H-1B Visa Debate 2025: US Criticism, Indian Impact, and Trump’s Proposed Reforms

·       The H-1B visa program has reemerged as a contentious issue in the ongoing U.S. immigration debate, especially in the lead-up to the 2025 elections. U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick recently described the program as a “scam,” claiming it enables foreign workers to take jobs that should go to American citizens. His remarks echo the broader stance of the Trump faction within the Republican Party, which argues that the program undercuts domestic employment opportunities.

·       Despite such criticism, the H-1B visa continues to enjoy strong backing from influential voices in the tech and business sectors. Notable proponents such as Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy argue that the program is crucial for attracting global talent to maintain U.S. leadership in innovation and competitiveness. The program holds particular importance for Indian professionals, who represented over 72% of approved H-1B petitions in 2023.

Understanding the H-1B Visa Program

Established in 1990, the H-1B visa is a non-immigrant, temporary visa that permits U.S. employers to hire foreign workers in specialized fields including technology, engineering, and finance. It requires applicants to possess at least a bachelor’s degree and was intended to fill gaps in the domestic labor market by allowing businesses to temporarily employ highly skilled immigrants. The visa is initially granted for three years, with the possibility of extension up to six years. After that period, holders must either return to their home country for a minimum of 12 months or pursue permanent residency (a Green Card).

H-1B Caps and Exemptions

Annually, the U.S. issues 65,000 H-1B visas, with an additional 20,000 allocated for individuals holding advanced degrees from American universities. However, many petitions are exempt from these numerical caps. Exemptions apply to those in continuing employment or working for higher education institutions, nonprofit organizations, or government research agencies. Consequently, actual approvals significantly exceed the cap. In fiscal year 2023, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) approved 118,948 new H-1B petitions and 267,370 for continuing employment, amounting to a total of 386,318 approvals.

The Political Debate: Immigration and H-1B Criticism

Immigration remains one of the most polarizing issues in American politics, with increasing public concern over its social and economic implications. Donald Trump has frequently leveraged this anxiety, blaming immigration for wage stagnation, job displacement, and broader economic hardship affecting the American working class. While earlier criticism focused on low-skilled migrants, the H-1B program has recently become a target for allegedly displacing Americans from high-paying, skilled jobs. This narrative, often framed with subtle racial undertones, casts immigration not only as an economic challenge but also as a cultural threat, making programs like H-1B particularly vulnerable to political attacks.

Indians as the Dominant H-1B Recipients

Indian nationals have long been the dominant beneficiaries of the H-1B program. Since 2015, they have consistently accounted for more than 70% of all approved petitions, far surpassing Chinese applicants, who typically represent about 12–13%. This overwhelming presence has drawn criticism from nativist factions within the Republican Party, who argue that the program facilitates wage suppression by allowing companies to hire Indian professionals at lower pay scales compared to American workers.

Concerns Over Wage Disparities

One of the central criticisms of the H-1B system is its alleged exploitation by U.S. tech companies to fill lower- and mid-level roles with foreign workers paid below market rates. Supporting this concern, data from FY 2023 reveal that nearly 70% of Indian H-1B approvals were for roles offering salaries under $100,000—less than the U.S. median IT salary of $104,420. Only 5% of Indian approvals were for positions with salaries above $150,000, reinforcing the perception that the program is being used to suppress wage standards in the tech industry.

Defending the H-1B Visa

In contrast, industry leaders argue that H-1B visas are essential for addressing a persistent skills gap in the U.S. labor market. They maintain that wages are determined by market forces and that American companies must compete globally for top STEM talent. With countries like China (3.57 million) and India (2.55 million) producing significantly more STEM graduates than the U.S. (820,000), the dominance of Indian and Chinese professionals in the skilled workforce is viewed by many as both natural and necessary to sustain innovation and economic growth.

Trump’s Vision for H-1B Reform

Although specifics remain vague, Donald Trump and his allies have indicated plans for a comprehensive overhaul of the H-1B visa system. A regulatory proposal introduced during his previous administration in 2021 may offer insight into the direction of future reforms.

Proposed Salary-Based Selection Mechanism

The 2021 rule aimed to restructure the H-1B lottery system by prioritizing applications based on salary levels under the Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) framework. The proposal favored higher-paid applicants—those in Level 3 and Level 4 wage brackets—over lower-paid applicants in Levels 1 and 2. If implemented, this reform would disproportionately disadvantage recent graduates and early-career professionals, many of whom fall into the lower wage levels. The plan aligns with Trump’s broader strategy of favoring “higher-value” immigration while discouraging entry-level foreign workers.

Introduction of the “Golden Card” Initiative

Alongside structural changes to the H-1B program, Trump has floated a proposal for a so-called “Golden Card” initiative. This plan would offer U.S. residency and a pathway to citizenship for wealthy foreign investors who contribute $1 million to businesses or $800,000 to ventures in rural or economically distressed areas. Reports suggest that the program has attracted as many as 250,000 applicants, potentially bringing in up to $1.25 trillion in investment—a move that reflects Trump''s preference for high-capital immigration models over labor-driven ones.

Conclusion

The H-1B visa debate in 2025 is emblematic of deeper ideological divides in U.S. immigration policy, pitting nationalist concerns over job protection and wage fairness against economic arguments for global talent mobility. While Trump and his allies seek to reshape the program to prioritize higher wages and capital investment, critics warn that such changes risk undermining America''s ability to attract and retain the world’s best talent—especially from countries like India, which continues to supply the majority of skilled applicants under the program.

US Tariffs on Indian Exports: Challenges and Emerging Opportunities

Introduction

India is currently grappling with a major external trade disruption following the United States'' decision to impose steep 50% tariffs on a range of Indian exports, effective from August 27. These tariffs have struck critical sectors such as textiles, gems and jewellery, furniture, shrimps, and carpets—industries known for being labour-intensive and operating on narrow margins. This development comes at a time when India''s export economy has grown increasingly reliant on the American market, which has served as India’s largest trading partner for four consecutive years. The sudden tariff hike has reignited debates surrounding India''s export dependency, its limited diversification, the urgency of trade policy reform, and the strategic importance of joining multilateral trade agreements.

Impact of the Tariff Hike on Indian Exports

·       The imposition of a 50% tariff has rendered many Indian products uncompetitive in the US market, particularly goods from sectors that rely on low margins and high volumes. This has had an immediate and visible impact on exporters, especially small and medium enterprises located in manufacturing clusters such as Tirupur, Surat, and Noida. In these regions, production has already been halted by several units as demand from the US has plummeted and rising costs have eroded competitiveness.

·       Though the US-bound exports represent less than 2% of India’s total GDP, the employment implications are substantial. The affected sectors collectively employ millions and serve as a critical source of livelihood, especially in semi-urban and rural areas. Meanwhile, competitor nations including Bangladesh, Vietnam, and Cambodia—facing significantly lower US tariffs—are now well-positioned to capture the market share lost by Indian exporters.

India’s Export Dependency on the US Market

·       The latest tariffs have highlighted the vulnerabilities arising from India’s increasing dependence on a single export destination. In 2024, the US accounted for 18% of India’s total exports, a sharp rise from 11% in 2010. In contrast, China has methodically reduced its export reliance on the US over the same period, bringing the US share of its exports down from 20% to 14% by diversifying its export portfolio.

·       This concentration has inadvertently granted the United States considerable leverage over India''s trade dynamics. For many years, Indian exporters benefited from low average tariffs—around 4%—and minimal non-tariff restrictions in the American market. This relative ease of access fostered a sense of complacency in Indian trade policy, which in turn disincentivized aggressive efforts to explore new markets or engage in comprehensive multilateral trade negotiations.

Strategic Reassessment: Reform and Diversification Imperatives

·       In light of the current crisis, policymakers are being forced to revisit several long-standing policy gaps. There is now a renewed urgency to reduce India’s over-reliance on the US by expanding trade ties with under-tapped regions such as Latin America, Africa, and Southeast Asia. Additionally, serious attention is being given to the possibility of joining multilateral frameworks like the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). Member countries such as Japan, Australia, and various ASEAN nations have already expressed support for India’s inclusion, which could offer new avenues for market access and supply chain integration.

·       Simultaneously, India must rethink its bilateral trade relationship with the US. While the United States often cites a goods trade deficit with India, a broader view of the economic relationship reveals a different picture. When services such as digital exports, education, financial services, intellectual property royalties, and defence transactions are factored in, the US actually runs an overall surplus of around $40 billion with India. This broader perspective may provide New Delhi with leverage to recalibrate ongoing trade negotiations.

Short-Term Domestic Responses

In response to the immediate fallout, exporters have urged the government to support domestic demand through large institutional buyers like Indian Railways and various public sector undertakings. Such procurement could temporarily offset the decline in exports and keep production units running. Meanwhile, the Indian government is considering a relief package that includes provisions for cheaper credit to affected exporters. However, the actual effectiveness of these measures remains uncertain, particularly in the absence of clarity about the duration and permanence of the US tariffs.

Emerging Opportunities and Positive Outcomes

·       While the tariffs pose a clear short-term challenge, they also present an opportunity for long-overdue structural reforms in India’s trade policy. The pressure could drive India to reduce import tariffs on intermediate goods, thereby enhancing the competitiveness of domestic manufacturing.

·       India is now in a better position to negotiate multilateral trade agreements than it was during the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) talks. Policymakers have demonstrated a greater willingness to adopt a “structured and balanced” approach to market access, potentially strengthening India’s standing in future trade negotiations.

·       Furthermore, the increased unpredictability of the US market is likely to prompt India to accelerate diversification efforts, not only geographically but also in terms of product and service categories. This may include deeper engagement with European, African, and Latin American markets, as well as expanded investments in high-value manufacturing and digital services. In the long term, these shifts could help India build a more resilient and globally integrated export economy.

Discovery of an Exceptionally Rare Quadruple Star System in the Milky Way: Brown Dwarfs Orbiting Red Dwarfs

·       In a groundbreaking discovery, an international team of astronomers has identified a rare quadruple star system within our Milky Way galaxy. Designated UPM J1040−3551 AabBab, the system features two cold brown dwarfs orbiting a pair of young red dwarf stars—an arrangement never previously observed. The study detailing this unusual celestial structure appears in the September issue of the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society.

·       Researchers highlight the significance of this finding, emphasizing that it offers a new window into the nature of brown dwarfs—objects that remain difficult to observe and poorly understood. This configuration allows scientists to refine existing models of stellar formation and evolution, particularly as they relate to these elusive substellar bodies.

Red Dwarf Stars in Their Youth

·       Red dwarfs, the most prevalent type of stars in the Milky Way, are small and relatively cool, especially during the early stages of their extraordinarily long life cycles. These stars are characterized by intense magnetic activity, which results in powerful ultraviolet radiation and energetic superflares. Such radiation can severely impact the atmospheres of surrounding planets, potentially stripping them of essential components for life.

·       With surface temperatures ranging between approximately 2,500°C and 4,000°C, red dwarfs are cooler and smaller than our Sun. However, they possess remarkable longevity, as they burn their hydrogen fuel very slowly. This trait enables them to persist for tens to hundreds of billions of years—far outliving solar-type stars.

·       When red dwarfs are young, they tend to be especially active, frequently releasing intense bursts of stellar radiation. Studying these youthful phases not only advances understanding of stellar development but also provides insights into the habitability of orbiting exoplanets. The proximity of Proxima Centauri, our Sun’s nearest stellar neighbor and itself a red dwarf, further underscores the abundance and significance of these stars in our galactic neighborhood.

Brown Dwarfs: Bridging the Gap Between Stars and Planets

·       Brown dwarfs are often referred to as “failed stars” because, although they form in a manner similar to stars—through the gravitational collapse of gas and dust—they do not possess sufficient mass to ignite sustained hydrogen fusion. As a result, brown dwarfs remain dim and relatively cool throughout their lifespans.

·       Despite their faintness, they exhibit characteristics akin to gas giants like Jupiter and Saturn. Their atmospheres frequently contain molecules such as water vapor, and their mass can reach up to 70 times that of Jupiter. Brown dwarfs occupy an important transitional category between planets and stars, offering a vital link in understanding the full spectrum of celestial objects.

Challenges in Detecting Brown Dwarfs

·       Brown dwarfs are notoriously difficult to observe directly due to their low temperature and dim luminosity. Consequently, astronomers often detect and study them in systems where they orbit brighter stars. Since both the brown dwarf and its companion star generally originate from the same material and form simultaneously, examining the brighter object enables scientists to infer details about the brown dwarf’s age, temperature, and chemical composition.

·       The newly discovered system, UPM J1040−3551 AabBab, is remarkable because it contains two T-type brown dwarfs—both approximately the size of Jupiter—orbiting two young red dwarf stars. This configuration is extraordinarily rare. Statistically, the likelihood of a low-mass brown dwarf having even a single companion is estimated to be less than 5%. The presence of two such objects within a single system presents a unique and valuable case for further study, offering unprecedented opportunities to explore the properties and formation pathways of brown dwarfs.

Scientific Value of Studying Brown Dwarfs

·       Brown dwarfs serve as a crucial subject of inquiry in astrophysics due to their intermediary status between stars and planets. Understanding their formation and physical characteristics helps bridge gaps in knowledge regarding both stellar and planetary development.

·       Moreover, charting the frequency and distribution of brown dwarfs contributes to broader cosmic research, particularly in relation to the universe’s mass composition. Because a significant portion of the universe’s mass remains invisible—attributed to phenomena like dark matter—studying brown dwarfs may offer indirect insights into this elusive component of the cosmos. Their study not only enhances understanding of substellar objects but also supports efforts to address some of astronomy’s most fundamental questions.

India’s GST Journey (2017–2025): From Implementation to Next-Generation Reforms

Context:

The Indian government has announced that “next-generation GST reforms” will be introduced by Diwali 2025. These reforms aim to simplify the tax structure, reduce the burden on households, and ease compliance obligations for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

Understanding GST and Its Structure

The Goods and Services Tax (GST), launched on 1st July 2017 via the 101st Constitutional Amendment, marked a fundamental shift in India’s indirect taxation system. It is a destination-based tax that replaced a web of central and state taxes such as excise duty, VAT, service tax, entry tax, and luxury tax. GST operates under a dual structure:

• CGST (Central GST)
• SGST (State GST)
• IGST (Integrated GST) for interstate transactions

The GST Council, constituted under Article 279A, serves as the central body for decision-making, ensuring cooperative federalism between the Centre and the states.

Timeline: Evolution of GST from 2017 to 2025

• 2017 – Introduction: GST was implemented with seven tax slabs—0.25%, 3%, 5%, 12%, 18%, 28%, and an additional cess on luxury/sin goods. A five-year compensation scheme assured states a 14% annual revenue growth.
• 2017 to 2019: GST Council reduced rates on over 200 items. Fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) and restaurant services were moved to lower slabs to reduce the cost burden on consumers.
• 2020 to 2022: Compliance improved through e-way bills, e-invoicing, and data analytics. However, the compensation scheme for states ended in June 2022, creating fiscal uncertainty and stress in state finances.
• 2023 to 2024: A Group of Ministers (GoM) on rate rationalisation was formed. Discussions gained momentum around simplifying the slab structure to make GST more efficient and predictable.
• 2025 – Proposed Reforms: The government plans to introduce a four-slab structure—a special rate below 1% for select items, 5% for essentials, 18% as a standard rate, and 40% for luxury and sin goods. The emphasis will be on reducing the tax burden on daily-use items and simplifying compliance for businesses.

Objectives and Rationale Behind GST

GST was introduced to address key inefficiencies in India’s indirect tax system:

• Simplification: It replaced multiple overlapping taxes with a single, streamlined tax structure, making compliance more straightforward for businesses.
• Avoiding Cascading: By enabling seamless input tax credit, GST prevents the “tax on tax” problem, effectively lowering production costs.
• National Market Efficiency: It removed trade barriers across state borders, thus integrating the national market and enhancing business competitiveness.
• Digital Governance: Tools like online return filing, e-way bills, and e-invoicing have improved tax transparency, reduced corruption, and increased accountability.
• Fairness in Tax Sharing: Since GST is consumption-based, states with higher consumption levels contribute more, promoting equity in revenue distribution.

Key Achievements of GST

• Robust Revenue Collection: GST has emerged as a strong revenue source, with average monthly collections reaching ₹1.84 lakh crore in FY2025.
• Seamless Market Integration: The removal of interstate check-posts has significantly reduced transportation delays and logistics costs.
• Greater Transparency: With digital tools such as e-invoicing and analytics, authorities have curbed fraudulent billing and improved tax compliance.
• Consumer Benefits: Rates on many household essentials were lowered, reducing the effective tax burden on consumers.
• Cooperative Federalism in Action: The functioning of the GST Council has demonstrated effective Centre-State collaboration in policymaking.

Persistent Challenges

Despite its many successes, GST faces several structural and operational hurdles:

• Complex Rate Structure: Too many slabs and frequent revisions create confusion and disputes among taxpayers and businesses.
• Fiscal Pressure on States: The end of the five-year compensation mechanism has left many states financially vulnerable, leading to demands for a new revenue-sharing framework.
• MSME Compliance Burden: Small and medium enterprises struggle with complex return filings, refund delays, and ambiguity in goods classification.
• Sectoral Exclusions: Major sectors like petroleum and alcohol remain outside the GST regime, perpetuating cascading taxes and inefficiencies.
• Declining Effective Tax Rate: As exemptions and rate cuts increased, the average effective tax rate has declined, raising concerns about the sustainability of revenue in the long run.

Way Forward: The Reform Agenda Ahead

• Slab Rationalisation: Reducing the number of tax slabs will make the system more predictable, user-friendly, and efficient for businesses.
• Widening the Tax Base: Including petroleum products and alcohol in the GST framework could increase revenues and eliminate double taxation in those sectors.
• Protecting State Revenues: A new stabilisation fund is essential to safeguard state finances and sustain trust in the federal structure.
• Simplifying Compliance for MSMEs: Streamlined filing processes, faster refund mechanisms, and reduced litigation will enhance ease of doing business.
• Ensuring Tax Equity: Essential items must continue to attract lower taxes, while luxury and sin goods should face higher rates, promoting social fairness.
• Leveraging Technology: Integrating AI and advanced data analytics can improve tax collection, detect evasion, and make compliance more adaptive and intelligent.

Conclusion

India’s GST journey from 2017 to 2025 captures a transformative overhaul of the indirect tax landscape, creating a unified market, boosting transparency, and simplifying taxation to a large extent. However, unresolved issues such as excessive complexity, state revenue concerns, and compliance burdens—especially for MSMEs—continue to pose challenges. The upcoming reforms offer a critical opportunity to address these structural bottlenecks and evolve GST into a more efficient, equitable, and future-ready tax system.

Regulating Coal Operations: Environmental and Social Impacts through the Lens of the NGT

A new report titled “Regulating Coal Operations: Environmental and Social Impacts through the Lens of the NGT” was released on 26 August 2025 in New Delhi. It emphasizes that coal will continue to be central to India’s energy landscape for the foreseeable future, which will inevitably lead to significant environmental and health challenges. To address these issues meaningfully, the report stresses the importance of involving local communities and mandating health impact assessments in coal-rich regions.

India’s Continued Reliance on Coal

India’s dependence on coal is deeply rooted in its energy security strategy, industrial needs, and socio-economic fabric.

1. Energy Security: Coal accounts for over 70% of India’s power generation capacity (2022–23). With domestic reserves estimated at nearly 350 billion tonnes, coal ensures a level of energy autonomy that oil and gas imports do not provide.
2. Industrial Dependence: Thermal power underpins key industries such as steel, cement, aluminium, fertilisers, and railways. Its cost-efficiency helps maintain industrial competitiveness amid global energy price volatility.
3. Infrastructure Lock-In and Affordability: Coal-fired power plants are relatively cheaper to construct and operate for extended durations. The vast existing infrastructure—including rail networks, coal-handling systems, and state-run utilities—creates a path-dependent reliance on coal.
4. Employment and Political Economy: Coal mining provides direct and indirect employment to millions in states like Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and West Bengal. Abrupt withdrawal is politically and economically challenging, given the sector’s entrenchment in local livelihoods.
5. Limitations of Renewable Energy: While solar and wind energy are expanding, they struggle with grid integration, energy storage, and consistent supply. Coal remains the country’s dependable baseload power source.
6. Barriers to Transition: The absence of sufficient financing, lagging technology transfer, and the lack of comprehensive adaptation plans for affected workers and communities constrain the speed of India’s shift to cleaner energy.

Environmental and Health Consequences

The environmental and health toll of coal operations is both severe and widespread:

• Air Pollution: PM10 levels in areas like Jharia and Ennore are five times higher than permissible limits, endangering public health.
• Water Pollution: Fly ash leakage contaminates rivers and degrades soil quality, impacting agriculture and ecosystems.
• Biodiversity Degradation: Large-scale mining disrupts forest cover and wildlife corridors, threatening ecological balance.
• Public Health Hazards: Long-term exposure to fly ash and heavy metals has led to rising cases of silicosis, respiratory issues, and neurological disorders.
• Livelihood Disruptions: Farming, fishing, and cattle grazing are heavily affected, triggering poverty cycles and migration from coal regions.

Governance and Regulatory Shortcomings

Despite regulatory frameworks, implementation remains weak and inconsistent:

• Lax Enforcement: Plants like the one in Ennore have been found manipulating emissions data, reflecting systemic oversight failure.
• Unreliable Compensation: Farmers in areas such as Mejia and Chandrapur have faced delayed or inadequate financial settlements for damages.
• Exclusion of Forest Rights: Indigenous communities and forest dwellers are often left out of the consent process under the Forest Rights Act (2006).
• Limited Community Role: Local populations are rarely represented in environmental oversight and decision-making forums, reducing transparency and accountability.

Key Recommendations from the Report

The report proposes a set of interventions to reform coal governance and ensure more equitable outcomes:

1. Integrate Health Impact Assessments (HIAs) into Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) for all coal-related projects.
2. Strengthen Community Participation by forming local monitoring committees comprising villagers, NGOs, and subject experts to oversee project implementation and ecological restoration.
3. Implement Continuous Environmental Monitoring through independent audits that track air, water, soil, and health indicators.
4. Initiate Mission-Mode Restoration by mandating both the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) and state governments to prioritise clean-up and rehabilitation.
5. Adopt a Just Transition Strategy that incorporates livelihood diversification, skill development, and social safety nets for workers and communities reliant on coal.

The Path Forward

In order to manage the shift away from coal without sacrificing energy security or social stability, the following steps are critical:

1. Diversify the Energy Portfolio by scaling up solar, offshore wind, and green hydrogen production to reduce the economy’s baseload dependence on coal.
2. Create a Just Transition Fund dedicated to supporting displaced coal workers and facilitating alternative livelihood options in affected regions.
3. Institutionalise Health-Centric Planning by embedding health impact assessments within environmental clearance processes.
4. Enhance Accountability Mechanisms by empowering bodies like the National Green Tribunal (NGT) and Pollution Control Boards with greater authority and community oversight roles.
5. Promote Circular Use of Coal Waste by encouraging fly ash repurposing in industries such as cement production, brick-making, and infrastructure development.
6. Tap into Global Climate Finance by leveraging platforms such as the G-20, the Green Climate Fund, and Just Energy Transition Partnerships (JETP) to secure financial support for India’s decarbonisation journey.

Conclusion

Coal is set to remain a foundational element of India’s energy framework for decades to come. However, without robust regulatory enforcement, meaningful community involvement, and a carefully designed just transition, the environmental and human costs of continued coal dependence may soon outweigh its economic advantages. The report concludes that India must urgently develop a strategy that balances energy security with social justice and climate responsibility, ensuring that the shift away from coal is both inclusive and sustainable.

Shadow Schooling in India: Rising Trends and Educational Implications

Context:

A recent report from the Comprehensive Modular Survey (CMS) on education has revealed that 33% of school students in India now attend private coaching classes in addition to formal schooling. This rising trend points to an increasing reliance on what is commonly referred to as “shadow schooling.”

What Is Shadow Schooling?

• Shadow schooling refers to the growing practice where students supplement their regular school education with private tutoring or coaching conducted outside the formal educational system.
• It is termed “shadow” because it closely follows or mirrors the content and structure of school subjects, but is delivered privately—often at a cost.
• Unlike informal help or remedial support, shadow schooling has evolved into a structured, parallel system that thrives particularly in contexts marked by academic competition, uneven school quality, and aspirational pressure from families.

Key Characteristics of Shadow Schooling

• It functions alongside formal schooling, not as a replacement but as a parallel system that reinforces the same curriculum.
• Students often turn to private coaching for individualised attention, exam preparation, concept clarity, and strategy-based learning, particularly in high-stakes subjects like mathematics, science, and languages.
• The demand for shadow education is largely driven by competitive entrance exams (like JEE, NEET), parental expectations, and perceived inadequacies in school-based instruction.
• Though not formally recognised in education policy frameworks, the shadow education sector wields significant influence over learning outcomes, especially in urban and upwardly mobile households.

Insights from the 2025 CMS Report

The CMS data offers a comprehensive picture of the scale and social geography of shadow schooling in India:

• National Prevalence: On average, 27% of school-going children across the country attend private coaching. This share rises to 30.7% in urban areas and is slightly lower in rural regions at 25.5%.
• Spending Disparities: Urban families, on average, spend ₹3,988 annually per child, while rural families spend ₹1,793, reflecting both income inequality and access to coaching centres.
• Higher Secondary Focus: The financial burden grows substantially for students in higher secondary grades, where urban households spend around ₹9,950 per student, nearly double the rural expenditure of ₹4,548. This sharp rise coincides with the preparation phase for entrance exams and board assessments.
• Age-Wise Growth in Expenses: Coaching expenditure increases consistently with age and grade level—from just ₹525 at the pre-primary level to ₹6,384 in higher secondary. This trend underscores how private tutoring becomes more entrenched as academic stakes rise.
• Sources of Funding: A staggering 95% of students rely on household funds to pay for private coaching. Only 1.2% benefit from government scholarships, highlighting a limited public intervention in regulating or supporting this sector.

Implications for Education Equity and Policy

The rise of shadow schooling raises several important questions for India''s education system:

• Equity Concerns: As access to coaching becomes tied to family income, educational inequalities are likely to widen, especially between urban and rural students or between rich and poor households.
• Pressure on Students: The dual burden of school and private tuition may contribute to academic stress, especially among adolescents navigating exam-centric learning environments.
• Accountability of Formal Schools: The growing dependence on external coaching reflects a lack of trust in school systems, especially in terms of teaching quality, student engagement, and exam readiness. This can lead to underinvestment in classroom learning and reduce schools to certificate-issuing institutions.
• Policy Blind Spot: Despite its scale, the shadow education sector remains under-regulated. The absence of clear guidelines, quality checks, or affordability controls raises concerns about exploitation and commercialisation of education.

Conclusion

Shadow schooling has emerged as a powerful force in Indian education, reshaping how students learn and how families invest in academic success. The 2025 CMS report confirms that private coaching is no longer a supplementary option for a few but a structural element in the learning journey of one-third of India’s school students. While it may bridge short-term gaps in formal education, the unchecked growth of shadow education also risks deepening inequality, undermining schools, and excluding students who cannot afford to participate. Going forward, policymakers must address this parallel system with targeted regulation, improved school quality, and more inclusive support mechanisms to ensure that educational opportunities remain equitable, accessible, and effective for all.

Export Promotion Mission: Strengthening India’s Export Ecosystem

·       The Government of India is considering a comprehensive support package amounting to approximately ₹25,000 crore under the Export Promotion Mission, an initiative announced in the Union Budget 2025–26. This support is planned to be extended over a six-year period from FY 2025 to FY 2031, with the objective of fostering broad-based, inclusive, and sustainable growth in India’s export sector.

·       The mission is a flagship policy effort aiming to transcend conventional export mechanisms by identifying and resolving core challenges faced by Indian exporters, particularly Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). The initiative is a coordinated effort involving the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the Ministry of MSMEs, and the Ministry of Finance, with the Department of Commerce serving as the lead agency.

·       The mission focuses on enhancing export competitiveness through improved access to credit, promotion of cross-border factoring, and assisting exporters in navigating non-tariff barriers in international markets.

·       The implementation of the mission is envisioned through two sub-schemes: Niryat Protsahan, with an outlay exceeding ₹10,000 crore, and Niryat Disha, proposed to be allocated over ₹14,500 crore.

Under the Niryat Protsahan scheme, key components under consideration include:

• Interest equalisation support of more than ₹5,000 crore across the six financial years,
• Backing for alternative trade finance instruments,
• Introduction of a credit card facility specifically for e-commerce exporters,
• Other innovative mechanisms designed to address liquidity constraints that hamper exporters’ operations.

Meanwhile, the Niryat Disha scheme proposes a multi-pronged approach to tackle structural inefficiencies in export processes. It includes:

• Support for export quality compliance worth approximately ₹4,000 crore,
• Investment in overseas market development initiatives exceeding ₹4,000 crore,
• Promotion of branding, development of export warehousing and logistics infrastructure, and
• Capacity building programs aimed at integrating a greater number of Indian enterprises into global value chains.

Annual Survey of Industries (ASI) 2023–24: Key Insights and Industrial Trends

·       The Annual Survey of Industries (ASI) for the financial year 2023–24 has been officially released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI). The primary objective of the survey is to deliver comprehensive insights into the evolution, structure, and growth patterns of India’s manufacturing sector, focusing on crucial metrics such as output, value addition, employment generation, and capital formation.

·       The ASI is an annual exercise conducted under the provisions of the Collection of Statistics (Amendment) Act, 2017. It encompasses a wide range of industrial units, including factories registered under the Factories Act, 1948, as well as bidi and cigar units governed by the Bidi and Cigar Workers (Conditions of Employment) Act, 1966. It also includes electricity undertakings that are not registered with the Central Electricity Authority (CEA). However, certain sectors are excluded from the scope of the survey, such as defence establishments, oil storage and distribution depots, and departmental units like railway workshops and gas storage facilities. The ASI results are compiled and reported at both the state level and by major industrial categories.

·       Among the major findings of the 2023–24 survey, the top five industrial sectors in terms of Gross Value Added (GVA) were identified as Basic Metals, Motor Vehicles, Chemical and Chemical Products, Food Products, and Pharmaceutical Products. In terms of employment contribution, the leading five states were Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Karnataka. The survey reported an 11.89% year-on-year increase in Gross Value Added, reflecting significant growth in manufacturing productivity. Additionally, industrial output expanded by more than 5.80%, indicating a robust post-pandemic recovery in the sector. The average emoluments per person engaged also witnessed a rise of 5.6% compared to 2022–23, demonstrating improved wage levels across the formal manufacturing sector.

·       The survey employs specific economic definitions and indicators to assess industrial performance. Gross Value Added (GVA) refers to the net additional value generated during the production process and is calculated by subtracting total input value from total output. Net Value Added (NVA) is derived by further deducting depreciation from GVA. Another crucial metric is Fixed Capital, which represents the depreciated value of fixed assets owned by the industrial unit as of the final day of the accounting year. This is distinct from working capital, which is primarily used for day-to-day operational expenses, whereas fixed capital is invested in long-term assets like buildings, machinery, and land.

Punatsangchhu-II Hydroelectric Project: India-Bhutan Cooperation Milestone

·       The 1,020 MW Punatsangchhu-II Hydroelectric Project in Bhutan has been successfully completed with the synchronisation of its sixth and final unit (170 MW) to the national power grid, as confirmed by the Indian Embassy in Thimphu.

·       Located in the Wangdue Phodrang district, this run-of-the-river hydroelectric facility is situated along the right bank of the Punatsangchhu River. It is developed under the Punatsangchhu-II Hydroelectric Project Authority through an Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) between the Royal Government of Bhutan and the Government of India (GoI).

·       The project is financially supported by India through a funding model comprising 30% grant and 70% loan, the latter carrying an annual interest of 10%, to be repaid in 30 equated semi-annual instalments beginning a year after the project’s mean operational date.

·       With its successful completion, Bhutan’s installed power generation capacity has increased by around 40%, pushing the total to more than 3,500 MW.

·       The project features a 91-metre-high and 223.8-metre-long concrete gravity dam, supported by an 877.46-metre-long diversion tunnel with a diameter of 12 metres and discharge capacity of 1,118 cubic metres per second. It includes an upper cofferdam measuring 168.75 metres long and 22 metres high, and a downstream cofferdam of 102.02 metres in length and 13.5 metres in height.

·       Seven sluice gates, each 8 metres wide and 13.20 metres high, regulate water flow through the dam. The project houses an underground powerhouse measuring 240.7 metres in length, 23 metres in width, and 51 metres in height, equipped with six Francis turbines, each rated at 170 MW. These turbines operate under a water head of approximately 236 metres, contributing to the plant’s high efficiency.

Gorumara National Park: Rhino Population Sees Positive Growth

·       Located in the Jalpaiguri district of West Bengal, Gorumara National Park has witnessed a rise in the population of the one-horned rhinoceros, marked by the recent birth of two calves. This development is viewed as a significant milestone for conservation in the region.

·       The park, declared a national park in 1992, spans around 79.45 square kilometres and lies along the banks of the Murti and Raidak rivers in the Terai region of the Dooars, at the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas. It is distinguished by its rich biodiversity, hosting a range of endangered and rare species, especially the greater one-horned rhinoceros.

·       The flora of Gorumara includes dense Sal forests, along with Common Teak, Rain Trees (Shirish/Albizia lebbeck), and Silk Cotton trees (Shimul/Bombax malabaricum). The region is also characterised by bamboo groves, Terai grasslands, tropical riverine vegetation, and an abundance of tropical orchids.

·       Its diverse fauna comprises Indian rhinoceroses, Asian elephants, Indian bison, leopards, sambar deer, barking deer, spotted deer, wild boars, and numerous bird species, including peafowl, red junglefowl, and the Indian hornbill.

Greater One-Horned Rhinoceros: A Conservation Priority

·       Known scientifically as Rhinoceros unicornis, the greater one-horned rhino, also referred to as the Indian rhinoceros, is the largest of the three Asian rhino species, and, alongside the African white rhino, one of the largest rhinos globally.

·       This species is primarily found in India and Nepal, especially in the foothills of the Himalayas. Historically, they roamed across the Brahmaputra, Ganges, and Indus River valleys. Today, Kaziranga National Park in Assam supports the world’s largest population, with over 2,400 individuals.

·       Their habitats are typically semi-aquatic, preferring swamps, riverbanks, forests, and areas near mineral-rich licks. These animals are predominantly solitary except during mating or when females are raising calves. Males maintain loosely defined territories.

·       The male rhino can weigh up to 2,200 kg and stands 170 to 186 cm tall, with a body length of around 368 to 380 cm. Its single black horn, measuring 8 to 25 inches, and distinctive grey-brown skin with deep folds, give it an armour-plated appearance. Its diet consists mainly of grasses, though it also consumes leaves, fruits, twigs, and aquatic vegetation.

·       Currently, the greater one-horned rhinoceros is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, although ongoing conservation efforts in India and Nepal have led to steady population recovery.

Gangotri Glacier: New Study Reveals 10% Snowmelt Flow Loss Over Four Decades

·       A collaborative research study conducted by IIT Indore, ICIMOD (Nepal), and researchers from the United States has revealed a 10% decline in snowmelt flow from the Gangotri Glacier system between 1980 and 2020, pointing to significant climate-induced changes in the region.

·       The Gangotri Glacier, the largest glacier in the Garhwal Himalayas, serves as the origin of the Bhagirathi River, one of the main headstreams of the Ganga. Spanning approximately 30 kilometers in length and covering about 143 square kilometers, the glacier is of immense religious significance in Hinduism. Its snout, located at Gaumukh cave, is revered as the spiritual source of the Ganga.

·       Geographically, the glacier lies in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, within the boundaries of Gangotri National Park. It is situated in the central Himalaya, surrounded by prominent peaks such as Shivling, Thalay Sagar, Meru, and the Bhagirathi group.

·       The glacier is primarily fed by a combination of snowmelt, glacial melt, rainfall-runoff, and base flow, and contributes nearly 25% of the Ganga’s water during non-monsoon months. Analysis of its flow composition between 1980 and 2020 shows that snowmelt accounted for 64%, glacial melt for 21%, rainfall-runoff for 11%, and base flow for 4%.

·       The impact of climate change is clearly visible. The snowmelt share has declined from 73% (1980–90) to 63% (2010–20). Concurrently, a 0.5°C rise in temperature was recorded in the period 2001–2020 compared to 1980–2000. These shifts have led to an earlier onset of peak flow, which has moved from August to July, indicating a faster summer melt. Additionally, rainfall-runoff and base flow have gained prominence, highlighting changes in the glacier’s hydrological behavior due to warming. The snout of the glacier is also retreating, a finding consistent with broader Himalayan studies that report an average annual loss of 46 cm in glacier thickness.

·       The glacier holds tremendous strategic significance. It is a crucial water source for millions dependent on the Ganga basin. Changes in its seasonal water discharge can affect hydropower generation, especially during lean periods. Additionally, the glacier’s altered flow regime poses a threat to irrigation in downstream agricultural regions. Beyond its utilitarian role, the Gangotri Glacier remains a deeply sacred site, reinforcing its cultural and ecological value.

Pong Dam: Rising Water Level Breaches Danger Mark

·       Recently, the water level at Pong Dam—also known as the Beas Dam—surpassed the danger mark, prompting heightened attention to the reservoir’s status. Situated in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh, the dam is an earth-fill embankment structure built across the Beas River, nestled within the wetlands of the Shivalik Hills.

·       The construction of Pong Dam began in 1961 and concluded in 1974, and it was once recognised as the tallest dam of its kind in India. Its primary objectives include hydroelectric power generation and irrigation water storage.

·       The formation of the dam led to the creation of a massive artificial lake named Maharana Pratap Sagar, in honour of the famed ruler of Mewar. Over time, this reservoir evolved into a haven for migratory birds and was declared a bird sanctuary in 1983, followed by its inclusion in the list of Ramsar Wetlands of International Importance in 2002.

·       Maharana Pratap Sagar now serves as an important site for avifauna, attracting diverse species such as Bar-headed Geese, Red-necked Grebe, northern lapwing, common teal, spot-billed duck, Eurasian coot, black stork, egrets, and many others. Beyond its ecological value, it also functions as the most crucial fish reservoir in the Himalayan foothills of Himachal Pradesh.

·       In terms of structural specifications, the Pong Dam stands 133 metres tall and extends 1,951 metres in length. Built using gravel with an earthen fill, its crest has a width of 13.72 metres, positioned at an elevation of 435.86 metres above sea level. The dam''s base spans roughly 610 metres in width and encompasses a total volume of approximately 35.5 million cubic metres.

Glanders: Revised National Action Plan Released

·       The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD) under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying has recently issued a Revised National Action Plan addressing the management and control of Glanders, a zoonotic disease of serious concern.

·       Glanders is caused by the bacterium Burkholderia mallei and primarily affects equines—namely horses, mules, and donkeys—though it can also pose a threat to other animal species and even humans. The infection is typically contracted through ingestion of food or water contaminated with nasal discharges from infected animals, contact with contaminated harnesses, or in rare cases, the consumption of infected horse meat.

·       Clinical signs in animals include ulcerations and nodules in the respiratory tract and lungs. In some cases, a cutaneous manifestation called "farcy" develops. Glanders can be categorised into nasal, pulmonary, and cutaneous forms depending on the primary site of infection.

·       Although it is now considered rare in many parts of the world, glanders still appears sporadically across regions in Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and South America.

·       It is listed as a notifiable disease under the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) and must be reported as per the WOAH Terrestrial Animal Health Code. In India, glanders is notifiable under the Prevention and Control of Infectious and Contagious Diseases in Animals (PCICDA) Act, 2009, reinforcing the government’s legal obligation to monitor and respond to outbreaks.

Guillain-Barré Syndrome: Rising Cases Reported in Gaza

·       A recent surge in cases of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) has been reported in Gaza, drawing attention to this rare but potentially life-altering autoimmune condition that, in severe instances, may result in complete body paralysis.

·       Guillain-Barré Syndrome is a neurological disorder in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the peripheral nervous system, which lies outside the brain and spinal cord. This system is vital for controlling muscle movements, processing sensations such as temperature and touch, and transmitting pain signals. Medically, it is also known as acute inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (AIDP).

·       The syndrome can affect individuals of any age but is most commonly diagnosed in those aged between 30 and 50 years. Although the precise cause is not fully understood, GBS is often observed following viral or bacterial infections, vaccinations, or major surgeries. During these events, the immune system becomes excessively active and can mistakenly target healthy nerve tissue.

·       Symptoms usually begin with a fever of unknown origin, followed by increasing muscle weakness and other nervous system disturbances. The condition can intensify within hours, days, or weeks, sometimes rendering muscles completely immobile. While some individuals experience only mild, short-term weakness, others may face severe paralysis, losing the ability to breathe unaided.

·       There is currently no cure for Guillain-Barré Syndrome, but various treatments can help manage symptoms and potentially accelerate recovery. Although some cases can be fatal, the majority of patients recover fully, though the process may extend over several years. Most individuals regain the ability to walk within six months of the onset of symptoms.

India Launches National Biofoundry Network to Boost Indigenous Biomanufacturing

·       In a landmark move aimed at accelerating India’s bioeconomy, the country has launched its first National Biofoundry Network under the BioE3 Policy. This initiative represents a major step toward achieving India’s projected $300 billion bioeconomy target by 2030, by advancing homegrown biomanufacturing capabilities.

·       The National Biofoundry Network serves as a nationwide collaborative platform comprising six leading institutions, all united with the purpose of translating advanced biotechnology research into market-ready solutions. Functioning as a comprehensive ecosystem, it supports innovation in areas such as synthetic biology, biomanufacturing, and product prototyping. The network was formally established in 2025, and was launched by Union Minister of Science & Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh.

·       The initiative is spearheaded by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) under the Ministry of Science & Technology. Its core objectives are multifaceted: to enhance indigenous manufacturing in the biotech sector, implement the BioE3 goals (economy, environment, and employment), bridge the gap between research and commercialization, foster innovation among youth and start-ups, and ultimately position India as a global leader in sustainable biotechnology.

·       A standout feature of the network is its integrated structure, wherein the six collaborating institutions function cohesively as one national platform. The system offers end-to-end facilities for the entire product development cycle—covering design, prototyping, testing, and scaling up of biotechnology solutions. It concentrates on advanced domains such as gene editing, climate-smart agriculture, and green biotechnology.

·       The National Biofoundry Network is linked with the BioE3 Challenge, which provides funding support for youth-led biotech innovations. In addition, it maintains global linkages by collaborating with international biofoundry networks, encouraging knowledge exchange and global best practices. The project is expected to generate new employment opportunities and contribute to start-up incubation, while also adhering to a sustainability framework that emphasizes climate resilience, waste minimization, and the development of a bio-based economy. Importantly, it operates as an open-access ecosystem, offering infrastructure to researchers, academic institutions, and industry stakeholders.

·       Complementing this, the BioE3 Challenge for Youth is a nation-wide initiative aimed at igniting scientific curiosity among young innovators. Themed “Design Microbes, Molecules & More”, it is open to school students (Classes 6–12), university students, researchers, start-ups, and Indian citizens. Each month, 10 winners are awarded a ₹1 lakh cash prize, while 100 selected innovators are eligible for funding up to ₹25 lakh through the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC). The challenge is framed around the DESIGN approach: Define needs, Evidence-first, Sustainability, Integration, Go-to-market, and Net-positive impact.

Matsya Shakti Project: Empowering Minority Fishing Communities

·       The Matsya Shakti Project, an initiative spearheaded by the Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, aims to empower minority fishing communities across India by equipping them with skills to improve their livelihoods and contribute to community development.

·       This project will be implemented by the Vizhinjam Regional Centre of the ICAR–Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) under the umbrella of the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare. It has been conceptualised as part of the Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan (PM VIKAS) scheme, which integrates skill development with heritage conservation.

·       The Matsya Shakti initiative will involve a year-long phased training programme, targeting members of minority fisherfolk families. The training will cover sustainable livelihood practices and the application of modern fisheries technologies. Key modules will include integrated aquaculture, seed production, and advanced fisheries management, aiming to foster long-term economic and ecological sustainability.

·       The PM VIKAS Scheme, under which Matsya Shakti operates, is a central sector initiative of the Ministry of Minority Affairs. It offers skill development, entrepreneurship support, and leadership training for minority and artisan communities. Over the 15th Finance Commission Cycle (2025–26), the scheme aims to benefit around nine lakh individuals.

·       Importantly, PM VIKAS consolidates five earlier schemes—Seekho aur Kamao, USTTAD, Hamari Dharohar, Nai Roshni, and Nai Manzil—streamlining their objectives and funding to provide financial support and enable deeper integration with missions such as Skill India. Furthermore, it aligns with other ministries including Women and Child Development, Panchayati Raj, Tourism, and Education to promote comprehensive development in minority-concentrated areas.

PM SVANidhi Scheme: Restructuring and Extension Approved

·       The Union Cabinet has recently approved a significant restructuring and extension of the Prime Minister Street Vendor’s AtmaNirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi) Scheme, allowing the lending period to continue beyond December 31, 2024.

·       Launched on June 1, 2020, the PM SVANidhi Scheme was designed as a support mechanism for street vendors who suffered economic setbacks due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The scheme is jointly implemented by the Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs (MoHUA) and the Department of Financial Services (DFS), with the latter responsible for ensuring access to loans and credit cards through financial institutions and their local branches.

·       Under the restructured scheme, its coverage is being expanded to include not just statutory towns but also census towns, peri-urban, and rural fringe areas. Loan amounts have been revised: the first tranche is now up to ₹15,000 (up from ₹10,000), the second tranche is up to ₹25,000 (previously ₹20,000), while the third tranche remains unchanged at ₹50,000.

·       To improve accessibility to funds, a UPI-linked RUPAY Credit Card will be introduced, enabling vendors to meet both business and personal financial needs. To boost digital adoption, cashback incentives of up to ₹1,600 will be offered for retail and wholesale digital transactions.

·       The scheme also emphasises capacity building by training vendors in entrepreneurship, financial literacy, digital transactions, and marketing strategies through convergent partnerships. In collaboration with FSSAI, standard training in food safety and hygiene will be provided for street food vendors.

·       The ‘SVANidhi se Samriddhi’ component is set to be further enhanced by hosting monthly Lok Kalyan Melas to deliver welfare benefits to vendors and their families. The overarching aim of the revamped scheme is to ensure inclusive financial access, business continuity, and socio-economic upliftment of India’s vast population of street vendors.

UMEED Portal: New Module Launched for Support to Vulnerable Women and Orphans

·       The Ministry of Minority Affairs has introduced a new module on the UMEED Portal, specifically designed to allow widows, divorced women, and orphans to apply for financial maintenance from Waqf-alal-aulad properties.

·       The UMEED Portal (Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency, and Development) is a centralised digital platform created for the streamlined registration and governance of Waqf properties across India. Managed by the Ministry of Minority Affairs in coordination with State Waqf Boards and judicial authorities, the portal aims to ensure transparency, efficiency, and beneficiary empowerment.

·       Key objectives of the portal include enforcing timely registration of all Waqf properties, resolving long-standing property disputes, and enabling policy-level decisions through real-time, geotagged data. If properties remain unregistered after the stipulated time, they are automatically flagged as disputed and referred to the Waqf Tribunal for resolution.

·       The new module brings several impactful features. Aadhaar-based authentication ensures proper beneficiary identification. The application and approval process is fully digital and overseen by respective State and Union Territory Waqf Boards. Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mechanisms ensure that approved beneficiaries receive support directly into their bank accounts, minimising delays and eliminating leakages.

·       Notably, the portal includes legal awareness tools, clearly outlining rights under the amended Waqf laws. While Waqf properties cannot be made in the name of women, the amended rules ensure eligibility of women, children, and economically weaker sections (EWS) as beneficiaries.

·       The legal framework is based on Rule 8(2) of the Unified Waqf Management Rules, 2025, and Section 3(r)(iv) of the Unified Waqf Management Act, 1995. The Waqf-alal-aulad endowments are specially created for the welfare of family members and other deserving individuals, with income used for maintaining widows, divorced women, and orphans.

Exercise Bright Star 2025: India’s Armed Forces Set to Participate

·       Personnel from the Indian Armed Forces and Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff are preparing to take part in Exercise Bright Star 2025, a significant multilateral military exercise hosted by Egypt in partnership with the United States.

·       This exercise, which began in 1980, has grown into one of the largest Tri-Service multilateral defence exercises in the region. It is conducted biennially, with the previous edition having taken place in 2023, where Indian troops also participated alongside several other nations.

·       The 2025 edition will feature a comprehensive range of military engagements, including live fire exercises involving the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force, designed to demonstrate each service’s operational capabilities. A Command Post Exercise is also planned to enhance inter-service planning, coordination, and decision-making processes.

·       Additional components will include short training exercises focused on various aspects of modern warfare, and subject matter expert interactions covering multiple domains of contemporary military operations.

·       India’s continued participation in Exercise Bright Star underscores its commitment to regional peace, security, and stability. It also reflects the country’s broader goal of enhancing interoperability, jointness, and cooperation with friendly foreign nations and strengthening ties through coordinated military engagement.

Chief of Defence Staff Releases Three Joint Doctrines to Promote Armed Forces Integration

·       In a major step towards enhancing inter-service jointness, integration, and theaterisation, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) has released three new joint doctrines for the Indian armed forces. These doctrines are intended to standardize procedures, improve operational coordination, and create a unified combat strategy across the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

·       The first doctrine, the Joint Doctrine for Special Forces (SF) Operations, aims to build a common understanding of terminology and procedures among the Army’s Para-SF, the Navy’s MARCOS, and the Air Force’s Garuds. It encourages joint training, minimizes duplication, and streamlines command and control structures across land, maritime, and air-based special operations.

·       The second, the Joint Doctrine for Airborne (AB) and Heliborne (HB) Operations, focuses on ensuring seamless coordination among the three services. It aims to bridge doctrinal gaps by standardizing planning and execution, and integrating modern aerial mobility tools, including unmanned systems, for rapid force deployment.

·       The third doctrine, the Joint Doctrine for Multi Domain Operations (MDO), is perhaps the most comprehensive. It envisions the deployment of military and non-military resources across six interconnected domains: Land, Sea, Air, Cyber, Space, and the Cognitive sphere. The doctrine promotes a “Whole-of-Nation Approach (WONA)”, calling for synergy between military and civilian agencies to achieve strategic political-military objectives.

·       The Chief of Defence Staff, who also serves as the Permanent Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee, acts as the principal military advisor to the Defence Minister on all matters concerning tri-service coordination.

Commonwealth Games 2030: India’s Bid Approved, Ahmedabad as Proposed Host City

·       In a significant development, the Union Cabinet has approved India’s official bid to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games, with Ahmedabad designated as the proposed host city. The move is part of India’s broader vision to promote sports and infrastructure and position Ahmedabad as a strong contender for the 2036 Olympic Games.

·       The Commonwealth Games are a global, multi-sport event held every four years, featuring athletes from the Commonwealth of Nations, which includes 72 member countries and territories. These games serve as a platform to promote friendship, cultural ties, and athletic excellence across diverse nations.

·       The event first took place in 1930 in Hamilton, Canada, under the name British Empire Games. It was later renamed the British Empire and Commonwealth Games in 1954, then the British Commonwealth Games in 1970, before finally adopting the title Commonwealth Games in 1978.

·       Over the years, the Games have featured a combination of Olympic-style sports and unique traditional sports such as lawn bowls, netball, and squash. A defining characteristic of the Commonwealth Games is the integration of para-sports events into the main sporting programme.

·       India first participated in the 1934 London Games, with Rashid Anwar securing the country’s first medal, a bronze in wrestling. Historic achievements followed, notably Milkha Singh’s gold in the 1958 Cardiff Games. The sports of wrestling, shooting, badminton, and weightlifting have since emerged as India’s strengths.

·       India’s most successful performance came during the 2010 Commonwealth Games hosted in New Delhi, where the nation won 101 medals, including 39 golds, finishing second overall. To date, India has amassed a total of 564 medals, comprising 203 golds.

·       Now aiming to host the 2030 edition, India has proposed to stage the event in Ahmedabad, leveraging premier venues such as the Narendra Modi Stadium and the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Sports Enclave. The bid includes plans to feature traditional Indian sports like kabaddi and kho-kho, alongside standard events, underscoring India''s commitment to showcasing its cultural and sporting legacy on a global stage.

WHO–UNICEF Report (2000–2024): Progress and Inequalities in Household Water and Sanitation

·       A joint report published by the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF, covering the period from 2000 to 2024, has shed light on the persistent inequalities in access to Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) across the globe. These disparities have emerged as critical obstacles to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6, which seeks to ensure access to clean water and sanitation for all.

·       At the global level, the report highlights that open defecation rates in low-income countries remain nearly four times higher than the global average, indicating ongoing sanitation challenges. Access to safe sanitation now stands at 58% globally, a significant figure yet still below the ideal benchmark. The report also notes a rise in coverage of safely managed drinking water, which increased from 68% in 2015 to 74% in 2024, reflecting measurable progress. However, the gendered burden of water access is becoming more evident, with women reportedly spending more time fetching water compared to men. Additionally, newly compiled menstrual health data from 70 countries reveals significant gaps in menstrual hygiene management across all income groups, suggesting that gender inequities in WASH services persist worldwide.

·       In the context of India, the report acknowledges the country’s significant strides in reducing open defecation, though residual issues remain, particularly in rural areas and among marginalised communities. While sanitation coverage is approaching near-universal access, the report cautions against slippages in actual usage, as well as concerns regarding the quality of waste management systems. On the drinking water front, India has made progress by expanding household tap water connections, yet safely managed drinking water still falls short of universal coverage. Moreover, equity challenges persist, especially for tribal populations and economically disadvantaged groups, who continue to face barriers in accessing reliable water and sanitation services.

·       India’s commitment to resolving these challenges is reflected in its major national initiatives. The Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) has played a transformative role by declaring the country open defecation free, while also promoting women’s empowerment, ensuring safer sanitation infrastructure, and contributing to a decline in child mortality rates. Similarly, the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) aims to deliver safe and adequate drinking water to every rural household through individual tap connections, marking a shift toward equity-focused infrastructure development.

·       Together, these findings and initiatives underscore both the progress made and the work that remains in achieving equitable access to water and sanitation—critical not only for public health but also for gender equality, social justice, and sustainable development.