Editorial Analysis

The jointly introduced Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill and the Delimitation Bill, 2026, provide for increasing the strength of the Lok Sabha from 550 to 850 members.

As India renegotiates and formalises its Bilateral Investment Treaties (BITs), it faces the challenge of protecting foreign investors while preserving its sovereign authority to frame tax policy.

India faces a diplomatic challenge in securing a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the 2028–29 term, as Tajikistan has also announced its candidature for the Asia-Pacific seat ahead of the 2027 election.

The GOBARdhan scheme approved to strengthen India’s domestic bioenergy production also raises questions about the challenges of converting India’s abundant organic waste into a reliable source of domestic energy.

The National Sample Survey (NSS) 80th Round, covering January–December 2025, raises questions about the accessibility and affordability of medical services in India.

There is a need to assess India’s agricultural progress, persistent challenges, and reforms needed to ensure sustainable growth and higher farmers’ incomes.

The Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005, has completed 21 years, drawing attention to persistent gaps in proactive disclosure despite improvements in transparency audits and public access to information.

In 2026, when the Make in India initiative reaches its 12th year, evaluations of its effects on manufacturing, exports and employment are once again fueling discussion regarding India's industrial transformation. 

India’s 2026 BRICS chairship has renewed debate over unilateral climate-linked trade measures, especially the EU’s CBAM, and the need for common carbon-accounting standards.

Recently, India supported stronger global coordination while emphasising equity, national sovereignty and resilient health systems at  the UN High-Level Meeting (HLM) on Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response (PPPR), New York.