Summaries by Rajrishi Singhal

This article critiques the Election Commission of India's (ECI) electoral roll revision, risking 130 million disenfranchisements. It contrasts this with India's founding principles of universal adult franchise, forged in Constituent Assembly debates despite elite resistance. The ECI was established for independent, fair elections, with a 1995 Supreme Court ruling affirming commissioners' equality. However, current ECI actions and the exclusionary SIR are seen as subverting these democratic ideals, reversing decades of progress. The author expresses grave concerns about the future of Indian democracy, urging a recall of foundational debates.

India's demographic dividend is now a liability due to educated unemployment, sparking student protests. The article notes the paradox of economic growth amidst joblessness and widening inequality. Student agitations expose structural flaws in education and the job market. Instead of sustainable solutions, politicians increasingly rely on unconditional cash transfers (UCTs). The author deems UCTs temporary fixes, often politically motivated, insufficient to address deep-seated issues or satisfy youth's demand for meaningful jobs, thus posing a long-term political risk.

The National Tribunal Commission (NTC) Bill, 2026, aims to formalize India's tribunal system, establishing the NTC for independent appointments, following Supreme Court directives. However, the author highlights critical shortcomings. Concerns arise from government influence in NTC chairman appointments, bureaucratic oversight of its secretariat, and the problematic exclusion of the NCLT. These structural flaws could undermine the NTC's independence and its ability to effectively address pervasive capacity gaps and delays in tribunals. The Bill's architecture, despite its intent, is viewed as inadequate to truly strengthen the judiciary.

The 16th Finance Commission report is criticized for centralizing power and eroding India's fiscal federalism. It maintains a stagnant devolution ratio, eliminates revenue deficit grants, and bypasses states with direct local body funding. These measures curtail states' autonomy, empowering the Centre with conditional grants. The author highlights its preachy tone towards states versus leniency for the Centre, ultimately diminishing federalism, shifting power to Delhi.

The article critically analyzes Donald Trump's unilateral management style, presenting his tariff war and Iran policy as cautionary business case studies. Trump's decisions, driven by hubris and disregard for collaboration or facts, led to significant failures. The author parallels this "Trumpian archetype" with certain Indian CEOs who display similar authoritarian tendencies, making impetuous decisions without proper analysis or consultation. This leadership approach fosters internal dissonance and negative outcomes. Ultimately, the piece highlights undesirable managerial traits, emphasizing the dangers of an illusion of superiority over collegial, data-driven strategies for effective governance.

PM Modi's austerity appeal signals India's economic troubles: inflation and external sector stress. The author argues the burden shouldn't fall on the poor, citing privilege and high gold imports. Weak FDI, FPI, and a widening trade deficit contribute. The piece criticizes affluent sections—industrialists, bankers, politicians—for not setting examples, especially on private jet use. It proposes increasing aviation fuel costs for private operators and advocates "austerity for the rich" and a safety net for the vulnerable, linking corporate overseas investment to stagnating domestic demand.