Among other poll promises, the industrialist-politician has said he'll give scholarships to poor girls. People, however, feel this election is different & 'won't be a cakewalk for anyone'.
Ensuring free and fair elections, democratic governance, and limiting quid pro quo demands political funding regulations that go beyond the age-old methods.
Striking down the bond scheme on 15 February, the court had ordered the bank to furnish details of purchasers and redeemers by 6 March. The bank wanted time till 30 June.
For the Supreme Court to bless the SBI’s plea for an extension in electoral bonds case until 30 June would be tantamount to stamping on the spirit of democracy while performing its rituals.
The issues raised by the SBI do not appear to be germane to the Supreme Court’s direction. The court’s directions brook no ambiguity: furnish information from record.
Given its predicted loss, India’s opposition now will have the luxury of time to create a new, simpler, low-tech, face-to-face, patient politics that is not dependent on big money or even expensive data.
Electoral bonds are now set to bring transparency in political funding, but not in the way Arun Jaitley had claimed. The real deal will be when SBI reveals details of who donated how much to which political party.
The US military operation in Venezuela raises global concern. Experts say that Trump’s action could weaken global legal standards and fuel geopolitical instability.
The latest comment comes as New Delhi and Washington have yet to sign a trade agreement. India’s purchase of Russian oil has reduced, but Moscow remains top source for crude.
If deal goes through, Greece will be 2nd foreign country to procure vehicle. Morocco was first; TATA Group has set up manufacturing unit there with minimum 30 percent indigenous content.
Many of you might think I got something so wrong in National Interest pieces written this year. I might disagree! But some deserve a Mea Culpa. I’d deal with the most recent this week.
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