By Vikas Meshram*  P. Sainath's "Everybody Loves a Good Drought" is a landmark book that offers a searing critique of the socio-economic realities faced by rural India, especially in the context of poverty, drought, and systemic government failures. First published in 1996, the book is a compilation of Sainath’s investigative journalism during the early 1990s, documenting the lives of the rural poor across several Indian states, including Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Orissa, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh.

By Vikas Meshram  Published in 1974, The Black Book is not just an anthology or a historical document; it is a profound and multifaceted cultural artifact that encapsulates the African American experience from the dawn of slavery in America to the vibrant mid-20th century. Edited by Toni Morrison while she was an editor at Random House, The Black Book is a groundbreaking work that defies easy categorization. It is a scrapbook, a compilation of historical documents, and an exploration of Black culture, history, and identity. The book offers a unique approach to understanding African American history by presenting it through a collage of materials that speak to the resilience, creativity, and struggle of Black people in America.

By Harsh Thakor*  The Indian swimming community mourns the profound loss of Avinash Sarang, a celebrated figure in the aquatic world. Known affectionately as Avi, he passed away at the age of 80 on August 26, 2024. His remarkable legacy ensures a permanent place for him in the history of Indian swimming. It's difficult to find a swimmer who could match his achievements; he was truly the ultimate role model in the sport.  Avi uniquely distinguished himself as a National Champion in pool events—specifically the 100 meters butterfly and middle-distance freestyle—while also excelling in water polo and open water swimming, reaching unprecedented levels of all-around excellence. He was undeniably one of the most vibrant and enduring personalities in Indian swimming. 

By Bharat Dogra*  A recent report states that Pakistan is in talks with banks in the Middle-East to borrow approximately USD 4 billion to meet its external financial commitments for the current fiscal year. For the current fiscal year, Pakistan has pitched about USD 20 billion in foreign borrowings in the budget, besides another USD 3 billion rollover from UAE that was reported separately in the balance of payments.  The IMF indefinitely postponed the approval of a USD 7 billion Extended Fund Facility, the report said. Pakistan has now increased efforts to secure loans from foreign commercial banks, although high financing costs and a low credit rating remain two big problems. Earlier a more comprehensive understanding of the debt crisis in Pakistan was provided in a report titled ‘Pakistan’s Existential Economic Crisis’ published on April 6, 2023 by the US Institute for Peace (USIP) and written by a senior Pakistani journalist Shahbaz Rana. This report stated that as of Dece...

By Ozair Islam*  The Rohingya crisis, which began seven years ago, shows no signs of resolution. In 2017, over a million Rohingya fled Myanmar for Bangladesh, escaping systematic ethnic cleansing by their government. This ongoing situation is marked by severe human rights violations, with the violent crackdown in 2017 resulting in approximately 9,000 deaths and extensive destruction. 

By Ibrahim Khalil Ahasan*  The Bangladesh economy is currently facing significant challenges, and the incoming administration will encounter numerous hurdles ahead. Rebuilding public trust is paramount for restoring normalcy to the national economy. The recent student protests have disrupted both trade and production, exacerbating the situation. 

By Vidya Bhushan Rawat*  The passing of the legendary A.G. Noorani marks a significant loss for those seeking insightful constitutional analysis and impartial legal perspectives on matters affecting our nation. It was a privilege to witness his audacious contributions published in numerous daily newspapers and journals. 

By Kirity Roy*  There is an urgent need to highlight a serious violation of human rights, as defined in Article 19(1)(g) of the Constitution of India. This issue directly affects the villagers of Notun Rajapur, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Ranitala Police Station in the Bhagwangola-II Block of Murshidabad district, West Bengal. Since April 7, 2024, the Border Security Force (BSF) stationed at Madan Ghat BOP, Battalion No. 149, Company, Out Post (OP) No. 1, has imposed restrictions that prevent local villagers from accessing and farming their own lands, causing significant distress and suffering within this impoverished agricultural community. 

By Vikas Meshram*  Despite being granted bail, thousands of undertrial prisoners in India continue to endure inhumane conditions in jail. The issue has been a topic of national discussion for quite some time. The fact that the prisons in the country are overcrowded is no secret. Most of the inmates belong to poor and marginalized communities, many of whom do not have anyone to arrange bail for them.

Counterview Desk  The civil rights network Campaign Against State Repression (CASR)*,  condemning what it calls "inhuman treatment"  of three political prisoners by the jail authorities of Chanchalguda Central Prison, Hyderabad, has said that despite getting bail, they are kept in jail after registering fresh charges against them. 

By Bhabani Shankar Nayak*  Many political parties and their leaders adopt a so-called middle political path, commonly known as centrist politics, by maintaining an equal distance from both left-wing and right-wing ideologies or aligning with any ideological orientation based on selfish requirements. This approach allows them to appeal to a broader spectrum of voters by adopting shallow policies and avoiding the extremes of the political spectrum. 

By Nava Thakuria*  The memory of Assam's agitation against illegal migrants still resonates with middle-aged Assamese citizens, who recall the initial movement dubbed the ‘Bohiragata Kheda Andolan’—essentially a campaign aimed at deporting outsiders. 

Counterview Desk  The All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS) has demanded apology from actor-turned-BJP MP Kangana Ranaut's statement comparing the farmers' agitation in 2020-21 as having been supported by external forces with the recent upheaval in Bangladesh which forced Sheikh Hasina to flee the country. 

By Harsh Thakor*  In a press conference held  in Telangana, Dr. G.N. Saibaba, a former English professor at Delhi University's Ram Lal Anand College and a political prisoner, has spoken candidly about the horrific conditions he endured while incarcerated. Recently acquitted of charges under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, Saibaba shared his harrowing experiences and called for greater advocacy for the rights of political prisoners. 

By Vikas Meshram*  Since ancient times, farmers have selected crops based on local climatic conditions. However, with climate change, maintaining traditional crops has become increasingly difficult. Some crops may adapt to changing climatic conditions, while others may suffer from reduced productivity. To combat this crisis, it is essential for farmers to adopt climate-resilient crops.

By Bharat Dogra*  Some countries are taking up the promotion of natural farming crops which is very welcome. However a big problem and constraint arises when they say at the same time that they will spread GM crops, forgetting that natural farming cannot co-exist with GM crops. Apart from the high risk of contamination, there is the wider reality that GM crops involve very high environment, safety and health risks.

By Dr Palla Trinadha Rao*  The proposed Telangana Record of Rights Bill, 2024, seeks to replace the existing Telangana Rights in Land and Pattadar Pass Books Act, 2020. However, it is in clear violation of the Telangana Scheduled Area Land Transfer Regulation 1 of 1959 (amended in 1971 and 1978) and the Panchayats Extension to Scheduled Areas (PESA) Act of 1996. Tribal groups, including the Adivasi Advocates Association of Telangana, have raised serious concerns about the proposed Bill, which could undermine the land rights of tribal communities.

Counterview Desk  Several  organisations -- women’s rights groups along with mass organisations, trade unions, students’ groups, and other civil society organisations in Delhi -- in a statement on the brutal cases of sexual violence and the impunity to perpetrators witnessed in recent years, has said that while investigating the horrific rape and murder in a Kolkata,  Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) should "rise above political interests and conduct a fair and unbiased investigation."

By Sudhansu R Das   The horrific incident of rape and murder of a sincere resident doctor in the RG Kar hospital in Calcutta has triggered nationwide protest from the doctors’ community, political parties and the general public. Prime Minister, Narendra Modi advocates death sentence for the rapists. He said fear should be instilled in the minds of the offenders. 

By Anuradha Sajjanhar*  Narendra Modi was reelected as India’s prime minister in June for a historic third term. Yet his Bharatiya Janata party (BJP) does not have the privilege of an absolute majority for the first time in a decade. It will head a coalition government that is already rife with disagreement.

By Vikas Meshram*  Climate change poses a significant threat to Indian agriculture, with far-reaching consequences. Agriculture is the backbone of India's economy and sustains a large portion of its population. Most farmers in India depend on agriculture for their livelihood. However, climate change has brought significant challenges for them.

By Ram Puniyani*  As we approached the Independence Day 2024, the NDA Government called for the third edition of "Har Ghar Tiranga" (Tricolor in every home). This initiative first launched in 2022 under the BJP government has drawn attention, especially considering that the RSS, the ideological parent of the BJP, historically opposed the Tricolor as the national flag until January 26, 2001. 

By Rajiv Shah  Over 170 civil society organisations, regional and global networks and activists have asked the World Bank board of directors to reject the financing of the four Waste-to-Energy (WTE) incineration projects proposed to be built in Gujarat by Abellon Clean Energy Limited (ACEL). 

By Our Representative   An Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA) report has claimed that white-collar workers are ready to embrace AI-driven transformations, even as admitting that the gap in AI education and upskilling needs to be filled in. The report, said to be amongst the earliest studies of the topic, says, it provides critical inputs for informed policymaking, strategic planning, and effective workforce development initiatives.

By Vijay Prashad*  The day after former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina left Dhaka, I was on the phone with a friend who had spent some time on the streets that day. He told me about the atmosphere in Dhaka, how people with little previous political experience had joined in the large protests alongside the students—who seemed to be leading the agitation. I asked him about the political infrastructure of the students and about their political orientation. He said that the protests seemed well-organized and that the students had escalated their demands from an end to certain quotas for government jobs to an end to the government of Sheikh Hasina. Even hours before she left the country, it did not seem that this would be the outcome.

Counterview Desk  Commenting the recent spate of railway accidents and urgent need to demand accountability, the advocacy group, People's Commission on Public Sector and Public Services, has said that "allowing a part-time minister to administer India’s largest single enterprise is no longer tenable; in fact, it is downright irresponsible to entrust such a key ministry to a person who has other responsibilities."

By Palla Trinadha Rao  In the tribal areas of the Eastern Ghats of Andhra Pradesh, the challenges posed by land use changes and deforestation have significant implications for climate change. This article seeks to examine how land alienation, displacement, and the erosion of traditional knowledge among tribal communities exacerbate environmental degradation and climate vulnerability. 

By Abhay Kumar*  The recent Supreme Court’s decision favouring sub-categorization within SC reservation is “disappointing,” Ambedkarite scholar and Dalit rights activist Dr. Umakant in two-part interview conducted by me in New Delhi.

By Vikas  Meshram  "India's Forgotten Country: A View from the Margins" by Bela Bhatia is a profound exploration of the lives of marginalized communities in India, particularly those in rural and tribal areas. Published by Penguin, the book delves deep into the social, economic, and political challenges faced by these communities, offering a nuanced understanding of the systemic inequalities that persist in Indian society.

Counterview Desk  Even as congratulating the student-led mass uprising against Sheikh Hasina’s "dictatorial regime" in Bangladesh, calling it a  significant development "for all South Asian countries", the civil society network National Alliance of People’s Movement (NAPM) has insisted that "new government must ensure creation of a just and equitable socio-economic order, informed by principles of inclusion, democratic participation and ecological equity."

Counterview Desk  The Constitutional Conduct Group (CCG), which comprises of former civil servants* who have served in the All India and Central Services, in an open letter to the West Bengal Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee, has said that the horrific rape and murder of the postgraduate trainee doctor in Kolkata and subsequent events have led to several concerns “about the lack of answers to certain disturbing questions which have been raised by the media and others.”

By Harsh Thakor*  On August 13th, the Indian National Investigation Agency (NIA) conducted a raid on the residence of Murali Kannampilly, who is accused of being a Maoist leader known as Ajith, in Kochi, Kerala. Murali Kannampilly has a history of legal troubles; he was previously arrested in May 2015 and served four years in Pune's Yerwada jail before being released in 2019. Following his initial arrest, several other alleged Maoists, including individuals from Kerala, were implicated, with the case initially overseen by the Telangana police. 

By Yezdani Rahman*  Assam is one of the most flood-prone regions in the country. Floods occur annually during the monsoon season due to the overflow of the Brahmaputra River and its tributaries. These floods have been a recurring disaster for decades, with major incidents recorded almost every year since the 1950s.

By Sudhansu R Das*  The foundation of a strong and prosperous nation is always built upon a healthy democracy which creates inclusive opportunities for the honest, efficient and educated people to contest elections.  Over decades, money, muscles, populism and propaganda has influenced the electorates in the country; it has blocked the way of many good and efficient candidates to fight elections. 

By Vikas Meshram*    Summer arrives every year, but this year’s heatwave has set new records, causing widespread concern. The distressing temperatures in April, May, and even June have not only worried environmentalists but also the general public. Now, with the onset of the monsoon season, environmentalists stress the need for vigilance.  They advocate that the more trees planted during this season, the better our future will be, thus sparing the next generations from hardships. 

By Abhay Kumar*    I recently received information about a two-day national seminar organized by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) on the theme “The Continuity of Indian Knowledge Tradition.” I was asked to consider writing a paper on the subject. Initially, I was keen to do so, but upon reviewing the details, I noticed that the sub-themes did not include the role and contribution of Islam and Christianity, giving the impression that these religions are “foreign” to India.

By Our Representative  An event in Canada, "The Struggle Must Continue! Hindutva Fascism in India and in the Diaspora, and its Impacts on Minorities”, is reported to have been disrupted in Montreal by a mob of more than 70 persons, identified as belonging to extreme right Hindu organisations. They reportedly pulled fire alarms inside the venue where the event was taking place, heckled and shouted down attendees. 

By Bhabani Shankar Nayak  The World Population Review's Rape Statistics by Country (2024) highlights the widespread scope and severity of issues of rape and sexual violence against women, revealing the alarming frequency and nature of this global crisis. According to the report, while Botswana holds the hopeless title of the 'rape capital of the world,' the so-called two largest democracies are not far behind. 

Counterview Desk  Seeking urgent intervention against "illegal, discriminatory action" of the state in Udaipur city, the People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL), Rajasthan, has a notice was served to a family of the Muslim community to vacate their premises before August 20, 2024 as it is residing within the protected area under the Wildlife Protection Act. However, on August 16, the state authorities resorted to “bulldozer justice” and demolished their house.

By Bharat Dogra*  There is growing worldwide agreement that conservation efforts should learn from past mistakes and seek the active involvement of local people, particularly rural and tribal communities, in conservation work. The big mistakes have been in terms of displacing people and harming their livelihoods which made them hostile and so their cooperation in conservation work could not be obtained, although it is they who are most capable of taking this work forward with their knowledge of local conditions. 

By Bhabani Shankar Nayak  Capitalism, with its inherent culture of psychopathic narcissism, nurtures a pervasive consumerist mindset of entitlement. This parasitic mentality enables capitalist entities to thrive off the value generated by the labour of working individuals. These chronic attitudes, processes, and structural norms are ingrained within society to perpetuate a culture of entitlement unique to capitalist systems based on unearned incomes and profits. Today, this epidemic of entitlement manifests broadly across various societies, shaping the economic, political, cultural and social landscapes. In capitalist societies, the notion of entitlement extends beyond mere economic gain. It permeates social interactions, influencing how individuals perceive their rights and privileges. The normalisation of this entitlement is evident in the way wealth and resources are disproportionately allocated, consumed and controlled often justifying the exploitation of labour for personal or...

By Harsh Thakor*  In contemporary times, the Olympics serve as a dazzling display of nationalistic pride, with a troubling alignment to neo-liberal global capitalism, steering society away from socialist ideals. Currently, the Olympics shine a spotlight on a neo-liberal capitalist sports framework, characterized by a global economy heavily centered around a sports-media-tourism complex. 

Counterview Desk  The All-India Feminist Alliance (ALIFA), a front organisation of the top civil society network National Alliance of People’s Movements, seeking dismantling of what it calls  "Manuvad-patriarchy" for  enabling gender and social justice, has said that justice should be ensured to Kolkata's RG Kar Hospital deceased doctor. 

By Ram Puniyani*  The recent turmoil in Bangladesh has significantly impacted the nation and contributed to a surge in fake news and Islamophobia in India. For the past fifteen years, Shaikh Hasina has governed Bangladesh with an iron fist, quelling opposition through imprisonment and house arrest of key opposition figures. 

By Kirity Roy*  A heartbreaking incident has come to light involving the Border Security Force (BSF) personnel stationed at the Gitaldah Border Outpost (BOP) of D Company, 90 BSF Battalion. On June 15, 2024, the life of 29-year-old Mustafa Ali was for ever changed when he was shot by a BSF officer.

By Our Representative  The Indian Muslims of North America (IMNA), an Indian diaspora group that had initially planned to organize a float for the New York City India Day parade on August 18, has withdrawn their participation from the parade due to “significant concern” over the event’s inclusion of a tableau celebrating the Ram Temple. 

By Our Representative  Veteran Indian American journalist and civil rights activist Ajit Sahi has sought  "immediate intervention" to contact Bollywood actors Sonakshi Sinha and Pankaj Tripathi regarding their scheduled participation in the India Day Parade in New York City on August 18, 2024.

Counterview Desk  The advocacy group, Peoples’ Commission on Public Sector and Public Services (PCPSPS), which includes eminent academics, jurists, erstwhile administrators, trade unionists and social activists as its members, has demanded appointment of an independent commission headed by a member of judiciary into the Hindenburg-SEBI accusations "to protect the integrity of domestic capital market."

Counterview Desk  Seeking widespread democratic consultative processes, as per the Supreme Court Order on GM crops, the advocacy group GM Free India has issued a letter endorsed  by hundreds of citizens to the Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, for evolving a national policy on GM crops.

By Sukla Sen  The BJP has clearly retreated on the topic of a caste census. Its spokesperson now feels compelled to provide a completely unfounded assurance that this government will conduct a caste census during its tenure.