‘Quid pro quo’: How Indian firms fund parties whose governments help them
Al Jazeera
Big business shrugs off Supreme Court ban on electoral bonds to donate millions when in trouble, or needing approvals.
When India’s top court banned a controversial scheme in February 2024 that allowed individuals and corporates to make anonymous donations to political parties through opaque electoral bonds, many transparency activists hailed the judgement as a win for democracy.
Between 2018, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government introduced the electoral bonds, and when they were scrapped in 2024, secret donors funnelled nearly $2bn to parties.
Despite displacement, Gaza families strive to create joy this Ramadan, navigating grief, scarcity, and fragile peace.
Ramped-up raids, violent settler attacks and bulldozed homes – Israel escalates its assault on the occupied West Bank.
Announcement follows multiple impeachment complaints against the vice president over allegations of corruption.
Prominent Trump supporter Amer Ghalib says US decision to nix deportation protection for Yemenis ‘very unfortunate’.
UN warns that Israel’s plan will lead to widespread dispossession of Palestinian land in the occupied West Bank.
China has previously criticised the role, accusing the US of interfering in China’s internal affairs.
Indirect talks in Geneva show progress, but gaps remain over Iran’s uranium enrichment and missile programme.
Tilda Swinton and Javier Bardem among actors and directors expressing dismay at Berlinale’s ‘anti-Palestinian racism’ and silence on Israel’s genocidal war.
A Russian official says Western powers that seize sanctioned vessels carrying Moscow’s oil are committing ‘piracy-like attacks’.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul said the $77m released on Tuesday falls short of the amount owed for the transportation project.
The suspect, identified as Carter Camacho from Smyrna, Georgia, was wearing a tactical vest and gloves and had additional ammunition alongside a shotgun.
Experts say newly recently released documents show the need for an independent investigation into Epstein’s sex-trafficking ring.
US late-night show host says CBS pulled interview from Monday’s broadcast over fears it could violate new regulatory guidance.