The article title suggests an analysis of India's demographic advantage, specifically its large young population, and its potential to serve as a workforce for and contribute to the economies of countries globally that are facing challenges due to an aging population.
The article highlights a controversial position taken by the Punjab government regarding a judge, which is seen as establishing a concerning precedent. This situation likely involves issues related to judicial independence, the separation of powers, and the interaction between state executive and the judiciary.
A five-storey private hostel building collapse in Delhi, resulting in fatalities and injuries, has highlighted critical issues of haphazard urban development, severe shortage of affordable and safe student housing, and lax regulation in the capital. The article criticizes Delhi University for absolving itself of responsibility and points to private players exploiting the demand with unregulated, unsafe accommodations. It calls for the Delhi government and Centre to move beyond reactive measures, implement stringent policies for periodic structural audits and safety certifications for buildings used for public activity, and collaborate with educational institutions to develop durable solutions for student accommodation.
The article discusses the growing assertiveness of Indian students, particularly Gen Z, and the underlying governance crisis in higher education institutions. It highlights a Supreme Court intervention regarding the Bar Council of India's (BCI) order affecting NALSAR students, emphasizing the need for academic freedom and student voice. The author argues against the prevailing 'control model' of university governance, which leads to V-C centric administrations, declining public funding, and suppression of free speech, advocating instead for a 'liberty model' that fosters trust, student participation in decision-making, and democratized campuses to address student grievances and promote knowledge creation.
The article discusses the need for women to reclaim public spaces, particularly at night, challenging patriarchal norms that restrict their mobility and autonomy under the guise of safety. It highlights how traditional interpretations of 'Indian culture' and texts like Manusmriti have historically denied women independence, reducing their identity to familial roles. The piece argues that true emancipation goes beyond economic necessity, requiring a structural shift in infrastructure and societal mindset to grant women unconditional freedom and safety, drawing parallels with the 'Take Back the Night' movement.
The article warns that attempts to dilute the Forest Rights Act (FRA) by requiring consent from only a majority, rather than all, affected gram sabhas for projects, pose a significant threat to tribal land rights and survival. It highlights a suggestion by the Committee on Public Undertakings and criticizes the potential reduction of gram sabhas to mere corporate stakeholders. The article also points out a dangerous regulatory vacuum created by the Tribal Affairs Ministry's refusal to claim jurisdiction, leaving Centre and State governments unchecked. It emphasizes that land is fundamental to tribal communities' livelihoods, culture, and autonomy, and calls for strengthening the powers of gram sabhas under FRA, PESA, and the Land Acquisition Act.
The article discusses the deepening defence cooperation between India and Japan, marked by Japan's Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi's visit to India in August 2026. It highlights the shift from institutional dialogue to operational capability, focusing on enhanced information sharing, Maritime Domain Awareness, joint naval shipbuilding, and defence equipment transfer (like the UNICORN system). The cooperation also includes increasing the complexity of joint exercises (e.g., Veer Guardian) and exploring new areas like unmanned systems and special operations forces. The strategic context is the Indo-Pacific, with both nations sharing concerns about regional security and stability, implicitly addressing challenges from unilateral actions. The visit underscores a broader effort to build a resilient partnership, linking India's industrial capabilities with Japan's technological strengths.