The Indian government has issued a notice to Meta, the parent company of Instagram, directing it to disable advertisements promoting child sexual abuse and exploitation material (CSEAM). This action follows a BBC report highlighting such ads on Instagram. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has given Meta seven days to respond, threatening further action if compliance is not met. The government emphasizes its zero-tolerance policy towards CSEAM, citing IT Act 2000 provisions and IT Rules 2021 that mandate intermediaries to remove such content within 24 hours.
- The Indian government has directed Meta to disable ads promoting child sexual abuse and exploitation material (CSEAM) on Instagram.
- The action was prompted by a BBC report that exposed the presence of such advertisements on the platform.
- Meta has been given seven days to respond to the notice, with a warning of further action if compliance is not met.
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has asked Meta to halt the rollout of WhatsApp's username feature, citing concerns about increased online fraud, phishing, and impersonation. MeitY argues that hiding phone numbers and using usernames could facilitate identity spoofing of individuals, public authorities, and financial institutions. WhatsApp, which is rolling out the optional feature with safeguards like PINs and country-of-origin display, maintains it has reserved usernames for prominent personalities. The government asserts its right to intervene under the IT Act, 2000, and IT Rules, 2021, classifying WhatsApp as a "significant social media intermediary."
- The Indian government has asked WhatsApp to stop rolling out its username feature due to concerns about potential increases in online fraud, phishing, and impersonation.
- MeitY believes the feature could enable identity spoofing of individuals and institutions by allowing usernames to resemble genuine entities.
- WhatsApp states the feature is optional, includes safeguards like PINs, and has reserved usernames for prominent personalities.
A civil society network, the Working Group on Access to Medicines and Treatments, has urged the government to revise India's National List of Essential Medicines (NLEM), which has not been updated in nearly four years. In contrast, the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines has been revised twice in the same period (2023 and 2025) and now contains 523 drugs, significantly more than NLEM's 384. The NLEM, last overhauled in 2022, lacks several active cancer-treating agents, supportive cancer-care medicines, and monoclonal antibodies present on the WHO list, impacting affordable healthcare access.
- India's National List of Essential Medicines (NLEM) has not been updated for nearly four years, lagging behind the WHO's revised list.
- The NLEM, last notified in 2022, contains 384 medicines, while the WHO list, revised in 2023 and 2025, has 523 drugs.
- The civil society group highlights that NLEM misses critical cancer-treating agents and other medicines found on the WHO list.
India faces severe water stress, with many cities experiencing shortages and a significant monsoon rainfall deficit. A UN report warns of global water bankruptcy, as river basins are polluted, aquifers are depleted, and a large portion of the global population lives in water-insecure countries. India's water resources are unevenly distributed, and existing infrastructure suffers from poor upkeep, inadequate wastewater treatment, and high losses. The article proposes four key actions: climate-proofing water systems, enabling water reuse for non-potable purposes, scaling up micro-irrigation systems, and closing water data gaps at the river basin level to improve decision-making and resource allocation.
- India is experiencing severe water stress, with cities facing shortages and major river basins under stress due to declining water availability and pollution.
- Global reports indicate a looming water bankruptcy, with widespread water insecurity and depletion of aquifers.
- Existing water infrastructure in India suffers from poor maintenance, inadequate treatment, and significant losses.
The article highlights the urgent need to make cancer a notifiable disease at the national level in India. Currently, cancer is not notifiable, leading to underreporting and incomplete data, which hinders effective policy-making and resource allocation. Population-based cancer registries cover only a small percentage of the population, and even states like Telangana, which recently made cancer notifiable, face challenges in data collection. The World Health Organization projects a significant increase in cancer cases by 2040, underscoring the necessity for robust, real-time data to improve prevention, treatment, and overall public health response.
- Cancer is currently not a notifiable disease at the national level in India, leading to significant data gaps.
- Existing population-based cancer registries cover only a small fraction of the population, hindering comprehensive understanding of the disease burden.
- The WHO projects a substantial increase in global cancer cases by 2040, emphasizing the need for better data for effective public health strategies.
Mandsaur district in Madhya Pradesh has demonstrated a successful grassroots model for HPV vaccination, addressing challenges like low awareness, social stigma, gender bias, and vaccine hesitancy. India launched a nationwide cervical cancer campaign on February 28, 2026, aiming to provide free HPV vaccinations to 1.15 crore girls aged 14-15 years, as India accounts for a quarter of global cervical cancer burden. Mandsaur's strategy involved data-driven targeting of vulnerable populations, leveraging multiple government databases, and employing a "Nudge Approach" with counselling, transportation, and awareness campaigns featuring influencers to achieve 100% vaccination coverage in under 40 days.
- Mandsaur district implemented a successful, data-driven, and adaptive strategy for HPV vaccination.
- The campaign targeted vulnerable populations like Banchhadas, nomadic tribes, and school dropouts.
- A "Nudge Approach" was used to overcome vaccine hesitancy, social discomfort, and logistical barriers.
The article discusses the critical issue of prolonged pre-trial incarceration, particularly under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), highlighting the Supreme Court's inconsistent rulings on bail. It questions the duration of imprisonment without trial, citing cases like Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam who have spent nearly six years in jail. The author argues that extended delay in trial triggers the right to personal liberty under Article 21, which statutory restrictions like UAPA cannot override. The article criticizes the judiciary's inconsistency in granting bail, emphasizing that such laws should not be weaponized to entrench process as punishment, undermining the rule of law and fundamental rights.
- Prolonged pre-trial incarceration, especially under UAPA, raises urgent questions about liberty and justice.
- The Supreme Court's inconsistent approach to granting bail, particularly regarding the duration of imprisonment without trial, is a concern.
- An extended delay in trial should trigger an accused's right to personal liberty under Article 21, overriding statutory restrictions like UAPA.
India's Civil Registration System (CRS) 2024 report indicates significant improvement in birth and death registration, with 99.1% of births and 99.4% of deaths registered in 2024. The report also shows an improving, though uneven, sex ratio at birth (SRB) across states, with the national average at 917 females per 1,000 males. While Kerala, Arunachal Pradesh, and Andaman and Nicobar Islands are top performers, Nagaland, Lakshadweep, and Jharkhand show the weakest figures. The increased registration coverage provides a clearer picture of the country's demographic transition, reflecting better capture of vital statistics rather than sharp rises in fertility or mortality.
- The CRS 2024 report indicates near-full coverage for birth and death registrations in India.
- The national sex ratio at birth (SRB) has improved to 917 females per 1,000 males, though progress is uneven across states.
- States like Kerala, Arunachal Pradesh, and Andaman and Nicobar Islands show high SRB, while Nagaland, Lakshadweep, and Jharkhand have the lowest.
A Kerala-based activist has filed a plea in the Supreme Court, advocating for mechanisms allowing disabled prisoners to self-identify and declare their disabilities. The submission argues that States have an obligation under Section 7 of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act to protect disabled persons from violence, abuse, or exploitation in prisons. It recommends standardized, objective assessments by field experts for intellectual disabilities and that prison records identify disabled individuals for reasonable adjustments. The plea highlights the vulnerability of disabled inmates to exploitation by staff and fellow inmates, urging the government to create protective conditions from their entry into prison.
- A plea in the Supreme Court seeks mechanisms for disabled prisoners to self-identify their disabilities.
- States are obligated under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act to protect disabled persons from violence and exploitation in prisons.
- The plea recommends standardized assessments by field experts for intellectual disabilities and recording disabilities in prison records for necessary adjustments.
An analysis by The Hindu reveals that States' expenditure under the new Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) Act, 2025, could increase nearly six-fold, from ₹7,700 crore in 2024-25 to at least ₹51,000 crore in 2026-27. This significant shift in financial burden from the Centre to States is a major concern, as the new scheme changes the funding pattern from roughly 90:10 (Centre:State) under MGNREGA to a 60:40 ratio for most categories. The Centre's interim allocation of ₹95,692.31 crore for 2026-27 does not specify State contributions or how past dues will be settled, raising concerns about financial implications for states.
- States' expenditure under the new VB-G RAM G Act is projected to increase nearly six-fold by 2026-27.
- The new scheme shifts a significant financial burden from the Centre to the States, changing the funding pattern from 90:10 to 60:40 for most categories.
- The Centre's interim allocation for 2026-27 does not clarify State contributions or how past dues will be settled.
A new report, based on Rural Development Ministry surveys, reveals the erosion of India's grassroots democracy, particularly concerning gram sabhas. It notes "participation fatigue" among citizens, partly due to a lack of outcomes and systemic issues like precarious rural labour. Gram sabhas are increasingly reduced to clearinghouses for central and State schemes, dependent on grants, and their decision-making powers are bypassed, especially regarding land acquisition and mining, despite the PESA Act. The report criticizes the state's failure to institutionalize attendance as a paid component of social protection, leading to gram sabhas becoming a domain for the leisured elite.
- A report highlights the erosion of gram sabhas' decision-making powers and declining citizen participation in grassroots democracy.
- Gram sabhas are often reduced to merely approving central and state schemes, with limited autonomy in identifying local issues or generating revenue.
- The report points to "participation fatigue" stemming from a lack of tangible outcomes and systemic issues affecting rural livelihoods.
The Centre has fixed a floor wage of ₹300 per day under the new Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) Act, 2025, which replaced the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). This move has increased wage rates for 21 States and Union Territories that previously paid less than ₹300. While some states saw significant hikes, others had minimal increases. Critics, including former Rural Development Minister Jairam Ramesh, argue the wages are "unjustifiably low" and fall short of the ₹375 per day recommended by the Dr. Anoop Satpathy Expert Committee in 2019.
- The new VB-G RAM G Act, 2025, establishes a national floor wage of ₹300 per day, replacing MGNREGA.
- This change has led to increased wage rates for 21 States and Union Territories that previously paid below ₹300.
- Critics argue the new wage is insufficient, citing the Dr. Anoop Satpathy Expert Committee's 2019 recommendation of ₹375 per day.
A UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry report, released June 18, 2026, details alleged "war crimes of wilful killing and the crime against humanity of extermination" by Israeli forces against Palestinian children in Gaza. The report states that children account for 30% of casualties and 26% of injuries in the nearly three-year-long aggression. It highlights systematic harm, including deprivation of access to schools and food, leading to malnutrition. The report also documents hate speech by Israeli political leaders and security forces, stereotyping Palestinians and normalizing violence, including against children. The Commission concludes that the harm inflicted on children was deliberate, intended to destroy the existence of Palestinians in Gaza.
- A UN report accuses Israeli forces of "war crimes of wilful killing" and "extermination" against Palestinian children in Gaza.
- Children constitute a significant portion of casualties (30%) and injuries (26%) in the conflict.
- The report documents systematic deprivation of basic necessities like food and education, leading to malnutrition among children.
The controversy over introducing a third language from Class 6, with two required to be "Bharatiya" languages, stems from a contradiction in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. While NEP extols English's importance, CBSE's implementation effectively relegates it to a foreign language. This policy could negatively impact students' Class 10 board performance and render existing language teaching resources redundant. Although CBSE made temporary concessions, the core policy remains. The article argues that language learning should serve students' best interests, prioritizing mother tongue and English, and offering a third language of choice, aligning with the vision to skill Indians for global jobs and fostering mobility.
- The NEP 2020's three-language formula, requiring two "Bharatiya" languages from Class 6, contradicts its emphasis on English's importance.
- CBSE's implementation of this policy could adversely affect students' academic performance and waste existing school resources for foreign languages.
- Temporary concessions by CBSE do not alter the fundamental policy of mandating two Indian languages.
The article highlights a rise in food poisoning cases and deaths in India, attributing it to lapses in the implementation of the Food Safety and Standards (FSS) Act. Data shows that States with high food poisoning cases often have low or moderate scores on the State Food Safety Index. Despite mandates for periodic inspections, the number of samples collected and analyzed is significantly lower than registered Food Business Operators (FBOs). A major contributing factor is the severe shortage of Food Safety Officers (FSOs) and other staff at both central (FSSAI) and state levels, with vacancies increasing over the years. The article also notes India's poor ranking in foodborne disease burden globally.
- Food poisoning cases and deaths are rising in India, indicating failures in implementing the Food Safety and Standards (FSS) Act.
- States with higher food poisoning incidents tend to have lower scores on the State Food Safety Index.
- Inspections and food sample analyses are significantly inadequate compared to the large number of registered Food Business Operators (FBOs).
The article argues that while AI offers immense productivity gains, the most pervasive and least understood risk is "artificial wisdom." Beyond concerns of mass unemployment and concentrated power, the author highlights the dangerous misconception that AI generates knowledge. AI systems, trained on vast data, predict patterns and generate human-like text, but lack true understanding, context, judgment, and awareness of consequences. This can lead to synthetic information being more persuasive than genuine, creating fertile ground for manipulation and misinformation. The systemic risk arises as organizations increasingly rely on AI for critical decisions that no one is qualified to verify, making genuine human expertise more valuable than ever.
- The most significant and least understood risk of AI is "artificial wisdom," the misconception that AI generates true knowledge.
- AI systems are trained to predict patterns and generate human-like text, but they lack context, judgment, experience, and understanding of consequences.
- This can lead to the creation of synthetic information that is more persuasive than genuine, fostering manipulation and misinformation.
India is situated between two major drug-producing regions, the Golden Crescent and Golden Triangle, making it vulnerable to drug trafficking and abuse. The article highlights the rise of Myanmar as a key source of illicit opium and the use of drones and cryptocurrencies by traffickers. While enforcement efforts are ongoing, India needs to shift its focus from seizures and arrests to a 'whole of society' approach emphasizing public health and social dimensions. It criticizes the current system where physical abuse and forced detoxification are common, access to de-addiction centers is limited, especially in rural areas, and relapse is often treated as a moral failure, perpetuating the drug-crime cycle.
- India is geographically vulnerable to drug trafficking, located between the Golden Crescent (west) and Golden Triangle (east).
- Myanmar has become a leading source of illicit opium, impacting India's border regions.
- Drug trafficking methods include maritime routes, drones, darknet, and cryptocurrencies.
The Union Health Ministry is set to launch revised operational guidelines for the Anaemia Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (AMB), expanding its strategy to include low birth weight babies (0-6 months) as a new beneficiary group. The updated framework, to be released by Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda, emphasizes dietary interventions, an 'eating right' component promoting iron-rich diets, and digital tracking of beneficiaries. It replaces the existing T3 strategy with a T4 strategy (Test, Treat, Talk, Track) for routine haemoglobin testing, treatment, and systematic follow-up. An integrated digital ecosystem is also proposed for comprehensive monitoring of anaemia services, aiming to strengthen control through improved testing, treatment, monitoring, and community participation.
- The Union Health Ministry is launching revised guidelines for Anaemia Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (AMB) to strengthen anaemia control.
- The expanded strategy includes low birth weight babies (0-6 months) as a new beneficiary group, focusing on early intervention.
- A new 'eating right' component promotes the consumption of iron-rich and diversified diets.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his Mann Ki Baat address, lauded India's increasing self-reliance in defence manufacturing, designating June as a "landmark month." He highlighted the maiden flight of the first made-in-India C-295 transport aircraft and the successful test of the indigenous Long-Range Land-Attack Cruise Missile (LRLACM). Modi also noted the induction of indigenously designed and built warships like INS Dunagiri, INS Shanshak, and INS Agrya into the Indian Navy. Beyond defence, he thanked citizens for their positive response to his call for austerity amid the West Asia crisis, citing examples like carpooling and recycling old gold. He also praised community initiatives for environmental conservation and youth sports, such as Nagaland's 'Baby League' football.
- PM Modi emphasized India's growing self-reliance in defence manufacturing, marking June as a significant month for the sector.
- Key achievements include the maiden flight of the first made-in-India C-295 transport aircraft and the successful test of the indigenous LRLACM.
- The induction of indigenously designed and built warships into the Indian Navy further demonstrates India's 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' vision in defence.
The article highlights adolescent malnutrition as a silent public health emergency in India, characterized by a double burden of undernutrition and surging obesity, with roots in adolescence. Citing NFHS-6 data, it notes rising obesity and high blood sugar levels across genders and age groups, including rural populations. Schools are identified as critical settings for prevention. The piece advocates for improved midday meals, healthier canteens, and food demonstrations to promote balanced diets, emphasizing the reduction of sugary drinks and Ultra-Processed Foods (UPFs). It also stresses the importance of structured physical activity as a core educational component. Initiatives like the ICMR-NIN's 'Let's Fix Our Food' are presented as models for creating healthier food environments.
- Adolescent malnutrition, encompassing both undernutrition and rising obesity, is a significant public health challenge in India, with its origins in adolescence.
- NFHS-6 data reveals a concerning increase in obesity and high blood sugar levels across various demographics, including rural areas.
- Schools are crucial intervention points, needing to implement improved midday meals, healthier canteens, and food demonstrations to foster balanced diets.
This article by Shashi Tharoor argues that unchecked Artificial Intelligence (AI) threatens human dignity, data ownership, and democratic governance, potentially leading to a new form of digital slavery. It highlights how algorithmic manipulation and AI-generated disinformation undermine shared epistemic foundations, driving radicalisation and social fragmentation. The author calls for robust, binding legal frameworks beyond abstract ethics, proposing five foundational pillars for AI governance in India: a rights-based framework, democratic accountability for platforms, protection of free speech, massive media literacy initiatives, and cross-sector early-warning systems to combat misinformation. The piece emphasizes AI governance as a constitutional imperative.
- Unchecked AI poses a threat to human dignity and data ownership, potentially creating a new form of digital slavery.
- Algorithmic manipulation by Big Tech platforms amplifies hyper-partisan content, leading to radicalisation and social fragmentation.
- AI-generated disinformation and deepfakes undermine the shared epistemic foundation crucial for democratic functioning.
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has notified the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Rules, 2026, to tighten the regulation of foreign donations to NGOs. The new rules mandate NGOs to disclose specific activities, geographical scope, social media accounts, publications, and broaden the definition of 'key functionary'. They also impose a fee for registration for each specified purpose and state of operation, leading to higher costs for NGOs operating across multiple sectors. The rules outline specific permitted purposes for foreign funds (social, educational, religious, economic, cultural) and detail penalties for violations such as misuse of funds or engaging in unapproved activities.
- The MHA has amended the FCRA Rules to impose stricter regulations on foreign donations to NGOs, effective from June 22.
- NGOs are now required to disclose specific activities, geographical scope, social media accounts, and publications, along with a broader definition of 'key functionary'.
- The amendments introduce a fee for registration for each specified purpose and state/UT of operation, increasing compliance costs for NGOs.
The article clarifies that an Indian passport is not conclusive proof of citizenship, but rather a travel document attesting to nationality. Aadhaar cards serve as proof of identity and address, not citizenship, and even non-Indian citizens can obtain one. While presence on electoral rolls creates a presumption of citizenship, the Election Commission cannot adjudicate citizenship. Under the Citizenship Act, 1955, citizenship can be acquired by birth, descent, registration, naturalisation, or incorporation of territory. The required documentary proof varies significantly based on an individual's date and place of birth, and parents' citizenship status, highlighting the complexity and lack of a single universal citizenship document.
- An Indian passport is considered a travel document attesting to nationality, not conclusive proof of citizenship.
- Aadhaar cards are proof of identity and address, explicitly not citizenship, and are accessible to legal residents including non-citizens.
- While electoral rolls create a presumption of citizenship, the Election Commission's role is limited to determining eligibility for voting, not adjudicating citizenship.
The Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Aajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) is set to launch on July 1, replacing MGNREGA. At least five states have requested a revision of wage rates, while four objected to the 60 non-working days provision during peak agricultural season. Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and Jharkhand explicitly sought reconsideration of the proposed 40% state share in the funding pattern, finding it difficult to bear. States like Punjab also criticized the blackout period, arguing it reduces workers' bargaining power. The Centre's response to an RTI plea revealed these concerns, highlighting delays in wage payments and the inadequacy of interim allocations for states to meet work commitments.
- The new Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Aajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) is replacing MGNREGA from July 1.
- Several states have raised concerns regarding the proposed wage rates and the 60-day blackout period during peak agricultural season.
- Three BJP-ruled states, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and Jharkhand, have explicitly requested a reconsideration of the 40% state share in the funding pattern.