cooperation is working to transform India's cooperative sector into a worker-centric development model.
- Cooperatives are expanding beyond agriculture into services, with policy coherence across various sectors.
- Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) are being empowered to undertake diverse business activities in rural India.
At least three people were killed and five reported missing when a massive heap of excavated mud swamped an under-construction tunnel road portal in Wayanad, Kerala. Emergency responders rescued 10 people. Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan announced an investigation, stating that the contractor, Dilip Buildcon Limited, ignored district administration warnings to clear "precariously piled" earth, leading to the tragedy amid heavy rain. The incident is termed a "man-made disaster" due to human error and negligence, raising concerns about safety at national highway construction sites.
- A debris slip at an under-construction tunnel in Wayanad, Kerala, resulted in three deaths and five missing persons.
- The Chief Minister ordered an investigation, attributing the tragedy to the contractor's failure to remove excavated mud despite warnings.
- The incident highlights concerns regarding safety protocols and unscientific dumping of excavated soil at national highway construction sites.
Representatives from BRICS member countries, converging in Guwahati for the Heads of Anti-Drug Agencies' Meeting 2026, emphasized the critical need for stronger international cooperation to combat drug trafficking. Lucas Barbosa of Brazil's Ministry of Foreign Affairs highlighted the long history of cooperation within the BRICS anti-drug working group and the intent to strengthen collaboration in law enforcement and intelligence sharing. Anurag Garg, Director-General of India's Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), underscored that drug abuse is an international scourge requiring collective global effort. Discussions will focus on emerging challenges like darknet marketplaces, cryptocurrencies, and maritime routes for drug trafficking.
- BRICS member countries called for stronger international cooperation to combat drug trafficking at a meeting in Guwahati.
- The BRICS anti-drug working group aims to enhance collaboration in law enforcement and intelligence sharing.
- Drug trafficking is recognized as a transnational threat requiring coordinated action by all member countries.
Union Cooperation Minister Amit Shah announced that a cooperative life insurance company will soon be established to boost the growth of cooperatives in India. Speaking on the fifth Foundation Day of the Ministry, Shah stated that the Cooperation Ministry has revitalized the cooperative movement, which was "neglected" during the Congress rule. He highlighted the expansion of cooperatives beyond traditional sectors like dairy and sugar, citing Bharat Taxi's success. Shah also mentioned initiatives like creating a database of the sector, establishing Tribhuvan Sahkari University in Anand, Gujarat, and transferring/inaugurating numerous grain godowns to bring transparency and professionalism.
- A cooperative life insurance company will be established soon to promote the growth of cooperatives in India.
- Union Cooperation Minister Amit Shah stated that the Ministry has revitalized the cooperative movement.
- Cooperatives are expanding beyond traditional sectors, with examples like Bharat Taxi's success in ride-hailing.
The test run for the second phase of the Census, named Population Enumeration (PE), which began in 16 States and Union Territories, includes an "open column" for respondents to record their castes. This pre-test, concluding on July 20, will inform the final methodology for the 2027 Census, which will be the first to enumerate caste in Independent India. While Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) have codes, other castes will be recorded as stated by residents. The "open column" methodology in the 2011 Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) resulted in over 46 lakh different caste names, which the government deemed unreliable.
- The test run for the second phase of the 2027 Census, Population Enumeration (PE), includes an "open column" for caste enumeration.
- This will be the first time caste is enumerated in Independent India, apart from SCs and STs, in a full Census.
- The pre-test, currently underway in 16 States and UTs, will help finalize the methodology for the 2027 Census.
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, leading a delegation of Christian leaders, urged Union Home Minister Amit Shah to reconsider proposed changes to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA). The CM highlighted that Section 16A(5) of the proposed amendment, which empowers authorities to take over or dispose of assets created with foreign contributions if an organization's registration is cancelled, could disrupt religious, educational, and charitable institutions. Given that Christians comprise nearly 75% of Meghalaya's population, Sangma requested a consultative approach that considers the state's unique circumstances and the contributions of these organizations.
- Meghalaya CM Conrad K. Sangma urged the Centre to reconsider proposed changes to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA).
- The concern specifically targets Section 16A(5) of the proposed amendment.
- This section would allow authorities to take over or dispose of assets created with foreign contributions if an organization's FCRA registration is cancelled.