Indian Democracy
Kaushik Basu: Democratic decline may be worse than what existing measures capture
Instead of looking at national scores assigned by V-Dem and others, we must account for the impact of major powers acting beyond their borders. That would offer us a clearer view of the state of democracy in today’s world.
3 min read13 Apr 2026NCERT textbook withdrawal: It’s ultimately about securing the majesty of law
India withdrew an NCERT textbook that cast the judiciary in dim light. In general, we must aim to secure the law’s supremacy even if it has gaps and needs to evolve. Think of the rift between the Pentagon and Anthropic over AI weapons in America.
2 min read27 Feb 2026Raghav Chadha pushes for ‘Right to Recall’ to remove leaders– ‘Five years is a long tenure,’ says the AAP MP
AAP MP Raghav Chadha is pushing for a 'Right to Recall' mechanism that would allow voters to remove underperforming elected representatives before their term ends. He emphasises the need for safeguards to prevent misuse, arguing that this could strengthen democracy and accountability.
2 min read11 Feb 2026From Indonesia to India, political satire is shifting in shape and form under pressure
Across much of Asia, political humour is turning oblique, though even subtle jokes can invite a harsh response from those in power. Still, for many, satire has been acting as a stand-in for scrutiny. This isn’t how it should be.
3 min read27 Jan 2026Manu Joseph: Why one may choose not to vote—and why this choice needn’t be a moral failure
Voting is treated as a civic sacrament in India, but what if abstention is not apathy, arrogance or guilt-worthy defiance? It could turn out that there’s nothing casting a vote can achieve that one wants.
5 min read25 Jan 2026PM Modi at CSPOC: ‘No one is left behind’; speaks on Indian democracy, UPI, Global South — key highlights
During the 28th CSPOC, PM Modi underscored India's advocacy for the Global South through innovation and open-source technology. He celebrated India's inclusive democracy, which has lifted 250 million from poverty, while preparing for the largest democratic exercise in history in 2024.
4 min read15 Jan 2026India's single-party dominance challenge: The opposition needs to set its policy agenda right for a credible challenge
The Congress should forge a liberal nationalist agenda instead of hopping issues thoughtlessly to attack the BJP. As its Bharat Jodo Yatra showed, people are accepting of unity, peace and other democratic values, but it must bring coherence in its agenda.
4 min read29 Dec 2025Rahul Gandhi in Berlin: 'We fundamentally believe there's a problem with electoral machinery in India' | Watch
In an address in Berlin, Rahul Gandhi claims there are issues plaguing India's electoral machinery and institutional integrity. He warns that the BJP's actions threaten not only Indian democracy but the global democratic framework.
4 min read23 Dec 2025Shashi Tharoor says dynastic politics 'grave threat' to democracy: Here's how Cong, BJP reacted to Kerala MP's remarks
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor labels dynastic politics a 'grave threat' to Indian democracy. His remarks incite sharp reactions from the BJP, while Congress leaders defend the legacy of the Nehru-Gandhi family.
4 min read4 Nov 2025Recent Nobels explain the real drivers of economic growth: Is anybody up there listening?
This year’s economics Nobel focuses on the role of innovation and creative destruction, while last year’s highlighted the value of institutions. With democracy under strain, science politicized and nations tilting towards top-down power, the awards remind us that the basics of progress are at stake.
4 min read21 Oct 2025