By Sandeep Pandey*  Last year 6 years old Madiha was a guest during Diwali at our home in Lucknow. Listening to the sound of fire crackers bursting outside she remarked, ‘It appears as if we’re in Gaza.’ She has probably no idea of the extent of damage and loss of life that has taken place in Palestine but can relate to sound of crackers as bombs exploding over Gaza.

By Bhabani Shankar Nayak*  On October 20, 2024, while speaking at a public event in Maharashtra, Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud said that "very often, we have cases to adjudicate, but we don't arrive at a solution. Something similar happened during the Ayodhya (Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid dispute), which was before me for three months... I sat before the deity and told him he needs to find a solution... Believe me, if you have faith, God will always find a way."  

By Our Representative  The Loktantra Bachao Abhiyan, an advocacy group, has issued a press release urging the INDIA alliance to release a Jharkhand-specific manifesto to counter the BJP’s "divisive" electoral agenda. With just two weeks remaining before the assembly elections, the INDIA coalition has yet to announce its plans and priorities for the state. Meanwhile, the BJP's campaign, according to the press release, is centered around communalism, divisiveness, and distraction from Jharkhand's core issues.

By Harsh Thakor*  On November 1st, legendary Indian cricketer VVS Laxman celebrates his 50th birthday. Known for his elegance, Laxman turned impossible matches on their heads with a style that captivated cricket fans worldwide. He wielded his bat like an artist’s brush, finding gaps on the field with surgical precision, creating innings as meticulously as a sculptor carves a masterpiece. Born in Hyderabad, Laxman inherited the stylistic lineage of local icons ML Jaisimha and Mohammad Azharuddin, blending it with a grace reminiscent of Gundappa Viswanath.

By Dr. Mansee Bal Bhargava*  In my recent public talks on Water at universities, schools, government offices, and at community gatherings in the water walks and talks, I have raised a curiosity and question to the participants on, ‘Why Water Conversations for Water Conservation?’ I believe it is a pertinent question as, ‘why water conversation?’, and an idea worth sharing and spreading. Since, it is now urgent to make people communicate and connect for collective action towards water conservation before it is too late to slow down and solve the rising water crises. Besides, since ideas change everything, the idea of talking about the various aspects of water may empower people to acknowledge and appreciate the beautiful entity that makes the planet, including ‘we the people’. It may motivate people to engage in the #Water Matters which is the need of the hour.

By Bhabani Shankar Nayak*  South Korean Nobel laureate Han Kang has declined to celebrate and refused to address a press conference after winning the 2024 Nobel Prize in Literature, citing the deaths, destitution, pain, and suffering of people affected by the wars in Ukraine and Gaza. As reported by the Korea Times, Han Kang’s father Han Seung a renowned Korean writer conveyed her daughter’s message that “with the war intensifying and people being carried out dead every day, how can we have a celebration or a press conference?” She said that “she won’t hold a press conference”. 

By Bhaskar Sur*  The death of Yahya Sinwar, mastermind behind the October 7 massacre last year, came on October 16, after a life marked by violence and radicalism. Born in 1962 in a refugee camp, Sinwar harbored intense hatred towards Jews, which ultimately defined his actions and worldview. He masterminded the killing of 1,200 Israelis, and, like Hitler, envisioned a "Final Solution"—the destruction of Israel and a second Holocaust.

By NS Venkataraman* The forthcoming Climate Meet COP 29, scheduled to take place from November 9 to November 22 in Azerbaijan, has not generated much enthusiasm. On the contrary, there is significant skepticism regarding its outcome, especially given the results of the previous 28 climate summits held in various countries.

By Shankar Sharma*  This article references a recent media report : "NITI Aayog launches study to evaluate shift to renewable energy sources." While this initiative by NITI Aayog is a positive step, it raises questions about the status of the National Energy Policy (NEP), a draft of which was released in 2017 but never finalized. For such a study to be meaningful in a vast and diverse country like India, it must involve the active participation of all sectors of society at key stages of both deliberation and implementation. This includes critical engagement from key stakeholders. A major concern for civil society groups is the government's persistent reluctance to consult widely on issues of national importance, including with key stakeholder groups. To be effective, this study must carefully consider the welfare of various communities from social, economic, environmental, and logistical perspectives. Many of these concerns are already visible, and recent national and int...

By Shamsul Islam*  DY Chandrachud took charge as Chief Justice of the Indian Supreme Court (SC) on November 09, 2022. On this occasion many of the pseudo-liberals who claimed to be defenders of the democratic-secular polity of India manifested great happiness. They declared that the time of SC being an appendage of the RSS-BJP government headed by PM Modi was over as Justice Chandrachud was a liberal judge committed to the democratic-secular polity of India. 

By Ram Puniyani*  On October 12, 2024, during the Vijayadashmi (Dussehra) celebrations, traditionally observed as the foundation day of the RSS, its Chief (Sarsanghchalak), Dr. Mohan Bhagwat, delivered a significant speech. This address followed his earlier remarks after the BJP's decline in the 2024 general elections. In that previous speech, Bhagwat had indirectly criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who had claimed divine inspiration for his leadership. Following the BJP’s drop from 303 to 240 seats, Bhagwat had commented, “A man wants to become a superman, then a Dev (deity), then a Bhagwan (God).” This marked the first election where BJP distanced itself from its previous reliance on the RSS, asserting its growing independence. Bhagwat’s speech served to humble Modi’s rising arrogance. The RSS (collectively known as the Sangh Parivar) became more active in the Haryana elections, and with favorable support from the Election Commission, the BJP defied expectations and return...

By Vidya Bhushan Rawat*  The relationship between India and Canada has plunged to unprecedented lows, with both governments seemingly exploiting the situation for their domestic political gains. Canada has long been home to several anti-India elements, with little action taken against them. When Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was assassinated on October 31, 1984, some of these secessionist groups openly celebrated and issued further threats, particularly from Canada and Britain.  While Britain eventually acted to contain such elements in the interest of maintaining ties with India, Canada did not. Over the years, India has sought the extradition of 23 criminals residing in Canada, but the Canadian government has mostly dismissed these requests, claiming these individuals have no criminal records in their country.

By Harsh Thakor*  In my opinion, Vasant Shinde stands out as India's greatest horse racing jockey of all time. His extraordinary talent and innovative approach to race riding set him apart, earning him a reputation akin to that of a magician in the saddle. I've rarely witnessed such a magical touch from an Indian jockey coupled with a perfectly balanced seat, a keen instinct for pace, and an electrifying finishing kick. 

By Richard D. Wolff*  An old theme within social theory holds that societies with very unequal distributions of wealth can sustain their social cohesion so long as total wealth is growing. Such total growth enables all who get a distributed share of that wealth—even those with the smallest shares—to experience at least some increase. The rich with the biggest shares can grab most of the growth so long as some is provided to those with small shares. The pie analogy works well: so long as the pie is growing all distributed shares of it can also grow. Some will grow more, others less, but all can grow. If all do grow, social stability is facilitated (assuming the society’s population accepts unequal shares). Modern capitalism’s prioritization of economic growth as urgently necessary reflects such social theory (much as economic growth has reinforced it).

By Bharat Dogra, Jagmohan Singh*  Punjab was once synonymous with robust health, particularly in its rural areas, where farmers were known for their strength and vitality. However, in recent years, reports from these villages tell a different story, with rising cases of serious health issues, including cancer. What led to this decline? The answer lies largely in the erosion of good nutrition, once a hallmark of Punjabi village life. The health of a population is closely tied to its nutrition, and Punjab's reputation as a provider of high-quality nutrition has suffered greatly. The loss of biodiversity in agriculture has led to a decrease in the variety and quality of crops, resulting in poorer nutrition. Pulses, a key source of protein, have seen a steep decline in cultivation due to the disruption of traditional farming practices by the Green Revolution. This has had a detrimental effect on both soil and human health. Although pulses are still available in the market, they are exp...

By Our Representative  A coalition of nearly 200 civil society organizations, including grassroots movements and social campaigns, has issued a call for the closure of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on their 80th anniversary. These groups are advocating for the establishment of a new, democratic, and decentralized global financial system that prioritizes sustainability and equality. In a strongly worded statement, the groups criticized the Bretton Woods institutions for perpetuating a development model that reinforces global inequalities. They argue that for the past eight decades, the World Bank and IMF have enabled a continuous transfer of wealth from the Global South to the Global North. Their policies, rooted in a colonial logic of extraction and exploitation, have left many countries mired in debt and stripped of control over their natural resources. The statement highlights how the policies of the World Bank and IMF have resulted in the privatizatio...

By Bhabani Shankar Nayak*  Odisha is rich in high-quality natural resources, including iron, bauxite, chromite, and manganese ore, as well as a variety of other valuable minerals like coal, limestone, dolomite, tin, nickel, vanadium, lead, graphite, gold, and gemstones. This resource-laden state is responsible for 57% of India’s iron ore production, hosting over 60 operational mines and more than 150 square kilometers under exploration for further mineral deposits. 

By Sudhansu R Das  The newly formed BJP government in Odisha, led by Chief Minister Mohan Majhi, faces the crucial challenge of making the state truly livable for its people. Odisha continues to struggle with a range of issues, including frequent floods, cyclones, rising temperatures, unemployment, youth migration, inadequate safety, and the collapse of urban infrastructure. Unless these critical problems are addressed, the state's future may be at risk of irreversible decline.

By Fr. Cedric Prakash SJ I had the honor of attending the 29th Annual Convention of the Indian Catholic Press Association (ICPA). I am deeply grateful to the ICPA’s Executive Committee and everyone involved for allowing me the privilege of participating in this distinguished panel. The theme of our discussions was "Gandhian Journalism" and the need to uphold truth, justice, and nonviolence in today’s world. 

By Ram Puniyani*  For the past three decades, the cow has emerged as a significant emotive issue in Indian politics, often portrayed as a sacred animal. For many, she holds the status of a mother, and Hindu nationalist politics has effectively leveraged this sentiment to polarize society. Hindutva ideologue Vinayak Savarkar introduced the concept of Hindutva as embodying the essence of "Hinduness" beyond merely the Hindu religion. 

Counterview Desk  Civil rights network National Alliance of People's Movements (NAPM) has said that Israel’s horrendous year-long genocidal war on Palestine and its continued attacks on Lebanon calls for global action. 

By Bhabani Shankar Nayak*  Vladimir Lenin described capitalism in France and Britain as "civilised barbarism," referring to Western civilization as "capitalist barbarism" driven by the "stupid avarice of a handful of millionaires," who turned people into "slaves of wealth" in the early twentieth century. He argued that “civilisation, freedom and wealth under capitalism” resemble a “rich glutton rotting alive” who refuses to let the young thrive. 

By Bharat Dogra, Jagmohan Singh*  Conventional analysis of the well-being of farmers often looked at the productivity, yields and income derived from their farms. However it is increasingly realized that this by itself is a narrow, inadequate and short-term view.  This ignores important factors such as sustainability, bio-diversity and environment protection, costs incurred by farmers and the extent of their dependence, creativity and sense of satisfaction farmers have in their work, impact of farming on their health, nutrition made available by their farming to their own families (apart from others who buy their produce). Of course the economic well-being of the farmer is very important but this must be understood in a wider context.

Counterview Desk Letter by 175 concerned citizens* to the Chief Executive Officer, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), Government of India, regarding  health advisory warning removal on fortified rice for sickle cell anemia and thalassemia: Text: 

By Asad Mirza*  The past one year has shown once again that the global community is least bothered by the human dimension, i.e. the loss of human lives of any military conflict. Further the greed to earn huge profits by arms industry is also overlooked, as it supports the economy of many of these countries.

By Harsh Thakor*  N. Venugopal has been one of the most vocal critics of the neo-fascist forces of Hindutva and Brahmanism, as well as the encroachment of globalization and liberalization over the last few decades. With sharp insight, Venugopal has produced comprehensive writings on social movements, drawing from his experience as a participant in student, literary, and broader social movements. 

By Bhabani Shankar Nayak*  Keonjhar district in Odisha, rich in mineral resources, plays a significant role in the state's revenue generation. The region boasts extensive reserves of iron ore, chromite, limestone, dolomite, nickel, and granite. According to District Mineral Foundation (DMF) reports, Keonjhar contains an estimated 2,555 million tonnes of iron ore. At the current extraction rate of 55 million tonnes annually, these reserves could last 60 years. However, if the extraction increases to 140 million tonnes per year, they could be depleted within just 23 years. 

By Ram Puniyani*  On October 1st, a Bareilly court sentenced a Muslim man to life imprisonment following a complaint of sexual assault, labeling the case as one of "love jihad." The judge remarked that the prosecution had not adequately presented the case in this context. Notably, the complainant, a Hindu woman, later withdrew her statement, citing pressure from Hindutva groups. 

By Vikas Meshram*  The recent remark made by the Supreme Court -- that cases can’t be lodged against journalists for criticising Government -- is a significant event that has revitalized the fundamental rights of freedom of expression for journalists. The core of journalism in a democracy is to examine the policies, plans, and governance of the government and present the truth to the public. For this purpose, it is necessary for journalists to have the right to criticize fearlessly. 

Counterview Desk  On the Occasion of World Food Day, 16th October 2024, marking the foundation of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in 1945, the advocacy network*, Right to Food Campaign, has demanded a dignified Right to Food and life for all.

By Bharat Dogra*  India is among very few developing countries to have a rural employment guarantee scheme. Apart from providing employment during the lean farm work season, this scheme can make a big contribution to important needs like water and soil conservation. Workers can get employment within or very near to their village on the kind of work which improves the sustainable development prospects of their village.

By Ishwar Awasthi, Puneet Kumar Shrivastav*  The National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) launched the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) in April 2017 to provide timely labour force data. The 2023-24 edition, released on 23rd September 2024, is the 7th round of the series and the fastest survey conducted, with data collected between July 2023 and June 2024. Key labour market indicators analysed include the Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR), Worker Population Ratio (WPR), and Unemployment Rate (UR), which highlight trends crucial to understanding labour market sustainability and economic growth. 

Counterview Desk Dr. GN Saibaba’s untimely demise a loss to the academic and human rights community, People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) has said in a statement, demanding  that his wife should get all benefits from Delhi University, which Dr. Saibaba was denied by non-restoration.

By Vidya Bhushan Rawat*  The death of Prof. G.N. Saibaba in Hyderabad should haunt our judiciary, which failed to grasp the immense pain he endured. A person with 90% disability, yet steadfast in his convictions, he was unjustly labeled as one of India’s most ‘wanted’ individuals by the state, a characterization upheld by the judiciary. In a democracy, diverse opinions should be respected, and as long as we uphold constitutional values and democratic dissent, these differences can strengthen us.

By Shankar Sharma*  A recent news article has raised credible concerns about the techno-economic clearance granted by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) for a large Pumped Storage Project (PSP) located within a protected area in the dense Western Ghats of Karnataka. The article , titled "Where is the hurry for the 2,000 MW Sharavati PSP in Western Ghats?", questions the rationale behind this fast-tracked approval for such a massive project in an ecologically sensitive zone.

By Ross Bennett-Cook*  Travel is on the rise again. According to the UN’s tourism agency, international travel for all purposes reached 97% of its pre-pandemic level in the first quarter of 2024. In some regions such as Africa and Europe, arrivals are already surpassing these levels. Indian travellers, in particular, are adding to this growing trend – no nation’s outbound tourism market is growing faster. In response to this rapidly expanding travel boom, Indian airlines ordered record numbers of new planes in 2024.

By Megan Bryson*  With his delighted expression, round belly, bald head and monastic robes, the “Laughing Buddha” is instantly identifiable. However, astute observers might wonder why this Buddha does not look like the historical Buddha , who lived in India about 2,500 years ago.

By Harsh Thakor*   Professor G.N. Saibaba’s passing is an immense loss to the Indian democratic movement. He was one of the most courageous and intellectually sharp voices against the proto-fascism that he himself fell victim to. My encounters with him remain etched in my heart, as he carved a permanent niche among the crusaders for the emancipation of mankind. Saibaba represented the criminalization and terror faced by those who champion the cause of the oppressed. Though his body has perished, his spirit lives on in the hearts of the marginalized across India, whether in forests, plains, or cities, where the flames of resistance continue to flicker against corporate-backed fascism.

By Vikas Meshram*  Children's fundamental rights are those essential rights required for every child's survival, growth, development, and protection. Safeguarding these rights is not only crucial for their well-being but also essential for the country's bright future. Children are the pillars of society, and it is the responsibility of every community to provide them with a strong, secure, and opportunity-filled environment.

By Leoni Connah* This year’s local elections in India’s northernmost territory of Jammu and Kashmir were the first since the national government controversially stripped the region of its semi-autonomous status in 2019. It’s also the first local election in Muslim-majority Kashmir since 2014.

By Shahrukh bin Parvaiz*  Jammu and Kashmir finally has an elected Legislative Assembly after the abrogation of Article 370. Despite a large turnout, the 2024 elections saw a dip in voter percentage compared to 2014. While the 2014 elections saw a 65.84% turnout, the 2024 elections managed 63.45%, a notable 2.39% decline. These elections are being hailed as a success, but the reality is more complex. The most challenging elections remain those of 1996, held after the controversial rigging in 1989. Back then, the central government had to encourage people to vote, whereas in 2024, it was the people urging the government to hold elections. But let’s focus on the present.

By Bharat Dogra*  A wake-up call before it is too late—the most important food crops—staple food of billions of people—rice and wheat are being targeted by GM crop promoting big business interests and the researchers allied to them. Their most important although undeclared goal is not just to increase profits but in addition to gain control and dominance over the world food and farming system.

By Our Representative  The National Alliance of People’s Movements (NAPM) has announced its unequivocal support for the Ladakhi people's ongoing struggle for constitutional rights and environmental protection. In a statement released on Saturday, NAPM condemned the central government for failing to deliver on its promises and demanded urgent dialogue with Ladakhi leaders to address their concerns, including granting Ladakh Sixth Schedule Status under the Indian Constitution.

By Our Representative  In the predawn hours of October 1, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) executed raids at 12 locations throughout West Bengal, targeting the residences of several activists in connection with alleged “Maoist links.” The agency confiscated mobile phones and laptops belonging to numerous individuals during these searches, which reportedly resulted in significant property damage. 

By Shankar Sharma*  In light of the public objections and suggestions regarding the draft of the Western Ghats Eco-Sensitive Area (ESA) notification S.O. 3060(E), dated July 31, 2024, environmentalists have expressed deep concerns over what they perceive as yet another inadequate initiative by the Union government to safeguard one of India's two primary biodiversity hotspots, alongside the Eastern Himalayas. 

By Our Representative  The Loktantra Bachao Abhiyan has called on political parties committed to communal harmony and constitutional values to integrate the demands articulated in their manifesto, "Abua Jharkhand, Abua Raj," into their electoral platforms. The manifesto was announced at a press conference where the achievements and shortcomings of the Hemant Soren coalition government over the past five years were summarized. 

Counterview Desk  A coalition of women's organizations* in Rajasthan has issued a joint statement demanding that the state government file an appeal against the recent acquittal of accused in the Glorification of Sati cases of 1987. The organizations, which have been working on the Sati (Bride Burning) case since the tragic death of Roop Kanwar, expressed their disappointment and concern over the judiciary's decision.

By Rajiv Shah  In a joint submission to the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions' (GANHRI's) Sub Committee on Accreditation (SCA), two civil society groups -- All India Network of NGOs and Individuals working with National and State Human Rights Institutions (AiNNI) and Asian NGO Network on National Human Rights Institutions (ANNI) --  have said that the  National Human Rights Commission's (NHRC's) accreditation, deferred in  2016, 2023, and 2024, fails to find space on its website.

By Osman Sher*  It is strikingly ironic that the current climate of prevalent hate in India is fostered not by a disruptive fringe of society, but by those in power—individuals entrusted by the citizens to promote their welfare and foster peace and harmony. It is their responsibility to guide and nurture the populace as if they were their flock. 

By Vidya Bhushan Rawat*  Issues highlighted by Sonam Wangchuk are of critical importance, particularly the push to include Ladakh in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. This measure is essential to shield the region from the encroachment of opportunistic outsiders driven solely by profit motives.