By Bharat Dogra   The Chambal region in central India has long drawn national and global attention for its remarkable peace initiative—the voluntary surrender of over 600 dacoits . The pressing question now is whether this legacy can be carried forward to strengthen non‑violent thinking and action as a means of reducing distress, destruction, and violence in society.  

By Harsh Thakor*  Even as Iran grapples with an existential crisis as a result of the war with US and Israel, there appears little effort among the more aware sections across the world to recall the contribution of Ali Shariati, who offered a radical reinterpretation of Islam, transforming it into an instrument of social change by fusing religious tradition with revolutionary consciousness. 

By A Representative   The Jawaharlal Nehru University Teachers’ Association has opposed a proposal to introduce a 5% supernumerary quota for wards of university employees, including teachers, calling it a “regressive” shift in admission policy and demanding its immediate withdrawal. In a statement issued after its General Body meeting held on April 21, the association said members had “unanimously decided to oppose” the move, which it attributed to a unilateral decision by Vice Chancellor Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit . The body maintained that the proposal “stemmed not from any demand raised by teachers” and described it as an outcome of “absolute control over the decision-making process.”

By Bharat Dogra   Recent proposals, including constitutional amendments to provide 33% reservation for women in state and central legislatures, have sparked wide discussion. In this context, it is important to examine the experiences of women leaders in rural decentralization, where reservations have existed for decades. Many women elected to village councils (panchayats) have set inspiring examples of leadership, particularly those who rose from poor families and marginalized communities. Their achievements remain significant even today.

By Mohd Ziyaullah Khan*  Of late, elections in West Bengal have drawn widespread attention, largely due to the high-voltage campaigning led by the ruling party at the Centre. The Prime Minister has taken on the role of a key campaigner, underlining the significance the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) attaches to the state. For the party, victory is a priority, which explains not only frequent rallies by the Prime Minister and the Home Minister but also the active involvement of Chief Ministers from BJP-ruled states.

By A Representative   Human rights activist Kirity Roy has written to the Election Commission of India alleging large-scale and arbitrary deletion of voters’ names from the electoral rolls in Cooch Behar district of West Bengal, raising concerns over violations of constitutional and statutory safeguards.

By Vikas Meshram*  Whenever a bill comes before India’s Parliament, it is not merely a piece of legislation. It carries the weight of decades of history, the hopes of millions—especially women—and the tangled calculations of political parties. On April 16, the government tabled the Women’s Reservation Amendment Bill , the 131st Constitutional Amendment Bill 2026 , alongside the Delimitation Bill 2026 and the Union Territory Laws Amendment Bill 2026 in the Lok Sabha. Ultimately, the bill was defeated. It received 298 votes in favour and 230 against, falling short of the two-thirds majority required for a constitutional amendment.

By A Representative   In a significant legal proceeding on April 21, 2026, the Supreme Court of India addressed ongoing concerns regarding unethical medical research during a hearing of the Public Interest Litigation filed by Swasthya Adhikar Manch against the Union of India. Presided over by Justice Pamidighantam Sri Narasimha and Justice Alok Aradhe, the Court examined the persistent regulatory gaps in the country’s clinical trial framework despite reforms introduced over the last decade. 

By A Representative   The rights group Banglar Manabadhikar Suraksha Mancha (MASUM) has written to the Election Commission of India alleging grave constitutional violations in Gobindapur village under Swarupnagar Assembly Constituency , North 24 Parganas district, where names of bona fide Indian citizens have been arbitrarily deleted from the electoral roll.