A United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) report highlights that while AI investment is surging, it may exacerbate existing inequalities in the Asia-Pacific. The 'AI Preparedness Index' shows a massive gap, with advanced economies scoring over 70% while fragile states score under 20%. Disparities in digital infrastructure, such as electricity and data systems, prevent many from participating in the AI transition. Furthermore, women in the region face higher exposure to AI-driven automation than men. The report calls for inclusive design and robust foundations in hard infrastructure and human capital to ensure equitable benefits.
- The AI Preparedness Index reveals a stark divide between advanced economies and fragile states in the Asia-Pacific.
- Lack of basic infrastructure like reliable electricity and affordable internet remains a major barrier to AI adoption.
- Women are disproportionately affected by AI-driven automation compared to men in East and South-East Asia.
Following a petition highlighting the struggles of prisoners like G.N. Saibaba and Stan Swamy, the Supreme Court of India has directed prisons to provide disability-related support. The ruling emphasizes that the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016 applies to places of detention. Currently, many state prison manuals are outdated, assuming all prisoners are physically able. The Court also addressed intersectional issues, noting that caste-based segregation and the assignment of menial tasks to Dalit and Adivasi prisoners remain problematic. The judgment calls for updated manuals, disability screening at admission, and independent inspections.
- The Supreme Court ruled that the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016 obligates governments to support disabled inmates.
- Prison manuals must be updated to include clear duties regarding disability-related accommodations and infrastructure.
- The Court noted that caste-based segregation in jails is unconstitutional and will monitor discrimination via suo motu proceedings.
India is facing a demographic shift with a rapidly aging population, necessitating robust pension reforms. The article traces the transition from welfare-based assistance to participatory inclusion frameworks. Key schemes include the Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS), the Atal Pension Yojana (APY) for the informal sector, and the National Pension System (NPS). Despite these initiatives, a significant portion of the elderly remains unaware of their eligibility. The e-SHRAM portal serves as a critical database for informal workers, but challenges like digital literacy and administrative hurdles persist in ensuring universal social security.
- India's elderly population is projected to reach 347 million by 2050.
- The Atal Pension Yojana (APY) provides a guaranteed minimum pension for informal sector workers aged 18-40.
- The e-SHRAM portal aims to integrate informal workers into the national social security framework.
This article critiques the increasing reliance on digital surveillance tools like the National Mobile Monitoring System (NMMS) and Facial Recognition Technology (FRT) in welfare programs. While intended to ensure accountability and prevent leaks in schemes like MGNREGA and the Poshan Tracker, these "tech-fixes" often lead to exclusion. Issues include poor connectivity, technical glitches, and the potential for "fudged" data through irrelevant photographs. The author argues that these tools demotivate sincere workers and fail to address the root causes of poor governance, suggesting that accountability requires more than just digital monitoring.
- The NMMS requires MGNREGA workers to upload geotagged photos twice daily, often leading to technical hurdles.
- Facial Recognition Technology (FRT) is now compulsory for Take Home Rations (THR) under the Poshan Tracker.
- Tech-fixes can lead to 'agnotology'—the culturally cultivated ignorance of systemic failures and exclusion.
A civil society network, Just Rights for Children (JRC), has targeted 38 high-risk districts in Rajasthan to eradicate child marriage through community efforts and legal interventions. This initiative complements the Union Ministry of Women and Child Development's 100-day intensive awareness campaign. While the national average for child marriage is 23.3%, Rajasthan stands at 25.4%, with some districts like Chittorgarh and Bhilwara exceeding 40%. The drive involves mobilizing gram panchayats and religious leaders to pass resolutions against the practice, aiming to align with the UN Sustainable Development Goal of eliminating child marriage by 2030.
- The drive focuses on 38 districts in Rajasthan where child marriage prevalence is significantly high.
- The Union Ministry has launched a 100-day nationwide movement to end child marriage by 2030.
- Gram panchayats and municipal wards are being mobilized to pass formal resolutions against the practice.
A study by the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF) across seven Indian states highlights that women face unique and amplified health risks due to rising temperatures. In high Heat Vulnerability Index (HVI) districts, 70% of women reported symptoms like fatigue, dizziness, and gastrointestinal discomfort. Beyond physical health, heat stress leads to mental distress, reproductive health issues, and significant wage losses, particularly for those in informal work. The report notes a strong correlation between extreme heat and increased household tensions or domestic violence, urging for gender-specific heat preparedness strategies in climate policies.
- Women in high HVI districts experience severe physical symptoms and reproductive health disruptions during peak heat.
- Nearly 97% of surveyed women reported wage losses exceeding ₹1,500 during summer months.
- Extreme heat is linked to a 38% increase in domestic violence and heightened psychosocial stress.
The Supreme Court has ruled that prison authorities who abuse disabled prisoners will be penalized under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016. A bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta directed all States and Union Territories to amend their prison rules to ensure assistive devices, specialized medical care, and enhanced family visitation rights for disabled inmates. The order stems from a plea highlighting the deaths of activists G.N. Saibaba and Stan Swamy, whose health deteriorated due to inadequate prison facilities. The court emphasized that disabled prisoners deserve the same dignity and rights as free disabled persons.
- Prison authorities are now liable for penalties under Section 89 of the RPwD Act for abusing disabled inmates.
- States and UTs must modify prison manuals to include provisions for assistive devices and specialized medical care.
- The court highlighted the 'double punishment' faced by disabled prisoners: their conviction and the lack of accessibility.
The Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs recently responded to parliamentary questions regarding infant deaths due to malnutrition in tribal regions. While the government cited National Family Health Survey (NFHS) data to show overall improvements in stunting and wasting indicators since 1990-91, it failed to provide specific numbers on the total deaths caused by malnutrition over the last five years. The response highlighted that while 13.7 crore children are under age five, only 6.6 crore are registered on the "Poshan Tracker." Data from October 2025 indicates that 52% of examined children still suffer from malnutrition.
- The government relies on NFHS data and the 'Poshan Tracker' to monitor malnutrition but lacks a direct database for malnutrition-related deaths.
- There is a significant gap between the total child population and those enrolled in Anganwadi centres/Poshan Tracker.
- Recent data shows that over half (52%) of the children examined were found to be stunted, wasted, or underweight.
Chief Justice of India Surya Kant has called for "zero sympathy" for acid attackers, stating the entire legal system must respond ruthlessly. The Supreme Court is hearing a plea to formally recognize acid attack survivors as "persons with specified disabilities" under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016. This would ensure survivors receive necessary medical and legal support. The CJI proposed setting up special courts to conduct acid attack trials on a day-to-day basis to address the massive delays in the current judicial process, where cases can remain pending for over 16 years.
- The Supreme Court is considering classifying acid attack survivors under the RPwD Act, 2016, to provide them with disability benefits and protections.
- CJI Surya Kant emphasized that the ruthlessness shown by attackers must be met with equal ruthlessness from the judicial system.
- The proposal includes the establishment of special courts dedicated to fast-tracking acid attack cases on a daily basis.
The Supreme Court of India is hearing petitions to remove 97 central and state laws that still contain discriminatory provisions against people affected by leprosy. These 'antediluvian' laws restrict access to public transport, the right to run for office, and employment. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has recommended replacing derogatory terminology and using iris scans for Aadhaar enrolment, as leprosy-induced nerve damage often affects fingertips. Since leprosy is now fully curable and non-infectious with modern medicine, the court has directed states to report on steps taken to eliminate these stigmas and ensure fundamental rights.
- India reports approximately 57% of the world's leprosy cases, caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium leprae.
- Discriminatory laws persist despite leprosy being curable and non-infectious with Multi-Drug Therapy (MDT).
- The NHRC advocates for the use of iris scans for Aadhaar because leprosy often causes loss of sensation and damage to fingertips.
The Union Health Ministry informed Parliament that India's doctor-population ratio stands at 1:811, which is better than the WHO recommended standard of 1:1,000. This calculation includes both modern medicine (allopathy) and AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy) practitioners, assuming 80% availability. There are approximately 13.88 lakh registered allopathic doctors and 7.51 lakh AYUSH practitioners in the country. To improve healthcare access in remote areas, the government has implemented measures like the 'hard-area allowance' for specialist doctors.
- The combined ratio of allopathic and AYUSH doctors in India exceeds the WHO benchmark.
- There is a significant number of registered practitioners in both modern and traditional medicine systems.
- Government incentives are being used to encourage doctors to serve in under-served and remote regions.
The Union government clarified in the Lok Sabha that under Section 8(2) of the Census Act, 1948, respondents are legally bound to answer questions to the best of their knowledge. This includes questions regarding caste, as the upcoming Census 2027 will be the first in Independent India to enumerate caste. The next census will also be India's first digital census. The government is currently finalising the questionnaire. Additionally, the government addressed concerns regarding the overlap of the census timeline with school board exams, noting that primary school teachers are traditionally appointed as enumerators.
- Section 8(2) of the Census Act, 1948, makes it mandatory for citizens to provide information to census officers.
- Census 2027 will be the first digital census and the first to include a caste count since independence.
- The Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner is responsible for the census process and finalising the questionnaire.
The rise of AI-generated deepfakes has exacerbated Non-Consensual Intimate Image (NCII) abuse, particularly targeting women and transgender individuals. While the government has issued Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) requiring the removal of such content within 24 hours, the article argues that legal provisions alone are insufficient. There is a lack of contemporary data from the NCRB on NCII, and existing laws like the IT Act and DPDP Act remain opaque in practice. The article calls for gender-neutral reforms, better police training, and stronger victim-centric legal mechanisms to address the deep-rooted social stigma and lack of digital literacy.
- NCII abuse involves the unauthorized distribution of intimate images, often enhanced or created by AI deepfake technology.
- The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) issued SOPs in November 2025 to curb NCII circulation and protect digital dignity.
- A major hurdle is the lack of granular classification of cybercrimes in National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data.
The latest Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) for the July-September 2025 quarter reveals that the rural unemployment rate for persons aged 15 and above dropped to 4.4% from 4.8% in the previous quarter. Conversely, urban unemployment saw a slight increase, rising to 6.2% for males and 9.0% for females. The overall unemployment rate in India fell to 5.2% from 5.4%. The survey highlights that self-employment remains the dominant form of work in rural areas (62.8%), while regular wage or salaried employment is more common in urban centers (49.8%).
- Rural unemployment decreased due to seasonal agricultural operations during the July-September period.
- The overall Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) among females increased to 33.7%, driven largely by rural improvements.
- Agriculture remains the primary employer for the rural workforce, accounting for 57.7% of jobs.
The Supreme Court observed that women constitute the 'largest minority' in India, making up 48.44% of the population, yet their representation in Parliament is receding. A Bench led by Justice B.V. Nagarathna was hearing a petition challenging the implementation delay of the 'Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam' (106th Amendment Act). The Act, which grants 33% reservation to women in Lok Sabha and State Assemblies, is tied to the conduct of the next Census and subsequent delimitation. The Court questioned the lack of a specific timeline for the Census, noting that a Constitutional amendment cannot be held back indefinitely.
- Women form 48.44% of the total population but lack adequate political representation in Parliament and State legislatures.
- The 106th Amendment Act provides 33% reservation, but its implementation is linked to the next Census and delimitation exercise.
- Article 15(3) of the Constitution mandates the State to take affirmative action and make special provisions for the empowerment of women.
The Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs has introduced a new policy framework, 'Reconciling Conservation and Community Rights,' for the relocation of forest-dwelling communities from tiger reserves. The policy reiterates that relocation must be a last resort, voluntary, and compliant with the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006. It mandates informed consent from Gram Sabhas and individual households. Despite these guidelines, many Scheduled Tribes allege they are being pressured to relocate without their ancestral land rights being recognized. The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) has directed States to prioritize relocations, leading to protests and legal challenges in states like Karnataka regarding traditional land rights.
- Relocation from tiger reserves must be voluntary, scientifically justified, and compliant with the Forest Rights Act (FRA).
- The Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006, protects the rights of forest-dwelling Scheduled Tribes to live in their habitats.
- Informed consent from Gram Sabhas is mandatory before any administrative notification for relocation can be issued.
The National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO) has urged States and Union Territories to train first responders—such as police and ambulance drivers—to identify potential organ donors among road accident victims. A 2023 report revealed that approximately 1.7 lakh people died in road accidents in India, many of whom could have been potential organ donors. Currently, India faces a critical shortage of organs, with a deceased donor rate of less than one per million population. Training first responders in brain stem death identification and referral procedures could save thousands of lives through timely harvesting and transplantation.
- India's deceased organ donor rate remains critically low at less than one per million population.
- Approximately 1.7 lakh road accident victims in 2023 were identified as potential organ donors.
- NOTTO recommends training police and paramedics to facilitate the flow of information to transplant coordinators.
Supreme Court Justice Vikram Nath highlighted a disturbing trend where over 70% of India's prison population consists of undertrials who have not been found guilty. Speaking at the release of a NALSAR report, he noted that only 7.91% of these prisoners utilized available legal aid, primarily because they were unaware of their right to free legal help. The report by the Square Circle Clinic revealed that many undertrials spend more time in jail than the maximum sentence for their alleged offenses. A significant majority of these individuals belong to disadvantaged caste groups and the unorganized sector, facing systemic barriers to justice.
- Over 70% of the Indian prison population consists of undertrials awaiting the conclusion of their legal cases.
- Only 7.91% of undertrials utilize free legal aid due to a lack of awareness regarding their constitutional rights.
- Approximately 67.6% of the undertrials covered in the NALSAR study belonged to disadvantaged caste groups.
The Supreme Court has directed all States and Union Territories to immediately remove stray dogs from public spaces including educational institutions, hospitals, railway stations, and bus stands. These animals must be relocated to designated shelters. Before relocation, dogs must be neutered and vaccinated in accordance with the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023. The court expressed concern over the disturbing increase in dog-bite incidents and frequent accidents involving stray animals on highways. It also mandated that local authorities ensure premises are secured with fencing and gates to prevent animal entry, with compliance reports due within eight weeks.
- The Supreme Court ordered the 'forthwith' removal of stray dogs from sensitive public areas like schools and hospitals.
- Relocated dogs must undergo sterilization and vaccination as per the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023.
- The court emphasized that dogs removed from a specific location should not be released back into the same locality to ensure the effectiveness of the directive.
A report in The Lancet highlights a critical surge in maternal deaths in Afghanistan, attributed to the Taliban's restrictions on female education and employment. With girls banned from studying beyond grade 6, the training of new midwives and nurses has ceased, leading to a severe shortage of skilled birth attendants. Afghanistan now has one of the world's highest maternal mortality rates, with 638 deaths per 100,000 births. The report emphasizes that restricting female health workers is not just a healthcare issue but a significant human rights violation with fatal consequences for women.
- Afghanistan's maternal mortality rate stands at 638 per 100,000 births, among the highest globally.
- Taliban bans on female education (nursing and midwifery) have crippled the long-term healthcare system.
- Only 36.3% of mothers in Afghanistan receive postnatal care within two days of delivery.
Karnataka has introduced a landmark policy providing one day of paid menstrual leave per month for women employees in both government and private sectors. This makes it the first state to cover both sectors, following Odisha and Bihar which have similar policies for government employees. The policy aims to recognize menstrual health as a legitimate workplace issue and aligns with constitutional principles of affirmative action. While widely praised, some experts express concerns about potential workplace bias and the need for broader sensitisation to prevent discrimination against women taking such leave.
- Karnataka provides 12 days of paid menstrual leave annually (one day per month).
- The policy applies to government offices, educational institutions, factories, and private firms.
- It is based on recommendations from a committee chaired by Dr. Sapna, involving extensive consultations.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has excluded Assam from its nationwide Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. This decision stems from the unique legal status of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Assam, governed by Section 6A of the Citizenship Act, 1955. The 2019 NRC process, monitored by the Supreme Court, concluded with the exclusion of over 19 lakh people but remains administratively stalled. The article argues that a parallel citizenship verification through SIR in Assam would create legal conflicts and risk social unrest in the state's fragile socio-political environment.
- Section 6A of the Citizenship Act, 1955, creates a distinct citizenship regime specifically for Assam.
- The 2019 NRC in Assam cost over ₹1,600 crore and involved the verification of 3.30 crore applicants.
- The Supreme Court recently upheld the constitutional validity of Section 6A of the Citizenship Act.
Amidst rising wealth inequality and automation-driven job insecurity, there is a growing call for Universal Basic Income (UBI) in India. India's Gini coefficient stands at 75, with the top 1% holding 40% of national wealth. UBI is proposed as a periodic, unconditional cash transfer to provide economic security and bypass administrative inefficiencies of targeted welfare. While funding is a major concern (estimated at 5% of GDP), pilot studies in Madhya Pradesh showed improved nutrition and school attendance. A phased rollout for vulnerable groups is suggested as a practical implementation strategy.
- India ranks 4th globally in income inequality according to the Press Information Bureau.
- Automation could displace up to 800 million jobs globally by 2030, making UBI a potential safety net.
- UBI aims to provide a floor of economic security, restoring consumer demand and dignity to unpaid labor.
The Supreme Court is reviewing the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021, specifically Section 4(iii)(C)(II), which restricts surrogacy to couples who do not have any surviving child. A couple facing 'secondary infertility' challenged this, arguing it violates their reproductive choices. Currently, exceptions are only made if the existing child has a life-threatening disorder or is mentally/physically challenged. The government argues surrogacy is not a fundamental right and involves the use of another woman's body. The Court is considering whether these restrictions amount to an unreasonable limitation on the reproductive autonomy of citizens.
- Section 4(iii)(C)(II) of the Surrogacy Act 2021 restricts surrogacy to childless couples.
- Secondary infertility refers to the inability to conceive after previously birthing children naturally.
- The Court recently relaxed age specifications for surrogacy for couples with frozen embryos.