Polity & Governance

Article 246A

Article 246A of the Constitution of India grants both Parliament and state legislatures the power to legislate on Goods and Services Tax. This provision was pivotal in establishing the GST framework, allowing for a dual tax system. The Supreme Court recently ruled that the GST Council’s recommendations are not binding, emphasising the collaborative nature of GST legislation. This article is as it reflects the balance of power between the Centre and states, and it was in discussions about federalism in India.

Article 352

Article 352 of the Constitution of India allows the President to declare a state of emergency when the security of India is threatened. This provision was controversially invoked in 1975, leading to the suspension of civil liberties and widespread arrests. The Emergency was justified under internal disturbance, a term later removed by the 44th Amendment in 1978. The article remains in discussions about governmental power and civil rights, especially in light of recent debates about emergency provisions in India.

Article 94 of the Constitution of India

Article 94 of the Constitution of India outlines the responsibilities of the Speaker of the Lok Sabha, particularly regarding their tenure during the dissolution of the House. It states that the Speaker remains in office until the first meeting of the new House. This article is as it ensures continuity in parliamentary proceedings. The recent discussions around the election of a new Speaker brought Article 94 into the spotlight, emphasising its role in maintaining legislative stability during transitions.

Article 95(1)

Article 95(1) of the Constitution of India outlines the role of the Deputy Speaker in the Lok Sabha, stating that they perform the Speaker’s duties when the position is vacant. This article is crucial for maintaining parliamentary functions and ensuring continuity in leadership. It has been in recent discussions regarding the absence of a Deputy Speaker in the current Lok Sabha. The lack of a Deputy Speaker has raised concerns about parliamentary efficiency and adherence to constitutional mandates.

Article 99

Article 99 of the Constitution of India outlines the oath or affirmation that Members of Parliament must take before assuming their duties. It emphasises allegiance to the Constitution and the duty to uphold India’s sovereignty. This article is as it ensures that MPs commit to their responsibilities before participating in legislative activities. It was in recent news due to the oath-taking ceremony of the 18th Lok Sabha, underscoring its importance in parliamentary proceedings.

Kakodkar Committee

The Kakodkar Committee was established to evaluate railway safety in India and recommend improvements. One key suggestion was to create an independent Railway Safety Authority to oversee operations and ensure accountability. Despite some recommendations being accepted, many remain unimplemented. The committee’s findings gained renewed attention following the recent train accidents, underscoring the ongoing challenges in railway governance and the necessity for reforms to enhance passenger safety.

Kaleshwaram Irrigation Project

The Kaleshwaram Irrigation Project is one of the largest lift irrigation schemes in India, aimed at providing water to drought-prone areas in Telangana. It was inaugurated in 2019 and is designed to utilise water from the Godavari River. The project has been controversial due to its high costs and allegations of corruption. It has been in the news recently as part of the investigations by the Narasimha Reddy Commission, which is examining irregularities in its execution.

Kamaraj Plan

The Kamaraj Plan, initiated in 1963, aimed to rejuvenate the Indian National Congress by encouraging senior leaders to resign from their posts and work at the grassroots level. Named after K. Kamaraj, the then Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, the plan sought to bring fresh leadership into the party. It was in reshaping Congress’s structure during a challenging political period. The plan was in the news recently as political analysts discussed its impact on contemporary party dynamics and leadership strategies.

Kampa Junapani

Kampa Junapani is a limestone mine situated in the Adilabad district of Telangana. It is included in the list of 11 mines that the state government must auction by June 30, as mandated by the Centre. Limestone from Kampa Junapani is essential for cement production and other industrial uses. The mine has gained attention due to the ongoing political debate over mining ...