Editorial
Issues That Matter.
In-depth articles on India's most pressing public issues — jobs, healthcare, governance, and more. Read. Comment. Act.
India's Deadly Heat Waves: Who Is Responsible and What Must Change?
India is experiencing its most severe heat waves on record. In May 2024, temperatures in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, and Bihar crossed 47-50°C. Hundreds of people died from heatstroke, mostly daily wage workers, the elderly, and the homeless who had no choice but to stay outside. Schools were shut, outdoor workers collapsed on the streets, and hospitals were overwhelmed. This is no longer a weather event — it is a public health and governance crisis.
NEET-UG 2024 Paper Leak: 24 Lakh Students Betrayed. What Is the Fix?
The NEET-UG 2024 medical entrance examination was compromised by a massive paper leak that affected approximately 24 lakh (2.4 million) students across India. Students in Bihar and other states received question papers hours before the exam through WhatsApp groups. 67 students scored a perfect 720/720 — an unprecedented statistical anomaly that pointed directly to cheating. The NTA (National Testing Agency) initially denied any wrongdoing, then the Supreme Court of India intervened. Protests erupted in Delhi, Patna, Mumbai, and across the country. Years of preparation by honest students were made worthless overnight.
India's Youth Unemployment Crisis: 45% of Graduates Cannot Find Work
India has the world's largest youth population — over 600 million people under 25. Yet according to the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE), India's youth unemployment rate stands at 45.4% for educated youth (those with graduate degrees or higher). India adds approximately 12 million young people to the workforce every year, but the economy creates only 8-9 million jobs. The gap is growing. The promise of education as a path to employment is breaking down for an entire generation.
Manipur Ethnic Violence: Over 200 Dead, 60,000 Displaced. Why Has the State Failed?
Since May 2023, Manipur has been engulfed in ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities. Over 200 people have been killed, more than 60,000 have been displaced from their homes, and thousands of houses, churches, and temples have been burned. The violence began after a court order directed the state government to consider ST status for Meiteis, triggering protests from tribal communities. The situation rapidly escalated into armed conflict with both communities forming armed militias. Internet shutdown has been in place for extended periods. The Prime Minister did not visit the state for over 80 days after the violence began.
Delhi Air Pollution: AQI 500+ Every Winter. Who Is Actually Accountable?
Every winter, Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) crosses 400-500 — classified as 'Severe' and 'Hazardous'. At these levels, breathing Delhi's air for one day is equivalent to smoking 40-50 cigarettes. Children develop asthma, the elderly suffer respiratory failure, and hospitals overflow. Schools are shut, flights are delayed, and the city chokes. In November 2023, Delhi recorded the worst air quality of any major city in the world for multiple consecutive days. This has been happening every year for over a decade. Nothing has fundamentally changed.
Farmer Suicides and Debt: Why Has India Not Solved This in 30 Years?
According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), over 100,000 farmers and agricultural workers have died by suicide in India since 2014. In 2022, 11,290 people in the farming sector died by suicide — roughly 31 per day. The primary driver is debt — loans taken for seeds, fertilizer, and equipment that cannot be repaid when crops fail or prices crash. Despite multiple farm loan waiver schemes announced by state governments, the structural problem — that farming is financially unviable for small and marginal farmers — has not been addressed.