The Parliament passed the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2026, declaring Amaravati as the sole and permanent capital of Andhra Pradesh.
The amendment replaces the placeholder provision in Section 5(2) of the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014, with the phrase: “Amaravati shall be the capital.”
Key Provisions of the Amendment
Permanent Capital Status
Amaravati has been legally designated as the exclusive capital of Andhra Pradesh.
The amendment came into effect retrospectively from June 2, 2024.
End of Joint Capital Arrangement
Hyderabad functioned as the common capital of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana from 2014 to 2024 after state bifurcation.
The amendment ensures continuity in governance after the end of this arrangement.
Override of Three-Capital Model
The law nullifies the earlier proposal of:
Visakhapatnam – Executive Capital
Kurnool – Judicial Capital
Amaravati – Legislative Capital
The state will now follow a single-capital model.
Significance
Administrative Stability
A single capital can improve coordination among executive, legislative, and judicial institutions.
It may reduce administrative fragmentation and policy uncertainty.
Legal and Constitutional Importance
This is the first instance where Parliament has enacted a law explicitly naming a city as a state capital.
It highlights Parliament’s powers under Article 3 regarding state reorganisation.
Economic Implications
The decision is expected to boost infrastructure development and investor confidence in Amaravati.
Planned urban development may generate employment and improve connectivity.
Governance Perspective
The move seeks to ensure policy clarity after prolonged debates over capital location.
However, concerns remain regarding balanced regional development across Andhra Pradesh.
Challenges
Large financial requirement for developing Amaravati’s infrastructure.
Regional imbalance concerns from Rayalaseema and North Coastal Andhra regions.
Need for sustainable urban planning and environmental safeguards.
Way Forward
Ensure inclusive regional development alongside Amaravati’s growth.
Strengthen transport and institutional connectivity across all regions.
Adopt transparent and sustainable urban governance practices.
The Parliament passed the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2026, declaring Amaravati as the sole and permanent capital of Andhra Pradesh.
The amendment replaces the placeholder provision in Section 5(2) of the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014, with the phrase: “Amaravati shall be the capital.”
Key Provisions of the Amendment
Permanent Capital Status
Amaravati has been legally designated as the exclusive capital of Andhra Pradesh.
The amendment came into effect retrospectively from June 2, 2024.
End of Joint Capital Arrangement
Hyderabad functioned as the common capital of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana from 2014 to 2024 after state bifurcation.
The amendment ensures continuity in governance after the end of this arrangement.
Override of Three-Capital Model
The law nullifies the earlier proposal of:
Visakhapatnam – Executive Capital
Kurnool – Judicial Capital
Amaravati – Legislative Capital
The state will now follow a single-capital model.
Significance
Administrative Stability
A single capital can improve coordination among executive, legislative, and judicial institutions.
It may reduce administrative fragmentation and policy uncertainty.
Legal and Constitutional Importance
This is the first instance where Parliament has enacted a law explicitly naming a city as a state capital.
It highlights Parliament’s powers under Article 3 regarding state reorganisation.
Economic Implications
The decision is expected to boost infrastructure development and investor confidence in Amaravati.
Planned urban development may generate employment and improve connectivity.
Governance Perspective
The move seeks to ensure policy clarity after prolonged debates over capital location.
However, concerns remain regarding balanced regional development across Andhra Pradesh.
Challenges
Large financial requirement for developing Amaravati’s infrastructure.
Regional imbalance concerns from Rayalaseema and North Coastal Andhra regions.
Need for sustainable urban planning and environmental safeguards.
Way Forward
Ensure inclusive regional development alongside Amaravati’s growth.
Strengthen transport and institutional connectivity across all regions.
Adopt transparent and sustainable urban governance practices.
The latest 80th Round Survey on Household Social Consumption: Health (2025) released by the National Statistical Office presents a mixed picture of India’s healthcare sector. The survey highlights significant progress in health insurance coverage, healthcare access, and institutional deliveries. However, it also reveals persistent financial distress due to rising out-of-pocket expenditure (OOPE), increasing dependence on private healthcare, and unequal access to benefits.
The findings underline the complex challenge of achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in India.
Overview of the 80th Round NSO Health Survey
The survey was conducted between January and December 2025 and compares healthcare trends with the previous 75th Round Survey (2017–18).
Key Improvements
Expansion in health insurance coverage
Better access to healthcare services
Increase in institutional deliveries
Wider availability of medicines and diagnostics
Major Concerns
Rising OOPE despite insurance coverage
Growing reliance on private healthcare
Limited increase in public hospital utilisation
Unequal benefits across income groups
Thus, the survey reveals a paradox: healthcare coverage has improved, but financial protection remains weak.
Rising Health Insurance Coverage
The survey indicates substantial growth in insurance penetration:
47.4% of rural households covered under health insurance
44.3% of urban households covered
This increase has largely been driven by Government-Financed Health Insurance (GFHI) schemes such as:
Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana
State-level health insurance schemes
Employees' State Insurance Scheme
Central Government Health Scheme
Government records show that GFHI coverage increased more than two-and-a-half times between 2017–18 and 2025.
This reflects India’s rapid movement toward universal health assurance.
Expanding Healthcare Access
The Union Health Ministry has highlighted the survey findings as evidence of improved healthcare access.
Key Government Interventions
Free Drugs and Diagnostics Initiatives
The Free Drugs and Diagnostics Initiatives (FDSI and FDI) launched in 2015 expanded access to essential medicines and diagnostic services.
Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (AAMs)
India has established nearly 1.84 lakh AAMs, strengthening primary healthcare services focused on:
Preventive care
Promotive healthcare
Curative treatment AMRIT Scheme
The Affordable Medicines and Reliable Implants for Treatment programme provides discounted medicines through pharmacies across India.
These interventions have improved early detection and management of non-communicable diseases such as:
Diabetes
Hypertension
Cardiovascular diseases
This reflects India’s ongoing epidemiological transition from communicable to non-communicable diseases.
Persisting Challenges
Despite expanded coverage, important structural problems continue.
Limited Increase in Hospitalisation
Hospitalisation rates have not increased significantly since 2017–18 and remain below 2014 levels.
This suggests that:
Insurance coverage alone does not guarantee healthcare utilisation
Financial and accessibility barriers still persist
Rising Dependence on Private Healthcare
The survey shows growing preference for private healthcare facilities, especially in urban areas.
Key concern:
57% of insured individuals sought hospitalisation in private hospitals
This increases treatment costs and reduces the effectiveness of public insurance schemes.
Rising Out-of-Pocket Expenditure (OOPE)
Independent analysis of NSO data indicates that OOPE on hospitalisation has more than doubled between 2017–18 and 2025.
Hospitalisation Costs
Median OOPE per hospitalisation: ₹11,285
Median OOPE in public hospitals: ₹1,100
However, specialised treatments in private hospitals significantly raise average expenditure.
Causes of Continued OOPE
Even in public hospitals, patients often pay for:
Medicines
Diagnostics
Transport
Incidental expenses
This occurs due to shortages and infrastructural gaps.
Inequities in Healthcare Utilisation
The survey reveals unequal access to benefits under insurance schemes.
Uneven Distribution of Benefits
Among urban beneficiaries using insurance-linked hospitalisation:
Only 13% belonged to the poorest income group
This indicates that wealthier households disproportionately benefit from government-financed insurance schemes.
Fiscal Burden on States
States such as Haryana and West Bengal reportedly spend nearly:
15% of their health budgets on GFHI schemes
Large public funds are increasingly flowing toward private healthcare providers through insurance reimbursements.
Public Health Equity Concerns
The survey highlights that:
Coverage indicators have improved
Financial risk protection remains inadequate
Rural vs Urban Divide
Rural low-income households show some decline in OOPE
Urban households continue facing heavy financial stress due to reliance on private care
This demonstrates the limitations of insurance-led healthcare models without strong public healthcare infrastructure.
Way Forward
Strengthening Public Healthcare
India must prioritise:
Public hospitals
Primary healthcare systems
Health workforce expansion
Focus on Preventive and Primary Care
Ayushman Arogya Mandirs can become the backbone of Universal Health Coverage if adequately funded.
Better Regulation of Private Sector
Stronger regulation is needed to:
Prevent overcharging
Improve transparency
Ensure quality standards
Improve Drug and Diagnostic Availability
Consistent supply of free medicines and tests can reduce OOPE significantly.
Outcome-Based Health Financing
Healthcare financing should focus on:
Quality outcomes
Preventive healthcare
Affordability
rather than volume-based reimbursements.
Conclusion
The NSO Health Survey 2025 highlights both the achievements and limitations of India’s evolving healthcare system. While insurance coverage and healthcare access have improved substantially, rising out-of-pocket expenditure and growing dependence on private healthcare continue to undermine financial protection.
India’s experience demonstrates that insurance expansion alone cannot guarantee equitable healthcare outcomes. A strong, accessible, and adequately funded public healthcare system remains essential for achieving universal health coverage, reducing medical impoverishment, and ensuring inclusive development.
India’s approach towards women’s empowerment has undergone a significant transformation in recent years. Moving beyond a welfare-centric framework, policy initiatives now aim at structural empowerment by placing women at the centre of economic growth, governance, and social development. This shift reflects the vision of “Nari Shakti” as a key pillar of inclusive and sustainable national development.
The reforms focus on financial inclusion, entrepreneurship, political representation, social welfare, and digital empowerment, while also addressing long-standing gender inequalities.
Major Pillars of Nari Shakti Reform
Financial Inclusion
The Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) has significantly expanded women’s access to formal banking services.
Over 57 crore Jan Dhan accounts have been opened.
Around 55% of these accounts are held by women.
This has enhanced women’s participation in formal finance, direct benefit transfers (DBT), savings, and digital transactions.
Self-Help Group (SHG) Revolution
Women-led Self-Help Groups have emerged as major drivers of grassroots entrepreneurship and rural development.
Nearly 10 crore women are associated with around 90 lakh SHGs.
SHGs strengthen:
Financial independence
Collective bargaining
Livelihood generation
Community participation
Clean Energy Access
The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana has provided LPG connections to more than 10.5 crore households.
The scheme has:
Reduced indoor air pollution
Lowered drudgery for women
Improved health outcomes
Reduced dependence on firewood and biomass
Credit and Entrepreneurship
Under the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana, nearly 70% of loans have been sanctioned to women borrowers.
This has promoted:
Women-led enterprises
Small businesses
Self-employment opportunities
Financial independence
Rising Workforce Participation
Female Labour Force Participation Rate (FLFPR) has increased to around 37%, reversing earlier declining trends.
This improvement reflects:
Expansion of rural employment
Growth in self-employment
Better economic participation of women
However, participation levels still remain below global averages.
Political Representation
The Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam provides 33% reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies.
The reform is expected to:
Enhance political participation
Improve gender-sensitive policymaking
Strengthen women’s leadership in governance
Challenges in Nari Shakti Reforms
Awareness and Access Gap
Many women, especially in rural and marginalised communities, remain unaware of welfare schemes and institutional benefits.
Structural Employment Barriers
Despite improvement, women continue to face:
Wage inequality
Informal employment
Limited childcare support
Workplace discrimination
Uneven Inclusion
Women from vulnerable communities often face greater barriers due to caste, poverty, geography, and social norms.
Output-Oriented Governance
Policies frequently focus on coverage numbers rather than actual improvements in empowerment, income, health, or decision-making capacity.
Leadership Barriers
Patriarchal social structures continue to limit women’s representation in leadership positions. Women currently constitute only around 13.6% of Lok Sabha members.
Way Forward
Ensure Last-Mile Inclusion
Use the Aspirational Districts Programme and DBT mechanisms to ensure saturation coverage of eligible women beneficiaries.
Strengthen Capacity Building
Expand leadership, digital literacy, and entrepreneurship training under initiatives such as Mission Shakti.
Shift to Outcome-Based Monitoring
Leverage digital dashboards such as Poshan Tracker and Ayushman Bharat IT systems to assess measurable outcomes in nutrition, health, and income.
Deepen Financial and Digital Inclusion
Strengthen women’s participation through the JAM Trinity:
Jan Dhan
Aadhaar
UPI
This can improve credit access, savings, and digital entrepreneurship.
Promote Women in Emerging Sectors
Encourage women’s participation in STEM, digital economy, and high-growth industries through:
Skill India Mission
Digital India
India already has around 43% female enrolment in STEM education, providing a strong foundation for future workforce participation.
Conclusion
India’s Nari Shakti reforms represent a transition from welfare-based support to structural empowerment and inclusive nation-building. Financial inclusion, entrepreneurship, clean energy access, and political representation have strengthened women’s agency across sectors. However, achieving true gender equality requires deeper institutional reforms, greater awareness, improved workforce participation, and stronger representation in leadership roles. Sustained focus on outcome-based empowerment will be essential for transforming women into equal partners in India’s developmental journey.
The Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment recently highlighted that the NAMASTE Scheme has shown measurable impact in eliminating hazardous manual cleaning practices and improving the safety and dignity of sanitation workers.
About NAMASTE Scheme
The National Action for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE) Scheme is a flagship initiative aimed at transforming the lives of Sewer and Septic Tank Sanitation Workers (SSWs) in India.
It is jointly implemented by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE) and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA). The execution is carried out by the National Safai Karmacharis Finance Development Corporation (NSKFDC).
The scheme is operational for a three-year period (FY 2023–24 to FY 2025–26).
Objectives of the Scheme
The NAMASTE Scheme is designed with a strong human-centric approach:
Zero Fatalities: Eliminate deaths during sewer and septic tank cleaning
End Manual Scavenging: Remove direct human contact with hazardous waste
Mechanisation: Promote the use of machines and modern equipment
Skill Development: Train workers in safe sanitation practices
Dignity and Inclusion: Improve social status and working conditions
Key Features
Profiling of Workers: Identification and database creation of sanitation workers across urban areas
Skill Training: Capacity building in mechanised sanitation techniques
Provision of PPE Kits: Ensuring safety through protective gear
Entrepreneurship Support: Formation of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and access to financial assistance
Emergency Response Sanitation Units (ERSUs): Strengthening rapid response systems
for hazardous situations
Significance of the Scheme
Social Justice: Addresses historical marginalisation of sanitation workers
Public Health: Reduces exposure to toxic gases and harmful pathogens
Urban Governance: Improves efficiency and safety of sanitation systems
Legal Backing: Supports the objectives of eliminating manual scavenging in India
The scheme aligns with broader national missions like Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and contributes to achieving SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation).
Challenges
Implementation Gaps: Ensuring uniform adoption across all urban local bodies
Behavioural Change: Transition from manual to mechanised systems requires mindset shift
Funding and Maintenance: Sustaining equipment and infrastructure
Strict Enforcement of Laws prohibiting manual scavenging
Increased Budget Allocation for mechanisation and worker welfare
Technological Innovation in sanitation equipment
Awareness Campaigns to eliminate social stigma
Monitoring and Evaluation through real-time data systems
Conclusion
The NAMASTE Scheme represents a crucial step toward ensuring dignity, safety, and empowerment of sanitation workers in India. By focusing on mechanisation, skill development, and social inclusion, it seeks to eliminate one of the most inhumane practices while strengthening urban sanitation systems.
The Sikkim High Court dismissed a petition seeking restrictions on media reporting of FIR contents and naming of accused persons.
The Court held that reporting based on an FIR does not amount to a violation of privacy, as an FIR is a public document accessible under law.
FIR as a Public Document
Legal Status
Under the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023, an FIR is treated as a public document open to inspection.
Access to Information
Any individual can obtain a copy of an FIR for legal remedies, public awareness, or reporting purposes.
Media Reporting
Media organisations are permitted to report FIR contents, including the identity of the accused, when based on official public records.
Right to Fair Trial
Constitutional Protection
Article 21 of the Constitution guarantees the right to life and personal liberty, which includes the right to a fair trial.
Limits on Media Reporting
While reporting is permissible, media coverage should:
Avoid declaring the accused guilty before trial
Prevent media trials and sensationalism
Ensure judicial proceedings remain unbiased
Judicial Intervention
Courts may restrict reporting if:
It prejudices ongoing investigations or trials
Selective leaks are used to influence public opinion
Reporting becomes defamatory or violates due process
About FIR
Meaning
First Information Report (FIR) is the first official information recorded by police regarding a cognizable offence under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).
Purpose
It initiates criminal investigation and sets the legal process into motion.
Who Can File an FIR
An FIR may be filed by:
Victim
Witness
Any person aware of the offence
Cognizable Offence
Applicable only to cognizable offences where police can investigate without prior court approval.
Zero FIR
A Zero FIR can be filed at any police station irrespective of territorial jurisdiction and later transferred to the appropriate police station.
Key Issues Involved
Freedom of Press vs Fair Trial
Balancing media freedom under Article 19(1)(a) with the accused’s right to fair trial under Article 21 remains crucial.
Risk of Media Trial
Excessive or sensational reporting may influence public perception and judicial neutrality.
Privacy Concerns
Public disclosure of identities may affect reputation even before conviction.
Way Forward
Develop ethical media-reporting guidelines for criminal cases.
Ensure responsible journalism without compromising judicial fairness.
Strengthen safeguards against selective leaks and misinformation.
The Lok Sabha recently passed the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2026, aimed at promoting “Ease of Doing Business” and “Ease of Living” by decriminalising minor and technical offences across multiple laws.
The Bill marks one of the largest legal reform exercises in independent India, amending 784 provisions across 79 Central Acts under 23 Ministries. It seeks to reduce unnecessary criminalisation, improve regulatory compliance, and create a more trust-based governance
framework.
The legislation reflects the government’s broader effort to modernise India’s legal and regulatory ecosystem and encourage entrepreneurship, investment, and administrative efficiency.
Background and Rationale
India’s regulatory framework has historically contained numerous criminal penalties for procedural and technical defaults.
Examples include:
Filing delays
Documentation errors
Licensing irregularities
Minor compliance lapses
Such criminal provisions often led to:
Regulatory burden
Fear of prosecution
Increased litigation
Delays in business operations
Harassment of individuals and enterprises
The Jan Vishwas reforms aim to replace excessive criminalisation with civil and administrative penalties.
Key Provisions of the Jan Vishwas Amendment Bill, 2026
Large-Scale Decriminalisation
The Bill decriminalises 717 provisions involving technical and procedural defaults.
Nature of Offences Covered
Minor procedural violations
Documentation-related lapses
Compliance delays
Non-fraudulent administrative defaults
The reform focuses on offences that do not involve:
Fraud
Public safety threats
Serious financial crimes
Environmental harm
Significance
Reduces burden on criminal justice system
Encourages voluntary compliance
Reduces fear among businesses and citizens
Improves investor confidence
Shift from Criminal Courts to Administrative Adjudication
Instead of criminal courts, designated Adjudicating Officers such as Deputy Commissioners and other officials will decide penalties for covered offences.
Powers of Adjudicating Officers
They may:
Conduct inquiries
Summon evidence
Examine documents
Impose penalties
This creates a faster and less adversarial dispute-resolution mechanism.
Benefits
Reduces court pendency
Faster disposal of cases
Lower compliance costs
Administrative efficiency
Administrative Empowerment of Ministries
The Bill authorises Central Ministries to appoint designated officers for implementation and enforcement.
This decentralised administrative framework allows ministries to:
Handle sector-specific compliance issues
Improve monitoring and enforcement
Reduce procedural delays
The reform strengthens executive capacity in governance and regulation.
Compounding of Offences
The Bill permits compounding for certain violations.
Meaning of Compounding
An individual or entity can settle specified offences by paying a prescribed amount instead of undergoing criminal prosecution or trial.
Importance
Saves time and legal expenses
Reduces litigation burden
Encourages quick dispute settlement
Improves ease of compliance
Compounding is widely used in taxation, corporate, and financial regulations.
Inflation-Based Penalty Revision
To preserve the deterrent value of penalties, fines will automatically increase by:
10% of the prescribed minimum amount every three years
Purpose
Prevents penalties from becoming ineffective over time
Ensures penalties remain economically relevant
Reduces need for repeated legislative amendments This introduces a dynamic and modern penalty structure.
Warning Mechanism for Minor Infractions
The Bill introduces warning notices for:
First-time offenders
Minor procedural lapses
Before imposing financial penalties, authorities may issue warnings to encourage voluntary correction.
Benefits
Promotes trust-based governance
Reduces harassment
Encourages compliance culture
Supports small businesses and startups
Significance of the Bill
Improving Ease of Doing Business
The Bill reduces criminal liability for businesses and entrepreneurs, making India’s regulatory environment more investment-friendly.
This can:
Encourage entrepreneurship
Improve investor confidence
Reduce compliance burden
Support MSMEs and startups
Strengthening Ease of Living
Citizens often face legal complications for minor procedural errors.
The Bill simplifies compliance and reduces unnecessary criminal prosecution for ordinary citizens.
Reducing Judicial Burden
India’s courts face massive pendency of cases.
By shifting minor violations to administrative adjudication, the Bill can:
Reduce burden on courts
Speed up justice delivery
Improve judicial efficiency
Promoting Trust-Based Governance
The reform reflects a transition from:
“Punitive governance” to “facilitative governance”
The government aims to build a regulatory ecosystem based on trust, transparency, and voluntary compliance.
Supporting Economic Growth
Simplified regulations and reduced legal uncertainty can enhance:
Domestic investment
Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)
Business expansion
Economic competitiveness
Concerns and Challenges
Despite its benefits, certain concerns remain.
Risk of Administrative Overreach
Giving extensive powers to adjudicating officers may lead to:
Arbitrary decision-making
Lack of accountability
Excessive executive discretion
Reduced Judicial Oversight
Replacing courts with administrative mechanisms could weaken procedural safeguards and independent scrutiny.
Need for Capacity Building
Effective implementation requires:
Proper training of adjudicating officers
Digital systems for transparency
Standard operating procedures
Ensuring Fairness and Transparency
Administrative adjudication must ensure:
Natural justice
Transparency
Appeal mechanisms
Non-discriminatory enforcement
Way Forward
To ensure successful implementation, the government should:
Develop transparent digital adjudication systems
Establish clear appellate mechanisms
Ensure periodic review of decriminalised provisions
Strengthen accountability of adjudicating officers
Promote awareness among businesses and citizens
Balanced implementation is essential to prevent misuse while improving compliance.
Conclusion
The Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2026 represents a major reform in India’s regulatory and governance framework. By decriminalising minor offences, introducing administrative adjudication, and promoting trust-based governance, the Bill seeks to create a more efficient, business-friendly, and citizen-centric legal system.
If implemented effectively, the reforms can significantly improve India’s ease of doing business, reduce judicial burden, and strengthen economic growth while ensuring better governance and regulatory compliance.
Maternal mortality remains a critical public health and governance challenge in India. Although the country has achieved one of the world’s largest declines in Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR), progress has slowed in recent years. A study published in The Lancet highlights that India still faces major challenges in achieving the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target of reducing MMR below 70 by 2030.
MMR refers to the number of maternal deaths per one lakh live births due to pregnancy-related causes. India contributes nearly 10% of global maternal deaths, underlining the need for sustained policy intervention.
Status of Maternal Mortality in India
India’s MMR has declined significantly from 508 in 1990 to around 116 in 2023, reflecting improvements in maternal healthcare infrastructure, institutional deliveries, and public
health interventions.
According to the Sample Registration System (SRS), MMR reduced from 122 during 2015–17 to 88 during 2021–23. However, differences remain between national and UN estimates, with UN estimates placing India’s MMR at around 80. Such data gaps create challenges in accurate policy assessment and monitoring.
Despite overall progress, interstate disparities remain severe. States such as Kerala and Tamil Nadu have achieved relatively low MMR levels due to better healthcare systems and higher institutional deliveries. In contrast, states like Assam and Uttar Pradesh continue to report high maternal mortality, reflecting inequalities in healthcare access, nutrition, and infrastructure.
Further, the pace of reduction in maternal deaths has slowed, making the SDG target increasingly difficult to achieve within the remaining timeframe.
Causes of High Maternal Mortality
Haemorrhage
Severe bleeding during or after childbirth remains the leading cause of maternal deaths in India. Delayed emergency obstetric care significantly increases fatalities.
Sepsis and Infections
Poor hygiene during delivery and delayed treatment of infections contribute to maternal mortality, especially in rural and underserved regions.
Unsafe Abortions
Limited access to safe abortion services often forces women to undergo unsafe procedures, resulting in serious complications and deaths.
Anaemia and Malnutrition
Iron deficiency, undernutrition, and poor maternal health weaken women during pregnancy, increasing vulnerability to complications during childbirth.
Hypertensive Disorders
Conditions such as pre-eclampsia and eclampsia can cause seizures, organ failure, and maternal death if not diagnosed and treated on time.
Delays in Healthcare Access
The “three delays” model remains a major challenge:
Delay in deciding to seek care
Delay in reaching healthcare facilities
Delay in receiving timely treatment
These delays are often linked to poverty, poor transport infrastructure, and weak healthcare systems.
Government Initiatives
India has launched several schemes to improve maternal healthcare:
Janani Suraksha Yojana promotes institutional deliveries through conditional cash transfers.
Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram provides free delivery, medicines, diagnostics, transport, and food for pregnant women.
Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan ensures free antenatal check-ups and early
detection of high-risk pregnancies.
Surakshit Matritva Aashwasan guarantees respectful and quality maternal healthcare services.
LaQshya Programme focuses on improving labour room and maternity care quality.
Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana provides maternity benefits to support nutrition and healthcare needs.
Way Forward
Improving maternal health requires strengthening primary healthcare systems, especially antenatal, institutional delivery, and postnatal services in rural and high-burden states.
Special attention must be given to states such as Assam and Uttar Pradesh through better infrastructure, trained medical staff, and continuous monitoring.
Preventing major causes of maternal deaths requires timely management of haemorrhage, hypertension, and infections through emergency obstetric care and skilled birth attendants.
Further, improving maternal nutrition, promoting family planning, and increasing awareness regarding reproductive health can significantly reduce maternal risks and early pregnancies.
Conclusion
Reducing maternal mortality is essential for achieving gender justice, public health, and sustainable development goals. While India has made substantial progress, regional disparities, healthcare gaps, and slowing improvements remain serious concerns. A comprehensive approach focused on quality healthcare, nutrition, awareness, and equitable access is crucial to ensure safe motherhood for every woman in India.
The Government e-Marketplace (GeM) has achieved a Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) of
₹18.4 lakh crore, including ₹5 lakh crore procurement in FY 2025–26. The platform has emerged as a major pillar of India’s digital governance and public procurement reforms.
About GeM
Launch and Administration
Launched in 2016 by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
Operated by the GeM Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV).
Replaced the earlier Directorate General of Supplies and Disposals (DGS&D) system.
Objective
GeM aims to ensure:
Transparency in procurement
Competitive pricing
Efficient bidding
Timely delivery of goods and services
Legal Basis
Procurement through GeM is mandated under the amended General Financial Rules (GFRs) for government departments.
Key Highlights
Rising Procurement Volume
GeM has crossed ₹18.4 lakh crore GMV.
Procurement worth ₹5 lakh crore was recorded in FY 2025–26 alone.
MSME Participation
MSMEs account for nearly 68% of total orders.
They contribute around 47.1% of total GMV.
More than 11 lakh MSMEs are registered on the platform.
Increasing State Participation
Procurement by States and Union Territories increased by 38.3%, indicating wider adoption.
Inclusive Growth
Participation of women-led enterprises, startups, and SC/ST entrepreneurs has significantly increased.
Technology Integration
GeM uses:
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Machine Learning (ML)
Data analytics These tools help in:
Fraud detection
Price monitoring
Efficient bidding and vendor assessment
Significance
Promotes Transparent Governance
Reduces human discretion and corruption in procurement processes.
Enhances accountability and auditability.
Boost to MSMEs and Startups
Provides direct market access to small businesses.
Encourages formalisation and digital inclusion.
Fiscal Efficiency
Competitive bidding lowers procurement costs and improves value for public money.
Strengthening Digital Governance
Supports India’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) ecosystem through paperless and cashless procurement.
Challenges
Digital literacy gaps among small vendors.
Cybersecurity and data privacy concerns.
Need for faster dispute resolution and grievance redressal.
Way Forward
Expand digital awareness among rural enterprises.
Strengthen cybersecurity architecture.
Improve logistics integration and vendor support systems.
World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) are moving towards intelligence-led action against doping supply chains in India.
The initiative shifts the focus from merely testing athletes to dismantling organised networks involved in the production, trafficking, and distribution of performance-enhancing drugs.
Operation Upstream
About
Operation Upstream is a global intelligence-driven anti-doping initiative led by WADA in collaboration with agencies such as:
CBI
INTERPOL
EUROPOL
Objective
To target the entire doping ecosystem rather than only penalising athletes.
Achievements
Operation Upstream has resulted in:
250+ raids
1.8 billion doses seized
88 illegal laboratories shut down across 20 countries
Anti-Doping Framework in India
Existing Legal Position
Doping is treated mainly as a disciplinary offence under rules aligned with the WADA Code.
It is not currently classified as a specific criminal offence.
National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA)
National Anti-Doping Agency is responsible for:
Testing athletes
Conducting investigations
Imposing sanctions and suspensions
National Anti-Doping Act, 2022
Provides statutory backing to anti-doping mechanisms in India.
Establishes NADA as a statutory authority.
Current Sanctions
Penalties presently include:
Suspension
Disqualification of results
Monetary fines
However, imprisonment provisions are absent.
Key Concerns
Gap in Criminal Law
Existing laws do not specifically punish:
Suppliers
Traffickers
Coaches and support staff involved in doping
Organised Crime Dimension
Doping networks increasingly involve illegal laboratories, financial transactions, and international trafficking chains.
Threat to Sports Integrity
Doping undermines fair competition, athlete health, and India’s sporting credibility.
Proposed WADA–CBI Collaboration
Joint Investigations
WADA and CBI will collaborate to investigate organised doping networks.
Intelligence-Based Enforcement
Focus areas include:
Financial tracking
Surveillance
Intelligence sharing
Coordinated raids
Targeting Support Ecosystem
Coaches, physiotherapists, trainers, and suppliers involved in doping activities may face investigation and penalties.
Legal Reforms
Proposed reforms under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) may criminalise doping-related activities and strengthen enforcement.
About WADA
Establishment
WADA was established in 1999 to promote clean sport globally.
Functions
Issues the World Anti-Doping Code
Accredits testing laboratories
Oversees testing, monitoring, and compliance
Conducts intelligence-led investigations
Emerging Role
Increasing focus on treating doping as organised transnational crime.
Way Forward
Introduce clear criminal provisions against doping supply networks.
Strengthen coordination between sports bodies and law-enforcement agencies.
Promote athlete awareness and ethical sports culture.
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has introduced major curriculum reforms for secondary education to implement the vision of the National Education Policy. The reforms aim to transform India’s education system from rote memorisation toward multidisciplinary, competency-based, and skill-oriented learning.
The new curriculum emphasises multilingualism, vocational education, digital literacy, and flexible subject choices, aligning school education with 21st-century requirements.
Key Features of the New Curriculum
Three-Language Formula
Under the new framework:
A third language will become compulsory from Class 6.
It will be included in Class 10 board examinations by 2031.
Students must study at least two Indian languages.
English will be treated as a foreign language rather than the primary medium of identity.
CBSE will offer all 22 languages listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution, promoting linguistic diversity and cultural inclusion.
Vocational Education
Vocational education will become compulsory for Classes 9 and 10 from the 2027–28 academic session.
Students will be assessed through:
Board examinations, or
Annual evaluation systems.
The reform seeks to bridge the gap between education and employability by introducing practical and industry-relevant skills at an early stage.
Two-Level Subjects
Mathematics and Science will be offered at:
Standard level, and
Advanced level.
This flexibility allows students to choose subjects according to their aptitude, reducing academic pressure while encouraging deeper learning for interested students.
Artificial Intelligence and Digital Skills
AI and computational thinking will be introduced from Classes 3–8 and gradually expanded. By 2029:
AI will become a compulsory board subject in Class 10.
The curriculum also promotes coding, problem-solving, and digital literacy to prepare students for emerging technological demands.
Phased Implementation
CBSE has adopted a phased roadmap extending up to 2031 for complete implementation of NEP-aligned reforms.
The gradual transition aims to:
Train teachers,
Develop infrastructure,
Revise textbooks and assessment methods,
Ensure smooth adaptation across schools.
Significance of the Reforms
The reforms are significant because they:
Promote holistic and multidisciplinary education,
Encourage experiential and skill-based learning,
Strengthen linguistic diversity,
Improve employability and digital readiness,
Reduce dependency on rote learning.
They also align with India’s objective of building a knowledge-based economy and preparing students for global competitiveness.
Challenges
However, implementation challenges remain:
Teacher training and availability,
Infrastructure gaps in rural schools,
Language-related political concerns,
Unequal digital access,
Need for updated assessment systems.
Conclusion
The CBSE curriculum reforms represent a major step toward transforming India’s education system in line with NEP 2020. Successful implementation will require coordinated efforts among governments, schools, teachers, and parents to ensure inclusive, flexible, and future-ready education for all students.
The reported move of seven out of ten AAP Rajya Sabha members to merge with the BJP has reignited debate on the Tenth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, commonly known as the Anti-Defection Law. The issue raises critical questions about whether such a shift qualifies as a legitimate “merger” or attracts disqualification.
The Anti-Defection Law: Background
The Anti-Defection Law was introduced through the 52nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1985 to curb the growing trend of “Aya Ram, Gaya Ram” politics—frequent party-
switching by legislators for personal or political gains. Under the law, a legislator can be disqualified if they:
Voluntarily give up membership of their political party, or
Vote or abstain from voting against party directions (whip)
The decision on disqualification is made by the Speaker (Legislative Assembly) or Chairman (Parliament).
Exceptions to Disqualification
Split Exception (Removed)
Earlier under Paragraph 3
Allowed protection if one-third members defected together
Removed by the 91st Constitutional Amendment Act, 2003 due to rampant misuse
Merger Exception (Existing)
Provided under Paragraph 4
Protects legislators from disqualification if their party merges with another
Two key conditions:
Paragraph 4(1): The original political party must merge
Paragraph 4(2): At least two-thirds of the legislature party
must support the merger
Intended to safeguard genuine ideological realignments Core Legal Issue: Interpretation of “Merger”
The present controversy hinges on how Paragraph 4 is interpreted:
Conjunctive Interpretation
Requires BOTH:
A formal merger at the national party level, and
Support of at least two-thirds legislators
Ensures party-level legitimacy
Disjunctive Interpretation
Requires ONLY:
Two-thirds support of legislators
Creates a “deemed merger” even without central party approval
This difference significantly affects the legality of recent defections.
Judicial Precedents
Rajendra Singh Rana v. Swamy Prasad Maurya (2007):
The Supreme Court supported a conjunctive approach, stating that legislative splits must reflect actual party splits.
Goa Congress Merger Case (2019–2022):
The Bombay High Court upheld the merger of Congress MLAs into BJP using a disjunctive interpretation, ruling that two-thirds support alone is sufficient.
Expert Opinions
P.D.T. Achary (Former Lok Sabha Secretary-General): Supports the conjunctive view, arguing that without national-level merger approval, defections should attract
disqualification.
Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy:
Accepts the possibility of a deemed merger, but highlights structural flaws—especially in Rajya Sabha representation.
Key Challenges
Ambiguity in drafting: Paragraph 4 allows multiple interpretations
Potential misuse: Opportunistic defections may be disguised as mergers
Structural anomaly:
Rajya Sabha MPs change parties
MLAs who elected them remain in original party
Weakens representative accountability
Institutional concerns: Neutrality of Speaker/Chairman often questioned
Way Forward
Supreme Court intervention to settle interpretation disputes
Constitutional amendment to clearly define merger
conditions
Institutional reforms:
Transfer adjudication powers to an independent tribunal
Strengthen impartiality in decision-making
These reforms have been recommended by bodies such as the Election Commission, Dinesh Goswami Committee (1990), and Law Commission (1999).
Conclusion
The ongoing controversy is more than a political development
—it is a constitutional stress test for India’s anti-defection framework. The merger exception, originally designed to protect ideological shifts, risks becoming a loophole for political opportunism. Without judicial clarity and legislative
reform, the Anti-Defection Law remains vulnerable to the very practices it sought to eliminate.
