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Congress MP, NGO threaten to take govt to court if sanitary pads aren’t made tax-free under GST

Activists are up in arms over the government's plan to tax sanitary pads at the same level as cheese, cell phones and frozen meat products under the Goods and Services Tax. And there may be at least two legal petitions challenging this decision. KAVEESHA KOHLI

How to disinvest in Air India: the British Airways, Japan Airlines & Austrian Airlines models

The Union cabinet is expected to take a decision on disinvesting in chronically sick state-carrier Air India this month and Niti Aayog Vice Chairman Arvind Panagariya is reported to have cited the privatisation experience of British Airways, Japan Airlines and Austrian Airlines as case studies. Here's a look at what they went through and how they are faring today. NIKHIL RAMPAL

We had designed 2008 farm loan waiver to be last of its kind – UPA Agriculture Secy

Repeated loan waivers raise question if the move benefits farmers or banks as someone else ends up paying for the write-off, says former bureaucrat T. Nanda Kumar. RUHI TEWARI

Abortion act changes: Women pay the price for systemic failures

Amendments that aimed to give women more choice have been put on hold because of the state’s failure to eradicate clinics and quacks who facilitate sex-selective or illegal abortions. VRINDA SEHGAL

Should the Election Commission get powers to prosecute those who question its credibility? Here’s what former Election Commissioners said

In a letter to the law ministry, the Election Commission of India sought powers of contempt to act against those who question its credibility by making baseless allegations. ThePrint's Kaveesha Kohli spoke to former election commissioners about whether it is necessary.

Will remove misunderstandings on cattle sale rules – Minister Harsh Vardhan

Environment minister tells ThePrint no compromise on spirit of new rules. Defends appointment of mostly cow experts to Animal Welfare Board. SANYA DHINGRA

Govt wants more women at the wheel in rural India, but that might not be easy to achieve

A new government scheme wants more women driving commercial transport vehicles in rural India. A look back at the experiences of women behind the wheel in India suggest the road ahead may be bumpy.  KAVEESHA KOHLI 

Animal welfare means cow welfare in the new Animal Welfare Board

The fallout between the government and the Animal Welfare Board of India over Jallikattu last year led to a revamp of the dissenting body. The government filled it with eight new independent members, seven of  whom have worked on cow welfare. SANYA DHINGRA 

Maharashtra’s Rs 30,500 cr loan waiver is the latest ‘moral hazard’ in the name of farmers

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has finally cleared a Rs 30,500 crore debt waiver for farmers, but has been told by the Union finance...

Lodha Committee on medical education shut shop days before govt snub

The Supreme Court panel to regulate functioning of Medical Council of India disbanded itself at the end of its contentious one-year tenure without any report so far of having fulfilled its mandate. RAMA LAKSHMI

On Camera

Trump is swinging on Russia again. What this means for Europe’s security architecture

The dynamics between Europe and Russia have gone so south that mending fences looks like an uphill task—even as the US swings between sanctions and olive branches.

Slashing GST on waste can unlock Rs 1.8 lakh crore, high tax hurting circular economy goals—CSE

Centre for Science and Environment in new report makes case for rationalising GST on waste material, saying most informal operators can’t afford high tax & it also hinders recycling.

Hit by mortar shell, but still fighting—BSF heroes of Op Sindoor honoured with gallantry medals

President of India has honoured 16 BSF personnel with gallantry medals for show of exemplary courage in the 87-hour ‘war’ between India and Pakistan that followed the launch of Op Sindoor.

Modi’s ready to risk it all for farmers. Farm reform can answer Trump with new Green Revolution

Standing up to America is usually not a personal risk for a leader in India. Any suggestions of foreign pressure unites India behind who they see as leading them in that fight.