India, EU close in on FTA as negotiations conclude

A "successful India" is in the world's interest, said visiting European Union (EU) leaders who attended the Re-public Day parade on Mon-lay, as officials here confirmed that negotiations for the EU-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) have been concluded.

Playing hide and seek on employment guarantee

There is little substance in recent arguments for the replacement of MGNREGA with the VB-G RAM G Act. The main purpose of the new Act seems to be to enable the Modi government to run the show and steal the credit, as happened when the National Food Security Act was repackaged as a bunch of Prime Minister's schemes. Employment guarantee and workers' rights are on the back seat.

India's biggest climate gap could be language

What climate communication must deliver Effective communication begins with use. It turns projections into decisions: not just 'heat index rise', but what it means for school timings, outdoor work, and public health preparedness; not just 'flood return intervals', but how flooding will affect commute routes, household safety, and service delivery in specific neighbourhoods. And it works best when co-created with frontline workers, panchayat leaders, farmers, fisherfolk, teachers, and local journalists.

If we are serious about turning climate science into climate action, it needs a communication framework as intentional as its forecasting systems and policy mechanisms. That means simplifying climate information, localising it for real contexts and languages, humanising science through lived realities, institutionalising communication capacity within government systems, and strengthening media partnerships so risk narratives are understood, trusted, and acted upon. 

Mind the time

India needs public-funded geriatric care to take care of its elderly

While India is often celebrated for its demographic dividend, its States are undergoing a significant but uneven demographic transition. Research has shown that ageing in India dis-proportionately affects women, who often live longer but with fewer financial assets. The RBI's focus on "workforce policy" overlooks the majority of elderly women who were never in the for-mal workforce and thus have no pension. 

Cybercrime and a global governance crisis

The emerging global order relegates multilateralism to high-level principles, and depends on smaller groups for consensus on operating clauses 

Venezuela's oil collapse is plunging Cuba into crisis

The U.S.'s invasion of Venezuela has triggered power cuts, fuel shortages and food supply disruptions in Cuba

How will U.S. exit affect solar alliance?

The U.S. exit will not really harm the alliance financially. U.S. contribution made up only about 1% of the Alliance's total funds. Most solar projects in India are driven by domestic demand. They are backed by long-term contracts with state utilities and central agencies. The ISA works extensively in Africa and poorer developing countries. When a large economy like the U.S. steps back from climate engagement, lenders can turn cautious

How is China framing its Antarctic ambitions?

The draft legislation seeks to establish a comprehensive domestic legal framework governing all Chinese-related activities in Antarctica. China's ambitions are framed around science, governance, participation, and long-term strategic presence rather than territorial claims.

Currently, China operates five research stations in the Antarctic, namely the Great Wall Station, the Ongshan Station, the Taishan Station, the Kunlun Station, and the Qinling Station. 

Uproar intensifies against new UGC equity regulations

Several groups have alleged bias against 'general category' students, while anti-caste activists say the new regulations do not adequately protect SC, ST, and OBC students from discrimination 

Poll-bound States spent carefully while cutting debt

Amidst political criticism of Opposition-ruled States being fiscally irresponsible, data from RBI study of State budgets suggest otherwise; 'different States are in varied demographic stages'