A recent explosion in an illegal rat-hole mine in Meghalaya, killing 18 workers, highlights the persistent failure of governance despite a 2014 National Green Tribunal (NGT) ban. Rat-hole mining remains prevalent due to local economic dependence, fragmented ownership, and weak enforcement. The article suggests that illegal mining must become socially expensive and operationally prohibitive. Proposed solutions include mandatory GPS tracking for coal carriers, satellite and drone monitoring, and community-based monitoring. Furthermore, the state should provide alternative livelihoods in sectors like horticulture and tourism to displace illegal mining as a primary income source for the local population.
- Rat-hole mining lacks engineered roofs and side-wall protections, making it prone to frequent collapses and fatal accidents.
- The National Green Tribunal (NGT) ordered a cessation of rat-hole mining in 2014, but enforcement remains weak due to local patronage.
- Illegal mining persists because of high local dependence on coal income and a lack of alternative employment opportunities in the region.
The health-care allocation for 2026 shows a 10% increase to over ₹1.05 lakh crore, yet experts note it remains only 1.9% of total expenditure and 0.26% of GDP. A major highlight is the ₹10,000 crore Biopharma SHAKTI scheme aimed at making India a manufacturing hub for biologics. The budget also plans for three new NIPERs and a second NIMHANS campus. While the government has reduced duties on cancer medicines, critics argue the funding falls short of the 2.5% of GDP target set by the National Health Policy 2017.
- The Biopharma SHAKTI scheme is a ₹10,000 crore initiative to boost manufacturing of biologics and biosimilars.
- The government aims to train 1 lakh allied health professionals and 1.5 lakh care workers for the elderly.
- Customs and import duties have been exempted for 17 cancer medicines and several rare disease treatments.
Denotified, nomadic, and semi-nomadic tribes (DNTs) across India are demanding a separate column in the 2027 Census to ensure accurate identification and sub-classification. Historically labeled as 'criminal tribes' under the British-era Criminal Tribes Act of 1871 (repealed in 1952), these communities feel misclassified within existing SC, ST, and OBC categories. This misclassification hinders their access to targeted welfare schemes like SEED. Leaders argue that without a dedicated census entry and constitutional recognition, the backwardness of these nearly 1,200 communities will remain unaddressed. The Social Justice Ministry has recommended a separate schedule for DNTs to facilitate better resource allocation.
- DNTs are demanding a 'separate column' in the upcoming 2027 caste census for formal identity.
- The Criminal Tribes Act of 1871 originally classified these communities as 'addicted to crime.'
- The Idate Commission identified nearly 1,200 DNT communities, many of which are currently 'misclassified.'
The Supreme Court has stayed the University Grants Commission (Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions) Regulations, 2026, citing concerns over ambiguity and potential misuse. The 2026 regulations introduced a specific definition of 'caste-based discrimination' limited to SC, ST, and OBC categories, which critics argue is biased and lacks safeguards against false complaints. The court has directed that the 2012 regulations, which defined discrimination more broadly (including race, religion, language, and disability), will remain in force. The debate centers on whether 'formal equality' is sufficient or if 'substantive equality' requires specific protections for historically underprivileged groups.
- The Supreme Court stayed the UGC Regulations 2026 and reinstated the 2012 framework.
- The 2026 regulations specifically defined 'caste-based' discrimination as targeting SC, ST, and OBC groups.
- Critics and the court raised concerns about the lack of provisions to punish 'false' or 'motivated' complaints.
The Union government's first-ever enumeration of waste-pickers under the NAMASTE scheme reveals that 84.5% belong to Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), or Other Backward Classes (OBC). Out of 1.52 lakh profiled workers, the majority are from these marginalized communities, while only 10.7% are from the General category. The NAMASTE scheme, originally for sewer and septic tank workers, now includes waste-pickers to formally recognize them and provide protective equipment. The goal is to eradicate hazardous cleaning practices and deaths, with 859 deaths reported since 2014 due to cleaning sewers.
- 84.5% of profiled waste-pickers are from SC, ST, or OBC communities, highlighting the intersection of caste and labor.
- The NAMASTE scheme aims to formally recognize and protect waste-pickers and sanitation workers through urban local bodies.
- The scheme's primary objective is to eradicate deaths due to hazardous cleaning of sewers and septic tanks.
A report reveals that the Supreme Court of India has not confirmed a single death penalty in the past three years (2023-2025). In 2025, the top court acquitted 10 death row prisoners, the highest in a decade. While lower courts (Sessions Courts) handed down 1,310 death sentences over the last ten years, the high rate of acquittals at the appellate level raises serious concerns about wrongful convictions and procedural violations during sentencing. The report also notes a growing trend of using life imprisonment without remission as an alternative to the death penalty.
- The Supreme Court has not confirmed any death sentences in the last three years.
- Sessions courts sentenced 128 individuals to death in 2025 alone, showing a gap between trial and appellate courts.
- High acquittal rates suggest errors in lower court judgments and a lack of proper psychological evaluations during sentencing.
The Supreme Court of India is examining whether messaging platforms like WhatsApp can share and commercially exploit user data. A three-judge Bench led by the Chief Justice compared the unauthorized sharing of private data to a 'decent way of committing theft.' The court is scrutinizing the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act of 2023, noting that it primarily addresses privacy but may lack sufficient provisions regarding the 'rent-sharing' or monetary value of user data. The Bench emphasized that once data is shared, its value remains, and users should have a say in its commercial use.
- The SC is hearing petitions against a ₹213.14-crore penalty imposed on Meta by the Competition Commission of India (CCI).
- The court highlighted that the DPDP Act 2023 focuses on privacy but not necessarily on the commercial value of data.
- Concerns were raised about whether rural or poor users can navigate complex privacy consent language.
Thousands of tribal farmers from Palghar and Nashik districts in Maharashtra have organized long marches to demand land rights, employment, and irrigation. The core of the protest is the implementation of the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006. Tribals claim that many individual land claims have been rejected or that titles are issued in the name of the entire village rather than individuals, making them ineligible for government schemes. They are also demanding the completion of pending recruitments under the PESA Act and the diversion of west-flowing rivers to drought-prone tribal areas.
- The protests focus on the proper implementation of the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006.
- Over 45% of claims under the FRA in Maharashtra have been rejected, according to data accessed by The Hindu.
- Tribals are demanding that land titles be issued in individual names to facilitate access to institutional loans and government subsidies.
Rural employment activists have criticized the Union Budget's allocation for rural job schemes, citing a lack of clarity in the transition from MGNREGS to the new Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G). While the government promised 125 days of employment, activists argue the ₹1.25 lakh crore allocation is insufficient. They claim that after clearing current dues of ₹15,000 crore, the remaining funds would only provide about 52 days of work for active households. There are also concerns regarding the lack of State-wise normative allocations and transparency in the new regime.
- The government is transitioning from MGNREGS to a new scheme called VB-G RAM G.
- The budget has earmarked ₹95,692.31 crore for VB-G RAM G and ₹30,000 crore for MGNREGS.
- Activists claim the total outlay of ₹1.25 lakh crore is inadequate to fulfill the promise of 125 days of work.
In a landmark judgment, the Supreme Court of India has encapsulated the right to menstrual health and hygiene within the fundamental right to life and dignity under Article 21 of the Constitution. The Court emphasized that autonomy for girl children requires access to functional toilets, menstrual products, and hygienic disposal mechanisms. Terming the lack of access as 'menstrual poverty,' the Bench directed States and Union Territories to ensure gender-segregated toilets in all schools. This ruling aims to address the gendered lack of equity and high dropout rates among adolescent girls in government and private schools.
- Menstrual hygiene is now legally recognized as part of the Right to Life under Article 21.
- The Court mandated that every school must have functional, gender-segregated toilets and adequate menstrual products.
- NFHS-5 data shows that while hygienic methods usage rose to 77.3%, a quarter of eligible women still lack support.
The Union Budget 2026 introduced several measures to empower women and persons with disabilities (PwDs). For women, the government announced 'SHE Marts,' which are self-help entrepreneur marts functioning as community-owned retail outlets. This builds on the Lakpati Didi programme to help women transition from credit-linked livelihoods to enterprise ownership. For PwDs, two new schemes were launched: Divyangjan Kaushal Yojana for training in livelihood opportunities and Divyang Sahara Yojana for providing timely access to assistive devices through modern retail-style marts. The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities saw a 30% rise in allocation to ₹1,669.72 crore.
- SHE Marts will be established as community-owned retail outlets for women entrepreneurs.
- Divyangjan Kaushal Yojana focuses on skill training for persons with disabilities.
- Divyang Sahara Yojana will provide assistive devices through new technology marts.
The Union Budget 2026 has reduced the allocation for urban development by 11.6%, from ₹96,777 crore to ₹85,522 crore. This reduction has raised concerns regarding the sustainability of essential services in cities facing mass migration and climate change. Within the shrinking budget, a significant portion (33.6%) is dedicated to metro rail projects, which critics argue primarily benefit large cities and middle-class commuters. Funding for flagship schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) and the Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban) has seen notable declines, with SBM-U's budget halved to ₹2,500 crore.
- Urban development allocation decreased by 11.6% to ₹85,522 crore for FY27.
- Metro rail projects account for over one-third (33.6%) of the total urban budget.
- Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban) allocation was reduced by 50% to ₹2,500 crore.
The Union Budget 2026-27 has increased the allocation for the Education Ministry by 14.21% to approximately ₹1.39 lakh crore. Key highlights include the establishment of five university townships near major industrial and logistics corridors and the provision of a girls' hostel in every district to encourage female participation in STEM education. The budget also focuses on skilling, with a 62% increase in the Skill Development Ministry's budget. A high-powered 'Education to Employment and Enterprise' Standing Committee will be formed to align the services sector with the goals of 'Viksit Bharat.'
- Education budget increased by 14.21% to ₹1.39 lakh crore for the next fiscal year.
- Five university townships will be established near industrial corridors to link education with industry.
- Girls' hostels will be built in every district to promote STEM education among female students.
The Union Budget 2026 introduced the Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-RAM G) Act, 2025, which replaces the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), 2005. The new scheme has been allocated ₹95,692.31 crore for the 2026-27 fiscal year. Additionally, ₹30,000 crore has been set aside to clear liabilities from the previous year's MGNREGS. The government aims to provide 125 workdays to all enrolled workers. However, experts suggest that an outlay of ₹2.3 lakh crore would be necessary to fully meet this commitment for all 8.65 crore active job card holders.
- The VB-RAM G Act, 2025, replaces the MGNREGA, 2005, as the primary rural job guarantee.
- Total allocation for the new scheme is approximately ₹95,692 crore for FY27.
- The government target is to provide 125 workdays per year to all enrolled workers.
The Union Budget 2026-27 prioritizes the MSME and textile sectors with significant allocation hikes and new policy frameworks. The textile sector saw a 25% jump in allocation, while the MSME sector's funding doubled. Key initiatives include making the TReDS (Trade Receivables Discounting System) platform mandatory for all CPSE purchases from MSMEs to ensure timely payments. A ₹10,000 crore SME Growth Fund will be created to support 'future champions.' For textiles, the budget proposes mega textile parks and the Mahatma Gandhi Gram Swaraj initiative to boost rural employment and promote sustainable, globally competitive products.
- TReDS platform usage is now mandatory for CPSEs purchasing from MSMEs to solve payment delays.
- A ₹10,000 crore SME Growth Fund has been established to provide micro-units with risk capital.
- Textile sector allocation increased by 25% to promote labour-intensive growth and exports.
The Indian government has sanctioned a massive infrastructure project on Great Nicobar Island, including a transshipment terminal, airport, and township. While strategically significant for monitoring the Strait of Malacca, the project faces intense criticism for its ecological and social impact. It threatens the habitat of the Shompen and Nicobarese tribes and involves clearing nearly 130 sq. km of pristine rainforest. Environmentalists argue that compensatory afforestation in Haryana cannot replace tropical rainforests. Concerns also persist regarding the displacement of indigenous tribes and the potential for 'genocide' due to contact with outsiders and loss of ancestral lands.
- The project includes an International Container Transshipment Terminal at Galathea Bay, a strategic maritime location.
- Great Nicobar is home to two Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs): the Shompen and the Nicobarese.
- The project involves the felling of approximately 9.64 lakh trees in a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
The Supreme Court has stayed the University Grants Commission (Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions) Regulations, 2026. These regulations were intended to replace the 2012 version to address caste discrimination on campuses. However, they faced backlash for being 'vague' and potentially 'biased.' Critics argued that the 2026 rules diluted the 2012 protections by removing specific instances of discrimination and failing to define 'caste-based discrimination' clearly. The court will now hear petitions filed by the mothers of Rohith Vemula and Payal Tadvi, who allege that the 2012 rules were never properly implemented.
- The 2026 UGC regulations were criticized for lacking a clear definition of 'caste-based discrimination.'
- Protesters argued the new rules dropped provisions regarding 'false complaints,' which could lead to misuse.
- The 2012 regulations had identified 25 specific types of discrimination, which were absent in the 2026 version.
The Supreme Court recently stayed the UGC (Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions) Regulations, 2026, calling them 'too sweeping.' However, the legal analysis underscores that these rules stem from Article 15 of the Constitution, which mandates the State to remedy historical injustices faced by marginalized communities. While the draft rules aimed to address rising caste-based discrimination on campuses, critics argue they might lead to 'reverse discrimination.' The Court is examining whether the definition of discrimination in the rules has a reasonable link to the objective of promoting full equity in HEIs.
- Caste-based discrimination complaints in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) have more than doubled in the last five years.
- Article 15(1) and 15(2) provide the constitutional basis for prohibiting discrimination and ensuring access to public services.
- The Sukanya Shantha case established the principle of substantive equality to correct historical injustices.
The Supreme Court of India has ruled that access to menstrual health and hygiene management (MHM) in educational institutions is an integral part of the fundamental right to life and dignity under Article 21. The court emphasized that the lack of these facilities subjects girls to stigma and humiliation, hindering their education. It directed States and Union Territories to ensure access to free sanitary napkins, functional gender-segregated toilets, and proper disposal mechanisms in all schools. The judgment also highlighted the need to sensitize male teachers and students to prevent harassment and invasive questioning.
- The Supreme Court linked menstrual hygiene to the right to privacy and bodily autonomy of students.
- States must provide free sanitary napkins and 'MHM corners' in both government and private schools.
- Non-compliance with MHM standards can lead to de-recognition of private schools under the Right to Education (RTE) Act.
A legal case involving actor Salman Khan has brought 'personality rights' into focus, particularly against AI-driven platforms. The Delhi High Court issued a notice to a China-based AI voice generation platform for unauthorized use of the actor's persona. Personality rights recognize the economic value of an individual's identity, distinct from intellectual property. While the Supreme Court's K.S. Puttaswamy judgment recognized privacy as a fundamental right under Article 21, personality rights also intersect with Article 19(1)(g) regarding the right to conduct business. The case highlights gaps in the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, regarding the AI sector and unauthorized commercial exploitation.
- Personality rights protect against unauthorized commercial exploitation of an individual's identity.
- The K.S. Puttaswamy (2017) judgment linked identity protection to the right to privacy under Article 21.
- AI-driven platforms pose new challenges for protecting the 'persona' of public figures.
Despite the 2017 National Health Policy's goal to increase government health expenditure to 2.5% of GDP by 2025, current spending remains significantly lower. While allocations by States and Union Territories have increased moderately, the Union government's spending as a percentage of GDP has decreased post-pandemic. The Health and Education Cess, introduced in 2018-19, has not been fully utilized for its intended purpose of expanding health services. The National Health Mission (NHM), a crucial intervention for rural health, has seen stagnant or declining expenditure in real terms over the last several years, highlighting a hyper-centralisation of financial resources.
- National Health Policy 2017 target of 2.5% of GDP for health spending remains unachieved.
- Union government health spending has declined in real terms post-pandemic.
- States bear the primary cost of providing healthcare, with their share of spending increasing.
The Economic Survey 2025-26 has identified digital addiction and screen-related mental health problems as major public health concerns, especially for children and adolescents. It recommends structured interventions, including cyber-safety education, mandatory physical activity in schools, and parental training. The Survey also suggests network-level safeguards like differentiated data plans for educational versus recreational use. On a positive note, the Survey highlights India's progress in maternal and infant health, with a 78% decline in the under-five mortality rate (U5MR) since 1990, surpassing the global average reduction and demonstrating significant public health improvements.
- Digital addiction is flagged as a major healthcare issue for children and adolescents.
- Recommendations include mobile network-level safeguards and age-appropriate digital access policies.
- India achieved a 78% decline in under-five mortality rate (U5MR) since 1990.
The Economic Survey 2025-26 points out significant disparities in secondary education, with only 17% of rural schools providing secondary education compared to 38% in urban areas. To convert its 'vast human resource base into high-quality human capital,' the Survey recommends raising the Expected Years of Schooling (EYS) to 15 years, covering ages 3-18.2. It also emphasizes the need to 'internationalise' higher education and build state capacity. Economic pressure remains the primary reason for school dropouts, with 67% of boys citing the need to supplement household income and 55% of girls citing domestic responsibilities.
- Only 17% of rural schools offer secondary education, compared to 38% in urban areas.
- The Survey proposes increasing Expected Years of Schooling (EYS) to 15 years.
- Economic constraints and domestic duties are the leading causes of student dropouts.
The Economic Survey 2025-26 defends the government's decision to replace the MGNREGA with the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and AJEEVIKA Mission (Gram) Act, 2025. The Survey argues that MGNREGA suffered from 'deep structural issues' and that a strong rural economy has reduced dependence on the scheme. Demand for work fell from a pandemic peak of 389.09 crore person-days to 183.77 crore in 2025-26. The new legislation is described as a 'comprehensive legislative reset' designed to address previous shortcomings and align with current rural realities, including rising non-farm employment and improved rural infrastructure.
- MGNREGA is being replaced by the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and AJEEVIKA Mission (Gram) Act, 2025.
- The Survey cites a 53% drop in demand for MGNREGA work since the pandemic peak.
- Structural issues like mismatch between expenditure and physical progress were highlighted.