EdMe Daily
No. 8010 stories
Polity & Governance
Anti-Defection Law and Judicial Review: Lessons from the 1993 Manipur Speaker Crisis
The 1993 constitutional crisis involving Manipur Assembly Speaker Dr H Borobabu Singh's defiance of Supreme Court orders highlights the tension between judicial review and legislative autonomy under the Tenth Schedule (anti-defection law), with ongoing relevance for UPSC polity questions.
- Tenth Schedule of the Constitution, introduced in 1985, empowers legislative Speakers to decide defection cases, originally barring judicial review to maintain legislative autonomy.
- The Kihoto Hollohan case (1992) upheld the anti-defection law's validity but struck down the judicial review restriction, asserting the judiciary's role in checking Speaker decisions.
- 1993 Manipur crisis arose when Speaker Dr Singh disqualified 7 Congress MLAs, ignored SC orders to appear, and dismissed the Assembly Secretary for implementing the court's quashing of his decision.
Economy
Strait of Hormuz Crisis Spurs 20% Fertilizer Subsidy Hike: Implications for Food Security and Fiscal Policy
India's fertilizer subsidy is projected to rise 20% due to global price surges from the Strait of Hormuz blockade, impacting fiscal management while ensuring stable farm input costs and food security.
Polity & Governance
Supreme Court Revisits Essential Religious Practices Doctrine: Constitutional Morality vs. Religious Autonomy
The Supreme Court's nine-judge bench is re-examining the Essential Religious Practices (ERP) doctrine in the Sabarimala review case, questioning its alignment with constitutional morality and fundamental rights under Articles 14, 15, and 21.
Polity & GovernanceGS2
Judicial Scrutiny of Hate Speech: Differential Treatment of Public Officials vs. Citizens
The Supreme Court's recent refusal to register an FIR against Union Minister Anurag Thakur for alleged hate speech highlights judicial inconsistencies in applying hate speech laws, raising constitutional questions about equal treatment under Article 14.
Parallel Politics in West Bengal: Governance Shift from Party Cadres to Consultancies
West Bengal's political landscape is witnessing a unique transformation where political consultancies like I-PAC are supplanting traditional party structures in voter engagement, reflecting a shift from cadre-based welfare distribution to centralized governance mechanisms.
Supreme Court Upholds ECI's Discretion in Counting Personnel Appointment, Rejects TMC's Bias Allegations
The Supreme Court dismissed TMC's plea challenging the Election Commission's circular on counting personnel, affirming ECI's authority to appoint officials from central or state government pools, ensuring electoral integrity.
West Bengal Vote Counting: EC Assures Free and Fair Process Amid Security Concerns
The Election Commission has assured a free and fair vote counting process in West Bengal with robust security arrangements, addressing allegations of potential irregularities and unrest.
ECI Orders Repoll in West Bengal's Falta Amid Electoral Malpractice Allegations
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has ordered a complete repoll in West Bengal's Falta assembly constituency due to severe electoral malpractices, highlighting challenges in ensuring free and fair elections.
International RelationsGS2
West Asia Conflict Impacts India's Geopolitical Stance and Economic Stability
The ongoing US-Israel-Iran conflict has strained India's traditional ties with Iran and disrupted global supply chains, affecting India's economy and geopolitical neutrality.
EconomyGS3
India-New Zealand FTA: Strategic Economic Partnership with $20 Billion Investment Pledge
India and New Zealand signed a comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with a $20 billion investment commitment from New Zealand, providing duty-free access for Indian exports and enhancing bilateral trade in goods and services.