Overview The Code on Social Security, 2020 is one of the four labour codes enacted to consolidate and rationalise India’s labour laws. It integrates nine existing social security legislations into a single framework with the objective of expanding social protection across the workforce. The Code seeks to extend social security coverage beyond the formal sector to include unorganised workers, gig workers, and platform workers, reflecting the changing nature of employment in India. Objectives The Code aims to: Key Provisions Recognition of Gig and Platform Workers The Code legally defines gig workers, platform workers, and aggregators for the first time. It mandates aggregators to contribute 1 to 2 percent of their annual turnover to a social security fund, subject to a cap of 5 percent of payments made to workers. Expansion of ESIC Coverage The Employees’ State Insurance Corporation coverage is extended across the entire country, removing the earlier restriction of notified areas.Establishments with fewer than ten employees may opt in voluntarily with mutual consent.Coverage is made mandatory for hazardous occupations and extended to plantation workers. Uniform Definition of Wages The Code introduces a standard definition of wages, including basic pay, dearness allowance, and retaining allowance.At least 50 percent of total remuneration must be considered as wages for the purpose of calculating social security benefits such as gratuity and pension, ensuring consistency across sectors. Gratuity for Fixed-Term Employees Fixed-term employees become eligible for gratuity after one year of continuous service, reducing the earlier requirement of five years. National Database for Unorganised Workers The Code provides for the creation of a national digital database (NDUW) to register unorganised workers and capture their employment and skill details, facilitating targeted delivery of benefits. Merits Demerits and Concerns Conclusion The Code on Social Security, 2020 represents a significant step toward modernising India’s labour welfare framework by recognising new forms of employment and expanding coverage. However, its effectiveness will depend on clear funding mechanisms, robust implementation, and movement towards universal social protection.

The Maternity Benefit Act, 1961 was enacted to regulate the employment of women during the pre-natal and post-natal periods and to ensure paid maternity benefits and related safeguards. Scope Key Provisions Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act, 2017 The 2017 amendment significantly expanded maternity protections. Major Changes Criticisms of the Amended Act Legal Challenge to Section 5(4) A Public Interest Litigation has questioned the validity of Section 5(4) on constitutional grounds. Key Issues Raised Related Schemes and Laws Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) Code on Social Security, 2020 Conclusion The Maternity Benefit Act, 1961, as amended in 2017, represents a significant step toward ensuring maternal health and workplace protection for women. However, issues of limited coverage, employer burden, and unequal treatment of adoptive mothers highlight the need for further reform. The ongoing judicial scrutiny may play a crucial role in aligning the law with constitutional principles of equality and social justice.

Context India has assumed the BRICS Presidency for 2026 and formally launched the official logo and website, marking the beginning of its leadership year. This positions India at the center of agenda-setting and coordination within the grouping. Host and Leadership Role India is the host country for the BRICS Summit 2026 and will guide discussions on economic cooperation, global governance, and development priorities. As the chair, India will: Theme The theme for BRICS 2026 is:“Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation, and Sustainability.” The theme reflects a focus on: BRICS Membership 2026 BRICS has expanded beyond its original five members and now includes 11 countries: This expansion strengthens South South cooperation and enhances the collective voice of developing countries in global governance. India’s Role and Priorities As President, India is expected to focus on: Key Challenges Way Forward Significance BRICS 2026 provides India with a strategic opportunity to: Conclusion India’s presidency of BRICS 2026 comes at a time of global economic uncertainty and geopolitical shifts. By focusing on resilience, innovation, and cooperation, India has the opportunity to transform BRICS into a more effective and action-oriented platform, while reinforcing the voice of the Global South in international affairs.

Constitutional Basis Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) are constitutional bodies established under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution of India (Articles 244(2) and 275(1)). They are designed to provide self-governance to tribal areas in the northeastern states, recognising their distinct social, cultural, and administrative needs. The Sixth Schedule applies to specific tribal areas in: Rationale The ADC system was introduced to: Composition Types of Councils Powers and Functions Legislative Powers ADCs can make laws on specified subjects, subject to the Governor’s assent: Executive Functions Judicial Powers Financial Powers Role of the Governor The Governor plays a crucial role in the functioning of ADCs: Significance Challenges Conclusion Autonomous District Councils represent a unique institutional mechanism that balances tribal autonomy with national integration. While they have played a crucial role in protecting tribal identity and promoting local governance, strengthening their financial and administrative capacity remains essential for their effective functioning.

Constitutional Framework The Sixth Schedule provides a unique system of autonomous governance for tribal areas in Northeast India. It operates under: It establishes Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) and Autonomous Regional Councils (ARCs) to enable self-governance while remaining within the constitutional framework of India. States Covered The Sixth Schedule applies to notified tribal areas in: These areas are designated as Autonomous Districts by the Governor. Objectives The Sixth Schedule aims to: Structure of Governance Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) Autonomous Regional Councils (ARCs) Powers and Functions Legislative Powers Councils can make laws (subject to Governor’s assent) on: Executive Powers Judicial Powers Financial Powers Role of the Governor The Governor has extensive powers: Significance Challenges Comparison with Fifth Schedule Conclusion The Sixth Schedule is a distinctive constitutional arrangement that balances tribal self-governance with national unity. It has played a critical role in preserving indigenous identities and promoting decentralised governance, though reforms are needed to enhance its effectiveness and accountability.

Constitutional Provision Article 244(2) provides that the provisions of the Sixth Schedule shall apply to the administration of tribal areas in the states of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram. It forms the constitutional foundation for granting autonomous governance to tribal regions in Northeast India. Core Meaning Article 244(2) establishes that: This ensures a system of self-governance tailored to the socio-cultural and historical context of tribal communities. Key Features Linked to Article 244(2) Autonomous Districts and Regions Autonomous Councils Legislative Autonomy Executive and Judicial Functions Purpose and Rationale Distinction from Article 244(1) Significance Conclusion Article 244(2) is a key constitutional provision that institutionalises self-governance for tribal areas in Northeast India through the Sixth Schedule. It reflects India’s commitment to balancing cultural autonomy with national integration, making it a cornerstone of tribal administration in the region.

Constitutional Provision Article 275(1) empowers Parliament to provide grants-in-aid to States from the Consolidated Fund of India for specific purposes, particularly related to tribal welfare and administration of Scheduled Areas. It is a key provision that ensures financial support from the Union to States, especially those with significant tribal populations. Core Features Statutory Grants Focus on Tribal Areas Parliamentary Determination Objectives Nature of Grants Role of Finance Commission Significance Financial Backbone for Tribal Welfare Supports Decentralised Governance Promotes Inclusive Growth Distinction from Article 282 ConclusionArticle 275(1) is a crucial fiscal provision that complements administrative autonomy in tribal areas by ensuring dedicated financial support. It plays a vital role in advancing equity, inclusion, and balanced regional development within India’s federal structure.

Overview The Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, 2023, also known as the Women’s Reservation Act, marks a significant constitutional reform aimed at ensuring 33 percent reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies. Despite its passage in 2023, its implementation remains deferred due to linkage with Census and delimitation, raising important constitutional and political questions. India’s Position and Historical Background Women’s political representation in India remains relatively low: The demand for women’s reservation has a long legislative history: Implementation Framework and Delay The Act does not come into force immediately. Its implementation is conditional upon: Expected Timeline This pushes actual implementation to approximately 2033–34, making it a long-term reform rather than an immediate one. Structural and Political Factors Behind Delay Protection of Sitting Representatives Immediate implementation would require reserving about 183 out of 543 Lok Sabha seats, potentially displacing current MPs. Expansion Strategy Delimitation may increase total seats in Lok Sabha, possibly up to around 888, allowing reservation to be implemented without removing existing members. Regional and Social Concerns North–South Imbalance States like Kerala and Tamil Nadu, which have controlled population growth, fear losing representation to higher-growth states like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar after delimitation. Limited Institutional Coverage The Act applies only to: It excludes: Absence of OBC Sub-Quota While SC and ST women are covered within reservation, OBC women lack a dedicated quota, despite forming a large demographic segment. Rotation of Seats Frequent rotation of reserved constituencies may affect continuity and long-term political development of women leaders. Constitutional Dimension The delay raises questions about the balance between: Some argue that Article 15(3), which allows special provisions for women, could enable earlier implementation without waiting for delimitation. Way Forward Conclusion The Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam represents a transformative step toward gender-inclusive governance. However, its delayed implementation risks reducing its impact to a symbolic reform. Without timely execution, the promise of political empowerment remains deferred, and substantive gender equality in legislative institutions continues to be postponed rather than realised.