17 December 2021
Issues that matter
Lies because there’s no one to question it: UP CM Yogi claims that there were no deaths in Uttar Pradesh due to the lack of oxygen in the second wave; news organisations have reported around 100 deaths due to a lack of oxygen supply, although news reports naturally cannot report on each one; during the second covid wave, there were long lines and an acute crunch on oxygen supply; the Yogi government even took action against hospitals who reported the shortage
Communalism in Karnataka: Karnataka BJP MLA alleges mass forced conversions, probe report exposes his claim; The government official who carried out a probe on forced conversions and whose report questioned the validity of the Karnataka government's claims of 'mass conversions' was transferred from his post
Coal use amidst climate concerns: Coal Ministry launches fourth round of auction of 99 coal mines for commercial mining
Anti-competitive behaviour: India's antitrust body suspends Amazon.com's 2019 deal with Future Group following a review of allegations that the US e-commerce giant had concealed information while seeking regulatory approval; imposes Rs 202-cr penalty
Modi calls for unprecedented meeting with election commissioner: At least three former Chief Election Commissioners (CECs) said that the government’s letter expecting the incumbent poll panel chief to attend a meeting with the PM was “unacceptable, atrocious, avoidable”; even PM can’t call for meeting as it erodes on electoral independence