Must Read News Articles I 3rd January 2020

GS  -2

When defection is a mere detour for an MLA

The editorial highlights the ineffectiveness of the Anti Defection law and argues that it is possible to avoid Karnataka like incidents if MLA’s jumping ship are completely disqualified for six years

In the ruins of unilateralism

The editorial says that developments in 2019 suggests that the US’s ability to shape global politics is clearly receding

A weak test: On swachh ranking of cities

The editorial highlights that the Swachh Survekshan should go beyond symbolism and adopt sustainability

NRC’s cost benefit Analysis

The article highlights that Identifying illegal migrants through NRC process will be cumbersome, costs far outweigh benefits.

GS -3

Should the FM tweak direct taxes to spur the economy?

The article discusses the possibility of changes in the income tax framework in the wake of recommendations submitted in August by a committee to review the direct tax regime

Maharashtra plans tough security law to deal with Naxals

THE Maharashtra government is considering the introduction of a Special Public Security Act, on the lines of Chhattisgarh, to “keep a check on Naxal activities” in the state.

What Railways restructure means

The government has decided to trim the Railway Board, and merge service cadres.

The article discusses how were the Railways being run so far, and why was an overhaul felt necessary? And why has it upset civil servants in Railways?

Data and its discontents

The article argues that Personal Data Protection Bill strikes a discordant note on ‘non personal data’