Recently, the Sahitya Akademi announced its annual Sahitya Akademi Awards for works in 24 Indian languages recognized by the institution. These awards celebrate outstanding literary contributions across diverse linguistic traditions in India.
The awards highlight India’s linguistic diversity and literary excellence across multiple languages.

About Sahitya Akademi Award

The Sahitya Akademi Award is given annually to authors for the most outstanding books of literary merit published in any of the recognized Indian languages. It is one of the most prestigious literary honors in the country and acknowledges excellence in writing, including poetry, novels, short stories, and essays.
It is a top national literary award recognizing excellence in Indian literature.

Languages Recognised

The Sahitya Akademi recognizes 24 languages for its awards and programs. These include the 22 languages listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution, along with English and Rajasthani.
The inclusion of multiple languages ensures broad representation of India’s cultural and linguistic diversity.

Award and Recognition

Winners of the Sahitya Akademi Award receive a plaque, a shawl, and a cash prize of ₹1 lakh. The award not only provides financial recognition but also brings national and international attention to the author’s work.
The award offers both prestige and recognition, encouraging literary creativity.

About Sahitya Akademi

The Sahitya Akademi was formally inaugurated on 12 March 1954 by the Government of India. It is registered as a society under the Societies Registration Act, 1860. The Akademi functions as the central institution for literary dialogue, publication, and promotion in India and operates under the Ministry of Culture. Its headquarters is located in New Delhi.
It is the only national institution dedicated to literary activities in 24 Indian languages.

Conclusion

The Sahitya Akademi Awards play a vital role in promoting literature and preserving India’s rich cultural heritage through language.

Several Gulf energy producers have recently declared force majeure on oil and gas shipments due to disruptions in shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. This move reflects the impact of geopolitical tensions and logistical challenges on global energy supply chains.
The declaration allows companies to temporarily suspend contractual obligations without legal penalties due to uncontrollable events.

Meaning of Force Majeure

Force majeure refers to an extraordinary situation where contractual obligations cannot be fulfilled because of events beyond the control of the parties involved. The term originates from French and means “superior force.” It is closely related to the idea of an “act of God,” where no party can be held responsible for the disruption.
Force majeure applies only when an event is completely beyond human control and makes performance impossible.

Key Features

Force majeure clauses are commonly included in contracts as a safeguard against unexpected disruptions. These clauses list events such as wars, natural disasters, terrorist attacks, epidemics, and civil unrest that may prevent the fulfillment of obligations. However, it does not cover situations that are predictable, preventable, or caused by negligence.
Only unforeseeable and unavoidable events qualify under force majeure.

Procedure When Invoked

When a force majeure event occurs, the affected party must inform the other parties involved in the contract. They must specify the nature of the event, the start date, and the contractual clause being invoked. Additionally, they are required to demonstrate that they made reasonable efforts to reduce the impact of the disruption.
Proper notification and proof of mitigation efforts are essential for invoking force majeure.

Legal Consequences

The invocation of force majeure can lead to temporary suspension of obligations, renegotiation of contract terms, or even cancellation of the contract. The exact outcome depends on the terms of the agreement and the severity of the event.
It provides legal protection against breach of contract in exceptional circumstances.

Force Majeure in India

In India, the doctrine of force majeure is governed by Section 56 of the Indian Contract Act, 1872. This section states that a contract becomes void if its performance becomes impossible or unlawful due to an event that the promisor could not prevent.
Indian law recognizes force majeure under the principle of “impossibility of performance.”

Relation to International Law Principle

Force majeure stands in contrast to the principle of Pacta sunt servanda, which means that agreements must be honored. While this principle emphasizes strict compliance with contracts, force majeure provides an exception in extraordinary situations.
It acts as a legal exception to the rule that contracts must always be fulfilled.

Conclusion

Force majeure is an important legal concept that protects parties when unforeseen and uncontrollable events prevent them from fulfilling contractual obligations. Recent developments in global energy markets highlight its practical importance.

Researchers have recently discovered two ancient rock carvings, known as petroglyphs, on a flat rock inside a rock shelter located on a hill behind the Beerappa Temple in Manchirevula. This finding adds to the growing evidence of prehistoric human activity in the region.
Such discoveries help in understanding early human culture and artistic expression in India.

What are Petroglyphs?

Petroglyphs are symbolic images that are carved or engraved onto rock surfaces by removing part of the outer layer using harder tools. The term comes from Greek words meaning “stone” and “to carve.” These carvings are created through techniques such as pecking, incising, abrading, drilling, scratching, and polishing. Unlike painted rock art, which is known as petrographs, petroglyphs involve physically cutting into the rock surface.
Petroglyphs are engraved images, not painted ones, making them more durable over long periods.

Forms and Distribution

Petroglyphs usually appear either as shallow scratches or as deeper, clearly visible indentations on rock surfaces. They are closely associated with prehistoric human populations and have been found on almost every continent except Antarctica. Major concentrations exist in regions such as Africa, North and South America, Siberia, Australia, and parts of Europe.
Their widespread presence shows that rock engraving was a common form of expression across ancient civilizations worldwide.

Example in India

One of the most well-known petroglyph sites in India is the Edakkal Caves in Kerala, where numerous ancient carvings have been preserved.
India has significant prehistoric rock art sites, highlighting its rich ancient heritage.

Significance of Petroglyphs

Petroglyphs are considered among the earliest forms of human artistic expression and are often regarded as the foundation of art. They also served practical purposes in ancient times, functioning as a means of communication or early writing. Some carvings marked territorial boundaries, while others acted as maps or even astronomical indicators. In certain cases, petroglyphs were used as musical instruments, known as “rock gongs.”
Petroglyphs are not just art; they were tools for communication, navigation, and cultural expression.

Conclusion

Petroglyphs provide valuable insights into the lives, beliefs, and creativity of prehistoric humans. The recent discovery in Telangana highlights the importance of preserving such sites for future study.
These carvings are crucial archaeological evidence that helps reconstruct early human history and culture.

Recently, U.S.-based Sentynl Therapeutics, a part of Zydus Lifesciences, signed an agreement with South Korea’s PRG S&T to develop a drug called Progerinin. This medicine is being developed as an oral pill to treat Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome, a rare genetic condition that causes rapid aging in children.
This development is significant because Progerinin represents a potential targeted treatment for a disease that currently has very limited therapeutic options.

What is Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome (HGPS)?

Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome, commonly known as progeria, is an extremely rare genetic disorder that causes children to age rapidly, beginning in early childhood. The condition is very uncommon and occurs in about 1 in 4 million live births worldwide. Children with this disorder usually appear healthy at birth but start showing signs of premature aging within the first one to two years of life.
HGPS is one of the rarest genetic disorders, yet it has severe and life-limiting effects.

Causes of Progeria

Progeria is caused by a mutation in the LMNA gene, which is responsible for producing a protein called lamin A. Lamin A plays a crucial role in maintaining the structural stability of the nucleus in cells. Due to this mutation, an abnormal protein called progerin is produced instead of normal lamin A. Progerin weakens the cell nucleus and gradually damages cells, leading to premature aging. Most cases occur due to a new spontaneous mutation, meaning there is usually no family history of the disease.
The disease is driven by the buildup of progerin, an abnormal protein that damages cells and accelerates aging.

Symptoms and Characteristics

Children with progeria experience slow growth and do not gain weight as expected. Despite this, their intellectual abilities and motor skills develop normally. Over time, they develop distinct physical features such as hair loss, prominent eyes, wrinkled skin, a thin beaked nose, a small face relative to head size, and loss of fat under the skin.
The condition affects physical appearance and growth but not intelligence or motor development.

Complications and Life Expectancy

Progeria is a fatal condition, with an average life expectancy of around 14.5 years, although some individuals may live into their early twenties. The primary cause of death is complications related to atherosclerosis, a condition in which plaque builds up in the arteries, making them stiff and increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke at a very young age.
Cardiovascular complications are the leading cause of death in children with progeria.

Conclusion

Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome is a rare but devastating genetic disorder caused by a mutation in the LMNA gene that leads to rapid aging. The recent development of Progerinin offers new hope for treatment.

The Sejjil missile is one of Iran’s most advanced medium-range ballistic missiles. It is a two-stage missile that uses solid fuel, and its development began in the early 1990s before its first successful test in 2008. It is considered a key component of Iran’s strategic missile program.

Design and Range

The missile is approximately 18 metres long, with a diameter of about 1.25 metres, and it weighs nearly 23,600 kilograms. It has an estimated range of around 2,000 kilometres, allowing it to strike targets across a wide geographical area. It can carry a payload of about 500 to 700 kilograms.
The combination of long range and significant payload makes it a powerful strategic deterrent weapon.

Solid-Fuel Advantage

A major feature of the Sejjil missile is its use of solid fuel instead of liquid fuel. This allows the missile to be stored for long periods and launched quickly without lengthy preparation. As a result, it is more mobile and less vulnerable to pre-launch detection.
Solid-fuel technology enables faster launch and higher survivability, making the missile more effective in real conflict situations.

Maneuverability Claims

The missile is sometimes referred to as a “dancing missile” due to claims that it can manoeuvre during flight to avoid interception. However, there is limited confirmed evidence supporting advanced manoeuvring capability.
These manoeuvrability claims are not fully verified and should be treated with caution.

Operational Role

The Sejjil missile is mainly designed for strategic deterrence rather than frequent battlefield use. It strengthens Iran’s ability to respond to threats by providing long-range strike capability. Although there are reports about its possible use in recent conflicts, there is no strong confirmed evidence.
Its primary role is deterrence, not regular combat deployment.

Nuclear Capability Context

The missile is capable of carrying conventional warheads and is theoretically able to carry a nuclear payload due to its range and capacity. However, Iran is not officially known to possess nuclear weapons.
The nuclear capability is theoretical, not operational.

Conclusion

The Sejjil missile represents a significant advancement in missile technology due to its solid-fuel design, long range, and quick launch capability.

Recent data from the National Crime Records Bureau Crime in India 2023 report shows a rise in cases where Scheduled Castes (SCs) were denied access to public spaces under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989. This trend highlights continuing social inequalities despite strong legal safeguards.
The data reflects a persistent gap between legal protections and ground reality.

Key NCRB Findings

Out of 180 cases reported across India, 173 were recorded in Uttar Pradesh, making it a clear outlier. The trend has been rising since 2017, largely due to increased reporting and registration. The state’s share increased from about 68% in 2018 to nearly 80% in 2019, and by 2022, it accounted for over 98% of such cases nationwide. In contrast, similar cases involving Scheduled Tribes (STs) remain relatively low.
The extreme concentration of cases in one state indicates both reporting patterns and deep-rooted social issues.

Underlying Reasons for Denial of Public Spaces

Caste-Based Spatial Segregation

In many rural areas, traditional caste-based divisions continue to determine access to public resources such as temples, water bodies, and village paths. Despite the constitutional abolition of untouchability under Article 17 of the Constitution of India and guarantees of equality under Article 15 of the Constitution of India, notions of ritual purity still influence behavior.
Untouchability persists in practice despite being legally abolished.

Dominance of Local Power Structures

Rural power dynamics often reinforce caste hierarchies. Land ownership and economic dependence enable dominant groups to control access to public spaces and intimidate marginalized communities. Informal institutions like caste councils further strengthen exclusionary practices.
Economic dependence and social hierarchy sustain discrimination.

Weak Enforcement of Laws

Although the law criminalizes such discrimination, enforcement gaps remain significant. Victims often face delays in FIR registration, poor investigation, and low conviction rates, which weaken the deterrent effect of the law.
Weak implementation reduces the effectiveness of legal protections.

Limited Awareness of Rights

Many affected individuals are unaware of their constitutional and legal rights. This lack of legal literacy prevents them from reporting violations or seeking justice.
Awareness is crucial for accessing justice and enforcing rights.

Legal and Institutional Safeguards

The Constitution and various laws provide strong protections against such discrimination. Article 15 of the Constitution of India ensures equal access to public spaces, while Article 17 of the Constitution of India abolishes untouchability. Article 21 of the Constitution of India guarantees a life of dignity.

The Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 criminalizes denial of access to public places, and the Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955 addresses practices arising from untouchability. Institutional mechanisms like the National Commission for Scheduled Castes monitor safeguards and address grievances.

Judicial interventions, such as in State of Karnataka v. Appa Balu Ingale (1995) and Arumugam Servai v. State of Tamil Nadu (2011), have reinforced the need to eliminate caste-based discrimination in everyday life.
India has a robust legal framework, but implementation remains the key challenge.

Steps to Democratize Public Spaces

Ensuring equal access requires structural and social reforms. Public facilities should be located in neutral or marginalized areas to break spatial segregation. Linking development funds to social audits can enforce accountability at the grassroots level. Strict action must be taken against officials who fail to enforce the law. Establishing exclusive special courts can speed up justice delivery.

At the societal level, promoting constitutional values and the ideas of reformers like B. R. Ambedkar, Jyotirao Phule, and Periyar E. V. Ramasamy can help bring long-term change.
Both institutional reforms and social transformation are necessary.

Conclusion

The denial of access to public spaces reveals the continued presence of caste-based inequalities in everyday life. While India has strong constitutional and legal safeguards, their effectiveness depends on enforcement, awareness, and societal change.

Recent political developments, such as a no-confidence motion against the Lok Sabha Speaker and a notice to impeach the Chief Election Commissioner, indicate deeper systemic concerns rather than isolated political conflicts. These events point toward a growing trust deficit in democratic institutions, raising serious questions about the health of India’s constitutional democracy.
These are not isolated incidents but symptoms of deeper institutional weakening.

Beyond Individuals – The Institutional Question

The issue goes beyond individual office-holders and highlights structural weaknesses within institutions. There is a growing concern that institutions are increasingly influenced by personalities rather than principles, leading to erosion of autonomy and neutrality. Office-holders are expected to act as custodians of constitutional values, yet there is a perception that this responsibility is weakening. Additionally, the lack of meaningful engagement between the ruling party and the Opposition further aggravates the situation.
The real concern is the decline of institutional credibility, not individual misconduct.

Trust and Suspicion – The Democratic Balance

A healthy democracy functions on a balance between trust and suspicion. Suspicion allows citizens and institutions to question power and prevent authoritarian tendencies, while trust ensures that power is exercised responsibly and with accountability. Trust implies a general belief that institutions will act fairly, with restraint and without malicious intent. When trust declines, suspicion alone cannot sustain democracy, and the system begins to weaken.
Trust is the foundation of democracy, while suspicion is only a safeguard mechanism.

Manifestations of the Trust Deficit

The erosion of trust is visible in multiple ways. Institutional autonomy appears to be declining, with allegations that investigative agencies and constitutional bodies are being misused or are underperforming. The judiciary too faces increasing scrutiny, with concerns about both its decisions and its responses to criticism. There is also a growing perception that institutions are being politically aligned, leading to a loss of neutrality and credibility.
A widespread perception of institutional bias and capture undermines democratic legitimacy.

Debate on Opposition and Public Criticism

There is an ongoing debate regarding the role of the Opposition. Critics argue that excessive confrontation weakens institutions, while others maintain that questioning authority is a fundamental democratic duty. Public criticism and dissent are essential for transparency and accountability. Suppressing dissent may create short-term stability but ultimately weakens democratic values by promoting conformity.
Dissent and criticism are essential for a functioning democracy, not threats to it.

Centralisation of Power – Structural Tendencies

A key concern is the increasing centralisation of power. This includes delegitimising the Opposition by portraying it as irrelevant, interpreting electoral victories as unlimited mandates, and expanding state control into various spheres of society. Such tendencies risk merging party, state, and society, thereby reducing space for independent voices and weakening pluralism.
Centralisation of power threatens democratic competition and pluralism.

Challenges and Way Forward

Addressing institutional erosion requires rebuilding autonomy and ensuring independence of bodies such as the Election Commission and judiciary. Strengthening checks and balances through parliamentary oversight and transparent processes is essential. Public trust can be restored through transparency, accountability, and rule-based governance. It is also necessary to uphold democratic norms, restrain majoritarian tendencies, and encourage pluralism and open debate. Recognising the role of the Opposition and civil society is crucial for maintaining democratic balance.
Rebuilding trust requires institutional reforms, transparency, and respect for democratic norms.

Conclusion

The current developments reflect a deeper crisis of trust in democratic institutions. Democracy cannot function effectively on suspicion alone; it depends on a foundational belief in institutional integrity and neutrality. If institutions fail to uphold these principles, the very structure of democracy is at risk.