By Neeraj Jain  The Economic Survey 2023–24 says that “Growth has been inclusive” and that “human development indicators have improved”. It cites data a Niti Aayog document released in early 2024 to claim that “24.82 crore people have escaped multidimensional poverty between 2013–14 and 2022–23.”[1]

By Vikas Meshram  In recent years, the Adani Group has emerged as a significant player on the global industrial stage. Under the leadership of Gautam Adani, the group has made remarkable strides in energy, infrastructure, port management, and various international projects. However, allegations of bribery leveled against the Adani Group by the U.S. Department of Justice have put the group, as well as India’s credibility, to a severe test.

By Bhabani Shankar Nayak  Asia’s wealthiest man, Gautam Adani, and his business conglomerate have been embroiled in numerous allegations of corporate scandals in recent times. From the Hindenburg Report to accusations of fraudulent business practices in the United States, these controversies point to a deeper nexus between business and politics. The allegations of fraudulent practices have expanded as rapidly as Adani's business empire. The meteoric rise in wealth of the so-called self-made billionaire is closely linked to the rise of Hindutva politics, starting with the consolidation of state power in Gujarat and extending to Delhi, where it came to control the union government.

By Joseph Bara*  Birsa Munda, a late nineteenth century Adivasi freedom fighter of Chhotanagpur, represents the Adivasi shade in the variegated freedom struggle of India. Highly adored today by the Indian nation, his stature as a national hero has grown phenomenally in the last few decades. He is unusually honoured by two memorials in the Parliament of India, and his birthday, 15 November, is observed by the Government of India as ‘Janajati Gaurav Diwas’.  The President and the Prime Minister of India spare time to visit his birth-place to pay him homage.

By Harsh Thakor*  "Storming the Gates of Heaven" by Amit Bhattacharya is a comprehensive study of the Indian Maoist movement. Bhattacharya examines the movement's evolution, drawing from numerous sources and showcasing his unwavering support for Charu Mazumdar's path and practice. The book, published in 2016, delves deeply into the movement's historical, social, and political dimensions.

By Bhabani Shankar Nayak  The political and moral foundation of liberalism as a movement originated as a critique of feudalism, religion, monarchy, and conservative traditions. Its primary aim was to ensure individual liberty, egalitarian democratic governance based on the consent of the people, and equality before the law. The struggles of working people and their revolutionary class struggles were instrumental in bringing these liberal and secular ideas to life. However, over time, ruling and non-ruling elites co-opted liberalism, aligning it with market democracy and transforming liberal society into a market-driven society. Such a transformation granted social legitimacy to capitalism, empowering its narrow and authoritarian market forces as well as reactionary social and political elements.

By Vidya Bhushan Rawat*  In October 1991, while sitting at Lokayat, Dr. Mulk Raj Anand’s residence in Delhi, I came across a compelling letter in The Hindustan Times. It spanned three columns, critiquing casteism in the media. The author was V.T. Rajashekar, editor of Dalit Voice. Intrigued, I noted his address and wrote to him. To my surprise, he responded with a few issues of Dalit Voice and a personal note. That marked the beginning of a lifelong connection with a man who profoundly shaped my intellectual journey.

By Bharat Dogra* In Bamauri village of Talbehat block (Lalitpur district of Uttar Pradesh) Maniram and his wife Shanti work in most difficult conditions to cultivate their small one hectare farm. The farm is located in such a remote place and so highly exposed to grazing by wild animals that few would persist with cultivating this land for long. 

Counterview Desk  Bandkam Shramik Sankalan Samiti comprising of three organizations -- Bandkam Mazdoor Sangathan, Majur Adhikar Manch and Bandhkam Mazdoor Vikas Sangh -- held a one day workshop titled, "Enhancing workers well-being: Impactful schemes and welfare board initiatives" in Ahmedabad on 21st November 2024.  A total of 52 participants attended the workshop, including government labour officers, project managers of the Gujarat Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board, contractors, construction workers, trade union members and civil society organization leaders.   The workshop aimed at initiating a dialogue for the introduction of new welfare schemes for construction workers and further corrections in the existing welfare schemes. Recommendations based on the one-day workshop: *** 1. Pension scheme: Immediately start a pension plan for construction workers who have been registered in the welfare board since last three years. As per the BOCW Act, section 22

By Susan Elizabeth Turek*  A decades-long study examining the risks of ultra-processed foods is corroborating what other studies have revealed: Processed meats and sugary drinks aren't doing our bodies any favors. What's happening? As detailed by the New York Times, around 73% of the food supply in the United States consists of ultra-processed foods, from soda and candy to yogurts and breakfast cereals. After monitoring more than 200,000 adults over roughly 30 years, adjusting for risk factors like family health history, sleep habits, and exercise, and combining their analysis with 19 other studies, researchers discovered a worrying connection to heart problems.

By Dut Singh*  On May 3, 2023, the Indian government announced its intention to grant the Meitei community "Scheduled Tribe" status. This designation provides access to certain government positions, university admissions, national welfare programs, and special rights. 

By Saurav Sarkar*  Bikram Singh is running out of time on his post-study work visa in Canada. Singh is one of about 70,000 migrants who were sold on the Canadian dream of eventually making the country their home but now face an uncertain future with their work permits set to expire by December 2024. They came from places like India, China, and the Philippines, and sold their land and belongings in their home countries, took out loans, or made other enormous commitments to get themselves to Canada.

Counterview Desk  Open letter by members of advocacy group Peoples’ Commission on Public Sector and Public Services (PCPSPS), endorsed by concerned citizens, to the President of India for upholding democratic integrity in the civil services: *** We believe that it is desirable to re-impose the recently revoked ban on the members of the senior civil service from being also formal members of the RSS. In support of our position we would like to bring to your notice the following: 1. The administration is led by the civil services personnel, to further the policies of the government of the day, provided these are consistent with the Constitution of the country, and have their basis in the law, and have the sanction by the legislature. In order to ensure these policies, programmes, measures, interpretations of the law (such as laying out the rules under various laws and provisions), forming and managing organisations for the pursuit of various goals including those of legitimate policy, it

By Vidya Bhushan Rawat*  It is an honor to speak at Jawahar Bhawan, a place dedicated to the iconic Jawaharlal Nehru, a man whose writings have left a profound impact on me. I would like to begin by quoting Nehru’s "Will":

By NS Venkataraman*  India is still reeling from the shock of the brutal rape and murder of a young lady doctor on duty in a Kolkata hospital by a drunkard at midnight. While police investigations are ongoing and protests have been staged by doctors across the country, two separate attacks on doctors in Chennai hospitals on consecutive days have raised concerns about the underlying issues contributing to such incidents.

By Harsh Thakor* On November 22, 2024, Sir Vivian Alexander Richards will mark 50 years since his Test debut against India in 1974. Richards, a batsman who epitomized ferocity, possessed an extraordinary eye, and treated a cricket ball like a football, dismantled the world’s best bowling attacks with unmatched aggression. With a swagger that exuded imperial dominance, Viv would stride onto the field with a grin that made his bat seem to smile.

By Meenakshi Ganguly*  On November 16, a mob in India’s Manipur state attempted to storm the home of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh and attacked properties of other ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders . The assailants were protesting the government’s failure to end ongoing ethnic violence in the state.

By Vikas  Meshram*  For the past 18 months, violence in Manipur has gripped the state, leaving it paralyzed. Ethnic tensions, social instability, and mutual distrust have disrupted life across the region. Ethnic violence erupted in Manipur on May 3, 2023, and since then, hundreds of people have lost their lives, while thousands have been displaced from their homes. The situation has worsened to such an extent that it threatens the very essence of life in the state.

Counterview Desk  Campaign Against State Repression statement condemning the banning of Moolwasi Bachao Manch: *** On 30th October 2024, the Home Ministry of Chhattisgarh has issued a circular which states that Moolwasi Bachao Manch is an unlawful, anti-development organisation and has been banned under the draconian Chhattisgarh Special Public Security Act (CSPSA), without citing any concrete reasons for the same.

Counterview Desk  Forum Against Corporatization And Militarization (FACAM)* statement condemning the ban imposed on the Moolwasi Bachao Manch: *** It has come to our attention that the Home Ministry of Chhattisgarh Government, via a circular dated 30 October 2024 has banned Moolwasi Bachao Manch, Bastar, stating it to be an unlawful and anti development organization. The ban has been initiated under section 3 of the draconian Chhattisgarh Special Public Security Act (CSPSA). This circular does not cite any concrete reasons for the same. Moolwasi Bachao Manch is a democratic mass organization of adivasi peasants in Bastar fighting against corporate loot and the subsequent militarization happening to serve the corporate loot. Moolwasi Bachao Manch was formed after a paramilitary camp was set up overnight on the intervening night of 13th May, 2021 and 4 adivasi people were killed by paramilitary personnel in the protest against the same on 17th May, 2021. Since then, Moolwasi Bachao Manch

By Atanu Roy* Social cleansing starts from the top, can be interpreted as the process, that effective change in a society, regarding corruption, governance, or social injustices, must begin at the highest levels of leadership. This idea implies, that for social reforms or anti-corruption measures to be successful, leaders, policymakers, and those in power need to set an example of integrity and ethical behaviour, else the middle and lower levels will not feel encouraged to follow.

Counterview Desk  Representation to BN Navalawala, Chairperson, High Level Committee for Mitigation of Flood and Waterlogging in Vishwamitri Watershed; and Municipal Commissioner, Member Secretary, High Level Committee for Mitigation of Flood and Waterlogging in Vishwamitri Watershed, Vadodara Municipal Corporation, by concerned citizens of Vadodara* on "avoidable floods and devastating waterlogging situations in Vadodara region / Vishwamitri Watershed and their relationship to multiple follies, flaws and fallacies across all levels of governance".

By Shiran Illanperuma*  On October 15, data from the Election Commission of Sri Lanka showed that the National People’s Power (NPP) coalition scored a decisive victory in Sri Lanka’s first general election since defaulting on its external debt.

By Vikas  Meshram*  India's Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, along with Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, has remarked that permitting such "bulldozer justice" would undermine the constitutional recognition of the right to property under Article 300A. This directive, issued on the eve of Justice Chandrachud’s retirement, emphasizes six essential steps that must precede any demolition, including proper surveys, issuance of written notices, and consideration of objections. The court also laid down that even for development projects, these six procedural steps must be adhered to before demolishing any property.

By Bhabani Shankar Nayak*  Political leaders, journalists, academicians, sports figures, celebrities, corporate executives, governments, and ordinary citizens alike have expressed their sorrow over the deaths of corporate heads, industrialists, and business leaders such as Ratan Tata of the Tata Group and Steven Paul Jobs of Apple Inc. 

By Bharat Dogra  They try their best to gain composure in order to be able to say what they want to tell, but they just cannot help it and break down time and again. One can understand their extreme distress. Anyone who has heard of this tragedy has felt highly distressed and shocked, and they are after all the parents of the girl who has suffered the extreme tragedy.

By Advocate Ehtmam ul Haque, Syed Affan  There are but very few whose life leaves irrevocable marks on the hearts and minds of others, and there are scarcely a few who continue to inspire confidence, hope, resilience and an undying spirit of resistance to oppression, even after their death. One such story is of Dr. G.N. Saibaba, who led a life of struggles since his childhood and along the way, his life somehow intertwined with the struggles of the oppressed and exploited peoples of the country and the world. A lot many factors play a role in shaping a person’s conscience to lead a life that Saibaba did- political ideology, comrades, material conditions and sacrifices- of innumerable unnamed fighters of justice who lay down their lives for a better tomorrow.

By Sandeep Pandey*  Statements of Mizoram CM Lalduhoma made some time back in the United States calling for unification of Kukis, unjustly divided under three different Governments of India, Myanmar and Bangladesh, under single leadership even if it meant transcending national borders has drawn criticism from CM of Manipur N. Biren Singh who has responded by saying he is committed to territorial integrity of India and Manipur. On 31 October 2024 two youth belonging to Poumai Naga tribe, V Hrangao Blesson and Dalou were allegedly assaulted and looted by Arambai Tenggol, the militant Meitei group in Lamshang area of Imphal, an attack which was condemned by United Naga Council. Liangmai Naga Council has petitioned President of India to declare Committee on Tribal Unity, a Kuki organization based in Kangpokpi, as unlawful for calling the visit of CM N. Biren Singh to neighbouring Senapati district for Liangmai Chaga Ngee celebrations a ‘trespass and a dangerous provocative act’ thereby esc

By Shankar Sharma*  The recent advocacy for Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) by a member of NITI Aayog and the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board’s (AERB) statements about Bharat Small Reactors (BSRs) have highlighted India’s commitment to expanding its nuclear power sector. However, these proclamations raise significant concerns, particularly when seen in the context of the country’s existing energy and environmental landscape. Two recent news reports exemplify this direction: one states that India's BSRs will not require new safety regulations, and the other discusses the expanded role of nuclear power in India’s energy mix.

By Bharat Dogra*  On May 1 this year a highly tragic incident on a highway in Guangdong province of China received worldwide attention. Over 20 cars fell down one after the other in very quick succession as an 18 meter section of a highway collapsed very suddenly. As many as 48 persons died while 32 were injured. A team of nearly 570 rescue persons had to be mobilized.

By Vikas Meshram*  The world is constantly developing in various ways, but this development is also inviting numerous challenges and crises. While these problems persist, few are taking on the important role of addressing them. According to the World Wildlife Fund for Nature, the demand for resources has exceeded nature's capacity. With the rise of multinational corporations and market forces, the trend of overutilizing natural resources has intensified.