Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) were responsible for 60% of all deaths in India during 2022-2024, a significant increase from 52.8% in 2015-2017, according to the SRS Statistical Report 2024. NCDs are more prevalent in urban areas (64.8%) and among men (62.3%). Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause, accounting for 32.1% of all deaths and 37.3% in the 30-69 age group. India is undergoing an epidemiological transition, with chronic illnesses dominating mortality trends while infectious diseases remain a challenge. Suicide is the leading cause of death for the 15-29 age group (19%), indicating growing mental health pressures. Regional disparities show Empowered Action Group (EAG) states with lower NCD mortality (53.9%).
- NCDs are now the leading cause of death in India, accounting for 60% of all deaths in 2022-2024.
- Cardiovascular diseases are the primary NCD cause, significantly impacting the 30-69 age group.
- India is experiencing an epidemiological transition, with chronic diseases rising while infectious diseases persist.
The Centre has constituted a high-level committee to study demographic changes arising from illegal immigration and other 'abnormal reasons.' Headed by retired Supreme Court judge Prakash Prabhakar Navlekar, the panel is tasked with recommending appropriate institutional mechanisms for 'population stabilisation.' It will submit its report within a year and also recommend a streamlined mechanism for the legal, fair, and time-bound identification, detention, and deportation of illegal immigrants. Union Home Minister Amit Shah stated that demographic change is a serious problem linked to national security, law and order, social structure, and the protection of tribal societies.
- A high-level committee has been formed to study demographic changes due to illegal immigration and other abnormal reasons.
- The committee will recommend mechanisms for population stabilization and for identifying, detaining, and deporting illegal immigrants.
- Demographic change is considered a serious issue impacting national security, law and order, and social structures.
The Assam government has tabled 'The Uniform Civil Code, Assam, 2026 Bill' in the State Assembly, aiming to establish a common law for all residents on matters of marriage, divorce, succession, and live-in relationships. Key provisions include a ban on bigamy and polygamy with imprisonment, standardised legal ages for marriage (21 for grooms, 18 for brides), mandatory registration of all marriages and divorces, uniform grounds for divorce, and gender-equal inheritance. The Bill also mandates registration of live-in relationships within a month, with penalties for non-compliance, and explicitly excludes Scheduled Tribes from its purview. Opposition parties have criticized the lack of consultation.
- The Assam UCC Bill aims to establish a common law for marriage, divorce, succession, and live-in relationships for all residents, excluding Scheduled Tribes.
- It proposes a ban on bigamy and polygamy, punishable by imprisonment, and standardizes legal ages for marriage.
- Mandatory registration of all marriages, divorces, and live-in relationships is a key provision, with penalties for non-registration.
Andhra Pradesh has proposed new incentives for families to have three or more children, a departure from traditional family planning policies. The state's TFR has dropped to 1.5, well below the national average. The incentives include cash payments, free education, and extended maternity leave. However, the article argues that such incentives are unlikely to significantly increase fertility and could inadvertently keep poorer women out of the workforce, especially without robust social infrastructure like universal childcare. It raises concerns about the potential for economically vulnerable families to increase in size without adequate long-term support, exacerbating existing ecological and social challenges.
- Andhra Pradesh is offering incentives for families to have more children, including cash payments and educational support.
- The state's Total Fertility Rate (TFR) has fallen significantly to 1.5, below the national average.
- These incentives are unlikely to lead to sustained increases in fertility, based on evidence from India and globally.
India is undergoing a significant demographic transition, moving from a 'population explosion' to an ageing population, as evidenced by the latest SRS bulletin (2024). The Total Fertility Rate (TFR) has dropped to 1.9, below the replacement level of 2.1, and the birth rate has fallen from 21 in 2014 to 18.3 in 2024. While India currently enjoys a demographic dividend with a median age of 29.2 years, this will eventually disappear. The article highlights the need for policy reassessment to address the needs of a greying nation, including better healthcare access, education, and addressing regional disparities in child survival and infant mortality rates.
- India's Total Fertility Rate (TFR) has fallen to 1.9, below the replacement level of 2.1, indicating a significant demographic shift.
- The country is transitioning from a young, expanding population to an ageing one, which will eventually lead to the disappearance of the demographic dividend.
- Factors like urbanisation, better education, and access to contraception contribute to the decline in fertility rates.
The Union Home Ministry has proposed a unique governance model for Ladakh, offering greater legislative, financial, and administrative powers within the existing Union Territory framework. This proposal, made during a meeting with the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), includes a legislature at the UT level and protection under Article 371. While the Centre is adamant against granting Sixth Schedule status, LAB co-convener Cherring Dorjay Lakruk stated that the demand for Statehood would continue, viewing the current offer as a step towards safeguarding land, employment, and environment. Discussions are ongoing to finalize the specifics of this arrangement.
- The Union Home Ministry proposed a unique governance model for Ladakh, including a legislature at the UT level and Article 371 protection.
- The proposal was discussed with the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA).
- The Centre remains firm against granting Sixth Schedule status to Ladakh.
The West Bengal government has directed District Magistrates to establish holding centers for detained illegal foreigners and released foreign prisoners awaiting deportation. This directive, issued via a notification from the Home and Hill Affairs Department, aligns with guidelines from the Union Home Ministry. The move follows Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari's announcement of a "detect, delete and deport" policy for "illegal infiltrators" not covered under the Citizenship (Amendment) Act. The State police will arrest such individuals and hand them over to the BSF for deportation, particularly targeting Bangladeshi and Rohingya nationals.
- West Bengal government ordered District Magistrates to set up holding centers for detained illegal foreigners.
- The initiative follows Union Home Ministry guidelines and Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari's "detect, delete and deport" policy.
- The policy targets "illegal infiltrators" not covered by the CAA, specifically mentioning Bangladeshi and Rohingya nationals.
Infertility affects 10-15% of adults in India, yet it remains a neglected public health issue with minimal government policies or services. The sector is heavily privatized, making advanced treatments like IVF prohibitively expensive for many, with costs ranging from ₹1 lakh to ₹2.5 lakh per cycle, often requiring multiple cycles. Limited insurance coverage forces individuals to fund treatments out-of-pocket, leading to significant financial and emotional strain. Experts argue that reproductive autonomy, enshrined under Article 21, should encompass infertility care, not just contraception and abortion, highlighting a critical disconnect between constitutional promises and healthcare realities.
- Infertility impacts 10-15% of Indian adults but is largely ignored as a public health issue.
- The fertility treatment sector is dominated by private players, with high costs and negligible public health services.
- IVF treatments are expensive, ranging from ₹1 lakh to ₹2.5 lakh per cycle, often requiring multiple attempts.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, addressing a 'Janjati Sanskritik Samagam' at New Delhi, assured Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities that any implemented Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the country would exempt them from its provisions. He stated that the UCC would not encroach upon tribal rights, culture, or way of life, citing examples from Uttarakhand and Gujarat. The event, organized by Sangh Parivar affiliates Janjati Suraksha Manch and Akhil Bharatiya Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram, also called for constitutional amendments to give ST classification a religion criterion and to amend PESA provisions.
- Union Home Minister Amit Shah guaranteed that tribal communities would be exempt from any Uniform Civil Code implementation.
- The assurance aims to dispel "conspiracy" theories that UCC would undermine tribal culture and way of life.
- The event, a 'Janjati Sanskritik Samagam', was organized by Sangh Parivar affiliates.
The Trump administration announced a significant policy change requiring non-immigrants seeking Green Cards to apply from their home countries, reversing a decades-long practice. Previously, individuals with legal status in the U.S., including those married to citizens or on work/student visas, could complete the entire permanent residency process domestically. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) framed this as a return to the 'original intent of the law' and closing a 'loophole,' aiming to reduce the number of people gaining permanent residency. The effective date and impact on ongoing applications remain unclear.
- The U.S. government has mandated that Green Card seekers must now apply from their home countries.
- This policy reverses a long-standing practice that allowed non-immigrants to complete the process while in the U.S.
- The change affects various categories, including individuals married to U.S. citizens and those on work or student visas.
The government's new rural jobs scheme, Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (VB-G RAM G), set to replace MGNREGA from July 1, will allocate higher funds to larger, poorer States. Draft rules propose using the 16th Finance Commission's horizontal devolution formula, which prioritizes States based on per capita GSDP distance. Unlike MGNREGA's 100% Centre-funded wage system, VB-G RAM G introduces a 60:40 Centre-State shared wage responsibility. From the second year, a portion of funding will also be based on 'performance criteria' such as timely wage payments and work completion.
- The new VB-G RAM G scheme will replace the 20-year-old MGNREGA from July 1.
- Funding allocation to States will be based on the 16th Finance Commission's horizontal devolution formula, prioritizing poorer States.
- The scheme introduces a shared wage responsibility between the Centre and States at a 60:40 ratio, unlike MGNREGA's 100% central funding.
A new 24-year study in Assam reveals a severe human-elephant conflict (HEC) crisis, driven by shrinking forests, fragmented animal corridors, and expanding human settlements and monoculture plantations. The study, covering 2000-2023, recorded 1,806 HEC incidents, resulting in 1,468 human deaths and 337 injuries. Conflict hotspots are concentrated near fragmented forests, agricultural fields, and tea plantations. Researchers recommend restoring forest connectivity, protecting corridors, improving water access, and using 'buffer crops' and elephant-friendly fences as solutions to mitigate the conflict.
- A 24-year study in Assam highlights a severe human-elephant conflict (HEC) crisis.
- Key drivers of HEC include shrinking forests, fragmented corridors, and expanding human settlements and plantations.
- The study recorded 1,806 HEC incidents, leading to 1,468 human deaths and 337 injuries between 2000 and 2023.
The article discusses the World Press Freedom Index, which ranked India 157th, and questions the reliability of such international rankings as precise judgments, while acknowledging their utility for identifying broad patterns. It highlights that Norway, ranked first, has a largely homogenous society where the media doesn't need to contest the state, unlike India's diverse and politically contested environment. The author points out the index's methodology doesn't consider the quality of journalism or racism, citing an example of a Norwegian newspaper's portrayal of PM Modi. While critics dismiss Western standards, they selectively celebrate other rankings. The article concludes that while the Indian media is under stress from market forces and state measures, the rankings are blunt instruments, useful for broad patterns but unreliable for precise judgments.
- International press freedom rankings, like the World Press Freedom Index, are useful for identifying broad patterns but are not precise judgments.
- India's ranking (157th) is contrasted with Norway's (1st), highlighting differences in societal homogeneity and media-state relations.
- The index's methodology is criticized for not accounting for journalistic quality or racial biases.
The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025, aimed at protecting vulnerable populations, is proving counterproductive, leading to a rise in offshore online betting and gambling. Studies show a significant shift from regulated domestic platforms to illegal offshore ones, which circumvent laws and facilitate money laundering and terror financing. These offshore platforms use advanced evasion tactics like VPNs and encrypted channels, making effective regulation difficult for domestic authorities. The article highlights that paternalistic bans rarely change consumer behavior but instead push users to unregulated channels. Drawing parallels from the UAE and Sri Lanka, which are moving towards regulated licensing frameworks, the author advocates for a strong domestic regulatory framework with accountability and consumer safeguards to address the menace, generate tax revenue, and fund awareness campaigns.
- The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025, intended to protect users, has inadvertently led to a surge in illegal offshore gaming.
- Offshore platforms facilitate money laundering and terror financing, using VPNs and encrypted channels to evade domestic oversight.
- Blanket bans are ineffective as they merely shift user activity to unregulated and more volatile channels.
The article argues against the Union Home Ministry's stance that Ladakh needs more districts rather than a legislature or Sixth Schedule safeguards, citing its sparse population and strategic sensitivity. The author contends that administrative decentralization through additional districts is insufficient for political agency, as districts cannot legislate on crucial matters like land protection, demographic safeguards, or cultural autonomy. The piece highlights the irony of the government's argument, reminiscent of colonial logic, especially after repeated promises of constitutional safeguards by the BJP. It draws parallels with Northeastern states like Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Mizoram, and Sikkim, which received statehood despite similar challenges, emphasizing that integration comes from belonging, not just subsidies or garrisons.
- Ladakh's demand for legislative representation and Sixth Schedule safeguards is being countered by the Home Ministry's offer of more districts.
- Administrative decentralization (more districts) is deemed insufficient for genuine political agency and decision-making on critical local issues.
- The government's argument against a legislature for Ladakh is criticized as paternalistic and reminiscent of colonial logic.
The Supreme Court dismissed a petition to halt the ongoing Census 2027, which includes a caste enumeration, with the Chief Justice of India emphasizing the government's need to identify backward populations for welfare. The Modi government announced caste enumeration in April 2025, a significant policy shift. Historically, independent India avoided caste enumeration to dismantle the caste system, but also used caste identities for positive discrimination, creating a paradox. The article highlights the long delay in the decennial Census (due in 2021) and the challenges of accurate caste enumeration, as seen in the 2011 Socio-Economic and Caste Census. While a caste census can ossify identities, it can also aid in targeted welfare measures if combined with socioeconomic indices, and people should have the option to identify as 'casteless'.
- The Supreme Court upheld the caste census, stating its importance for identifying backward populations and implementing welfare schemes.
- The Modi government reversed its previous stance to include caste enumeration in the Census 2027, the first since 1931.
- India's historical dual approach of seeking a casteless society while using caste for positive discrimination creates a policy paradox.
Rules for the new rural employment guarantee scheme, "Viksit Bharat - Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin)," are expected to be released by July 1. The Centre informed a parliamentary standing committee that 25 states have already allocated funds for the program. The scheme aims to ensure equitable distribution of resources and will introduce new smart job cards with a face-recognition feature for transparency. The Central government will determine the state-wise normative allocation of funds based on objective parameters, replacing existing job cards with new ones. This initiative seeks to improve accountability and streamline benefits for rural employment.
- New rules for the "Viksit Bharat - Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin)" scheme are set to be released by July 1.
- The scheme aims to provide rural employment guarantees and ensure equitable resource distribution.
- New smart job cards with face-recognition features will be issued to enhance transparency and accountability.
The Supreme Court sought a response from the Centre and States on a plea highlighting the lack of uniform excise laws across States, leading to deceptive packaging and promotion of cheap alcohol. The Chief Justice emphasized the need for a clear, uniform, and harmonious definition of terms like "bottle" and "juice" in excise laws. The petition argued that liquor packaged as "juice" poses health risks, increases ease of smuggling, and contributes to public consumption, especially among juveniles. The court noted that such packaging makes it difficult to distinguish liquor from actual juice, leading to public health concerns and inflation worries.
- The Supreme Court has raised concerns about the lack of uniform excise laws across Indian States.
- The court called for a clear and consistent definition of terms like "liquor" and "bottle" in excise laws.
- Deceptive packaging of cheap alcohol as "juice" poses significant public health risks, especially for juveniles.
An analysis of India's justice system budgets across 11 high-GDP states reveals a disproportionate allocation towards policing (over 80% of justice-related funds) compared to the judiciary, prisons, and legal aid. This indicates a system focused on enforcement and surveillance rather than access, adjudication, or rehabilitation. The judiciary receives less than 1% of state budgets despite high caseloads, and legal aid, crucial for marginalized individuals, is severely underfunded, leading to limited reach and inadequate representation. The report highlights the need for recalibration of budget priorities to align with constitutional mandates for an accessible and people-centred justice system.
- India's justice system budget is heavily skewed towards policing, receiving over 80% of funds.
- The judiciary and legal aid are significantly underfunded, hindering access to justice.
- This reflects a system prioritizing enforcement and surveillance over adjudication and rehabilitation.
India is preparing for its first digital Census in 2027, aiming for a credible and accurate enumeration. The process involves pre-testing questionnaires and methods to ensure data quality and address challenges like low literacy and lack of digital access in some areas. The Census will collect data on housing, population, and socio-economic indicators. The article highlights the need for robust planning, training of enumerators, and addressing issues like data quality, privacy, and potential fraud to ensure the success of the digital census, which is crucial for policy formulation and resource allocation. This shift aims to improve efficiency and data reliability.
- India is moving towards its first digital Census in 2027.
- Pre-testing of questionnaires and methods is crucial for data quality and addressing field challenges.
- The Census aims to collect comprehensive data on housing, population, and socio-economic aspects.
A 73-year-old woman in Kerala died from primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), a rare but lethal central nervous system infection. The infection is caused by Naegleria fowleri, a free-living amoeba found in freshwater, lakes, rivers, and poorly maintained swimming pools. The woman developed symptoms like fever and headache on May 6 and is suspected to have contracted the infection by washing her face with water from a canal. Following her death, local health authorities initiated superchlorination of water sources, including wells, to prevent further spread.
- A woman in Kerala died from Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM).
- PAM is a rare and lethal central nervous system infection.
- It is caused by Naegleria fowleri, a free-living amoeba found in freshwater bodies and poorly maintained pools.
The Supreme Court dismissed a plea challenging caste enumeration, stating it's not within its domain to decide if caste enumeration should be part of Census 2027. The court emphasized that any government must know how many people are backward and need welfare, making caste data a matter of policy. The Chief Justice highlighted that the exercise included systematic enumeration of only Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes until the 2011 Census, with the first phase of enumeration in Census 2027 already held. This decision reinforces the government's prerogative in data collection for welfare schemes.
- The Supreme Court rejected a plea challenging caste enumeration, stating it is a policy matter for the government.
- CJI Surya Kant emphasized the need for data on backward populations for effective welfare policies.
- Systematic enumeration in the Census traditionally covered only Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes until 2011.
The World Health Organization (WHO) declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) over an Ebola outbreak in Central Africa, specifically involving the uncommon Bundibugyo strain. This strain's efficacy against standard countermeasures like vaccines is currently untested. The outbreak, notified in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda, is concerning due to ongoing conflict, displacement, and potential for undetected spread. WHO's early alert aims to solicit global cooperation for effective patient and contact tracing, intensive support, safe burials, vaccinations (if effective), and social mobilization to control the disease, which has a 25-50% fatality rate.
- WHO declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) for an Ebola outbreak in Central Africa, involving the uncommon Bundibugyo strain.
- The efficacy of existing vaccines and therapies against the Bundibugyo strain is currently unknown, raising concerns.
- The outbreak is concentrated in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda, with risks of wider spread due to regional conflict and displacement.
The Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) status of foreigners of Indian origin who voted in recent Tamil Nadu elections is under scrutiny. Official sources indicate that the number of such individuals has increased to over 30. Authorities are analyzing arrival and departure details of these individuals, with some arrested in Chennai and Madurai. Their OCI registration could be cancelled if obtained through fraud or false declaration. The foreigners were booked under charges of cheating and violation of the Representation of the People Act, 1950, with false declarations in OCI forms attracting action under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
- The OCI status of foreign nationals of Indian origin who voted in recent Tamil Nadu elections is being investigated.
- Authorities are scrutinizing the declarations made in OCI application forms and during Special Intensive Revision.
- Fraudulent acquisition of OCI cards or false declarations could lead to cancellation of registration.