The Delhi High Court has urged the Central Government to reassess its current maternity leave policy, which excludes women with more than two children from receiving maternity benefits. This policy has faced mounting criticism for being unfair and disproportionately impacting women who already struggle to balance family and professional responsibilities. The court’s recommendation reflects a broader call for gender equality and supportive measures for working mothers. As the Central Government reviews the court's advice, the potential for policy changes remains uncertain, with implications for future maternity leave regulations.

In the Union Budget 2024, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman unveiled a new pension scheme called NPS Vatsalya, designed for parents and guardians to contribute to the pension plans of minor children. This scheme is notable for its feature allowing conversion into a non-NPS plan once the child turns 18. Additionally, Sitharaman announced an increase in the National Pension Scheme (NPS) contribution limit for private sector employers from 10% to 14% of the employee’s salary. The Budget also highlighted enhanced tax benefits for NPS investments, including a new deduction of up to Rs. 50,000 under Section 80CCD (1B), supplementing the existing Rs. 1.5 lakh tax exemption under Section 80C.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced plans to address issues related to the New Pension Scheme (NPS) while ensuring fiscal prudence. A committee led by Finance Secretary T.V. Somanathan is reviewing the NPS and suggesting necessary changes. Several non-BJP-ruled states have reverted to the DA-linked Old Pension Scheme (OPS), and employee organizations have echoed similar demands. Sitharaman highlighted significant progress by the committee and praised the constructive approach of employee representatives. Key proposed reforms include increasing the employer's NPS contribution deduction from 10% to 14% and introducing 'NPS-Vatsalya', a new plan allowing contributions for minors that can be converted into a regular NPS account upon reaching adulthood.

The Central government has released operational guidelines for the PM-Surya Ghar-Muft Bijli Yojana, aimed at increasing solar rooftop capacity and allowing residential households to generate their own electricity. Approved in February 2024, the scheme has a financial outlay of over 75,000 crore rupees and will be in effect until 2026-27. Under the guidelines, Distribution Companies (DISCOMs) will receive incentives based on their performance in expanding grid-connected rooftop solar installations. DISCOMs will also be responsible for facilitating net meter availability, conducting inspections, and overseeing the commissioning of these installations.

The Department of Posts, in collaboration with IIT Hyderabad, has introduced the Digital Postal Index Number (DIGIPIN) to establish a standardized, geo-coded addressing system across India. This initiative aims to enhance public service delivery, expedite emergency responses, and boost logistics efficiency by providing a logical and accessible addressing reference system. The beta version of DIGIPIN, released on 19th July 2024, is now available for public feedback via the India Post website until 22nd September 2024.

The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India recently inaugurated the International Centre for Audit of Local Governance (ICALG) in Gujarat. This new center aims to elevate the auditing practices and governance standards of local governments by providing a platform for best practice sharing, training, and research. The ICALG's objectives include enhancing audit practices, building capacity through training, fostering international collaboration, and promoting standardized audit methods. The establishment of ICALG is expected to improve accountability and transparency in local governance.

The Bhil tribe, one of India's largest tribal groups, has once again demanded the creation of a separate state, 'Bhil Pradesh'. This demand stems from a desire for better development, cultural preservation, political representation, and economic opportunities. Despite their longstanding appeal, the Bhil tribe faces significant challenges, including administrative hurdles and political opposition from existing states.

Union Minister of Coal and Mines, Shri G. Kishan Reddy, inaugurated the National Landslide Forecasting Centre (NLFC) at the Geological Survey of India (GSI) in Kolkata, marking a significant step towards landslide hazard mitigation in India. The event also saw the launch of the Bhusanket Web Portal and the Bhooskhalan Mobile App, aimed at enhancing disaster risk reduction and landslide forecasting capabilities. The NLFC will begin providing live forecasting reports for Kalimpong, Darjeeling, and Nilgiri districts starting July 20, 2024, with plans to issue nationwide early warning bulletins by 2030. The Bhooskhalan Mobile App will enable stakeholders to access and share real-time landslide data. Minister Reddy emphasized the critical role of GSI in disaster management and commended its efforts in advancing geological studies and mineral exploration. The event highlighted GSI's commitment to leveraging technology for sustainable development and disaster preparedness.

The National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) and Netflix India have partnered to introduce "The Voicebox," an upskilling program for voice-over artists in India. The program aims to provide Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) training for voice-over artists in multiple languages and offers opportunities for professionals to contribute to the Indian media and entertainment industry. The program, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing, will include structured workshops, training sessions, and assessments in seven major cities of India. Additionally, the program is open to professionals, particularly women, with more than two years of experience in the media and entertainment sector. The initiative is supported by the Netflix Fund for Creative Equity, dedicated to fostering underrepresented communities in the TV and film industries.

On July 5, 2023, the Assam government instructed its Border police to refrain from sending cases involving non-Muslims who entered India illegally before 2014 to Foreigners Tribunals (FTs). This directive aligns with the Citizenship (Amendment) Act of 2019, which offers a path to Indian citizenship for non-Muslim refugees from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, or Pakistan. Foreigners Tribunals, established under the Foreigners (Tribunals) Order of 1964 and operational in Assam, function similarly to courts and are tasked with adjudicating claims of foreign nationality. Currently, only 100 out of 300 approved tribunals are functioning. The Assam Police Border Organization, established in 1962 and reorganized in 1974, works in conjunction with the Border Security Force to manage illegal immigration and border security. Recent Supreme Court decisions have raised concerns about the FT system, highlighting issues such as procedural errors and justice miscarriages. The Citizenship (Amendment) Act of 2019, which amends the Citizenship Act of 1955, continues to be controversial, facing legal challenges and sparking nationwide protests.

The Khelo India Rising Talent Identification (KIRTI) program, set to be inaugurated by Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya in New Delhi, is gearing up for its second phase. Building on the first phase's success, KIRTI aims to achieve 20 lakh assessments in the fiscal year 2024-25. The initiative will expand nationwide, with each district serving as a unit of assessment. The first phase saw significant participation, with 51,000 assessments completed across 28 states and Union Territories. The program, which evaluates athletes in 11 disciplines, will use modern ICT tools and AI-based data analytics to identify and develop sports talent, contributing to India's goal of becoming a top sports nation by 2036.

The concept of "Enemy Property" refers to properties left behind by individuals who migrated to countries in conflict with their home nation. In India, the Enemy Property Act of 1968 regulates these assets, particularly those left by people who moved to Pakistan during the wars of 1965 and 1971. The government appoints a Custodian of Enemy Property for India (CEPI) to manage these properties. The act has sparked numerous legal battles as descendants of the original owners challenge government control. The seizure of enemy properties carries significant economic and social consequences, including the loss of private assets and prolonged legal disputes.

The Supreme Court of India has clarified that the process of requiring an accused to admit or deny the authenticity of documents presented by the prosecution does not infringe upon the protections of Article 20(3) of the Indian Constitution. Article 20(3) protects individuals from being compelled to self-incriminate. The ruling, which pertains to Section 294 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), confirms that this procedural requirement aims to expedite trials without violating constitutional rights. The decision underscores the Court's commitment to balancing procedural efficiency with the protection of constitutional guarantees.

The Common Services Centres Special Purpose Vehicle (CSC SPV) celebrated its establishment day in New Delhi, with the presence of eminent figures such as Sh. Jitin Prasada, Union Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology and Commerce & Industry, and Sh. S. Krishnan, Secretary, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). The event showcased insightful addresses from the dignitaries, highlighting the pivotal role of Village Level Entrepreneurs (VLEs) and the potential for CSCs to drive change in the coming years. The program also emphasized the significant contributions of CSCs in promoting rural enterprise, digital inclusion, and various government schemes. Additionally, recognition was given to top-performing VLEs, and an MoU was exchanged to enhance educational services delivery through CSCs.

The Telangana government has launched the Crop Loan Waiver Scheme 2024, aimed at providing immediate financial relief to farmers. Under this initiative, ₹1 lakh will be deposited directly into the loan accounts of eligible beneficiaries starting this Thursday. Chief Minister [Name] emphasized the government's commitment to supporting agricultural welfare and ensuring sustainable practices. The scheme aims to alleviate loan repayment pressures and boost farmer morale amidst challenging agricultural conditions in the region.

The Ministry of Education and the University Grants Commission (UGC) have initiated ASMITA (Augmenting Study Materials in Indian Languages through Translation and Academic Writing), an ambitious project aimed at developing 22,000 books in Indian languages over the next five years. This effort, in collaboration with the Bharatiya Bhasha Samiti, seeks to integrate Indian languages into the education system, thereby enriching and making education more inclusive. The project, supported by 13 nodal universities, includes a comprehensive standard operating procedure for book creation. Alongside ASMITA, the ministry also launched Bahubhasha Shabdakosh, a comprehensive reference for words in all Indian languages, to promote the use of Indian languages in various modern fields.

The central government has stopped funding school schemes in Delhi, Punjab, and West Bengal following these states' refusal to join the Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India (PM-SHRI) initiative. The PM-SHRI scheme aims to enhance the quality of education through upgraded infrastructure and innovative teaching practices. The cessation of funds has raised concerns about its impact on school infrastructure and educational quality. While critics fear it may widen educational disparities, supporters argue it will encourage states to align with national education goals. The central government remains committed to improving education, despite the administrative disagreements.

NITI Aayog has introduced the 'Sampoornata Abhiyan' initiative aimed at promoting holistic development and inclusivity across India. This comprehensive program seeks to integrate efforts in key sectors such as health, education, and infrastructure to achieve sustainable progress. By focusing on collaborative strategies and data-driven solutions, the initiative aims to address disparities and enhance the overall quality of life for citizens. The launch event highlighted the commitment of NITI Aayog to steer India towards comprehensive and balanced development strategies.

The Karnataka state government has established a nine-member committee in response to concerns raised by MLC Dinesh Gooligowda regarding pollution in the Kaveri River. This committee, tasked by the Forest Department, aims to investigate the release of sewage, solid waste, industrial pollutants, and other contaminants into the river. Their objective is to propose solutions to mitigate environmental degradation within a strict timeline of ten days. MLC Dinesh Gooligowda has praised the government's proactive approach in protecting the river, emphasizing its importance to farmers and citizens alike.

The ambitious Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project, aimed at introducing high-speed rail travel in India, is set to begin operations in Gujarat by the end of 2027. Covering a distance of approximately 508 kilometers and capable of reaching speeds up to 320 kilometers per hour, the train will significantly reduce travel time between Mumbai and Ahmedabad. Construction has progressed steadily with major milestones achieved, including land acquisition and key infrastructure development. Supported by technical and financial assistance from Japan, the project symbolizes the growing collaboration between the two nations. Upon completion, the bullet train is expected to boost economic growth, enhance connectivity, and modernize the region's transportation infrastructure.

Ajit Pawar, Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister, announced during a legislative session that the state government will decide on implementing the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) for teachers within three months. The decision aims to provide relief to teaching and non-teaching staff in semi-government and aided institutions who joined after a specific notification. Discussions highlighted financial contributions and eligibility criteria, reflecting the state's economic context and governance rules for retirement funds.