This week covers Delhi’s staggering Rs 2,002 crore loss linked to a controversial excise policy fraught with corruption allegations. The fallout has led to high-profile arrests within the AAP party. Additionally, India’s abstention from UN votes regarding the Russia-Ukraine conflict is discussed, highlighting its delicate diplomatic stance. The podcast also touches on the government's opposition to lifetime bans for convicted politicians, suggesting a contentious debate about electoral integrity.
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Delhi Excise Policy Loss
The Delhi government lost ₹2,200 crore due to a flawed 2021-22 excise policy.
The policy, aimed at eliminating monopolies and curbing bootlegging, was withdrawn after corruption allegations and arrests.
insights INSIGHT
India's UN Abstention
India abstained from two UN resolutions on the Russia-Ukraine conflict's anniversary.
While not supporting Russia's withdrawal demand, India didn't oppose Ukraine's sovereignty.
insights INSIGHT
Convicted Politicians Ban
The central government opposes lifetime bans for convicted politicians.
They argue a six-year disqualification is sufficient and not unconstitutional.
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This is the Catchup on 3 Things by The Indian Express and I'm Ichha Sharma. Today is the 28th of February and here are this week’s headlines.
First, in news from the capital, the Delhi Government suffered a loss of Rs 2,002 crore due to the flawed excise policy for 2021-22, which was later scrapped. The policy aimed to eliminate monopolies, ensure fair liquor distribution, and prevent bootlegging. However, it was withdrawn after corruption allegations led to the arrests of key AAP leaders, including former CM Arvind Kejriwal and Deputy CM Manish Sisodia, by the CBI and ED. The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) highlighted these losses in a recent Assembly report.
In another news making headline, India abstained from voting on two resolutions at the UN General Assembly, marking the third anniversary of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The resolutions were supported by the US, Ukraine, and Europe, and both passed with 93 votes in favor. While India did not support the resolution demanding Russian withdrawal, it did not oppose the motion on Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. India was one of 65 countries that chose not to vote on the European-backed resolution.
Meanwhile, the central government opposed petitions seeking a lifetime ban on convicted politicians from contesting elections, arguing in the Supreme Court that a six-year disqualification is not unconstitutional. In its affidavit, the Centre stated that various penal laws impose penalties for a limited time to ensure deterrence while avoiding excessive harshness. The submission was in response to Advocate Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay’s plea challenging the constitutional validity of Sections 8 and 9 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. Section 8 mandates a six-year disqualification post-release for those convicted of specified offences.
In news from the North, the Uttarakhand High Court reviewed provisions of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) amid a public interest litigation. The court questioned the state’s ability to make changes to the UCC, particularly regarding mandatory live-in registrations. Senior advocate Vrinda Grover argued that the UCC imposes unnecessary surveillance, as information about individuals is sent directly to local police stations. The court also questioned whether the UCC grants police powers for domiciliary visits, which it found to be a potential violation of rights.
In global headlines this week, US President Donald Trump announced plans to impose a 25% tariff on European Union imports, particularly targeting cars. Trump criticized the EU, claiming it was "formed to screw the United States." He pointed out the EU’s higher tariffs and value-added taxes, which are significantly steeper than those in the US. The announcement comes amid ongoing trade tensions between the US and the EU, with officials raising concerns over European taxation policies.
This was the Catch Up on 3 Things by The Indian Express
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