Countries veering towards authoritarianism on rise: report
Context: According to the Global State of Democracy Report, 2021 released by the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International-IDEA) – the number of countries moving towards authoritarianism in 2020 was higher than that of countries going in the other direction, towards democracy. Relevance: GS-II: Polity and Governance (Constitutional Provisions, Governance) Dimensions of the […]
T.N. Speaker favours time frame to decide on Bills
Context: Tamil Nadu Assembly Speaker questioned why the President does not provide reasons for withholding assent and returning a Bill passed by the State Assembly. Relevance: GS-II: Polity and Constitution (Constitutional Provisions, Legislature) Dimensions of the Article: Legislative Powers of the Governor What can a President do after a bill is reserved by a Governor? […]
HC urges Centre to speed up Uniform Civil Code (UCC)
Context: Stating that the Uniform Civil Code “is a necessity and mandatorily required today” the Allahabad High Court has called upon the Central government to forthwith initiate the process for its implementation. Relevance: GS-II: Polity and Governance (Constitutional Provisions, Government Policies and Initiatives) Dimensions of the Article: What is Uniform Civil Code (UCC)? Positive […]
Government decides to repeal the three farm laws
Context: Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the repeal of three contentious farm laws, assuring farmer groups protesting against them for the past year that the legislative process for the repeal would be completed in the upcoming Winter Session of Parliament. Relevance: GS-III: Agriculture (Storage, transport & marketing of agro-produce and related issues & constraints; supply […]
A stimulating alliance: On addressing fiscal worries of States
Context: The Centre will release over ₹95,000 crore in one stroke to States this month, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced after meeting with Chief Ministers and State Finance Ministers to discuss the state of the economy and to sustain the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Relevance: GS-II: Polity and Constitution (Constitutional Provisions, Basic structure of […]
No consensus on limiting Speaker’s powers
Context: The All-India Presiding Officers’ Conference (AIPOC) ended with the delegates failing to reach a consensus on whether the Speaker’s powers under the anti-defection law should be limited. Relevance: GS-II: Polity and Governance (Constitutional Provisions, Legislature) Dimensions of the Article: Speaker of Lok Sabha Powers and Duties of the Lok Sabha Speaker Anti-Defection law and […]
No records of Internet shutdowns in India
Context: The parliamentary standing committee on information and technology pointed out that there were no verifiable, centralised records of Internet shutdowns in the country. Relevance: GS-II: Polity and Constitution (Constitutional Provisions, Fundamental Rights), GS-II: Governance (Government Policies and Interventions, Accountability and Transparency) Dimensions of the Article: What are the rules regarding suspension of internet services […]
Constitutional courts can’t interfere with temple rituals: SC
Context: The Supreme Court said that constitutional courts could not interfere with day-to-day rituals and sevas performed in temples on the basis of “public interest” petitions- while hearing a writ petition that alleged that rituals were not being performed as per traditions at the famous Tirumala Tirupati temple. Relevance: GS-II: Polity and Governance (Constitutional Provisions, […]
Proposal for National Interlinking of Rivers Authority (NIRA)
Context: The Centre Government is contemplating creation of the National Interlinking of Rivers Authority (NIRA) for planning, investigation, financing and the implementation of the river interlinking projects in the country. Relevance: GS-I: Geography (Drainage System in India, Projects to improve Irrigation), GS-II: Polity and Governance (Inter-State Relations) Dimensions of the Article: Interlinking of Rivers Benefits […]
SC on validity of special courts for MPs, MLAs
Context: The Supreme Court decided to examine questions regarding the legal jurisdiction of Special Courts set up to exclusively prosecute Members of Parliament and State Legislative Assemblies for various offences. Relevance: Focus: GS-II Polity and Governance Dimensions of the Article: Details regarding criminal cases against legislators from SC report Madras High Court on special courts […]