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West Bengal’s Disturbing Record: Why Kanyashree Isn’t Enough to Stop Child Marriages

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West Bengal has once again topped a troubling list — highest proportion of females married before the age of 18, according to the latest Sample Registration System (SRS) data released in 2023. The figure stands at a shocking 6.3%, nearly triple the national average of 2.1%. Even more concerning is that this rate is higher in urban areas (7.6%) than in rural (5.8%), defying common expectations. Jharkhand follows at 4.6%, with states like Kerala and Himachal Pradesh at the other end with negligible rates. For years, West Bengal’s Kanyashree Prakalpa, a scheme that provides financial incentives to girls to stay in school until 18, has been hailed as a flagship success story. Yet, these new numbers force us to ask tough questions: Why is child marriage still rampant despite these efforts? Has Kanyashree reached its limits? The Limits of Kanyashree Kanyashree’s vision was bold and commendable — empowering girls through education and economic support to delay marriage and build a better futu...
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India’s School Enrolment: Numbers, Trends, and What Lies Ahead

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The latest UDISE+ data for 2024-25 paints a fascinating picture of India’s school enrolment landscape. Total enrolment has dipped slightly—by 0.45%—from 248 million in 2023-24 to 246.9 million. While a 1.1 million loss in the foundational stage (pre-primary to Class 2) and nearly 1.4 million fewer students in the preparatory stage (Classes 3-5) drove the decline, higher grades are proving resilient. Middle school enrolment (Classes 6-8) rose by 570,000, and secondary stage (Classes 9-12) grew by 810,000 students. So, what’s behind these shifts? Demographics play a major role. India’s total fertility rate (TFR) has fallen from 2.8 in 2006 to 2.0 in 2022, and UN projections show a decline in the 5–14 age group, particularly among 5–9-year-olds. Simply put, there are fewer children entering school today than a decade ago. But numbers alone don’t tell the whole story. Some children are now attending re-primary standalone private institutions, and improved data accuracy throug...
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Dark Factories in China and Their Environmental Impact

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In the ever-evolving landscape of industrial automation, "dark factories" have emerged as a groundbreaking innovation. These fully automated manufacturing facilities operate without human intervention, eliminating the need for lighting—hence the term "dark." China, a global leader in manufacturing, has been at the forefront of implementing dark factories to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and maintain its competitive edge in the global market. However, while these factories promise economic benefits, they also raise significant environmental concerns. What Are Dark Factories? Dark factories are fully automated production units where robots and AI-driven machines handle all manufacturing processes. These facilities do not require human workers, meaning they can operate 24/7 without breaks, leading to higher productivity and lower labor costs. The concept has gained popularity in China due to: Rising labor costs and labor shortages The government's push for ...
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If Ambedkar Were Alive Today, He Would Remorse Over the Parliament's State of Affairs

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Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the principal architect of the Indian Constitution, envisioned the Parliament as the cornerstone of democracy—a temple of debate, reason, and progress. It was meant to be a place where diverse voices converge to deliberate and shape the future of the nation. However, if Ambedkar were alive today, he would likely be disheartened by the current state of affairs in the Indian Parliament. The recent adjournment of parliamentary proceedings over a remark made by Home Minister Amit Shah about Dr. Ambedkar is a glaring example of how the sanctity of this institution is being compromised. Instead of addressing pressing national issues, debates are increasingly being replaced by disruptions and walkouts. Important discussions are stalled, and the legislative agenda remains unfulfilled. This trend has now become a "fashionable" practice, eroding the fundamental purpose of the Parliament. The Cost of Stalled Proceedings Every adjournment and disruption com...
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BRICS Pay and Its Impact on the Global Economy

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  The global economy is in the midst of transformation, driven by technology, geopolitical shifts, and a reconfiguration of financial power. One of the most intriguing developments is BRICS Pay, a digital payment platform and economic strategy introduced by the BRICS nations—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. The recent meeting of BRICS plus nations at Kazan in Russia has unveiled the new initiative to de-dolarize the world economy.  With its potential to reshape the way international payments are processed, BRICS Pay could reduce reliance on the U.S. dollar and shift the dynamics of global trade. In this blog, we’ll explore what BRICS Pay is, how it works, and its possible impacts on the global economy What is BRICS Pay? BRICS Pay is an initiative designed to create a unified payment system that enables seamless transactions among BRICS member countries. The platform aims to bypass traditional financial networks like SWIFT and the reliance on the U.S. dollar as a...
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United Nations Day: A Call for Reform Amid Global Conflicts

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E very year on October 24, the world observes United Nations Day, marking the anniversary of the UN Charter’s entry into force in 1945. The day celebrates the ideals of peace, security, and cooperation that the UN was created to promote. Yet in today’s world, with ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, this day also prompts reflection on the UN’s relevance and the pressing need for reform. The UN's Role and Failures in Ukraine and Gaza The United Nations was founded in the aftermath of World War II with the aim of preventing future conflicts and fostering international cooperation. However, its effectiveness has often been questioned, particularly in the wake of prolonged crises like the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict. In Ukraine, despite numerous diplomatic efforts, sanctions, and resolutions, the conflict rages on, with devastating humanitarian consequences. Similarly, in Gaza, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has escalated into cycles of vi...
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Empowering Women: The Story of Sundarini Dairy Cooperative

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The stars shine the brightest at the darkest hour of midnight. When the people of West Bengal are explicitly expressing their anger and annoyance over the R.G Kar incident, the safety and security of women in the state has become the burning issue at the moment. At that moment some  5000 women of West Bengal have earned the reputation for the state in the global level, Sundarini Dairy Cooperative of West Bengal earned international recognition from the International dairy Federation in Paris. The cooperative has been conferred 'Dairy Innovation award' by the International Dairy Federation last week. Out of 153 dairy organisations across the world that applied for the award, Sundarini has been selected as the best. Since 1903 IDF is a recognised international authority that contributes to the development of science based standards for the dairy sector.  Nestled in the remote regions of Sundarban, the Sundarini Dairy Cooperative is a remarkable example of how local efforts can c...
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