By Our Representative The Gender Centre at the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA) has released a pivotal report shedding light on the state of women’s empowerment across India. This study focuses on the subnational (district) level in alignment with Sustainable Development Goal 5 (SDG 5), which aims to promote gender equality. 

By Our Representative  On 28 September 2024 the Raj Bhawan in Ranchi echoed with the chants of over 200 workers protesting against ongoing violations of their rights and the systematic dismantling of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) by the Modi Government. This protest, organized by Jharkhand NREGA Watch and the NREGA Sangharsh Morcha, drew participants from Jharkhand, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Orissa, and West Bengal, all uniting in their demand for the act to be implemented fully, ensuring guaranteed employment, timely wage payments, and fair access to work without arbitrary exclusions. 

By Max Lane*  September 15 marked the third anniversary of the announcement of the AUKUS (Australia, the UK, the U.S.) agreement. The purpose of this agreement is for Australia to buy nuclear-powered submarines from the UK and the U.S. This increases interoperability with U.S. forces that are projecting their power in the region along the Chinese coast. Furthermore, Australia is participating in the QUAD and SQUAD, “ [i]nformal Alliances in the Indo-Pacific .” The city of Darwin in northern Australia has been opened up for the U.S. forces, including planes carrying nuclear weapons. In addition, Australia has long housed bases for U.S. spy satellite systems. (For details of all these agreements, visit antiaukuscoalition .)

By Ram Puniyani*  The Indian freedom struggle was characterized by its pluralistic approach and an emphasis on secular and democratic principles. These ideals are enshrined in the Preamble of our Constitution, which advocates for liberty, equality, fraternity, and social justice across its many articles. Here, equality signifies the equal status of all citizens, regardless of caste, gender, or religion. 

By Vikas Meshram*   "Nehru: The Invention of India", penned by Shashi Tharoor in 2003, is a nuanced exploration of Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s first Prime Minister. This work serves as a compelling biography that not only traces Nehru’s personal journey but also offers a deep dive into the broader historical and political transformations of India during his era.

By Our Representative India’s climate tech ecosystem, which boasts over 800 startups, is in dire need of both early and growth-stage funding to leverage its full potential, according to a report by Indian Institute of Management-Ahmedabad (Ventures) and MUFG Bank , Japan. Despite a robust initial funding landscape, with approximately two-thirds of climate tech startups receiving seed capital, growth-stage investments remain critically lacking. 

By Shankar Sharma*  A recent report by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), titled "A Global Foresight Report on Planetary Health and Human Wellbeing," warrants urgent attention from our country’s developmental perspective. The findings, detailed in the report, should be a source of significant concern not only globally but especially for our nation, which has a vast population and limited natural resources. 

By Harsh Thakor*  On October 1st, we celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Chinese Revolution, a pivotal moment in the struggle for human liberation. From 1949 to 1976, China achieved remarkable social equality and revolutionary democracy, outpacing other developing nations in literacy, health care, agricultural output, and industrial production. 

By Bhabani Shankar Nayak*  On October 1, 1949, the revolutionary people of China established the People’s Republic of China (PRC) under the leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC) by defeating Western imperialism, Japanese colonialism, and Chinese feudal warlords who unleashed a ‘white terror’ on Chinese people, communists and revolutionaries. 

By SP Udayakumar*  In our world, which has been hijacked by the capitalist triad of "Liberalization, Privatization, and Globalization," humans, other living beings, and nature are no longer significant. What matters today are minerals that can be extracted and sold at a high price, making billionaires like Adani, Ambani, and Anil Agarwal even wealthier.

Counterview Desk  India's top human rights organization, People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL), has said that neither the BJP and Narendra Modi, seeking to defend what it calls the "bonhomie between the Prime Minister and the Chief Justice of India" refuse to understand that the their participation at the Ganapati Pooja "violates canons of law, ethics and constitutional morality." Stating that the controversy is refusing to die down, PUCL said, "The fact that the Chief Justice not only did not demonstrate aloofness, but instead demonstrated an  unconstitutional bonhomie, sends the message right down the judicial hierarchy that is indeed acceptable to fraternize with the executive. It is a tragedy that the message that these values adopted by no less than the full court, can be bypassed, should have been sent by no less than the Chief Justice of India." Text:  The visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the house of Chief Justice Dhananjaya Chandra...

By Our Representative  A new ActionAid report has exposed the alarming financial drain on the Global South, as climate-wrecking industries like fossil fuels and industrial agriculture receive over US$600 billion annually in public subsidies. The report, "How the Finance Flows: Corporate Capture of Public Finance Fuelling the Climate Crisis in the Global South", reveals that an average of US$677 billion in public finance is directed toward climate-destructive sectors each year, depriving crucial social sectors such as education. 

By Kirity Roy* In a troubling report from North 24 Parganas, two farmers—Abdur Rauf Gayen from Swarupdaha village and Saharab Sardar from Hakimpur village (photos) —are facing criminal trespassing and forceful land acquisition attempts by Border Security Force (BSF) personnel. They claim these actions violate Articles 21 and 300A of the Constitution of India. 

By Rosamma Thomas*  Member of Parliament Shashi Tharoor delivered the inaugural Rev Jose Joseph Pulavelil Memorial Lecture at Alphonsa College, Pala, on September 24, 2024. The lecture honoured the memory of a dynamic and popular priest and teacher of English at the college who passed away after a short spell of illness.

By Mansee Bal Bhargava, Garbhit Naik* As the world faces an increasing number of disasters, both natural and man-made, communities across sections of the society are becoming more vulnerable. These events — whether floods, droughts, earthquakes, or war, communal violence, pandemics — are impacting more people than ever before, with marginalized and vulnerable communities, particularly the women from there, bearing the deepest apathy. An often-overlooked consequence of these disasters is the impact on mental health around water insecurity which we call as water anxiety. 

By Raqif Makhdoomi*  India's population is predominantly Hindu, with approximately 684 million individuals, representing about 82.05% of the total population. In contrast, the Muslim community stands at around 103.5 million, making up roughly 12.41%. Christians account for about 2% (16.7 million), while Sikhs represent 1.79% (14.9 million). Buddhists number around 4.8 million (0.58%), Jains make up 0.11% with about 904,000 adherents, and other religions contribute around 0.86% (720,000), with 164,400 individuals classified as undisclosed. 

By Bhabani Shankar Nayak*   The working masses are now seeking alternative political, cultural, social, and economic systems that work for all, irrespective of any form of discrimination on the grounds of gender, class, race, sexuality, religion, or caste. People understand and recognize that capitalism is not working for them. 

By Kirity Roy*  An alarming incident has emerged from Panchberia, a village located along the Indo-Bangladesh border within the Bagdah police station jurisdiction of North 24 Parganas district. Hajrat Sheikh, a local farmer and the clerk (Mohurer) of the Bagdah Block Land and Land Reforms Office, was reportedly subjected to severe torture by Border Security Force (BSF) personnel. This incident raises significant concerns, violating Articles 21, 19, and 22 of the Indian Constitution. 

Counterview Desk  Taking serious note of the findings of a high profile report on "anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing measures", the People's Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) has said that the Government of India should especially take cognisance of the recommendations on risk of abuse faced by the non-profit sector for conducting its legitimate activities.

By Harsh Thakor*  On September 23, 2024, Nazariya Magazine held a press conference at the Press Club of India in New Delhi to announce the release of its fourth issue, titled “Stop War on the People in Bastar.” In a bold initiative, Nazariya is taking a stand against the state's neo-fascist campaign targeting the people of Bastar. 

By Vidhura S Tennekoon*  Sri Lankans voted for a new direction in leadership on Sept. 22, 2024, electing a leftist anti-poverty campaigner as president of the South Asian nation. The ascent of Anura Kumara Dissanayake marks a break with the past and from the establishment parties and politicians blamed for taking the country to the brink of economic collapse in 2022.

By Atul Chandra, Vijay Prashad*  On September 22, 2024, the Sri Lankan election authority announced that Anura Kumara Dissanayake of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP)-led National People’s Power (NPP) alliance won the presidential election. Dissanayake, who has been the leader of the left-wing JVP since 2014, defeated 37 other candidates, including the incumbent president Ranil Wickremesinghe of the United National Party (UNP) and his closest challenger Sajith Premadasa of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya. 

By Our Representative  In a compelling display of unity, more than 4,700 NREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act 2005) workers from across India have reached out to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling for an immediate resumption of NREGA work in West Bengal. 

By Thiagu*  In a statement issued on September 23, 2024, the Joint Action Against Custodial Torture – Tamil Nadu (JAACT) condemned the extra-judicial killing of notorious criminal ‘Seizing’ Raja in Chennai. The organization expressed deep concern over the ongoing trend of extra-judicial killings in Tamil Nadu, calling it a blatant violation of the rule of law. 

By Our Representative  An interfaith coalition, Reclaiming Democracy in India, consisting of several Indian diaspora groups based in the US, in alliance with human rights groups and individuals, held a protest against Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the last Sunday while he spoke inside the Long Island’s Nassau Coliseum.

By Shankar Sharma*  Recent decisions made by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) and the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) regarding environmental issues in Karnataka have stirred significant discussion in the local media.  Environmentalists have welcomed the rejection of the Kalasa Nala Diversion project across the Mahadayi River (photo) and the Ministry's request for the Karnataka government to clarify the use of forest land for the Yettinahole Water Project. 

By Ram Puniyani*  On September 17, 1948, the princely state of Hyderabad was integrated into India through what was referred to as a "Police Action," executed by the Indian Army. This operation, known as Operation Polo, was led by General Chaudhary. In recognition of this event, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) now celebrates it as Hyderabad Liberation Day, while the Congress-led government of Telangana marks it as Praja Palan Day (Advent of Democracy Day). 

By Bharat Dogra*  Recently, on September 20, Chief Minister of West Bengal Mamata Banerjee wrote a letter to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi in which she stated that at least seven districts in Bengal are facing floods because of the “unprecedented, unplanned and unilateral” release of around 500,000 cusecs of water from the DVC’s Maithon and Panchet dams. 

By Our Representative  India's leading farmers' organization, the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), has expressed its solidarity with workers observing a "black day" on September 23, 2024. The group demanded the Indian government repeal the four controversial labor codes, halt the privatization of public sector enterprises, eliminate the contractualization of employment, and lift the ban on recruitment. 

By Harsh Thakor*  In her compelling 2019 work , "Nightmarch Among India’s Revolutionary Guerrillas," Alpa Shah provides a powerful narrative of the Maoist movement in India. The book stands out for its remarkable exploration of the complexities of guerrilla life, as Shah, a woman from an affluent background, demonstrates extraordinary courage and resilience while integrating herself into the challenging world of the revolutionaries. Through her narrative, she artfully intertwines the lives of diverse characters, creating a tapestry that feels almost novelistic.  Shah invites readers on a trek through the dense jungles of India’s interior, where armed insurgents stand against the state's oppressive authority, fiercely defending their land and resources from government exploitation. Her meticulously researched work offers insights into the myriad social, economic, and political forces that lure the most marginalized individuals into the Naxalite movement, while ...

By Our Representative  In the wake of a recent press conference   by Home Minister Amit Shah, the civil rights organization Forum Against Corporatization and Militarization (FACAM) has raised alarms over a significant increase in militarization efforts in Chhattisgarh. The state government has tasked the Narayanpur district administration with acquiring and reallocating 54,543 hectares of land within the Abhujmad forests for the establishment of a maneuver range meant for the Indian Army. 

By Kirity Roy*  In a representation to the Principal Secretary, Women and Child Development and Social Welfare Department Government of West Bengal, I have highlighted a critical issue concerning the children of Boaldah village, located in the Bongaon block of North 24 Pargana district. This situation appears to infringe upon Article 21-A of the Constitution of India and Article 25 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, 1948, specifically relating to the right to an adequate standard of living. 

By Bharat Dogra*  In a world increasingly fraught with conflict and the looming threat of war, those who champion the cause of peace find themselves in challenging times. Yet, amidst this turmoil, it becomes vital to reflect on the individuals whose unwavering commitment to peace with justice serves as a beacon of hope. One such luminary is Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan, affectionately known as Badshah Khan or "King of the People." 

By Nilandry Sarkar*  In the small village of Nagendrapur, located in the Sundarban Biosphere Reserve (SBR) in the Indian state of West Bengal, a mere 6-foot-wide lane separates a vast wetland used for aquaculture from a cluster of poorly constructed shanties. One of these shanties is home to Roshanara Piyada, her husband, Saidulla Piyada, and their three children.

By Ram Puniyani*  In July 2024, England experienced widespread riots and civil unrest across several cities, primarily driven by misinformation and anti-immigration sentiments. Muslims were predominantly targeted during these disturbances, leading to attacks on mosques and communities housing immigrants. In response, the UK’s All-Party Parliamentary Group released a report aimed at preventing future violence, which included a ban on the phrasing “Muslims spread Islam by the sword,” acknowledging its role in perpetuating Islamophobia. 

By Vikas Meshram*   The problem of atrocities against women has become very serious in today's society. This not only destroys the lives of victimized women but also has a negative impact on the entire society. The root cause of this problem is many -- social, cultural, economic, and legal neglect. It is extremely necessary to take immediate and effective strict action on it. The nature of atrocities against women can be of various types.  Domestic violence, sexual harassment, mental torture, child marriage, human trafficking, and exploitation in the name of dowry are all part of this problem. These atrocities not only affect women's physical health but also destroy their mental, social, and economic lives. Strict action is an essential step to curb atrocities against women. This action sends a positive message to society that no form of atrocity against women will be tolerated. This action is necessary to provide women with a safe and respectful environment. If the culpr...

By Bhabani Shankar Nayak*  The Mont Pelerin Society (MPS) is organising its 2024 Biennial Congress and General Meeting from September 22 to 26 in New Delhi with the goal of advancing freedom and prosperity for the next six billion people in the Global South. The event is being hosted by the Centre for Civil Society (CCS), based in Hauz Khas, New Delhi. This marks the third time the MPS is holding its meetings in India.

By Our Representative  An online petition endorsed by hundreds of scholars, activists and professionals across the world has asked Prof Govindan Rangarajan, director, Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, to stop the India Israel Business Summit proposed to be held on 23rd September, "and not allow the use of the IISc as a platform to legitimise genocide and colonialism."

By Shankar Sharma*  In June 2024, the UN Secretary General issued a stark warning on the occasion of World Environment Day, stating, “...the battle to secure the planet's future will be won or lost in the next 18 months.” This proclamation highlights the pressing need for immediate action as the global scientific community signals a critical juncture in addressing environmental degradation, underscored by an ongoing climate emergency. 

By Harsh Thakor*  On September 21, exactly two decades ago, the now banned Communist Party of India (Maoist) (CPI-Maoist) was established.  It was born following the merger brought of two factions—the Maoist Communist Centre of India, primarily based in Bihar and West Bengal, and the CPI (ML) People’s War—after more than 30 years of intense armed struggle and internal conflicts.  Since its formation on September 21, 2004, sources in the the CPI (Maoist) claim,  as many as 5,249 comrades, including 22 members of its Central Committee, among whom a significant number are women, were killed mainly during encounter with Indian security forces.  The journey of the CPI (Maoist) is rooted in the famous 1967 Naxalbari uprising led by  Charu Mazumdar, which was praised by the Communist Party of China (CPC) as the "Spring Thunder over India." The uprising followed a revolt within the CPI (M) by those who adhered to the  Maoist ideology, emphasizing an armed agra...

Counterview Desk  In a representation to Pema Khandu, Chief Minister, Arunachal Pradesh, several  senior activists and legal experts belonging to the advocacy group National Alliance for Justice Accountability & Rights (NAJAR) have sought  review of mega hydro projects, even as asking him to stop repression against environment human eights defenders and indigenous people’s povements of the State. 

By Rajiv Shah  A new survey, The Detrimental Effects of Hindu Nationalism on Indian American Muslims , conducted by the Washington DC-based diaspora group Indian American Muslim Council (IAMC) and Chicago-based ReThink Media, which offers in-depth media, messaging and opinion research, has claimed existence of alarming trends regarding the rise of Hindu nationalism within the Indian diaspora in the United States and its profound impact on Indian American Muslims.

Counterview Desk  The advocacy group National Alliance for Justice, Accountability and Rights (NAJAR),  in a representation to Dr GS Bhardwaj, Additional Director General of Forests (Project Tiger), who also happens to be Member Secretary of the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), has objected to  the NTCA's directive for the relocation of tribal communities from tiger reserves without proper adherence to the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 (WLPA), the Forest Rights Act, 2006 (FRA) and the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013 (LARR) and the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 (PESA) and Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 (SC & ST PoA).

By Dhanapal Govindarajulu, Divya Gupta, Ghazala Shahabuddin*  British colonialism turned India’s tigers into trophies. Between 1860 and 1950, more than 65,000 were shot for their skins . The fortunes of the Bengal tiger, one of Earth’s biggest species of big cat, did not markedly improve post-independence. The hunting of tigers – and the animals they eat, like deer and wild pigs – continued, while large tracts of their forest habitat became farmland.

By Nava Thakuria* Recent public demonstrations in Dhaka and Chittagong have challenged the commonly held perception that Hindus and other religious minorities in Bangladesh are always subjected to persecution by the Muslim majority. Following a period of significant political unrest that began in July, at least four large protests have emerged, the latest occurring on September 13, 2024. 

Counterview Desk  A fact-finding report, conducted by Ghulam Saber Ghulam Rasool Malek of the Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind, Surat: Shabbir Hameed Malek, senior leader, Surat district; Moin Memon, social worker; Dawood J. Sheikh, advocate; and Mujahid Nafees, convener, Minority Coordination Committee, Gujarat, in a "closer look" into the alleged anti-Muslim actions in Surat has said that it was a state-sponsored mobocracy, claiming, the mob in Surat "forced the state administration" to act in a biased manner.

Counterview Desk In an open letter, as many as 96 ex-civil servants have asked Mallikarjun Kharge, President, Indian National Congress, have expressed "disgust and dismay" for having giving ticket to Chaudhary Lal Singh to contest the  forthcoming Assembly election in Jammu & Kashmir  from the Basohli constituency in the Jammu region, stating that, as member of the BJP in 2018, he "represented the worst aspects of the politics of hate promoted by the Sangh Parivar."

By Rosamma Thomas*  A 100-day Satyagraha has been launched at the entrance to the demolished Sarva Sewa Sangh in Rajghat, Varanasi, by a group of Gandhians seeking restoration of the land to the Sarva Sewa Sangh, and punishment as provided by law for the illegal capture and demolition of the headquarters of the Sarva Sewa Sangh, a society registered in 1948 by Vinobha Bhave to spread the message of Gandhi.