Raghu Rai, a renowned photojournalist (1942-2026), is celebrated for his profound photographic documentation of India, capturing its essence from the mid-1960s until his passing. His work, characterized by patience, poetry, and an instinctive sense of order, revealed India through its leaders, labourers, musicians, monuments, and markets. Rai's black-and-white photographs were not mere records but powerful statements, bringing a unique symmetry to unfolding situations. He captured iconic moments and figures, from Pt. S. Balachander and Mother Teresa to Indira Gandhi and the Bhopal gas leak, leaving behind a luminous legacy that continues to inspire.
- Raghu Rai was a celebrated Indian photojournalist active from the mid-1960s.
- His work is known for its unique symmetry, patience, and ability to reveal the soul of India.
- He captured a wide range of subjects, from political figures to common people and historical events.
A new study published in the Journal of Wildlife Science suggests that descendants of migratory barn swallows in Manipur's Imphal Valley may have stopped their long journeys and settled permanently. This finding indicates a possible mixed population resulting from ancient movements and inter-breeding. The study, based on field surveys in 2022-2023, found thriving colonies in the Imphal Valley, with adult barn swallows seen nesting year-round. Scientists propose two explanations: ideal local conditions (mild climate, insects, structures for nests) leading to a loss of migratory trait, or interbreeding over millennia. Local culture, where Meitei community regards barn swallows as a symbol of prosperity, also contributes to their protection.
- A study suggests barn swallows in Manipur's Imphal Valley have become resident, shedding their migratory trait.
- The birds may represent a mixed population due to ancient inter-breeding.
- Ideal local environmental conditions and cultural protection by the Meitei community are cited as reasons for this change.
Hindu groups performed worship at the Bhojshala complex in Dhar, Madhya Pradesh, a day after the High Court declared it a Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Saraswati. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) acknowledged the verdict, granting Hindu communities "unrestricted access" for worship and learning. Meanwhile, Muslim bodies, including the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) and Kamal Maula Mosque Committee, rejected the High Court's decision, terming it "one-sided." They announced plans to challenge the verdict in the Supreme Court, emphasizing the importance of the Places of Worship Act, 1991, in preventing the reopening of historical religious disputes.
- Hindu groups conducted puja at the Bhojshala complex following a High Court verdict declaring it a Hindu temple.
- The ASI has granted unrestricted access to the Hindu community for worship and learning at the site.
- Muslim organizations, including AIMPLB, have rejected the High Court's decision and plan to appeal to the Supreme Court.
Thousands of Kuki-Zo people in Manipur protested, demanding the unconditional release of hostages and justice for three church leaders killed in an ambush. They submitted a memorandum to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, calling for the reimposition of President's Rule in the State. The protests coincided with an extended shutdown. Demands include an NIA probe into the killings, permanent security guarantees, special security zones, and expedited political engagement with Kuki-Zomi extremist groups. Civil society groups also expressed concern over continued violence, displacement, and insecurity, linking it to "proxy attacks."
- Kuki-Zo communities in Manipur are protesting against ongoing violence and the killing of church leaders.
- A key demand is the reimposition of President's Rule in Manipur to address the deteriorating law and order situation.
- Protesters also seek the unconditional release of hostages and the establishment of special security zones for civilians.
The Madhya Pradesh High Court ruled that the disputed Bhojshala complex and Kamal Maula Mosque in Dhar district is a temple dedicated to Goddess Vagdevi (Saraswati), allowing the Hindu community to worship there while dismissing Muslim community claims. The court quashed a 2003 ASI order that permitted Muslims to offer Friday prayers at the site. The ruling, a 242-page order by Justices Vinay Kumar Shukla and Alok Awasthi, rejected the Muslim side's argument that a 1935 proclamation declared the site a mosque. The court directed the Union government to retrieve an idol of Goddess Saraswati from the London Museum and re-establish it in the monument, emphasizing scientific survey findings.
- The Madhya Pradesh High Court declared the Bhojshala complex in Dhar district a temple dedicated to Goddess Vagdevi (Saraswati).
- The court quashed a 2003 ASI order that had allowed the Muslim community to offer Friday prayers at the site.
- The ruling dismissed petitions from Muslim and Jain communities, suggesting Muslims seek alternate land for a mosque.
The article argues that India needs to prioritize productivity growth, not just GDP growth, to achieve its 'Viksit Bharat' goal by 2047. It highlights that India's manufacturing sector, characterized by low productivity and reliance on cheap labor, needs significant transformation. The author suggests that India's growth has been largely driven by capital accumulation and labor input, with limited contribution from Total Factor Productivity (TFP). To boost TFP, India must invest in R&D, innovation, and human capital, and address issues like informal labor, low-quality jobs, and weak firm capabilities. The article emphasizes that a focus on high-value manufacturing and services, along with reforms, is crucial for sustainable and inclusive development.
- Achieving 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047 requires a strong focus on productivity growth, not solely GDP growth.
- India's manufacturing sector needs significant transformation to move beyond low-productivity, labor-intensive models.
- Total Factor Productivity (TFP) growth has been limited, indicating a need for investment in R&D, innovation, and human capital.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah urged a unified global effort to combat the drug menace, emphasizing the need for a common legal framework. Speaking at the R.N. Kao Memorial Lecture, he stressed that the fight against drugs must transcend geopolitical differences and national interests. Shah called for simultaneous action against narco-networks and narco-terror states, advocating for uniform laws on prohibited substances, standardized punishments, extradition of drug kingpins, and intelligence sharing. He warned that without immediate joint efforts, the world would face irreversible harm in 10 years and set a goal for a 'Drug Free India' by 2047.
- Union Home Minister Amit Shah advocated for a unified global effort and common legal framework to combat the drug menace.
- He stressed that the fight against drugs should rise above geopolitical differences and individual national interests.
- Shah called for simultaneous action against both narco-networks and narco-terror states.
The article discusses the proposed name change from Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) to Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS) to better reflect the condition's systemic nature beyond just ovarian cysts. PCOS affects 1 in 5 women globally and is a leading cause of infertility, but its symptoms extend to metabolic, cardiovascular, and mental health issues. The name change aims to reduce stigma, improve diagnosis, and encourage a holistic approach to treatment. However, some argue against the change, citing potential confusion and the need for more research into the condition's diverse manifestations. The debate highlights the importance of accurate terminology in medical understanding and patient care.
- The proposed name change from PCOS to PMOS aims to better reflect the systemic nature of the condition beyond just ovarian cysts.
- PCOS affects 1 in 5 women globally and is a leading cause of infertility, with symptoms extending to metabolic, cardiovascular, and mental health.
- The name change seeks to reduce stigma, improve diagnosis, and promote a more holistic treatment approach.
India needs to transition from a curative to a preventive health culture to address its significant health challenges effectively. The editorial highlights that while India has made strides in healthcare access, the focus remains largely on treatment rather than prevention. It emphasizes the importance of community participation, health education, and addressing social determinants of health like nutrition and sanitation. Building a preventive culture requires integrating traditional knowledge with modern medicine, promoting healthy lifestyles, and ensuring equitable access to primary healthcare. This shift is crucial for improving public health outcomes and achieving sustainable well-being across the nation.
- India's healthcare system needs to pivot from a curative to a preventive approach to address health challenges effectively.
- Community participation and widespread health education are crucial for fostering a preventive health culture.
- Addressing social determinants of health, including nutrition, sanitation, and clean environments, is fundamental to prevention.
A WHO flagship report estimates that the COVID-19 pandemic caused 22.1 million excess deaths globally between 2020 and 2023, more than three times the officially reported COVID-19 deaths. This figure includes indirect deaths and highlights vulnerabilities in global health systems, reversing a decade of gains in life expectancy. Despite this, the report notes progress in other areas: new HIV infections fell by 40% (2010-2024), and tobacco/alcohol consumption declined. Access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene also significantly expanded. However, challenges like increased malaria incidence and widespread violence against women persist.
- The COVID-19 pandemic is estimated to have caused 22.1 million excess deaths globally between 2020 and 2023, far exceeding official figures.
- The pandemic exposed significant vulnerabilities in global health systems and reversed a decade of progress in life expectancy.
- Despite the pandemic's impact, there were notable improvements in reducing new HIV infections and decreasing tobacco and alcohol consumption.
The Indian government's mandate to sing the full version of Vande Mataram at official events has reignited controversy. While celebrated for its literary excellence and role in the freedom struggle, the song, from Bankim Chandra Chatterji's novel Anandamath (1882), has strong communal undertones, glorifying Hinduism and expressing anti-Muslim sentiment. Historical translations and analyses confirm its original context of Sannyasi rebellion against Muslim rule. Critics argue that imposing the full song, which was previously restricted to two stanzas by Congress due to its religious glorification, goes against India's secular and multicultural values, especially given the current political climate.
- The government's mandate to sing the full Vande Mataram at official events has sparked debate due to its communal undertones.
- Bankim Chandra Chatterji's novel Anandamath, from which the song originates, depicted anti-Muslim sentiment and glorified Hindu religion.
- Historical translations, like Nares Chandra Sen-Gupta's Abbey of Bliss (1906), highlighted the novel's religious basis of nationality and morbid dislike of Mussulmans.
The PLFS 2025 report indicates positive trends in India's labour market, with increased Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR), Workforce Participation Rate (WPR), and a decline in unemployment. Improvements are seen in women's participation, especially in rural areas, and a shift towards regular wage and salaried employment, leading to higher earnings for women. However, significant challenges persist, including gaps in education-to-employment transition, limited access to formal skills training, sustained low women's workforce participation due to unpaid work, and a large NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) group among youth.
- The PLFS 2025 report highlights an increase in India's Labour Force Participation Rate and a decrease in unemployment.
- There is a positive shift towards formal salaried employment and improved earnings for women, particularly in regular wage work.
- Significant challenges include the gap between graduates and employment, with only 2.8 million out of 5 million graduates securing jobs annually.
The Nicobar tribal council is opposing the Union government's notification of three wildlife sanctuaries in Little Nicobar, Meroe, and Menchal islands, alleging violations of the Forest Rights Act. This opposition comes amidst challenges to the Great Nicobar Island (GNI) project for similar violations. The council states that the sanctuaries were notified without consulting the local community, who have lived on and maintained these islands for generations. Meroe and Menchal islands hold high cultural and spiritual significance for the Nicobarese. They argue that the sanctuaries would encroach upon their traditional rights, including ritual hunts and maintenance of plantations, and demand the revocation of the notification.
- The Nicobar tribal council opposes the notification of three wildlife sanctuaries in Little Nicobar, Meroe, and Menchal islands.
- They allege violations of the Forest Rights Act, as no consultation occurred with the local community.
- The Meroe and Menchal islands are culturally and spiritually significant to the Nicobarese.
A paper in BMJ Global Health argues that structural adjustment programmes (SAPs) imposed by the IMF and World Bank in the 1980s caused severe economic and social damage to countries in the global South. These SAPs, triggered by debt crises and U.S. interest rate hikes, mandated austerity, privatization, and deregulation, reversing post-independence development gains. This led to stagnant incomes, weak public health systems, and increased poverty, with the global South losing an estimated $480 billion annually in potential national income. The authors advocate for reparations and systemic changes, including abolishing SAP conditions and democratizing these institutions, or replacing them with alternatives like the BRICS New Development Bank.
- Structural Adjustment Programmes (SAPs) by IMF and World Bank in the 1980s significantly harmed the global South.
- SAPs mandated austerity, privatization, and deregulation, reversing post-independence development.
- These policies led to stagnant incomes, weak public health systems, and increased poverty in affected regions.
India is experiencing a surge in electrical fire risks, highlighted by incidents like the Vivek Vihar fire. Data from Delhi and Mumbai fire services attribute over 80% of fires to electrical faults. The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) recorded 7,566 fire accidents and 7,435 deaths in 2022, with electrical short circuits being a major cause. Rapid load growth, especially from ACs, combined with low-voltage installation quality and weak maintenance in older buildings, exacerbates the risk. Harmonics from inverter-driven appliances further contribute to overheating. Prevention requires better standards, periodic inspections, and improved forensic analysis of incidents.
- Over 80% of fires in major Indian cities are attributed to electrical faults.
- Rapid load growth, particularly from air-conditioners, strains existing electrical infrastructure in older buildings.
- Harmonics from inverter-driven appliances can cause overheating in neutral conductors, increasing fire risk.
The Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) 2025 indicates India's overall Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) is 44.9%, with the Worker Population Ratio (WPR) climbing from 39.7% in 2022 to 43.5% in 2025. While more Indians, especially women in rural areas, are entering the workforce, significant challenges remain. Youth unemployment (15-29 years) stands at 9.9%, and educated unemployment (15+ years with secondary schooling) is 6.5%, more than double the national average of 3.1%. Urban young women face a particularly high unemployment rate of 18.9%, highlighting a gap in employment generation for the educated workforce.
- India's overall Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) for all ages is 44.9% in 2025.
- The Worker Population Ratio (WPR) has increased from 39.7% in 2022 to 43.5% in 2025.
- More women, particularly in rural areas, are entering the labour force, with female WPR rising from 26.9% to 33.8%.
Human-wildlife conflict (HWC) is a complex socio-ecological challenge driven by land use, livelihoods, and ecological change, rather than just a conservation problem. Interactions between humans and wildlife are intensifying due to rapid transformation of natural habitats, leading to animals adapting to agricultural or peri-urban areas. Crop raiding and livestock predation are adaptive responses to ecological constraints, not aggression. Global examples like Botswana and Finland show that community-based management, economic incentives, and ecological data are crucial for successful coexistence. India needs to strengthen compensation, improve ecological planning, and involve communities to manage HWC effectively and sustainably.
- Human-wildlife conflict (HWC) is a complex socio-ecological challenge, not merely a conservation issue.
- HWC is intensified by human activities transforming natural habitats, forcing wildlife to adapt to human-dominated landscapes.
- Animal behaviors like crop raiding and livestock predation are adaptive responses to ecological constraints, not aggression.
The Union government has notified that the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) [VB-G RAM G] will replace the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) from July 1, repealing all existing rules and guidelines. The new scheme, passed without pre-legislative consultations, increases the statutory employment guarantee from 100 to 125 days annually. However, crucial details like objective parameters for deciding normative budgets and the 60:40 Centre-State expenditure ratio (compared to 100% Centre wage bill under MGNREGA) remain unclear. Concerns also exist regarding e-KYC completion for workers and a new blackout period clause, which could reduce workers' bargaining power.
- The Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) will replace MGNREGA from July 1.
- The new legislation increases the statutory employment guarantee from 100 to 125 days per financial year.
- A key change is the shift from 100% Central funding for wages under MGNREGA to a 60:40 Centre-State expenditure ratio for most States.
The Supreme Court has referred to the Union government the question of whether schools imparting religious instruction should be classified under constitutional provisions for charitable or religious establishments, rather than as 'secular or professional' educational institutions. A petition by advocate Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay sought a declaration that institutions promoting any religion fall under Article 26(a) (freedom of religion rights) and not Article 19(1)(g) (right to profession) or Article 30(1) (minority educational institutions). The petition argues that religious instruction schools should be subject to public order, health, and morality restrictions, raising concerns about potential brainwashing of children in unregistered institutions, emphasizing national security and child safety.
- The Supreme Court has asked the government to consider classifying schools imparting religious instruction under 'freedom of religion' rights.
- The petition seeks to categorize these schools under Article 26(a) rather than Article 19(1)(g) or Article 30(1).
- The petitioner argues that religious instruction schools should be subject to restrictions based on public order, health, and morality.
This article, drawing on data from the UDAYA-Understanding the Lives of Adolescents and Young Adults study, examines educational aspirations and outcomes, revealing a significant gender gap. While girls often exhibit higher educational aspirations than boys, this does not consistently translate into higher attainment, particularly in rural areas and among lower-income groups. The study indicates that girls from disadvantaged backgrounds face more barriers to completing higher education. The government's efforts to promote education need to be strengthened with targeted interventions, especially for girls, to bridge the gap between aspirations and actual attainment, ensuring equitable access and support for all students to achieve their full potential.
- Girls generally have higher educational aspirations than boys, but this does not always lead to higher educational attainment.
- A significant gender gap in educational outcomes persists, particularly in rural areas and among disadvantaged communities.
- Structural barriers and socio-economic factors often prevent girls from translating their high aspirations into completed education.
The article highlights noise pollution as a pervasive and often tolerated issue in India, particularly in Tamil Nadu, exacerbated by events like cricket matches and political celebrations using pea whistles. Such noise levels (104-116 decibels) far exceed the safe threshold (85 decibels) and can cause hearing damage. Despite the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules 2000, enforcement remains weak, partly due to political reluctance to police noise from festive occasions. The World Health Organization links significant disabling hearing loss to occupational noise and ranks noise as a major environmental cause of disability-adjusted life years lost in Europe. The author calls for political will to enforce existing rules and promote a culture of public sound that respects peace and health.
- Noise pollution is a pervasive and often tolerated problem in India, with levels frequently exceeding safe thresholds.
- Events like political celebrations and sports matches contribute significantly to high noise levels, posing health risks.
- The Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules 2000 exist but suffer from weak enforcement, especially for politically sensitive events.
An editorial critically examines Prime Minister Narendra Modi's seven-point call to action for citizens, suggesting it reveals the severe economic implications of the West Asia crisis. The author questions the timing and content of Modi's message, noting its belated nature after election campaigns and its contradiction of earlier government reassurances. Suggestions like working from home and reducing fuel usage are deemed problematic. The article argues that the government's pre-election decision to maintain stable fuel prices, while welcome, failed to encourage consumption curtailment. Coordinated messaging with industry bodies further indicates a dire economic situation, with some suggestions potentially having negative impacts.
- PM Modi's seven-point call to action suggests a serious economic impact from the West Asia crisis.
- The timing of the Prime Minister's message is criticized for being belated and inconsistent with prior government reassurances.
- Suggestions such as reducing fuel usage and avoiding foreign travel are viewed as potentially ineffective or problematic.
Delhi and the NCR are experiencing severe heatwaves due to the Urban Heat Island Effect, driven by rapid urbanization, concrete infrastructure, and shrinking green cover. The article explains how materials like concrete and asphalt retain heat, how cooling systems contribute to external warming, and the economic/ecological impacts. It proposes comprehensive solutions including shifting to high-albedo surfaces, passive design, green and blue infrastructure, ventilation corridors, sustainable transport, and social protection measures like community cooling centers, to mitigate the crisis and improve urban resilience.
- Delhi and the NCR are severely affected by the Urban Heat Island Effect, caused by extensive concrete, asphalt, and glass infrastructure.
- The city's material logic and high-density construction lead to significant heat retention and impede natural cooling.
- The feedback loop of increased cooling demand leading to more external heat expulsion exacerbates the crisis.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar announced an archival cooperation agreement between India and Trinidad and Tobago. This pact aims to help the Indian diaspora, particularly descendants of Girmitiya indentured labourers, trace their ancestral roots and reconnect with families. The initiative underscores India's commitment to preserving the legacy of its diaspora and strengthening cultural ties, while also noting the increasing number of Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) card applications from the Caribbean region, reflecting a growing desire for stronger connections with India.
- India and Trinidad and Tobago have signed an archival cooperation agreement to assist the Indian diaspora.
- The agreement specifically targets descendants of Girmitiya indentured labourers to trace their ancestral roots.
- The initiative aims to preserve the cultural and historical legacy of the Indian diaspora in the Caribbean.