India faces a paradox where 43% of STEM graduates are women, the highest globally, yet women constitute only 27% of the STEM workforce. This education-employment gap, driven by persistent social norms and unwelcoming workplaces, limits women's access to career opportunities. The article highlights that enabling more women in the workforce could significantly boost India's GDP. Government policies like NEP 2020 and increased gender budget allocation aim to improve women's economic mobility. However, industry must transition from passive recruiters to active enablers, addressing stereotypes and providing supportive environments, as exemplified by initiatives like UN Women's WeSTEM programme.
- India has the highest proportion of women STEM graduates globally (43%), but only 27% are in the STEM workforce.
- This significant education-employment gap is attributed to social norms, workplace environments, and lack of awareness about career opportunities.
- Increasing women's participation in the workforce could substantially boost India's GDP, with estimates up to $700 billion by 2025.
The Election Commission of India (EC) has initiated a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar, sparking a debate on the term 'ordinarily resident'. According to the Representation of the People Act, 1950 (RP Act), a person must be 'ordinarily resident' in a constituency to be included in its electoral roll. The Gauhati High Court defined it as a "habitual resident" with the intention to dwell permanently, not temporarily. The article highlights the vulnerability of migrant labourers, who often move for work but maintain ties with their original residence. It suggests that strict interpretation could disenfranchise them and proposes amending the RP Act or RER to preserve their choice of retaining votes in their original constituency.
- The term 'ordinarily resident' is crucial for inclusion in India's electoral rolls, as defined by the Representation of the People Act, 1950.
- Judicial interpretations emphasize that 'ordinarily resident' implies habitual and permanent residency, not temporary stays.
- Migrant labourers face challenges, as their temporary work locations conflict with the strict definition, potentially leading to disenfranchisement.
Dr. Ratan Chandra Kar, a physician involved in healthcare for the Jarawa tribe, believes that conducting the 2027 Census among the six indigenous tribes of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands will not be difficult. He attributes this to the Central government's successful efforts in establishing meaningful contact and trust with the tribes, especially the Jarawas, since 1998. Proactive medical care has significantly increased the Jarawa population from an estimated 260 in 1998 to 647 today, successfully countering diseases without interfering with their traditional medicinal practices. The article also touches upon the impact of the Andaman Trunk Road (ATR) and emphasizes minimal intervention for the tribe's survival, highlighting the importance of respecting their way of life.
- The 2027 Census is expected to successfully include indigenous tribes in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, including the Jarawas, due to established government contact and trust.
- Proactive medical interventions since 1998 have significantly increased the Jarawa population by countering diseases while respecting traditional practices.
- The Jarawas, one of the world's oldest surviving tribes, are primarily hunter-gatherers living in nomadic bands.
India faces significant challenges in its employment landscape, with lakhs of graduates struggling to find meaningful jobs. The India Employment Report 2024 highlights that youth account for 83% of the unemployed population, and the share of educated unemployed has nearly doubled in two decades. A major issue is the skill gap, as many graduates lack the digital and professional skills demanded by employers, with AI posing a further threat to traditional job roles. The report also notes that nearly 90% of employment is informal. Urgent structural reforms are needed, including stronger industry-academia collaboration, outcome-based accreditation for institutions, mandatory idea labs, and integrating soft skills, alongside exploring international employment opportunities.
- India's employment sector is characterized by high youth unemployment and a significant skill gap among graduates.
- The majority of India's workforce remains informal, with declining salaried jobs and unresolved concerns about job security.
- Digital and professional skill deficiencies are widespread among young people, exacerbated by the looming impact of AI on traditional jobs.
Mizoram is facing a severe refugee crisis, housing over 40,000 shelter-seekers from Myanmar, Bangladesh, and Manipur. The latest influx of 4,000 people from Myanmar's Chin State followed clashes between anti-junta armed groups. Mizoram's dominant Mizo community shares ethnic ties with the Chins, Bawms, and Kuki-Zos, leading the state government to prioritize humanitarian grounds over pushing back refugees, despite limited resources and central government's tepid response. India lacks a specific national law on refugees, dealing with them under foreigners' laws. The state is now feeling pressure from the influx, raising concerns about national security, demography, and local resources.
- Mizoram is currently hosting over 40,000 refugees from Myanmar, Bangladesh, and Manipur.
- The recent influx from Myanmar's Chin State was triggered by armed clashes between anti-junta groups.
- The dominant Mizo community shares ethnic and familial ties with the Chin, Bawm, and Kuki-Zo groups, influencing the state's humanitarian approach.
A recent World Bank report suggesting low and falling consumption inequality in India has sparked debate, with commentators arguing it doesn't reflect the true picture of income and wealth disparities. While consumption inequality may be lower, income and wealth inequality in India are extremely high and have increased over time. Researchers from the World Inequality Database (WID) indicate India's Gini coefficient for pre-tax income in 2022-23 was 0.61, making it one of the most unequal economies globally. For wealth, the Gini coefficient was 0.75, with the top 1% of adults controlling almost 40% of net personal wealth, highlighting extreme concentration.
- The World Bank's assessment of low consumption inequality in India is contested by experts who point to high income and wealth disparities.
- Consumption inequality is inherently lower than income or wealth inequality because poorer households spend most income, while richer ones save more.
- Data from Household Consumption Expenditure Surveys (HCES) may under-estimate inequality by failing to capture extremely high incomes.
Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, Principal Advisor for the National TB Elimination Programme, advocates for district-level TB death audits, akin to the maternal mortality rate (MMR) model, to achieve India's TB elimination goals. She highlights that despite TB being a pandemic causing 800-900 deaths daily, it receives less attention. India has reduced its TB death rate from 35 to 22 per 1,00,000, but case fatality rates remain high (5-10%), especially for drug-resistant TB. The audits would identify gaps, improve service delivery, and address co-morbidities and socio-economic risk factors. She also emphasized widespread use of X-ray screening with AI and nutritional support, citing the RATIONS trials in Jharkhand.
- Implementing district-level TB death audits, similar to the Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) model, is crucial for TB elimination.
- India faces a significant challenge in reducing TB mortality, with hundreds of daily deaths often overlooked.
- Audits would help identify gaps in service delivery, address co-morbidities, and improve treatment outcomes.
The article challenges the alarmist narrative surrounding global population decline, asserting that much of it is premature and analytically flawed. While fertility rates are indeed falling, population momentum means growth continues for decades even with below-replacement fertility. The UN World Population Prospects (WPP) 2024 projects global population to peak around 10.3 billion in the mid-2080s before a gradual decline. The 'real fertility crisis' lies not in declining births per se, but in the inability of individuals, especially women, to achieve their desired family size due to barriers like financial limitations, housing, childcare, and infertility. The article advocates for supporting reproductive agency and addressing these systemic barriers rather than promoting target-driven pronatalism or curbing women's rights.
- Alarmist views on rapid population decline are often premature, as population momentum ensures continued growth for decades despite falling fertility rates.
- The UN World Population Prospects (WPP) projects a global population peak in the mid-2080s, followed by a gradual decline.
- The true 'fertility crisis' is the widespread inability of individuals to have their desired number of children due to socio-economic barriers.
India, with the world's largest youth population (371 million aged 15-29), stands at a critical juncture. Empowering young people with choice, control, and capital is essential to leverage this demographic dividend. The article emphasizes ensuring informed choices about sexual and reproductive health, free from coercion, as per the 1994 International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) promise. Investments in education, skills, health, nutrition, and family planning can boost India's GDP by up to $1 trillion by 2030. Initiatives like 'Beti Bachao Beti Padhao' and Project Udaan have shown success in reducing child marriage and teenage pregnancies, highlighting the importance of multi-sectoral approaches and addressing social norms.
- India possesses the world's largest youth population, presenting a significant demographic dividend opportunity.
- Empowering youth with informed choices, especially in sexual and reproductive health, is crucial for national progress.
- Strategic investments in education, skills, health, nutrition, and family planning are vital to unlock economic potential.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has registered an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) against 29 individuals, including actors, TV hosts, social media influencers, and YouTubers. They are accused of promoting illegal betting applications, violating the Public Gambling Act, 1867. The action falls under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), following five FIRs in Andhra Pradesh. The ED believes these individuals received significant financial compensation for endorsing platforms like Junglee Rummy, A23, and Parimatch, which allegedly facilitated large-scale money laundering and masqueraded as skill-based games.
- The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has initiated action against 29 individuals for promoting illegal betting applications.
- The case involves violations of the Public Gambling Act, 1867, and actions under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
- Prominent personalities from the entertainment industry are implicated for receiving financial compensation for endorsements.
Himachal Pradesh made a remarkable leap from 21st to the top five in the National Achievement Survey (NAS) 2025 results, signaling a reversal of decline in its public education system. The NAS, conducted every three years by the Ministry of Education, assesses learning outcomes in core subjects. Himachal's success is attributed to the Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu-led government's reforms, including merging under-enrolled schools for better resource deployment, unifying the education system under a single directorate, and encouraging school-level decision-making. While NAS provides an important signal, it doesn't fully capture socio-emotional well-being or teaching quality, underscoring the need for holistic assessments and continued commitment to teacher appointments and inclusive education.
- Himachal Pradesh significantly improved its ranking in the National Achievement Survey (NAS) 2025, moving from 21st to the top five.
- The NAS is a nationwide assessment by the Ministry of Education measuring learning outcomes in government and government-aided schools.
- Key reforms contributing to Himachal's success include school mergers, unified education directorate, and promotion of school-level decision-making and peer learning.
Amidst controversy over valid documents for voter registration in Bihar, the Election Commission's March 2023 manual empowers Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) to decide on voter inclusion or exclusion even in the absence of required documents. EROs can base their decisions on field verification, reports from Booth-Level Officers (BLOs), and testimonials from village heads or families. Proof of age can include an oath from parents or a 'Sarpanch', or even a visible examination by the BLO. Opposition parties, however, warn that EROs, being state government functionaries, could be influenced by the ruling party, potentially leading to biased decisions.
- Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) are empowered by the EC manual to decide on voter inclusion even without complete documentation.
- EROs can rely on field verification, BLO reports, and testimonials from local authorities or family members for proof of age and residence.
- The discretion granted to EROs is a point of concern for opposition parties, who fear potential political influence on their decisions.
The article highlights the alarming pattern of custodial deaths in Tamil Nadu, citing recent cases like Ajith Kumar, Vignesh, and Raja, whose autopsies revealed severe injuries. It argues that these are not isolated incidents but symptoms of a system that normalizes force over fairness, failing both citizens and the police force due to underinvestment in reform. The author advocates for a reallocation of policing budgets towards mental health support, mandatory counselling, and updated training focusing on ethics, human rights, and trauma-informed investigation. It also calls for legislative clarity, an anti-custodial violence law, mandatory video documentation, and real-time CCTV audits to ensure accountability and transparency.
- Custodial deaths in India, particularly in Tamil Nadu, reveal a systemic issue of normalized force and lack of accountability within the police.
- The current policing budget disproportionately funds hardware over essential human elements like mental health support and ethical training for officers.
- Comprehensive criminal justice reform is needed, including legislative clarity, an anti-custodial violence law, and mandatory video documentation of interrogations.
The Centre has not decided whether to update the National Population Register (NPR) during the upcoming Census 2027, senior Home Ministry officials informed Census directors at a preparatory meeting. The NPR, first created in 2010 and updated in 2015-16, is considered the initial step towards creating a National Register of Citizens (NRC) under the Citizenship Rules, 2003. Unlike Census data, which is shared in aggregate format, NPR data contains household-wise details of 119 crore usual residents and can be shared with Central and State governments and agencies. The 2027 Census will be the first to use mobile apps for data collection.
- The Union government has not yet decided on updating the National Population Register (NPR) alongside the upcoming Census 2027.
- The NPR is considered the first step towards establishing a National Register of Citizens (NRC) under the Citizenship Act, 1955.
- NPR data, unlike Census data, includes specific individual and household details and can be shared with government agencies.
Global military spending reached $2,718 billion in 2024, a 9.4% increase, the highest since 1988, driven by conflicts like the Russia-Ukraine war. NATO's pledge to increase member nations' defence expenditure to 5% of GDP by 2035 is a key driver. The US, China, Russia, Germany, and India are the top five spenders. This increased militarisation is criticized for crowding out domestic health spending, especially in low- and middle-income countries. It also negatively impacts the UN's budget, which is facing cuts due to insufficient funding, partly from US foreign aid reductions. Furthermore, rising military spending hinders progress towards UN Sustainable Development Goals, including poverty eradication, health, and climate change.
- Global military spending reached $2,718 billion in 2024, marking a 9.4% increase, the highest since 1988, primarily due to ongoing conflicts.
- NATO members have pledged to increase their defence spending to 5% of GDP by 2035, a significant rise from the previous 2% target.
- Increased military spending is shown to crowd out domestic health spending, particularly in middle- and low-income countries, and negatively impacts the UN's budget and its ability to fund humanitarian aid.
The Performance Assessment, Review, and Analysis of Knowledge for Holistic Development Rashtriya Sarvekshan (PARAKH RS), formerly National Achievement Survey (NAS), revealed significant learning deficits across India. Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Kerala, Dadra Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu, and Chandigarh are top performers. The survey assessed over 21 million children in Grades 3, 6, and 9 in subjects like language, mathematics, science, and social science. Key findings include low performance in mathematics for Kendriya Vidyalayas in Class 3 and government-aided schools in Class 6. Overall, only 55% of Class 3 students could arrange numbers, 38% of Class 6 students could solve puzzles, and 45% of Class 9 students could explain the Constitution, highlighting widespread conceptual gaps.
- The PARAKH Rashtriya Sarvekshan (formerly NAS) survey identified significant learning deficits across various grades and subjects in Indian schools.
- Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Kerala, Dadra Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu, and Chandigarh were identified as the top-performing states/UTs in school education.
- Specific deficits include only 55% of Class 3 students being able to arrange numbers up to 99, and only 38% of Class 6 students capable of solving puzzles involving whole numbers.
Bihar's ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, termed 'votebandi', is a complete reconstruction requiring extensive document submission from 50 million voters. This process is compared to demonetisation and Assam's NRC, raising fears of mass disenfranchisement. The ECI demands documents like birth certificates and land records, rejecting common IDs like Aadhaar and voter cards. High out-migration from Bihar further complicates matters for migrants proving residency. Critics warn this could create a permanent category of "second-grade" citizens and fundamentally disrupt India's electoral democracy. The ECI's plan to replicate this template in other states like Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal raises national concerns.
- Bihar's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) is a complete reconstruction of electoral rolls, termed 'votebandi', subjecting 50 million voters to a harsh eligibility test.
- The ECI demands specific documents like birth certificates and land records, while rejecting commonly available IDs such as Aadhaar and existing voter cards.
- The process disproportionately affects migrant workers and marginalized communities, who struggle to provide the required documents or prove 'ordinary residence'.
The Election Commission of India's (ECI) Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar is raising significant concerns. While presented as a routine update, it mandates new documentary proof for nearly 60% of the electorate, including birth certificates and land deeds, which are difficult to obtain. Critics argue this process risks disenfranchising millions, particularly the poor, Muslims, and migrant workers, and is akin to a de facto National Register of Citizens (NRC) without legislative backing. The ECI's refusal to accept its own voter ID cards as proof of eligibility further erodes institutional credibility, and the process is being challenged in the Supreme Court for violating fundamental rights.
- The ECI's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in Bihar requires new documentary proof for a large portion of the electorate, including birth certificates and land deeds.
- This process is criticized for potentially disenfranchising millions, especially marginalized communities like the poor, Muslims, and migrant workers.
- The ECI's own voter ID cards are not accepted as sufficient proof of eligibility, raising questions about institutional credibility.
The Bihar Cabinet has made domicile mandatory for women to avail the 35% reservation in State government jobs. This decision, chaired by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, reverses the previous policy where women from outside Bihar could also benefit. Now, only women belonging to Bihar will be eligible for the quota, while others will be treated as general category candidates. The Cabinet also approved the constitution of the "Bihar Youth Commission" to foster self-reliance, skills, and employment among the state's youth, aiming to improve their status and coordinate better education and job opportunities.
- Bihar Cabinet has mandated domicile for women to access the 35% reservation in State government jobs.
- The new policy restricts the reservation benefit exclusively to women belonging to Bihar, treating women from other states as general category candidates.
- The decision was made at a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.
The Union Social Justice Ministry is seeking additional funds for its National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) scheme for marginalized students, as a fund crunch has led to provisional award letters for 66 selected candidates being made "subject to availability of funds" for the 2025-26 cycle. Out of 125 available slots, only 106 students were selected, and only the first 40 will receive firm award letters. This situation arises despite the scheme receiving its highest allocation in five years (₹130 crore), because a portion of the annual budget is used for students continuing studies from previous years. The Ministry is currently evaluating the scheme's performance to decide on its continuation. The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Social Justice and Empowerment had previously noted issues with scholarship amounts and the need to increase slots.
- The Social Justice Ministry is facing a fund crunch for the National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) scheme for marginalized students.
- Provisional award letters for 66 selected students for the 2025-26 cycle are contingent on fund availability.
- Despite a record allocation of ₹130 crore, funds are insufficient due to ongoing support for students from previous years.
Women-led Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in India significantly contribute to employment and GDP, yet they face persistent challenges, particularly limited access to formal credit. Despite government schemes like Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana (PMMY), women-led MSMEs experience a credit gap of about 35%, compared to 20% for men. This disparity forces them to rely on riskier informal credit sources. Factors contributing to this include lack of awareness about schemes, low financial literacy, and perceived risk due to insufficient collateral or property ownership. Women-led informal micro-enterprises (IMEs) also struggle with formal credit due to lack of documentation, though the Udyam Assist Portal aims to address this by facilitating formal recognition. Administrative inefficiencies in scheme implementation further exacerbate these issues, despite increased liquidity in the banking system.
- Women-led MSMEs in India face a significant credit gap (35%) compared to men (20%), hindering their growth and financial independence.
- Despite government initiatives like Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana (PMMY), a substantial portion of sanctioned funds does not reach women-led MSMEs.
- Lack of awareness, low financial literacy, and perceived risk due to insufficient collateral are major barriers for women entrepreneurs.
India's coastlines are experiencing profound social and economic disruption due to climate change, with rising seas, saltwater intrusion, and unregulated development displacing communities dependent on agriculture and fishing. Displaced populations are forced into precarious urban informal labour markets, lacking legal protection. Examples include Satabhaya in Odisha and communities in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, and Kerala. Industrial and infrastructural expansion, coupled with inadequate environmental clearances, exacerbate ecological degradation. The absence of a coherent legal framework for climate-induced migration leaves these communities vulnerable. While constitutional rights and environmental justice jurisprudence exist, their translation into robust, community-centric frameworks is lacking. Coastal communities have shown resilience through protests against destructive projects, highlighting the need for a rights-based approach in climate adaptation strategies.
- Climate change impacts, including rising sea levels and saltwater intrusion, are causing significant displacement and social disruption in India's coastal regions.
- Displaced populations often end up in informal urban labour markets, facing exploitation and lacking legal protections.
- Unregulated industrial and infrastructural development, along with inadequate environmental clearances, worsen ecological degradation and community vulnerabilities.
India's Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) has declined to 93 (2019-21), but significant disparities exist across states, with Kerala having the lowest (20) and Assam the highest (167). The article highlights "three delays" contributing to maternal deaths: delay in recognizing danger and seeking care, delay in transportation to health facilities, and delay in initiating specialized care at health facilities. Systemic deficiencies include high vacancies of specialists in community health centres, lack of blood banks, and inadequate management of postpartum bleeding, obstructed labour, and hypertensive disorders. The author emphasizes the need for a differential approach across states, focusing on basic tasks in Empowered Action Group (EAG) states and fine-tuning quality in southern states, advocating for a Confidential Review of Maternal Deaths model.
- India's Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) has decreased, but regional disparities remain significant.
- Maternal deaths are often attributed to "three delays": seeking care, transportation, and receiving timely specialized care at health facilities.
- Systemic issues like specialist vacancies, lack of blood banks, and inadequate management of obstetric emergencies contribute to high MMR.
A conflict between two ethnic armed groups, the Chin National Defence Force (CNDF) and the Chinland Defence Force-Hualngoram (CDF-H), in Myanmar has forced approximately 4,000 Chin people to seek refuge in Mizoram, India. The refugees, primarily women and children, are taking shelter in Zokhawthar and Vaphai villages, crossing the border at Zokhawthar and the Tiau river. Local villagers and NGOs are providing basic needs. This influx adds to over 30,000 refugees from Myanmar and Bangladesh already living in Mizoram, alongside 5,000 Kuki-Zo people displaced by Manipur ethnic violence since 2023. The conflict is over control of strategic border trade areas, with both groups being part of the People's Defence Force resisting Myanmar's military junta.
- Around 4,000 Chin people from Myanmar have taken refuge in Mizoram due to armed conflict between ethnic groups.
- The conflict involves the Chin National Defence Force (CNDF) and the Chinland Defence Force-Hualngoram (CDF-H) fighting for control of border trade areas.
- The refugees are concentrated in Zokhawthar and Vaphai villages, with local support for their basic needs.