India
Gen Alpha Protests Sweep India for Basic School Facilities
A new wave of activism led by Gen Alpha is sweeping across five Indian states, with students demanding fundamental improvements in school infrastructure and services. From paved roads to clean toilets and adequate teachers, these young protesters are leveraging collective action and social media to challenge long-standing neglect.
India
Indian Professional’s US Visa Ordeal: H-1B Rejections Force O-1 Path
Sohan Sethi, an Indian data analytics and AI professional, faced three H-1B visa rejections, prompting him to pursue the arduous and costly O-1 ‘extraordinary ability’ visa. His journey highlights the increasing uncertainty for skilled foreign workers in the US, compounded by tech layoffs and a competitive global job market. This case underscores broader challenges in US immigration and its impact on international talent.
World
India’s Global Image: A 36-Nation Perception Survey
A comprehensive Pew Research Centre survey across 36 nations reveals a nuanced global perception of India. While Sri Lanka shows overwhelming favour, Pakistan stands at the opposite end. Opinions in the US are divided, reflecting complex geopolitical shifts and bilateral relations. This deep dive explores the factors shaping India’s international standing.
India
Supreme Court Raps FSSAI Over Packaged Food Labels Delay
The Supreme Court has sharply questioned the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) for its hesitation in implementing warning labels on packaged foods high in sugar, salt, and fat. The bench expressed concerns about public health, particularly children, and suspected industry pressure, giving FSSAI two weeks to decide.
India
Arunachal Border Review: Rajnath, Jaishankar Address Incursion Claims
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and EAM S Jaishankar convened to assess the Arunachal Pradesh border situation amidst social media claims of Chinese incursions. Government sources dismiss the claims, highlighting enhanced Indian infrastructure and vigilance along the LAC, while reiterating the importance of diplomatic channels for peace.
India
FCRA Bill Sparks Heated Parliamentary Debate on Minority Rights
A contentious Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) Amendment Bill, 2026, has ignited a sharp exchange in Parliament. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav labeled the bill ‘anti-minority,’ prompting Union Minister Kiren Rijiju to challenge him to substantiate the claims. The proposed legislation seeks to tighten foreign funding regulations for NGOs, raising concerns among opposition and civil society groups about potential government overreach and control over assets built with foreign contributions.
India
Karnataka Imposes One-Year Ban on Tobacco-Infused Pan Masala
Karnataka’s Food Safety Commissioner has enacted a one-year ban on the manufacture, sale, and distribution of gutkha and pan masala containing tobacco or nicotine. Citing grave public health concerns, the move aims to curb the consumption of these harmful products across the state, impacting both consumers and the industry.
India
Amit Shah Offers Debate on Delhi Protests, Rahul Gandhi Rejects
Home Minister Amit Shah offered a parliamentary debate on the recent Delhi student protests, promising a detailed statement. However, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi swiftly rejected the proposal, instead demanding Shah’s resignation over the police crackdown. This standoff highlights deep political divisions regarding accountability for the events.
India
MP High Court: No Court Nod for Rape Survivors’ Abortion
The Madhya Pradesh High Court has clarified that rape survivors seeking to terminate pregnancies up to 24 weeks no longer require judicial approval. This landmark ruling, stemming from an Indore bench decision, streamlines access to critical healthcare, emphasizing the provisions of the MTP Act and directing state health authorities to inform all hospitals.
India
Justice Yashwant Varma Probe: Charges Proved in Cash Case
A three-member inquiry committee has found all three charges proved against former Delhi High Court judge Justice Yashwant Varma. The panel concluded that substantial unexplained cash was found at his official residence, material evidence was not properly preserved, and his explanations were evasive, sparking a constitutional debate on judicial accountability.