Author: Kunal Khureja

Source: Indian Express  Relevance: This article highlights few examples that can turn a country in a failed democracy. Synopsis: Democracies die when democratically elected governments cease to be held accountable by a society weakened by poor health, low morale, and joblessness. In such a scenario, political leaders are prone to blindness and incompetence, they pay… Continue reading How does a democracy die?

Source: The Hindu  Synopsis: The Supreme Court held that a legislative privilege cannot be extended to provide legal immunity to criminal acts committed by lawmakers. Background: On March 13, 2015, six members of the legislative assembly (MLAs) from LDF party in Kerala tried to interrupt the presentation of the Budget. Their action resulted in destruction… Continue reading Law and lawmakers

Source: Business Standard Synopsis: Assam-Mizoram violence is an outcome of the central government trying too hard to ‘integrate’ distinct northeastern states, which has unleashed latent regionalism. Background: Recent border clashes on the Assam-Mizoram Border and Assam-Meghalaya border point to the failure of central and state governments to solve the boundary issue. On 26 July, a… Continue reading Small state, big brother

Source: The Hindu  Synopsis: Compulsory vaccination is legal and does not violate anyone’s fundamental rights. Background: In Registrar General v. State of Meghalaya, the Meghalaya High Court ruled that compulsory vaccination can’t be coerced by the state government. The government had ordered shopkeepers, local taxi drivers, and others to get the COVID-19 vaccines before they resume… Continue reading In the interest of the public

Source: Business Standard  Relevance: Electric Vehicles are the future of the automotive industry. A better policy for their promotion is required. Synopsis: A reduction in Customs duty wouldn’t solely boost the Electric Vehicles (EV) sector, the government needs to adopt an integrated approach towards it. Background: Indian cities are among the most polluted in the… Continue reading Integrated approach for EVs

Source: Indian express   Relevance: Police reforms are necessary to ensure a just criminal justice system. Synopsis: Several state governments have passed Police Acts that are against the Supreme Court verdict on police reforms, and Centre too, has failed to legislate a model Act. Thus, there is a need to focus on the idea of… Continue reading One nation, one police is a reform that is long overdue

Source: Times of India  Relevance: The article is related to civil service reforms in India. Synopsis: Administrative reforms can only be delivered by a change in executive goals, not by a change in personnel. Background: There is a new attempt at administrative reform on the anvil. SD Shibulal has reportedly been appointed chairman of a… Continue reading Corporate Management isn’t What Civil Service Needs

Source: The Hindu Relevance: Judgment is related to the procedures and steps required to enact a particular bill. Synopsis: The striking down of the 97th Amendment is a reminder that the power to regulate cooperatives must stay with States. Background: The 97th Constitutional Amendment came into effect on February 15, 2012, and brought about many… Continue reading A judgment that must be taken in the right spirit