This would be the biggest election in world history, with over 900 million registered voters, out of which 15 million are aged 18-19. The total electorate is more than the population of every continent. The logistics are mind-boggling. There will be nearly one million polling stations, up 10.1% from the 2014 elections; 2.33 million ballot […]
Read MoreWhat is the model code of conduct? The model code refers to a set of norms laid down by the Election Commission of India, with the consensus of political parties. It is not statutory. It spells out the dos and don’ts for elections. Political parties, candidates and polling agents are expected to observe the norms, […]
Read MoreAs social and economic outcome indicators are highly correlated with per capita income, we ranked the states after controlling for differences in per capita state domestic product. The results were quite remarkable. After controlling for income differences, some poorer states moved significantly up the rank order: Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan. Collaterally, […]
Read MoreThe 16th Lok Sabha, which adjourned on Wednesday, was notable for the fact that it saw a single party take majority in the House. A single-party majority government was in office for the first time in 30 years—the key factor lending uniqueness to this Lok Sabha. It came after a long line of coalitions between […]
Read MoreDespite some solid legislative accomplishments—from the goods and services tax (GST), which is slowly improving tax compliance, to the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, which is bringing crony capital to heel—it is difficult to credit the Narendra Modi government with much progress in one critical area of corruption: corporate funding of political parties. The only thing […]
Read MoreThe standards for food grains have been prescribed under sub-regulation 2.4.6 of Food Safety and Standards (Food Product Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011 which have to be complied with by all Food Business Operators (FBOs). The implementation and enforcement of Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and Rules and Regulations made thereunder primarily lies […]
Read MoreIn the Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) 2018, India’s ranking rose by three points, giving the government a much-needed boost in an election year. It’s the right time to revisit the BJP’s corruption performance during 2014-18. In 2018, India stood at 78th, while China was ranked 87th and Pakistan 117th. Since 2015, India’s average CPI […]
Read MoreSocial justice is not possible if we exclude the economically backward sections of our society Social justice is inclusive in nature. It means ensuring that no marker of backwardness is left untouched. Poverty is one such marker of backwardness, and a very strong one, which denies certain basic rights, and equality in society, to individuals affected by […]
Read MoreThis unbiased judiciary will instill confidence in investors and citizens that they will get fair and prompt relief where deserving. India as a true democracy takes immense pride in the separation of its executive and judiciary. However, it is a general perception that the judicial system today suffers from various flaws—nepotism, favouritism, political pressures, media […]
Read MoreAn unusual change of decision brings the judicial appointments system under scrutiny The controversial collegium system of judicial appointments is under public scrutiny once again. This time, the potential for embarrassment to the superior judiciary is much higher. Former Chief Justices of India, a sitting Supreme Court judge, and the Bar Council of India have […]
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