Political and administrative elements in maintaining Healthy Federalism

Synopsis: The recent Centre-West Bengal controversy over Political and administrative elements has brought attention towards the health of the federal structure in India. Background: The recent issue is that the former Chief Secretary of Bengal reached late in the meeting called by Prime Minister to review cyclone relief work. Though both political and administrative state… Continue reading Political and administrative elements in maintaining Healthy Federalism

Special treatment under GST for few states is a bad idea

Synopsis: The issue of special allowances under GST on Covid-19 relief products is being projected as a Centre versus states issue. Introduction This is an attempt to gain political benefit on an issue of human and national importance. The structure and design of GST are being questioned. Already settled debates on the decision-making process in… Continue reading Special treatment under GST for few states is a bad idea

Public’s right to information vs. national security interest

Synopsis:   This article summarises the opinions and views of the former home secretary of India (G.K. Pillai) and retired Indian diplomat (Syed Akbaruddin). They provide their opinion regarding the public’s right to information vs. national security interest. Contents1 Background2 Are restrictions based on national security interest justifiable?3 How to balance the public’s right to information… Continue reading Public’s right to information vs. national security interest

India’s response to shocks – 1962 war to COVID pandemic

Synopsis- The article distinguishes between the Center’s reaction to the current pandemic and its responses to shocks in Indian History. Three criteria to analyze Indian government’s response The team The science The organizational innovations put together List of previous shocks and the India’s response First, 1962’s Sino-India War- Response- Defence reform The new defence minister was… Continue reading India’s response to shocks – 1962 war to COVID pandemic

Annual review of state laws 2020 report by PRS

Synopsis: PRS Legislative Research’s “Annual review of state laws 2020” shows that the productivity and efficacy of State legislatures is poor. Background Public information on the working of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha is readily available to Indian citizens because of the efforts of PRS Legislative Research. In contrast, the public information available on the… Continue reading Annual review of state laws 2020 report by PRS

Securing privacy and data rights in the age of social audio

Synopsis: Privacy and data rights remain out of focus on social audio.  Introduction The clubhouse is a new social networking app based around audio rooms. It crossed over 2 million Android downloads last month. The main feature of the app is the unique audio medium through which its users interact. This feature makes clubhouse different… Continue reading Securing privacy and data rights in the age of social audio

Need to ban the Conversion therapy of the LGBTQIA+ community

Contents1 Synopsis:2 Background:3 Why Conversion therapy of the LGBTQIA+ should be banned?4 Way Forward: Synopsis: The recent order of the Madras high court presents an opportunity to ban the inhuman conversion therapy of the LGBTQIA+ community. The therapy subjects them to immense physical and mental stress leading to occurrence of depression, anxiety and suicide cases… Continue reading Need to ban the Conversion therapy of the LGBTQIA+ community

Dismal Healthcare systems in South Asia needs attention

Synopsis: The second wave of pandemic highlighted the lacunas in the healthcare systems in South Asia. The situation now demands the replacement of short term measures with a well-thought-out vision and political commitment for long-term healing. Contents1 Background:2 Dismal State of Healthcare systems in South Asia:3 Other factors behind the spread of the virus in South… Continue reading Dismal Healthcare systems in South Asia needs attention

The Pros and Cons of e-Courts project

Synopsis: Pandemic has shown that the e-Courts project has the ability to revolutionize the Indian Judiciary, but its application needs to be in line with the Fundamental Right to Privacy. Contents1 Why Indian courts should use digital technologies?2 Salient features of the e-Courts project:3 What are the key benefits of the e-Courts project?4 What are… Continue reading The Pros and Cons of e-Courts project

Issues with recent draft rules notified by the Lakshadweep administration

Synopsis: The recent changes brought in Lakshadweep Administration in the name of public purpose is against the public interest and ethos of the island. Contents1 Background:2 What is unique about Lakshadweep?3 What are the two competing visions for the island’s future?4 Major concerns associated with the new changes in Lakshadweep administration Background: Recently, the administrator… Continue reading Issues with recent draft rules notified by the Lakshadweep administration

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