First Past The Post vs. Proportional Representation
Context: The results of the Lok Sabha elections were declared last week. The ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has won 293 seats with a 43.3% vote share while the Opposition bloc INDIA (including Trinamool Congress) has secured 234 seats with a 41.6% vote share. Other regional parties and independents polled around 15% but ended up […]
Highest NOTA Votes Recorded in Indore Constituency
Context: Recently, the Lok Sabha elections in Indore, Madhya Pradesh saw a remarkable outcome, with the NOTA (None of the Above) option receiving over 2 lakh votes, making it the highest ever for NOTA in any constituency. Relevance: GS II: Polity and Governance Dimensions of the Article: What is NOTA in Indian Elections? Historical Background […]
Special Marriage Act (SMA) 1954
Context: The Madhya Pradesh High Court’s recent decision regarding the marriage of a Muslim man and a Hindu woman, registered under the Special Marriage Act (SMA), has attracted significant attention. The court dismissed the couple’s petition for protection and assistance in registering their marriage, citing incompatibility with personal laws. A ‘registered marriage’ under the SMA […]
What is Special Category Status (SCS)?
Context: With the General Elections throwing up a fractured mandate, Nitish Kumar’s Janata Dal (United) and Chandrababu Naidu’s Telugu Desam Party are set to play a key role in government formation at the Centre. Consequently, their past demands for special category status (SCS) for Bihar and Andhra Pradesh, respectively, are back in focus. This development […]
Supreme Court of India’s Order on Advertising
Context: Recently, the Supreme Court of India has ordered that all advertisers/advertising agencies must submit a ‘Self-Declaration Certificate’ before publishing or broadcasting any advertisement. Relevance: GS II: Polity and Governance Supreme Court’s Order on Advertisements New Requirement Purpose Compliance and Guidelines Norms of Journalistic Conduct of the Press Council of India. Submission Process Record Keeping: Advertisers […]
NDA Wins Third Term but Requires Coalition
Context: The NDA has won a historic third term at the Centre, but the BJP fell short of the 272-seat majority, necessitating a coalition government. Previously, the BJP’s majority in the last two Lok Sabhas marked the first time since economic reforms began in 1991 that a single party had a majority mandate, which was […]
Vote Counting In India
Context: Over the past six weeks, 642 million voters have participated in the world’s largest democratic exercise. Now, it’s their turn to be heard through the counting of votes. Relevance: GS II: Polity and Governance Dimensions of the Article: Counting of Votes Handbook and Governance Responsibilities and Procedures RO Responsibilities: Appointment of Time and Place: […]
Legal Framework of Voting Rights and Candidacy
Context: Amritpal Singh, the imprisoned leader of the pro-Khalistan group Waris Punjab De, announced his candidacy for the Lok Sabha elections from Punjab’s Khadoor Sahib constituency on June 1. Despite facing criminal charges, he is eligible to run for office unless convicted. However, like other inmates in Indian prisons, he will be prohibited from voting […]
CCI Chairperson Highlights Monopolistic Tendencies in Digital Markets
Context: Recently, during the 15th annual day celebrations of the Competition Commission of India (CCI), the Chairperson emphasized the tendency of digital markets to concentrate, leading to monopolistic practices. Relevance: GS II: Polity and Governance Dimensions of the Article: What is a Digital Market? Digital markets, often referred to as online markets, are virtual spaces […]
Recent Fire Tragedies Highlight Need for Enhanced Fire Safety Regulations
Context: Recent fire incidents at a gaming zone in Rajkot, Gujarat, and a children’s hospital in Delhi have resulted in at least 40 fatalities within 24 hours. These tragedies have brought attention to the need for stricter fire safety regulations and enforcement, especially in buildings prone to man-made disasters. Relevance: GS II: Polity and Governance […]