The article highlights the persistently high opportunity cost of accessing medical care in India, exacerbated by the new Labour Codes. It discusses the Union Labour Ministry's initiative for free annual health check-ups and the role of ESIC hospitals, but points out that many workers, especially women, still face significant barriers. Challenges include the need for signed medical check-ups for women, overcrowding in ESIC camps, and the lack of focus on non-communicable diseases and proactive vaccination under the new codes, indicating a need for more comprehensive and accessible healthcare solutions.
- Accessing medical care in India continues to have a high opportunity cost, impacting workers' well-being and productivity.
- The new Labour Codes, specifically the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions (OSH) Code 2020, aim to improve worker health but have limitations.
- The ESIC fund and facilities are crucial for providing medical benefits, but issues like overcrowding and specific requirements for women workers persist.
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%.
A study in Bengaluru demonstrated the effectiveness of wastewater surveillance in detecting hidden COVID-19 surges, even when clinical testing declined. The project, initiated in 2020, monitored SARS-CoV-2 RNA levels in wastewater from 28 collection points, covering 75% of the city's population. It successfully identified increases in viral load that preceded or coincided with clinical case surges, providing an early warning system for public health officials. This non-invasive method offers a valuable tool for tracking disease trends, especially in resource-limited settings, and can help inform timely interventions, proving its utility beyond individual clinical testing.
- Wastewater surveillance in Bengaluru successfully detected hidden COVID-19 surges, even when clinical testing was low.
- The project monitored SARS-CoV-2 RNA levels in wastewater from 28 collection points, covering 75% of Bengaluru's population.
- Increases in wastewater viral load often preceded or coincided with clinical case surges, serving as an early warning system.
The article highlights the significant absence of fathers in reproductive health interventions, despite their crucial role in family well-being and child development. Traditional approaches often focus solely on mothers, overlooking fathers' influence on maternal and child health outcomes, including nutrition, mental health, and disease prevention. Research suggests that paternal factors, such as lifestyle, diet, and exposure to toxins, can impact offspring health even before conception. Integrating fathers into reproductive health programs could improve health outcomes, promote gender equity, and foster more supportive family environments, necessitating a shift in policy and program design to include men actively.
- Fathers are largely excluded from reproductive health interventions, despite their significant impact on family well-being.
- Paternal factors, including lifestyle, diet, and environmental exposures, can influence offspring health outcomes.
- Integrating fathers into reproductive health programs can improve maternal and child health, promote gender equity, and create supportive family environments.
This Parley discusses the need to amend India's abortion laws, particularly regarding time limits for minor rape victims and improving access to safe terminations. Dipika Jain and Alka Barua highlight that current laws, while seemingly liberal, face challenges in interpretation and implementation, leading to delays and unsafe practices. They argue for removing rigid gestational limits, especially for survivors of sexual assault and minors, who often present late due to trauma and lack of awareness. The discussion emphasizes shifting towards a rights-based reproductive justice framework, ensuring decisional autonomy for pregnant persons, and addressing the chilling effect on healthcare providers due to criminalization fears.
- India's abortion laws, despite appearing liberal, face implementation challenges leading to delays and unsafe practices.
- Rigid gestational limits disproportionately affect minor rape victims and sexual assault survivors who often seek terminations late.
- There is a strong argument for removing strict time limits, allowing clinical judgment to determine safety, especially in cases of trauma.
The article argues that openness, collaboration, and the ability to attract talent are fundamental to the West's progress, not isolation. It critiques the idea of a "Western civilisation" as a static concept, emphasizing that its strength lies in its dynamic evolution through continuous interaction and adaptation. The author highlights the importance of open systems for innovation, economic growth, and addressing global challenges, contrasting this with the risks of protectionism and isolation. The piece suggests that maintaining leadership requires embracing diversity, fostering collaboration, and upholding institutional openness rather than retreating into a defensive posture.
- Openness, collaboration, and attracting global talent are crucial for the West's continued progress and innovation.
- The concept of "Western civilisation" is dynamic, evolving through interaction and adaptation, not isolation.
- Protectionism and isolation pose significant risks to economic growth and the ability to address complex global challenges.
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 Supreme Court observed that entertaining petitions on religious practices could lead to a deluge of similar cases, potentially disrupting India's unique civilisational fabric where religion is deeply intertwined with society. During the Sabarimala review case hearing, Justice B.V. Nagarathna highlighted India's identity as a "civilisation" with a constant link between people and religion, questioning the courts' role in intervening in such matters. Justice M.M. Sundresh echoed concerns about opening floodgates if fundamental rights challenges are allowed against religious beliefs, suggesting it could break down every religion and constitutional court.
- The Supreme Court cautioned against judicial intervention in religious practices, fearing a flood of similar petitions.
- Justice B.V. Nagarathna emphasized India's unique civilisational identity, where religion and society are intimately connected.
- The court questioned whether judicial forums are appropriate for examining and intervening in matters of faith.
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.
India faces a significant challenge from invasive alien species (IAS), rapidly spreading due to climate change, land-use shifts, and human activities. IAS like Lantana camara and Prosopis juliflora displace native flora, alter ecosystems, and impact livelihoods, especially in tribal and rural communities. Traditional eradication methods are often ineffective and costly. The article advocates for a nuanced approach, recognizing that some IAS have become integral to local ecosystems or provide benefits, particularly in degraded landscapes. It emphasizes understanding the complex interactions between IAS, climate change, and human communities to develop adaptive management strategies beyond sole eradication.
- Invasive alien species (IAS) are rapidly spreading across India, exacerbated by climate change, land-use changes, and human activities.
- IAS like Lantana camara and Prosopis juliflora cause ecological damage, displace native species, and impact local livelihoods.
- Traditional eradication methods are often costly and ineffective, necessitating a more nuanced management approach.
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.
The Supreme Court dropped contempt proceedings against AIIMS Delhi after the hospital complied with an order to medically terminate a 30-week pregnancy of a 15-year-old girl. AIIMS reported that the procedure resulted in the live birth of a baby boy with certain disabilities, who has an 80% survival rate and is in NICU. Justices B.V. Nagarathna and Ujjal Bhuyan acknowledged the difficulty of the situation, emphasizing the minor's fundamental right to reproductive autonomy under Article 21. The court also highlighted the societal trend of unwanted pregnancies among minors and the legal and medical crises it creates.
- The Supreme Court dropped contempt proceedings against AIIMS Delhi after the termination of a minor's 30-week pregnancy.
- The procedure resulted in the live birth of a baby boy with disabilities, having an 80% survival rate.
- AIIMS had initially hesitated, seeking review and filing a curative petition, citing high risks for a live birth with congenital disabilities.
During a hearing on review petitions concerning the 2018 Sabarimala judgment, a nine-judge Supreme Court bench, led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, severely questioned the locus standi and intent of the original petitioner, Indian Young Lawyers Association (IYLA). CJI Kant remarked that the PIL should have been 'thrown outright in the dustbin,' while Justice M.M. Sundresh called it 'a clear abuse of the process of law.' The bench also questioned the practice of barring Parsi women from fire temples if they marry outside the religion, linking it to freedom of conscience under Article 25(1).
- The Supreme Court bench questioned the locus standi and intent of the original petitioner in the Sabarimala case.
- CJI Surya Kant stated that the original PIL should have been 'thrown outright in the dustbin.'
- Justice M.M. Sundresh described the filing of the petition as 'a clear abuse of the process of law.'
The Allahabad High Court ruled that provisions in a later law override inconsistent earlier court orders, reaffirming the supremacy of the Forest Rights Act (FRA) 2006. This decision struck down the District Level Committee's (DLC) rejection of forest rights claims by the Tharus of Palia Kalan Tehsil, which was based on a 2000 Supreme Court interim order. The ruling highlights the repeated disregard for the FRA, including eviction orders and denial of grazing rights, despite the Act's clear provisions. The FRA disallows eviction until verification is complete and recognizes grazing rights in all forests, overriding State laws like the Tamil Nadu Forest Act (TNFA) 1882.
- The Allahabad High Court reinforced the legal principle that later laws override inconsistent earlier court orders, upholding the Forest Rights Act (FRA) 2006.
- The ruling overturned the DLC's rejection of forest rights claims by the Tharus tribal community, which was based on an outdated Supreme Court order.
- The FRA prohibits eviction of forest dwellers until their claims are verified and recognizes grazing rights in all forest areas.
Medical inflation in India is rising exponentially, leading to significant out-of-pocket expenditure (OOPE) for most households, many of whom lack health insurance. The 2025-26 Economic Survey indicated health inflation at 3%, but other reports show 12-13%. Factors contributing to this include costly technological advancements, increased demand due to non-communicable diseases, pharmaceutical inflation, and supply chain disruptions. The article highlights the low public health expenditure (below 2% of GDP) and challenges in regulating private hospital pricing. Suggested solutions include expanding the National List of Essential Medicines and including healthcare services under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955.
- Medical inflation in India is rising significantly, leading to high out-of-pocket expenditure for most households.
- Many Indians lack adequate health insurance, making them vulnerable to medical debt.
- Key drivers of inflation include advanced technology, increased demand, pharmaceutical costs, and supply chain issues.
The Supreme Court has expanded the definition of "acid attack victims" under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, to include individuals who were forcibly administered acid. Previously, the Act only recognized acid-throwing victims. This decision, made by a Bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi, ensures that survivors of forcible acid ingestion can retrospectively claim disability benefits from the Act's inception. The court utilized its plenary powers under Article 142 for this. Solicitor-General Tushar Mehta mentioned a proposed amendment to the Act's Schedule. The court also recommended a comprehensive policy framework for the survivors' extensive medical treatment.
- The Supreme Court has broadened the definition of "acid attack victims" in the RPWD Act, 2016, to include those forcibly administered acid.
- This ruling ensures retrospective disability benefits for these survivors, many of whom are women.
- The court exercised its plenary powers under Article 142 to issue this order.
The Supreme Court has expressed concern over the potential misuse of welfare benefits by individuals falsely claiming transgender identity. This arose during hearings on petitions challenging the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Act, 2026. The Act requires a government-appointed medical Board's recommendation for certification, which petitioners argue removes the right to self-identification and violates their rights. Chief Justice Surya Kant questioned the danger of such masquerading for reservations or privileges, while a senior advocate stated the risk of faking identity was minimal. The court issued notice to the Centre and States, noting the Act is not yet notified.
- The Supreme Court is examining the potential for misuse of welfare benefits by individuals falsely identifying as transgender.
- Petitions challenge the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Act, 2026, for removing self-identification and requiring medical board certification.
- Petitioners argue the Act disregards authentic human identity and violates rights.
The article discusses Yoga's role in fostering peace, balance, and collective well-being in a world facing conflict and psychological strain. It highlights the global recognition of Yoga, particularly since the UNGA adopted a resolution in 2014, declaring June 21 as the International Day of Yoga. Yoga is presented as India's ancient gift, embodying unity of mind and body, and a powerful instrument of soft power. The practice, rooted in traditional knowledge, helps individuals manage stress, respond thoughtfully, and bridge inner imbalance with external discord. Its inscription on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2016 further solidifies its global significance.
- Yoga is presented as a means to cultivate inner peace and balance, contributing to societal harmony amidst global conflict and stress.
- The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) declared June 21 as the International Day of Yoga in 2014, following a proposal by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
- Yoga is recognized as an invaluable gift from India's ancient tradition and a significant instrument of India's soft power.
The article discusses the Supreme Court's stance on reproductive autonomy and abortion, particularly concerning minor rape victims. While acknowledging a woman's right to reproductive autonomy, the Court has also highlighted the essential role of clinical review, especially for advanced pregnancies. It noted that terminating a pregnancy at an advanced stage (e.g., 30 weeks) could be detrimental to the health of the teenage mother. Indian law currently permits termination up to 24 weeks of gestation. The piece emphasizes that decisions on abortion, particularly regarding gestational age, must be guided by sound medical advice to assess risks and ensure the woman's health and life are not compromised.
- The Supreme Court acknowledges a woman's right to reproductive autonomy but stresses the importance of medical advice for abortion decisions.
- The Court has asked the Union government to amend abortion law to remove time limits for medical termination in cases of minor rape victims.
- Terminating pregnancies at advanced stages, such as 30 weeks, is considered inimical to the health of the mother.
The article highlights the growing threat of online censorship in India, with the government allegedly misusing IT Rules, 2021, and Sections 69A and 79(3)(b) of the IT Act, 2000, to take down content and accounts. This practice, often under the guise of fighting AI-generated content, is seen as silencing independent voices and distorting public discourse to benefit the ruling party. The author criticizes the lack of transparency in takedown data and the pressure on social media platforms to comply automatically. The piece also mentions the Sahyog portal, which police officials use for takedown requests, and the disregard for Supreme Court precedents like Shreya Singhal vs Union of India.
- The Union government is accused of misusing IT Rules, 2021, and specific sections of the IT Act, 2000, for online censorship.
- Censorship practices are seen as a threat to free expression, silencing independent voices, and distorting public discourse.
- The Sahyog portal is criticized for supercharging takedown requests from police officials, bypassing proper legal scrutiny.