The claim that Aadhaar-voter ID linkage is voluntary is questionable. Presently, Form 6B offers no meaningful opt-out — voters must either submit their Aadhaar number or declare they do not have one, coercing even those unwilling to share it into compliance. File | Photo Credit: The Hindu The Election Commission of India (ECI)’s renewed push … Read more
The September Arctic sea-ice is now shrinking at a rate of 12.2% per decade compared to its average extent during the period from 1981 to 2010. File | Photo Credit: Reuters Global trade is swinging like a pendulum, with potential headwinds from the U.S. nudging each nation to start doubling down on alternate trade strategies. … Read more
The Supreme Court of India has been subjected to unfounded criticism by sections of the ruling BJP, and Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar, with regard to the separation of powers between the various branches of the government, and the principle of checks and balances. Not surprisingly, a Supreme Court bench took note of the charge that it … Read more
The announcement of the BJP-led government in Maharashtra that English and Marathi medium schools will begin teaching Hindi as a third language from Class 1, as part of the implementation of the National Education Policy 2020, is running into significant political opposition. Previously, Hindi was introduced as a third language only from Class 6 onwards. … Read more
If capital and investment moves out of East Asia and into South Asia, the manufacturing renaissance that the latter region has been hoping to get for years could finally get under way. | Photo Credit: REUTERS April 2025 has been an absolute whirlwind. Tariffs have been announced and tariffs have been suspended. So with retaliations. … Read more
Watch: Why the legacy of the Phules still scares the powerful? In this exclusive interview, renowned political theorist and Dalit rights activist Kancha Ilaiah breaks down the real history of the Phules, their fearless fight for equality, and the uncomfortable truths the system still struggles to accept. From caste struggles and social reform to the … Read more
Federalism and inter-State relations are making headlines these days, and some for good reasons. Congress-ruled Telangana has in recent months entered into agreements with Bharatiya Janata Party-ruled Odisha and Rajasthan and Congress-ruled Himachal Pradesh to meet its power demand, which is growing faster than earlier projections. The State is particularly looking to expand the share … Read more
The Supreme Court of India. | Photo Credit: Shashi Shekhar Kashyap The Supreme Court’s judgment in State of Tamil Nadu v. Governor of Tamil Nadu (2025) lays down the correct constitutional position and is unassailable. However, some people have questioned the judgment. My answer to them is that the Constitution has created a parliamentary democracy. … Read more
Pope Francis Pope Francis was noted for his humanity, personal warmth and humility. He fought war mongering, global indifference and a lack of concern for immigrants. He was definitely a people’s pope. His reaching out to all religions is part of a rich legacy that he leaves behind for us to carry forward. Matthew Adukanil, … Read more
After nearly three-and-a-half years and 13 rounds of meetings, member-states of the World Health Organization (WHO) have agreed on measures to prevent, prepare for and respond to pandemics. On April 16, the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body finalised a proposal for the WHO Pandemic Agreement. The draft, described as a “generational accord to make the world safer”, … Read more