This week, the government moved to review the Digital India bill, Karnataka’s Lokayukta raid got BJP MLA arrested before he got bail, Nagaland got another all-party government. And Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a meeting on heatwave preparedness. Read our 50-word editorials on them and much more.
10 March
Congress’ misplaced confidence after Bharat Jodo Yatra is spurring it to say no to BRS leader
Congress spurning BRS leader Kavitha’s invitation to join the protests for women’s reservation bill reflects its newfound, misplaced confidence after Bharat Jodo Yatra. Not wanting to align with regional rivals would make sense but for its inconsistencies in choosing partners — Left for one. Congress needs to sort out its priorities.
Govt’s ‘safe harbour’ clause in Digital India Bill is smart but can also be risky
The government’s move to review the “safe harbour” clause for internet “intermediaries” over content by third parties is smart but is also fraught with risks. It could bring in much-needed check on unregulated and fake content. It could also push the IT Act toward censorship. The right balance is needed.
9 March
Karnataka Lokayukta deserves praise but for real change voters must loathe corruption
Another corruption scandal and Karnataka’s Bommai government is bouncing on potholes, as if driving on Bengaluru’s roads. Don’t write off MLA Virupakshappa in coming election though. Rousing welcome after securing bail suggests normalisation of corruption. Karnataka Lokayukta deserves praise, but for real change, voters have to feel revulsion with corruption.
7 March
All-party Nagaland govt has hunger for power as its binding force. It undermines democracy
Another all-party government in Nagaland would be ideal but for inherent opportunism and hunger for power as binding force. Opposition-free government, cobbled together in 2021 in the name of solving Naga political problem, did precious little for the cause. Opposition-less government means lack of checks and balances, which undermines democracy.
Modi’s heatwave preparedness meet a timely intervention. Govt must work on climate-proofing
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s meeting on heatwave preparedness was a pressing priority. The effects of climate change are inescapable, with extreme weather events rising each year. Time is fast running out, and governments must focus on climate-proofing and accurate modelling to shield against heat stress on human life in India.
6 March
NAAC chairman’s resignation calls for systemic audit. Aspirational Indians depend on ratings
NAAC chairman Bhushan Patwardhan’s resignation after alleging corruption in higher education institute grading calls for a systemic audit. Can the young rely on ratings? Is the system gamed? Is there political interference? Aspirational Indians depend on the index to make decisions for their future. It’s time to review and reform.
DMK govt’s response to videos of attacks on migrants an effective way to tackle fake news
DMK-led government in Tamil Nadu has done a commendable job with swift response to fake videos of attacks on North Indian migrants. CM Stalin, Governor Ravi, Nitish Kumar and Tejashwi Yadav wasted no time in joining forces to pre-empt panicked reactions. This is an effective template to tackle fake news.