Opposition MPs’ threat to dissociate themselves from the Waqf Bill JPC should ring alarm bells about a majority rendering parliamentary committees ineffective. Bills not being sent to parliamentary committees or simply steamrolled through them is a disturbing trend. Avoiding proper scrutiny of bills suits the executive but undermines public interest.
The wildlife conservation system failed Bandhavgarh elephants
Circumstances under which Bandhavgarh forest officials were suspended show system failed the 10 elephants that died last week. Conservation doesn’t just need professionalism and ethics, it also deserves wildlife experts who are devoted to the cause and are not out of sync with science. Saving lives is a 24-hour job.