Unsafe and unreliable urban drinking water is pushing households toward bottled water, increasing dependence on single-use plastics and exposing people to microplastics. India generates about 9.3 million tonnes of plastic waste annually, with significant leakage into the environment due to collection gaps. At the same time, cities produce nearly 48,000 MLD of sewage, but only ~56% is effectively treated, allowing pollution to re-enter water sources and worsen water quality. The recycling system relies heavily on informal waste pickers who recover ~40% of recyclables, yet modern waste reforms often reduce their incomes and exclude them from formal systems, while sanitation workers continue to face hazardous conditions. The issue highlights a vicious cycle linking water insecurity, plastic pollution and invisible labour, underscoring the need for integrated, inclusive and infrastructure-led urban sustainability.
Click to View MoreIndia is facing a growing mental health crisis marked by a high burden of depression, anxiety, addiction, and suicides, with nearly 70–92% treatment gap and a severe shortage of professionals. The Union Budget 2026 has focused on institutional expansion, including a second campus of the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, upgradation of regional institutes, and continued support for digital services like Tele MANAS. However, mental health spending remains below 2% of the health budget, and challenges such as stigma, limited community-level services, workforce shortages, and rising youth and digital-age stress persist. Addressing the crisis requires greater funding, community-based care, preventive strategies, and stronger primary healthcare integration to ensure accessible and affordable mental health services for all.
Click to View MoreThe rising trend of freebies in India offers short-term relief but poses long-term fiscal and developmental challenges. While such schemes can boost popularity and provide temporary benefits, they strain state finances, reduce productivity, and create dependency. In contrast, inclusive development focuses on sustainable empowerment through education, health, skills, and infrastructure, leading to lasting social and economic progress. Balancing empowerment with fiscal discipline is essential to ensure both social justice and economic stability.
Click to View MoreReservation system, a constitutional mandate for social justice, provides affirmative action in education and public employment for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes. However, it faces challenges like the 'creamy layer' debate, administrative efficiency, and sub-categorization.
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