India’s Football Breakdown: Why John Abraham Said ‘Shame on Us’
India’s top footballers have publicly appealed to FIFA, warning that the sport in the country is facing “permanent paralysis” due to a failure of basic administration. Actor and football club co-owner John Abraham responded to the players’ appeal with a blunt message: “Shame on us... this is what we have come to.” Their words point to the collapse of a national system that, despite widespread public interest in football, still cannot provide Indian players with stable competitions, professional security or a functioning league.
Can Nepal Break Its Cycle of Revolutions?
Nepal has recently toppled its government, the fourth such event since 1950. What matters now is recognising that these recurring storms are not caused by failed politicians alone. They come from a “state” that remains unreformed, no matter who holds power. Nepal can end its cycle of revolutions only by reforming the institutions that have blocked reform, protected the powerful and outlasted every elected government.
Opposition Leaders Challenge NHRC Chairperson Appointment
Leaders of the opposition have challenged the appointment of Justice V. Ramasubramanian as the chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), alleging that the selection process was fundamentally flawed. Congress party leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi contended that the procedure was predetermined, sidelining mutual consultation and consensus.
40 Convictions in 5,000 Money Laundering Cases, Court Observes
The Supreme Court of India has made critical observations regarding the Enforcement Directorate (ED) while hearing a matter related to the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The court noted the inefficiency of the agency, pointing out the disproportionally low conviction rate, with only 40 convictions in 5,000 registered cases. Could this inefficiency stem from the ED’s alleged politicisation and weaponisation by the ruling party, creating a bureaucracy where loyalty overshadows skill and professionalism?
Does India’s Human Rights Panel Function Independently?
The Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI), a United Nations-affiliated entity based in Geneva, has for the second consecutive year postponed the accreditation of India’s National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), signalling concerns over its independence. This decision jeopardises India’s voting rights at the Human Rights Council and some UNGA bodies.
Can India’s Chief Election Commissioner Conduct the 2024 Election Solo?
In a surprising turn of events, Arun Goel, an Election Commissioner (EC), has stepped down, leaving the Election Commission of India (ECI) with only the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), Rajiv Kumar, at the helm, just weeks before the general elections. Goel, whose tenure was expected to extend until December 2027, departed without offering a public explanation. This development comes on the heels of the retirement of another EC, Anup Pandey, plunging the ECI into a significant staffing crisis at a pivotal time.
Nobody to Lead National Commission for Scheduled Tribes?
The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) in India has been without a Chairperson since Harsh Chouhan resigned in June 2023, eight months before his term was due to end. The positions of Vice-Chairperson and three other members are also vacant, leaving all five key posts of the NCST unfilled.