The MMDR Amendment Bill, 2026 seeks to establish a uniform and predictable fiscal framework for the mining sector by restricting State-level taxes, cesses and other levies on mineral rights and mineral-bearing lands. The Bill aims to reduce taxation-related uncertainty, encourage mineral production and investment, and strengthen India’s mineral security.

However, it has raised important concerns regarding fiscal federalism, State taxation powers, Centre-State relations and retrospective legislation, particularly in light of the Supreme Court’s 2024 judgment on taxation of mineral rights.

Key Features of the MMDR Amendment Bill, 2026

Union Control over Mineral-Bearing Lands

The Bill proposes to amend Section 2 of the MMDR Act, 1957 to explicitly bring mineral-bearing lands under the regulatory control of the Union Government.

Restriction on State Levies

A new Section 9D seeks to restrict States from imposing taxes, cesses or other levies on mineral rights or mineral-bearing lands, whether based on mineral quantity, mineral value or royalty, except under conditions prescribed by the Central Government.

Retrospective Relief

The Bill provides that certain unpaid or unrecovered past levies would become invalid. However, amounts already paid would not be refunded.

Central Rule-Making Power

The Bill amends Section 13 to empower the Central Government to prescribe the conditions and parameters under which States may impose future levies.

Significance of the Amendment

Tax Certainty

The proposed framework seeks to reduce multiple, high and unpredictable levies, thereby providing greater fiscal certainty to mining companies.

Uniformity

A more uniform taxation framework could reduce inter-State disparities and compliance costs, making the mining sector more predictable.

Investment and Mineral Production

Lower regulatory and taxation uncertainty may encourage private investment, domestic mineral production and development of critical mineral resources, which are important for India’s mineral security.

Existing Legal Framework

MMDR Act, 1957

The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 is the principal central legislation governing the development and regulation of mines and minerals in India.

Constitutional Distribution of Powers

Under Entry 54 of the Union List, Parliament can regulate mines and mineral development when it declares such regulation expedient in the public interest.

Entry 23 of the State List gives States powers over mines and mineral development, subject to Union legislation.

Entry 50 of the State List provides States with the power to tax mineral rights, subject to limitations imposed by Parliament.

Entry 49 of the State List concerns taxes on lands and buildings, which also has relevance for mineral-bearing lands.

Royalty and Tax

An important distinction is that royalty is not a tax. The Supreme Court’s 2024 judgment held that royalty under the MMDR framework is a payment for enjoying mineral rights, rather than a tax.

Major Concerns

Fiscal Federalism

The Bill may affect the fiscal autonomy of mineral-rich States by restricting their ability to impose levies on mineral rights and mineral-bearing lands. This raises questions regarding the balance between national mineral governance and State financial powers.

Supreme Court’s 2024 Judgment

In Mineral Area Development Authority v. Steel Authority of India, an 8:1 majority Constitution Bench upheld the legislative competence of States to tax mineral rights under Entry 50 and mineral-bearing lands under Entry 49.

The Bill’s attempt to invalidate certain unpaid or unrecovered past levies therefore raises questions concerning the interaction between legislative power, judicial decisions and separation of powers.

Article 14 Concerns

The Bill proposes to invalidate unpaid past levies while not refunding amounts that have already been paid. This difference in treatment could raise questions under Article 14, which guarantees equality before law.

Excessive Delegation

The Bill leaves important conditions governing State taxation powers to be prescribed by the Central Government. This raises concerns about excessive delegation because Parliament may need to provide clearer legislative principles.

Loss of State Revenue

Restrictions on State levies could reduce the revenue base and fiscal autonomy of mineral-rich States, potentially affecting their ability to finance development and welfare programmes.

MMDR Act: Important Amendments

2015 Amendment

The 2015 amendment replaced discretionary allocation with auction-based allocation of mineral concessions. It also established the District Mineral Foundation (DMF) for the welfare of mining-affected communities and the National Mineral Exploration Trust (NMET) for mineral exploration.

2020 Amendment

The framework was opened to wider participation in coal and lignite auctions, including companies without prior coal-mining experience, thereby promoting greater participation and investment.

2021 Amendment

The distinction between captive and merchant mines was diluted. Captive mines were allowed to sell up to 50% of their annual production in the open market after meeting the requirements of their linked end-use plants.

2023 Amendment

The amendment opened several previously restricted critical minerals to private participation and introduced Exploration Licences to encourage exploration and investment.

The reform was particularly significant for minerals such as lithium, titanium, beryllium, niobium, tantalum and zirconium-bearing minerals and ores, which are important for emerging technologies and India’s energy transition.

2025

The framework introduced the concept of a Mineral Exchange to facilitate transparent electronic trading of minerals, concentrates and processed metals. It also removed the 50% sale cap for captive mines, allowing production to be sold in the open market after meeting end-use requirements.

Way Forward

Strengthen Centre-State Coordination

A permanent Centre-State mechanism for mineral governance can improve coordination on taxation, mining leases, auctions, production and critical minerals.

Improve DMF Utilisation

The District Mineral Foundation should focus on transparent and outcome-based utilisation of funds for health, education, livelihoods and infrastructure in mining-affected areas.

Strengthen Critical Mineral Security

The National Critical Mineral Mission should support domestic exploration, overseas acquisition, recycling and development of capabilities in beneficiation, processing and refining.

Promote Sustainable Mining

Mining regulation should strengthen progressive mine closure, land reclamation and ecological restoration throughout the mining lifecycle.

Use Technology Against Illegal Mining

Technologies such as satellite monitoring, drones, GPS-based mineral tracking and e-permits can improve monitoring and help curb illegal mining.

Conclusion

The MMDR Amendment Bill, 2026 attempts to balance tax certainty and investment promotion with India’s need for mineral security. However, its implementation must also protect fiscal federalism, State revenue interests and constitutional limits on legislative power. The key challenge is therefore to achieve a predictable mining regime without weakening the Centre-State balance.

India’s electronics production increased nearly seven-fold, from ₹1.9 lakh crore (2014–15) to ₹13.11 lakh crore (2025–26), while electronics exports rose nearly eleven-fold to ₹4.24 lakh crore. Electronic goods are now India’s third-largest export category, supported by PLI, ECMS, India Semiconductor Mission and EMC 2.0. Under Semicon 1.0, 12 semiconductor units worth ₹1.64 lakh crore have been approved, while Semicon 2.0 has an outlay of ₹1.27 lakh crore.

Mobile Manufacturing

India is the world’s second-largest mobile phone manufacturer. Mobile phone production increased from ₹18,000 crore to ₹6.27 lakh crore, while exports rose from ₹1,500 crore to ₹2.59 lakh crore between 2014–15 and 2025–26. The sector supports around 12 lakh jobs, with women constituting nearly 70% of the workforce.

Digital Connectivity

Telephone connections increased to over 134.8 crore, while internet subscribers crossed 109.2 crore by March 2026. Average wireless data costs declined to ₹7.51/GB, making digital access more affordable. 5G services are available in 99.9% of districts, with around 5.63 lakh 5G BTS as of June 2026. Under BharatNet, 2.21 lakh Gram Panchayats were service-ready, supported by over 8.5 lakh route km of optical fibre.

UPI and Digital Payments

UPI has emerged as India’s leading digital payment infrastructure, accounting for nearly 50% of global real-time payment transaction volume. In FY 2025–26, it processed around 24,161.69 crore transactions worth ₹314.23 lakh crore and connected 731 banks. UPI acceptance has also expanded internationally to 11 countries.

Digital Commerce

The ONDC creates an interoperable digital-commerce network that allows buyers and sellers to transact across platforms. By June 2026, it had more than 20 crore buyers, 5 lakh sellers and presence in around 1,000 cities. GeM has improved transparency and competition in public procurement, recording cumulative GMV of over ₹18.4 lakh crore by June 2026.

E-Governance

DigiLocker, UMANG, Aadhaar, Common Service Centres (CSCs) and Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) form important pillars of India’s citizen-centric digital governance. By July 2026, DigiLocker had over 72 crore users, while UMANG offered 2,585 services. More than 5.16 lakh CSCs provide last-mile access to government services, while DBT covers 318 schemes across 56 Ministries.

Significance

India’s DPI has strengthened financial inclusion, welfare delivery, digital payments, public service access, entrepreneurship and economic formalisation. It has also enhanced India’s digital sovereignty and created a scalable model for digital governance.

Challenges

The major challenges include the digital divide, affordability, digital literacy, cybersecurity, data protection, privacy concerns and unequal access in rural and vulnerable communities.

Way Forward

India needs to focus on universal digital access, stronger cybersecurity and data protection, digital literacy, affordable connectivity and inclusive DPI, while promoting indigenous technologies and ensuring that digital transformation remains citizen-centric and accessible.

Domestic violence refers to abusive behaviour within a domestic relationship that is used to control, intimidate or harm another person. It includes physical, sexual, emotional, verbal and economic abuse. The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act (PWDVA), 2005 provides a comprehensive legal framework to protect women from such forms of violence.

Major Causes

Domestic violence is caused by a combination of social, economic, psychological and structural factors. A patriarchal mindset can normalise male dominance and control within families, while economic dependence can make it difficult for women to leave abusive relationships. Alcohol and substance abuse, dowry and property disputes, social stigma, fear of reporting and lack of awareness further aggravate the problem.

Forms of Domestic Violence

Physical and Emotional Abuse

Physical abuse involves acts such as beating, slapping and other forms of physical assault that cause injury or pain. Emotional abuse includes humiliation, threats, intimidation and controlling a woman’s social relationships, which can cause long-term psychological harm.

Sexual, Economic and Verbal Abuse

Sexual abuse involves forcing sexual acts without consent or using sexual coercion. Economic abuse occurs when an abuser controls or denies access to financial resources or prevents employment. Verbal abuse includes name-calling, insults and constant criticism.

Legal Framework

Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005

The PWDVA, 2005 is the primary legislation dealing with domestic violence. It recognises different forms of abuse and provides remedies such as protection orders, residence rights and monetary relief.

Other Legal and Institutional Measures

Section 85 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) penalises cruelty by a husband or his relatives. The Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961 prohibits the giving and taking of dowry. The One Stop Centre Scheme provides integrated legal, medical and counselling support to women facing violence. The Women Helpline (181) provides assistance to women in distress.

Constitutional Provisions

The Constitution provides an important foundation for combating domestic violence. Article 14 guarantees equality before law, while Article 15(3) permits the State to make special provisions for women and children. Article 21, through the right to life and personal liberty, protects the right to live with dignity and security. Article 39(a) promotes equal livelihood opportunities, while Article 42 provides for just and humane conditions of work and maternity relief.

Important Judicial Interventions

V.D. Bhanot v. Savita Bhanot (2012)

The Supreme Court clarified that the PWDVA can provide protection in cases involving violence that occurred before the enactment of the law.

Indra Sarma v. V.K.V. Sarma (2013)

The Supreme Court recognised that women in relationships in the nature of marriage can receive protection under the PWDVA.

Hiral P. Harsora v. Kusum Narottamdas Harsora (2016)

The Supreme Court struck down the expression “adult male” from the PWDVA, thereby broadening the category of persons who could be treated as respondents under the Act.

Major Challenges

Despite a strong legal framework, domestic violence remains widespread because of underreporting, social stigma, economic dependence and cultural acceptance of male dominance. Weak coordination among police, Protection Officers and judiciary, inadequate shelters and delayed judicial processes further weaken protection mechanisms.

Impact on Society

Domestic violence has serious physical and psychological consequences, including injuries, chronic health problems, emotional distress and trauma. It also causes social isolation and economic dependence, while children who witness violence may develop behavioural and emotional problems and may be more likely to reproduce the cycle of violence. At the national level, domestic violence weakens human capital, gender equality and inclusive development.

Way Forward

Addressing domestic violence requires effective implementation of existing laws, better training of police, judiciary and Protection Officers, expansion of shelters and counselling services, and greater awareness of women’s legal rights. Economic empowerment, employment opportunities, technology-based support systems and community participation can strengthen women’s ability to seek protection and escape abusive situations.

Conclusion

Domestic violence is not merely a private family issue; it is a serious concern involving constitutional dignity, gender equality, human rights and social justice. Effective enforcement of laws combined with social awareness, economic empowerment and institutional support is essential to create a safer and more equal society

A performance of the traditional Dhimsa dance involving more than 13,000 tribal women and girl students at the Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport, Bhogapuram, was recognised by the Guinness World Records as the “largest Dhimsa dance.”

Origin and Tribal Communities

Dhimsa is a popular tribal dance of Andhra Pradesh, performed by communities including Bagata, Valmiki, Poraja, Khond, Gadaba, Kondadora, Mukadora and Kotia. Its origin is associated with the Koraput region, traditionally linked with the Ghond tribe.

There are 12 varieties of Dhimsa, reflecting the cultural diversity of the tribal communities that perform it.

Occasions and Performance

Dhimsa is traditionally performed during festivals, weddings and the hunting festival held in April. During the performance, men and women may dance together for several hours.

Typically, 15–20 women dressed in colourful traditional sarees and ornaments perform the dance. They move in synchronised circular formations to the rhythm of musical instruments played by male members of the community.

Distinctive Features

The dance places greater emphasis on body movements rather than facial expressions or literary texts. Footwork and hand movements are particularly important, while the style of movement changes according to the accompanying music.

The principal traditional instruments include Mori, a wind instrument, Thudum, a drum, and Dappu, a percussion instrument.

Themes

The themes of Dhimsa are deeply connected with tribal mythology, folktales, social customs, economic activities, kinship and marital life, making the dance an important expression of tribal cultural heritage.

The Pacific island nation of Nauru has officially changed its name to the Republic of Naoero, reverting to its traditional designation. The move aims to strengthen the country’s national identity and cultural heritage.

Location and Geography

The Republic of Naoero is an island country in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, located in southeastern Micronesia, about 40 km south of the Equator. It is a raised coral island covering only around 21 sq. km, with a population of approximately 12,000, making it the world’s smallest independent republic.

Naoero lies about 1,300 km northeast of the Solomon Islands, while its closest neighbour is Banaba Island of Kiribati, approximately 300 km to the east. The island has no rivers or lakes.

Capital, Language and Currency

Naoero has no official capital. However, the country’s government offices are located in the Yaren district. Nauruan is the national language, while the Australian dollar is the official currency.

Political System

Naoero became independent in 1968, when its Constitution established a republic with a Westminster-style parliamentary system. It has a unicameral Parliament, whose members are elected independently because there are no formal political parties.

The President is elected by and responsible to Parliament and serves as both the Head of State and Head of Government.

Economy

Naoero was historically among the wealthiest countries per capita because of its extensive phosphate mining. However, the depletion of phosphate reserves has created significant economic challenges.

Agriculture, fishing, manufacturing and tourism contribute relatively little to the economy. The country has an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) extending 200 nautical miles, and the sale of commercial fishing licences has provided an important source of revenue since the 1990s.

The Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife (SC-NBWL) has asked the Madhya Pradesh Government to explore alternative areas for compensatory notification while considering the proposed denotification of Bagdara Wildlife Sanctuary.

Location and Establishment

Bagdara Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Sidhi and Singrauli districts of Madhya Pradesh. It covers approximately 478 sq. km. and was established in 1978 primarily for the conservation of blackbuck and other wildlife.

Geographical Features

The Son River forms the southern boundary of the sanctuary. The area also contains natural caves and rock shelters, which add to its ecological and geological significance.

Vegetation and Flora

Bagdara is characterised by very dense dry deciduous mixed forests. Important vegetation includes teak, lendia, khair, dhawda and tendu, along with mango groves, orchids and gigantic creepers.

Wildlife

The sanctuary supports a diverse range of fauna, including tiger, panther, blackbuck, chinkara, cheetal, sambar, deer, wild boar and hyena. It also supports an incredible diversity of bird species.