Passage 1
In a landmark unanimous judgment, the Supreme Court on Thursday struck down as “unconstitutional and manifestly arbitrary” the electoral bonds scheme, which provides blanket anonymity to political donors, as well as critical legal amendments allowing rich corporations to make unlimited political donations.
The lead opinion authored by Chief Justice Chandrachud said that the absolute non-disclosure of the source of political funding through electoral bonds promoted corruption, and a culture of quid pro quo with the ruling party to introduce a policy change or for bagging a license. The scheme and the amendments authorised “unrestrained influence of corporates in the electoral process”, it said.
Source – https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/
Passage 2
Ministers from the International Energy Agency’s member countries have begun talks with India on its application to become a full member of the agency of various nations, IEA said on February 14.
In a statement issued after IEA’s 2024 ministerial meeting in Paris, the agency said the talks with India are in recognition of the country’s “strategic importance” in tackling global energy and climate challenges.
“The Ministerial gave the IEA a strong mandate to deepen cooperation with major emerging economies. This includes starting discussions with India on its request for full IEA membership,” it added.
Source- https://www.thehindu.com/news/