Political Donations Surge 161% to ₹6,648 Cr in FY25; BJP Receives ₹6,074 Cr (91.3%) via Corporate Funding: ADR Report

PM CARES Fund Donations Surge 592% to ₹480 Crore, Only 0.1% Spent in FY 2024-25

PM CARES Fund received ₹480 crore in donations during 2024-25 – a 592% jump – yet spent only 0.1% of its income. Activists question the fund's transparency as it remains outside RTI and CAG audit, with a closing balance of ₹8,452 crore. This raises serious concerns about accountability of public charitable trusts.

ECI Delists 334 RUPPs; ₹11,813 Cr Tax Exemption Lost on Political Donations – Need for CAG Audit

Political parties in India enjoy unprecedented tax exemptions and opacity in donations. A recent BBC investigation and ADR report reveal that Registered Unrecognised Political Parties (RUPPs) received huge donations without contesting elections. The exchequer lost ₹11,813 crore in taxes over a decade. The Election Commission lacks power to deregister shell parties, and the author calls for mandatory CAG audit, expenditure limits, and a digital portal for financial transparency.

KPSC Scam: Chairman Sahukar’s 7-Year Tenure, Irregular Appointments & Political Shield Exposed

This investigation into the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) reveals how Chairman Shivashankarappa Sahukar, appointed in 2019 despite red flags, ran the commission for seven years with alleged irregularities including leaked papers, patronage appointments, and political shielding by both BJP and Congress governments. The case exposes systemic weaknesses in PSC appointments and the lack of accountability for constitutional body heads.

TN Govt Makes English Version of Union-State Relations Committee Report Public: Key Federalism Document

Tamil Nadu has made public the English version of the High-Level Committee on Union-State Relations report, highlighting federalism issues. This is a key document for UPSC polity mains, especially on Centre-State relations, and contains specific dates, members, and government orders that are exam-relevant.

NIA Charges Khurram Parvez, IPS Officer Under UAPA, PC Act, Official Secrets Act in J&K Terror Funding Case

A Delhi court has framed charges against human rights activist Khurram Parvez and IPS officer Arvind Negi under UAPA, PC Act, and Official Secrets Act for alleged terror funding and leaking secret documents to LeT operatives. This case is critical for understanding the interplay between national security laws, corruption, and the rights of the accused in terror-related investigations.

SC Order: News Outlets Can Report but Cannot Use Audio-Video Clips of Court Proceedings

The Supreme Court clarified on July 31 that recognized news outlets can report court proceedings but cannot use audio-video clips of hearings on digital platforms. This order balances open justice with preventing commercial exploitation of livestreamed proceedings.

Supreme Court Clarifies July 31 Order: Media Can Report Proceedings But Cannot Use Audio-Video Clips

The Supreme Court clarified that news outlets can report court proceedings but cannot use audio or video clips in their reports. This balances open justice with preventing misuse of selective clips. Key for understanding judicial transparency and media regulation.

SC Seeks Clarity on 'Majority Within Political Party' Amid Shiv Sena Split; Hearing Continues

The Supreme Court is hearing the Shiv Sena faction dispute and has raised the need for a clear definition of 'majority within a political party.' This case has major implications for anti-defection law and the balance between political party control and legislative majority, a key topic for polity and governance exams.