The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has initiated measures aimed at enhancing public health safety in India by mandating all Food Business Operators (FBOs) to display their FSSAI license or registration certificate prominently, including a QR code for the Food Safety Connect app. This initiative is designed to empower consumers and facilitate a user-friendly grievance redressal mechanism.

Key Details:

• Regulatory Requirement: The measure is based on License number 1 of the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011.
• Target Audience: All FBOs, including restaurants, dhabas, cafes, and eateries, are required to follow this guideline.
• Display Location: The FBOs must ensure that the FSSAI license/registration certificate along with the QR code is displayed in areas that are visible to customers, such as entrances, billing counters, or seating areas.
• Digital Compliance: The QR code or a direct downloading link for the Food Safety Connect app must also be integrated into FBOs' digital assets, including websites and online ordering platforms, wherever applicable.
• Purpose of the Food Safety Connect App: The app serves multiple functions:
  • Allows consumers to lodge complaints concerning food safety and hygiene.
  • Enables reporting of misleading claims on food products.
  • Provides information about licensed and registered FBOs.
  • Keeps users informed about FSSAI's latest initiatives and alerts concerning food safety.
• Grievance Mechanism: Complaints submitted via the app are directed to the concerned jurisdictional authority, ensuring timely responses and minimizing delays in addressing consumer grievances.

Context and Implications:

• Consumer Empowerment: By facilitating a direct platform for consumers to report issues, this initiative aims to strengthen the food safety ecosystem in India.
• Health Safety Promotion: The initiative is part of a broader strategy to promote public health through better food safety measures.
• Nationwide Implementation: The advisory was issued as a nationwide mandate, emphasizing the importance of compliance across all FBOs.
• Date of Implementation: The advisory was published on August 2, 2025, reflecting the ongoing evolution of food safety governance in India.

Overall, this initiative not only aligns with the FSSAI's commitment to improving food safety standards but also enhances consumer confidence in the food service sector. The integration of modern technology, like the Food Safety Connect app, is particularly notable for its potential to streamline consumer feedback processes and enable quick action by authorities.

A special NIA court in Mumbai acquitted all seven accused in the Malegaon blast case of 2008, citing inadequate and unreliable evidence presented by the National Investigation Agency (NIA).

Key Facts:

• Date of Judgment: The court's decision was announced on July 31, 2025, and the judgement was made public on August 1, 2025.
• Accused Individuals: Pragyasingh Chandrapalsingh Thakur, Major Ramesh Shivji Upadhyaya, Sameer Sharad Kulkarni, Ajay Raja Eknath Rahirkar, Lieutenant Colonel Prasad Shrikant Purohit, Sudhakar Dhar Dwivedi, and Sudhakar Onkarnath Chaturvedi.
• Charges Acquitted Under: Various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, and the Explosive Substances Act, 1908.
• Incident: The malegaon blast occurred on September 29, 2008, during Ramadan, killing six and injuring 101. The bomb was planted on a motorcycle.
• Prosecution's Evidence: The prosecution examined 323 witnesses; however, the court criticized the testimonies as filled with inconsistencies and contradictions, ultimately failing to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Judgment Highlights:

• The court emphasized that the prosecution must establish guilt beyond a reasonable doubt and noted the absence of reliable evidence.
• Testimonies were deemed not credible, particularly due to coercive practices reportedly employed by investigative agencies, especially the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS).
• The court stressed that mere suspicion cannot replace legal proof, and noted the lengthy delay in witness testimonies which affected their reliability.
• The judgement indicated procedural infractions, such as the failure to examine key witnesses whose testimonies could have bolstered the prosecution's case.

Victims’ Compensation:

• The court directed that victims and families of deceased be compensated under the victim’s compensation scheme: ₹2 Lakh for each deceased family and ₹50,000 for each injured person.
• It instructed the prosecuting agency to prepare a victims' list for further necessary action regarding compensation.

Concerns Raised:

• The judgment casts doubt on the conduct of the ATS, which conducted part of the investigation, as allegations of torture and misconduct were made against its officers without equivalent claims against NIA personnel.
• It raised significant questions about the integrity of the investigative processes used by law enforcement agencies.

Conclusion:

• The court reiterated the principle that the burden of proof lies with the prosecution and that unsubstantiated moral convictions cannot lead to convictions in a court of law.
• The outcome underscores the paramount importance of credible, coercion-free evidence in terrorism-related cases to uphold judicial integrity and justice for victims.

Bullet Points:

• NIA court acquitted all seven accused in 2008 Malegaon blast case due to inconclusive evidence.
• Judgment delivered by Special Judge A.K. Lahoti on July 31, 2025.
• Critique of prosecution's case highlighting inconsistencies and contradictions in witness testimonies.
• Incident involved a bomb explosion on September 29, 2008, killing six and injuring 101.
• Compensation of ₹2 Lakh for deceased families and ₹50,000 for injured persons mandated.
• Challenges to the credibility of ATS and the investigatory practices used.
• Reiteration of the principle that suspicion alone cannot replace legal proof for conviction.

The article reports on a disturbing case of illegal surrogacy and baby-selling in Secunderabad, Telangana, involving Universal Srushti Fertility Centre. The couple, Sonam Singh and Akshay, traveled from Rajasthan for an IVF procedure but were misled into surrogacy that cost ₹30 lakh, instead of the IVF procedure that could range between ₹2 lakh and ₹6 lakh. After handing over payments, they discovered that the baby they received was not biologically related to them. They confronted the clinic when DNA tests confirmed their fears, only to find that the doctor, Pachipala Namratha, had vanished.

Key Points:

• Medical Tourism Hotspot: Secunderabad, along with Hyderabad, is a significant hub for medical tourism in India, particularly for fertility treatments.

• Surrogacy Misrepresentation: The couple was promised an 85% success rate and convinced to opt for surrogacy, which was heavily overpriced compared to IVF.

• Legal Violations: The doctor was charged under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Act, 2023, (criminal conspiracy, breach of trust, forgery) and the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021, which prohibits commercial surrogacy.

• Similar Cases Uncovered: Investigations revealed that at least 15 couples had been defrauded, with falsified documents issued by the clinic.

• Human Exploitation: Vulnerable women were preyed upon and offered money to carry pregnancies for surrogacy, often with no payments received afterward.

• Tragic Incident: A surrogate’s death during an escape from an alleged sexual assault highlighted the dangerous circumstances surrounding surrogacy arrangements.

• Child Welfare: Babies involved in these scams have been taken into child care facilities under the Women and Child Welfare Department.

• Black Market for Donors: Another raid uncovered a facility named Indian Sperm Tech, operating unlicensed, where sperm and egg donors were being sought and paid inadequately.

• Legal Framework: The Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021, allows only altruistic surrogacy in India, forbidding any commercial transaction.

• Regulatory Measures: Stringent systems are being put into place to ensure the ethical conduct of fertility clinics under the ART Regulation Act, 2021, emphasizing proper documentation, donor screening, and the legality of procedures.

• Tech-Driven Safeguards: Clinics are encouraged to adopt the RI Witness system for tracking bio-samples, enhancing accountability amid rising cases of unethical practices.

• Historical Context: Namratha had a previous surrogacy scandal in 2016 and faced disciplinary action from the Telangana Medical Council, which highlights ongoing issues in the surrogacy sector.

This case sheds light on the need for increased scrutiny of fertility services in India, reinforcing the importance of regulatory frameworks to protect vulnerable populations and ensure ethical medical practices in surrogacy and reproductive technology. The efficacy of new regulations is crucial to prevent the recurrence of such exploitation within the surrogacy landscape.

The recent National Consultation on Strengthening Tribal Research Institutes (TRIs) was held on July 28-29, 2025, organized by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) and the National Tribal Research Institute (NTRI) in New Delhi. The initiative is part of the broader vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047, aiming to address challenges faced by TRIs in supporting tribal research and socio-economic development.

Key Highlights of the Consultation:

• Purpose: The consultation aimed to discuss enhancing the capacity of TRIs, with an emphasis on practical solutions to difficulties faced by these institutions.

• Participants: Over 50 stakeholders, including experts, policymakers, and practitioners, attended the event to exchange knowledge and strategies.

• Speakers and Their Views:

  • Shri Vibhu Nayar, Secretary, MoTA: Emphasized grounding ideas in practical realities and the importance of engaging directly with communities for effective implementation.
  • Shri R. Balasubramaniam, Member-HR Capacity Building Commission: Called for participatory research that respects tribal voices, proposing a 'Convergence Model of Capacity Building' that links scientific knowledge with traditional wisdom.
  • Shri Anant Prakash Pandey, Joint Secretary, MoTA: Discussed the transformative vision of the Adi Karmayogi Abhiyan, intending to develop a cadre of 2 million grassroots leaders across 1 lakh tribal villages.
  • Ms. Deepali Masirkar, Director, MoTA: Stressed the need for stronger connections between MoTA and TRIs, advocating for redefined roles and adequate funding.
  • Prof. Virginius Xaxa: Suggested redefining TRI mandates to enhance relevance, focusing on integration of disciplines like political science, sociology, and economics.
  • Prof. Akhil Bihari Ota: Highlighted the necessity for Project Management Units (PMUs) in TRIs for effective implementation and stressed on robust infrastructure and timely funding.
  • Prof. Nupur Tiwary, Special Director, NTRI: Reinforced the goal to formulate actionable strategies for revitalizing TRIs through collaboration and strategic planning.

• Discussion Points:

  • Fund allocation and capacity building.
  • Institutional reform strategies to strengthen TRIs.
  • Need for a more dynamic approach to TRI functions reflecting regional realities.
  • The importance of collaboration among TRIs and other stakeholders.

• Actionable Outcomes:

  • Develop a Strategy and Action Plan for Model TRIs.
  • Compile Best Practices and Replication Methodologies.
  • Formulate National Capacity Building Measures.
  • Promote Convergence and Collaboration among TRIs.

The consultation concluded with a commitment to take concrete steps for enhancing the role and effectiveness of TRIs in supporting tribal communities in India.

Important Sentences in Bullet Points:

• The National Consultation on TRIs took place from July 28-29, 2025, in New Delhi.
• It was organized by MoTA and NTRI to enhance the functionality and relevance of TRIs.
• Over 50 stakeholders participated, including policymakers, experts, and academicians.
• Key discussions focused on participatory research approaches and the convergence of knowledge systems.
• The Adi Karmayogi Abhiyan aims to create 2 million grassroots leaders across tribal villages.
• Emphasis was placed on redefining TRI mandates and increasing funding and resources.
• Actionable strategies were outlined for developing Model TRIs and promoting best practices.
• The consultation sought to align TRI activities with the socio-economic development needs of tribal communities.

This consultation is crucial for preparing TRIs to address the evolving needs of India's tribal populations efficiently and effectively, contributing to broader developmental goals.

Summary of the Vaccination Campaign for Children

The vaccination campaign for children in India has been significantly strengthened over the past several years, with multiple strategies and initiatives aimed at improving immunization coverage across the country. The campaign administers 11 essential vaccines free of charge to children and pregnant women, ensuring access to critical health measures.

Key Aspects of the Vaccination Campaign:

• Vaccines Provided: The campaign includes the following vaccines:

  • Hepatitis B Vaccine
  • Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV)
  • Bacillus Calmette-Guérin Vaccine (BCG)
  • Injectable Polio Vaccine (IPV)
  • Pentavalent Vaccine
  • Rotavirus Vaccine (RVV)
  • Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV)
  • Measles & Rubella Vaccine (MR)
  • Diphtheria, Pertussis, and Tetanus Vaccine (DPT)
  • Tetanus & Adult Diphtheria Vaccine (Td)
  • Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine (JE).

• Routine Immunization Sessions:

  • Organized weekly in both rural and urban areas, these sessions aim to vaccinate children and pregnant women.
  • Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA) conduct door-to-door outreach to inform beneficiaries about vaccination sessions.

• Strategic Interventions:

  • The government undertakes several measures to enhance immunization rates, including advocacy and social mobilization, interpersonal communication within families, and media engagement.
  • Information Education and Communication (IEC) strategies are disseminated through various media channels, including television, radio, and social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and Facebook.

• Mission Indradhanush:

  • The Intensified Mission Indradhanush is a special catch-up vaccination campaign targeting areas with low immunization coverage. This initiative seeks to immunize children and pregnant women who were previously left out or have dropped out of the vaccination program.

• National Immunization Days (NIDs):

  • These special vaccination campaigns, part of the Pulse Polio program, are conducted annually to ensure that every child receives the necessary vaccines.

• Village Health and Nutrition Days (VHND):

  • Designated days focused on immunization activities are organized to strengthen community engagement and outreach.

• Administrative Support:

  • The effective implementation of these campaigns is supported by the State Task Force on Immunization (STFI), District Task Force on Immunization (DTFI), and Block Task Force on Immunization (BTFI).

• Digital Innovations:

  • The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has launched the U-Win portal for the digital registration and documentation of vaccination events for children and pregnant women, enhancing accountability and tracking.

On August 1, 2025, the Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Smt. Anupriya Patel, provided this information in response to a query in the Lok Sabha, emphasizing the government’s commitment to improving childhood vaccination rates through comprehensive strategies.

Important Points:

• 11 free vaccines for children and pregnant women.
• Weekly vaccination sessions conducted in various communities.
• Strategic measures utilized to target and improve immunization rates.
• Special campaigns, including Mission Indradhanush and National Immunization Days, are critical components.
• Digital tools, such as the U-Win portal, are introduced to streamline vaccination processes.
• Increased community involvement through ASHA workers and localized health initiatives.

This campaign reflects India’s commitment to strengthening public health infrastructure and achieving widespread child immunization to prevent communicable diseases.

Summary of the Upcoming Election for the Office of the Vice-President of India, 2025

The Election to the Office of the Vice-President of India, constituting the 17th Vice-Presidential Election, is set to take place in 2025 following the notification by the Ministry of Home Affairs dated July 22, 2025, due to the vacancy in the office.

Key Constitutional Provisions:

• Term Duration: Article 67 of the Constitution states that the Vice-President holds office for a five-year term.
• Filling Vacancies: Article 68(2) mandates that a vacancy should be filled as soon as possible.
• Electoral Process: Article 66 specifies that the Vice-President is elected by the members of the Electoral College, comprising members from both Houses of Parliament, based on proportional representation via the single transferable vote.

Composition of Electoral College:

• Total Members: 788 (currently 782, with 5 Rajya Sabha seats and 1 Lok Sabha seat vacant).
• Breakdown:
  • 233 elected Rajya Sabha members
  • 12 nominated Rajya Sabha members
  • 543 elected Lok Sabha members

Election Process:

• Voting System: Secret ballot using proportional representation via the single transferable vote (Article 66).
• Ballot Marking: Electors must mark preferences behind the names of candidates. Valid markings must be done with a particular pen provided by the Election Commission.
• Nominations: Candidates can file nominations from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM, with a requirement of 20 proposers and 20 seconders. The security deposit is ₹15,000.

Election Schedule:

• Notification Issuance: August 7, 2025
• Last Date for Nominations: August 21, 2025
• Scrutiny of Nominations: August 22, 2025
• Withdrawal of Candidatures: August 25, 2025
• Polling Date: September 9, 2025 (10 AM - 5 PM)
• Vote Counting (if necessary): September 9, 2025

Election Management:

• The Election Commission of India (ECI), under Article 324 of the Constitution and relevant acts, will oversee the election.
• The Secretary General of Rajya Sabha is appointed as the Returning Officer, supported by two Assistant Returning Officers.
• A list of Electoral College members will be made available for purchase, reinforcing the transparency of the process.

Legal Framework and Regulations:

• Political parties are prohibited from issuing any whip regarding Vice-Presidential election voting.
• Violations in voting procedures, such as failing to maintain secrecy, may lead to the invalidation of votes.
• The commission emphasizes eco-friendly practices during elections, limiting the use of prohibited plastic materials.

Election Conduct:

• Regular updates and an information booklet detailing election aspects will be available on the ECI website.
• Observers from the government will be deployed at polling and counting locations.

Conclusion:

The 2025 Vice-Presidential Election is structured to ensure adherence to constitutional provisions and regulations while promoting transparency and eco-friendliness in its conduct.

Important Points:

• Election Vacancy Notification: July 22, 2025.
• Constitutional Articles Involved: Article 67, Article 68, Article 66, Article 324.
• Electoral College Members: 788 (782 currently).
• Nomination Requirements: 20 proposers/seconders, ₹15,000 security deposit.
• Scheduled Dates:
  • Notification: August 7, 2025
  • Nominations Closes: August 21, 2025
  • Polling: September 9, 2025
• No Party Whip: Political parties cannot influence MPs' votes.
• Eco-friendly Practices: Utilization of biodegradable materials encouraged.

The article discusses the challenges faced by legal services institutions in India under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, focusing on their provision of free legal aid to a significant portion of the population. Despite their mandated role, the actual reach of these legal services remains modest.

Comprehensive Summary:

• Legal Aid Institutions: Established under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, these institutions are vital in providing free legal aid to approximately 80% of India's population but have a limited impact.

• Current Statistics: Between April 2023 and March 2024, only 15.50 lakh people received legal aid, a 28% increase from the previous year (12.14 lakh). However, this is still below the expected scale.

• Legal Aid Facilities: The services, typically located at local courts, prisons, and juvenile justice boards, are intended for economically weaker sections and vulnerable groups. In rural areas, legal aid clinics serve clusters of villages, with one clinic for every 163 villages according to the India Justice Report 2025.

• Funding Issues: The legal aid budget constitutes less than 1% of the total justice budget, funded by both state and central governments through the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA). The budget allocation for legal aid nearly doubled from ₹601 crore in 2017-18 to ₹1,086 crore in 2022-23, with a significant increase in state legal aid budgets. Thirteen states increased their legal aid budgets by over 100%, led by Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh.

• NALSA Funding: From 2017-18 to 2022-23, NALSA’s allocations decreased from ₹207 crore to ₹169 crore, and its utilization rate dropped from 75% to 59%.

• Spending vs. Impact: In 2023, national per capita spending on legal aid was about ₹7, with Haryana having the highest expenditure (₹16) and several states spending below the average, indicating uneven resource distribution.

• Para-legal Volunteers: The number of para-legal volunteers, crucial for community legal aid, fell by 38% from 2019-2024. Currently, there are 3.1 para-legal volunteers per lakh of the population. States like West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh have inadequate representation with only one volunteer per lakh.

• Service Shortcomings: Low budgets lead to a decrease in trained and deployed para-legal volunteers. For instance, in 2023-24, out of 53,000 trained, only 14,000 were deployed. The remuneration for these volunteers is reportedly below minimum wage, with substantial disparities across states.

• Shift in Legal Assistance Framework: Since 2022, NALSA initiated the Legal Aid Defence Counsel (LADC) scheme, focusing exclusively on representing accused persons, inspired by the public defender model. This scheme aims to enhance the quality of legal representation and is operational across 610 of 670 districts. The budget for LADC was ₹200 crore in 2023-2024 but was reduced to ₹147.9 crore for 2024-25.

• Existing Challenges: Despite increasing allocations, the effectiveness of legal aid is hampered by factors such as inconsistent service quality, lack of accountability, and diminishing trust in the system. There is a recognized need for additional funding and resources to enhance the legal aid system’s overall capacity.

• Constitutional Context: The overarching goal of legal aid systems is to ensure that the right to legal representation is upheld, as enshrined in the Constitution of India. Therefore, enhancing the accessibility and quality of these services is paramount for achieving justice.

In summary, while there have been some improvements and initiatives to enhance the provision of legal aid in India, significant challenges in funding, capacity, and service provision remain, underscoring the urgent need for policy reforms and better allocation of resources.

Key Bullet Points:

• Legal services institutions under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987 aim to provide free legal aid to 80% of India's population.
• Only 15.50 lakh people received legal aid between April 2023 and March 2024; a 28% increase from previous year.
• Legal aid clinics exist at a ratio of one per 163 villages across India.
• Legal aid budget is less than 1% of the total justice budget, with allocations nearly doubling to ₹1,086 crore by 2022-23.
• NALSA funding decreased from ₹207 crore to ₹169 crore within a five-year span.
• National per capita spending on legal aid rose to ₹7; Haryana spent the most at ₹16.
• Nearly 38% drop in the number of para-legal volunteers from 2019-2024.
• The Legal Aid Defence Counsel (LADC) scheme initiated to represent accused persons is operational in 610 districts.
• Effective functioning of legal aid systems remains challenged by low funding, inconsistent quality, and lack of accountability.

On July 30, 2025, the Supreme Court of India directed States to take immediate action to amend discriminatory laws concerning leprosy-affected individuals. This instruction came during hearings on a series of petitions, including one initiated in 2010, highlighting the existence of derogatory and demeaning provisions that violate constitutional rights.

Key Points:

• Supreme Court Directive: The Supreme Court, through a bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi, emphasized the need for States to convene special one-day Assembly sessions or enact ordinances to rectify discriminatory laws against leprosy-affected individuals.

• Background Context: The Supreme Court had previously mandated the formation of a committee to identify provisions in various laws that discriminate against leprosy-affected or cured individuals. The court was aware of more than 145 State legislations still containing such provisions.

• Nature of Discrimination: The discriminatory provisions under scrutiny include prohibitions against holding elected offices and previously, leprosy was cited as grounds for divorce until the Personal Laws (Amendment) Act, 2019 made amendments, effective from February 21, 2019.

• State Actions: As part of the proceedings, Uttar Pradesh reported identifying three laws ready for amendments. Similarly, representatives from Uttarakhand and Rajasthan confirmed the submission of status reports delineating corrective measures taken.

• Judicial Remarks on Stigma: Justice Surya Kant expressed concern regarding societal stigma, noting the embarrassment of leprosy being previously listed as a grounds for divorce.

• Reporting Obligations: The Bench instructed States yet to submit their status reports to do so by October. It also mentioned the National Human Rights Commission's involvement in the issue, permitting the Commission to submit a report with its Chairperson's consent.

• Petitioner Concerns: The petitioners, including the Federation of Leprosy Organisation (FOLO) and the Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy, contended there are over a hundred discriminatory provisions impacting leprosy-affected persons across both Central and State laws, fostering stigma and indignity.

Implications:

• The Court's decisions highlight the need for legislative review and reform to ensure compliance with constitutional principles of equality and non-discrimination.

• The directive for immediate action urges State governments to prioritize the amendment of outdated and harmful laws that not only affect the rights of leprosy-affected individuals but also reflect broader societal attitudes towards health and disability.

The Supreme Court's proactive stance is intended to foster a more inclusive legal framework that aligns with contemporary human rights standards, thereby contributing to the overall dignity and respect of individuals affected by health conditions such as leprosy.