Moving on

India is getting rid of an outdated dataset for measuring inflation

The retail inflation figure for December 2025 is the final instalment of the current series of the Consumer Price Index (CPI), with a base year of 2012, before it is updated to a new base year and with new weightages. The CPI data this year have been particularly useful in highlighting the problems with relying on a data-set that has not been updated in more than a decade.

The continued custody in Delhi Riots cases, an injustice

The top court's denial of bail to Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam raises questions about the way in which India's legal system deals with crucial questions of personal liberty.

An exploration of India's minerals diplomacy

Today, India's clean energy transitions are impossible without imported critical minerals and rare earths. The country needs these minerals now, and China's tightening export controls only heighten the urgency. Just like other countries around the world, India is also committing to diversify mineral trade linkages, promote responsible production and build standards-based markets.

India needs a two-pronged strategy to build long-term capability at home while securing immediate access abroad.

Why India needs a mentoring movement

India stands at a pivotal moment. More than 40 million young people are in higher education, and over 10 million are entering the labour market every year. It is crucial that we equip them with the skills, confidence, and networks they need to thrive.

Mentoring has particular resonance for India because it responds directly to inequalities in access to opportunity.

Over 77% of Rajasthan's illegal mining FIRs filed in Aravalli districts

The districts in Rajasthan, which host roughly 70% of the entire Aravalli range, are suffering from a disproportionately high volume of illegal mining, data show. 

Of the roughly 800-km-long Aravalli range spanning Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana and Delhi, around 560 km lie within Rajasthan. The range passes through 37 districts of which 20 are in Rajasthan. Moreover, Rajasthan alone hosts 16 of the 22 wildlife sanctuaries located in the Aravalli landscape

What is the Malayalam Language Bill, 2025?

The Malayalam Language Bill, 2025 seeks to formally adopt Malayalam as the official language of Kerala, and mandates its use across government, education, judiciary, public communication, commerce, and the digital domain, subject to constitutional provisions.

The Karnataka government has opposed the Bill, describing it as "unconstitutional" and contrary to the interests of the Kannada-speaking linguistic minority in Kerala, particularly those residing in the border district of Kasaragod.

What is futuristic marine and space biotechnology?

Futuristic space and marine biotechnology research focuses on using underexplored environments, such as the deep oceans and outer space, to develop new biological knowledge, materials, and manufacturing processes.

In space biotechnology, ISRO's microgravity biology programme is conducting experiments on microbes, algae, and biological systems to study food production, life-support regeneration, and human health in space.

Marine and space biotechnology remain relatively unexplored frontiers, where early movers are likely to gain lasting strategic and technological advantages.

SC to decide today on plea for passive euthanasia of man

The Supreme Court is scheduled to pass a final order on Thursday in a plea for passive euthanasia by means of withdrawing artificial life support to a 31-year-old man. The judges personally met his parents and siblings, who said they did not want him to suffer anymore.

UGC brings out new rules against caste discrimination

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has notified new regulations to address caste-based discrimination in higher education institutions across the country. The new rules mandate the setting up of equity committees on campuses and specify punishments, which can range from being debarred from offering degrees or programmes, for non-compliance. 

The UGC (Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions) Regulations, 2026, were notified on Tuesday

Discrimination has been defined as "any unfair, differential, or biased treatment or any such act against any stakeholder, whether explicit or implicit, on the grounds only of religion, race, caste, gender, place of birth, disability, or any of them"