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ADR Report on Political Funding

A recent report by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) analyses donations of ?20,000 or more declared to the Election Commission of India (ECI) by national political parties for FY 2024–25, highlighting transparency and accountability in political financing. Key Findings Massive Funding Surge Total donations to national parties exceeding ?20,000 rose by 161%, reaching ?6,648 crore. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) accounted for over 91% of aggregate donatio

National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC)

Recently, Niranjan Jyoti has assumed charge as the Chairperson of the National Commission for Backward Classes, while Kiran Umesh Mahalle has taken charge as a Member of the Commission. What is the National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC)? The National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC) is a constitutional body established under the 102nd Constitution Amendment Act, 2018. It has the authority to examine complaints, monitor welfare measures, and recommend policies re

Model Youth Gram Sabha

The Ministry of Panchayati Raj, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, is organizing a National Award Ceremony to felicitate the winners of the Model Youth Gram Sabha initiative. This step reflects the government’s commitment to promoting youth participation in grassroots governance. About Model Youth Gram Sabha The Model Youth Gram Sabha is a simulated platform for school students where they participate in mock sessions of a Gram Sabh

Anti-Defection Law in India

The Supreme Court of India recently gave a final three-week deadline to the Telangana Assembly Speaker to decide pending disqualification petitions against defecting MLAs under the Anti-Defection Law. What is the Anti-Defection Law? The Anti-Defection Law was introduced through the 52nd Amendment (1985), which added the Tenth Schedule to the Constitution. Its main aim is to stop political defections motivated by personal gain and ensure political stability in Parliament and State Assembli

Federalism in India

Recently, a high-level committee on Union–State relations submitted its first report to the Government of Tamil Nadu. The report examines the distribution of powers and responsibilities between the Union and the States, highlighting ongoing debates regarding the balance between central authority and state autonomy. This discussion is closely linked to the concept of federalism, which forms the foundation of India’s constitutional governance. Federalism in India Meaning of F

16th Finance Commission

The Report of the 16th Finance Commission (FC), chaired by Dr Arvind Panagariya, was recently tabled in Parliament. The Commission’s recommendations apply for the five-year period from 2026–27 to 2030–31 and aim to strengthen fiscal federalism, ensure equitable resource distribution, and promote long-term fiscal sustainability. Constitutional Provisions Related to the Finance Commission Article 280: Constitution of the Finance Commission Article 280 of the Constitu

National Insolvency Tribunal

India urgently requires a National Insolvency Tribunal (NIT) to uphold the promise of swift and effective resolution envisioned under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), 2016. Although the IBC introduced a modern, creditor-driven, and time-bound insolvency framework, the existing institutional structure is increasingly unable to meet statutory timelines, thereby diluting the objectives of the Code. Overview of India’s Insolvency Framework India’s insolvency regime und

Judicial Regulation of Free Speech

Recent observations by the Supreme Court in Ranveer Allahbadia vs Union of India (2025), where the Court suggested the creation of new regulatory mechanisms for online content, have reignited a fundamental constitutional debate. The key question is whether courts should limit themselves to protecting free speech, or whether they can legitimately shape and design regulatory frameworks governing speech. Understanding Free Speech in a Democratic System Freedom of Speech and Expression all

Forced Narco Tests

The Supreme Court of India, in Amlesh Kumar v. State of Bihar (2025), set aside a 2025 Patna High Court order that had permitted a narco test. The Court categorically held that any forced or involuntary narco test is unconstitutional, reaffirming earlier constitutional safeguards. What is a Narco Test? A narco test is an investigative technique in which the accused is administered sedative or hypnotic drugs, such as Sodium Pentothal (a barbiturate), to lower mental inhibitions. The ob

National Commission for Minorities (NCM)

The National Commission for Minorities (NCM) is a statutory body established under the National Commission for Minorities Act, 1992 to protect the rights and interests of minority communities in India and to ensure their social, educational, and economic development. Historical Background and Evolution The origin of the NCM can be traced to the Minorities Commission set up in 1978 through a Ministry of Home Affairs resolution. In 1984, the Commission was transferred to the Ministry of

DNA

05 Apr,2026
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