The Supreme Court approved a revised definition of the Aravalli hills, limiting them to landforms rising at least 100 metres above surrounding terrain, triggering peaceful protests across northern India over environmental concerns.
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Ainnie Arif is a journalist covering diplomacy and international affairs with a South Asian lens. She focuses on how global events intersect with regional politics and local impact.
Government data shows MGNREGS allocations have declined by 35.6 per cent over the past six years, dropping from a peak of ₹1.10 lakh crore in 2020–21 to ₹71,044 crore in 2025–26, even as rural demand for work persists.
The 2012 Nirbhaya case led to sweeping legal reforms and unprecedented public outrage, culminating in death sentences for four perpetrators, yet the core question of societal change remains unresolved 13 years on.
Unemployment data submitted in the Lok Sabha highlights a persistent gender gap across states, with women facing markedly higher unemployment, pointing to structural constraints in labour market access and absorption.
SC/ST representation has also grown, with 200 officers in 2025 compared with 150 in 2015, and women now number 263, though minority data is not separately maintained.
Over 63 lakh cases remain pending in the High Courts, and more than 4.84 crore in District and Subordinate Courts; while delays stem from multiple factors including infructuous litigation, absconding accused and procedural hurdles.
A total of 5,17,082 existing Waqf properties were initiated for upload, with 2,16,937 validated by the deadline of December 6.
The Ministry of Minority Affairs’ budget has fallen to Rs 3,350 crore for 2025–26 — about 17 per cent lower than the 2014–19 annual average — mainly due to scholarship schemes not being extended beyond 2021–22 and multiple programmes being discontinued from 2022–23.
India enters a pivotal moment as environmental strain and democratic fragility raise questions about the nation’s preparedness and resolve to secure a healthier, freer future.
Between 2014 and 2025, the Railways admitted to paying ₹12.76 crore in ex gratia and ₹21.72 crore in compensation to the families of 766 victims, with claims adjudicated through the Railway Claims Tribunal.
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