India's youth, particularly Gen Z (15-24 years), faces a severe unemployment crisis despite high educational attainment. The unemployment rate for Gen Z is 22.6%, significantly higher than the national average, and even higher for graduates (38.5%) and urban women (36.3%). This issue is exacerbated by a skills mismatch, with many graduates lacking industry-relevant skills. The lack of quality jobs leads to underemployment and a waste of human capital, hindering India's demographic dividend potential. Addressing this requires skill development, vocational training, and creating an enabling environment for women's workforce participation.
- India's Gen Z (15-24 years) faces a high unemployment rate, especially among educated youth and women.
- A significant skills mismatch exists, where educational qualifications do not align with industry demands, leading to underemployment.
- Urban areas and women experience higher unemployment rates due to various socio-economic factors and safety concerns.
Cuban Ambassador to India, Juan Carlos Marsan Aguilera, called for the lifting of the energy blockade imposed by the United States, stating it has caused a "collective punishment" and a humanitarian crisis in Cuba. The blockade has severely impacted all sectors of the Cuban economy, including electricity supply, healthcare, water supply, food production, and transportation. Aguilera highlighted "unprecedented suffering," citing over 100,000 pending medical surgeries, increased infant mortality, and a decline in cancer survival rates. He argued that no country has the right to impose unilateral energy blockades, especially in the context of renewed hostilities with Iran and the Strait of Hormuz.
- The Cuban Ambassador to India urged the U.S. to lift the energy blockade on Cuba, calling it a "collective punishment."
- The blockade has led to a humanitarian crisis, severely affecting Cuba's economy and essential services like healthcare and food.
- Significant impacts include over 100,000 pending medical surgeries and increased infant mortality rates.
Political parties and groups representing Sri Lanka's Tamil-speaking ethnic minorities have launched a common platform, "Medai," to voice their shared concerns. This initiative, comprising parties like All Ceylon Makkal Congress, Ceylon Workers' Congress, and Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi, is neither a conventional coalition nor an electoral alliance. The platform focuses on three key areas: introducing a new Constitution, holding long-pending Provincial Council polls, and resolving land conflicts. These demands align with pledges made by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, and the platform aims to hold his administration accountable, emphasizing it is not anti-government but focused on specific issues faced by war-affected Tamils, historically marginalized Malaiyaha Tamils, and Muslims.
- Sri Lankan Tamil-speaking minority political parties and groups have formed a common platform called "Medai" to address shared concerns.
- The platform's key objectives include advocating for a new Constitution, Provincial Council elections, and resolution of land conflicts.
- These demands are based on pledges previously made by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
Corporate India's Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) spending increased by 17% year-on-year to ₹40,794 crore in FY25, according to a Fulcrum report based on Ministry of Corporate Affairs data. The cumulative investment over the past decade reached ₹2.61 lakh crore. The report noted a broader participation from firms, with 72,233 CSR projects implemented nationwide, a 21% increase from the previous year. The top 10 companies accounted for 17% of the total CSR expenditure, with Reliance Industries Ltd. being the highest spender at ₹1,309 crore, followed by HDFC Bank Ltd. at ₹1,039 crore.
- Corporate India's CSR expenditure grew by 17% to ₹40,794 crore in FY25.
- The cumulative CSR investment over the last decade has reached ₹2.61 lakh crore.
- A total of 72,233 CSR projects were implemented, indicating broader participation from firms.
The Bar Council of India (BCI) has issued comprehensive guidelines for social media conduct for advocates, law students, and legal interns. The circular, effective July 17, prohibits creating or circulating content that sensationalizes court proceedings, ridicules judges, or scandalizes the conduct of legal professionals. It specifically bans making reels, videos, or promotional content inside court premises and prohibits clipping or editing live-streamed proceedings with captions or music that distort or sensationalize. The BCI also restricts the use of AI-generated images, deepfake videos, and misleading legal advice, emphasizing the need to maintain the dignity of courts and the Bar.
- The Bar Council of India has implemented strict social media guidelines for legal professionals and students.
- The norms prohibit sensationalizing court proceedings, ridiculing judges, or creating content that scandalizes the legal system.
- Specific bans include recording videos inside court premises and editing live-streamed proceedings with distorting captions.
Kerala recorded 2,914 student dropouts from State government syllabus schools in the 2024-25 academic year. Children of migrant workers constituted the largest group, accounting for 36.72% (1,070 students) of the total dropouts. These students primarily returned to their native States or moved elsewhere for work with their parents. Other significant reasons for dropping out included "lack of interest in studies" (704 students), change in residence to other States/countries (213 students), dysfunctional family backgrounds (174 students), and illness/hospitalization/accidents (163 students). The highest number of migrant children dropouts were from Ernakulam (390), followed by Malappuram (169).
- Kerala reported 2,914 school dropouts in the 2024-25 academic year from State syllabus schools.
- Children of inter-State migrant workers formed the largest group of dropouts, at 36.72%.
- Key reasons for dropping out included migration, lack of interest in studies, change of residence, dysfunctional families, and health issues.
An indefinite hunger strike against the Ken-Betwa Link Project and other irrigation schemes in Madhya Pradesh's Bundelkhand region entered its 15th day. Protesters, primarily tribal women, allege inadequate rehabilitation and grievances related to displacement caused by the projects. The protest is being held on the banks of the Barana river near Kupi village. In addition to the hunger strike, protesters have launched 'jal satyagraha', 'chita satyagraha', and a symbolic 'faansi satyagraha' to highlight their demands and draw attention to the environmental and social impacts of the inter-linking project.
- A hunger strike against the Ken-Betwa Link Project in Bundelkhand, Madhya Pradesh, has reached its 15th day.
- Protesters, mainly tribal women, are demanding adequate rehabilitation and addressing displacement issues.
- The protest includes various forms of satyagraha to draw attention to the project's impacts.
Delhi's first women's police station at Sabzi Mandi, inaugurated on June 19, is preparing to file its maiden chargesheet. Led by SHO Laxmi Singh, the station aims to provide a focused and specialized approach to crimes against women, ensuring timely action and quicker justice. In its first month, it received 154 complaints and registered nine FIRs related to POCSO, rape, molestation, and dowry. While complainants appreciate the sensitive handling, challenges remain, including the need for more trained counsellors and staff to manage the volume of cases and coordination issues with local police.
- Delhi's first women's police station, located at Sabzi Mandi, aims to provide specialized support for crimes against women.
- In its first month, the station registered nine FIRs and handled 154 complaints, including cases transferred from CAW cells.
- The station focuses solely on women-related complaints, unlike regular police stations with multiple duties.
The Supreme Court granted interim relief by staying the ongoing demolition drive in Rajasthan's border districts for two weeks. The drive, targeting mosques, madrasas, dargahs, and homes, was challenged by Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind on behalf of 40 affected residents. The court directed petitioners to approach the Division Bench of the Rajasthan High Court at Jodhpur, noting that disputes involving contested questions of fact are more appropriately adjudicated by the jurisdictional High Court. The Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind's fact-finding visit documented the ground situation, following the demolition of at least four mosques in Barmer and Jaisalmer.
- The Supreme Court issued an interim stay on demolition activities in Rajasthan's border districts for two weeks.
- The petition was filed by Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, representing residents affected by demolitions targeting religious and residential structures.
- The court advised petitioners to seek appropriate relief from the Rajasthan High Court for fact-based disputes.
The Registrar General of India (RGI) has mandated stringent checks for digitised birth and death certificates to combat fraudulent issuance. This directive follows a surge in demand for digital copies, particularly due to their use in electoral roll revisions, and reports of fake or unauthorized certificates. The RGI noted compromised registrar credentials and unauthorized sharing of OTPs. Measures include mandatory verification of online applications against original registers, uploading supporting documents, and compulsory e-signatures by district registrars. States are urged to review digitisation status and securely preserve original records to maintain the integrity of the Civil Registration System.
- The Registrar General of India (RGI) has ordered strict scrutiny of digitised birth and death records.
- The move aims to prevent fraudulent issuance of certificates amidst a surge in demand.
- Concerns include compromised registrar credentials and unauthorized sharing of OTPs.
Kerala is facing a severe challenge with rising narcotic drug abuse, particularly synthetic drugs, and sophisticated cartel networks using digital technologies. Following a surge in NDPS cases to 36,314 in 2025, the UDF government launched "Operation Toofan" in June. This initiative aims for integrated enforcement, public engagement, victim rehabilitation, and effective prosecution. It involves collaboration between State police, southern States' police forces, central agencies, and State departments like education, health, and excise. The campaign also focuses on strengthening national intelligence-sharing under the NCORD framework and upskilling anti-narcotics personnel to counter innovative cartel methods.
- Kerala is experiencing a significant increase in narcotic drug abuse, especially synthetic drugs.
- "Operation Toofan" has been launched to combat drug cartels and streamline enforcement.
- The initiative involves multi-agency collaboration, public engagement, and victim rehabilitation.
The Supreme Court has sought responses from the Centre and States on a petition advocating for the recognition of intersex persons as a distinct and identifiable class. The petition, filed by advocate Shamshravish Rein, seeks a directive for the Union government to establish separate statutory guidelines within six months. These guidelines would provide distinct recognition, protection, and affirmative support for individuals born with congenital variations in sex characteristics (DSD). The plea highlights the traumatic challenges faced by intersex children, including forced medical interventions, social abandonment, and exclusion from various societal structures due to a strictly binary understanding of sex.
- The Supreme Court is considering a petition for distinct recognition of intersex persons.
- The petition seeks statutory guidelines for protection and affirmative support for individuals with Differences of Sex Development (DSD).
- Intersex individuals face unique challenges, including forced medical interventions and social exclusion.
The Supreme Court has directed all States and Union Territories to formulate and notify a uniform policy within three months for the premature release of aged and terminally ill prisoners. This policy aims to provide a humane and time-bound mechanism for remission or early release on compassionate grounds, and to help reduce prison overcrowding. The Court mandated that the policy, framed in consultation with State Legal Services Authorities, must clearly define 'terminal illness' and establish eligibility criteria and procedural frameworks. It also directed the constitution of independent medical boards and called for technical assistance from the Union government and NIC for implementation.
- The Supreme Court mandated a uniform policy for premature release of aged and terminally ill prisoners across all States and UTs.
- The policy aims to provide a humane, time-bound mechanism for remission and address prison overcrowding.
- It must include clear eligibility criteria and a uniform definition of 'terminal illness', drawing from UNODC guidelines.
The Supreme Court has consistently affirmed the state's paternalistic duty to preserve the life of individuals on indefinite fasts, while respecting their right to dissent. This principle was reiterated amidst activist Sonam Wangchuk's ongoing fast, with the Delhi High Court emphasizing the preciousness of human life. Past Supreme Court judgments, such as in the case of Punjab farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal and the Ramlila Maidan Incident involving Baba Ramdev, have highlighted the state's responsibility to provide medical aid and engage with protesters, recognizing hunger strikes as a constitutionally accepted form of protest that is neither unconstitutional nor barred by law.
- The Supreme Court upholds the state's duty to preserve the life of individuals on indefinite fasts.
- This duty coexists with respecting the protester's right to dissent.
- The Delhi High Court recently underscored the preciousness of human life in the context of Sonam Wangchuk's fast.
Alexander Zverev's recent French Open victory, making him the first Type 1 diabetes (T1D) patient to win a Grand Slam, has brought significant attention to managing this chronic condition in elite sports. Diagnosed at age four, Zverev relies on insulin therapy and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) to manage fluctuating blood sugar levels, a process he describes as 'playing two games at once.' The article explains T1D, the risks of hyperglycaemia and hypoglycaemia, and the physical and mental burdens faced by athletes, including issues like 'Ozempic face,' hair shedding, and the need for careful nutritional and aesthetic planning. Zverev also advocates for TID awareness through his foundation.
- Alexander Zverev's French Open win marks a historic achievement for an athlete with Type 1 diabetes (T1D).
- Managing T1D in elite sports involves constant monitoring of blood glucose levels and insulin administration.
- Athletes face challenges like hyperglycaemia, hypoglycaemia, and physical/mental burnout due to the condition.
Maharashtra's Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana, providing ₹1,500 monthly to eligible women, is under scrutiny following a significant reduction in beneficiaries from 2.43 crore to 1.66 crore after verification rounds. The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) also flagged 'significant deficiencies' in the scheme's implementation, including unjustified excess expenditure of ₹3,541.16 crore and reappropriation of funds from other schemes like Lek Ladki Yojana. The CAG criticized the scheme for undermining budgetary discipline and financial propriety. The Opposition has accused the government of using the scheme for electoral gains and demanded restoration of benefits and an inquiry.
- The Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana provides ₹1,500 monthly to eligible women in Maharashtra.
- The number of beneficiaries has significantly dropped from 2.43 crore to 1.66 crore after verification, attributed to e-KYC issues.
- The CAG reported 'significant deficiencies' in the scheme, including ₹3,541.16 crore in excess expenditure.
A controversy has erupted between Puri's Shree Jagannath Temple Managing Committee and the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) over the dates of the Rath Yatra. While the Puri temple adheres to a centuries-old ritual calendar, ISKCON organizes international Rath Yatra events on different dates, citing logistical and climatic reasons. This divergence is viewed by many in Puri as a challenge to the temple's authority and unique religious identity. Despite appeals from the titular king of Puri, Dibyasingha Deb, ISKCON has maintained its stance, leading to resentment among devotees and local authorities.
- The core of the controversy is ISKCON's practice of holding Rath Yatra events on dates different from Puri's traditional calendar.
- Puri's Shree Jagannath Temple Managing Committee and devotees view this as a challenge to the temple's authority and religious identity.
- ISKCON cites logistical constraints, such as obtaining permissions abroad and volunteer availability, for its differing schedule.
In a significant effort to combat child marriage, five such alliances were prevented in Rajasthan's Sikar district on a single day through court-issued injunction orders. This success resulted from coordinated action by the police and voluntary groups like Gayatri Seva Sansthan and Just Rights for Children (JRC). The interventions included cases where boys aged nine and 12 were to be married under the 'Aata-Saata' custom, and a girl below 18 was to marry a 42-year-old widower. The court injunctions, issued under Section 13(1) of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006, empower authorities to proactively prevent such marriages.
- Court-issued injunctions were successfully used to prevent five child marriages in Sikar, Rajasthan.
- The interventions were a result of coordinated efforts by police and voluntary groups like Gayatri Seva Sansthan and Just Rights for Children (JRC).
- Cases included marriages under the 'Aata-Saata' custom and a minor girl marrying an older widower.
The India-U.K. Double Contributions Convention (DCC), which came into effect on Wednesday, allows temporary Indian and British workers an exemption from paying social security contributions in their host countries for up to 60 months. However, the guidance from His Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC) clarifies that the DCC is not retrospective. This means it does not apply to individuals already working in the U.K. or India before July 15, 2026. To avail the exemption, eligible workers must obtain a 'certificate of coverage' from India's Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) as proof of contributions in India.
- The India-U.K. Double Contributions Convention (DCC) became effective on Wednesday.
- The DCC allows temporary workers a 60-month exemption from host country social security contributions.
- The pact is not retrospective, applying only to employees arriving on or after July 15, 2026.
Residents of border villages in Ladakh have informed a parliamentary panel that they have lost access to their traditional grazing grounds along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) since border tensions with China escalated in 2020. They emphasized that the continued presence of local communities in these frontier regions is vital for national security and requested controlled access to these lands. The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) has built fortified structures and a moratorium on patrolling, following the violent Galwan clashes in 2020, has restricted access, severely impacting the livelihoods of nomadic pastoralists who depend on these grounds.
- Ladakh villagers reported losing access to traditional grazing lands along the LAC since 2020 border tensions.
- They highlighted that local communities' presence is crucial for national security in frontier regions.
- Chinese PLA's fortified structures and patrolling moratorium have restricted access.
An analysis by LibTech India indicates a marginal dip in registered (2.5%) and active (2.43%) workers in rural job schemes following the transition from MGNREGS to the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission Gramin (VB-G RAM G) on July 1, 2026. The Rural Development Ministry, however, disputed these findings, attributing changes to continuous verification and stating that no complaints of employment denial due to e-KYC or face authentication issues have been received. The analysis highlights that states like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Telangana accounted for a significant portion of the decline, raising concerns about the impact of digital compliance measures on worker numbers.
- A marginal dip in registered and active rural job scheme workers was observed after the program transition.
- The transition occurred from MGNREGS to Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission Gramin (VB-G RAM G).
- The Rural Development Ministry disputes the findings, citing continuous verification of records.
The editorial criticizes the Union government for indefinitely delaying the restoration of Statehood to Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), despite a solemn assurance to the Supreme Court and repeated pledges from the Prime Minister and Home Minister. It argues that retaining Union Territory status undermines the elected government and that security concerns are an insufficient justification for the delay. The article emphasizes that empowering elected leaders is crucial for addressing local grievances and preventing alienation, urging the BJP not to prioritize political expediency over fulfilling its promise to the people of J&K.
- The Union government has indefinitely deferred the restoration of Statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.
- The delay contradicts solemn assurances made to the Supreme Court and pledges by top leaders.
- Retaining Union Territory status subordinates the elected government to an unelected Lieutenant Governor.
Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala met Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay to discuss a coordinated strategy to combat inter-State drug smuggling. Kerala sought Tamil Nadu's cooperation in establishing a mechanism among southern States to crack down on drug peddlers and narcotics. Chennithala briefed Vijay on Kerala's anti-narcotics drive, 'Operation Toofan,' which has led to over 6,000 arrests and 5,500 registered cases in 43 days. Both States agreed to share information and intelligence to curb cross-border drug trafficking.
- Kerala sought Tamil Nadu's cooperation to establish a coordinated mechanism against drug smuggling.
- The initiative aims to combat drug peddlers and narcotics across southern States.
- Kerala's 'Operation Toofan' anti-narcotics drive has resulted in significant arrests and case registrations.
The Kerala High Court has ordered the Kerala State Waqf Board to halt all major functions, including capital expenditure and policy decisions, without court permission. The court also mandated a stop to its judicial functions. This directive was issued because the board was not constituted in accordance with the Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency, and Development Act, 2025, which requires the inclusion of two non-Muslim and one Shia member. The State government has indicated its readiness to reconstitute the board in compliance with the Act.
- Kerala High Court halted major functions of the Kerala State Waqf Board.
- The board's constitution was found to be non-compliant with the UMEED Act, 2025.
- The UMEED Act mandates the inclusion of two non-Muslim and one Shia member on the board.