Centre Plans Uniform OBC Creamy Layer Policy Across Jobs

The central government is advancing a comprehensive policy to standardize the application of the ''creamy layer'' rule in Other Backward Classes (OBC) reservations across all sectors. This includes central and state government employment, public sector undertakings (PSUs), autonomous institutions, and universities. The initiative is grounded in a proposal developed through consultations with various ministries, the National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC), and NITI Aayog. Its primary objective is to address longstanding disparities arising from previous Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) circulars, thereby ensuring uniformity and fairness in the implementation of reservation benefits for eligible OBC candidates across different institutions and services.

Understanding the ''Creamy Layer'' Concept

The ''creamy layer'' principle was established by the Supreme Court in its landmark 1992 Indra Sawhney vs Union of India judgment, which upheld the Mandal Commission’s recommendations for OBC reservations but excluded socially and economically advanced individuals within the OBC category from availing of quota benefits. In response, the DoPT issued a 1993 circular defining eligibility criteria to identify those who would fall within the creamy layer.

Under these rules, children of high-ranking constitutional authorities, senior government officers (including those in PSUs and the armed forces), and individuals engaged in lucrative professions or significant property ownership were excluded from reservation benefits. Specifically, children of parents directly recruited to Group A (Class I) services or promoted to such roles before the age of 40, as well as children of parents both employed in Group B posts, were categorized as part of the creamy layer. In the armed forces, reservation was available only to children of personnel up to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

For those in non-governmental employment, a monetary ceiling was introduced. Initially pegged at ₹1 lakh per annum, this income limit has been revised over the years and currently stands at ₹8 lakh annually (since 2017), though it excludes earnings from salaries and agricultural income. The purpose of these exclusions is to ensure that reservation benefits are directed toward the genuinely disadvantaged among the OBCs, rather than those who have already attained substantial social or economic advancement.

2004 DoPT Clarification on Non-Government Employees

In October 2004, the DoPT issued a significant clarification to plug gaps in the 1993 circular, particularly for employees outside the government sector. This clarification laid out a new methodology for calculating parental income by separating salary from other income sources (excluding agriculture). If either income component exceeded ₹2.5 lakh annually for three consecutive years, the children of such individuals would be considered part of the creamy layer and would not qualify for OBC reservation.

However, during the decade between 2004 and 2014, the enforcement of these guidelines remained inconsistent and relatively lax.

Stricter Enforcement After 2014

Post-2014, the DoPT initiated a more stringent review of caste certificates submitted for recruitment, especially in the Civil Services Examinations. This increased scrutiny led to the rejection of over 100 caste certificates between the 2015 and 2023 exams (affecting the 2016–2024 batches). These rejections applied to candidates who technically met the 1993 criteria but were reclassified under the creamy layer due to the 2004 rules.

Notably, many of these same candidates were accepted as OBCs in other government recruitment processes using the very same certificates, exposing inconsistencies in the interpretation and application of creamy layer rules across different institutions and exams.

Addressing Discrepancies: Push for Uniform Criteria

The disputes arising from such inconsistencies prompted the government to undertake extensive consultations with various ministries and stakeholders to create a common framework for identifying the creamy layer across sectors. The proposed policy aims to introduce uniformity and clarity in classifying creamy layer status for employees in universities, autonomous bodies, PSUs, and other institutions.

Key Proposals Being Considered

One significant proposal is the classification of university teaching staff. Since assistant professors and above are employed at pay levels equivalent to Group A government officers (starting at Level 10), their children would be treated as part of the creamy layer.

For employees of autonomous and statutory bodies, the proposal recommends aligning their designations with equivalent central government posts based on their group, level, and pay scale, to determine their creamy layer status accordingly.

Similar equivalence criteria are proposed for non-teaching university staff, whereby their eligibility will be judged based on how their pay and post rank compare with those in the government sector.

In the case of state PSU executives, the government intends to treat them on par with their counterparts in central PSUs, who have been considered part of the creamy layer since 2017. However, executives whose total family income is within the ₹8 lakh annual limit (which applies to private sector employees) would not be categorized as part of the creamy layer.

For employees in government-aided institutions, their status will be determined by assessing the equivalence of their positions, pay structures, and service conditions with corresponding roles in central or state governments.

Expected Impact and Beneficiaries of the Proposed Reforms

If implemented, the proposed reforms are expected to particularly benefit families of lower-tier government employees whose annual incomes exceed ₹8 lakh. This will address current discrepancies where, for example, children of government school teachers qualify for OBC reservations, while children of similarly ranked employees in aided institutions are excluded due to income-based criteria alone.

The proposals also aim to rectify anomalies at the state level. A case in point is a state-owned fuel pump employee whose child was denied OBC reservation benefits due to income, despite holding a post equivalent to a low-ranking government position.

Limited Implications for Private Sector Employees

The policy changes are not expected to significantly impact private sector employees. Owing to the lack of standardization in roles, designations, and pay across private companies, it remains extremely challenging to establish equivalence with government posts. As a result, creamy layer classification for private sector employees will continue to rely solely on the income/wealth threshold.

In sum, the government’s efforts are directed toward refining the creamy layer classification to ensure that reservation benefits reach the truly underprivileged segments of the OBC community. By promoting consistency and fairness across recruitment bodies and institutions, the proposed reforms seek to eliminate the disparities and confusions that have marred the system over the years.

Public Accounts Committee Recommends Major Overhaul of Highway Tolling Practices

In a significant move aimed at reforming toll collection on national highways, the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament has submitted a report calling for the abolition of perpetual tolling—where toll charges continue indefinitely, even after the complete recovery of construction and maintenance costs. The committee underscored the importance of fairness, transparency, and rationalisation in the toll collection framework, stressing that road users must not be subjected to excessive or unjustified financial burdens.

Central Recommendation: Ending Perpetual Tolling

At the heart of the PAC’s recommendations is a call to discontinue or reduce toll charges once the capital and maintenance expenses associated with highway construction have been recovered. The committee criticised the prevailing system, which allows for the continuation of toll collection without time limits, regardless of the current condition of the road, the volume of traffic, or the affordability for commuters.

In its report, the PAC proposed that a specialised regulatory authority be established to oversee toll pricing, collection, and policy implementation. This regulatory body would be responsible for ensuring that toll rates reflect actual costs and are imposed in a transparent and equitable manner. The committee noted that in the current system, annual toll hikes are applied automatically—a fixed 3% increment plus an additional increase indexed partly to the Wholesale Price Index (WPI)—with no independent mechanism to assess whether these increases align with the actual cost of operations or maintenance.

Accountability and Motorist Compensation

In addition to pricing reforms, the PAC advocated for a more user-centric approach. It recommended that commuters be compensated for inconveniences caused by ongoing road construction, especially when such work obstructs or diminishes road usage. This recommendation seeks to shift the framework from one of revenue generation to service accountability.

Concerns About FASTag Implementation

While recognising the widespread adoption of FASTags—a system designed to facilitate seamless toll collection—the committee highlighted persistent traffic bottlenecks at toll plazas. These delays are largely attributed to malfunctioning scanners or other technical issues. To address this, the PAC proposed the establishment of on-site customer support at toll plazas, enabling motorists to recharge, purchase, or replace their FASTags on the spot. This, it argued, would help ensure smoother and more efficient traffic movement.

Legal Framework and Toll Determination Mechanism

The government’s authority to levy tolls is rooted in the National Highways Act of 1956, specifically Section 7 (which allows user charges for highway services or benefits) and Section 9 (which permits the formulation of rules). Toll rates are governed by the National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Rules, 2008, which prescribe base rates for different vehicle types. These rates are not directly tied to the actual cost of highway construction or upkeep.

Since April 1, 2008, toll charges have increased annually by 3%, with an additional adjustment accounting for 40% of WPI fluctuations, purportedly to accommodate the rising costs of maintenance and operation. However, this inflation-linked formula does not include any cost-audit mechanisms to validate these hikes against real expenditures.

Toll collection responsibilities are split between the Union government and private players, depending on the highway project model—whether it is Build-Operate-Transfer (BoT), Toll-Operate-Transfer (ToT), or managed under Infrastructure Investment Trusts (InvITs). Notably, a 2008 amendment enabled the continuation of toll collection even after the expiry of the concession period. In such cases, revenue collected by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is transferred to the Consolidated Fund of India.

Toll Revenue Trends and Public Interest Concerns

The expansion of toll collection has led to a sharp rise in revenues. In 2005–06, toll revenues stood at ₹1,046 crore. By 2023–24, this figure had surged to approximately ₹55,000 crore. Of this, ₹25,000 crore was deposited in the Consolidated Fund of India, while the remainder was retained by private concessionaires operating toll booths.

The PAC’s recommendations come at a time when concerns about the sustainability and equity of toll practices are growing. Critics have pointed to the mismatch between toll collections and actual service delivery, particularly in cases where users continue to pay tolls despite substandard infrastructure or incomplete road projects.

Government’s Response and Ongoing Review

In response to the PAC’s recommendations, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways acknowledged the legitimacy of the concerns raised. The Ministry confirmed that, in collaboration with NITI Aayog, it has initiated a comprehensive review of the user fee determination framework. The scope of the study has already been finalised and will take into account several critical parameters, including:

• The cost of operating vehicles on national highways
• The degree of wear and tear inflicted on highways by different types of vehicles
• Users’ willingness and ability to pay for highway usage

This ongoing review reflects the government’s recognition of the need for a more rational, transparent, and equitable tolling policy—one that is better aligned with real costs, user affordability, and service standards. The Ministry’s response suggests a willingness to restructure toll practices in a way that balances revenue generation with public interest, potentially marking a significant policy shift in the governance of India’s highway infrastructure.

Nominations to Union Territory Assemblies: Renewed Debate Following Home Ministry’s Submission

A longstanding debate over the process of nominating members to Union Territory (UT) legislatures has resurfaced following a recent submission by the Union Home Ministry before the Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court. The Ministry asserted that the Lieutenant Governor (LG) of Jammu & Kashmir is empowered to nominate five members to the Legislative Assembly without requiring the aid or advice of the Council of Ministers. This claim has reignited discussion over the constitutional framework of executive authority, the principles of representative democracy, and the balance of power between the Union government and UT administrations.

Revisiting the Constitutional and Statutory Framework

Nominated members in legislative bodies are not new to India’s constitutional framework. The Constitution allows for such nominations in both Parliament and State legislatures. Although the provision for nominating Anglo-Indian members was removed in 2020, the Rajya Sabha still includes 12 nominated members appointed by the President on the advice of the Union Cabinet. Similarly, in the six Indian states with Legislative Councils, one-sixth of the members are nominated by the Governor, again based on ministerial advice.

In the case of UTs, however, nominations are governed not directly by the Constitution but by specific parliamentary statutes. Each UT has a distinct legal framework:

In Delhi, the Government of NCT of Delhi Act, 1991, provides for a fully elected 70-member Assembly with no provision for nominated MLAs.

In Puducherry, the Government of Union Territories Act, 1963 allows the Union government to nominate up to three members to its legislature.

For Jammu & Kashmir, the Jammu & Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, amended in 2023, provides for a 90-member elected Assembly and authorises the LG to nominate five members. These may include women, Kashmiri migrants, and displaced persons from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

This legislative architecture underpins the nomination process in UTs, though ambiguity persists regarding the extent of executive discretion, particularly in the absence of explicit statutory language on the role of the Council of Ministers in nominations.

Judicial Interpretation and Precedents

The judiciary has dealt with similar issues in the past, most notably in the Puducherry nominations case. In K. Lakshminarayanan vs Union of India (2018), the Madras High Court upheld the Union government’s authority to nominate members without consulting the elected government of the UT. While the High Court recommended legislative clarity to prevent misuse, the Supreme Court later upheld the nominations without endorsing the suggestion for further clarification.

Although not directly addressing nomination powers, the 2023 Government of NCT of Delhi vs Union of India case is relevant. In that judgment, the Supreme Court elaborated on the “triple chain of accountability”—from civil servants to ministers, ministers to the legislature, and the legislature to the electorate. The Court’s emphasis on democratic accountability bolsters the argument that LGs in UTs with elected governments should ordinarily act on the advice of the Council of Ministers, including in the matter of nominations to the Assembly.

Democratic Implications of Unilateral Nominations

The political significance of this issue becomes evident when considering the potential consequences of unilateral nominations. UTs with legislative assemblies have democratically elected governments that are answerable to the public. If the ruling party at the Centre differs from that in the UT, allowing the LG or the Union government to make nominations without consulting the elected government can lead to a distortion of the electoral mandate.

This risk is particularly acute in UTs with small assemblies, such as Puducherry (30 seats) and Jammu & Kashmir (90 seats). In such cases, even a small number of nominated members can shift the balance of power, possibly converting a majority into a minority government. This undermines democratic legitimacy and raises serious concerns about federal balance and political neutrality in governance.

Jammu & Kashmir: A Distinctive Context

The situation in Jammu & Kashmir is further complicated by its unique constitutional and political history. Before its reorganisation into a UT in 2019, J&K enjoyed full statehood and a higher degree of autonomy under Article 370. Although the Supreme Court upheld the constitutional validity of the reorganisation, the Union government has assured that statehood will eventually be restored.

Given this backdrop, the assertion that the LG can independently nominate members to the Assembly appears to conflict with democratic expectations. In a politically sensitive region with a history of greater autonomy, the use of such powers without ministerial advice could erode public trust and legitimacy. Principles of representative democracy suggest that the LG’s power should be exercised only in consultation with the elected Council of Ministers to reflect the will of the electorate.

The Way Forward: Need for Legal and Institutional Clarity

To prevent further constitutional ambiguity and political tension, clear and consistent legislative and procedural reforms are essential. Statutory clarity is paramount—Parliament should amend existing laws to explicitly define the nomination process, including the role of the Council of Ministers, to avoid conflicting interpretations.

Equally important is the need to safeguard democratic integrity. The nomination of members should not be used as a tool to alter Assembly majorities or to subvert electoral mandates. Ensuring that such powers are exercised based on ministerial advice would help preserve the constitutional principle of representative governance.

Moreover, the unique status of Jammu & Kashmir requires that any decision regarding nominations be taken with additional care. The region’s political sensitivities, history of statehood, and the pending promise of its restoration call for a more cautious and participatory approach to governance decisions.

In sum, the Union Home Ministry’s recent position on nominations has reopened vital constitutional and political questions. A balanced and transparent mechanism, anchored in democratic values and legal certainty, is necessary to ensure that the nomination process in Union Territory Assemblies remains consistent with the principles of accountable governance and federalism.

True Empowerment of Women: Beyond Applause, Toward Structural Support

Context and Significance

A recent incident in Karnataka, where a domestic worker took a stand against a powerful politician, has reignited conversation around the deeper meaning of women’s empowerment. While such acts of courage are often celebrated symbolically, they reveal a troubling gap between recognition and actual support. True empowerment, the case suggests, lies not in applause alone but in the sustained systemic backing of survivors who confront abuse and power.

Understanding Women Empowerment

Empowerment of women is fundamentally about enabling agency, ensuring equal access to opportunities, and allowing full participation in political, social, and economic life. However, genuine empowerment must also include mechanisms for protection, justice, and rehabilitation—especially for those at society’s margins who challenge entrenched hierarchies. It cannot be reduced to mere presence in boardrooms or parliaments; it must extend to ensuring dignity and survival for the most vulnerable women.

Barriers to Effective Empowerment

Several structural and societal factors continue to dilute the impact of women empowerment:

1.     Patriarchal Social Order: Deep-rooted patriarchy continues to influence norms within families, workplaces, and communities. Women who assert their rights, especially in cases of sexual or workplace harassment, are often met with societal backlash. Victims are subjected to character attacks and isolation, discouraging others from speaking up and perpetuating a culture of silence.

2.     Tokenistic Representation: The focus on showcasing urban, elite success stories—such as CEOs or politicians—creates a façade of empowerment. This narrative excludes domestic workers, rural women, and other marginalized groups, leaving grassroots survivors without voice or visibility.

3.     Economic Vulnerability of Survivors: Women who pursue legal redressal often lose their jobs or wages, and may face lifelong stigma in the job market. The financial toll of legal processes, coupled with labelling as "troublemakers" by employers, makes economic survival extremely precarious for survivors.

4.     Inaccessible Legal Aid: Despite legal provisions like Article 39A of the Constitution and the Legal Services Authorities Act, which guarantee free legal aid, survivors often remain unaware or unable to access these services. Funding shortages, procedural hurdles, and institutional apathy further weaken their ability to navigate the justice system.

5.     Social Stigma and Retaliation: Rather than being supported, survivors are frequently ostracised and morally judged. This re-victimisation leads to mental health challenges, social exclusion, and a loss of dignity—adding layers of trauma even after legal justice is pursued.

Consequences of Incomplete Empowerment

When empowerment is not accompanied by robust systemic safeguards, it leads to adverse ripple effects:

·       Justice Without Rehabilitation: Survivors may win legal cases but are often left to return to hostile communities without psychological or financial support, making justice feel hollow.

·       Underreporting and Silence: Observing the social penalties paid by survivors, other women often choose not to report abuse, thereby enabling cycles of violence to persist.

·       Strengthening of Power Imbalances: Influential perpetrators manipulate legal loopholes, use delay tactics, and apply social pressure to evade accountability, reinforcing the existing imbalance of power.

·       Erosion of Faith in Institutions: When the state’s involvement ends at delivering a verdict—without aiding recovery—its empowerment rhetoric loses credibility, weakening public trust in justice systems.

India’s Legal and Policy Framework

India has developed multiple legal and policy tools aimed at protecting and empowering women:

·       Legal Safeguards: Constitutional guarantees such as Articles 14, 15, 21, and 39A promote equality, protection, and legal aid. Key legislations include the Protection of Women from Sexual Harassment at Workplace (POSH) Act, 2013; the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005; and amendments to criminal law post-2012 and 2018, driven by high-profile cases like Nirbhaya.

·       Government Schemes: Schemes such as Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (2015), the Nirbhaya Fund (2013), and Mission Shakti (2022) have been launched to address safety and empowerment. Additionally, programmes like the Support to Training and Employment Programme (STEP) aim to improve women’s economic agency through skill development.

·       Gaps in Implementation: Despite their intent, most policies emphasise prevention and awareness but fail to address rehabilitation and reintegration of survivors. A lack of coordination between central policies, state efforts, and corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives further undermines their impact.

What True Empowerment Demands: A Forward-Looking Agenda

Real empowerment must translate courage into opportunity, and justice into sustainable outcomes. The way forward requires structural, institutional, and economic reforms:

·       Compensation for Survivors: Financial assistance schemes should be institutionalised to cover legal costs, rehabilitation, and income loss—akin to how the state compensates victims of terrorism or industrial disasters. This helps mitigate the economic fallout of pursuing justice.

·       Dedicated Legal Support Units: Specialised survivor litigation cells should be established, staffed with trained advocates, trauma-informed counsellors, and forensic experts. Their funding must match the seriousness with which high-profile criminal cases are handled.

·       Employment Guarantees: Job quotas or priority placements for survivors in government, public sector undertakings (PSUs), and under CSR initiatives can restore livelihoods and dignity. These should be treated with the same seriousness as state employment for families of fallen soldiers or victims of public tragedies.

·       Mental Health and Trauma Care: Psychological support systems must be institutionalised through long-term therapy, trauma counselling, and peer networks. Recovery from abuse should be treated not as a privilege but a right, supported by public institutions.

·       Recognising Survivor Expertise: Survivors should be formally trained and employed in roles such as workplace grievance committee members (under the POSH Act), counsellors, and mentors. Their lived experiences bring invaluable perspective to institutional processes and foster empathy and credibility in redressal mechanisms.

Conclusion

Empowerment cannot be measured by magazine covers or ceremonial awards. It is rooted in structural justice, institutional protection, and tangible life opportunities. Women who challenge entrenched power dynamics are not merely victims—they are defenders of democracy, law, and public morality. Society owes them not just applause, but systemic support—legal, economic, and psychological. Only when the resilience of survivors is backed by enduring opportunity and recognition can we claim to have achieved genuine empowerment. Until then, it remains a declaration, not a delivery.

Ending Global Hunger: Why India Holds the Key

Context
The 2025 State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World report by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) reveals encouraging global trends, with undernourishment declining to 8.2%, affecting approximately 673 million people. India has played a decisive role in this progress, reducing its own undernourishment rate from 30% during 2000–2002 to 12% in 2022–2024—translating to 30 million fewer people living with hunger.

Understanding Hunger: Definition and Forms

Hunger signifies chronic undernourishment, wherein individuals are unable to access sufficient calories or nutrients required to maintain health and functional productivity. It manifests in three distinct yet interconnected forms:

• Undernourishment, where caloric intake is insufficient to meet basic energy requirements.
• Malnutrition, resulting from a poor-quality diet that lacks adequate protein and essential nutrients.
• Hidden Hunger, where micronutrient deficiencies—such as iron, iodine, zinc, and vitamin A—exist despite adequate caloric intake.

Key Drivers of Hunger

Several structural, environmental, and economic factors perpetuate hunger globally and in India:

1. Poverty and Inequality: Poverty remains the most pervasive cause of hunger. Even when food is available, inadequate incomes restrict access. As highlighted in NITI Aayog’s 2023 Multidimensional Poverty Index, 11.28% of India’s population remains multidimensionally poor, lacking essentials like healthcare, education, and nutrition.
2. Agricultural Challenges: Agricultural productivity in India suffers from fragmented landholdings, dependency on erratic monsoons, and limited irrigation coverage. Additionally, the FAO estimates that around 13% of India’s total food output is lost post-harvest due to poor storage and transport infrastructure.
3. High Food Prices: A healthy diet remains out of reach for 60% of the Indian population. Inflation in essential items such as pulses, dairy, fruits, and vegetables continuously widens the nutrition gap, especially for low-income families.
4. Inadequate Infrastructure and Supply Chains: India suffers annual post-harvest losses of approximately ₹92,000 crore (ICAR, 2022) due to insufficient cold storage, poor warehousing, and inefficient logistics. This not only wastes food but restricts availability, driving prices upward.
5. Governance Failures, Conflict, and Climate Change: Globally, wars (e.g., Ukraine), pandemics (like COVID-19), and climate shocks have worsened food insecurity. India also faces frequent weather extremes—floods, heatwaves, droughts—that disrupt crop cycles, reduce yields, and impact food distribution.
6. Health and Sanitation Deficiencies: Poor public health infrastructure contributes to hunger, especially among children. Lack of clean water, inadequate sanitation, and maternal malnutrition aggravate child undernutrition. According to NFHS-5 (2019–21), 35.5% of Indian children under five are stunted, and 19.3% are wasted.

Consequences of Hunger

The multidimensional impacts of hunger are severe and far-reaching:

• Loss of Human Capital: Stunted and undernourished children face cognitive delays, poor academic performance, and diminished adult productivity. Hunger thus reinforces intergenerational poverty.
• Economic Costs: Malnutrition erodes national productivity and burdens the healthcare system. The Global Nutrition Report 2021 estimates India loses 2–3% of its GDP annually due to hunger-related issues.
• Health Risks: Undernourishment increases vulnerability to diseases like tuberculosis and diarrhoea. Micronutrient deficiencies impair immunity, cause blindness (Vitamin A), cognitive delays (iodine), and poor wound healing (zinc).
• Social Unrest: Food insecurity fosters social instability, protests, and migration. History has shown that hunger-driven riots are not isolated events but symptoms of systemic failure.
• Obstruction of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Hunger directly impedes SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), while also weakening efforts under SDG 3 (Good Health), SDG 4 (Quality Education), and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).

India’s Contribution to Combating Hunger

India has undertaken substantial initiatives that have significantly influenced global progress on food security:

1. Strengthened Public Distribution System (PDS): Through digital reform, Aadhaar integration, and the One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC) scheme, food grain delivery has improved in efficiency and reach. Nearly 800 million individuals are covered under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) and the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY).
2. Nutrition-Focused Programmes: Government initiatives now prioritise not just feeding but nourishing the population. PM POSHAN enhances school meals with nutritional components. The Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) and POSHAN Abhiyaan target maternal and child nutrition, while Anaemia Mukt Bharat aims to reduce iron deficiency.
3. Technological Advancements: Platforms like e-NAM and AgriStack improve price discovery and market access for farmers, helping reduce waste. Digital grievance redressal portals like CPENGRAMS and Bhavishya also indirectly contribute to food security by ensuring social protection entitlements are delivered.
4. Agrifood System Transformation: Climate-resilient agriculture is gaining traction through the promotion of Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), women-led agribusinesses, and biofortified crops. Cold chain development and efficient logistics further reduce wastage and enhance distribution.
5. Global South Leadership: India’s large-scale success in poverty and hunger reduction offers replicable models. The FAO recognizes India as a leader among developing nations, particularly for its use of digital infrastructure and large-scale food interventions.

The Path Ahead: A Comprehensive Strategy

Ending hunger requires a multi-pronged approach that addresses both availability and accessibility, moving beyond calorie sufficiency to nutrient security:

• From Calorie to Nutrition Focus: Staple fortification (e.g., iron-fortified rice, iodised salt) must be scaled. Protein-rich foods like pulses, eggs, and dairy should be subsidised to make them accessible to poor households.
• Infrastructure Development: Expanding cold storage facilities, warehousing, and farmer cooperatives can significantly reduce food waste. Reducing the ₹92,000 crore annual post-harvest loss will improve both supply and farmer incomes.
• Affordable Nutrient-Rich Diets: Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT) can be used strategically to make fruits, vegetables, and animal-sourced foods affordable to low-income families, shifting focus from just cereal-based subsidies.
• Empowering Smallholders and Women: Scaling up Farmer Producer Organisations, Self-Help Groups (SHGs), and women-run agribusinesses will not only improve food production but ensure more equitable income distribution. Biofortified and climate-smart crops should be encouraged at scale.
• Addressing Dual Burden of Malnutrition: Policies must now address both undernutrition and rising obesity, especially among urban poor. Nutrition education campaigns in schools, workplaces, and through media must be intensified.
• Sharing India’s Model Globally: With a proven track record in digital governance and food security innovation, India can lead global cooperation by exporting best practices such as PDS digitisation, ONORC, and integrated nutrition schemes to other developing countries.

Conclusion

India stands at the forefront of global hunger alleviation. Its progress in reducing undernourishment not only lifts millions out of food insecurity but also drives momentum toward achieving global goals. However, with just five years remaining to meet the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), India’s continued leadership—rooted in systemic reform, inclusivity, and nutrition-focused policy—is vital. The path to ending hunger across the globe undeniably runs through India, and its success could well determine the world’s.

Water-Scarce Districts in India: A Growing Concern

Context
The Government has recently released updated data highlighting 193 districts in India as facing significant water stress. These districts have been categorised as over-exploited, critical, or semi-critical based on groundwater availability and extraction levels. This data serves as a key input for shaping India’s water management strategies amid growing ecological and developmental challenges.

Defining Water-Scarce Districts

Water-scarce districts are regions where the extraction of groundwater either surpasses its natural recharge rate or where water availability is critically limited due to ecological or human-induced factors. The Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) classifies these districts into three categories:

·       Over-exploited Districts (102): Groundwater extraction far exceeds recharge levels, indicating severe depletion.

·       Critical Districts (22): Groundwater levels are approaching over-exploitation thresholds, requiring urgent mitigation.

·       Semi-critical Districts (69): Extraction is marginally above safe limits, demanding preventive measures.

These classifications are based on hydrogeological data and water use patterns and help in determining priority areas for intervention.

Trends in India’s Water Scarcity

The increasing number of water-stressed districts reveals broader patterns in how India uses and manages its water resources:

·       Rising Demand and Stress: Rapid urbanisation, expanding agricultural irrigation, and growing industrial needs have intensified water stress across both urban and rural India. The unregulated drilling of borewells and over-reliance on groundwater in many areas have pushed aquifers beyond safe limits.

·       Geographic Distribution: States such as Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka are particularly affected. These regions combine high population density, intensive agriculture (especially paddy and sugarcane cultivation), and poor rainfall management, creating a perfect storm for water scarcity.

·       Policy Response – Jal Shakti Abhiyan (2019–2025): In response to the crisis, the Government launched a mission-mode campaign called Jal Shakti Abhiyan. It targets high-priority and water-stressed districts with focused interventions under themes like “Catch the Rain” and “Nari Shakti se Jal Shakti”. These efforts promote water harvesting, afforestation, and community-led conservation.

Significance of Identifying Water-Scarce Districts

The identification of these districts is not merely a statistical exercise; it has wide-ranging implications for India’s water security, sustainable development, and climate resilience:

·       Drinking Water Security: Ensuring safe and sustained access to drinking water for both rural and urban populations depends on understanding where the stress is most severe. Targeted efforts in these districts are crucial to prevent future humanitarian crises.

·       Climate Adaptation: As India experiences increasing variability in rainfall patterns due to climate change, strengthening local water resources in these districts becomes essential. Replenishing aquifers and building water resilience at the local level enhances the country’s ability to withstand droughts and dry spells.

·       Evidence-Based Policy Planning: The water-scarcity classifications provide scientific backing for national programmes like the Jal Jeevan Mission, which aims for universal tap water access, and the Atal Bhujal Yojana, focused on community-based groundwater management. These classifications also feed into India’s progress on Sustainable Development Goal 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), offering measurable targets for monitoring and intervention.

Conclusion
The identification of 193 water-scarce districts by the CGWB reflects the urgent need to reframe India’s approach to groundwater governance. It reinforces the fact that water security is not just an environmental issue, but a developmental imperative tied to health, agriculture, livelihoods, and climate adaptation. Programs like Jal Shakti Abhiyan must now be complemented by stronger enforcement of groundwater extraction regulations, community participation, and innovative water-saving technologies. The path forward demands not just awareness, but action rooted in both science and social engagement.

Modern Technology in Water Management and Conservation: Key Highlights by Minister of State for Jal Shakti

Overview
The Minister of State for Jal Shakti has underscored the transformative role of modern technology in strengthening water management and conservation efforts across India. Technological innovations—from artificial intelligence to satellite data—are increasingly being integrated to ensure efficient use, real-time monitoring, and long-term sustainability of the country’s water resources.

Applications of Modern Technology in Water Management and Conservation

The integration of emerging technologies is revolutionising how water is conserved, distributed, and monitored:

• Artificial Intelligence (AI)-Driven Analysis: AI processes large volumes of satellite and GIS data to determine optimal locations for constructing farm ponds, check dams, and recharge wells. These tools also support effective rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge, and water budgeting, enabling better resource allocation.
• Drone Technology: Drones are deployed for high-resolution mapping and aerial surveying. Their capability for automated inspection allows early detection of leakages or structural deterioration in rainwater storage systems, enhancing preventive maintenance and minimising water loss.
• IoT Sensors and Smart Devices: The Internet of Things (IoT) and other smart sensor technologies enable real-time monitoring of water consumption patterns, pressure levels, and quality. This information helps in early identification of inefficiencies and significantly reduces water wastage in urban and agricultural systems.
• Micro-Irrigation Systems: Technologies such as drip irrigation and sprinkler systems increase farm-level water-use efficiency. These precision agriculture tools ensure crops receive the required amount of water, minimising runoff and groundwater depletion.
• Advanced Water Treatment Solutions: Methods like UV purification, reverse osmosis (RO), and Membrane BioReactors (MBRs) are used to treat wastewater, enabling its safe reuse for irrigation, industrial, and even domestic purposes. These innovations are critical to addressing water scarcity in urban and semi-urban regions.
• Blockchain Integration in Water Systems: Blockchain technology, when combined with IoT sensors, provides a transparent and tamper-proof system to record water usage, quality parameters, and distribution channels. This immutable ledger enhances accountability in both public and private water supply networks.

India’s Technological Tools for Groundwater Management

India has been actively deploying digital platforms and geospatial systems to manage its groundwater resources more efficiently:

• Geographic Information System (GIS): GIS technology is used for the real-time tracking and mapping of minor irrigation projects, offering visual insights that aid in strategic planning and targeted interventions.
• Real-Time Data Acquisition System (RTDAS): Under the National Hydrology Project, RTDAS units are installed to continuously monitor surface water and groundwater levels. These systems provide decision-makers with up-to-date information on water availability and usage trends.
• India-Groundwater Resource Estimation System (IN-GRES): Developed by the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB), IN-GRES is a comprehensive tool designed to estimate groundwater availability. It supports data-driven policy formulation by analysing aquifer health, recharge rates, and regional water balance.
• Use of Satellite Data – GRACE Mission: Satellite data from the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) is utilised for large-scale assessments of groundwater storage. These data sets enable scientists and planners to monitor aquifer depletion and design region-specific recharge strategies.

Conclusion
The strategic use of cutting-edge technologies is essential to building a resilient and sustainable water future for India. As highlighted by the Minister of State for Jal Shakti, leveraging AI, drones, IoT, blockchain, and satellite data not only improves efficiency but also empowers communities with actionable insights. These innovations must continue to be mainstreamed across central, state, and local water governance frameworks to address the country’s growing water challenges in a holistic and scientific manner.

Sliteye Shark: A Rare Marine Discovery

In a landmark marine biodiversity observation, scientists have recorded the presence of the Sliteye Shark in the Great Chagos Bank, the world’s largest coral atoll located in the Indian Ocean. This marks the first time this elusive species has been documented in that region.

Species Overview and Habitat

The Sliteye Shark (Loxodon macrorhinus) is a small-bodied shark found in coastal inshore waters across the Indo-West Pacific. It is a unique member of the requiem shark family (Carcharhinidae) and the only species in the Loxodon genus. The shark’s name is derived from its distinct slit-like eyes, which are believed to enhance vision in low-light environments—an adaptation that allows it to thrive in both dimly lit deep waters and clear, shallow zones.

Physical Characteristics and Range

This slender-bodied shark features a narrow face, large eyes, and small teeth with smooth-edged, protruding tips. Typically growing to about 95 cm in length, it lacks a defined ridge between the dorsal fins. Its body is grey with a white belly, while its fins have pale or translucent edges, with the first dorsal and caudal fins marked by darker edges. The Sliteye Shark is widely distributed in the tropical waters of the Indian and Western Pacific Oceans, ranging from the coasts of Africa to East Asia—including countries like India, Australia, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and several others.

Conservation Status

According to the IUCN Red List, the Sliteye Shark is currently classified as Near Threatened. This status reflects growing concerns about its vulnerability to habitat degradation, overfishing, and changing marine conditions, reinforcing the importance of sustained marine conservation efforts in its known habitats.

Conclusion

From the health vulnerabilities of the Sahariya tribe to the ecological importance of the Palmyra palm and the rare discovery of the Sliteye shark, these diverse subjects highlight pressing challenges and unique opportunities within India’s socio-environmental landscape. Each case underscores the importance of targeted research, community-based interventions, and sustainable resource management in fostering equitable and resilient development.

Ranthambore National Park

Context:
A recent incident in Ranthambore National Park drew attention when twenty tourists were left stranded during a tiger safari. Their canter vehicle broke down mid-journey, and the guide accompanying them abandoned the group, raising serious concerns about tourist safety and safari management in protected wildlife areas.

About the Park:

Ranthambore National Park is located in the Sawai Madhopur district of Rajasthan, lying at the confluence of the Aravalli and Vindhya mountain ranges. The park spans a total area of 1,334 square kilometres, with a core zone of approximately 275 square kilometres, and is one of the most prominent tiger reserves in India.

Historical Background:

The area was initially declared the Sawai Madhopur Game Sanctuary in 1955. In 1973, it was incorporated under the Project Tiger initiative, aimed at tiger conservation. Later, in 1980, the core area was officially notified as a National Park. The surrounding forested regions were designated as the Sawai Mansingh and Kailadevi Sanctuaries, forming part of the larger Ranthambore Tiger Reserve.

Geography and Natural Features:

The park features a rich and rugged terrain, consisting of dry deciduous forests, rocky ridges, and grassy meadows, complemented by several water bodies that enhance its biodiversity. The region is particularly scenic, with Padam Talao being the largest lake, and Jogi Mahal, a historical structure, located on its banks.

One of the most prominent landmarks within the park is the Ranthambore Fort, dating back to the 10th century. The fort complex includes temples dedicated to Ganesh, Shiva, and Jain deities, and is listed on the UNESCO tentative list for World Heritage Sites.

Flora and Fauna:

Ranthambore is home to over 300 species of plants, many of which are known for their medicinal properties. The park is especially renowned for its Royal Bengal Tigers, which are frequently spotted during the day—making it one of the best places in India to observe these big cats in their natural habitat. Besides tigers, the park also supports a wide range of fauna including leopards, striped hyenas, golden jackals, sloth bears, langurs, chital, sambar deer, nilgai (blue bulls), and over 270 species of birds, offering a diverse wildlife experience to visitors.

Palmyra Palm Tree: Ecological and Socioeconomic Importance

In Odisha, the Palmyra palm tree is playing a dual role—both as a natural safety mechanism and as a source of sustenance. It has been observed that these trees help reduce deaths caused by lightning strikes and also provide critical nourishment for elephants during lean seasons, highlighting their ecological versatility.

Botanical Profile and Distribution

Commonly known as the sugar palm, toddy palm, or fan palm, the Palmyra is native to tropical Africa but has become widely cultivated and naturalised across India. It is commonly planted on the plains as a windbreak. This resilient tree thrives in various soil types including sandy, red, black, and river alluvial soils. It is particularly suited for semi-arid climates with annual rainfall below 750 mm and can grow at elevations up to 800 metres. Propagation occurs through seeds, as no vegetative method has been developed.

Ecological and Economic Value

Palmyra trees serve as natural shelters for birds, bats, and wild animals. The chief economic product is the sweet sap or toddy tapped from the tip of the inflorescence, which ferments quickly and is locally consumed as a traditional beverage. Additionally, Palmyra jaggery (gur) is highly valued for its superior nutritional profile compared to regular cane sugar. The tree also supports the livelihoods of traditional Indian communities such as the Nadars, who utilise its various parts—wood, fruits, sap, stems, petioles, and leaves—to produce food items, beverages, furniture, building materials, and handicrafts

Sahariya Tribe: A Profile of Vulnerability and Cultural Richness

A significant genetic study has recently drawn attention to the Sahariya tribe of central India by identifying a possible genetic predisposition that may contribute to the tribe’s unusually high rates of tuberculosis (TB). This discovery reinforces the need to examine the broader socio-cultural and economic context of one of India’s most disadvantaged communities.

Identity and Distribution

The Sahariya tribe is classified as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG), making it one of the most socio-economically marginalised communities in India. As per the 2011 Census, the tribe has a population of around six lakh people spread across the states of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh, with a scattered presence in a few other regions as well. Locally, the community is also referred to by various names, including Seher, Sair, Savar, Saonar, and Sahra.

Living Conditions and Settlements

Sahariyas typically reside in distinct sections of villages, often in an area known as the ‘Seharana’, which comprises clusters of houses separate from non-Sahariya populations. Their homes are constructed from locally available materials—stone boulders and slabs (known as Patore) are used for walls and roofing, while in some areas, mud structures are common. Social ties are heavily influenced by the caste system, and communities are closely knit, often forming small joint families that live in proximity.

Language and Religion

Though the Sahariyas have lost their original tribal language over time, they communicate using the regional dialects of the areas in which they live. Their religious practices reflect a blend of traditional ethnic beliefs and Hindu influences. While they continue to follow their indigenous spiritual customs, Hindu values are often adopted in shaping their identity. One of their most notable cultural expressions is the Saharia Swang, a traditional dance performed during Holi. Accompanied by instruments like the dhol, nagari, and matki, the dance features a male performer dressed as a woman, dancing around other male participants.

Livelihood and Economic Challenges

Traditionally forest dwellers, the Sahariyas depend heavily on forest produce for sustenance. Their livelihoods are also supplemented by small-scale cultivation and wage labour, particularly as landless agricultural workers. The community is known for its expertise in extracting catechu from khair trees. Due to chronic economic insecurity, seasonal migration is widespread among the Sahariya, with many members moving temporarily to urban or semi-urban areas in search of employment.

Rubella: A Preventable Viral Infection and Recent Milestone in Elimination

The World Health Organization recently declared that Nepal has successfully eliminated rubella as a public health problem, marking a significant achievement in global health efforts. This announcement has brought renewed attention to rubella, its characteristics, and the measures needed to control and eliminate the disease.

Understanding Rubella

Rubella, commonly known as German measles or three-day measles, is a highly contagious viral infection primarily recognised for its distinctive red rash. Despite sharing some clinical features with measles, such as a spotty rash, rubella is caused by a different virus, specifically the rubella virus—an enveloped, single-stranded RNA virus. Compared to measles, rubella is generally less infectious and less severe, but it poses grave risks, particularly during pregnancy.

Modes of Transmission

Rubella spreads primarily through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or comes into close contact with others. The virus can also survive on contaminated surfaces and is transmissible even when an infected individual shows no visible symptoms. Of particular concern is the mother-to-fetus transmission during pregnancy, which can lead to devastating outcomes for the unborn child.

Symptoms and Complications

In most individuals, rubella causes mild or no symptoms. The hallmark sign is a spotty red rash, beginning typically on the face or behind the ears before spreading to the neck and body. This rash often appears 2 to 3 weeks after exposure to the virus. While many recover without serious illness, the infection becomes particularly dangerous when contracted by pregnant women, especially in the early stages of pregnancy.

When a pregnant woman becomes infected, there is up to a 90% likelihood that the virus will be transmitted to the fetus. This can result in miscarriage, stillbirth, or Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS)—a condition marked by lifelong disabilities. Children born with CRS may experience hearing loss, vision defects, heart abnormalities, and developmental disorders including autism, diabetes mellitus, and thyroid dysfunction. Infected infants may continue to shed the virus for over a year, posing further public health concerns.

Prevention and Treatment

The most effective method to prevent rubella is through vaccination. The Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) vaccine is safe, widely available, and offers lifelong immunity against rubella. Universal immunisation through this vaccine is essential for interrupting transmission and preventing CRS.

Currently, no antiviral treatment exists for rubella. Medical management focuses on alleviating symptoms, such as fever and fatigue, through bed rest and symptomatic care. Given the risks posed to unborn children, preventing infection through vaccination remains the most vital public health strategy.

India as ''Vishwabandhu'' Through Space Innovation: A Global Partner for Collective Good

India''s growing role in space exploration and innovation is being increasingly viewed through the lens of its emerging identity as "Vishwabandhu"—a global partner committed to serving humanity. This vision has been articulated and embodied in recent space experiments, including those conducted by Indian researcher Subhanshu Shukla, which symbolise India’s contribution to international scientific cooperation and human development.

The Space Sector as a Pillar of India’s Global Humanitarian Role

India’s space programme is no longer confined to national development; it is now positioned as a platform for global collaboration, technological diplomacy, and shared scientific progress. One of the flagship examples is the NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) Mission, widely described as “India’s scientific handshake with the world.” This mission adheres to global standards for docking, data exchange, and interoperability, reinforcing India’s commitment to collective global advancement.

By ensuring open access to satellite data, India facilitates the democratisation of knowledge, particularly aiding developing nations in improving agricultural productivity, disaster response, and climate resilience. The availability of shared data from space-based systems allows for timely interventions in areas such as flood forecasting, crop yield estimation, and environmental monitoring.

India also treats the space domain as a global commons, contributing scientific expertise to shared international resources. This establishes India not just as a consumer of space knowledge but as an active knowledge contributor. Through such endeavours, India leverages space technology as a tool of soft power, enhancing diplomatic relations, enabling capacity-building efforts, and fostering sustainable growth in line with the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Initiatives like NAVIC, India’s satellite navigation system, serve both domestic and regional users, further expanding India’s influence.

What sets India apart in the space sector is its ability to achieve high-end scientific milestones at remarkably low costs. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) exemplifies frugality paired with innovation, designing and operating long-duration space missions with constrained budgets while maintaining scientific excellence.

Major Milestones in India’s Space Journey

India’s role as Vishwabandhu is reinforced by an expanding portfolio of ambitious space missions:

• The NISAR Mission, developed jointly with NASA, focuses on Earth observation with applications in disaster preparedness, glacier dynamics, climate change tracking, and agricultural monitoring.
• The planned Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS) aims to establish a fully indigenous orbiting space station by 2035, representing a leap in India’s long-term space presence.
• By 2040, India envisions a crewed lunar mission, placing an Indian astronaut on the Moon—a goal that underscores its aspiration to be a leading space-faring nation.
• The Gaganyaan programme, designed to send humans into Low Earth Orbit (LEO), is making steady progress. Key components, including a test flight for the Crew Escape System and deployment of the humanoid robot Vyommitra, are central to the mission’s development.

Udyam Sakhi Portal

The Udyam Sakhi Portal, launched by the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), is playing a significant role in empowering women entrepreneurs across India. As stated by the Minister of State in a recent written reply in the Rajya Sabha, the portal is instrumental in enabling women to launch, manage, and expand their businesses.

Launched in March 2018, the portal (accessible at http://udyamsakhi.msme.gov.in/) is designed to disseminate vital information regarding financial schemes, policies, and programmes curated by the Ministry of MSME, specifically targeted at both existing and aspiring women entrepreneurs in the MSME sector.

The platform serves as a comprehensive ecosystem fostering entrepreneurship and encouraging the development of business models aimed at low-cost products and services. Through this initiative, women are encouraged to become self-sufficient and self-reliant.

The portal extends a variety of support services that include tools for entrepreneurship education, incubation facilities, training modules focused on fundraising, mentorship opportunities, and one-on-one investor meetings. It also supports market research and survey initiatives and facilitates ongoing learning and development through educational, informational, technical assistance, and training interventions.

e-Jagriti Portal

Since its launch, the e-Jagriti platform has seen registration from over two lakh users, including individuals from the Non-Resident Indian (NRI) community.

This initiative, led by the Department of Consumer Affairs, Government of India, is a flagship project aimed at enhancing the consumer grievance redressal framework nationwide. Its core objective is to digitalise and interconnect Consumer Commissions at the national, state, and district levels to promote transparency, efficiency, and quicker dispute resolution.

The platform enables consumers to digitally file complaints, monitor case progress, and access final judgments. By simplifying the legal process, e-Jagriti enhances citizen empowerment, offering a cost-effective and efficient resolution mechanism.

One of the key aims of e-Jagriti is the unification of various consumer grievance mechanisms, such as the Online Case Monitoring System (OCMS), E-Daakhil, NCDRC Case Monitoring System, and the CONFONET website, into a single consolidated platform.

It offers comprehensive functionalities such as online case filing, digital fee payments, and real-time case tracking. Additional smart features include AI-powered metadata tagging and keyword search for archived complaints, along with voice-to-text conversion of judgments and case details using AI and ML technologies.

With its intuitive interface and real-time updates, the platform reduces administrative burdens, limits paperwork, and ensures more accountable and accessible justice for consumers.

Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2025

The Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2025, recently introduced in the Lok Sabha, is an ambitious step that builds on the reforms initiated by the Jan Vishwas Act, 2023. This bill reflects the government’s commitment to the principle of “Minimum Government, Maximum Governance.”

Aimed at advancing the agenda of Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) and Ease of Living, the bill proposes 355 amendments across 16 Central Acts administered by 10 different Ministries and Departments. These amendments are focused on simplifying legal compliance, modernising existing laws, and reinforcing a governance model rooted in trust.

Key features of the 2025 Bill include the decriminalisation of 288 provisions, replacing imprisonment for minor and procedural infractions with monetary penalties or warnings. Notably, the Tea Act, 1953, Legal Metrology Act, 2009, Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, and Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940—already part of the 2023 Act—are proposed for further decriminalisation under this bill.

The bill introduces rationalised penalties, ensuring that they are proportionate to the severity of the offence, with graduated levels for repeat violations. In the case of first-time contraventions, 76 offences across 10 different Acts will now attract only advisories or warnings, rather than punitive action.

To enhance Ease of Living, provisions within the New Delhi Municipal Council Act, 1994, and the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, are proposed for amendment. Another notable feature is streamlined adjudication, where designated officers will be authorised to impose penalties through administrative procedures, thereby reducing the judicial burden.

In addition, the bill introduces a mechanism for automatic penalty revision, whereby monetary penalties will increase by 10% every three years. This automatic increment is aimed at ensuring consistent deterrence without requiring additional legislative interventions.

Minimum Public Shareholding (MPS)

In an effort to ease fund-raising and simplify regulatory compliance, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has proposed reforms to increase the flexibility surrounding Minimum Public Shareholding (MPS) and Minimum Public Offer (MPO) requirements for companies seeking to get listed.

Under the Securities Contracts (Regulation) Rules, 1957, and the Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements (LODR) Regulations, SEBI mandates that all listed companies must ensure that at least 25% of their total issued and paid-up equity share capital is held by public shareholders. Public shareholders are defined as non-promoter individuals or entities not associated with the promoter group.

For companies where promoter ownership exceeds 75%, they are legally required to reduce their shareholding to comply with the MPS norm. This reduction can be executed through share placements with institutional investors or by issuing rights shares to dilute promoter holdings.

The core objectives behind the MPS rule are to enhance market liquidity, facilitate fair price discovery, and encourage broader investor participation while promoting corporate transparency and governance.

Newly listed entities must comply with the 25% MPS norm within three years of their listing date. However, for companies with a post-issue market capitalisation exceeding ₹1 trillion, the compliance window is extended to five years. In instances where public shareholding drops below the mandated 25% threshold at any point, the affected company is obligated to restore the public shareholding within a maximum period of 12 months from the date of the shortfall.

Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS)

As per the latest Monthly Bulletin of the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS), India’s unemployment rate declined to 5.2% in July 2025, compared to 5.6% in June 2025. This data reflects a positive shift in employment trends across the country.

The PLFS serves as a critical source of labour market statistics in India. It provides estimates of essential indicators such as the Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR), Worker Population Ratio (WPR), and Unemployment Rate (UR). These metrics are crucial for policy decisions related to employment and social welfare.

Beginning in January 2025, the PLFS underwent a major revamp in its sample design. A key change introduced was the monthly rotational panel scheme, which is now implemented across both rural and urban regions. Under this revised method, each selected household is surveyed four times over four consecutive months. This methodology ensures more frequent and accurate monitoring of labour market dynamics.

The redesigned PLFS now aims to fulfil three main objectives. First, it seeks to generate monthly estimates of employment and unemployment indicators for both rural and urban areas at the national level, based on the Current Weekly Status (CWS) approach. Second, it extends the quarterly PLFS estimates—which were previously limited to urban areas—to now include rural regions under the same CWS framework. Third, it continues to deliver annual estimates for key labour indicators using both Usual Status (principal status + subsidiary status) and CWS, across rural and urban segments.

The PLFS is conducted by the National Statistical Office (NSO), which functions under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI). The PLFS has become a vital tool in understanding employment trends and guiding evidence-based policymaking in India.

Removable Solar Panel System on Railway Tracks

In a groundbreaking initiative, Indian Railways has commissioned the country’s first removable solar panel system installed between railway tracks. This innovative pilot project was launched in August 2025 at the Banaras Locomotive Works in Varanasi, under the aegis of the Ministry of Railways.

The system comprises a 70-metre-long solar array, featuring 28 removable solar panels that together generate 15 kilowatts peak (KWp) of electricity. Strategically placed between railway tracks, this installation exemplifies efficient land use by utilizing otherwise unproductive spaces.

The project is aimed at promoting green and sustainable rail infrastructure, aligning with the broader national objectives of renewable energy adoption and environmental sustainability. It serves multiple purposes: generating clean energy, reducing reliance on fossil fuels, and minimising the carbon footprint of railway operations.

A notable feature of the project is its removable design, which allows for quick and easy disassembly in case of track maintenance or emergencies. This design also eliminates the need for extensive land acquisition. The energy generated is primarily used to power auxiliary units within the railway system, improving both cost-efficiency and environmental impact.

As a pilot project, the removable solar panel system is expected to serve as a model for replication across various parts of the Indian Railways network. Its environmental benefits, economic viability, and innovative use of space make it a promising step toward a greener future in rail transport.

United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) recently suspended the repatriation of Sri Lankan Tamil refugees from India following the arrest of several returnees in Sri Lanka on charges related to violations of immigration laws.

The UNHCR is a specialized United Nations agency established to protect and support refugees, stateless individuals, and internally displaced persons worldwide. It plays a vital role in offering durable solutions, including voluntary repatriation, local integration, and resettlement in third countries.

The agency was founded in 1950 by the UN General Assembly in the aftermath of World War II, with operations beginning in 1951 under an initially three-year mandate, which was later made permanent due to continued global displacement crises.

The organisation is led by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, a position filled through election by the UN General Assembly. The current High Commissioner, Filippo Grandi of Italy, has been serving in this role since 2016.

UNHCR operates under a three-tier structure: the Executive Committee (ExCom), which consists of over 100 member states and provides strategic and policy guidance; the Secretariat, which implements policies through regional and field offices; and its funding structure, which is entirely voluntary, relying on contributions from governments, private donors, and international organisations.

The agency’s primary functions include protecting refugees from forced return (non-refoulement), providing essential humanitarian aid such as shelter, healthcare, education, and food, and facilitating voluntary repatriation or third-country resettlement. It also engages in advocacy efforts, working with national governments to influence refugee rights policies and ensure fair asylum practices. Additionally, the UNHCR leads international efforts to address and eradicate statelessness, which affects millions globally.

UNHCR’s decision to halt repatriation highlights the complex legal and humanitarian challenges facing refugee return processes, particularly when host and origin countries have differing legal frameworks or political dynamics.