Technology News
S Y Quraishi writes: On electoral bonds, Supreme Court must uphold Right to Information

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After years of questionable deferral, the Supreme Court has finally taken up the electoral bonds case. A Constitution Bench headed by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, on November 2, reserved its judgment on petitions challenging the validity of the electoral bonds scheme. The proceedings focused on arguments pertaining to the voters’ right to information vis-a-vis the right to confidentiality of donors.
The issue at hand dates back to February 2017 when Finance Minister Arun Jaitley highlighted two critical points during his budget speech. He emphasised that free and fair elections were impossible without transparency in political funding, and he lamented the lack of progress in achieving this transparency over seven decades. This set the stage for what one might have hoped would be a resolution to this issue, but instead, the result was quite the opposite.
What emerged from this situation were electoral bonds, which, rather than promoting transparency, contributed to its demise. Before their introduction, any transaction exceeding ₹20,000 related to elections was required to be reported to the Election Commission without which no IT rebate could be extended. However, electoral bonds permitted donations of ₹20 crore or even ₹200 crore to be made anonymously. The rationale provided was that donors desired secrecy.
But why would donors seek anonymity? It is reasonable to question whether this was truly about protecting donors’ identities. Could it be that they wanted to conceal potential quid pro quo? For decades, corporations have made donations to Indian political parties, and often, the same donors have funded rival parties. Yet, has any ruling party ever targeted a donor who contributed to its political opponents? Did the current ruling party engage in such actions? If not, the argument that donors seek secrecy seems spurious. Perhaps it’s the government that wants secrecy.
Crucially, in the past, both the Reserve Bank of India and the Election Commission of India (ECI) voiced strong objections to the electoral bonds scheme in accordance with their mandates. The ECI, in a letter to the Ministry of Law and Justice, warned that electoral bonds, coupled with preceding legislative changes, could lead to the proliferation of shell companies to channel black money into the political system via these bearer bonds. However, by April 2021, the ECI counsel had seemingly reversed its position, stating support for electoral bonds, echoing the government’s stance. This U-turn is unfathomable.
The introduction of electoral bonds was not an isolated action. The Finance Act of 2017 introduced amendments to several laws, including the Reserve Bank of India Act, Companies Act, Income Tax Act 1961, Representation of the People Act, and Foreign Contribution Regulations Act, all to pave the way for electoral bonds. Three significant changes occurred that did not receive adequate attention. First, the limit of 7.5 per cent of profits that a company could donate was not just raised but eliminated, allowing a company to donate 100 per cent of its profits to a political party. Even loss-making companies could now make political donations, potentially legitimising crony capitalism.
Moreover, Section 29B of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, prohibits political parties from accepting contributions from foreign sources, and Section 3 of the 2010 Foreign Contributions (Regulation) Act restricts foreign contributions to candidates, legislative members, political parties and party office holders. When, in 2014, the Delhi High Court found that Congress and the BJP had accepted foreign funds in violation of the FCRA 1976, the BJP government passed a retroactive amendment via a 2016 finance bill, replacing the 1976 Act with the modified 2010 statute. This move effectively shields any foreign financing of Indian elections from scrutiny. This is a matter of great national concern.
Even if the government is hellbent on retaining electoral bonds in the name of eliminating cash transactions, a simple solution would be to disclose the identities of donors and recipients. This simple change could be swiftly implemented by the government, suo motu, or on the order of the SC which the Lordships may consider.
It was disturbing to hear the argument of the SG that citizens have no right to know the donors/recipients’ identities. This statement would behove a banana republic, not the world’s largest democracy aspiring to be vishwaguru.
It is important to remember that the citizens’ right to know was settled by the apex court in 2003 when it mandated candidates to declare their financial dealings and criminal cases while filing nominations.
In the 2003 ruling in People’s Union for Civil Liberties v Union of India and the 2002 judgment in Union of India v Association for Democratic Reforms, the Supreme Court mandated the ECI to obtain and disclose to the public background information relating to candidates running for office, including information on their assets, criminal records, and educational background. The Court ruled that the right to know about public officials is derived from the constitutional right to freedom of expression. The Attorney General has told the Supreme Court, in his written submissions, that the “citizens’ right to know is subject to reasonable restrictions”. He should not forget the keyword “reasonable”. Is keeping potential quid pro quo between the donors and the government a secret from the public a “reasonable” restriction?
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In this worrying context, the highest Court must hold onto its legacy as being the last refuge in a troubled democracy. One option worth considering is to eliminate private funding and introduce public funding for political parties. This might not exceed ₹10,000 crore every five years, based on cumulative party collections as declared. It’s a small investment for the preservation of democracy. Another option to do away with the “need” for secrecy would be to establish a National Election Fund to which all donors could contribute. The funds could be allocated to parties based on their electoral performance. This would eliminate the so-called concern about donors’ reprisals.
Let’s recall the 2017 Budget speech in which the Finance Minister stressed that “without transparency of political funding, free and fair elections are not possible”. Free and fair elections and the integrity of our electoral process have been repeatedly declared by the apex court as a part of the basic structure of the constitution. Let’s hope the court reinforces the landmark judgments of its illustrious predecessors.
Quraishi is former Chief Election Commissioner of India and the author of India’s Experiment with Democracy — the Life of a Nation through its Elections
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Technology News
Circle to Search: Share part of your screen!

According to recent reports, Circle to Search, a feature introduced with the Samsung Galaxy S24 series in January 2024, might soon undergo an upgrade. Initially allowing users to copy text from selected areas, it’s now rumored to include the capability to capture and share screenshots of specific screen sections.
This enhanced functionality, observed in the latest version of Circle to Search, enables users to not only copy text but also capture and share screen images. A video shared by a tipster on X showcased this update, revealing new options of Copy and Share upon selecting an area. Even adjustments to the selected region don’t remove these options, ensuring a seamless experience. Users can either copy the image to the clipboard for further editing or share it directly through various apps.
Previously, the visual lookup feature solely facilitated text copying. While Android devices offer a three-finger swipe-down gesture for quick screenshots, it captures the entire screen, necessitating subsequent cropping. This new functionality streamlines the process, allowing users to select and share specific screen sections in just two steps.
Interestingly, Google recently addressed concerns about accidental activations of Circle to Search in a podcast featuring its developers. They acknowledged the issue and assured users of an impending fix. This indicates ongoing efforts to refine the feature for a smoother user experience.
Technology News
Discounted OnePlus Nord CE 3 price in India: Check it out!

The OnePlus Nord CE 3 has recently undergone another price reduction in India, marking a significant update for potential buyers. Initially introduced to the Indian market in June 2023, this smartphone received its first price adjustment in November of the same year. The base variant, featuring 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage, was notably listed at a price Rs. 2,000 lower than its launch price, signaling OnePlus’s commitment to providing competitive pricing to its customers.
The OnePlus Nord CE 3 is powered by an octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon chipset and ships with the Android 13-based operating system. It boasts a triple rear camera setup, enhancing its photography capabilities, and supports SuperVOOC charging, ensuring rapid replenishment of its battery. The inclusion of these features positions the Nord CE 3 as a compelling option for smartphone enthusiasts seeking a balance between performance, affordability, and innovation.
The recent unveiling of the OnePlus Nord CE 4 in India marks the continuation of OnePlus’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge technology to its users. Serving as the successor to the Nord CE 3, the Nord CE 4 is expected to build upon the strengths of its predecessor while introducing new enhancements and features to further elevate the user experience.
When considering the revised pricing of the OnePlus Nord CE 3, it’s evident that OnePlus aims to make its devices more accessible to a wider audience. The reduction in price, particularly on platforms like Amazon and the OnePlus India website, presents an opportunity for consumers to acquire a high-quality smartphone at a more affordable rate.
Let’s delve deeper into the specifications and features of the OnePlus Nord CE 3 to understand its capabilities and appeal to potential buyers.
OnePlus Nord CE 3 Price in India (Revised)
The base variant of the OnePlus Nord CE 3, featuring 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage, was initially launched in India at Rs. 26,999. Following its first price cut in November, the price was reduced to Rs. 24,999. Now, the same variant is available on Amazon at Rs. 22,990, representing a Rs. 2,009 reduction from its previous price. Furthermore, customers can benefit from an additional flat Rs. 2,000 instant discount on ICICI and HDFC Bank cards, bringing the effective price down to Rs. 20,990.
On the OnePlus India website, the 8GB + 128GB variant is priced at Rs. 22,999, marking a Rs. 2,000 decrease from the November price of Rs. 24,999. It is worth noting that this discount is exclusively applicable to the 128GB model, as the higher-end 256GB variant is currently listed as out of stock.
OnePlus Nord CE 3 Specifications and Features
Display:
The OnePlus Nord CE 3 boasts a 6.7-inch full-HD+ fluid AMOLED display with a resolution of 1,080 x 2,412 pixels. With a refresh rate of up to 120Hz, users can enjoy smooth and fluid visuals, enhancing their overall viewing experience.
Processor and Performance:
Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 782G SoC, the OnePlus Nord CE 3 delivers robust performance and efficient multitasking capabilities. With up to 12GB of RAM and up to 256GB of onboard storage, users can seamlessly navigate between apps and store their multimedia content with ease.
Operating System:
The smartphone ships with Android 13-based OxygenOS 13.1, providing users with a clean and intuitive user interface coupled with a plethora of customization options. OxygenOS is known for its smooth performance and timely software updates, ensuring that users stay up-to-date with the latest features and security patches.
Camera:
The OnePlus Nord CE 3 features a versatile camera setup, comprising a 50-megapixel primary sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS) and electronic image stabilization (EIS) support. Accompanying this primary sensor is an 8-megapixel sensor with an ultra-wide-angle lens and a 2-megapixel macro shooter, allowing users to capture a wide range of subjects with stunning detail and clarity. On the front, the device houses a 16-megapixel sensor for high-quality selfies and video calls.
Battery and Charging:
Equipped with a robust 5,000mAh battery, the OnePlus Nord CE 3 offers ample battery life to power through a full day of usage. Additionally, the device supports 80W wired SuperVOOC charging, enabling users to quickly replenish the battery and minimize downtime.
Connectivity:
The OnePlus Nord CE 3 supports a comprehensive range of connectivity options, including 5G, 4G LTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.2, NFC, GPS, and USB Type-C. Whether it’s streaming multimedia content, browsing the web, or staying connected with friends and family, users can rely on the Nord CE 3 to deliver seamless connectivity and performance.
Security:
For enhanced security, the OnePlus Nord CE 3 features an in-display fingerprint sensor, allowing users to conveniently unlock their device with a simple touch. This biometric authentication method adds an extra layer of protection to safeguard sensitive data and personal information.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the OnePlus Nord CE 3 offers a compelling combination of performance, affordability, and innovation, making it an attractive choice for smartphone enthusiasts in India. With its recent price reduction and competitive specifications, the Nord CE 3 presents a compelling value proposition for consumers seeking a high-quality smartphone experience without breaking the bank. As OnePlus continues to innovate and introduce new features with each iteration, the Nord CE 3 stands as a testament to the company’s commitment to delivering exceptional devices tailored to the needs of its users.
Technology News
Namma Yatri launches cab service in Bengaluru

In its largest market, Bengaluru, ride-hailing company Namma Yatri has expanded its services to include cab-hailing, marking a significant shift from its previous focus on auto rickshaws. Namma Yatri, known for pioneering a daily subscription model as opposed to the commission-based model utilized by competitors like Ola and Uber, had initially concentrated on auto rickshaws in Bengaluru. However, it now features a distinct section on its app dedicated to booking cabs in the city. Additionally, Namma Yatri already provides cab rides in Kochi and Kolkata.
The decision to venture into cab services follows Namma Yatri’s separation from its former parent company, Justpay, and comes on the heels of a reported expansion plan announced on April 1st. The move also aligns with the broader trend observed in the industry, as both Ola and Uber have recently introduced subscription-based plans for auto-rickshaw drivers on their platforms. This strategic shift towards subscription-based models, akin to Namma Yatri’s approach, as well as that of Rapido, highlights a growing preference within the industry for alternative pricing structures beyond traditional booking fees or commissions.
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