The article highlights a concerning trend where individuals turn to social media platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and Reddit for childbirth advice, promoting unassisted home births. This content, often unvetted and unscientific, poses significant risks, as evidenced by fatal complications. While some choose home births due to traumatic hospital experiences, the lack of regulation on these platforms allows influencers to monetize dangerous practices. Experts warn that such advice can lead to severe health consequences for both mothers and newborns, underscoring the urgent need for stricter content moderation and warnings.
- Social media platforms are increasingly used for unvetted childbirth advice, promoting unassisted home births.
- Unscientific content poses significant health risks, with documented cases of fatal complications for mothers and newborns.
- Influencers monetize these birth vlogs, raising ethical concerns about profiting from potentially dangerous practices.
Nearly 94,000 government schools have closed in India over the past decade, leading to a significant decline in enrolment and disproportionately affecting Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and girls. The article attributes this trend to 'rationalisation' policies, which often disregard the neighbourhood school mandate of the Right to Education Act. States like Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Jammu and Kashmir are worst affected, with many children losing access to education. The closures highlight systemic failures, raising questions about the Centre's role in enforcing RTE norms and ensuring equitable access to education.
- Approximately 94,000 government schools have closed in India over the last decade, leading to a 2.26 crore decline in enrolment.
- The closures disproportionately affect children from Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and girls, who rely heavily on government schools.
- Rationalisation policies, while advocated by NEP 2020, often violate the neighbourhood school mandates of the Right to Education Act.
The article discusses the Supreme Court's landmark judgment recognizing sex work as a profession, granting sex workers rights and dignity. It explores the implications for their protection under law and access to social welfare schemes. However, it also highlights the challenges in implementation due to existing laws like the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act (ITPA) and deep-rooted societal stigma. The piece emphasizes the need for a comprehensive approach that includes legal reforms, rehabilitation programs, and a shift in public perception to ensure sex workers' rights are fully realized.
- The Supreme Court has recognized sex work as a profession, entitling sex workers to dignity and equal protection under law.
- The judgment aims to provide sex workers with access to social welfare schemes and protection from exploitation.
- Challenges remain in implementing the judgment due to existing laws and pervasive societal stigma.
The article addresses the alarming frequency of building collapses in India, particularly in rapidly urbanizing areas like Mumbai. It attributes these incidents to poor construction quality, illegal structures, lack of regulatory oversight, and the vulnerability of migrant workers. The piece calls for stronger enforcement of building codes, improved urban planning, and better governance to ensure structural safety. It emphasizes that these collapses are not mere accidents but consequences of systemic failures in urban development and regulation, disproportionately affecting the poor.
- Building collapses are a significant urban challenge in India, particularly in rapidly growing cities.
- Poor construction quality, illegal structures, and inadequate regulatory oversight are primary causes of collapses.
- Migrant workers and the urban poor are disproportionately affected by these incidents.
The article advocates for increased public spending on health to build robust and equitable health systems. It highlights India's low public health expenditure (2.1% of GDP) compared to global recommendations (5% of GDP by WHO). The author stresses the need for improved governance, transparency, and accountability in the health sector to ensure efficient resource utilization. Achieving health equity and universal health coverage requires a conscious shift from a fragmented, private-dominated system to one prioritizing public health infrastructure and services.
- Increased public spending on health is crucial for building strong and equitable health systems.
- India's current public health expenditure is significantly lower than global recommendations.
- Better governance, transparency, and accountability are essential for effective utilization of health resources.
This article reflects on the state's response to student movements, drawing parallels with historical instances of suppression. It argues that ignoring student grievances and using force only exacerbates the situation, as seen during the Emergency. The author emphasizes the importance of dialogue, democratic processes, and addressing the root causes of student unrest. The piece suggests that a state's failure to engage constructively with its youth can lead to deeper societal issues and a loss of trust in democratic institutions.
- The article draws parallels between current state responses to student protests and historical instances of suppression, such as during the Emergency.
- It argues that the state's use of force and neglect of student grievances can lead to deeper alienation and mistrust.
- The author emphasizes the importance of democratic dialogue and addressing the root causes of student unrest.
Spain announced it will install a 500-meter-long containment barrier on the sea border between its North African territory of Ceuta and neighboring Morocco. This decision follows a recent surge where nearly 60,000 migrants breached the frontier, resulting in 67 deaths from drownings and stampedes. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez criticized some EU leaders' "selfish, polarizing, and unlawful reaction" to the events, emphasizing that Spain remains relentless against lawbreakers. The new barrier aims to manage migration flows and prevent future breaches.
- Spain will install a 500-meter-long containment barrier on Ceuta's sea border with Morocco.
- The decision follows a surge of nearly 60,000 migrants breaching the frontier, causing 67 deaths.
- Spanish PM Pedro Sanchez criticized some EU leaders' reactions as "selfish" and "unlawful."
The Union government has approved the advance release of ₹2,117.85 crore from its share of the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) to seven flood-affected states for the ongoing monsoon season. Himachal Pradesh, Odisha, and Nagaland had already received their first installment, and Himachal Pradesh and Odisha will now receive their second. Advance release of first installments for Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Gujarat, and Maharashtra was approved by relaxing documentary requirements, ensuring timely availability of funds for relief operations and strengthening response measures in these states.
- The Union government approved advance release of ₹2,117.85 crore from the SDRF to seven flood-affected states.
- Himachal Pradesh, Odisha, and Nagaland had already received their first installment.
- Himachal Pradesh and Odisha will receive their second installments.
Following Union government directives, IITs and IIMs will introduce voluntary urine drug testing for incoming students this year, with results kept confidential and anonymized to avoid impacting admissions. This initiative, part of the Narcotics Control Bureau's 'Vision Document on Narcotics Control 2026-29', aims to screen 10 lakh students across 170 centrally-funded higher education institutes over three years. The tests, based on guidelines from AIIMS's National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre, are solely for preventive health and support, not disciplinary action, and will cover substances like amphetamines, cocaine, and marijuana.
- IITs and IIMs will implement voluntary drug testing for incoming students.
- Test results will be confidential, anonymized, and will not affect admission or academic status.
- The initiative is part of the Narcotics Control Bureau's 'Vision Document on Narcotics Control 2026-29'.
Ten districts downstream of the Mahanadi river in Odisha have been placed on high alert as the Hirakud Dam continues to release water through 22 gates. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi stated that floods have affected around eight lakh people across 20 districts. While water levels are receding in northern Odisha, authorities are closely monitoring vulnerable downstream districts like Cuttack, Puri, Khurda, Jagatsinghpur, and Kendrapada. Approximately 2.69 lakh people have been evacuated and accommodated in 700 relief camps.
- Ten districts downstream of the Mahanadi river in Odisha are on high alert due to water release from Hirakud Dam.
- Hirakud Dam is releasing water through 22 gates.
- Floods have affected around eight lakh people across 20 districts in Odisha.
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced that all pending applications for citizenship under the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) in the State would be processed within the next six months. He clarified that the CAA grants citizenship and does not deprive anyone of it, countering previous misinformation. A total of 2,30,605 applications have been received from across the State, with Nadia district recording the highest number of beneficiaries. The CM made this announcement at a CAA certificate distribution programme in New Town.
- West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari announced a six-month deadline for clearing all pending CAA applications.
- He clarified that CAA is for granting, not depriving, citizenship.
- A total of 2,30,605 applications have been received in West Bengal.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta launched the Lakshmi Yojana, a scheme providing ₹2,500 monthly assistance to eligible women, with over 33,730 registrations on its first day. Beneficiaries can choose to receive ₹1,000 in a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) wallet and ₹1,500 in a recurring/fixed deposit, or the full amount in a deposit. The scheme targets women aged 21-60, with an annual family income limit of ₹2.5 lakh, and requires a four-stage verification process, raising concerns among some applicants about documentation.
- The Delhi Lakshmi Yojana provides ₹2,500 monthly financial assistance to eligible women.
- Beneficiaries can opt for a split payment into a CBDC wallet and a recurring deposit, or the full amount into a deposit.
- Eligibility criteria include age (21-60), annual family income (up to ₹2.5 lakh), Delhi residency for 10 years, and specific electricity consumption and asset ownership limits.
Kerala experienced intense rainfall from Friday night into Saturday, resulting in eight deaths, including three children, due to rain-related incidents like landslips and electrocution. Major landslips occurred in Idukki and Kottayam districts, and water levels rose in rivers, prompting authorities to open dam shutters. The State government has opened 65 relief camps, sheltering 1,465 people, and reported 17 houses completely destroyed. A red alert was issued for nine districts on Saturday, with an orange alert for 12 districts on Sunday, indicating more heavy rainfall.
- Intense rainfall in Kerala led to eight deaths and widespread destruction, particularly in hilly regions.
- Landslips in Idukki and Kottayam, flash-floods, and rising river levels necessitated opening dam shutters.
- The State government established 65 relief camps, accommodating 1,465 people, and reported significant housing damage.
Approximately 60,000 migrants crossed from Morocco into Spain's Ceuta territory in 24 hours, a figure equivalent to 70% of the city's population. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez condemned the breach as a "violation of Spain's territorial integrity" and blamed human smugglers for deceiving young people and leading them to their deaths. While roughly half of the migrants voluntarily returned, the sudden influx triggered chaos and a humanitarian crisis. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen termed the situation "unacceptable," emphasizing adherence to EU rules.
- About 60,000 migrants crossed from Morocco into Spain's Ceuta territory in 24 hours, causing a humanitarian crisis.
- Spanish PM Pedro Sanchez blamed human trafficking gangs for the influx and called it a violation of territorial integrity.
- Roughly half of the migrants voluntarily returned to Morocco.
The Union Cabinet approved the extension of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) Scheme for another four years, from 2026-27 to 2030-31, with a total financial outlay of ₹3.15 lakh crore. The scheme provides ₹6,000 annually to farmers and has already transferred over ₹4.47 lakh crore directly to farmers' bank accounts in 23 instalments since its launch in February 2019. The government highlighted that women farmers have received over ₹1.06 lakh crore, and the assistance has enhanced farmers' productive capacity, reduced informal credit dependence, and strengthened rural household financial stability.
- The Union Cabinet extended the PM-KISAN scheme for four more years, until 2030-31.
- A total financial outlay of ₹3.15 lakh crore has been allocated for the extension.
- The scheme provides ₹6,000 per year to farmers and has disbursed over ₹4.47 lakh crore in 23 instalments.
The Supreme Court on Friday issued a notice to the Centre, seeking its response on a petition to declare polygamy among Muslims as unconstitutional. The petition also seeks legislative steps to abolish the practice for all citizens, irrespective of religion. Filed by activist Zakia Soman and others, the petition argues that polygamy is a "primary driver of female destitution" and calls for the uniform application of Section 82 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which punishes bigamy, by removing exemptions under Muslim Personal Law.
- Supreme Court issued notice to the Centre on a petition challenging polygamy among Muslims as unconstitutional.
- The petition seeks legislative action to abolish polygamy for all citizens, regardless of religion.
- Activists argue polygamy is a "primary driver of female destitution."
Amidst recent Gen-Z protests over paper leaks and parliamentary debates, an LJP (RV) MP, Arun Bharti, introduced a private member's Bill in the Lok Sabha seeking constitutional status for a permanent National Commission for Youth. The proposed commission would act as a nodal agency to address complex issues like youth unemployment, promote skill development, entrepreneurship, and innovation. The Bill highlights "multidimensional challenges" faced by youth and the potential socio-economic issues if their concerns remain unaddressed. This initiative reflects a differing perception within the NDA alliance regarding youth anxieties compared to the BJP.
- An LJP (RV) MP introduced a private member's Bill for a permanent National Commission for Youth with constitutional status.
- The commission aims to address youth unemployment, skill development, entrepreneurship, and innovation.
- The Bill acknowledges "multidimensional challenges" faced by Gen-Z and potential socio-economic consequences.
The Supreme Court on Friday directed the External Affairs Ministry to appoint a nodal officer and facilitate DNA testing of the mortal remains of Indian nationals killed in the Russia-Ukraine war. This will enable families to claim bodies and conduct last rites. The court was hearing a petition from families alleging illegal overseas recruitment, trafficking, and exploitation, where youth were lured with high-paying jobs, had passports seized, and were pushed into the war zone. The Ministry of External Affairs reported that 24 Indians continue to serve with the Russian Army, 139 have been released, and 51 have died.
- The Supreme Court directed the External Affairs Ministry to appoint a nodal officer for DNA testing of Indians killed in the Russia-Ukraine war.
- The directive aims to help families claim the mortal remains of their loved ones.
- The petition highlighted illegal recruitment, trafficking, and exploitation of Indian youth into the war zone.
The article details the tragic reality of the Banchhada community in Madhya Pradesh, where girls are celebrated at birth and given better care than boys, only to be forced into sex work upon reaching puberty. This practice, passed down generations, is deeply entrenched, with family members often acting as pimps. The community, de-notified as a 'criminal tribe' by the British and now a Scheduled Caste, faces social stigma and struggles to break the cycle of exploitation. Government initiatives and NGOs have had limited success due to the entrenched tradition, lack of alternative livelihoods, and difficulties in obtaining official documents like caste certificates.
- Banchhada girls in Madhya Pradesh are forced into sex work from puberty, a practice deeply rooted in tradition.
- Families celebrate the birth of girls and invest more in their upbringing, but for the purpose of their future earnings from sex work.
- The community, formerly a 'criminal tribe' and now a Scheduled Caste, faces severe social stigma and marginalization.
The article emphasizes the urgent need for a science-based and dialogue-driven approach to conserve the Western Ghats, a biodiversity hotspot facing significant threats. It notes that despite being a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the region lacks a comprehensive legal framework for conservation. The author highlights the failure to implement recommendations from expert committees like Gadgil (WGEEP) and Kasturirangan (HLWG) due to political resistance and lack of consensus. The article advocates for a participatory approach, integrating local communities and scientific expertise, to develop sustainable conservation strategies that balance development and ecological protection.
- The Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and biodiversity hotspot, requires urgent conservation efforts.
- Existing conservation efforts are hampered by political resistance and lack of a comprehensive legal framework.
- Recommendations from expert committees like Gadgil and Kasturirangan have faced implementation challenges.
The editorial advocates for a "healthy tax" on unhealthy foods and beverages to combat India's rising non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and improve public health. It highlights the success of such taxes in other countries like Mexico and the Philippines in reducing consumption of sugary drinks. Despite recommendations from NITI Aayog and ICMR, India has been slow to implement these taxes effectively. The editorial suggests a tiered tax system, earmarking revenue for health initiatives, and comprehensive public awareness campaigns to ensure the tax's effectiveness and address concerns about its regressive nature.
- India faces a growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), exacerbated by unhealthy diets.
- A "healthy tax" on unhealthy foods and beverages can effectively reduce consumption and improve public health, as seen internationally.
- Despite recommendations, India has been slow to implement such taxes comprehensively.
The article argues that India's education system, designed for a different era, is failing Gen Z by prioritizing rote learning and competitive exams over holistic development. It highlights the mental health crisis among students due to immense pressure and the lack of focus on critical thinking, creativity, and emotional intelligence. The author advocates for a humane education system that values diverse talents, promotes well-being, and prepares students for a complex future. Key reforms include shifting from rote learning to competency-based assessments, investing in teacher training, and integrating mental health support.
- India's education system is outdated and places excessive pressure on Gen Z, leading to mental health issues.
- The current system prioritizes rote learning and competitive exams over holistic development and critical thinking.
- A humane education system should focus on competency-based learning, diverse talents, and emotional intelligence.
The editorial discusses the increasing instances of police brutality and lack of accountability in India, citing recent events like the crackdown on student protesters at Jantar Mantar and the alleged torture of a woman in custody in Delhi. It highlights that while police are meant to uphold the law, they often act with impunity, especially against vulnerable groups. The Supreme Court's directives for police reforms, such as the Prakash Singh judgment (2006) and the D.K. Basu guidelines (1997), have largely been ignored. The editorial calls for urgent police reforms, including independent complaints authorities and adherence to human rights.
- Police brutality and lack of accountability are persistent issues in India, exemplified by recent crackdowns on protesters.
- The police often act with impunity, particularly against marginalized communities.
- Supreme Court directives for police reforms, including the Prakash Singh judgment and D.K. Basu guidelines, have not been effectively implemented.
Activists in Bhopal alleged that 68% of drinking water samples supplied by the civic body in areas affected by the 1984 Bhopal gas tragedy were contaminated with faecal coliform. Out of 63 samples taken from 30 localities, 43 showed sewage contamination. Activists warned that this situation is similar to Indore's Bhagirathpura, where contaminated water caused over 35 deaths. They claimed that 90% of samples from the city's upper lake and 25% from Kolar dam were also contaminated. The Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC), however, stated that its own tests in July found no impurities in 61 samples.
- Activists reported 68% of drinking water samples near the Bhopal gas tragedy site were contaminated with faecal coliform.
- The contamination poses a health risk, drawing parallels to a similar incident in Indore that caused multiple deaths.
- Activists also claimed high contamination rates in water from Bhopal's upper lake and Kolar dam.