Renowned education reformer and activist Sonam Wangchuk has been detained under the National Security Act (NSA), 1980, following protests in Leh. Since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, Ladakh civil society groups, led by Wangchuk, have been demanding Statehood and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution to protect the region's fragile ecology and tribal identity. The detention occurred after a 'foot march' from Leh to Delhi. The government had previously formed a high-powered committee to discuss these demands, but activists claim the dialogue has been ineffective in addressing their core concerns regarding environmental protection.
- The Sixth Schedule provides for the administration of tribal areas through Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) with legislative and judicial powers.
- Activists fear that without constitutional safeguards, Ladakh's environment will be exploited by large-scale industrial and solar projects.
- Wangchuk's detention under the NSA has sparked criticism regarding the suppression of peaceful democratic protests.
The Supreme Court is set to hear a petition challenging the Telangana government's order to enhance the Backward Class (OBC) quota in municipalities and panchayats to 42%. This increase brings the aggregate reservation in local bodies to 67%, exceeding the 50% ceiling established by the Supreme Court in the 1992 Mandal Commission case. The petitioner argues that this violates judicial precedents. Similar legal challenges are pending against reservation hikes in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. The Telangana government justifies the move by stating that OBCs are grossly underrepresented despite forming over half the population, while the bill awaits formal assent.
- The Telangana government increased the OBC quota in local bodies from 14% to 42% via a September 26 order.
- The total reservation (SC 15%, ST 10%, OBC 42%) now stands at 67%, breaching the 50% legal limit.
- The 50% ceiling rule was established by a nine-judge Bench in the landmark Indra Sawhney (Mandal Commission) case of 1992.
India is the third-largest e-waste generator globally, producing 2.2 million tonnes in 2025. A majority of this is processed in the informal sector using crude methods like acid baths and open-air burning. This releases toxic substances like lead, cadmium, and mercury, causing severe health issues including respiratory diseases, neurological damage, and DNA damage. Children in recycling clusters are particularly vulnerable, showing high levels of lead in their blood. While the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022, introduced Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), implementation remains weak, and the informal sector still handles 95% of the waste.
- India generates 2.2 million tonnes of e-waste annually, with only 43% officially processed as of 2023-24.
- Informal recycling releases persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and heavy metals into the environment.
- E-waste exposure is linked to reduced IQ, behavioral disorders, and respiratory ailments, especially in children.
Marking 50 years of the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) scheme, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh stated that while the scheme has been renamed and subsumed under 'Mission Saksham Anganwadi and POSHAN 2.0,' its governance has not kept pace. He highlighted recommendations from a Parliamentary Standing Committee, including the need to double the wages of anganwadi workers and helpers. The Congress had suggested hiring additional workers for early childhood care. Ramesh also flagged the failure to revise cost norms for anganwadi services, which was supposed to happen in the 2020-21 financial year.
- ICDS is one of the world's largest child welfare programs, now part of Mission Saksham Anganwadi and POSHAN 2.0.
- Governance issues include stagnant wages for anganwadi workers and outdated cost norms for services.
- The scheme is critical for improving India's human development indicators, particularly child nutrition and health.
This discussion covers the ongoing protests in Ladakh led by figures like Sonam Wangchuk. Protesters demand statehood, inclusion in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, and a separate Public Service Commission. Proponents argue that since becoming a Union Territory in 2019, Ladakhis have lost political representation and fear for their land and cultural identity. Critics point to Ladakh's small population (approx. 3 lakh) and strategic sensitivity as reasons why full statehood might be premature. The government has recently announced five new districts for Ladakh to improve administration, but the demand for constitutional safeguards remains strong.
- Ladakh was turned into a Union Territory without a legislature in 2019 following the reorganization of J&K.
- The Sixth Schedule provides for Autonomous District Councils to protect tribal land, culture, and resources.
- Protesters seek statehood to ensure democratic representation and local control over administrative decisions.
Chief Minister M.K. Stalin outlines Tamil Nadu's strategy to foster a startup revolution. The state has seen a six-fold increase in registered startups, reaching over 12,100 in four years. The strategy rests on three pillars: making the state a strategic capital through the TANSEED grant, ensuring inclusion and gender parity through specialized funds for SC/ST and women entrepreneurs, and building a decentralized ecosystem with regional hubs. Tamil Nadu has been recognized as a 'Best Performer' in the States' Startup Ranking 2022. The upcoming Global Startup Summit 2025 in Coimbatore aims to further this momentum.
- Tamil Nadu has over 12,100 DPIIT-registered startups, a six-fold increase in four years.
- The TANSEED grant provides seed funding of ₹10 lakh to startups to facilitate early-stage growth.
- The state focuses on inclusive growth through the SC/ST Startup Fund and special grants for women and transgender founders.
The latest National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) report for 2023 highlights several critical social and legal issues. Illegal migration cases under the Foreigners Act were highest in West Bengal and Tripura. Farmer suicides remain a major concern, with Maharashtra and Karnataka accounting for over 60% of cases, often attributed to government policies and import duties. Additionally, crimes against children rose by 9.2%, with kidnapping and POCSO cases being the most prevalent. The report also noted a significant 30.4% increase in environmental offences, primarily related to tobacco products and noise pollution regulations.
- West Bengal recorded the highest number of cases (1,050) under the Foreigners Act and Passport Act in 2023.
- Maharashtra (38.5%) and Karnataka (22.5%) reported the highest percentages of farmer suicides in India.
- Crimes against children reached a rate of 39.9 per 1,00,000, with Madhya Pradesh topping the list of total cases.
While India's Female Labour Force Participation Rate (FLFPR) has risen significantly, reaching 41.7% in 2023-24, a closer look reveals underlying vulnerabilities. The increase is primarily driven by rural women entering the workforce as 'helpers in household enterprises' or in self-employment, rather than regular salaried jobs. Much of this work is unpaid or low-paying, and real earnings for most categories of women workers have actually declined or stagnated. This suggests that while more women are entering the labor market, they are often doing so out of economic necessity into poor-quality, informal roles rather than dynamic, remunerative employment.
- FLFPR rose from 23.3% in 2017-18 to 41.7% in 2023-24, largely driven by rural women.
- The shift is characterized by a move from 'attending domestic duties' to 'unpaid helper' roles in family businesses.
- Real wages for regular salaried and self-employed women in rural areas have seen a downward trend despite higher participation.
Over the last decade, India has seen a transformation in girls' education, driven by initiatives like Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao (BBBP). Launched in 2015, BBBP aimed to prevent female foeticide and promote education. The program's success is visible in improved sex ratios at birth and higher female literacy rates. In Gujarat, the Kanya Kelavani campaign (2003) served as a precursor, addressing barriers like lack of school toilets. These efforts have led to a positive feedback cycle where educated women marry later, have fewer children, and are more likely to seek institutional healthcare and join the workforce.
- BBBP is a multi-ministerial effort involving Women and Child Development, Health, and Education ministries for coordinated change.
- Improved female literacy directly correlates with lower fertility rates and better maternal and child health outcomes.
- The initiative has shifted social mindsets, leading to increased support for delaying early marriage and promoting higher education.
The article highlights the plight of Anshakalin Stri Parichars (ASPs) in Maharashtra and Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) nationwide. Despite being the backbone of rural healthcare, delivering maternal care and immunizations, they are often classified as 'volunteers' rather than employees. This classification denies them minimum wages, job security, and social benefits. Their monthly wages have stagnated for years, often falling below subsistence levels. The neglect reveals a gendered and caste-inflected hierarchy in public health where skilled work by rural women is devalued. Protests across states demand fixed honoraria and recognition as government staff to secure rural health rights.
- ASPs and ASHAs are essential for rural health but lack formal worker status, leading to exploitation and low wages.
- The 'volunteer' label is used by states to justify underpaid labor and the absence of social security benefits like pensions.
- Rural women health workers face significant occupational risks, including snakebites and accidents, without insurance or compensation.
Women's participation in Indian agriculture has surged, with nearly two out of every three working women now engaged in the sector. However, this 'feminisation of agriculture' is marked by significant challenges: nearly half of these women are unpaid family workers, and they often lack official recognition as farmers. This invisibility prevents them from accessing credit, land ownership, and government subsidies. While global trade trends and digital tools like e-NAM offer opportunities for income-generating entrepreneurship, structural barriers like low digital literacy and limited land rights persist. Policies must recognize women as independent farmers to ensure equitable growth.
- Women's employment in agriculture surged by 135% over eight years, now accounting for over 42% of the sector's workforce.
- Approximately 59.1 million women in the agriculture sector are classified as unpaid family workers as of 2023-24.
- Only 13-14% of women in agriculture are official landholders, limiting their access to institutional credit and insurance.
The detention of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk under the National Security Act (NSA) has exacerbated tensions in Ladakh. Wangchuk led a movement for Ladakh's statehood and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution to protect indigenous culture. While the BJP previously committed to these safeguards, recent developments have alienated the local population. Although the Centre plans to continue negotiations, critics argue that talks held while key leaders are jailed lack legitimacy. The situation highlights a deterioration in the sensitive border region, with the opposition calling for a more statesmanlike approach to address job creation and constitutional safeguards.
- Sonam Wangchuk was detained under the National Security Act (NSA) following protests for Ladakh's statehood.
- Protesters are demanding the inclusion of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.
- The movement seeks to protect the indigenous culture, heritage, and land of the region after its 2019 bifurcation.
The article discusses the 'Engels' pause,' a period where technological progress leads to productivity gains without immediate improvements in worker welfare. Currently, AI mirrors this by boosting corporate efficiency while stagnating wages and increasing inequality. To mitigate this, the author suggests governance models like the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUI) for human capital development, robot taxes, or Universal Basic Income (UBI). Treating AI infrastructure as a public good and ensuring equitable access to compute and data are essential to prevent a prolonged period of jobless growth and social disparity.
- The 'Engels' pause' refers to a historical lag between technological innovation and the rise in living standards for the working class.
- AI is currently increasing productivity but also causing job displacement and widening the gap between capital owners and labor.
- Effective governance is required to redistribute AI-driven wealth through mechanisms like robot taxes or UBI experiments.
Prominent climate activist Sonam Wangchuk has been detained under the National Security Act (NSA) following violent protests in Leh that resulted in four civilian deaths. Wangchuk has been leading a mass agitation demanding Statehood and Sixth Schedule status for the Union Territory of Ladakh. The detention, which allows for prolonged incarceration without trial, was reportedly triggered by recent violence rather than previous cases against him. The Leh Apex Body (LAB) and other local organizations have condemned the arrest, asserting that Wangchuk played no role in the violence. The situation has led to a curfew and internet suspension in the region.
- Sonam Wangchuk was detained under the National Security Act (NSA) following violence during protests for Ladakh's statehood.
- The detention allows for preventive custody for a prolonged period to maintain public order.
- Protesters are demanding the inclusion of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution to protect land and cultural rights.
As global temperatures rise, access to cooling is shifting from a luxury to a public health necessity and a frontline adaptation need. In India, only about 5% of households own an air conditioner, mostly concentrated in urban areas. The lack of cooling disproportionately affects the poor, outdoor workers, and essential services like healthcare. While the Indian government has set energy efficiency standards for ACs, there is a critical need for policies that ensure universal access to cooling and protect vulnerable populations from extreme heat. Heat exposure caused approximately 489,000 deaths globally between 2000 and 2019.
- Cooling is essential for maintaining productivity and providing critical healthcare services like neonatal care.
- In India, 80% of the labor force works in heat-exposed sectors like agriculture and construction.
- Heat Action Plans (HAPs) have been developed but often face underfunding and weak implementation.
Ladakh has recently witnessed unrest and protests led by the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA). The core demands include Statehood for Ladakh, inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution for tribal autonomy, job reservations for locals, and increased political representation. While an agreement was reached in May 2025 regarding 95% job reservation and recognition of local languages, fresh protests were triggered by the hunger strike of activist Sonam Wangchuk. The region's sensitive security status makes it crucial for the Centre to balance local aspirations with national security requirements.
- Protesters demand Sixth Schedule status to grant autonomy to the tribal-majority region.
- The LAB represents Buddhist-majority Leh, while the KDA represents Muslim-majority Kargil.
- A May 2025 agreement proposed 95% job reservation for locals and 33% reservation for women in Hill Development Councils.
Indian adults consume 8 to 11 grams of salt daily, which is double the World Health Organization's (WHO) recommended limit of five grams. This high intake is a primary driver of hypertension, affecting 28.1% of adults, and significantly increases cardiovascular disease risks. The article emphasizes that most salt comes from home-made food and processed items (HFSS). It suggests a multi-pronged approach: public awareness, front-of-pack nutritional labeling, mandatory salt limits in processed foods, and integrating salt reduction into the National Multisectoral Action Plan (NMAP) for Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs). Salt reduction is identified as a 'best buy' intervention for public health.
- Excessive salt intake is a major factor in the rising burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like hypertension and cardiovascular issues in India.
- WHO recommends a daily salt intake of less than five grams, but Indians consume nearly double that amount.
- Hypertension affects approximately 28.1% of the Indian adult population, largely due to high sodium consumption.
This article critiques India's shifting stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict, moving from historical leadership in supporting Palestinian statehood to a more detached position. It highlights India's past moral clarity, such as the 1971 intervention in East Pakistan and being among the first to recognize the PLO in 1974. The author argues that India's current silence on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza contradicts its constitutional principles of promoting international peace and security under Article 51. The piece calls for India to demonstrate leadership based on justice and human rights rather than just bilateral interests, emphasizing that silence in the face of prolonged injustice is not neutrality but complicity.
- India was the first non-Arab state to recognize the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO) as the sole representative of Palestinians in 1974.
- Article 51 of the Indian Constitution (DPSP) mandates the state to promote international peace and security.
- The author argues that India's current 'personalised diplomacy' with Israel undermines its historical role as a voice for the Global South.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to transfer the first installment of ₹7,500 crore to 75 lakh women in Bihar under the Mukhya Mantri Mahila Rozgar Yojana. Each eligible woman will receive ₹10,000 as initial assistance to start a business of her choice. The scheme targets women from economically weaker sections, nuclear families, and non-income tax payees in the 18-60 age group. Following a performance review after six months, an additional grant of ₹2 lakh will be provided to eligible women entrepreneurs. The Rural Development Department is the nodal agency for this massive economic empowerment initiative aimed at strengthening Bihar's economy.
- The scheme provides an initial non-returnable assistance of ₹10,000 to 75 lakh women to foster entrepreneurship.
- Priority is given to Jeevika Self-Help Group members and women from economically weaker sections without permanent income.
- An additional ₹2 lakh grant is available for those who show successful business progress after a six-month performance review.
India's Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP) is one of the world's largest, vaccinating millions of children and pregnant women annually. The article highlights the success of Mission Indradhanush (MI) and its intensified versions (IMI) in increasing full immunization coverage from 62% in 2014 to over 90%. Technological integrations like the U-WIN platform, building on the success of CO-WIN, have streamlined digital tracking and record-keeping. Despite challenges like vaccine hesitancy in remote areas, India has maintained its polio-free status since 2011 and achieved significant milestones in eliminating maternal and neonatal tetanus and Yaws. The 'Zero Measles-Rubella Elimination' campaign was launched in 2025.
- Mission Indradhanush was launched in 2014 to achieve 90% immunization coverage across India through targeted phases.
- The U-WIN platform enables nationwide, anytime-anywhere access to vaccination services and digital record-keeping for mothers and children.
- India has successfully eliminated Yaws (2016) and maternal and neonatal tetanus (2015) through sustained public health efforts.
Primary Health Centre (PHC) doctors are the backbone of India's rural healthcare, yet they face immense pressure from clinical loads and administrative tasks. A typical PHC doctor serves 20,000 to 50,000 people, managing everything from maternal health to infectious diseases. The introduction of multiple digital portals like IHIP and ABHA has inadvertently increased documentation work, leading to severe burnout. The Lancet and WHO have highlighted this global crisis. To achieve Universal Health Coverage and SDG 3, India must shift from a culture of compliance to one of facilitation, prioritizing the well-being of healthcare providers.
- PHC doctors manage over 100 outpatients daily plus emergency services and national health programs.
- Digital systems like IHIP and UWIN have created 'documentation duplication' instead of streamlining work.
- Burnout among PHC doctors is a systemic issue linked to poor staffing and excessive administrative reporting.
Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk and residents of Ladakh are protesting to demand constitutional safeguards for the region, which was made a Union Territory in 2019. Their primary demands include Statehood, inclusion in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, separate Lok Sabha seats for Leh and Kargil, and the filling of job vacancies. Protesters fear that without these protections, large industries and 'outsiders' will occupy their land and take away local businesses. While the Home Ministry has initiated some talks, the Leh Apex Body claims that discussions have been irregular and lack concrete progress.
- Ladakh became a Union Territory without a legislature following the reorganization of Jammu and Kashmir in 2019.
- The Sixth Schedule provides for Autonomous District Councils with legislative and judicial powers in tribal areas.
- Protesters emphasize the need to protect Ladakh's fragile ecology and unique cultural identity from industrial exploitation.
This article discusses the barriers created by academic publishers who gatekeep scientific knowledge through high subscription fees and paywalls. This system disproportionately affects researchers in the Global South, who often lack the resources to access critical papers. Despite India having the fourth-highest number of PhD graduates globally, many students struggle to afford access to research. The authors argue that science is a collective exercise and should be treated as a common good. They call for international cooperation and government pressure to dismantle paywalls and ensure transparent, accessible scientific information for all.
- India accounts for 8.7% of total global download requests on Sci-Hub, reflecting high demand for accessible research.
- Academic publishing is a multi-billion dollar industry that benefits from the free labor of the research community.
- In 2021, 193 UNESCO member countries adopted the first international framework on open science.
The Union Environment Ministry's decision to exempt uranium mining in Meghalaya from public consultation has triggered protests from local Khasi groups. The government issued an Office Memorandum (OM) to bypass procedural safeguards, citing national security. However, local communities and the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) argue that this violates tribal rights under the Sixth Schedule. Critics highlight that uranium mining is highly polluting and can irreversibly damage the landscape. They advocate for 'free, prior, and informed consent' as per global norms and suggest exploring alternative power-generating strategies instead of coercive extraction.
- The Union Environment Ministry exempted atomic and strategic minerals from public consultation via an Office Memorandum.
- Local Khasi groups in Domiasiat and Wahkaji have opposed uranium extraction since the 1980s due to radiation fears.
- The Sixth Schedule of the Constitution provides autonomous powers to tribal district councils to protect their rights.